Victory Women secured an important 2-1 win over Western United.
Travelling out to Ironbark Fields, Jeff Hopkins’ side were eager to finish victorious once again in the Westgate Derby.
Alana Jancevski returned to the XI at left-back, while Holly Furphy made her first start in Navy Blue on the wing.
Victory started strong in Tarneit, applying early pressure to the home side.
Emily Gielnik scared the Green and Black early, delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area that was almost turned in for an own goal.
It wouldn’t take long for Victory to open the lead, firing their way in front just 10 minutes into the game.
Alana Jancevski’s corner delivery fell out to Holly Furphy inside the box, who composed herself and produced an excellent finish – scoring her second goal of the season.
While Victory managed to hold their lead well across the first half, Western United managed an equaliser in the 45th minute after Grace Maher’s effort on goal was unfortunately turned in by Emily Gielnik.
Returning from the halftime break, Victory found themselves back in front almost immediately.
Delivering a left-sided corner once again, Alana Jancevski directed her cross straight to captain Kayla Morrison – who expertly guided her header into the side netting for her third goal of the season.
This goal helped Victory establish control of the game, prevented from making it three by Claudia Mihocic’s exceptional goal-line clearance on Rachel Lowe’s shot at goal.
The home side pushed hard for another equaliser, but ultimately struggled against Victory’s resolute defensive structure.
Jeff Hopkins introduced Ellie Wilson and Ella O’Grady during the second half, with the former making a long-awaited return to the side after almost two months of missed action.
Courtney Newbon inspired her side with a number of strong saves and her command of the penalty area as Western began to throw more bodies forward.
Victory managed to hold out for a 2-1 win out West – an excellent result on the road that places a nine-point gap between Victory in second and Western in fourth on the Ninja A-League ladder.
Victory return to the Home of the Matildas for their Round 18 clash against Canberra United on Sunday, March 9.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 17
Western United 1 (Gielnik (OG) 45′)
Melbourne Victory 2 (Furphy 10′, Morrison 47′)
Western United Starting XI: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (GK), 4. Claudia MIHOCIC, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 6. Chloe LOGARZO (C), 8. Sasha GROVE, 9. Sara EGGESVIK, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 24. Julia SARDO, 28. Isabel DEHAKIZ
Substitutes: 26. Natalie PICAK (GK), 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO (88′), 13. Avaani PRAKASH (71′), 20. Keiwa HIEDA (88′), 22. Alana CERNE (90+3′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Substitutes: 62. Geo CANDY (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON (65′), 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY (76′), 24. Laura PICKETT
