Melbourne Victory prevailed as 3-1 winners in a pre-season friendly against Northcote City, headlined by four goals scored in the opening 11 minutes.
Kicking off action under the lights at John Cain Memorial Park, the goals arrived swiftly on the night.
Arriving at the back post for a simple finish, Adama Traoré opened the scoring within the first minute of play for Victory.
Greek striker Nikos Vergos came close to grabbing the Vuck’s second goal shortly after, but was denied by a crucial stop from Northcote’s goalkeeper.
Leaping highest in the box to meet a dangerous whipped corner delivery, Joshua Inserra’s headed goal ensured both of Victory’s fullbacks kicked off the goalscoring in Melbourne’s north.
However, the hosts certainly did not let themselves roll over for Arthur Diles’ side, scoring a goal of their own in the 10th minute thanks to a slick finish from Alun Webb.
One minute later, Adama Traoré would pop up down the left flank again to smash home his second goal of the night, taking Victory 3-1 ahead.
16-year-old Malik Olukhale would come inches away from scoring his maiden goal for the first team with his headed effort in the 26th minute, while trialist Darcy Burgess fired his shot in the 33rd minute just wide as the game drifted into the half-time break.
Entering for the second 45, youngsters Sebastian Esposito and Emre Saglam were brought into the game.
While Victory continued to play positive attacking football, creating numerous chances, Northcote defended hard on home soil and denied any easy chances for their opponents.
Earning a penalty kick just past the hour mark, Nikos Vergos’ attempt from the spot was saved well by Northcote’s keeper once again, keeping his side in the game with a range of impressive stops.
Across the remainder of the half, Brazilian winger Santos, along with young guns Kayne Razmovski, George Mihailidis, Daniel Lazarevski, Patrick Wall and James Houridis would be provided the opportunity to impress from the bench.
The full-time whistle would eventually be blown, signing off an excellent pre-season hitout for the Vuck, who continue their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 A-League Men’s season.
Match Details
Northcote City 1 (Webb 10’)
Melbourne Victory 3 (Traore 1’, 11’, Inserra 7’)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 3. Adama TRAORÉ, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 21. Roderick MIRANDA (C), 23. Keegan JELACIC, 27. Louis D’ARRIGO, 41. Malik OLUKHALE, 42. Xavier STELLA, 43. Darcy BURGESS (trialist)
Substitutes: 40. Oskar VON SCHRENK (GK), 50. Kasper FONSBOEL (GK), 11. SANTOS (60’), 15. Sebastian ESPOSITO (46’), 24. Emre SAGLAM (46’), 28. Kayne RAZMOVSKI (60’), 31. Daniel LAZAREVSKI (65’), 38. Patrick WALL (80’), 44. George MIHAILIDIS (60’), 46. James HOURIDIS (88’)
