A-League report: Western 0-0 Victory

Leigh Broxham

Melbourne Victory and Western United played out an entertaining 0-0 draw in the A-League on Saturday.

Summary

Brandon Lauton hit the post for Victory in the first half, while Alessandro Diamanti struck the crossbar twice for Western United in the second.

Coming off a thrilling win over Perth Glory earlier in the week, Victory made it two games without defeat at AAMI Park.

Victory looked lively early and tested goalkeeper Filip Kurto twice in the opening seven minutes after strikes from Jacob Butterfield and Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio.

It almost found a breakthrough in the 10th minute, Lauton bursting into the area before smashing an effort against the post after a pass from Marco Rojas.

After the clash settled, Western United thought it had struck nine minutes before half-time, but Besart Berisha’s strike was ruled out after Connor Pain was offside in the build-up.

Victory went close just seconds following the break, Lawrie-Lattanzio heading a cross from Adama Traore – who set up a goal in the win over Perth Glory – wide after a run to the near post.

Max Crocombe was forced into a good save in the 71st minute, pushing away a powerful effort from Iker Guarrotxena.

Victory was under increasing pressure and Western United almost struck just moments later as Diamanti turned on the edge of the area before hitting the crossbar.

Diamanti struck the crossbar again in the 76th minute with a long-range strike before Dylan Pierias had an effort ruled out for offside.

Victory almost found a last-minute winner, but Kurto made an excellent save to deny Birkan Kirdar after a pass from Jake Brimmer as the spoils were shared.

Player in focus

Result

Hyundai A-League 2020/21
Western United 0
Melbourne Victory 0

Western United: Kurto (gk); Imai, Durante, Calver, Vujica; Sanchez, Uskok (Wales 82′); Lustica (Guarrotxena 55′), Diamanti (c), Pain; Berisha (Pierias 71′).
Melbourne Victory: Crocombe (gk); Roux, Shotton, Ryan, Traore; Broxham (c) (Barnett 78′); Lauton (Kamsoba 61′), Butterfield, Brimmer, Rojas (Folami 61′); Lawrie-Lattanzio (Kirdar 65′).

Yellow cards: Calver 4′, Vujica 27′, Berisha 40′, Pain 45+4′, Uskok 51′, Butterfield 54′, Traore 90+3′
Red cards: Nil
Attendance: TBA
Venue: AAMI Park

Next up

Victory is next in action with a trip to Brisbane to take on the Roar on Saturday, February 6.


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