Melbourne Victory produced one of their best performances of the season on Easter Sunday, putting four past Sydney FC to secure their place in the finals.
Report
Both teams headed into Sunday’s game at Leichhardt Oval with plenty riding on the result.
For Victory, a point was essential to guarantee their place in the finals series.
For Sydney, a win would secure a fourth straight Premiership.
A game with such high stakes was sure to bring plenty of drama.
The tension was apparent from the opening whistle, with a series of tight exchanges to begin the contest.
Victory though soon seized control of the game.
A corner in the 17th minute was headed on target, which although initially blocked by a Sydney defender, rebounded to the feet of Alana Murphy who rifled her shot into the back of the net.
An ideal start for Victory, with Murphy’s goal relieving some of the early tension.
The period following the goal was somewhat calmer, as half-time neared with no other moments of significance having occurred.
That changed late in the half, when Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman kicked out at Alex Chidiac in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty being awarded to Victory.
Rachel Lowe took on the responsibility, unleashing a powerful spot-kick into the back of the net, despite Whyman getting a hand to the attempt.
2-0 up and in command, Victory headed into half-time brimming with confidence.
The second half was a more controlled affair, as Victory looked to maintain their position of ascendancy.
Jeff Hopkins’ first substitution came just after the hour mark, when Lia Privitelli replaced Lowe.
The change sparked another moment of excellence from his team, as Jamilla Rankin superbly assisted Emily Gielnik with a cut-back cross, before the striker expertly finished the chance into the top corner.
The best goal of the afternoon, with Victory having all but secured the three points.
Elise Kellond-Knight made her return to action in the final 15 minutes, whilst Paige Zois was also substituted into the game as it neared its conclusion.
The fourth and final goal came with effectively the final touch of the match, when Beattie Goad’s clever touch set Alex Chidiac through on goal, where the playmaker predictably slotted the chance past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Four different goal scorers plus a clean sheet, reflecting what was a dominant performance from Victory.
The result ensures the team’s season will continue for at least one more game, with finals football now on the horizon.
Next Match
Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners – match details TBC
