Melbourne Victory’s unbeaten run has ended at nine games, as two late goals by the Newcastle Jets were enough to deal Victory a 3-2 defeat on Saturday evening.
Report
A matchup between two teams fighting for finals spots late in the season was always likely to bring plenty of excitement.
Victory and Newcastle wasted no time living up to that expectation on Saturday afternoon, with chances at both ends popping up regularly from the first minute.
The Jets came the closest early, hitting the crossbar from a corner just minutes into the game.
Victory responded quickly, creating early chances of their own thanks largely to the work of Lia Privitelli and Emily Gielnik.
Newcastle hit the woodwork for a second time in the opening exchanges when Sarina Bolden’s header rebounded off the woodwork in the 13th minute.
Victory though were the first team to take one of their chances.
Rachel Lowe was the scorer, latching onto a loose ball in the middle of the penalty area and cooly finishing the chance in the 14th minute.
Lowe’s 11th goal of the campaign, which put Victory in a strong position early in the contest.
The intensity of the game somewhat mellowed in the next period, as both teams began to settle into their defensive structures.
Victory appeared to be heading for a half-time lead, although the Jets struck late in the half to equalise through Lauren Allan.
A goal with just five minutes remaining before the break, with the home team continuing to press their advantage into stoppage time.
Courtney Newbon was called into action late, making a superb save to deny the Jets a lead and ensure the score remained 1-1 at the break.
The second half picked up right where the first 45 left off, with chances a series of chances at both ends within the first few minutes of the re-start.
Once again though, Victory were better able to capitalise on their opportunities early in the half.
A set-piece opportunity in the 53rd minute was delivered by Jamilla Rankin, with Tori Hansen cleverly drifting out the back of the pack to be on the receiving end, before executing a clinical finish.
The defender’s second goal of the season was a crucial one, returning her side to the lead.
Victory continued to threaten having re-claimed the lead, most notably through Lowe who struck the woodwork a few minutes later.
Alana Murphy and Rosie Curtis were both brought into the action as the half progressed, as Victory looked to maintain control of the contest.
However, a late show from the Jets would ultimately decide the contest.
Two goals in the final ten minutes from substitute Melina Ayres allowed the home team to turn the scoreline on its head.
Despite a late red card to their goalkeeper, Newcastle were able to secure all three points.
A major blow for Victory, whose fate this season will now come down to their final game away in Sydney next week.
Next Match
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Date: Sun 31 Mar
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Leichardt Oval, Sydney
