Derby delight and special goals at Fortress Epping

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Melbourne Victory has enjoyed a strong record at Epping Stadium heading into its Westfield W-League Semi-Final with Sydney FC on Saturday.

Victory has played nine games at the ground since the start of the Westfield W-League, losing just two.

It is also unbeaten in its past five matches in Epping, winning four and producing several special moments.

We take a look back at that run, which started in 2016/17.

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Round 12, 2016/17: Victory 2-0 City
A stunning Derby win was set up in the opening minute, when Natasha Dowie opened the scoring with a clinical finish.

The second goal also came in the first half through Christine Nairn, the star midfielder curling in a spectacular effort from out wide into the top corner.

Jess Fishlock missed a late penalty for City as Victory held on for three points.

Round 1, 2017/18: Victory 2-1 Canberra
Victory took an early lead through a header from American defender Kristen McNabb.

Michelle Heyman equalised for Canberra during the first half, but Dowie found the winner shortly after the hour-mark, intercepting a back pass before finishing.

Round 11, 2017/18: Victory 2-1 City
Victory produced an epic comeback in another Derby win in Epping.

An unfortunate own goal from Laura Brock (nee Alleway) just after the hour-mark had put City ahead before Victory’s comeback.

Melina Ayres scored one of the goals of the season with a 40-yard chip over Lydia Williams to bring Victory level before Christina Gibbons swept in an 86th-minute winner.

Round 10, 2018/19: Victory 1-0 City
Casey Dumont was in fine form to deny City before Victory secured a win thanks to some Nairn magic.

The midfielder curled an 88th-minute effort straight in from a corner in a season during which Victory claimed its maiden Westfield W-League Premiership.

Round 6, 2019/20: Victory 0-0 Roar
In its only match at Epping Stadium this season, Victory was held by Brisbane.

Dowie had a great late chance to win it for Victory but was denied by Roar goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in a game in which Jeff Hopkins’ team switched to a back three that led to a strong finish to the campaign.

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