Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick said stand-in shot-stopper Mitchell Langerak’s defiant performance between the posts was one bright spot in Victory’s first loss of this Hyundai A-League campaign.
Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick said stand-in shot-stopper Mitchell Langerak’s defiant performance between the posts was one bright spot in Victory’s first loss of this Hyundai A-League campaign.
A 10-man Victory was beaten by two late Queensland goals at Telstra Dome on Sunday evening after Carlos Hernandez received his marching orders for a second yellow card in the 58th minute.
Langerak, playing in place of suspended No.1 Michael Theoklitos, marshalled a dedicated defence for much of the night before Tahj Minniecon broke the resistance after 83 minutes.
Youngster Michael Zullo ensured full points for the Roar with a stoppage-time shot from close range.
Langerak could not be faulted for either goal, and his impressive first half kept the home side in the match.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper was shattered to be beaten at the death.
“It’s always disappointing to concede goals but especially late on in the match,” Langerak said after the game.
“It’s heartbreaking to concede goals late on and lose the game like that but you can’t fault the boys’ efforts, we just kept going for the full 90 (minutes),” he added.
Both Minniecon and Zullo were substitutions by Roar coach Frank Farina.
“It’s always difficult when guys come on full of energy with fresh legs,” Langerak said.
“But we are at home and definitely trying to get something out of the game.”
“After the first goal we were definitely pushing forward and obviously things opened up at the back.”
“These things happen.”
Merrick was pleased with the improving Langerak’s second start of the season.
“They certainly had good chances and Mitch did a fantastic job coming in for Mike Theoklitos.”
“As I told the boys after the game, I was very proud of their efforts.”
“To play three games in a row with 10 players is very, very tough but we never stopped working right to the last minute of the game.”
Grant Brebner, who returned to the starting XI on Sunday in place of Evan Berger, also came in for praise from the boss for his shut-down role on the dangerous Charlie Miller.
Miller scored four goals in his first four games of the season. The robust No.10 loomed as a threat early in the match before being snuffed out by the tireless Scot.
“I don’t think Charlie Miller caused us many problems at all compared to how he has played in the last few games,” Merrick said.
“I thought Grant Brebner was outstanding on him. That’s Grant’s first game for nine, 10 months.”
“He not only played for 93 minutes, he played with 10 players for a large part of the second half.”
“I really thought Grant was outstanding.”
Michael Thwaite re-injured his foot in the second half and had to be replaced. He will be monitored before Saturday night’s clash with Perth at Telstra Dome.
Nicky Ward is expected to be available for selection after overcoming a calf injury.
