Melbourne Victory are through to the Round of 16 of the Australia Cup, having overcome Lambton Jaffas 4-1 in Newcastle.
The game burst into life from the first minute, with both teams looking to get forward quickly.
Chances arose at both ends within the opening five minutes, with the end-to-end nature of the early exchanges making for a chaotic start.
Victory though would prevail from the initial skirmish, being awarded a penalty just before the tenth minute for a foul on Kasey Bos inside the penalty area.
Bruno Fornaroli stepped up to take the spot-kick, which despite initially being saved, eventually ended with the ball in the back of the net, as the striker reacted quickly to put away the follow-up.
Victory seized control of the game having taken the lead, as they began to dominate possession and pepper the Jaffas’ goal.
Their period of dominance was rewarded just before the half-hour mark, as an Academy product made his name on the big stage.
17-year-old Alex Lee, plucked by head coach Patrick Kisnorbo from the Academy set-up, doubled Victory’s lead with a brilliant composed finish.
17-year-old Alex Lee pots @gomvfc's second, and what a way to earn it! 🍟
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 6, 2024
🎥 @10FootballAU#LAMvMVC #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/bS9QVL20ku
Lambton Jaffas though were not prepared to simply roll over and accept their fate, as they responded with a superb goal from Patrick Bond.
The hosts had experienced a resurgence late in the half, but Victory would have the last laugh, re-establishing their two-goal lead just moments before the half-time whistle.
Nishan Velupillay was the scorer, capitalising on a counter-attacking move to add his name to the score-sheet and ensure his team headed into the break with a 3-1 lead.
Velupillay repeated the trick soon after play re-started, scoring his second for the night with a clinical finish from long range early in the second period.
Nishan Velupillay with a brace! ✌️
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 6, 2024
After re-establishing @gomvfc's 2 goal lead in stoppage time, Velupillay potted his second from the edge of the penalty box. 🎯
🎥 @10FootballAU#AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #LAMvMVC pic.twitter.com/Yk1gWtmX8Y
Victory had stamped their authority on the contest and all but confirmed their spot in the Round of 16.
Jing Reec and Reno Piscopo were both brought into the game in the last half hour for their competitive Victory debuts.
Daniel Arzani played out the final minutes too, as Victory remained comfortable with their lead.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s first competitive game in charge ended with a 4-1 win, as Victory progressed to the Round of 16 of the Australia Cup.
