Bruno Fornaroli stole the show by scoring four goals as Melbourne Victory romped to a 5-3 win over Newcastle Jets in their first game at AAMI Park for the season.
Summary
An electric atmosphere greeted both sets of players as Victory looked to build on their impressive win in Sydney to begin the season.
The Jets though came firing out of the blocks, as an early corner eventually found the feet of Mark Natta who opened the scoring after only a handful of minutes played.
Victory though did not wait long to find a response.
A sublime cross from Daniel Arzani a few minutes later picked out Bruno Fornaroli, before the striker cooly finished the chance to equalise.
The Uruguayan had already matched his effort from last week, but was clearly not yet satisfied.
As the clock ticked past 30 minutes played, Adama Traore delivered a cross from the left wing which found its way through to Fornaroli in the box.
The striker’s subtle touch was enough to steer the ball past the goalkeeper and hand Victory the advantage.
Tony Popovic’s team continued to pile on the pressure, earning themselves a penalty a few minutes later when a shot in the box was blocked by a defender’s arm.
‘El Tuna’ stepped up once again, converting the spot-kick and securing a magical first half hat-trick.
Fornaroli though had saved perhaps his best goal for last.
Traore once again stormed down the left wing during stoppage time before sending in the cross for Fornaroli, who executed an incredible rabona finish, sending the home fans into raptures as Victory took a commanding 4-1 lead into half-time.
The game showed no signs of slowing down early in the second half, as the Jets reduced the deficit within five minutes of the re-start.
As the visitors pushed to build on their early momentum though, they were left exposed at the back.
Nishan Velupillay made the most of the extra space on the counter, bursting into a vacant Newcastle half before curling his shot around Ryan Scott in the Jets’ goal and re-establishing Victory’s four-goal advantage.
The Jets continued to offer resistance, as a swift counter-attack saw Clayton Taylor score his second for the match and make the scoreline 5-3 heading into the final 15 minutes.
Victory though remained steadfast for the remainder of the contest, holding off the Jets’ charge to secure another three points.
Two wins from two games for Victory who head into a huge Saturday night clash with Adelaide United brimming with confidence.
Result
Melbourne Victory 5 (Fornaroli 8′, 31′, 40′ (pen), 45+3′, Velupillay 55′)
Newcastle Jets 3 (Natta 6′, Taylor 49′, 74′)
Next Match
Isuzu UTE A-League – Round 3
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Saturday 4 November
Kick-off: 7.45pm (AEDT)
AAMI Park, Melbourne
