Melbourne Victory secured all three points at the Home of the Matildas in an exciting 3-2 win over St Albans Saints.
Coming off a disappointing 1-2 loss in Shepparton to Green Gully; Parker Williams, Jack Mihailidis and Jesse Hoey were all promoted to the starting XI to take on St Albans.
Victory started well in Bundoora, creating an array of chances early in the first half.
Jack Mihailidis found himself through on goal within the first few minutes, but was denied by a top save from Jacson Riley.
Speedy wingers Jesse Hoey and Patrick Wall enjoyed promising moments as they caused headaches for the visitors, who had to be mindful of Victory’s counter-attacking threat.
While Victory excelled going forward, St Albans also displayed their attacking artillery – forcing some crucial saves from Daniel Graskoski in net.
Victory were able to open the scoring just past the half-hour mark thanks to the recently turned 19-year-old Daniel Lazarevski, who scored his second goal of the season with an impressive move and finish through the goalkeeper.
However, this was quickly undone by a corner goal finished off by Mickel Platt for St Albans in the 36th minute.
Five minutes later, Victory were denied by an outrageous triple save from Jacson Riley once again, keeping his side level heading into the half-time break.
Preparing for a big second 45 of action, Boris Seroshtan brought on Stasi Georgakopoulos in midfield.
Victory were able to continue their positive and attacking football into the second half, crafting some beautiful attacking moves.
This was rewarded in the 55th minute after Jack Mihailidis released an excellent ball down the left wing to Jesse Hoey.
Isolated with the right back, Hoey created space to deliver a pinpoint ball across the six-yard box on a plate to Patrick Wall, who made no mistakes with the finish.
Falling behind, the visitors slowly fought back for control as they pushed for a response – leading Seroshtan to introduce Jordan Hoey in the 69th minute to provide some energy to the side.
This was quickly overshadowed when the referee pointed to the spot for a controversial penalty call on Parker Williams’ challenge, shocking all in attendance.
Josh Gulevski stepped up and converted the penalty kick for St Albans, equalising once again in the 71st minute.
Despite once again disappointingly conceding their lead, the heads did not drop for the Navy Blues – determined to fight for the victory.
Substituting on Tommaso Minutoli in the 76th minute, the Young Vucks went all out and quickly reclaimed their winning advantage.
A long ball over the top by Parker Williams landed perfectly into the path of Jesse Hoey, whipping an excellent cross to the back post to his twin brother Jordan who squeezed the ball past Jacson Riley.
The home crowd erupted for yet another effective attacking move that displayed Victory’s exceptional resilience and determination since earning promotion to Victoria’s top flight.
Approaching the final stages of the match, Alexander Houridis was provided his Senior NPL debut in the 88th minute as Victory went on to see out the 3-2 win.
Winning three out of their last four outings in NPLMVIC, Victory now finds themselves in the top six after Round Nine – with achieving finals football a realistic aim for the side back amongst Victoria’s best competitors.
Melbourne Victory will return to the Home of the Matildas next Monday night, facing fifth-placed Preston Lions on April 14.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Men Round 9
Melbourne Victory 3 (Lazarevski 31′, Wall 55′, Jo. Hoey 77′)
St Albans Saints 2 (Platt 36′, Gulusevki 71′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (GK), 6. Kayne RAZMOVSKI (C), 8. Alexander MENELAOU, 10. Jack MIHAILIDIS, 11. Daniel LAZAREVSKI, 20. Parker WILLIAMS, 22. Patrick WALL, 23. Jesse HOEY. 26. Luka KOLIC, 29. Tobenna OBANI, 36. John RADIMISIS
Substitutes: 40. Yonathan SULTAN (GK), 9. Tommaso MINUTOLI (76′), 12. Raymond DIHO, 14. Jordan HOEY (69′), 16. Anastasios GEORGAKOPOULOS (46′), 38. Alexander HOURIDIS (88′)
