Melbourne Victory were dealt a difficult blow in their fight for NPLM Victoria survival, beaten 3-1 by St Albans Saints at Churchill Reserve.
Returning to NPL action after competing in friendlies against Wrexham AFC at Marvel Stadium and Caroline Springs George Cross respectively, a large chunk of Boris Seroshtan’s side were given first-team opportunities.
Three changes were made to the starting XI that suffered defeat to Green Gully, with Victory needing a big result against the in-form St Albans.
Goalkeeper Daniel Graskoski and fullback Linus Bourke were brought back into the squad, while 18-year-old winger James Lackay was provided with his first Senior NPL start.
Action came shortly after kick-off, with Daniel Graskoski called into action within the first minute to pull off a big save.
An early hiccup, the Young Vucks grew into the game and largely took control in the early stages, with John Radimisis firing a few efforts from outside the box.
Victory played the ball around considerably well on a bobbly surface, pulling together some impressive moves.
The hosts came close to opening the score once again in the 18th minute, but captain Damien Bozinovski appeared in the matter of time with a crucial block.
However, no one could stop Oliver Dragicevic’s remarkable goal just past the half-hour mark, an excellent effort from distance that was curled into the top left corner.
Victory came close to responding with a few positive moments, notably after Jack Mihailidis’ whipped free-kick delivery found Daniel Lazarevski, who unfortunately could not direct his header on target.
St Albans proved clinical once again late in the first half, with Josh Divin pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area to double his side’s lead.
Trailing two goals behind with an entire half of football ahead, the task on hand was tough but doable for Victory.
Boris Seroshtan introduced Jonathan Kellis from the bench at the break; an attacking substitute made with a 2-0 deficit to overturn.
Striker Daniel Lazarevski was able to get onto the end of a few balls into the box around the hour mark, but an exceptional last-ditch block from former Victory defender Nick Ansell in particular denied the Young Vucks a reply.
A few nervy moments at the back required Daniel Graskoski to make more big saves, stepping up big time following his return to the side.
As Victory continued to pursue the hosts, 16-year-old winger Malik Olukhale was brought on for just his second Senior NPL appearance.
A few minutes later, a progressive carry and pass by Parker Williams to Patrick Wall saw the winger taken down on the edge of the box in a dangerous position.
Although Jack Mihailidis was unable to beat Marko Bulic from the free-kick, forcing the former Victory goalkeeper to tip the ball over the bar, his corner delivery certainly did not disappoint.
Whipped high to the back post, Damien Bozinovski’s header looped into the goal net to provide his side with the belief that a comeback was still on the cards.
It was a marvellous effort from the central defender, recording his third goal this season in just 12 appearances.
While the belief was certainly high, it would be St Albans’ substitute Shaun Ruzvidzo to kill off the game in the 87th minute.
Ruzvidzo would come close to a second just minutes later with a curling effort, but skipper Bozinovski denied the hosts another goal with a lunging headed block away.
The scoreline would remain at 3-1, a disappointing but ultimately fair result on the night, with St Albans simply outperforming the Young Vucks, despite their best efforts.
Melbourne Victory’s uncertain future in Victoria’s top-flight has been made clearer with the defeat, requiring a miraculous escape with four rounds of football remaining.
Sitting six points adrift of safety, the Young Vucks will need to secure a big result when they face Preston Lions away from home next on Friday, July 25.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Men Round 22
St Albans Saints 3 (Dragicevic 31′, Divin 43′, Ruzvidzo 87′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Bozinovski 83′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (GK), 2. Linus BOURKE, 4. Damien BOZINOVSKI (C), 10. Jack MIHAILIDIS, 11. Daniel LAZAREVSKI, 20. Parker WILLIAMS, 22. Patrick WALL, 24. James LACKAY, 28. Charlie GOREVSKI, 29. Tobenna OBANI, 36. John RADIMISIS
Substitutes: 40. Kasper FONSBOEL (GK), 15. Nikolas CEVIZOVIC, 17. Jonathan KELLIS (46′), 32. Aaron BAZENSKI, 37. Malik OLUKHALE (80′), 38. Alexander HOURIDIS
