A late South Melbourne equaliser heartbreakingly spoiled Melbourne Victory’s fairytale come-from-behind win.
Victory started strong at the Home of the Matildas, controlling possession and territory against the reigning NPL Victoria premiers.
The speed of Jordan Hoey and Tobenna Obani down the left wing caused the visitors early scares, creating a number of chances.
Despite the excellent efforts from the Young Vuck early on, South find the opener against the run of play through their trademark long throw.
Max Mikkola’s lofted throw-in caused issues in Victory’s box, with the ball falling to Nahuel Bonada who opened the scoring.
The goal saw South enter the half-time break a goal ahead, scoring with their only shot on target.
Victory entered the second 45 adamant to bring themselves back level in front of a passionate Bundoora crowd.
Chances arose across the opening stages of the half, notably with Tobenna Obani’s one-on-one effort exceptionally stopped by Javier Lopez.
Jack Mihailidis, Jesse Hoey and Raymond Diho were introduced following the hour mark, bringing a needed spark to Victory who searched to break down South’s resolute defence.
Victory finally found their goal through Jordan Hoey, who deftly chipped the ball over Lopez and straight into the back of the net in the 76th minute.
Only two minutes later, Marco Jankovic headed his side back in front after directing a lofted cross goalward.
Tommaso Minutoli was introduced in the 86th minute as Victory desperately searched for a way back into the game – a decision that would pay off insurmountably.
Jesse Hoey’s quick run and cross into the box found Minutoli in the penalty area, who volleyed home a crucial equaliser.
This would not be the end of Minutoli’s impact on the game. The young attacker finished off an excellent counter-attacking move led by Jing Reec, heading home what was surely the game-winning goal in the 94th minute.
Just as the three points seemed locked and sealed for Victory, South converted a 95th-minute corner thanks to Gustav Nielson’s towering header.
It was truly devastating for Victory who were moments away from a special win on home soil, ultimately settling for their first point of the campaign in what was an exhilarating game.
Victory now look ahead to the March 1, where they will take on Avondale FC at Avenger Park.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Men Round 3
Melbourne Victory 3 (Jo. Hoey 76′, Minutoli 89′, 90+4′)
South Melbourne 3 (Bonada 36′, Jankovic 78′, Nielson 90+5′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 40. Christian SICILIANO (GK), 4. Damien BOZINOVSKI (C), 6. Kayne RAZMOVSKI, 7. Austin GANINO, 8. Alexander MENELAOU, 14. Jordan HOEY, 19. Jing REEC, 20. Parker WILLIAMS, 26. Luka KOLIC, 29. Tobenna OBANI, 46. Luka DIDILUCA
Substitutes: 41. Kasper FONSBOEL (GK), 9. Tommaso MINUTOLI (86′), 10. Jack MIHAILIDIS (65′), 12. Raymond DIHO (75′), 16. Stasi GEORGAKOPOULOS, 23. Jesse HOEY (75′)
