Melbourne Victory endured a tough 0-3 loss to the reigning NPL Victoria Champions.
Three changes were made to Victory’s side that were defeated by Avondale FC last Saturday.
Daniel Graskoski and John Radimisis both stepped into the XI for their first starts of the season, with Josh Inserra partnering Radimisis in the heart of defence after lifting the U20 Asian Cup with the Young Socceroos.
Fresh off two strong wins over Port Melbourne and Melbourne Knights, the Oakleigh Cannons were unsurprisingly going to prove to be a tough challenge for the Young Vucks.
Kicking off at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Victory were put under pressure right away by the Cannons.
The Hoey twins were key to Victory in pushing the envelope to Oakleigh, although chances were few and thin to begin the game.
Despite Victory’s efforts, the away side proved too hot to handle and opened the scoring in outrageous circumstances just past the half-hour mark.
Joe Guest’s inswinging delivery from the corner swung straight into the back of the net for an impressive Olimpico goal.
The Cannons pushed to double their lead heading into the half-time break, but some great defensive effort from Josh Inserra ensured the score remained 0-1.
Oakleigh continued to perform straight into the second 45, earning a penalty kick just minutes after the restart.
Joe Guest stepped up to the spot and fired a strike right into the top right corner for his brace – a crushing start to the half for Victory.
Austin Ganino was summoned from the bench soon after as Victory fought for a way back into the game.
Scoring his first goal in the competition last week, Jing Reec was the outlet for Victory who posed a threat with his speed in-behind opposing defences.
However, the significant pressure from the Cannons limited the ability to advance up the field and provide chances to the attacking line.
Appearing on the first team bench 18 times this season, 18-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Graskoski made some impressive stops and clearances from wide deliveries against top opposition.
Victory continued to push as Tommaso Minutoli and Stasi Georgakopoulos were introduced into the game – adding fresh legs to the side playing in the heat.
Shortly after an additional five minutes to the game were indicated by the fourth official, the Cannons went on to score a third after Joe Knowles finished off a counter-attacking move.
That was all for the game as Oakleigh jumped up to third on the ladder while Victory remained 13th after their fifth game in Victoria’s top flight.
Melbourne Victory will be presented with the opportunity to climb out of the bottom two in their next game, facing 12th-placed Port Melbourne Sharks on Friday, March 14.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Men Round 5
Melbourne Victory 0
Oakleigh Cannons 3 (Guest 30′, 49′, Knowles 90+2′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (GK), 3. Josh INSERRA, 6. Kayne RAZMOVSKI (C), 8. Alexander MENELAOU, 10. Jack MIHAILIDIS, 14. Jordan HOEY, 19. Jing REEC, 23. Jesse HOEY, 26. Luka KOLIC, 29. Tobenna OBANI, 36. John RADIMISIS
Substitutes: 40. Christian SICILIANO (GK), 7. Austin GANINO (54′), 9. Tommaso MINUTOLI (72′), 12. Raymond DIHO, 15. Nikolas CEVIZOVIC, 16. Stasi GEORGAKOPOULOS (72′)
