Melbourne Victory returned to winning ways in style, toppling Ballarat City 3-0 in the NPL2 West on Sunday afternoon.
Summary
Brady Quinn and Brandon Lauton steered the hosts to a two goal half-time lead before Jack Palazzolo capped off a fine performance at Epping Stadium.
The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and when a teasing cross landed at the feet of Brady Quinn in the 25th minute, the midfielder stabbed low beyond the gloves of Alexander Baker.
The Ballarat City stopper was beaten again minutes later when Brandon Lauton shrugged off a challenge, drove to the edge of the box and curled high into the top corner to double Victory’s advantage.
The visitors hinted at a fightback early in the second-half. Kazuki Okada rattled the post and headed narrowly wide within the space of five minutes, while goalkeeper Majak Mawith produced a number of fine saves to protect Victory’s lead.
But Jack Palazzolo ended any hopes of a City comeback when he struck a volleyed effort in off the post to complete the 3-0 victory.
Interim Coach Vince Ierardo:
“I think we did well today. A couple of weeks ago we copped a big hiding and then we fell to a last-minute goal against Moreland Zebras last week – so it was good to see them bounce back and be rewarded for their efforts.
“Ballarat City caused us a lot of issues, particularly in the second-half and it was good for the boys to battle and scramble and get their just reward with a goal at the end there.
“The big thing is that the boys have been showing progress every week and that’s really pleasing.”
Under-20s
Victory’s under-20s cruised to a 6-1 victory over 10-man Ballarat City.
NPL2 West 2018 Round 22
Melbourne Victory 3 (Brady Quinn 25′, Brandon Lauton 39′, Jack Palazzolo 86′)
Ballarat City 0
Melbourne Victory: Majak Mawith, Luke Goulding, Benjamin Carrigan (c), Aaron Anderson, So Nishikawa, Thierry Iradukunda, Nicholas Hatzigeorgiou, Brady Quinn, Nicholas Sette (Yazid Said), Jack Palazzolo (Maker Maker), Brandon Lauton (Liston Diaz).
Next week
Victory travel to White Eagles Stadium to play Springvale on Saturday, July 28.
