Melbourne Victory couldn’t quite get the best of the experienced Avondale FC in Round 16 of NPLW.
Recording a well-worked win last week away to Heidelberg United, Victory had another tough away fixture on Saturday against Avondale at Avenger Park.
It was a tightly contested first 45, with Victory doing exceptionally well to match up against the hosts, while creating plenty of chances through Sienna Techera in particular down the left flank.
It would be the 19-year-old star to separate the two teams early in the second half, lashing at the ball on the half volley and sending it directly into the bottom corner.
However, just minutes later, the score would be brought back level after Hannah Wilkinson’s cross into the box was finished off by Sloane Young.
This was a crucial turning point in the fixture, with Avondale later taking the lead in the 70th minute thanks to Asuka Miyata, a lead they would proceed to hold onto for the remainder of the clash.
It was a match full of positives for the young group taking on an Avondale side with familiar faces including Taylor Ray, Beattie Goad and Elise Kellond-Knight, ultimately showing their experience and class to claim all three points.
Match details are available by clicking here.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, A-League Women’s Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins, was impressed by the fight his team showed against top-quality opposition.
“Another strong performance from our young girls against a team full of A-League experience. We built up well from the back and switched play well to a dominant Sienna Techera on our left side, using her speed and crossing ability to create a number of our best chances in the first half and finished well from just inside the area in the second half.
“Avondale reacted immediately and hit back two goals from wide areas. Although they held out for the win, it was the second week running we finished the game really strong chasing down an equaliser. The girls pushed Avondale all the way to the final whistle.
“The tight 2-1 defeat left us really disappointed, but with lots for us to be proud of when we look back at our performance over the game.”
