Melbourne Victory began its pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Wednesday night.
Goals to Ben Folami and Rai Marchan secured the win for Victory, who rotated a good chunk of their squad through different stages of the evening.
A healthy crowd turned out in Dandenong to watch the boys in blue and were delighted with the first half exploits of Luis Nani, who ran out the opening 45′ strongly.
First half…
XI: Izzo, Lopez, Timotheou, Miranda, Nigro, Brillante, Broxham, Brimmer, Adams, Juric, Nani
Tony Popovic fielded a strong XI in a hotly contested first half where neither side were able to break the deadlock.
Josh Brillante earned a penalty kick which struck the upright from the foot of Jake Brimmer while Tomi Juric created the other big chance of the half with a well-saved header.
Second half…
XI: Acton, Smith, Spiranovic, Bozinovski, Bourke, Kirdar, Marchan, Wilson, Folami, Ikonomidis, Brooks
Victory created more chances after the main break as they assumed control of the contest with an entirely fresh XI.
Will Wilson’s fine play down the right wing found Ben Folami in the box early to open the scoring before a Rai Marchan quick-thinking free kick to the bottom right corner caught the Thunder keeper off guard and doubled Victory’s lead.
Next…
Victory are yet to confirm their next pre-season friendly. Keep an eye on the Club’s social channels for updates.
