Report: Friendly v North Geelong

Melbourne Victory headed down the highway on Sunday to face North Geelong in a pre-season Friendly.

A perfect day for football saw local fans flock to Elcho Park as Victory ran out 4-0 winners in a well-fought affair.

First half…

Starting XI: Izzo, Smith, Miranda, Spiranovic, Broxham, Marchan, Brillante, Brimmer, Ikonomidis, D’Agostino, Folami.

Victory fielded an experienced XI in the opening half which resulted in a dominant display in the early proceedings.

Jake Brimmer and Ben Folami combined for many promising chances before Folami intercepted a pass on the right wing and slid through a great ball for Chris Ikonomidis at the back post, who scored the opening goal.

Then it was Brimmer time.

The reigning Johnny Warren medallist proved a class above, heading home a well-timed cross from Noah Smith in the 26th minute to extend the lead to 2-0.

Brimmer wowed the crowd again just moments later, firing a ball into the top-right corner from the edge of the box to make it three.

His hat-trick was denied by an offside ruling less than 10 minutes after, wrapping up a stellar half for the midfielder.

Second half…

Starting XI: Acton, Smith, Bozinovski, Timotheou, Nigro, Barnett, Konstandopoulos, Wilson, Adams, Brooks, Velupillay.

A younger XI resulted in a more even contest in the second half as North Geelong found their groove.

Will Wilson came out firing, forcing the keeper into consecutive saves shortly after the break.

Nathan Konstandopoulos earned important minutes as he becomes accustomed to his new team while Jay Barnett played the second half in midfield after recovering from the shoulder injury sustained in the Australia Cup last month.

Eli Adams scored the only goal of the second half in the 75th minute, controlling the ball in the box, turning and hitting a beautiful ball to the top corner.