Melbourne Victory will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins on Saturday afternoon when they head to Elcho Park to take on North Geelong Warriors.
Joe Palatsides’ team returned to the winners’ list last time out, claiming a 3-1 win against Eastern Lions.
The positive result was set up by a strong start, as goals from Tommaso Minutoli and Adem Duratović within the first 20 minutes put Victory in a commanding position.
The Lions fought back as the game progressed, scoring in the second half to cause a nervy end to the game, but a stoppage time goal from Jesse Hoey sealed the three points for Victory.
An important win, which saw Victory re-establish a five point buffer at the top of the table.
Saturday’s clash is one that on paper appears straightforward, taking on North Geelong who currently sit bottom on the VPL1 ladder.
However, away games in Geelong are rarely a simple proposition.
The Warriors have claimed 10 points from their 17 games so far this season, but pulled off a major upset win against Langwarrin SC last time they welcomed a team to Elcho Park.
Now only two points behind Werribee City on the table, North Geelong will not be short of motivation for Saturday’s clash.
Victory though will take confidence, not just from their impressive form this season, but also the comprehensive scoreline last time these two teams met.
Victory ran out 4-0 winners at Epping Stadium back in round 5, with goals from Jesse Hoey, Eli Adams, as well as Matt and Damien Bozinovski.
This weekend’s game is unlikely to be as one-sided, although Victory will nonetheless head into the game as warm favourites.
Kick-off will be at 3:00pm AEST on Saturday afternoon.
