Casey Fields was the venue for the first Melbourne Derby of the A-League Women’s season, as Victory were made to settle for a point.
SUMMARY
Jeff Hopkins’ side was boosted by the return of New Zealand international Claudia Bunge, who had missed recent weeks with an ankle injury.
Both sides entered the clash knowing a win would further cement their top four spot, as the league table begins to break apart into leaders and chasers.
It was obvious this one would be a tight affair from the first moment, and the initial 10 minutes went exactly as expected. Both sides struggled to get a foothold, with chances limited, until the Victory took the lead 13 minutes in.
Alex Chidiac pounced on the turnover to find the net on her Birthday, sending the Victory one goal to the good.
Victory’s press was impressive, with Rikke Madsen and Chidiac working as a duo which halted City from gaining any composure.
City’s Hannah Wilkinson drew the game level 37 minutes in, as her effort beat Casey Dumont who could not keep it out from the bottom left corner.
A wicked effort from Danish import Rikke Madsen saw her come close to a Goal of the Season contender, rattling the bar from a volley.
The second half started with a Melbourne City free-kick which failed to threaten Victory’s defence, which had remained resolute all game.
Victory enjoyed a spell of attack which saw a number of attacking corners and half chances, but again, converting proved difficult.
Casey Dumont’s goal came under fire as City tried their luck from range, also testing the Casey Fields’ woodwork late on.
Five minutes of additional time were in order to close out the clash, and they were frantic.
Victory recorded two real chances as the game closed out, with Tiff Eliadis and Alex Chidiac both presented with chances to steal all three points.
Eliadis broke the defensive lines to go 1-on-1 with Melissa Barbieri, but ultimately ran out of fuel, and ideas, sending her effort wide.
A close range effort from Chidiac stung the palms of the City stopper 94 minutes in, but again, the game remained level.
Victory take the 1-1 draw as the busy period kicks off, with three games in the next seven days. A Wednesday night trip to Western Sydney is the next challenge, before Adelaide away on Saturday wraps up
KEY MOMENT
Alex Chidiac found the opener on her Birthday – probably the best present out there.
RESULT
Liberty A-League 2022/23 Round 10
Melbourne City 1 (Wilkinson 37′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Chidiac 13′)
NEXT UP
Victory have now started their busy period, with a trip to Western Sydney midweek before Adelaide away on Saturday.