Melbourne Victory Women secured a third-straight win at the Home of the Matildas over Canberra United.
Jeff Hopkins made two changes to the starting XI that were victorious at Ironbark Fields, bringing Laura Pickett and recently capped Matilda’s midfielder Alana Murphy into the lineup.
Kicking off in the Bundoora heat, Victory was tasked with the challenge of breaking down the visitors.
Victory controlled 60% of possession and enjoyed territorial dominance in their final third.
Nicki Flannery looked threatening down the wing against her former side as Victory set the tempo on home soil, but struggled to create clear chances.
While Victory limited their Canberra to just a single long-range shot on target in the first 45, the Navy Blues were only able to register five shots on goal.
Victory remained unchanged at the half-time break, eager to improve their performance to secure the win.
Canberra threatened Victory’s goal on a few occasions early on, requiring moments of brilliance from Claudia Bunge and Courtney Newbon to keep the score level.
Jeff Hopkins opted to make a double change just past the hour mark following a drinks break, bringing Ellie Wilson and Holly Furphy into the game for the remaining half-hour.
The home fans rejoiced momentarily after captain Kayla Morrison found the back of the net in the 68th minute, but celebrations were cut short following an offside call.
It would only be two minutes later when Victory could truly enjoy a goal celebration thanks to substitute Holly Furphy’s persistence.
The young attacker pressured Tegan Bertolissio into a turnover in the box and perfectly slotted the ball through the legs of Sally James to provide Victory with a 1-0 lead.
Furphy continued to terrorise the visitors’ defence with her energy from the bench, a standout player for Victory since joining as an injury replacement back in January.
A second would soon follow after Alana Murphy’s trademark inswinging delivery from a corner was met by Emily Gielnik, who headed home her 10th goal of the season.
It was an exceptional finish from Gielnik who extended her lead for the Ninja A-League Golden Boot race.
Victory pushed to hold out what would be an excellent result on home soil, with Jeff Hopkins providing a special moment for Jessica Young to make her debut as the Navy Blues cruised to a 2-0 win.
It was a crucial three points secured for Victory, who trail just two points behind league-leaders Melbourne City.
Victory will travel interstate for their next game, facing the Western Sydney Wanders on Saturday, March 15.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 18
Melbourne Victory 2 (Furphy 70′, Gielnik 83′)
Canberra United 0
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 8. Alana MURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Substitutes: 62. Geo CANDY (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON (63′), 7. Ella O’GRADY, 9. Holly FURPHY (63′), 41. Jessica YOUNG (90+4′)
Canberra United Starting XI: 1. Sally JAMES (GK), 3. Elizabeth ANTON (C), 5. Madison AYSON, 7. Jynaya DOS SANTOS, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 17. Maja MARKOVSKI, 21. Aideen KEANE, 25. Darcey MALONE, 28. Tegan BERTOLISSIO, 32. Bethany GORDON
Substitutes: 18. Coco MAJSTOROVIC (GK), 4. Holly MURPHY (62′), 10. Mary STANIC-FLOODY (71′), 13. Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON (73′), 23. Michelle HEYMAN (62′)
