Melbourne Victory Women run away as 2-0 victors in the U-NITE Round Big Blue.
Victory got off to a perfect start in the opening minutes at AAMI Park, thanks to the left foot of Alana Jancevski.
The 21-year-old whipped a free kick right into the top left corner, giving Brianna Edwards no chance in goals and Victory an early lead.
Victory continued to dominate the game early on. Emily Gielnik earnt a corner for her side after a dangerous run down the right wing.
A dangerous cross delivered into the box arrived to Alex Chidiac, whose shot travelled just above the crossbar.
Sydney slowly grew into the game and had some dangerous moments on the counter-attack through Caley Tallon-Henniker’s shots on goal – none of which beat Courtney Newbon in net.
Long-range strikes on goal from Nicki Flannery and Alex Chidiac caused some nervy moments for the visitors but were unable to double Victory’s lead heading into the half-time break.
Rosie Curtis entered the game for the second 45, playing in an unfamiliar left-back role.
However, this did not phase the 20-year-old who defended valiantly and played incisive passes forward.
Victory’s defensive line worked hard to keep out the Sky Blues, with some excellent efforts from captain Kayla Morrison and Claudia Bunge nullifying their opponent’s attacks.
Jeff Hopkins introduced Holly Furphy just past the hour mark for her Victory debut, a decision that certainly paid off.
Just nine minutes after entering the game, Rachel Lowe played through the debutant who rounded Sydney’s goalkeeper and put the Navy Blue’s 2-0 up.
This was a crucial goal to create a two-goal buffer from the visitors who continued to push for a way back into the game.
Courtney Newbon continued her excellent form and made a strong save on a long-range strike – desperate to keep yet another clean sheet.
The referee shortly after blew the full-time whistle on a third-straight win for Victory.
The three points momentarily put Victory on top of the Ninja A-League ladder, an excellent feat for the side who also became the league leaders for clean sheets kept.
Melbourne Victory now prepare for yet another massive game – The Melbourne Derby on Saturday, February 1st.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 13
Melbourne Victory 2 (Jancevski 4’, Furphy 77’)
Sydney FC 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), 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 9. Holly FURPHY (68’), 27. Rosie CURTIS (46’)
Sydney FC Starting XI: 1. Brianna EDWARDS (GK), 2. Margaux CHAUVET, 3. Faye BRYSON, 4. Tori TUMETH, 12. Nat TOBIN (C), 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16. Jordan THOMPSON, 20. Princess IBINI, 21. Lucy JOHNSON, 22. Indiana DOS SANTOS, 24. Caley TALLON-HENNIKER
Substitutes: 30. Tahlia FRANCO (GK), 9. Shea CONNORS (81’), 14. Abbey LEMON (60’), 18. Amber LUCHTMEIJER (72’), 26. Madeleine CASPERS (72’)
