Melbourne Victory Women fought hard against the Wanderers in Western Sydney, securing a record sixth-straight win in the Ninja A-League.
Entering the clash amid an excellent run of form, Jeff Hopkins promoted Rosie Curtis to the starting XI that would take on the Wanderers.
Victory began the first half strong, controlling possession and looking to cement an early lead at Wanderers Football Park.
Emily Gielnik scared the home side just six minutes in after striking the upright with her headed effort on goal.
Putting together a number of quick attacking moves with the Wanderers on the back foot, the seemingly inevitable arrived in the 18th minute.
Nicki Flannery’s delivery into the box narrowly missed the swinging leg of Emily Gielnik, bouncing past and straight onto the unsuspecting Danika Matos.
Unable to react in time, the ball travelled off the defender and straight into the back of the net to provide Victory with an early opener.
The chances would continue for Victory, notably with Emily Gielnik popping up left, right and centre in attack.
Denied by the offside flag and superb goalkeeping, Gielnik and Victory’s efforts to push for a second could not be actualised as the first half drew to a close.
The second 45 was certainly a challenge for the Navy Blues, attempting to hold off the Red and Black who sought out an equaliser on home soil.
Victory nearly doubled their lead within the space of a few minutes between efforts from Emily Gielnik and Ellie Wilson, both unable to hit the target just before the hour mark.
Returning from a brief spell out of the side with a knock, Alana Murphy was introduced as the final quarter of an hour approached – providing a coolness to the midfield that was battling hard in Western Sydney.
Included in the starting XI after not playing in over a month, Rosie Curtis impressed in an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside captain Kayla Morrison.
Keeping the centre of defence rock solid, fullbacks Alana Jancevski and Ellie Wilson combined attacking impetus with exceptional defence work-rate to keep the Wanderers’ wide players quiet.
Victory ran out the contest and came away with all three points and a clean sheet at the full-time whistle – a great relief for the side who worked hard for the result.
The 1-0 win in Western Sydney represents a sixth-consecutive win in the Ninja A-League for Victory – the first time the club has ever achieved that feat.
Jeff Hopkins’ side also extended their undefeated streak to 11 games in the league, another club record broken in what has been an outstanding run for the Navy Blues.
The three points added to the tally brings Victory again just two points behind league leaders Melbourne City – fueling the fire for what has been a thrilling Premiership race with just two games remaining in the regular season.
Victory Women will remain in New South Wales for their next game, taking on the Central Coast Mariners on Friday, April 11.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 21
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Melbourne Victory 1 (Matos (O.G) 18′)
Western Sydney Wanderers Starting XI: 20. Sham KHAMIS (GK), 4. Madison MCCOMASKY, 6. Amy CHESSARI, 7. Amy HARRISON (C), 8. Olivia PRICE, 11. Danika MATOS, 12, Bronte TREW, 14. Ella BUCHANAN, 15. Cushla RUE, 25. Holly CASPERS, 37. Ena HARADA
Substitutes: 31. Keely SEGAVCIC (GK), 3. Gemma FERRIS, 9. Sophie HARDING (46′), 13. Talia KAPETANELLIS (83′), 16. Anika STAJCIC (77′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Substitutes: 62. Geo CANDY (GK), 7. Ella O’GRADY (90+3′), 8. Alana MURPHY (73′), 24. Laura PICKETT, 41. Jessica YOUNG
