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Lost in Wanderland: Victory more than hold on for win

Saturday, November 24, 2012

by
A ten-man Melbourne Victory have tonight stunned A-League new boys Western Sydney Wanderers with a 2-0 victory at Parramatta Stadium.

It was clear from the whistle that Popovic’s men were out to show the Victory why they were higher on the ladder. But in a first half that was dominated by the Wanderers, it was the away side who drew first blood just a minute out from half time through an own goal to Michael Beauchamp.

The Wanderers were the better of the two sides in the first half, bombarding Nathan Coe’s goal. Shinji Ono’s attempt from half way inside three minutes kept the Victory 'keeper on his toes for the rest of the game.

A pull down from behind tackle on Dino Kresinger saw Victory defender Sam Gallagher sent off the field in the 15th minute. Ono failed to capitalize on the opportunity, shooting wide of the far post just outside the 18-yard box. 

Mooy presented his side with the best chance of the half in the 32nd minute but Bridge failed to make it count with a disappointing head at goal inside the 6-yard box.

The Wanderers were unlucky not to be handed a penalty just after half time when the Victory looked to have handled the ball. Referee Ben Williams did not agree with the home fans. Shannon Cole came within centimeters of equalizing in the 53rd minute but his shot just scraped the cross bar.

The Victory went two goals ahead in the 59th minute. Rojas’ run down the edge saw Archie Thomson cross for his third goal of the season.

Trifiro’s shot in the 73rd minute summing up what was an unforgiving night for the home side, scrapping the post.

Despite the crowd’s best effort to keep their side in the game the Wanderers simply had no answers to the Victory’s defense. Melbourne clinched on for a well-earned away victory.

Western Sydney Wanderers –
Melbourne Victory – Beauchamp (own goal) 44’, Thompson 59.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS: Covic (GK), Cole, D’Appuzo, Topor-Stanley, Beauchamp (C), Polenz, Kresinger, Mooy, La Rocca, Bridge, Ono.
Subs: Tyson (GK), Elrich, Gibbs, Trifiro. 

MELBOURNE VICTORY: Coe (GK), Traore, Milligan, Finkler, Thompson, Rojas, Ferreira, Celeski, Gallagher, Leijer (C), Nabbout, Coe.
Subs: Velaphi (GK), Broxham, Bru, Cernak.
@ Parramatta Stadium
Crowd: 9,614