.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
Melbourne claimed their first three points of the Westfield W-League season after a 1-0 victory over Newcastle Jets at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.
Rebekah Stott claimed Melbourne Victory's first goal of the season right on half time after a Steph Catley free kick into the box. With nearly every player on the field in the penalty box, Stott somehow managed to successfully guide the ball into the back of the net.
Melbourne went into the game without ever losing a match to the Jets in the history of the W-League and the form looked to continue. However, they were without Captain Louisa Bisby and Matilda international Ashley Brown after both suffered season ending injuries in the game against Brisbane Roar.
A goal always seemed certain with Melbourne the more lively of the two throughout the first half. Catley continued on from her brilliant form from last week, causing Newcastle defenders many problems on the heavily used left hand side of the pitch.
Both teams had a share of possession during the first 10 minutes and the Jets had the first opportunity to break the deadlock after a beautiful cross by Gema Simon at the 7th minute mark was just out of reach by Tori Huster.
Catley used the space on the left hand side to her advantage, crossing a number of times into the paths of Victory forwards who were unable to score. Jessica McDonald was undoubtedly hoping for her first goal of the season, frustrated after Catleys cross was just out of reach for the US international.
McDonald looked certain to score at the 40th minute however a great tackle by last defender Stacey Day ensured the Jets cleared the ball. Victory retained the ball after the clearance, however Enza Barillas shot cleared the crossbar after Eliza Campbell spilled the ball in the dangerous area.
Amy Jackson also had a terrific chance to score after the ball landed at her feet during a scuffle in the penalty box, however her shot floated just above the bar to the disappointment of the locals. The Jets went forward on many occasion but never looked threatening to the Victory defence, who easily cleared the ball out of their penalty area throughout the half.
Newcastle were desperate for an equaliser during the second half, holding most of the possession and attacking at every opportunity. Nothing seemed to trouble Victory goalkeeper Brianna Davey who looked calmed throughout the game.
Geelong local Laura Spiranovic was substituted on with 15 minutes remaining in the game, much to the delight of the locals. The forward provided lots of pressure for the Victory and managed a shot at goal which was saved by goal keeper Campbell.
The Jets momentum came to a halt after 81 minutes when defender Day was sent off after two yellow cards in a matter of minutes. Two unnecessary challenges was enough for the referee Katie Patterson to send the Jets player off for an early shower. Melbourne made the most of their extra player during the remaining 10 minutes, maintaining all possession to hold on to the 1-0 lead.
Melbourne travel to Sydney next week while the Jets host Perth Glory.