W-League: Late De Vanna header stuns Lady Reds

An 83rd minute Lisa De Vanna goal was enough for Melbourne Victory to clinch all three points against a raging Adelaide United at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne, on Saturday afternoon.

The stars late header ensured the hosts would remain top of the table for at least another week.

It was an extremely tense contest during both haves, with no one unable to break the deadlock in the prior.

Melbourne Victory pushed forward on many occasions, however were unable to break the strong Adelaide defence, while on Lady Reds attempted to catch Melbourne on the counter attack.

The first clear chance of the game came at the 18^th minute mark through Jessica Samuelsson, who lathed onto a terrific ball from Lisa De Vanna however blasted her shot way over the bar.

Caitlin Friend had the greatest chance for the hosts after 25 minutes when she was fed a ball from captain Stephanie Catley. Her shot from point-blank-range was saved by former Victory ‘keeper Melissa Barbieri.

Just after the half hour mark, Jessica Samuelsson again had the chance to get her name on the score sheet, however it was Barbieri who would deny her former team with another brilliant save once again.

Seconds later, the Lady Reds went on the counter attack and should have taken the lead through captain Kristy Moore, however Brianna Davey ensured both sides would go in to the half time break deadlocked.

Ross Aloisi’s Lady Reds should have taken the lead just after the resumption of the second half after Rachael Quigley fed a perfect ball through to a steaming Lisa-Marie Woods, however her one-on-one attempt went straight into the side netting.

Snez Veljanovska put her body on the line at the 58^th minute mark when she saved what looked to be a certain goal to the hosts. The ball fell to Gulcan Koca’s feet however she sent her shot straight into the Adelaide defender.

It was just not Samuelsson’s day after a hat-trick of missed opportunities completed with 15 minutes to play. The Swede done well to run onto a through ball however her strike smacked the upright, much to the disappointment of the generous home crowd.

Davey was once again called to the rescue after Moore ran onto a loose ball with 10 minutes to play. The young ‘keeper took a risk and ran out of her box to clear the danger and keep the hosts in the contest.

It was then De Vanna’s moment to shine after she latched onto a cross from Koca, heading the ball into the top right corner of the net.

The league has a fortnight break over the Christmas/New Year period. Melbourne Victory take on Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on the 4^th of January, while Adelaide host Canberra United the following afternoon.

Melbourne Victory: Davey (GK), Humble, Hoyle, Catley (C), Friend, Fishlock, De Vanna, Samelsson, Barilla, Checker, Koca

Unused substitutes: Lay, Goad, Natoli, Dimovski

Yellow Cards: -

Red Cards: -

Goals: De Vanna 83’

Adelaide United: Barbieri (GK), Gummer, Wharepouri, Quigley, Woods, Borg (Stockdale 56’), Brown (Riding 50’), McCormick, Powell, Veljanovska, Moore (C)

Unused substitutes: Di Bartoli, Barltrop

Yellow Cards: Woods 53’ Veljanovska 85’

Red Cards: -

Goals: -