Melbourne grab first win as City

Melbourne City may have waved goodbye to Spanish superstar David Villa this week however they warmly welcomed their first victory of the season beating Brisbane Roar 3-1.

Both teams underwent some permanent changes during the week with the departure of Villa from Melbourne and the release of Liam Miller from Brisbane.

The Roar’s Mensur Kurtisi was left on the bench while Matt McKay returned to the squad after a two-match suspension and showed his aggression early on.

Brisbane’s Luke Brattan made an impressive shot on goal in the opening minutes followed by a promising attempt from Roar’s Dimitri Petratos though ultimately these early glimmers of hope were all the Roar could generate.

David Williams opened the scoring against his old club in impeccable style; cleverly striking the ball past Brisbane goalkeeper Jamie Young.

Melbourne wasted no time lengthening their lead with Mate Dugandzic breaking away to score City’s second goal in a matter of minutes. Melbourne’s momentum proved dangerous for the Roar and they appeared to be unstoppable.

Confidence now beaming, City looked likely to score again. Hungry for their first win of the season and desperate to claim only their second win from eight in Queensland, the away team embraced every opportunity.

Following the early excitement for Melbourne, they appeared to tone it down a notch and allowed the Roar to gain some momentum.

Brattan created an opportunity for Brisbane star Henrique but he failed to concede with a header. The Brazilian entered his 100th match for the Roar as energetic as always and while his eagerness to put the Roar on the scoreboard was clear he could do little to help narrow the gap.

The pace of game dropped and possession spread equally between the two teams and despite an increase in attacking for Brisbane, they were unable to reach the back of the net before halftime.

Henrique and Brandon Borrello set up a corner for the Roar and a McKay volley looked certain to answer Brisbane’s prayers. However, Melbourne goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne deflected the shot and sent Brisbane back to the drawing board.

Melbourne began to look dangerous again in the second half but a magnificent save from Young sent the message- we’re not backing down yet.

Henrique’s shots off target took their toll and the Brazillian star’s confidence began to dwindle. McKay provided another hopeful shot but it cleared the crossbar, adding to the team’s frustration.

Just as the Roar’s chances appeared to be wearing thin they fired back late in the second half. A McKay kick brushed Borrello’s face and bounced past Redmayne. The goal providing proof the Roar were still in with a chance.

Brisbane’s aggression increased but City were determined to suppress the Roar’s chances at an equaliser. Kurtisi entered the game with 10 minutes remaining hoping to work some magic.

Under threat from the home team, Melbourne regained momentum to prove they were the deserving winners. Melbourne’s James Brown sent the ball across the goal box allowing Marc Marino to seal the match and score his first A-League goal.

Roar supporters seemed sure they wouldn't have to endure any more of their opponent’s wrath but Melbourne’s attack kept rolling in with a convincing shot from Mooy that bounced off the crossbar.

The Roar managed to keep City from scoring their fourth but couldn't provide a performance worthy of claiming a crucial first win.

Brisbane take on the Newcastle Jets next week as they head into two away games while Melbourne will look to match tonight’s performance against the Central Coast Mariners.

Brisbane Roar: 2. Matt SMITH (c), 3. Shane STEFANUTTO, 7. Mensur KURTISHI, 8. Steven LUSTICA, 10. HENRIQUE, 12. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 13. Jade NORTH, 15. James DONACHIE, 17. Matt MCKAY 18. Luke BRATTAN, 19. Jack HINGERT, 21. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Dimitri PETRATOS, 28. Brandon BORRELLO 30. Matthew ACTON (GK)

Melbourne City: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 3. Robbie WIELAERT, 5. Erik PAARTALU, 6. Aaron MOOY, 7. Iain RAMSAY, 11. Damien DUFF, 14. James BROWN, 15. David WILLIAMS, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 18. Paulo RETRE, 20. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 23. Mate DUGANDZIC, 24. Patrick KISNORBO (C), 25. Jacob MELLING, 26. Marc MARINO, 27. Ross ARCHIBALD