Melbourne Victory have won their first game in the league since January 26 with a 2-0 triumph over the Central Coast Mariners in round 22 A-League action.
Besart Berisha had put the Victory up in the 12th minute following a brilliant passage of play which began with a great defensive effort from Rashid Mahazi, a cross field pass from Mattheiu Delpierre, a first time Jai Ingham cross and the Albanian’s deft finish.
Central Coast finished the game with 10 men after Michael Neill was sent off for two bookable offences at the beginning of the second half.
Victory struggled to capitalise on their numerical advantage but eventually scored a second in the 90th minute through Fahid Ben Khalfallah. Ingham’s cross was met by the Tunisian who was left alone at the far post.
The Mariners remain rooted to the bottom of the table and without a win in five games, while Victory’s win consolidates their spot in the top six with five games remaning in the regular season.
Pedestrian at best
It is safe to say that this game was not expected to be one with plenty of goals and a high tempo. But what fans witnessed at Central Coast Stadium was for the most part dull and uninspired. Neither side was able to fashion any sort of consistent attacking threat and Victory’s two goals were very much exceptions to the overall flow of the game.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah seals the deal for @gomvfc, with a beautiful run and assist by Jai Ingham! 2-0! #CCMvMVC pic.twitter.com/G1fLDENmKJ
— Nicholas C (@cpuguy19) March 6, 2016
While external factors may have played their part, namely the warm Gosford weather and Victory’s hectic schedule which included a trip to Japan midweek, the complete and utter lack of intensity from both sides made this match unenjoyable to watch, even for the most die hard supporters.
In saying this, Victory will be undoubtedly be the happier of the two sides. The low intensity would have benefitted their squad which has seen plenty of rotation of late and, of course, they secured their first three points in the league since Australia Day.
Victory wasteful up forward
Although the Victory were ultimately 2-0 winners, they had enough chances and the numerical advantage for majority of the second half to have increased their winning margain.
Berisha was particularly wasteful having three clear shots and skying each of them over the cross bar. It is a stark contrast from last season, with Victory slipping from one of the most effective and clinical attacking sides to a team which is struggling to manufacture chances as well as finish the ones they do create.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom up forward with Jai Ingham the biggest positive in Melbourne’s attacking half, providing the assists for both goals. In his starting league debut, he once again proved that he has A-League level quality and was a more than valuable replacement for the suspended Kosta Barbarouses out on the flank.
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