Melbourne Victory secured their first FFA Cup after overpowering Perth Glory 2-0 at AAMI Park.
A fine first half from the Victory set up the win in front of just over 15, 000 fans, as goals from Oliver Bozanic and Besart Berisha all but secured the result by half time.
Perth fought back in the second half and refused to give in, but they were unable to find a way past the Victory’s defence, and the hosts were able to hold off Glory to claim the first silverware of the season.
READ MORE – FFA CUP FINAL – WHAT WE LEARNED – MELBOURNE VICTORY 2 PERTH GLORY 0
Melbourne Victory
Danny Vukovic – 8: After a quiet first half, made some strong saves in the second half when Perth started to get on top. Two top saves from Fernandez and Marinkovic proved his worth.
Leigh Broxham – 7: Barely troubled all game long and was able to comprehensively contain Perth’s dangerman Castro.
Matthieu Delpierre – 7: Dealt with everything the Glory threw at him. Classy, composed and strong at the back, used the final to demonstrate why he’s the best centre back in the league.
Jason Geria – 7: Strong at the back and was able to stop Sidnei from seeing much of the ball. Got forward well in the second half and posed Perth problems.
Daniel Georgievski – 7: Got forward a lot and stretched the defence whenever he did. Also did his best to limit Garcia and Risdon, Perth’s best attacking options.
Carl Valeri – 7: Controlled the midfield in the first half and THAT pass for the second goal was sublime. Found himself under the pump in the second half though, and stupidly brought down Djulbic to earn an early bath.
Oliver Bozanic – 8: Scored the opener and easily dominated Perth’s midfield in the first half. Already looking like one of the signings of the season.
Gui Finkler – 6: A quiet game from the popular midfielder. His midfield partners in Valeri and Bozanic did most of the damage, although his reputation meant Perth still had to keep an eye on him.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7: Like Finkler, not one of his most dominant performances for the Victory, but still caused Perth some concern, especially on the break.
Besart Berisha – 7: Always dangerous in the box and a handful for Perth’s defence. A true big-game player, despite a quiet second half.
Kosta Barbarouses – 8: Man of the match. A flurry of excitement all game long. Played a lovely pass in the lead up to the opening goal and should’ve had an assist late in a three-on-one situation.
Substitutes
Rashid Mahazi – (N/A)
Connor Pain – (N/A)
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