Two well-take goals from Gui Finkler saw Melbourne Victory secure a 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners, despite missing start striker Besart Berisha.
The Mariners came out quickly and looked to get on the front foot by pressing the back four of Melbourne. But the Victory pounced on an error and after a lovely backheel from Bozanic to find Finkler they took the lead. Minutes later the Victory doubled their lead as Finkler slotted home a free kick from 25 yards.
From then on Melbourne looked in control of the game. The Mariners ventured forward but lacked the conviction needed to rescue the game.
The second half the Victory looked very settled and went into their shell a little bit at times. The Mariners scored a late goal to give them so hope but didn’t deserve anything more on the night as they go home empty handed.
Melbourne Victory
Danny Vukovic – 6: Had very little to do and dealt with anything that came his way but did concede from a corner.
Dylan Murnane – 6: Kept Austin quiet and was able to get forward when needed to support Barbarouses.
Matthieu Delpierre – 7: Was very solid at the back and showed fantastic composure both on and off the ball. Lead from the back and made sure his side didn’t lose focus.
Leigh Broxham – 6: Played the centre back role very well and was able to start the attacks from the back after they won the ball back.
Daniel Georgievski – 6.5: Was up against Adelson, but he managed to deal with the youngster’s pace very well. Got forward well from right-back.
Oliver Bozanic – 8: Controlled the midfield and provided a wonderful backheel assist for Finkler’s first goal. The Mariners midfielders had no answers to his talents.
Rashid Mahazi – 7.5: Was very composed on the ball at the back even with the Mariners trying to press him. Was also able to slow the Mariners from coming forward on more than one occasion.
Guilherme Finkler – 9: Showed fantastic composure to net his first and a pinpoint free kick for his second. Possibly some complacency came into his game in the second half as he gave the ball away with some sloppy passes a couple of times.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 6.5: Roux did well on him when the defense was set but on the break and when he drifted inside Khalfallah started to cause trouble.
Kosta Barbarouses – 6.5: Got the better of Rose on a number of occasions and created some good opportunities with dangerous balls into the box.
George Howard – 6: Was a willing runner while he was out there and pressed the Mariners back four to great effect. Did struggle at times to hold the ball up and made some poor decisions but overall a good performance for his first start.
Substitutions
Connor Pain – 6.5: Came on for the final 20 minutes of the match and caused the Mariners all sorts of issues with his pace.
Jesse Makarounas – N/A: Came on for the final 10 minutes, was not really able to get into the game.
Joey Katebian – N/A: Not enough time to have an impact.
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