Melbourne Victory kept their aspirations of a top four berth alive with an industrious 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on Good Friday.
A brace from Oliver Bozanic either side of half-time settled the entertaining contest and ensure a valuable three points for the reigning champions.
Bozanic sent the home crowd into a frenzy after three minutes with a lightning strike from outside the box, as a result of some questionable keeping from WSW gloveman Liam Reddy.
Dimas tested his luck from range, in search of an equaliser and forced Lawrence Thomas into a smart save, tipping the ball away for a corner.
The second-choice goalkeeper was again called into action, as Thomas made a fabulous double save to deny both Mitch Nichols and Dario Vidosic golden opportunities to draw level.
Melbourne were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when defender Daniel Georgievski committed an impetuous studs up tackle on Nichols’ knee only to receive a caution.
After the interval, the Victory’s appeal for a penalty was correctly refuted by referee Strebre Delovski as the onrushing Reddy initially made contact with the ball, before collecting Besart Berisha.
Bozanic netted his second on the evening with an instinctive toe-poke finish, after the Wanderers failed to clear their lines.
The hosts survived an onslaught of WSW pressure in the latter stages of the clash, but held on to secure a crucial win in front of 20 097 spectators.
The result sees Victory temporarily move level with Perth on 37 points, while Western Sydney could surrender top spot and drop to fourth if results go against them.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
Let's see if the flares are left in the wardrobe today. #MVCvWSW #aleague
— Chris Jack (@chrisjackis) March 25, 2016
40 cops, I think that's a little overkill. The folks in the bay know it'll cost them the league. #MVCvWSW
— Jon Turner (@Jon_Turner13) March 25, 2016
Even if Victory scrap into finals, you have to pay them respect and see them as a danger. Wouldn't write them off just yet. #MVCvWSW
— Patrick Gullaci (@pgullaci) March 25, 2016
Nice strike by Bozanic, but WSW were far too slow to close him down and the less said about that keeping, the better #MVCvWSW
— Ben Smith (@BenSmith94) March 25, 2016
The only bloke unhappy with this performance so far is Danny Vukovic. May not see 1st team action for a while now. #MVCvWSW
— Tiger Talk (@MelbTigerTalk) March 25, 2016
How is this NOT red card. #MVCvWSW pic.twitter.com/akEmGVrQlf
— Behind the Game (@behindthegamepd) March 25, 2016
Victory lucky not to be down to 10. Has to be a red card, Georgevski has jumped in, studs up and collected Nichols above the knee #MVCvWSW
— Stefan (@StefanGiuffre) March 25, 2016
How is that not a red?? Please!! Terrible decision #MVCvWSW #sbsaleague
— David Zdrilic (@Zdrila) March 25, 2016
Kevin Muscat wanted a reaction from his players tonight and he's gotten it. Great start for the Victory. #MVCvWSW
— Lucy Zelic (@LucyZelic) March 25, 2016
Didn't see Andy Harper's HT analysis but if he thinks thats not a red, there's no telling what he will say from here on out #MVCvWSW
— Blake (@blake_1986) March 25, 2016
Victory's fitness coach has taken the balls from the ball kid's behind the WSW attacking goal & has hidden them behind ad signs #MVCvWSW
— Anthony Colangelo (@AnthColangelo) March 25, 2016
Crowd better than it looks at AAMI Park…just over 20,000. not bad for a Good Friday I would have thought
— Michael Lynch (@MickLynch_Age) March 25, 2016
Two Victory players on the ground w/ injury & staff hiding balls to slow down play. But no, other nations are cheaters. We wouldn't do that.
— Ryan Steele (ライアン) (@Steelinho) March 25, 2016
Popa signs superstars like Sim and Pepper then doesn't play them in must win games like this. #MVCvWSW
— Rob (@RobskiNew) March 25, 2016
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