Melbourne Derby: Heart vs Victory – A-League live scores, blog
Roar Pro By HarryBalding, 5 Oct 2012 HarryBalding is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- A-League, football, live blog, melbourne heart, Melbourne Victory
129 Have your say
Carlos Hernandez (right) of Melbourne Victory contests the ball against Fred of Melbourne Heart, during their round 12 match of the A-League season at AAMI park in Melbourne on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Live Scores
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
|
Melb Victory V Melb Heart ETIHAD STADIUM, MELBOURNE, VIC, 5 OCTOBER 2012 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Melb Victory | Match Completed | Melb Heart |
| 1 | FINAL SCORE | 2 |
| 1 | HALF TIME SCORE | 2 |
| 8 | SHOTS | 12 |
| 3 | SHOTS ON GOAL | 6 |
| 10 | FOULS | 17 |
| 3 | CORNERS | 4 |
| 1 | OFFSIDES | 5 |
| 58 | POSSESSION | 42 |
Melbourne will be set alight tonight when Melbourne Victory host Melbourne Heart in what shapes as another fierce derby to open the A-League season. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEST.
As Melbourne’s two representatives in Australia’s highest domestic football competition, the Victory and Heart will be sure to field their strongest possible teams to gain the early advantage over their crosstown opponents.
Both teams escaped the limelight for the most part during the offseason, with much of the hype going to the Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and the Wanderers as a result of their big name (and big money) signings.
Victory, however, pulled off quite a coup with coercing their new manager Ange Postecoglou away from his comfortable position with the Brisbane Roar, and will be banking on his influence to pay immediate dividends.
Postecoglou has a number of attacking options to consider for the opener. With the departure of Harry Kewell, Victory fans can expect to see Marco Rojas and Archie Thompson on the flanks, feeding the ball to the more central Marcos Flores and Guilherme Finkler.
The South American partnership of Flores and Finkler, who looked particularly dangerous in their last friendly match with Perth Glory, will be the key to the Victory attack.
Their fast, fluid pass-and-move plays will be keeping the Heart defence busy right until the final whistle.
The Heart, meanwhile, will take bags of confidence away from their performance last season.
Manager John Aloisi will be hoping that finishing above their crosstown rivals and securing a finals berth last year will provide the momentum required to build a club capable of challenging for the title.
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Heart is former West Ham and Hull City winger Richard Garcia.
Having experienced football in England at the highest level for nearly 10 years, the Socceroo will bring valuable experience and leadership qualities that Heart Manager John Aloisi, and his team mates will greatly appreciate.
Prediction
The match will be won and lost in midfield. Any loose ball needs to be won by the Heart in order to starve an impressive Victory front four.
It will be a close match, as Heart probably have the edge over their local rivals in the middle of the park, but I think Victory will outclass their young neighbours.
Finishing below the Heart last season will sting for the two-time champions Victory and they will be playing for a win, rather than hoping for just a point to start their campaign.
Victory 3-1 Heart.
Who gets the jump on their rivals to open the eighth instalment of the A-League? Join us for live updates from 7.30pm AEST tonight to find out and if you’re following along, leave a comment in the space below.
Live Score Updates
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
10' YELLOW CARD - Patrick Gerhardt (Melb Heart)
14' GOAL - David Williams (Melb Heart)
25' GOAL - Marco Rodrigo Rojas (Melb Victory)
27' YELLOW CARD - Richard Garcia (Melb Heart)
43' YELLOW CARD - Jonathan Bru (Melb Victory)
45 + 2' GOAL - Dylan Macallister (Melb Heart)
56' YELLOW CARD - 'Fred' Helbert Frederico Carreiro Da Silva (Melb Heart)
90 + 3' YELLOW CARD - Mate Dugandzic (Melb Heart)
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The Crowd Says (129) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
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- A-League, football, live blog, melbourne heart, Melbourne Victory
10:34pm
Stevo said | 10:34pm | Report comment
9:42pm
HarryBalding said | 9:42pm | Report comment
What a fantastic way to kick off the new season of the A-League!
Bragging rights go to John Aloisi’s Melbourne Heart, who take the three points in a fiercely contested battle against their cross-town foes. Ange Postecoglou, however, will be raging, and will surely spend a large amount of time thinking through what he and his men could have done better.
The first-half may have provided all the goals, but it was the second half that left spectators (and assuredly the players) completely breathless. There were fifteen-to-twenty minutes right at the end of end-to-end play. Victory would build pressure, be denied, and Heart would race away on the counter. If not for the Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas, Heart would have had a few more goals.
Sadly, blatant time wasting at the death marred a match that was played in good spirit. Both teams fought hard, but fairly, for a derby Victory that excited anyone who watched.
In the end, it was a victory for attacking football; There was minimal long-ball style football. It was the pass-and-move play that thrilled the viewers, and opened up the defenders.
Thanks for joining!
Final score:
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:35pm
Marc said | 9:35pm | Report comment
Great game. Congrats Heart. And thanx Harry.
9:50pm
clayts said | 9:50pm | Report comment
It was. And again the “experts” take a knock. Heart rank outsiders and should have put 5 past the team all the “experts” say should be a top two finisher. Heart didn’t look like a “bottom two” side to me. “Oh by the Heart have lost too many good players!” And Victory haven’t? How do we not know the Heart’s new recruits are better than the relative no-names the departees were before Heart played them? Tonight should have been a flogging
12:19am
Nathan of Perth said | 12:19am | Report comment
And Victory certainly didn’t look like a Top 3 side!
Defence cannot be neglected! Thomas was more lucky than good – in the second half Heart’s finishing was putrid. Leijer is an absolute liability. Foschini the same. You cannot finish high up the ladder if you look constitutionally incapable of keeping a clean-sheet!
10:54am
clayts said | 10:54am | Report comment
100% agree. Victory’s defense looked as leaky as last year. Heart’s looked much more solid. Every time Heart went forward into Victory’s penalty area, they looked like scoring I thought. Williams really should have had a hat trick but already looks 10 times the player of the last 2 years I think. Mcallister also a great target man and not only replaces Babalj but I think improves upon him. His work rate was outstanding and I don’t think he lost even one contest all night. Deserved man of the match.
Interesting to see how Victory go next week up there in Brisbane. Roar will be coming off a trip to Perth and no doubt a tough game, and 1 day’s less rest than Victory. Seems like silly fixturing to me, but the Roar’s fitness levels last year were leagues better than what I saw from Victory last night. No team the Roar like beating more than the Victory. Looking forward to that one
9:50pm
clayts said | 9:50pm | Report comment
11:58pm
Nathan of Perth said | 11:58pm | Report comment
Absolutely a great game, very entertaining, great to watch.
A LOT of cobwebs were getting blown out, mind you, and a lot of ironclad chances were just getting plain blown, but great match and great sounding crowd.
9:34pm
HarryBalding said | 9:34pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
9:34pm
HarryBalding said | 9:34pm | Report comment
95′ – Heart substitution.
Dugandzic off, Vrankovic on.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:33pm
HarryBalding said | 9:33pm | Report comment
95′ – Behich called offside. A little time added on for Heart’s time-wasting. Can Victory steal a late goal?
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:33pm
HarryBalding said | 9:33pm | Report comment
94′ – Dugandzic down with cramp. He manages to haul himself off the field.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:32pm
HarryBalding said | 9:32pm | Report comment
93′ – Yellow card for Dugandzic for time wasting.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:31pm
HarryBalding said | 9:31pm | Report comment
92′ – Foschini cuts out William’s cross and sends it out for a corner. No hurry from MacAllister to send it in.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:30pm
HarryBalding said | 9:30pm | Report comment
91′ – Another four minutes of stoppage time announced.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:30pm
HarryBalding said | 9:30pm | Report comment
90′ – Thompson fires over from close range! The cross, poorly dealt with by the Heart defenders, falls at his feet, but maybe bobbles a little and harmlessly sails over. There was the chance for Victory!
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:29pm
HarryBalding said | 9:29pm | Report comment
90′ – David Williams now limping. It’s no wonder – there’s been so much end-to-end play that its astonishing there’s been no goals scored this half.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:27pm
HarryBalding said | 9:27pm | Report comment
89′ – Thomas denies Williams in a one-on-one breakaway. Williams did well to get there, but couldn’t conjure up a finish.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:25pm
HarryBalding said | 9:25pm | Report comment
86′ – Traore brilliantly gets in the way of a two-on-one for the Heart. Good defending.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:24pm
HarryBalding said | 9:24pm | Report comment
85′ – Heart trying to slow things down now that they are back in possession.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:23pm
HarryBalding said | 9:23pm | Report comment
84′ – Highly entertaining stuff here. Victory build up, build up and shoot, only to be denied each time. Heart are looking very dangerous on the counter, though.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:22pm
HarryBalding said | 9:22pm | Report comment
83′ – Great passing play by Victory is stamped out by some dogged heart defending.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:21pm
HarryBalding said | 9:21pm | Report comment
82′ – Heart substitution.
Tadic on, Fred off.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:20pm
HarryBalding said | 9:20pm | Report comment
81′ – Fred down in the centre circle with a cramp. Is it legitimate though? Heart in front with ten to go.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:24pm
Titus said | 9:24pm | Report comment
A lot of tired players out there, pre-season doesn’t prepare you for this.
9:27pm
Griffo said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Heart were cramping up against Jets first game last year a well. Co-incidence I’m sure.
If the long preseason is detrimental to a players health then there is only one answer for that – start a month early
9:19pm
HarryBalding said | 9:19pm | Report comment
80′ – Somehow, Victory prevent a goal being scored against them. Williams and Fred with two shots in quick succession, but a combination of determined defending and luck see them through.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:17pm
HarryBalding said | 9:17pm | Report comment
79′ – Markelis fouls Fred. Finally time to draw breath. It’s been end to end for more than five minutes now.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:17pm
Marc said | 9:17pm | Report comment
This is fantastic end-to-end stuff.
9:17pm
HarryBalding said | 9:17pm | Report comment
78′ – MacAllister screams for a penalty as he is brought down by Thomas just inside the box, but not given.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:16pm
HarryBalding said | 9:16pm | Report comment
77′ – Heart letting Victory build pressure now.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:15pm
HarryBalding said | 9:15pm | Report comment
76′ – Thomas makes a stunning save against Williams! How did he do that? Williams thought he had an open goal, only for the Victory keeper to bat it away to safety.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:14pm
HarryBalding said | 9:14pm | Report comment
75′ – Heart substitution.
Hoffman on, Thompson off.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:13pm
HarryBalding said | 9:13pm | Report comment
74′ – David Williams fires across the face of goal, with Thomas making a nice save to push it wide. The ref didn’t see it though – goal kick Victory.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:11pm
HarryBalding said | 9:11pm | Report comment
72′ – Ange Postecoglou uses his third and final substitution as Jeggo comes on for Flores.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:08pm
HarryBalding said | 9:08pm | Report comment
69′ – Allsopp can’t generate enough power with a header from a deft chip from the very recent replacement Markelis.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:05pm
HarryBalding said | 9:05pm | Report comment
67′ – Traore fires wide into the side netting to disappointingly conclude a nice sweeping move from Victory.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:04pm
HarryBalding said | 9:04pm | Report comment
65′ – Gerhardt almost chests the ball down right into the path of Rojas, who would have been through on an open goal had he not fouled Colosimo to get there.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:03pm
HarryBalding said | 9:03pm | Report comment
64′ – Victory Substitution.
Alsopp on, Broxham off.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:02pm
HarryBalding said | 9:02pm | Report comment
63′ – Thomas blocks a chance using his chest way out of his box. Cries for hand-ball correctly denied by the ref.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
9:01pm
HarryBalding said | 9:01pm | Report comment
62′ – Victory begging for a final pass to set up a shot. They’ve had the ball in dangerous positions but just haven’t been able to put it away.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:59pm
HarryBalding said | 8:59pm | Report comment
59′ – Finkler lets a good ball go past him over the touch line. Poor effort – a cross in might have been dangerous.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:58pm
HarryBalding said | 8:58pm | Report comment
59′ – Broxham catches WIlliams. Maybe lucky to escape a yellow card there, as WIlliams might have been away.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:56pm
HarryBalding said | 8:56pm | Report comment
57′ – Rojas called offside. He was always in an offside position there!
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:55pm
HarryBalding said | 8:55pm | Report comment
56′ – Fred is shown a yellow card for interfering with the play.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:54pm
HarryBalding said | 8:54pm | Report comment
55′ – Victory restart play by returning possession to the Heart. Victory fans are upping the volume.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:53pm
HarryBalding said | 8:53pm | Report comment
53′ – Behich rolling on the ground in pain after Rojas (completely accidentally) plants a boot on his arm. Behich milking it?
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:51pm
HarryBalding said | 8:51pm | Report comment
53′ – Behich surrounded by three Victory defenders in the corner. Goal kick.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:49pm
HarryBalding said | 8:49pm | Report comment
51′ – Cross by Dugandzic is snatched out of the air by Thomas.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:48pm
HarryBalding said | 8:48pm | Report comment
50′ – MacAllister dances his way past two sheepish looking defenders, but his attempt at a chip over Thomas sails just wide.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:47pm
HarryBalding said | 8:47pm | Report comment
49′ – Long ball by Thompson snatched up by Thomas.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:46pm
HarryBalding said | 8:46pm | Report comment
48′ – Victory give away possession in the final third after some nice build-up passing play.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:45pm
HarryBalding said | 8:45pm | Report comment
46′ – Thompson showing determination to chase a lost-cause of a ball, which Bolton shepherd out for a goal kick.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:44pm
HarryBalding said | 8:44pm | Report comment
The second half gets underway.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:37pm
HarryBalding said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Heart head into the sheds with smiles on their faces. Aloisi would be happy with his men, but he’ll be sure to impress on them his desire not to let this one slip.
It’s been a scorching game. Lovely little passing combinations have led to all three goals. The build-up play, while not always culminating in a goal, has been sensational to watch.
Heart may be up on the scoreboard, but I feel it needs to be said that Victory have looked just as (if not more) dangerous that their opponents in the final third. Finkler, Thompson and Rojas have been lighting up Etihad Stadium, and I’m sure mine aren’t the only crossed fingers hoping that they can keep it up in the second half.
The hunger for the ball shown by the Heart has been pleasing to see. Victory have almost signed their own death-wish with attempting to pass it out from the back. Heart will have to keep this hunger up to overturn the possession deficit, and maybe even nick a cheap goal.
As an aside, it’s a very pleasant change to see football played by guys who are (for the most part) trying to stay on their feet. Watching European football has many more pro’s than con’s, but the simulation is atrocious. Well done to the A-League players and officials for actively standing against diving.
Second half to follow shortly.
8:39pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:39pm | Report comment
You’re right about guys staying on their feet. It’s easier on the eye thats for sure.
That pass for Heart’s second goal was the best touch of the game so far, or was it the Flores flick for the first Victory goal? Clearly both of these sides have prepared well this off season.
8:39pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:39pm | Report comment
You’re right about guys staying on their feet. It’s easier on the eye thats for sure.
That pass for Heart’s second goal was the best touch of the game so far, or was it the Flores flick for the first Victory goal? Clearly both of these sides have prepared well this off season.
8:36pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Posession Victory – 58%, Heart – 42%
Time in Opp half Victory – 40%, Heart – 60%
Interesting to see the possession and position on the pitch flipped there. As much as Postecoglou loves the possession game Victory looked by far the best when they went vertical.
8:40pm
HarryBalding said | 8:40pm | Report comment
It might take a while for Ange’s keep-ball tactics to pay dividends, but I’m sure they will. he has a quality side, and he’s a quality coach. I can see Victory in the final this year, but Heart are sticking it to them!
8:46pm
Griffo said | 8:46pm | Report comment
8:36pm
Griffo said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Heart stats: 42% possession but 60% of time in Victory’s half – 7 shots for 4 on target, 2 goals.
Deserved lead? Flores on the post could have been a draw for half-time.
8:37pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Great minds think a like Griffo!
That was pretty close right at the end. I think a draw would be fair so far. Lets hope that draw is 3-3 and we get a few more net bulges!
8:41pm
Griffo said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Some cracker goals so far Elisha so I wouldn’t mind that one bit.
8:42pm
HarryBalding said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Yeah probably a deserved lead for mine. You can argue a case that it should be even, but hitting the bar is not scoring a goal. Flores should have buried that one I reckon!
8:28pm
HarryBalding said | 8:28pm | Report comment
Half-time.
8:37pm
Q said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Thanks, couldn’t make it. Sounds like an attacking game.
Go Heart!
8:28pm
HarryBalding said | 8:28pm | Report comment
49′ – Victory with a chance to respond, but Finkler’s ball eludes Archie Thompson. That’s a real shame.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:27pm
HarryBalding said | 8:27pm | Report comment
47′ – GOAL!!
MacAllister finishes off a clever ball from Dugandzic! Thomas and the defenders look helpless as the veteran striker does what he does best at the back post.
Heart 2 – Victory 1
8:25pm
HarryBalding said | 8:25pm | Report comment
46′ – Four minutes of stoppage time announced.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:24pm
HarryBalding said | 8:24pm | Report comment
45′ – Flores hits the bar from close range after a lovely little play from Victory.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:23pm
HarryBalding said | 8:23pm | Report comment
44′ – free kick out wide for the Heart produces little.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:23pm
HarryBalding said | 8:23pm | Report comment
43′ – Bru is shown the yellow card shortly after returning to the pitch from injury. Williams just beat him for pace there.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:19pm
HarryBalding said | 8:19pm | Report comment
Garcia catches Bru heavily, and the Victory man is down injured. Garcia has to be careful here – he’s already on a yellow card.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:19pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:19pm | Report comment
I have to say that this is my most looked forward to A-League season yet. This is a pretty good opening game so far. Neither team is staying in it’s shell. The first 5-10 was shaky and slow but thats the first game of the year. Since then its been very lively both ways.
The team that starts narrowing the mid-field gap should get this win. Lots of space in there atm, its up for grabs.
Also, does anyone else just think it’s cool to see John Aloisi on the sideline? Just great for the football culture to have one of our headline national team guys now having a job on the sideline in the A-League.
8:21pm
HarryBalding said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Definitely, Elisha! I really hope he does well. It’s great for the game here, and I hope he does really well. He seems like a nice guy, and he’s given a lot to the sport during his career.
8:30pm
Griffo said | 8:30pm | Report comment
It is a good thing.
Good to see him fist pumping the second goal, too. Still a bit of the player still in him there, something different for fans to enjoy.
8:18pm
HarryBalding said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Corner for Victory as Thompson and Rojas put the pressure on Bolton and his defenders, who truthfully haven’t looked so solid in defence.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:21pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Thanks for calling the game Harry, coming from a regular live-blogger! Just one thing – put the minute the game is up to next to the score in your posts. That’ll make it a bit more informative for people who check out the site but can’t see the game.
Love your work mate.
8:18pm
HarryBalding said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Behich’s ball in finds Garcia’s head, but he can’t beat Thomas.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:16pm
HarryBalding said | 8:16pm | Report comment
Foul by MacAllister for over-zealous hassling on the Victory defender.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:15pm
HarryBalding said | 8:15pm | Report comment
Another corner for the Heart as Traore cuts out Dugandzic’s cross.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:15pm
HarryBalding said | 8:15pm | Report comment
Heart corner as Leijer clumsily mishits the ball from a simple-looking clearance.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:14pm
HarryBalding said | 8:14pm | Report comment
A goal kick is the only result from a nice-looking ball in from the free kick.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:13pm
HarryBalding said | 8:13pm | Report comment
Foul by Leijer for a push in MacAllister’s back. Free kick well within range for Heart.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:12pm
HarryBalding said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Finkler tries a through ball for Rojas. Bolton gratefully scoops it up.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:10pm
HarryBalding said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Williams tests Thomas with a shot from range. Thomas can only push it away for a corner.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:10pm
HarryBalding said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Shot from Behich cut out on the edge of the box.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:08pm
Griffo said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Victory don’t look quite as comfortable passing out from the back as Roar just yet.
8:17pm
Elisha Pearce said | 8:17pm | Report comment
Agree with you there mate.
8:21pm
Marc said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Lawrence Thomas, Thomas Lawrence has not made it easy to play out from the back …
8:08pm
HarryBalding said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Finkler takes a curling shot on his right, but it doesn’t curl enough to beat Bolton on his left-hand post.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:06pm
HarryBalding said | 8:06pm | Report comment
Victory trying to settle the play down a little now by again playing out from the back.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:05pm
HarryBalding said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Yellow card for Garcia for dragging Flores back using his arm.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:04pm
Marc said | 8:04pm | Report comment
That was classy ..
8:05pm
HarryBalding said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Wasn’t it?!
8:03pm
HarryBalding said | 8:03pm | Report comment
GOAL!!
Wonderful cross from Thompson finds Rojas, who eludes his defender who can side-foot volley the ball past Bolton.
Heart 1 – Victory 1
8:02pm
HarryBalding said | 8:02pm | Report comment
The Victory defence are playing with fire by attempting to play out from the back.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
8:01pm
HarryBalding said | 8:01pm | Report comment
Poor touch from Thompson to take it over the sideline halts a nice-looking move from Victory.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
8:00pm
HarryBalding said | 8:00pm | Report comment
Colosimo cuts out a ball intended for Thompson. Victory corner.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
7:59pm
HarryBalding said | 7:59pm | Report comment
Rojas almost through for a one-on-one with Bolton, but the wily keeper races off his line to clean up.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
7:57pm
HarryBalding said | 7:57pm | Report comment
Nothing comes from the free kick, but Victory retain possession.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
7:57pm
HarryBalding said | 7:57pm | Report comment
Foul by Colosimo on Finkler for a heavy challenge. Victory free kick from about 40 yards out.
7:54pm
HarryBalding said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Short corner from Finkler, but it comes to nothing after a poor touch by Broxham takes it past the by-line.
7:54pm
HarryBalding said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Corner for Victory. Finkler to take.
7:53pm
HarryBalding said | 7:53pm | Report comment
GOAL!
David Williams with the opening goal of the season! Through ball was left alone by Macallister and WIlliams catches the keeper Thomas out of position.
Heart 1 – Victory 0
7:54pm
Marc said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Dummy by Macallister or did he just miss it?
7:55pm
HarryBalding said | 7:55pm | Report comment
Definite dummy
7:53pm
Nathan of Perth said | 7:53pm | Report comment
Hahaha
Oh dear…
7:50pm
HarryBalding said | 7:50pm | Report comment
Williams caught offside. Good defending against the long ball.
7:48pm
HarryBalding said | 7:48pm | Report comment
Foul by Dugandzic on Flores around about the half-way line.
7:48pm
Nathan of Perth said | 7:48pm | Report comment
Oh so close! Bit of clumsy work out there though…
LOVE the noise, sing your hearts out you Vic dogs!
7:50pm
HarryBalding said | 7:50pm | Report comment
Gerhardt earns a yellow card for another careless challenge.
7:47pm
HarryBalding said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Shot from MacAllister goes just wide after some scrappy defending. Thomas out of position – maybe should have done better.
7:46pm
HarryBalding said | 7:46pm | Report comment
Leijer cuts out a beautiful looking cross from Garcia. Good committment!
7:45pm
HarryBalding said | 7:45pm | Report comment
Foul by Thompson on Gerhardt. The foul breaks up a nice attacking move from Victory. Flores and Archie combining nicely.
7:44pm
HarryBalding said | 7:44pm | Report comment
Traore shields a hefty long ball from the defender, as it goes out for another goal kick.
7:42pm
HarryBalding said | 7:42pm | Report comment
Shot from Garcia goes close – but just over. Good touch to set it, and quite powerful.
7:41pm
HarryBalding said | 7:41pm | Report comment
Goal kick for Victory after some good high pressing from Heart.
7:40pm
HarryBalding said | 7:40pm | Report comment
Foul by Gerhardt on Finkler. Victory free kick in their own half.
7:39pm
HarryBalding said | 7:39pm | Report comment
The game gets under way.
7:38pm
HarryBalding said | 7:38pm | Report comment
Both teams favouring the 4-3-3 formation. Should make for an interesting tussle when the counter-attack is on.
7:35pm
HarryBalding said | 7:35pm | Report comment
Cheers echo around the ground as the teams walk out. Heart in the red-and-white kit, and Victory in their famous navy with white V.
7:33pm
HarryBalding said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Heart starting 11: BOLTON, MARRONE, COLOSIMO, FRED, GERHARDT, THOMPSON, MACALLISTER, GARCIA, WILLIAMS, BEHICH, DUGANDZIC
7:32pm
HarryBalding said | 7:32pm | Report comment
Victory starting 11: FOSCHINI, TRAORE, MILLIGAN, BROXHAM, FINKLER, BRU, FLORES, THOMPSON, ROJAS, THOMAS, LEIJER
7:29pm
HarryBalding said | 7:29pm | Report comment
Robbie Slater raises a good point – Aloisi’s first real game in charge is arguably going to be his biggest test. Local derby, against super coach (can we call him that yet?) Ange Postecoglou. A real baptism of fire!
7:21pm
HarryBalding said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Welcome everyone to the opening game of the 2012-13 A-League season. There’s less than 15 minutes to kickoff, and fans are still streaming into Etihad Stadium.
The sense of anticipation is heavy in the air. It’s been a long wait for this moment – the start of perhaps the most anticipated A-League season yet.
Updates to follow every minute from kickoff.
7:20pm
Griffo said | 7:20pm | Report comment
Not long now.
Richard Garcia…hasn’t he been lost amongst other signings.
He might score the winning goal tonight saying that…
6:36pm
Clayts said | 6:36pm | Report comment
Velaphi certainly not in the “most likely” team. Ange has already said Thomas has the gloves for this one.
I’m going to go against all the ‘experts’ (who predicted MV to win the whole thing at the same time last year) and pick a draw.
I also vote for not staging the derby on opening night. Would much rather the oft hacked to pieces a league sides during an off season at least have a few weeks to gel before playing in one of the biggest games of the year.
7:08pm
@mo_mackie said | 7:08pm | Report comment
I am with ya bro, Draw all round.