Melbourne Victory have set up an FFA Cup semi-final with Melbourne City after overcoming a dogged Bentleigh Greens 2-0 in their quarter-final on Tuesday night.
Marco Rojas and James Troisi’s second-half goals were enough for Victory to keep alive their defence of the cup.
But to progress to their second-straight final, Kevin Muscat’s side will need to overcome their cross-town rivals after the draw for the last four paired the two clubs.
With the semi-finals scheduled for two dates in late October, it means the Melbourne A-League sides will meet just days after their first A-League match-up of the season.
The other semi-final will pair Canberra Olympic, who defeated Green Gully 1-0 on Tuesday, and Sydney FC.
At Kingston Heath, Bentleigh matched the A-League giants for an hour, frustrating them in front of a record 3,754-strong crowd.
Their resistance gave way on 63 minutes, when Victory stole possession and the lead.
Leigh Broxham won the ball well, playing in Oliver Bozanic who crossed for Rojas to bundle home at the back post.
Five minutes later, Muscat’s side had their second and a degree of security.
Troisi, Victory’s most prominent attacker, turned away from his marker after a short corner and unleashed a strike past goalkeeper Ryan Scott with a hearty deflection off Troy Ruthven and the crossbar.
The Greens showed themselves to be worthy opponents but failed to seriously challenge Victory’s goal despite their organisation.
The state league premiers took it up to Victory despite missing ineligible midfielder Ross Honos and captain Wayne Wallace and Chris Lucas with knee injuries.
Luke Pilkington and Tyson Holmes – who became a father for the first time earlier on Tuesday – were prominent for the understrength Greens.
Goalkeeper Scott had moments of distinction, stopping the scoreline from blowing out in the 85th minute by denying Rojas a second goal from a one-on-one.
Fluency in attack could be Muscat’s prime frustration.
Besart Berisha was isolated and made little impact, hitting the post with his only clear-cut chance.
The miss ended his run of scoring in seven straight FFA Cup matches.
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