Melbourne Victory
2
Match Complete
Western United FC
3
89' | B. Berisha | |||
82' | D. Jertec | |||
75' | J. Risdon | |||
51' | S. McDonald | |||
29' | J. Donachie | |||
16' | A. Diamanti | |||
11' | C. Pain | |||
K. Dobras | 7' | |||
O. Toivonen | 6' |
16 | Shots | 10 | ||
3 | On Target | 4 | ||
14 | Fouls | 10 | ||
7 | Corners | 1 | ||
0 | Offsides | 0 | ||
0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
0 | Yellow Cards | 4 |
Western United defeated Melbourne Victory by three goals to two in what was an astonishing night of A-League football at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
With Besart Berisha’s return to Melbourne to face his old team providing the most popular headline to the contest, tensions and expectations were high for what was the first-ever derby between the two clubs.
Early on it appeared United may have been well beyond their depth. When Ola Toivonen and Kristijan Dobras found the net within the first seven minutes, the new kids on the block looked to be stunned kangaroos in the headlights.
However, there is something about this Mark Rudan fella that reeks of toughness and courage and his troops displayed those characteristics as they pulled back the lead to head to the sheds at 2-2.
The Victory fans were stunned, in fact, the United fans were as well, but it set up a terrific context for the second half.
There was to be far less expansive play after the break and Scott McDonald’s first goal for his new club in the 51st minute was to provide the difference between the two teams, despite Victory having the best of the play throughout much of the second 45.
Western United now move deep into the six and face the Wanderers at home next weekend, while Victory will enjoy a home fixture against the Phoenix where they will need three points or else.
For so long, fans of the A-League waited for expansion. Did they want the new teams to be this good? I’m not sure.
However, the addition of Western United has certainly added a layer of interest to the league.
If they keep winning, the title favourites might be starting to take notice of what appears to be a serious football team.
Final score
Melbourne Victory 2
Western United 3
Melbourne Victory and Western United face off in the first ever ‘Westgate Derby’. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEDT).
After something of a sluggish start to the season. Marco Kurz will have his squad primed to make a real statement to the new boys on the block when they meet at Marvel Stadium tonight.
With just one win to show for their efforts so far this season, the Victory have impressed no one with their play.
Things have looked a little clunky up front, no doubt as a result of the losses of Kosta Barbarouses and James Troisi in recent times.
Ola Toivonen is still there but to this point, has been unable to unlock the new combinations that Victory will need should they be challengers this season.
Mark Rudan has Western United sitting inside the top six in their debut season and they have been more than competitive in each of their opening three matches.
Level on points, a win tonight sees the victor take a serious step forward early in the season and be allowed a deep breath or two as the flurry of matches over the summer break loom.
Besart Berisha appears to have begun business as usual back in Melbourne and Rudan will have been furious that his team conceded late against 10 men in the club’s first-ever derby last weekend against Melbourne City.
Alessandro Diamanti and Scott McDonald have started the season well for United and Andrew Durante has marshalled his defence quite well in what is a new defensive combination and structure.
Victory suffered a hammer blow with the hamstring injury to Andrew Nabbout last weekend and are still without Robbie Kruse.
In better news for United, Johnathon Aspropotamitis comes back in and brings their squad to near full strength.
This match should attract a bumper crowd and plenty of passion in the terraces.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
When: Saturday 2nd November 2019, 7:30pm (AEDT)
TV: Fox Sports, Kayo Sport, MyFootball live app
Betting: Melbourne Victory $1.95 Draw $2.55 Western United $3.95
Melbourne Victory
2.Storm Roux, 3.Corey Brown, 4.James Donachie, 6.Leigh Broxham, 7.Kenny Athiu, 8.Jakob Poulsen, 11.Ola Toivonen (C), 14.Thomas Deng, 16.Josh Hope, 17.Elvis Kamsoba, 18.Migjen Basha, 19.Ben Carrigan, 20.Lawrence Thomas (Gk), 21.Adama Traore, 22.Kristijan Dobras, 24.Anthony Lesiotis, 25.Brandon Lauton, 30.Matthew Sutton (Gk), 50.Brendan White (Gk)
Western United
1.Filip Kurto (Gk), 2.Aaron Calver, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Andrew Durante, 5.Dylan Pierias, 6.Connor Chapman, 8.Panagiotis Kone, 10.Scott Mcdonald, 11.Connor Pain, 12.Dario Jertec, 13.Ivan Vujica, 14.Max Burgess, 15.Jonathan Aspropotamitis, 17.Joshua Cavallo, 18.Besart Berisha, 19.Josh Risdon, 20.James Delianov (Gk), 22.Ersan Gulum, 23.Alessandro Diamanti, 26.Kwabena Appiah-Kubi
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I was wondering
TK
Guest
Love how WU are playing - what a super game.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal kickers' cup is my name for Rugby. Sorry.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Western United has beaten Melbourne Victory by three goals to two in what was an astonishing night of A-League football at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. With Besart Berisha’s return to Melbourne to face his old team providing the most popular headline to the contest, tensions and expectations were high for what was the first ever derby between the two clubs. Early on it appeared United may have been well beyond their depth. When Ola Toivonen and Kristijan Dobras found the net within the first seven minutes, the new kids on the block looked to be stunned kangaroos in the headlights. However, there is something about this Mark Rudan fella that reeks of toughness and courage and his troops displayed those characteristics as they pulled back the lead to head to the sheds at 2-2. The Victory fans were stunned, in fact, I think the United fans were as well, but it set up a terrific context for the second half. There was to be far less expansive play after the break and Scott McDonald’s first goal for his new club in the 51st minute was to provide the difference between the two teams, despite Victory having the best of the play throughout much of the second 45. Western United now move deep into the six and face the Wanderers at home next weekend, whilst Victory will enjoy a home fixture against the Phoenix where they will need three points or else. For so long, fans of the A-League waited for expansion. Did they want the new teams to be this good? I’m not sure. However, the addition of Western United has certainly added a layer of interest to the league. If they keep winning, the title favourites might be starting to take notice of what appears to be a serious football team. Final Score Melbourne Victory………….2 Western United………………3
TPC
Roar Rookie
I haven't watched a boring WU game yet they are adding alot to the league. Victory played well too they are missing some punch up front due to injuries
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Match report will follow in five minutes. Be sure to stick with the Roar for the remainder of the A-League action this weekend. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Marco for the chop????
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the match. What a contest it was. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Nick Symonds
Guest
Classic.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Ha ha - brilliant
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL TIME Western United have beaten the Victory after conceding the first two goals of the night. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
96' A late corner for the Victory. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+5 Seconds remain and the Victory are going to fall short on a night when they led by two clear goal in the first half. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
94' Victory continue to attack and United continue to defend. A great first half has led to a gripping yet nervous second once United took the lead. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' Calver comes on for Diamanti. Rudan wants to sure up the defence with just a minute or so remaining. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stevo
Roar Rookie
We have more, I counted that lot on a couple of hands :laughing:
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+2 Wow, Kenny with some skill. He is the Matt Simon of Melbourne in my view. Both geniuses! Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+1 Five minutes to be added as Victory continue to attack. Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
89' Things degenerating into a grapple in the final few minutes. Just what United wants. Athiu unleashes a high boot. Settle down Kenny!!!!!!! Melbourne Victory.............2 Western United..................3
89'