Melbourne Victory defeated Melbourne City 2-1 in Saturday afternoon’s Foxtel Y-League Derby at Epping Stadium.
15-year-old Birkan Kirdar gave Victory the ideal start in the 9th minute, pouncing on a wayward pass by Aidan Farquhar before slotting the ball past Eugene Galekovic to open the scoring.
In the 13th minute Kirdar turned provider, teeing up Pierce Waring on the edge of the area, who blasted the ball into the top corner to double the lead.
City pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second half when Ramy Yajjarine was able to tap home at the back post.
Hyundai A-League defender James Donachie made his first appearance in Victory colours since a serious calf injury against Melbourne City in Round 2 on October 14.
Donachie started the game at centre back and played 75 minutes before being substituted for Benjamin Carrigan.
Kirdar and Waring shone in the early stages of the match, always looking dangerous and creating chances. Their intensity was rewarded with goals in the 9th and 13th minutes, respectively.
It should have been 3-0 in the 32nd minute when Kirdar picked out Waring in the area, however Galekovic pulled off a remarkable save to deny the young striker.
Victory continued to apply pressure, but the score remained 2-0 at the break.
City started the second half well and Yajjarine’s 56th minute strike reignited the contest.
Nuh Sehavdic had a golden opportunity to score Victory’s third in the 71st minute, only to be denied by another fantastic Galekovic save.
Despite City’s best efforts, Victory held firm and managed to see the game out to secure the three points.
