Melbourne Victory played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Western United in the NPL 3 Victoria on Sunday.
Summary
Victory led twice at Epping Stadium through Matthew Bozinovski and William Wilson.
But Western equalised twice with goals from Adisu Bayew and Manyluak Aguek.
While Western was on top early, there were few clear-cut chances for either side, although Bozinovski did make an excellent challenge to stop Sabit Ngor’s run in the 14th minute.
Victory built into the encounter and enjoyed the better of the opportunities before opening the scoring.
Adem Duratovic saw an effort lack the power to trouble Western goalkeeper Charlie Emery.
Josh Varga fired over from 20 yards midway through the first half after being set up by Thomas Lambiris, while the former’s corner was also headed over by Edmond Lupancu before Darcy Anastovski hit the side-netting from a difficult angle.
Wilson was the next to go close eight minutes before half-time, denied in a one-on-one by Emery after playing a one-two with Ryan Lethlean.
Victory opened the scoring six minutes prior to the break through Bozinovski, whose towering header from Varga’s set-piece found the back of the net.
After Victory goalkeeper Marko Bulic made a strong low save to deny Jalil Regague’s volley, Western levelled as Bayew picked out the bottom corner from inside the area.
Victory took the lead once more eight minutes into the second half as Wilson curled a tremendous 30-yard free-kick into the bottom corner.
But Western responded immediately through Aguek, who volleyed in from inside the area.
Victory looked the more likely to find a winner and Jimmy Paneras forced a low save from Emery after a nice pass from Varga in the 67th minute.
Paneras then headed a Duratovic cross wide before the latter fired just wide following a Varga pass.
Victory continued to look dangerous on the break, but needed a good save from Bulic, who tipped over a powerful Abel Walatee strike, with eight minutes remaining.
Under-21s
Victory’s U19s continued their perfect start to the season with a 3-1 win over Western United.
