Springvale White Eagles have held off a fast-finishing Victory to record a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

Summary

It took just four minutes for the hosts to take the lead at White Eagles Stadium courtesy of a classic poacher’s finish from Damir Stoilovic.

The attacker swept home at the back post as Victory failed to clear their lines and he could have been on the scoresheet again if Majak Mawith hadn’t been alert to a number of shots from distance.

The Victory goalkeeper was kept busy in the shadows of half-time, punching away a number of dangerous deliveries as the hosts threatened to extend their lead.

The introduction of Yazid Said on the hour mark added spark to Victory’s attack and the winger looked to make an instant impact, darting to the corner flag and cutting back to So Nishikawa, who floated an effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

Victory hogged possession in the closing stages of the clash but couldn’t convert their chances in front of goal.

Interim Coach Vince Ierardo:

“We dominated a lot of the ball, particularly towards the end of the game, but just struggled to break them down.

“I thought the boys did well in parts. We played well in the last 20 minutes or so but we need to bring that level of intensity to 90 minutes of the game.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose that fixture but we probably didn’t deserve to win it at the same time.”

Under-20s

Victory’s under-20s claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Springvale White Eagles. 

NPL2 West 2018 Round 23
Springvale White Eagles 1 (Damir Stoilovic 4′)
Melbourne Victory 0 

Melbourne Victory: Majak Mawith, Luke Goulding, Benjamin Carrigan (c), Aaron Anderson, So Nishikawa, Thierry Iradukunda (Yazid Said), Nicholas Hatzigeorgiou, Brady Quinn, Nicholas Sette, Jack Palazzolo, Brandon Lauton.

Next week

Victory hit the road again next week, playing Box Hill United at  Wembley Park on Sunday, August 5.