Victory ease past Adelaide

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An experienced Melbourne Victory line up has routed Adelaide United 3-0 in the National Youth League at SS Anderson Reserve on Saturday.

An experienced Melbourne Victory line up has routed Adelaide United 3-0 in the National Youth League at SS Anderson Reserve on Saturday.

Theo Markelis, one of seven players from Victory’s senior list, scored the game’s opener from an innocuous through ball which deflected past Adelaide goalkeeper John Hall after nine minutes.

Markelis’ replacement Isaka Cernak doubled their lead after half-time, before Jake Nakic added the third in the final quarter-hour to ensure a resounding victory for the home side.

Adelaide had a chance to equalise just moments after conceding early, when a Victory turnover set up Thomas Briscoe’s strike from 25 yards out but Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas proved up to the task and stopped the debutant’s attempt on goal.

Victory continued to run their offensive attack through Markelis on the left side in the first half with the striker narrowly missing a chance in front of goal at the 16th minute off of a crossed ball from Diego Ferreira.

The home side dominated the early possession but Adelaide were able to work their way back into the contest through the hard work of Awer Mabil on the right wing.

Adelaide looked to have scored the equaliser on 39 minutes when Briscoe headed a corner from John Karatzas into the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for a Reds foul.

Victory almost increased their lead late in the half, but they were halted when Adelaide’s Jordan Elsey blocked a Christopher Cristaldo pass to Luke O’Dea, with the latter through on goal.

Melbourne came out on the attack after the break, with Ferreira earning a free kick in a dangerous area, but Nakic failed to convert with a low strike at the Adelaide custodian.

Adelaide’s first chance after the break came when Jacob Melling sent a powerful strike over the crossbar just moments later.

Another missed Victory chance came in the 57th minute, when Hall came out of his area to halt Kwabena Boahene who could not convert his shot on the open goal.

But Melbourne’s efforts were finally rewarded when Nakic played a ball to the right-hand side of the box which was put away by Markelis’ half-time substitute Cernak to give his side the two-goal lead.

Nakic himself confirmed the result for the Victory with 15 minutes remaining when he placed a quality finish into the net past Hall.

Melbourne’s mature-age players Leigh Broxham and Sam Gallagher also impressed in the match setting up the play from the back half to see the Victory make the perfect start to their campaign.

Adelaide will attempt secure their first win of the season next week when they face the Australian Institute of Sport at home.