Darren Davies’ side has claimed its first Foxtel National Youth League win of the season, defeating Perth Glory in the Round 2 clash.
Melbourne Victory 3 (Nabbout 6′, 69′, Katebian 45+1′)
Perth Glory 1 (Knowles 20′)
Playing at Lakeside Stadium for the first time this season, Davies’ side were dominant throughout, with speedy winger Andrew Nabbout netting a brace, and Joseph Katebian scoring on the cusp of half-time in the 3-1 win.
It was Glory who went close to the first goal from the kick-off, with Joseph Knowles almost giving the visiting side the perfect start after 20 seconds – Victory ‘keeper Lawrence Thomas holding on to the powerful shot.
But it didn’t take long for Victory to get on the scoreboard, with Nabbout curling a powerful strike into the corner to open the scoring after six minutes.
Victory almost doubled their lead two minutes later, with defender Milos Ridesic getting a powerful header on target from a corner, but Glory ‘keeper Jordan Thurtell was able to claim.
Nabbout, who was involved in most of Victory’s charges forward throughout the day, was unlucky not to net his brace on 15 minutes, firing a shot inches over the crossbar from Damian Miskulin’s sharp cutback inside the penalty box.
Despite Victory’s early dominance, Glory levelled the scores after 20 minutes, with Knowles rising highest from the corner and heading in the equaliser.
Nabbout was involved in Victory’s second, charging at the goal and unleashing a powerful shot on target that Glory ‘keeper Thurtell could only palm away into the path of Katebian to give the home side the lead right on half time.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Victory controlling possession and creating the better of the chances early on.
Victory should have doubled its lead in the 67th minute, with Nabbout again making a terrific run forward and cutting back for substitute George Howard, but Thurtell did well to get down low and snuff out the chance at Howard’s feet.
Melbourne’s third goal game on 69 minutes, with Nabbout going it alone and putting away a sharp chance in to the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Nabbout narrowly missed out on a hat-trick shortly after when he curled a powerful shot just wide of the upright, following some superb build up play from Kieran Dover in midfield.
Today’s victory leaves Davies’ men on one win and one draw, having scored a total of six goals in the first two outings of the season.
Victory’s Youth League campaign continues on Saturday, November 1 at Lakeside Stadium, with Davies’ boys taking on Brisbane Roar from 2.30pm. Entry is free.
Melbourne Victory
2. Damian MISKULIN 3. Milos RIDESIC 4. Thomas DENG 5. Dylan MURNANE (John VAKIRTZIS 46’) 7. Christopher CRISTALDO (C) 8. Jordan BROWN 9. Joseph KATEBIAN (George HOWARD 46’) 13. Andrew NABBOUT 14. Jesse MAKAROUNAS (Kieran DOVER 46’) 16. Rashid MAHAZI 20. Lawrence THOMAS (GK)
Unused subs: 20. Fraser MACLAREN (GK)
Perth Glory
1. Jordan THURTELL (GK) 2. Matthew DAVIES 3. Jacob COLLARD (C) 4. Nathan COSTELLO 5. Riley WOODCOCK 6. Mitchell OXBORROW 7. Slobodan VULIN (Jack IREDALE 56’) 8. Cameron EDWARDS 9. Joseph KNOWLES (Ali GHOLAMI 75’) 10. Daniel DE SILVA 11. Gian ALBANO (Borbor SAM 59’)
Unused subs: 20. Jordan FRANKEN (GK)
