Melbourne City FC has secured its second Melbourne Derby win this weekend, defeating Victory 2-1 at CB Smith Reserve on Sunday.
Cristopher Cristaldo propelled the hosts into an early lead before Victory’s Joey Katebian levelled proceedings, allowing Nick Gonzalez to score a late winner to cap off an enthralling contest.
Seven minutes was all the home support had to wait for the opener with Cristaldo beating the offside trap to tap home past Lawrence Thomas in goals.
With an early advantage, City looked to capitalise on its momentum with Kuzmanovski and Petrevski both trying their luck as the latter forced Thomas into making a few fine saves.
Despite dominating much of the opening interval, Victory fought its way back towards the break, creating a handful of chances.
Goalkeeper Jack West-Astuti was equal to the task however, denying both George Howard and John Maclean.
The visitors though netted the equaliser shortly after half time.
Anthony Duzel played the decisive ball through to Katebian, who slotted his attempt into the back-of-the-net.
With the scores level, both sides continued to trade blows in front of goal.
Substitute Stefan Zinni almost restored City’s lead 20 minutes from time, firing his attempt on the edge of the area just over the bar.
Jordan Hall had his effort from a corner thwarted inches away by Thomas, while the ‘keeper was fast off his line to foil Zinni from releasing a strike on goal with only five minutes remaining.
The winner though soon followed three minutes from time.
Zinni’s cut-back into the area allowed Gonzalez to tap his strike into the back-of-the-net.
Match details
Melbourne City 2 (Cristaldo 7′ Gonzalez 87′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Katebian 55′)
Melbourne City FC: 42. Jack West-Astuti (GK) 37. Leo Athanasiou, 46. Chris Cristaldo, 43. Tomislav Fadljevic, 38. Luke Gallo, 6. Denis Genreau, 36. Matt Millar, 44. Jordon Hall (5. Austin Wong 80′), 45. Andy Kecojevic, 48. Steve Kuzmanovski (Gonzalez 67′), 35. Phil Petreski (34. Stefan Zinni 53′).
Unused substitutes: 40. Yaren Sozer (GK).
Yellow Cards: Kecojevic (90′), Genreau (90+5′).
Red Cards: None
Melbourne Victory: 1. Lawrence Thomas (GK), 10. Kieran Dover (Sebastian Pasquali 78′), 8. Anthony Duzel (13. Cameron McGilp 78′), 4. Callum Goulding, 17. George Howard, 9. Joey Katebian, 11. John MacLean (7. Pierce Waring 78′), 5. Damien Miskulin, 15. James Xydias, 6. Stefan Nigro, 18. Christian Cavallo.
Unused Sustitutes: 1. Lucas Spinella (GK),
Yellow Cards: Nigro (20′), Xydias (28′), Duzel (72′), Cavallo (85′).
Red Cards: None
