It was a tense and nervy affair but Melbourne Victory did just enough to get past reigning champions Brisbane Roar, getting up courtesy of a late Jade North own goal.
Match Report > Berisha plays part at Victory extend unbeaten run
***
GK: Nathan Coe – 7
Was solid in goal all night without needing to do anything truly spectacular. Made a few decent saves in the first half, wasn’t tested in the second half until late, saving Lustica’s long range volley.
LB: Daniel Georgevski – 7
Another good performance from the Macedonian international, controlling Henrique well, along with Broich and Petratos at times. Did his bit going forward as usual.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 8
Another brilliant performance by the victory vice-captain. Playing out of position at centre back, he repelled everything Brisbane threw at him, making vital clearing headers and tackles for the full 90 minutes, whilst proving himself a real goal threat, getting on the end of three great chances.
★ CB: Adrian Leijer – 8.5 ★
Arguably the former skipper’s best performance of the season. He was everywhere when he needed to be, stopping Brisbane in their tracks numerous times, whilst doing well to create moves rarely missing a pass into midfield. A truly commanding performance.
RB: Scott Galloway – 6.5
A solid game from the young Socceroo. Did well to hold control Broich for most of the game, however seemed to lack some of his usually solid decision making going forward, turning the ball over a few times.
CM: Mark Milligan – 6.5
A frustrating game for the skipper, who was booked late in the first half. In a stop-start game, he was never really able to exercise his usual influence, perhaps due to the heavy knocks he took during the first half.
CM: Carl Valeri – 6.5
A similar story to Milligan. After being booked early on, he was unable to be as hard in the tackle as he normally is. Had a solid passing game as usual, but again was unable to influence the game as much as he’d like, given the choppy flow of the contest.
AM: Gui Finkler – 5.5
Unable to exert his usual impact on the game. Delivered a few decent corners, but overall was disappointing from set-pieces, and was closed down very quickly for most of the game by Brisbane’s midfield, so had little influence during open play.
LW: Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5
Again a strong performance by the Tunisian. He was involved in most of the promising attacking moves Victory created throughout the game, and delivered the dangerous free-kick that led to the decisive Jade North own goal. Had a stunning chance late on to seal it, but could not finish past Brisbane’s Keeper Jamie Young. However this was merely a blemish on what was another impressive game from the winger.
RW: Archie Thompson – 5
A disappointing game for the veteran, who never really threatened in his 57 minutes. Up against a makeshift left back in James Donachie for most of the night, he was unable to make a mark on the contest, with many of his passes and dribbles intercepted before they could become dangerous.
ST: Besart Berisha (1 assist) – 6.5
Held well for most of the game. His header deflected off North for the winner, but aside from that rarely threatened, bar a snapshot which was well saved from Young. A frustrating performance against his former club.
Sub: Kosta Barbarouses (on 57′) – 5.5
Came on for Thompson, but looked tired following international duty. Was able to beat his man using fresh legs a few times, but overall lacked the impact that is now expected of him.
Sub: Connor Pain (on 67′) – 5.5
Came on for Finkler, moving to the left wing, but like Barbarouses, lacked the impact desired of him. Looked nervous, making some heavy touches, and decision making seemed to be slightly below par.
Sub: Rashid Mahazi (on 86′) – N/A
***
Votes:
3. Adrian Leijer – 8.5
2. Leigh Broxham – 8
1. Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
31 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
24.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
22.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
17 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
15 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
9 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
7 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)