Melbourne Bounce Back Against The Jets

By: Marcus | October 21st, 2009

After Sydney ripped us apart last week we have managed to bounce back against Newcastle securing all 3 points with a 3-1, albeit a very plucky win.

Vargas

Newcastle Jets: 1 (Haliti 22)
Melbourne Victory: 3 (Thompson 61, Pondeljak 78, Hernandez 84)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle

Melbourne went into this match failing to win at EnergyAustralia Stadium since 2006 and Newcastle were on a 5 match winless streak. A crowd of just over 6,000 witness Labinot Haliti score his second goal of the season against Melbourne to open the scoring. Elrich played him through with a nice ball from right midfield, Haliti spotted Moss coming off his line and pounced, he slotted it into the net coolly for the first goal. Newcastle dominated the first half and had several golden opportunities against a lackluster Victory defence, which almost conceded another goal through confusion.

In the second half Merrick changed things up as he swapped Dugandzic for Fabiano, who was having little impact. In the 62nd minute Melbourne equalized. Hernandez hit on the counter attack supplying a long ball to Archie, who evaded 3 defenders and chipped Jets keeper Kennedy.

With the youthful Dugandzic and Pondeljak pushing Melbourne forward they soon found the lead. It was Hernandez again who provided the goal, his long range effort was denied by the post but bounced in favor of Jak who made no mistake, putting a plucky Melbourne in front.

With 5 minutes remaining it was Hernandez again, but this time he put the ball into the back of the net. His run down the left flank and into the box was met by Kennedy who did well to close all the angles, but Hernandez put the ball past him the only way he could as he slid the ball under Kennedy to give Melbourne a 3-1 win.

I was happy that Melbourne were able to recover from the defeat to Sydney last week and get all 3 points at Newcastle. It was great to see Elasi get a go as he came on late in the match and Dugandzic looks like a very solid player who could become very important, its amazing that he has only played 3 matches. On a low note though Pondeljak who was very good in this match has torn his calf and will miss around 6 weeks and Vargas received a knock to his quad and will be assessed ahead of the match against Adeliade this week.