Melbourne Victory have defeated Brisbane Roar for the second time this Hyundai A-League pre-season, with a double from star striker Besart Berisha helping them to a 3-1 win in Ballarat.
STORY OF THE GAME
► Victory started the match on the front foot, going 2-0 up inside th first 20 minutes.
► Roar slowly got into the content and pulled a goal back on 31 minutes when fresh signing Peter Skapetis’ shot bounced off the crossbar and went into the back of the net.
► Despite starting the second half strongly and creating a number of chances, Berisha’s second goal of the match put the result beyond doubt.
GOALS
1-0 Victory: Berisha 14’
Berisha fired home a rebound from close-range after his initial effort on goal was saved well by Roar stopper Michael Theo.
2-0 Victory: Ingham 19′
Mitch Austin delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area with Ingham is on hand to tap in from close range.
2-1 Roar: Skapetis 31′
The in-form Roar attacker’s deflected shot bounces off the crossbar and goes into the back of the net to reduce the deficit.
3-1 Victory: Berisha 66′
The Victory frontman claimed his brace after rounding Theo in the penalty area.
TEAMS:
Brisbane Roar: Michael Theo, Luke Devere, Corey Brown, Massimo Maccarone, Brett Holman, Jade North, Matthew McKay, Joe Caletti, Jack Hingert, Shannon Brady, Peter Skapetis
Subs: Dane Ingham, Mitch Oxborrow, Jamie Young, Rahmat Akbari, Connor O’Toole, Nicholas D’Agostino, Aaron Reardon, Emilio Martinez
Melbourne Victory: Lawrence Thomas, Jason Geria, Rhys Williams, Leigh Broxham, Besart Berisha, Mitch Austin, Matias Sanchez, James Donachie, Josh Hope, Stefan Nigro, Jai Ingham
Subs: Matthew Acton, Thomas Deng, Pierce Waring, Christian Theoharous, Cameron McGilp, Nicholas Sette
