German defender Georg Niedermeier made his first start for Melbourne Victory in a 1-1 pre-season draw against Western Sydney Wanderers in Ballarat on Saturday.
Victory controlled large periods of the clash at Morshead Park but didn’t make the most of their opportunities.
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James Troisi, leading the attack for Victory, opened the scoring on 18 minutes.
Jai Ingham took a short corner, finding Kosta Barbarouses who dribbled to the byline before cutting it back for Troisi to finish.
.@JamesTroisi’s goal in Ballarat today #MVCvWSW pic.twitter.com/DwiDZ8BkCr
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) September 8, 2018
It was only a couple of superb saves from young keeper Danijel Nizic that kept the Wanderers in the contest, denying Barbarouses on two separate occasions after the break.
Victory’s wastefulness in front of goal would come back to haunt them 11 minutes from time.
After Josh Hope was dispossessed in midfield, the Wanderers sprung forward with Roly Bonevacia evading Storm Roux to score at the back post.
The match was an excellent hitout for the Wanderers ahead of their FFA Cup 2018 Quarter-Final clash against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Wednesday, September 19.
Victory, who were without new recruits Keisuke Honda, Ola Toivonen and Raul Baena will continue their pre-season campaign with a training camp on the Sunshine Coast.
Full time in Ballarat! #MVCvWSW #MVFC pic.twitter.com/Oe2Cc9uTh4
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) September 8, 2018
