A second half goal for the Melbourne Victory from Holly Furphy has seen off the Western Sydney Wanderers at The Home of the Matildas.
After a goalless first half, Furphy stepped up in the second half with a goal that keeps the Victory in the top six and still well in the hunt for finals football.
Both teams fashioned some half-chances throughout the first half, though neither goalkeeper was truly tested.
Rachel Lowe had Victory’s best chance of the first half on 38 minutes; her half volley from the top of the box had Wanderers’ keeper Sham Khamis stretching, but the shot just rose over the crossbar.
Talia Younis came closest of all to breaking the deadlock in the opening 45, striking the crossbar for the Wanderers just before halftime.
Victory eventually hit the front in the 57th minute when Kennedy White’s well saved shot rebounded perfectly for Furphy to slam home past the Wanderers defenders on the goal line.
The Wanderers fought back late in search of an equaliser, but there was no way through the Victory defence.
Victory get next weekend off with the bye, while Western Sydney will host Melbourne City next Sunday as they try and stay clear of Sydney FC on the bottom of the table.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Melbourne Victory goal: Furphy 57′
