Melbourne Victory continued their dominance over Adelaide United in the Ninja A-League by earning a 1-0 win at AAMI Park for their seventh consecutive Original Rivalry triumph in the competition.
The match began at breakneck speed for the Victory as they set up multiple chances within the first 10 minutes, the best of which saw unmarked captain Kayla Morrison head wide from a Rhianna Pollicina free kick just yards from the opposing goal.
Adelaide’s Erin Healy proved to be a thorn in the host’s side as she was denied twice by excellent saves from Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon. Healy’s first strike came from a strong left foot outside the area before a misplaced Newbon pass meant the goalkeeper had to scramble back to fend off Healy’s driving right-foot strike, but neither team could find the back of the net in the opening 45.
But it was just five minutes into the second half that Victory earned the advantage, with Rachel Lowe cooly slotting home from the edge of the area. The hosts worked their way into the final third from a throw-in before Holly Furphy, who shone throughout the 90, found Lowe for the opener and her first goal of the season.
That strike indeed turned out to be the match winner for Jeff Hopkins’ side, as they thwarted the Adelaide attack over the remaining 40 minutes to keep their third clean sheet of the season and move to the top of the Ninja A-League ladder.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Melbourne Victory goal scorer Rachel Lowe reflects on her side’s win in the Original Rivalry
Erin Healy analyses Adelaide United’s ‘frustrating’ loss to Melbourne Victory
