After another long-range stunner, Melina Ayres is fast becoming one of the most watchable talents in the Westfield W-League.
A stunning Ayres strike completed a Victory comeback in a thrilling Melbourne Derby, which saw them take all three points in an upset win over City.
Ayres came to life in the second half, scoring a stunning long range effort with 12 minutes to go, her second in as many games.
“I saw her [City keeper] dribbling and I was like, ‘I’ll just back myself, try and win it’,” she said.
“Once I did, I saw she was a bit off her line so I thought I’d throw it on the boot and it went in.
“I think we’re starting to gel as a team a lot better and I’m getting more confidence in this league and it’s good.”
Victory coach Jeff Hopkins had nothing but praise for the young forward following her performance in the Derby.
“I love working with her. She wants to learn, she wants to get better,” he said.
“I’m not sure if the wide position is her best position but at the moment she’s prepared to play there and do a job for the team.”
Hopkins faith in the youngster has seen her continually progress over the season, making her an exciting player to watch in the navy blue of Melbourne Victory.
“She’s one of the ones, most probably, that maybe hasn’t got the same belief playing in the W-League about her ability as she does in the WNPL.
“Again, the last couple of weeks we’ve said to her, ‘Back yourself, have a go’ and last week you saw what happened there and another fantastic goal again this week for us.”
However, Hopkins gave credit to the spirit and belief of the team.
“I’ve got to give credit to the spirit of the players most probably. You go 1-0 behind against a very, very good side and we didn’t stop believing.
“Going 1-0 down against City, a team that can not only dominate games but can dominate possession so it was going to be hard for us.”
Hopkins will be hoping for more Ayres magic this Friday, as they take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in a must-win, if they are to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
