Warren Joyce was delighted with the “spirit” shown by his City in their gritty 2-1 Melbourne Derby win over Victory on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, in front of over 35,000 fans.
The City coach has a first Melbourne Derby win in only his second game in charge.
Super-sub Marcin Budzinski smashed a stunning goal on the stroke of halftime and Bruce Kamau iced it with a winner on transition to consign Victory to a second defeat in as many weeks after Leroy George had equalised for the Big V.
“There was good spirit about the boys. We had a game plan and in the first half we stuck at it,” Joyce told Fox Sports.
However the City coach bemoaned a lack of discipline at times.
“For five or ten minutes we were under the cosh, but the defenders withheld any threats but a tremendous spirit from the boys.
“And we knew what a good side Melbourne Victory are.
“We didn’t want to come here and get bullied. We wanted to put a show on for our fans, that they would be proud of supporting the team.
“And we had that tonight.”
In-form City winger Nick Fitzgerald wasn’t getting too ahead of himself after two assists on the night and a 100% record for his side.
“Delighted with the result but we were holding on a bit at the end. But they [Victory] are a quality team and they’ll be right up there again this season.
“But our work rate this season has been unbelievable,” he told Fox Sports.
