Melbourne Heart started life in the National Youth League in fine fashion with an impressive 2-0 derby win over Melbourne Victory at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday.
Goals from Stipo Andrijasevic and substitute Zac Walker in the first and second half respectively wrapped up the three points for the Heart following a comprehensive display.
The Heart’s tempo seemed to stifle Victory early with Andrijasevic’s fluffed rebound from point-blank range for Heart the closest either side came to scoring in the opening 10 minutes.
There were more encouraging signs for the Heart in their maiden Youth League match with veteran Dutch winger Rutger Worm posing a constant threat on the left.
Victory were not without experienced heads either. Matthew Kemp and Billy Celeski were in the starting line-up for what was a much-change side from last season.
The Heart continued to press though and nearly got their goal when Andrijacevic’s attempted chip was forced narrowly wide by Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas after the centre forward had been played through on goal.
The Victory’s forays forward in the first half were sporadic with Luke O’Dea used down the left channel at every opportunity. He looked the most dangerous player on the pitch for Victory in the first half.
Worm’s tireless work and perseverance provided the frame work for the game’s opening goal on 33 minutes.
His neat cut back, after he’d dispossessed the last defender, fell into the path of Andrijasevic following a deflected shot off the upright. The burly striker had little to do but tuck in an easy rebound with the open net gaping.
On the hunt for an equaliser, Victory’s passing was a lot crisper in the second half as Celeski and midfield partner Diogo Ferreira started to dictate the tempo.
But against the run of play, the Heart found another avenue to goal. Just moments after Walker had hit the upright he keenly tucked home in the centre of the six-yard box from an invitingly elusive corner delivery.
His goal on 71 minutes seemed to eek the life out of a Victory side that never really found its rhythm. Meanwhile, the Heart fans created a rare atmosphere for a Youth League match, their provocative chants growing progressively louder as the game wore on.
Melbourne Heart: 2 (Andrijasevic 33, Walker 71)
Melbourne Victory: 0
