Melbourne Victory are within two points of top spot after Nickoletta Flannery’s 91st-minute goal lifted the Ninja A-League contenders past Adelaide United 2-1 on Saturday evening.
Adelaide thought they had earned a share of the spoils in the second-v-third showdown thanks to Dylan Holmes’ 86th-minute penalty in the Original Rivalry blockbuster at AAMI Park.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
But Flannery, having broken the deadlock in stunning fashion in the 59th minute, popped up in the first minute of stoppage time to snatch victory for the home side.
After extending their club-record unbeaten streak to 10 games, Victory are within touching distance of reigning premiers and league-leading rivals Melbourne City after 20 games.
Adelaide, meanwhile, remain third but five points behind Victory and seven adrift of City.
Victory took a club-record nine-game unbeaten streak into the blockbuster Pride Cup clash with Adelaide, who themselves had only lost one of their past 13 fixtures in the league.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
There was an unexpected debut for 16-year-old Ilona Melegh after Adelaide star Claudia Jenkins was injured in the warm up.
She was tested during an evenly-contested first half, though Victory had the better of the chances.
This is a modal window.
This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser
The best opportunity of the half came via a defensive mix-up in the 24th minute. Miscommunication between Meleghand her Adelaide defender saw the ball roll just wide of the post, much to the relief of the Reds pair following a dangerous run from Holly Furphy.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
Victory made the breakthrough in the second half when Flannery’s stunning effort from the edge of the penalty area curled into the back of the net in the 59th minute.
Adelaide were gifted a way back into the match in the 86th minute after Victory star and Golden Boot leader Gielnik handled the ball inside the box. Holmes stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick.
Victory had one last say, however, as Flannery gave the hosts maximum points at the death.
