Melbourne Victory match-winner Mark Milligan believes his last-gasp penalty in Saturday night’s 1-0 derby win can help steady his side’s inconsistent season.
Milligan came off the bench to win and convert a decisive 96th minute spot-kick against rivals Melbourne City.
And the Caltex Socceroos midfielder, who almost missed the match with a hamstring strain, says the value of three points goes beyond bragging rights.
“After the start to the season we had I think tonight was very important,” Milligan told Fox Sports.
“We’ve had a couple of good performances, a good win [over Brisbane Roar] last week.
“While tonight was a derby I think to us it was probably about a little bit more.
“[It was about] gaining some of that consistency again and ascendancy on the table.”
Having only come on in the 65th minute, Milligan stepped up to the spot despite the presence of regular penalty-taker Besart Berisha.
Victory boss Kevin Muscat admitted he was “unaware” of the change.
“I had a conversation with Bes after the last [missed] penalty,” Muscat told Fox Sports.
“Obviously he had a conversation with Millsy and they decided Millsy was going to take it. I thought it was the correct decision.”
