Besart Berisha says he feared he had ruined Melbourne Victory’s chances of derby delight before scoring the winner against Melbourne City on Saturday night.
Berisha equalled Archie Thompson’s all-time Hyundai A-League goalscoring record by capping Victory’s comeback 2-1 win at AAMI Park.
Victory into second after fiery Melbourne Derby win
Kevin Muscat’s side might have won it prior to the fiery Albanian’s 78th minute strike had he finished a pair of first-half opportunities.
“These are the games I always try to step up in and I almost messed it up,” Berisha told Fox Sports.
“I was very angry at myself. I went inside [at half-time] and smashed everything around.
“I told myself ‘keep going Bes, one more chance is going to come’ and thankfully the pass came and I’m really thankful in the end I scored the winner.”
Victory were forced to come from behind for their first win in five Melbourne Derby meetings after Tim Cahill headed the hosts into a 16th minute lead.
Marco Rojas equalised before half-time to set the scene for Berisha’s moment, with the star striker paying tribute to the club’s fans.
“I dedicate this game to the supporters. They are amazing,” the 31-year-old said.
“Luckily I kept going and fighting and believing and in the end I scored the goal and I’m so happy.”
