Melbourne Victory made history with their sixth straight win after overcoming lowly Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 in the Ninja A-League.
An 18th-minute own goal via Western Sydney’s Danika Matos saw high-flying Victory move back within two points of league-leading Melbourne City in Sunday’s rescheduled fixture.
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Already in the midst of a club-record unbeaten run of 11 matches, second-placed Victory now broke their record of most successive triumphs in the competition.
With two rounds remaining, Victory are within striking distance of their rivals City, while the Wanderers remain bottom of the standings.
Victory were on the front foot from the outset as Gielnik hit the post inside the opening six minutes in Western Sydney.
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The visitors were gifted the breakthrough goal in the 18th minute when Gielnik’s swing-and-a-miss attempt at a shot caught Matos off guard and the Wanderers defender headed the ball into her own net.
Gielnik did put the ball in the back of the net six minutes later, however, it was offside.
The Wanderers pushed forward in search of an equaliser with half-time approaching but there was no way past Victory.
Western Sydney thought they had equalised 16 minutes from the end after Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon’s spilled a save. However, the flag went up for offside despite the Wanderers’ appeals.
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There was a wholesome moment when Anika Stajcic came off the bench for the Wanderers following her impressive form at NPLW NSW level. It was her A-Leagues debut for Western Sydney and first match in the competition with her father and Wanderers Isuzu UTE A-League head coach Alen watching in the stands.