Melbourne City have opened their National Youth League account with a resounding 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, with forward Marc Marino nabbing a brace.
The conditions were perfect for City’s first NYL game on home soil as the Broadmeadows Valley Park crowd were treated to a display of sharp attacking football from the hosts.
Teams line-up as they hit the field for what promises to be a great day of football #NYL #MCYvWSW pic.twitter.com/ueCHzuxCcm
— The Corner Flag (@CornerFlagOz) October 26, 2014
The Wanderers on the other hand were toothless in the final third, and lacked not only a finishing touch, but also the creativity in midfield to fashion any meaningful opportunities of their own, excluding their goal.
City started the game in ominous fashion with captain Ross Archibald side footing a volley narrowly over the crossbar within seconds of kick-off.
That proved to set the tone of the match as City continued with their fast start, netting the games opener within three minutes.
Luka Prelevic – who was a menacing figure all afternoon for City – was the one to profit, as he swung around and finished across the face of goals following some neat passing.
City continued their dominance but were caught out in the 17th minute in a rare blip for the defence.
Michael Trajovski was the danger man for the Wanderers and Marco Stevanja – who had a magnificent season in the NPL 1 – was at his very best to sweep clear of the advancing forward.
Back at the other end, Marino showed some early signs he was in for a big game as he found space in the box for Prelevic’s lay-off, but couldn’t test the keeper from inside the area.
He made no mistake at the second attempt however as he clinically dispatched an inch perfect cross from the returning Ben Garuccio. The forward ghosted unopposed into the 18-yard-box and blasted the ball into the top of the net from close range.
39′ | GOAL @MelbourneCity! Garuccio jinks past the WSW defence as he cuts back for Marino to finish. 2-0 — Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) October 26, 2014
It was reward for effort for a rampant City who couldn’t have strung together a better 45 minutes.
Their movement was sublime and their passing incisive, and their ability to retain possession was unmatched by a Wanderers side lacking any sharpness.
That carried into the second half despite a change at the interval, which saw Connor Chapman make his way back from the sidelines; the versatile Jonatan Germano the man replaced on his return.
However, the young centre-back was beaten only moments after coming on as Trajkovski bustled past the sub, only to be thwarted by the brilliance of Stevanja, who smothered the strikers goal bound effort.
While they had their goalie to thank temporarily for upholding their two-goal advantage, they were soon singing midfielder Stefan Mauk praises as he extended it to three in the 63rd minute.
Prelevic again made himself a nuisance as he cut back a delivery to Mauk who finished cleverly from inside the area.
The celebrations didn’t last too long however as only seconds later, Trajkovski pulled one back for the visitors, despite the appeals of the entire City defence.
There was more than a hint of offside as the number 9 floated through full-back and centre, but the finish was unstoppable as he went top corner past the hapless Melbourne custodian.
There was more bad news to come for City however as Chapman limped off the field with what appeared to be a muscle injury in the right leg.
Worrying signs for @MelbourneCity fans as Connor Chapman comes off with what appears to be an injury to the right leg #MCYvWSW #NYL — The Corner Flag (@CornerFlagOz) October 26, 2014
He did manage to get the ball in the net before his untimely departure however, but he saw his header chalked off for an offside call.
Having used all their subs, City were forced to play the game out with 10-men, but it didn’t seem to affect them too much as Marino struck home a fourth in the 82nd minute.
Substitute Matt Millar found himself in space on the right flank, beating a man before teeing up his teammate for a well-deserved brace.
It was a clinical performance from the team in blue and coach Joe Palatsides lauded his side’s ability to implicate the game plan.
“All the little things we discussed before the game – pressing well and transitioning moments where we want to win the ball as soon as we lose it – I thought they really applied themselves,” the head coach said post-game.
“At the end of the day, when we do those little things well and score four goals, I think it’s pretty pleasing.”
He also reserved praise for striker Marc Marino – who has seen senior action this year for Melbourne City – but was more pleased with how each player came to the fore.
“Marc did his job by scoring two goals, and he probably could’ve had a couple more which is excellent, it’s what we want.
“But I think the other boys contributed well to that and it’s pleasing to see all the boys putting their hands up and saying they’re ready to go.”
Melbourne City 4 (Prelevic 3’, Marino 39’ 82’, Mauk 63’) defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Trajkovski 65’) at Broadmeadows Valley Park
Melbourne City: 1. Marko STEVANJA (GK), 4. Ross ARCHIBALD (c), 14. Wade DEKKER (5. Matt MILLAR 74’), 2. Ben GARUCCIO (12. Leo ATHANASIOU 58’), 9. Marc MARINO, 6. Stefan MAUK, 7. Phil PETRESKI, 10. Luka PRELEVIC, 11. Anthony RIZK, 15. Nicholas SYMEOY, 8. Jonatan GERMANO (3. Connor CHAPMAN 45’)
Unused Substitutes: 20. Yaren SOZER (GK)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Western Sydney Wanderers: 1. Thomas MANOS (gk, c) (20. Domenic NASCIMBEN 88’), 2. Jake ADELSON, 4. Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, 11. Gabriel CLEUR (12. Jack STEWART 62’), 3. Shayne D’CUNHA, 7. Steve KUZMANOVSKI, 6. Martin LO, 10. Tariq MAIA (13. Nick SULLIVAN 62’), 9. Michael TRAJOVSKI, 8. Liam YOULLEY, 5. Seyi ADELEKE
Unused Substitutes: 14. Anthony SCHMIDT
Yellow Cards: Youlley 13’
Red Cards: Nil