Melbourne Heart have produced a dominant performance in the Youth League Melbourne derby, comfortably defeating Melbourne Victory 3-1 at Epping Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Golgol Mebrahtu, Jonatan Germano and Marcus Schroen got their names on the score sheet for Heart whilst Anthony Proia netted a late consolation for the Victory.
The second derby for the 2013-14 season also marked the return of Heart’s international marquee Orlando Engelaar who made a successful comeback from injury in his 30 minute cameo.
Joe Palatsides’ men controlled the contest from the opening whistle, completely overwhelming a depleted Melbourne Victory side.
Victory failed to contain the passing and movement of Heart, particularly in the final third as the home side moved forward with pace and intent.
It was therefore no surprise when Mebrahtu opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute, converting a free kick-earned by Benjamin Garuccio who was bought down on the edge of the box.
Mebrahtu’s strike took a wicked deflection which into the far corner, leaving Victory custodian Lawrence Thomas rooted to the spot.
The 23-year-old had numerous chances to extend his sides lead throughout the half and could’ve even had a hat-trick before the interval, but for some exceptional goalkeeping and last ditch defending.
Starting well behind the eight-ball, it took Victory until the 44th minute to conjure up their first genuine attempt on goal.
A piercing through ball from Francesco Stella played in Christopher Cristaldo, but the forward’s snap shot at goal was well matched by Heart keeper Marco Stevanja.
From the restart, Victory continued their slender purple patch, and almost equalised in the 51st minute.
Stella found Luka Prelevic unmarked in the box, but his strike crashed into the back post before being eventually cleared from danger.
Heart however put the game well beyond doubt, adding their second only four minutes later thanks to Germano, who also made his return from a long standing injury.
Marcus Schroen’s hanging cross found the head of the substitute, who did well to flick the ball over an outstretched Thomas and into the far corner.
Having replaced Engelaar after the half hour mark, Schroen put in an altogether excellent performance, capping it off with a goal in the 67th minute.
Victory, who’d struggled to deal with Heart’s aerial presence all afternoon, failed to sufficiently deal with Mebrahtu’s corner, allowing Ross Archibald to centre a cross to Schroen who comfortably headed home from close range.
Despite players cramping and visibly struggling as full time neared, Victory managed to net a consolation goal in stoppage time courtesy of Anthoy Proia.
In by far their best move for the afternoon, Cristaldo, Anthony Duzel and Proia all combined well around the edge of the box before the young forward slotted the ball into the back of the net from six yards.