Newcastle nearly frustrated Melbourne Victory into submission, but a late free-kick to Gui Finkler ensured the hosts ran away with the three points, much to the relief of an 20,000 strong AAMI Park crowd. Here are the match ratings from the 1-0 win.
***
GK: Nathan Coe – 6.5
Will be pleased to have keen yet another clean sheet and was kept relatively untroubled. Swept clear plenty of danger. Having a much-improved season this time round.
RB: Jason Geria – 6
Another astute defensive performance from Geria but the full-back continues to frustrate when going forward. Between him and Kosta Barbarouses, the right flank was completely toothless all night.
CB: Nick Ansell – 7
Made some crucial interceptions and was particularly impressive aerially. Gave the Newcastle forwards very little all night, marking Montano out of the contest.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 7
Was everywhere across the defence, mopping up danger before it started. Usual threat from set-piece’s and never seems to cough up possession from the back.
LB: Scot Galloway – 6
Didn’t offer the overlap that Khalfallah may have wanted on the flank but was strong enough defensively. Newcastle’s best chances did come via his wing, but they were few and far between.
CM: Carl Valeri – 6
The picture of consistency; he does his job and he does it well every week. The ball is safe when the Socceroo is in possession and does the simple stuff without fuss. Had a good chance from the edge of the area, which he fired over the bar.
CM: Rashid Mahazi – N/A
Was offered a rare start in the heart of midfield, but the former Northcote City man succumbed just beyond the half-hour mark to what appeared to be a groin injury.
AM: Gui Finkler – 7
Scored a ripper free-kick and tried his best to keep the ball moving, but he lacked his usual incisive passing. Wasn’t helped by the stagnant nature of the forward line at times.
✮ LW: Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5 ✮
The best on for Victory in a scrappy win. He was always keen to take on his man and was Victory’s main avenue to goal. It was a mixed bag with his delivery but for the most part it was good, coming inches away a number of times to picking out Berisha’s head.
ST: Besart Berisha – 6
Fed on scraps for most of the game but did what he could. Made himself busy and we saw him move with the ball a lot more that accustomed to. Won the free-kick for Finkler’s goal.
RW: Kosta Barbarouses – 3
His worst performance in a Victory shirt. He didn’t seem to want the ball on the right flank and when he did get it, failed to get proper service to his centre forward. Add to that a gilt-edged chance missed in the early stages of the second half, and it was little wonder he made way for Thompson.
Sub: Jesse Makarounas (on 34’) – 6.5
An impressive outing from the attacking minded midfielder who was asked to do a role further back. Muscat showed plenty of faith bringing him into the fray so early, given they had Leijer on the bench, which would’ve seen Broxham move into holding midfield. Some delightful long range passing and should’ve had a goal for his troubles too.
Sub: Archie Thompson (on 71’) – N/A
Didn’t have enough time to impact the contest in his sides favour. Could’ve helped seal the contest, but slipped in an offside Berisha with time running out.
***
Votes:
3. Fahid Ben Khalfallah
2. Nick Ansell
1. Leigh Broxham
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
61.5 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
45 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
32.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
31.5 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
30.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
30.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
22 – Connor Chapman (Melbourne City)
21 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
20 – David Williams (Melbourne City)
18 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
16 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
14.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
13.5 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7 – Nick Ansell (Melbourne Victory)