Melbourne claim first NYL victory

Melbourne Victory has claimed its maiden win of the 2014-15 Foxtel National Youth League season, defeating Perth Glory 3-1 at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Andrew Nabbout bagged a brace with goals either side of the interval as Joseph Katebien found the back of the net for the second time in as many weeks.

Melbourne welcomed back Young Socceroo’s duo Jordan Brown and Dylan Murnane from international duty with both taking their place in the starting line-up.

It was Andrew Nabbout who opened the scoring in Melbourne’s first home game of the season, exquisitely curling his strike into the back of the net after six minutes.

Melbourne dominated large spells of the first half and could have scored again only moments later as defender Milos Ridesic headed his powerful attempt into the hands of Glory ‘keeper Jordan Thurtell.

The visitors however restored parity a quarter-of-an-hour later as Joseph Knowles converted following a corner, nodding in his effort amongst a swarm of bodies.

Victory soon restored the advantage on the stroke of half-time through Katebian as Thurtell could only parry Nabbout’s powerfully driven shot into the path of the NPL 1 Golden Boot winner.

Nabbout then doubled the advantage for his side with just over twenty minutes to spare.

The 21-year-old drove his attempt from the edge of the penalty area into the back of the net, despite Thurtell clawing a hand on the forwards strike.

Nabbout came agonizingly close to hat-trick soon after, curling his shot just wide of the upright after Kieran Dover did indeed prove he had the skills to pay the bills after executing a moment of magic perfectly on the wing.

The result ensures Melbourne remain undefeated from its opening two games following a 3-3 draw against Newcastle Jets last weekend.

Delighted with his side’s performance, Melbourne Victory coach Darren Davies identified the inclusion of a number of experienced heads as key contributor to the result.

“The boys are getting better and better,” Davies said at full-time.

“They are a young group. We obviously had a little bit of experience in there to help the young boys today which was very good and I thought the experienced boys worked [well] and they are helping the young boys along.

“It was a good mix and a good performance. We are going to continue to get better and better so there is plenty to work but a pleasing day.”

The result ensures Melbourne remain undefeated in its opening two games following a 3-3 draw against Newcastle Jets last weekend.

Victory’s next home game is against Brisbane Roar on Saturday November 1st at Lakeside Stadium. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Melbourne Victory 3 (Nabbout 6′ 69′, Katebian 45′) defeated Perth Glory 1 (Knowles 20′) at Lakeside Stadium [HT 2-1]