A clinical performance from the Melbourne Victory saw the home side pile on four unanswered against the Lady Reds. Christine Nairn was the first to strike and the American international did it in stunning fashion with a 25-yard thunderbolt. Amy Jackson was the star of the show however as the midfielder scored an astonishing second-half hat-trick.
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GK: Brianna Davey – 6
Wasn’t really forced into any incredible saves but a clean sheet and her first of the season is nothing to shy away from. Spilt a few routine saves and required a second attempt on some other occasions but the 19-year-old hardly disgraced herself in front of a bustling crowd.
LB: Steph Catley – 8.5
Another brilliant performance by Catley as we’ve come to know and love. Was comfortable with the ball at her feet and always seemed to start or contribute something to the game. Reliable as always in defence.
CB: Lauren Barnes – 7
Although Melbourne were rarely troubled at the back the American showed her worth once again. Ever reliable with the ball at her feet, her performance alongside Checker can’t be underrated as key contributor to Victory’s first clean sheet of the season
CB: Emma Checker – 7.5
Has a bit of David Luiz about her – minus the hair and disastrous World Cup semi-final appearance. Culpable of turning the ball over on the odd occasion, it was a much improved defensive display by the 18-year-old.
RB: Hannah Brewer – 7
Probably not the busiest of games from the full-back, but not too many troubles when you’re back four doesn’t have much to do. Got forward quite a bit with the defensive minded Reed in front of her and is becoming a real quiet achiever for Melbourne Victory this season.
★ CM: Amy Jackson (3 goals) – 10 ★
Three goals from central midfield – what else do we need to say? It was the perfect afternoon for the midfielder, contributing just as well through the middle of park. Positioning and work-rate were superb, obviously rewarded with a hat-trick.
CM: Ella Mastrantonio – 6
Her own performance was largely overshadowed by that of Jackson’s and a few team mates around her, nevertheless the bustling central midfielder did her job and held her own in the middle.
LW: Gema Simon (1 assist) – 8
Fantastic second start for Simon since signing on from Newcastle before the season. The winger had been knocking on the door with two goals off the bench is as many weeks, doing herself plenty of favours with an assist to her name.
AM: Christine Nairn (1 goal) – 8
Continues to impress every week, always leaving her mark on the game. This time around the American opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from all of 25-yards out.
RW: Elli Reed – 6.5
Didn’t see much action on the day but combined well with Brewer as the pair moved forward. Covered her full-back well and has shown her value as a starter in Montemurro’s line-up since debuting a few weeks ago.
ST: Lisa De Vanna – 7.5
Always provided a sense of anticipation when she had the ball at her feet. Didn’t have much of an impact like she has in previous weeks but pieced together a solid performance. Squandered a great chance to double her side’s lead too, just chipping her attempt over the bar.
Sub: Beattie Goad (on 76′) – n/a
Sub: Tiffany Eliadis (on 80′) – n/a