3 minute read

Goals to Zinedine Machach, Nikos Vergos, and Bruno Fornaroli have helped Melbourne Victory ease to a 3-1 win over Western United.

Melbourne Victory have moved to second on the A-League Men table after seeing off Westgate Derby rivals Western United 3-1 at AAMI Park.

Going into halftime of Sunday's contest locked at 1-1 despite a glut of chances, Patrick Kisnorbo's side kicked away in the second half for a comfortable win, with substitute Bruno Fornaroli sealing the points with his first goal of the season. 

With their rivals missing skipper Ben Garrucio with a calf injury, Victory seized control early and created enough chances to suggest they would be out of sight by the end of the 90 minutes.

But despite several looks on goal, they would beat Matt Sutton just once in the opening half, taking the lead in the eighth minute when Daniel Arzani beat his man and found Zinedine Machach, who shook off the attention of multiple defenders before thundering a shot home. 

The home side's profligacy was punished in the 19th minute when Nikos Vergos's attempt to head clear a Tate Russell cross went right to Noah Botic, who took a touch before sending a swivelling effort into the bottom corner.

Victory continued to create goalscoring opportunities but almost fell behind in the 37th minute when Matthew Grimaldi bounced an effort off both the post and the back of keeper Jack Duncan.

But Patrick Kisnorbo's side's attacking intent continued into the second half and they were quickly rewarded when a shot from Vergos went through Sutton's legs in the 48th minute.

Brought on to a warm reception from Victory fans after 67 minutes, Fornaroli took advantage of the chance to play his most minutes since round one, sealing the result just two minutes later when he stole behind United's lines and placed the ball into the bottom corner.