Catch all the action from the thrilling Ninja A-League showdown between Western United and Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory have closed the gap to just five points behind league leaders Melbourne City after overcoming their rivals Western United 2-1 in a hard-fought match at Ironbark Fields.
The Victory took control early on and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute thanks to striker Holly Furphy.
Western managed to level the score just before half-time in an unexpected twist when Matildas forward Emily Gielnik accidentally directed the ball into her own goal while trying to clear a header from Kahli Johnson.
However, the Victory started the second half with renewed energy, regaining the lead through captain Kayla Morrison, who powered a header home from an early corner.
While Victory had opportunities to extend their advantage, Western pushed hard for a late equaliser. Nevertheless, the away team held firm to secure the victory, moving them within five points of their rivals Melbourne City at the top of the table.
For Western, this loss leaves Kat Smith’s side in fourth place on the ladder, but they could fall to fifth if Brisbane Roar claims a win against Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.
The away team set the tone early and nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste averted an early own goal by deflecting Sasha Grove’s attempted clearance around the post.
However, Victory broke through just minutes later from the resulting corner. The ball fell perfectly for Furphy, who made no mistake, sending a low shot into the far corner to put her team ahead 1-0.
Western sought to respond quickly, with captain Chloe Logarzo testing keeper Courtney Newbon with a long-range effort that required a strong save.
In her final match for the club before heading overseas, striker Kahli Johnson fired a shot wide of Newbon’s near post and then took aim from distance as Western intensified their attack, leading to their equaliser on the stroke of halftime.
A corner kick delivered into the area was met by Johnson’s header, and although her effort lacked danger, Gielnik’s subsequent clearance deflected awkwardly towards goal, resulting in confusion between Newbon and Morrison, which saw the ball end up in the net.
After being pegged back at half-time, Victory responded strongly in the second half, reclaiming the lead through Morrison, who rose highest to head home Alana Jancevski’s corner.
Victory nearly made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, but Rachel Lowe’s powerful shot was remarkably cleared off the line by Claudia Mihocic, who expertly redirected the ball just wide of the post.
Adriana Taranto then tried her luck from a distance in the 70th minute, sending a fierce shot narrowly over the bar as the home side ramped up the pressure, but Victory’s defence remained steadfast.
In the dying moments of the match, Western committed players forward for a free-kick, but keeper Newbon managed to claw the ball away from danger, preserving her team’s lead and ensuring Victory remained within five points of Melbourne City.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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