Melbourne Victory rekindled their finals hopes last Friday night, defeating Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in front of more than 14,000 at AAMI Park. Recent Central Coast recruit Tomas Rogic would open the scoring early with a brilliant run, Carlos Hernandez would equalise for Victory soon after with a thunderous strike just outside the box. It would take the scores level to half-time. Harry Kewell would win the game for Victory with a volley off a corner, helping Victory to a pressure-relieving 2-1 win.

Melbourne Victory

1. Much better football
Magilton rang the changes after last week’s derby draw, naming a 4-4-1-1. Hernandez returned to the squad in behind Thompson, recruit Ubay Luzardo and Jimmy Jeggo were also named in the starting XI. It was promising to see Victory try to play the ball on the ground and build up, rather than going route one. Magilton hasn’t had the squad to suit the game he has been trying to implement, which led to midfield woes.

2. Difference in midfield
It has been clear that Victory’s on-field problems this season have begun with the midfield. Victory haven’t had the players that can pass and win the ball back to trouble teams. This has changed recently with the players Magilton has brought in.

This game, the Northern Irishman bought in NYL product Jimmy Jeggo to partner Mark Milligan, who departed from his centre back role. The difference was massive, as Jeggo looked accomplished in his debut, complemented by the presence and brains of Milligan. It was a promising pairing and one to stick with.

3. Welcome back Hernandez
The popular playmaker returned to the starting side and proved a key difference on the scoreboard with a great strike to get Victory back in the game. He proved to be a vital link-up player, setting up many attacks. There is speculation over his future at the club, and I have major doubts he’ll be at the club next year. He has been out of favour and it doesn’t seem Magilton is convinced on him yet. We shall see.

4. Suspect defence
New loan recruit Ubay Luzardo completed a deal to Victory and was paired with his new captain Leijer in the heart of defence. He had a solid game, but looked like he was still adjusting to the A-League game. Fair enough too. However, the captain had an average night and needs to lift his game. I’m not entirely sold on Franjic at right-back, its not his natural position and he played like it against the Mariners. Plenty of work still to be done.

5. Something to build on
This was Victory’s best performance of the year and there were plenty of promising signs on the night. Too many times however, Victory have squandered their form after a win and I’m wary of it happening here. They have a very tough draw to come and due to their poor season, have a challenge to play finals. They can make finals, it will be tense and tough, but fun to watch.

 

Central Coast Mariners

1. Rogic’s game
The young midfielder recently signed for the Gosford club and started in behind the strike pairing of Adam Kwasnik and Danny McBreen. He played a blinder of a game and scored a great goal to get his team off to the right start. He was complemented by the midfield three of Hutchinson, Griffiths and McGlinchey and worked some magic throughout. It was a great performance, and I think he’ll prove to be a great pick-up for them.

2. Sainsbury’s red
Replacing an injured Pedj Bojic on the weekend, Trent Sainsbury came in for his second appearance of the season. He was controversially sent off by referee Peter Green for a sliding tackle on Fabio. I didn’t think it was a send-off when I saw it, but after endless replays I changed my tune. If he connected with Fabio’s leg, serious damage could have been done. He slid in clumsily, and ran the risk of a card. Biggest problem for me however is the lack of consistency in these decisions. Ask the question, if he made that tackle in another game with another referee, would Sainsbury have been sent off?

3. Missing players hurt
Over the weekend, the Mariners missed Amini, Bozanic, Bojic and Ryan all due to international commitments and injury. All four players mentioned are vital. All play a big part in the well-drilled Mariner machine and when you take them out, it doesn’t operate as well. Try as they did (and well, I should add), they were going to be missed. In particular Bojic and Amini, both very creative players who bring a different edge to their team

4. Did they deserve to lose?
I thought they were a little hard done by. It was great watching both sides play to win, and playing well. They were the more consistent of the sides, as Victory played good football in burst periods as the Mariners were just their efficient selves over the 90. Being down to 10 men helped take any chance of winning away from them, and they were all class in defeat. Their second straight loss has thrown the Premiers Plate race wide open, but I think they’ll do enough to stay top. All looks set for a big finals campaign for the yellow and navy.

5. Another signing…
Englishman John Sutton has recently signed a four-month loan deal for the Mariners from SPL club Hearts. He seems to be the replacement for Matt Simon and bolsters the squad ahead of their finals and ACL campaigns. I can’t say I know much about him and he really could be anything for them. I hope it works for all involved.