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John Aloisi's side had a number of chances throughout the second half to put the game to bed after taking the lead twice in the first 45, but had to settle for a 2-1 win.

David Williams had put Heart ahead on 14 minutes when he lashed the ball home when unmarked at the back post after a wayward throughball.

Archie Thompson set up Marco Rojas for Victory's leveller on 26 minutes, with the Socceroos laying off a sublime left-wing cross which the young Kiwi buried with aplomb.

However, Heart hit the lead again before the break when MacAllister tapped home following Mate Dugandzic's pinpoint pass across the box.

Heart had a bundle of chances in the second half to seal the points, with Williams denied on numerous occasions by the impressive Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas.

And Thompson could have punished Heart for their wastefulness in front of goal in the 90th minute when he put a great chance over the bar after Matthew Foschini's low cross.

More to follow...

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