Mitchell has been looked on as his team conceded late equalisers in the round two clash with Newcastle and most recently in last round's 2-2 draw with the Mariners.

It seemed history was repeating itself as the Victory pressed hard for an equaliser throughout the second half after Ney Fabiano pulled a goal back for Melbourne in the 55th minute following a two-goal first half from Eugene Dadi.

But Mitchell said a spectacular strike by Adriano Pellegrino in the 78th minute, jokingly referred to as a 'fluke' goal, settled the nerves and ensured his team moved within four points of Central Coast in fourth position.

"It was nice to repel them," Mitchell said after the match.

"Because there was a time there when we gave them the goal back just after half time, that they were coming in waves and were swamping our midfield."

"They changed to three at the back and had an extra midfielder, so they had nothing to lose and were putting us under a tremendous amount of pressure," he said referring to a series of corners and opportunities created by the Victory in the second half as Daniel Allsopp, Carlos Hernandez and Rody Vargas all threatened the Perth goal.

"Being totally honest, we sort of rode our luck a little bit. Sometimes the ball was in the box and they didn't capitalise on it but in essence I think we thoroughly deserved the win."

"I think we've been playing well enough the last month and probably really not got the just rewards (so) I think it was a fantastic effort from the players."

Pellegrino said he just concentrated on getting his technique right as he produced his stunning, 78th-minute goal off his non-preferred left foot.

"It was just one of those moments," he said.

"I had an opportunity to cut inside, you're tired and it's late in the game and you just focus on getting to the ball and I've struck it well and it's gone in."

"It was good timing as well. I guess we were under pressure in the second half there and it took a bit of pressure off and just a great result for us."

Mitchell said the goal was just reward for Pellegrino's efforts, lauding the right midfielder as one of the club's most consistent contributors.

"I think he's been one of the finds of the season," Mitchell said, having recruited the 24-year-old from South Australian Super League club Adelaide City.

"I think he's just matured and got better and better and he's technically very good, he runs his heart out and he's a goal scorer now as well."