A goal apiece from Victory’s attacking duo of Danny Allsopp and Archie Thompson early in the second half proved to be enough for the away team, rendering Marcinho’s late strike futile.

However, the star of the match was undoubtedly Queensland’s Tahj Minniecon, who announced his arrival on the national stage in outstanding style, impressing with his dribbling and ability to create space through a deft flick.

An early attempt by Thompson flashed wide as Melbourne made a promising start to the contest, dictating terms in the centre of the park.

Finally showing some resemblance to the side which dominated the competition last season, Melbourne were slick and efficient in possession, with the forward pairing of Allsopp and Thompson linking menacingly with the midfield as Nick Ward and Adrian Caceres pushed forward into dangerous positions.

However, it was Queensland which conjured the first strike on target as Massimo Murdocca unleashed a rasping drive which could only be parried by Michael Theoklitos.

The chance marked a change in the flow of the match, as Roar’s fluent passing game began to dominate proceedings.

Both sides were dealt blows midway through the first period as both Nick Ward and Hyuk-Su Seo were replaced due to injury by Carlos Hernandez and Ben Griffin respectively.

Despite relying upon their youngsters for inspiration, Queensland seemed undeterred, unearthing another star in Minniecon, who dazzled the crowd with his array of tricks and flicks in what may prove to be a breakthrough performance.

Minniecon’s speed and slight of foot proved to be a troublesome combination for Daniel Vasilevski, who was constantly rounded by the Roar starlet, while on the other flank, Robbie Kruse looked in ominous form.

Roar were able to maintain the momentum heading into the second half, placing the Melbourne rearguard under severe duress.

But against the run of play, Victory stunned the Roar in the 56th minute, snatching the opening goal on the counter attack as Allsopp slid home a slide rule pass by Carlos Hernandez to score his sixth goal of the season.

Victory doubled their advantage only five minutes later, again on the counter with Hernandez the provider.

The Costa Rican international pushed forward into Melbourne’s attacking half before playing a defence splitting through ball with the outside of his boot into the path of Thompson, who capitalised on the chance, smashing the ball past Griffin McMaster.

Thompson’s goal was cancelled out though ten minutes later as Marcinho blasted a marvellous strike into the top right hand corner of Theoklitos’ goal, latching onto a wonderful flick by Minniecon.