Victory take first point in derby

Melbourne Victory have taken their first A-League Men point of the season, but let an early lead slip in a one-all derby draw with Melbourne City. Keegan Jelacic finished a sharp move with Charles Nduka in the seventh minute. Victory then had two strong chances just after half-time, with Macklin Freke denying Guillermo May and Jason Davidson. Andrew Nabbout equalised in the fifty-third minute after Emiliano Marcondes helped create the opening.

Giovanni Savarese said it felt like two points dropped. He praised Victory’s first-half football, but felt the side became less sharp after the break and still had the chances to win. The result leaves Victory winless after two league matches. There is also an availability question before the trip to Indonesia. Joshua Inserra was forced off in the seventy-first minute, and the extent of the problem has not been stated.

Victory now turn to the AFC Champions League Two and Wednesday night’s away match against Persib Bandung. Kick-off is at quarter past eleven, Melbourne time. Persib lead Group E with six points from two one-nil wins, while Victory are second on four. Persib captain Marc Klok will miss the match after his second-yellow dismissal against The Cong-Viettel brought an automatic suspension.

In the Women’s game, Victory visit Wellington Phoenix at quarter past ten this morning, Melbourne time. They are chasing a second straight away win after opening with a one-nil victory over Western Sydney. Nicki Flannery is back in the extended squad. Grace Maher, Poppy O’Keeffe and Leyla Hussein are unavailable.

Sources:
Melbourne Victory
A-Leagues
AAP via The Queenslander
Melbourne Victory
Asian Football Confederation
Asian Football Confederation
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory