Melbourne Victory secured their spot in the Ninja A-League semi-finals with a commanding 3-1 victory over Canberra United on Saturday.
Two goals in the first half within the span of three minutes enabled Victory to take the lead and withstand Canberra’s efforts to rally back.
A goal from Rachel Lowe and a brace from Ella O’Grady kept Victory ahead, even after Canberra pulled one back through Sasha Grove.
Victory will now face reigning champions Melbourne City in a two-leg semi-final, marking the third and fourth Melbourne Derbies in the finals.
The first pivotal moment of the match arrived in the seventh minute, when a cross from Rhianna Pollicina struck the arm of Canberra defender Emma Robers. With no VAR available, the on-field decision by referee Caitlin Williams stood firm, leaving Victory’s appeals unanswered.
Victory soon took advantage, netting the opener from a Pollicina corner. Rachel Lowe reacted quickest in the penalty area, volleying home after Sally James had parried a header from Claudia Bunge.
Riding the wave of momentum, Victory extended their lead to 2-0 when Ella O’Grady tapped in a Pollicina cross from the left.
Victory almost made it three when Pollicina set up Holly Furphy, who was clean through on goal but was denied by a fine save from Canberra’s goalkeeper.
Just when it looked like Victory might run away with the game, Canberra struck back barely a minute later. After recovering from a corner resulting from James’ save, Sasha Grove broke past a challenge from Taylor Ray and capitalised on a weak back pass attempt from Chelsea Blissett to Laura Pickett.
Grove charged down the pitch with the Victory defence trailing and slotted home past Courtney Newbon.
Canberra had the chance to level the score before half-time, but Emma Hawkins sent a close-range header soaring over the bar after connecting with a Michelle Heyman cross.
However, any momentum that Canberra had going into the break was quickly halted when Victory netted their third just six minutes after the restart.
Holly Furphy intercepted a pass from Emma Robers and crossed to Ella O’Grady, who leapt to head the ball home while clashing with Canberra’s Tegan Bertolissio and Bethany Gordon.
The remaining stages of the match were more of a tussle than a showcase of flowing football, though Canberra substitute Sienna Dale managed a few half-chances to try and narrow the gap.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Melbourne Victory’s Chelsea Blissett spoke after the full-time whistle.
Ninja Player of the Match, Ella O’Grady from Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison shared her thoughts.
Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins addressed the media post-game.
Canberra United coach Antoni Jagarinec provided his insights.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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