By Jordan Lim (@JordanLim24)

It was a game of firsts at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex as Melbourne Victory marked its first game in the NPL 1 East with a 1-1 draw, as well as the host picking up its first point of the year.

With a number of A-League supporters making the trip down to Dandenong, the strong crowd had to wait until the second half for goals, where Sean Seavill’s opener was cancelled by a late Stefan Nigro strike.

Despite going into the rooms at half-time scoreless, the match saw its fair share of entertainment as both sides fashioned a number of clear-cut chances.

While Melbourne Victory had the first real attempt on goal - reigning NPL 1 top goal scorer Joey Katebian driving low into the arms of keeper Lucas Spinella in the second minute – it was Dandenong City who enjoyed the better of the early play.

Last year’s NPL 1 Player of the Year Sean Seavill forced the Victory custodian into a stunning fingertip save, as the Englishman attempted a curler from 20 yards.

Drama then struck in the 13^th minute as Damian Miskulin brought down City forward Matkovic, who assumed the spot kick duties himself.

The hoodoo of not taking your own free kicks struck, with Matkovic’s low driven effort was met by a top-drawer save from Spinella.

At the other end, it was George Howard doing the damage, as the former Box Hill man went with an acrobatic scissor attempt, which was tipped wide for a corner.

Melbourne skipper Thomas Deng pushed up the ground, marauding from right back and releasing striker John Maclean, but despite doing the hard work and rounding the keeper, his shot was ushered wide by Dandenong centre-half John Carroll.

Within 30 seconds of the second half kicking-off, Seavill saw his far post header well saved by Spinella before the shot-stopper made a simply stunning intervention.

Winger Keegan Ziada was involved in the build up play before eventually latching onto the end of a cross, but his glancing header was miraculously tipped wide by Spinella.

The resistance was short lived; Seavill broke the deadlock in the 56^th minute.

The midfielder latched onto a delicate through ball form Andy Jerez to go clear, round Spinella with clean feet before tapping home from 8 yards.

Ziada spurned his chance to make it 2-0 as he skied a regulation half-volley from inside the area.

Unfortunately for Dandenong City, he was made to rue that miss, as Melbourne Victory ramped up the pressure in the final few minutes.

A double goal line clearance on the City defensive line was a warning the hosts failed to heed, as Nigro found space in the box to put home Lucas Derrick's cross.

The result may have been cruel in nature for the home side, but on the balance of play it was a fair one.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Dandenong City 1 (Seavill 56’) drew with Melbourne Victory 1 (Nigro 85’) at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex [HT: 0-0]

Dandenong City: 1. Anthony Casset (GK), 6. John Carroll (c), 3. Chris Ross, 4. Robbie Wynne, 2. Brad Clarke, 12. Shaun Filipovic, 7. Keegan Ziada (15. David Di Iorio 72’), 11. Andy Jerez, 8. Dario Matkovic, 10. Sean Seavill (5. Alex Rojas 88’), 18. Chris Sanita (16. Simon Storey 46’)

Unused Subtitute(s):, 17. Daniel Buhic, 42. Mjak Mawith

Yellow Card(s): Matkovic 5’, Wynne 55’, Di Iorio 90’

Red Card(s): Nil

 

Melbourne Victory: 1. Lucas Spinella (GK), 5. Damien Miskulin (2. Thomas Lakic 50’), 17. George Howard, 9. Joey Katebian, 11. John Maclean, 10. Kieran Dover (13. Lucas Derrick 80’), 3. Milos Ridesic, 14. Nick Glavan, 14. Reece Caldecourt (8. Anthony Duzel 46’), 6. Stefan Nigro, 4. Thomas Deng (c)

Unused Substitute(s): 20. Wyatt Chant

Yellow Card(s): Ridesic 22’, Maclean 54’

Red Card(s): Nil