By Matthew McNamara

A strike from George Howard and a Bendigo City own goal has seen Melbourne Victory launch itself to the top of the NPL 1 East ladder, as it ran out 2-0 winners at Epsom Huntley Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Victory dominated the game from start to finish, denying Bendigo any real effective possession in the final third.

Playing in its traditional 4-3-3 formation, Victory was casuing troubles early in wide areas, with Lucas Derrick in fine form on the right, supplying numerous chances to Howard and captain Joey Katebian.

Katebian was the first to test the keeper; his 30 yard strike from the dead ball was easy for Gianmarco D'Oria in the Bendigo City goal however.

A moment of brilliance from Keiran Dover in the 32^nd minute put the visitors ahead. 

Dover’s neat through ball to Howard saw the big striker beat the high defensive line of City before his strike was fired past a hapless D'Orio.

Bendigo hadn’t really been in the game for long periods but had their best chance in injury time of the first period, but Karl Slevin’s lobb just sailed over the bar of Stephen Hatzikourtis.

Shortly after the break, Victory was 2-0 up when Howard’s cross was too much for the Bendigo City defenders who, in an attempted clearance, inadvertently slotted the ball into the wrong net.

Howard was tremendous for Victory and should have extended its lead just before the hour when Derrick’s cross was met at the near post but the ball skied over the bar.

Victory continued to apply the pressure, determined not to give Bendigo any hope of a comeback, but was guilty of numerous misses. 

Katebian and Howard both had further chances to extend the visitors lead but were denied by the heroics of D'Orio in the Bendigo City goal.

Match Details:

Bendigo City 0 defeated by Melbourne Victory 2 (Howard 33’ Own Goal 49’) at Epsom Huntley Reserve, Bendigo.

Bendigo City: 1. Gianmarco D'Orio, 2. Riley Dillan, 3. Jordan Seeto, 4. Daniel Rees (15. Godwill Basha 84’), 6. Jason Shade, 7. George McLeileh (18. Daniel Purdy 81’), 8. Karl Slevin (14. Keegan Smyth 65’), 9. George Slefendoras, 10. Greg Thomas, 11. Corey Slevin, 21. Prince Quansah

Unused Subs: 20. Finn Huzzey, 30. Stares Gilardi

Yellow/Red Cards: Nil

Melbourne Victory: 1. Stephen Hatzikourtis, 3. Milos Ridesic, 5. Damian Miskulin, 19. Nick Glavan (15. Reece Caldecourt 90’), 2. Tom Lakic (14. Patrick Avice 72’), 6. Stefan Nigro, 8. Anthony Duzel, 10. Kieran Dover, 13. Lucas Derrick (11. John Maclean 57’), 17. George Howard, 9. Joey Katebian

Unused Sub: 20. Wyatt Chant

Yellow/Red Cards: Nil