Melbourne City sees off resurgent Richmond

By Chris Hearn (@_ChrisHearn)

Melbourne City has seen off a determined Richmond outfit at Epping Stadium on Friday night, winning 2-1 in a much-improved performance.

Wade Dekker put the hosts ahead after 36 minutes after a flowing City move, before Luka Prelevic scored the second from the penalty spot in the second half. Richmond's Joshua Knight set up a frantic finale with an opportunistic effort on 75 minutes but the scoring concluded there.

Prelevic has been in blistering form of late, continuing that in the fifth minute as he put Dekker through on goal but the striker's chip landed just wide of Christian Rossi's goal.

Dekker remained City's main threat in attack, and was denied midway through the first period by a brilliant low save from Rossi.



The striker would not be denied a third time, however, as a move beginning with Prelevic and Gallo down the left side ended with a low cross which was finished by Dekker.

Richmond rallied in the remainder of the first period but could not find the breakthrough.

The visitors continued their pressure after the break, but could not find an avenue to provide service to in-form striker, Tom Cahill.

On 63 minutes, City pounced to win a penalty for a foul on the left of the area. Prelevic assumed responsibility and sent Rossi the wrong way to give his team a two-goal cushion.

Knight nearly provided an instant riposte for Richmond, but his side-footed finish flew wide.

The attacker almost went one better three minutes later, grazing the post from 20 yards after Cahill's lay-off.

In a frantic few minutes, City substitute Stefan Zinni's attempt to chip Rossi from an angle similarly saw his effort ricochet off the upright.

Richmond capitalised as the game lost all recognisable shape.


A poor defensive header from City allowed Knight in, and like Dekker in the first half, capitalised on his third attempt after prior profligacy.

City weathered the proverbial Richmond storm, and Prelevic wasted a glorious chance to put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. The midfielder hit the side netting from an angle after dribbling around the advancing goalkeeper.


Knight had one final snap-shot at City's goal, but Yaren Sozer held firm as his side earned all three points.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Melbourne City 2 (Dekker 36', Prelevic 64') defeated Richmond SC 1 (Knight 75') at Epping Stadium.

Melbourne City: 1. Yaren SOZER, 5. Leo ATHANASIOU, 8. Ratip CILELI, 18. Anthony RIZK, 9. Wade DEKKER, 10. Luka PRELEVIC, 13. Haralambos STAMBOULIDIS (19. Anthony TARANTO 82'), 14. Baki EFE (16. Matthew MILLAR 72'), 15. Luke GALLO, 21. Ali EYIGUN, 22. Mehdi SARWARI (11. Stefan ZINNI 61')

Substitutes not used: 17. Joseph MONEK, 20. Yianni SKILIROS

Yellow cards: Anthony Rizk 72', Ali Eyigun 81'



Red cards: Nil

Richmond: 1. Christian ROSSI, 2. Andrew GOFF, 3. Matthew COLLIER (18. Jordan SEETO 91'), 23. Joshua VALADON, 12. Matthew WATERS, 5. Brendan RICHARDSON (11. Liam FLYNN 46'), 6. Peter SAWAN, 19. Michael CATALANO (16. Ryan LAMBERT 65'), 8. Joshua KNIGHT, 7. Hamlet ARMENIAN, 9. Tom CAHILL

Unused substitutes: 20. Chris DAVIS, 21. Daniel PIOVESAN

Yellow cards: Joshua Knight 95'

Red cards: Nil




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Create A Team App Account.

Stack Team App is a platform that allows teams and social groups to improve communication by creating their own smartphone app.

Create A Team/Club