By Daniel Campos (@francisfields)

 

Melbourne City has ended Moreland City's six-game winning streak with a late goal to steal the points at Campbell Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

A late goal to Wade Dekker was all that separated the two sides in a hard-fought contest in front of a vocal home crowd in chilly conditions.

It was Moreland City with the better chances in the opening fifteen minutes, particularly through Corey Thomas in midfield, coming close with a lob that flew just over the crossbar.

It took Melbourne City some time to settle, and only really began to find their feet later on in the first half. 

Leo Athanasiou looked sharp also finding himself free to distribute but Moreland began to read their opponents' play.

Baki Efe was also kept busy in the centre of defence keeping Lisandro Paz at bay and ensuring City was staying tight on their men at the back.

The first opening 45 minutes saw a rather tight tussle; both sides went into the sheds contemplating how they were going to open their opponent.

The hosts' began to change tact from their earlier possession, switching to more long-balls in an attempt to get behind Melbourne City's defence, particularly down the wings.

It lamost worked as Kam Simsek had a chance on 50 minutes to get himself on the score sheet before Melbourne City keeper Yaren Sozer got to the ball quick by coming out of his line.

Set pieces were Melbourne City's better option.

To Moreland City's credit, their defensive duties looked solid and were able to quickly diminish any danger.

In goals Brandon Galgano got his name onto a good save to deny Wade Dekker and the match was looking very tight that a single goal would perhaps make the only difference.

The introduction of Hernán Espíndola brought added creativity to the Melbourne City attack and a support outlet to the ever-present Wade Dekker.

The change made a difference as shortly after, Luke Gallo managed to fend off his marker on the left wing, speed his way up and cut back to find Dekker, who smashed the ball past Galgano despite his best efforts to contain the shot.

The go-ahead-goal left Moreland City bravely searching for an equaliser with the clock ticking.

With minutes to go, tempers flared as Ali Eyigun got his marching orders for a late tackle leaving both sets of players with a scuffle.

The full-time whistle was blown only moments after with Melbourne City taking three points against a difficult Moreland City side at home.

Match details

Melbourne City 1 (83' Wade Dekker) defeated Moreland City 0 at Campbell Reserve, Coburg.

Moreland City: 1. Brandon GALGANO, 2. Yang TOU-YENG, 12. Shane CARR, 5. Ionnis AVRAMIDIS, 3. Finn HUZZEY, 8. Corey THOMAAS, 20. Rob BAZZANO, 17. Liam BRIAN (13. Vlad KHAMEES 70'), 9. Lisandro PAZ, 11. Kam SIMSEK (10. Nathan GOURZELAS 80'), 7. Ossie KOSE:

Unused Subs: 6. Julien DOS SANTOS, 18. Orrie KARA, 19. Liam FRANCIS.

Yellow Cards: 20. Rob BAZZANO 49'

Melbourne City: 1. Yaren SOZER (GK), 4. Jordon HALL, 5. Leo ATHANASIOU, 8. Ratip CILELI (3. Nicholas SYMEOY 85'), 9. Wade DEKKER, 14. Baki EFE, 15. Luke GALLO (12. Tom BARFOROSH 90'), 16. Matthew MILLAR, 19. Anthony TARANTO, 21. Ali EYIGUN, 22. Mehdi SARWARI (7. Hernán ESPÍNDOLA 66')

Unused Subs: 13. Haralambos STAMBOULIDIS, 20. Yianni SKILIROS.

Yellow Cards: 14. Baki EFE 65'.

Red Card: 21. Ali EYIGUN 90'