By Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan)

 

Melbourne Victory has consolidated its position in the top four of NPL 1 East after a comprehensive 4-1 win over Ballarat Red Devils in the first cross-conference round of 2015. 

John Maclean bagged a clinical hat-trick with Kieran Dover also on the scoresheet in response to Josh Romein’s cracking opener for the home side at Morshead Park.

Despite splendid conditions for football, both sides were guilty of numerous errors throughout the 90 minutes. 

Simon Murphy and Nelson Salvatore failed to capitalise on early half-chances before Joey Katebian smashed a free kick against the inside of the post.

Just two minutes later, the hosts made the Victory pay for Katebian’s miss on top of some diabolical play out of defence.

A turnover allowed Michael Trigger to tee up Josh Romein for a thumping low drive from all of 25 yards, whistling past Lucas Spinella into the back of the net.

Victory delivered the perfect response with a goal reminiscent of their A-League side.

On a lightning break, Howard slipped in Maclean who slotted into the bottom corner from close range to restore parity.

Dom Swinton’s damaging runs down both flanks gave the visitors a torrid time until he was cruelly forced off with a twisted ankle right before the interval.

Victory then seized control of the game and Maclean was gifted his second after horrendous decision making from Ballarat’s back four to make it 2-1.

Two minutes later, Victory should have doubled the lead, but found Aaron Romein in supreme form.

The Red Devils’ goalkeeper made an astonishing four saves in as many seconds to deny Maclean, Katebian, and Howard.

Romein repeatedly thwarted the visitors until Kieran Dover’s strike took an enormous deflection and bounced over the line.

With the points seemingly wrapped up, a small contingent of the crowd lit half a dozen flares, using the cover of smoke to invade the pitch and make off with the corner flag before being evicted.

In stoppage time, the boys in blue added insult to injury as Maclean sealed his treble while the tireless Shaun Romein remained floored with injury.

MATCH DETAILS

Ballarat Red Devils 1 (J. Romein 18’) defeated by Melbourne Victory 4 (Maclean 32’, 50’, 94’, Dover 75’) [HT 1-1]

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN, 28. Callum FERGUSON, 21. Charles KING, 13. Scott LAMONT (62’ Liam HARDING), 14. Daniel FIRTH (46’ Daniel TINKER), 8. Josh ROMEIN, 17. Shaun ROMEIN, 10. Michael TRIGGER, 11. Nelson SALVATORE, 31. Simon MURPHY, 15. Dom SWINTON (37’ Pat KARRAS)

Unused: 35 Jake FRANCIS, 40. Jason HILL

 

Melbourne Victory: 1. Lucas SPINELLA, 2. Thomas LAKIC, 3. Milos RIDESIC, 5. Damien MISKULIN, 8. Anthony DUZEL (77’ Patrick AVICE), 9. Joey Katebian, 10. Kieran DOVER, 11. John MACLEAN, 17. George HOWARD (76’ Lucas DERRICK),  19. Nick GLAVAN (50’ Thomas DENG)

Unused: 20. Wyatt CHANT.