Melbourne wins Grand Final re-match
Defending champion Melbourne continued its recent dominance over Adelaide in Friday night Hyundai A-League action with its 2-0 win at Hindmarsh Stadium its seventh-straight success over the Reds.
Melbourne may have finally kick-started its season with a composed performance which saw the visitors score at either end of a physical and intense contest befitting a Grand Final re-match. In front of over 15,000 fans, Nick Ward floated in an extraordinary goal in just the sixth minute, beating Eugene Galekovic at the near post with what initially looked like a cross.
The result was then secured after Archie Thompson, playing as a lone striker, stripped the ball off Cassio, ran the by-line and delivered a cross which rebounded of an Adelaide defender, Galekovic and the post before finding substitute Grant Brebner, who slotted home.
The win takes Melbourne above Adelaide on the table with nine points from seven games and it marks Victory's second win from three home games.
Earlier, Melbourne's National Youth League team opened its season by coming from two goals down against Adelaide to draw 3-3, thanks to a late goal from overage player Steven Pace.
In the other National Youth League match, a double from Brisbane striker Josh McVey has seen the Roar register their first victory for the 2009/10 season, a 3-1 triumph over Perth Glory at Goodwin Park.