Melbourne Victory 2-1 Adelaide United
by Emma Burke (29/3/25)
Above: Nikki Flannery (right) celebrates her late winner for Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United today. Photo: A-Leagues.
A late goal from Nicki Flannery has kept Melbourne Victory’s Premiership hopes alive after defeating Adelaide United 2-1 at AAMI Park today.
The South Australian side were forced into a change just before kick-off, with their starting keeper Claudia Jenkins, who recently declared for New Zealand, getting injured during warm-up. It led to a debut for 16-year-old Ilona Melegh between the sticks for the Reds.
After an uneventful first half, Victory broke the deadlock when Flannery converted her first for the night with a world-class finish from the top of the 18-yard box with just over 20 minutes to play. Jessica Young, in her second appearance for Victory, provided Flannery with the assist.
Adelaide found themselves back in the game when Victory striker Emily Gielnik gave up an unnecessary penalty by raising her arm and getting hit with the ball from a free kick delivery.
The penalty, taken by Dylan Holmes, was perfectly executed, hit with power and sending keeper Courtney Newbon in the wrong direction.
With the score levelled and less than four minutes of regulation time left to play, Adelaide kicked the intensity up a notch.
Unfortunately, the tactic change left them exposed, allowing Victory the opportunity to find their second and winning goal for the afternoon.
In a moment of swift redemption, Gielnik ran onto a wide ball, taking it to the touchline before sending in a well-timed cross to meet the head of Flannery who was positioned on the penalty spot.
All Flannery had to do was redirect the ball on target, which she did with ease, securing Melbourne Victory all three points and keeping them within reach of the Premier’s plate.
For a superb set of the images from the game by Impetus’ Beck Hartley, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball
Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Wilson, Bunge, Morrison, Jančevski, Lowe, D’Appolonia, Chidiac, Flannery, Gielnik, Furphy. Substitutes: Young, Pickett, O’Grady.
Scorers: Flannery 69’, 90+1’.
ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-1-2): Melegh, Tonkin, McNamara, Tolland, Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Leon, Condon, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: I. Hodgson, Karambasis, Morgan, Kirkby
Scorer: Holmes 86’ (pen).
Referee: Isabella Cooper.
Attendance: 1,716.
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