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Melbourne Victory Keep Winning Momentum
McKellar Park, Canberra — December 21, 2024
Melbourne Victory secured an emphatic 2-0 win over Canberra United in Round 7 of the Ninja A-League Women’s competition, further cementing their top-three position on the ladder. Goals from Nicki Flannery and Sara D’Appolonia highlighted a clinical performance in front of 1,212 fans on a sweltering evening at McKellar Park.
Flannery Opens the Scoring Against Former Side
It took just four minutes for Victory to stamp their authority on the match. Nicki Flannery, returning to her former home ground, capitalized on a well-delivered corner to score her first goal in Victory colors. The winger’s early effort set the tone for the match, with Victory dictating play and applying relentless pressure on the Canberra defense.
Flannery’s strike wasn’t the only danger posed by the visitors in the opening stages. Alana Jancevski’s looping cross-come-shot rattled the post shortly after, keeping the Canberra defense under constant threat.
Despite flashes of promise from United, including a long-range attempt by Michelle Heyman, the home side struggled to break through Victory’s disciplined defensive setup led by Kayla Morrison and goalkeeper Courtney Newbon.
D’Appolonia Doubles the Advantage
Victory extended their lead deep into first-half stoppage time. Sara D’Appolonia, making her return to the starting XI, unleashed a speculative long-range effort from 30 meters that sailed past a crowded penalty area and into the bottom corner of the net. The stunning strike left Canberra goalkeeper Sally James rooted, and Victory entered halftime with a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Canberra’s Efforts Fall Short in the Second Half
Canberra United emerged from the break determined to respond, with all-time league top scorer Michelle Heyman leading their attacking efforts. However, Victory’s resolute backline neutralized any threat, and goalkeeper Courtney Newbon enjoyed a relatively quiet second half.
Victory continued to dominate proceedings, coming close to a third goal on several occasions. Flannery, Alana Murphy, and Rachel Lowe each saw their efforts narrowly miss the target as Victory countered with pace and precision.
Substitutions by Jeff Hopkins injected fresh energy into the side, with Laura Pickett and Ella O’Grady adding composure in midfield during the game’s closing stages. Canberra’s attempts to claw their way back were thwarted by Victory’s superior game management and defensive organization.
A Pivotal Victory for Melbourne
The 2-0 triumph marked Melbourne Victory’s second consecutive clean sheet and kept them firmly in contention for the top spots in the league. With a strong defensive showing and goals at crucial moments, Victory demonstrated their capability to contend with the league’s best.
Match Details
Round 7 – Ninja A-League Women’s
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Venue: McKellar Park, Canberra
Final Score:
Canberra United 0–2 Melbourne Victory
Goals:
Flannery 4’, D’Appolonia 45+2’
Canberra United Starting XI:
- Sally James, 23. Elizabeth Anton, 5. Madison Ayson (2. Alex McKenzie 87’), 10. Mary Stanic-Floody (4. Holly Murray 87’), 11. Emma Robers, 12. Hayley Taylor-Young (20. Lillian Skelly 70’), 13. Sofia Christopherson, 17. Maja Markovski, 23. Michelle Heyman, 25. Darcey Malone (32. Bethany Gordon 46’), 28. Tegan Bertolissio.
