In a battle of two massive heavyweights in Victorian football, Melbourne City defeated Hume City 0-1 at ABD Stadium.
Battling the depths of the Melbourne climate, an impressive crowd of 2,148 braved the weather to create an outstanding atmosphere as a classic classic cup football match was played.
As expected, the match started off with lots of physicality and some questionable tackles. It all started off in the ninth minute as Raphael Borges Rodrigues got taken down in a clumsy tackle. However, a poor miss to the right of goal from Marco Tilio denied the A-League champions from taking the lead early on.
In a refreshing sight, Hume City did not persist with a defensive game-style and attacked with purpose. Unfortunately for the Hume faithful, they were unable to contain Socceroo Matt Leckie as he put the ball in the back of the net in the 20th minute.
Moreover, as the first half persisted, Melbourne City were further able to keep control of possession and overcome Nick Hegarty’s men in the midfield.
Hume’s valiant first half was backed by an incredible double save from Hume’s shot stopper Lucas Trenkovski and an almost wonder-strike at goal in the 42nd minute on Melbourne’s goal.
Both sides came out strong to start the second half with an attacking mentality, with both side having numerous shots on target – including a missed open goal for Hume in the 55th minute.
However, the fairytale was not to be for Hume City as the intensity generally dropped throughout the duration of the match. Aided by Melbourne City’s strong midfield – led by an impressive Taras Gomulka, it eventuated in the tempo of the match slowing down and Melbourne mitigating Hume City’s early threats from escalating.
Key Takeaways:
HUME BRING THE ATMOSPHERE
A crowd of 2,148 at ABD Stadium provided the fixture with an authentic atmosphere that got louder as the night went on.
From the stands, the Hume faithful showed what it means to have a loyal and unconditional foundation that extends to how the the club is run and how the players portray themselves on the pitch.
Certainly, regardless of how Hume played on the pitch, they were supported off the pitch 90 minutes long – exactly something A-league should aspire to for future expansion.
A PHYSICAL AFFAIR
In what was always going to be, a heated tussle from both sides. Tackles were flying straight from the start of the match – which set the precedent for exactly what the rest of the match was going to entail.
Eventuating in 26 fouls throughout the match, neither side were willing to back down from a physical challenge.
Although through the midst of such physicality, it truly symbolised the maturity of the A-League champions and just how they were able to not let the heated affairs get to them on a mental capacity.
SHARP MELBOURNE CITY
From the individual firepower of Matt Leckie to Marco Tilio and Andrew Nabbout, they were simply a class above in quality.
Despite Tilio’s penalty miss early on, Hume’s defence were unable to combat his sheer pace and dribbling prowess as he strode down the left wing as he pleased.
Needless to say, Patrick Kisnorbo’s midfield were also able to control most potential threats from entering their back four and also maintain about two thirds of possession throughout the duration of the match; ultimately paving the for a classy Melbourne City victory.
FINAL SCORE:
HUME CITY 0
MELBOURNE CITY 1 Matthew Leckie (20m)
