Avondale FC starting XI: Manos, Wellsmore, Brice (C), Kamara, Edwards, Cuba, Tevere, Trajcevski, Zinni, Aguek, Valentini
Goals: 20’ (OG), Zinni 35’
Just five minutes in, the Avengers registered their first real attacking move when forward Manny Aguek fired a close-range shot, forcing the Hume City goalkeeper into a strong save.
From the resulting corner, the Avondale worked the ball into the Hume City penalty area. Midfielder Luca Tevere unleashed a shot on goal, only for the Hume City goalkeeper to produce another fine save.
Twelve minutes in, Stefan Zinni broke through the Hume City defence, driving at speed into the penalty box. He narrowly sent his shot wide of the far post as the Avengers continued to show their attacking power, creating three excellent chances early in the match.
In the 20th minute, the Avengers’ relentless pressure finally paid off. Luca Tevere surged down the right wing and delivered a dangerous cross into the Hume City penalty box, which a defender deflected into his own net.
In the 32nd minute, Aguek played a superb pass to Stefan Valentini, sending the winger through on goal. Valentini’s effort forced yet another strong save from the busy Hume City goalkeeper.
At the 35-minute mark, the Avengers were awarded a free kick just outside the Hume City penalty area. Midfielder Cian Cuba curled in a well-weighted cross that found left-back Dan Edwards, who nodded the ball back across the face of goal. A Hume City defender attempted to clear it but could only direct the ball to Zinni, who fired home Avondale’s second goal of the night.
Two minutes later, and against the run of play, Hume City scored from a well-taken corner kick, reducing the deficit to 2–1 heading into the halftime break.
The second half began at a slower pace, with both teams battling for control.
Fourteen minutes into the half, Tevere rifled a powerful shot at goal from just outside the penalty area, narrowly missing the upright of the Hume City goal.
In the 74th minute, Cuba surged forward from 35 metres out and drove into the penalty area, unleashing a powerful shot on goal. Yet again, the Hume City goalkeeper stood tall, pulling off another impressive save.
A minute later, Tevere played a delightful ball over the top of the Hume City defence, finding substitute Blake Carpenter running in on goal. Carpenter’s first-time lob was met with another incredible save by the Hume City goalkeeper. The rebounding ball fell back to Carpenter, whose header went narrowly wide.
In the 94th minute, Avenger substitute Jackson Courtney-Perkins threaded a well-weighted pass through the Hume City defence to find Cuba, whose shot from six yards out was once more denied by the outstanding Hume City goalkeeper, who was arguably the best player on the field for the night.
Ultimately, the Avengers secured an important three points, with Head Coach Zoran Markovski notching his 100th victory in 151 matches in charge - a remarkable milestone for the Gaffer.
The Avengers now turn their focus to their Dockerty Cup (State Cup) semi-final against South Melbourne FC on Saturday evening at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
Forza Avondale.
