Avondale starting XI: Manos (GK), Courtney-Perkins, Pisani, Edwards, Wellsmore, Towns (C), Tevere, Trajcevski, Ahmed, Aguek, Kur

Goals: Ahmed 20’, Wellsmore 55’, Trajcevski 59’, Aguek 60’

Head Coach Zoran Markovski gave 20-year-old centre back, Ethan Pisani, his first start of the season after experienced defenders Ayden Brice, Mathew Reid and Kalilou Kamara were all ruled out due to injuries.

The Avengers started the game well with their quick combinations and movement off the ball, always looking to get in behind the South Melbourne defence early on.

In the 20th minute, Manny Aguek found himself on the end of some positive Avenger play and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Midfielder Kristian Trajcevski controlled the ball and teed up Yusef Ahmed who finished it off to give Avondale a deserved lead.

The Avengers controlled the rhythm of the rest of the half but were unable to add to their lead before the break.

The second half saw South Melbourne start to build some momentum by winning three consecutive corners as Avengers goalkeeper Thomas Manos was called into action by pulling off a good save from a shot just outside the box.

In the 55th minute, left back Emelyn Wellsmore won possession off South Melbourne and started a counterattack.

Teammate Trajcevski drove forward before playing it back to Wellsmore, who skilfully cut past his oncoming opponent and struck the ball into the far right corner to make it 2-0.

Four minutes later, winger Kur Kur won back possession and drove forward before laying off to Trajcevski who found himself with some time and space inside the box as he rifled it past the keeper.

In the 60th minute Luca Tevere capitalised on a South Melbourne turnover and played a defence-splitting pass into Manny Aguek, who got around his marker and sent the ball into the top left corner to make it three goals in five minutes.

The remaining 30 minutes saw Avondale continue to control possession and attack but they were unable to add any further goals as the final score remained 4-0.

The result keeps them at the top of the NPL VIC standings and they now look forward to their Friday night away game against Green Gully SC.