Avondale starting XI: Manos (captain), Pisani, Kamara, Edwards, Wellsmore, Cuba, Tevere, Katebian, Zinni, Aguek, Kur
Goals: Zinni 19’, Aguek 59’, Ahmed 90+5’
Head coach Zoran Markovski made four changes to the starting lineup, with young Defender Ethan Pisani, Cian Cuba, Joey Katebian and Stefan Zinni all starting the Match.
In the 19th minute, Manny Aguek did well to steal possession off the Melbourne Victory midfield with his pressure, leading to a move that ended with Zinni beating the keeper after his initial shot was parried back to him. Avondale went into the break 1-0 up.
The second half started with the Avengers again looking to stamp their authority on the contest and dictate possession and the tempo.
In the 59th minute, Luca Tevere and Kur Kur combined well to get into the box before the former found Aguek, who netted his 13th goal of the season and doubled Avondale’s lead.
In the 72nd minute, Melbourne Victory had a corner that was cleared to the edge of the box, allowing them to cross again and find a defender, who had been subbed on, to head in at the far post and halve the deficit.
The momentum of the game started to shift with the Melbourne Victory youngsters looking dangerous on the attack. In the 91st minute, Melbourne Victory saw their substitute defender convert his second for the night from another corner to level the score.
Incredibly, in the 95th minute, Stefan Valentini delivered a dangerous cross across the face of goal to find Yusuf Ahmed, who made no mistake and won the game for the Avengers.
A dramatic end to an entertaining contest gave the Avengers their 14th win of the season, keeping them at the top of the NPLVIC standings.
Avondale’s focus now turns to toward the St Albans Saints on Saturday afternoon, back home at Avenger Park.
