Avondale FC starting XI: Manos (captain), Courtney-Perkins, Kamara, Edwards, Wellsmore, Katebian, Cuba, Trajcevski, Ahmed, Aguek, Kur
Goals: Aguek 3’
Coach Zoran Markovski made three changes to the Avengers starting line up with Joey Katebian, Kur Kur and Cian Cuba all given an opportunity to start.
Avondale had the best start possible when only three minutes in right-back Jackson Courtney-Perkins clipped a ball in behind the Port Melbourne Sharks backline, putting Cian Cuba through on goal.
Cuba drew two defenders before laying off into the path of Manny Aguek, who struck the ball into the back of the net for his eleventh goal of the season.
The Avengers looked to impose themselves on the contest with their passing game, but were unable to create any more real opportunities for the rest of the half as Port Melbourne switched to five at the back.
The second half started in similar fashion, with the Avengers controlling the rhythm of the game with their ball movement. Half chances fell early to Yusuf Ahmed and Aguek, but both were unable to add to the scoreline.
In the 60th minute, Aguek was fouled in the box, giving the referee no choice but to award the penalty. Aguek stepped up to take it and secure his twelfth goal of the season, but the goalkeeper deflected the shot onto the post to keep the score at 1-0.
Four minutes later, Ahmed and Cuba combined well inside the box before Cuba curled a shot just passed the post.
The remaining 25 minutes saw the contest open up and both teams attack, but ultimately with no added goals.
It was a gritty performance from Avondale and an important three points away from home.
The Avengers now have a quick turnaround before taking on Manningham United from VPL 1 on Tuesday night in an FFA Cup Qualifier followed by their round 16 NPLVIC Game against Melbourne Knights on Saturday afternoon at Avenger Park.
