Melbourne City has won consecutive games for the first time this season and is back in the mix after defeating Canberra United 3-0 at AAMI Park.
It was a game of two halves as both teams traded blows though it was City who were able to land them in a match which had significant repercussions on the side’s season.
A loss would have made it difficult for City to stay in touch with the top four but this was put to ease as City took control early and never looked back.
While Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic was impressed with the performance he is also pragmatic about what lies ahead and how the team needs to approach the second half of the season.
“Because we had such a slow start every game is a grand final for us now,” Vidosic said.
“This was our first and we have five to go before we can play in a semi-final.
“It’s a big task but now having our better players back there’s a big difference
“We’re ready for the final sprint.”
City’s first half performance was one of a Championship side, not one sitting outside the top four.
Every 50/50 ball went City’s way because they made it so, they stamped their authority on the game from the onset and did not let Canberra in within a sniff.
The three goals were well-worked as though they had been choreographed on the training pitch.
A Rhali Dobson double and a Kyah Simon header all before the break did the damage, a deficit impossible for Canberra to come back from.
“It was a very good first half, we identified their strengths and weaknesses and we did well to expose those weaknesses,” Vidosic said
“We kept the ball reasonably well in wide areas, it was the areas we scored from.
“If we can get another good result we are very much in the mix.
“[Dobson] scored two beautiful goals but I think we can improve her decision making.
“I’d like to see her follow our guidelines a bit better but I’m very happy with her.”
It was a different tale in the second half as Canberra came out on the front foot desperate to find a way back in the game.
Canberra may not have given City goalkeeper Lydia Williams much to do, they frustrated City by disallowing not letting them play their game, forcing many turnovers especially in midfield.
Vidosic believes a big part of City’s ability to remain stable in the second half was due to the leadership of Steph Catley. who played 90 minutes for the first time this season.
“She’s one of the best full backs in the world,” Vidosic said.
“What kept her out was some bone bruising but now she doesn’t feel any pain and she can only get better she’s an unbelievable athlete.
“It’s fantastic for her confidence.
“This was the toughest game we’ve had so far since we’ve had all our players back.
“In the second half they came out strong and made a game out of it, giving us a big challenge.”
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