Terry Antonis claimed a hat-trick in four first half minutes as Melbourne Victory hammered Port Melbourne Sharks 5-1 in their pre-season friendly at JL Murphy Reserve last night.
Antonis struck in the 14th, 16th and 18th minutes as Kevin Muscat’s side flexed their muscles against the NPL Victoria side.
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Kenny Athiu was also on the scoresheet in an opening half that saw new fullbacks Storm Roux and Corey Brown feature prominently going forward.
20-year-old midfielder Joshua Hope added a fifth for the reigning Champions early in the second half as Muscat’s men cruised to an impressive pre-season victory.
Melbourne weren’t the only Hyundai A-League side in action overnight as Brisbane Roar edged Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Cbus Super Stadium last night.
Adam Taggart was the match winner for John Aloisi’s side, with the former Perth striker clinching his first strike in Roar colours in the second half
The visitors had earlier opened the scoring in the first half through Nathan Burns, before Brisbane restored parity via an Eric Bautheac strike – the Frenchman’s third effort of pre-season.
Aloisi said the match was ideal preparation for Brisbane’s FFA Cup date with Melbourne City next Tuesday evening.
“It was exactly what we needed and has us ready to meet City,” Aloisi told The Courier Mail.
“Even though they took the lead we started the game well enough and I was pleased with the way we fought back after going a goal down.
“It might have been a friendly but both teams wanted to do well and win, so there was some physicality as well, which was good.”
