A skillful goal to Robbie Kruse in the 20th minute was enough to hand the Melbourne Victory their first win of the season with an entertaining 1-0 victory over Gold Coast United at Skilled Park.
Both sides came into the match without a win in the 2010/11 A-League Season and with last season’s golden-boot Shane Smeltz bound for Turkey, Gold Coast look a side with problems to solve in attack.
Statistically the home-side were right in the contest, but too often the United midfield were left without options ahead and of their six shots on goal, few came with real conviction
Victory, finalists last season, were in desperate need of the three competition points, and once they had the lead, were content to sit back in a defensive wall.
Melbourne Victory had a little more of the possession in the first half, and with the reigning Johnny Warren Medalist Carlos Hernandez directing play, the visitors were in control.
Playing the Fury last weekend, Melbourne had 28 unsuccessful attempts at goal, but against United the Victory ensured a better strike-rate after Hernandez put Kruse into space to score in the 20th minute.
The Gold Coast were not without chances in the opening 45, and the home side would have gone into the break on even pegging had Golgol Mebrahtu done better with a close range header at an open goal.
Personnel changes in the second half had the Gold Coast looking a more competitive side, but skipper Jason Culina still wasn’t receiving the service he needed up front and United’s chances to equalise were few and far between.
Melbourne looked in control to the final whistle, but despite the open spaces ahead the Victory refused to go forward in numbers and the visitors never looked like extending their lead.
Gold Coast United: 0
Melbourne Victory: 1 (Kruse 20)