MELVILLE City started its State League Division Two season with a 3-0 win over Ellenbrook United at Arbor Grove Reserve.
Coach Gavin Brown was pleased his side, featuring seven players under the age of 23, started the season on a strong note and showed resilience following Alastair Campbell’s red card.
“I thought we followed the game plan absolutely perfectly and really put Ellenbrook under a lot of pressure and they gave the ball back to us because of that pressing,” he said.
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READ NOWMelville started strongly and was rewarded when Christian Long turned in a cross from close range inside the opening ten minutes.
Long turned provider soon after, running on to Cameron Maclaren’s through ball and squaring for Louie Granich to apply the finish.
Dalitso Mwale nearly pulled one back for Ellenbrook when he ran through despite a hint of offside, but was unable to find the net.
The visitors were in control, but their task was made difficult after the break when Campbell received his marching orders for dissent.
Davide Cappati had a great chance for Ellenbrook when he found space in the box, but could only shoot straight at Mirko Grgurinovic.
His miss was punished when Long ran on to Granich’s through ball and the striker kept his composure to slide the ball home.
Grgurinovic made a strong save from Daniel Abbonizio late in the game, but Melville was otherwise untroubled.
In other results, Melville’s Under-18s won 3-2 and the reserves prevailed 4-0.
Melville host Balga FC this Saturday at Len Shearer Reserve.