Soccer: Melville City wins again with 3-1 victory over Curtin University FC

MELVILLE City continued its winning ways with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Curtin University FC under lights at Edinburgh Oval.

First half goals from Federico Testa, Louie Granich and Cameron McLaren put Melville in charge, before it saw off sustained second half pressure to seal its fifth win in six games.

It took just ten minutes for City to open the scoring, as Testa’s deflected free kick evaded everyone and found the net.

Midway through the half, Melville doubled its lead through Granich, who ghosted in at the back post to dispatch Sherwin Tucker’s fine pass.

Shortly afterwards, it was 3-0 thanks to with a lovely team move. Testa’s back-heel found Scott Campbell, who picked out Simon El Chami’s run with a great ball and although the shot was saved, McLaren was on hand to fire home the rebound.

The hosts came close to snatching one back before the break, but George Festa was on hand to cut out Antony Russo’s dangerous cross, before Dilip Masrangi’s free kick whistled just wide.

The second half saw Melville sit back and look to hit their opponents on the counter, further restricting Curtin’s chances. Masrangi came closest with a low drive, but Agudelo was equal to it.

City’s task became harder when Cormack Abbott was forced off through injury and with no remaining substitutes, the visitors were forced to defend against a wave of attacks with ten men.

Despite the constant pressure, it looked like Melville would depart with a clean sheet, but Logan McIsaac’s sliced clearance flew past Agudelo and into his own net to give Curtin a late consolation.