Mandurah City beat Western Knights 3-0 on Saturday.
Camera IconMandurah City beat Western Knights 3-0 on Saturday. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Soccer: Melville downs Quinns 1-0 in wild conditions

Ben SmithMelville Gazette

MELVILLE City withstood a spirited Quinns FC and pouring rain to make it three wins from four with a 1-0 victory at John Connell Reserve on Saturday.

Amidst sporadic downpours, Christian Long’s tap-in midway through the second half proved the difference for the hosts.

The result saw Melville move to seventh place, within four points of fourth, having lost just once in their past seven games and claiming draws against each of the top three.

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While both sides attempted to play flowing football, the heavy rainfall and deteriorating pitch made for a scrappy first half.

City goalkeeper Daniel Agudelo was called into action to punch clear a strong strike, before a follow up whistled wide of the mark.

Quinns looked more likely to break the deadlock after half time and Jake Benson Cooper had a golden chance to send them 1-0 up when he cut in from the left, but was denied by the bar.

It was fitting the ugly conditions brought about an ugly goal and it proved to be decisive.

Alastair Campbell’s low free kick was flicked on and Long steered the ball home from close range.

The visitors refused to lie down, committing men forward at every opportunity and thought they had equalised through Joseph Higgin’s fine strike, only for Agudelo to tip it wide.

City nearly made it 2-0 when substitute Cormack Abbott slalomed past three defenders in the box and teed up Simon El Chami, but his scuffed shot was cleared off the line.

However, despite Quinn’s unrelenting pressure, Melville held firm to celebrate a resolute victory.

City will look to rest some weary bodies ahead of next week’s bye, before returning to host Morley Windmills on July 30.

With Matt Donlevy, Logan McIsaac, Scott Campbell, Mark Lucas and Rion Robertson all expected back for the clash, Melville will go into the match full of confidence.