MELBOURNE CITY FC 2-0 MACARTHUR FC
Melbourne City’s youngsters starred against Macarthur to secure a Grand Final meeting against Sydney FC next weekend.
Macarthur started strong, creating copious amounts of chances, with the biggest of the first half falling to Charles M'Mombwa.
The 23-year-old rounded the keeper, and if not for the heroics of Nuno Reis, would have given the away side the opener.
Macarthur was not satisfied there, though, with an in-swinging corner failing to be converted; almost a repeat of their semi-final clash with Central Coast last week.
It was City who struck first, though.
Marco Tilio dazzled his defender to fire a ball across the six-yard box and find the feet of Stefan Colakovski. The latter tapped the ball home, to the delight of the travelling City fans.
City struck hard and fast again almost immediately.
Colakovski brought down a long ball and beat his defender before playing in Tilio.
The ex-Sydney FC youngster beat Adam Federici to give the away side a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute and seal a grand final spot.
Tilio celebrates his goal that ultimately sent City into the Grand-Final.
Melbourne City captain Scott Jamieson was forced off through injury after suffering from a collision with M'Mombwa.
Head coach Patrick Kisnorbo said the substitution was only a precaution. He should be available for the Grand Final clash.
Melbourne City will face Sydney FC, with the venue still to be decided due to issues surrounding COVID-19 in both Sydney and Melbourne.
The Youth
Kisnorbo’s decision to start Colakovski and Tilio proved decisive, with both notching a goal and assisting each other in the 2-0 win.
Macarthur’s Missed Chances
Charles M'Mombwa had a golden chance to give his side the lead. But, he was denied by Nuno Reis. Macarthur also had countless other opportunities to take the initiative but could not take them.
A Game Of Two Halves
Macarthur completely dominated the first half, racking up most of the chances and looking more likely to score. Still, Kisnorbo’s men came out flying in the second, dominating the midfield.