A late Jake Brimmer brace has steered the Victory to its first win of the season in dramatic fashion against Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
After Bruno Fornaroli put the Glory ahead in the 62nd minute and with frustration reaching boiling point among the 7,018 in attendance – Brimmer stood up with two goals in four minutes against his former club to give the Victory its first points for 2021.
The 22-year-old drew the Victory level in the 84th minute with a header from an Adama Traore cross, before the home side were awarded a penalty after a Josh Rawlins handball in the box. With a goal already to his name, Brimmer slotted away the spot kick to give the Victory the lead with five minutes of stoppage time ahead.
The win sees the Victory avoid its worst-ever start to an A-League season and sees the club jump off the foot of the table.
Perth meanwhile succumbs to its second straight defeat in dramatic circumstances, with Glory going down 5-4 last Saturday to Western United.
Despite conceding the two goals, goalkeeper Tando Velaphi won plenty of admirers with an impressive display between the sticks.
Velaphi made his first appearance for the club since its Asian Champions League exit and quickly justified his selection over Liam Reddy, who had started the opening two matches.
The 33-year-old was called into action early when he was forced into a sharp block from a Jake Brimmer attempt onto the post.
This attempt was one of several on a frustrating night for the Victory in front of its home fans.
Robbie Kruse was the standout for the home side until his substitution, with the Socceroo acting as a focal point in all of Victory’s attacking plays throughout the first half.
The 32-year-old nearly had an assist to his name in the 22nd minute when his backheel on the edge of the area found Brandon Lauton, whose attempt drifted wide of the goal.
Bruno Fornaroli would make the Victory pay in the 62nd minute when he gave the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute.
The Glory looked set to record its second win in six days before the game’s frantic finish.
Perth will remain in Melbourne for the week as they prepare for their clash with Melbourne City next Sunday, while a meeting with Western United awaits the Victory.
MELBOURNE VICTORY 2 (Brimmer 84’, 90′)
PERTH GLORY 1 (Fornaroli 62’)
Attendance – 7,018
