McDonald the hero in Western United comeback win over Melbourne Victory

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:19 am

Scott McDonald was the hero as Western United produced a remarkable comeback to win their first A-League clash with Melbourne Victory, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in front of 20,865 fans at Marvel Stadium.

United recovered to pull the game back to 2-2 at half time on Saturday night, before McDonald scored the winner in the 51st minute to secure bragging rights for the A-League newcomers.

United have been slow starters this season and that trend continued when Victory took a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes, pouncing on two mistakes for as many goals.

Andrew Durante's pass was intercepted with Leigh Broxham nipping the ball away to Kristijan Dobras, who in turn found Ola Toivonen.

The Victory skipper drove forward and unleashed a fizzing strike -- past Durante and his defence -- into the bottom corner in the sixth minute.

Less than two minutes later, United paid for another turnover.

Under pressure well in his own half, Connor Chapman attempted to push the ball forward, with Adama Traore pinching the ball and slipping it to Elvis Kamsoba, who quickly nudged the ball to Toivonen.

The Victory captain laid the ball off to Dobras, who powered home his team's second goal in the seventh minute.

Scott McDonald struck as Western United completed a stunning comeback against Melbourne Victory.
Mike Owen/Getty Images

United fought their way back into the game through a moment of brilliance from Alessandro Diamanti in the 16th minute.

A shallow clearance fell straight to Diamanti who lashed home a long-range strike with his left foot -- a memorable first A-League goal.

Then in the 29th minute, United equalised.

McDonald whipped a ball to the back post, with Josh Risdon heading it across goal.

Besart Berisha slid in between Thomas Deng and James Donachie to bundle the ball over the line, with the final touch coming off Donachie for an own goal, ensuring scores were locked at 2-2 at the break.

United took the lead six minutes into the second half through McDonald, who receiving a cut-back from Panagiotis Kone, turned on the ball then drove a deflected strike home.

McDonald took off on a triumphant run and slid in front of the United fans in jubilation.

Both sides had chances to score as the half progressed, but United held on for a memorable win.