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Serbian striker Alexander Prizovic scored twice and added an assist as Western United beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 at AAMI Park in the A-League Men’s Grand Final.
United made the final decision of the season in their third season and ended the club-record 16-match unbeaten run with a 4-2 overall victory in a thrilling match on Saturday.
1-0 back from the first leg, United hit the front twice as Prizovic capitalized on two great crosses and scored in each half.
Alexander Prizovic of Western United headed the ball in the victory over goalkeeper Ivan Kelava. (Photo by Robert Sianflon / Getty Images)
Prizovic set the decisive third goal in the 78th minute, as his delightful Leaf Lachi fell to Wales, whose shot went into the net of a winning player to advance.
Excellent Dylan Wengel-Halls added icing to the fourth goal in the ninth minute of added time.
Before the final goal of the game, the victory tie had many chances to equalize and there was also a failed penalty shout.
A Jake Brimer free kick in the 82nd minute forced a good finger tip save from Jamie Young and the victory came close to scoring twice in the 88th minute and again in extra time, all three attempts came from options.
Francesco Margiota hits the post, Chris Iconomidis fires a follow-up shot from close range from the top of the bar, and Brendon Hamill pushes a shot away from Young.
In the 18th minute, Western scored on their first attempt to the goal, rewarding a pleasant cross from Connor Payne on Prizovic’s far-headed header.
Winning midfielder Bremer again put his side ahead overall with a free kick in the 37th minute, the fourth game in a row where he has scored.
In the first minute of the second half, Young saved the whole stretch to keep Josh Brillant’s powerful shot out.
The Westerns briefly thought they were ahead again when Wengel-Halls’ header hit the net just after halftime, only to be disallowed properly for offside.
Three minutes later they advanced from a nice cross from Wenzel-Halls with a great sliding finish from Prizovich.
The victory added to the pressure after Ben Folami, Marchan and Nick D’Agostino saved Young for the second time.
The home side were adamant they should have got a penalty in the 42nd minute when Josh Risdon was seen fouling Rai Marchan.
Referee Alex King did not give a spot kick at the time and reiterated his decision after being called to the touchline by VAR to watch a replay of the incident.
© AAP