Hyundai A-League Champions Melbourne Victory recorded an impressive 5-1 win against Victorian Foxtel Cup side South Melbourne FC in a trial match at Bob Jane Stadium tonight.

Archie Thompson produced some of his finest form before departing for the Qantas Socceroos camp in Singapore as he netted two goals in front of a crowd of over 7500, while Adrian Caceres, Danny Allsopp and VIS striker Alex Tabor also registered their names on the score sheet in Victory’s first match against the reigning Victorian Foxtel Cup Champions.

The match was also provided a challenging test for current Victory goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, who is currently on loan to South Melbourne. The Qantas Young Socceroo was amongst the action as early as the first minute as Caceres fired a shot on target, which was saved by the ‘keeper.

Caceres managed to break through the South Melbourne defence after 11 minutes, when he took control of the ball on the left flank and eased his way into the penalty area before calmly placing a shot past a diving Langerak.

VIS player Matthew Theodore was impressive for Victory as he produced a number of shots from outside the penalty area, while South Melbourne had their first major chance of the night when Yusuf Yusuf almost headed a free kick past Victory ‘keeper Eugene Galekovic.

New recruit Ljubo Milicevic linked well with Victory captain Kevin Muscat in the midfield as Victory made the most of its early possession and seemed intent on extending its lead.

Theodore was in the mix again when he linked with Thompson to produce Victory’s second goal. The 17-year-old provided a pin point cross for the Qantas Socceroo, who received the ball inside the box and guided his shot into the right side of the net.

Langerak then denied the partnership of Allsopp and Thompson several times, before South Melbourne forward Nathan Caldwell made the most of a goalmouth scramble and reduced the margin just before half time.

Following the break, Victory extended its lead as Thompson produced a piece of individual brilliance and netted his second goal. The all-time Hyundai A-League leading goal scorer made his way past three South Melbourne defenders, before getting past Langerak and placing the ball into an open net.

Five minutes later Allsopp got on the end of a through ball and hammered a shot towards goal, which was saved by Langerak and fell into the path of the recent Qantas Socceroos debutant, who headed the ball over the ‘keeper to all but secure the result for Victory.

In his first appearance for the club, 15-year-old Tabor headed a goal that he will most likely never forget. The VIS player rose above the South Melbourne defenders in the 82nd minute and connected with a free kick, which sparked a joyful celebration from the youngster.

Victory will now look forward to its pre-season Asian tour, where it will face the China national team and Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda before the 2007 Pre-Season Cup begins against Adelaide United on July 15.

Melbourne Victory 5 (Caceres 11’, Thompson 33’, 53’, Allsopp 58’, Tabor 82’)
South Melbourne FC 1 (Caldwell 38’)

Melbourne Victory: Eugene Galekovic (gk), Kevin Muscat (capt), Daniel Piorkowski, Ljubo Milicevic, Steve Pantelidis, Danny Allsopp, Archie Thompson , Joseph Keenan, Rodrigo Vargas, Adrian Caceres, Matthew Theodore (VIS), Kamal Ibrahim (VIS), Alex Tabor (VIS), Mitchell Bissinger (VIS), Kliment Taseski (VIS), Steve Hatzikostas (VIS)

Crowd: Approximately 7500 at Bob Jane Stadium, Melbourne