3 Nov 2015

Victory thump Phoenix

5:52 am on 3 November 2015

The Melbourne Victory brutally dismantled the Wellington Phoenix 3-nil in their A-League football clash in Melbourne.

The Victory had 64 percent of the possession and made the most of it as they led 1-nil at half time.

Melbourne Victory midfielder Besart Berisha.

Melbourne Victory midfielder Besart Berisha. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Besart Berisha scored either side of a Kosta Barbarouses goal to ensure the champions keep in touch with early A-League pacesetters Sydney FC.

The Victory attacked with purpose and in numbers, and could have had a hatful by half-time.

Wellington were welcome contributors at Docklands, where both sets of fans unveiled "Save the Nix" banners before kick-off in reference to the franchise's doubtful future in the A-League.

But only one side took their opportunities - and no individual does that better than Berisha.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick was gracious in defeat, saying while he thought his side could have been level at halftime, the better team won.

"I was impressed with our boys that we tried to play good possession football from beginning to end ... but it was always going to be Victory's night."

The Victory are 4th on the A-League table, 3 points behind Sydney, while the Phoenix are another point back.

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