Points split between Murray United and Melbourne City in entertaining clash

Zac Walker opened the account for the hosts inside two minutes after a brilliant pass from Gonzalo Freddi.

City levelled in the 12^th minute after capatalising on a loose ball in the box, but Murray found the instant response with Alex West heading the ball home after an excellent free kick from coach James Coutts.

The home side took a 2-1 lead into the break, but it was all City in the second half.

Numerous chances were created, before a high ball got over the head of Munya Ruparanganda who brought the City player to ground and conceded a penalty.

City equalised with a successful spot kick and had numerous chances to take the lead, but the brave Murray defence held on for a hard-earned draw.

Coutts was happy to take the point, considering the absences of captain Ashley Dunn and damaging wide defender Melkie Woldemichael.

“The second half was an odd one, our structure was very good defensively and we knew they were going to try and move the ball and they did that well,” Coutt said. 

“A 2-1 lead is one where you don't want to go forward too much and leave yourself gaps.

“They've got very good wide players, so it was a big test for our boys, but I thought we stood up well.

“I didn't think our passing was as good today, but you have to have a good work ethic and attitude and I think the boys showed that today.

“We're still a little disappointed because they're above us and we wanted to close that gap.”

Coutts was very pleased with new recruit Halil Gur’s first game for the club at centre back. 

“I thought he was exactly want we wanted and needed,” Coutts said.

“He’ll do what’s necessary, he talks, he’s strong, he attacks things.

“He’s an old-fashioned defender and I felt we needed somebody like that, so I’m glad we got him on board.

“You know when you come up against Melbourne City they’re going to get bodies forward, they’re going to break lines, but Halil and Pyesy (Sean Pye) played well together today.

“If we can get the rest of the boys around them firing, hopefully we’ll start getting some clean sheets again.

“We know we’ve got players who can and will score, so we want to make sure we can keep a solid structure and foundation so we can have a positive second half of the season.”

Coutts said the side is looking forward to welcoming back Dunn from suspension, and is hopeful both Woldemichael and striker Chad Bugeja can do enough through the week at training to prove their fitness in time for the clash with Eastern Lions.

The ladder after round 17 is: Dandenong City 35, Dandenong Thunder 33, Melbourne City 27, Murray United 23, Goulburn Valley Suns 23, Box Hill United 20, Springvale White Eagles 19, Eastern Lions 16, Nunawading City 15, Richmond 14.