Sunday’s highly-anticipated clash was the first home Hyundai A-League game since the name change in June on another historic day for everyone associated with the club.
Last weekend, Villa emerged from the bench to grab the equaliser on his debut in the season’s first game away to Sydney FC, and the striker was deemed ready for a starting place in front of the delighted home fans for this encounter with Newcastle.
Melbourne had a host of chances to take the lead in the first half but the game was still goalless as the half time whistle sounded, and Edson Montano was on hand to put the visitors ahead shortly after the hour mark.
John van’t Schip’s Melbourne side poured forward as one in search of the equaliser, and were finally rewarded after 87 minutes. A
s the clock ticked down towards full time the ball came to Villa on the edge of the area following a beautiful interchange between Damien Duff and Mate Dugandzic, and the World Cup winner made no mistake, stroking the ball home at the near post to deservedly level the scores and grab the headlines for a second successive match.
The home team sensed a chance to take all three points but time was against them and the spoils were shared.
Next up is the local derby with Melbourne Victory - sure to be one of the most eagerly-awaited encounters with the neighbours in history.
For a full report and reaction head to the Melbourne City website.
