Melbourne Victory are FFA Cup Winners for a second time after defeating Central Coast Mariners 2-1 at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Jason Davidson and Chris Ikonomidis were on target with a pair of sublime goals for the Victory as Tony Popovic’s side were crowned Champions in front of a 15,343 strong crowd.
Davidson broke the deadlock in the 70th minute in stunning fashion - smashing home a left footed free-kick from the top of the box to put Victory ahead.
Substitutes Francesco Margiotta and Ikonomidis then combined stoppage time to double Victory’s lead.
The Italian’s inch perfect through ball found Ikonomidis who controlled with his chest before slamming his finish into the bottom corner to all but seal Victory’s triumph in the 95th minute.
The Mariners pulled a goal back moments later through Captain, Oliver Bozanic but it proved to be a mere consolation as Victory hung on to claim the cup.
For the first time in the history of the FFA Cup there were shared Mark Viduka medal winners with Jake Brimmer of Victory and Kye Rowles of the Mariners sharing the honour.
Victory’s win in Saturday’s Final means they’ve secured Australia’s third and final spot in the 2022 AFC Champions League.
Victory will face J-League heavyweights, Vissel Kobe in the play off round with a spot in Group J of Asia’s premier club competition on the line.
Watch all the key moments from the Victory's Final win in the video player above.
MATCH DETAILS
FFA Cup 2021 Final: Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, 5 February 2022
Attendance: 15,343
Melbourne Victory – 2 (Jason DAVIDSON 70’ Chris IKONOMIDIS 95’)
Central Coast Mariners – (Oliver BOZANIC 97’)
