Melbourne Victory have one foot in the A-League Women grand final after defender Claudia Bunge delivered a 3-1 win over Adelaide United in their away semi-final leg.
A brilliant first-half strike from Emily Gielnik coupled with a brace from Claudia Bunge has Jeff Hopkins’ side in full control of the tie as they extended their unbeaten run out to 14 matches.
But coach Jeff Hopkins insists the job is only half-done.
The Victory will host Adelaide at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora on Saturday at 2.15pm AEST with a two-goal advantage after Bunge struck twice in the second half last Sunday.
The winner will face either Melbourne City or Central Coast, who play at Casey Fields this Sunday after drawing 2-2 in Gosford, in the grand final.
Adelaide will have to beat Victory in Melbourne for the first time in nine years to reach the decider.
Central Coast head to Melbourne believing they can spark a mighty upset and reach the grand final after fighting out a 2-2 draw with Melbourne City in their semi-final first leg.
The Mariners, who drew twice with unbeaten premiers City in the regular season, took an early lead through Brooke Nunn in the 20th minute of their home leg at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Saturday.
But the visitors equalised through Leticia McKenna’s stunning free kick in the 29th, before Bryleeh Henry put them in front six minutes later.
Nunn brilliantly drew the Mariners level from a tight angle in the 54th minute.
Now unbeaten in 24 matches, Central Coast remain the only side City haven’t beaten this season.
The two meet again on Sunday at 2pm AEST.
With AAP
