Goalscorers and friends Steph Catley and Caitlin Friend celebrate | (Credit: Getty Images) Goalscorers and friends Steph Catley and Caitlin Friend celebrate | (Credit: Getty Images)

Melbourne Victory has secured the last Westfield W-League finals spot with a 2-0 win over cellar-dwellers Adelaide United at John Cain Memorial Park on Saturday.

Victory went into the final match of the regular season knowing a draw would book their playoff place after nearest rivals Perth Glory suffered a 1-0 loss to Canberra United in the nation’s capital earlier that day.

It took less than a minute for Victory to go in front thanks to Stephanie Catley when the left midfielder completed a fine passing movement created virtually from the kick-off.

But it took another 84 minutes for the home side to kill off the contest with striker Caitlin Friend tucking away a cross that found its way to her at the far post.

For a side who went through the entire W-League season without getting a point, having conceded 34 goals and scoring just four in their nine games, Adelaide United certainly provided nuisance value.

And if it wasn't for better finishing, especially during the second-half, the Reds may well have left Victoria with a point.

Tireless striker Victoria Balomenos was presented with the visitors' best chance on 69 minutes when a through ball by Vedrana Popovic caught the Victory defence square.

But Matildas and Victory goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri illustrated her class with a diving stop at Balomenos feet just as the Adelaide No.10 was about to shoot.

Victory had a number of fine contributors, none more so than the industrious central midfielder Ella Mastrantonio and Kendall Fletcher at the back.

Melbourne was also well-served by wide pair Catley and Ashley Brown on the right, with Brown enjoying an engaging battle with Adelaide left-back Popovic.

Popovic, centre half Ashleigh Gunning, the versatile Selin Kuralay and Balomenos were Adelaide’s best.

The win means Melbourne Victory will play Sydney FC on Saturday with the winner earning a spot in the Grand Final on February 12.

Melbourne Victory                                2 (Stephanie CATLEY 1’, Caitlin FRIEND 86’)

Adelaide United                                    0

Saturday, 29 January 2011

John Cain Memorial Reserve, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 5.00pm

Referee: Catherine Hofmann

Assistant referees: Melanie Crawford and Danielle Anderson

Fourth official: Liz Hyland

Melbourne Victory: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (GK) (c), 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 5. Louisa BISBY (10. Jodie TAYLOR 60’), 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 11. Kendall FLETCHER, 12. Amy JACKSON, 13. Ashley BROWN (7. Snez VELJANOVSKA 72’), 17. Caitlin FRIEND (19. Enza BARILLA 87’), 18. Ursula HUGHSON

Substitutes not used: 20. Brianna DAVEY (GK)

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

Adelaide United: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 2.Ashleigh GUNNING, 8.Katrina GORRY, 9.Ruth WALLACE (4.Ruth BLACKBURN 46’), 10.Victoria BALOMENOS, 11.Vedrana POPOVIC, 12.Selin KURALAY (7.Racheal QUIGLEY 73’), 13.Loren MAHONEY, 14.Donna COCKAYNE (5.Stacey DAY 69’), 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Angela FIMMANO

Substitutes not used:, 30.Hayley TRUSKEWYCZ (gk)

Yellow cards: Ruth BLACKBURN 90’+1

Red cards: Nil