Velupillay snatches crucial Victory win

Youngster Nishan Velupillay has sunk Central Coast at the death to deliver Melbourne Victory a desperately needed 1-0 win and arrest their poor run of form since their FFA Cup triumph.

Velupillay's header in the 94th minute, just 13 minutes after entering the fray, proved enough to turn a dour stalemate into a crucial three points at AAMI Park.

Tony Popovic's side were coming off three consecutive losses and hadn't won in the A-League Men since Boxing Day amid poor results and postponements, with Saturday night's result lifting them back into the top six.

"Obviously, a very important win. Tough game. Really difficult match," Popovic said.

"They defended very well, it was a bit of an arm wrestle. In the end we kept going which was very encouraging.

"We didn't really give a chance away in the game, defensively we were very solid.

"We remained patient and confident that we could get the winner and the players that came on made a great impact so we are delighted with the win."

Victory's win was soured by a left quad/hip injury to defender Matthew Spiranovic, suffered in a strong challenge on Jason Cummings late in the first half.

"He had to come off for it so he will miss some time which is a shame because he's been playing really well," Popovic said.

"We've had a couple of other players unavailable, whether they're injured or sick, which made Matty maybe play too many games in this period,

"He's looked really good and I feel for him but I know he will come back stronger again."

The Mariners are now winless in five ALM games, with their last league victory on December 18, after once again dropping points by a goal conceded in the 90th minute or later.

Both teams had some chances without reward in an otherwise dour stalemate