A-League champions Melbourne Victory began their FFA Cup campaign in scintillating fashion as they ruthlessly progressed to the last 16, defeating Balmain Tigers FC 6-0 at Leichardt Oval on Tuesday evening.
Coming into the match, Tigers manager Tass Fiakos was hopeful that the New South Wales State League side could pull off an upset, claiming that they were "certainly not going to lie down."
Despite a lively start where they were able to shut down space in midfield in the opening 10 minutes, the Tigers were brought back down to earth when the Victory drew first blood in the 11th minute when Besart Berisha slotted into the bottom corner off a Jesse Makarounas assist.
Kevin Muscat's side doubled their lead minutes shy from half-time when a well worked move on the right flank saw a Jason Geria cross find attacker Connor Pain unmarked at the far post for a simple tap in.
The Victory began the second half from where they left off, applying pressure on Balmain's defence as they easily monopolised possession, and they netted their third in the 56th minute when Kosta Barbarouses slotted home from 15 yards out.
Read the rest of my FFA Cup review at ESPN FC
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