Western United manager John Aloisi has praised young forward Noah Botic and veteran striker Aleksandar Prijovic, whose combined efforts led United to a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

He said the season could be one of the best for 21 year old Botic, who’s scored five goals in five games and has penned a two-year contract with United.

“He’s got players around him that can help him,” he said.

“He’s got Prijovic, who’s got a wealth of experience – he’s been around a long time, played in many different leagues.”

With James Troisi out with a hamstring injury, Aloisi earlier made a quick change in the squad bringing Prijovic back to the starting eleven.

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic said the first half was damaging for his side.

“Defensively the team was getting punished and could not chase the opportunities we had,” he said.

Early in the second half, 35 year old striker Bruno Fornaroli scored his 6th goal for Victory from 15 matches, levelling the score line.

Prijovic kicked the winning goal for United with twenty minutes left in the second half.

Victory are now nine points outside of the top six in the A-League Men’s competition, while United’s coach is hopeful of a finals berth.

“We are training well – the team is on a bit of a journey to success,” Aloisi said.