Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic welcomed his side’s win over the weekend against Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park, saying Victory showed strong pace and defence.

Popovic said the team did not reflect where they are currently sitting – in last place – on the A League Men’s leader board.

“Not sure if I feel totally comfortable with the position we’re in,” he explained.

“Today was a good day, we executed better, and gave ourselves a better opportunity to win.”

He said Paraguayan striker Fernando Romero stood out in the game, on Victory’s front line.

The twenty two year old scored his debut A-League goal at the 56th minute to cement Victory’s win.

“Very good goal, fantastic goal, great movement and that’s what the young kid’s got,” Popovic said.

The match took a slight detour in the 66th minute, as Romero was sent off because of a controversial tackle – incensing Victory’s fans as the striker was initially given a yellow card.

That decision was overruled by the virtual assistant referee (VAR).

Popovic defended his player, saying he showed no ill intent.

After playing only five games for Victory, Romero is showing that “he’s adapting, adjusting, he wants it,” Popovic said.

Victory’s upcoming short break before an away game against Wellington Phoenix was an “opportunity for us to get two consecutive wins,” he said.