The Victorian State Team has ended its three match tour of China unbeaten after winning the third and final game against Chinese power-house Shanghai FC 2-1 last night.

A determined Victorian side fought off tiredness from a hectic schedule and triumphed thanks to two Anthony Pelikan goals. An arduous journey from Tianjin to Shanghai worked against Victoria and the signs didn’t look good for the Vics in the early stages.

Shaghai FC took an early lead after a defensive blunder saw Victoria concede an own goal five minutes into the game. The lapse in defence woke up the Victorian contingent and after some good build play Anthony Pelikan won a penalty when he was blatantly brought down in the box. Pelikan’s initial shot was saved but managed to follow through and leveled the scores.

Victoria dominated the majority of the first half and went into the break with high hopes of snatching its first victory of the tour inside regular time. Shanghai could offer little resistance to Victoria’s rhythm as the Vic’s began to dominate the second period.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Pelikan drove a long range curler under the Shanghai keeper. An exhilarating moment for Victoria, which spurred them on and a third goal looked promising. The home side turned things around in the last ten minutes of the game and Victorian keeper Stuart Webster was equal to all their efforts and kept the scores in Victoria’s favour.

Victorian ends a successful three-match tour that has earned them the inaugural Mayor’s Cup following a 1-1 draw against Tianjin TEDA FC in the second leg of the Cup.

Victoria coach Ian Dobson said he was proud of the squad who performed beyond expectation. “Victorian soccer fans should be really proud of this group of players. They played three games in six days, two of the games were played in oppressive conditions. “The travel between games was very demanding and considering these boys are not full time professionals, I am overwhelmed at the way they have been able to perform. “The tour was a great experience for all involved and to come away undefeated against quality opposition is a testament to the commitment and professionalism shown by the squad,” he said.

The team will return to Melbourne on Thursday and will return to their respective clubs for round 19 of the Vodafone Premier League which resumes on Friday 24 June. Tuesday, 21 June 2005

Match details: Victoria vs Shanghai FC Goals: Shanghai; (5th own goal), Victoria; Anthony Pelikan (25thpen, 65th) The FFV recognises the support of Vodafone, The City of Melbourne and Covo Sports.