The Thunder weren't disgraced in a 2-1 loss against a Victory line-up that included Socceroo Archie Thompson.

Joseph Di Iorio could have got Dandenong off to good start but narrowly missed an early shot at goal.

The A-league champions also had their chances but were denied by the efforts of Thunder goalkeeper Stuart Webster.

But the pressure resulted in a goal at the 30th minute as Daniel Allsopp finally got one past Webster.

Dandenong had a chance to equalise before half-time but the referee called offside. Melbourne swept the ball forward and scored a second goal just before the main break.

In the second half, coach Stuart Munro gave several of his younger players, including reserve keeper Yeha Dimasi, the chance to play against one the best teams in Australia.

The reserve goalie was under immediate pressure but held his nerve and denied Victory the chance of another goal.

Jack Thomas missed a shot to put Thunder on the scoreboard. But in the 75th minute, a great pass from the centre to Colin 'Scolsy' Quirk, led to the Thunder scoring their only goal for the match.

Dandenong had its chances to draw the match but was beaten by the final whistle.

Munro was pleased with the way his players handled the big stage. "It was a great occasion for the guys. A lot of them were in first division last year, and to play against the champions of Australia on a good pitch was a great experience for them.

"Obviously the tempo was much higher than what they are used to. Victory had a lot of possession, but we had one or more chances that we could have gotten more out of."