Melbourne City have taken a giant stride towards securing a home Final after edging Adelaide United 1-0 at AAMI Park on Friday night.
A trademark header from Tim Cahill in the first half proved the difference as City returned to winning ways following back-to-losses to Western Sydney and Sydney FC.
City settled the quicker after a scrappy opening but struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the first period as a resolute Reds defence frustrated the hosts.
But the hosts continued to press and were rewarded with Cahill’s ninth goal of the season giving City the lead at the interval.
A niggly affair developed after the break with both sides committing a series of fouls as the game descended into a stop-start encounter.
Adelaide showed more enterprise as the game progressed but failed to truly test City keeper Dean Bouzanis as Michael Valkanis’ side held on for a crucial three points.Â
Catch up with all the action at our match centre here
GOALS
1-0 Melbourne City: Tim Cahill, 36’
Nicolas Colazo picked out Cahill with a fizzing corner with the striker rising highest before expertly flicking a header through a crowd of players and into the far corner.
HIGHLIGHT
City winger Bruce Kamau looked certain to cap an impressive performance with a goal in the first half only for his powerful strike to be sensationally saved by Eugene Galekovic.
The youngster showed great feet on the edge of the area before unleashing a stinging effort which looked set for the top corner but Galekovic somehow managed to tip the ball around the post. Â
INJURY WARD
Adelaide fullback Tarek Elrich was stretchered off midway through the first half after landing awkwardly on his left leg following a challenge with Osama Malik. Â
The defender was spotted on crutches at the ground with reports suggesting he may have suffered a torn ACL.
Re-live the match action on Twitter
