Melbourne City have moved into second spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder after a gritty 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Sunday night.
In a match of few clear-cut chances but played with finals intensity, a Jamie Young own goal 10 minutes into the second half proved the difference.
While the Roar gloveman was credited with the own goal, City’s Josh Brillante deserves most of the credit as it was his sublime long-range volley that cannoned onto the past, back onto Young and over the line.
City’s goal came after Young had made two excellent saves in the first-half as the home side created the better chances.
But Roar finished the stronger and almost drew level when Jay O’Shea’s curling free-kick went just the wrong side of the post.
The win for City was just their second in their last five matches but was enough to move them into clear second spot, three points ahead of Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix.
While Roar have slumped to just their second loss in 10 games, they remain two points clear of the chasing pack in sixth spot on the ladder.
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Key moments
Young with an acrobatic save
There wasn’t a lot in terms of goal-mouth action in the first 30 minutes but when City created the best opportunity they found Jamie Young too good to beat.
Craig Noone made inroads down the left before his floated cross found the head of Rostyn Griffiths.
Griffiths’ effort was bound for the top corner but Young sprung to his left to claw it out with a brilliant save.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6137359291001
Young comes up big again as Maclaren goes close
City would have taken a lead to the break if not for the outstanding efforts of Young. The Roar gloveman showed great agility again to keep out Adrian Luna’s free-kick.
The Uruguayan’s dipping effort was destined for the bottom corner but Young dived low to his right to tip the ball around the post.
From the ensuing corner, Maclaren was inches away from a goal with his header going just over the bar.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6137358094001
City lead after Young’s own goal
It was going to take something special to open the scoring and Brillante provided it 10 minutes into the second half.
Roar headed away a corner with the ball looping to Brillante 25 metres from goal, with the midfielder hitting a first-time volley sweetly.
The ball looked destined for the corner of the net but it clattered into the post, into the back of Young and then over the line for an own goal to the Roar custodian.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6137363498001
Oh so close for O’Shea
Roar were presented with a great chance to equalise when Scott Neville won a free-kick right on the edge of the box with 12 minutes left.
Jay O’Shea tried to bend a shot around the wall and into the bottom corner of the net but the ball went inches the wrong side of the post.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6137366405001
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Round 22
Perth Glory Melbourne City
Sunday, 8 March
HBF Park
Kick off: 3pm local, 6pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, 6 March
Suncorp Stadium
Kick off: 7.30pm local, 8.30pm AEDT