Melbourne City have kept their top four chances alive after defeating Brisbane Roar 4-1 Friday night at AAMI Park.
Starting XI
Jamie Maclaren returned from concussion to lead the line as a re-shuffle saw Ritchie De Laet return to defence to cover the injured Iacopo La Rocca.
The team is in for our clash with Brisbane! #MCYvBRI pic.twitter.com/b49xax2Buq
— Melbourne City FC ?️ (@MelbourneCity) April 5, 2019
What happened
City dominated most of the first half but were unlucky in front of goal, giving away what could have been a 3-0 lead going into the break.
Jamie Maclaren’s two opportunities within the space of ten seconds in the 18th minute had City fans on the edge of their seats as he nestled himself in and under the Brisbane defence to almost nab his side’s opener.
City found their lead through an unlikely source as Rostyn Griffiths opened his City account with the slightest of touches as his header off a pinpoint Florin Berenguer cross made it 1-0.
The last 10 minutes of the half saw Brisbane attempt to take back the momentum of the match, however the visitors could not convert their chances before the break.
As City looked to secure the result, it was an unfortunate error from Harrison Delbridge that brought the sides back to parity after 55 minutes as his header back to Eugene Galekovic over-shot the goalkeeper, looping into his own net to give the Roar a lifeline.
The mistake did not damper a confident City however, restoring their lead only five minutes later.
Shayon Harrison’s perfect first touch off Luke Brattan’s cross to the back post saw the Tottenham loanee slam the ball into the far post as City went back ahead.
The three points were secured in the most convincing of fashions as Ritchie De Laet’s goal of the season contender and Riley McGree’s cheeky chip made it an almost perfect night at AAMI Park.
What’s next
City now prepare to take on Adelaide next Saturday night at AAMI Park in a massive six-pointer. Click here to get your tickets for the match.
