Melbourne City FC has claimed another win with a 3-1 defeat of Perth Glory at HBF Park on Wednesday night. A historic Jamie Maclaren brace and an own goal sealed another key result in City’s hunt for a maiden Premier’s Plate.
45+1‘ | THERE’S THE TONNE!!
Macca brings up A-League goal number 100 with a header from close range following Galloway's chipped cross! 1-2#CmonCity | #PERvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/qyPb07mJeL
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) May 5, 2021
Starting XI
City made two changes to the side that defeated the Jets on Thursday with Florin Berenguer getting the nod in midfield over Adrian Luna, whilst Marco Tilio earned his second A-League start with Andrew Nabbout missing with a groin niggle.
The Club was also without Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo on the sidelines, Des Buckingham taking the reins.
✌️ changes to the line-up tonight.
Marco Tilio makes his second City start with Andrew Nabbout missing due to a sore groin. Florin Berenguer also returns to the XI in place of Adrian Luna who moves to the bench.#CmonCity | #PERvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/Fr9ze0edvw
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) May 5, 2021
What happened?
Tilio made an immediate impact with a barnstorming first 15 minutes, a backheel nutmeg and scintillating run into the box among the highlights.
Scott Jamieson was prominent in the inverted full-back role as the visitors controlled the early running, however, Perth worked their way back into the contest and on balance, the game was reasonably even for the opening third.
City began to press hard with the ball in order to regain some attacking ascendancy, although it was Perth that scored the opener as Andy Keogh’s back-post ball was met by Chris Ikonimidis, the young Socceroo controlling then hammering the ball past Tom Glover.
The lead was short-lived for the Glory as Tilio again powered down the right-hand flank and despatched a low, hard cross across the box. Glory defender Luke Bodnar could only watch on in horror as his attempted clearance sliced off the outside of his boot and into the net for the equaliser.
City powered on and it was in the twilight of the first half that some delightful teamwork in the box ultimately saw Scott Galloway pick out Golden Boot leader Jamie Maclaren at the back post to give the City blues the lead.
Jamie Maclaren scores in the @ALeague… for the 100th time 🤩
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL#CmonCity | #PERvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/rJvI3Hmpyk
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) May 5, 2021
Maclaren’s goal was his 100th in the A-League and he became just the second player to achieve the feat since the league began and the fastest in Australian national league history.
City continued to tighten the screws in the second half and a frenetic passage saw Tilio shin one into the post, Maclaren blocked on the line, and Berenguer firing over in quick succession to start proceedings.
Melbourne eventually found their way through in the 68th minute as a delightful team goal saw the second Galloway-to-Maclaren successful combination of the night.
Macca sure is keeping the statistician's busy tonight! 😅
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL#CmonCity | #PERvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/zfrzB6yHhf
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) May 5, 2021
A Tilio-led drive down the right was cut in to Maclaren’s feet, the Socceroos striker laying off a first-time ball through to Galloway who returned the favour as the far netting bulged with delight.
What’s next?
After a performance that could have seen any of the XI named as man of the match at a venue that has traditionally been a very difficult hunting ground, Melbourne City now move 6 points clear at the top of the table ahead of a key clash with Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Sunday 9 May. Kick-off is at 4.05pm and tickets are available here.
