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Melbourne City have taken control of their A-League finals destiny with a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.
A Jonatan Germano goal in the fifth minute was ultimately the difference between the sides, but John van ‘t Schip’s team had to survive a tense second half where Brisbane pressed hard for an equaliser.
The result strengthened City’s grip on sixth spot on the A-League table and pushed the gap between them and seventh-placed Roar out to eight points, although Brisbane still have a game in hand.
City looked comfortable on the ball early, while Roar gave it away too easily and it was no surprise when the home side went ahead.
Josh Kennedy rose to meet a Robbie Koren cross in trademark fashion to head toward goal and drew a fine save from Jamie Young, but his parry bobbled to the feet of Germano, who gratefully accepted the chance.
However, City weren’t able to convert their early superiority, with James Brown missing a golden opportunity to double the advantage, and Brisbane enjoyed a bright patch nearing the break.
Tando Velaphi hadn’t had much to do in the City goal, but he reacted brilliantly to turn a Brandon Borrello shot around his near post in the 39th minute.
Both sides created opportunities in the second half as the game opened up, with Luke Brattan important as Roar committed more men forward.
Frans Thijssen fielded a significantly weakened side with the likes of skipper Matt McKay on international duty and Thomas Broich out injured, but they finished strongly and will consider themselves unlucky to have fallen to their fourth straight defeat.
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