Melbourne Victory returned to the top of the Westfield W-League table with a hard-fought 1-0 Derby win over City on Saturday.
Summary
A tremendous 88th-minute goal from Christine Nairn was enough to give Victory its win at Epping Stadium.
The win sent Victory three points clear atop the table after six wins in nine games.
The first chance of the game fell to Natasha Dowie, who fired wide under pressure after a pass from Ella Mastrantonio.
Most of the opening 45 minutes belonged to City, but it was unable to get past Casey Dumont in the first half.
Dumont made saves from Tameka Butt and Yukari Kinga before producing her best stop just prior to the break.
The goalkeeper pushed away another effort from Butt to her right to send Victory into half-time level.
Victory improved after the break as Emily Gielnik and Dowie fired efforts off target, with the host better in possession.
Dumont was brave in the 78th minute to deny City from a cross, before substitute Melina Ayres forced Lydia Williams into a save.
Soon after, Dumont was again called into action, denying Butt in a one-on-one.
That would prove crucial as Nairn struck the winner in the 88th minute, curling in a brilliant corner to give Victory three points.
Result
Westfield W-League 2018/19 Round 10
Melbourne Victory 1 (Christine Nairn 88′)
City 0
Next up
Victory has a bye before returning to action with a trip to Canberra United on Thursday, January 17.
