Melbourne Victory produced a comeback in the second half but fell to a 3-2 Derby loss to City at Epping Stadium on Sunday.
Summary
Alex Chidiac opened the scoring and Claudia Bunge scored an own goal in the first half to put City ahead.
Victory responded to begin the second half through spectacular goals from MelindaJ Barbieri and Catherine Zimmerman, but Harriet Withers netted an 86th-minute winner for City.
While Victory made a bright start, it conceded twice in the space of four minutes in the first half.
Chidiac opened the scoring for City before Bunge turned a cross from Chinatsu Kira into her own net.
Victory pushed to finish the first half and was denied numerous times by City goalkeeper Teagan Micah.
Captain Angela Beard’s side-footed effort was pushed away, Melina Ayres was denied from close range and Barbieri saw a 25-yard free-kick tipped over.
Victory responded with a stunning start to the second half.
Barbieri produced a spectacular free-kick into the top corner from just outside the area before Zimmerman equalised with a powerful strike.
Victory looked the more likely to find a third and Ayres hit the post with a header from a Barbieri cross in the 64th minute.
But City took a 3-2 lead with four minutes remaining, Withers converting in a one-on-one with Gaby Garton.
Victory had its chances to level again as Zimmerman fired a Natalie Martineau cross over and Kyra Cooney-Cross was denied by Micah deep into additional time.
Result
Westfield W-League 2020/21 Round 4
Melbourne Victory 2 (MelindaJ Barbieri 47′, Catherine Zimmerman 51′)
City 3 (Alex Chidiac 22′, Claudia Bunge 25′ og, Harriet Withers 86′)
Next up
Victory is set to make the trip to Brisbane to take on the Roar on Friday, January 22.
