Josh Brillante strikes it lucky with volley to send Melbourne City second

Melbourne City claimed outright second place on the A-League table with a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.

Melbourne City’s Josh Brillante fires in a volley that hit the post and then rebounded into the net off the back of Brisbane keeper Jamie Young. Picture: AAP

Melbourne City claimed outright second place on the A-League table with a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.

Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young’s unfortunate own goal in the 55th-minute after a long-range Josh Brillante volley proved the difference as City gained a three-point buffer on Perth and Wellington, leaving Brisbane clinging to sixth place by just two points.

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Young proved an immovable force in the first half, repelling a dominant City attack.

He comfortably claimed attempts from Adrian Luna and Curtis Good, then saved City’s best chance of the opening period, which came off a marvellous set play in the 34th minute.

Markel Susaeta and Craig Noone combined beautifully off a free kick, with the latter whipping a delightful ball to Rostyn Griffiths, whose header was brilliantly denied by Young.

On 43 minutes, Luna forced a diving one-handed save from the Roar goalkeeper with a well-struck free kick, and Jamie Maclaren headed over the bar from the subsequent corner.

But Young’s first-half heroics were vanquished by his unfortunate own goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Susaeta and Noone played a one-two, with Macaulay Gillesphey’s clearing header fell invitingly for Brillante to try his luck.

The City midfielder’s long-range volley clattered into the post and bounced off the back of a diving Young and into the net.

Roar’s night was further soured when Aaron Amadi-Holloway was substituted with an injury just five minutes after entering the fray.

Tom Glover made a strong diving save to deny Roar’s Scott McDonald in the 72nd minute.

Five minutes later, Jay O’Shea sent a dangerous free kick into the side netting.

From there, though, neither team created much, with City settling for a 1-0 win in front of 7,559 fans.

AAP