Leckie pinches point from Sydney FC to give Melbourne City a dramatic win

A last-gasp strike from Mathew Leckie claimed a dramatic win for Melbourne City over Sydney FC.

Mathew Leckie, right, of Melbourne City takes on Mustafa Amini of Sydney FC during the A-League men's match at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

A last-gasp strike from Mathew Leckie claimed a dramatic win for Melbourne City over Sydney FC.

Just as the match on Saturday seemed destined for a draw, Leckie broke Sky Blues hearts to seal a 2-1 victory in the 91st minute.

The win sees City move to the top of the A-League table, while the result sees Sydney go four games without victory.

The rain miraculously held off around Kogarah’s Jubilee Stadium as Milos Ninkovic’s second half strike cancelled out Paulo Retre’s first half own goal, before a moment of magic from Leckie claimed the thrilling win.

It was a performance worthy of last season’s Grand Final rematch and in the end it was again City who claimed the bragging rights.

For all their dominance in the first half Sydney failed to capitalise on their opportunities, again to Steve Corica’s frustration. The Sky Blues coach was on the bench for his 100th game in charge.

Mustafa Amini, who was at the centre of so many attacking moves, had a tentative shot from distance early on, while Adam Le Fondre should have done better with his chip over Tom Glover when the City keeper came miles off his line.

Ninkovic had his shot from the edge of the box well saved, but that provided City with the spark to hit Sydney with an electrifying counter-attack.

Andrew Nabbout picked up the ball and unleashed Jamie Maclaren down the flank, with the City striker then squaring the ball to Mathew Leckie in the box. Leckie’s shot was well saved by Andrew Redmayne, only for the ball to then deflect off Paulo Retre and into the back of the net.

The 32nd minute own goal came completely against the run of play and ignited City for the remainder of the first half.

For Sydney, the first half told the story of their season so far as they struggled to get their shots on target.

The fast pace continued into the start of the second half as both sides traded chances through Elvis Kamsoba, then Leckie and Connor Metcalfe.

But it was the old head of Ninkovic who drew the home side level in the 53rd minute when his right-footed shot following a corner found the back of the net.

It was just his second goal of the season, but the Serbian maestro should have had his third moments later when he scuffed his shot high and over the woodwork.

The pace dropped off for the final 20 minutes as Sydney and City probed away, with Leckie ultimately showing his class to steal the win.

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom