Melbourne City beat Brisbane Roar to continue W-League surge

Defending champions Melbourne City have secured their position at the top of the W-League ladder with a win over Brisbane.

Katrina Gorry of the Roar on the charge yesterday against Melbourne City. Picture: Getty Images

Defending champions Melbourne City have secured their position at the top of the W-League ladder with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brisbane at AJ Kelly Field.

Welsh midfielder Jess Fishlock scored her third goal in two games as unbeaten City capped a big week for the club following the men’s FFA Cup final win.

Brisbane opened the scoring in the second minute through Katrina Gorry, who sent the ball between the legs of City keeper Lydia Williams after a handy pass from Emily Gielnik.

But Melbourne quickly regrouped after the early shock to strike back just four minutes later through the in-form Fishlock.

They pushed the lead out to 2-1 by halftime with US international Erika Tymrak doing the damage.

The home side dominated the second half but weren’t able to find the equaliser, leaving City without a loss in their four outings.

Brisbane, who were eliminated in the semi-finals last season by City, dropped to fifth.

Melbourne top the ladder ahead of Sydney FC, who earlier yesterday had a 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets. The Sky Blues opened the scoring thanks to a Kyah Simon penalty following a foul on Remy Siemsen just after the quarter hour.

Newcastle’s Jen Hoy levelled in the 46th minute.

However, the visitors hit back two minutes later through Nicola Bolger and held on through the second half at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Melbourne Victory anchor the ladder following their 2-0 loss yesterday to fourth-placed Perth at Lakeside Stadium with Rosie Sutton and Vanessa Di Bernardo sharing the spoils.

Canberra moved to third on the ladder despite a 2-2 draw with battlers Adelaide United on Saturday.

AAP