A late winner has handed Melbourne City a 1-0 victory over Sydney, denying the Sky Blues a chance to overtake the Wellington Phoenix atop the A-League football ladder.
Damien Duff, of the Melbourne Victory. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
James Brown's 81st minute strike in what was a drab affair at Allianz Stadium was enough to topple the title contenders who were looking to take the outright lead for the first time in five years.
City managed to stop Sydney's recent goal-scoring blitz, the Sky Blues having netted a massive 25 goals in their last seven matches, to end their unbeaten run at nine games and deny them a club record.
John Van 't Schip's men were also able to silence marquee striker Marc Janko, who was looking to extend his record-breaking run after scoring in a seventh straight appearance last week.
Sydney remain in second spot behind Wellington, just one point ahead of Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory who are yet to play.
City meanwhile consolidate their place in the top six.
