14 Oct City With Bragging Rights in Melbourne Derby

City backed up their victory last week with a fantastic 2-1 win against arch-rivals Melbourne Victory tonight in front of a packed house at Etihad Stadium.

It was a fiery start to the contest with Victory captain Carl Valeri with an early booking after his reckless challenge to Nick Fitzgerald within the first 90 seconds of the contest.

City had possession throughout the early part, with early opportunities from Ross McCormack and Stefan Mauk who could’ve given the away team an early chance to be in front.

Victory gained momentum back through young winger Leroy George, who crossed it for Besart Berisha in the 25th minute who failed to get boot to ball as it went wide.

Victory defender Rhys Williams should’ve been given a straight red for his reckless tackle on Osama Malik, which saw Malik’s game end early. After a few minutes of checking the replays, and getting a response from the VAR, the referee gave Williams a yellow for his troubles.

City broke the deadlock 60 seconds before the end of the half with a Nick Fitzgerald cross to Budzinski who scored the games first, and City lead 1-0 at the end of the half.

City had the early chances in the second half, as Bruce Kamau had an opportunity to give his team a 2 goal lead, with the ball being deflected by Rhys Williams.

Leroy George equalised for Victory in the 55th minute from a fantastic Kosta Barbarouses cross, and an assist from Berisha.

City regained the lead after end to end stuff off a Victory corner, Bruce Kamau’s pace against Carl Valeri was too much for the defender as he scored in the 65th minute.

Victory had an opportunity late with a Rhys Williams header in the 18 yard box which went over the crossbar, and out for a goal kick.

City managed to hold on to keep a perfect start to their season, as Victory go winless in their first two games for the first time since the 2012/13 season.