In a preview of a likely first week final, Melbourne dominated the play and thanks to Allsopp's well-taken goals either side of half time have moved within touching distance of a confirmed spot in the finals, on 40 points, two points adrift of Gold Coast, who have two matches in hand.

Allsopp, who only re-joined the club at the start of January, is now the form striker in the league, having managed five goals in his past four matches and with Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse set to come back into the side in the next two weeks, Victory will have their best attacking line-up available for the finals.

In close to 40 degree heat, Allsopp scored a cracking goal on 28 minutes from over 25 yards out and then showed his versatility by turning John Curtis in the box and firing accurately 11 minutes into the second half.

The veteran striker could have had a first-ever Hyundai A-League hat-trick, spurning several chances, but it mattered little as Melbourne made it two wins in a row.

Gold Coast struggled to make an impact in the absence of another recent signing Shane Smeltz as well as captain Jason Culina, and the fourth-placed side offered very little in attack as they suffered their first loss in four trips to Melbourne this year.

They lost important midfielder/defender Bas Van den brink through injury and face a heavy schedule with games against Adelaide, Perth, Central Coast and Brisbane in the next 13 days.

Melbourne have just two matches left to snatch fourth spot and secure a home final.

Victory host Newcastle on Wednesday before having a week off ahead of Friday week's clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Melbourne Victory 2 (Allsopp 28', 57')
Gold Coast United 0
Crowd; 8287 @ AAMI Park