There were encouraging performances from Melbourne Victory’s Leroy George and James Troisi, but the hosts fell short of an equaliser in the 2-1 defeat at Etihad Stadium.

After two games City are now six points clear of their derby rivals, while Victory have suffered back-to-back defeats.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas (GK) 7

There wasn’t a lot the Victory keeper could have done about the first goal. He later pulled off a sublime save from a McCormack free kick, by pushing the ball over the bar with an outstretched arm.

Leigh Broxham 6

Played his part in a feisty battle with Nick Fitzgerald. Was locked at left-back for most of the game, thanks to the City winger and sometimes lost track of his man.

Rhys Williams 7

City felt Williams was lucky to stay on the field, following a late challenge on Osama Malik. After receiving a yellow card, Williams was consistent at the back and picked his tackles carefully.

James Donachie 6

Carried the ball out of defence with confidence but seemed to run out of ideas as he entered the City half. Defensively sound and kept Ross McCormack relatively quiet.

Jason Geria 7

Looked more threatening than Kosta Barbarouses at times, down the right-hand side. Lacked accuracy on some of his crosses, but stretched the opposition’s defence – creating space for the more central players and Barbarouses himself.