A crowd of 1,943 turned out on a cold Melbourne afternoon to watch goals from Jess Fishlock (64’, 77’) and Steph Catley (74’) get City over the line after a defensive blunder had Victory’s hard work undone in the second half.

But it was far from a walk in the park for City as the reigning champions were held for an hour by last year’s wooden spooners.

W-League Round 4 pic special

And it could have started differently  as Christine Nairn played in Tash Dowie who had a golden opportunity to open the scoring after three minutes, but a diving save from Lydia Williams denied the English striker.

At the hour mark, City looked likely to score when Teigen Allen’s cross struck the post, and two shots were deflected in the box before landing for Melina Ayres whose goal was disallowed for offside,  Bianca Henninger picking up an injury in the process.

Four minutes later a lack of communication proved costly for Victory as Sam Johnson elected to duck from Marianna Tabain’s cross for Henninger to collect, but Fishlock capitalised to open the scoring.

City began to find rhythm with their passing after opening the scoring and a chance from Aivi Luik went begging.

Henninger was replaced by teenager Bethany Mason-Jones who made her debut for Victory at the 69th minute.

However five minutes into Mason-Jones’ first game Tabain’s cross found Catley alone in the box, who finished it with ease with 16 minutes remaining.

Three minutes later Ayres’ pop to Fishlock finished the game for City who picked up their third win of the season.

City now turn to Brisbane Roar (2nd) away next week while Victory meet Perth Glory (6th) at Lakeside Stadium.