A-League Review: Late drama in Melbourne derby as Phoenix soar

Dario Vidosic headed a stoppage-time equaliser as Melbourne City snatched a 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory in the derby at AAMI Park.

Victory made most of the early running despite being without key midfielder Keisuke Honda but should have been behind at the interval as Ritchie de Laet sent a free header straight at goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas and Lachlan Wales botched a one-on-one opportunity.

Kevin Muscat’s side hit the front 10 minutes into the second half, with an unmarked Ola Toivonen on hand to volley home Kosta Barbarouses’ centre.

But Vidosic provided a late twist, converting a floated cross from City captain Scott Jamieson following a driving run forward from Riley McGree.

SCENES!@dvidosic10 nets the 92nd-minute equaliser. #ALeague #MelbDerby #WhereHeroesAreMade

 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/3090CC1Qv4

— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 22, 2018

It denied Victory a seventh consecutive win and top spot, with Perth Glory a point ahead at the A-League summit, while City edge above Wellington Phoenix on goal difference into fourth despite the latter’s resounding 4-1 win over Brisbane Roar.

Henrique provided a crisp finish in first-half injury time to level for Brisbane after Avraam Papadopoulos diverted Tom Doyle’s long throw into his own net.

Wellington had to wait until 15 minutes from time to regain the lead but a brilliant strike by substitute David Williams preceded Roy Krishna’s penalty before Sarpreet Singh completed the rout.

Brisbane have now lost four in a row and are second bottom above the winless Central Coast Mariners.