Two own goals by Adelaide United helped Melbourne Victory on their way to a 3-1 triumph on home turf to move to the top of the A-League ladder.
The hosts started strongly on the attack and Besart Berisha had an early opportunity after bursting into the box, but a well-timed challenge from Michael Marrone stopped him in his tracks.
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Victory's fast start paid off when a free kick was lofted into the box, which caused the keeper to come off his line, but the final touch came off Adelaide's Nigel Boogaard for an own goal.
Awer Mabil squandered a chance in front of an open goal to equalise, but minutes later, he converted his opportunity after receiving a cross from Craig Goodwin on the break.
However, the comeback didn't last long as Adelaide committed another own goal at the other end when the ball bounced off Cirio into the back of the net following a poor clearance by Boogaard.
Both sides showed attacking intent, but after the half-hour mark Victory clinched their third goal when Leigh Broxham headed in from close range after the ball swooped into the box.
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Minutes later, Adelaide were given a boost when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Adrian Leijer was deemed to be grappling too much in the box.
Marcelo Carrusca stepped up and eased the ball into the back of the net to get the visitors back into the game.
After the break, Victory stormed out of the blocks and came close to extending their lead through Mark Milligan, but the midfielder's header just went wide of the post.
In the 63rd minute, applause rang around the stadium as the crowd paid tribute to Australia cricketer Phil Hughes, who passed away yesterday after getting hit on the neck by a bouncer delivered while the batsman was 63 not out during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.
Back on the pitch, the game became more open as the half went on, but players from both sides grew frustrated and a number of yellow cards were brandished.
Opportunities went missing for both teams, and after witnessing five goals in the first 45 minutes, the second half failed to produce another goal-fest as Victory held on to clinch the win.
Danielle Joynson
