Maclaren helps City to the top

Jenkinson was amongst the action again during the week. 265791. Picture: AAP MEDIA

By Lachlan Mitchell

Melbourne City’s frantic fixture continued with two clashes in three days, producing various results.

The boys in blue faced Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Tuesday night in a chance at moving to top spot on the A-league ladder.

Melbourne looked on top early and scored first through star Jamie Maclaren after a blunder from the United keeper.

Adelaide quickly got on the board through a Javi Lopez lob over the keeper in the 20th minute, squaring the game up going into halftime.

City continued to create plenty of opportunities but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard.

A Carl Jenkinson errand back pass across goal saw Adelaide United score and seal victory in the 85th minute, seeing City loose 2-1 in a heartbreaker.

Melbourne was looking to bounce back in its clash with the Newcastle Jets on Friday Night at home.

City started strong, dominated possession and had its fair share of shots on goal in the first half, but neither side could break the deadlock.

First half extra time saw Jamie Maclaren score his eighth goal in nine matches for club and country; a well flicked on ball from the star whizzing past the keeper for the opener.

The floodgates opened for Melbourne in the second half, a wonder run from young gun Marco Tilio set up City’s second, opening up Mathew Leckie to drive home the advantage, putting Melbourne up 2-0.

The night couldn’t have got much worse for Newcastle, after it was reduced to 10 men through a second yellow to Taylor Regan.

A wide run from Carl Jenkinson saw him avenged for his sins from the previous game, putting City up 3 nil.

The goal sealed city’s win with a bow on top, as well as seeing them sit on top of the table.