Melbourne City was forced to share the spoils with Victory in a tough Melbourne derby, though they will be pleased after Western United’s slip-up to Sydney FC saw them fall behind in the title race.

The reigning premiers managed to earn a point against their crosstown rivals to go outright first on the ladder in the A-League’s premier fixture of the 19th round.

Sydney FC brought an end to Western United’s nine match unbeaten streak while Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side dominated Wellington Phoenix to secure a much-needed win.

Western Sydney and Adelaide settled for a goalless draw, a stark contrast to the great attacking displays of Central Coast and Brisbane Roar which guided them to wins over Macarthur FC and Perth Glory respectively.

Western Sydney-Adelaide United 0-0

The Reds were denied their chance for payback for last Wednesday’s home loss to the Wanderers as both sides failed to find the back of the net.

The South Australians had the best chance to score in the 67th minute when Zack Clough’s shot was kept out with a diving block by left back Adama Traore.

The Wanderers started Terry Antonis and subbed on Dimitri Petratos for the last half hour.

Melbourne City-Melbourne Victory 1-1

Despite a late surge from the current champions, Victory hung on to ensure a second Melbourne derby stalemate this season on Saturday evening.

A quick counter-attack saw Victory take the lead thanks to a finish from winger Marco Rojas (19’) before City equalised on the verge of half time via centre back Curtis Good’s headed goal from a corner (45’) in what turned out to be the match’s last decisive moment.

Victory manager Tony Popovic was impressed with his side’s performance, believing they should have earned more for their efforts.

“We definitely deserved something out of the game, I thought three points, but okay, we take a point against the champions and we look forward to playing them again soon,” Mr Popovic said post-match.

Sydney FC-Western United 3-0

A stellar team display from the Sky Blues saw them record their third clean sheet win on the bounce.

The Sydneysiders combined excellently for their first two goals, with playmaker Milos Ninkovic meeting right back Rhyan Grant’s cross on the volley, knocking it in off the right post (23’).

The Serbian maestro then turned provider, cutting through the Western defence with a single pass, as forward Luciano Narsingh chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jamie Young (58’).

A horrible defensive error saw Western substitute Jerry Skotadis dispossessed by midfielder Mustafa Amini who knocked the ball in to give Sydney the third and final goal.

Sydney coach Steve Corica was delighted with his side’s efforts in not just this contest but also in their last few outings.

“It’s been a very good week winning three games in a row and keeping three clean sheets so we are very happy with how things are going at the moment,” Mr Corica said post-match.

Central Coast-Macarthur FC 4-2

A strong performance from Central Coast powered them to a well-fought success over the Bulls.

Mariners striker Marcos Urena scored the first of the game with an effort from close range (27’) which was cancelled out by defender Adrian Mariappa following a corner (45+1’).

The Gosford club dominated the second half, finding the back of the net three times through midfielder Matthew Hatch (48’), Noah Smith (57’) and Urena (80’) for his second of the game.

A header from forward Lachlan Rose gave Macarthur a late consolation (88’) but the damage had already been done.

The Bulls fielded Apostolos Giannou in their starting line-up.

Perth Glory-Brisbane Roar 1-4

Perth’s season is in serious jeopardy after Brisbane’s thrashing extended their unbeaten run at home to four.

Roar striker Juan Lescano bagged a brace, scoring his first with a header (40’) and his second with a tap-in (58’), before a converted penalty from captain Jay O’Shea (81’) and good finish from young forward Luke Ivanovic made it four for the Queenslanders (89’).

A powerful volley striker by midfielder Daniel Stynes from inside the box gave Perth a consolation (90+2’) but their night had one last hiccup when substitute Mitchell Oxborrow was handed a straight red for an awful sliding tackle (90’5).

Jonathan Aspropotamitis played the first 74 minutes for the Glory.

Newcastle Jets-Wellington Phoenix 4-0

A brace from former Greek Super League winger Olivier Boumal spearheaded a second 4-0 drubbing from the Jets against Wellington this campaign.

Boumal pounced on a rebound for his first goal (51’) before a wonderful strike from range (63’) completed his brace.

Striker Beka Mikeltadze made it three with a superb curling finish (67’) as Eli Babalj’s header (83’) completed a perfect night for the Novocastrians.

Newcastle started Savvas Siatravanis who played the first 78 minutes.

A-League Ladder (number of matches played)

1-Melbourne City: 34 (19)

2-Western United:  33 (17)

3-Adelaide United:  28 (19)

4-Macarthur FC:  25 (17)

5-Sydney FC:  24 (18)

6-Melbourne Victory:  23 (15)

7-Wellington Phoenix: 21 (15)

8-Central Coast:  19 (16)

9-Western Sydney:  19 (17)

10-Newcastle Jets:  18 (16)

11-Brisbane Roar:  17 (15)

12-Perth Glory:  13 (16)

Round 20 fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication

Newcastle Jets-Sydney FC:  19.45, Fri 25 Mar

Brisbane Roar-Western United:  17.05, Sat 26 Mar

Wellington Phoenix-Perth Glory:  17.05, Sat 26 Mar

CC Mariners-Adelaide United:  19.45, Sat 26 Mar

Macarthur FC-Melbourne City:  19.45, Sat 26 Mar

Melbourne Victory-WS Wanderers:  19.05, Sun 27 Mar