An opportune derby success from Melbourne Victory allowed them to halt City’s premiership push, with the league leaders falling in what could have been their premiership-defining moment of the season.

Victory’s first half blitz gave them all they needed to triumph in the premier fixture of the A-League’s 23rd round, ending their 840-day drought since their last triumph against their crosstown rivals just as the end of the season approaches and the title pushes hit full stride.

Western United failed to capitalise on City’s slip-up after they too were defeated in dominant fashion by Wellington Phoenix.

Superb attacking displays from Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side and Sydney FC saw them down Perth Glory and Central Coast respectively.

Adelaide earned a much-needed win against Macarthur FC while a calamitous error saw Western Sydney share the points with Brisbane Roar.

Newcastle Jets-Perth Glory 6-1

Newcastle produced a masterstroke in attacking football on Sunday evening to draw nearer in finals contention, simultaneously piling on to Perth’s horrific season.

Playmaker Daniel Penha opened the scoring for the Jets (21′), followed by two goals from striker Beka Mikeltadze (31′, 37′).

Penha grabbed his second early into the second half (50′) before the Glory got one back through a good finish from substitute Ciaran Joseph Bramwell (69′).

Mikeltadze converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick (78′) which was followed by a final goal from Jets forward Valentino Yuel (81′).

Newcastle started Savvas Siatravanis and subbed on Kosta Grozos for the last half-hour.

Melbourne Victory-Melbourne City 3-0

A blistering opening thirty minutes was enough for Victory to end City’s 14-match unbeaten run in their last league contest before their AFC Champions League group stage campaign.

Midfielder Jake Brimmer scored his spot-kick to give the home side of the night an early lead (7′) before star winger Marco Rojas stole the show with two sublime half-volley finishes.

The first came from a fantastic long-range effort into the top left corner (14′) and the second saw release a powerful shot into the bottom left (27′).

Chris Ikonomidis played the final 20 minutes for Victory as they held on for a well-earned three points.

Victory manager Tony Popovic was very pleased with how his side formed together to produce the win.

“We were compact, we were aggressive, we were connected as a team and going forward we were a constant threat…I thought we deserved the three-goal lead at half-time,” Mr Popovic said post-match.

Western United-Wellington Phoenix 1-4

The Green and Blacks were stunned by the New Zealanders in what proved to be a wasted opportunity to gain ground on the reigning premiers.

The Phoenix took a three-goal lead into the break after goals from centre half Scott Wootton (29′), forward Jaushua Sotirio (32′) and winger Walter Sandoval’s penalty (45+1′).

An effort from just outside of the box from Western midfielder Steven Lustica brought them back into the match (55′) before Sotirio popped up for his second (63′) to secure the result.

Jerry Skotadis featured off the bench for Western United.

Central Coast-Sydney FC 0-5

A hat-trick from star striker Adam Le Fondre led the Sky Blues, handing the Mariners an embarrassing defeat in their own backyard.

Le Fondre scored Sydney’s only goal of the first half (28′) before they proceeded to decimate the Gosford’s side in the second half.

Midfielder Anthony Caceres scored the Sydneysider’s second (53′) before Le Fondre bagged two goals in two minutes (58′, 59′) much to the home fans’ horror.

Veteran marksman Bobo popped up with a headed goal (90+4′) to cap off a wonderful night for the Sky Blues.

Kosta Barbarouses came on as a sub in the 67th minute.

Le Fondre was delighted at his side’s performance following up on a woeful display midweek against City.

“We needed to put on a show tonight and really give ourselves our confidence back as well as a group, and I think we really did that tonight,” the Englishman said post-match.

Western Sydney-Brisbane Roar 1-1

A diabolical last-minute goalkeeper error cost the Wanderers a much-needed victory, leaving both teams with a disappointing draw as their hopes of finals football begin to diminish.

The Paramatta team went ahead after a sliding own goal from defender Jake Hingert (41′) and the Roar’s night was made worse after centre back Tom Aldred was sent off for a second yellow (69′).

Wanderers keeper Daniel Marguish made a disastrous mistake, losing control of the ball after a pass-back before proceeding to take out the Brisbane attacker, giving away a penalty and copping a red card (90′) as a result .

Midfielder Jay O’Shea buried the resulting penalty (90+2′) to force a draw.

Western Sydney played Dimitri Petratos, James Troisi and Terry Antonis (sub).

Adelaide United-Macarthur FC 1-0

The Reds snapped their recent poor form on Friday night to earn a huge three points against top-six rivals, Macarthur FC.

Reds Forward Hiroshi Ibusuki guided his header into the goal in what proved to be the winner (45+1′).

Apostolos Giannou played the whole game for the Bulls while Nathan Konstandopoulos came on as a sub for Adelaide.

A-League Ladder (number of matches played)

1-Melbourne City: 46 (24)

2-Western United: 38 (21)

3-Melbourne Victory: 34 (20)

4-Sydney FC: 31 (23)

5-Adelaide United: 31 (22)

6-Wellington Phoenix: 30 (20)

7-Macarthur FC: 29 (21)

8-Central Coast: 26 (20)

9-Newcastle Jets: 25 (20)

10-Brisbane Roar: 21 (20)

10-Western Sydney: 21 (20)

12-Perth Glory: 14 (21)

Round 24 fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication

Macarthur FC-Brisbane Roar: 19.45, Fri 15 Apr

Western United-Peth Glory: 17.05, Sat 16 Apr

Newcastle Jets-Melbourne Victory: 19.45, Sat 16 Apr

Wellington Phoenix-CC Mariners: 13.05, Sun 17 Apr