Melbourne City had to work hard for their 1-0 win over struggling Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.
Warren Joyce's side won for the third game in a row, moving them level on points with Perth Glory's nearest chasers Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
But they were kept at bay apart from Ritchie de Laet's goal by Roar keeper Jamie Young.
The Brisbane stopper produced a string of excellent saves, and the only time he was beaten he had no chance with the Belgian's close-range effort.
The only time you look at the table is the end of the season.
Warren Joyce
De Laet's marker Jack Hingert went to ground as Rostyn Griffiths' cross came in from the right to leave the former Leicester City player with a golden chance.
The marquee full-back was Joyce's latest choice to replace sidelined striker Bruno Fornaroli.
His strike gave City a seventh straight win at the venue, while the Roar have gone a club record eight games without a victory and look to be out of contention for the finals even before the halfway stage of the campaign.
City had 11 shots to Roar's one in the first half, with Young making an excellent save from Rostyn Griffiths' long-range effort.
De Laet's fellow forward Lachie Wales was denied by an incredible fingertip save from Young soon after the break, but City were then able to secure the vital goal on 51 minutes.
The Roar saw Adam Taggart have a goal disallowed for offside, and were almost gifted an equaliser late on.
Substitute Dario Vidosic failed to clear the ball to give Nick D'Agostino a chance but he volleyed straight at keeper Eugene Galekovic.
"The only time you look at the table is the end of the season," Joyce deadpanned.
Melbourne City are 7/10 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 15/4 with the draw 14/5.
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Melbourne City had to work hard for their 1-0 win over struggling Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.
Warren Joyce's side won for the third game in a row, moving them level on points with Perth Glory's nearest chasers Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
But they were kept at bay apart from Ritchie de Laet's goal by Roar keeper Jamie Young.
The Brisbane stopper produced a string of excellent saves, and the only time he was beaten he had no chance with the Belgian's close-range effort.
The only time you look at the table is the end of the season.
Warren Joyce
De Laet's marker Jack Hingert went to ground as Rostyn Griffiths' cross came in from the right to leave the former Leicester City player with a golden chance.
The marquee full-back was Joyce's latest choice to replace sidelined striker Bruno Fornaroli.
His strike gave City a seventh straight win at the venue, while the Roar have gone a club record eight games without a victory and look to be out of contention for the finals even before the halfway stage of the campaign.
City had 11 shots to Roar's one in the first half, with Young making an excellent save from Rostyn Griffiths' long-range effort.
De Laet's fellow forward Lachie Wales was denied by an incredible fingertip save from Young soon after the break, but City were then able to secure the vital goal on 51 minutes.
The Roar saw Adam Taggart have a goal disallowed for offside, and were almost gifted an equaliser late on.
Substitute Dario Vidosic failed to clear the ball to give Nick D'Agostino a chance but he volleyed straight at keeper Eugene Galekovic.
"The only time you look at the table is the end of the season," Joyce deadpanned.
Melbourne City are 7/10 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 15/4 with the draw 14/5.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com