Melbourne City have ended Western Sydney Wanderers' run of strong A-League Women's form by easing to a 1-0 win at Casey Fields.
Undefeated in four games after starting their season with five straight losses, the Wanderers headed to Melbourne's southeast knowing another win would help propel them into an unlikely race for finals football.
One of the positive results in that streak was a win over City, but Dario Vidosic's side made sure there would be no repeat thanks to an early goal from striker Hannah Wilkinson.
Their win ensures City remain just two points behind Western United, who defeated Brisbane Roar earlier on Saturday, in the race for the premiership, with a home fixture against Adelaide looming next week.
The Wanderers, meanwhile, lost out on the chance to close down on the Roar and remain in ninth position.
After a cagey opening, the hosts broke through in the 14th minute when a scramble for a Rhianna Pollicina corner was eventually headed back across the goal by Kaitlyn Torpey and bundled over the line by Wilkinson.
The goal served to spark the Wanderers into some attacking forays of their own.
Sophie Harding broke through in the 23rd minute only to slow at the crucial moment and have her shot smothered by Melissa Barbieri. She had another effort saved in the 35th following a turnover.
City used the halftime break to good effect, however, and controlled the contest throughout the second period, unlucky not to double their lead through Pollicina seven minutes after the restart.
Amidst several late opportunities to both sides, the Wanderers had an 82nd-minute chance through Danika Matos but she was denied a leveller - and her first-ever ALW goal - by Barbieri.
