American playmaker Christine Nairn spectacularly netted the only goal of the game two minutes from fulltime as her wicked inswinging corner cleared a packed six-yard box.

Victory went into the match needing at least a point to regain top spot from Perth Glory who had claimed a hold on top spot on Thursday.

City dominated possession and goalscoring opportunities at Epping Stadium but Victory's trademark defensive organisation again proved key as they reprised a 1-0 win over the three-time reigning champions in November.

It was a typically tough-fought derby in the opening half with four cautions issued before the match settled into a better rhythm after the interval with some high-quality attacking from both sides.

City had much the better of the early exchanges with Tameka Butt notably forcing a superb close-range, one-handed save from Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont just before halftime.

Dumont remained busy in the second period against a City side once again without injured forward Kyah Simon.

While Victory now boast a three-point lead at the summit, City's fourth defeat in nine matches keeps them in fifth amid a congested ladder.

Meanwhile, the play-off hopes of Newcastle Jets and Canberra United hang by a thread after defeats against Sydney FC and Perth Glory earlier in the round.

Savannah McCaskill scored a double to help Sydney FC to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Jets on Friday.

The win keeps last season's grand finalists in touch with the top-four contenders.

Perth Glory left it late to maintain their perfect home record at the expense of the visitors from the nation's capital.

Sam Kerr earned and converted a contentious penalty five minutes from time as the Glory collected three crucial points.

Australian Associated Press