Novillo brace inspires City to win against Phoenix

Bruno Fornaroli and Harry Novillo are almost untouchable at the moment, and they both scored, Novillo twice, as Melbourne City beat Wellington Phoenix 3-1 at AAMI Park.

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If Melbourne City's attack continues to fire like this, even their leaky defence cannot stop them being serious A-League contenders.

Fornaroli and Novillo, supported by the effervescent Aaron Mooy, were unplayable in the first half and although a late bomb by Roly Bonevacia gave the Phoenix a glimmer of hope, City were good value for a three point gain which moves them to second on the table. 

From the start, City looked in the mood and when they play like this not many in the A-League can live with them.

Fornaroli's goal completed a remarkable set of goals - he's now scored against every team in the competition, a feat completed in a record 16 rounds. 

Glen Moss saved sharply from Erik Paartalu as City tried to ram home their advantage, before Wellington briefly flickered to life when Andrew Durante forced a save from Thomas Sorensen.

Michael Zullo was lively on the left until his legs went, and half an hour in he set up Novillo for his first. 

His second, early in the second period, was a delight - Fornaroli made space for Mooy, who shuttled the ball out to Novillo on the right. His finish was so powerful it flashed past Moss before he'd even seen it. 

City were running rampant and Novillo was only denied his hat-trick by the crossbar. 

Moss made a superb save after a Fornaroli shot was deflected towards the top corner, and when Bonevacia unleashed a rocket into the top corner from distance, Wellington looked a new team. 

But City managed the finale well and came away with a much deserved win. 

Melbourne City 3 (Fornaroli 12', Novillo 31', 49')

Wellington Phoenix 1 (Bonevacia 66')

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Referee: Peter Green

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