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AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Ruthless City hit Phoenix for six in ALM

Melbourne City embarrassed Wellington Phoenix in a six-goal A-League Men thumping. (AAP)

Melbourne City have turned in a stunning second half to thrash Wellington Phoenix 6-0 and tighten their grip on top spot in the A-League Men.

City took the lead via Finn Surman's 17th-minute own goal then held firm through Wellington's first half barrage before blowing the Phoenix out of the water in the second half at Shark Park.

In the process City snatched a five-point advantage in the race for the premiers plate, albeit with second-placed Western United having two games in hand, hours after United drew with Central Coast.

They also put a hefty dent in Wellington's goal difference in the race for the finals.

Patrick Kisnorbo's side took the advantage when Curtis Good met Florin Berenguer's fierce cross with a flick-header and the ball deflected off Surman's head for an unfortunate own goal.

A lively Wellington, led by James McGarry, consistently probed for an equaliser and came closest in the 34th minute.

Glover came off his line to head the ball away but sent it straight at Ben Old, whose attempted chip was off target.

But the floodgates opened when City doubled their lead in the 50th minute.

Andrew Nabbout slipped through Berenguer, whose initial ball was blocked, before the Frenchman followed up with a squaring ball for Leckie to tap home at the back post.

Nine minutes later, Nabbout pinched the ball off Sam Sutton, burst forward and slammed home, ending a 12-game goal-scoring drought.

Then in the 68th, Connor Metcalfe whipped in a lovely corner and Good coolly turned home the header.

Tilio came off the bench in the 72nd and in the 75th was denied by Oli Sail's superb reflex save with his foot.

But he wouldn't be denied a minute later, when the ball spilled out to the youngster and he cut onto his left and lashed home.

Six minutes later, Good launched a terrific long ball to Tilio who cheekily slid home the sixth.

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