Maclaren nets five as City thrash Victory

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:08 am
Melbourne City thrashed Victory with five goals from Jamie Maclaren.
George Salpigtidis/Getty Images

Socceroos forward Jamie Maclaren scored a remarkable five goals as Melbourne City went one better than their last A-League derby against Melbourne Victory with a 7-0 humiliation at AAMI Park.

Grant Brebner's troubled reign as Victory's A-League coach came to an end afterwards, with the rout costing him his job. After the defeat Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro confirmed Brebner had been removed from the position, with the once-proud club last in the table with just three wins from 16 matches.

Maclaren matched Victory legend Archie Thompson's A-League record for goals by one player in a game as City inflicted a record thrashing on a hapless Victory for the second time this campaign.

The 27-year-old's 50th appearance for City couldn't have gone any better as he took his tally for the season to 19 goals -- eight clear of nearest rival Matt Derbyshire from Macarthur FC in the golden boot race.

"I had a dream when I had a nap this afternoon and you always get that feeling in your stomach," Maclaren told Fox Sports.

"Coming today and scoring five goals was a proud moment."

The resounding win, combined with Central Coast's 1-0 loss to Western United earlier in the day, means City move to the top of the table with their 10th victory of the season. Victory in contrast remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder with just three wins and 11 points from 16 games as their miserable campaign hit an all-new low.

After making an encouraging start, things fell apart for Victory when former player Andrew Nabbout opened the scoring in the 11th minute. His goal summed up Victory's luck - a cross off the outside of Nabbout's right foot sailing over goalkeeper Matt Acton and hitting the back of the net via the back post.

Things went from bad to worse for Victory 20 minutes later when captain Adama Traore was given a straight red card for a thigh-high challenge on Nabbout. Traore may well find himself in even more hot water after he made contact with referee Chris Beath's arm before throwing his armband to the ground and trudging off the field.

Before Victory could make adjustments to their team, they were two down when Nabbout was tripped in the box by makeshift left-back Jacob Butterfield. Maclaren made no mistake from the spot.

A header from substitute Marco Tilio's cross made it two for Maclaren and he completed his sixth A-League hat-trick from the spot moments after Jake Brimmer felled Tilio.

Victory then capitulated in a three-minute period with Maclaren adding his fourth and fifth in the 84th and 85th minute before the impressive Tilio completed the rout on 87 minutes.