Maclaren double inspires City win

JAMIE Maclaren’s hot run of form has continued in his first A-League appearance of the season, with the Socceroos striker’s brace helping Melbourne City to a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United at AAMI Park yesterday.

Fresh off four goals in two appearances for Australia and six FFA Cup goals, Maclaren struck in the 24th and 28th minutes to hand City an early ascendancy and ultimately, its opening win.

City swung four changes after its 1-1 Melbourne derby draw, while Adelaide made five changes to the starting line-up that lost to Sydney FC — with both sides rotating their sides ahead of Wednesday’s FFA Cup final. City drew first blood in the 24th minute when Connor Metcalfe’s blocked shot fell to Maclaren, who controlled the ball with his thigh, then toe-poked past Paul Izzo.

City’s second came just four minutes later when, off the back of a short corner, captain Scott Jamieson looped a ball into the mixer, with Rostyn Griffiths and Richard Windbichler going up for the header.

It fell to Maclaren, who powered it home with his left foot. The Socceroos striker continued to probe, searching for his hat-trick. In the 56th minute, he forced Michael Jakobsen into a shallow clearance and pounced, only to steer his shot off target. Three minutes later, he fired another straight at Izzo.

With City failing to put the game away, Adelaide hit back in the 67th minute, courtesy of former City loanee Riley McGree.

City’s defence failed to clear a set piece, with Michael Marrone holding up the ball and working it back to McGree, who powered a shot into the bottom corner. He then scuppered a chance to equalise in the 72nd minute. Louis D’Arrigo won the ball in defence and found Nikola Mileusnic, who dashed down the left and whipped it to the back post, only for McGree to send it wide. From there, City held on to claim all three points.