Brisbane Roar downed the struggling Central Coast Mariners 1-0 to reclaim second spot in Australia's A-League on Sunday.

A late goal from substitute Dimitri Petratos off a clever pass from German Thomas Broich moved Brisbane to within two points of leaders Western Sydney Wanderers after 11 matches.

The loss left the Mariners 10 matches without a win and they prop up the A-League standings.

The Wanderers needed a late goal from Mitch Nichols to grab a 2-2 draw with Glory in Perth.

Glory appeared set for a third victory in a week when Mitch Oxborrow delivered his first A-League goal in style with a 60th minute free kick.

But Nichols returned to haunt his old club with a curling 81st minute strike to leave Western Sydney unbeaten in their last eight games.

Melbourne City announced themselves as title contenders with a stunning 2-1 derby win over champions Melbourne Victory to move to third place.

First-half goals from Stefan Mauk and Paulo Retre proved the difference, with Dutchman John van 't Schip's men withstanding a storming second-half from Victory.

Inspired by Besart Berisha, who netted their reply on the cusp of halftime, the reigning champions had many chances to equalise.

Victory, who crashed to their fourth straight loss, were denied by City's Danish English Premier League goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen with a series of last-ditch saves.

Sorensen made 11 saves - five from Berisha alone - to hold Victory at bay.

Sydney FC are in fourth spot behind City after a 1-1 draw with Phoenix in Wellington, while Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United played out a scoreless draw in Newcastle.