City take W-League derby bragging rights

Striker Marianna Tabain has earned Melbourne City bragging rights in the first W-League derby, the home side beating Victory 2-1 on Sunday.

Tabain dribbled through the Victory defence on the 49th minute to score the opener, before winning a penalty that captain Aivi Luik converted.

Victory netted a spectacular consolation goal in stoppage time when Whitney Knight curled one home from the edge of the box.

It was City's match though, Victory struggling to keep pace with the new W-League team who controlled much of the match.

Not that Victory were without other chances.

Dave Edmondson's side should have been ahead against the run of play in the first half when Mindy Barbieri's looped volley looked goal-bound.

City's Tyla Jay Vlajnic desperately headed it away but replays suggested the ball may have crossed the line.

Despite both teams missing Australian internationals due to the Matildas' match with China, a warm crowd of 2311 at AAMI Park showed their appreciation for the contest.

At just 16 City's Alex Chidiac stood out with several shots on goal, while international addition, Mexico's Anisa Guajardo was another top performer.

The newest W-League additions are firm favourites to take out the league after backing up their opening round 6-0 rout of Sydney FC.

City's coach Joe Montemurro said it was good to come out with a win despite missing his Matildas stars.

"Difficult circumstances, difficult week but we showed the planning and the organisation was good enough today to get us over the line," he said.

Victory coach Dave Edmondson couldn't hide his disappointment with the result, Victory's second in two W-League matches to open the season.