Melbourne Victory ease past Melbourne City

Melbourne Victory have recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Melbourne City to book their place in the A-League Grand Final.

Despite finishing 18 points behind their rivals in the A-League table, it was City who created the first chance on goal when Harry Novillo fired wide, but seven minutes later, they would fall behind.

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Leigh Broxham was played in down the right-hand side of the penalty area before he delivered the cross for Besart Berisha to apply the finishing touches into the top corner from six yards.

Victory's opener didn't discourage City and they soon tested Lawrence Thomas, but Aaron Mooy's free kick was well kept out by the goalkeeper.

However, on the half-hour mark, Victory doubled their advantage through Kosta Barbarouses, who volleyed the ball into the top corner from 14 yards after being found by Fahid Ben Khalfallah.

After the break, Victory pushed for a third with Barbarouses forcing Tando Velaphi into the save with a shot from the right-hand side, before City almost halved the deficit when Novillo saw a free kick tipped over by Thomas.

City struggled to make an impact in the closing stages and three minutes from time, Victory sealed the win in style when Archie Thompson tapped home from close range after Velaphi had made a sprawling save to deny Berisha.