Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Melbourne City 4-3 in an Australian A-League encounter on Friday (29 January).

A-League action from down under where the Western Sydney Wanderers welcomed Melbourne City in a top of the table clash.

After a lacklustre first half hour, the game came to life when the home side found the opener in the 32nd minute through Mitch Nichols who latched onto Mark Bridge's excellent through ball.

Western Sydney doubled their lead on the hour mark thanks to the same combination, this time it was Nichols providing the assist for Bridge who finished nicely.

And the duo looked to have secured all three points in the 66th minute when a sliding Bridge put the finishing touch to Nichols' lob to make it 3-0.

But the visitors refused to lie down and pulled one back in ten minutes later thanks to Harry Novillo who capped off a winding run with a powerful strike.

It was game on once again just two minutes later when A-League top scorer Bruno Fornaroli fired in his 14th of the season, and one of his best at that, to bring Melbourne City to within a goal.

Their chances of completing the comeback were dealt a blow five minutes from time when Anthony Caceres was shown red.

And the home side took full, substitute Brendon Santalab with the simplest of finishes to make it 4-2.

Melbourne City still managed to claim one back through Erik Paartalu, but it proved to be too little too late.

Western Sydney holding on for a thrilling 4-3 victory that sees them move five points clear at the top of the table.