Adelaide United move closer to premiership with win at Melbourne City

Adelaide United have one hand on the A-League premiership after a 2-0 victory at Melbourne City that was marred by a half-time brawl.

Isaias scored with a fourth-minute free kick and Bruce Djite converted a penalty in first-half injury time to earn a deserved triumph for the Reds.

But a scuffle involving almost every player from both sides looks set to be just as big a talking point as designs on a premiership.

Just before the break, City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen barged midfielder Stefan Mauk over with the ball already out of play to concede a penalty.

Mauk then gestured to the City bench and a fracas broke out which continued as the players went down the tunnel for half-time.

Novillo and Mauk were cautioned -- among 10 players to receive yellow cards on the night -- and City goalkeeping coach Joey Didulica was sent to the stands.

The result means Adelaide face an anxious wait to learn whether they will be crowned premiers, with Brisbane able to overtake them if they beat Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.

"We have been playing well for a very long time," Reds coach Guillermo Amor said. "The result is good for us -- and now we wait tomorrow. Our job is done."

Along with City, third-placed Western Sydney were knocked out of the minor premiership race by the result.

It means the Reds are a match away from a first grand final since 2009, but City remain as far away from silverware as ever.

They led the league as recently as two rounds ago but have slipped down the table after defeats to Perth and Adelaide.

A return to Perth for an elimination final looms if the Glory beat Sydney FC and the Wanderers win on Sunday in Wellington.