Melbourne Victory have stretched their unbeaten run to seven A-League games after Brisbane Roar's Jade North scored an own goal in the second half to give his opponents a 1-0 triumph.
Besart Berisha had a chance to punish his former club within the first minute when Carl Valeri aimed for the forward in the box, but the pass was slightly overhit and goalkeeper Jamie Young was able to get to the ball first.
Victory had more of an attacking threat as the half progressed, but Brisbane were solid at the back in an attempt to frustrate their opponents.
Berisha came close again to breaking the deadlock after he received a through-ball from Daniel Georgievski and unleashed a low left-footed shot towards the bottom corner, but Young was able to poke the ball away with his foot.
Minutes later, Brisbane created a chance for themselves when Brandon Borrello aimed at goal from the centre of the box, but the keeper dove to ground to make the save.
As the game progressed, Victory created more scoring opportunities, but Brisbane were almost left red-faced when Daniel Bowles's defensive header just flew above the crossbar of his own goal.
Berisha continued to cause problems in the final third and a long-range effort just missed the target minutes before the half-time interval.
A dramatic moment came shortly after the break when Victory had the ball in the back of the net, but it was disallowed by the referee following an offside flag.
Following a scramble in the box, the ball was poked over the line, but a foul on the goalkeeper and Adrian Leijer's offside position kept the game goalless.
Both sides struggled to find the breakthrough, but it was Victory who once again had the chance to grab the first goal when Leigh Broxham rose in the box to meet the ball, but his header was off target.
With just over 10 minutes of normal time to go, Brisbane were dealt a blow when a free kick from Victory bounced into the box and North got the final touch on the ball.
Victory had the chance to make it two, but Young's reaction save denied Broxham's effort from close range.
Last season's champions Brisbane have secured just one victory so far this season.
Danielle Joynson
