A string of outstanding saves from City goalkeeper Lupce Acevski kept the visitors in the match until half-time before two second-half goals ensured the three points would return to Broadmeadows Valley Park.

City player-coach Andy Vlahos conceded that in the "first 20 minutes of the game it could have been three or four nil down.

"Thanks to Lou Acevski, he made some good saves.

"He's experienced, he's 34 years old and he knows the game. He knows where the shots are coming."

Tansel Baser's powerful strike from the edge of the penalty box gave City a surprise lead in in the 50th minute.

Gully bounced back immediately against the breeze after a dipping left-footed drive from outside the box by Graham Hockless.

City's quest to net a winner was hindered with a straight red card to substitute midfielder Ross Thompson.

Last year's Gold Medal recipient for the VPL best-and-fairest player collected good mate and 2008 Gold Medal winner Hockless in a reckless tackle.

Vlahos did not contest the decision.

"It's in the law isn't it?

"You can't raise the boot above the shins."

City, which started the season on -3 for a breach of the VPL rules, grabbed the three points it craved when Vlahos crossed to find recruit Richie Cardozo on the back post.

He put the ball past Gully goalkeeper Kenny Gerohchristodoulou.

"Ross' red card didn't help, but then again we regrouped, dug deep and everyone produced," Vlahos said.

"I was always confident there would be an opportunity somewhere to break them down and we did.

"It was a good second goal, it was the lucky break we needed."

City will host the Dandenong Thunder at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Sunday at 3pm.