Defending A-League champions the Brisbane Roar have extended their dire losing streak to four consecutive games, falling 3-1 to Melbourne City at home on Saturday night.

The writing was on the wall for the Roar as early as the ninth minute, when David Williams charged down Jack Hingert in the area, allowing the ball to bobble out to Mate Dugandzic, who fed the ball straight back to Williams to finish for the opening goal.

Just a minute later, City’s lead was doubled when Dugandzic was put through by former Roar powerhouse Erik Paartalu’s through-ball, allowing Dugandzic to rifle home a left-footed shot for his first goal of the season to stun the Lang Park faithful.

The Brisbane Roar got their goal after pressing throughout the match as Matt McKay took a wild shot at goal, and watched it deflect off team-mate Brandon Borrello’s head and loop past the keeper for 2-1.

But the game was wrapped up with eight minutes to go as Aaron Mooy released Paulo Retre down the wing, who slid in the pass for Marc Marino to side-foot home.

Mooy came close to making it 4-1 as he curled an excellent shot from outside the box to rattle the crossbar.

Melbourne City’s first win of the season sees them move up to sixth place on five points, above the Central Coast Mariners who face Perth Glory on Sunday.

The Roar are now firmly placed at the bottom of the ladder, below the winless Wanderers by virtue of goal difference.