Brisbane Roar did just enough to see out a 2-1 A-League win over strugglers Melbourne Victory to boost their Finals and AFC Champions League qualification hopes.

Roar broke the deadlock early in the second half – Scott McDonald heading in Bradden Inman's cross, though Matt Acton in the Victory net will have been frustrated after getting a hand to it.

Matthew Ridenton made it 2-0 12 minutes from time, nodding home following a flowing team move, with Andrew Nabbout's subsequent penalty soon after coming too late to inspire a turnaround.

The result gives Warren Moon his first win in charge and consolidates Roar's position in fourth, giving them an eight-point cushion in the Finals qualification places. Victory remain second-from-bottom.