A ten-man Perth Glory twice came from behind to snatch a deserved 2-2 draw with Melbourne City at nib Stadium.
Melbourne started brightest, as their front two of Bruno Fornaroli and Harry Novillo looked lively early. Ante Covic was called upon early to make a smart save from the former, before the latter shot wide from a promising breakaway. After a slow start, Perth finally came to the party midway through the half, with Thomas Sorensen called upon to thwart Gyorgy Sandor, Andy Keogh and Chris Harold.
City finally found the breakthrough on the half-hour mark, when Aaron Mooy’s hopeful, lofted pass found an unmarked Eric Paartalu, who flicked past a stranded Ante Covic to give the visitors the lead. The game continued as an open affair, both teams more than comfortable to attack. The game turned on the cusp of half-time, as Diego Castro was brought down outside the box and curled home a magnificent free-kick which left Sorensen rooted to the spot and levelled the scores.
The fans were still returning to their seats when Melbourne City retook the lead. Fornaroli played a beautiful ball between the two centre backs and Mooy beat the offside trap to slide the ball home. But the visitors sat back and were punished when Keogh controlled Castro’s cross in the box and whilst the Irishman hit the bar, Harold was on hand to bundle home from close range. However, the game was to turn on its head once again, as Collard was given his marching orders for chipping the ball away after a foul.
Despite the dismissal, City couldn’t find a way past Perth, who bunkered down and refused to give the away side an inch. Melbourne were restricted to shooting from long range as Perth parked the bus. In the end, the Glory were able to hold on to claim a valuable point.
Perth Glory
Ante Covic – 7: Made one excellent save to deny Fornaroli early, but could do little about either goal.
Josh Risdon – 7: Started positively, making a few interceptions and getting forward often. Engaged in a great battle with Michael Zullo as the game progressed, all the while continuing to offer a good outlet in attack.
Aryn Williams – 7: Despite not being a natural centre back, Williams started brightly, not giving Fornaroli an inch and making some nice interceptions. Played his heart out and was a key part of the draw.
Jacob Collard – 7: Stuck to Fornaroli like glue and made some crucial interventions. However, received two harsh yellow cards and was sent off in the second half. Despite the red card, already looks to be a promising prospect after just two games.
Marc Warren – 7: Switched off and let Paartalu get away from him for the first goal, but was otherwise solid at left back. Filled in at centre back after Collard’s red card and held down the fort.
Diogo Ferriera – 6: Put in a quiet first half where he never really looked comfortable on the ball. Turned the ball over too much, but was strong at centre-back in the second half.
Gyorgy Sandor – 8: Man of the match. Played some nice balls early and asserted his influence on the game, more than previous weeks. One of his best outings for Perth this year, he was instrumental all game long, controlling tempo with ease.
Mitch Oxborrow – 7: The youngster was his usual tidy game with neat passing, whilst also getting stuck into tackles. Performance waned slightly as the game went on, but didn’t do too much wrong.
Chris Harold – 7: Lively early, using his pace to get in behind City’s defence. Blazed over from a good chance on the edge of the box, before making amends from close range to equalize for the Glory.
Andy Keogh – 6: Once again found himself isolated up front. Had a couple of half-chances but was unable to bury them, although he was involved in Perth’s second-half equalizer.
Diego Castro – 8: The Spaniard was his usual self in the first half, his array of tricks and flicks bringing the crowd into play, before whipping them into a frenzy with a beautiful free kick in first-half injury time. Dangerous whenever he was on the ball.
Substitutes
Jamal Reiners – 6: Brought energy, but looked slightly below his best today.
Richard Garcia – 5: Barely noticeable once introduced.
Melbourne City
Thomas Sorensen – 7: Was key in the first half, making some crucial saves from Keogh, Sandor and Harold and claimed some dangerous high balls. Looked to be carrying an injury, but still produced the goods.
Paulo Retre – 6: Quiet first half from the wingback, but got more involved in the second half. Didn’t offer as much going forward as he would’ve liked.
Aaron Hughes – 7: Dealt with Harold’s pace well and thwarted any attempt to wriggle past him. A no-nonsense performance from the veteran.
Patrick Kisnorbo – 6: Castro posed a handful for him all game long, but dealt with his threat adequately. Missed a vital header which lead to Perth’s second-half equalizer.
Jack Clisby – 7: The recipient of an early yellow card which left him on thin ice for the rest of the game, but was able to neutralize Perth’s attacks well otherwise.
Michael Zullo – 7: Joined in with the attack as often as possible and took part in an entertaining duel with Risdon. Was well-covered by the fullback and was replaced midway through the second half.
Jacob Melling – 6: Very quiet in the first half, but like Retre was more involved in the second. Retianed possession well and pushed forward more.
Erik Paartaluu – 7: Worked hard all game and held possession well, in addition to getting the scoresheet in the first half. Always posed a danger from set-pieces and outside the box.
Aaron Mooy – 8: Had some nice touches early and was the focal point of the attack when City broke forward. Always looked dangerous on the ball and grabbed yet another receipt. Scored his seventh goal of the year to restore City’s lead, to go with his first-half assist.
Bruno Fornaroli – 8: ‘El Tuna’ menaced the Glory backline and caused michief in and around the box, and it was his beautiful pass which found Mooy to make it 2-1. Proving to be an inspired pickup for City.
Harry Novillo – 7: Linked with his partner in crime Fornaroli well early. His reputation as one of the most dangerous attackers in the league proceeded him and found himself well marked. Still managed to worry Perth whenever he got the ball.
Substitutes
Ben Garuccio – 6: Moved the ball well without making a big impact.
David Williams – 6: Whipped in a few menacing crosses, but that was about it.
Jason Trifiro (N/A)
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