Perth Glory were able to back up their 2-2 draw against Melbourne City with their most dominant outing of the year, smashing a hapless Newcastle Jets side 6-1 and, in the process, recording their elusive first away victory.
The Glory’s comprehensive display was backed up by the stats sheet, superior in plenty of areas. It was a performance Kenny Lowe had been searching for, one that contained few blemishes. Goals have been hard to come by this season for the Glory, so their past few games have come as a refreshing change in that sense.
What has been even more encouraging is that none of the goals have come from recent inclusion and renowned goalscorer Andy Keogh. The Irishman still has plenty of up side, as he continues to gain match fitness and was used sparingly over the weekend. If the Glory are able to realistically challenge Adelaide United for the coveted sixth finals spot, his improvement and influence will be vital.
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Diego Castro stepped up to the plate and was once again one of the Glory’s shining lights, scoring twice and resulting in Lowe once again claiming the Spaniard is the best player currently in the league. Chris Harold was also a key performer in Sunday’s victory and has experienced something of a resurgence as he also managed to score a brace.
Despite the record-breaking win, the Glory still remain seven points shy of a finals berth, maybe a bridge too far if Adelaide continue their current form line. United underscored their resurgence with a 4-1 victory over third-placed Brisbane Roar.
It has become clear though that Lowe and the Glory staff are not ones to rest on their laurels. They have been incredibly active in the transfer window as they look to build on the momentum gained from recent outings and keep alive the glimmer of finals hope that remains.
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On Monday, the club revealed it had released defender and former captain Michael Thwaite who has pursued an opportunity in China. While it sounds like the mutual termination of the contract was not something that caught the Glory completely unawares, partly because of the changing nature of the business that is football, Thwaite had become an integral part of the Glory’s defensive unit and a valued leader.
Luckily for the Glory, they were able to act swiftly and secure the services of Birmingham City defender Shane Lowry to fill the void.
Meanwhile, former Fulham and Socceroos striker Adam Taggart has signed on until the end of the 2017-18 season. However, Taggart is unable to pull the purple on this year under FIFA rules, having already played for two clubs this year.
The Glory take on Melbourne Victory this Saturday night at nib Stadium, a side they have a strong recent record against having gone undefeated against them in their five previous outings.
The Glory will be bristling with confidence after their record-breaking weekend and with a two-day rest advantage over the Victory, they will feel like they are poised for another big night.
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