Perth Glory consigned Melbourne Victory to their third loss in a row thanks to an upset 1-0 win at nib Stadium.
Both teams controlled the game for periods in the first half, but ultimately, were let down by some disappointing passing. Ante Covic was twice called upon to cut out dangerous through balls, and both times he was up to the task, denying Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Gui Finkler.
Perth took the initiative after the half time break and started to slowly take control of the game. Despite Besart Berisha hitting the bar, Perth looked more likely to take the lead and they did so on the 74-minute mark, when 17 year-old Jamal Reiners beat Giancarlo Gallifuoco in the box. The youngster fed substitute Diego Castro, who turned the ball home from close range to claim the points.
Perth Glory
Ante Covic – 7: Came off his line strongly to stop Ben Khalfallah and Finkler in the first half and also did well to cut out a low Barbarouses cross. Was not tested as much in the second half.
Josh Risdon – 7: Positive on his return from injury. Perth looked much better going forward on the right-hand side with him in the team. Lasted the full 90 minutes, in another promising sign for Kenny Lowe.
Michael Thwaite – 8: Read the game well and was on hand to cut out a number of dangerous attacks from the Victory. Refused to give Berisha a sniff up front.
Alex Grant – 7: Maintained the physical presence he had against the Mariners on the weekend. Another strong performance for the young centre-back.
Marc Warren – 7: Did well to guard a dangerous Barbarouses in the first half and did not give him much time on the ball. One of his best games for Perth, but still needs to work on his passing.
Diogo Ferreira – 7: Coughed up possession easily a number of times in the first half. However, slightly redeemed himself with a strong defensive performance, closing down well. Did a good job on Finkler in the second half.
Nebojsa Marinkovic – 7: Another good outing from the Serbian, building on his match-winning performance on the weekend. Pulled up with a hamstring problem in the second half and had to be replaced.
Gyorgy Sandor – 7: Composed on the ball and always looked to hold onto possession (almost too long at times). Has added some much needed stability to Perth’s midfield since his return.
Chris Harold – 7: Worked hard off the ball but had little service to work with in the first half. Used his pace well in the second half to stretch the defence as he got into the game more.
Jamal Reiners – 6: Encouraging starting debut from the 17-year-old. Despite fading out of the game on occassion, looked tidy on the ball. It was his run and assist which lead to Castro’s goal.
Richard Garcia – 6: Worked hard all night long, but like Harold, found his service limited at times. Like a good captain though, never stopped trying.
Substitutes
Diego Castro – 7: Was lively when he came on, providing some much needed spark for Perth. Ghosted into the box and scored the winner from point-blank range.
Aryn Williams – 6: Defended well and did not really put a foot wrong.
Mitch Oxborrow – 6: Got himself into some nice positions.
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