Perth Glory moved to within two points of top spot with a 2-1 win over the Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium.
Both teams created early chances, as Chris Harold stabbed over the bar from close range for Perth, before Mitch Cooper’s chipped shot was beaten away by Ante Covic. Despite their poor record against Perth, the Jets continued to press and frustrated the visitors. Martin Nordstrand nearly gave the Jets the lead when he created some space for himself on the counter attack, only to curl his shot narrowly over. Perth finally came to play late in the half, as Richard Garcia drew a brilliant save from Mark Birighitti before Alex Grant headed just wide.
Newcastle continued their attacking intent in the second half, as the dangerous Cooper and Nordstrand were an endless source of headaches for Perth’s defence. However, for all of their determination, they were unable to properly test Covic in goal and Perth made them pay. After Nebojsa Marinkovic’s corner was only half-cleared, a goalmouth scramble ensued and Krisztian Vadocz smashed home from close range.
There was late drama for both sides, as both were reduced to ten men and on the receiving end of a penalty. Kris Griffiths-Jones sent Nigel Boogard off in controversial circumstances after he was deemed to have brought down Andy Keogh in the box, despite replays indicating he got the ball. Keogh converted the resulting penalty, but Dino Djulbic then conceded a similar penalty after holding back Ryan Kitto and was given his marching orders. Mateo Poljakscored from the spot, but it was too little, too late for the Jets.
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