Perth Glory moved into fifth place on the A-League ladder with a 4-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners at nib Stadium.
The Mariners conceded inside the first four minutes after a clumsy challenge from Tomislav Uskok on Chris Harold gave the home side a penalty that Diego Castro duly converted.
Despite the early goal, Kenny Lowe’s side failed to build on their good start as the Mariners fought back with some sustained possession and half-chances from set pieces and counter attacks.
However, the visitors were their own worst enemy once again as Mitch Austin was sent off three minutes into the second half for a second yellow. Perth capitalised immediately, as Andy Keogh headed home a sublime cross from Josh Risdon to double his side’s lead.
To make matters worse for Tony Walmsley’s side, marquee man Luis Garcia was then sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes to extinguish any hope of salvaging a result.
Keogh grabbed a second after Nick Montgomery brought down Josh Risdon for the game’s second penalty, before Chris Harold capped off the rout with a fourth in stoppage time.
Horror season continues for Mariners
The result condemns the once-proud Mariners to their first ever wooden spoon, just three seasons after winning the grand final. With nine red cards from 23 matches, Tony Walmsley’s side currently hold the national league record for most dismissals per game in a season ahead of Morwell’s 1998-99 campaign.
The Mariners have also become the first club to concede more than 50 goals in consecutive seasons and have failed to produce a shot on target for three straight matches. In a salary-capped league, regardless of the marquee player system, the difference between Central Coast and the rest of the competition is disgraceful.
Perth building title credentials
The rest of the competition needs to start looking over their shoulder if they have not already, because the Glory are shaping up as a genuine title threat. It may not have been a vintage performance from Kenny Lowe’s side, but the men in purple continue to pick up points and climb the table, moving above Melbourne Victory into fifth place.
Andy Keogh’s return has been crucial in the team’s remarkable run of form, but fellow mid-season arrivals Krisztian Vadocz and Shane Lowry have rounded out the core strength of the team and underlined Kenny Lowe’s ability to identify talent.
The Glory may have blown their title chances with the salary cap scandal last season, but their path to redemption looks clearer with each passing week.
Risdon rises to the top
Having signed a new deal with the club during the week, fullback Josh Risdon celebrated with two assists and three points while wearing the captain’s armband. The 23-year-old has been one of his side’s best all season and has fully deserved his call-up to Ange Postecoglu’s newest Socceroos squad. With a man of the match performance today, Risdon perfectly encapsulated his wonderful season and no doubt put European scouts on notice despite his freshly inked contract.
Outside90 Player of the Year votes
3 – Josh Risdon
2 – Andy Keogh
1 – Krisztian Vadocz
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