The Roar
The Roar

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Glory flying high after dream start

22nd November, 2014
20

They sit on top of the pile, but Perth Glory aren’t stressing about the hungry pack trying to hunt them down.

Glory’s dream start to the season continued on Friday night when they posted a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at nib Stadium.

Perth only narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last season, but they are now celebrating their best start to an A-League campaign after posting six wins from the opening seven rounds.

Glory’s true test will come over the next fortnight when they face Brisbane and Sydney away in the space of six days, but coach Kenny Lowe said he wasn’t worried his side might now become the prime target of rival teams.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure. We just go about our business,” Lowe said.

“We’re not interested in league tables, especially after eight games. We might be interested after 27.

“We’ve got a full, healthy squad now, so there’s real competition for places. My job’s just going to get harder.”

Glory midfielder Ruben Zadkovich will miss the Brisbane clash after being sent off against the Phoenix in the 63rd minute.

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Zadkovich was on the field for just 17 seconds before his hard tackle on Vince Lia earned him a straight red.

The former Jets skipper can consider himself a tad unlucky that he didn’t escape with a yellow instead, but Lowe didn’t hold out any hope the FFA would rescind the red card.

“Pfft. You’ll get six inches of snow next week (before that happens),” Lowe said tongue in cheek.

“I think he took some of the ball. Maybe he took some of the guy. I don’t know, I’ll have to have a look.

“He’s made a tackle, and the ref might have made a mistake. Nothing to speak about.”

Striker Jamie Maclaren will return against Roar after completing his recent international duties, while winger Sidnei (calf) could also be available.

Lowe praised the efforts of 17-year-old whiz kid Danny de Silva, who scored in the second minute against Wellington and also provided plenty of spark.

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“He runs out of petrol a little bit, but he’s only 12,” Lowe said with a laugh.

“He’s good value, and scored a great goal.”

Phoenix came away empty handed from their two-game trek to Adelaide and Perth, but coach Ernie Merrick said the return of star midfielder Michael McGlinchey for next Sunday’s clash with Melbourne City in Wellington would be crucial.

McGlinchey missed the loss to Perth to be by his wife’s side for the birth of their daughter.

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