Perth Glory will be out to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches when they host Adelaide United this evening, as French international William Gallas makes his debut for the club. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
Five weeks ago Josep Gombau made the perfect start to his A-League coaching career, leading the Reds to a comprehensive 3-1 win over Perth at Hindmarsh Stadium in Round 1.
Since then the Spanish mentor has failed to win a game and languish in eighth spot, having taken just one point from their following four matches.
Tonight the Reds will be without centre-half Nigel Boogard, who is again suspended after being marched late in his side’s loss to Newcastle last Saturday night after an agricultural challenge on Emile Heskey.
Michael Zullo will be another key absentee from the Adelaide lineup due to Socceroos duty, with Cassio slotting in at left back.
Perth made an inauspicious start against the Phoenix in Christchurch last Saturday and found themselves behind within the first five minutes, but eventually worked their way back into the game to take a 1-1 draw, and potentially could have taken all three points.
Glory coach Alastair Edwards has included William Gallas in the squad, but the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender will take his place on the bench, after flying into Perth last weekend.
The home side’s talismanic striker Shane Smeltz will also be missing due to international commitments, and much will depend on Sidnei Sciola to provide a spark up front.
Today’s match will be played at 2.30pm local time and with temperatures well into the 30s, the outcome could be decided by who can adapt to the difficult conditions.
Edwards has steadily built confidence into this Perth outfit and they will expect to take three points here, but a desperate Adelaide might do enough to get a point here.
AZ_RBB
Guest
just saw that Gallas interview going around. actually changed my opinion of his arrival enormously. could really hear the passion in his voice.......or maybe it was just the heat?
Jack
Guest
+ 1
Chad Bennett
Editor
No worries - and good luck with the MV bet!
jamesb
Guest
well done to both sides considering the hot conditions, and a kick off time at 2:30pm local, Perth and Adelaide should be commended. FFA really shouldn't be having matches at that time of the afternoon. Matches should scheduled from 5pm at the earliest.
Jack
Guest
Nice coverage cheers
Chad Bennett
Editor
FULL TIME: Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United And that will be that. Played in 30-plus conditions, both sides were able to produce some fairly exciting football at times. Malik opened the scoring with a towering header in the 53rd minute for Adelaide, but the visitors switched off in the 69th minute and Chris Harold found the equaliser, which Josep Gombau will be fuming with the Reds switching off. So the point moves Perth ahead of Sydney into third on goal difference, while Adelaide go to five points but remain in eighth. Their winless run stretches to five matches, and Gombau will rue another game in which his side led but couldn't finish the job. Thanks for reading along, and don't forget Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory will commence in about five minutes time.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90 +5′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Pretty exciting finish here, Perth pour forward and Adelaide the counter through Mabil, neither side look like they'll be able to breach the defence in the final minute here.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90 + 3′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Enterprising play down the right from Davies, playing a one-two with McGarry, and the ball eventually falls to Cameron Edwards, who clips his shot inches over the bar. Might be the last main chance.
Chad Bennett
Editor
Galekovic out with a very strong fist, and from the clearance Mabil breaks into the Perth half and it's 2 v 2. Unfortunately, his touch lets him down and it will be a goal kick for the home side. Meanwhile, there will be FIVE minutes of stoppage time.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Into the final minute of normal time Sidnei inside the area, and Elrich has to make the block. Corner here for Perth....
Chad Bennett
Editor
88′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United BIG chance for Adelaide!!! Cassio drives down the left, looks up and cuts the ball inside to Mabil, who has continued his run, and drives a low shot that Vukovic needed to save with his feet. Hmmm that could have been a fantastic winner for Mabil!
Jack
Guest
Costa rica are a very very good team despite media reports suggestin a soft opening match ...... C'mon reds sneak a goal!!!
Chad Bennett
Editor
87′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Not a fantastic tempo to proceedings at the moment - as I alluded to earlier, both teams might be content to settle for a point now.
Stevo
Guest
Cassio has a full handful of Nagai 's shirt and no free kick. WTF!
Chad Bennett
Editor
85′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Into the final five minutes of regulation time now - will there be a winner?
Chad Bennett
Editor
Yeah I agree, should be very interesting to see how Ange sets up - though we shouldn't expect too much. Yep, will definitely have a live blog for the occasion on Tuesday night!
Chad Bennett
Editor
83′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United The ball falls to Barker-Daish on the D, who takes time...too much time...to line up his shot, and is closed down. Should probably have done better there, I'd say.
Jack
Guest
I have to say itchin for soccerroos match , most interesting team selection for about 8 years. U guys covering?
Chad Bennett
Editor
80′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Ten to play. The game was humming along nicely prior to the drinks break, but it has since been stunted somewhat. Of course only my opinion, but I'd be surprised to see a winner here.
Chad Bennett
Editor
78′ Perth Glory 1-1 Adelaide United Thwaite becomes the third man into the book after jumping in on Ferreira following a poor touch from the Reds midfielder. McKain looks long to find Mabil, looks to be trickling over the byline but Mabil salvages it and wins a throw-in. Nice.