Perth Glory defender Josh Risdon produced a 23-yard thunderbolt to inspire his side to a thrilling 3-2 win over Western Sydney in Saturday night’s A-League clash in Perth.
Glory’s winless streak appeared destined to stretch to a 10th game when a defensive blunder from Chris Harold gifted Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut an equaliser in the 72nd minute.
But, with the game approaching stoppage time, Risdon unleashed a swift run through the Wanderers’ midfield before launching the ball into the top right-hand corner of the net to send the 9415 crowd into raptures.
The result lifted Glory into third spot; equal on points with Melbourne Victory and just one adrift of the ladder-leading Phoenix, who take on Sydney FC on Sunday.
Western Sydney, the champions of Asia, remain second last in the A-League, and face a dogfight just to avoid the wooden spoon.
Chances were few and far between for the Glory in a lacklustre first half.
Perth goalkeeper Danny Vukovic was forced to pull off a good save in the 10th minute when Nikita Rukavytsya sneaked through Glory’s defence and fired a quick shot.
The defensive breach should have been a wake-up call for Glory to tighten up.
Instead, the gates were left open once again three minutes later, with Romeo Castelen controlling a perfect lob pass with his thigh before turning and shooting into the net.
Glory rarely threatened on goal in the first half, but they produced a flurry of chances after the break.
Brazilian winger Sidnei levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 54th minute when he headed in from close range.
And Royston Griffiths made it 2-1 in the 68th minute when he latched on to Scott Jamieson’s corner and powered a header into the back of the net.
In between, Wanderers duo Labinot Haliti and Iacopo La Rocca wasted golden chances to score.
Harold slouched down in horror when his defensive pass was picked off and Bulut made no mistake with the finish.
But Risdon came to the rescue in the 88th minute, slicing his way through a tired Wanderers midfield before producing one of the goals of the season.
daniel
Guest
Glory were very nervous out there, and understandably so given their recent track record and the expectation coming into this game. It took a bit of luck, but hopefully with the monkey off their back they will return to their winning ways.
Ian
Guest
more than any other sport in Australia? Discuss.
theBird
Guest
Glory must be one of the luckiest teams in the planet. I suppose luck plays a major role in deciding a-league matches.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Well we needed that, great win. Good to see the team attack with more intent and not leave Keogh so isolated, left us a bit exposed at the back and gave WSW their chances in doing so but i'd rather that than what we've dished up since the asian cup break. End to end stuff sure it was a good game for the neutral. Hopefully that will give the boys a lift for the run home.
pete4
Guest
This win will help Perth stave off any worries about fading late in the season WSW certainly looking more potent with Bulut up-front will make it interesting even if out of Finals contention with 4 rounds to go