The Perth Glory have stormed home to their second win of the season upsetting a much feared Melbourne City outfit and ending an eight game win-less run against City in Melbourne.
It was a thrilling contest right from the opening whistle with both teams throwing everything at each other in what was quite a spiteful and captivating affair between two very committed sides.
The Glory got things rolling early, silencing the home crowd and rattling their opponents after Chris Harold’s superb first touch found Andy Keogh. Keogh made no mistake from point blank range to open his account in the new season.
This was the wake up call that the home side needed, with Melbourne lifting after conceding. They came agonisingly close to equalising after Tim Cahill skimmed the cross bar with his attempt at the near post.
It looked as though the Glory would take their narrow lead into the break before Bruno Fornaroli went down in the box, greatly infuriating the Glory defenders and coaching staff. This sparked significant debate between the players and coaches.
The City captain made no mistake from the spot sending Liam Reddy the wrong way right on the cusp of halftime.
Despite Alan Milliner blowing the whistle for the end of the first half, the action did not stop there with Kenny Lowe heading straight for the referee. Lowe disputed the controversial decision that saw Melbourne City gifted the penalty. Lowe was then forced to watch the rest of the match from the stands.
After a chaotic end to the first half the intensity continued well into the second with Andy Keogh heading home another goal.
City continued to apply significant pressure on their opponents and were thus rewarded for their persistence, punishing the Glory for a defensive error as Tim Cahill played Fernando Brandan through.
Brandan made no mistake in drawing things level for the second time.
Brandan continued to lift in Kamau’s absence and very nearly lifted the roof off AAMI Park after his attempt towards goal was a mere inches away from curling into the top corner.
The home side came even closer a few minutes later as Bruno Fornaroli’s shot deflected onto the post after a brilliant passage of individual play by the Uruguayan.
But tonight belonged to one man and that man was Andy Keogh. Keogh completed his hat-trick after pouncing on a Josh Rose error to give his side the lead with only minutes remaining.
Keogh’s hat-trick capped off what was a thrilling contest between two very committed sides, having all the drama and brilliance that one could ask for in a football match.
At full time it was the Glory that were victorious registering a very important victory away from home.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Excellent away performance well done to Kenny and the boys, showed not one bit of fear against a side who put the frighteners through the whole league last week. Things are looking good for the season and i think there's much more to come from this Glory side, especially seeing the strongest 11 hasn't taken the field yet. Some great depth in the squad that will hold us in good stead over the season.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
No dive; there was contact.
John B
Guest
Plan B was getting a goal by any means possible. Try diving in the box - penalty! Good training routine.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Kenny Lowe's sides are difficult to play against when they function properly using tall, tight and robust defence and speedy attack. Glory basically said, here have the ball, see what you can do with it. City had plenty of possession but it didn't translate to goals. Well done to Kenny who laid a plan to get a point and came away with 3. The frustration with watching the home side was that there was no Plan B, we just did more of the same in the second half and got punished - as well as some sloppy defending.The FFA Cup game is a test for JVS and the team to see how they rebound and then a game next Friday against AU who are starting to look very good. Nervous times ahead.