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The race for the six is heating up, with Perth managing to beat the Melbourne Victory 1-nil in the west.
The first half hardly reached any particular heights.
Diego Castro imposed himself on proceedings early, and added his normal brand of flair to the game.
Controversy came early when Lawrence Thomas tackled last man challenges not once, but twice, and in the initial instance resulting in a yellow card to Andy Keogh farcically getting a yellow card for diving, despite there being contact.
While Perth had some early opportunities, Melbourne emerged the stronger, and the form player in the competition Leroy George was unlucky not to have a first time volley from a free kick in the back of the net. Liam Reddy doing well to save and tip the ball onto the crossbar.
As the half wore on, despite Melbourne looking likely to score first, it was Keogh who headed home true to open the scoring, and give Perth a half-time lead.
The second half also failed also to reach many heights, as the teams played a very tactical, rather than flashy, brand of football.
While it was the away side with the work to do, Perth remained in full control at times, themselves having the best chance of the half through substitute Adam Taggart, who headed at Thomas for the save, though the linesman’s flag was up.
While Melbourne had their chances, it was more about nice build-up play than clear-cut shots on goal.
When Berisha had the ball in the net, only to see the familiar sight of the linesman’s flag up, you felt the night would ultimately be beyond Melbourne, their desperation highlighted by Thomas coming up for a corner with four minutes to go.
Melbourne were never truly in this contest, and ultimately, Perth made them pay by taking their opportunity, and holding the away side out through discipline and desperate defending. Truth be told, Perth could have had more, had it not been for some desperate defending on the part of Victory through a goal-line clearance by Rhys Williams.
As for the ladder, Victory remain in fourth, or fall away from third after Melbourne City’s win this round. Adelaide are now breathing down the neck of Victory, whereas just a week ago, Victory looked certain to host a final.
As for Perth, their season, somewhat miraculously, remains alive, with the top six now within touching distance.
The last three rounds promise to be packed full of excitement, with finals just around the corner.
Perth Glory 1
Melbourne Victory 0
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