Western United FC
1
Match Complete
Perth Glory
1
| P. Kone |  | 87' | ||
| 76' |  | K. Popovic | ||
| P. Kone | | 49' | ||
| D. Jertec | | 39' | ||
| 37' | | A. Grant |
| 11 | Shots | 11 | ||
| 5 | On Target | 6 | ||
| 17 | Fouls | 9 | ||
| 2 | Corners | 4 | ||
| 3 | Offsides | 0 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
Match result:
The teams evenly matched as Western United and Perth Glory played out a 1-1 draw.
After a lame first half dominated by Perth, Kone brought the game to life in the second half with a great strike for United.
The Glory deservedly equalised as Tony Popovic’s son, Christian Popovic scored with a good header.
Both teams had a chance to win the game late on but killer instinct was lacking.
The points are shared and both teams remain undefeated, but United the happier of the two teams as they head into Round 3 with a win and a draw.
Final score
Western United 1
Perth Glory 1
Match preview:
The A-League’s newest club Western United will look to continue their perfect start to the campaign when they host last season’s losing grand finalists Perth Glory. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm AEDT.
An opening victory away from home against the Wellington Phoenix was the perfect way for Western United FC to announce themselves as a genuine team in the A-League.
Like the Wanderers before them, Western United will be keen to leave a strong mark in their inaugural season, and they get a great chance to do just that against premiership aspirants Perth Glory.
It is fascinating times in Perth. Tony Popovic had an outstanding maiden year in charge of the Glory yet such promise ended in despair as Perth lost to Sydney FC as hosts in the grand final on penalties.
With such a great opportunity for a championship gone begging, it remains to be seen how Perth will muster the strength required to mount another title challenge after coming so close last season. An opening 1-1 draw against Brisbane is not the start they would have wanted at home.
Now, Perth will have to deal with United’s stars Besart Berisha, Alessandro Diamanti and Panagiotis Kone, who each showed some thrilling signs in their win over Wellington Phoenix and will want to make another early statement to the rest of the competition.
Prediction
Perth Glory have lost only one of their last seven A-League games in Victoria and are undefeated in their last four.
With that said, Besart Berisha (Western United) has scored 16 goals against Perth Glory in the A-League, the joint-second most of any player against a single opponent in the history of the competition.
Perth perhaps are still coming to terms with last season’s painful grand final defeat and that could leave them vulnerable for Western United to pounce.
Western United will come out strong but Perth should do enough to nab a draw.
Western United and Perth to draw 1-1
Time: 5pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA stadium
Betting: Western United $3.00, Draw $3.40, Perth $2.50
Tyke
Roar Rookie
Watched the game this morning, was entertaining, second half especially. WU should be disappointed not to get the win, but a draw in your first home game against the defending premiers isn’t the worst result. WU looks great so far, if they can be more clinical and convert more chances, watch out. Diamanti killing it
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Top stuff again. More young guys doing good things.
Alan
Roar Guru
As predicted, both teams evenly matched here as United and Glory play out a 1-1 draw. After a lame first half dominated by Perth, Kone brought the game to life in the second half with a great strike for United. The Glory deservedly equalised as Tony Popovic's son, Christian Popovic equalised with a good header. Both teams had a chance to win the game late on but killer instinct was lacking. The points are shared and both teams remain undefeated, but United the happier of the two teams as they head into round 3 with a win and a draw.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Good to see that Perth have a serious front of shirt sponsor with BHP.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Not the biggest crowd in a stadium that seats 36,000. But with all the crowd in the lower level at least they look densely packed on TV and there's also enough active support to create a bit of atmosphere. Next week they have the derby against Melbourne City at the same ground which should help, then they play Victory at Docklands. WU provided a few exciting moments and maybe they can build through the season.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Harold again with an opening but his attempted lob is a shocker. Both teams with chances to win it
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Kone tries to place the shot and Reddy had his heart in his mouth as the ball goes just wide!
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Harold with time shoots low and the ball wide of the post. That was an opening...
87'
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Beautiful through ball and United are through one on one against Reddy! Beautiful chip over the top but the ball hits the bar and the Glory are saved!
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Action packed now as Reddy forced into a great save! Kone on the verge of his second.
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Glory now turning the screws as a shot forces a save from United's keeper. Glory gaining the ascendancy here
Alan
Roar Guru
A Beautiful delivery from Kilkenny finds Popovic who scores with a clinical header! Glory are back in the game.
76'
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL GLORY
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Perth probing as they earn the corner. United firm in defence.
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Tratt on for Chianese as Perth make a change. Fornaroli with a shot but the keeper saves easily.
Alan
Roar Guru
64' - Glory frustrated here. United playing with more confidence on the break.
Alan
Roar Guru
60' - Berisha with a header and he scores but he is offside! Perth living dangerously here.