Perth Glory FC has advanced to the semi-finals of the Westfield FFA Cup after winning a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout against Western Sydney Wanderers at Dorrien Gardens on Tuesday night.
Glory levelled the score in the 59’ through Nebo Marinkovic after Spaniard Dimas Delgado put the visitors up just before half time.
Marinkovic’s goal was initially ruled offside by the assistant but after some deliberation, referee Stephen Lucas awarded the goal.
It was enough to spur Glory to search for the winner but a number of half chances failed to be converted with conviction.
After the full 90’ the match went into extra-time with neither team really dominating.
A miss in the shootout from Wanderers striker Federico Piovoccari gave Glory the advantage.
Then former Wanderer Antony Golec and Sidnei Sciola converted their penalties putting pressure on former Glory defender Scott Jamieson to take his shot.
Under pressure from ‘booing’ fans the left back skied his shot over the bar paving the way for captain Richard Garcia to smash home the winner and send the fans into raptures.
Head coach Kenny Lowe was delighted with the result.
“Very happy to get this win over a very very very good team. They’re going to be a good team, a real force.”
“Wins like that make an ambience in your football team. You can’t buy things like that”he added.
Glory will face Melbourne City in the semi-final at home.
The date is yet to be set.
Glory’s Hyundai A-League campaign kicks off against Central Coast on October 10.
The first home game of the season is against Wellington Phoenix on October 18 at nib Stadium.
You can get your tickets to the match HERE
