New recruit Sam Sutton scored a stunning free-kick and supplied two assists as Glory eased to a 7-2 pre-season friendly victory over Stirling Macedonia on Saturday evening.
The New Zealand international scored the pick of Glory’s goals, bending a 25m effort around the wall and into the top corner, having also had a hand in the opener when his corner was deflected over the line by Stirling’s Asher Nelson.
Between those efforts, skipper Adam Taggart clipped home an inviting cross from Lachie Wales as David Zdrilic’s side adapted quickly to the wet and windy conditions at Macedonia Park.
To their credit, however, Stirling continued to compete strongly and were rewarded two minutes before the interval when top scorer Samuel Dweh provided a neat finish to reduce the arrears.
Sutton duly continued to shine during the second half, starting the move which culminated in Jaiden Kucharski crossing for Arion Sulemani to slot home Glory’s fourth goal from close range.
The swashbuckling defender was at it again moments later, sending in the corner which Zach Lisolajski headed in and then repeated the trick almost immediately, this time picking out Andriano Lebib who scored with his first touch after coming off the bench.
Stirling again responded as Callum McKenzie converted from the spot after being bundled over in the box, but Glory were destined to have the last word in what was a solid hit-out, Khoa Ngo crossing for fellow-substitute Joel Anasmo who made no mistake from right in front.
Glory’s next pre-season outing is scheduled for Wednesday 17 September when they will take on the WA State Team at Dorrien Gardens (kick-off at 6:30pm, admission FREE).
Match Details
Pre-Season Friendly
Stirling Macedonia 2 (Dweh 43′, McKenzie (pen) 65′) Perth Glory 7 (Nelson (o.g.) 2′, Taggart 10′, Sutton 30′, Sulemani 55′, Lisolajski 57′, Lebib 61′, Anasmo 88′)
Half-time: 1-3
Macedonia Park
Saturday 6 September 2025
Referee: Niall Gilmour
Stirling Macedonia: 24.Nic SPECA (gk), 4.Aston MONTGOMERY, 6.Dejan SPASEKI (c), 7.Asher NELSON, 8.Kade FEARNAL, 11.Leigh GRIFFITHS, 12.Shade STEWART, 14.Joshua BILALOSKI, 18.Danny DOUGLAS, 19.Callum MCKENZIE, 22.Samuel DWEH
Substitutes: 1.Tommy SPOTURE (gk), 9.Euan CAMERON, 10.Samuel WYNNE, 12.Kyeson BARKER, 13.Josh BOSEVSKI, 17.Alex TANEVSKI, 21.Pacifique DUFITIMUKIZA, 21.Luca MORELLI, 20.Marcus JOHNSTON
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Perth Glory: 1.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 3.Sam SUTTON, 4.Scott WOOTTON, 6.Brandon O”NEILL (8.Callum TIMMINS 46′), 9.Jaiden KUCHARSKI (26.Khoa NGO 60′), 11.Lachlan WALES, 15.Zach LISOLAJSKI (24.Andriano LEBIB 60′), 21.Adam BUGARIJA (31.Joel ANASMO 60′), 22.Adam TAGGART (c) (17.Arion SULEMANI 13′), 27.Will FRENEY (18.Luke AMOS 46′), 45.Brian KALTAK
Substitutes not used: 44.Tomislav PETKOVIC (gk)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
#ONEGlory
Match Report: Sutton sparkles as Glory ease to friendly win
