Perth Glory’s fight for a top-three finish and an Asian Champions League berth have been dented after the West Australians were defeated 3-0 by the newly crowned premiers Sydney FC at nib Stadium tonight.
Chances in the opening half an hour were few and far between for both sides, with Glory debutant Lucian Goian going closest with a left-footed strike.
The Romanian would strike the opening goal later in an unfortuante mishap when Sydney’s whipped corner bouned off Goian and agonisingly snuck into Gloy’s own net, wrong footing ‘keeper Liam Reddy.
Just two minutes later Sydney doubled its lead with former Glory man Brandon O’Neill striking from distance to see the premiers enter half-time 2-0 up.
Sydney continued its fine form in the second-half with Brazilian forward Bobo making it 3-0 with a poked finish.
Despite a few chances, most notably Diego Castro’s curled free-kick striking the crossbar, it wasn’t to be Glory’s day with Sydney able to celebrate its premiership with a win.
Perth take on Adelaide at Coopers stadium next Friday night.
Glory will end the regular A-League season with two home games against Brisbane Roar (April 8) and Melbourne City (April 16).
Key Moments:
First Half:
15′ | Debutant Lucia Goian’s left-footed strike is saved by Redmayne.
16′ | Zullo makes a mazy run into Glory’s box, but his shot is easily collected by Reddy.
22′ | Risdon makes a superb goal-saving tackle on Bobo who was one-on-one with Reddy.
GOAL | 39′ | A Sydney corner bounces awkwardly off Goian, with his touch sneaking into Reddy’s net.
GOAL | 41′ | Former Glory midfielder Brando O’Neill doubles Sydney’s lead with a strike from distance.
Second Half:
55′ | Bobo’s smart strike from inside the area is superbly saved by Reddy.
GOAL | 62′ | Bobo makes it three-nil with a poked finish from close range.
83′ | Castro’s curled free-kick strikes the crossbar.
SQUADS:
Perth Glory FC Squad: 33. Liam REDDY (GK), 6. Dino DJULBIC, 9. Andy KEOGH, 10. Nebo Marinkovic (11. Richard GARCIA 34′), 14. Chris HAROLD (7. Joel CHIANESE), 16. Joseph MILLS, 17. Diego CASTRO, 19. Josh RISDON, 20. Aryn WILLIAMS, 22. Adam TAGGART, 26. Lucian GOIAN (18. Mitch OXBORROW )
Subs not used: 13. Nick FEELY
Yellow Cards: 26. Lucian GOIAN 25′,
Sydney FC Squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE, 4. Alex WILKINSON, 5. Jordy BUIJS (12. Aaron CALVER 60′) 6. Josh BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 8. Milos DIMITRIJEVIC, 9. Bobô, 10. Milos NINKOVIC (17. David CARNEY 75′), 13. Brandon O’Neill, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 21. Filip HOLOSKO (11. Bernie IBINI-ISEI 64′)
Subs not used: 40. Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (GK)
Yellow Cards: 13. Brandon O’NEILL 45+1, 4. Alex WILKINSON 80′, 6. Josh BRILLANTE 82′, 14. Alex BROSQUE 83′
