Ella Abdul Massih’s stoppage-time free-kick secured a thrilling and vital 3-2 victory for Glory over high-flying Brisbane Roar at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon.
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Click HERE to view Stephen Peters’ post-match media conference
Stephen Peters’ side trailed twice in the first half, but a brace from Caitlin Doeglas saw them go into the break at 2-2.
And although there was less goalmouth action in the second period, there was to be one hugely dramatic and decisive moment right at the death when Abdul Massih was tripped just outside the box by Holly McQueen.
The Roar defender was red carded for her troubles and Abdul Massih cleverly drilled the resulting free-kick under the wall and past Olivia Sekany in the Roar goal to spark wild celebrations both on the pitch and among the 1044-strong crowd.
The tone for an enthralling first half was set within the opening five minutes as the Glory defence failed to clear a corner and Yallop took full advantage by finding the net with a backheel finish.
Casey Dumont then prevented the Queenslanders from doubling their lead when she went full length to block a cross from the dangerous Emily Pringle, before Doeglas raced clear at the other end only to be foiled by Sekany.
The Glory striker made amends on the half-hour mark, however, collecting a pass from Izzy Dalton on the edge of the box, turning neatly and clipping a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner.
Seemingly unfazed, Roar restored their lead inside a minute as Kuilamu produced a similarly clever turn and fired past Dumont, but again Glory responded in style.
This time Doeglas showed great awareness to seize upon Sekany’s sluggishness in clearing her lines, nicked the ball off the goalkeeper’s toe and gleefully fizzed it into the unguarded net.
The second half was an altogether cagier affair, although Dumont did make a fine save with her legs from Grace Kuilamu and Sekany responded in kind at the other end to deny Doeglas.
And just as both sides seemed destined to share the points, Abdul Massih took centre stage.
McQueen had little choice but to try and end the midfielder’s determined dash towards goal with a lunging challenge and when she failed to make contact with the ball, a red card was inevitable.
Abdul Massih immediately sprang to her feet, grabbed the ball and then produced a truly special moment which went a long way to keeping Glory’s season well and truly alive.
Match Details
Ninja A-League 2024-25 Season Round 13
Perth Glory 3 (Doeglas 29′, 34′, Abdul Massih 90+3′)) Brisbane Roar 2 (Yallop 5′, Kuilamu 31′)
Half-time: 2-2
Sam Kerr Football Centre
Sunday 26 January 2025
Referee: Isabella Mossin
Perth Glory: 1.Casey DUMONT, 5.Grace JOHNSTON, 6.Tijan MCKENNA (18.Izzy FOLETTA 87′), 7.Megan WYNNE, 8.Georgia CASSIDY (27.Charli WAINWRIGHT 15′)9.Gabby HOLLAR (14.Miku SUNAGA 77′), 11.Natalie TATHEM, 12.Caitlin DOEGLAS (20.Ella ABDUL MASSIH 87′), 13.Naomi CHINNAMA, 23.Izzy DALTON (co-c), 29.Onyinyechi ZOGG (co-c)
Substitutes not used: 21.Miranda TEMPLEMAN (gk)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Brisbane Roar: 33. Olivia SEKANY (gk), 2. Leia VARLEY, 6. Holly MCQUEEN, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 11. Sharn FREIER (3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE 62′), 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14.Zara KRUGER (17. Evdokia POPADINOVA 77′), 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 19. Laini FREIER (8. Mariel HECHER 87′), 32. Alicia WOODS
Substitutes not used: 1. Keeley RICHARDS (gk), 23. Isabela HOYOS,
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: McQueen
#ONEGlory
