Perth Glory striker Shane Smeltz has paid tribute to a parochial home crowd for propelling the side to a crushing 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
Perth Glory striker Shane Smeltz has paid tribute to a parochial home crowd for propelling the side to a crushing 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
Smeltz was on hand to score two goals in the first half but generously opted to forego his hat-trick from the penalty spot, when he offered the spot-kick to teammate Mile Sterjovski just before half-time.
The gesture earned Smeltz, who has eight goals for the season, widespread applause on Monday as SBS columnist Craig Foster took to Twitter to commend the New Zealand international.
“What a class act for Shane Smeltz to let Mile take 2nd penalty,” Foster tweeted, referring to the fact, Smeltz’s second goal also came from the spot after Adrian Leijer dragged Todd Howarth down in the area.
“Admirable. That’s what builds a strong team spirit. Selflessness.”
And, Smeltz was in a similarly selfless mood at recovery on Monday morning, as he said the loud support from a season-best crowd of 12,358 people, certainly helped the Glory produce their best performance this year.
“It felt really good,” Smeltz said.
“Probably the biggest thing was that everybody stood up to the occasion and it was fantastic with the crowd and the atmosphere and it really helped us along and hopefully we can keep it going.”
“They made a big contribution, that’s the first time we’ve hit those sort of numbers and it really made a difference to the players.”
“Once we got up nice and early, they really came into it and enjoyed themselves and it sort of pushed us along for the rest of the game.”
Smeltz also paid tribute to Sterjovski, who’s gone from struggling for selection to almost being the first-man picked as he’s helped Perth to a six-game unbeaten streak.
“He was on fire,” declared Smeltz. “Probably one of his best games and we need a bit more (of those) from him.”
“If we can get more out of him like that, we’ll be dangerous in supply as well and obviously he can score goals.”
“So he’s been fantastic the last few weeks and hopefully he can keep that going as well.”
