Perth coach Alistair Edwards admitted his side didn’t deserve to beat the Newcastle Jets on Friday night but credited their positive attitude as to why they did.
Perth coach Alistair Edwards admitted his side didn’t deserve to beat the Newcastle Jets on Friday night but credited their positive attitude as the reason for snatching a victory that keeps their season alive.
The Glory were outplayed by the Jets for the majority of the match but were able to absorb a stack of chances from the hosts and then grab the lead against the run of play with a goal to Argentine Matias Cordoba in the 24th minute, before posting the 2-1 result.
Former Glory striker Adam Taggart levelled the scores just before half-time and the Jets looked likely to go on with it in the second stanza as they continued to dominate play.
But the Glory defended gamely and were able to keep themselves in the contest before Michael Thwaite poached the winning goal in stoppage time.
“We deserved to get something out of the game but I don’t think we deserved to win, but the fact is we have the three points and that is life,” Edwards said.
“The way the game was going I thought if we get something out of the game it would be great.
“But in saying that we didn’t change our philosophy in any way. We didn’t pull anyone back.
“There was a situation where Michael (Thwaite) asked, ‘Should I go up for the corner?’ and we said, ‘Yes get up there’. He did and he was rewarded with the goal.
“We are in a situation now where we are trying to play a brand of football mixed with getting the results and it is important that we have a go.
“To their credit Newcastle played very well tonight and dominated certain aspects of the game but we displayed classic away-game form.
“There were times there when we were under the pump. We said, ‘ just stay in the game’. That was our thing at half-time – just stay in the game and it worked a treat.”
Edwards praised the defensive efforts of Thwaite as well as Glory goal-keeper Danny Vukovic who had an outstanding evening with the gloves pulling off a string of fine reflex saves to keep his side in the contest.
“He (Vukovic) has been really good the last few games and today he stopped the ball going in the back of the net,” Edwards said.
“And I thought Michael Thwaite was excellent as well with his defensive work and that probably shows you how the game was going.
“I know Gary van Egmond will be unhappy not to come away with anything from the game but I can’t say I am overly disappointed with getting three points.”
The win moves the Glory to the cusp of the top six on 28 points, just two points behind the fifth placed Jets. With three rounds remaining Perth’s season is still very much alive.
“It is very pleasing and to come away at this stage of the season from such a crucial game with the three points puts us right in the mix for that top six spot,” Edwards said.
“It has been a while since Perth Glory has won an away game so that is the monkey off the back so to speak.
“The boys were pretty happy in the change rooms.
“We have made that long trip back to Perth with sombre looks on our faces but this time they will go home much happier.”
