Record-breaker Andy Keogh admits Perth Glory were lucky to get all three points against Newcastle Jets on Saturday but praised his side’s ability to find a way to win.
Glory has now all but assured themselves of a top six berth and also kept their faint hopes of the Premiership alive with a scrappy 2-1 win at Hunter Stadium.
After withstanding some concerted pressure from the hosts over the first hour, Kenny Lowe’s side took control with goals to Kristian Vadocz and Keogh’s 88th minute penalty.
Glory march on after grounding Jets
The Jets responded in stoppage time through Mateo Poljak’s spot-kick – in which Dino Djulbic was sent off – but the visitors held on for their ninth win from their last 10 games.
“We didn’t play that well in the first half, although we had some good chances, but we ground it out,” Keogh told Fox Sports.
“That’s a sign of us doing well at the moment and getting the valuable points on the board.
“I think Newcastle played better than us. Fair play to them, they worked harder and they were better on the ball.
“But as I said, we dug it out and got the win.”
While it won’t be a performance that lives long in the memory, it was a special game for Keogh.
His late penalty means he has now scored in seven straight Hyundai A-League games, equalling the record set by Sydney FC’s marquee man Marc Janko last season.
Former Socceroo Damien Mori and Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper are the other two players in Australian National League history to hit that mark.
Keogh will have the chance to set a new record himself when Glory hosts Melbourne City next weekend.
Against the Jets, Keogh was impressed with the way his side kept to their structure during the periods the home side was on top.
“We defended well to be honest,” the Irishman said.
“And we have players like [Diego] Castro, you can give him the ball anywhere and he makes things happen.
“We’ve got a good blend going on at the minute and long may it continue.”
It turned out to be a horror afternoon for the Jets, with skipper Nigel Boogaard sent off for the third time this season.
Boogaard and Ben Kantarovski – who received his eighth yellow card of the campaign – will both miss next weekend’s trip to Brisbane Roar through suspension.
