Perth Glory scored twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday.
Despite taking the lead in the 50th minute when skipper Sam Kerr headed home her ninth goal of the season, Glory conceded two own goals within eight minutes to give Victory the advantage on the scoreboard.
Victory looked set to claim a second major scalp in as many weeks, having stunned Brisbane Roar 4-1 last Monday, after consecutive deflections off Arianna Romero and Alyssa Mautz in the 52nd and 60th minutes respectively.
Falling behind sparked Glory into action and the team was eventually rewarded when Kerr was brought down inside the penalty box as the clock ticked into the 80th minute.
American import Vanessa DiBernardo stepped up to the spot and easily placed the ball to the left of Victory goalkeeper Bianca Henninger, making amends for her missed penalty against Newcastle last Monday.
Rosie Sutton then capitalised during a goal-line scramble five minutes later to secure the three points, helping second-placed Glory secure a place in next month’s Westfield W-League finals series.
Glory now trails leaders Sydney FC by just two points, but has a game in hand over the Sky Blues with three rounds remaining before the finals.
Glory had three chances to find the opener inside first eight minutes as Bobby Despotovski’s side quickly signalled their attention to bounce back from last Monday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with the Jets.
Victory did not trouble returning Glory goalkeeper Melissa Maizels until the 25th minute when Victory skipper Christine Nairn sent a long-range free kick hurtling towards the goalmouth.
