Captain fantastic fires Victory into second spot after narrow win over Perth

Check out the highlights from Melbourne Victory's clash with Perth Glory in the Ninja A-League

A first-half strike from Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison proved to be the difference at the Home of the Matildas as Victory held on to defeat 10-player Perth Glory 1-0.

Victory took the lead in the 33rd minute when captain Morrison lashed a half-volley beyond Casey Dumont and into the roof of the net after the Glory failed to clear their lines from a freekick.

Perth were reduced to 10 players in the 60th minute when 20-year-old Tijan McKenna was sent off for two bookable offences – both of which were fouls on Victory midfielder Alex Chidiac in the space of four minutes.

The Glory huffed and puffed towards the end but didn’t do enough to really worry Victory keeper Courtney Newbown as the home side held to secure a vital win which moves them up into second on the ladder.

As for Perth, Stephen Peters’ side remain in 10th spot on the ladder following their sixth defeat of the campaign.

Glory had several half-chances early in the game but the breakthrough came in emphatic fashion in the 33rd minute through an unlikely source.

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With Victory swinging a deep free-kick into the box, a poor clearance from right back Natalie Tathem fell straight to Morrison who, having controlled the ball, duly thumped her shot beyond the keeper and into the net.

Matildas striker Emily Gielnik then had a sight of goal before the break her low shot was well blocked by Glory defender Naomi Chinnama.

In the 58th minute, American striker Gabby Hollar forced Courtney Newbon into an impressive save as the Victory keeper flew to her left to tip a curling effort round the post.

However, despite the Glory pressure, a flashpoint in the 60th minute would then completely changed the complexion of the game.

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Having already fouled Chidiac and subsequently received a yellow card, midfielder McKenna then fouled Chidiac again just four minutes later, leaving referee Rachael Mitchenson no choice but to produce the red card.

Despite being down to 10 the Glory continued to attack though and striker Hollar took aim from distance again which called Newbon into action.

The away side continued to push for the equaliser until the end but a professional performance from Jeff Hopkins’ side ensured Victory left the Home of the Matildas with three points in the bag.