Perth Glory have failed to take advantage of Melbourne Victory’s slump in form, remaining in fifth spot on the Liberty A-League table after a goalless draw with Canberra United at Wanderers Football Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Alex Epakis’ side could have claimed third spot on the table with a three-point display but a point sees the Glory remain in fifth, beneath both Victory and Newcastle Jets in third and fourth respectively.
Perth’s Alana Jancevski fired the first shot after 13 minutes but sent her effort wide.
Perth found great success in pushing through the right flank with Natasha Rigby, but could not create scoring opportunities.
Susan Phonsongkham came close to opening the scoring but was denied by a stunning save from United keeper Keeley Richards after 35 minutes.
On the stroke of half-time, Cyera Hintzen found room down the left but her shot drew a simple stop from Richards.
Hayley Taylor-Young had the second half’s first big chance when she shot straight at Perth No.1 Courtney Newbon.
But the game’s best chance fell to Canberra’s Michelle Heyman, who headed over from close range.
Glory substitute Lisa De Vanna added energy when she came on but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.
United’s Grace Maher had a big chance late but slammed her free kick from 25 yards into the wall, while Ash Sykes’ late stoppage-time effort needed a deflection.
Canberra were without impressive fullback Emma Ilijoski while she waited on the results of a COVID test.
The point leaves United winless and with two through four games of the season, while the Glory remain fifth on the table.
Glory midfielder Hana Lowry said the performance was an improvement on the weekend’s loss to Adelaide, but still left something to be desired.
“It was a hard game, Canberra are a good side and we always find it tough against them. Based on our performance in Adelaide, we improved and we kept the ball a lot better,” she said.
“We need to score some goals and get good results, it’s a vital part of the season.”
Canberra’s Chloe Middleton said the result hurt the side’s finals chances.
“It was a tough one, the girls worked really hard and we did everything we practised this week, getting forward and getting crosses in the box,” she said.
“We need the points … we definitely need to start winning in order to be more competitive to try and make the finals.”
