Perth Glory are through to their first semi final in five years after punishing a lacklustre Melbourne City 2-0 at AAMI Park on Sunday in the Elimination Final.
The visitors scored twice in the opening half hour to avenge last year’s Elimination Final defeat and move within one match of the decider.
Content to counter-attack after last week’s nine-goal drama, Glory’s approach paid dividends in the 16th minute as Diego Castro took full advantage of sloppy marking.
Joel Chianese soon doubled the away side’s advantage, shooting through the legs of Michael Jakobsen after the Danish defender gifted possession to Castro.
Michael Valkanis introduced Luke Brattan and Nick Fitzgerald at the break but City could only force one telling save from Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
Kenny Lowe’s side, who are set to remain in Melbourne, will now play premiers Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night for a spot in the Grand Final.
Catch up with all the action at our match centre here
GOALS
0-1 Glory: Castro, 16’
Fed on the overlap by Andy Keogh, Castro was afforded far too much time in the penalty area to steady and finish into the far bottom corner.
0-2 Glory: Chianese, 30’
After a Michael Jakobsen turnover, Chianese was fed and was able to cut back onto his left foot and shoot through the legs of the Danish defender into the far corner.
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