Perth Glory have consolidated their spot in the Hyundai A-League top six with an entertaining 3-2 win over Newcastle Jets at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
Glory raced out of the blocks and took the lead after just 12 minutes with Diego Castro netting from the spot after a clumsy challenge from Nigel Boogaard.
Newcastle fought back and levelled proceedings through Andrew Hoole before Castro netted his second of the night just before the interval to give the Glory the lead at the break.
Glory continued to press after the restart and extended their advantage on the hour mark with Adam Taggart firing home from close range after brilliant build-up from Josh Risdon.
Jason Hoffman gave the Jets a lifeline with a stunning long-range strike with less than 20 minutes remaining but it wasn’t enough as Glory held on for the victory.
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GOALS
1-0: Perth Glory: Diego Castro, 12’
Castro showed quick feet inside the area and was brought to ground by Nigel Boogaard with the referee awarding a penalty. The Spaniard stepped up and coolly dispatched his spot kick, sending Jack Duncan the wrong way.
1-1: Newcastle Jets: Andrew Hoole, 37’
Jason Hoffman showed brilliant determination to chase down a loose ball before finding Nabbout just outside the area. The winger delivered a wicked ball into the box with Hoole rising highest to bury a header into the back of the net.
2-1: Perth Glory: Diego Castro, 42’
Castro found space inside the area and wriggled free of Jets defender Daniel Mullen before firing a powerful effort through a crowd of players and past Jack Duncan.
3-1: Perth Glory: Adam Taggart, 59’
Josh Risdon created space for himself on the right flank before whipping in a dangerous cross which Taggart anticipated brilliantly at the back post for an easy tap in.
3-2: Newcastle Jets: Jason Hoffman, 72’
Hoffman pounced on a loose ball outside the area before firing a thumping volleyed effort which fizzed into the back of the net, leaving Nick Feely with no chance.
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