A late strike from Harry O’Brien has handed Perth Glory a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in a spirited NYL clash at the SFS on Saturday.
A late strike from Harry O’Brien has handed Perth Glory a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in a spirited NYL clash at the SFS on Saturday.
The Glory spent much of the first half defending in their own half but led 1-0 at the break after O’Brien scored the first of his two goals against the run of play in the 43rd minute.
Sydney FC suffered another blow in the 65th minute when Daniel Petkovski was red carded after becoming entangled with Perth striker Ndumba Makeche.
The Sky Blues drew level four minutes later when Jason Madonis scored from close range, but O’Brien had the final say when he snuck a driving shot past Sydney custodian Ryan Norval at the death.
Blake Powell fired the first shot on goal in the ninth minute after some good lead-up work from Sky Blues team-mate Jordan Figon, but Lewis Italiano made a good save on his near post to deny the hosts an early goal.
Sydney continued to enjoy the better of general play, Powell forcing another save from Italiano with a long-range shot in the 13th minute.
Makeche caused an anxious moment for Ryan Norval soon after, winning the race to a dangerous through ball before spraying his shot across the face of goal under pressure from the Sydney custodian.
But Perth’s chances were few and far between and they suffered a blow when Jesse Makarounas was forced from the field with an ankle injury after a heavy challenge from Powell on 27 minutes.
The hosts missed two guilt-edged chances in as many minutes late in the opening stanza and they were made to pay when O’Brien exploited some tired defending to score from close range in the shadows of half-time.
Jack Clisby almost doubled the visitors’ advantage soon after the resumption with a powerful strike, while Sky Blues skipper Jared Lum came agonisingly close to getting the equaliser on the hour with a powerful effort that sailed just wide.
Petkovski’s dismissal after shoving Makeche appeared to spark the hosts into action.
Caleb Rufer powered his way into the box and fired on goal only to be denied by a good save from Italiano, but Madonis was on the spot and calmly slotted the rebound home to set up a thrilling finish.
Sydney FC 1 (Madonis 69,)
Perth Glory 2 (O’Brien 43, 90)
