Sam Kerr scored a brace as Perth Glory came from behind to beat Melbourne Victory 3-1 at nib Stadium on Sunday.
After a scoreless first half, the match came to life immediately after the restart with three goals in the space of 13 minutes.
Natasha Dowie headed the visitors into a shock lead, before Rachel Hill quickly replied with her sixth goal in four games.
From there, Kerr took control.
The star forward – who heads into Westfield Matildas camp on Monday – put Perth ahead in the 65th minute and added a second late in proceedings to sew up the three points her side needed to return to the top of the table.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Shawn Billam skied Kerr’s cut-back with the hosts’ earliest chance.
- Raquel Rodriguez had the best opportunity of the half. After Casey Dumont saved from Kim Carroll, the Costa Rican saw her initial follow-up blocked on the line before she blazed over with a second attempt.
- Kyra Cooney-Cross responded by forcing a smart low save from Melissa Maizels, while Dumont was also alert in racing off her line to snuff out a potential opportunity for Kerr.
- Dumont’s impressive efforts were rewarded after the interval, captain Dowie giving Victory the lead in the 52nd minute.
- Parity was restored within two minutes, though, as Hill provided the perfect response for Perth.
- Kerr, who had threatened on a number of occasions, then got in the act to complete a rapid recovery.
- And the Australia spearhead soon put three points beyond doubt, fighting past two defenders on the way to a stellar solo goal.
- Victory should have pulled one back late through Dowie, but Maizels did well to tip a hot strike over the bar.
GOALS
Dowie, Melbourne Victory 52′: 0-1
Jeon Ga-eul shifted the ball right to Melina Ayres, whose floated delivery was bravely nodded in by Dowie.
Hill, Perth Glory 54′: 1-1
The American broke through on goal, rounded the onrushing Dumont and forced her finish over the line despite the efforts of Gulcan Koca to turn it against the underside of the bar.
Kerr, Perth Glory 65′: 2-1
Freed by Nicola Bolger’s deft touch on the edge of the area, Kerr made no mistake after dribbling past Dumont.
Kerr, Perth Glory 77′: 3-1
This was all about Kerr. The striker aggressively wedged herself between two defenders just beyond halfway, sprinted into open space and applied a cool low finish.
