Bobby Despotovski feels his Perth Glory players got reward for their tireless effort as they came from behind to draw with Adelaide United on Friday night.
Second-half goals from American duo Crystal Thomas and Morgan Andrews – the latter a stoppage-time penalty – earned Glory a well-deserved 2-2 draw.
Glory created a host of opportunities, especially in the first-half, but found Reds keeper Sarah Willacy in outstanding form and hit the woodwork on two occasions.
And the visitors were made to pay just before the break, conceding twice in quick succession to go to the sheds trailing 2-0.
“Our story from last week continued in the first half when we struggled to score despite creating numerous chances,” Despotovski said.
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“We played well, created chances, but didn’t score and when you do that, you’re running the risk of conceding which was exactly what happened.
“They [Adelaide] had two shots on target in the first half and scored with both of them.”
Despite the huge task ahead of them, Glory didn’t drop their heads and came storming back after the break.
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Thomas halved the deficit within seven minutes of the restart with a fine individual effort, before Andrews completed the comeback at the death.
“At half-time I told the girls how well they had played – they delivered on everything we asked them to do, except putting the ball in the net,” Despotovski said.
“In the second half we changed some tired legs, Crystal’s goal got us back into it and we pushed right to the end.
“I’m just so pleased for the girls that they got something out of the game having worked so tirelessly.”
The result means Glory remain one point and one place ahead of the Reds on the Westfield W-League ladder after seven games each.
Glory have a bye in Round 9, before taking on unbeaten Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday, January 19 at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.
The match kicks off at 4pm AEDT and you can get tickets HERE.
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