A last-gasp goal from Tarek Elrich has denied Tony Popovic a winning return to Western Sydney as the Wanderers and Perth Glory drew 1-1 in the final Hyundai A-League match at Spotless Stadium.
A goal from ex-Wanderers attacker Chris Ikonomidis’ midway through the first-half looked to have the Glory on course for yet another win.
But Elrich would have the final say, curling one from distance inside Liam Reddy’s far post to snatch a hard-earned draw for the home side.
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It was a dramatic end to what still was a historic night for Glory, who extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, setting a new club record.
While the draw cuts their lead at the top of the ladder to just eight points, they remain on track for their first piece of Hyundai A-League silverware with seven games to go.
For the Wanderers, it was a reward for a battling display in the second half, extending their own unbeaten run to three games.
Things didn’t start well for the home side as youngster Jordan O’Doherty suffered a serious knee injury inside the first 15 minutes.
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It was not long after the midfielder was stretchered off that Glory would take the lead.
Superb lead-up work by Ivan Franjic and Diego Castro ended with the latter playing in a classy low cross which Ikonomidis swept in from close range.
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Ikonomidis was tormenting the Wanderers defence and only a smart save from Vedran Janjetovic denied him doubling the lead with a header.
Reddy had to be alert to keep out Oriol Riera’s header just before the break, while Andy Keogh brought the best out of Janjetovic early in the second half.
It appeared Glory would do enough to hold on for a 15th win of the season until Elrich stunned the visitors with his late cracker.
