Perth Glory 1-0 Sydney FC: Referee blunder overshadows Perth’s glory

Perth Glory claimed their second win of the season after beating Sydney FC 1-0 at NiB Stadium.  Both teams were hungry for the three points, resulting in a great spectacle for both fans. However it was the team from the West which secured the points, their second  in a row.

The only goal of the game from Steve McGarry, a penalty in the 9^th minute of play. The early goal was overshadowed by not only one, but two dubious refereeing decisions that are sure to call the standard of A-League refereeing into question once again. Replays show Nagai was clearly offside as he ran on to a through ball, yet the linesman kept his flag down. Vedran Janjetovic, Sydney FC’s goalkeeper, came charging off his line only to bring down the Japanese in a certain goal scoring opportunity. Although the penalty was given (and converted), Janjetovic stayed on the field, to the confusion and somewhat disgust of the Perth fans.

Perth Glory started the stronger team, but Sydney quickly took hold of the tie, launching attack after attack. The New South Wales club on a number of times shifted the ball from left to right, and vice versa, managing to find space on the flanks. Unfortunately for the club which now finds themselves in the bottom half of the table, their persistent crossing and wing play came to no avail in the first half, with numerous quality chances spurned either over the bar or completely mishit.

Perth Glory played well on the counter during the first half, and was unlucky also to maybe have a second. The speed of McClaren and Sidnei caused headaches for Sydney FC’s backline, who struggled with the quick counter attacks from the home side. The sides went into to half time at 1-0 though, with Sydney FC perhaps the stronger team.

If there was any question about dominance in the first half, Sydney FC removed any of them as they came out the second half full of steam. The Sky Blues hit the floor running, and searched fervently for their equalizer. Perth, as we saw in a small degree against Melbourne Heart the week prior, sat back and continued to repel Sydney FC’s wing play. By the 65^th minute, Sydney FC had used up all their substitutions, including Del Piero, who’s introduction sparked some life into Sydney FC.

However, even with three fresh players on for the remaining 20 minutes, Sydney FC failed to find their equalizer. Perth Glory, similar to the first half, sat back and struck on the counter when the chance arose. Even with the Italian magician, Sydney failed to find the back of the net, and were even lucky not to concede a second. Perth played exceptional on the break, with McGarry and Nagai having possible chances to put the tie out of reach.

The loss stretches Sydney FC’s abysmal away record to 11 games in a row beaten, the longest in the club’s history. Perth meanwhile secure their second win in a row, and after the F3 Derby, find themselves in second place.

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