A Diego Castro brace and a tap in from Adam Taggart has helped Perth Glory claim a crucial 3-2 win in a five-goal thriller.
It was a frenetic opening half that saw both sides display their attacking prowess with Diego Castro and Adam Taggart heavily involved for Glory with Nick Feely making his Hyundai A-League starting debut between the sticks, while Andrew Nabbout caused problems down the left for the Jets.
Perth opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Nigel Boogard’s lunging tackle on Taggart was adjudged a foul by referee Jonathon Barreiro, which Castro slotted into the bottom left corner.
Despite enjoying a majority of possession, Newcastle always seemed a threat when venturing forward and levelled proceedings on 38 minutes after Nabbout’s dangerous cross was headed home by Andrew Hoole.
Just moments later Castro restored Glory’s lead with a smart finish at Jack Duncan’s near post. The Spaniard’s dazzling footwork opened up space for the midfielder whose fizzing shot was too quick for the Jets keeper. Taggart then doubled Perth’s advantage with a timely tap in following Josh Risdon precise left-foot cross to the back post.
Newcastle refused to lie down, with Jason Hoffman scoring a spectacular long-range goal to halve the deficit at the 72nd-minute mark. Despite the Jets resilience, Glory showed great composure in the final stages to secure a well-deserved 3-2 win in front of 12,903 at nib Stadium.
Key Moments:
First Half:
7′ Nabbout makes a dashing run into the Glory box and his curling effort is saved by Feely.
11′ GOAL | Castro’s cross from the left-wing is met by an outstretched Taggart, but his volley is just wide of the post.
12′ Keogh’s one-on-one chance is expertly saved by Jets keeper Jack Duncan.
13′ Nigel Boogard’s lunging tackle on Castro is deemed a foul and the Spaniard coolly converts to open the scoring.
16′ Hoole shoots from a tight angle just inside the area and is comfortably collected by Feely.
19′ Taggart’s tidy footwork allows the Socceroo to shoot, which is parried by Duncan to Keogh who taps home but is offside.
30′ Risdon’s low shot is saved by Duncan after a surging run from the defender.
38′ GOAL | Nabbout’s accurate cross finds Hoole who rises to head the Jets level.
40′ Castro’s attempted cross is deflected onto the post by a Jets defender.
41′ GOAL | Castro was back at it again moments later as his low shot from well inside the area sneaks in at the near post to put Glory 2-1 up.
Second Half:Â
59′ GOAL | Risdon’s superb curling left-footed cross is met by Taggart at the back post who taps home to give Glory a 3-1 lead.
60′ Nabbout tries his luck from distance, but his strike is straight at Feely who catches comfortably.
72′ GOAL | Hoffman halves the deficit with a thumping shot from 30 yards.
Perth Glory FC Squad: 13. Nick FEELY (GK), 4. Shane LOWRY (5. Rhys WILLIAMS 38′), 6. Dino DJULBIC, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS (C), 9. Andy KEOGH, 14. Chris HAROLD (10. Nebo MARINKOVIC 72′), 15. Brandon WILSON, 16. Joseph MILLS, 17. Diego CASTRO, 19. Josh RISDON, 22. Adam TAGGART (24. Milan SMILJANIC 89′)
Subs not used: 7. Joel CHIANESE, 30. Jordan THURTELL
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Newcastle Jets Squad:Â 20. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 2. Daniel MULLEN, 3. Jason HOFFMAN 4. Nigel BOOGARD, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Mateo POLJAK, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 18. Ma LEI LEI (10. Wayne BROWN 58′), 19. Morten NORDSTRAND (12. Harrison SAWYER 70′), 22. Lachlan JACKSON, 28. John KOUTROUMBIS (23. Devante CLUT 83′)
Subs not used: 50. Tomislav ARCABA (GK), 16. Nicholas COWBURN
Yellow Cards: 22. Lachlan JACKSON 30′, 18. Ma LEI LEI 32′, 2. Daniel MULLEN 54′, 4. Nigel BOOGARD 90+1′
#GloryIsOurs
