Glory down Sky Blues to reach decider

Perth Glory booked their place in next weekend’s Westfield W-League Grand Final with a 3-0 win over Sydney FC at nib Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Despite missing star striker Samantha Kerr through injury, Glory started strongly and were rewarded after only 15 minutes with a brilliant finish from Elisa D’Ovidio.

The goal came through some good build up play from Glory striker Kate Gill, who slotted the ball across the face of the box for D’Ovidio to drive home inside the far post.

Glory dominated the play throughout the opening period but Sydney still managed to threaten occasionally.

Amy Harrison was stopped by a brilliant piece of goalkeeping from Mackenzie Arnold as she ran in on goal.

Harrison was unlucky on several occasions as Arnold pulled off a wonder save to stop her shot from nestling into the top corner.

Glory capitalised on their dominance with a wonderful goal from Gill, who chipped goalkeeper Casey Dumont from the edge of the box.

The second half began as the first had ended with Glory dominating possession and attacking opportunities.

Sydney briefly looked dangerous through striker Jasmyne Spencer, who was unlucky not to win a penalty as she chose to stay on her feet, before firing a shot straight at Arnold.

Glory sealed the victory with a third goal that was more a result of calamitous defending than brilliant football from Glory.

Sydney keeper Dumont cleared the ball straight into defender Renee Rollason, who attempted to control, but only ended up spilling the ball to Gill in the penalty area. Gill laid the ball off to substitute Gabe Marzano, who slotted her first Glory goal.

The heat took its toll and as players tired a series of half chances were created.

Harrison saw her effort from distance roll just wide, following Arnold’s clearance which left her stranded a long way off of her line.

While at the other end Dumont pulled off a brilliant save following a goal mouth scramble.

MATCH DETAILS

Perth Glory 3 (D’Ovidio 10′, Gill, 37′, Marzano 70′)

Sydney FC 0

Sunday 14th December 2014

nib Stadium

Kick -off: 12:00pm

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Assistant referees: Renae Coghill, Joanna Charaktis

4th official: Matthew Southern

Perth Glory: 1. Mackenzie ARNOLD, 2. Sarah CARROLL, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Alanna KENNEDY, 9. Caitlin FOORD, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO (8. Gabrille MARZANO) 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Shelina ZADORSKY, 17. Marianna TABAIN (8. Shawn BILLAM 80′)

Substitutes not used: 16. Thia EASTMAN, 18. Gabby Dal BUSCO

Yellow cards: 3. Carys HAWKINS (77’)

Red cards: nil

Sydney FC: 1. Casey DUMONT, 2. Teresa POLIAS, 5. Jasmyne SPENCER, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Nicola BOLGER, 8. Amy HARRISON, 10. Renee ROLLASON, 12. Chloe LOGARZO (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 77′), 15. Tiegen ALLEN 16. Samantha JOHNSON, 17. Kyah SIMON,

Substitutes not used: 3 Elizabeth RALSTON, 11, Natalie TOBIN, 21. Sian McLAREN

Yellow cards: 16. Samantha JOHNSON (82’), 5. Jasmyne SPENCER (90+2’)

Red cards: nil