The PGFC Academy First Team tasted defeat in their most recent NPL WA outing on Sunday, Hasani Sinclair bagging the only goal of the game as Cockburn City edged home 1-0 at E&D Litis Stadium.
Despite the setback, however, Glory remain very much in the mix for a top-four finish and Head Coach Richard Garcia took plenty of positives from his side’s display.
“I was very pleased with the performance on a difficult pitch that really doesn’t suit the way we play,” he said.
“The lads put everything into the game, but we couldn’t break them down and conceded an easy goal.
“But our season is far from over and now we have games against other top-four aspirants in Bayswater and Inglewood.
“So we will go again, we’re determined to end the season well and if we win both, we will see if it’s enough to make the end of season finals.”
Both sides had early chances as the game got off to a lively start, Devon Gibson blazing over for the visitors before Gomo Dukuly’s long-range shot flew just wide.
Glory ‘keeper Nic Speca was then out quickly to thwart Sinclair, while at the other end, Bryce Bafford curled an effort wide of the target and Dukuly also went close to breaking the deadlock.
Gabriel Popovic was next to threaten the City goal, seeing his low shot saved at the near post by Luke Radonich, but the best chance of the half fell the way of Sinclair who intercepted an under-hit backpass only to fire over the bar.
The American striker was not to be denied just before the hour-mark, however, diverting a cross from the lively Daniel Robinson past Speca.
With Cockburn seemingly content to sit on their lead and play on the break, Glory pressed hard in the final 20 minutes and went close to finding an equaliser through both Popovic and substitute Ethan Brooks.
But ultimately the Cockerels’ defence held firm and they dug deep on to secure their seventh victory of the season.
There was better news for Glory earlier in the day as the Under-20s sealed the league title with two games remaining, Luke Salmon (2), Charlie Leech and Sasa Njegic all finding the net in a comprehensive 4-0 win.
And the Under-18s also tasted victory, goals from Christian Belladonna (2) and Lucas Rossi easing the youngsters home 3-0 and ensuring that they remain three points clear at the top of the table.
Perth Glory 0 Cockburn City 1 (Sinclair 59’)
Half time 0-0
Referee: Michal Jasinski
Perth Glory: GK Nicholas SPECA, 2.Daniel WALSH, 3.Trent OSTLER, 4.Luke BODNAR, 5.Alessandro CICARTI, 6.Josh SAMSON, 7.Josh RAWLINS (17.Ciaran BRAMWELL 57’), 8.Jack LEECH, 9.Gomo DUKULY (14.Ethan BROOKS 57’), 10.Bryce BAFFORD, 11.Gabriel POPOVIC
Substitutes not used: RGK Jacob RANGE, 12.Liam MURRAY, 13.Nick WALSH
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 3.Daniel DOLS, 4.Euen GRANT, 8.Cameron EDWARDS (10.David ARAYA 87’), 15.Daniel SANTICH, 16.Daniel ROBINSON, 17.Devon GIBSON (12.Ryan PRATT 64’), 18.Adam ANFUSO, 19.Hasani SINCLAIR (7.Ashley ROSINDALE 75’), 21.Jesse LAZZARO, 11.Ruben TRISTEO
Substitutes not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 9.Anthony SKORICH
Yellow cards: Robinson 45+1′
Red cards: None
#OneGlory
