Perth midfielder Adriano Pellegrino says he wasn’t surprised with the physical aspects of the club’s clash with Newcastle in a match that had plenty on the line for both sides.
Perth midfielder Adriano Pellegrino says he wasn-t surprised with the physical aspects of the club-s clash with Newcastle in a match that had plenty on the line for both sides.
The Jets showed their hand early with Jobe Wheelhouse laying a crunching tackle on Perth-s star striker Nikita Rukavytsya in what was the first of four yellow cards issued to the visitors.
Glory left back Naum Sekulovski was booked in the first half to record Perth-s only caution on the day however two expulsions were also dished out by referee Matthew Breeze, one to Glory Captain Jamie Coyne and another to Jets defender Daniel Piorkowski.
Coyne-s card however was rescinded by the Match Review Panel after the club challenged the decision after reviewing footage of the tackle which clearly showed he cleared the ball.
“We’re on equal points and both pushing to try and push our way up the ladder, so it was a physical encounter,” Pellegrino said.
“(But) it’s always a tough game against Newcastle, we’ve had a draw against them last time they played out here,” he said referring to an action-packed round two clash that ended in a 3-3 score line.
“I don’t think they were going over the top, it’s a physical game and it was just one of those games that was probably entertaining to watch with a lot of tackles and end to end play.”
While three points would have been the ideal outcome for Perth the club is still within striking distance of the top half of the ladder, four points adrift of their next opponent Queensland Roar who sit in fourth.
Perth has picked up 10 points in their last four matches at home and Pellegrino said the players were acutely aware of the need to take that form onto the road if they-re to move up the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“At the end of the day a few results haven’t gone our way, especially away from home. We haven’t traveled so well the first half of the season,” Pellegrino admitted.
“Queensland might not have the best home record but you never know on the day and you’ve got to look at every side as a tough game because they’re a great side.
“We’ve got to go there looking to win and at the same time, we need to play some good soccer.
“It’s not panic stations at the moment, you pick up another win or another couple of wins in a row and you’re back right up there so everyone’s got a good attitude around the club at the moment and I think everyone’s positive we can push for a top four berth.”
