There is a lot to like about the picture we’ve chosen for Retro Corner this week.
Firstly, there’s the stunning, oh-so-classy, all-white Glory away kit.
Secondly, you can’t fail to gasp in awe at the sheer luxuriance of Nicky Ward’s mullet.
And thirdly, it provides an opportunity to relive a rare moment of joy at the Sydney Football Stadium which has not been an especially happy hunting ground for us over the years.
But what was the occasion?
Well, prior to the inaugural Hyundai A-League campaign in 2005, a pre-season cup competition was held in which the eight competing teams were split into two groups.
A draw and a win proved enough to ensure Glory’s progress from Group A as runners up to Melbourne Victory and it was then that they met Sydney FC in the game from which today’s picture is taken.
It’s fair to say that the fixture didn’t quite set the Harbour City alight with anticipation, as only just over 3000 fans rocked up to see it.
But Glory were clearly unfazed by the banks of empty seats at what was then known as Aussie Stadium as they produced an impressive performance to down the newly-formed Sky Blues.
It was a pretty feisty affair for what was effectively a pre-season friendly, with eight players booked by referee Ben Williams who must surely have been aged about 12 at the time and Glory’s victory was rendered all the more impressive by the fact that the hosts would go on to claim the inaugural A-League title some seven months later.
Ward’s winner came in stoppage-time at the end of the game, just two minutes after the midfielder had been introduced from the bench and judging by the way Matt Horsley and Simon Colosimo quickly bundled him to the ground for a prolonged celebration, it meant a lot to Steve McMahon’s side.
Glory would go on to be edged out by Central Coast in the final a week later, but let’s just overlook that and instead enjoy reflecting upon the semi-final triumph over the Sky Blues, one that we desperately hope to see repeated at the same venue on Friday night.
In the meantime, if you were one of the 3,424 fans who were on hand to witness Ward’s winner 12 years ago, let us know via Twitter or Facebook!
#CREATEDESTINY
