Melbourne Victory score 1-nil win over Perth Glory.
A second half wonder goal from Marco Rojas has given Melbourne Victory a 1-nil win over Perth Glory at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
While Rojas curling, right foot effort was the only goal of the game, Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe also played his part with a stunning save to deny a Shane Smeltz header.
“To be honest it was a great save, I actually thought it hit the back of the net,” Smeltz said.
Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson praised the effort of his side, who suffered a huge set-back just before the kick-off when Liam Miller was withdrawn from the squad with a back injury.
“I thought the boys dug deep, particularly in the second half towards the last 20 to 25 minutes, I thought we played some good stuff.
“I can-t fault the effort and the commitment, the difference was that 10 minute spell (just after half time) that we couldn-t weather the storm.
“What they gave us tonight was fantastic.”
After an even first 45 minutes, the game breaker came 13 minutes into the second half when Rojas dipped his effort past Perth Glory ‘keeper Danny Vukovic.
The introduction of Chris Harold sparked Perth Glory with the team responding immediately. Travis Dodd, Smeltz and Harold all had chances to equalise until Coe left his mark on the game with a superb save. Diving low to his left, Coe sensationally blocked Smeltz goal-bound header to deny the Hyundai A-League-s greatest goal scorer.
Coe again kept Perth Glory at bay with another save to halt the dangerous Harold who mazed his way through to Victory defence only to see his shot expertly saved at the death.
