Report by Tristan Lavalette

Perth SC’s class and experience eventually overwhelmed Perth Glory’s exuberance during National Premier Leagues WA action at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.

The home side overcame a sluggish start and early deficit to record a convincing 3-1 victory.

Perth used their size and strength advantage to control possession against a talented but raw Glory side, who too often relied on individual brilliance instead of working as a cohesive team.

The game was a scrappy affair for much of the first half, as Perth’s trademark crisp passing and collective sharing of the ball was lacking, while Glory attempted to dictate through their pace, hard-running and long passing skills.

A boilover loomed in the 13th minute as Glory striker Joe Knowles seized on a fumble and stumble from Perth’s goalkeeper Francis Soale to score on his second attempt at goal after his initial shot was blocked.

Perth was shaken and appeared frustrated by their sloppiness but persevered and continually pounded the ball forward.

Glory’s defence, led by Jacob Collard, was able to stymie Perth’s attack but eventually the pressure was overbearing and Ashley Rosindale levelled the match when he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty box.

Rosindale continually menaced in attack, while Andreas Theodosiades and Aden Da Luz cut a swath through midfield as Perth rediscovered their flair.

Perth nudged ahead just after half time as Rosindale found an unmarked Da Luz in the penalty box and the result was sealed when debutant Matt Milenkovic capped off an impressive performance when he tapped home a goal in the 71st minute.

Glory was gallant but often their skilful players relied on the spectacular, epitomised by Bor Bor Sambindi, whose scything runs were countered by errant long range attempts at goal.

Perth coach Taki Nicolaidis said his side’s size advantage was a major factor in the result.

“We were dominant and not really under a lot of threat,” he said.

“Our strength and experience was probably a bit too much for Glory, who are a young team without experience.

“We play our best when we keep the ball, retain possession and have players moving.”

Glory coach Scott Miller said his team squandered too many opportunities.

“Teams are letting us have a bit of the ball and they were just a bit too big and strong for us,” he said.

“The combinations were not great and we need to try to play together and develop consistency.”

Perth 3 (Ashley ROSINDALE 26’, Aden DA LUZ 55’, Matt MILENKOVIC 71’)
Perth Glory 1 (Joe KNOWLES 13’)
Saturday 7 June, 2014
Dorrien Gardens, West Perth
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Matt Southern
Crowd: 200 (approx)

Perth: 1. Francis SOALE (gk), 2. Josh WILKINS, 3. Luke NJEGICH, 5. Matt MILENKOVIC, 6. Clarke KELTIE (9. Harley ORR 88’), 8. Aden DA LUZ (18. Marco SANTALUCIA 78’), 10. Ashley Rosindale, 13. Alex CASTIELLO, 14. Mitch DONINGER, 19. Andreas THEODOSIADES (15. Mark PRITCHARD 75’), 20. James MAROCCHI

Substitutes not used: 4. Craig SIMPSON, 23. Domenic SAVOLDELLI
Yellow cards: Clarke KELTIE 79’
Red cards: Nil

Perth Glory: 1. Fraser GREENWOOD (gk), 2. Jack OLDHAM, 3. Anthony BAFABUSHA, 4. Jacob COLLARD, 5. Josh TUCKER (18. Hanafi GHAZALI 65’), 6. Matt NTOPOLOUS, 7. Bor Bor SAMBINOI, 8. Sean TROUP (19. Waliden JUMA ISMAIL 26’), 9. Joe KNOWLES, 10. Slob VULIN (11. Nic TALIMDIZIOSKI 53’), 17. Gian ALBANO

Substitutes not used: 15. Ciaran SALINEER, 20. Ryan BARRER
Yellow cards: Anthony BAFABUSHA 8’
Red cards: Nil