A big week followed by a big weekend. It’s been good guys. Everything’s come up roses this week, especially with Sydney FC picking up their first win and points of the season against a strong Melbourne City outfit. But here, today, we will be looking at the Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory game.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Perth seem to be the queens of the second half. If you asked me at half time how the rest of the game was going to pan out, I would have replied with a weak smile and that the game was going to be stuck in the midfield with both sides lacking the final pass to get a good opportunity to score. Luckily that isn’t what happened.
The first half Melbourne impressed. They were able to nullify the threats of Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill so well I actually caught myself hoping a Melbourne side would win (which is as rare as me saying no to chocolate). Melbourne had large spells holding the ball really well, with attacking talents of Natasha Dowie and Kyra Cooney-Cross going to lengths to remind us Melbourne can be an exciting attacking outfit. Unfortunately for Melbourne, they were unable to capitalise on their dominance and at halftime both teams went in having scored no goals.
Early in the second half Melbourne continued their momentum from the first half, getting an early goal. This goal was class. A blazing run out from defence by Alex Gummer (who also put in a huge effort defensively all game) to pass it on to the midfield, who after a couple passes threaded a ball through to Dowie, who blast the ball into the net for the Victorian side.
A Melbourne goal however was all it took to wake up Perth’s attack. Suddenly they looked like that toddler who just realised something isn’t going to go their way and will start to fight to prevent that from happening. Both Kerr and Hill have already been mentioned a lot this season already, but honestly I’m certain this will be the most lethal and talked about strike duo this season. Together the forwards made sure Perth were able to claw their way back into this game and to put it to bed with a comfortable win.
The first goal came from Hill, and whilst it was a bit of a mess, it was all Perth needed to bring the game level shortly after Melbourne’s opener. There is no way you could call the following Perth goal a mess, instead it was a complete contrast, giving any neutral soccer loving fans a glorious thing to watch. Kerr got onto the end of a brilliantly worked combination just outside of the penalty box, special mention to the gorgeous flick on from Nicola Bolger.
In case there was any doubt at 2-1 that Perth were going to win this game, Kerr made sure to put any doubt in the bin. During a break in play, the camera panned to Kerr speaking to the Perth coach. I’ve got no idea what was said, but my suspicion is there was an agreement where if Kerr got another goal, she could be subbed off. Because shortly after this “coach’s directions”, Kerr got the most Sam Kerr goal she does. Just simply took on three defenders, got around them to have enough space to shoot, to coolly slot the ball into the net. Shortly afterwards Kerr got subbed off, having held up her side of the bargain.
The game continued to be an open encounter, but unfortunately for Melbourne, Perth never looked rattled and a come back didn’t look to be on the cards, especially after the third goal.
Melbourne played well and again demonstrated that, while Perth may be the team to beat this season, they are beatable. However a Perth with Sam Kerr in it? That’ll take something special for a full 90 minutes to succeed, not just one half of magic.
Final Result || Perth Glory 3 – 1 Melbourne Victory
Round 4 Results
Final Noteworthy Thoughts
- Canberra some how pulled one over Newcastle to come from behind for a valuable win. Did Newcastle miss Tori Huster? This result says so..
- Sydney, my heart! Following this game on Twitter is my version of torture, but some how they beat the formidable Melbourne City to give me an early birthday present. Absolute magic.
- Brisbane left it late to get a winner against Western Sydney, which is great for the Queenslanders, not so much for the Sydney outfit.
DON’T FORGET || MATILDAS THIS WEEK
The Matildas play THIS WEEK!! They have two games against China on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.30pm AND Sunday 26th November at 4.30pm. If you are not blessed enough to be in Melbourne this week, never fear, because SBS and Fox Sports have you covered and will be showing both games. SO EXCITED!!!
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 