Seventeen-Year-Old Academy Graduate’s Historic Goal Secures Vital Three Points for City

Wong’s exquisite finish into the top corner was the only highlight of an entertaining first half, where Perth Glory had their fair share of chances but failed to convert, despite good opportunities for Will Freney and Tomislav Mrcela.

The second half proved uneventful in terms of goals, as City maintained their lead to secure all three points, climbing to fourth on the Isuzu UTE A-League table.

Lachie Wales nearly put Perth ahead with a curling attempt destined for the top-right corner, but City’s goalkeeper Patrick Beach expertly deflected the shot to keep Glory off the scoresheet.

At the other end, young City prospect Kavian Rahmani had a prime opportunity in the first 20 minutes when played into the left side of the box by Marco Tilio. Rahmani attempted to curl his shot back across goal but only succeeded in sending it directly to goalkeeper Oli Sail, who made the save.

Disappointed with his initial chance, Rahmani soon struck again, this time demonstrating his skill with a long-range effort that curled towards the top-right corner, but Sail was quick to react, diving left to tip the ball around the post.

Shortly after, Wong followed suit, trying his luck from a distance with a curling shot aimed at the top-right corner, and this time Sail had no chance as Wong’s exceptional strike put City ahead.

Looking to seize the momentum post-goal, City thought they had doubled their advantage when Max Caputo slotted home after a save from Sail, but the referee ruled the goal offside.

Glory had a chance to equalise almost immediately when 19-year-old Will Freney seized on a loose ball in the box, but he skewed his effort over the crossbar.

Despite taking a 1-0 lead into half-time, the scoreline could have looked very different had either team capitalised on their chances; key moments for Glory included Freney’s close chance late in the half and a header from Mrcela that hit the crossbar, both of which highlighted the visitors’ attacking threat.

VICTORY 1-0 PHOENIX: Melbourne Victory celebrates 20 years with a triumphant win, leaving Wellington’s notorious curse intact

Just nine minutes into the second half, Nikola Mileusnic tested Beach as Glory sought an equaliser, driving forward from the halfway line to unleash a dipping shot that Beach managed to hold onto.

NOAH BOTIC INTERVIEW: ‘Next Viduka’ has been ‘dreaming of the Socceroos since he was 10’, showing he’s ready
WONDERKID WATCH: Dream debut for 16-year-old Aussie Beckham, who trialled with Man Utd, Man City & Chelsea

Scoring opportunities were scarce in the second half, as City skilfully played down the clock, ensuring their clean sheet remained intact and snapping a three-game losing streak heading into Round 19.

VICTORY 1-0 PHOENIX: Melbourne Victory celebrates 20 years with a triumphant win, leaving Wellington’s notorious curse intact