Catch the highlights from the Ninja A-League encounter between Perth Glory and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Perth Glory are firmly in contention for finals football this season after securing a 1-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers, courtesy of a dramatic last-minute goal from Izzy Foletta.
In a match that lacked significant opportunities, Perth finally broke the deadlock during stoppage time, with substitute Foletta striking decisively just a minute into the five added minutes.
This victory could prove pivotal for Perth as they aim for a finals spot. They currently sit in 9th position on the ladder, just three points shy of the top six with three matches remaining.
Meanwhile, the Wanderers, under coach Geoff Abrahams, find themselves at the bottom of the Ninja A-League table, trailing rivals Sydney FC by four points ahead of a crucial Sydney Derby next weekend.
Moreover, the Wanderers remain the only team in the league yet to achieve a clean sheet this season.
During the first half, Perth’s Sarah O’Donoghue and Isobel Dalton were particularly active, trying to break the deadlock. In the 32nd minute, both players were thwarted by Wanderers keeper Sham Khamis.
Perth’s Naomi Chinnama then had a chance from the resulting corner but headed wide with an open goal staring back at her, shortly before the Wanderers created a tense moment for Perth at the other end.
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Pursuing a pass played behind Perth’s defence, Bronte Trew raced forward. However, after nudging the ball past the advancing Casey Dumont, she found herself at a tight angle and could not convert the opportunity.
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Perth came out for the second half with the same determination seen in the first, seeking the elusive opener; forward Kelli Brown tested the resilience of Wanderers keeper Khamis with a powerful shot from distance.
Both teams made substitutions in the second half, looking to inject some energy into the game, with Wanderers coach Geoff Abrahams bringing on Sophie Harding for her first appearance since January 31, following recovery from a hip injury.
However, it was another substitute, Foletta, who made the decisive impact in stoppage time, scoring in thrilling fashion.
Positioned on the edge of the Wanderers’ box during a corner, Foletta took advantage of the chaotic situation in the area, seizing on a loose ball and firing a low shot into the net past Khamis, igniting joy among the home fans.
By denying the Wanderers a crucial point and what would have been their first clean sheet of the season, Perth ascended to 9th on the ladder, now just three points away from the top six.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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