Report by Kelechi Osunwa

Perth Glory put on a solid second half performance to defeat Sorrento 1-0 in their PS4 National Premier Leagues WA fixture at Inglewood Stadium.

The victory was the Glory’s second in a row and provided a contrast to the attacking masterclass they displayed in last week’s 3-2 win over Balcatta.

The Glory dominated large spells of possession in the first half and created nervy moments for Sorrento with their enthusiastic pressing, while Sorrento always looked dangerous from set pieces.

Slobodan Vulin gave Glory the lead just before half time with a well-taken penalty after referee David Bruce adjudged Steve McDonald to have handled the ball in the area.

Sorrento made a late surge for an equaliser in the second half with McDonald causing chaos after a tactical switch to centre forward, but a determined Glory side kept Sorrento’s chances to a minimum and ran out deserved winners.

Glory captain Jacob Collard was pleased to finally see his side reap the rewards of some harsh lessons.

“I’m just so happy for the boys,” he said.

“We came out defensive (in the second half) but all the boys did a massive shift today and I’m very happy with the performance.

“It’s been a long time coming and all season we’ve been very unlucky. We’ve lost by a goal in many games and winning (games like this) is part of improving.”

The Glory spent much of the first half playing in the Sorrento half but found great joy on the counter.

Gian Albano shot over the bar after surging past several defenders from a deep run that started in his own penalty area.

Scott Bulloch had a great chance for Sorrento when the winger danced past two Glory defenders, cutting inside from the left, but only mustering a tame effort straight at Jordan Franken.

The Glory managed to convert their high pressing and ball possession into a goal when McDonald handled a quick throw as he attempted to slide in.

Vulin stepped up with confidence and sent James Morgan the wrong way with a low effort into the bottom right corner.

The second half brought a change in tactics as the Glory defended deep and looked to catch Sorrento on the counter.

With 15 minutes to play, Sorrento coach Steve Neville sent McDonald up front and he caused problems with his aerial prowess.

McDonald created two half chances when he flicked on to Jack Slater and James Morgan who both provided tame finishes.

Salter then swivelled and volleyed over the bar with the goal at his mercy as Sorrento ran out of time.

Neville was disappointed with the result and reminded his players that they had plenty to play for.

“First half we were dreadful, we couldn’t even pass the ball. Glory made it difficult for us but we seemed very flat,” he said.

“There are places up for grabs for the cup final and no one is guaranteed a spot.”

Nathan Costello led the Glory defence and he was happy to see his side put a week of training into practice.

“We’ve been working on set pieces, long balls (challenging) and winning headers and it paid off today,” he said.

“Obviously Sorrento play a different style, but we’ve had to adapt and deal with that.

“We certainly have been improving throughout the year. At the end of the season the table doesn’t lie, (but) we’re making up for dropped points.”

Perth Glory 1 (Vulin 39mins)
Sorrento 0
Inglewood Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: David Bruce
Assistant Referee: Anastatsios Paraskeuas, Jatin Lophia

Perth Glory: 1. Jordan FRANKEN, 5. Ali GHOLAMI, 8. Dejan SPASESKI, 7. Calvin WHITNEY, 3. Ross MILLARD, 2. Gian ALBANO, 6. Jacob COLLARD, 11. Nikola TALIMDZIOSKI (15. McDougall 87), 4. Nathan COSTELLO, 10. Slobodan VULIN,  9. Stefan VALENTINI (14. Mackearnan 71)
Substitutes not used:13. Matthew NTOUMENOPOULOS, 12. Waliedin ISMAIL, 20. Riley STEPHENSON
Yellow Cards: Costello 85
Red Cards: Nil

Sorrento: 1. James MORGAN, 4. Shaun KILLKELLY, 6. Daryl PLATTEN, 8. Ryan PEARSON, 9. Todd HARNWELL, 12. Jack EADES (7. Morgan 65), 13. Stephen MCDONALD, 15. Scott BULLOCH (32. Mirco 35), 18. Sean CANHAM, 19. Jack SLATER, 20. Brad MCDONALD (22. Hall 65)
Substitutes not used: 2. Danny CAIN, 60. Jordan BLANK
Yellow cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil