Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth Soccer Club bounced back from last weekend’s league and cup defeats as they edged Perth Glory 1-0 to move up to second in the PS4 National Premier Leagues WA.

Nicholas Ambrogio’s goal after half an hour proved to be the match winner in a game that, in truth, never really got out of first gear.

Glory had their moments in the second half but Perth’s defence stood firm as they won to remain two points behind leaders Inglewood United.

Perth coach Gareth Naven said that it was important his team were able to grind out a good result after a tough week.

“This was our third game in seven days after losing two last week on Saturday and Monday,” he said.

“It wasn’t pretty. But it doesn’t concern me that it wasn’t pretty. What does concern me is that we win the game and get the three points.”

Perth have the joint best defence in the league (with Sorrento) and Naven expressed how building a strong base at the back has helped his side.

“It’s our foundation to be tough to beat, have collective effort and give 100 percent. All factors that are controllable by our players,” he said.

“I think it’s important that we scramble hard to try and stop the opposition. Even though we were defending quite deep, we can still control the game with good defence.”

The hosts started well and looked dangerous from set pieces in particular with Clark Keltie and Adrian Madaschi coming close from Dean Evans deliveries.

Glory grew in confidence as the half wore on and they nearly went in front when Francis Soale was forced into a brilliant double save to deny Joe Knowles and Sean Troup.

Perth then took the lead with the game-defining moment of quality from Ambrogio, who latched onto a ball over the top and clipped the ball magnificently into the far corner.

Troup had another chance on the stroke of half time from Gian Albano’s cross but he couldn’t quite find the right contact at the back post to test the goalkeeper.

Soale was in good form between the sticks and had to be sharp in the second half to deny substitute Nic Talimdzioski with a pair of near post blocks.

Perth dropped deeper and were largely limited to counter-attacking opportunities as Glory pressed late on, but the home side remained resolute to continue their good start to the season.

Perth Soccer Club 1 (Ambrogio 31mins)
Perth Glory 0
Saturday April 30, 2016
Dorrien Gardens
Local kick-off: 3:00pm

Perth SC: GK. Francis SOALE, 3. Marco SANTALUCIA (7. Frank FURFARO 66’), 4. Adrian MADASCHI, 5. Dean EVANS, 6. Clark KELTIE, 8. Tom KING, 9. Gustavo CATARCIONE, 10. Nicholas AMBROGIO, 12. Jordan DE LEO (16. Thomas JEBB 88’), 13. Rocco PIZZATA, 14. Dino TOPGACIC (17. Reece VITTIGLIA 57’)
Substitutes not used: RGK. Daniel PASSARELLI,
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

Perth Glory: GK. Jordan THURTELL, 2. Gian ALBANO, 3. Aryn WILLIAMS, 4. Scott ROBERTSON, 5. Jackson MORGAN, 6. Calvin WHITNEY, 7. Daniel STYNES (15. Dejan SPASESKI 55’), 8. Sean TROUP (13. Nic TALIMDZIOSKI 45’), 9. Joseph KNOWLES, 10. Sam MACKEARNAN (14. Jacob MUSTAFA 88’), 11. Kosta PETRATOS,
Substitutes not used: RGK: Riley STEPHENSON
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil