Report by Tommy Doleman

Photo by FotoEnzo

Perth Glory maintained their five-point lead at the summit of the NPL WA after a goalless draw with Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve.

Tough conditions helped neither team in the first half, and even though the game opened up as it wore on, it was a frustrating day for both sides in the final third.

James Morgan made two good saves to deny Glory in the second half, but it mattered little in hindsight for the leaders as closest rivals Cockburn City drew 1-1 with Forrestfield.

"There are still challenges ahead of us in the coming weeks. It was an interesting day with the conditions, but to keep a clean sheet is fantastic for us," said Glory coach John Gibson, who preferred to take the positives out of the game.

"We let ourselves down with the final pass in the final third at times, but it's pretty good from us still. It's good for the boys to play in these conditions and get a good result.

"We matched them in many aspects of the game but we didn't utilise our strengths at times, there was plenty of positives to take out of today."

Glory's youngsters have had a busy schedule of late, despite the week off last weekend due to the Belt Up State Cup Final, with several first-team players featuring in the senior team's pre-season friendlies.

"It's exciting for everyone," he said when asked whether any of his youngsters will get the chance to pit their wits against Premier League side Chelsea at Optus Stadium on Monday.

"A few of them may be involved, we aren't sure yet, but it will be a fantastic opportunity if some of the boys get a chance to play."

The first half of Glory's game against Sorrento was played in gusting winds – with both sides struggling to create chances in a difficult first half.

Danny Jones fired a shot straight at Jackson Lee early in the second half as the Gulls looked to break down the visitors early.

But Glory took charge after that and arguably had the better chances, as Michael Domfeh's shot with little back-lift forced Morgan to dive and palm the ball away to safety.

Ollie Annis called the Sorrento keeper into action soon after when his free kick dipped suddenly and Morgan had to tip over the bar.

Jack Salter had appeals for a penalty waved away as Sorrento continued to press, but they struggled to force Jackson Lee into a notable save.

Michael McDougall's drive from the edge of the area was straight at Morgan again as Glory chased the goal which would have ultimately extended their lead at the top of the league.

It never came, though, as Henry Hore fired wide late on and both sides had to settle for a point.

Sorrento 0
Perth Glory 0
Saturday July 21
Percy Doyle Reserve
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Michal Jasinski

Sorrento: GK. James MORGAN, 6. Darryl PLATTEN (18. Jordan BROWN 80'), 8. Scott WITSCHGE, 10. Jordan ROBERTS, 11. Tim HILL, 16. Chris BALAZS, 17. Reece VITTIGLIA, 19. Jack SALTER, 21. Godwin DARKWA, 22. Danny JONES (13. Steve MCDONALD 78), 23. Cameron TEECE (7. Alex MORGAN 68).
Substitutes not used: RGK. Anastasis FARSALEAS, 3. Jaxon TEMATA
Yellow cards: Salter 49, Darkwa 60
Red cards: Nil

Perth Glory: 1. Jackson LEE, 2. Zayd FARAH, 3. Nic MCDONALD, 4. Daniel WALSH, 5. Ollie ANNIS, 6. Callum TIMMINS, 7. Chok DAU, 8. Henry HORE, 9. Michael DOMFEH, 10. Michael MCDOUGALL, 11. Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY (15. Trent OSTLER)
Substitutes not used: RGK. Nicholas SPECA, 12. Abias BUKURU, 13. Harry QUIGLEY, 14. Aidan EDWARDS,
Yellow cards: Hore 47, Timmins 90+3
Red cards: Nil