A classic smash-and-grab performance from Perth Glory saw them claim all three points in Friday evening’s Ninja A-League Round 6 clash at the Sam Kerr Centre.
With both sides coming off defeats and each having just one win for the season, this was a match neither team could afford to lose. It was Wellington Phoenix, however, who showed the greater attacking intent for long stretches, pinning Glory deep in their own half and controlling much of the contest.
Just over 1,000 spectators attended, boosted by a large and vocal Nepalese contingent who turned out in force to support Nepal international Sabitra Bhandari. Their enthusiasm helped create one of the better atmospheres the venue has seen, and Bhandari herself was a constant threat throughout the match.
Phoenix dominated the opening half and had Glory under sustained pressure for much of the first 45 minutes. Bhandari fired just over the bar in the 16th minute, while Marisa van der Meer struck the post with a header in the 23rd following a well-worked corner. Van der Meer went close again from another set piece in injury time, but the sides went into the break scoreless.
The visitors emerged with even greater intent after half-time and came close again in the 64th minute. A Lara Wall shot was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly for her before debutant goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey produced a superb save to tip her left-footed effort over the bar. Morrissey was called upon again two minutes later, saving a fierce drive from Bhandari.
In the 72nd minute, Manaia Elliott sent an effort narrowly wide of the far post, and it felt only a matter of time before Phoenix would break through, but football, as we all know, is a funny old game and just two minutes later, Glory struck. From a rare attacking foray, the home side earned a corner. Substitute Susan Phonsongkham delivered a vicious inswinger that evaded everyone and found its way straight into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Glory players and supporters.
The goal visibly deflated Wellington, and Glory managed the closing stages comfortably to secure their first home win of the season.
The Only Statistic That Matters Is Goals
Despite the result, Phoenix dominated almost every attacking metric. They recorded 16 shots to Glory’s six, had 25 touches in the opposition penalty area compared to Glory’s 10, and enjoyed 59% possession. Phoenix also completed more accurate passes (69% to 59%) and delivered nearly twice as many crosses (23 to 13).
Ultimately, none of it mattered. Phoenix failed to convert their chances and were punished by conceding directly from a corner.
What Formation for Glory?
The win was significant for Perth Glory, ending a four-game losing streak and delivering their first clean sheet in eight matches, as well as their first goal in three. The reactions at full-time underlined just how much the result meant to the players and coaching staff.
However, the manner of the victory suggests there is still plenty of work ahead for head coach Stephen Peters. Glory switched to a back four for the first time this season, hinting at some uncertainty around the previously preferred 3-5-2 system.
The players appeared more comfortable in a 4-3-3, particularly in defence, where Mischa Anderson and Onyinyechi Zogg were solid in keeping Phoenix at bay. The trade-off was a loss of width, with Grace Johnston and Tijan McKenna no longer providing the same attacking outlets seen in the 3-5-2. As a result, Glory’s attacks often looked narrow and predictable, and the Phoenix defence was rarely stretched.
Post-match, Peters explained the change in formation:
“I feel that the 3-5-2 we were playing in the first three games was really effective for us. The switch this week was more about the personnel we wanted on the park. I had to balance the team and make some sacrifices.”
That suggests Peters may still favour the 3-5-2, but Friday’s performance was easily Glory’s best defensive display of the season, highlighting the need for further refinement if they revert to that shape.
Lack of Goals for Phoenix
The long trip back to Wellington will give coach Beverly Priestman time to reflect on a familiar problem: a lack of goals. Phoenix created plenty of chances, as they did the previous week against Melbourne City, but again failed to capitalise.
Priestman praised her side’s effort after the match, noting that while the lack of goals is frustrating, it would be far more concerning if the chances weren’t being created.
She suggested that mounting pressure may be playing a role:
“I think when everybody talks about not scoring, then it ups the tension. (Then) you don’t have the players relaxed in the places they need to be. (But) we’ve just got to stay with the process as we have players with good football IQ that can move off each other (and create problems).”
Visa Players Provide Value
The strong Nepalese presence in the crowd was a clear indicator of the impact Bhandari is having both on and off the pitch. Every Phoenix attack was met with loud support, particularly when she was involved — which was often.
Bhandari caused constant problems for Glory’s defence, combining well with her teammates and helping Phoenix maintain sustained attacking pressure. Her influence did not go unnoticed.
“You look at the crowd here (tonight). Everywhere we go there’s Nepalese fans (and) its fantastic. She’s dynamic and not just an out and out goal scorer. She brings other people into the games and I thought she was lively tonight.”
Glory Finally Unveils Their New Goalkeeper
Friday also marked the long-awaited debut of Glory goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey, who joined from Central Coast Mariners after being part of their championship-winning squad. A pre-season back injury delayed her start, leading to the temporary signing of Alyssa Dall’Oste.
Morrissey delivered an assured performance and played a crucial role in securing the clean sheet, with her save from Wall standing out.
Peters was full of praise after the match:
“Everyone got to see what I’ve seen in her for a long time and shes really really hard. (Her debut) has been six or seven years in the making and I’m very proud of her. She showed everyone what she’s got in her locker today.”
