Perth Glory extended their winning start to the W-League season to three matches after a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Adelaide United at Ashfield Reserve.
In a game which Glory dominated from kick off, Elisa D’Ovidio, Sam Kerr and Kate Gill got their names on the score sheet. It was Kerr’s first goal back in Glory colours, and in truth, she could have had more.
Speaking after the game, goal scorer Kerr said “I could have had 3, I missed a few open goals today but we’re just really happy with the win.”
Coach Jamie Harnwell was thrilled with Kerr’s performance. “I was giving Sammy a bit of stick during the week about getting herself a goal. She keeps creating them for everyone else, so it was about time she stuck one in herself.”
In spite of the three points and three goals, Harnwell believes that there is room for improvement. “We scored three goals today but it could have been more. The performance wasn’t ideal but the three points are the most important thing.”
He said “We need to be a bit more ruthless and take some more of our chances in order to finish teams off. Missed chances have been a feature for us over the last three weeks and we know that when we get further into the season- and into the finals- that we need to take those chances.”
The west coast side have scored seven goals so far this season and have conceded one goal per game thus far.
The coach highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet in his programme notes saying “We haven’t yet been able to keep a clean sheet, which will be a real focus in today’s game.”
Unfortunately for the Glory coach, his back five -who were solid throughout the game- had a 46th minute glitch allowing Adelaide to draw level.
Lisa Marie Woods’s strike caught Glory off guard moments into the second half, in a game which they otherwise created little.
Harnwell said “It’s disappointing (to concede) but it was a great goal. It was very opportunistic and sometimes there’s not much you can do about those sorts of things.” He said “Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say fantastic strike. Our response after that was fantastic. For the next 44 minutes we we’re quality.”
With Glory sitting pretty, joint top of the W League, it is a different story for Adelaide United. The Lady Reds linger pointless at the wrong end of the table. It is not all doom and gloom though, as there are positives to be taken from their performance.
The away side put up a solid defensive display with goal keeper Melissa Barbieri putting in an outstanding performance. She kept Kerr at bay until the 56th minute, which is no easy feat.
Barbieri made some fantastic saves to deny the star studded Glory team throughout the game and looked comfortable and composed between the sticks. Captain Kirsty Moore also produced an impressive display. Her commitment and desire was evident, as she looked to drag her team back into the contest.
Adelaide produced very little in terms of attacking threat, however, everything they did produce was quickly sniffed out by the new look Glory defensive. Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy and Shelina Zadorsky have exceeded expectations so far this season. They have quickly struck up a solid understanding and partnership that looked unbreakable in this game.
The away side may have looked lacklustre going forward, but they put on a good defensive display as they broke up the Glory play well.
Perth were unable to produce the fast free flowing football we saw against Brisbane Roar, due to the defensive approach of Adelaide. This tactic fragmented Perth attacking flare at times. The away side sat back to soak up pressure throughout the game, but Glory’s firepower and class eventually shone through.
The new signings for Perth have taken this team to the next level and the Perth Glory side will be hoping to make it twelve points out twelve, as they face the Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 4.
Adelaide United will be hoping to get their first points on the board against the Newcastle Jets at Adelaide Shores Football Centre.
thewomensgame.com