April 07, 2015 11:11:34 UK
Perth Glory moved up to second in the A-League table with two second-half goals as they beat Newcastle Jets 2-0 at Hunter Stadium.
The Jets remain bottom, a point behind Western Sydney Wanderers, after being out of luck in a match where their attacking approach warranted some reward.
Newcastle had most of the chances before the Glory broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half, the visitors’ goal leading a charmed life thanks to some desperate defending.
It took an excellent save from Perth keeper Danny Vukovic just before half-time to keep out Mitch Cooper’s shot, while Olyroo winger Andrew Hoole was a constant menace to the visitors’ defence.
While the Jets had 20 shots to Perth’s 16, though, Kenny Lowe’s side had the only two that counted as they moved level with leaders Melbourne Victory, who have one game in hand.
The Glory, who are 7.00 to win the Grand Final, went ahead after Sidnei Sciola’s long-range shot was parried by keeper Ben Kennedy as far as Jamie Maclaren. The 21-year-old sent in a perfect cross for Andy Keogh to head home from close range.
Newcastle had numerous chances to get back on terms before the outcome was finally settled with six minutes left.
Dino Djulbic’s long ball out of defence was headed on by Keogh to substitute Nebojsa Marinkovic whose shot went in off the inside of the far post.
Lowe said of his side: “That’s what they’ve shown all year – character. I think I’ve stopped using the word because it got a bit boring.”
Djulbic added: “It was a big win for us. Newcastle were on top early but we defended very well and then punished them. It was good, we’re equal top now with Victory – we just want to win the next three games.”
The win was Perth’s fifth in a row over the Jets, who have now not beaten the Glory in their last 11 meetings.
The Glory are 2.50 to win their next match against Sydney FC, who are 2.70 with the draw 3.40.
Don’t forget, if the match finishes 0-0, bet365 will refund all pre-match Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time and Scorecast bets with our fantastic Bore Draw Money Back offer.
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