ALL THE MATCH ACTION PICS HERE

Both sides had plenty of chances in front of goal however the Glory’s two second half strikes were enough to secure the win and a bonus point to ensure progression to the next stage of the competition.

Perth has gone three matches undefeated in the pre-season, something the Glory were unable to achieve at any stage last season, and is an early indication of the improvement Ron Smith’s side has made.

Young striker Nikita Rukavytsya struck first for the Glory with a magnificent effort in the 52nd minute.

The in-form forward finding himself on the end of a great cross from Simon Colosimo and he didn’t disappoint as he evaded a close checking Melbourne defender to find room to deliver a blistering shot past Victory keeper Michael Theoklitos.

The goal put renewed life into the Glory who had gone into the main break one down after Melbourne’s international recruit Carlos Hernandez lived up to his star billing by firing a cannon like shot from 30 yards which found the top corner of the net.

Yet the early advantage could have just as easily been with Perth but they were denied what looked to be a strong case for a penalty in the 7th minute.

Rukavytsya was brought down in the box by the Melbourne keeper and referee Peter Green waved away the animated appeals from everyone on the pitch wearing purple.

Perth however took the lead on 70 minutes when Jamie Harnwell skilfully knocked in a half volley after some terrific build-up play with tireless worker Billy Celeski delivering the final cross after a gut busting run to the touchline from midfield.

Needing the win and two bonus points to secure top place in Group A, Perth continued to attack while Melbourne were far from done and dusted as they created many good opportunities of their own.

A frenetic final ten minutes ensued with Hernandez having two golden opportunities while at the other end Colosimo’s skimming shot just brushed past the wrong side of the upright.

The attacking style of both sides delighted an enthusiastic and vocal crowd who thoroughly enjoyed their first taste of top level football.

“The stadium was terrific, it was an exciting game with plenty of chances and I’m sure that everyone who came to the ground would have thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” Smith said.

“I’m very pleased with the efforts of the boys tonight and the fact that we have been able to string some good results together.

“Being able to get some consistency in our performances is important because I think the league will be very close this season. The margins between winning and losing won’t be much at all which augers well for the future of the Hyundai A-League,” Smith said.

Nikoli Topor-Stanley was again solid at left back while new recruit Mate Dragicevic made his debut at the other end of the ground. The big striker was a second half substitute and almost netted on his first outing but his shot from a tight angle in the 90th minute hit the side netting.

The win moved Perth to level with Adelaide United on points, but a goal behind on goal difference, to finish second in group A. The Glory will now play the winner of Group B, which will be determined after the match between Central Coast and Sydney this afternoon.

ALL THE MATCH ACTION PICS HERE

Perth Glory 2 (Rukavytsya 52’, Harnwell 70’)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Hernandez 34’)
Crowd: 2700

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 10.Billy CELESKI, 12.Leo BERTOS (8.David MICEVSKI 73’), 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Jamie COYNE, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI (9.Mate DRAGICEVIC 45’)

Substitutes not used: 50.Tommi TOMICH (gk)
Yellow cards: Harnwell 64’

Melbourne Victory Squad: 1.Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (Captain), 3.Daniel PIORKOWSKI, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 7.Matthew KEMP, 9.Daniel ALLSOPP, 11.Joseph KEENAN, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Kaz PATAFTA (8.Grant BREBNER 57’), 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 18.Leigh BROXHAM (14.Adrian CACERES 74’)

Substitutes not used: 4.Adrian LEIJER, 20.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk)
Yellow cards: Milicevic 87’

2007 Pre-Season Cup – Fixtures

Group A: Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets.
Group B: Central Coast Mariners, Wellington Phoenix, Queensland Roar, Sydney FC.

PLAYOFFS - Fri 3 Aug 07 Through to Sun 5 Aug 07
a: Winner Group A vs Runner Up Group B @ Winner Group A Home determined venue
b: Winner Group B vs Runner Up Group A @ Winner Group B Home determined venue
c: 3rd Place Group A vs 4th Place Group B @ 3rd Place Group A Home determined venue
d: 3rd Place Group B vs 4th Place Group A @ 3rd Place Group B Home determined venue

FINALS - Fri 10 Aug 07 Through to Sun 12 Aug 07
7th/8th:Loser Match (c) vs Loser Match (d) @ Highest Placed Loser Match (c) / (d) determined venue
5th/6th: Winner Match (c) vs Winner Match (d) @ Highest Placed Winner Match (c) / (d) determined venue
3rd/4th: Loser Match (a) vs Loser Match (b) @ Highest Placed Loser Match (a) / (b) determined venue
Final: Winner Match (a) vs Winner Match (b) @ Highest Placed Winner Match (a) / (b) determined venue