The visitors went ahead in this season’s second Distance Derby via the boot of Roy Krishna, with the Phoenix striker earning the distinction of netting the 4000th goal in Hyundai A-League history.

However just as Wellington looked to take a deserved lead into the break, Griffiths’ thunderbolt squared the ledger and brought the home fans to life.

Glory striker Adam Taggart popped up with the winner shortly after the re-start with a well taken header, while Wellington’s bid to stage a fightback were hampered by the sending off of Krishna (the first red of his career) with half hour to play.

There was some late drama as the rain began to pelt down in Perth, with Andy Keogh fortunate to remain on the field after an altercation with Marco Rossi, while Andrew Durante was ropeable after he had his shouts for a last gasp penalty waved away.

The result sees Glory close the gap to fourth placed Melbourne City to three points, while the Phoenix remain in eighth spot following their first loss since Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre took charge of the club.

GOALS

0-1 Wellington Phoenix: Roy Krishna, 11’

A Shane Smeltz pass invited Krishna to charge into the box, with the Fijian international able to squeeze his low shot past Liam Reddy, who’ll feel culpable for the goal.

1-1 Perth Glory: Rostyn Griffiths, 45+1’

The ball broke for the Glory skipper on the cusp of half-time, with Griffiths firing a rocket from 25 yards out that thundered past Glen Moss and into the top corner.

2-1 Perth Glory: Adam Taggart, 51’

Andy Keogh was played into space by Diego Castro before whipping in a cross for Taggart who nodded home from close range to register his fourth goal of the campaign. 

RED CARD

Roy Krishna was shown a straight red card for leaving his studs in on defender Shane Lowry, forcing the Phoenix to play the final half hour with 10-men.

CROWD

9210 @ nib Stadium