Scott Neville gave Glory a shock lead in the opening moments, but Victory slowly took control and scored two goals courtesy of James Troisi and Mark Milligan.

 

Diego Castro looked like he had given his side a point with a goal late in proceedings, but a delicious ball by George gave Barbarouses the chance to win the game and he delivered.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

 

Matt Acton - 6

 

Conceded his first goal in the A-League in the first 90 seconds and was caught out of position for Castro's goal.

 

Jason Geria - 6

 

Was solid at right back and kept Andy Keogh quiet for a majority of the match.

 

Mark Milligan - 8

 

Cost his side the match with an own goal in their last outing, but put Victory in the lead early in the second. Had the most touches in the match by far

 

Dino Djulbic - 7

 

Playing against his former club for the first time since leaving at the end of the season, and was very impressive. Replaced by Broxham.

 

Stefan Nigro - 6

 

Had a quiet night defensively. Was never really challenged by Italiano.

 

Carl Vieri - 7

 

Provided another solid performance.

 

Terry Antonis - 8

 

Was very solid in his starting debut for Melbourne. Made 67 passes, but was booked for a foul towards the end of the second half

 

James Troisi - 7

 

Smashed home his goal from close range just before the half hour mark. Substituted in the 80th minute.

 

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

 

Looked lively albeit wasteful for most of the game until scoring his fifth goal in nine matches to earn his side all three points.

 

Leroy George - 9

 

Looked dangerous almost every time he got the ball, running at the Perth defence on both flanks. Delivered 13 crosses, won 11 duels, and set up all three goals to take his assists tally to 11 for the season.

 

Besart Berisha - 5

 

Should've buried his chance in the 72nd minute but was denied by Reddy from close range. Then he was denied by the post in the dying stages.

 

SUBS

 

Leigh Broxham - N/A

 

Became the first player in the A-League to make 250 appearances for one club when he came on for the final 20 minutes.

 

Christian Theoharous - N/A

 

Replaced Troisi late on.

 

Matias Sanchez - N/A

 

Came on for George in stoppage time.

 

PERTH GLORY

 

Liam Reddy - 6

 

Did all he could to deny Troisi's goal, and made a crucial save to deny Berisha.

 

 

Jeremy Walker - 5

 

Couldn't control George and was booked for a foul on the Dutchman in the 53rd minute.

 

Scott Neville - 6

 

Opened the scoring with a decent header into the bottom corner. Made seven clearances and won five duels.

 

Alex Grant - 5

 

Seemed to lose his cool as the match came to an end and was given a booking for a foul on George.

 

Walter Scott - 6

 

90 seconds into his starting debut the 18-year-old delivered a pin-point cross for Neville's goal.

 

Xavi Torres - 6

 

Started very well in the centre of the park but was slowly overun by Victory's midfield.

 

Andreu - 6

 

The same can be said about Andreu, however the former Western Sydney Wanderer delivered a superb ball for Castro's goal.

 

Jacob Italiano - 5

 

Teed up a great chance for Taggart in the first but wasn't involved in much else.

 

Diego Castro - 7

 

Made a rare error which led to Troisi's goal but made up for it with a quality lob to equalise late.

 

 

Adam Taggart - 5

 

Missed a great chance to score in the first half. Was replaced by Mitch Nichols early in the second.

 

Andy Keogh - 5

 

Had five goals in eight games against Victory heading into the clash but never looked like adding to his tally out on the left flank.

 

SUBS

 

Mitch Nichols - 5

 

Replaced Taggart in the second. Tried to combine with Castro but lacked the final ball.

 

Chris Harold - N/A

 

Introduced with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.

 

Shane Lowry - N/A

 

Replaced goalscorer Neville in the 79th minute.