In one of the biggest games of the season, it was a battle of the best two sides in the competition.

It was a cagey opening to the match but both sides tried to test each other's defence with some quick tempo and fight for dominance. 

As the game progressed, Perth looked the more threatening side but weren't able to find the back of the net, whilst Victory struggled for chances and found it tough to make a breakthrough.

Despite Perth's efforts, the scoreline remained 0-0 at half-time. But following a handball by Corey Brown in the 59th minute, Neil Kilkenny added the killer blow to open the scoring. 

Then, in a piece of brillance, Chris Ikonomidis crossed the ball in, despite having defenders on his tail, for El Maestro, Diego Castro to freakishly add to the advantage and edge their way closer to the Premiers Plate. 

After some substitutions, there was a shift in proceedings as Kosta Barbarouses finished nicely past Liam Reddy to give the boys in blue a lifeline. 

Victory bossed the possession late in the second period, but Perth held on and were always dangerous in transition. 

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas (GK) - 6.5

Was fairly tested but nothing to harm the Victory custodian. Denied Ikonomidis in the second half when he parried away the shot. 

Storm Roux - 5

Cut in to deny the ball reaching Ikonomidis in a vital moment near the end of the half. 

Thomas Deng - 6

Was able to steer away danger throughout the game.

Leigh Broxham - 7.5

Was one of Victory's best on the day, great anticipation in defence. Perfect pass despite being off balance to thread it through to assist Barbarouses. 

Corey Brown - 3

Miscued passes, handball in box to give away penalty.

Raul Baena - 2

Really not his best match, looked frustrated. 

Terry Antonis - 4

Was quiet, not the usual Antonis that we are used to witnessing. Had a mis-hit in the second half.

Elvis Kamsoba - 7.5

Clever flick over Perth's defence to find Athiu through on goal. Enegertic from end to end and won duels as well as tracked back.

James Troisi - 7

Started lively and determined. Sent in a beautiful ball for Barbarouses who couldn't keep control of it. 

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Got himself into good positions but couldn't direct his shots on target. Lovely finish into the bottom corner in the 78th minute.

Kenny Athiu - 5

Did brilliantly to work off defenders to have a crack at goal in the 44th minute, but couldn't convert anything. 

Subs

Keisuke Honda - 6

Returned to the bench after a few weeks away. Found some space and worked well with it. Had a chance in injury time.

Georg Niedermeier -  N/A

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy (GK) - 6.5

Did well throughout the half but wasn't really tested until Athiu's shot at the death of the first-half. 

Dino Djulbic - 5.5

Mostly solid defensively. 

Matthew Spiranovic - 7.5

Great positioning and recovery to thwart attack. Won cruical battles in the defensive third. Was also impressive when up the field 

Shane Lowry - 6

Great defending in the air under pressure. Early cross almost found the head of Chianese in front of goal.

Ivan Franjic - 6

Picked up the scraps in a great opportunity for a shot on goal.

Neil Kilkenny - 8.5

Routine and effective passes and was able to spot out his teammates. Coverted his penalty with poise despite Thomas getting a touch. Resolute defending which was important in nullifying Victory late in the second half. Masterclass performance. 

Juande - 4.5 

Quiet game, but linked-up well. 

Jason Davidson -  6.5

Had the edge over Roux, and was a constant threat.

Chris Ikonomidis - 8

Hard working down the flank and solid passing in the high press. The Socceroo had a chance to open the scoring but slammed it into the side netting. Curled a shot around Broxham to force a save out of Thomas. Brilliant cross and assist for Castro's goal.

Joel Chianese - 5

Quieter performance than usual.

Diego Castro - 8.5

Never afraid to take defenders on and work his way into the box, changing directions with ease. Would have been frustrated to not get on the scoresheet in the first half. Patient in the build-up. Wonderfully slid in to magically make it 2-0.

Subs

Andy Keogh - 5.5

Great run to then have a shot on goal that could have really sealed the deal in injury time.

Jake Brimmer - N/A 

Scott Neville - N/A