Perth have missed out on the finals yet again but the coach is far from gloomy as he looks to start building for the next campaign.

He said: "The effort was there, we wanted to make a good game of it and I think we gave them a scare.

“While we didn’t take the points tonight we have seen that some of the young players coming through are definitely going to give us great service into the future and that we have the basis of a side that can make an impact in the league."

An offer for Nikita Rukavytsya from Dutch first division side FC Twente arrived just prior to the match but Mitchell had no hesitation in giving the youngster what could be a final fling in Glory colours.

“Word only came through late today that they (FC Twente) had made an offer and so we weren’t quite sure if he was going to play but he was still our player and he gave everything out there, you could see why he is in demand.

“Nikita has a great future in front of him and if the negotiations are successful and he leaves Perth Glory then he will do so with our blessing and the best wishes for a successful career,” said Mitchell.