With kick off conditions similar to the jungle moon of Yavin 4, it was the younger players from both teams who excited. Perth Glory looked to be in control of the game after Joe Knowles finished off a great cross from Joseph Mills.

Late in the second half, with the score still only 1-0, someone in the Glory camp must have said, “I have a bad feeling about this”.

The Jets introduced Roy O’Donovan, moved Andrew Nabbout out from Shane Lowry’s clutches and finally Newcastle started to threaten Liam Reddy’s goal. John Koutroumbis equalised before an own goal showed the Force was with the visitors.

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy – 6 

Didn’t have much to do until late. Roy O’Donovan forced him into some good, brave keeping that might have left a mark. Couldn’t do anything about the Newcastle goals.

Alex Grant – 6

Had a good game until succumbing to, what hopefully, is only cramp. His removal and O’Donovan’s arrival might have been what tipped the balance.

Shane Lowry – 6.5

Threw himself at everything and clung to Nabbout like a Mynock. The captain’s armband was unnecessary for Lowry to wear because everything he did on the pitch told that story.

Jeremy Walker – 6

An own goal ruined what would have been a solid performance from this Glory youngster.

Joseph Mills – 8

The Force was strong with this one. Perfect cross for Knowles’ goal. He was a constant threat down the left wing in attack but also contributed heavily to the defence. Without him Newcastle would have been back level a lot earlier. How Mitch Nichols robbed him of the NAB $500 is anyone’s guess.