The turning point came with Glory coach Kenny Lowe's half time tactical tweaks, to the relief of everyone who had to sit through the first 45'. Castro found more space wide on the left and Mitch Nichols worked hard to break the Phoenix line. The two combined for the game’s only goal.

Phoenix pushed hard for an equaliser but without Dario Vidosic on the pitch and with Roy Krishna out injured, Wellington’s attack lacked the subtlety this game required.

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy –  6 

Largely untroubled by the Phoenix attack who were off target all night. He’ll be delighted by a clean sheet.

Jeremy Walker – 7

A very good performance from this young fullback. Provided a lot of width in the Glory attack. He really combined well with Diego Castro and Mitch Nichols.

Jacob Poscoliero – 6.5

Kept a dangerous striker quiet and dealt with Wellington’s aerial threat.

Shane Lowry – 7

Another excellent shift in central defence. In his current form he should be in Socceroo consideration.

Joseph Mills – 6.5

Mills was quiet this week. Did what was asked of him and could have had a goal late in the game.

 

Chris Harold – 5.5

Needs to do more for the Perth attack. In previous seasons he has made great deep runs to beat offside but that was absent from his game this week and he wasn’t enough of an option for his team mates. Perth Glory are often playing the ball sideways and backwards because Harold isn’t providing good enough options forward.

Mitch Nichols – 8

Tonight, Mitch Nichols put in a text book performance as a box to box midfielder. He was playing through the pain of a dodgy groin but that didn’t stop him from making intelligent runs in behind the Phoenix defence. Provided the assist for Castro’s goal on one of these runs and could have set up a couple more. After his substitution his fashion sense was poor, jackets do not make attractive hats.

Brandon Wilson – 6

Performed his role as a midfield stopper well but doesn’t contribute much when the team is in possession.

Jacob Italiano – 7.5

Very much the bright light in Perth’s season. Shows skills and maturity well beyond his years and experience. Is reminiscent of a young Archie Thompson. 

Joe Knowles – 5.5

With Perth’s first choice forwards getting closer to returning, Joe Knowles will need to contribute more if he gets another opportunity. Came off at halftime.

Diego Castro – 7.5

Diego Castro was the scorer of the winning goal and recipient of the NAB $500. He was anonymous in the first half but after Glory tweaked their line up, Castro enjoyed a lot more space on the left and Scott Galloway will be having Spanish themed nightmares.

SUBS

Jake Brimmer – 4 

Another 10 minute cameo for the former Liverpool junior. Again showed some promise and deserves a place in the starting line-up to shake up the Glory attack.

Andreu – 6

His halftime introduction instigated the tactical switch that Glory needed to take control of the second half.

Joel Chianese –  N/A

A quick cameo appearance.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano –  5.5

His distribution let the team down a bit this game. Modern goalkeepers need to do better at this facet of the game.

Scott Galloway – 5.5

Had a good first half and was handy in attack but he struggled to deal with Castro in the second half. Poor positioning let Castro score the game’s only goal.

Daniel Mullen – 6.5

A good shift at the heart of the Phoenix defence. Showed a few deft touches for a big stopper.

Marco Rossi – 6

The Phoenix aren’t weak in the centre. Joined Daniel Mullen in stifling poor young Joe Knowles in the first half.

Tom Doyle – 6

Solid performance from the young Kiwi. However, he lost his composure a couple of times and panicked forward kicks are not good enough at this level.

 

Alex Rufer – 6

Solid effort tonight. Worked hard for his team. If the Phoenix could find a great playmaker and/or develop better combination play from the midfielders they have, Alex Rufer could become one of the league’s top number 6s.

Dario Vidosic N/A

Any rating would be a touch unfair for a player who came off injured before 15 minutes. He’ll be really disappointed in himself for the touch that led to his injury.

Goran Paracki – 5

Quite an anonymous performance.

Adam Parkhouse – 6

One of the best players for Wellington. He could have had an assist early in the game but his cross/shot just missed Kaludjerovic.

Andrija Kaludjerovic – 6.5

The Phoenix striker is very dangerous in the box. He finds himself on the end of balls time and time again. However, especially with Vidosic gone he needed to present more and contribute to his team’s build up.

Matthew Ridenton – 6

He was a decent threat to the Glory defence but with no end product for his efforts he’ll be heading back across the ditch disappointed.

SUBS

Ali Abbas – 5 

Didn’t look like his old self tonight. Played nearly a full game after replacing the injured Dario Vidosic. He just didn’t get enough of the ball when the Phoenix needed someone of his quality to beat a player.

Supreet Singh – 4 

Came into an attack that was trying to get back into the game but couldn’t break through in any meaningful way.

Hamish Watson – 3 

A quick cameo whilst Phoenix controlled the game.