Glory 3 - 2 Mariners

Mike Mulvey and his men haven’t won a match so far and are the only side yet to do so. Coming off two defeats in as many games they were languishing rock-bottom when they took to the pitch. Tough ask, against a Tony Popovic side in blistering form and sitting on top of the league.

Fans at nib Stadium were entertained by a five-goal thriller with the home side securing all three points at the death.

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy - 7

Generally quiet in the first half. Produce a good save from Connor Pain. Wrong footed for the own goal from Mrcela stretching out his leg. Reddy could off came out and claimed the ball and gave Mrcela a shout to leave it.

Alex Grant - 7

Solid in defence, good tackles early on. Pick up an injury and sub at half-time.

Shane Lowry - 7

His 50th game, look very comfortable on the ball. Powerful header to make it 2-1 to Perth but sloppy marking from Mariners.

Tomislav Mrcela - 7

Up to the own goal, he was quiet but display another solid display in defence. Couple of hard tackles.

Jason Davidson - 7

Working well on the left hand-side, good amount of pace, tracking back in his defensive duties.

Neil Kilkenny - 7

Outstanding performance, controlling, dictating the pace of the game, finding huge amount of space in midfield.

Brandon Wilson - 7

Quiet in the first half, little bit sloppy in defence but working hard.

Ivan Franjic - 7

Getting forward down the right-hand side, giving Perth good width to exploit, putting in couple of fantastic crosses.

Joel Chianese - 7

Sloppy start, poor touches and wasteful crosses but redeemed himself with a delightful cross to Ikonomidis for the opening goal. Showed good composure on the ball as the game went on.

Andy Keogh - 7

Even though Rowles shadowed Keogh all game, he still held the ball up well. Always putting himself about and look a threat.

Chris Ikonomidis - 8

He has it all, fantastic composure on the ball, creating so much time and space when attacking on the right-hand side especially in the first half. Dominated when in possession, extremely comfortable taking on defenders, his skill is second to none. Got a brace. Ikonomidis second goal was coolly taken to give Perth all three points.

SUBS:

Dino Djulbic - 6

Came on at half-time for Grant who picked up a knock. But no real impact.

Diego Castro - 6

The Spaniard got a huge roar from the locals when he graced the field in the 75min. Look lively considering the amount of time he has been out of the game. More to come from him when he gets match fit.

Jake Brimmer - 6

No real impact when he came on in the second half.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy - 7

Showed brilliant commitment early on to save from a potential goal scoring chance for Perth and got a whack to the head for his troubles.

Kalifa Cisse -7

A tough tackling defender, good strong clearances and displayed strong direct attacking defending. But sadly he let himself down and his team mates by getting himself sent off late on in injury time, with two yellow cards,  which resulted in Perth’s winning goal.

Kye Rowles - 8

Outstanding performance, shadowed Keogh all game, stuck to me like clue. He was reading the play so well, excellent defending frustrating the Irishmen. Job done.

Antony Golec - 6

Didn’t really shine, did his defensive duties well.

Matthew Millar - 6

Showed good honest pace early on with strong runs into the box. Faded a little

Jack Clisby - 6

He tried to get involved with game. Like a lot of his teammates, he showed poor control and passing of the ball.

Aiden O’Neill - 6

No real impact in the first half but look better in the second period. Fantastic strike about 13 yards out taken goal though, like powerful side step shot.

Jacob Melling - 7

He got an early yellow card from a very poor challenge from behind. Was tentative not to pick up another booking but he did keep up his work rate by putting himself about.

Connor Pain - 6

He looked frustrated figure, given the ball away to easily in the midfield. Had a shot at goal but Reddy was in the right position.

Andrew Hoole - 6

Mix performance by Hoole, some poor passes, poor first touch, tried to get into the game with some nice runs, work hard.

Ross McCormack - 5

Not too much to say about Ross. Poor passing and touches. Wild free kick 25 yards out, way over the crossbar, complete waste of a chance.

SUBS:

Michael McGlinchey - 6

Good sub, look lively when on, good range of passes.

Jordan Murray - 5

Replaced Millar but made no impact. Maybe more time?

Matt Simon - N/A 

Wasn’t on long enough to rate.

This is how the ladder looked after Round 5!