PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEKEND – CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

It was their first derby win in 911 days and it has meant they now climb off the bottom of the table. Adrift of the finals and with just one week left to play this season, it was great to see them play with the enthusiasm they did.

Despite being an F3 Derby, less than half the stadium was filled but the Mariners were still able to find an extra gear over their NSW rivals. They bombarded the defence and gave themselves every chance to get the win.

Nick Montgomery and Adam Berry were distributing the ball well, while the attack was putting Jack Duncan under pressure at almost every opportunity.

The Mariners were well disciplined and only conceded 7 fouls to Newcastle’s 17. The Mariners defence also kept it tight with Paul Izzo being called into action just four times all game. He faced just two shots and saved both with ease.

It may not have been one of the toughest opponents they face all season, but they looked a more inspired team than any other team in their situation should be.

It may not have been one of the performances of the season but it was a great performance this weekend.

PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND – JOSH RISDON

It has not been his season but he showed a glimmer of form this week. Not only was he active in Perth’s attack, he also put in a solid shift in Perth’s defence, keeping Brisbane Roar to just one goal all game.

He put in a series of solid tackles down the right side of the field and won almost every duel he went in for. He also made a series of interceptions, working hard in the Perth defence which has conceded more goals than almost any other team this season.

He put in more passes than anyone else on the team and was a protagonist for Perth against a lacklustre Brisbane. He set up Andy Keogh’s goal single-handedly and put his team in a great position going into next week.

While the real test will be if he can replicate this form against a stronger team, he played a great match this week. It may have come too late for a Socceroos call up, his form is peaking perfectly in time for the finals.

Coming up against Melbourne City next weekend, he will have to be in top form in order to help Perth move higher up the table. Sitting just three points off third, Risdon will need to keep up his form in order to put his team in the best position in time for the finals.

A great game this weekend and he will be hoping there’s more form to come.

GOAL OF THE WEEKEND – ANDY KEOGH

In one word, this goal was clinical. Andy Keogh has been a good player for Perth this season and he showed excellent awareness and control to put away this effort.

While Josh Risdon performed most of the leg work, it was Keogh’s finishing that stood out. As the season wraps up and finals approach, every goal will count and with chances sometimes hard to come by, Perth will be hoping Keogh can finish like this at every opportunity.

Risdon picked up the ball on halfway and dribbled quickly into a dangerous position just outside the 18-yard box. Although he may have been helped by a lacklustre Brisbane defence, he was able to find space and put in a perfectly lobbed ball to the waiting Andy Keogh.

Keogh had found himself space and timed his run perfectly, putting him on-side and with only the keeper to beat. Positioning his body perfectly, he hit the ball first time and buried it into the back of the net, leaving Jamie Young to simply pick the ball out of the back of the net.

Keogh’s single touch to turn a great cross into a great goal was nothing short of excellent. His ability to find space and shake off the defence was also admirable.

While it may not go down as one of the most spectacular goals, it was certainly an excellent goal and one that ultimately handed Perth the win.

FLOP OF THE WEEKEND – BRISBANE ROAR

With one week to go they have lost their grip on third spot and could fall as low as 5th as the season concludes next week. It was a do or die match against the Perth Glory after Melbourne City’s win earlier in the round and unfortunately, they couldn’t find the goods.

Brisbane’s only goal was from a clumsy deflection off a Brett Holman strike that looped over Liam Reddy’s head and into the goal. Apart from that, Liam Reddy was rarely troubled as the Brisbane forward line was made to look sheepish.

Jamie Maclaren’s form from the past few weeks was nowhere to be seen as he managed just one shot on target with that shot coming inside the first ten minutes. Brisbane’s front four players could only manage three shots on target between them.

Their defence wasn’t overly impressive either with Perth Glory being able to take on the goal several times and score three goals despite only being able to put a few on target.

Going into next round, Brisbane may have luck on their side as they face Wellington Phoenix with Perth taking on Melbourne City. This means that if Brisbane win and City draw or lose, the Roar will go to third.

They didn’t do themselves any favours this week they still face a battle ahead to secure a home final. A big flop this week.