Stoppage time winner steals win for Perth

Perth Glory stunned the Newcastle Jets on Friday night as a late goal handed Perth Glory all three points at Hunter Stadium.

Newcastle took control of the match early on and could well have taken the lead in the third minute as Michael Bridges found Adam Taggart at close range but Danny Vukovic reacted well and turned his shot over the bar.

The hosts continued to control the opening exchanges and should have gone in front moments later as Ruben Zadkovich's free kick found Connor Chapman, who was left unmarked, but sent his header wide.

After absorbing all that pressure Perth Glory stunned the hosts as they took the lead in the 24th minute when Liam Miller's long ball found Chris Harold on the right. After a run to the byline he crossed in for Mathias Cordoba who snuck his shot inside the far post to put Perth in front.

Despite trailing Newcastle still looked the better side as Bridges and Taggart continued to link up well, this time setting up James Brown who was denied by Michael Thwaite's defensive work.

Bridges was the next guilty party for Newcastle as he was found by Zadkovich but somehow launched his shot over the bar.

Just as it looked like Perth would take a lead in to the break Newcastle drew level. Marko Jesic controlled the ball and ran at the Perth defense, allowing him to play Taggart through, who was able to hit it with his first touch and level the scores at half-time.

The trend continued in the second half with Newcastle controlling possession and frequently putting Perth in trouble.

Danny Vukovic had to be at the top of his game throughout the half, doing superbly well to deny Dominik Ritter's volley.

Far too often the Jets would create good opportunities but not finish them with Bridges often playing a team mate through but continuously saw his efforts go to waste.

Bridges nearly turned goal scorer in the 72nd minute as he was able to flick on a corner but again Vukovic bailed his team out as he got a hand to the effort.

Moments later Perth could have grabbed a shock lead as Scott Jamieson crossed to Shane Smeltz who got a header away only to be denied by Mark Birighitti.

Newcastle kept up their relentless attack but continued to miss their chances despite some good build up play.

In stoppage time Glory stole all three points as the Jets failed to clear Scott Jamieson's corner allowing Thwaite to sneak in and tap home from close range.

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, Australia Football Examiner

Chris Hockman is a passionate soccer fan, originally from Australia, Chris moved to the USA in early 2010. In Australia he worked for A-League club, Central Coast Mariners, one cup, one premiership, two grandfinals & an Asian Champions League campaign were particular highlights, along with...

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