Perth Glory has been overrun by W-League frontrunners Sydney FC after a strong second half performance saw the reigning Champions record a 2-0 win at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium.
Leena Khamis got the ball rolling for the Sky Blues with the opener just 10 minutes after the break and then fellow Matildas striker Kyah Simon wrapped up the match with less than 20 minutes to go with her team’s second.
Sydney FC dominated the second half with plenty of possession despite an even first half which began in promising fashion for the Glory.
US import Alex Singer was lively down the right for the visitors, but couldn’t find a teammate after delivering a series of dangerous crosses in the final third.
Most Glorious Player and WAIS scholarship holder Shannon May registered the first shot of the game, but failed to find the target as she saw her effort travel high and wide.
The in-form Tine Cederkvist was at it again for Perth, pulling off some strong saves to deny Kylie Ledbrook and Simon in the first half.
ANZ Junior Sports Star finalist and WAIS-AIS athlete Sam Kerr was in the thick of things for the Glory, and the striker started a move that fell to fellow WAIS-AIS scholarship holder Kate Gill with the resultant header sent over the target.
Kerr had a late chance to snatch a goal on half time but after beating three players, she fired her shot wide from the edge of the area.
Sydney began to assert their dominance in the second half and Khamis’ looping header was too good for Cederkvist to keep out, giving the Champions a 1-0 lead.
The home side could have had a second just moments later through Simon, but Perth captain Tanya Oxtoby’s diving block saved a certain goal.
Simon wouldn’t be denied a second time, with a tap-in late in the match ensuring a 2-0 victory for the home side that keeps them just one point behind pacesetter Brisbane Roar on the W-League table.
Despite the loss, Perth remains firmly in the finals hunt and will take on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park next Saturday.
– Football West
