Perth Glory has qualified for the W-League Grand Final after recording an impressive 3-0 win over Sydney FC on Sunday.
First half goals from Elisa D’Ovidio and Kate Gill before a second half strike from Gabe Marzano confirmed Glory for a Grand Final clash with Canberra United on Sunday, December 21, at NIB Stadium.
“I’m really proud of the way the players played today,” Harnwell said. “It’s not easy playing at midday in Perth in the summer but the energy and ability in the first half and the goals were top drawer.
Despite missing star striker Samantha Kerr (WAIS) through injury, Glory started strongly against Sydney and was rewarded after only 15 minutes with a brilliant finish from D’Ovidio. The Glory no.13, who announced this week her intention to retire at the end of the season, struggled to keep her emotions in check as she celebrated scoring the opener.
Glory dominated the play throughout the opening period but Sydney still managed to threaten occasionally.
Amy Harrison was stopped by a brilliant piece of goalkeeping from Mackenzie Arnold as she ran in on goal.
Harrison was unlucky on several occasions as Arnold pulled off a wonder save to stop her shot from nestling into the top corner.
Glory capitalised on their dominance with a wonderful goal from WAIS athlete Kate Gill, who chipped goalkeeper Casey Dumont from the edge of the box.
The second half began as the first had ended with Glory dominating possession and attacking opportunities.
Sydney briefly looked dangerous through striker Jasmyne Spencer, who was unlucky not to win a penalty as she chose to stay on her feet, before firing a shot straight at Arnold.
Glory sealed the victory with a third goal that was more a result of calamitous defending than brilliant football from Glory.
Sydney keeper Dumont cleared the ball straight into defender Renee Rollason, who attempted to control, but only ended up spilling the ball to Gill in the penalty area. Gill laid the ball off to substitute Gabe Marzano, who slotted her first Glory goal.
The heat took its toll and as players tired a series of half chances were created.
Harrison saw her effort from distance roll just wide, following Arnold’s clearance which left her stranded a long way off of her line.
While at the other end Dumont pulled off a brilliant save following a goal mouth scramble.
-FootballWest
