Sunday, December 16, 2012

Glory stay top in W-League - Ninemsn


Leaders Perth Glory underlined their title credentials with an astonishing 7-5 victory over Sydney FC barely a year after suffering a W-League record defeat against the same opponents.


A hat-trick from Lisa De Vanna inspired the Glory who wiped away a 2-1 half-time deficit amid a nine-goal avalanche in the second half.


Perth maintained their two-point lead over Brisbane Roar, with the two-time winners earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.


However the Glory have skipped five points clear of Sydney and Canberra United; the team from the nation's capital suffering a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Melbourne Victory.


Last season on their visit to Sydney, Perth capitulated in the second half with the Sky Blues claiming an astounding 11-0 winning margin.


However, Perth coach Jamie Harnwell says Saturday's win will give his side added self-belief as they eye a maiden finals berth and title.


"Within themselves the players have had confidence for a while, however to beat Sydney in Sydney is a big achievement so it gives us a lot more confidence as a group," said Harnwell.


"A result like that is a big statement for us, and the rest of the league, so I am quite happy.


"Twelve months ago I sat on the bench with my head in my hands wondering where we could go from here. I am savouring every minute of it now given what happened last year.


"We always know we are going to score goals. And we usually defend a little better than what we did. It was just one of those occasions when goals just start flying in, and you hope that you end up getting more than the other team."


While Perth continue to fly high, champions Canberra are facing the prospect of missing the finals having slipped to fourth, level with Sydney on goal difference.


Third-placed Victory took all three points home from the nation's capital with inspirational Welsh midfielder Jessica Fishlock scoring the winner three minutes into injury time, breaking a 1-1 deadlock.


Roar claimed outright control of second thanks to their win over Wanderers at Campbelltown Stadium.


Early goals from Tameka Butt and Emily Gielnik set up the victory, with the Wanderers pushing hard for an equaliser throughout the second half after Louise Fors had cut the deficit with a stylish free-kick.


Meanwhile, Adelaide United moved off the bottom of the ladder with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Newcastle Jets.



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