Perth Glory kept their 100% winning record intact with a 3-0 victory over Season 6 premiers Canberra United.

A Kate Gill double and a first W-League goal for Shelina Zadorky, were the difference in this top four clash. However, the compressive 3-0 score line, does not tell the whole tale.

League leaders Glory were indebted to goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold who had an outstanding game.

The former Goalkeeper of the Year made a string of fine saves against a Canberra side who failed to make the most of their numerous chances.

Arnold was called into action from the off, making several big saves from the likes of Ashleigh Sykes, Lori Lindsey and the impressive Michelle Heyman.

Glory, who have failed to keep a clean sheet so far this season, were up against their toughest test to date and it looked as though it was going to be a very long day for the new look defence.

While Canberra got off to a bright start, it was the home side, who against the run of play, broke the deadlock.

Former Glory keeper, Chantel Jones was unable to keep hold of Bronwyn Studman’s effort and Canadian defender Zadorsky was in the right place, at the right time, to head home for Perth in the 14 minute.

The Glory’s opener didn’t halt Canberra’s assault on goal.

Stephanie Ochs, Sykes, Lindsey, Heyman and captain Nicole Begg were all causing problems for the Glory defence and in the 23rd minute of the game, they had the ball in the back of the net.

Heyman slotted home for the visitors after a ball over the top from Lindsey, however, the flag had been raised for offside, much to the relief of the Glory faithful.

This was a let off for Perth, who were struggling to get their forward players into the game. Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Kate Gill were kept quiet by an experienced and well organised Canberra defensive unit.

Arnold continued to be Perth’s saviour as Canberra persisted with their attacks. Perth were lucky to get to the break unscathed after a dominating performance from the away side.

Perth Glory Coach Jamie Harnwell was animated on the side line throughout the first half and appeared unhappy with his side’s first 45 minute display.

After the game he said “at half time we highlighted areas where they were hurting us. They’ve got speedy players and we couldn’t afford to let them have space in behind. We spoke about body shape, positioning and decision making.”

The second half began in much the same vein.

The Glory defence showed heart as they scrambled and defended to keep the away side at bay.

Former Canberra keeper, Arnold continued her impressive form as she denied her previously employees countless times. The Glory keeper made three or four, one on one, saves to keep the clean sheet intact.

Foord had Glory’s best chance of the early second half play, but much to the relief of keeper Jones, the ball burst into the side netting.

The tide was turning and Glory’s attack became more involved in the game but not before another let off for Glory defence when Heyman’s shot smashed against the outside of the post.

Canberra’s lack of preciseness in front of goal came back to bite them when Sam Kerr was judged to have been brought down in the box by keeper Jones.

The American keeper felt aggrieved by the decision and was consequently booked for her reaction.

Gill stepped up to take the penalty and calmly dispatched it to make the score 2-0 to Glory. The home crowd were in raptures, as they knew Perth were in a fortune position on the hour mark.

Canberra’s heads dropped after conceding the second, as Perth put on a much improved second half performance. Kerr, McCallum, Foord and Gill were all able to get more into the game and forced Chantel Jones into making a couple of good saves in the last half hour.

Kate Gill made the victory safe after scoring her second of the game and tenth of the season, ten minutes from time. The Glory had chances late on to increase their lead to 4-0 with Kerr and Foord both going close.

Canberra will feel hard done by after putting on an impressive performance, however, they need to take their chances- especially against a prolific scoring team like Perth Glory.

The game was an interesting one and Perth came through with flying colours, as they secured another three points, scored another three goals and kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

The Glory owe a lot to keeper Arnold who was well worth the Player of the Match award. She said “I can’t take all the credit, all of the girls and the defence did really well, so it was really good to get that win. We knew we had a real challenge ahead of us and we came together well.”

The opposing keeper, Chantel Jones, believes there are a lot of positives to take from the game for fourth place Canberra United. “I’m not to upset about our performance. If we didn’t have many chances on goal and still lost I’d be concerned but in the first half we had maybe five or six scoring opportunities so that’s positive for us. We just need to put our chances in the net and then it would have been a completely different game.”

Post-match, Perth coach Jamie Harnwell said he was delighted his team kept a clean sheet. “Mackenzie was superb for us today. The back four scrambled, defended and played with a lot of heart and it paid off for us.”

Glory have home comfort next Saturday, as second place Sydney FC come to town, while Canberra are at home to a pointless Adelaide United on Sunday.