Photo: Emily Mogic Photography

With four rounds still remaining, Perth Glory have rightfully claimed their place in the finals, defeating Melbourne Victory 3-1 at Lakeside Stadium.

Victory, on the other hand, have plenty to do if they are to have any chance of defending their title.

In one of the most entertaining W-League matches this season, Melbourne started the scoring with a sensational cross from Steph Catley finding Racheal Quigley in the box.

The brilliant piece of improvisation, the striker connected with the ball and sent it past a stranded Mackenzie Arnold into the net.

Unfortunately for Melbourne, this passage of play was the best attacking incursion they were able to offer on the day.

Whilst Catley, who was playing in a more advanced role than her customary left back position, repeated it time and again, it was to no avail as Perth’s defence withstood the barrage.

Perth have been a dominant force this season and they brought the show to Melbourne.

Apart from one hiccup against Adelaide United in Round 7, and the first couple of minutes of this match, Perth have been on top of the league.

Caitlin Foord was a key player on the day and is a player of such remarkable talent and artistry that she managed to blitz the opposition, leaving three or four players hypnotized in her wake, whilst enthralling the spectators at the same time.

What makes it even more beguiling is that Foord sometimes wonders how she does it herself.

While Melbourne managed to keep top goalscorer Kate Gill out of the contest, the likes of Marianna Tabain, Gabrielle Marzano and Bronwyn Studman all played well.

Tabain and Marzano in particular brought plenty of pressure into the attacking half, keeping Melbourne on the back foot as they peppered the goals.

Coming back from a hamstring injury, super sub Sam Kerr added immediate impact and entertainment as well as goalscoring substitute Elisa D’Ovidio.

Melbourne played one of their better games of late but with the ever improving W-League competition, it wasn’t good enough.

In particular, it was the midfield for Melbourne that wasn’t firing.

For all their hard work and try, the combination of Christine Nairn, Amy Jackson and Ella Mastrantonio failed to have a significant impact in the game, much like in their midweek match against Adelaide just days earlier.

On the plus side for Melbourne, it was promising to see their heart on display in defence, with Cass Dimovski leading the charge as she made not just one, but several astonishing saves to keep Melbourne in the game.

These were not just good saves, but fingertip, acrobatic, world class saves that could make the diminutive custodian a starting goalkeeper in many W-League teams.

Lauren Barnes was also formidable in defence, combining with Dimovski on a couple of occasions to rescue the ball on the goal line.

Catley also played some lovely football. Given some latitude to go for a run, Catley did exactly that and showcased some scintillating pace with the ball as well as impressive skill.

From here on in, the question needs to be asked, could Melbourne do anything to change the result?

Well, if the words of Victory coach Joe Montemurro are anything to go by (which they are), he stated that he “tried everything but they’re a good side”.

Melbourne have two big problems to solve as they head into their final three must win games for the season.

Problem 1; reinvigorate the midfield. Where previously the midfield was the rock of this team, right now it’s looking a little fragile, if not ineffective. Importantly, the goals they had been providing have dried up.

Problem 2; scoring goals. The return of Lisa De Vanna should help, but Victory still need to be mindful of being a one trick pony.

De Vanna can’t do everything. Quigley has scored three goals and is up to the task and resolving problem 1 should bolster them as well.

Perth really don’t have a problem so perhaps now they have the luxury of fine tuning their game before hitting the finals. Be wary of too much fine tuning though.

Melbourne Victory 1 (Rachael Quigley 4’)

Perth Glory 3 (Alanna Kennedy 40’, Elisa D’Ovidio 81’, Caitlin Foord 89’)

Sunday 2 November 2014

Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Melbourne Victory: Cassandra Dimovski (gk), Hannah Brewer, Lauren Barnes, Gema Simon, Stephanie Catley, Amy Jackson, Racheal Quigley, Christine Nairn, Ella Mastrantonio, Tiffany Eliadis (Gulcan Koca 70’), Elli Reed

Substitutes – Tori Snelleksz (gk), Alexandra Natoli, Alexandra Gummer

Cautions – Amy Jackson 34'

Perth Glory: Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Sarah Carroll, Bronwyn Studman, Shannon May (Carys Hawkins 90’), Alanna Kennedy, Gabrielle Marzano (Sam Kerr 61’), Caitlin Foord, Kate Gill, Collette McCallum, Shelina Zadorsky, Marianna Tabain (Elisa D’Ovidio 79’)

Substitutes – Kathleen Waycott (gk)