Perth Glory defeat a stubborn Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory defeated the Newcastle Jets 5 – 2 in the first match of W-League Season Six at Wanderers Oval.

In stormy conditions it was raining goals as Perth piled on three second half goals to end up victors on the day. The score line however was not a true reflection of the match which was a hard, closely fought contest for the majority of proceedings.

Key moments / Key Players

Perth Glory scored within the first 13 seconds of the match.

The effect of this goal on a young Jets side was to change their style of play after going behind so early.

The Jets showed that there is some steel in the side as they equalised not long afterwards. They gave the Glory a good run for their money and may have surprised may at the ground.

Vice captain Hannah Brewer had a good game for Newcastle. The defender, who spent the off-season with the Seattle Sounders in the US, was instrumental defensively and offensively.  One such highlight came in the second half, as Perth forward Christina Julien made a strong run into the box with Brewer coming across with a good covering tackle to stop her in her tracks.

Tara Andrews was involved in some good play setting up the first goal of the match for Hannah Beard. Andrews is settling in to a new position in midfield as opposed to her more familiar role of striker. She has only played their a few times in her career and it might take some time to adjust.

For Perth Christina Julien was the standout player; she was the difference between the two sides in the end. Julien was involved in the majority of the Glory’s chances scoring a goal and setting up another for the away side.

Just one week in she looks to be forming a dangerous partnership with Kate Gill in the front third with the two combining on several occasions to trouble the Jets defence and forcing some good saves out of Campbell.  The mobility of the Glory forward line will also cause issues for plenty of other teams with Rosie Sutton, Elisa D'Ovidio and Marianna Tabain complimenting to the Julien/Gill partnership.

How could have the game changed?

The Jets came out with intent early in the second half.  Some nice build up play led to a chance for Tara Andrews who was put one on one with Glory keeper but couldn’t finish from a tough angle which would have given them the lead. Newcastle had another chance soon after. This time it was Jasmin Courtenay from a corner, her left footed volley from the top of the box flew wide of the target. It's chances like these which Newcastle must take if they are going to trouble the top sides.  In the end the Glory weathered the storm and soon made them pay for those missed chances.

Room for improvement

Both Perth and Newcastle can improve defensively. The Glory were particularly unhappy with their defending conceding a soft first goal and a penalty to let the home side back into the game which could have been costly for them. Both goals were the result of poor communication in the back and, considering goalkeeper Chantel Jones arrived just a couple of days ago, it's sure to be something that is worked on in the coming days.

For Newcastle the defence was exposed much too easily with Perth getting in behind them time and again.  Newcastle looked good and had some good control in their build up play, but need to maintain the intensity for the full 90 minutes. They tended to switch off at times in the second period and the Glory were able to capitalise causing the inflated score line.

The first half was a frantic scramble with both sides struggling to find their rhythm.  It settled in the second half with glimpses of what is to come for both sides.  

It is early in the season, and with players from both sides still getting used to new combinations, they should only get better in the coming weeks.