A hard fought 1-0 win over second place Sydney FC, extends Perth Glory’s lead at the top of the Westfield W-League to five points.

A Marianna Tabain goal in the 51st minute was the difference in a game of few clear cut chances. The midfielders shot flew straight into the top corner, leaving keeper Casey Dumont with no chance.

The goal sent the 800 strong home crowd into raptures, as the Glory were made to work hard for their one goal advantage.

In a game of limited chances, Glory dominated possession and had flashes in front of goal, none of which troubled the Sydney FC keeper until Tabain’s moment of genius.

Glory’s best chance of the first half, fell to the eventual goal scorer, after Gabrielle Marzano put her through on goal. Unfortunately for Perth, Tabain fired her shot directly at Casey Dumont who comfortably saved.

Sydney failed to create a noteworthy opportunity in the first period, with Jasmyne Spencer only showing glimpses of her capabilities.

The Glory defence looked organised and efficient, which stands in stark contrast to their first 45 minute performance against Canberra United last time out.

The second half presented the Glory back five with more of a test.

Jasmyne Spencer and Amy Harrison got more into the game, thanks to good work in midfield by Nicola Bolger and Servet Uzunlar.

Spencer provided the biggest threat with her strong forward runs, however, she could not convert her chances into goals.

The Sydney striker saw her scoring record of five in five come to an end but the American striker remains upbeat “My chances will come, we need to play better and move the ball better so I’m not too worried.”

Spencer credits the Glory defence for their display “The defence are organised and physical, you can see why they’re top of the league but there’s a long way to go and I’m looking forward to playing them again.”

Amy Harrison, who was quiet for long periods of the game, had the best chance to snatch a point for the Sydney side.

Harrison found herself, one on one, with the Glory keeper and for the second week running, Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a brilliant save, to keep the home side in front.

Glory created chances late on but looked happy to hold onto the 1-0 lead. They held the ball in the corner to run down the clock to ensure their winning record continued.

Caitlin Foord, who faced her former club, put in a well-rounded performance and was delighted that her team extended their winning streak. “I’ve never had to play Sydney before and it was a bit weird but I’m just really happy we got the win.”

A noticeable absentee from the Glory line up, was dynamic forward Sam Kerr. Her pace, delivery and creativity were missing, as she nurses a slight hamstring injury.

One player who seemed to feel the loss of Kerr, was prolific Glory striker Kate Gill. Kerr’s speed, distribution and ability to create space was a noticeable absence, leaving the striker with limited chances.

Her replacement Gabrielle Marzano came into the side and put on a great performance. She slotted into the team well and left the field to a great ovation.

This was Perth coach Jamie Harnwell’s first change in personal this season and he was happy with Marzano’s performance “Gabs came in today and worked really well and could have perhaps bagged herself a goal.”

Regarding Kerr, he said” Although she is a fantastic player, we are not a one player team and we’ll do the job with whoever is on the park.”

Glory’s strength in depth will be of grave importance as Kerr is a doubt for Perth’s next game against an Adelaide United side, who celebrated a 3-2 victory over Canberra United at the weekend.

A change for the away side was also inflicted, as keeper Casey Dumont’s afternoon was cut short. The keeper took knocks in both halves of the game.

The second knock seemed to aggravate the injury that occurred in the first, as she was stretchered off the field after a five minute delay, mid-way through the second period. Alyssa Harris came on as her replacement and did everything that was asked of her.

The result sees Glory remain the only unbeaten side in the W-League as Sydney stay second in the table.

Up next for Glory is an away trip to Adelaide while Sydney have a home tie against their city rivals The Western Sydney Wanderers.

Editor Note: The reporter was informed post match that Sydney FC goalkeeper Casey Dumont had injured her knee which has been determined to be incorrect.