Perth Glory secured a W-League home semi-final with a 4-2 victory over the Newcastle Jets at Ashfield Sports Club on Saturday. Glory, who remain undefeated on home turf, will host the finals for only the second time in the clubs history.

Glory came from behind for the second match in a row, showcasing once again their determination, drive and ultimate class.

The impressive Emily Van Egmond opened the scoring before Caitlin Foord got the equaliser. Sam Kerr got herself twice on the score sheet to put Glory 3-1 in front. Second half goals came from substitute Elisa D’ovidio and a consolation goal for Tara Andrews, sealed the result at 4-2.

An indifferent display by both sides offered defensive mix ups, goal keeping errors and some spectacular goals.

The away side started well with captain Van Egmond running the show in the first five minutes.

The Jets ‘up and at them’ approach payed dividends when Van Egmond opened the scoring in the 7th minute. The goal stemmed from an uncharacteristically shaky opening period by the Glory back five, which saw jittery clearances and bad decisions being made.

After 20 minutes of Newcastle pressure, the Glory sprang into life and it was now the Jets on the back foot.

A Sarah Carroll cross found Sam Kerr who challenged keeper Claire Coelho. The keepers punch only went as far as Caitlin Foord and for the second week running, Foord fired home for Glory.

Only moments later the Glory were at it again. The Jets’ defence were in a spin and found themselves 3-1 down by half time courtesy of a brace from Kerr.

The Jets biggest downfall was ultimately Kerr. The Newcastle defence couldn’t control her pace, movement and skill on or off the ball.

Long balls over the top for Kerr were causing the away side a major headache and both Cassidy Davis and keeper Coelho were glad to see her number up, as she was substituted on the hour mark.

Newcastle dominated possession in the last half hour without looking threatening. It was only after a defensive lapse that gifted Tara Andrews a goal in the 89th minute that the Jets looked likely to add to their tally.

In the four minutes added time played, the away side created at least three, noteworthy chances, with the best falling to Van Egmond.

In spite of securing a home semi-final and another 3 points, Glory coach Jamie Harnwell wasn’t best pleased with his sides display.

“I’m disappointed with the performance. We didn’t keep the ball well, credit to Newcastle, they pressed us and they worked well. I felt we held them off for long periods of the game but in the last ten minutes we gifted them a goal and they had a few chances.”

He continued “Although the performance probably wasn’t there today, we got the 3 points. As a team we are always going to score goals and we’re always going to be dangerous. However, this performance gives us a little bit to work on going into the finals.”

Double scorer Kerr was in agreement with her coach “It wasn’t the prettiest of games today, but sometimes you have to win ugly and we did that today.”

This was the first time in Season 7 that Perth Glory had conceded more than one goal in a game and Jamie Harwell was dissatisfied with his side’s concentration levels.

“We pride ourselves on our defensive record but we just had a few players who had an off day today. That is expected in a season but we must improve.”

Newcastle captain Emily Van Egmond put on a well-rounded display and was the driving force of the Jets side.

She reflects “For them to score three goals against us in the first half shows how poor we were early on. Coming out in the second half, we had a go and we tried to compete physically with them. They are a hard team to beat, they’re are physical side and they break other teams tempos up.”

The Jets had numerous chances late on and the captain rues missed opportunities “I probably should have had a few more chances in the second half but Macca (Mackenzie Arnold) had a great game in net again.”

Next up, Perth Glory host the Western Sydney Wanders, while the Jets face second place Canberra at home.

Perth Glory 4 (Caitlin Foord 21’, Sam Kerr 24’, 45+4’, Elisa D’Ovidio 84’)

Newcastle Jets 2 (Emily van Egmond 7’, Tara Andrews 89’)

Saturday 8 November 2014

Ashfield Sports Club, Perth

Kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Katie Patterson

Perth Glory: Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Sarah Carroll, Bronwyn Studman (Carys Hawkins 65’), Shannon May, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Kate Gill, Collette McCallum, Shelina Zadorsky, Marianna Tabain (Elisa D’Ovidio 76’), Sam Kerr (Gabrielle Marzano 64’)

Substitutes – Kathleen Waycott (gk)

Cautions – Sarah Carroll 23’, Alanna Kennedy 57’

Newcastle Jets: Claire Coelho (gk), Georgia Yeoman-Dale (Sophie Nenadovic 34’), Hayley Crawford, Katherine Reynolds, Angela Salem, Tori Huster, Amber Neilson (Elizabeth Copus-Brown 73’), Tara Andrews, Emily van Egmond, Rhali Dobson (Grace McIntyre 62’), Cassidy Davis

Substitutes – Renee Rudder (gk)

Cautions – Hayley Crawford 75’