In front of the biggest crowd of the season at Hindmarsh Stadium, Perth Glory cemented their place in the 2002/2003 NSL Grand Final with a 2-1 away victory over the home side.
The result may have been what Glory wanted but they had to fight tooth and nail to achieve it. In fact many observers at the game stated that Adelaide were very unlucky not to have had at least a share of the spoils.
The first half was really a case of missed half chances for the home side, with Pelosi and Smeltz the main offenders.
As early as the 12th minute Pelosi had a shot just over the bar and on other occasions in the first half both he and Smeltz had gilt edged chances, but failed to take them. Not only that but Lozanovski hit the post with a great long range effort.
All Glory had in reply was a great header from Despotovski following a Pryce cross that was brilliantly tipped out by Acevski in the Adelaide goal.
However Glory's luck ran out in the 43rd minute when Lozanovski played a delightful ball from his own half into the path of Smeltz, who controlled it well before at long last hitting the target with his shot to give Adelaide the half time lead.
The first half had really belonged to Adelaide with their midfield well on top of the much vaunted Glory combination. But just like last week against the Power the 2nd half saw a much more determined and attack minded Glory. With Colosimo finding his form and Gumprecht working like a beaver they slowly worked their way back into the game. They were however finding it very hard to break down a very stubborn Adelaide rearguard.
It was obvious it would take something special to do it and the man for special occasions Hassell stepped forward and was counted. Collecting the ball some 25 meters from goal and seemingly with nothing on, he suddenly unleashed a rocket that gave Avevski no hope in the goal.
More drama was to follow some 60 seconds later when Vidmar controlled the ball and apparently fired Force back into the lead only to be called back for what appeared to be a hand ball in controlling it. For his troubles and protests Vidmar got booked, which means he misses next weeks trip to Parramatta.
Play continued to swing from end to end and following an Adelaide attack in the 81st minute Mori collected the ball in an on side position some 40 meters from goal and left the defense for dead before crossing it to give Despotovski a simple tap in and his 12th goal of the finals series.
Within a minute it could have been 3-1 as Mori broke through again but missed the one on one with the keeper, and again within a minute it was Despotovski who this time hit the post with a great effort.
Not to be outdone with 2 minutes to go Vidmar hit the outside of the post from a tight angle and in injury time Turnbridge hit the crossbar for what would have been possible a deserved equalizer.
So Glory continue their remarkable run in the finals with their 6th straight win and clinching a Grand Final spot. They will not however get too carried away with it because they will still need to take at least 1 point out of the Sharks game next week to ensure a home Grand Final.
For Adelaide, well it is now out of their hand and they must hope for a shock on Monday in Newcastle, followed by a Glory victory over the Sharks next week.