For the 2nd week running Wollongong Wolves have belied their position on the League Table to cause a major upset in the NSL. After last weeks triumph over big spending Parramatta today it was the Champions Perth Glory who suffered.
Using clippings claiming they would retain the wooden spoon, from the unofficial Glory Forum as incentive Wolves produced a spirited performance to take all 3 points.
A small crowd of only 1879 were on hand in very inclement weather to witness the event. They barely had time to settle in their seats when Wolves striker Young tried a speculative shot that Glory keeper Petkovic appeared to have well in hand. However the normally impeccable custodian somehow managed to let the slippery ball slide through his arms and even more inexplicably through his legs and could only watch in horror as the ball slowly trickled into the net to give the Wolves a 3rd minute lead.
It was to be a fore runner of the rest of the game, as no matter what Glory tried it just would not come off, although the Wolves still managed to cause some problems on the counter attack.
Just 2 minutes after taking the lead it was North who had to come to Glory's rescue when cleared another Young effort off the line.
It took Glory nearly 20 minutes before they stirred into life, and when they did manage to get through the resolute defence they found Wolves keeper Crews in exceptional form. In the first half alone he produced super saves to prevent at least 3 Glory goalbound efforts from Pondeljak, Despotovski and Murphy.
Despite all the pressure it was the Wolves defensive play with up to 9 players behind the ball that held sway.
Perth's cause was not helped in the 36th minute when an innocent tackle on Horsley ending with the star Glory midfielder being stretchered from the ground having damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury will require surgery and will mean the player will miss the rest of the season.
The 2nd half started in similar fashion to the end of the first but now in driving rain and a strong wind. However it was Wolves who again shocked the visitors in the 54th minute when in a quick counter attack Young played a neat ball to Nigerian striker Nwaogazi who proceeded to fire a great shot from the edge of the penalty area beyond the reach of Petkovic to make it 2-0.
This was a signal for even more pressure from Glory and they attacked incessantly to be eventually rewarded in the 69th minute. Mori picked the ball up from a short pass by Despotovski before making ground into the Wolves area and finishing superbly to bring Glory back into the match.
Perth then took control of the match and created some clear cut chances, however even the experienced Mori was unable to keep a shot from inside the 6 yard box low enough and it skied over the bar with for the 2nd time Crews beaten.
Faria also had a chance with just 10 minutes to go when following a good Glory build up he found himself free well inside the box but like Mori before him and with crews beaten he fired high and wide.
So wolves held on for their 2nd giant killing act in a row and on this performance will cause quite a few sides trouble both at WIN stadium and on their travels. They are building up to being a very good young side with a splash of experience thrown in.
For Perth it will be a week of preparation for the match against Newcastle on Friday night, with the squad staying in NSW for the week. Just how the loss of Horsley will be covered will be the burning issue with the club although it is expected that Shroj who was taken on the road trip will provide the cover.