Perth Glory came away with a much needed win after defeating Wellington Phoenix 1-0.
Cold conditions meant the crowd stayed away, drawing an attendance of only 4,433 fans, the club's lowest ever. But those that showed, got what they had yet to see all season - as Eugene Dadi scored the only goal of the game in the 78th minute.
The win moved the Glory off the bottom of the ladder and two points away from fourth spot, leaving Wellington in eighth position.
The first 10 minutes of the match gave the fans little to be excited about with both sides playing cautiously. Glory took 11 minutes to muster up a genuine attempt at goal but Nikita Rukavytsya's shot sailed wide.
Perth had an afternoon of squandered opportunities which culminated in a blocked set-shot from the 6-yard line. A high ball inside the box from Adriano Pellegrino had little result as Wellington took possession.
The only genuine Wellington attack in the opening 10 minutes was quickly diffused by lunging Perth keeper Jason Petkovic who held strong for the home-side.
Glory created a lot of pressure in the first-half, holding possession for most of the game play and the fans were becoming more confident of a score with every attack Glory imposed.
Coach David Mitchell was relieved with the win and the three points and will now be turning the team's focus towards improving game tactics.
"It's important that we steady things from here on in and look solid … but we can play a lot better than that," said Mitchell.
He said that while the team is looking good there are a few players out injured and once they recover, players will be fighting for their places on the team.
While doubts of obtaining a top-four place were increasing amongst fans, Dadi said the belief for the team to gain fourth spot on the ladder was never in doubt by the players and coaching staff.
"We knew from the start that we have a decent squad… there wasn't any doubt," said Dadi. The Ivory Coast import scored the goal from the penalty spot after a tackle by Jonathan McKain sent him tumbling to the pitch.
The last 10 minutes of the match had history threatening to repeat itself as Wellington built a threatening attack, but Petkovic again had the visitor's measure and took control.