Football can be a cruel game sometimes.
Not for the first time this season either, as the Perth Glory have again succumbed to another late goal. This time it was to Ben Folami, who in the 96th minute stole all three points for the Melbourne Victory.
It was an entertaining contest to say the least as both sides really went for it.
The game started a little bit cagey, with neither team really settling into their rhythm.
What was clear from the off was the change in dynamics in the Glory’s midfield, with Mustafa Amini raising the bar in terms of intensity and his performance drove the players on.
Adam Taggart put the Glory in front with an absolutely sensational strike.
He recovered the ball well and unleashed a volley from some of way out, giving Victory goalkeeper Paul Izzo next to no chance.
The technique and power in the effort was first class, a goal from a striker in red hot form.
In fairness to Tony Popovic’s side, they grew into the game not long after Taggart’s opener.
Daniel Arzani was a constant threat and his darting runs from the right wing inside were causing the Glory players multiple problems.
Just before half time, it was the talismanic Frenchman, Zinedine Machach whose powerful run and subsequent strike levelled proceedings.
The Glory got off to a hot start on the front foot in the second half, only for winger Bruce Kamau to be adjudged to have simulated in the box.
Referee Lachlan Keevers gave the winger a second yellow card for the offence, a decision that left the fans somewhat perplexed.
Upon looking at the replay a number of times, it did appear that the player was anticipating the contact and then went down, but the fact he went up and didn’t appeal for a penalty made the decision seem quite harsh.
The lack of consistency across the board regarding yellow cards from the referee was somewhat dubious as well.
It put the Glory on the back foot and from there, the Victory really took control of the game.
They had a number of chances to score, some from close range, but it was the missile from Eli Adams that put the away side in front.
The Glory players backed off, almost encouraging the young attacking midfielder to shoot, and what a goal it was.
Despite that goal, Alen Stajcic’s side persisted and their efforts were rewarded when academy product Kaelan Majekodunmi scored from a corner in the 88th minute.
It was pure pandemonium at HBF Park, a great moment for the player and the team.
When seven added minutes showed on the board, it’s fair to say the mood was a little deflated.
Then Ben Folami scored in the 96th minute. Heartbreak, but it was coming.
It’s a shame to leave the game with nothing, but ultimately the first point of reflection should be towards the character and fight from the players.
They could’ve easily thrown the towel in against the best team in the competition and down to 10 men, but big credit to the players, they gave everything.
Unfortunately, that counts for little in the end when that little bit of quality and x-factor is missing from most of the squad.
Taggart’s goal was incredible, but besides the 30-year-old Socceroo, there aren’t many players in the team who can change a game and make a decisive impact.
The Victory had players of great quality and ability, and it showed in the end.
The team’s focus now turns to the Wellington Phoenix, who the Glory will play in Sydney as a part of the Unite Round.
It’ll be an intriguing shape up between the two sides and it is the first of three games on the road for Alen Stajcic’s side.
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