Maggie Jenkins’ header lifts Perth Glory to 1-0 road win over Central Coast

详细摘要

Perth Glory have climbed to equal-top of the A-League Women table with another eye-catching victory after toppling ladder-leaders Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in Gosford thanks to a…

Perth Glory have climbed to equal-top of the A-League Women table with another eye-catching victory after toppling ladder-leaders Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in Gosford thanks to a late Maggie Jenkins header.

Kiwi striker Jenkins’ first goal in Glory colours proved the difference as Perth came out victorious in their top of the table match to inflict a first defeat of the season on Central Coast.

Against a Central Coast side who had scored freely in their first four games, Perth became the first side to keep them goalless as they claimed their fourth clean sheet in five matches to move level with the Mariners on points, albeit behind them on goal difference.

It was another superb Perth defensive performance, led by centre-backs Onyi Zogg and Baxter Thew in front of assured goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste with left-back Julia Sardo once again excelling, which laid the foundations for Glory’s win.

While Glory struggled to create many serious chances of note or properly test former Perth shot-stopper Morgan Aquino up the other end, they nullified a Central Coast side who had scored 12 goals in four matches.

It was left to Jenkins to break the deadlock late, as the Kiwi out-jumped her marker in the 78th minute to nod home a cross from Emma Tovar — who was once again vital in midfield alongside partner-in-crime Georgia Cassidy.

After taking just seven points from 10 away games last year, Perth have already matched that feat from their first three away games ahead of next weekend’s trip to third-placed Melbourne Victory.

Central Coast impressed on the break with star midfielder Peta Trimis looming large, but they often struggled to play their way through Perth’s high press, which resulted in Glory’s best chances.

When Trimis’ backwards pass missed its intended target in the ninth minute, Jenkins swooped, but amid the intentions of the nearby Te Reremoana Walker, saw her attempt picked out of the air by Aquino in goal.

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