Seven goals in two his last two games. 65 goals in 101 total games. Shane Smeltz is the best striker to have played in the A-League bar none. A hattrick in front of 12,600 at NIB Stadium fires Perth Glory through to the next stage of the Hyundai A-League Finals at the expense of Melbourne Heart.
Last night’s win is also Glory’s first ever in the postseason of the A-League, while Smeltz has now bagged seven goals in his last two games following his four goal haul against Melbourne Victory last week.
And who needs video technology?
Not everyone was in agreement with the decision however, not least Melbourne Heart’s Clint Bolton.
“The whole of the ball (has to be) over the line, unless the rule has changed,” said the veteran ‘keeper.
“Obviously the linesman has somehow seen through me or something to make the call.”
A quick watch of the slow mo replay should put that thought right.
Glory now take on Wellington Phoenix at NIB Stadium next Saturday evening at 5.30pm.
Perth Glory: 1. Danny Vukovic, 3. Sebastien Van den Brink, 5. Steve Pantelidis, 7. Jacob Burns, 9. Shane Smeltz, 10. Liam Miller, 13. Travis Dodd, 14. Steven McGarry, 19. Josh Risdon, 27. Andrezinho, 35. Dean Heffernan.
Subs: 20. Neil Young, 4. Billy Mehmet, 17. Todd Howarth, 26. Brandon O’Neill.
Melbourne Heart: 1. Clint Bolton, 2. Michael Marrone, 3. Brendan Hamill, 5. Fred, 6. Matt Thompson, 10. Wayne Shroj, 13. Jonatan Germano, 16. Aziz Behich, 18. Curtis Good, 19. Eli Babalj, 23. Mate Dugandzic,
Subs: 30. Sebastian Mattei, 7. Rutger Worm, 11. Alex Terra, 17. Jason Hoffman, 22. Nick Kalmar.
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |