Victorious Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe praised his team following a 1-0 win against Adelaide United at nib stadium.
Perth were denied the lead on several occasions by Adelaide goalkeeper Paul Izzo who produced a string of spectacular saves highlighted by an early penalty stop.
However Lowe was proud of the character shown by his side and their persistence throughout the ninety minutes.
“We kept at it and created opportunities,” Lowe said.
“It took a while to come but when it did it was quality and well worth waiting for.”
The solitary goal came ten minutes from time when Irishman Andy Keogh nodded home from five yards.
Diego Castro found substitute Mitch Mallia in space down the right who took the ball in his stride and delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post where Keogh rose highest to give Perth the lead.
It was a lead Lowe believed Glory thoroughly deserved after they created a number of guilt edged chances.
“We deserved it, [we’ve] had enough chances to win two games,” Lowe said.
“We were in behind with Taggs [Taggart] twice, we got a penalty, Keogh had one from two yards, Harold had one from 3 yards.”
Usually praised for its firepower and quality in the final third Lowe instead focused on Glory’s defensive performance.
The 1-0 result is Perth’s first clean sheet of the season and comes at a good time after it broke an unwanted record last season of being the highest conceding team to make the finals.
“I thought the back four was superb” Lowe said.
“I thought Shane Lowry was a rock, Xavi [Torres] played really well, Grant was excellent, Neville was terrier like defensively.”
An honest Marco Kurz acknowledged his Adelaide team weren’t good enough on the night insisting Glory were good money for the win.
“I think the result is correct today,” Kurz said.
“The better team won. You have days in your soccer life when you play bad and I think today was one of them.”
A visibly disappointed Kurz labelled his side’s he first half performance as “the worst” he’s seen this season, however the German remained optimistic about his team particularly after the stunning performance of Izzo.
After denying Castro form the penalty spot Izzo pulled off a superb double save from a swinging corner as well as standing tall to prevent Taggart in a one-on-one opportunity.
“I think he was the best player from our side today,” Kurz said.
“We must always look forward and stay positive.”
Despite Just being five rounds in Adelaide next partake in what’s already being considered a must-win match against the Newcastle Jets at home meanwhile Glory face the longest journey in league football with a trip to Wellington to meet the Phoenix.
