A classy Diego Castro finish saw Perth Glory defeat Wellington Phoenix 1-0 at nib Stadium in Perth.
Glory dominated possession for most of the evening and although they were unable to create many chances the WA side looked the more likely team to score.
Phoenix toiled hard but desperately missed the flair of captain Dario Vidosic who left the field with an injury in the first half.
Perth have a long injury list of their own but controlled a lackluster first half which saw few opportunities for either side.
This prompted Glory Coach Kenny Lowe to introduce Andreu at half time and the midfielder quickened Glory’s tempo allowing creative players like Castro and Mitch Nichols more time on the ball.
A lively second half saw opportunities for either side with Matthew Ridenton hitting the post for Wellington in what was a frenetic opening to the second period.
In the final round of Spanish week it seemed fitting when Castro calmly slotted Perth into the lead after good work from Nichols on the right wing.
The Spanish maestro was found by a pinpoint Nichols cross with time and space at the back post and he utilized both with a calculated stroke into the bottom corner.
Glory fans held their collective breaths in the final stages after conceding two late goals last week but in truth the home side were largely untroubled for the majority of the match.
The result leaves Wellington rooted to the bottom of the table with just one win while Perth climb back into finals contention relieving pressure on Lowe.
Perth Glory 1 (60′ Castro)
Wellington Phoenix
nib Stadium (8063)
Referee: Adam KERSEY
Assistant Referees: Josh MANELLA and Matthew SOUTHERN
Fourth Official: Adam FIELDING
Perth Glory
33. REDDY Liam (GK), 4. LOWRY Shane, 5. POSCOLIERO Jacob, 6. NICHOLS Mitch (7. CHIANESE Joel), 14. HAROLD Chris, 15. WILSON Brandon, 16. MILLS Joseph, 17. CASTRO Diego, 19. KNOWLES Jospeh (18. ANDREU 45′ ), 26. ITALIANO Jacob, 29. WALKER Jeremy
Substitutes: 13. FEELY Nick (GK), 7. CHIANESE Joel, 18. ANDREU, 20. BRIMMER Jake, 27. WARLAND Riley.
Wellington Phoenix
1. ITALIANO Lewis, 2. MULLEN Daniel, 4. PARACKI Goran, 8. VIDOSIC Dario (17. ABBAS Alli 22′), 9. KALUDEROVIC Andrija, 12. PARKHOUSE Adam, 13. ROSSI Marco, 14. RUFER Alex, 19. DOYLE Thomas, 23. RIDENTON Matthew.
Substitutes: 30. SMITH Keegan (GH) 11. WATSON Hamish, 17. ABBAS Ali, 18. SINGH Sarpeet, 24. ROGERSON Logan.
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