Late goal sinks Glory

An 88th minute Nathaniel Atkinson goal was enough for Melbourne City to defeat Perth Glory at AAMI Park on Wednesday night.

City looked set to extend their winless run to three matches despite dominating possession and enjoying the bulk of chances, with star attacking trio Jamie Maclaren, Mathew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout again kept goalless.

But just eight minutes after entering the fray, Joe Marston Medallist Atkinson headed home in the 88th minute to snatch all three points and send City, albeit temporarily, into second on the table.

After a quiet opening half, the game burst to life in the 51st minute when Antonee Burke-Gilroy received a yellow card for a challenge on City captain Scott Jamieson.

Three minutes later, Nabbout burst into the 18-yard box and, under pressure from Ota, went sprawling to the turf but had his penalty appeal immediately waved away by referee Ben Abraham.

City substitute Florin Berenguer then forced an excellent save from Cook with a fierce strike in the 76th minute.

In the 83rd minute, Cook brilliantly tipped Good's back-stick header onto the post but City found their breakthrough five minutes later.

Good launched a long ball into the path of Metcalfe, who nodded the ball towards the back post, where Atkinson headed home what would prove to be the match winner.

Perth's next match is scheduled against Brisbane Roar at Moerton Bay Stadium on December 18th, the club facing potential quarantine on Christmas Day as border restrictions continue to plague Richard Garcia's side.

IMAGE: Shepparton News.