League leaders prove too strong for Glory

Gareth Morgan

Glory were unable to halt Melbourne City’s flying start to the season as the home side ran out 4-0 winners in Saturday’s Round 5 clash at AAMI Park.

Ruben Zadkovich’s men kept the league leaders and reigning Premiers at bay until early in the second half when Jamie Maclaren pounced on a loose ball in the box to put his side ahead.

The former Glory striker then doubled City’s lead from the penalty spot after Mitch Oxborrow was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and late efforts from widemen Marco Tilio and Matthew Leckie duly completed the scoring.

Zadkovich pulled no punches in his assessment of what was a difficult afternoon for the men in purple.

“I’m disappointed,” he said.

“Obviously it’s not an easy place to come and for a squad like us, you have to be at your best and I don’t think we were and it is what it is.

“They’re top of the league for a reason, they’re a quality outfit and they were just too good for us tonight.

“There was a big divide in class and quality between the two teams.

“It’s really important that we stay focused on the long-term goals and we will.”

Perth are next back in action following the FIFA World Cup when they play their first game at home against Western United on Saturday December 10.

IMAGE: Perth Glory FC