A late Jaiden Kucharkski brace – including a stunner that is in the conversation for goal of the season – has led Perth Glory to a rousing 2-1 win over reigning premiers Auckland at HBF Park.
Kucharski was the difference in the game after coming on in the 59th minute, with his goals cancelling out Jesse Randall’s brilliant opener just before half time.
His second goal will be an iconic moment for Perth Glory and the Isuzu UTE A-League in general, with Kucharski picking up a ball inside from Stefan Colakovski and exploding a shot past Michael Woud in Auckland’s goal to secure all three points.
Would had earlier replaced Oli Sail who was initially been preferred in the starting XI, but had to be stretchered off after what looks like an unfortunate knee injury.
The result means that Auckland have missed their chance to regain top spot on the Isuzu UTE A-League table, dropping to third after Sydney’s thumping derby win over the Wanderers earlier tonight.
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Randall’s 42nd minute opener showed his quicksilver best that has enticed Dundee United to sign a pre-contract to bring him to Scotland at the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
His push to take the ball around Will Freney and collect by running on to the other side of him was matched only by the quality of the finish to find Matt Sutton’s far post.
It was a rare display of incisiveness in a half that was otherwise scrappy, with the best chance otherwise coming from a goalmouth scramble that Glory couldn’t bundle in despite Brian Kaltak’s best flying volley effort.
Perth dominated the second half, with Tom Lawrence working Sail just after the hour mark, and Taggart heading wide from point blank range when it almost seemed easier to score.
Sail’s game came to an unfortunate end shortly after Taggart’s chance; the Kiwi international going down clutching at his knee after collapsing taking a goal kick.
Perth peppered Woud after replacing Sail, and the Glory’s hard work paid off in the 73rd minute when a route one ball from Scott Wootoon took out Auckland’s midfield and defence landed perfectly for Kucharski.
The ball dropped for Kucharski to first play to himself with his thigh and then deftly chip Woud after letting the ball bounce, the quality of the finish leaving the keeper no chance.
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Auckland poured the pressure on after the goal, but it was Kucharski’s 90th minute intervention which proved decisive in the game.
Perth’s next assignment is against Macarthur at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, while Auckland return to New Zealand to play Sydney for the first of two bouts inside 10 days.
ALEX TOBIN MEDAL VOTES:
3. Jaiden Kucharski
2. Jesse Randall
1. Brian Kaltak
