Fresh from a dominant 4-0 win over Adelaide United the previous week, the Mariners were hoping to carry that momentum west, but it was the hosts who seized control from the opening exchanges. Perth Glory started brightly and applied sustained pressure early, forcing Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne into several sharp saves to keep the scoreline level.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Nicholas Pennington found the back of the net to give Glory a deserved lead. Perth continued to press and were rewarded again in first half stoppage time, with Adam Taggart doubling the advantage to send the hosts into the break 2-0 up.
Perth showed no signs of easing after halftime and extended their lead in the 54th minute. Tom Lawrence scored his fifth goal of the season with an ‘olÃmpico’, curling the ball directly in from a corner to make it 3-0.
Mariners head coach Warren Moon responded with a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Arthur De Lima, Diesel Herrington and Will Kennedy in place of Bailey Brandtman, Harry Steele and Storm Roux in an effort to spark a turnaround.
Miguel Di Pizio went closest for the Mariners in the 65th minute, unleashing a powerful strike that was ultimately denied by the Glory defence. The contest then opened up with chances at both ends, including another strong save from Redmayne to prevent further damage.
Further changes saw Christian Theoharous replace Haine Eames in the 83rd minute, while Perth’s Luke Amos was shown a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Lucas Mauragis. Nico Duarte also entered the match late for Sabit Ngor as the Mariners pushed for a consolation.
Alfie McCalmont’s 88th minute corner nearly provided that moment, but the visitors were unable to convert, and the match finished 3-0 in Perth’s favour.
Speaking post match, Mariners head coach Warren Moon was candid in his assessment:
‘It was a fair result. We just weren’t at the races today. I think it’s fair to say it was a disappointing night all round for our football club,’ he said.
The Mariners will now turn their attention to a home clash next weekend, hosting Macarthur FC at Polytec Stadium on Saturday 17 January, with kick off scheduled for 6:00pm.
