Glorious night for Popovic family as Perth edge closer to securing A-League top six berth

The Mariners had to deal with not one, not two but three members of the Popovic dynasty as Perth Glory edged closer to a finals berth in an extraordinary delayed A-League clash.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Kristian Popovic of Perth Glory reacts to a missed penalty during the round 29 A-League match between the Perth Glory and the Central Coast Mariners at Central Coast Stadium on July 18, 2020 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

It took three Popovics to help beat Central Coast Mariners in an extraordinary A-League clash in Gosford on Saturday night.

Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic handed starts to his two teenage sons, striker Gabriel, 16, and midfielder Kristian, 18, as the trio saw the ‘home’ side beat Mariners 1-0 at Central Coast Stadium after both sides had been in a forced pandemic hibernation since March.

Glory’s Dane Ingham broke the deadlock after the Mariners appeared to lose concentration during a set piece instigated by midfield maestro Neil Kilkenny.

Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Kristian Popovic played his part in the Glory’s important win.

A-LEAGUE NEWS

Nutmegs, titles and betrayal: A-League’s friendliest rivalry

The defeat consigned the Mariners to an A-League record 11 consecutive defeats.

Tony Popovic was ecstatic with his sons’ performances but claimed Kilkenny was best on ground.

“I felt he was outstanding, controlling the game with or without the ball and showing real leadership skills, he’s been at the forefront of the leadership with Liam Reddy,’’ Popovic said.

“Those two for the last month have kept the group really happy and positive in a great training environment, I’m not surprised by his performance but I certainly have to agree it was an outstanding one.

“He is playing better than last year.”

Popovic the youngest – earning his first start since his debut off the bench in November last year against Newcastle – partnered Bruno Fornaroli in attack, dragging defenders to give the Uruguayan space to weave his magic.

The win saw fifth-placed Glory edge closer to cementing a spot in the playoffs, as the club sits seven points clear of sixth-placed Western United and a point away from fourth-placed Brisbane Roar, who face Adelaide at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Originally published as Glorious night for Popovic family as Perth edge closer to securing A-League top six berth