Diego Castro stuns Melbourne City late to earn Perth Glory a draw

Perth broke Melbourne City hearts, coming from two goals down to share the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw at AAMI Park.

Perth Glory’s Diego Castro, right, celebrates after his late equaliser at AAMI Park left Melbourne City players stunned. Picture: Getty Images

Perth broke Melbourne City hearts, coming from two goals down to share the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw at AAMI Park.

A stunning strike by Diego Castro from well outside the box in the 91st minute rocketed into the net after City goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic appeared to misjudge the trajectory of the shot.

After a week of recriminations over fan favourite Bruno Fornaroli’s departure, and speculation about beleaguered coach Warren Joyce’s future, a win beckoned after a gutsy, backs-to-the-wall performance against the league leaders.

Jamie Maclaren headed past Glory keeper Liam Reddy in the 26th minute before converting from the penalty spot with 35 minutes gone to help City to a 2-o lead at the halftime break.

But Glory substitute Joel Chianese set up a tense finale when he pulled one back for the visitors in the 84th minute.

Maclaren equalled an A-League record after he found the net in his fourth game for his new club, having already scored in each of his first three matches since signing from Scottish club Hibernian in the January transfer window.

Scott Jamieson provided a perfect cross from the left wing that found Maclaren in between two Perth defenders, the in-form marksman giving Reddy no chance with his header.

Maclaren then sent Reddy the wrong way from the spot after a contentious handball decision against Shane Lowry.

Stung into action, the Glory attacked in waves after the restart, but Galekovic was equal to the task, superbly denying Andy Keogh from point-blank range.

City were perhaps guilty of defending too deep and inviting Perth to come at them and it didn’t come as a surprise when Chianese scored.

The result stretched the Glory’s unbeaten run to 12 games and maintained their undefeated record this season away from Perth.

AAP