Glory’s goals put paid to Wanderers’ hopes

Western Sydney Wanderers’ hopes of playing in the finals are all but over after they were beaten 3-1 by Perth Glory

James Meredith of the Glory celebrates his late strike with teammates Picture: Getty Images

Western Sydney Wanderers’ hopes of playing in the finals are all but over after they were beaten 3-1 by Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium on Tuesday night.

Needing a win to maintain their late push for an A-League top-six berth, the Wanderers failed to inspire against a Glory side out for redemption after a horrible defensive display in their 5-3 loss to Adelaide United last week.

Fifth-placed Perth moved to within a point of Brisbane Roar, who meet Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Wanderers, who have two matches left, remain stranded in ninth spot, four points adrift of sixth-placed Adelaide United. Western Sydney need a host of results to go their way to have any chance of making the top six.

The Glory won thanks to goals from Ivan Franjic, skipper Neil Kilkenny and substitute James Meredith. The Wanderers’ only joy was a 63rd-minute Mitchell Duke goal, which levelled scores at 1-1 after Franjic had put Perth ahead three minutes earlier.

But a Kilkenny penalty in the 78th minute after a Dylan McGowan handball offence and a long-distance Meredith strike eight minutes later sealed the three points for the Glory.

Earlier, it took 25 minutes for either side to create a chance. When the opportunity came, it fell for Perth striker Bruno Fornaroli, who was the recipient of a cross from midfielder Kristian Popovic. Fornaroli’s shot had Wanderers goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast beaten, but the ball hit the post.