Glory headed for finals
Perth Glory have emphasised their finals' credentials in a 2-0 win over fellow challenger Wellington in an incident-packed Friday night affair at ME Bank Stadium that also saw Eugene Dadi miss a penalty on his return to Perth.
The Glory's Daniel McBreen and Todd Howarth both scored before half-time to set up the result as Wellington struggled to convert its chances in front of goal.
But the biggest culprit was former Glory man Dadi as he looked to make a statement to previous coach Dave Mitchell.
Dadi had the chance to reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute when he stepped up to the spot, but could only shoot the ball gently into Tando Velaphi's disbelieving grasp.
The result sees Perth climb into fifth position on the Hyundai A-League table, all but securing its maiden finals' position as it climbs six points above the bottom four teams.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast's hold on top spot in the Hyundai A-League might be short-lived after it was forced to settle for a share of the points following a 1-1 draw with Central Coast at Gosford on Friday night.
After a poor first half, the game came to life in the second stanza with the Mariners unlucky not to claim only their second win of the season at Bluetongue Stadium.
It was a result neither coach will be happy with.
Gold Coast boss Miron Bleiberg would be disappointed his team did not claim maximum points after Joel Porter opened the scoring in the 66th minute.
Porter was in the right place at the right time to lash home from close range following a corner the Mariners failed to clear.
But within a minute of Porter's goal the Mariners were handed a chance to equalise after striker Nik Mrdja was fouled in the box by Sebastiaan Van Den Brink.
Mrdja was quick to his feet and safely slotted home from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.
It was his third goal in three games and sixth of the season.
In the National Youth League, Central Coast drew with Gold Coast 2-2.