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Perth Glory’s wretched season ends in more misery, bundled out of the Australia Cup by Newcastle Jets

Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Aidan Edwards of the Glory is challenged by Angus Thurgate of the Jets.
Camera IconAidan Edwards of the Glory is challenged by Angus Thurgate of the Jets. Credit: Matt King/Getty Images

Perth Glory fell at the first hurdle of the Australia Cup, going down 3-1 to Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.

The loss in the elimination qualifier ended Glory’s nightmare wooden spoon A-League season.

Coach Ruben Zadkovich was again forced to field a young side.

The only experience came from captain Darryl Lachman, 32, and goalkeeper Liam Reddy, 40. Without them the average age of the side was just over 19 years.

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Zadkovich said the side was “leggy” and travel weary.

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“They haven’t learnt how to travel yet, how to adapt, to match the intensity of sides away from home,” Zadkovich said.

“We were very sloppy on the ball in the first half, and second half we showed character.

“They went about their business really well in the second half.”

Newcastle had overwhelming first-half pressure and it was no surprise they were two goals up after 30 minutes from a Jordan Elsey header and a Daniel Penha long-range screamer.

Glory reserve Tyler Vecchio breathed life into the game on 70 minutes when he broke quickly and finished clinically to score his first senior goal.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12:  Tyler Vecchio of the Glory celebrates scoring a goal during the Australia Cup Playoff match between Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 12, 2022 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Camera IconTyler Vecchio celebrates. Credit: Matt King/Getty Images

But Archie Goodwin, on the field for only a few seconds, ended Glory’s hopes with his first touch in time added on.

Newcastle were unrelenting in the first period.

Reddy went full length to push away a low curling effort from Samuel Silvera and made a fingertip save to tip an Angus Thurgate shot over the bar.

A Beka Mikeltadze shot from inside the box was blocked as Glory soaked up wave after wave of attack, relying on the quick break to get out of their own half.

They had just one real chance in the opening 45 minutes, Trent Ostler breaking before sending in a low cross that Adam Zimarino could not reach.

Inevitably goals came, Elsey heading home from a corner before Penha’s rocket.

One-way traffic continued after the break. Vecchio gave Glory hope, but Newcastle closed down the game with Goodwin’s goal just before the final whistle.

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