The game was a bit of a scrappy affair at times with Perth looking threatening in small passages of play. However, this would be potentially brought to nought when against the run of play the visitors would venture forwards and put the Glory defence under immediate pressure and danger, only for the last line of defence keeping them at bay for a corner or a close missed opportunity from the visitors. Both teams would be huffing and puffing, but no house was going to be blown down as the scores were locked at nil-all at the break. Perth would be frustrated to not have at least one goal in the bank as they were the better side going into the break.
Perth looked the better team, though there were moments where Central Coast looked like they were going to spoil the party and possibly snatch a goal from the run of play. This was not to be as Perth opened the account with calm defence and running the ball out for a counter, splitting the midfield and defence putting the keeper under pressure. Colakovski was then one-on-one with the keeper and weaved around him to slot home the first goal of the match in the 52nd minute.
Some drama was to follow into the second half with a goal scored, only for it to be disallowed, then for VAR to determine that Central Coast had caused an infringement and to issue a player a red card. Very unusual circumstances but now the visitors were down to 10 men, though the goal should have been awarded in my un-professional (I am no referee) opinion. However, deep into the second half a Taggart goal had sealed the three points and had secured the first win for Perth of the 2023-24 season, keeping Central Coast winless and facing many hard questions.
The food was, as usual expensive. Though I was not alone on this occasion and normally I would be avoiding the food and even drinks here at Perth Oval as they are rather expensive. The troops had come along, with the two youngest ones watching their first Perth Glory game. So of course their little tummies would be hungry and thirsty. Equally hungry and thirsty to deplete the wallet of funds. Pepsi 600mL bottles were 6 dollars and ordered 4 of them. Then I had ordered two buckets of hot chips and a southern chicken with coleslaw and chilli sauce. The chicken sub was 13 dollars and the chips were 8 dollars each. While the chips were ok and salted alright, the portion and for 8 dollars is out of touch and ridiculous. But they will argue that the inflationary pressures and therefore to make ends meet require the prices to go upwards. While I understand this in economics, the reality is that if fathers, or parents take their children to these games it will be a very expensive experience. The chicken was nice, the coleslaw wasn't too bad with the sauce. It wasn't overly spicy as it was somewhat tangy but it was nice. I would like to have something a bit spicier, but that is my taste as I like spicy food.
All-in-all was a pleasant experience to watch another game of A-League in Perth. The troops had enjoyed their first win in person and the eldest was happy to see a win after have a bit of an unfortunate streak of only seeing losses. It is a shame that the cost of food and beverages are just so crippling to the overall matchday experience.
