-
Sydney FC celebrate - Source: Getty Images -
Related
John Aloisi rescued Sydney FC's A-League minor premiership hopes with an 87th-minute winner in a thrilling and controversial 3-2 win over Perth Glory at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.
Needing a win to stay within reach of leaders Melbourne heading into the final round, Sydney's hopes looked to be dashed after striker Daniel McBreen equalised for Perth in the 79th minute.
But Aloisi headed home his second goal of the match in the dying minutes to send 8359 western Sydney fans into raptures on a miserable afternoon.
A 24th-minute penalty to Sydney FC captain Steve Corica put the home side in the early lead before Wayne Srhoj struck deep into first-half injury time to level the scores.
But the talking point of the match was Aloisi's 49th-minute strike, which almost didn't stand.
There were doubts as to whether the former Socceroos striker's mis-hit shot had crossed the line after a desperate clearance from Chris Coyne appeared to keep it out.
But television replays showed Coyne's attempted clearance actually went through a hole in the side of the net.
Sydney players were furious when referee Chris Beath didn't immediately award the goal but after several minutes and consultation with a linesman he finally signalled for the goal.
The win means Sydney can still finish the home-and-away season in first place if they beat the Victory at home next week and Gold Coast drop points.
Perth had a couple of opportunities in the opening half but Sydney could have gone into the break with a comfortable lead had they done more with their chances.
The Sky Blues were particularly effective on the counter attack, with Alex Brosque at his brilliant best, setting up a stack of opportunities for his teammates.
The breakthrough came when right back Shannon Cole was barged over in the box by Todd Howarth, and Corica made no mistake with the spot kick.
Brosque was again involved, having a brilliant solo effort denied by a Scott Neville clearance in the lead-up.
Sydney looked to be well in control until Srhoj struck in added time, latching onto a layoff from Andrija Jukic layoff and beating Clint Bolton at his near post.
Aloisi's first had Sydney back on top before McBreen pounced on a Scott Bulloch cross to get Perth on level terms.
But Aloisi struck again when he looped his header over Aleks Vrteski from a Stephan Keller cross and immediately ran to celebrate with the vocal home supporters.
