Sydney FC pip Perth 3-2

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.