Last year's runners-up Perth Glory progressed into the round of 16 of the FFA Cup after a narrow 4-3 penalty shootout victory over the Newcastle Jets after the scores were locked at 2-2 after extra time on Tuesday evening.
The stakes were high heading into the match with both sides looking to rebuild following their respective controversies last season. The Glory were ousted from the A-League finals following their salary cap scandal while the the Jets have begun a new era under FFA control following their recent financial struggles.
It was the Novocastrians who got off to a better start with new recruit Labinot Haliti almost drawing first blood in the eighth minute when a marauding run eventually saw his shot across the face of the goal saved by former Wanderers teammate Jerrad Tyson.
The Jets built upon their early dominance when David Carney opened the scoring midway through the first half after pouncing on a defensive error from Antony Golec before blasting a powerful shot past a helpless Tyson.
Haliti continued to threaten as he stung the palms of Perth's custodian in the 33rd minute with a crisp strike before sending a volley into the back of the net from the far post only to be ruled offside.
A frenetic start to the second half saw the Glory immediately place their opponents on the back foot as Scott Miller's men struggled to retain possession.
Read the rest of my FFA Cup review at ESPN FC
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