Melbourne Heart FC has been held to a 0-0 draw by Perth Glory at nib Stadium as the side extended its unbeaten streak to five matches.
Melbourne Heart FC has been held to a 0-0 draw by Perth Glory at nib Stadium as the side extended its unbeaten streak to five matches.
Despite creating a flurry of chances late in the match, the away side was unable to break through for a decisive goal as Heart recorded its third successive clean sheet.
While Head Coach John van ‘t Schip admitted he was disappointed with his side-s first half, the Dutchman said he was impressed with the improved display after the break.
“I think we were slow. We were probably tired after the game (last) Sunday and the trip and the travel, maybe the circumstances, the weather, a lot hotter of course here than when we are back in Melbourne,” he said.
“But also I was very more pleased with the second-half performance. So I think the result at the end, we can be happy.
“Maybe with the chances we had we deserve more, but the first half was not good and the second half was still decent.”
With Wayne Srhoj ruled out through suspension, van ‘t Schip recalled Captain Simon Colosimo, who was deployed in central midfield, while Michael Beauchamp remained partnered in defence by Matt Thompson.
Following a cautious opening to the contest, Glory immediately set about ending its losing streak, attacking with pace and vigour as youngster Tommy Amphlett forced a low save from Clint Bolton.
Mile Sterjovski was then presented with a chance to test Bolton from long range after a turnover in midfield, but the former Socceroo was only able to pull his shot wide.
Sparked into action, Heart soon responded as Michael Beauchamp and Nick Kalmar both headed wide before Rutger Worm turned and shot off-target from inside the area.
However, as the contest ebbed and flowed, Glory soon regained control, with Michael Baird and then Scott Neville spurning chances to send the home side into half time with the lead.
With fatigue seemingly setting in, the match opened up after the break, allowing Josip Skoko-s wide passing range to come to the fore, threading balls through for the likes of Kalmar to test the Glory rearguard.
The duo combined in the 64th minute as Kalmar headed agonisingly high at the back post after a wonderfully weighted ball from the former Premier League player.
Glory though nearly snatched a goal of its own minutes later, Sterjovski blazing high from close range when unmarked in the area.
But Heart soon resumed its late surge, with Kalmar once again heading inches wide before Eli Babalj rattled the crossbar in added time.
