Perth Glory netted a late winner to ensure that they beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 on the opening day of the 2014-15 A-League season.
However, the home side looked dangerous in the opening quarter and Danny Vukovic and his defenders had to scramble to blocks early shots from Michael McGlinchey and Roly Bonevacia inside the first 15 minutes.
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Vukovic earned the plaudits on his teammates once more after 29 minutes when he thwarted Nathan Burns after the striker had been put through on goal.
A few moments after the save, the visitors took the lead. The goal came against the run of play as the former Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Milwall striker Andy Keogh guided a header in at the far post in the 32nd minute.
Shortly after the restart, Glen Moss made a smart reaction save to prevent Mitch Nichols from making it 2-0.
Wellington continued to push for an equaliser and got their reward when McGlinchley turned home a Burns cutback to level in the 73rd minute.
Moss and Vukovic both made impressive saves in the final 10 minutes as it looked as though the game would end in a draw, but Jamie Maclaren motored past a static home defence and rifled a shot into the roof of the net in the 87th minute to send the Glory joint-top after the opening round of fixtures.
Kristian Johnson
