Melbourne Heart-broken after Perth Glory draw

Melbourne Heart were left heart-broken after their 2-2 draw with league leaders Perth Glory yesterday.

The new A-League club were at their best in their short four-game history but were cruelly denied their first win in the final minute of proceedings when the Glory were awarded a penalty when the score was 2-1.

Robbie Fowler netted from the spot to tie it all up but the decision from debutant referee Kurt Ams was criticised by all Heart fans and neutrals alike as it seemed that Glory first-gamer Michael Baird dived when challenged by Heart’s Kliment Taseski who was also on debut.

Melbourne coach John van ‘t Schip said it was a tough way to end a match he felt his side deserved to win.

“That’s the most difficult thing I think because we are working very hard to get that first win and today it seemed to be there, but as we know, the game is more than 90 minutes,” he said.

“Looking back at the game, I think the first half was good, we played very aggressive, very quick and forward defending football, created some good chances. We got a good lead with the (first) goal and I thought it was a deserved penalty.

“But then coming back from the equaliser, which was a strange goal again, it was a little bit unlucky, but we kept on going and made a good goal with Nick Kalmar,” he added.

“In the second half, we didn’t manage any more to play the game we did in the first half, we didn’t keep the ball up high. You could see Perth was applying more pressure, and they made one or two opportunities but Clint (Bolton) was playing a great game.”

The draw moved the Heart to 10th on the table whilst Glory remained in top spot.