Derbyshire propels Macarthur FC to second in the A-League

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:08 am

A double from English striker Matt Derbyshire propelled Macarthur FC to a 2-0 home win over Perth Glory and lifted the Bulls to second in the A-League.

Derbyshire's first half brace enabled Macarthur to secure a third successive win for the first time in their history and move two places up the table.

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The striker skilfully rounded off a flowing 10th minute team move and then converted Macarthur's first penalty, after Perth debutant Sebastian Langkamp tripped Markel Susaeta.

Macarthur dominated the first A-League game between the two clubs, enjoying the majority of possession and chances in one of their most complete performances of the season.

They had 10 attempts to Perth's one in the first half, with Glory struggling to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.

Derbyshire moved to outright second in the Golden Boot race and has scored 10 of Macarthur's 19 goals. He flicked the ball home from close range after Ivan Franjic headed down a cross from Tommy Oar.

Matt Derbyshire excelled for Macarthur FC to move them second.
Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Derbyshire confidently put away the penalty, though Perth clearly felt Susaeta had initiated contact and the spot-kick shouldn't have been awarded.

It was a similar story In the second half, with Macarthur carving out most of the opportunities.

Loic Puyo blazed a shot over the bar, Franjic had a header cleared off the line by Darryl Lachman and Etxebarria shot straight at Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy.

Substitute Carlo Armiento added some life to Perth's attack and had one fierce shot stopped by Bulls' goalkeeper Adam Federici.