What a way to kick off the new year in the A-League – and kick away Perth Glory’s hopes of finally ending their long home league winless run. In the fifth minute of stoppage time at HBF Park on Friday with the scores level at 2-2, Western United midfielder Jordan Lauton launched himself into the air to meet a cross and unleashed an acrobatic bicycle kick. The 21-year-old’s stunning strike arced into the bottom corner of the net to seal a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory for the visitors.
The goal was all the more incredible as it was Lauton’s first ever in the A-League. His coach John Aloisi could hardly believe it, telling Paramount+ after the match: “When we went to 2-2 we just felt that we could grab another one – and what a way to score the winner.” The wild scenes of celebration were short-lived for Lauton though, as he had already been booked and his shirtless celebrations earned him a second yellow card and an upcoming suspension.
A goal for the highlight reels
Replays of Lauton’s spectacular finish will be played over and over, and are sure to feature in every A-League goal of the season compilation. With United pressing for a winner, midfielder Angus Thurgate swung in a cross from the right wing. Lauton, sensing his moment, threw himself into the air with perfect timing, his body almost horizontal as he met the ball full on the volley and sent it flashing past the helpless Perth goalkeeper.
“He [Lauton] apologised for taking off his top and getting sent off. I said, ‘when you score goals like that, you probably can take off your top’.”
– Western United coach John Aloisi
It was a goal worthy of winning any game, let alone one with such high stakes. The three points lifted United into the logjam of teams on 18 points sitting just behind leaders Auckland FC. More importantly, it continued their winning streak and gave them vital momentum ahead of Tuesday’s Melbourne derby against City.
For Perth though, so close to ending their astonishing 321-day wait for a home A-League win, it was a devastating blow. They had led 2-1 with just minutes remaining thanks to Jarrod Carluccio‘s fine 66th minute strike. But United kept pushing and found their equaliser in the 91st minute via Tate Russell‘s far post finish. Then came Lauton’s late late show to send them home empty-handed yet again.
Perth’s problems persist despite improved display
- Glory still winless at home in 2022/23
- Carluccio goal nearly ended 321-day wait
- Perth remain second-bottom after gut-wrenching loss
The nature of this defeat will sting Perth coach Ruben Zadkovich and his players. In an inconsistent campaign, this was one of their better displays and it seemed they would finally taste victory in front of their success-starved fans. But again they found a way to let it slip, conceding twice in the dying minutes to instead slip to a sixth-straight league loss at home.
“Externally, going by results, pressure is normal. I think the owners understand what we’re doing and the big transition, probably bigger than what we anticipated.”
– Perth Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich
Zadkovich acknowledged the increasing scrutiny on his position, with Perth still second-bottom after collecting just two wins so far in his first season at the helm. He insists the club’s hierarchy are aware of the significant rebuild job needed. But the longer this winless run at HBF Park continues, the tougher it will be to fend off his critics, especially if his side are seen to be caving in the crucial moments as they did here.
For United and their fans though, this was a famous victory to savour, one that will live long in the memory for the audacity of its final act. Lauton’s moment of magic – and subsequent rush of blood – encapsulated the fine margins and swinging emotions that make the A-League such a compelling spectacle. Games can change in an instant, seasons potentially pivot on the back of one strike. Just ask Jordan Lauton and his grateful team-mates.
