Tim Clarke, Sportal

Brian Deane scored his first goal for Perth

A-League © A-League

Perth Glory have recorded a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory in their Hyundai A-League clash at Members Equity Stadium that began in unusual circumstances.

Perth striker Damian Mori was unexpectedly unable to take his place in the starting line-up because he could not remove his wedding ring.

Despite frantic efforts on the touchline the ring remained stuck on Mori's finger and he was substituted for Brian Deane.

Deane went on to open Perth's account with a trademark header, while Melbourne's Archie Thompson was gifted his sixth goal of the season on his 27th birthday.

Glory substitute Naum Sekulovksi scored a freakish goal in the 55th minute to put the hosts up 2-1 and they held on to claim the win.

Victory boss Ernie Merrick had no complaints about the defeat.

"I thought Perth played very well. They outplayed us on the day, and I thought they were up for it," he said.

"I think our boys realise what it's like to briefly be at the top of the league, and everyone wants to knock you off. They (Perth) were highly motivated."

When the game eventually got underway Melbourne was unable to retain possession for any length of time.

Danny Allsopp had a good one-on-one chance early, but it was batted away by Perth 'keeper Jason Petkovic.

Mori's ring problems proved fortuitous in the 22nd minute when a wonderful switch of play by Nick Ward found Adrian Caceres at the far post, who intelligently headed back across goal for Deane, who towered above two defenders to power home his first goal for the club.

With the recalled Simon Colosimo dominating in midfield, Perth appeared to have control until Jamie Harnwell presented a gift-wrapped present to birthday boy Thompson in the 39th minute.

Under no pressure, Harnwell miscued his backpass into Thompson's path and the Qantas Socceroo made no mistake.

Despite being on a four-game winning streak, Ernie Merrick's side began the second half no better than the first, with Caceres seeing a great chance saved by Victory keeper Eugene Galekovic.

Moments later, Galekovic turned from hero to villain, when his attempted clearance from a weak Adrian Leijer back pass cannoned into Sekulovski's right arm and rolled into the net.

Perth Glory 2 (Deane 22, Sekulovski 55)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Thompson 39)