La Fiamma’s defence helping side to third on the table as they bounce back with a win over Perth

Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma were able to shake off a tough loss, claiming a 1-0 win over Perth Royals at home on Saturday.

After their worst result of the season, a 5-0 loss to second-place Northern City, the side rallied to claim the win, thanks in part to a super sub who helped change the game.

After holding on for most of the contest against the Royals, skipper Lachlan Gray said Tom Mitic was inspirational in the second half.

“He came on in probably the last half-hour of the game and completely changed the course of it,” he said.

“He started running the ball around and broke those lines, and was pivotal in the lead-up to the goal.”

It was Cam Brown who scored for the Reds, from outside the box, to give the side the win.

La Fiamma’s third-placed rank is in part thanks to their strong defensive record.

The side are ranked second-best for goals allowed, with 17.

Gray said the side were actively working on defence to be one of the best in the competition.

“Our coach Keegan (Roos) told us at the beginning of the season clean sheets win games,” he said.

“We’ve learned to be more comfortable on the ball and being able to play out from the back and move the ball around.”

Braiden Page has also come along as a keeper, contributing heavily to his side’s record.

The side will head to Perth to take on UWA on Saturday, where Gray hopes they can get one back after they lost 2-0 to Perth at home earlier this season.

“We’re either taking the win or we’re coming away with a draw. We don’t want to accept anything less than that,” he said.