Terra magic steals point for Heart

A mesmerising scissor-kick goal from substitute Alex Terra grabbed Melbourne Heart a share of the spoils in a controversial 1-1 A-League draw with the Glory in Perth on Saturday night.

Glory players were left fuming in the 63rd minute when referee Gerard Parsons waved play on despite Jamie Harnwell's back heel appearing to cross the goal-line before Wayne Srhoj's clearance.

Perth would have been 2-0 up and well on the way to victory had the goal been awarded following on from Todd Howarth's first-half strike.

Instead, Terra inflicted heartbreak in the most dramatic fashion in the 70th minute, tapping up Gerald Sibon's headed pass before unleashing a glorious bicycle kick that left Glory goalkeeper Tando Velaphi watching on in disbelief.

To add to the drama, Glory defender Scott Neville had the chance to win the match with the final kick of the night, but pushed his shot just wide of the target with only goalkeeper Clint Bolton to beat.

The 7,962 fans on hand booed the referees off the park after the final whistle sounded.

The result lifted Melbourne equal on points with sixth-placed Newcastle, although the Jets have two matches in hand and a better goal difference.

Perth remains mired to 10th spot on the ladder, eight points shy of sixth spot.

The Glory created numerous chances during a dominant first-half performance but it was the Heart who almost broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, with Nick Kalmar's dipping 24-yard strike only just tipped over the bar by outstretched Glory goalkeeper Tando Velaphi.

Howarth was causing Melbourne's defence numerous problems but the Glory midfielder struggled to find the finishing touch, his weak shot in the 17th minute easily saved and his lunge in the 22nd minute failing to connect with Adriano Pellegrino's deflected cross.

Howarth finally broke through in the 33rd minute, poking home Tommy Amphlett's clever chest-down after a neat chip from Robbie Fowler.

Terra should have equalised in the 40th minute but the Brazilian powered his close-range strike straight into Velaphi's welcoming arms.

Harnwell's plea for a goal fell on deaf ears in the second half and Heart shot to life following Terra's magical strike, creating a number of chances in the final half hour as both sides pushed for victory.