Perth made its long awaited return home a happy one as it crept to within one point of National Soccer League leader Parramatta following its 1-0 win over South Melbourne at Arena Joondalup.

The defending champions, who have played five straight away games, successfully rebounded from its club record 6-0 loss to Parramatta last week.

It took a 62nd minute Bobby Despotovski penalty to break the deadlock.

Glory goalkeeper Jason Petkovic equalled Bob Catlin's NSL best of 105 clean sheets as South Melbourne maintained its unenviable record of never winning in Perth.

Sydney United striker Anthony Doumanis enjoyed a brace of goals to help the home side to a 3-0 win over Brisbane Strikers.

The goals broke a five game scoring drought and took United level with Brisbane, Newcastle and South Melbourne on 11 points, six behind Parramatta.

"We've been threatening to score for a while and the young kids who make up the team are finally starting to understand each other," United coach Grant Lee said.

Pacesetter Parramatta followed up last week's 6-0 drubbing of Perth with a 4-0 home win over Melbourne Knights.

Socceroo striker Ante Milicic scored twice and forced an own goal from Antun Kovacic to lift his league-leading tally for the season to seven.

Travis Dodd completed the scoring by netting Parramatta's fourth goal.

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