Melbourne Victory forward Archie Thompson brands his winner against Perth ... - Herald Sun

Melbourne Victory's Archie Thompson celebrates after the 2-1 win over Perth in the A League elimination final. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ARCHIE Thompson conceded he was already planning his holidays before capping off the extraordinary elimination final comeback against Perth Glory with the winner.

Down a goal and with Perth Glory sharpshooter Shane Smeltz lining up for a second from the penalty spot with minutes remaining, Victory's season looked doomed.

But Smeltz botched the spot kick, with Victory's Nathan Coe revealing a tip-off from a youth team keeper was the secret behind the miss.

The normally unflappable Smeltz - who'd scored 17 of his 20 A-League penalty attempts - blasted the ball into the crossbar.

Victory then won a decisive penalty at the other end two minutes later to send the game into extra time, paving the way for Thompson's winner.

"I thought that game was over but when they missed that penalty there was always an opportunity for us to score,'' Thompson said.

"You see how (Victory coach) Ange (Postecoglou) has won his grand finals the last two years, in extra time or with a minute to go.

"The goal was one of the highlights of my career. We were pretty much down and out and to come back like we did was amazing.''

While Coe didn't get a glove on the penalty he narrowed Smeltz's target by picking the right way, revealing some inside knowledge given to him by youth team keeper Luke Radonich.

"I thought he was going that way because one of our young keepers was with Perth and he used to practise with Smeltzy and he often went that way,'' Coe said.

"Everything to me said he was going that side. We practised a few (penalties) the day before and Lukey told me he thinks that's his preferred way.

"So I tried to wait so I wasn't diving too early and then picked that side.''

Coe admitted feeling huge relief after his hesitation in the 15th minute handed Glory its opener, with Ryo Nagai chesting in Scott Jamieson's cross.

"I made up my mind before the ball came in. I should've waited to make a judgment on the ball instead of just wanting to get the ball and I got caught in no man's land," he said.

"I guess we didn't want to go on holidays tomorrow so everyone dug deep then got the result we were after."

Victory takes on Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium next Sunday for a spot in the grand final.