Melbourne City coach Rado Vidosic has praised Tom Glover's handling of an intense spotlight after the goalkeeper was targeted by a section of Melbourne Victory fans in the A-League Men derby.
Glover was outstanding in Saturday night's contest at AAMI Park, making a string of brilliant saves.
But he couldn't prevent table-topping City suffering a surprise 3-2 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals.
Glover had been at the centre of the drama during the previous derby in December, when a violent pitch invasion led to the match being called off.
The 25-year-old suffered lacerations to his head when struck by a fan wielding a metal bucket.
The incident came after Glover tossed one of the flares thrown by fans back into the stands, enraging some of Victory's active supporters.
Glover later escaped sanction for his role in one of the darkest days in Australian soccer history.
A section of Victory fans were eager to show they hadn't yet moved on, taunting Glover throughout Saturday night's clash with songs referencing City's custodian being "smashed by a bucket".
"He handled it perfectly," Vidosic said.
"We didn't talk about it (during the build-up).
"We knew that he's a big boy, he can handle himself.
"I think he was excellent."
City were caught out by a set piece, a fast break and a deflection in their surprise defeat, with Glover not at fault for any of Victory's goals.
There was an electric atmosphere inside AAMI Park, though no official crowd figure was posted because a stadium "system error" meant fans' tickets weren't scanning on entry.
There were no obvious signs of trouble in the stands and Vidosic praised the "brilliant" supporters.
"We need every game to be like this," Vidosic said.
"We need more people to come and support, especially us, we are playing some really good football (this season).
"We are scoring freely, we're controlling the game, we're creating chances, so we would love to have more supporters come and enjoy our play."
Despite the derby defeat, City remain well clear on top of the table ahead of a home clash with Sydney FC on Saturday.
"There's no need to panic," Vidosic said.
