The Phoenix marked their return to action following the coronavirus-enforced hiatus with a 3-1 loss to Sydney FC, but Hooper put them on course for a fifth win in six games when taking Callum McCowatt's pass in his stride and slotting home after 32 minutes.

Hooper's fifth goal in his past seven matches was added to by Davila, who converted from the penalty spot three minutes into the second half following Jacob Tratt's sloppy challenge on David Ball.

Perth could have overtaken their opponents with a win and they pulled one back through Dane Ingham's curled finish from range with half an hour to go, but Ufuk Talay's side withstood some late pressure to move to within a point of second with a game in hand.