A brilliant second half hat-trick from returning midfielder Reece Vittiglia has handed Perth Glory Youth full points with a 4-3 win in a nail biting clash against the AIS at McKellar Park.
A brilliant second half hat-trick from returning midfielder Reece Vittiglia has handed Perth Glory Youth full points with a 4-3 win in a nail biting clash against the AIS at McKellar Park.
The game saw both sides score two goals in quick succession at different stages but, after a disappointing loss last week, Perth-s hunger was too much for the AIS.
Despite some good attacking surges from both teams in the early stages, the defences had the upper hand until AIS West Australian recruit Eli Babalj struck from a tight angle.
The outstanding young striker scored again moments later, this time using his head from a well weighted cross to extend the lead to two after just 18 minutes.
The home side could have been three up if it wasn-t for the quick hands of Alex Pearson in Glory-s goal as the AIS enjoyed a period of dominance over the West Australians.
Perth though worked their way back into the contest and started to press forward with purpose in the latter stages of the first half. While the visitors did their best to regain some ground by producing some excellent attempts at goal they were unable to find the back of the net before the half time whistle blew.
Both teams returned to second half play looking to dominate. The strong midfield play continued, with the AIS keen to maintain its two goal lead and Perth Glory looking to get points on the board.
The Glory had numerous attempts at goal in the mid stages of the second half and their pressure was rewarded when they levelled the scores with two goals in eight minutes.
Vittiglia converted Perth-s third corner of the game much to the delight of team mates and they were celebrating again soon after as the classy midfielder equalised for the visitors with 21 minutes remaining.
The AIS picked themselves back up and it was John Matrinovski who curled in an impressive free kick to put the home side up again with a quarter of an hour to play.
Down but not out, Perth again levelled proceedings, this time Ludovic Boi the danger man after intercepting a poor back pass by the AIS. Boi, who has been a standout all season for Perth, made the most of the opportunity to slam it into the net and set-up a tense final 10 minutes.
Deadlocked at three a piece up until the final seconds, Vittiglia iced the match with a brilliant solo effort. He manoeuvred his way through traffic and struck a final blow into the heart of the AIS with his third goal in a stunning return to action for the Glory Youth side.
National Youth League 2009/10 – Rd 7
Australian Institute of Sport 3 (Eli BABALJ 16-/18-, John MARTINOSKI 75-)
Perth Glory 4 (Reece VITTIGLIA 61-/69/94-, Ludovic BOI 81-)
Saturday 24 October at McKellar Park, McKellar ACT
Referee: Gary Vandeburgt
Assistant referees: Brett Woodford and Luke Withell
Fourth official: Greg Taylor
Australian Institute of Sport: 1.Lawrence THOMAS(gk), 21.Mustafa AMINI, 8.Eli BABALJ (14.Damir Lokvancic 60-), 11.Christopher BUSH, 9.Stephen DOMENICI, 19.Curtis GOOD(24.Scott MELLISH 60-), 15.Brendan HAMILL, 18.Ersin KAYA (7.Terry ANTONIS 60-), 12.Jared LUM, 16.John MARTINOSKI, 10.Nikola STANOJEVIC.
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Aaron LENNOX.
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Perth Glory: 1.Alex PEARSON (gk) (20.Tim DOYLE (gk) 58-), 8.Clayton ARNEZ, 11.Ludovic BOI, 10.Million BUTSHIIRE, 13.Jack CLIZBY (5.Joshua RISDON 55-), 7.Cameron EDWARDS (3.Steve HESKETH (c) 73-), 2.Ryan EDWARDS, 6.Dean EVANS, 3.Steve HESKETH (c) (4.Sam MITCHINSON 58-), 9.Anthony SKORICH (12.Reece VITTIGLIA 32-), 14.Glen TRIFIRO.
Substitutes Not Used: Nil.
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
