Perth Glory’s Youth side produced a fine display but were left empty handed after two late strikes ensured Queensland took the win in an entertaining match at Suncorp Stadium.
Perth Glory-s Youth side produced a fine display but were left empty handed after two late strikes ensured Queensland took the win in an entertaining match at Suncorp Stadium.
The versatile Ryan Pearson and silky attacker Ludovic Boi gave Perth a wonderful start as the visitors raced to a two goal lead before the quarter hour mark.
Regular Queensland A-League custodian Liam Reddy was in goal as he made his return to the pitch following a hamstring strain and was picking the ball from the back of his net in the opening minute.
A firmly struck header from Pearson gave Perth the opener while the Roar ‘keeper was again forced into action with an excellent save to deny Reece Vittiglia soon after.
Perth-s early momentum was rewarded with another goal after 12 minutes when Vittiglia linked up with Boi to double their advantage. After a handy run through the middle, Boi worked the one-two perfectly with Vittiglia before unleashing a searing strike that thudded into the back of the net.
With several A-League experienced players in their ranks the Roar fought back in the second half but had to rely on a long range shot to break down the Glory defence in the first instance.
The home side-s persistence paid dividends when Luke Bratten kept his 30 meter shot on target as it curled late to fly past the outstretched hand of Glory goal keeper Alex Pearson.
As the clock wound down a pint point effort from senior player Robbie Kruse found another A-Leaguer Chris Grossman for a tap in with 13 minutes remaining before the Roar midfielder secured the winner just two minutes later.
Perth-s chances of a late equaliser were made all the more difficult when Josh Risdon received his second yellow in the 82nd minute.
The Glory continues their National Youth League campaign with a third away match in a row up against Adelaide in the South Australian capital next Sunday.
Queensland Roar 3 (Luke Bratten 56-, Chris Grossman 77-, 79-)
Perth Glory 2 (Ryan Pearson 1-, Ludovic Boi 12-)
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 24 January 2009
