Perth Glory kicked off their Foxtel Y-League campaign with a deserved 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.
Richard Garcia’s side were switched on from the opening whistle, with midfielder Ethan Brooks causing plenty of headaches for the Brisbane defence with his dashing runs down the right wing and penetrating crosses.
Brooks set up Jaidon Seldon for the opening goal in the 18th minute with a low cross from the right which the striker had no trouble popping into the back of the net.
Brooks could have added his own name to the scoresheet seven minutes later when he latched on to a beautifully-weighted pass from Trent Ostler, but he sprayed his shot over the crossbar as he went one-on-one with Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke.
Brooks and Seldon both had late chances to double Glory’s advantage before half-time, however it was Abias Bukuru who pounced on an uncleared ball in the box to give the home side a comfortable lead at the break.
Despite Roar regrouping in the second half, Glory goalkeeper Jackson Lee was rarely troubled, largely thanks to the defensive work of Cameron Murray, Daniel Walsh and captain Zayd Farah.
Midfielders Henry Hore and Jack Leech were also impressive as Glory started their season on the best possible note.
A late consolation goal to Brisbane substitute Emlyn Wellsmore and a near miss from Cristian Aloisi in added time were the only nervous moments Glory experienced during the entire 90 minutes.
Garcia was full of praise for his side’s performance and insisted that there his more to come from the youngsters.
“The boys were very excited to get into their first game and they put in a decent performance,” he said.
“Of course there are improvements to be made; they are still young boys who are still learning. But it’s a solid start and a solid performance game.
“It was a hot day today and both sides were quite tired towards the end…but that’s why they say experience makes you wise.”
Glory travel to Melbourne next weekend to take on Victory at Lakeside Stadium before returning to Dorrien Gardens on November 24 to host Melbourne City.
Match Details
Perth Glory 2 (Jaidon Seldon 18’, Abias Bukuru 44’) Brisbane Roar 1 (Emlyn Wellsmore 89’)
Dorrien Gardens, Perth
Referee: Adrien Liechti
Assistants: Matthew Southern, Arvin Shanmuganathan
Fourth Official: Shane Skinner
Perth Glory: 1. Jackson LEE (GK), 2. Daniel WALSH (14. Nicholas McDONALD 90’+1), 3. Cameron MURRAY, 4. Zayd FARAH (C), 5. Henry HORE, 6. Jack LEECH, 7. Ethan BROOKS, 8. Abias BUKURU (17. Jordan Abrahams 75’), 9. Jaidon SELDON, 10. Sasa NJEGIC (16. Jaydon LEADER 46’), 11. Trent OSTLER
Substitutes not used: 12. Nicholas SPECA (GK)
Yellow cards: Henry Hore (90’+3)
Red cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar: 1. Macklin FREKE (GK), 3. Kai TREWIN, 4. Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS, 5. Isaack POWELL, 7. Lleyton BROOKS (19. Cristian ALOISI 80’), 8. Oliver DUNCAN (16. Eduardo CASTENEDA 39’), 9. Mirza MURATOVIC, 10. Bryce BAFFORD (2. Emlyn WELLISMORE 85’), 11. Daniel LECK, 14. Jay BARNETT, 15. Stefan NIGRO (C)
Substitutes not used: 20. Lachlan HUNTER (GK)
Yellow cards: 14. Jay Barnett (28’)
Red cards: Nil
#OneGlory
Photos courtesy of Tom McCarthy and Peter Simcox
