A-League
Perth Glory Edges Past Brisbane Roar 1-0
A solitary second-half goal from David Williams propelled Perth Glory to their first victory of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024/25 season, defeating Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The win marked a significant milestone for Head Coach David Zdrilic’s side, who demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to fend off a determined Roar team.
Tactical Battle and a Decisive Moment
On a sweltering Queensland afternoon, the opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Former Glory midfielder Keegan Jelacic came closest to scoring for Brisbane with a long-range effort that thundered off the crossbar. Meanwhile, Perth’s Abdul Faisal and Adam Bugarija threatened, though neither could break the deadlock.
The turning point came in the 70th minute. Josh Risdon’s inch-perfect cross found Williams, whose volley found the back of the net, courtesy of a deflection off defender Lucas Herrington. It was a moment of fortune and finesse, emblematic of the game’s fine margins.
Roar’s Late Push Falls Short
Brisbane ramped up the pressure in search of an equalizer. Jay O’Shea and Adam Zimarino missed key opportunities, while a fierce shot from O’Shea was expertly parried by Glory goalkeeper Cameron Cook. Despite Roar’s late surge, Perth’s defense, led by the outstanding Andriano Lebib, held firm to secure three vital points.
Notable Performances and Milestones
David Williams’ goal marked his 51st in the A-League, showcasing his enduring class. Perth also celebrated a landmark moment for 19-year-old Will Freney, who made his senior debut as a late substitute. Lebib’s performance in defense earned plaudits, cementing his role as a key player in Zdrilic’s plans.
Match Summary
- Result: Brisbane Roar 0-1 Perth Glory
- Goal: Williams (70’)
- Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Referee: Nathan Shakespear
Match Statistics
| Stat | Brisbane Roar | Perth Glory |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on target) | 14 (4) | 9 (6) |
| Ball Possession (%) | 63 | 37 |
| Total Passes | 588 | 353 |
| Fouls | 6 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 3 |
