Perth Glory moved to the top of the Hyundai A-League table after Irish recruit Andy Keogh scored a hat-trick, including a late winner, in Sunday’s 3-2 triumph over Brisbane Roar at nib Stadium.
There was no stopping Keogh as his injury-time header helped Glory record their second win from as many games while keeping the defending champions winless after the opening two rounds.
Keogh has now scored seven goals in four official games for his new club, including three in the FFA Cup.
Glory went into the match as slight favourites, but it was the Roar who made the first move as Mike Mulvey’s side looked to avenge last week’s shock first round loss to Adelaide United.
What they said
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start, especially at home. We’re undefeated now, been on a good run in the Cup and its been excellent.” – Andy Keogh (Perth Glory)
“I thought we gifted them two goals, I think it was our own doing that we let them back in. You can’t defend like that and expect not to concede.” – Matt Smith (Brisbane Roar)
Goals
0-1 Mensur Kurtisi (39’) Steve Lustica played a high ball from the centre circle to the unmarked Henrique, who briefly cruised down the right wing before squaring the ball into the box where the Albanian striker finished from close range.
1-1 Keogh (49’ pen) The Irish striker was charging towards goal from the left side and was poised to shoot when brought down by Jade North inside the penalty area. Keogh then stepped up to the spot and casually slotted the ball into bottom right corner.
1-2 Henrique (55’) The Brazilian maestro was given too much space at the top of the box, allowing him plenty of time to fire up the cannon and send the ball screaming past a hapless Danny Vukovic into the top right corner.
2-2 Keogh (74’) Josh Risdon beautifully played a ball to Keogh, who turned Brisbane’s defence inside out and fired on goal, with the ball deflecting off James Donachie on its way into the back of the net.
3-2 Keogh (90’+1) The match was sealed in the first minute of injury time when Keogh rose above the pack and headed a sublime corner kick from Scott Jamieson into the net, sparking wild celebration from the men in purple and their exuberant fans.
Key moment
The momentum was with Glory after Keogh’s penalty kick and the 28-year-old almost gave the home side the lead minutes later when his head connected with a brilliant cross from Mitch Nichols. However, Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young somehow managed to get his body in the way to deny Keogh a second goal in the space of three minutes. Brisbane then took the ball into their attacking half and Henrique handed his side the lead with a sizzling strike from just outside the box.
Opta Data key stats
The last six games between both of these sides has produced just eight goals. Today’s match produced five despite the missing presence of prolific former Brisbane Roar scoring ace Besart Berisha.
Hightlights reel
There were fewer highlights on the pitch than those provided by Kenny Lowe off it. The Glory coach’s sideline antics have always made for entertaining viewing and his emotive body language today ensured all football fans will continue to keep a close eye on the English-born manager’s theatrics this season.
Treatment table
Risdon played a sensational game at right full back, but limped off in the 83rd minute with a leg injury and took no further part in the match.
The Final Word
Perth is buzzing and Andy Keogh is the new hometown hero after Glory claimed maximum points from the first two matches and will look to make it three from three next Sunday against Adelaide. Glory has refused to sign a marquee player and so far the strange directive seems to be working.
Brisbane will go back to the drawing board after failing to claim a point from the first two rounds. The defending champions now face a must-win clash against Sydney FC at home in just five days time or risk slumping to the bottom of the table. There were some good signs, however, particularly the two goals scored by Kurtisi and Henrique.
Teams
Perth Glory: Danny Vukovic, Rostyn Griffiths, Dino Djulbic, Youssouf Hersi (Jack Clisby 79’), Andy Keogh, Nebojsa Marinkovic (Jamie Maclaren 46’), Richard Garcia, Mitch Nichols, Josh Risdon (Diogo Ferreira 83’), Scott Jamieson, Michael Thwaite
Brisbane Roar: Matthew Smith, Shane Stefanutto, Mensur Kurtisi (Jean Carlos Solorzano 77’), Steve Lustica, Henrique (Kofi Danning 87’), Jade North (Jack Hingert 79’), James Donachie, Luke Brattan, Jamie Young, Thomas Broich, Dimitri Petratos
Scorers: Kurtisi (39’), Keogh (49’ pen), Henrique (55’), Keogh (74’), Keogh (90’+1)
Red cards: None
Yellow cards: Broich (43’), North (49’), Garcia (66’), Keogh (86’), Brattan (90’)
Conditions: 18C, Overcast
Attendance: 8,789 @ nib Stadium
