Perth Glory gave their fans an early Christmas present with a 1-0 victory over fellow Isuzu UTE A-League strugglers Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
David Williams’ 69th-minute goal at Suncorp Stadium gave the Glory their first win of the season as Perth avoided an unwanted A-Leagues record in Round 9.
With the win, the Glory avoided a 19th consecutive match without a win, which would have seen them match Melbourne Heart (2013-14) and New Zealand Knights (2005-06) for the record, while David Zdrilic secured his first win as a head coach in the competition.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 9 OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
‘GRINCH THAT STOLE AUCKLAND’S CHRISTMAS’: Western end Black Knights’ historic run in rout
As for the winless Roar, they remain rooted to the bottom of the standings with two points from eight games.
It was a tense affair, especially in the first half, as both sides desperately battled for maximum points.
MADNESS IN ADELAIDE! Douglas Costa inspires stunning Sydney FC fightback in six-goal thriller
Perth, without star captain and reigning Golden Boot winner Adam Taggart due to illness, controlled proceedings for large parts but the best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to the Roar.
‘MAYBE I DON’T KNOW THE RULES’: Auckland coach reacts to controversial goal and shock result
Cameron Cook was left completely beaten on the half-hour mark when Keegan Jelacic’s thunderous long-range strike rattled the crossbar.
A goal was seemingly at Adam Zimarino’s mercy against his former side in a golden moment as the Glory coughed up possession but the Roar midfielder skied his effort over the crossbar in the 54th minute.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 9 OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
A stunning reflex save Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke denied Nicholas Pennington in the 66th minute but he was forced to collect the ball from the back of his net three minutes later.
Williams popped up against his former side, scoring for the first time in 2024-25 to give the Glory an overdue and confidence-boosting victory.
