Two goals in the second half have seen Gold Coast United come from behind to win its first-ever National Youth League match in a 2-1 result over Perth Glory at ME Bank Stadium.
The Glory took the lead five minutes before the break when Ryan Edwards converted from a close-range header.
But United stepped up a gear in the second period, bombarding the Glory goal and equalising through Andrew Barisil’s 67th-minute penalty, before Ben Wearing’s header gave the visitors the points in an entertaining encounter.
The Gold Coast looked to attack from the outset as impressive young striker Chris Harold tested Glory stopper Alex Pearson twice in the first six minutes.
United’s defence, led by the dominant Zach Anderson appeared to have Perth’s forwards well contained, but it didn’t count on Glory skipper Andrija Jukic’s silky skills, the midfielder’s pin-point free kick picking out Edwards at the back post as the hosts took the lead.
But the Gold Coast set out to attack from the re-start as Anderson tapped a close-range effort wide in the 50th minute before forcing Pearson to tip over a powerful shot six minutes later.
Having dominated play, United equalised in the 67th minute when substitute Glory man Sebit Oyet as last defender was forced into a professional foul on the rampaging Harold.
Oyet was dismissed for his efforts and Barisil stepped up to take the spot kick, casually firing it past Pearson.
United continued to press and eventually took the lead with 10 minutes remaining when an unmarked Wearing ghosted into space and nodded home Steven Lustica’s free kick.
There was time for more drama, though, as Barisil found himself sent for an early shower as both he and Ryan Pearson were given their marching orders in the last few minutes for clashing with each other.
National Youth League
Perth Glory 1 (Edwards 40)
Gold Coast United 1 (Barisil 67p, Wearing 80)
