A last gasp Chris Harold goal for Perth Glory stifled a dominant Sydney FC in the Foxtel National Youth League at Lambert Park today.
Jordan Tsekenis opened the scoring for the Sky Blues with a neat finish after being played in by Max Burgess before Chris Harold popped up in the 90th minute to snatch an equaliser for the top of the table Perth Glory.
Sydney FC came out in the first half displaying all their attacking intent as Hagi Gligor and Max Burgess dictated the midfield.
Burgess had the first chance of the game as his powerful header was tipped away to safety by Thurtell in the 10th minute before Gonzalez just crossed too far in front of a threatening Blackwood.
Tsekenis opened the scoring in the 36th minute in just rewards for Sydney FC’s work rate in the opening period.
Max Burgess picked the ball up in the centre of the field and slipped through a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Tsekenis who took one touch before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner.
George Blackwood proved to be a continued threat to the Glory defence as his incisive runs broke the Glory defence on a number of occasions for no reward as the Sky Blues went in one goal up at the break.
Perth Glory came out in the second half rejuvenated and eased their way back into the contest as they enjoyed more of the ball in the middle of the park.
It was Sydney FC however, who had the best chance at the start of the second period as Gonzalez’s curled free kick had every one off their seats before Thurtell, at full stretch, parried the ball away to safety when it seemed destined for the top corner.
The Glory kept attacking and went close to an equaliser in the 72nd minute as overage player Jack Clisby surged into the Sky Blues penalty area before smashing his effort against the woodwork.
Perth Glory’s attacking pressure paid off as another overage player, Chris Harold, equalised in the 90th minute.
A whipped cross from the right flank saw Harold burst into space in the area and direct his header past a stranded Anthony Bouzanis in goals to level the scores at one goal each.
With five minutes of stoppage time added on there was time for a winner and the Glory almost snatched it as Collard rattled the crossbar from a dangerous free kick, however neither side could find a winner as the two sides were forced to share the points.
