A youthful Brisbane Roar has earned the first win of the 2019 Surf City Cup, toppling defending Hyundai A-League Premiers Perth Glory on the Gold Coast on Friday night.
A 61st minute strike from Jai Ingham proved the difference for the Roar in the opening clash of the tri-series at the Croatian Sports Centre, ahead of Sunday’s second test against the Jets (4pm KO).
Ingham’s maiden BRFC goal proved the difference for a Roar squad that included an incredible 12 Academy members with the goalscorer impressed by the contribution from the squad’s younger brigade.
“The young boys really stood up & it was unbelievable to get the result against a strong Glory side,” Ingham said post-match.
“It’s a credit to the young lads. They’re all trying to impress as well to earn their spot in that first team environment and I thought a lot of them stood up and put their best foot forward.”
With a raft of changes made for the contest just 48 hours after Wednesday night’s FFA Cup clash, Head Coach Robbie Fowler was thoroughly impressed with the performance from his squad.
“The lads were brilliant. They put in an unbelievable shift against a team that finished top of the league last season,” Fowler said post-match.
“We were compact, clever, did all the things that we had to to get the win.”
The Roar next face the Jets with a chance to claim the inaugural Surf City Cup on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
Surf City Cup – Game 1: Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory
Croatian Sports Centre
Friday, 30 August
Brisbane Roar 1 (Ingham 61′)
Perth Glory 0
Half-time: 0-0
