Perth's winless season continues and Queensland's unbeaten streak is extended to four in a six-goal roller coaster ride at Lang Park.
Perth has pinched a draw in injury time as Queensland comes 2 minutes short of a remarkable comeback. Perth were running rings around the big Roar defences in the first half but a Marcinho goal late in the first and a Simon lynch double in the second pulled the Roar agonisingly close to just their second home in of the season but were denied by a brilliant piece of football by Jamie Coyne.
The Glory looked like a team out to prove they did not deserve their winless record and came out all guns blazing in the first 5 minutes. Liam Reddy was forced to make two keeper charges in the first ten minutes of play denying Jamie Harnwell on both occasions. The second strike was deflected by Reddy into the path of Billy Celeski whose shot was cut off just before the line by Moore.
The hero turned villain in the 17th minute when Queensland Roar's marquee player expertly tucked away Celeski's cross to give the visitor's and early, but deserved lead. The 16 000 strong crowd were gobsmacked. Their sorrows were increased when 10 minutes later when Farina was forced to replace Tiatto, who had just come back from suspension, with youngster Mitchell Nichols after what appeared to be a groin strain.
Glory attackers continued to have the jump on the Queensland defenders with most crosses landing on a Perth head and mini-breaks were a consistent worry for the larger, slower backs. A combination of the two lead to Glory's second goal where Nikolai Topor-Stanley broke away from Griffin and managed to cut a cross right from the line. The cross split the Roar defenders and was headed home by Celeski.
Perth looked comfortably ahead going into the break but in stoppage time Queensland created their first real opportunity when Kruse and Griffin linked up inside the box and then squared to Marcinho on the edge. Marcinho proceeded to calmly control the ball and tuck it away into the right corner. Only trailing by a goal may have flattered Queensland going in, but the second half seemed to be a very different game.
The Roar 'cubs' continued their impressive run this season as Zullo and Kruse continued to make breaks and then switch to the other, doing so on multiple occasions and causing headaches for Perth. At the 65th minute Simon Lynch was injected into the attack replacing Ben Griffin signalling a more attacking mindset by Farina. This seemed to be the spur they needed as 3 minutes later after sustained pressure, McCloughan was brought down in the box and referee Ben Williams had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Lynch then expertly converted the penalty to tie up the contest.
Lynch was then involved in everything getting on the end of breaks and crosses, coming precariously close many times. In the 86th minute a Nichols cross was placed perfectly for Lynch who drove it home and sent the crowd in rapture.
The Roar were 10 simple minutes from one of the better comebacks of the year when out of nothing Coyne scored, salvaging a point for the Glory. Coyne received the throw in mid field and played a beautiful one-two to beat the defence and took his chances 25 metres out. A great piece of football which may have saved, or at least delayed, the axing of troubled Perth coach Ron Smith.
Glory will be disappointed to not come away with a win after their first half display, but have still turned a few heads with three goals against a defence that didn't seem themselves tonight. Queensland looked more flat and bland without McKay who injured his ankle in training, but the 'cubs' Zullo and Kruse are continuing to impress, Queensland will be lucky to hold onto both for much longer. This game proves that both teams do have goals in them despite the Roars consistent lack of finishing and Perth's 0-6-4 record.