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NYL: Solitary goal wins it for Glory

United had won their last three matches playing football reminiscent of their championship year last season, but while the result didn’t go their way in Perth the football on show left Youth Coach Mike Mulvey full of praise for his youngsters.

“We’ve got a new squad and in recent weeks they have performed very well,” Mulvey said.

“Today we played some great football and I'm very proud of both the display and the attitude. The conditions were very, very hot but we kept going and I thought we were the better side today. Perth’s goalkeeper was man-of-the-match and on another day we could have scored a few goals.

“All in all, it was a performance full of quality and character. The result didn’t go our way but having seen what I've seen from our players recently I can certainly declare that the future is bright,” he added.

There were chances for both sides in the opening 45 minutes in what was an open, entertaining encounter. United shaded possession and were producing some delightful football that threatened to carve open the home defence on several occasions.

Their bright start almost bore fruit inside ten minutes when Chris Harold fired just over from a tight angle, then the striker was at it again soon afterwards in one of the best moves of the match. Mitch Cooper collected the ball on the edge of his own area and started a sweeping move that involved Daniel Bragg and Jake Barker-Daish before finding Harold in a promising position.

Harold’s first shot was well saved by Perth keeper Lewis Italiano, then the custodian recovered brilliantly to not only stop Barker-Daish’s attempt from the rebound, but also Harold’s follow-up header.

Perth’s side was littered with first team players, one of which was former Gold Coast man Steve Pantelidis who had an early chance for the home team but shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

In the dying moments of the half Reece Dittiglia hit the post with free-kick, which was the last action before the players departed for some much-needed refreshment in the stifling conditions.

The second period continued in much the same vein with the decisive goal coming 20 minutes from time. A long ball was only half cleared by Daniel Bowles and when Ndumba Makeche was put through on goal he made no mistake with the finish to secure all three points for the home side.

Despite the result there was much to admire about Gold Coast’s performance with Chris Harold looking dangerous and both Daniel Bragg and Jake Barker-Daish continuing their return to form with solid displays.

National Youth League Week 7

At 6PR Stadium, Perth

PERTH GLORY YOUTH 1 (Makeche)

GOLD COAST UNITED YOUTH 0

HT: 0-0