Perth Glory kicked off Season 7 with a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Ashfield Reserve.
Perth Glory kicked off Season 7 with a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Ashfield Reserve.
In a game which saw Glory play some sublime football, Sam Kerr and goal scorer Kate Gill, excelled up front.
Perth Glory Coach Jamie Harnwell was thrilled with his side’s performance.
“It was a fantastic performance. It was a great team effort and some of the football we played was superb," he said.
"The energy in the opening 15 minutes was fantastic. We had a few early chances and then we finally managed to net one."
"It’s clear to see the quality we’ve got in that front third, we’re always likely to score goals.”
The Roar looked jaded in the opening exchanges as Glory dominated play. Brisbane were caught off guard by Perth, whose new style of play stunned the visitors in the opening period.
Roar coach Belinda Wilson believes her side were too apprehensive early.
“In the first 15 to 20 minutes we showed them far too much respect," she stated.
"We gave them too much time on the ball and we allowed them to get comfortable."
"We started on the back foot and it was always going to be a struggle from then on. They’ve got a good team and it looks like they’ll build on that throughout the season.”
With the Glory comfortably 1-0 up at half time, the fans were hoping for more of the same from their new and improved Perth side.
410 people turned up for the opening game as expectations run high about the season ahead.
The vocal crowd were left beaming as the second half continued much as the first had ended.
Kate Gill dispatched her second of the game from the penalty spot to ease any potential second half nerves.
Wilson believes the starts to both halves cost her team the game.
“We again came out slow in the second half once more showing them too much respect and we were punished for that."
"Slowly through the half we started building pressure and we finished stronger in the final 20 minutes.”
New signing Sam Kerr and 2013 golden boot winner Kate Gill look set to be a lethal combination up front, as the Brisbane defence struggled to cope with their pace and creativity throughout the game.
Harnwell was full of praise for his forward pair.
“Kate Gill is such an intelligent player, she’s always in the right place at the right time and we now have Sam Kerr’s pace to help set things up."
"Kate and Sam complement each other so well therefore we’re expecting a lot from them throughout the season.”
Despite conceding in the 94th minute, the Glory back line looked organised and composed.
“The two centre halves have only been together for about 3 or 4 weeks but they’ve managed to come in and work well with one another. I’m really proud of the whole back four today,” said Harnwell.
Wilson, on the other hand, was evidently disappointed with her teams display, citing a lack of preparation for the below-par performance.
"With the season coming in about 6 weeks earlier than last year, it was always going to be challenging."
“It has been a very short preparation week leading into this game. Last week I had 10 players and on Tuesday I had 22, so it’s going to make a difference to our performance."
"You’ve got players coming back from overseas and they have to make the transition from one competition to another very quickly. I only had one week to work with the whole squad."
"We need to make sure we have a calendar and that the calendar is set."
"This way we’ll know when we’re getting our players back, meaning that we can prepare better and the product will be improved.”
One player who came in ready was midfielder Katrina Gorry. Gorry looked dangerous throughout the second half for Brisbane and is one to watch for the season.
Perth’s performance was an impressive one first up and hopes of W-League success may now be even higher from their fans. However, Harnwell remains realistic in his final comments.
“Expectations are high but we’ve got to prove that they’re justified by performing on the park the way that we did today."
"We’ve got another 11 games and we need to be consistent to achieve success.”
The quality of football played at Ashfield Reserve was a joy to watch with both teams producing moments of quality.
Perth Glory look to continue their good form in Round 2 against a Newcastle Jets side who defeated defending champions Melbourne Victory 1-0 on Saturday.
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