Brisbane Roar Youth have extended their unbeaten start to the National Youth League season, with their first away game of the season ending 0-0 against Perth Glory.
After a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney FC in the opening round and a come-from-behind win against the Australian Institute of Sport last weekend, Brisbane were keen to collect some points on the road but had to settle for just one against a strong Perth outfit who had won two from two in their opening matches.
With 13 goals between Brisbane and Perth so far this campaign, the clash at 6PR Stadium looked likely to produce some goods, but neither side were able to find the elusive winning goal.
Brisbane struggled to find their rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, and returning Qantas Olyroo Andrew Redmayne did well between the posts to keep the game on level terms after a succession of early Perth counter attacks.
The Roar coaching staff decided to make some changes at the break, replacing Redmayne with Nicholas Tubbs and giving the lively James Meyer an early shower in search for some luck in front of goal.
The modifications within the Roar side worked well, with Brisbane attacking with fluency and pace and starting to dominate in all areas of the park.
Despite numerous chances for both sides as the half wore on, the Roar were unable to break down last year-s National Youth League grand finalists and the game finished goalless.
After a long trip across to the Western Australian capital, Brisbane Roar Youth coach John Sime was content with a point, and was proud of the way his players conducted themselves against an older, more experienced side.
“It was a very, very tough game, the hardest game we-ve had so far,” he said.
“I think Perth are very strong, physical, and a lot older than we are.
“Our youngsters all stood up to be counted, passed the ball extremely well and our movement off the ball was very good so there were a lot of good, pleasing signs.
“I think it was a good learning curve for them all.”
While admitting to a slow start, Sime said his players reacted well to the changes he made and put on an impressive football show.
“We toughed it out a little in the first half, they were the better side to be honest,” he said.
“We changed things a little at halftime, but I was quite happy and quite confident.
“In the second half, we were magnificent. We ran them ragged, we let them chase the ball, we tired them out and they couldn-t keep up with us.”
