GCU claim first win
09/12/2010 07:58:47 AM
Gold Coast have recorded their first win of the season with a 1-0 triumph over the previously unbeaten Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Sunday.
Jason Culina opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, tucking home the rebound after his header was saved by Tando Velaphi, the United skipper also having a second-half effort on the hour disallowed for offside as his side dominated the Glory.
Deploying a virtual five-man defence as Michael Thwaite supported the back four, Perth could not create any decent deliveries into their forward third, although the Glory did step up the pressure during the second half to no avail.
The result sees Perth remain in second position on the Hyundai A-League table behind leader Adelaide United, as Gold Coast win their first game from four outings to climb into seventh.
Perth actually enjoyed one of their best chances forty seconds into the game when skipper Jacob Burns saw his shot pushed wide by United recruit Bruce Djite before Robbie Fowler headed over from the resulting corner.
But with Djite leading the line up front for Gold Coast and Adama Traore terrorising the Glory defence down the left, the visiting side took control of proceedings as Culina opened the scoring.
Two minutes after half-time a deft ball from a quiet Robbie Fowler released Perth midfielder Steven Mcgarry through on goal, but he was superbly blocked by Moss from the one-on-one before Culina was denied his second by a very close offside decision.
Perth Glory 0
Gold Coast United 1 (Culina 23)