A diving headed goal from Ludovic Boi proved the difference in an entertaining National Youth League clash between the Glory and Roar that finished in a 3-2 result for the Perth side.
On a hot, breathless Saturday afternoon at Clipsal Stadium, the Glory defied the 37-degree conditions to run out with a narrow victory in a game that came alive during the second half.
Glory veteran Eugene Dadi had given the hosts the lead from the spot during the first half, but the game burst into life after the break as four goals were scored.
Stefan Vrbesic levelled for Brisbane within two minutes of the re-start before Glen Trefiro gave Perth the lead once more.
In the 56th minute, impressive Roar forward Josh McVey equalised once again but the Glory still had one more trick up their sleeves when second-half substitute Tom Amphlett used his pace to burn off the Roar defence, his cross converted at the far post by a sensational diving header by Boi.
The Roar were reduced to 10 men during added time when experienced campaigner Bob Malcom was sent for an early shower after apparently mouthing off at the referee.
As the mercury hovered in the high thirties, opportunities for both sides were restricted to half chances during the opening stages until the Roar enjoyed a good chance in the 19th minute when Glory goalkeeper Alex Pearson came off his line to deny Antony Schiavo with a fine reaction save.
That was about the best the Roar could muster in a lacklustre first half from the visitors, where Dadi gave his side the lead in the 45th minute after Million Butshiire was fouled in the area by Isaka Cernak.
The Glory enjoyed several gilt-edged chances towards the intermission, in a half with 10 minutes added on due to drink breaks, but were made to pay for their profligacy when Vrbesic equalised in the 47th minute through a composed finish.
Amphlett, on for Dadi, at half-time was causing all sorts of problems for Brisbane’s defence, the youngster using his fresh legs to set up Trefiro in the 54th minute as the Glory took the lead again.
Perth could have been further in front a minute later when Roar stopper Matthew Acton couldn’t grasp an inswinging free kick, the goalkeeper punching the ball into the post.
Brisbane countered immediately and the impressive McVey fired his side level once more.
But just as Brisbane appeared likely to run all over Perth, Amphlett stepped in once again, the star State League striker bursting forward just after the hour and crossing effectively for Boi to finish off the result.
Perth Glory 3 (Dadi 45, Trefiro 47, Boi 64)
Brisbane 2 (Vrbesic 47, McVey 56)
