The bubble burst for the Roar in a frustrating game in Perth.

The Roar created plenty of chances but were ultimately unable to get anything from the game.

Perth’s first goal fell to Bobby Despotovski who had the ball played into his feet and turned Gibson well before beating Higgins. Whilst Gibson was at fault, it was a well taken goal.

Despotovski had a chance to put Perth further ahead when the Roar conceded a penalty when Gibson handballed in the area. It was a dubious penalty as it was clearly ball to hand but thankfully Despotovski failed to hit the target.

Perth went 2-0 up on 75 minutes when a poor clearance by Dodd fell to him and he made no mistake.

Queensland grabbed a consolation when Moon scored after good work by Brosque.

Match Ratings

Atmosphere:     6          Was hard to judge from the highlights show

Crowd:             4          Despite being one of the bigger clubs in the league, the Glory failed to attract a large crowd

Result:              3          The first loss of the campaign could have been avoided without so many changes.

Referee:            6          The penalty decision was dubious but they always are.

Player Ratings (4-3-3)

Higgins             5          Brought into the side to combat the aerial threat of Deane. Looked unsure in his first outing.

Buess               6          Not his best game

Gibson             6          Was at fault for the first goal, but was hard done by with the penalty decision.

McCloughlan    6          Kept Deane quiet but had troubles with Despotovski.

Simpson           6          His first start of the season and had an ok game.

Dodd               6          At fault for the second goal but had a fairly good game.

Seo                  6          Failed to take charge of the midfield the way he did against NZ and Adelaide.

McKay            6          Although he worked hard, lacked his usual creative spark

Murdocca        6          As with McKay he failed to spark the midfield the way we have come to expect from him

Dilveski            5          Failed to build on a good performance vs Adelaide

Brosque          7          Created plenty of chances although should have taken at least one. Was unlucky to hit the post with a good chance. Man of the Match

Baird                6          Very quiet and always seemed to take one touch too many

Substitutes

Moon               6          Played well when he came on and took his goal well.

Perth Glory were the Manchester United of the NSL.

Their new existence as an A-League team has not started off brightly. Rumours of player unrest under new manager Steve McMahon was coupled with a poor showing in the World Club Championships qualifiers

McMahon arrives in Australia with an impressive playing career behind him but his managerial career has not hit anywhere near those peaks. He spent 4 years as Swindon Town boss between 1994 and 1998, which did include a league cup semi-final loss to Bolton and then 4 years at Blackpool before arriving at Perth.

Their performance did improver and they were runners up in the pre-season tournament losing 1-0 to the Central Coast.

The A-League campaign has seen only one point to date – a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory following another 1-0 loss to the Mariners but they could consider themselves unlucky in both games.

Their key signing is former England international striker Brian Deane. He has, impressively lasted 90 minutes in both his games so far. Indeed the first game against the Central Coast Mariners came only 24 hours after his arrival in Australia. Although, at 37 he may struggle later on in the season.

Simon Colossimo is another key signing and will provide stability in the back line, although he has the versatility to play in the midfield as well.

The Roar are definitely without Korean Shin who has returned to Korea for specialist treatment on an ankle injury. Michael Baird looks likely to get his first start of the season as his recovery to full match fitness gains pace.

TUQRS prediction: 1-1 draw