Unexpected hero turns the tide in battle to escape the wooden spoon… on his 21st birthday!

Brisbane Roar have climbed off the bottom of the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder for the first time since Round 1, securing a crucial 3-1 victory over Perth Glory on Saturday night. This win was highlighted by Sam Klein, who celebrated his 21st birthday with a remarkable first career double.

Described as a potential turning point in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon, the match was ultimately defined by an unexpected trio of players scoring their first A-League goals in an action-packed encounter at HBF Park.

Luke Amos, a recent recruit for Glory, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort that found the top corner. Asuma Abubakar then equalised for the Roar just before half-time, deftly slipping the ball past Oli Sail. In the 51st minute, Sam Klein thrust the Roar ahead, capitalising on a chaotic scramble in front of goal.

On his special day, Klein sealed his double in sensational style, curling the ball into the bottom corner to secure the vital three points in the dying moments of the match.

This victory marks Brisbane’s second of the season, enabling them to leapfrog Glory into 12th place, with two games in hand over their rivals. This performance puts them on course to avoid finishing last for the first time in the club’s two-decade history.

Amos’ Brilliant Strike

Although this match may not be fondly remembered by Glory supporters, it did provide a moment of pure brilliance that will linger in the memory.

Amos’ stunning strike in the seventh minute is a strong contender for Goal of the Season.

“That goal is sure to make headlines back in his home country. He’s still got it,” commented Teo Pellizzeri on Network 10 and Paramount+.

Former Central Coast Mariners coach Phil Moss added: “What an absolute thunderbolt. A goal worthy of any level of world football.”

Shockingly, it was Amos’ first goal since April 2022, when he scored for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship against a Derby County team managed by Wayne Rooney.

If there was any doubt about the impact of a midfielder who made his Premier League debut at Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino, there’s no question now—Luke Amos has truly arrived in Australia.

Ruben’s Roar Rally to Victory Through Birthday Boy Klein

Although they fell behind early, Roar manager Ruben Zadkovich will undoubtedly be pleased with how his team responded to reclaim the match and secure all three points.

New recruit Asuma Abubakar is steadily adapting to the Isuzu UTE A-League, and he certainly put in his best performance to date in this match.

Aubakar was a persistent threat to a Glory defence struggling this season. He was instrumental in creating an opportunity that led to him prodding the ball past Oli Sail to equalise.

READ MORE
HUGE RESULT: Wanderers come from 2-0 down to shock Victory
CHAOS IN SYDNEY: Super-sub’s last-minute winner stuns
22 GOALS?! A record-breaking display showcases the excitement of the A-Leagues

He also played a vital role in the eventual winner, heading the ball down for Klein to smash into the net and give the Roar the lead.

While Henry Hore has borne the brunt of the attacking load since Thomas Waddingham’s exit, Abubakar’s growing influence could be key in helping Zadkovich’s side pull away from the prospect of finishing last.

However, the night belonged to birthday boy Klein, who marked the occasion with the finest performance of his career thus far.

“A memorable night for him,” joked Moss.

What Does It All Mean?

Perth Glory find themselves in serious jeopardy of ending up last for the second consecutive season.

After 21 matches, they are rooted to the bottom with a mere 11 points and only two wins, the last coming in early January against league leaders Auckland FC.

David Zdrilic’s squad cannot argue with their position on the ladder, having conceded a league-worst 47 goals while scoring just 14, the fewest in the competition.

Interestingly, half of their total goals have come from captain Adam Taggart, who is having a quiet season by his own standards, having won the Golden Boot previously.

With five matches left to change their fortunes, the path is challenging, with upcoming fixtures against Auckland FC (1st), Western United (2nd), and Adelaide United (6th).