Ferguson frustrated by Perth profligacy

Perth Glory manager Ian Ferguson has spoken of his growing frustration after his side’s 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.

Perth had 19 shots to Brisbane’s seven, but failed to take a number of clear-cut chances, which has become a problem for last year’s A-League grand finalists over recent weeks.

Ferguson said his frustration has built up over the past five weeks.

“Obviously we threw everything at them – the kitchen sink, but just couldn’t score again,” Ferguson said.

“Four or five really great chances that we really should be putting away, but unfortunately we don’t.

“I think it’s frustrating for everybody. The only word I can use at the moment is frustrating.

“We’re all disappointed, we’re all frustrated, but I think if people were watching the game and the supporters that were at the game would see that we’re still trying to get the wins and create things.”

Travis Dodd missed a great opportunity to put Perth in front in the ninth minute when he got on the end of a Scott Jamieson cross, but put his side-footed shot went wide of the goal.

Midfielder Nick Ward missed a pair of great chances late in the game, the first coming after a mistake by Michael Theo left his goal guarded only by defender Massimo Murdocca, but Ward’s shot went over the bar.

The second came after a botched clearance and the ball fell to Ward, Theo able to get a foot to the ball and get it over the bar.

Perth limped into the game without five of their first-team players in skipper Jacob Burns, Shane Smeltz, Bas Van den Brink, Dean Heffernan and Josh Risdon.

Ferguson said he would take heart from the performances of the replacements who came into the team.

“There are a lot of positives to come out, particularly the young kids,” he said.

“I was really pleased with a lot of them tonight. In the second half in particular they really showed good character and kept the belief again to keep going.

“I thought (Jack) Clibsy did well, I thought a lot of them did well. I thought Storm Roux did well when he came on, Harold again was pretty dangerous particularly in the second half.

“I thought Ryo (Nagai) for 20-25 minutes was really positive as well.”