A double from Elliot Ronto gave Gold Coast the cushion they needed and a Bobby Russell strike 13 minutes from time confirmed all three points for Mike Mulvey's men after Perth had threatened to force their way back into the match early in the second half.

United started promisingly and almost hit the front on the quarter-hour when Ben Halloran went close but found Glory ‘keeper Tim Doyle in good form between the posts for the home side.

Halloran was enjoying a fine opening to the game and on 23 minutes he fashioned the first goal for Gold Coast. The exciting youngster teased the Glory defence before prodding the ball into the path of Ronto who produced a super finish, lifting the ball over Doyle from the tightest of angles.

Gold Coast continued to pile on the pressure and ten minutes before the break they doubled their advantage with Ronto again the man of the moment.

Halloran battled hard to win possession before playing in Koh Satake who was galloping down the wing. Satake's cross to the near post was met by Ronto and the young forward did the rest to give his side a precious two-goal advantage heading into half-time.

Early in the second period United had custodian Jerrad Tyson to thank for keeping the score at 2-0 when he did well to save Sebit Oyet's penalty after Ben Wearing was penalised for a foul on Stephen Walmsley.

But soon afterwards Perth did find the net when Al Jovic nodded home to reduce the deficit and make it 2-1. Glory had a goal disallowed for offside just before the hour, then for United, Mitch Cooper had a fine shot saved and Russell struck the upright as the visitors looked to wrap up the points.

Russell did just that as the clock ticked down, weaving his way through the home defence before driving home the goal that has brought a second successive National Youth League title ever closer.

"We should have really had the game sewn up before half-time after playing some great football," said Gold Coast Youth Coach Mike Mulvey.

"But we let Perth back into the game for a little while, but our hallmark all season has been the quality of football we have played and the character of these players.

"We're in a great position now and from here we really should cap the season off nicely by taking out the Premiership, which is a great achievement for these players and a great achievement for the club to win it in successive seasons.

"We have a bye next weekend then play the AIS at home the following week, so hopefully that will be the game where we can confirm ourselves as champions," he said.

Saturday 5 February - National Youth League Week 20
At 6PR Stadium, Perth

PERTH GLORY YOUTH 1 (Jovic 49')
GOLD COAST UNITED YOUTH 3 (Ronto 23'/35', Russell 77')
HT: 0-2
Referee: Matthew Cheeseman