The equation for the PGFC Academy First Team this Saturday is a pretty simple one:
WIN
If they beat Subiaco at Rosalie Park, the NPL WA title is theirs.
DRAW
A draw will also be enough unless second-placed Perth SC can somehow overturn a goal-difference deficit of 14 in their game against already-relegated Joondalup United.
LOSE
Should Glory lose, however, Perth SC will be crowned champions provided they beat Joondalup United.
Jack Leech
THERE’S MORE…
But as ever, there are other factors to consider, notably that this game could also have huge consequences for Subiaco.
Currently sitting 12th, Ian McMurray’s men are in serious relegation danger.
If they lose to Glory and Forrestfield win or draw their home game against Stirling Lions, Subi will go down.
And even if Forrestfield don’t manage to pick up a positive result, Subiaco will still face a relegation play-off against a State League Division 1 side unless they defeat Glory.
Should Subiaco win, however, they would be out of danger altogether as long as Balcatta fail to get anything out of their home game against Inglewood United.
Still with us?! Then we’ll continue…
Callum Timmins
FORM
In a word, contrasting.
While Glory have gone a remarkable 15 games unbeaten, winning 10 of those, Subiaco have managed just one win from their last eight outings.
One of their 14 defeats this term came against Glory in Round 13, but while the 3-0 scoreline may suggest a comfortable victory for the men in purple, it actually took late goals from Daniel Stynes and Michael Domfeh to make the points safe after the visitors had produced a stubborn display to stay in the game.
Bayley Brown-Montgomery
COACH’S COMMENTS
“We’ve had a consistent message throughout the season,” said Glory Head Coach John Gibson, “and it won’t change this week regardless of what’s at stake.
“We’ll be competitive, bring an aggressive mentality and look to win the game.
“This is a massive game for both sides and with the stakes so high, it promises to be a fantastic contest. Our lads are aware of what’s on offer, but as always, they’re just focusing on controlling what they can control.
“We’ve traditionally had very tough games against Subiaco both home and away and I’m expecting it to be exactly the same again this time around.
“The support that we’ve received this season from parents, volunteers, members and fans has been fantastic and we all really appreciate it. I’m expecting another cracking atmosphere at Rosalie Park on Saturday.”
TEAM NEWS
Glory will be without in-form striker Michael Domfeh and defender Ollie Annis who are both suspended, but Yagoub Mustafa, Chok Dau, Daniel Walsh and Luke Bodnar are among those expected to come back into selection contention.
Yagoub Mustafa
Players worth looking out for in Subi’s ranks, meanwhile, include influential midfielder David Perich who has bagged nine goals this season and goalkeeper and skipper Ryan Montgomery who made several fine saves when the two sides met in Round 13.
MATCH DETAILS
The First Team game kicks off at 3pm, with the Under-18s in action at 11am and the Under-20s then getting underway at 1pm.
And there is the potential for a double celebration as the Under-18s can also clinch their divisional title with a victory.
The very best of luck to everyone involved!
Photos courtesy of Vision Inspired Photography and Fotoenzo
#OneGlory
