The PGFC Academy First Team are set to return to Football West NPL action on Saturday when league leaders Perth SC will provide the opposition at E&D Litis Stadium.
Only one point separates the two sides on the table and both are coming off big wins last week.
Glory beat Stirling Lions 2-0, with Luke Salmon and Gabriel Popovic bagging the goals, while a late Gustavo Catarcione penalty gave Perth a 2-1 victory against local rivals, Floreat Athena.
One of the key figures in Glory’s strong start to this year’s campaign has been defender Walter Scott who did, of course, make his Hyundai A-League debut last season.
And the 19-year-old, who remains a part of the senior squad, was overjoyed to have received a Premiership winners’ medal following the win over Newcastle Jets last weekend.
“Sunday was an amazing evening for everyone at the club,” he said, “and it was a privilege to be a part of it.
“The boys deserved nothing less and our focus now is to keep our excellent form heading into the finals.
“Personally, for me, receiving a medal at my childhood club was a great moment, something that was very special and which I’ll never forget.”
Returning his focus to NPL matters, Scott is understandably keen to help his side get the better of a Perth SC outfit that pipped them for both the league title and Top Four Cup last term.
“Yes, it’s true, they beat us last season and it’s a big game this weekend,” he said, “but it’s a new squad for us and some new faces for them.
“For us, it’s business as usual. We’ll approach the game the same as every game this season, focus on ourselves and it should be a very fun and competitive game.”
Glory have only conceded four goals in their opening five games, which is the joint-best record in the league and one of the main reasons for this has been the fine form of ‘keeper Jackson Lee.
The 17-year-old was especially pleased with the clean sheet his side kept last weekend as he felt that their overall performance against Stirling left a little to be desired.
“We didn’t play to the best of our ability last week, which was a little disappointing,” he said, “but the fact that we still got the three points and a clean sheet was a positive to take from the match.
“If we can win games even when we’re not playing at our best, it will set us up well for the season in a league where anyone can beat anyone.
“Our goal is to finish top and to win the final, but we also want to play good football and develop as players and people.
“I’m sure that if we play the way we want to play and follow [Head Coach] Richard Garcia’s instructions, that the results will show.
“It will be a tough game on Saturday for sure.
“Perth are always a strong team and we will need a great performance to get one over them.
“We trust in our ability and believe we can beat anyone on our day. It will definitely take a mature performance to get the win, but the boys are all pumped and ready to go.”
Match Details
Saturday April 20, 2019
Perth Glory v Floreat Athena
E&D Litis Stadium
Kick-off: First Team – 5.00pm
Under 20s – 7.00pm
Please note: The Under 18s game against Perth SC will played on Wednesday April 24 at E&D Litis Stadium – 6.30pm
#OneGlory
Photo courtesy of Tom McCarthy
