It’s week 14 of the PS4 National Premier League WA and Perth Glory will entertain Armadale at the Ashfield Arena on Saturday.
Last week a very young Glory side were beaten by Joondalup United, but young defender Luke Bodnar said there were no excuses, and they will be looking to bounce back this week.
“Yes last week it was a very young side that played, probably the youngest side we’ve played in the competition, but it wasn’t an excuse for our performance,” he said.
“We were poor all around, and we need to be better to get a result on Saturday, but we’ve worked hard at training and we’re ready for the game.”
The 17-year-old, who celebrated his birthday, last week, has made the step up to first-team football this season, and for someone so young has been a leader on the park.
“I’ve found the jump to be good for my experience, and playing against bigger players, with potentially more experience, has been a good learning curve for me,” he said.
“The extra responsibility hasn’t affected me at all, as it’s been a role I’ve seen myself take up even in the past years in the 18’s and 20’s before moving up.”
Bodnar said Saturday’s game will be a tough game, but with only three points separating the sides on the table, and being at home, they will be doing all they can to get the points.
“We know it will definitely be a difficult game, as they’ll want to get at us and get the three points to move clear of us on the table,” he explained.
“But that won’t change how we prepare and will want to play the same that we always do, and we’re confident if we do we can get the right result.”
Glory Coach John Gibson said Bodnar has matured into a good player, and will only get better, like a number of his young side.
“Luke like all the younger players in the group are acquitting themselves pretty well – the more they experience the challenges that senior football presents – the better players they will become moving forward. Again the process and details are consistently the key areas always,” he said.
Gibson said last week was an interesting game. “I thought we matched them for big periods of the game but we had a small stretch, which was very disappointing,” he explained.
“But there were many positives – the group always display great character but countless learning opportunities and experiences gained.
“We go into every game positive and full of belief – as long as we follow the process and tick off the details – we are confident of putting in a good performance on Saturday.”
The Glory beat Armadale in week one, coming from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Daniel Stynes and Kosta Petratos, and Gibson said they will be looking for the same result on Saturday.
“Armadale sits three points ahead of us on the table, and have performed well this season, including wins against ECU Joondalup and Floreat Athena,” he said.
“They also have a good record on the road, so we are expecting a tough game, but are confident we can get the right result.”
Kick-off is at 3 PM.
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