Perth Glory Women’s finals aspirations will go on the line when they tackle Canberra United at McKellar Park in Canberra on Saturday.
Perth Glory Women-s finals aspirations will go on the line when they tackle Canberra United at McKellar Park in Canberra on Saturday.
The Glory are currently in fifth position, two points ahead of the United team but crucially three points adrift of the Melbourne Victory in the fourth finals position with only four matches left to play.
“This is a must win game for us without a doubt” said Glory coach John Gibson.
“It-s a must win for both teams to stay in touch with the top four. There are a number of tough games for other teams this weekend as well so a good result can put us right back in the mix.”
Perth will be able to welcome back Lisa De Vanna and Ella Mastrantonio into the starting line up but will once again be without playmaker Collette McCallum who has a grade two strain of her ankle ligaments and could miss the remainder of the season.
“Collette will probably be out for the whole season. She has strained her ankle ligaments against Brisbane and the diagnosis is not good” said Gibson.
“We have had a few eventful moments this year and it-s all part of football. We are staying on task and looking forward to the game, continue to trust what we have been doing in training.”
“Lisa and Ella will come into the starting line up and they will make a major difference to how we play.”
For Gibson it-s another reunion with his former side Canberra, where he was Assistant Coach in the inaugural Westfield W-League season.
“I have got a lot of friends over there, and have managed to have a coffee with many of them already, but it-s not about me or anyone else, it-s about how the girls match up on the day that matters” he said.
Plenty of focus will be on the Westfield W-League this weekend with the Hyundai A-League enjoying a FIFA international break.
Westfield W-League 2009 – Rd 6
Canberra United v Perth Glory
Saturday, 14 November 2009 at McKellar Park, Canberra
Kick-off: 2.00pm AWST
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (gk), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 7. Elissia CANHAM, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 10. Ciara CONWAY, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk), 21. Jaymee GIBBONS
*two to be omitted*
In: Ellis GLANFIELD (promoted), Elissia CANHAM (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Sam KERR (international duty), Collette McCALLUM (injured – indefinite)
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk) (c), 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk), 21. Veronica WILLIAMS, 22. Lucy ALLAN
*two to be omitted*
In: Ellyse PERRY (returns from cricket duty), Veronica WILLIAMS (short term contract)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (knee – season), Emily Van EGMOND (international duty), Christine WALTERS (calf – indefinitely), Sally SHAIPARD (awaiting international clearance)
