Richard Garcia is backing his PGFC Academy First Team to learn the lessons from last week’s defeat against Gwelup Croatia as they prepare for another tough NPL WA clash with ECU Joondalup at 1620 Capital Stadium, Hartfield Park on Saturday (kick-off at 3pm).
The youngsters went down 4-1 to Taki Nicolaidis’ side in their Round 3 fixture, with all five goals coming in a frenetic first-half at the Croatian Sporting Complex.
But Garcia feels that his young charges will be better for the experience.
“I was disappointed in the result, but not really in the performance,” he said.
“Some very good things came out of the game and really it was slight lapses in concentration that have cost us, along with a lack of people willing to be brave in hard times.
“There are a few boys who are inexperienced and when things went against us, they weren’t able to take the emotion out of the game and panicked in a certain way.
“But to their credit, they came out in the second half and really put it right, playing more of the stuff that we’re capable of.
“The message in training this week has definitely been to build on those positives, but also to reflect upon the negatives and make sure that we correct those.
“A lot of what we’re trying to improve are the players’ behaviours and train of thought in match moments and that’s something that comes with experience, so it can be a hard one for them to get their minds around.”
Attention now switches to Saturday’s showdown with an ECU outfit which cruised to an emphatic 6-1 win over Sorrento last time out and Garcia is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with a familiar face in the opposition dugout.
“We’re coming up against good teams like Gwelup, ECU, Perth SC, Bayswater and Cockburn and the league is pretty balanced this year,” he said, “so it’s going to be a tough test whoever we play.
“Obviously Kenny Lowe is in charge of ECU now and I’m sure there’ll be be some banter.
“I’m looking forward to coming up against Kenny and I’m sure we’ll catch up after the game for some refreshments!”
Saturday’s action gets underway at 11am when the Under-18s will be out to maintain their 100% start to the season, with the Under-20s then kicking off at 1pm, followed by the First Team at 3pm.
Don’t forget that admission is FREE for Glory and Forrestfield United members.
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(pic courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
