Perth Glory PS4 National Premier League WA side will head home on Saturday, when they take on current Champions Perth SC in Week 18 at Ashfield Reserve.
Last week the Glory youngsters were held to 1-1 draw at Balcatta, with keeper Kyle McDonald in good form, making a number of fine saves, to hold off a fast finishing Balcatta side.
The 18-year-old said they played well, and it was a game they deserved more.
“I thought it was a really competitive game, which we can take plenty of positives and negatives from,” he said.
“We performed well on the whole, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal and cut out silly errors.”
McDonald spent time at English Premier League side Burnley FC Academy last season, but he likes the Australian weather and returned, but he said he enjoying his time at the Glory.
“My time overseas was great, but nothing beats the amazing lifestyle here in Australia,” he said.
“For most of my junior years I played for Balcatta and I was fortunate to play first team football there before I headed to England and played for the Burnley Academy, which was a great experience for me.
“After returning from the UK I finished the 2015-16 season at Balcatta before I was offered a spot at Newcastle Jets Youth side, and a had short spell over there.
“I then returned to Perth and was picked up by Glory, and I’ve worked my way up to the first team after playing the majority of the season with the 20’s.”
McDonald has had some top quality coaches to help his development, and that includes Glory keeper Coach Danny Milosevic.
“Throughout my years I’ve had many coaches who have taught me different things to improve my game,” he explained.
“I worked very closely with Paul Turvill and Willie McNally, who taught me all the crucial fundamentals of goalkeeping. But recently I’ve been working a lot with Danny Milo at the Glory, who has been a great help in my development.”
McDonald said Saturday’s game against Perth SC is huge, but he said they will go into the game full of confidence, and they did beat them last season at the same venue.
“Perth is a strong side, but as we’ve proven in previous rounds, we can deal with all teams,” he said.
“The coaching staff will have us ready for a big game, and we are really looking forward to the challenge, and we’ll be looking for a repeat of last season’s result.”
Glory Coach John Gibson said the players have been working hard on their game as they look to turn good performances into wins.
“Last week at Balcatta was another game when we had good chances, but only came away with a point,” he said.
“The players have been working extremely hard to improve in certain areas, and their enthusiasm and hard work make them a pleasure to work with.
“During the season we have given the opportunity to a number of teenagers to make their Perth Glory NPL first team debuts, and we will continue to do that, and all who have come into the side haven’t let us down.
“On Saturday we take on a good Perth side, and they have been in top form, after a big win against Bayswater last week, so it’s another super challenge for us, but it’s one we are looking forward too.”
MATCH DETAILS:
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Perth Glory v Perth SC
Ashfield Arena
Under 18’s 11.00pm, Under 20’s 1.00pm
First Team 3.00pm
Note – Perth Glory members have free entry to all NPL games
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