Perth Glory heads to Dalmatinac Park in Week 13 of the PS4 NPLWA to take on Cockburn City.
Cockburn are coached by Scott Miller, who played over 200 games for Glory in the NSL and Hyundai A-League, but Glory’s youngsters will be doing all they can on Saturday to bring home the points.
Glory was beaten by Floreat Athena in midweek, with striker Nikola Talimdzioski scoring a brace in the 2-4 defeat. Glory Coach John Gibson said the players have to play out of position due to injuries, but he praised them for their flexibility.
“All the players are flexible and adaptable in various positions on the pitch, so we really praise the lads for that,” he said.
“Injuries and players unavailable mean sometimes you have to play in different roles, and I can say every time a player has played out of position they have done it to the best of their ability and that’s all we can ask.”
Gibson said they are looking forward to the game on Saturday, and will be aiming to improve in certain aspects of the game.
“The focus on Saturday is about us, yes we know Cockburn are a good footballing side, but we need to do the little things right,” Gibson said. “If we take our opportunities, it’s a different ball game.”
“We took positives out of the game at Floreat but we need to defend better collectively.
“If we do that we will start to get the rewards, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Jack Iredale, who is returning from three knee reconstructions, missed Tuesday’s game, but Gibson said the defender will be available for Saturday’s game.
“Jack missed on Tuesday, we have a load management plan with him, and that’s in Jack’s best interests,” he said.
“Obviously he wants to play but we thought with only a three day break between games we would not select him at Floreat.”
“However we’re looking forward to having him back in the side on Saturday, which will give us some good balance at the back.”
Iredale said he is getting stronger each game, as he returns from a third long term injury.
“It’s definitely been a very long process going through these injuries but now I’m feeling stronger than ever and just excited to be back in amongst everything and playing every week,” he said.
“The knee feels great, obviously it’ll still be a slow process building me back into a full 90 minutes, week in week out, but the clubs really looking after me and taking care of me so I can’t ask for anymore.
“The rehab was extremely difficult, more so mentally than physically to be honest but I had a lot of great friends and family members around me to help me stay on track and like I said I’m just happy to be playing football again.”
Iredale said the side are playing well in patches, but need to put in a 90 minute performance and he’s hoping that starts on Saturday.
“Any game in this league is a difficult one for us, there are no easy games but I feel like as a group were starting to turn another corner in our progression and it’ll be another great test for the lads on the weekend,” he explained.
“I’m really looking forward to the game and hopefully we can get something out of it and get back in the winner’s circle.”
