Perth Glory have earned their first point of the new PS4 National Premier League WA season, after a hard fought 0-0 draw against Cockburn City at Ashfield Reserve.
The Glory youngsters had the better of the chances after half time, but failed to convert them. Glory had ‘keeper Jordan Thurtell to thank for keeping them level at the break, who made a couple of telling saves.
Glory Head Coach John Gibson said it was a lost opportunity, as missed chances cost them on the day.
“Interesting challenge today against a well-organized and tough opposition, who posed many problems which we needed to provide solutions,” he said.
“We created opportunities but need to be ruthless in the front third, yes we did create a number of opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize”.
The Glory went into the game without the experienced pair of Ross Millard and skipper Calvin Whitney, who were both suspended. Despite missing the duo, Gibson was delighted the way the younger players stepped up.
“We were down in numbers – but the fantastic thing is we handed four debuts to some of our young ones who coped admirably,” he explained.
“Jacob Mustafa (98) plus Cam Murray / Jack Leach / Lossene Dulleh (all 99’s) all played in some part of the game which is exciting for the group.
“The culture of the collective is magnificent, and to go head to head with a strong Cockburn side showed they’re becoming more consistent which is great to see.
“There is plenty more improvement in the squad, and as always we are striving to be better.”
Defender Gian Albano said despite the loss at Bayswater City last week, they took a lot of confidence into the game.
“I think we went into the game with a lot of confidence after last week’s good performance against Bayswater,” Albano said.
“I thought the first half was a close contest and both had a few strong opportunities each to score.
“I think we finished stronger in the second half and again didn’t take the opportunities that we created; maybe that was down to the wet conditions.
“I think the overall performance was very good considering we had quite a few of the younger boys stepping up.”
Raining at kick off, early chances were few and far between. The first real chance fell to Cockburn, former Glory player Harry O’Brien shot was tipped onto the bar by Thurtell. O’Brien was quickest to react from the rebound and his volley crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Glory were struggling to come to terms with the wet conditions, but the lively Nikola Talimdzioski and Alex Taneski were causing the Cockburn back line problems, despite not finding a way past Luke Radonich in the Cockburn goal. Their best effort came from a Hagi Gligor corner which Scott Robertson headed just wide of the target.
The rain continued as Glory began the second half well and had Cockburn on the back foot and the Glory youngsters pressed looking for the opener.
They went close on 69 minutes, Talimdzioski found space, but his shot was well saved by Radonich. The Glory were on top and went close again seven minutes later. Daniel Stynes played in Talimdzioski, whose shot flashed inches wide of the post.
But at the final whistle it was scoreless, and both sides had a share of the spoils.
Next week the Glory youngsters entertain Inglewood United at Ashfield Reserve, and will be looking for their first win of the season.
Match Details
Perth Glory 0
Cockburn City 0
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Ashfield Reserve
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant Referees: Arvin Shanmuganatahan, Eamon McDonnell
Squads
Perth Glory: GK Jordan Thurtell, 2 Gian Albano, 3 Hayden Stevens, 4 Scott Robertson (14 Sam Pollard 70’), 5 Jacob Mustafa (13 Jack Leach 79) 6 Alex Tanevski (16 Losene Dulleh 70’), 7 Sam Mckearnen 8 Sean Troup, 9 Daniel Stynes, 10 Hagi Gligor, 11 Nikola Talimdzioski
Substitutes not used: RGK Riley Stephenson,
Yellow cards: 3. Hayden Stevens 72’
Red cards: nil
Cockburn City: GK Luke Radonich, 3 Nathan De Abreu (20 Daniel Dols 83’), 4 Euen Grant, 6 Reuben Tristao, 7 Ali Gholami, 8 Cameron Edwards, 10 David Araya, 11 Harry O’Brien, 13 Blake Adams, 14 Julian Teles (19 Angel Andres 70’), 16 Kernal Mouithy
Substitutes not used: RGK Eric Cutri, 17 Jesse Lazzaro
Yellow cards: O’Brien 66’, Kenal Mouithy 74’
Red cards: nil
