Perth Glory youngsters are in PS4 National Premier League WA action on Saturday, when they travel to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Joondalup United in round 16.
The two sides met last month, and Joondalup came out on top 4-2, a game skipper Daniel Stynes said wasn’t one to remember.
Joondalup striker Richard Howles scored four second half goals to put them in control, but late goals from Joe Knowles and Stynes but some respectability on the scoreline
“The last time we played them, was a game to forget, and it was unacceptable,” he explained.
“We go into Saturday’s game determined to put that behind us, were really looking to bounce back and put in a good performance against them.”
Last week the Glory were edged out by Floreat Athena, and Stynes came up against his older brother Jon, and he said their performance was good but they weren’t rewarded.
“It was a very good performance last week against a title challenging team, and everyone played a part and it shows how far the team has come,” he said.
“It’s always a tussle when Jon and I play against each other, and unfortunately I couldn’t get one over him this time, but there will always be more games to do that.”
Glory Head Coach John Gibson said last week performance was good, and there have been obviously been roster changes, but he said the group have stepped up, and although the Floreat result was disappointing, anyone who watched the game would have seen the young players didn’t take a backwards step.
“They (Floreat) got on top midway through the first half, but we were delighted with the resilience of the group, plus we defended pretty well, and we had several chances and had them on the back foot late,” he explained.
“The average age of the team is currently 17 years of age – it’s pretty impressive and everyone is acquitting themselves well and being seriously competitive – as we continual discuss internally we want/demand more and we strive relentlessly to be better.”
Gibson said it’s another challenge on Saturday, but one that they are all looking forward too. “We go into every game with strong belief and always a positive frame of mind and looking to maintain our structures and game plan, and if we get that right we will be very competitive,” he said.
“Joondalup beat us a few weeks ago, and have a strong side, but we fear no-one, and we’ve been pretty happy with the way they have performed for a majority of the season, and we are looking forward to Saturday’s game.”
Match Details
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Joondalup United v Perth Glory
Percy Doyle Reserve, Duncraig
Under 18’s – 11.00am, Under 20’s – 1..00pm
First Team 3.00pm
