Perth Glory youth have regained third spot on the National Youth league table and have their sights set on the top two as they tackle the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday at 6PR Stadium.
Perth Glory youth have regained third spot on the National Youth league table and have their sights set on the top two as they tackle the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday at 6PR Stadium.
Glory is coming off a fantastic win against second-placed Brisbane Roar, while the Mariners will be full of confidence after thrashing Adelaide United 4-1.
This will be the first encounter between Glory and the Mariners this season and is certain to be a tough tussle as both teams look to continue their good run of strong performances.
Perth-s glorious youngsters have had the upper hand over the Mariners in most of their bouts, boasting four wins from six matches. They have drawn one game and dropped only one match against Central Coast which occurred in round 20 of last year for a 2-3 result.
The danger man for Perth Glory will be Bernie Ibini-Isei, who scored four of the Mariners five goals in their thumping of the Reds in the previous round. However, Glory-s brigade of young defenders, led by Ryan Pearson, is confident they will be able to stop the in-form striker.
For the home side, Glory has been bolstered by the return of talented striker Sebit Oyet after he was sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Oyet made a successful come back to the squad in Glory-s round 10 match against Sydney FC and backed up his performance against the Roar last week. Oyet-s presence has given the lads some extra fire power up front is certain to cause some headaches for the Mariners defence.
Perth may be without young defender Josh Risdon who was named in an extended squad for the senior men-s team. The 18-year-old from Bunbury made his debut for the Hyundai A-League in Glory-s draw with North Queensland Fury and is in the mix for a second call up after a great start.
National Youth League – Round 13
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, December 11
6PR Stadium, Inglewood
Kick-off: 5pm
Perth Glory squad: Tim DOYLE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Sam MITCHINSON, Sahr MUSA, Harry O-BRIEN, Brandon O-NEILL, Sebit OYET, Alex PEARSON, Ryan PEARSON, Billy QUINNCROFT, Storm ROUX, Stephen WALMSLEY.
*two to be added
