Perth Glory Football Club is just one win away from making the final eight of the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup but first, it must overcome Victorian NPL1 outfit St Albans Saints, at Knights Stadium tomorrow night.
It’s another away trip for Perth Glory FC for its second Westfield FFA Cup tie, after eliminating Hyundai A-League rivals Newcastle Jets in August, thanks to a brace by new import Andy Keogh.
The Irishman says while the Saints are expected to be playing in front of a packed arena, with strong ties to the Croatian-Australian community, he’s not concerned about the opposition.
“Not many aspects concern me about many teams” Keogh said.
“Judging by my experience in cup competitions, it will be a tough game, with a tough crowd, supporting the whole team.”
“But we have a fully fit squad to choose from and we are embracing the opportunity to advance further in the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup”.
While St Albans may sit in the second division of the Victorian NPL, last season’s “Most Glorious Player” Michael Thwaite, says the Round of 16 clash won’t be taken lightly.
“We’ve done our homework, we had some people look at their game whilst we were in Melbourne recently and we’re taking it very seriously. We know what kind of motivation we offer to a lower league team and that will inspire them in this cup competition”.
For Thwaite the David and Goliath battle sums up the magic and romance of the Westfield FFA Cup.
“We all started at local clubs and it’s important for the development of the National Premier Leagues across Australia” Thwaite said.
Attack will be the team’s focus but sharp shooter Keogh has warned his team mates they must not be complacent.
“We need to be switched on at the back so we don’t give away a silly goal and we need to be ruthless and make sure we don’t give the opposition anything to cling on to.”
The Round of 16 Westfield FFA Cup match kicks off at 7.30 pm (AEST) tomorrow.
LIVE updates of the match will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS 3 and 3HD. Perth Glory FC fans can also listen to LIVE radio broadcast on Football Federation Victoria radio .
Perth Glory will have an extended stay in Melbourne to take on the new Melbourne City for a pre-season friendly at AAMI Park on Friday.
You can purchase tickets HERE for any of Perth Glory FC’s 14 home games at nib Stadium this season or you can find out more about how you can become a Perth Glory FC member HERE and receive a number of member match day and merchandise benefits.
