Perth Glory youth will look to take back-to-back wins as they battle Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday evening.
Perth Glory youth will look to take back-to-back wins as they battle Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday evening.
The two sides have endured some fierce encounters in recent times, including a semi-final showdown where Perth downed the Reds 1-0 for a place in the 2009/10 grand final.
Rising talent Josh Risdon says he is expecting another close match but on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Melbourne Victory last week, the boys head into the game with confidence.
“They (Adelaide) should be strong, they always are, but we-re all feeling pretty confident and looking forward to a good game.
“We-ve had some pretty close encounters with them last year, especially at their home ground.
“Both games we played there were decided by two late goals; we won the first one and they won the second one and the semi final was close as well,” Risdon said.
The young defender was one of Perth-s best in the opening match of the new campaign, continuing his pre-season form and bagging an impressive goal late in the second half.
Risdon says the first hit-out was great for some of the new squad members recruited during the off-season and hopes it-s a sign of more winning performances to come.
“It was good to get out there last week and start the season and we all played really well.
“There-s a good bunch of lads in the youth team and we all worked really hard together and came home with the points,” Risdon said.
Risdon became the first player at Perth Glory to be signed under a new rule implemented by the FFA which allows up to three registered youth league players to be signed on professional contracts.
This means that while Risdon will remain on the youth team roster, he trains full-time with the senior squad and will be considered an additional first team player.
On taking this step forward and being integrated into the senior team, Risdon says the opportunity has been great for his development as a player both on and off the pitch.
“It-s really good to be with all the older and more experienced players.
“They-ve all helped me to fit in and I-m really excited to hopefully start playing with them as well,” Risdon said.
Adelaide United Youth v Perth Glory Youth
Friday, 24 September 2010 at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 4.45pm (local time)
Referee: Regis Queffelec
Perth Glory squad: Tommy AMPHLETT, Tim DOYLE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Jordan FRANKEN, Brent GRIFFITHS, Andrija JUKIC, Sam MITCHINSON, Sahr MUSA, Sebit OYET, Ryan PEARSON, Billy QUINNCROFT, Josh RISDON, Stephen WALMSLEY.
In: Tim Doyle (promoted), Jordan Franken (promoted), Sam Mitchinson (promoted), Stephen Walmsley (promoted)
Out: Brandon O-Neill (omitted), Storm Roux (omitted)
Unavailable: Alex Pearson (international duties)
Adelaide United squad: Jordon ELSEY, Jackson GROVES, Kym HARRIS, Evan KOSTOPOULOS, Perry MITRIS, Matthew MULLEN, Nick MUNRO (gk), Mitch NICHOLSON, Luke OSTBYE (gk), Brett RAYNER, Daniel SCORDO, Jordan SPADEVECCHIA, Alan WELSH, Liam WOODING
*one to be added*
Unavailable: None
