Perth Glory’s youth side has kick-started its Foxtel National Youth League campaign with a stunning 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory last weekend at Dorrien Gardens.
After three losses the win came at the right time for John Gibson’s side, with the league taking a two week hiatus and some players bound for Japan for an international tournament.
Gibson said his young troops were outstanding and believes it will give them confidence for the rest of the season.
“We probably haven’t been rewarded for our performances, but the game against Victory was a solid 90 minutes and we got our rewards,” he said.
“It was a super effort from the group, for us it was about the processes and a consistent performance, but in hot and humid conditions, we got that last weekend and it will give us a big boost going into the two week lay-off.”
Gibson said the tournament in Japan will be a great challenge for the youngsters and will give them match practice ahead of the return fixture against Melbourne Victory in two weeks.
“It will be a nice break for some of the players, but a great opportunity for others to pit their wits against international players of the same age,” he said.
Glory’s youth team will leave for Japan on Saturday to take part in the International Youth Cup which runs between December 21 and 25.
Meantime Perth Glory teenage winger Yagoub Mustafa made his starting debut in last week’s game against Melbourne Victory and produced a good performance in the 5-1 win.
The speedy winger said it was good to get the three points, and to get the first win of the NYL to kick start the season
“We deserved the win and with it being my first start for the team I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“John didn’t tell me till late that I was going to start, but the coaches have really boosted up my confidence, and I was happy to return their faith in me.”
“We kept our shape well and were dangerous going forward, and to have some of the senior players in the side really helps us and I’ve learnt a great deal from working with them, and they talk to you on the pitch and gives us younger players confidence.”
Mustafa said they have been playing well and hoped to kick-on after the mid-season break.
“If we work together we can beat anyone in the league,” he said.
The Glory is back in action in the Foxtel National Youth League on January 4 when they make the trip to Epping Stadium to take on Melbourne Victory.
