Week 16 of the Football West NPL campaign will see the PGFC Academy First Team heading to Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday for a clash with Sorrento that is set to kick off at the earlier than normal time of 1pm.
The youngsters will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at runaway league-leaders Perth SC last time out, a result which Head Coach Richard Garcia feels his charges have put behind them.
“We’ve had a chance to reflect upon last week’s performance at Perth and we’ve moved on,” he said.
“It was just a bad day at the office, as they say.
“Two own-goals, a sending-off and some disappointing performances, but it all builds character in the boys and we’ll be looking for a response against Sorrento on Saturday.”
While a number of his squad have been training alongside their Hyundai A-League counterparts this week and may feature against Manchester United at Optus Stadium, Garcia insists that the group’s focus has not wavered from the job in hand.
“First of all, we have an important NPL game at Sorrento and the players all know we need to get back to winning ways after only one victory in the last five games,” he said.
“Sorrento picked up a good win last week, so they’ll be confident.
“It will be a good challenge, but one we’re all looking forward too.
“Some of our lads could get some game time against United, which would be a great thrill for them, but our focus must be on Saturday’s opponents Sorrento.”
Speedy winger Ethan Brooks is one of the players who has been training with the A-League squad and he believes that the experience has given his game a major boost.
“I’ve been in full-time since pre-season began and it’s been great,” he said.
“The intensity and quality are obviously a massive leap from the youth side, but that’s what I need to get better, so I’m enjoying it.
“As for the Manchester United game, I’m still uncertain of whether I’m a part of that squad, but hopefully if I get the opportunity, I can help the team and take something away from such a great experience.”
In terms of the NPL campaign, meanwhile, the 19-year-old is confident that his side’s playing style will drive them back into the winners’ circle.
“I thought the boys played well against Perth SC and continued to play the way we wanted to play through difficult circumstances,” he said.
“At the end, the extra man hurt us, but there were positives to take from a match against top opposition.
“Sorrento is going to be an important game in terms of the rest of our season, but I’m certain that if we stick to the way we’ve played throughout the rest of the season, we’ll come away with win.”
The day’s two other games also kick off earlier than normal, with the Under-18s in action at 9am, followed by the Under-20s at 11am.
Do get along to lend the lads your support if you can.
#OneGlory
Photo courtesy of Tom McCarthy
