Perth Glory youth are gearing up for a massive clash against the Brisbane Roar at Clipsal Stadium on Sunday.
Perth Glory youth are gearing up for a massive clash against the Brisbane Roar at Clipsal Stadium on Sunday.
On the back of a convincing victory over Sydney FC last weekend, Perth will be out to make the most of the home ground advantage in a match that could see them climb to the top of the National Youth League table.
Promising young ‘keeper Alex Pearson says it-s important the boys secure three points this week if they want to set themselves up for the play-offs.
“As we move towards the end of the season the last few games are pretty important. If we can manage to get three wins from three games that will put us in the best position for the finals,” Pearson said.
As Glory youth-s first goal keeper, Pearson has been given the opportunity to be named as reserve ‘keeper for the senior team in a position that opened up when Tando Velaphi was sidelined with injury.
Pearson says he has enjoyed training and travelling with the squad, an experience which has helped him improve his skills between the posts.
“It-s been great this year being mixed in with the first team and getting a few chances to sit on the bench with them as the reserve goal keeper.
“It-s been really good to see how the senior team do it in comparison to the youth team. All those experiences have been really positive and have helped me to progress and develop as a young player.
“I-ve been training with the first team for a while and they-ve definitely got that edge in professionalism and quality. It is a bit of a step up once you get into that environment and you-ve got to do your best to try and fit in,” Pearson said.
Perth has played two games against the Roar this season, winning their most recent encounter 3-2. The Glory youngsters will be looking to repeat that performance with only two points separating each team in the top five.
“It-s going to be a tough game but we need to win and get ourselves as high up on the ladder as we can.
“It-s all pretty tight at the moment and there aren-t many games left so we-ve got to try and create that gap between the top few teams and secure first spot,” Pearson said.
National Youth League Round 24
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar
Sunday 14 February 2010 at Clipsal Stadium, Perth
Local Kick-Off: 10.00am (1.00pm AEDT)
Referee: David Costello
Perth Glory Squad:Ludovic BOI, Tim DOYLE (gk), Hayden DOYLE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Brent GRIFFITHS, Steve HESKETH, Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, David PRICE, Joshua RISDON, Anthony SKORICH, Glen TRIFIRO, Reece VITTIGLIA
Unavailable: Million BUTSHIIRE (knee – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar squad: Matt ACTON (GK), Matthew BYRNE, Luke BRATTAN, Kenneth DOUGALL, Jordan FARINA, Josh McVEY, Luke MUIR (GK), Alistair QUINN, Michael RYAN, Antony SCHIAVO, Tyler THURTELL, Stefan VRBESIC, Tim SMITS (OA), Isaka CERNAK, Matt MUNDY (OA)
Unavailable:Daniel BOWLES (Hamstring injury – 1 week)
