Perth Glory youth will be looking for redemption as they tackle Gold Coast United in Queensland this Saturday.
Perth Glory youth will be looking for redemption as they tackle Gold Coast United in Queensland this Saturday.
While Gold Coast has been a nemesis side for the Glory youth, having got the better of them in both meetings this season, Perth-s hot form in recent weeks has seen them climb to third on the league table.
Rattled by injuries in their previous two encounters, a fit and fresh Perth outfit will go into the match all guns blazing as they look to snag their fifth consecutive win.
Glory young gun Sam Mitchinson, says it-s always a boost for the squad when players return from injury, especially the more experienced players.
“Having almost the full squad fit again is a huge advantage for us. It gives the team more depth and we-re all working really well together.
“Being one of the younger boys in the squad I look up to a lot of the older guys but all age differences aside, I learn a lot from them and its good to have that mix of youth and experience.”
Mitchinson, who scored his first goal in the youth league in Glory-s 2-0 win over the AIS in Canberra last weekend, has overcome his own injury woes to be an integral part of the team-s winning streak.
“It was really good to score last week and contribute to the win. It was my first youth league goal so I was pretty excited.”
Mitchinson says this weekend-s clash will be a big test for the squad but the feeling among the team is extremely positive.
“We-re feeling really confident going into this week-s match.
“We are training really hard at the moment and working on our weaknesses and I think all the lads are looking forward to it,” Mitchinson said.
National Youth League 2009/10 – Rd16
Gold Coast United v Perth Glory
Saturday, 19 December 2009 at Southport Tigers, Southport
Local kick-off: 2.00pm
Referee: Matthew Gillett
Coverage: from 1.30pm (AWST) information radio 990am.
Gold Coast United Squad: Jerrad TYSON (gk), Mitchell BEVAN, Koh SATAKE, Joshua BRILLANTE, Ben HALLORAN, Neko VUJEVICH, Chris HAROLD, Callum HARE, Ben WEARING, Steven LUSTICA (c), Zac ANDERSON, Golgol MEBRAHTU
*three to be included*
Unavailable: Ben HARRISON (ankle injury – 2 weeks),
Reuban WAY (knee injury – 4 weeks), Tim ANDERSON (suspended – 1 week)
Perth Glory Squad: Ludovic BOI, Million BUTSHIIRE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Steve HESKETH, Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, David PRICE, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO, Reece VITTIGLIA, Aleks VRTESKI (gk) (OA)
*one to be omitted*
Unavailable: Hayden DOYLE (knee – 5 weeks)
