Perth Glory youth will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run as they face a tough clash against the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra this Saturday.
Perth Glory youth will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run as they face a tough clash against the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra this Saturday.
Fresh from a week break, glory youth have had the chance to recharge after a thrilling match against Brisbane Roar which saw both teams share the spoils as plenty of match-winning opportunities were missed.
Perth-s young guns currently sit on top of the National Youth League ladder and will be heading east full of confidence to take on players from Australia-s most elite football program.
Youth team captain Dean Evans says that while there have been lots of changes to the squad this season, the boys have gelled well together and are working hard to maintain the high standards they set last year.
“I think from the start of the season Navsie (Youth team coach Gareth Naven) gave us a specific method of the way he wants us to play and our roles within the squad.
“We-re all mixing quite well together, we understand each other and we-re clicking really well at the moment.
“There-s a good mix of old boys and young boys and so far so good,” Evans said.
The youth squad will have to make do without the experience of talented right back Ryan Pearson, who will be travelling with the senior team to tackle North Queensland Fury in Townsville.
Pearson-s successful Hyundai A-League debut in round 9 earned him a second call-up this week. Evans says that while the loss of Pearson will be a big one to cover, the squad is confident they have plenty of players ready for the job.
“This is great for Ryan. He deserves to get his chance with the senior team and we wish him all the best.
“It-s a big loss but I definitely think we have enough depth in the squad to cover his position,” Evans said.
Perth has a perfect record against the AIS having won all three of their previous matches against them and showing no sign of travel sickness by dominating the two games played in Canberra.
Despite winning every game against the AIS so far, Evans says travelling to Australia-s capital is always a challenge and the boys are keen to get back on the park and bring home the points.
“Training has been intense this week, probably even more so than usual because we had a bye last week.
“We always look forward to playing the AIS over there. They-re young, but they-re a good footballing side and we have a lot of respect for them as we do all our opponents.
“I think we-re a talented group and we-re confident and we-ll get the result when we play them on Saturday,” Evans said.
National Youth League Week 5
Saturday, 16 October 2010
AIS Athletics Track, Canberra
Kick-off: 1pm (AWST)
Perth Glory squad: Tim DOYLE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Jordan FRANKEN, Brent GRIFFITHS, Luke JOHNSTON, Andrija JUKIC, Josh MITCHELL, Sam MITCHINSON, Sahr MUSA, Brandon O-NEILL, Sebit OYET, Billy QUINNCROFT, Josh RISDON, Storm ROUX, Stephen WALMSLEY.
* Two to be omitted
In: Jordan Franken
Out: Aleks Vrteski (promoted)
Unavailable: Tommy AMPHLETT (hamstring- 1 week), Alex PEARSON (international duties), Ryan Pearson (promoted to Hyundai A-League)
The match will be broadcast live on 990am community radio.
