It’s a quadruple dose of football this weekend as Perth Glory’s two youth teams, A-League and W-League teams are all in action at home this weekend.
First up, it’s the PS4NPLWA QBE team in ation on Friday night against Sorrento Gulls at Percy Doyle Reserve (Duncraig) followed by the Foxtel National Youth League side taking on Adelaide on Sunday morning at Dorrien Gardens.
The Gulls, who are coached by former Glory great Jamie Harnwell, will face a tough test in the pre-season knock-out competition, but Coach John Gibson said it’s a great opportunity for the young side.
“It’s a nice challenge first for the young side, but they have been away in the tournament in Japan playing against footballers of the same age and performed well – we are sure they will enjoy the upcoming fixture on Friday night,” he said.
“We go into the Night Series looking to expose members of our extended squad to senior football and gain invaluable game time.”
On Sunday the Glory host Adelaide United at Dorrien Gardens in the final round of the NYL (10.30am).
The Glory were beaten for the first time in four games last week, a 0-1 loss against Melbourne City, and their great run of form had pushed them into finals contention.
But in a closely fought game, all that separated the two sides was a 54th minute goal from Gerrie Sylaidos, the win secured City a place in the Grand Final as winners of Conference A.
The Glory had a number of chances with Gian Albano, Kosta Petratos, Aryn Williams and Joe Knowles all going close, but it wasn’t to be for Gibson’s side and the coach was philosophical after the game.
“In super tough conditions – we did everything but score, disciplined and organized defensively and limited them to just three chances in the whole game,” he said.
“We threatened with some very good opportunities from open play and were very dangerous from set pieces, but we weren’t ruthless enough.”
“We powered over them on the weekend but lacked a bit of quality and cohesion in the middle to front third otherwise the outcome would have been totally different.”
The group are looking to perform strongly in the last game of very short NYL season.
“It’s always a busy time of year – we transition from youth football to senior football which in itself is challenging, but something we as a group enjoy.”
The senior squad kick-off into action against Melbourne Victory on Saturday at nib Stadium from 5pm.
Meanwhile, Glory women who’ve already booked a spot in the finals will host Adelaide at Dorrien Gardens from 6pm on Sunday.
