The home of WA National Premier League outfit Perth SC will lay the backdrop to a highly anticipated and pulsating RD of 16 FFA Cup clash, between Perth Glory and Sydney FC later this month.
After a clinical 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night, Glory advanced to the next phase of the knock-out competition, thanks to veteran defender Dino Djulbic who scored two goals in seven minutes at Ballymore Stadium.
Wearing its new WA state themed FFA Cup kit, adorned with a black swan, Glory will host Sydney FC at Dorrien Gardens on August 30.
Djulbic, who carved his career at the North Perth based soccer club, said he was excited to be going back to his ‘old home’.
“I always love going back there. I think it captures the true spirit and essence of an FFA Cup game which is about grassroots and community, not to mention that we’ve also got a good record there. We walked away with a win over the Wanderers there last year in the FFA Cup quarter final, so hopefully we can repeat that good result” he said.
Club CEO Peter Filopoulos said Dorrien Gardens was the next best available option given nib Stadium was unavailable due to turf maintenance in preparation for the Socceroos match on September 1.
“The stadium was booked by the Asian Football Confederation for the days leading up to the World Cup Qualifier between the Socceroos and Iraq, so we can appreciate the logistics around that. Other venues we enquired about were either unavailable or commercially unviable” Filopoulos said.
“We’re confident in what Perth SC can do and we know they are bending over backwards to get the pitch in tip-top shape for our match, so we’re looking forward to working with a club which has been at the forefront of WA soccer for so many decades.”
Filopoulos said if Glory advanced to the quarter finals of the FFA Cup, nib Stadium would be available.
Perth President Gary Marocchi said he was thrilled to be hosting both teams.
“Perth SC is privileged to host the Round of 16 FFA Cup clash between Perth Glory and Sydney FC. We will quarantine the ground in the next 18 days to enable ground maintenance and to ensure the playing surface is to the required standard”.
Before the FFA Cup match against Sydney, Perth Glory will play the WA state team in the inaugural Heritage Cup next Wednesday, August 17 at Inglewood Stadium.
Glory’s schedule will get busier, when it hosts Iraq in a friendly at Damlatinac Park (closed to the public) the following week on August 25.
Kick-off to the FFA Cup match between Glory and Sydney FC on August 30 is at 6.30pm.
Members who renewed before July 20 will receive one free general admission ticket.
Ticket information for the general public will be released in coming days.
Perth Glory matches
WA state team vs Perth Glory FC
WHERE: Inglewood Stadium
WHEN August 17, 7pm
Perth Glory vs Iraq (friendly)
WHERE: Dalmatinac Park, Spearwood
WHEN: August 25, 6.30pm (closed to public)
Perth Glory vs Sydney FC RD 16 FFA Cup
WHERE: Dorrien Gardens, North Perth
WHEN: August 30, 6.30pm