It’s all about rivalry this weekend as Perth Glory regroup to host a rejuvenated Subiaco AFC in RD 14 of the PS4 National Premier League.
The Glory youngsters head into the match after a 4-2 loss at the hands of Stirling last week, but defender Nathan Costello makes his return from suspension boosting the line-up.
“The loss last week was really disappointing, especially after playing so well in the second half,” he said.
“But we have to improve, and we can’t expect to win games when we concede four goals and only play for half a game.”
The central defender is available for selection this week and he’s looking forward to returning and playing in the Rivalry Round.
“I’m thrilled personally, to hopefully return to the squad this week,” he said.
“I’ve been really frustrated after an interrupted last month of football, and I’m just looking at getting back on the park and helping the side to three points. We go into Saturday’s game looking to kick start our season, and what a better way to do that in the ‘Rivalry Round’” he said.
“As a team we won’t accept anything less than three points this weekend. We’re past our few injuries and suspensions and we will have a strong match day squad, with all the boys giving it all for our first win since our opening game.”
Glory Coach John Gibson said the team has to build on last week’s second half performance against Stirling.
“We ended the game well and would have liked it to go for another fifteen minutes,” he joked.
“We defended poorly in the first half, but we have a no excuse policy and the players know they need to improve in certain areas, and they have worked hard this week at training, like they have all season.”
The player group and the coaching staff are looking forward to this week’s game, and Gibson said the Rivalry Round is good for the competition.
“There is a spring in the step of the players this week, the game against Subiaco is like our local derby,” he said.
“It’s a great initiative from the league to add these games to the fixtures, and it’s always a competitive game when we play them, and I’m sure Saturday will be no different”.
The match kicks-off at 3pm at Inglewood Stadium this Saturday.
Callum Salmon’s high flying U-18s and Bobby Despotovski’s U-20s kick -off at 11am and 1pm respectively.
Admission for Perth Glory FC members is free.
