The PGFC Academy First Team head south on Saturday for an intriguing NPL WA clash with a Cockburn City side coached by club legend Scott Miller (kick off at Dalmatinac Park is at 3pm).
Richard Garcia’s side maintained the pressure on leaders Perth SC courtesy of a win against Rockingham City last weekend, with Joshua Samson playing an important role in the middle of the park.
And the 17-year-old is understandably keen to be involved again against the sixth-placed Cockerels.
“I thought we played some really good football for the majority of the game and took our chances well,” he said.
“A lack of concentration allowed Rockingham to get back into the game, but we held strong late to get the result.
“It’s been a great experience for me, as there are a lot of quality players at this level and I’ve felt I have been able to fit in and play my role.
“I came through the ranks of Ellenbrook United FC and my coach there, Lee Cole, was great for my football and he prepared me really well for senior football.
“But since I joined Glory, I’ve worked hard to improve my game and Richard [Garcia] has prepared me really well for the step up from the Under 20s.
“I feel as long as I stick to the basics, I can continue to improve.
“Cockburn away are always a tough team to play and coming off a good result last week, it will be a difficult match.
“They are quite a physical team, so we will have to be at our best to get the win, but if we play as we know we can, I’m confident we can come home with a positive result.”
Garcia, meanwhile, was quick to hail Samson as an example of hard work paying dividends.
“Joshua has been given his opportunity for his performances in the 20s and he’s taken it with both hands,” he explained.
“We have some talented players within our Academy and Joshua is one of them and it’s showed the others with hard work and dedication what you can achieve.”
Garcia went on to predict that his young charges will face a stern test against Miller’s side this weekend.
“They [Cockburn] are a good team and well coached,” he said, “but we go there focused on getting a positive result.
“There is a huge buzz around the club at the moment with the Hyundai A-League side in Finals action this weekend and it’s rubbed off on us.
“The players are ready for a big game and we go into the game looking to keep our good run going and keep in touch with the leaders.”
Saturday’s fixtures at Dalmatinac Park get underway at 11am with the Under-18s, the Under-20s are next up at 1pm and the First Team kick off at 3pm.
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