PGFC Academy First Team skipper Giordano Colli is quietly confident that the Glory youngsters have what it takes to get the better of in-form Sorrento FC in Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated Top Four Cup Semi-Final at Percy Doyle Reserve (kick-off at 3pm).
The visitors will head to the northern suburbs buoyed by an impressive display against Inglewood United last time out, Colli bagging the final goal in an emphatic 5-1 victory which clinched Glory’s spot in the Top Four Cup.
And although Sorrento prevailed when the two teams met just four weeks ago, the midfielder believes the Academy side have what it takes to clip the Gulls’ wings and keep their hopes of silverware alive.
“We always have to be aware of their threats and we know that they can beat us on their day,” he said.
“We need to make sure that we’re on the ball and all set to rectify the result from last time.
“They’re going to be big and physical, will probably set up in another block like they did last time and try and win the second balls and make it more of a contest.
“We have to make sure we’re there for the battle and hopefully get the ball down and play.”
The Academy First Team finished the regular season in style, losing just two of their final 11 games and Colli was understandably delighted with the way in which they saw off Inglewood in a game which would have seen them miss out on the Top Four Cup had they been defeated.
“We set out to go and dominate the game and get the win and that’s what we did,” he said.
“Rubes [Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich] places a big emphasis on our mentality and especially last week, he got us to re-focus and do the job.
“At a personal level, I haven’t scored for a while, so it was nice to get on the scoresheet.
“It was a nice ball in from Tyler Vecchio who put in a good cameo off the bench.
“I’d said in the week that it was going to take all 16 players and the coaching staff to get the result and we all did our part on Saturday.
“Now we have to play the way we want to play against Sorrento and the boys are definitely ready for it.”
The Under-18s and Under-20s are also in Top Four Cup action on Saturday, with their fixtures taking place at Inglewood Stadium.
Gavin Brown’s 18s take on Perth SC at 9am and Chris Coyne’s 20s, who were crowned Champions last weekend, face Bayswater City at 11am.
Do get along and lend the lads your support if you can!
(picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
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