The PGFC Academy First Team are firmly focused upon claiming all three points from Saturday’s home clash with Inglewood United (kick-off at 3pm), even though a draw would be enough to secure Ruben Zadkovich’s side a place in the Top-Four Cup.
Glory head into the game occupying fourth spot, a point ahead of Inglewood, while ECU Joondalup are a further point behind and could only grab fourth if Glory and Inglewood draw and they manage to rub out a goal-difference deficit of eight.
But while admitting it’s shaping up to be a tense final day of the regular season, in-form forward Charlie Leech is adamant that the Academy First Team will not be adopting a cautious approach.
“We’re going for the three points,” he declared.
“We want a big performance in our last home game of the season, so that’s the focus and that’s been the message from Rubes [Zadkovich] all week.”
Leech has been one of Glory’s standout performers in recent weeks and was understandably pleased to take his goal tally for the season to three in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Balcatta, especially as the game saw him go head-to-head with his brother Jack.
“I was pleased with my performance and happy with the goal, but overall it wasn’t a good performance from us as a team and that was disappointing,” he said.
“Me and Jack had a bit of a tussle here and there throughout the game and a bit of off-the-ball action, but it was all good.
“It’s always good versing him and I was driving on the way home, so I gave him a bit on the journey!”
At a wider level, the Sorrento local feels that he has taken some major strides forward under Zadkovich’s tutelage this term.
“I think I’ve improved overall,” he said.
“Rubes has helped me a lot in lots of different areas and I’m just looking to hit the back of the net a bit more in the next few games.
“Hopefully we can get the three points [on Saturday] and go into the Finals with confidence.”
The First Team game will provide the climax to what promises to be an epic day of NPL WA action at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park.
The Under-18s, who will kick off proceedings at 11am, are involved in a thrilling, three-way race for the title.
If Gavin Brown’s side beat second-placed Inglewood and Bayswater City fail to claim maximum points against Sorrento, Glory will be champions.
The Under-20s, meanwhile, are all but guaranteed to be celebrating a title triumph.
Only a defeat against Inglewood coupled with a win for second-placed Bayswater City, along with a goal-difference swing of 16, will prevent Chris Coyne’s team from cracking the bubbly open at the end of their game which gets underway at 1pm.
Admission is FREE for Glory Members and we would urge everyone to get along and support the lads on what promises to be a memorable and dramatic day of football.
(picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
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