PGFC Academy First Team Head Coach Richard Garcia believes that an improvement in their concentration levels is the key to his young charges securing a top-six finish in the NPL WA.
Glory went down 4-1 to Perth SC in their most recent outing, but Garcia took plenty of positives from the display at Dorrien Gardens.
And he feels that with some minor improvements, the youngsters are capable of downing Armadale SC at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday (kick-off at 3pm) to force themselves right back into contention for a finals berth.
“The performance [against Perth SC] was very good,” he said.
“It’s just about the young guys learning that they need to concentrate a little bit more to eliminate simple errors, especially at set-pieces.
“But performance-wise, they are still doing the things that we’re asking them to do and now it’s about them putting a performance together and eliminating those little errors.
“We’re expecting a physical and direct game this weekend which is the kind of challenge that we’ve dealt with quite well this season.
“It’ll be a good physical challenge, but they’ve been growing in that area every week and getting stronger and stronger.
“It’s more about the concentration, staying focused when we think we’re doing well and not getting done on the counter or at a set-piece when we think we’ve got it covered.
“It’s those lapses we need to work on eliminating.”
It was Royie Rahamim who claimed Glory’s goal in the Perth SC defeat and Garcia was thrilled to see the promising young forward mark his elevation to senior NPL in such style.
“It was fantastic,” he said.
“He’s gone from strength to strength as a young player coming through the ranks.
“He was playing Under-14s last year and has gone throught the 16s, 18s and 20s and now come off the bench to score for the First Team.
“He’s been scoring at every level and we’re firm believers that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, so it’s great that he’s continuing to push himself and get the rewards for that.”
Armadale, meanwhile, come into the game sitting in seventh spot off the back of consecutive defeats to Inglewood United and Sorrento FC respectively.
Three points on Saturday would see Glory leapfrog the southern suburbs club and potentially climb into the top six, depending on results elsewhere and Garcia believes that there’s still everything to play for as the end of the regular season looms large.
“Two wins and you’re pretty much there,” he said.
“The boys are aware of that and are eager to improve on the results of late.
“They’re playing good football, so it’s just a matter of time before everything falls into place.
“Hopefully that happens this weekend and then we can push on for that top-six spot.”
Ahead of the First Team game, the Under-18s will be in action at 11am, followed by the Under-20s at 1pm, so do get along and lend the lads your support if you can.
(picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
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