The Football West NPL takes a break this week, but there will be no respite for the PGFC Academy Under-20 side who will be looking to win the club’s first State League Cup when they take on Sorrento in the Belt-Up State League Reserves Cup Final at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday. (Kick off at 12.15pm)
The youngsters’ journey to the Final began with a big First-Round win against Canning City, before a 4-1 victory over fellow-NPL side Bayswater City in Round Two. In the Quarter-Final, they beat Fremantle City 3-2 and then a dramatic, last-minute winner from skipper Aidan Edwards gave them a 2-1 Semi-Final victory over ECU Joondalup.
Goalkeeper Nic Speca felt that it was the win against ECU that revealed the true character of the side.
“We knew it was going to be tough going into that game,” he said, “but we were prepared and the boys were destined to win. I thought we played really well, but couldn’t put our chances away early.
“After the break, though, I thought we dominated. It got a little scrappy near the end, so it was a great relief when Aidan scored the winner. We were all very happy with the result, as anybody would be having scored in the last minute.”
Speca, who played AFL as a youngster before turning to football and joined Glory this season from Subiaco, confirmed that the whole squad are relishing the prospect of claiming some silverware.
“The boys are really focused on this week and we all can’t wait to get on the field, come away with the win and claim the Cup for the first time,” said the 17-year-old.
“It’s difficult to know how Sorrento are going to play because we have not played them yet in the league, but this isn’t going to stop us as we go all out on Saturday to claim the win.”
Midfielder Jordan Abrahams, meanwhile, feels that the Under-20s have now really hit their straps after a sluggish opening to the campaign.
“It definitely wasn’t the start we were after,” he said, “but once again, all praise goes to the squad as a whole.
“We worked hard on the training ground for each other and eventually began to get the results as a reward for our efforts.
“I think the fact that we went on a 13-game winning run in both the league and cup really proves that if you work hard, anything is possible.
“Hopefully we can make the top four and go on to win the championship.
“Saturday will be another tough test for us and there will be challenges as always, but if we play to our strengths and in the positive manner we strive to, I fully believe we can win.”
Abrahams’ air of quiet confidence is shared by Semi-Final hero Edwards who also came off the bench during Glory’s pre-season friendly against Perth SC earlier this week.
“There’s no better feeling then scoring a winning goal,” he said, “especially in such a big game like the Semi-Final.
“But we all know that the job isn’t done yet as we have to continue playing good football, win the final and lift the Cup.”
It promises to be a fantastic occasion at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday, so do get along and lend the lads your support if you can.
#OneGlory
