INTERVIEW WITH NEW JUFC COACH BILL BYRNE

New first team coach Bill Byrne on his recent appointment at Joondalup United.

“I am very proud to be returning to JUFC as Senior Coach.
 
As the original founder of the club it has always held a place in my heart and indeed, had I not left to work overseas, I would no doubt have never left the club.
 
Next February marks the 10th anniversary of the club and it has done extremely well in those 10 years, rising from the lowest division to be starting its 3rd season in the Premier League.
 
I have spent the last three years at Ballajura AFC as Senior Coach but it was with no hesitation whatsoever that I accepted JUFC’s offer to return. I realise there is a job to be done here and I am under no illusions that it will be easy, but I am confident that with a positive attitude from everyone on and off the park we will progress as a club in the coming seasons.
 
As a coach I have a strong belief in treating all players both honestly and fairly. I firmly believe in maintaining discipline on the park and not being sucked into silly yellow/red cards through “losing our cool”. That wins you nothing.
 
I will always be available to any player who wants to talk to me about their position in the squad or any other matter and I am prepared to speak to players one on one at any time.
 
I will be looking at all players who turn up for preseason with no pre-conceived ideas about who will form the eventual squad. In other words its up to everyone to show they deserve a spot in the First/Reserve team.
 
My ambitions for JUFC are exacty what they were 10 years ago – to establish JUFC as a feared and respected Premier League club. I will be looking for all players to share that ambition over the coming seasons.”
 
Bill

Dadi Gets Winner for Glory Youth

A second-half header from veteran Eugene Dadi fired Perth to consecutive National Youth League victories following a 1-0 result against Central Coast in sweltering conditions in NSW on Saturday.

Dadi, who was a second half substitute, took advantage of some great lead-up play from fellow senior listed team mate Todd Howarth to head home the winner at the back post in the 77th minute.

The Mariners, sitting equal on points at the top of the NYL table, went into the match as firm favourites after some impressive recent performances however Perth’s youngsters have produced more than their fair share of quality football this season and today was no exception.

Despite the match kicking off at 7.00am Perth time the visitors looked alert and ready for action and handled the oppressive heat better than the home side.

Ludovic Boi was again outstanding and he and Adam Taggart both had good sights on goal after Dadi’s opener as the Glory were unlucky not to extend their lead in the final 10 minutes.

While the Mariners shaded Perth in possession over the first half they rarely threatened Glory custodian Aleks Vrteski. Half chances fell at both ends in the first stanza but it was the visitors who stepped up a gear following the main break.

Dadi’s introduction gave Glory a different feel in attack and he could have put Perth in front in the 60th minute but his close range header was straight at Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

Brendan Griffin then had the Mariners best chance to score but was cut out by some desperate Perth defence before Dadi pounced at the other end of the field.

The match saw a return for Glory favourite Jamie Harnwell who took to the field for the first time in two months after recovering from a knee injury. The hardworking utility made it through a half unscathed and will be looking to step up his output in the coming weeks and push for a return to the senior side.

National Youth League 2009: Rd12

Central Coast Mariners 0
Perth Glory 1 (Eugene Dadi 77’)
Saturday, 28 November 2009 at Pluim Park, Gosford
Referee Brett Hookham

Central Coast Mariners Youth: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk) 2.Nathan SHERLOCK, 3.David D’APUZZO (17.David GULLO 60’), 5.Luka DUKIC, (11.Mitchell MALLIA 46’), 6.Manny GIANNAROS, 7.Brendan GRIFFIN, 9.Gavin FORBES, (8.Nicholas FITZGERALD 60’), 12.Shane HUKE, 14.Brady SMITH 15.Adam ORMSBY (c), 18.Matthew LEWIS
Substitutes not used: 20. Mathew Ryan (GK)
Yellow Cards: Gavin Forbes 33’, Luka Dukic 36’, Nicholas Fitzgerald 71’, Mitchell Mallia 90+3’
Red Cards

Perth Glory Youth: 40.Aleks VRTESKI (gk) (OA) (1.Alex PEARSON (gk) 60’), 11.Ludovic BOI, 6.Dean EVANS, 4.Sam MITCHINSON, 3.Scott NEVILLE, 2.Ryan PEARSON, 5.Josh RISDON (7.Cameron EDWARDS 60’), 14.Glen TRIFIRO (13.Adam TAGGART 60’) 8.Todd HOWARTH (OA), 10.Andrija JUKIC (c) (OA), 15.Jamie HARNWELL (OA) (9.Eugene DADI 46’ (OA))
Substitutes not used:
Yellow Cards: Ryan Pearson 82’
Red Cards

Dadi heads Glory Youth to victory

A second-half header from Perth Glory striker Eugene Dadi gave Garth Naven’s side an upset 1-0 National Youth League win over the Central Coast Mariners in sweltering conditions at Pluim Park, Gosford on Saturday morning.

Dadi, who didn’t come on until half-time, took advantage of some great lead-up play from Todd Howarth to head home the winner at the back post in the 77th minute and move the Glory into fourth spot on the table.

Another positive for the Glory was the return to action of Jamie Harnwell who played up front for the first half before making way fro Dadi.

The second-placed Mariners went into the match as firm favourites after some impressive recent performances, but it was the Glory that finished the stronger of the sides in tough conditions.

Despite struggling to create too many clear-cut chances for much of the match, the visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead in the final 10 minutes, with Ludovic Boi and Adam Taggart both going close after Dadi’s opener.

The Mariners had the better of play for much of the first half, but rarely threatened Perth goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski.

Matthew Lewis, who made his Hyundai A-League debut for Central Coast three weeks ago, was the best player on the field and his runs forward highlighted the Mariners’ first-half display.

Half chances fell at both ends in the first stanza. The Mariners would have gone in at half-time confident of getting something out the match after some positive play.

But Perth rallied in the second half and Dadi made a difference and should have put Perth in front earlier then he did. The big striker had a great chance to score in the 60th minute but his close range header was straight at Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

Brendan Griffin then had the Mariners’ best chance to score cut out by some desperate Perth defence before Dadi pounced at the other end of the field.

It was a big result for Perth which was keen to back up last week’s impressive victory against Sydney.

Glory Youth skipper Dean Evans was delighted with the victory. “It was a great win today in very hot conditions. We are delighted to continue on with our winning steak and we now have to carry on and push for a top four finish,” said Evans.

“We should have added a couple more and made the win more emphatic, but a win away from home is a good win and we’ll enjoy the trip back,” added Evans.

“We had a number of Glory senior players in the side today, which sometimes can unstable the side, but they were all great today. Eugene Dadi showed what a professional player he is coming on at half time and scoring the winner, while keeper Aleks Vrteski kept it tight at the back,” added the Stirling Lions midfielder.

Central Coast Mariners Youth Squad – Matthew RYAN (GK), Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), Shane HUKE (OA), David D’APUZZO, Matthew LEWIS, Panny NIKAS (C), Nathan SHERLOCK, Brady SMITH, Gavin FORBES, Nick FITZGERALD, Jerry KALOURIS, Adam ORMSBY, Luka DUKIC, Mitchell MALLIA, Brendan GRIFFIN, Manny GIANNAROS, David GULLO

Perth Glory Youth Squad – Aleks VRTESKI (GK) (OA),Alex PEARSON (GK), Ludovic BOI, Million BUTSHIIRE, Eugene DADI (OA), Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Andrija JUKIC (OA), Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Ryan PEARSON, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO

All square at the Blue Tongue Stadium

Perth Glory won their first ever league point against Central Coast Mariners on the road after a 0-0 draw in Friday night’s opening round 16 A-League game at the Blue Tongue Stadium in Gosford.

The home side went into the game in scintillating form, scoring nine goals in their last two games, and were back home after five weeks on the road. They made one change to their side that beat North Queensland Fury 5-1 last week with Matthew Crowell replacing Nicky Travis, who dropped to the bench. It was also a big night for Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson who was playing his 100th A-league appearance.

The Glory made three changes to the side that beat league leaders Sydney FC 2-0 last week with Mile Sterjovski, Victor Sikora and Wayne Srhoj returning to the starting eleven. They replaced the injured Scott Bulloch, while Todd Howarth and Scott Neville dropped to the bench.

The home side were on top early and on six minutes a good run and shot from Michael McGlinchy sailed wide. Moments later Crowell tried his luck from long-range, but his shot was straight at Glory keeper Tando Velaphi.

Glory were on the back foot and the Mariners continue to dominate, and on 17 minutes McGlinchey’s through ball sent former Perth Glory striker Nik Mrdja clear, but Velaphi was out quick to save at his feet.

The best chance of the game fell to the visitors in their first real attacking raid. Srhoj found Sterjovski on the right and his cross picked out Sikora who volleyed over from four-yards.

It was becoming a battle in the middle of the park with Jacob Burns and Srhoj pulling the strings for the Glory, and McGlinchey and Nigel Boogaard doing likewise for the Mariners, but as the half went on the Glory began to get on top.

On 40 minutes a quick free kick from Srhoj found Burns, who sent Jamie Coyne in down the right his dangerous cross was cleared by some desperate defending from Pedi Bojic.

Then sixty seconds later the Glory went within inches of the lead, Adriano Pellegrino’s cross from the right was headed down by Chris Coyne and Sterjovski’s long-range volley beat Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic, but it crashed off the post and away to safety.

The Mariners were the first to threaten in the second half, Adam Kwasnik dinked a ball over the top of the Glory defence sending Mrdja clear, but the striker seemed to hesitate giving Velaphi time to block his attempted chip and Chris Coyne cleared the danger.

Both sides were struggling with their passing game and the newly laid pitch at the Blue Tongue Stadium had a lot to do with it, as players ripped divots up after every tackle and pass, but both still pressed forward.

It was the visitors who were creating the better chances and on 51 minutes Sterjovski’s cross from the left found the unmarked Pellegrino at the back post, but his header was well saved by Vukovic.

Mariners Coach Lawrie McKinna brought on Matt Simon to give them some more fire power up front, but it was the Glory who was carving out the chances. A quick break from Srhoj on 67 minutes found Branko Jelic through the middle. He sent Sikora free into the box on right and the Dutchman’s low shot was heading into the corner of the net before Vukovic deflected the ball inches past the far post.

With time running out both sides had chances to win, on 85 minutes a great cross from second half substitute Nicky Travis found Simon at the back post, but the Socceroos striker headed wide when well placed.

In the second minute of injury time the Glory almost snatched the points. A good run down the right by Neville ended with a great ball into Sikora, whose shot was saved by Vukovic.

Then in the last minute of injury time it was the turn of the Mariners to go close. Simon’s picked out Ahmad Elrich 25-yards from goal, his curling shot beat Velaphi but dipped inches over the crossbar.

A good point for the Glory and Coach David Mitchell was pleased to get something from the game. “I thought we had the better chances overall and could have come away with more than the draw,” said Mitchell.

“I’m still very pleased with the performance and to get any points against the Mariners on their home turf is a great effort.

“To keep a clean sheet against a side that has been banging in goals from all over the place was critical and I thought the defence was superb,” added Mitchell.

Both Andy Todd and Chris Coyne were excellent again tonight, and they received special praise from Mitchell for their leadership in the heart of Glory’s defence.

“Andy has been superb all season and was probably underestimated by a lot of people when he arrived. He is a real pro and gives us a focus on the pitch and in the dressing room as well,” said Mitchell.

He continued: “Add to that the great form of Chris Coyne and we have a terrific combination there. The two centre halves have really made a difference to our team.”

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna had high hopes for his team after it won its previous two matches in style. He was disappointed his team could not score on its long-awaited return to Gosford but not too concerned about the result.

“No goals against, and it’s a point against one of the teams around about us, who are a good side at full strength, so a few positives, but we can improve a lot,” said McKinna.

“They’re a good team, they beat Sydney last week 2-nil, and they had three of their strongest players coming in, so they are a stronger team (tonight), than the team that beat Sydney.

“Danny (Vukovic) made one great save, and the one that he got a toe in off Sikora, but Matty Simon should have done better with the header, we had a few shots from the edge of the box, but we didn’t have clear cut chances,” added McKinna.

Central Coast Mariners – GK Danny Vkovic, 2 Matthew CROWELL (22 Nicky Travis 71’), 4 Pedj BOJIC, 5 Brad PORTER, 7 John HUTCHINSON, 8 Dean HEFFERNAN, 9 Nik MRDJA (19 Matt Simon 54’), 14 Michael McGLINCHEY, 16 Nigel BOOGAARD, 18 Alex WILKINSON (C), 23 Adam KWASNIK (21 Ahmad Elrich 76’) – Subs not used – RGK Andrew Redmayne

Yellow Cards – Heffernan 90’

Perth Glory – GK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jamie COYNE, 4 Andy TODD, 6 Chris COYNE, 7 Jacob BURNS, 8 Victor SIKORA, 10 Wayne SRHOJ (28 Tommy AMPHLETT 78’), 11 Branko JELIC, 16 Adriano PELLEGRINO, 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI,), 21 Mile STERJOVSKI (12 Scott NEVILLE 83’)

Subs not used – RGK Aleks VRTESKI, 17 Todd HOWARTH,

Yellow Cards – Burns 30’, Sterjovski 68’

Referee – Gerard Parsons

Attendance -7,857

Noranda Soccer Club 2010 U15 Trial

Noranda Soccer Club is looking for players interested in playing in any of the following 15’s squads for 2010.

One team will play Division 2 Football in 2010 and the other side will play North Division 2.

Both sides have been promoted after successful 2009 seasons.

The Division 2 side has been promoted for the last three years and is looking to do the same again.

If you are interested in playing Football in a friendly environment you are invited to attend the following grading trial:

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Time: 6.00pm

Please arrive at least 15mins early for registration.

Venue: Noranda Sporting Complex, McGilvray Avenue, Noranda

Players must wear boots, shinpads and bring sufficient water.

Coaches will advise on the night time and dates of any additional sessions.

If you are interested but unable to make the above session or simply have some questions, please contact Steve on 0417 928 330

Perth Take Point Away at Central Coast

Perth Glory has broken their barren run at Bluetongue Stadium but could feel slightly aggrieved that they had to share the spoils against an in-form Central Coast side after creating the best opportunities in their Friday night clash.

Mile Sterjovski’s spectacular effort late in the first half was denied only by the woodwork while Perth created several other positive forward thrusts that tested the Mariners defence.

Just as importantly the Glory’s containment of a potent Central Coast attack, which had scored nine times in their past two matches, was outstanding. The home side hardly testing keeper Tando Velaphi as Perth earned its fifth clean sheet of the campaign.

After being sent home empty handed on six previous trips to Gosford, a new found resilience and belief was evident in Perth’s performance much to the delight of Coach Dave Mitchell.

“I thought we had the better chances overall and could have come away with more than the draw,” Mitchell said.

“I’m still very pleased with the performance and to get any points against the Mariners on their home turf is a great effort.

“To keep a clean sheet against a side that has been banging in goals from all over the place was critical and I thought the defence was superb.”

Andy Todd and Chris Coyne receiving special praise from Mitchell for their leadership in the heart of Glory’s defence. The pair teaming to provide an impenetrable force at the back, heading away any aerial attacks while ground advances were just as effectively dispersed.

“Andy has been superb all season and probably underestimated by a lot of people,” Mitchell said.

“He is a real pro and gives us a focus on the pitch and in the dressing room as well.

“Add to that the great form of Chris Coyne and we have a terrific combination there. The two centre halves have really made a difference to our team.”

The defences of both sides playing the most influential role in the opening half hour with only three shots on goal in that time.

One of those opportunities falling to Glory’s tenacious midfielder Victor Sikora but the Dutchman was unable to direct his shot past Mariners custodian Danny Vukovic after latching onto a great Sterjovski cross.

Perth enjoyed a purple patch to finish the half and was desperately unlucky not to go into the break a goal up after a wonderful snap shot from Sterjovski. The Socceroos star curling a volley around the defence only to agonisingly see it rebound off the upright and cleared to safety.

Not long after the restart Adriano Pellegrino had a chance to put away a rare headed goal when Sterjovski pinpointed the midfielder steaming into the box, however Vukovic was up to the task as he dropped to the ground to stop the ball on the goal line.

Sikora also testing the young keeper, this time the Olyroo having to make a last gasp flick of his boot to ensure the ball to rolled past the outside of the far post.

The Mariners emptied their bench and probed until the final whistle but never really looked likely to break down an impressive Glory side who now return to Perth to tackle Brisbane at ME Bank Stadium on Sunday 6 December.

Hyundai A-League 2009/10 – Rd 16

Central Coast Mariners 0
Perth Glory 0
Friday, 27 November 2009 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Crowd: 7857
Referee: Gerard Parsons

Central Coast Mariners: 20.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 2.Matthew CROWELL (22.Nicky TRAVIS 71’), 4.Pedj BOJIC, 5.Brad PORTER, 7.John HUTCHINSON, 8.Dean HEFFERNAN, 9.Nik MRDJA (19.Matt SIMON 54’), 14.Michael McGLINCHEY, 16.Nigel BOOGAARD, 18.Alex WILKINSON (c), 23.Adam KWASNIK (21.Ahmad ELRICH 76’).
Substitutes not used: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Dean Heffernan 90’
Red Cards:

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ (28.Tommy AMPHLETT 79’), 11.Branko JELIC, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21.Mile STERJOVSKI (12.Scott NEVILLE 84’)
Substitutes not used: 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk)
Yellow Cards: Jacob Burns 30’, Mile Sterjovski 68’
Red Cards:

Shroj Returns to Bolster Glory for Mariners Challenge

Perth Glory will be strengthened by the return of influential midfielder Wayne Srhoj for the vital clash with the Central Coast Mariners at the Blue Tongue Stadium in Gosforth tonight (5pm WA time).

Srhoj, who missed last week’s 2-0 win against Sydney FC, is expected to be selected in the starting line-up and could also be joined by Socceroos striker Mile Sterjovski and former Dutch international Victor Sikora who both came off the bench last week.

Sterjovski has overcome a stomach bug, while Sikora made a successful return to the pitch after a hamstring strain.

The trio will be a welcome inclusion for Coach Dave Mitchell as he plans to contain a rampant Mariners attack that has scored nine goals in their last to games.

Mitchell, who was buoyed by last week’s victory, is looking forward to the game. “Everyone is fit and eager to be part of the game which is a positive position to be in,” said Mitchell.

“To have the quality of Mile and Victor coming off the bench last week changed the game in our favour but both are very keen to play their part from the start this time around.

“We also have Wayne coming back in and I have a decision to make about how we line-up, and we have a few options which is a good sign for the side,” said Mitchell.

Glory favourite Jamie Harnwell could also play a role for Perth after recovering from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined for two months. The utility last played in Perth’s 4-2 away win against Brisbane in round seven and is itching to get back amongst the action.

Harnwell was part of Glory’s 16 man travelling party although Mitchell has indicated he is likely to take a cautious approach with the 32 year old and bring him back through the club’s youth league team, who play on Saturday morning.

“In the two weeks Jamie has been back to full training he has done everything and played in the games we’ve had and is feeling good,” said Mitchell.

“He travelled so he can train with us but I think he is most likely to take part in the Youth game on Saturday morning.

“Jamie wanted to play last week and I said no, I wanted to get another weeks training under his belt and that has been beneficial for him.

“He loves the club; he’s a club man, a former captain and a good honest guy who gives you everything he has got.

“Jamie is someone that is very important to the club. I like him as a player and think he adds a lot of value but ideally needs some game time before stepping straight back into the senior side.”

There was disappointment however on the eve of departure east, when midfielder Scott Bulloch was forced out of the side with a thigh injury. Bulloch made his first start of the season last weekend and scored the opening goal of the game but will be forced to watch for at least two weeks.

“I thought Scotty was great last week and it is unfortunate for him that he is missing out. It shows the character of the kid that he performed the way he did when he had a couple of tears in his thigh,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell is also looking forward to pitting his wits against mate Lawrie McKinna, who has his side in scintillating form in recent weeks. “The Mariners have that never say die attitude, even if you get a couple of goals they can come back. They’ve always been a very competitive side. I have known Lawrie for a long time and what he has done at that club has been fantastic. It’ll be a hard challenge for us no doubt but one that we will go into to put on a good show and get the result,” added Mitchell.

Pundits in the game have said the Glory will head to Gosforth in a defensive mode but Mitchell has denied that. He is confident Perth has the firepower to match their opponents and is confident his defence, led by Andy Todd and Chris Coyne, has the ability to nullify the attacking threat of Central Coast.

“We’re good at scoring goals and we need to get forward and score because we want to win the game and also put them on the back foot,” said Mitchell.

“They have been clinical; most of the chances they’ve created have been taken. Defensively they’re very solid and I think Danny Vukovic has been outstanding in goal and saved them in a lot of one-on-ones.

“You have to be in the game for as long as possible and keep a clean sheet, that’s what they’ve been doing and then going on to score goals.

“It’s a situation where we’re not just going there to defend, certainly against Central Coast if you just go there to defend then you get in trouble.”

Mitchell will hope his side can turn around their woeful away record this season, which has seen them win only two and draw one from their eight matches.

“It was great to get that win on Sunday and I think we made a bit of a statement that we can beat the top teams. Central Coast will be no different, we’ll take the same attitude into the game and we’re not scared of playing any team,” said Mitchell.

A win on Friday night for the Glory would see them climb above Central Coast who currently sit two points ahead in fourth place on the A-League ladder.

“There is still a lot of football and points up for grabs. Our form at home has been very good and we need to make sure we keep that going but we also need to pick up a few points away from home so it’s important that we get a result this week,” added Mitchell.

Hyunda A-League 2009/10 – Rd 16

Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Friday, 27 November 2009 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5.00pm (AWST)
Referee: Gerard Parsons

Perth Glory Radio Broadcast Partner: 6PR – 882am
Live & exclusive TV broadcast on Fox Sports 2 and Sky Sports 1.

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 2. Matthew CROWELL, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 9. Nik MRDJA, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 15. Andrew CLARK, 16. Nigel BOOGAARD, 18. Alex WILKINSON (C), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (GK), 21. Ahmad ELRICH, 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK

*one to be omitted*
In: Matt SIMON (return from injury)
Out: Nil

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 28.Tommy AMPHLETT

*one to be omitted*
In: Jamie HARNWELL (return from injury), Wayne SRHOJ (return from suspension)
Out: Scott BULLOCH (thigh – 2 weeks)

Glory Youth head East with confidence

Following last weekend’s 3-2 home win over reigning National Youth League Champions Sydney FC, Perth Glory’s youngsters head east with confidence and are determined to continue their giant killing run when they take on the high flying Central Coast at Pluim Park, Central Coast.

Perth can look to new recruit Glen Trifiro for some inside knowledge of the Mariners set-up after he represented the Gosford outfit in the inaugural NYL season. The 2007 Australian Schoolboy’s skipper is looking forward to the clash. “You’ve always got a little bit of extra excitement playing against your old side, that’s just natural, it’s always great to play against friends and people that you know,” Trifiro said.

“They are a good side, a top team, so if we can knock them off and beat two top teams in two weeks then that will say a lot about where we are at as a group.

“All round we will have to be on our game and pulling our weight. Obviously the team that takes the majority of their chances will win and I think both sides will be looking to be creative up front which will make it a good game to watch.”

The addition of Trifiro has been a boost for Perth this season, the 20 year old enjoying a change of scenery and repaying the club with classy performances in midfield.

“I think we’ve got a good bunch of guys in the squad, it has been quite easy for me to fit in, and the boys have made it a good move,” Trifiro said.

“Gareth (Naven) is a great coach and gets the most out of everyone. We’re always training hard and that’s what you need to be doing to be a successful squad.

“The professionalism at Perth is fantastic. I’ve come into the set-up and everyone has made the transition very easy. There are opportunities to push into the first team which is great motivation and I believe it is a place where I can really improve my football.”

Another player who is impressing is midfielder Dean Evans, although at the start of the season the 19-year-old was side lined with a knee injury. But he has been back in the side for the last three weeks and he was the hero scoring the winning goal in last weeks 3-2 victory against Sydney FC in the National Youth league.

The Stirling Lions youngster was delighted to score his first goal for the season, also to get the Glory back on track. “I was a bit surprised when I did score, as it’s been a long time coming, but it was my first goal and most of all it turned out to be an important goal for the team,” said Evans.

On last weeks victory Evans believes the side are now back on track after a couple of indifferent results. “It was a really good win for the boy’s, considering we were coming off a 0-3 loss the week before. We showed a great deal of character to bounce back and we will take into Saturday’s game at Central Coast Mariners,” explained Evans.

The Glory head to the Central Coast on Saturday to take on joint leaders Mariners, and Evans knows the importance of the game. “It’s a huge game for us this week as we need to stay in touch with the top of the four. We are full of confidence and we are ready to give them a real tough game,” said Evans.

“They have surprised many with their results this year, but at the moment they deserve to be where they are, but we are confidant we will knock them off and get ourselves on a bit of a winning run,” added Evans.

A blow to the Glory side is the loss of their skipper but Evans believes his replacement will do a great job. “It’s a shame that our Captain Stevie Hesketh will miss the game. He will be a huge loss for us but we may have Jamie Harnwell coming in, after recovering from a knee injury, so we do have a very capable replacement,” said Evan

Perth Glory supporters can listen to a replay of all the action on 990am from 12.00pm.

National Youth League 2009: Rd11

Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Saturday, 28 November 2009 at Pluim Park, Gosford
Local kick-off: 7.00am AWST

Central Coast Mariners Matthew RYAN (GK), Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), Shane HUKE (OA), David D’APUZZO, Matthew LEWIS, Panny NIKAS (C), Nathan SHERLOCK, Brady SMITH, Gavin FORBES, Nick FITZGERALD, Jerry KALOURIS, Adam ORMSBY, Luka DUKIC, Mitchell MALLIA, Brendan GRIFFIN, Manny GIANNAROS, David GULLO

*one to be omitted*
Unavailable: Matthew LIDDALL (back – 1 week)

Perth Glory Squad: Ludovic BOI, Million BUTSHIIRE, Eugene DADI (OA), Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Andrija JUKIC (OA), Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO, Aleks VRTESKI (gk) (OA)

Unavailable: Hayden DOYLE (knee – indefinite), Steve HESKETH (hamstring – 2 weeks), David PRICE (knee – 1 week), Reece VITTIGLIA (broken arm – 3 weeks)

Glory on the Attack to the Central Coast

Perth Glory will take the game to Central Coast on Friday night with Coach Dave Mitchell indicating he has no intention of setting-up defensively despite the Mariners hitting the back of the net an incredible nine times in their past two outings this season.

Mitchell is confident Perth has the firepower to match it against the competition’s in-form side while his defence, led by the outstanding Andy Todd and Chris Coyne, has the ability to nullify the attacking threat of Central Coast.

“We’re good at scoring goals and we need to get forward and score because we want to win the game and also put them on the back foot,” Mitchell said.

“They (Central Coast) have been clinical, most of the chances they’ve created have been taken… defensively they’re very solid and I think (Danny) Vukovic has been outstanding in goal and saved them in a lot of one-on-one’s.

“You have to be in the game for as long as possible and keep a clean sheet, that’s what they’ve been doing and then going on to score goals.

“It’s a situation where we’re not just going there to defend, certainly against Central Coast if you just go there to defend then you get in trouble,” said Mitchell.

Perth will take positive momentum of their own into the match following an impressive 2-0 victory against Sydney last weekend at home and will look to up the ante away from ME Bank Stadium.

Glory’s road form has been mixed this season with two wins and a draw from their eight matches however they have been in good positions in each encounter and are determined to turn their performances into points.

“It was great to get that win and I think we made a bit of a statement that we can beat the top teams,” Mitchell said.

“Central Coast will be no different, we’ll take the same attitude into the game and we’re not scared of playing any team.”

A win on Friday night for Perth would see the West Aussies climb above Central Coast who currently sit two points ahead in fourth place on the Hyundai A-League ladder.

“There is still a lot of football and points up for grabs,” Mitchell said.

“Our form at home has been very good and we need to make sure we keep that going but we also need to pick up a few points away from home so it’s important that we get a result this week.”

U12 & U13 Academy Goal Keepers Required

BALCATTA SC requires an U12 & an U13 GK for the Academy Teams. All Goal Keeper coaching is carried out by Paul Turvill. Paul Turvill is a highly respected Goal Keeper coach and has had 3 of the Goal Keepers he trains, play for Australia in the past 2 years.

The Goal Keeper coaching is once weekly, beginning in early February, up until the end of September 2010, and is separated into different levels of ability of the players so that all Goal Keepers get the required work they need. If you are interested in one of the positions then please contact me on 0411 615 716 and also email your details to me, including relevant previous playing experience.

Regards

Dennis Connors
Coach Coordinator Balcatta SC
MOB: 0411 615 716
EMAIL: ucangetme@iinet.net.au

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