Six of the Best for Glory Youth

Perth Glory made it six straight wins in the National Youth League with a dominant 4-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets at ME Bank Stadium on Boxing Day.

The Glory produced a scorching performance on a hot day in Perth with midfielder Glen Trifiro scoring a brace while Ludovic Boi and Reece Vittiglia registered a goal a piece to keep Perth in second position on the ladder comfortably clear of Adelaide and Gold Coast.

Perth has beaten Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar, the Australian Institute of Sport, Gold Coast United and now Newcastle over the last six weeks in a stunning run of form.

“We’re trying to put a framework in place where people understand six or seven basic ideas in the style of how we want to play,” said Coach Gareth Naven.

“I’ve told the players they must bring their own individual flair and resource to make sure that framework is effective and I think they’re doing that effectively across the pitch

“We’ve got squad that is fit and healthy and there is pressure to perform otherwise someone will step in and take your spot. That is a good thing and it is driving the group to achieve their best.”

Both sides had plenty of early chances before the effects of the heat took some of the sting out of the game. The Jets had the upper hand in terms of number of opportunities while Perth was closest to opening the scoring when Newcastle scrambled to clear from the goal line.

Perth seemed to weather the conditions the best and were rewarded for their pressure just before the break when Boi instinctively pounced on a parried save from Jets ‘keeper Ben Kennedy to coolly put it back past the Newcastle custodian and into the net.

The home side continued to step up the intensity after the half and Trifiro was next to get his name on the score sheet with a nice finish.

Perth’s attacking flair was causing the Jets all sorts of problems and just minutes after their second goal they could have been three to the good however Ryan Pearson’s shot was pushed over the bar.

Another chance was denied when a header from Tommi Amphlett was saved on the goal line but Vittiglia, playing only his second match back after recovering from a broken arm, added Glory’s third in the 63rd minute.

Trifiro rounded out the match with his second a short time later to give Perth an emphatic victory and a perfect post-Christmas present.

“I think they (the players) are a confident bunch, individually and as a group, and I think they understand what the team is about,” Naven said.

“They are all for the team and I think that’s important with this group. They’re not selfish and as individuals they come together and work well as a unit.

“It enables us to create success in both their personal development and also in terms of results week-in and week-out which is nice,” Naven said.

National Youth League 2009/10: Rd 17

Perth Glory 4 (Ludovic BOI 44’, Glen TRIFIRO 51’/69’, Reece VITTIGLIA 63’)
Newcastle Jets 0
Saturday, 26 December 2009 at ME Bank Stadium, Perth

Referee: David Costello
Assistant referee: Josh Manella and Trent Fleskins
Fourth official: Josh Mihevc

Perth Glory: 1. Alex PEARSON (Tim DOYLE 60’) (gk), 2. Ryan PEARSON, 3. Steve HESKETH (c), 5. Joshua RISDON (4. Sam MITCHINSON 60’), 6. Dean EVANS, 7. Cameron EDWARDS, 8. Howard FONDYKE (David PRICE 60’), 11. Ludovic BOI, 13. Adam TAGGART, 14. Glen TRIFIRO, 21. Tommy AMPHLETT (12. Reece VITTIGLIA 60’)

Substitutes not used: Nil
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Newcastle Jets: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk) (20. Dion SHAW (gk) 46’), 2. Matthew SIM, 4. Jon GRIFFITHS, 5. Scott BALDERSON, 6. Taylor REGAN, 7. William ANGEL (13. Fabian IACOVELLI 54’) 8. Brodie MOOY, 9. Jason NAIDOVSKI (12. Adrian KARAKOLEVSKI 51’), 10. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 11. Damian BROSQUE (14. Jesse PINTO 54’).

Substitutes not used: Nil
Yellow cards: Brodie MOOY 67’
Red cards: Nil

Glory Too Good Four the Jets

Perth Glory moved back into the top six of the Hyundai A-League after an impressive 4-0 victory against the Newcastle Jets at Members Equity Stadium this afternoon.

The Jets arrived in Perth after four consecutive victories, but goals from Naum Sekulovski, Jamie Harnwell 2 and Mile Sterjovski, gave David Mitchell’s side the points and took some pressure of the manager after some unimpressive performances in recent weeks which had seen his side not win in four games.

Both sides made one change to their starting line up’s with Sterjovski returning to the starting line up for the Glory to replace the injured Victor Sikora, while Ben Kantarovski came into the Jets line up to replace the injured Michael Bridges.

The visitors, who were looking to consolidate fourth spot, made a good start to the game and on seven minutes Matt Thompson sent Sean Rooney clear of the Glory off-side trap but the Jets skipper’s pass was over hit and Tando Velaphi was out quick to collect.

After the early scare it was the Glory that began to dominate and on 11 minutes Adriano Pellegrino sent Jamie Harnwell clear down the right, his cross found the unmarked Sterjovski, whose first time shot was superbly saved by Neil Young.

It was the home side who began to dictate proceedings and six minutes later Jacob Burns’ corner was dropped by Young and Andy Todd’s snap shot was deflected wide.

With the home side well on top it wasn’t a surprise when they hit the front on 19 minutes. A hand ball from Labinot Halliti gave the Glory a free kick; 25-yards from goal, Naum Sekulovski stepped up and drilled a low shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net to give the Glory the lead much to the delight of the packed ranks on the Shed.

It was just the start Mitchell and owner Tony Sage were wanting, and it got better when they doubled their lead five minutes later. Glory skipper Jacob Burns sent Sterjovski clear down the left and his pinpoint cross into the box picked out Harnwell who fired home from four-yards, past his former Sorrento teammate Young to make it 2-0.

The Members Equity Stadium was rocking and on 35 minutes it was three. Todd Howarth’s ball into the box sent Sterjovski clear. The Socceroos midfielder was pulled back by former Glory defender Ljubo Milicevic and referee Ben Williams had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Sterjovski piked himself up and sent Young the wrong way to make it 3-0.

It could have been 4-0 on 40 minutes, Sekulovski quick ball caught the Jets defence napping, and Sterjovski’s shot from the left of the box was saved low by Young.

Jet’s Coach Branko Culina made a double change at the break with Ali Abbas and Kaz Patafta replacing Tarek Elrich and Labinot Haliti and they made a good start to the second half, Adam D’Apuzzo’s long-range shot tipped over by Tando Velaphi at full stretch.

But the Glory hit back to make it 4-0 on 70 minutes. It was a another quick break down the left, Burns found Scott Neville whose pinpoint cross found Harnwell who rose above Ljubo Milicevic to head home from four-yards.

To the Jets credit they fought the game out and the impressive Jin-Hyung Song’s free kick on 78 minutes tested Velaphi, but the new Socceroos keeper tipped over at full stretch.

Thompson’s late long-range shot was saved low by Glory keeper Velaphi, and two minute from time Abbas’ curling free kick from the edge of the box flashed inches past the post but it was the home side that walked of the pitch with the three points.

The Glory will host second placed Sydney FC in the next round on January 10 at Members Equity Stadium, while the Jets face top-of-the-table Melbourne Victory at Energy Australia Stadium on the same date.

Glory defender Chris Coyne was delighted with the result after the game. “We scored at the right time this week, in recent games we’ve been on top and haven’t converted today we did, and it’s a big win for the whole club,” Coyne told Fox Sports.

“We’ve always said we are a top two side and we still believe that. With the players we have got at the club we shouldn’t be losing games and one from nine isn’t good enough, and hopefully this performance is the start of many to come,” added Coyne.

Jets skipper Matt Thompson was disappointed with their performance. “It was a bitterly disappointing game for us especially after four good wins. We wanted to put them on the back foot early but that never happened, and they are a hard team to stop when they get on top. It’s disappointing going into the international break with such a poor performance, but we have to bounce back next time out against the Victory,” said Thompson.

Thompson, who has been called up into Pim Verbeek’s Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers with Kuwait didn’t blame the travel on Christmas day as an excuse. “It’s always a tough game when you come to Perth, but everyone had time with their family before, and travel is no excuse, we weren’t good enough today, end of story,” Thompson told Fox Sports.

Perth Glory - GK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jamie COYNE, 4 Andy TODD, 5 Jamie HARNWELL, 6 Chris COYNE, 7 Jacob BURNS, 12 Scott NEVILLE, 16 Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17 Todd HOWARTH, 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21 Mile STERJOVSKI – Subs not used – RGK Aleks VRTESKI, 2 Jimmy DOWNEY, 13 Scott BULLOCH, 23 Andrija JUKIC

Newcastle Jets - Gk Neil YOUNG, 3 Adam D’APUZZO, 4 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5 Ljubo MILICEVIC, 6 Ben KANTAROVSKI, 7 Jin-Hyung SONG, 8 Matt THOMPSON, 11 Tarek ELRICH, 12 Jobe WHEELHOUSE, 15 Sean ROONEY, 25 Labinot HALITI – Subs not used – RGK Ben KENNEDY, 9 Sasho PETROVSKI, 22 Kaz PATAFTA, 26 Ali ABBAS

Referee – Ben Williams

Att – 9,418

Glory Youth Set Sights on Finals Finish

Perth Glory youth will be gunning for their sixth consecutive win this weekend as they tackle the Newcastle Jets on Boxing Day at ME Bank Stadium.

The young guns superb form has seen them propelled into the top two, putting them in an excellent position to make the finals for the first time.

Talented midfielder Reece Vittiglia says the squads’ winning streak has taken them one step closer to achieving their goal of making the finals and claiming the league title.

“Even at the start of the season our goal was to win the league so now we’re just in the position where we can really take it to other teams. It’s definitely a goal that we’re out to grab,” Vittiglia said.

While Vittiglia was one to watch in his debut for the National Youth League last year, this season has been tumultuous for the youngster, with injuries keeping him from more game time.

In his first match for the season, Vittiglia put on a stellar performance by scoring a hat trick and securing a victory for Glory over the AIS. However, one week after his return, the gifted young player suffered a horrific on-field injury, breaking his arm. The injury kept him out of the action for seven weeks.

“It’s been an up and down season for me compared to last year, but you’ve just got to try and stay positive.

“When you’re injured you just try and get back in as fast as possible and now that I am, I’m just trying to cement my place in the squad and do my best,” Vittiglia said.

Vittiglia attributes Perth’s success to a well coached and drilled team, adding that time has helped the boys to gel together as a unit.

“Last year the youth league had just started so our team was brand new and we hadn’t played with each other, but this year majority of the players were kept on.

“We’ve had an extra year under our belts preparing and understanding how we play and I think that that extra year has really helped us understand our roles as players.

“Navsie (Youth Coach Gareth Naven) has drilled into us the kind of game he wants us to play and we try and influence that on the pitch,” Vittiglia said.

On the game this weekend, Vittiglia says the boys are confident, but aren’t getting ahead of themselves while they still have a job to do.

“We’re very confident but all the players are keeping a level head.

“Newcastle is a good outfit, they’re always tough to play against and they’ve got a lot of good players.

“In saying that, we have good players too and you could say we’re on a bit of a roll.

“We’re all really looking forward to the game on the weekend, it’s a really big game for us and we’re out to take the three points,” Vittiglia said.

National Youth League 2009/10 – Rd17

Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 26 December 2009 at ME Bank Stadium
Local kick-off: 2.00pm
Referee: David Costello

Perth Glory Squad: Ludovic BOI, Million BUTSHIIRE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Steve HESKETH (c), Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, David PRICE, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO, Reece VITTIGLIA

Unavailable: Hayden DOYLE (knee – 3 weeks)

Newcastle Jets: TBC

Glory Must Win Encounter Against the Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory Head Coach Dave Mitchell says the club will use this Saturday’s home clash against the Newcastle Jets to elevate the squad back into the top six.

Perth slipped out of the top six after last week’s disappointing match against North Queensland Fury, but Mitchell insists Glory remain positive and will be out to put up a good performance in front of their faithful fans.

Perth has an excellent record against Newcastle this season and will be looking to end the Jets winning streak and ignite their own with a win on Boxing Day.

“This week is the first time that we’ve been out of the six and we want to get back in there.

“Newcastle has been flying so it’s going to be a tough game.

“They will come here with a bit of swagger and hopefully a bit overconfident. We can use that, win and get the fans supporting us again,” Mitchell said.

With Branko Jelic still out of the squad, Wayne Srhoj ruled out with a knee injury and Viktor Sikora in doubt after pulling up sore at training on Thursday, Mitchell will be faced with some selection dilemmas as he tries to find the winning formula.

“It’s time now where with a couple of injuries we are looking to change things a little bit.

“Other players want opportunities, and will be looking forward to the chance,” he said.

While Mitchell concedes that Newcastle has been in great form and that his squad will be facing a tough opponent, he is still confident Glory can give their home crowd something to cheer about.

“In the early part of the season they (Newcastle) were conceding a lot of goals and were frustrated.

“Branko (Culina) has worked hard to get the team on the park doing the right things and they’ve built on their success to build momentum.

“Newcastle is a good side and it’s a difficult game, but one we have to take to them and win,” Mitchell said.

The head coach admits there has been some pressure on the squad in recent weeks, but says Perth still have plenty of good football to play and are still well within finals contention.

“We are a good football side and the last couple of weeks there has been a bit of pressure applied and we haven’t played as well.

“But we’ve got good enough and strong enough players with a lot of character to show that they are good enough to overcome that.

“We certainly feel that we can make the six and win our home games.

“We are sitting one point out of the finals with eight games to go, so who would dare to write us off?” Mitchell said.

Hyundai A-League 2009/10 – Rd 21

Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 26 December 2009 at ME Bank Stadium

Local kick-off: 5.00pm AWST
Referee: Ben Williams
Perth Glory Radio Broadcast Partner: 6PR – 882am
Live & exclusive TV broadcast on Fox Sports 2 and Sky Sports 1.

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Jimmy DOWNEY, 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, , 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC

*one to be omitted*
In: Jimmy DOWNEY (promoted), Andrjia JUKIC (promoted)
Out: Wayne SRHOJ (injured – knee)

Unavailable: Brent GRIFFITHS (hamstring – 1 week), Branko JELIC (ankle – 1 week), Anthony SKORICH (foot – 4 weeks)

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE, 15. Sean ROONEY, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 22. Kaz PATAFTA, 25. Labinot HALITI, 26. Ali ABBAS

*one to be omitted*
In: 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI (returns from suspension)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 13. Shaun ONTONG (Achilles – indefinite), 14. Michael BRIDGES (hamstring 1-2 weeks), 17. Fabio VIGNAROLI (knee – indefinite), 18. Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite)

*Head-to-Heads: Played 14: Perth Glory wins 7, Newcastle Jets wins 3 (4 draws)

Teams Announced for U13’s International Challenge

The first ever International Challenge will be held in Perth between the 15^th and 18^th January, with two metropolitan, one regional and one international team competing in the tournament.

Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia is visiting Perth in January 2010 for a training camp, and has incorporated the Football West International Challenge for U13 teams into the training tour.

Three Football West sides will be competing, the Regional Selection (chosen at Country Week 2009) and the Metropolitan Blue and Metropolitan White Selections (both chosen at the recent trials).

Football West’s Education and Development Manager, Andrew Bettell, is looking forward to the International Challenge becoming a yearly event.

“The International Challenge provides another step in the development pathway for both the metropolitan and the regional players, and Football West are looking forward to developing this tournament as an integral part in the yearly football calendar for young talented players.”

Football West Senior Development Officer and Metropolitan Blue coach, Warren Grieve sees a number of opportunities that arise from such a tournament.

“For the State Coach to actually be able to sit there for 3 or 4 days and see the better U13s in the State under the pressure of a competitive Challenge is a tremendous selection opportunity.”

The games will be held at Guildford Grammar school in Guildford from the 15^th January to 18^th January 2010. General public are encouraged to attend and cheer on the talented young players.

Fixtures

Friday 15^th January 2010

4.00pm          

Metro Blue Select Squad v Metro White Select Squad

Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia v Regional Select Squad

Saturday 16^th January 2010

9.30am       

Metro White Select Squad v Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia

Regional Select Squad v Metro Blue Select Squad

4.00pm          

Metro Blue Select Squad v Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia

Metro White Select Squad v Regional Select Squad

Sunday 17^th January 2010

9.30am          

Metro White Select Squad v Metro Blue Select Squad

Regional Select Squad v Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia

4.00pm          

Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia v Metro White Select Squad

Metro Blue Select Squad v Regional Select Squad

Monday 18^th January 2010

9.30am          

Arsenal Soccer School Malaysia v Metro Blue Select Squad

Regional Select Squad v Metro White Select Squad 

WA Squad Lists

Regional Select

NAME	CLUB/ASSOCIATION (2009 SEASON)
Kaleb AXISA	CCJSA
Josh BROWN	LNJSA
Kellen CANNA	LNJSA
Jake DUNCAN	Goldfields
Lachlan FEHRMAN	Albany
Adam FRASER	LNJSA
Kyle GORMAN	CCJSA
Brydon HUXTABLE	Goldfields
Callum JUPP	Geraldton
Liam KAVCIC	Geraldton
Jordan KELLY	Geraldton
Ryner KOSTER	LNJSA
Chris MASSEY	LNJSA
Adam PEARSON	Esperence
Imran SULAIMAN	Headland
Tristan TAYLOR	Albany
Zeno VALENTI	Geraldton
Sebastian WELLSTEAD	Goldfields

Metropolitan Select Blue

NAME	CLUB (2009 SEASON)
John ANDERSON	Rockingham City
Thomas BAYES	Cockburn City
Nick CVIJANOVIC	Cockburn City
Michael DeBELLIS	Mandurah City
Geremy FATOURAS	Floreat Athena
Chase HUDSON	Quinn FC
Ben JOHNS (Captain)	ECU Joondalup
Riaz KELLY	Subiaco FC
Brody KENNEDY	ECU Joondalup
Ross MILLARD	ECU Joondalup
David MOLINARI	Perth SC
Luka NINKOVIC	Perth SC
Milan OGNJENOVIC	Cockburn City
Jordan POKLER	Cockburn City
Callum SIMMONDS (Vice Captain)	Stirling Lions
Daniel STYNES	ECU Joondalup
Luke VITTIGLIA	Sorrento FC
Michael WANTEE	Floreat Athena

Metropolitan Select White

NAME	CLUB (2009 SEASON)
Mitchell BROOM	Stirling Lions
Tristan COLLI	Perth SC
Luke COLTMAN	Westside FC
Callum DOBBS	South West Phoenix
Joel DRISCOLL	Perth SC
Lee HALLIDAY	Heathridge
Steve KANTOR	Floreat Athena
Dion MUSCARA	Balcatta SC
Scott ROBERTSON	ECU Joondalup
Ciaran SALINGER (Captain)	ECU Joondalup
Syakir SHARIFF (Vice Captain)	Floreat Athena
Damien SIMIC	ECU Joondalup
Ashley SMITH	South West Phoenix
Alex TANEVSKI	Stirling Lions
Brandon WESTON	Mandurah City
Ryan WILLIAMS	Stirling Lions
Brandon WILSON	ECU Joondalup
Jordan YOUNG	ECU Joondalup

Fab Five for Perth Youngsters

A sensational run by Perth Glory’s Youth Team has shown no sign of abating following a 1-0 victory against Gold Coast that ensured the club’s fifth successive win and lifted them to second on the National Youth League ladder.

Perth’s stellar form has come on the back of a dedicated team effort which would be particularly pleasing for Coach Gareth Naven who has shaped the WA youngsters development with meticulous detail.

The only goal of the game came in somewhat strange circumstances with Glory skipper Steve Hesketh volleying his shot against the crossbar only for it to cannon into the back of Gold Coast keeper Jerrad Tyson’s and then fall across the goal line.

Despite the referee’s awarding it as an own-goal, Hesketh was worthy of the credit and made good use of a terrific free kick from Sam Mitchinson who picked out his skipper in the six yard box.

While not a typically classic strike it proved to be the decisive moment of a match in which Perth enjoyed the bulk of possession and chances.

The pressure of Glory’s defence across the park allowed United’s craftsmen no time to work with the ball forcing them into a scrappy mistake riddled first-half.  Conversely the West Aussies made plenty of opportunities early, but failed to capitalise on excellent lead-up play.

Tommy Amphlett created a one-on-one for Cameron Edwards who could only sky the ball over the bar.  The two then reversed roles but again were left to rue not being able to direct the ball into the back of the net.

Gold Coast started to play some better football in the second half and looked to be forging back into the match but their task was made even more difficult when reduced ten men.  Richard Greer was given his marching orders just on an hour into the game, when he received a second yellow card for backchat after earlier being penalised for an illegal tackle.

Perth weren’t about to let the United side steal back a goal and pressed hard to double their advantage.  Edwards and the ever dangerous Ludovic Boi were menacing up-front and only a string of desperate saves from Tyson kept the visitors at bay.

The win giving Perth their first victory against the Gold Coast youngsters who had taken all the points in their previous two encounters this season.

The Glory will now look forward to returning to ME Bank Stadium to play a curtain raiser on Boxing Day (kick-off 2.00pm) against Newcastle.

National Youth League 2009/10 – Rd16

Gold Coast United    0

Perth Glory               1 (Jerrad Tyson (og) 26’)

Saturday, 19 December 2009 at Southport Tigers, Southport

Gold Coast to Victory Against a Lacklustre Perth Glory

Gold Coast United consolidated third place on the Hyundai A-League table after a 2-0 win against a lacklustre Perth Glory at Skilled Park on Sunday evening.

Shane Smeltz gave United the lead mid-way through the first half, and Charlie Miller capped of his home league debut for the club with the second on 75 minutes.

The home side made two changes to the side that were beaten 2-3 against Newcastle Jets last week with Joel Porter and Adam Traore replacing Andrew Barisic and Anderson da Silva who dropped to the bench.

The Glory also made two changes to the side that were beaten 0-1 at North Queensland Fury last week with veteran striker Jamie Harnwell and Socceroos defender Chris Coyne coming into the side to replace Wayne Srhoj and Mile Sterjovski who dropped to the bench.

It was the home side that made the early running and on two minutes Jason Culina’s corner from the left picked out the unmarked Bas Van den brink, but the Dutchman’s header looped onto the top of the net.

But sixty seconds later they did open the scoring, again it was poor defending from the visitors. Miller found Smeltz’s on the edge of the box and Andy Todd allowed the New Zealand international time to turn and he fired home giving Glory keeper Tando Velaphi no chance.

The Gold Coast were dominating and Miller’s shot was blocked on 11 minutes and Culina’s follow up shot flashed wide of the target.

With their top six spot on the line the Glory lifted and on 16 minutes Jamie Coyne combined with Harnwell, who found Victor Sikora, but the Dutchman blazed wide.

It was the best period of the game for David Mitchell’s side and on 24 minutes Scott Neville’s cross picked out Sikora who headed straight at Jess van Stratren from five-yards, and ten minutes later Adriano Pellegrino’s long-range shot was fumbled by Van Stratren at his near post, but the ball went wide, much to the relief of the keeper.

Then a foul by Kristian Rees on Sikora gave the Glory a free kick, 20-yards out on 38 minutes, and Jacob Burns’ stinging free kick was superbly saved by van Stratren.

With time ticking down to the break it was the home side that finished the half the better. On 43 minutes Culina’s long-range shot was saved low by Velaphi and in first half stoppage -time Culina’s clever back heel set up Traore, but the teenage Ivorian defender’s shot flashed inches past the post.

After the break it was the Glory first to threaten, Steve Pantelidis was caught in possession on 50 minutes by Glory skipper Burn’s in the middle of the park. He fed Sikora, whose shot was saved low by van Strattan.

Then the Gold Coast almost doubled their lead moments later, Culina’s audacious lob from his own half beat Velaphi, but to the Glory custodian’s relief the ball bounced off the crossbar and Miller’s follow up shot was wide.

The Glory were struggling to break down a resolute Gold Coast defence, while the home side went close to adding to their lead. On 68 minutes Porter’s pace took him clear down the left and his cross from the bye-line only need a touch in the penalty area by a Gold Coast player, but it eluded everyone.

With the Glory searching for the equaliser they were leaving holes at the back and on 76 minutes the home side added a second. A quick break down the right caught the Glory napping and Smeltz’s turned provider sending Miller in down the right channel and, the Scotsman finished clinically past Velaphi.

It was a disappointing performance from the Glory, but they almost scored a consolation goal in stoppage-time, second half substitute Srhoj was sent clear but he delayed his shot and the chance was lost.

After the game Glory coach David Mitchell was left disappointed with another defeat on the road. “We managed to get some good possession but didn’t threaten too much in the second half and as we chased the game we opened up at the back and Gold Coast capitalised on the break,” said Mitchell

“I think as a team we have lost a little bit of confidence but a good performance against Newcastle next week will rectify that. It’s something we need to snap out of and there is the mental maturity in the team to find their way through this tough patch. We know not everything is exactly right at the moment but we are all pulling in the same direction and I have no doubt we can find some positive momentum and get the results we need,” added Mitchell.

Gold Coast United 2 (Shane SMELTZ 4’, Charlie MILLER 76’)

Perth Glory 0

Sunday, 20 December 2009, Skilled Park, Robina

Referee: Chris Beath

Assistant referees: Brad Hobson and Nathan Macdonald

Fourth official: Matthew Gillett

Crowd: 4,310

Gold Coast United: GK.Jess VAN STRATTAN, 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER (23.Steve FITZSIMMONS 69’), 16.Kristian REES, 22.Adama TRAORE (24.ANDERSON 59’), 34.Charlie MILLER (19.Andrew BARISIC 78’)

Substitutes not used: 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk)

Yellow Cards: Steve PANTELIDIS 40’, Charlie MILLER 69’, Andrew BARISIC 90’

Red Cards: Nil

Perth Glory: GK.Tando VELAPHI, 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD (10.Wayne SRHOJ 55’), 5.Jamie HARNWELL (13.Scott BULLOCH 81’), 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH (21.Mile STERJOVSKI 61’), 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI

Substitutes not used: 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk)

Yellow Cards: Andy TODD 20’, Mile STERJOVSKI 62’, Jamie COYNE 65’, Wayne SRHOJ 75’

Red Cards: Nil

No Glory Against Gold Coast

Perth Glory will be hoping a change of fortune is delivered this Christmas with the club focusing their attentions on a Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle to help elevate them back into the top six.

The Glory showed endeavour against a revitalised Gold Coast however they were unable to reign in an early goal from star striker Shane Smeltz while Scotsman Charlie Miller added a second late in the game as United registered a 2-0 win at Skilled Stadium.

“It was disappointing not to get something from the game because we changed things around and managed to create a few chances but didn’t have the key to unlock them in the penalty area,” Coach Dave Mitchell said following the match.

It was the worst possible start for Perth who found themselves behind after just four minutes when Miller lofted a ball to Smeltz on the edge of the box and the Kiwi International knocked down the pass with his chest and blasted a volley into the top left corner.

The news didn’t seem to be getting much better for the visitors when hard nut defender Andy Todd was helped from the field with what appeared to be concussion. Todd involved in a heavy collision with United defender Steve Pantelidis and was caught in the head with an errant boot. The former English Premier League player was left dazed but amazingly brushed off the effects to return to the pitch and perform to his usual lofty standards.

To the Glory’s credit they regained their composure after a miserable start and started to apply pressure of their own. Dutch dynamo Victor Sikora was the first to test Gold Coast ‘keeper Jess Vanstrattan, a nicely timed glancing header was on target after a great Scott Neville cross.

Sikora involved again a few minutes later as hard working midfielder Adriano Pellegrino fired in a cross-field pass that just missed the outstretched foot of his team mate.

Pellegrino, shifted into central midfield as the Glory coaching staff tried a different combination through the centre of the park, decided to chance his luck from long range and it was well worth the effort. The shot from 25 yards was struck crisply and sent Vanstrattan scrambling to his right for a fumbling save.

In stark contrast to the opening 20 minutes it was Perth who had the bulk of the chances now and again it was United’s custodian that kept his side in the lead. Perth skipper Jacob Burns firing in a great free-kick that cleared the wall and was headed for the top right corner if not for Vanstrattan’s intervention.

Perth continued to press at the start of the second stanza and changed their shape to a more attacking formation. The extra man through midfield seemed to work as the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and pumped 15 balls into the penalty area as opposed to just three for the home side.

They were almost embarrassed however when Jason Culina tried an audacious shot from 5 meters inside his own half that had Glory goal keeper Tando Velaphi scrambling backwards. The young Perth keeper thanking his lucky stars as the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded to safety.

As the game wore on however it was Gold Coast that stepped up a gear and found themselves two to the good on 76 minutes as Smeltz turned provider as Miller gleefully struck a shot from close range across Velaphi and into the back of the net.

“We managed to get some good possession but didn’t threaten too much in the second half and as we chased the game we opened up at the back and Gold Coast capitalised on the break,” said Mitchell

“We haven’t been creating too much of late and we’ll definitely have to adjust that going forward. It’s something we’re working hard to rectify and I’m confident we can start finding goals again.”

While Perth tried hard an inability to make the most of their attacking options hurt and they must now quickly regroup for a showdown on Boxing Day against the in-form fourth placed Jets who have won four matches on the trot.

“I think as a team we have lost a little bit of confidence but a good performance against Newcastle will rectify that. It’s something we need to snap out of and there is the mental maturity in the team to find their way through this tough patch,” said Mitchell.

“We’ve got another five games at home in the run to the finals and need to secure as many points as possible from them. We have been good at home for the most part and are looking forward to playing in front of a passionate home crowd on Boxing Day.

“We know not everything is exactly right at the moment but we are all pulling in the same direction and I have no doubt we can find some positive momentum and get the results we need,” said Mitchell.

Hyundai A-League 2009/10: Rd 20

Gold Coast United 2 (Shane SMELTZ 4’, Charlie MILLER 76’)

Perth Glory 0

Sunday, 20 December 2009, Skilled Park, Robina

Referee: Chris Beath

Assistant referees: Brad Hobson and Nathan Macdonald

Fourth official: Matthew Gillett

Crowd: 4,310

Gold Coast United: 1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER (23.Steve FITZSIMMONS 69’), 16.Kristian REES, 22.Adama TRAORE (24.ANDERSON 59’), 34.Charlie MILLER (19.Andrew BARISIC 78’)

Substitutes not used: 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk)

Yellow Cards: Steve PANTELIDIS 40’, Charlie MILLER 69’, Andrew BARISIC 90’

Red Cards: Nil

Perth Glory: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD (10.Wayne SRHOJ 55’), 5.Jamie HARNWELL (13.Scott BULLOCH 81’), 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH (21.Mile STERJOVSKI 61’), 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI

Substitutes not used: 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk)

Yellow Cards: Andy TODD 20’, Mile STERJOVSKI 62’, Jamie COYNE 65’, Wayne SRHOJ 75’

Red Cards: Nil

Glory Youth Ready for Redemption

Perth Glory youth will be looking for redemption as they tackle Gold Coast United in Queensland this Saturday.

While Gold Coast has been a nemesis side for the Glory youth, having got the better of them in both meetings this season, Perth’s hot form in recent weeks has seen them climb to third on the league table.

Rattled by injuries in their previous two encounters, a fit and fresh Perth outfit will go into the match all guns blazing as they look to snag their fifth consecutive win.

Glory young gun Sam Mitchinson, says it’s always a boost for the squad when players return from injury, especially the more experienced players.

“Having almost the full squad fit again is a huge advantage for us. It gives the team more depth and we’re all working really well together.

“Being one of the younger boys in the squad I look up to a lot of the older guys but all age differences aside, I learn a lot from them and its good to have that mix of youth and experience.”

Mitchinson, who scored his first goal in the youth league in Glory’s 2-0 win over the AIS in Canberra last weekend, has overcome his own injury woes to be an integral part of the team’s winning streak.

“It was really good to score last week and contribute to the win. It was my first youth league goal so I was pretty excited.”

Mitchinson says this weekend’s clash will be a big test for the squad but the feeling among the team is extremely positive.

“We’re feeling really confident going into this week’s match.

“We are training really hard at the moment and working on our weaknesses and I think all the lads are looking forward to it,” Mitchinson said.

National Youth League 2009/10 – Rd16

Gold Coast United v Perth Glory

Saturday, 19 December 2009 at Southport Tigers, Southport

Local kick-off: 2.00pm

Referee: Matthew Gillett

Gold Coast United Squad: Jerrad TYSON (gk), Mitchell BEVAN, Koh SATAKE, Joshua BRILLANTE, Ben HALLORAN, Neko VUJEVICH, Chris HAROLD, Callum HARE, Ben WEARING, Steven LUSTICA (c), Zac ANDERSON, Golgol MEBRAHTU

*three to be included*

Unavailable: Ben HARRISON (ankle injury – 2 weeks),

Reuban WAY (knee injury – 4 weeks), Tim ANDERSON (suspended – 1 week)

Perth Glory Squad: Ludovic BOI, Million BUTSHIIRE, Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Steve HESKETH, Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, David PRICE, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO, Reece VITTIGLIA, Aleks VRTESKI (gk) (OA)

*one to be omitted*

Unavailable: Hayden DOYLE (knee – 5 weeks)

Coyne Set for Must Win Game Against Gold Coast

Perth Glory defender Chris Coyne is fit and ready to return to the squad this weekend after missing two weeks with a back injury.

As Perth faces the tough task of a Queensland double, swinging to the sunshine state twice in two weeks, the Socceroo’s come back is timely for this Sunday’s crucial match against Gold Coast at Skilled Park.

“The injury is all clear. I had to have an epidural to speed up the recovery process. We’ve only got nine games left and I felt it imperative that I didn’t miss any more than I had to.

“Apart from being slightly undercooked after having two weeks off, I’m ready and raring to go against Gold Coast,” Coyne said.

Coyne, who jarred his back after an awkward landing in Perth’s match with the Central Coast Mariners, says he isn’t one for watching on the sidelines and was desperate to get back on the park.

“I’m one of the worst watchers ever. People think it’s easy in the stands when you’re watching your teammates play but it’s really frustrating not being out there,” Coyne said.

“The positive is that we’ve outplayed Gold Coast both times. Unfortunately there was a bit of a mix up between two of the players which resulted in a fortunate goal for them and we felt a bit hard done by after that,” Coyne said.

That particular blunder saw Jamie Coyne and Scott Neville collide while trying to clear a speculative long ball, allowing Shane Smeltz to score from close range.

“It was disappointing but our overall performance at both games is a real positive and a huge part of what we’ve been focussing on at training,” says Coyne.

After their loss to the Fury last week, Coyne says Perth is far better than some of their performances this season and will be out there on Sunday to prove it.

“You’ve only got to look around the dressing room and pretty much everyone is fit and ready and raring to go. With the squad we’ve got we know we should be up where Melbourne is.”

“We feel we’ve underperformed. If we win the next two games, we’ve got over the festive period and it could take us into the top three or four and that’s where we belong.”

Hyundai A-League 2009/10 – Rd 20

Gold Coast United v Perth Glory

Sunday, 20 December 2009 at Skilled Park, Robina

Local kick-off: 4.00pm AWST

Referee: Chris Beath

Perth Glory Radio Broadcast Partner: 6PR – 882am

Television Broadcast – Live & exclusive on Fox Sports 2.

Gold Coast United Squad: 1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 18.James BROWN, 19.Andrew BARISIC, 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 24.ANDERSON, 34.Charlie MILLER.

*three to be omitted*

In: Joel PORTER (return from knee injury), James BROWN (promoted), Adama TRAORE (return from knee injury).

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury – indefinite), ROBSON (knee injury – 3 weeks), JEFFERSON (knee injury – indefinite)

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Jimmy DOWNEY, 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC

*two to be omitted*

In: Chris COYNE (return from injury)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Brent GRIFFITHS (hamstring – 1 week), Branko JELIC (ankle – 1 week), Anthony SKORICH (foot – 5 weeks)

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