Football West News

Perth Glory coach John Gibson says his young side will relish the prospect of taking on the PS4 NPLWA’s benchmark club on Saturday.

Glory will again be without promising striker Joe Knowles when they take on high-flying Bayswater City at Inglewood Stadium, but Gibson expects his players to rise to the occasion.

“It’s a massive test for the players but it’s also an exciting challenge,” Gibson said. “They are coming up against guys who are previous A-League and NYL players; they’re the best team and have been the benchmark in the competition for a few years now.”

Knowles, who scored 10 goals in the last National Youth League season, has not played since Glory’s ANZAC Day draw against Floreat Athena and is likely to be out for up to six weeks with a foot injury.

He has made only three appearances this season and scored a hat-trick against Armadale in Round 2.

“It’s a big loss for us because goalscorers are hard to come by and Joe is a typical goalscorer, who’s been progressing really nicely,” Gibson said. “It’s hard on young players when they’re injured because they all want to be out there, but he’s a resilient sort of kid.”

Stefan Valentini, who has scored twice this season, will continue to lead the line.

“It’s another opportunity for Stefan, who’s a real handful and has been working really hard,” Gibson said.

Former Liverpool junior Tom King is likely to return the Glory squad after recovering from a quad injury, while 16-year-old Michael Mcdougall may again be included after making his debut as a substitute against Perth last week.

While Glory’s focus is on the development of young players, results have been hard to come by with a win and a draw from seven matches leaving them second from bottom in the 12-team competition.

Bayswater sit top of the table, ahead of second-placed Floreat Athena on goal difference.

Last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Sorrento was an ominous warning with new signing Danny Dixon scoring twice and 2013 McInerney Gold Medal winner David Heagney also helping himself to a double in the win.

At Rosalie Park, where Subiaco will host Cockburn City, a moment’s silence will be observed to acknowledge the recent passing of long-time Cockburn supporter and sponsor Peter Mirco.

Check out this weekend's fixtures below.

Round 8, Saturday, May 23

Armadale v Inglewood United (3pm, Alfred Skeet Reserve)

Perth Glory v Bayswater City (3pm, Inglewood Stadium)

Stirling Lions v ECU Joondalup (3pm, Macedonia Park)

Sorrento v Balcatta (3pm, Percy Doyle Reserve)

Subiaco v Cockburn City (3pm, Rosalie Park)

Floreat Athena v Perth SC (7pm, E&D Litis Stadium)