New Shark Thrown Into Deep End
Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC
Palm Beach SC have bolstered their midfield stocks with the signing of ex-Watford trainee Joshua Wallen.
Wallen received clearance to play late on Friday night and was rushed onto the bench for Saturday’s PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland loss to Redlands United.
The 18-year-old came on for his debut in the last half hour with Palm Beach trailing to a Graham Fyfe goal that ultimately proved decisive for the hosts.
The former Bangalow junior showed some neat touches and delivered a dangerous cross which tested Brendan White in the Redlands’ goal.
Wallen is no stranger to the Gold Coast having played senior football for community club Magic United before securing a scholarship to attend the youth academy of English side Watford.
Wallen’s two seasons playing for Watford’s Under 19 side culminated in selection for an English combined academy team which played in the prestigious Dallas Cup international youth tournament.
Wallen returned to the Gold Coast at the end of the most recent English season where he impressed Sharks coach Grae Piddick.
“He is a talented midfielder and I expect him to play an important role for the club for the rest of the year,” Piddick said after the Redlands match.
Wallen may come into contention for a vacant starting role next week as Sharks face Sunshine Coast FC at the Mallawa Complex.
Fellow midfielder Lochlan Reus will miss the game after being red-carded against Redlands, while Ben Litfin battles ongoing injury concerns.
Fixture details:
Palm Beach SC v Sunshine Coast FC
Mallawa Complex, Gold Coast
Saturday, July 11
Kick-off - 5:00PM
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