Preview: The West Australian Top Four Cup
Football West News
Perth SC captain Clark Keltie is prepared to face a fired-up Inglewood United in Saturday's The West Australian Top Four Cup final at Dorrien Gardens.
Having won the championship on the last day of the league season and then beating Inglewood on penalties in last weekend’s Major Semi-Final, Perth have the edge heading into the Grand Final.
“We’ve won the league trophy and we’re looking to finish the season on a high. Inglewood are looking to finish the season with something,” Keltie said. “They’ve been there or there about all season and we’ve just pipped them, so there’ll be a lot of motivation and drive from their side.
“But we should be the fresher team and we’ve got to go out and show it.”
Inglewood’s loss to ECU Joondalup in their last league game of the season let slip the league title before they lost Grand Final-hosting rights with their Major Semi-Final defeat.
That loss forced them into a midweek Preliminary Final against ECU Joondalup, who had led 2-0 at half-time and 3-2 in extra-time before Inglewood rallied to win on penalties.
Inglewood striker Brian Woodall said the midweek effort would not negatively impact on his side’s approach to the Grand Final.
“We’ve done a lot of recovery and physio so we’ll be alright on Saturday,” he said. “I think our players are fit and you could see that at the end of the game (against Joondalup).
“Perth are a good team and we know the strengths they have and the players in their side. It’s going to be difficult but it’s a different game because it’s a final.”
Perth will welcome back from suspension striker Gustavo Catarcione, whose place up front had been ably filled by Keltie, who was a scorer in the semi-final win.
“If we can get Gustavo in the right areas and we can get him on the ball, he’ll be a massive asset for us and I’m pretty sure he’ll get on the score sheet,” Keltie said.
“(But) they’re a very big, strong, physical side and we’re a team full of energy, a very young side, and a lot of our boys play with no fear.”
FIXTURES
Saturday, September 10
Dorrien Gardens, Lawley Street, West Perth
First team: Perth SC v Inglewood (3pm)
U20: Bayswater City v Armadale (12.45pm)
U18: Stirling Lions v Perth Glory (10.30am)
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