Perth Glory defender Andy Todd says the club will be looking to make amends for a poor performance last weekend when it takes on Adelaide United at home on Friday night.
The Glory had the opportunity to move on top of the Hyundai A-League table on the weekend when it hosted last-placed North Queensland in front of 12,822 fans, Perth’s second-highest crowd in the new competition.
Instead, after going ahead against a 10-man Fury side, the visitors produced a sterling second-half effort, defying the disadvantage to draw level with Perth through a somewhat contentious 70th-minute goal.
Although coach Dave Mitchell felt North Queensland’s goal should have been a free kick for his goalkeeper Tando Velaphi, who seemed to be fouled in the process, he added he was most disappointed by the lack of spark his team displayed as it failed to really pressure the Fury defence during the final 20 minutes.
Todd, though, says he’s unsure why the team’s lacked spark against the Fury and also in the fortunate 1-0 away win over Newcastle the previous week, but said the players felt a responsibility to deliver the goods this time around.
“We’ve got to perform so we keep bringing them fans in,” Todd said simply on Tuesday morning.
“We haven’t played well the last two games and managed to pick up four points (but) I don’t know what you put it down to. I know that come Friday night, we’ll be looking to put it right.”
“Adelaide are a very well-organised team, they’re very difficult to beat and if they get their noses in front, they’ll be hard to peg back.”
“(So) it’s up to us. The onus is on us isn’t it? We’re at home on Friday and we’re looking to get three points.”
Despite his age, 35-year-old Todd can’t be accused of lacking spark, with the central defender being easily the club’s best player this year since transferring from Derby County at the end of last season.
Having re-located his family to Perth, Todd has indicated a second season in the Hyundai A-League may be on the cards after his one-year contract finishes in March.
“I’d like to see and try and get another year here, but that’s out of my hands,” he said.
“All I can do is concentrate on playing.”
The Glory will be without skipper Jacob Burns for Friday night’s clash as he’s serving a one-match suspension after receiving a fifth yellow card last Saturday.
Todd, though, ruled himself out of taking the captain’s armband for the match.
“I’d like to see it go to one of the Australian guys,” said Todd, who’s previously led Blackburn in the English Premier League and UEFA Cup competitions.
“I’ve had that honour. I’d like to see someone else take the honour, give them the responsibility.”
