Perth Glory coach Bobby Despotovski will leave no stone unturned to find the source of his side’s worrying sluggish starts.
The Glory were caught out early for the second time this season as they fell to Sydney FC 3-1 in their first home game of the Westfield W-League campaign on Sunday.
Remy Siemsen struck twice for the Sky Blues inside the opening six minutes at Dorrien Gardens to lay the platform for the defending Champions’ win, before Caitlin Foord effectively sealed the points from the penalty spot before half-time.
Worryingly, Glory also conceded two goals early in their opening round loss to Canberra United a fortnight ago prior to sitting out Round 2 with a bye.
The Glory came to life in both games following their back-foot starts – and became the first side to score against Sydney on Sunday, when Caitlin Doeglas found the back of the net early in the second half.
However, Despotovski told perthglory.com.au that something needs to change if his side are to replicate last season’s charge to the Westfield W-League Grand Final.
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“The first ten minutes was identical to the Canberra game,” he said.
“We may have to have a look at how we approach the game from the start.
“Obviously, the start was not what we expected and we’ll address that again on the training ground and move on.”
A legend of the club in his playing days – with over 100 goals in more than 200 appearances in the National Soccer League – Despotovski suggested he already can see a path to get his side back on track.
He also found plenty of positives in his team’s second half showing against a Sydney side that currently sits top of the Westfield W-League table.
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“In the first half we were not smart enough to close their full-backs at the right times and they exposed us on the left-and side which cost us the goals,” he explained.
“At half-time we addressed that and Ayeesha [Norrie] came in and did a great job for us.
“We set ourselves a target not to lose the second half and to pinch a goal and credit to our players, they stood up and delivered.”
Perth Glory are back at Dorrien Gardens in Round 4, entertaining Newcastle Jets. The match on Saturday, 7 December kicks off at 10.15pm AEDT.
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Sydney FC play host to Brisbane Roar in Round 4. The contest at Cromer Park on Sunday, 8 December kicks off at 4pm AEDT .
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Find out more at the Match Centre here
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