Show some Heart with Perth Glory this New Year! Can Ian Ferguson’s boys build on that brilliant Brisbane draw?
Saturday 15th January 6:45pm
Show some Heart with Perth Glory this New Year! Can Ian Ferguson-s boys build on that brilliant Brisbane draw? Grab a ticket and find out!
After a tough 2010, Perth Glory started 2011 in fine fashion, with a hard-earned draw in Brisbane against the runaway leaders. Indeed, they even led for much of the game, and after eventually conceding a second-half equaliser, showed fantastic spirit to hold on for the point.
A few weeks ago, with confidence at an all-time low, Glory would have surely collapsed like a house of cards, but they showed that they are made of sterner stuff now. It is that kind of resilience and battling attitude that will serve them well as they strive for a strong end to quite the strangest season.
While a top six place might be a bridge too far with games fast running out, you won-t see anyone in the Glory camp taking their foot off the pedal. They-ll be fighting hard for every point, just like they did last weekend, and this Saturday-s game will prove quite the test of their mettle. If you are looking for a tight match that can go either way, then you need go no further than a tussle between these clubs.
Nothing has been able to separate these two sides in their battles so far in the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, with honours equal on both occasions. At AAMI Park back in August, Glory denied their hosts their first ever win, as Robbie Fowler-s 94th minute penalty left the scores at 2-2 and broke Melbourne-s Hearts. If that game was a belter, then the 0-0 draw at nib Stadium was also far more entertaining than the scoreline would suggest.
In fact, the stalemate gave The Shed plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Not only did it finally bring an end to their horrific run of defeats, but it also showed them that there is loads of hope for the future, with coach Ian Ferguson injecting plenty of youthful prospects into the side by handing first senior starts to Brent Griffiths, Howard Fondyke and Tommy Amphlett.
Melbourne Heart go into this game in doubly good spirits. Not only are they well-rested after having last weekend off, but they are sitting prettily in the top six after second-half goals from John Aloisi and Gerald Sibon gained the team a measured 2-0 win over North Queensland Fury.
A solid run at the end of the season would set the new boys up to be part of the Grand Finals excitement, and they-ll be heading to nib Stadium with three points in mind. Glory should beware, Heart are constantly growing into an ever more daunting force in the Hyundai A-League.
Shed, your team showed the kind of spirit that you want from them in Brisbane last week, now it-s your turn to do the same. Sing your hearts out as Melbourne head to town. Ian Ferguson-s men will give it everything they-ve got on the field, so it-s up to you to do the same from the stands. Get involved and get vocal!
