Canberra United can take a commanding presence at the top of the ladder with victory against a Perth Glory side that face a draining trip across the Nullarbor for the second successive week.
Canberra United v Perth Glory
Saturday 29 October 2011
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
Live: ABC TV
Canberra United can take a commanding presence at the top of the ladder with victory against a Perth Glory side that face a draining trip across the Nullarbor for the second successive week.
The teams from the nation-s capital have been one of the most consistent teams over the short history of the Westfield W-League and they have fine-tuned their squad over the course of the season, rather than made wholesale changes.
In that sense a cohesive start to the season, crucially important across the abbreviated 12-week season, is important and United are showing all the signs of being straight into their groove.
Under new coach, former Czech Republic international Jitka Klimkova, Canberra have enjoyed a strong pre-season, before overpowering Adelaide 4-1 in last weekend-s opener. A pair of goals each for two of the team-s important cogs – the prolific Michelle Heyman and the enigmatic Caitlin Munoz – are further positive signs.
The Glory did it tough last week with a long road trip to Melbourne, where they went down 2-0 against a strong Victory side in treacherous wet conditions.
Shorn of their Matildas trio this season, new coach Jamie Harnwell will look to quickly develop a strong team unit, that in truth has limited x-factor.
Experienced English midfielder Katie Holtham will provide crucial know-how in the centre of the park, while the Glory will be buoyed this week by the arrival of Emma Kete. The New Zealand international, a veteran of the 2007 FIFA Women-s World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics, lands in the west with a positive frame of mind, having just helped PK-35 to the Finnish championship.
