Adelaide United coach Dave Edmondson is under no illusions about the Lady Reds final match of the 2012/13 campaign when they take on Perth Glory at Burton Park on Saturday.
Adelaide United coach Dave Edmondson is under no illusions about the Lady Reds final match of the 2012/13 campaign when they take on Perth Glory at Burton Park on Saturday.
The Glory currently sit third, two points off the pace of league leader Brisbane Roar and a point behind Melbourne Victory, and will be looking for three points against the Lady Reds to hold any chance of finishing as minor premiers.
Edmondson admitted the Glory are already a formidable opponent even without the added incentive of finishing first especially after being held to a 2-2 draw against Newcastle Jets last week.
But, that added pressure could also work in favour of the Lady Reds.
“It-s no doubt a tough task against a very strong Perth side who has a lot riding on this game,” he said.
“But we are keen to finish on a high note, by ending a difficult season with another strong performance at home on the back of the win against Newcastle last time we were at Burton.”
“With the minor premiership on the line, it might put even more pressure on the game for Perth. Maybe the added pressure on them could be a bonus but either way it will be a tough game.”
United are currently a point clear of Newcastle Jets who play Melbourne Victory this week with Victory just as desperate for all three points as they also challenge for the minor premiership.
Equalling or bettering the Jets- result will see United remain above Newcastle and finish the season in eighth, but Edmondson said while the league table is important, it is not as significant as the future that lies ahead for the Lady Reds.
“Matching or bettering the best ever Lady Reds- points tally of 7 is important, but it is by no means the be all and end all,” he said.
“This team is very young and has the potential to be together for a number of years, with an average age of less than 20, compared to that inaugural side that included experienced national team players like Emma Wirkus, Di Alagich, Sharon Black and Kristyn Swaffer.”
“Regardless, there are positives to be taken from this season, one of which has been posting the Lady Reds record victory, the 2-0 win over Newcastle in Round 9 which surpassed the previous one-goal winning margins against WSW (4-3 in 2012), Perth (1-0 in 2011), Newcastle (3-2 in 2008) and Sydney(3-2 in 2008).”
The Lady Reds will be without guest player Kristy Moore who has given the side a significant boost in her three-game stint.
The Adelaide local, Australia and England international scored twice and provided plenty of spark up front for the Lady Reds and will be sorely missed this week.
“Kristy has been a huge influence in the team, both with her performances on the field but also with her experience and knowledge of the game,” said Edmonson.
“In training and off the field she has been an outstanding example to the rest of the team of what professional football really involves.”
The United tactician is aiming for a positive finish to the Lady Reds season which has seen two impressive victories during an otherwise difficult and turbulent campaign.
“I-m hoping to see a win but I-m also looking forward to seeing a positive, attacking performance from the team, to finish the season on a high,” he said.
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Saturday 12 January 2013
Burton Oval, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 2pm
Adelaide United squad: 1. Kristi HARVEY (gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Alex NATOLI, 4. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 5. Abby ERCEG (c), 6. Cassie TSOUMBRIS, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Sarah McLAUGHLIN, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 11. Grace HENRY, 13. Ann MAYO, 14. Lorena MAGGIO, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Jess WATERHOUSE, 17. Laura JOHNS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Monique IANNELLA (* three to be omitted)
Ins: 6. Cassie TSOUMBRIS, 11. Grace HENRY, 14. Lorena MAGGIO, 17. Laura JOHNS, 21. Monique IANNELLA (all promoted)
Outs: 12. Elise WHORLOW (omitted), 23. Kristy MOORE (end of guest appearance)
Unavailable: None
Perth Glory squad: 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 14. Collette MCCALLUM (C), 15. Elizabeth MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk), 40. Kaitlyn SAVAGE (gk) (* two to be omitted)
Ins: 3. Carys Hawkins, 16. Thia Eastman (both promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Kirri Bolton (hip – indefinite), Carly Telford (hand – season), Jaymee Gibbons (University commitments), Lisa De Vanna (suspended)
