Lady Reds aiming for Glory

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After a stunning opening round victory, Lady Reds coach Dave Edmondson is confident about his side’s trip to Perth this weekend when they take on the Glory at Intiga Stadium on Saturday.

After a stunning opening round victory, Lady Reds coach Dave Edmondson is confident about his side-s trip to Perth this weekend when they take on the Glory at Intiga Stadium on Saturday.

Edmondson said Adelaide United enjoyed its thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, but the Lady Reds attention at training this week was quickly turned to the Glory.

“It-s been a good reaction,” he said.

“Obviously the girls were on a high after getting off to a winning start and they enjoyed that over the weekend but this week has been all about building from that start and not resting on our laurels.”

“We had a video review session at the start of the week and saw some of the things we did well and some of the things we didn-t do so well and that focussed the girls- minds on Perth and the rest of the season.”

While Edmondson was delighted with the opening day victory, the Lady Reds tactician acknowledged there are some keys areas his side can improve on ahead of tackling the Glory.

Edmondson admitted retaining possession and better distribution were crucial for continued success.

“A lot of areas can be improved from last week. The focus really of the week was improving our decision making in possession,” he said.

“Trying not to force passes and to be more patient in possession, whilst always looking for the penetrative pass or run with the ball. We are continuing to work on our fitness, with another tough football conditioning session and other areas of our play will need to improve too.”

The Lady Reds and Perth Glory finished as the bottom two sides at the end of last season, but after Round 1 they occupy the top two spots on the table.

Perth secured a convincing 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory to join the Lady Reds on three points.

Edmondson conceded it will be a difficult fixture for Adelaide United after the Glory-s impressive display last week.

He is expecting a physical encounter and one that could be made even tougher due to the elements, with the temperature forecast for 35 degrees in Perth on Saturday.

“Perth will be a tough game, both due to the much improved squad they have put together, but also due to the weather,” he said.

“It is expected to be in the 30-s when we kick off and that will obviously have an affect on both sides but the conditioning work we have put in should hold is in good stead to deal with that.”

“From what I understand from their opening game, Perth will provide a tough and physical test. They will obviously be encouraged by their start and their new signings had a similar positive impact to ours at the weekend. I-m sure it will be a close encounter and hopefully we can come out on top.”

Westfield W-League 2012/13 Season
Perth Glory v Adelaide United

Saturday 27 October 2012
Intiga Stadium, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Renee Silvester

Perth Glory squad: 1. Carly TELFORD (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 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)
* two to be omitted

Ins: Ella Mastrantonio, Thia EASTMAN (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Aivi Luik (Hamstring – 1 week), Kirri BOLTON – Hip – 2 weeks.

Adelaide United squad: 1. Kristi HARVEY (gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Alex NATOLI, 5. Abby ERCEG (Captain), 6. Cassandra TSOUMBRIS, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Sarah McLAUGHLIN, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 11. Grace HENRY, 13. Ann MAYO, 14. Lorena MAGGIO, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Laura JOHNS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Holly PATTERSON
*one to be omitted

Ins: Alex Natoli
Outs: Jessie WHAREPOURI, Jenna MCCORMICK, Elise WHORLOW, Kelly BARLTROP (gk)
Unavailable: Nil