Sarah Willacy says Adelaide United will need to continue their resolute defensive performances if they are to nullify Perth Glory at Marden Sports Complex on Thursday night.
The Reds come into the match still unbeaten on eight points in this season’s Westfield W-League following Georgia Campagnale’s dramatic equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Melbourne City last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Glory also have the same points as United but have scored a league-high 13 goals.
Willacy is expecting Perth to be extremely dangerous in transition.
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“They’re a good side and good on the counter-attack,” Willacy said ahead of the battle for second place on the ladder.
“So I expect them to come out fighting and they’re going to have many chances on goal and we just have to defend well.”
And while Matildas star, Sam Kerr, is understandably the focal point in attack, Willacy insisted they cannot just focus on her and ignore the Glory’s other goal-scorers.
She’s (Kerr) obviously one of their main scorers in the team,” she said.
“But obviously Rachel Hill and Alyssa Mautz can score goals too.”
However, the goalkeeper was confident of containing Perth’s attacking quality with Adelaide boasting the best defensive record in the competition.
“Over the past few weeks we’ve been defending really well,” she said.
“So we don’t really need to change much defensively, as long as we keep doing what we’re doing, and just try not to give the ball away too easily and keep possession of the ball.
“Obviously they’ve got some quick players, we’ve got some quick defensive players as well so I think we’ll do quite well.”
Willacy has also been in fantastic form in goal this season, keeping three clean sheets, having only conceded from the penalty spot in four matches.
She attributes her impressive form to just training hard.
“Just working hard in training and trying to improve on all the things I need to improve on,” she said.
“I’m experienced enough to know where I need to be and it’s just about instincts.”
Adelaide United host Perth Glory in Round 6 of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season on Thursday, 6 December at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm.
