Cockburn coach Scott Miller is expecting his team to put up a strong fight against league leaders Sorrento when they meet at Dalmatinac Park in Round 9 of PlayStation 4 NPL WA.
The team claimed a 1-0 away win at Mandurah last week despite losing two players to red cards during the match.
Miller said the boys unfortunately learned a harsh lesson, but he had no complaints with either of the send-offs.
“I think it was a good reaction against Mandurah,” he said.
“The two weeks before we probably weren’t up for the fight against ECU so it was nice that we were able, in tough conditions down in Mandurah, to stand up and be counted.
“As coaches often say, it’s an opportunity for a couple of young lads to come in and stake their claim.”
Miller expects his goalkeeper Luke Radonich to be under pressure this weekend.
“Sorrento have scored more goals than I’ve ever seen any club score at this stage of the year and they’re full of confidence so Luke will want to have his Weet-bix,” he said.
“Sorrento all know what it’s about, they’ve been there, they’re definitely title contenders.
“I’m a big fan of Ryan Pearson, and Steve McDonald is what you want in a Captain in an NPL team. When times are tough he keeps you going. When everyone’s cruising along he gets everyone up and at it, so you add the goal scorers in there and it’s baton down the hatches for us.”
Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell is expecting his team to be up for the challenge after securing a win against Perth Glory last week, despite a slow start.
“Cockburn have a lot of pace and we know they will be putting up a fight this weekend,” he said.
“Every team Scott Miller coaches plays the right way. We have had a number of good games against them in the past.
“The suspensions they received last week will hurt them, but Scott prides himself on youth development at his club so I know this will be a chance for the younger players in his side to step up.”
All games in round nine will be played at 3pm on Saturday April 15, kicking off with Armadale facing Floreat Athena at Alfred Skeet Reserve.
Bayswater City take on ECU Joondalup at Finance 365 Stadium, while Balcatta and Perth SC go head-to-head at Grindleford Reserve.
Joondalup United will be looking for victory over Stirling Lions at Percy Doyle Reserve, Inglewood United meet Perth Glory at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, and Subiaco take on Mandurah at Rosalie Park.
The NPLWA teams will be back in action again on Monday when they take part in round four of the Westfield FFA Cup.
FIXTURES:
Saturday, April 15
Armadale v Floreat Athena (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 3pm)
Cockburn City v Sorrento (Dalmatinac Park, 3pm)
Bayswater City v ECU Joondalup (Finance 365 Stadium, 3pm)
Balcatta v Perth SC (Grindleford Reserve, 3pm)
Joondalup United v Stirling Lions (Percy Doyle Reserve, 3pm)
Inglewood United v Perth Glory (Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, 3pm)
Subiaco v Mandurah City (Rosalie Park, 3pm)