Posted on February 25, 2021 in 'News'
ECU Joondalup’s NPLWA Night Series semi-final hopes go on the line on Friday evening when we take on Rockingham City at Dalmatinac Park – Kick off 6.30pm)
The Jacks sit in fourth spot in Group A on four points, three behind leaders Inglewood United and two behind Friday’s opponents Rockingham, and level with Gwelup Croatia. So, with the top two teams in each group to qualify for the Semi-Final a win in this one is vital for Kenny Lowe’s side.
Rockingham are coming off a hard fought 2-0 win against Cockburn, while the Jacks let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 against Inglewood.
Jacks skipper Johnny Perkins said it was disappointing to concede late but they have taken some positives from the game. “Yes, we should have managed the game better and seen it out, and we conceded two sloppy goals,” the keeper explained.
“We were at fault for both so we know it’s a matter of cutting out those lapses with fitness and sharpness getting minutes in legs every week. Having said that we controlled the game for large periods and played some attractive football so we take the positives and move on to Rockingham on Friday.”
Perkins has been
delighted the way the new squad is starting to gel and believes the sharpness will be ready once the season kicks off. “I think we have played some really nice football in large parts, and our fitness and sharpness are improving game by game so in general we’re happy with how it’s going so far,” he explained.
“We’re focusing on the performances, and we know the result will come with the performances down the line when the league starts. The new lads have slotted straight in and been excellent, which was expected with the calibre of the players coming in.”
The keeper is not surprised how Rockingham have improved in the preseason, and is expecting another tough encounter on Friday. “Looking at their new management and the players they have brought I’m not surprised with their results – credit to them,” Perkins said.
“But we’re only focusing on our performances and individual jobs. There’s not much attention to what’s going on elsewhere. The team are hungry to get back out there after a sloppy last 15 minutes last week. We’ll be expecting a hard-fought game against an organised and confident team.”
Get along and support the Jacks – #PrideoftheNorth
Venue: Dalmatinac Park, 2 Azelia Rd, Spearwood
Kick-off: 6.30pm
