Top Four rivals Perth Glory and Canberra United clash in Round 5 of the W-League at Ashfield Sports Club.

Perth Glory head into the game against Season 6 Champions, Canberra United, full of confidence after a record breaking performance last time out.

The emphatic 10-1 away win over the Western Sydney Wanders set a new club record, as the Glory continued their best ever start to a season. Kate Gill was also a record breaker, as she set a W-League best, with the amount of goals scored in a single fixture.

The trouncing of the Wanderers came after Perth Glory Coach Jamie Harnwell rued his side’s lack of clinical finishing in Glory’s last home game against Adelaide United. His team scored three goals that day, but created at least 10 golden opportunities.

Harnwell said that shooting practice was on the agenda in training and it certainly paid off, as Perth were prolific against the Sydney side.

Goals from Kate Gill (5), Sam Kerr (2), Caitlin Foord (2) and Alanna Kennedy rounded off an awe-inspiring second half performance for Glory. The Matilda’s quartet are in exceptional form, with Kate Gill having 8 goals to her name, after only 4 games.

With Perth now sitting pretty at the top of the W-League ladder, all eyes will be on the west coast side, as they look to continue their 100% winning start.

With expectations rising, Coach Jamie Harnwell is remaining realistic about Glory’s hopes this season. He said “We’re still trying to temper expectations, we just need to keep our heads down and keep performing well.”

Canberra United provide Perth Glory with arguably their toughest test yet, as they will be looking to put a dent in Perth’s perfect start.

Canberra travel to the west buoyed after a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar. The home side upped their game and got their season back on track after a 4-2, Round 3, defeat to Melbourne Victory.

A lack of clinical finish was something that plagued Canberra in their 4-2 defeat, but they rectified that in their follow up game, which pleased Coach Lizz Michgelsen.

“We didn’t create that many chances today, but in the end, you take the chances that you get…that was an issue last week (against Melbourne). We were more clinical this week than last, and you win the game that way.”

The away side will need to be at their goal scoring best to get past a strong Glory defence. The back five of Mackenzie Arnold, Sarah Carroll, Alanna Kennedy, Shelina Zadorsky and Bronwyn Studman have been solid throughout the early rounds, despite conceding one goal, per game, thus far.

After the 10-1 victory, Bronwyn Studman tweeted “Unfortunately we didn’t get a clean sheet but the 10 magical goals we put away makes it a bit better.” This tongue in cheek tweet highlights a ‘we can score more than you mentality’ which is working beautifully so far for Glory.

United’s midfield and backline are a tight unit that are well organised and efficient. Perth will have to be at their attacking best in order to penetrate these areas effectively. Glory will need to continue their prolific form as chances maybe limited due to Canberra’s midfield and defensive steel.

Former Perth Glory keeper Chantel Jones will be hoping to deny her former team a fifth consecutive win, that would give Glory a record 15 points from 5 games. Jones will need to be at her best to keep Kerr and co at bay.

Julia De Angelis, who made her debut against Brisbane, was said to be ‘exceptional’. A tough tackler, a calm demeanour and a silky ball delivery, may cause problems for the Perth Glory midfield as she is somewhat of an unknown entity.

Angelis burst on to the scene in the last round and continually got the better of Katrina Gorry. Her performance was awarded as she picked up the player of the match award.

Canberra coach Lizz Michgelsen, took a philosophic approach ahead of her teams trip west, stating “If you score more goals than the other team, then you will win.”

The last time these two sides met Canberra United dealt Perth Glory a comprehensive 5-1 defeat but, with all the off-season changes at Glory, that result is not the best indicator of how the two teams match up now.

With this in mind, this game could be electric one, as both teams look to pick up more valuable W-League points. With Perth’s attacking prowess and Canberra’s strong defence and ability to switch play, this game is all set to be a classic.

If Perth were to claim Victory it would be their first ever win over Canberra with the reigning premiers holding a vastly superior record (7-3-0) over the West Australian side.

This Round 5 fixture will be a hard fought battle, as both sides look to finish top of the ladder in season 7.

Perth Glory v Canberra United

Saturday 11 October 2014

Ashfield Sports Club, Perth

Local kick-off: 3pm (6pm AEDT)

Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2. Sarah Carroll, 3. Carys Hawkins, 4. Bronwyn Studman, 5. Shannon May, 6. Alanna Kennedy, 7. Gabrielle Marzano, 8. Shawn Billam, 9. Caitlin Foord, 12. Kate Gill, 13. Elisa D’Ovidio, 14. Collette McCallum (C), 15. Shelina Zadorsky, 17. Marianna Tabain, 18. Gabrielle Dal Busco (gk), 20. Sam Kerr

Ins: Carys Hawkins (promoted)

Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 17. Holly HOUSTON, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS

Unavailable: Kendall FLETCHER (overseas), Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 6-8 weeks), Grace MAHER (Australia U-17s), Grace GILL (ankle – 6-8 weeks)