Soccer: Perth Glory gearing up for pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory on Sunday at Hay Park

Perth Glory’s preparations for the 2023-2024 A-League will continue on Sunday at Hay Park, when they host Melbourne Victory in a pre-season friendly. Alen Stajcic’s men recorded a 3-0 friendly win over the WA State team on Sunday at the State Football Centre, with David Williams securing a second-half brace. In a lively encounter, the WA State team held firm for 79 minutes, until Williams was provided a delightful pass from Jayden Gorman at the edge of the six-yard box, before firing his shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net — which helped send the Glory on their way. “It was a good test,” Stajcic said post-game. “Obviously there was a sprinkling of A-League experience in their team, so there was good opposition and they were up for it. They made it extremely tough for us, which is good.” The Glory boss added he was excited about heading to the South West later this week. Ahead of Sunday’s hit-out, experienced striker Adam Taggart told the South Western Times he felt the trip was an important one for the squad on and off the pitch. “I remember the Bunbury trips from when I was younger,” the 29-year-old said. “This area (South West) for Perth Glory is extremely important. “We’ve got some loyal supporters from down there and some up-and-coming young players. It’s extremely important to stay connected to that part of WA and continue to build this interest.” Sunday will mark the third time Glory’s men’s side have played a match in Bunbury. During the 1998/99 National Soccer League season, Glory, led by Bobby Despotovski and Damian Mori, defeated the now defunct Canberra Cosmos 3-0 at Hands Oval — and in 2009, suffered a 1-0 defeat against A-League rivals Gold Coast United, who also no longer exist in the Australia’s top flight. Kick off is at 3pm.