Away form a revelation for Glory
Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe says his side has new belief away from home this season after making a concerted effort to change their mindset on the road.
Glory claimed just four points in 14 matches away from nib Stadium last season, with their away form and inability to find reliable scoring options the major issues in a slide to eighth spot.
But Lowe’s revamped squad has already won two of three away matches in the league this season, adding to interstate wins over Newcastle Jets, St Albans and Bentleigh Greens in the FFA Cup.
Lowe has been eager to keep a lid on Glory’s strong start to the campaign, but said confidence was on the rise ahead of matches away to Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC in the next fortnight.
“You’ve got to say (there is new belief) because of the way we’re going in the league,” Lowe said.
“You can’t play it down all the time, you’ve got to take some credit for the things that have gone on.
“But like I said at the beginning of the year, the big focus for us is to score more goals and win away games.
“At the moment, touch wood, we’re doing those things.
“If we can pick something up out of these games (against Brisbane and Sydney) again it just adds to that confidence.”
Lowe credited his players with setting high standards when preparing for away games this season.
“It’s absolute mindset, it’s all about the players,” Lowe said.
“They’ve made a conscious decision to focus on certain things and go about their business a certain way.
“It’s just being really up for the game and switched on and competitive; concentrate on your jobs with the ball, without the ball and in transition.
“Everybody seems to be bang at it.”
Lowe was confident Brazilian winger Sidnei Sciola would be available for the Brisbane clash after overcoming a calf injury to train with the squad today.
Sidnei has not played a competitive match since the FFA Cup round of 32 tie against Newcastle on August 5 due to calf and hamstring issues.
“Sidnei’s back in, you can see he’s involved,” Lowe said.
“I think probably the only doubt we’ve got is Rubes (Zadkovich), who’s going to be suspended.
“Other than that I think we’ve got a full squad to pick from.”
Zadkovich is suspended for one match after being sent off in the win over Wellington Phoenix last Friday.
