La Fiamma fired up for UWA clash as they hope decent road form continues

Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma have endured a season of misfortune, leaving them in dire need of points to shore up their position in the Amateur League third division.

The Reds were unlucky not to take something away from their home clash against Forrestfield last weekend, and with Northern City turning their form around there is a growing threat of relegation.

In seasons past when points were needed, away games would not be the first place the Reds would look given the travel and issues with player availability.

However, the addition of dedicated Perth players, coupled with the severe lack of players available at home, means their away side is arguably stronger.

Captain Lachlan Gray admits it is an odd situation.

“It is the first time in La Fiamma history that our away side is the better one,” he said. “To have two players of the quality of Joshua Rodrigo and Hayden Boffey certainly takes a lot of pressure off the league team.

“It’s definitely hard at the moment. Everyone is a bit quiet. It feels like we keep getting unlucky and there’s frustration because we know we can be a great team when everyone’s available.”

The Reds adopted a defensive style at the weekend, with Gray admitting it was just how they had to play given the playing stocks.

“It’s a sacrifice we have to make with the outs we have at the moment,” he said.

“We look to go much more from the counter rather than play strong up front just so we can have a couple of guys further back to help out defensively.”

UWA Nedlands was one of the teams that forfeited against the Reds earlier this season, and Gray said there was plenty of motivation to get something out of the weekend.

“The boys are definitely up for it, especially Josh, who will be facing his old side. He’s be waiting for this game all year,” he said.

“It would definitely be nice to get points on the board and just really lift the team.

“But we just have to take it week by week at the moment. We know how hard away games are but we just have to get it done.”

The Reds will kick off against UWA at 3pm on Sunday at UWA Sports Park.