Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma prepared for artificial pitch challenge in road clash against Murdoch

A 3-1 win at home has got Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma up and about as they go on the road to face Murdoch this week on an unfamiliar pitch. After starting their season winless at home, the Reds have scored consecutive wins at Salvatore Sciuto Stadium following their victory against Subiaco on Saturday. The wins at home fill not just the players with confidence but give the Geraldton supporters something to cheer for. “Fantastic to get two results at home back-to-back, and both having scored three goals,” said captain Lachlan Gray. “Certainly, put some confidence in the upper end of the field and just confidence in the supporters as well.” The game saw Hayden Boffey step up in the win in a rare home appearance for the striker. “Hayden Boffey has scored a hat-trick in his first home game he’s played for the club in two years,” Gray said. “It’s fantastic for his confidence and he really enjoyed the home atmosphere, which he wasn’t used to so he was a great standout player.” A player who the captain can’t speak highly enough of is goalkeeper Braiden Page, whose growth has been a revelation for the side. “We lost our last goalkeeper because of work commitments, and we generally thought we’re going to be without a goalkeeper,” Gray said. “Then young Braiden has come over from Chapman and really just taken away with it, has improved out of sight and fit into the team perfectly. “I can’t praise the kid more for taking the leap to come and join the Perth team from a local comp … not just sit in a team but to actually thrive is no small task.” With five games at home over a six-week stretch, the Reds go on the road this week before playing the next three in Geraldton. La Fiamma prepare to take on Murdoch, in a game that will be played on an artificial pitch which is unfamiliar territory. “Murdoch had asked us if we want to shift to a normal pitch, we’ve actually said no, we want the Astroturf pitch,” Gray said. “It’s a perfect surface, no lumps … basically a basketball court that’s turfed. “We’re a good footballing side, so if we can play on a true surface, that’s when we do play our best football. That’s why we tend to play well at home.” The Reds will be hoping the choice not to switch doesn’t come back to bite them when they face Murdoch on Sunday at 3pm at Besteam Stadium.