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30.8.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Suns vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Armadale vs Queens Park by Michael Di Pietro; Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Wanneroo City vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)
Stirling Lions won a classic derby encounter with Stirling Suns 1-0 to stay top of the First Division, ahead of Armadale on goal difference. Witness by a crowd in excess of 1,200 at Macedonia Park, the Suns came out with all guns ablaze but it was Adam Rains who came closest to an early goal when his 12th minute header went narrowly wide. The Lions had first use of a gale force breeze that kept most of the action at their end of the ground as the visitors defence stood firm to the challenge with club stalwart Steven Klimoski leading by example. The Lions best opportunities of the first half came courtesy of some unselfish work from Danny Carlino as Adam Rains and Toby Wright saw their shots kept out by goalkeeper Jason Razmoski. As news filtered through that Armadale were 3-1 up against Queens Park after 45 minutes, the Lions needed something in order to stay in first place. That came in the way of an inspired man-of-the-match performance from defender Riste Stefoski who broke the deadlock after 52 minutes with a brilliant free-kick from 25-metres which burst through the defensive wall and into the bottom corner of the net. Not content with a one-goal lead, the Lions pressed for another to secure all three points. Like a true underdog, the Suns would not lie down and in the 82nd minute came a shot from a goalmouth scramble which was miraculously saved by the cat-like Rob Pucovski. In a drama-filled close there were further near misses by Rob Milevski and Rains as the home side held on for victory. Both the Lions reserves and Under-18 sides also recorded wins, 1-0 and 4-3 respectively.
It was another top-of-the-table clash for third-placed Armadale when they hosted a Queens Park side hovering just a single point them on the table. The visitors opened the scoring with former Armadale player Steve Sauzier netting after 8 minutes, but after that it was pretty much one way traffic for most of the afternoon. Gary Murdoch levelled the scores with a nice volley from just outside the 18-yard box in the 32nd minute, and Dennis Lee put the home side in front a minute from the interval. Right on the stroke of half-time Lee could have given the Reds a two-goal buffer but he became the second player in the space of as many weeks to miss from the penalty spot. Lee made up for the penalty miss by putting the result beyond any doubt in the 65th minute. There was a comfortable 3-1 win for Armadale's reserves with goals from Steve Tsalis and a Chris Woodrow double. The Under-18 game was awarded to Armadale on a 3-0 forfeit.
Mandurah City failed to make the most of their dominance over Morley Windmills at Peelwood Parade Reserve in a match that ended with the points shared. In blustery conditions that did nothing to help the quality of the game, Mandurah got off to the perfect start when, after 16 minutes, Neil Patten-Williams' excellent free-kick caught the Windmills defence napping as the ball sailed into the top corner of the goal. The home side could have doubled their lead three minutes later but striker Andrew Rennie missed the target from 7-metres. Chances flowed freely for Mandurah who seemed to be permanently camped in the opposition half but were unable to get the much-needed second goal. The new half continued in the same vane with the Windmills goalkeeper making a couple of fine saves to keep Mandurah at bay. In the 63rd minute Damian Condo conceded possession which allowed a visiting player to dribble past the home defence and slot past goalkeeper Mike Green to level the scores. Mandurah continued to stream forward in search of a winner only to be thwarted by a stubborn visiting backline. The reserve fixture was taken out by Mandurah 3-0 after their opponents failed to field a team, while Mandurah's Under-18 side continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory through goals by Matt Maiolo and Jake Loreto.
It was very much a second-string Bayswater City line-up which met Dianella White Eagles on Saturday. Despite this, Bayswater dominated the early play and even went a player up when Dianella defender Davorin Svirac was dismissed for his second yellow card offense after 20 minutes. After a scoreless first half, the deadlock was broken two minutes after the break by home striker Zelko Savic who found himself free inside the area to calmly slot in the opening goal of the match. Bouyed at being a goal up, Dianella seized control of the game and could have killed off their opponents in the 56th minute when the ball came to the unmarked Zelko Savic whose first time shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Joe Princi. Shortly after Princi again came to his sides rescue, this time conjuring up a fantastic flying save to keep out Petar Mrdja's bullet-like free-kick from 28-metres. The game really came to life in the final twelve minutes as Bayswater levelled the scores via Dario Pellicciotti after a great run down the right by Gareth Healy. The home side restored their lead after 83 minutes when another blistering shot from Mrdja gave the Bayswater 'keeper no chance. Bayswater went down to ten men with the sending off of Healy before substitute Boima Karpeh added Dianella's third two minutes into stoppage time. With time fast running out, Bayswater surged forward and bagged a consolation goal through Daniel Naumovski which made the final score 3-2 in favour of Dianella. Bayswater took out the reserves meeting 6-2 courtesy of goals by Antonio Triscari (2), Ivy Ndrich (2), Warren Haayanayama and Anatoli Haienko. The Under-18's was also won by Bayswater with Joe Mesiti scoring the games two goals.
Canning City made the trip to Kingsway Sporting Complex on Saturday for their clash with Wanneroo City. In wet and windy conditions, the home side got off to a bad start when goalkeeper Aidan Hayes failed to hold a Peter Murphy free-kick which trickled over the line after 5 minutes. With few scoring chances at either end, Canning doubled their lead three minutes from half-time when Mick Van Dongen made the most of a defensive error and drove the ball inside the far post. Two minutes later the visitors were reduced to ten men when Paul Van Dongen was shown the red card for retaliating after a clumsy tackle from behind. It was a more composed Wanneroo that emerged for the second half to have Canning under pressure, and the home team came to pulling a goal back in the 53rd minute when the ball came back into playoff the underside of the crossbar. The home side were reduced to ten men after Stuart Corr was dismissed for his second yellow card offence and Canning once again established control of the game. A good run down the right by Gerald O'Brien lead to Mick Van Dongen making it 3-0. As has often been the case this season, Canning finished strongly and in the final three minutes Murphy completed his hat-trick with two further goals against a dispirited Wanneroo outfit..
Other weekend First Division games saw Perth City held to a 2-2 home draw by Kingsway Olympic. Honours were also shared between Leeming Strikers and South West Phoenix where the score was aslo 2-2, while Rockingham City defeated Southside United 2-1. Balcatta had the bye.
30.8.2002
ROBERTSON SIGNS FOR RAITH
Scottish Second Division club Raith Rovers have signed former E.C.U. Joondalup and State player Sandy Robertson on a short-term deal. The midfielder, who played professionally in Scotland for Glasgow Rangers before linking up with Joondalup, has signed initially for one month in an attempt to win himself a full-time contract.
30.8.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
A single point separates Perth S.C. from Floreat Athena at the top of the Premier League leaderboard going into Round Eighteen of competition. Play-off contenders E.C.U. Joondalup have the difficult task of taking on Perth in the northern suburbs, while at the National Stadium Inglewood United have home ground advantage against Athena. Sorrento have strung together two wins on the run but will find the going tough against the visiting Bassendean Caledonian side, and Fremantle City host Ashfield in the other Saturday fixture. On Sunday Swan I.C. are home to Future Glory, and Western Knights play Cockburn City at Nash Field.
There are some big games in the First Division also as their season goes right down to the wire. Armadale (2nd) play Queens Park (3rd) at Alfred Skeet Oval in a match that both sides will be desperate to collect maximum points from in order to keep alive their title aspirations. At Macedonia Park there's the local derby between Stirling Suns and leaders Stirling Lions. The other top eight games pit Mandurah City against Morley Windmills, while Dianella White Eagles have the home ground advantage over Bayswater City. In the bottom nine series, Perth City take on Kingsway Olympic, and Canning City's youngsters meet a Wanneroo City side bouyed by a four-goal win last weekend. In Bunbury, South West Phoenix play Leeming Strikers, and Rockingham City host Southside United at Dowling Street Reserve. Balcatta have the bye.
30.8.2002
STATE TEAM AIM FOR GLORY
The West Australian State team will take on National Soccer League outfit Perth Glory in the annual Charity Shield clash at Litis Stadium on Wednesday, 11th September. The friendly, which kicks-off at 6.15pm, will be the first of a double-header that will also see northern suburbs rivals Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup go head-to-head in the semi-final of this years' Boral Cup. Coached by former Australian international Gary Marocchi, the provisional State squad is Branimir Mikulic (Cockburn City), James Afkos, Troy Bernard, Adrian Sutton (Floreat Athena), Shaun Kilkelly, Miki Vujacic (Future Glory), Scott Campbell, Oliver Taseski (Inglewood United), Aaron Cole, Jamie Coyne, Todd Howarth, Andreas Oliveira (Perth S.C.), Corey Hugo (Swan I.C.), Carl Medica, Stuart Montgomery and Ivan Zuvela (Western Knights).
30.8.2002
FREMANTLE GO MUSICIAL
Premier League club Fremantle City are holding a Musical Quiz Night on Saturday 7th September at the West Australian Portuguese Club (Strang Street, Hamilton Hill) from 7.00pm. Tables of ten are available at a cost of $10.00 per person with complimentary coffee and cake supplied. For more information telephone the club on 9331 7878.
In other club news, Fremantle have appointed Andrew Danskin to the position of Football Director. Danskin, who spent time on the books of Leeds United in his playing days, will be responsible for player-coach liaison, scouting and identifying career opportunities for players with the port club. His son, Matt, heads to Germany next week to link up with Werder Bremen.
29.8.2002
MOTHERWELL CONSIDER DEAL FOR BULLOCH (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
Motherwell boss Terry Butcher is considering making an offer to young West Australian midfielder Scott Bulloch. Butcher has confirmed he plans to sign at least two new players before Saturday's deadline and young Bulloch has been training with the club for the past week. The E.C.U. Joondalup wing-back moved north to Scotland after earlier trials with Charlton Athletic and Preston.
29.8.2002
UNDER-23 CALL-UP FOR MADASCHI
Former Perth S.C. junior Adrian Madaschi has been called up for the Australian Under-23 team that goes into camp shortly in Europe. Madaschi, who has spent the past few seasons in the youth ranks of top flight Italian club Atalanta, has been named in the Australian squad which also includes fellow West Australians Clint Davies (Birmingham City) and Richard Garcia (West Ham United). The side will play friendlies early next month against German club side Bayer Leverkusen and the national team from Cameroon in Gremany.
29.8.2002
TRIALLIST MURPHY FEATURES FOR BLADES RESERVES
Sorrento defender Kevin Murphy has had his trial period with English club Sheffield United extended. The 21-year old was invited to spent a month trying out with the First Division club but has apparently impressed the coaching staff to the extent that he's twice featured for the Blades reserves side in the new Avon Insurance League season. After making six appearances for the club in pre-season, including a couple off the bench for the first team, Murphy made his official reserves debut in last week's 1-1 draw with Tramnere Rovers. Unfortunately the Sorrento captain didn't last the full 90 minutes, ooked twice in as many minutes to earn himself an early shower a few minutes before half-time. Murphy was back in action on Wednesday evening, playing a full game for the reserves when they defeated Walsall 3-0 at home.
28.8.2002
FREMANTLE TOP YOUTH LEAGUE
In the northern suburbs on Tuesday evening, the Under-18 teams from E.C.U. Joondalup and Fremantle City met in their Round Fourteen catch-up fixture. The clash lived up to pre-match expectations with some great football played in an electric opening which produced good goalscoring opportunities at both ends of the ground. But the only goal of the first half came via Fremantle captain Paul Oliver whose stunning volley from 35-metres gave his side the lead after 45 minutes. In a tightly contested second half that saw some fantastic saves from both goalkeepers, Fremantle doubled their lead when Marc Sim found the net after 70 minutes. Three players were red carded in a frenetic final ten minutes as Joondalup pulled a goal back, but the home side were unable to bag a second and the port side held on for a 2-1 victory. The win sends Fremantle back to the top of the competition table, level on points but with a far superior goal difference over Perth S.C.
28.8.2002
PETTERSON HOPING FOR POMPEY CLASH (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Andy Petterson hopes to be between the posts tonight against former club, Portsmouth. Petterson made his Seagulls debut on the weekend in the 2-0 defeat by Walsall and said, "The First Division has been something of a rude awakening for some and maybe a little inexperience is playing a part. It's a much tougher league, but we'll get stronger and results will come. If I get the chance to play at Portsmouth that would be something I would relish. They have started well and it will be the first big club Brighton have played so far. I would like to think I could help some of the younger lads build in confidence."
27.8.2002
NUGUS A COMMITTED REFEREE! (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Who would be a referee? That's a comment you hear at grounds week in and week out. Well, Michael Nugus loves being a referee so much that he travels nearly 800km each weekend to feed his passion! The 29-year old lives in Southern Cross, where he is a mine geologist, and travels the 380km to Perth to meet his refereeing responsibilities. He was in charge of last weekend's Premier League clash between Floreat Athena and Western Knights - and immediately afterwards jumped into his car to travel back the 380kms as he was starting work at 6.00am the next day.
"I just love it," said Nugus, who was born in Queensland and has been in Western Australia for six years. "I played back in Queensland, but I've been refereeing since I was thirteen and decided to concentrate on having a whistle in my hand as my job as a geologist wouldn't allow much time to train if I were still playing." Nugus has also made an impact at national level, being promoted to be a National Soccer League linesman (or referee's assistant) two seasons ago.
27.8.2002
KAMASZ OFFERED TERMS IN ENGLAND (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Fremantle City's teenage hot-shot striker Josh Kamasz, who has been on trial with Manchester City for the past few weeks, has been offered terms by another English club - Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls were impressed with the 16-year old during a series of games as a guest player for the E.C.U. Joondalup Academy's touring side that recently won two prestige tournaments in Britain. Kamasz - and his parents - are apparently thinking long and hard over the Wednesday offer. His father is former Spearwood and State team winger Dave Kamasz.
27.8.2002
GASPAR ON-HOLD IN BRUNEI (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Perth S.C. are looking for a hefty loan fee - believed to be more than $10,000 - before they will agree to release Robbie Gaspar to play for Malaysian League side Brunei in the up-coming Kings Cup in Brunei. The classy midfielder took off to Brunei last week but hasn't been able to play, or train, with the club because of the hold-up in his clearance. "I believe we are entitled to seek compensation for Robbie who is one of the best players in the league and is very valuable to us," said Perth coach Graham Normanton. The Kings Cup, which will also feature E.C.U. Joondalup, is due to start on 18th September.
27.8.2002
STATE TEAM AIM FOR GLORY (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Subject to confirmation, the West Australian State Under-23 team will take on Perth Glory in the traditional Charity Shield clash at Litis Stadium on Wednesday, 11th September. It should be a night to remember for the charity game will feature in an exciting double-header that will also involve the Boral Cup semi-final meeting between northern suburbs rivals Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup. With part proceeds going to charity, a night of what promises to be top class entertainment gets underway from 6.15pm.
26.8.2002
PETKOVIC UNDER THREAT AT TRABZONSPOR (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
Michael Petkovic has found his status at Trabzonspor under threat. The Australia international goalkeeper turned in a five-star display against Altay last week and had the watching press gallery singing his praises. An incredible double-save late in the second-half earned a 0-0 draw for his team and man-of-the-match status for the Aussie. But that wasn't enough for the Trabzon president, who has announced the club is looking for a new No1. His comments have been blasted in the Turkish media, with one local daily describing it as 'madness'.
25.8.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
The University of W.A. secured three valuable points away to Shamrock Rovers at Harold Rossiter Park with 2-1 victory in the W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League on Sunday. The game started brightly for University who look the lead after 5 minutes when Matt Hill threaded his pass to Robert Benkovic who side footed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. The visitors continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Josh Davenport's cross found Hill whose first time shot hit the net to double the margin. The second half saw Rovers throw everything at their opponents only to be thwarted time and time again by University custodian Shayam Young busy. But eventually the visiting defence gave way, a Rovers' forward hitting a great shot from the top of the 18-yard box which flew into the top corner. The remainder of the half saw a solid defensive performance from University as Rovers sought an equaliser which didn't arrive. The win put University into third place on the table, level on points with Forrestfield United, as the season comes to what is shaping up to be an exciting finish. "The second half was the greatest test of character we have had this season defensively and our goalkeeper Shayam Young turned in another accomplished performance," said University coach Kevin Burton after the game. "Shamrock have a miserly defence having only conceded fourteen goals in seventeen games, so to score two here was a real credit to the team." Rovers took out a very tight reserves match 1-0. Last Wednesday University's reserves wrapped up a spot in the last four of the Mitre Cup with a 3-1 win over Ballajura, David Berg and Dave Holley (2) the scorers.
Hamersley Rovers' 4-0 away win over Kwinana United keeps them at the head of the amateur competition, four points ahead of Shamock Rovers in second place. Forrestfield United stay level on points with University after a 5-0 thrashing of Balga. Spearwood Dalmatinac were comfortable winners over E.C.U. Joondalup 6-2, Murdoch University had to dig deep to overcome Subiaco United 3-2, and Perth Azzurri accounted for Fremantle United 2-1.
25.8.2002
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
Goals by Jamie Coyne, Mark Pottier, Andreas Oliveira, and Rob Giorgi has resulted in Perth S.C. re-claiming top spot on the Premier League table with 4-1 home win over Inglewood United on Sunday. Previous leaders Floreat Athena had to rely on a late goal from Ryan Newhill to steal a point from their home clash with Western Knights that ended two-all. Bassendean Caledonian strengthened their hold on fifth place with a 2-0 home win over E.C.U. Joondalup, Graeme Matthews and Ramon Westerberger the scorers. Branimir Mikulic took his season tally to 19 goals in Cocknurn City's 3-2 win over Future Glory. Ashfield went down 0-3 at home to Sorrento, and Fremantle City recorded a 1-0 away win at Swan I.C.
The First Division leaderboard has become very congested indeed with three games remaining. A one-all draw at Macedonia Park between Stirling Lions and Queens Park, coupled with Armadale's 2-0 home win over Mandurah City, means that a single point separates the top three clubs - the Lions (45 points), Armadale (45) and Queens Park (44). An early goal from Sal Marrapodi gave Bayswater City maximum points from their home clash with Stirling Suns.
25.8.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Floreat Athena vs Western Knights by Christian Galapolous; Bassendean Caledonian vs E.C.U. Joondalup by Bill MacAllister; Cockburn City vs Future Glory by Lennie Bavich; Ashfield vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater; Perth S.C. vs Inglewood United by Mike Hennessey)
The race for the Premier League title has again opened up after leaders Floreat Athena were held to a 2-2 draw by Western Knights in windy conditions at Litis Stadium. Athena were unlucky not to have opened their account after only 6 minutes when Robin Dyers had his effort cleared off the line and from the rebound James Afkos hit the up-right. Eugene Singeorzan made the home side pay for the early miss when he opened the scoring in the 13th minute by lashing home the loose ball from 18-yards and giving Athena goalkeeper John Xigas no chance. Athena were dealt a further blow when sweeper Troy Bernard was forced off with an ankle injury as the blustery conditions towards the end of the half made it difficult for both sides to play their natural attacking game. Both sides picked up the tempo after the interval to produce a an entertaining, see-sawing battle. Athena midfielder James Afkos leveled the scores with a magnificent solo effort, weaving through the visiting defence with ease then clinically finishing to bring his side back in to the match. Just as soon as Athena gained the upper hand, the Knights struck back on the counter attack, Singeorzan cutting back the ball to strike partner Stuart Montgomery who made no mistake from close range. With Athena's hold on top spot in fear of slipping, Dyers fought off the opposing defence to send a dangerous cross to the near post which goalkeeper Tommi Tomich failed to hold and Ryan Newhill was on hand to score his fourteenth of the winter. With the home fans cheering them on, Athena pressed hard for a winner as Jamie Trandos curled his shot inches over the bar, Newhill's strike forced a flying save from Tomich, and substitute Peter Coci's strong run earned a corner. But despite the slew of late chances Athena failed to get the vital break and will have little room for error in their remaining four home-and-away fixtures.
Bassendean Caledonians followed up last weeks' win by out-playing E.C.U. Joondalup at Jubilee Reserve and staying on target to contest the top-five play-off series. Both Alan Dunlop (Caledonian) and Peter Stewart (Joondalup) made some spectacular saves in the opening half to keep the match scoreless at the break. The home side started the second half strongly and, after missing an early opportunity, opened the scoring in the 50th minute when Ramon Westerburger cut a ball back form the touchline for Graeme Matthews who shot past Stewart. Joondalup's Richard Watson, Jamie Kuzmanovich and Andrew Mason worked hard to find an equaliser, continually pressuring the home defence which had Kevin Smith and Craig Naven at it's heart. The Matthews-Westerberger combination has been producing the goods of late for Caledonian, and they again teamed up with Westerberger bagging the sides second goal fifteen minutes from the end of regulation time. Frustrations were beginning to set in for the visitors and when Mason received his marching orders for a second yellow card offence the match was effectively over the Joondalup. In a fine team performance, Naven, Matthews and Raph Mahony were the key contributors in the 2-0 win which elevates Caledonian to fifth on the table with four games remaining in the regular season.
Cockburn City moved a step closer to the top five with a 3-2 win over Future Glory at Dalmatinac Park. Future did all the attacking in the opening minutes when Mileta Miletic was twice denied by Dino Pacella in Cockburn's goal. The home side took the lead from the penalty spot after Shaun Kilkelly handled the ball inside the box and Branimir Mikulic increased his season tally to nineteen goal. Miki Vujacic equalised for Future early in the second half, Pacella saving his initial shot but unable to keep out the midfielder's second attempt. The 73rd minute introduction of Denis Stojanovic freshened up Cockburn's attacking options, and shortly after a long ball from captain Steve Adam put Jeff Bright through, the teenager chesting the ball down before sending it past Future goalkeeper Michael Basilio. A constant danger down the left flank, Bright won his side a penalty seven minutes from full-time, Basilio blocked the spot-kick taken by Mikulic only to see Domenic De Felice to bury the rebound and make it 3-1. Future substitute Ali Abbas broke down the right wing and drew Pacella out of position before hitting a low shot which pulled the deficit back to 3-2, which is how things were at the final whistle.
Sorrento made it back to back wins with a comfortable 3-0 result at Ashfield. The Seagulls dominated the early exchanges and could have taken the lead in the 2nd minute, however, Shane Crampton's header form a Ryan Jeans cross went over the bar. Two minutes Crampton was again at the centre of the action, this time nodding wide a cross from the right by Peter Butler. On 8 minutes Ross Greer beat Phil Jackson from a very tight angle only to see Ashfield defender Mark Donnelly clear from on the goalline. A clumsy challenge by Ben Kelly on Glen Thomas in the 19th minute resulted in a free-kick to the visitors, Stuart Banks' strike blocked by the defensive wall. Sorrento's persistence was rewarded two minutes later when Banks advanced into space, played a neat one-two with Crampton then struck a sweet left-footer under the body of Jackson. It wasn't until the 25th minute that the home side had their first shot on goal, Steve Gillibrand's throw-in reaching Scott Bailey who forced Gareth Deeg to dive full stretch to tip wide his attempt. Jared Love used his pace in the 33rd minute to leave his marker and spear a low shot pass the struggling Jackson to double Sorrento's lead. Seven minutes into the second half the visitors killed off the game as a contest when Greer headed Peter Butler's long throw-in and Jeans tappe it on at the far post. Ashfield went down to ten men in the 58th minute as Nathan Salisbury was red carded for an off the ball incident. Despite having the player advantage, Sorrento couldn't add to their tally with Jackson denying Love in their best chances of the final half hour. To their credit, Ashfield displayed some dogged determination to hold out the visitors over the closing stages.
It was another bad day at the office for Swan I.C. who went down 0-1 at home to Fremantle City. In a scrappy match in which neither side was able to take control, the port side snatched the lead midway through the first half when a defensive error allow young striker Cisco Jorquiera in to score what would be the only goal of the afternoon. The second period saw a more composed performance from Swan without really threatening visiting goalkeeper Robert Zabica. The win, Fremantle's sixth of the season, puts them in a good position to finish much higher up the table than their current position of tenth.
In the Sunday game, Perth S.C. reclaimed top spot when they cruised to a 4-1 win over local rivals Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens. The home Perth were on top right from the start and only two quality saves by Inglewood goalkeeper Oliver Taseski, both to deny Albert Osei-Tutu in the 25th and 28th minutes, kept them scoreless. Inglewood's lone chance of the opening half came when Elton Holmes outjumped Robert Scarporolo but his header flew just over the bar. Perth's retaliation was swift and lethal - a fine move down the right saw Adam Bunce cut the ball back for Jamie Coyne to fire hard and low into the net to give his side the lead. Inglewood defended well but then proceeded to repeatedly give the ball away and simply had too many passengers on the day. Surprisingly, it remained 1-0 at half-time. The pattern of the first half continued in the second. Perth attacked with fluent ease. Andreas Oliveira went through the centre only to shoot wide. It was not until the 67th minute that Scarporolo had to make a good save following a corner. Perth again retaliated immediately. Mark Pottier went through only to be brought down in the area. He was up quickly to take the penalty giving Perth a 2-0 lead. Coyne might have had a third but he shot into the sidenetting. A defensive mix-up presented Oliveira with a simple tap-in to make the score 3-0 and it was all too easy for Perth. Oliveira missed another chance after a fine move then Rob Giorgi ended another quality move slotting home a fourth goal for Perth. It was not until the 86th minute that Inglewood produced their best move that gave Paul Lincoln a simple tap-in to reduce the arrears to 4-1 but it was little more than a consolation goal.
25.8.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP
Ashfield reserves recorded just their third win of the 2002 winter when they accounted for Sorrento 1-0 at Ashfield Reserve. The only goal of the 90 minutes came after 5 minutes when Daniel Dawson's shot was deflected away by goalkeeper Robert Pedri as far as Wayne Culverwell who fired the ball into an unguarded net. With the home side on the defensive, Sorrento had numerous chances to level the scores but a combination of good goalkeeping by Eldin Iserinuvich and poor finishing by the visiting forwards made sure that never happened.
E.C.U. Joondalup stay at the top of the reserves table after a 3-1 away win over Bassendean Caledonian. A hat-trick by Vlad Milasinovic and further strikes from Damien Catalano and Daniel Milevski saw second-placed Perth S.C. down Inglewood United to stay four points behind the leaders. Level on points with Perth are while Fremantle City who recorded a 3-1 win at Swan I.C. courtesy of goals to John Mirco, John Migas and Joe Liguan, Paul Dundo the scorer for the black and whites. Floreat Athena accounted for Western Knights 2-1, and it was a scoreless draw in the match between Cockburn City and Future Glory.
Cosi Calavaro and Zlatko Babac were on target for Perth S.C. while Ryan Thomas scored for Inglewood United when their sides met at the National Stadium, the 2-1 win keeping Perth on top of the Under-18 table after Round Eighteen. There were hat-tricks to Chris Zarricueta and Mo Atak as Fremantle City whalloped Swan I.C. 7-0, Mark Sim also getting his name on the scorecard. Daniel DeFazio and Steve Worthy scored two apiece for E.C.U. Joondalup who also big winners, 4-0 away to Bassendean Caledonian. Floreat Athena accounted for Western Knights 3-0 with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre, Chistopher Gakis and Filippos Pakioufakis. Omar Lemzouris' goal for Cockburn City was countered by strikes from State youth trio Ben Rogers, Wesley Ryder and Sebastian Trim as Future Glory ran out 3-1 victors at Dalmatinac Park. The clash between Ashfield and Sorrento was postponed.
24.8.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Lions vs Queens Park by Don Evans; Armadale vs Mandurah City by Michael Di Pietro; Bayswater City vs Stirling Suns by Adam Rucci; Canning City vs Perth City by Phil Unsworth)
The head of the First Division table has become a three-way log-jam - a single point separates three teams with just three games remaining in the 2002 season. Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between Stirling Lions and Queens Park at Macedonia Park saw the home side come out firing on all cylinders with Toby Wright, Leo Harman, Tony Paolino and Keegan Ashley creating a series of early chances for their team. Toby Wright came close after 11minutes with an in-swinging corner that, with the aid of the breeze, hit the cross bar. It was all one-way traffic as the Lions poured on the pressure only to be foiled by the clever defensive tactics of a young, well-drilled Queens Park outfit. The visitors lost their goalkeeper to a leg injury midway through the half and his replacement instantly found himself under siege as Harman, Ashley, Toby Wright and Adam Rains all went close to breaking the deadlock. Queens Park slowly clawed their way back into the game after the break but it was the home side with the majority of play. After near-misses by Toby Wright and Rains, the Lions fans were finally given something to cheer about when Bobbi Klenkovski made a brilliant solo run that left three opponents in his wake before cutting the ball back into the path of Toby Wright who converted from close-range after 67 minutes. With that Queens Park stirred into life, the Lions almost secured maximum points when Keegan Ashley cut through the middle only to see his effort saved, and five minutes later Andy Wright's drive whistled over the bar. A soft free-kick awarded to Queens Park after 86 minutes saw the visitors salvage a point from the game when Lions custodian Steven Grant mid-judged the flight of the ball and the resulting from Jodi Henderson header flew into an empty net to level the scores. A darting run from Gus Pafumi saw Rob Milevski unable to get the decisive touch, and in the final minute Milevski should have won it for the home side when he met an Ashley cross only to put it the wrong side of the post. Both the reserves and Under-18 games were taken out by the Lions, 5-1 and 6-0 respectively.
With three games remaining, Armadale still need a favour from either the Lions or Queens Park in order to clinch the title, but on Saturday they inched level on points with the leaders. Mandurah City travelled to the Alfred Skeet Oval for what turned out to be a tight affair. The Reds should have opened the scoring in the 25th minute after Steve Adams fouled Greg Newcombe inside the area, but Aaron Beattie's spot kick was well saved by Mandurah custodian Mike Green. The home anxious crowd were forced to wait until the 70th minute for the opener, Jason Goodwin sent clear from the half-way line before rounding Green to give the home side the lead. Dennis Lee made certain of the three points five minutes from full-time when he headed Gary Murdoch's free-kick into the back of the net. In the reserves it was another hard-fought clash in which Mandurah took the lead through Carlos Almieda only for the home side to level the scores via an own goal after 78 minutes. Mandurah's Under-18's continued their ten game unbeaten run with a 2-2 draw. Adam Boone and Jake Loreto scored for the visitors, while Armadale's goals came from Oliver Crockford and Dave Forsythe.
Bayswater City went into their clash with Stirling Suns fighting for fifth place at Frank Drago Reserve. Fielding a young side due to the absence of several first team regulars, Bayswater started on a bright note with Sal Marrapodi scoring his tenth goal of the season with 10 minutes elapsed on the clock. The visitors clawed their way back into the match and had several good opportunities to level the scores but were unable to find a way past 19-year old goalkeeper Joe Prinici, who would prove to be a constant stumbling block for the Suns . The second half saw the Suns have the home side on the back foot as they searched for the goal that would bring them back into the game. But it was Bayswater that created the best chance of the half but Marrapodi squandered the opportunity to secure maximum points in the 75th minute. With the job seemingly done, Bayswater closed up shop and went on the defensive to old on for a 1-0 victory. Bayswater won the reserves meeting 2-1, while the Under-18 match also went the way of the home side after Ben Melia (2) and Sam DiLatte found the net for a final 3-2 scoreline.
Canning City hosted Perth City at John Connell Reserve on Saturday in what shaped up to be an entertaining First Division clash. Perth started the more aggressive side with Canning's goalkeeper Darren Williams being called on to twice prevent Scott Evans from scoring in the opening 20 minutes. The home team gradually began to settle and find their rhythm and in the 40th minute Craig Dochesne lobbed over stranded Perth goalkeeper John Bosch only to see his shot cleared of the goal line by Jamie Dalby. On the stroke of half time Perth took the lead through Jamie Herkes who seized upon a poor clearance before hitting a fierce right-footer beyond the reach of Williams. The second half saw Canning press forward in search of an equalising goal only to be caught offside time and time again by a well organised Perth defence. 16-year old Gerald O'Brien came close to levelling the scores on two occasions as the match came to a close, but it was Perth that went home with the points on an afternoon in which Canning would feel a little unlucky not to have drawn what was an even contest.
Dianella White Eagles hit form with a smashing 5-1 win over Morley Windmills. Davorin Svirac and Zeljko Tesic both netted twice in the victory before Goran Bolta completed the home side's tally in the 68th minute. Ben Hedley was the scorer for Windmills scorer. Wanneroo City recorded their second win of the winter with a 4-0 hammering of Leeming Strikers. Kingsway Olympic downed Southside United 2-1 with goals from Kalon Tenakov and Shaun Fitazpatrick, Mark Edwards netting for Southside. Anthony Toutountzis and David Moschill were on target for Balcatta when they defeated Rockingham City 2-1 at home, Marko Aleksic scoring for the visitors. South West Phoenix had the bye.
23.8.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Premier League leaders Floreat Athena will be eager to make up for last weekend's lost points when they host an in-form Western Knights side in Round Eighteen of the season. At Jubilee Reserve, both Bassendean Caledonian and E.C.U. Joondalup will have their sights set on maximum points to assist with their top five ambitions. Ashfield are to home to Sorrento, Swan I.C. welcome Fremantle City, and Cockburn City meet Future Glory in the other Saturday fixtures. The following day at Dorrien Gardens Perth S.C. face an Inglewood United side struggling for consistency.
It's first verses second in the First Division promotion play-offs when Stirling Lions meet Queens Park at Macedonia Park. A draw between the top two would benefit third-placed Armadale should they defeat Mandurah City at Alfred Skeet Oval. Bayswater City take on Stirling Suns, and Dianella White Eagles play Morley Windmills in other top eight fixtures. In the bottom nine series, Balcatta have home ground advantage against Rockingham City, while Canning City go head-to-head with Perth City. In the northern suburbs, Wanneroo City play Leeming Strikers and Kingsway Olympic host Southside United with both fixtures being played at Kingsway Sporting Complex. South West Phoenix have the bye.
23.8.2002
CHARLTON LAND A 'REAL GUN' IN SHARLAND (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
Charlton Athletic have a real 'gun' on their hands in young West Australian Greg Sharland, says the player's former Wollongong teammate David Cervinski. Cervinski, who has won four National Soccer League titles during his career, told www.tribalfootball.com last night: "Greg's a terrific talent and someone who was always pushing himself at training. The boy's got good pace, an eye for goal and very good feet. Charlton definitely have a real gun on their hands. I'm sure Charlton will get him on a weights program to build him up. Once he's filled out, he'll be very difficult to knock off the ball." Cervinski wasn't surprised that the former Inglewood United attacker won a contract with the Addicks. "It didn't surprise me to hear young Greg had won a deal at Charlton. He came over to us last year from Perth and really had to battle to establish himself. He's obviously taken that same attitude into his trials at The Valley and shown he has the attitude and spirit to compete at the top of the English game.
23.8.2002
IN CONVERSATION WITH ... MATT DANSKIN
Fremantle City midfielder Matt Danskin has finally been given the go-ahead to head to Germany to take up a four-year contract with top club Werder Bremen. The 17-year old was offered terms with the Bundesliga club in January, but a hold-up with his international clearance put his professional career in limbo. After a seven month delay, Danskin's clearance came through last week - just 24-hours before the registration cut-off for Germany's Under-19 competition. This week the former Forrestfield United junior discussed the events of the past twelve months in which he's represented the State, travelled twice to Europe for trials, and make most recently make his first team debut for Fremantle ...
"Last October I played for the State Under-16's, with Ron Tindall as coach, at the National Talent Identification Championships in Sydney," said the Valsport-sponsored teenager. "We really played well and made it to the Grand Final where we were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Northern New South Wales - I hit the bar with a header after about 15 minutes, if that had gone in we may well have got the lift we were looking for. But it was our seventh game in eight days and we were all totally knackered having come through a much harder qualifying group than our opponents. After the third game of the tournament Ron Tindall introduced my parents and I to a scout from Germany - Mr Wolf Werner from S.V. Werder Bremen. He'd already approached Soccer Australia for permission to speak to us and told us a little bit about his club before inviting me to go to Germany in January for trials - all expenses paid."
"In November, dad and I went to a couple of clubs in the United Kingdom to see what would turn up. I had invites from Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley and, as my dad had connections at Wednesday and Rotherham from his days playing and scouting for Leeds United, I spent two weeks at both Rotherham and Wednesday. Rotherham liked the look of me but said they were not prepared to take a risk on a lad from Australia. Wednesday, with Jimmy Shoulder as their Academy Director, were very keen and immediately lodged an International Registration Transfer Certificate (IRTC ) with the English F.A. This of course was going to be a problem because of the then-new F.I.F.A. ruling about players under the age of 18 and, as a result, the application was knocked back twice and all Wednesday could do was offer to have another look at me when I was 18."
"I spent nearly four weeks at Werder Bremen from January 11th. This was an exciting time, the whole set up was far better than I had seen in England - everything was well planned and organised. I had my own apartment which was attached to the rear of one of the stands, all of the young players have one, the dining room was down the corridor where all your meals are cooked for you. There was also a games room and internet access for everyone. The training was good, the grounds - both grass and astroturf - were immaculate, an Olympic size swimming pool, and the standard of their players was high. I went with the team to an Under-19 tournament in Hamburg which also included teams from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg. The day before I came home I was asked to go to the office to see Mr Werner and it was then that he offered me a four year deal - I thought I had done reasonably well at the tournament but you never really know in football! I spoke to my family that night but did not tell them about the contract offer, I waited until I landed at Perth and then told them - we were all pretty pleased."
With a contract on the table that Danskin was more than willing to take up, things slowly ground down to walking pace as his transfer got tied up in red tape. "We knew that getting an international clearance would be difficult because of the F.I.F.A. ruling, however, Mr Werner said that the Players Status Committee at F.I.F.A. look at each case on it's merit and so it proved. Whilst it has taken from February until last week for F.I.F.A. to say yes, we also had the backing from Soccer Australia. They have had previous experience with Werder Bremen and know what a good education and welfare programme they have in place. The endorsement of Soccer Australia, and the fact that I have already been enrolled into a college in Bremen, provided enough substance for the Players Status Committee in Zurich to approve my clearance."
In the meantime, Danksin resumed his club career in the local competition with Fremantle. "When I came back from Germany in early February I was feeling very strong, as you would expect having had some good solid training at a high level for the past couple of months. I played in a number of pre-season games for Fremantle, making my senior debut in the Night Series clash with Western Knights. However, it has taken from the Night Series in April until a month ago for me to get another chance with the first team, which has been a little frustrating. But we have some excellent players at Fremantle in both the Under-18's and the reserves, so I've been patient and kept working hard. Since Greg Kazmer gave me a chance at Joondalup four weeks ago I've managed to keep my spot in the starting line-up and I think I've done well and not let anybody down. After playing against the Future Glory last weekend I decided that that game would be my last for Fremantle, I would hate to get a broken leg now with the flight booked to Germany on September 4th!"
"Before I head overseas, I'd like to publicly thank coaches Mike Tetlow, Joe Pereira, Greg Kazmer, all the players and committee at Fremantle City for the support they've given me in the past season and a half since moving from junior soccer with Forrestfield," added Danskin, whose played for the State at Under-12, 15 and 16 levels. "And to all those that I played with in the State teams - Dean Aplegren, John Migas, Liam Lilly, Damir Kudozovic, Alan Matuecci, Jordan Conti, Jeff Bright, Brian Hedges, Shaun Mooney, Gareth Philips and others - everyone one of you has a chance to make it professionally. I'm the lucky one at this stage who has been given an opportunity but I feel a lot of young players in this state will get a chance over the next couple of years."
22.8.2002
KARP IN MATILDA'S SQUAD
Young Matilda Tal Karp has been included in the Matilda's 22-player training squad ahead of the Nike U.S. Women's Cup which will be played in the United States in early October. The 20-year old midfielder is the only West Australian in the squad which will be whittled down to the final 18-player travelling party following an 18-day training camp which starts on 25th August. Karp, who spent last season playing with Canberra Eclipse in the Women's National Soccer League, has previously represented Australia at Schoolgirls and Under-19 levels.
22.8.2002
FUNDRAISER TO ASSIST WOMENS' JUNIOR AND YOUTH TEAMS
Women's Soccer Western Australia will send their Under-14 and Under-17 State teams to Coffs Harbour next month to complete at the annual Women's Soccer National Championships. With many more girls now playing soccer in this state, the association has been successful in raising the standards of playing and coaching in W.A. To help funds the trip east, W.S.W.A. will be holding a special fundraising night at the National Stadium in Inglewood this Monday - 26th August - with entry being by gold coin donation.
>From 6.15pm, the State Under-14 side will play their Under-17 counterparts while a special challenge match gets underway at 7.30pm between Albert's Avengers (aka the State W.A.A.S.S.A. side) and Leo's Lions. The Lions are an invitational side consisting of players involved in the women's game and include Bobby Despotovski (Perth Glory), Justin Everley, Corey Hugo (Swan IC) Alan McKenzie, Louis Parkinson (Inglewood), John Higgins (E.C.U. Joondalup) Paul Strudwick (Bassendean Caledonian), Alistair Edwards (ex-Perth Glory) and a host of others.
State Under-14 coached Leo Kearley believes the W.A. juniors can continue on their good form over from last years Championship when they finished fifth of the ten teams competing. Half the current crop of youngsters remain from 2001with the girls now bigger, stronger and a lot more experienced according to Kearley. The 2002 Under-14 squad is Gabriella Kist, Claire Wragg (Armadale), Ashley Dogin, Kelly Jay (Joondalup), Laura Higgins (Heathridge), Elisa D'Vidio (Murdoch), Carys Hawkins, Carmen Mutton, Christine Frey (Sorrento Academy), Laura Turnbull, Alex Kearley, Linda Ostrick, Marlee Jones, Janine Haxton, Kirsty McArthy and Hannah Newton (Lynwood Academy).
Albert Nascimento, coach of the Under-17's, has seen his squad strengthened by a number of girls who've stepped up from last years' successful junior squad. The youth team coach believes that the depth and experience these girls will bring to the squad will be of great assistance to this years campaign. The Under-17 squad for the Championship is Gemma Langley (Floreat), Melissa Arief (Rockingham), Jessica Valvasori (Noranda), Stacy Woodfin, Kylie Woodfin, Catherine Gooding, Lyndsy Jobling, Nadia Poulson and Lydia Hirst (Queens Park), Elizabeth Reppion, Helen Bremer, Joanne Allan, Emily Bettela and Amy Thorpe (Lynwood Academy),
22.8.2002
JOONDALUP TO REPRESENT STATE IN BRUNEI
E.C.U. Joondalup have been given the green light by Soccer West Coast to take up an invitation to represent the state at the Kings Cup tournament being staged in Brunei from 18th September through to 2nd October. "The invitation came through Mick Lyons', who used to be part of Joondalup's youth academy, and his involvement with the Brunei national team. It was also down to the fact that we won the pre-season B.G.C. Cup," said Joondalup coach Paul Simmons this week.
"We will be taking the first team over to compete with a few guest players," Simmons added. "With the side we have assembled we are confident of doing quite well, the biggest adverse factor will be the heat and humidity. But hopefully we'll be able to adjust and put in some good performances. There is the possibility that, with it being an annual event, the winners of the W.A. Premier League will take part each year, but that's not definite yet." The club have rearranged several League and Cup fixtures in order to participate in the tournament where they'll meet club side from Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and several other Asian countries.
21.8.2002
BALGA BOW OUT OF MITRE CUP
Balga have been bundled out of this years' Mitre Cup after conceding a golden-goal to Fremantle United tonight at Litis Stadium. Fremantle took the lead in the opening minutes of the match but Balga hit back 60-seconds later through Darren McNally's shot from outside the box. Although Balga enjoyed the majority of possession, it was Fremantle that went 2-1 up mid-way through the half. After the interval Fremantle looked the more likely to score, however a great header by Willy Lyall in the 82nd minute levelled the scores and sent the match in extra-time. Balga had their chances to end the game only for Fremantle to find the all important winner with a controversial goal.
21.8.2002
NEW SEASON STARTS FOR HILTON
One-time Sorrento junior Oliver Hilton has started his second year with English side Stockport County where he's part of the First Division clubs' youth team. "The pre-season was good, we worked on our fitness a lot and reached the final in the Anglo-Sino Youth Tournament in Preston," he said this week. On the weekend Hilton was in the starting line-up for the opening match of the new Football League Youth Alliance season. "I played in the centre of midfield in our first game against Blackpool, which ended in a two-all draw. Unfortunately, I came off at half time as I felt a twinge in my groin. Last week I played for the reserves against Blackpool Mechanics who play in the Unibond League. That game ended one-all."
20.8.2002
GLORY ROLL INGLEWOOD
Perth Glory' have continued their preparation for the up-coming National Soccer League season with a 7-0 win over local Premier League side Inglewood United tonight. Playing in front of a good sized crowd with all funds raised going to the Starlight Foundation, Nick Mrdja opened the scoring after 10 minutes after being set-up by Matt Horsley. Damian Mori added to the tally, Gary Faria made it 3-0 after 26 minutes, and Mori bagged his second before the interval. The second half saw a much stronger performance from Inglewood, but when Brad Hassell headed home Michael Garcia's corner the match was well and truly over as a contest. Garcia himself converted an Adrian Caceres cross to make it 6-0, and Bobby Despotovski slotted home a last minute penalty for the seventh goal of the night.
20.8.2002
TASESKI TRANSFER LISTED (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Inglewood United goalkeeper Oliver Taseski has been placed on the transfer list following a contract re-negotiation breakdown with the club. Taseski, custodian for the State Under-19 side which went to France earlier this year, hasn't played in United's last two games and coach Steve Parkinson said there was no point in playing him as he was no longer required by the club. Adam Ashforth has taken over between the posts for the club.
20.8.2002
PERTH LOSE MIDFIELD DUO (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Perth S.C. have lost midfielders Gareth Naven and Robbie Gaspar for the remainder of the season. Naven, who joined the club mid-season after being released by Perth Glory, has been struggling with an ankle injury since the mid-July clash with Bassendean Caledonian and it's recently been confirmed that he has chipped bones in the ankle and will require an operation. "It's been a horror 18 months for me," said Naven, who had two operations for groin problems in his last season with Glory. Gaspar left the state last week to join up with the Brunei team that competes in the Malaysian League. He will guest for Brunei in a series of tournaments, including the prestigious Kings Cup, before returning to Western Australia in November.
19.8.2002
SHARLAND COMPLETES CHARLTON MOVE
After a month on trial with Charlton Athletic, 19-year old Wollongong Wolves attacker Greg Sharland has agreed terms on a one-year professional contract with the English Premier League club. Sharland, who played locally for Inglewood United and E.C.U. Joondalup, is over the moon about the move, "It is the aim of most of the best Australian players to play in England and I'm delighted to be a Charlton player."
Sharland was spotted by Addicks youth coach Mick Browne during a talent-scouting tour of Australia earlier this year. "I saw him and recommended we take a closer look at him. He has done well and has joined us on a permanent basis, Browne said. "He is likely to play for the reserves this season and we will see what he does from there." Australian coach Frank Farina, who is also in charge of Australia's Olympic side, plans to monitor Sharland's progress with the view to possibly including him in future Olyroos' teams.
18.8.2002
WOMEN'S ROUND-UP
Floreat Athena A (35 points) remain top of the Womens' Premier League after Round Sixteen of competition courtesy of a 7-0 away win over Lynwood A. A 3-0 win by Queens Park Thunder A (34) at Subiaco United A keeps them in second place, one point behind Athena. Two points behind Thunder sit Murdoch Warriors let some very valuable points slip through their hands when held to a one-all home draw by Stirling Reds. And Murdoch Lightning crashed 0-4 at home to Sorrento Breakers.
In the First Division, the University of W.A. (40) had to dig deep before overcoming Lynwood B 2-1 and stay four points clear at the top of the league table. Ballajura A (36) had a very comfortable 9-1 over Cockburn City to move two points ahead of Noranda A who drew 2-2 at Mundaring. Queens Park Thunder B (30) also had a big win, 8-0 over Shamrock Rovers, and Claremont Nedlands went down 0-4 at home to Carlisle.
18.8.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
The University of W.A. defeated Subiaco 3-0 on Sunday at McGillivray Oval to go equal third on the W.A.A.S.S.A. League Premier table. The best chance of an even opening spell came the way of Robert Benkovic who forced a good save from the visiting goalkeeper after 9 minutes. Subiaco were dealt a severe blow when they had a player sent off for a second bookable offence midway through the half. A weaving run by Benkovic saw his lob over the 'keeper come back into play off the crossbar as University pressed to make the most of the player advantage. The home side finally took the lead after 28th minutes via a free-kick awarded for a pack-pass which Matt Hill rammed home. University doubled their lead on the hour when Teemu Sihvola cut in from the right and found David Berg who finished well. Five minutes from the end substitute Josh Davenport slotted to Benkovic who clipped the ball over the 'keeper to make complete the scoreline. "We had three forced changes this week but our squad depth meant that we were able to bring in more than able replacements," said coach Kevin Burton. "Only conceding one goal in three games and scoring more regularly at the other end is making a big difference for us." It was cause for double celebration by University whose reserves triumphed 3-2, Mark Adam and Mike Ford (2) netting for the home side while Tom Andrew and Neale McGuire found the net for Subiaco.
Hamersley Rovers' 1-2 home loss to Forrestfield United has cut their lead at the top of the Premier League table to just a single point after second-placed Shamrock Rovers had a 4-3 win over E.C.U. Joondalup. Elsewhere, Murdoch University went down 0-1 at home to Kwinana United, Fremantle United were to strong for Spearwood Dalmatinac 3-0, and Perth Azzurri thumped Balga 5-1.
18.8.2002
GLORY EASE PAST ROCKINGHAM
Perth Glory cruised to a 4-0 victory over First Division side Rockingham City in their first pre-season hit out at Dowling Reserve today. In front of a crowd in excess of 1,000, Rockingham competed strongly with the National Soccer League side over the opening stages of this match, only to go a goal down in the 29th minute when Damian Mori converted from the penalty spot. The second half saw a more polished display from Glory who extended their lead after 54 minutes through recent signing Adrian Caceres who lashed a loose ball into the roof following a corner. Four minutes later Antonio Naglieri set up Bobby Despotovski for Glory's third goal, and Michael Garcia and Despotovski combined for Brad Hassell to make it 4-0 in the 64th minute. The margin would have been greater if not for the superb goalkeeping of Alan Matteucci (right) who only 24-hours earlier was named in the Australian Schoolboys squad to tour the United Kingdom at the end of the year.
18.8.2002
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
A curling free-kick on the our by Sorrento captain Stuart Banks was enough to get them home in an error-riddled clash with Swan I.C. in Saturday's round of the Premier League. The day's surprise result came from Dalmatinac Park where Cockburn City hammered leaders Floreat Athena 6-2, striker Branimir Mikulic bagging four for the home side. Western Knights and Perth S.C. fought out a thrilling three-all draw, while E.C.U. Joondalup move into third place courtesy of their 3-0 home win over Ashfield. Inglewood United crashed 0-2 at home to Bassendean Caledonian in the other fixture. Fremantle City went down 0-2 at home to Future Glory on Sunday.
Stirling Lions maintain their slender lead at the top of the First Division after a confortable 5-2 away win over Mandurah City. Deeping the pressure on the Lions, Queens Park overpowered Dianella White Eagles 3-2, and Armadale recorded a 3-1 away result at Bayswater City. The race for the title - and promotion - could not be tighter with three points separating the same number of clubs with just four games remaining.
18.8.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Western Knights vs Perth S.C. by Christian Galapolous; Inglewood United vs Bassendean Caledonian by Bill MacAllister; Cockburn City vs Floreat Athena by Lennie Bavich)
The opening twenty minutes of the Round Seventeen Premier League clash between Sorrento and Swan I.C. was a scrappy affair that produced little in the way of attractive football. Rather, the ball was turned over with great frequency as the two teams struggled to string together more than a few passes. As a consequence there were few genuine shots on goal although speculative long-range efforts by Tom Shepheard and Justin Hugo called Sorrento custodian Gareth Deeg into action, but in reality he wasn't troubled by either. Having been repelled by the visiting defence on several occasions, Sorrento created their first chance after 19 minutes which saw Tony Cumace's close-range effort brilliantly parried by Corey Hugo who then moved swiftly to thwart Glen Thomas with the rebound.
With both sides adopting a 'take no prisoners' approach to the game, Shane Crampton became the first player booked and Seagulls captain Stuart Banks was very fortunate not to have followed his teammate into the referee's book after a raking challenge on Justin Hugo. Swan were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 34th minute when Carlo Scali flicked the ball on for Tom Shepheard who was nudged firmly in the back by Cumace as he attempted the head over the advancing 'keeper. Seven minutes later Sorrento were reduced to ten men with the red carding of last defender Steve MacDonald who brought down Damian Scali. Swan won the games' first corner in the 45th minute but failed to trouble the home side who raced the ball to the opposite end through Crampton whose cross found Ryan Jeans but he sent a free header well wide of the target. After 45 minutes of very poor quality football, spectators Percy Doyle Reserve were left hoping that the half-time team-talks would produce a much improved second period.
Both sides emerged after the interval by playing at breakneck speed, the ball raced from one end of the pitch to the other with no thought given for accurate delivery. The end result of this was a lot of running and attacking that was easily broken down by the respective defences in the final third of the park. With panicked calls coming from both benches to slow the game down, Sorrento came closest to scoring when a Carlos Echeverria clearance ricocheted goalward off Ross Greer which Corey Hugo scrambled over the crossbar. On the hour the home side took the lead via a free-kick from 18-metres which was brilliantly curled over the wall and beyond the reach of the 'keeper by Banks. Three minutes later the visitors came very close to getting back on level terms, Carlo Scali and Robert Shepheard combining wide on the left with the latter's cross drilled goalward by Justin Hugo only for Deeg to produce a fantastic reflex save from close-range.
A goal down and running out of time, Swan now became desperate and wasted numerous good attacking opportunities by chancing their luck from long-range - none of which required a response from Deeg. The introduction of Brian Robertson added some composure to the black and whites forward line, and in the 71st minute he made a weaving run into the area only to see his shot flash wide of the up-right. Swan's downfall would be a lack of quality distribution in their attacking third - all too often they threw away possession by either over-hitting the ball to the Sorrento 'keeper, or by under-hitting their passes which were then easily intercepted by the makeshift home defence. All the while Sorrento sat back, soaked up the pressure and broke only on the counter-attack. In the 82nd minute Corey Hugo touched a blistering Crampton shot on to the bar, and three minutes later the Sorrento attacker was again denied by Hugo's sharp reflexes.
The final whistle was greeted by polite applause from the small crowd who had been witness to terribly uninspiring match. Swan would go home frustrated after creating so many chances without putting the ball in the back of the net, but the simple truth is the black and whites did themselves no favours when on the offensive. Teenager striker Tom Shepheard worked tirelessly despite lacking the sort of support needed to score goals, while down the other end Corey Hugo produced the goods when he was called upon. Playing with ten men, the home side had their backs to the wall for much of the afternoon and eased off the pace once they took the lead. After spending the first half in midfield, Burns showed his versatility by taking over as sweeper for the second, and there were also important contributions made by Banks and Crampton.
Sorrento : Gareth Deeg, Steve MacDonald, Stuart Banks, Tony Cumace,
Shaun Bowyer (David Colegate 61), Shane Crampton, Glen Thomas, Lee
Burns, Jared Love, Ross Greer (Jake Harman 89), Gareth Phillips (Peter
Butler 45)
Swan I.C. : Corey Hugo, Christian Marocchi, Trevor Hatton, Carlos
Echeverria, Robert Shepheard, Darren Blankley, Carlo Scali, Justin Hugo,
Damian Scali, Steve Tierney (Brian Robertson 63), Tom Shepheard
Referee : Michael Nugus
Cautions : Crampton (16), Bowyer (44), J.Hugo (59), T.Shepheard (68)
Dismissals : MacDonald (41)
Attendance : 175 (approx.)
Perth S.C. and the Western Knights played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in warm conditions at Nash Field. Jamie Coyne got Perth off to a flying start after 12 minutes when his shot from long-range flew past home goalkeeper Tommi Tomich for the match opener. But Perth's lead lasted only minutes courtesy of good work by Eugene Singeorzan who found strike partner Stuart Montgomery in space and the attacker made no mistake in equalising from close-in. The drama continued to unfold with the Knights awarded a penalty after 21 minutes following a handball by Aaron Cole, captain Carl Medica stepping up to send Perth goalkeeper Rob Scarparolo the wrong way to put his side into the lead. Soon after referee Eddie Lennie drew the wrath of the home supporters when he awarded another penalty, this time after young Perth striker Albert Osei-Tutu was brought down in the box and midfielder Mark Pottier blasted home the spot kick to tie the scores. Osei-Tutu was again in the thick of the action in the 33rd minute when he made the most of his pace to break clear of the Knights defence and shoot past Tomich. Midway through the second half Singeorzan twice forced good saves out of Scarparolo in the space of as many minutes as the Knights looked to draw level. That goal arrived in the 70th minute, Scarparolo parrying a vicious shot from Singeorzan and Claus Nielsen was on hand to shoot home the rebound from an acute angle. Singeorzan was unlucky not to give his side the lead five minutes later when his well struck free-kick hit the crossbar. Late in the match Perth winger Todd Howarth had a chance to steal the points but his long-range shot flashed just inches wide of the upright.
Cockburn City bounced back from last week's mauling by hitting the net six times in their home defeat of Floreat Athena. Ryan Newhill put the visitors ahead just 9 minutes after the start with a header that grazed the underside of the crossbar. A well taken Jeff Bright corner saw Christian Paschkewitz level the scores with a header that flew past goalkeeper John Xigas. A Peter Petkovich shot on goal saw spilled by Xigas, who appeared to have been blinded by the sun, and the ever-alert Branimir Mikulic took full advantage to put Cockburn in front. Five minutes into the second half Petkovich advanced on goal and drew the Athena 'keeper out of position before squaring the ball to Joshua Pescud whose shot crashed into the net to increase Cockburn's advantage. Andreas Panelis pulled a goal back for the visitors with a fine run which started deep in his own defence before he slotted the ball under the advancing Dino Pacella. Dusan Macura and Paschkewitz combined down the right wing with the latter's cross giving Mikulic his second of the day after 67 minutes. Cockburn's fifth was scored by Mikulic who waltzed through the opposing defence to knock it past Xigas to complete his hat-trick. The big striker completed the rout when he made the most of some poor defending to tuck away his fourth goal in a 6-2 win. The result keeps alive Cockburn's slim hopes of making the top five series at seasons' end.
E.C.U. Joondalup moved up to third place with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over bottom side Ashfield. Played in glorious sunny conditions, Joondalup went into attack from the opening kick with Garin Collins going close in the 1st minute, and shortly after John Higgins' corner was cleared off the line by Adam Kiley. With Ashfield's defence under the hammer, a superb cross-field ball by Higgins saw Kevin Griffiths slip it into the path of Jamie Kuzmanovich whose cross was belted over the line by Andy Mason in his 100th game for the club. On 17 minutes another foray down the right by Griffiths was met at the far post by Mason who edged the ball over the advancing 'keeper for his second of the day. Joondalup goalkeeper Paul Larkin, making his first team debut, made a fine save to deny Karl Atley as Ashfield mounted a rare attack. On the stroke of half time the visitors job was made all the more difficult with the dismissal of David Mayers, while coach Tom Kilkelly was sent off the bench for remonstrating with the match official. Joondalup never looked troubled after the break and fourteen minutes into the new half secured the three points when Higgins cross found Mark Ristovski free to calmly slot home his sides third goal.
It was a convincing performance by Bassendean Caledonian as they overpowered Inglewood United 2-0 at the National Stadium. The home side started the match on the attack but were held at bay by a combination of good goalkeeping from Alan Dunlop and poor finishing. A brilliant save by Dunlop after 30 minutes proved to be the catalyst for the Caledonian side to spark into life. And a few minutes before the interval the visitors opened their account with a fine move involving Jimmy Merkouris, Jason Van Rooy and Ramon Westerberger that ended with Van Rooy's shot hitting the back of the net. For long periods after the interval it was Caledonian that controlled play only to be denied a second goal by the heroics of home custodian Adam Ashworth. With fifteen minutes remaining the visitors won a corner which the ever-alert Mark Lennon slotted to Glenn McCormick, who was only just returning from a boot repair, and the teenagers cross into the area was headed home by Graeme Matthews. The 2-0 result keeps alive Caledonian's Top Five hopes as they move to level points with Inglewood in fifth place.
Future Glory survived an early penalty scare before coming good to defeat Fremantle City 2-0 in this week's Sunday fixture. Midway through the opening half the port side looked to have scored first when Anthony Pereira knocked the ball over the line after Dale Wingell's downward header, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Fremantle really should have taken the lead after 27 minutes after Future defender Chris Ritson brought down Matt Danskin inside the area but Dale Wingell's resulting shot from the spot was comfortably saved by Michael Basilio. Future started the second half brightly, a weaving run by Miki Vujacic saw him find the side netting and not long after Admir Mehic clipped his shot over the crossbar. Fremantle too carved out some good opening which saw Danskin twice thwarted by Basilio. The opening goal arrived in the 68th minute when Nick Ward's effort was parried by goalkeeper Robbie Zabica and Shaun Kilkelly pounced to blast the loose ball into the net from close-range. Any hopes the port side had of snatching a point from the match evaporated with 16 minutes to go when Mileta Miletic rounded Zabica to make it 2-0.
18.8.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP (Sorrento vs Swan I.C. by Kerry Slater)
After a scoreless first half at Percy Doyle Reserve, Sorrento took the lead against Swan I.C. in the 62nd minute through Jake Harman who turned in a low cross from the right. The final quarter hour saw the home side produce a goal avalanche with Farrell Hedges bundling the ball over the line at the third attempt, six minutes later Harman had his second, and a Michael Stefanovski header rounded out a comfortable 4-0 win for the Seagulls. The win, Sorrento's eighth of the season, elevates them to five place on the reserves table, seven points behind leaders E.C.U. Joondalup.
Goals from Gary Murray, Oliver Marshall resulted in a 2-1 home win to Joondalup over Ashfield, Daniel Dawson netting for the visitors. Inglewood United slip to second after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bassendean Caledonian, Michael Baczynski (Inglewood) and Simon Henderson (Caledonian) the scorers at the National Stadium. Cockburn City went down 1-2 at home to Floreat Athena. A Matthew Kovacevic goal for the Western Knights wasn't enough against high-flying Perth S.C. who hit three through Nick Zumaran, Daniel Delaurentis, Alen Zilic. On Sunday Future Glory defeated Fremantle City 1-0 in a tight match.
In the Under-18's Michael Stefanovski showed his composure to slot Sorrento into a 7th minute lead against the visitors from Swan I.C. There was no addition to the score until eighteen minutes into the second half as Dejan Gurovski set-up Andrew Brand for an easy tap-in after his initial shot from a very narrow angle had come back off goalkeeper Chris Ramsey. The black-and-whites put up a strong fight, showing they've come on in leaps and bounds since earlier 7-0 battering by Sorrento. Peter Noiszewski won the Seagulls a penalty after 74 minutes which Brand confidently despatched past the 'keeper for a 3-0 final score.
Floreat Athena's Christopher Gakis scored a hat-trick in his club's 4-1 win at Cockburn City, Rodrigo Aguirre also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors while Gregory Montenegro netted for Cockburn. Inglewood United drew 1-1 with Bassendean Caledonian where Ryan Thomas (Inglewood) and Danny Pogri (Bassendean) were the scorers. And Western Knights went down 0-2 at home to Perth S.C. The Round Seventeen fixture between E.C.U. Joondalup and Ashfield has been postponed until later in the season.
Sunday saw Future Glory travel to Ken Allen Reserve where they met the free-scoring youngsters of Fremantle City. Future matched the home side over the opening quarter hour then a great volley by Daniel Baker, in his first start for the port side, gave Fremantle the lead. Shortly after Baker bagged his second goal with a good header following a fine move down the right flank by the home side. The second half saw Fremantle carry on in the same vein, an unstoppable shot by Chris Zarricuetta putting them three goal up with a stunning long-range free-kick by captain Paul Oliver rounding out the final scoreline. For the tenth time in seventeen games Fremantle's Under-18 side kept a clean sheet, while down the other end their tally of goals scored rose to an amazing 73!
17.8.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Mandurah City vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Bayswater City vs Armadale with the assistance of Adam Rucci and Michael Di Pietro; Southside United vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)
Stirling Lions showed no mercy to First Division debutants Mandurah City as they blasted them with both barrels to record a 5-2 away victory on Saturday. After slow starts in their past two outings, the Lions were almost caught on the hop in the 2nd minute when Mandurah striker Andrew Rennie found himself clear but shot wide with only goalkeeper Steven Grant to beat. Two minutes later Bobbi Klenkovski's shot on the run was parried away by Mandurah custodian Michael Greene into the path of Rob Milevski who made no mistake from close range to put the visitors a goal up. Another jinxing run from Klenkovski saw him brought down outside the area, the striker blasting the resulting free-kick through the defensive wall and into the net to the cheers of the travelling fans with just 7 minutes elapsed. Changes to the Lions midfield by coaches Basil Lenzo and Wayne Thorpe saw the visitors dominate possession. The electrifying skills of Leo Harman saw the Lions go 3-1 up when he left three opponents floundering to deliver a perfect cross for Klenkovski who finished neatly in the 27th minute. Three minutes later a 40-metre strike by Toby Wright cracked the crossbar and fell to Klenkovski to complete his hat-trick. The second half saw some early chances go begging as the Lions continued to press forward at will, Adam Rains, Toby Wright and Klenkovski all going close to adding to their teams tally. The goal of the day arrived in the 70th minute when the silky skills of Harman took him past two defenders before unselfishly laying the ball back to Klenkovski to whack in his fourth of the afternoon. Down but not out, Mandurah continued to plug away and were rewarded for their persistence with fifteen minutes remaining when Mikel Sesma won the home side a penalty which teenager Jordan Rhodes confidently converted. The margin was further reduced in the 85th minute when Grant brought down Rennie for another Mandurah penalty, this one converted by Rennie for a 5-2 final score in favour of the Lions. The reserves clash also saw the Lions come away with maximum points after a 3-1 win, while in the Under-18's Mandurah continued their unbeaten run with a 3-0 result through goal by Matt Maiolo, Jack Kearns and Jake Loreto.
Armadale picked up another three valuable points from Saturday's clash with a Bayswater City side missing eight first team regulars through injury. The match started well for the visitors who put Bayswater's defence under pressure from the opening whistle and were duly rewarded in the 12th minute when Jason Hardie scored a great goal to leave goalkeeper Joe Princi with no chance. Going a goal down spurred the home side into action and nine minutes later midfielder Dario Pellicciotti produced an equaliser with a screaming shot from long range. The Reds restored their lead after 35 minutes when Hardie bagged his second of the afternoon, a fine volley from 25-metres. There was plenty more entertainment on offer after the half-time interval as both teams stroked the ball around the park and created some good scoring opportunities. It wasn't until ten minutes from full-time that Armadale secured maximum points, Dennis Lee finding the net at the second attempt after Princi kept out his initial attempt from the penalty spot. The reserves ended in a 0-3 loss to Bayswater after Darren Kingston, Lawrence Bruce and Emlyn Whetnall scored first half goals for the Reds. An entertaining Under-18's clash went the way of the home side 3-2.
Canning City overcame a goal deficit late into the second half to secure their first victory over Southside United at Walter Padbury Reserve. The first half saw Canning defend tightly while creating some good chances down the opposite end without success. The visitors came close to snatching the lead when Harin Rajes Warin lobbed Southside goalkeeper Jade Thorpe only to see his shot cleared of the line by Tony Lang. After a scoreless opening half, it too Southside just seven minutes into the new period before scoring as Scott Cooper ran onto a well-weighted pass only to be brought down inside the box with Tony Pritchard converting the resulting penalty. With quarter of an hour remaining it looked as though Southside had done enough to secure another victory over Canning. However, the Van Dongen twins had both ideas and when Paul Van Dongen chipped a ball forward from deep on the left and brother Mick headed it over the advancing 'keeper Thorpe from 12-metres the game was brought back to life. Five minutes later Canning's Jixang Loong struck a high cross from the right which was met by Paul Van Dongen who's miscued shot crept past the Thorpe and into the bottom corner of his net. Shortly after Paul Van Dongen secured Canning's win when he combined with Rajes Warin to hit a fierce right-footer which flew into the back of the net to make the final score 3-1 to the visitors.
Queens Park came from two goals down at half time to beat Dianella White Eagles 3-2 in a white-knuckle affair at Dianella Reserve. Goals from Davorin Svirac after 25 minutes and Goran Bolta on the stroke of half time put the home side in the driving seat. But Queens Park roared back after the break as Glen Noblet and Steve Sauzier scored with eight minutes of eachother to level the scores before Grant Learmont bagged the winner fifteen minutes from the end. Rhydeen Botha scored twice for Stirling Suns as they defeated Morley Windmills 4-2 at Brian Burke Reserve. Zoran Petreski and Miladin Gugoroski were the Suns other scorers, while Ben Hedley and an own goal put the Windmills on the board. Two goals from Shane Fitzpatrick helped Kingsway Olympic on their way to a 3-2 win over Balcatta. Oli Foster also got his name on the scorecard for Olympic, while Mark Gentile scored both for Balcatta. A 65th minute goal from John Wyeth ensured Perth City's 1-1 draw with Leeming Strikers, whose goal came from Ryan Hunt eight minutes before half time. South West Phoenix recorded a fine 2-1 away win over Wanneroo City, while Rockingham City had the bye.
16.8.2002
GARCIA'S GOOD PROGRESS
West Ham United manager Glenn Roeder is more than happy with the progress being made by West Australian Richard Garcia. "Richard Garcia has moved on a lot since last season and this summer he has already made a bit more progress," Roeder told the Hammers official website (www.whufc.co.uk) this week. "Now we have got confidence to use him when we have to, though maybe when all the midfielders are fit he will find it hard to get a starting position. But he certainly has improved as a player - you have to remember he was going to be given away to Orient 18 months ago on a free transfer. He has come on a long way since then and I am really pleased for him. We have worked hard with him but he has worked hard - it takes two, and he has been very good to coach. He is a good listener, he tries to put into practice what you are asking him to do, and things are starting to pay off for him."
16.8.2002
SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT UPDATE
The 2002 School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships were held over the past week at Litis Stadium and the adjoining Brittania Road Reserve in Mount Hawthorn. The tournament, which was contested by boys and girls teams from all over the nation, saw some of Australia's best young talent in action with both competitions being decided on goal difference. In the end both the boys and girls tournaments were won by New South Wales, while some solid performances from the host state resulted in no less than a dozen players from the west being named in the various Australian squads at the completion of competition.
Western Australia's Schoolboys opened the first match of the tournament strongly against South Australia by completely controlling the first half. Their first clear-cut chance came in the 7th minute when Jeff Bright drilled the ball narrowly wide, and not long after Bryan Hedges hit the base of the post with a stunning shot. The pair combined in the 19th minute to put the hosts in front as Bright's cross from the right was headed in from close range by Hedges. It wasn't until the second half that South Australia threatened but Jonathon Negus' effort was cleared by Colin Gilchrist. Peter Noiszewski and Nick Ward were denied Western Australia's second midway through the half, and with the clock ticking down their misfortune proved costly as South Australia levelled the scores close to the end. In the days other action, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory ended with honours even at 2-2, while Victoria downed Queensland 2-0.
Day Two of competition saw Western Australia come away with nothing to show for their dominance over the Australian Capital Territory. The was the Territorians that opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a speculative shot from close to the half way line which caught the West Australian goalkeeper well out of position. The hosts' then went all-out-attack in an attempt to find an equaliser but were unable to make the most of their numerous opportunities. The Australian Capital Territory killed off the match with a rare attacking foray five minutes from full-time which left the local players, and supporters, devastated. Elsewhere, New South Wales were 3-0 victors over Victoria, and South Australia and Queensland fought out a tense 3-3 draw.
After a rest on Tuesday, the Western Australian Schoolboys returned to action with an all-important clash against Queensland on Wednesday morning. Having hit the up-right and crossbar in the opening 5 minutes, Western Australia were stunned to be the ones a goal behind at the break. But their fortunes took a dramatic turn for the better in an amazing 15-minute period early in the second half which produced three goals. Sweeper Dean Apelgren put the two teams on level terms before Adam Calleja and Nick Ward game Western Australia a two-goal buffer. Queensland fought back strongly and, although they reduced the deficit, it wasn't enough as the home State collected maximum points to keep themselves in the hunt for a medal. Other Day Four games saw the Australian Capital Territory go down to Victoria by 0-1, while New South Wales defeated South Australia.
Western Australia came up against Queensland on Thursday in what turned out to be a very entertaining match. After a scrappy and scoreless opening half, things really kicked into life when Victoria took the lead shortly after the re-start. Skillful midfielder Bright put Western Australia back on level terms when the scored from a free-kick, only for Victoria to pick up the tempo and race away to a 3-1 lead with time fast running out for the hosts. But with just four minutes left on the clock big defender Gilchrist pegged a goal back, and deep in stoppage time Igor Arsovski earn his side a point by making it three-all. In the days other action, the Australian Capital Territory accounted for South Australia 3-1 and Queenland toppled New South Wales 4-2.
The previous days' results teed-up a thrilling end to the Schoolboys competition with five of the six states - New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Queensland - in with a very real mathematical chance of taking out top honours. But dreams of a hometown triumph were dashed as Western Australia crashed 0-3 to a New South Wales side which ran away with the game in its final twenty minutes. Queensland accounted for the Australian Capital Territory 3-1, while Victoria recorded a 3-2 win against South Australia. The final couldn't have been much tighter, goal difference required to separate New South Wales and Victoria after they finished level on points with the trophy going to the former.
The 2002 West Australian Schoolboys squad was Colin Gilchrist, Kris Haxton, Nick Ward, Adam Calleja, Damir Kuduzovic (Future Glory), Chris Wylie, Dean Apelgren (Fremantle City), Bryan Hedges, Peter Noiszewski (Sorrento), Dinko Ahmetanovic (Ashfield), Igor Arsovski (Perth S.C.), Chris Hart (Swan I.C.), Jeff Bright (Cockburn City), Alan Mattecucci (Rockingham City), Craig Stewart and John Freeman (clubs unknown). Tony Ratcliffe was coach and Damon Atthowe team manager.
A very stubborn Northern Territory outfit were the first round opponents for the Western Australian Schoolgirls who controlled this match from the opening kick. Ciara Conway and Ashley Kane (twice each) and Gemma Langley all went close to giving the hosts the lead in an entertaining first half only to see their shots either saved by the goalkeeper or skid wide of the target. The deadlock was finally broke minutes into the new half when Kylie Woodfin sent the ball into the back of the net. Brid Dawson, Jessica Pilcher and Conway came close to doubling the margin as Western Australia pressed to kill off the match. The margin was doubled in the 57th minute when Kylie Woodfin's low cross into the area was swept home by Conway, and two minutes later Conway bagged her second when she latched onto a long ball out from the back by Langley. Candice Townsend and Stephanie Grant went unfortunate not to add to the tally before the final whistle. The other opening day matches saw Queensland defeat South Australia 2-1, and Victoria went down to the Australian Capital Territory 0-2.
Monday's round of game was a tough test for five of the seven Schoolgirls teams who played twice in the space of a few hours. Western Australia held tournament favourites New South Wales scoreless for much of the opening half of their clash, but the powerful Blues side went into the break a goal up with a late strike. New South Wales piled on the pressure in the second half and ran away with the match 4-0. South Australia (3-1) and Queensland (7-0) also claimed maximum points from their morning fixtures with the Northern Territory and Victoria respectively.
That afternoon Kylie Woodfin put Western Australia in front against South Australia, who were back on level terms by the half-time break. In what was a superb team perfomance, Western Australia lifted their workrate in the second period to control the match. A superb free-kick by midfielder Ashley Kane put the host State in front, and when Kylie Woodfin scored her second of the match the three points were safely in the bag. New South Wales racked up 15 goals with reply against the Australian Capital Territory, while Northern Territory defeated Victoria 2-0.
The Australian Capital Territory were on the receiving end of another hiding on Day Three of competition, this time Western Australia romping their way to a 9-0 victory. The hosts' were lead by Ciara Conway and Carys Hawkins both netting twice with goals from Kylie Woodfin, Pilcher, Dawson, Ashley Kane and an own goal making up the final score. South Australia bounced back from the previous afternoon's loss with a 4-3 result against Victoria, while New South Wales were surprisingly held to a draw by Queensland.
Round Five of the Schoolgirls competition saw big wins to Queensland (10-0) and New South Wales (11-0) over the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory respectively. Western Australia settled quickly against Victoria before running out winners by 4-2 courtesy of a Townsend double and other goals from Conway and Kane. The hosts could have taken the match out by a greater margin but instead opted to ease off in the second half with the result enough to put them in contention for the silver medal.
Western Australia's hopes of taking out the runners-up position for the fourth consecutive year came to a crashing halt on Thursday afternoon when they were unlucky to go down 0-1 to a strong side from Queensland. New South Wales continued to score seemingly at will, their 6-0 win over South Australia leaving them as a sure bet to clinch their tenth successive trophy. And honours were shared in the days' other fixture which saw the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory contest a one-all draw.
The final day of Schoolgirls action saw Victoria on the receiving end of a 0-12 mauling by New South Wales. Queensland kept the pressure on their southern rivals by defeating the Northern Territory 6-0, while the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia battled out an entertaining 1-1 draw. New South Wales and Queensland finished on equal points at the top of the table after six games, New South Wales awarded the trophy because of their superior goal difference having scored 49 and conceded once over the course of the tournament. Although they had the bye on Friday, Western Australia claimed the bronze medal.
The naming of the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls squads at the closing ceremony resulted in twelve players from the home state being called up for national representation. Goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci, Ward and Apelgren were named in the Australian Schoolboys squad that will travel to the United Kingdom this December. In addition, Bright, Gilchrist and Hedges were included the shadow squad. Kane was the Schoolgirls sole representative in the Schoolgirls squad that will also play in the U.K. at the end of the year, while Stacey Woodfin, Conway, Langley and Pilcher are on stand-by in the shadow squad.
The 2002 West Australian Schoolgirls squad was Ashley Bennett, Gemma Langley (Floreat Athena), Stacey Woodfin, Kylie Woodfin, Catherine Gooding, Lydia Hirst, Laura Turnbull (Queens Park), Stephanie Grant (Albany), Carys Hawkins (Sorrento), Brid Dawson (Murdoch), Helen Bremer (Lynwood), Ciara Conway, Ashley Kane, Jessica Pilcher, Candice Townsend and Megan Jenyns (clubs unknown). Aric Forman was coach of the side with Debbie Konstanantinou the team manager.
16.8.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
With the 2002 Premier League getting down to the business end of the
season, Round Seventeen sees several very important match-ups. After a
mid-season slump, Western Knights will be keen to take maximum points
from their home clash with Perth S.C., while at the National Stadium
both Inglewood United and Bassendean Caledonian will be hoping to
enhance their hopes of a top five finish. Three very valuable points
are also on the line at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento and Swan I.C.
go face-to-face.
E.C.U. Joondalup take on Ashfield, while Floreat Athena should account
for Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. The Sunday match features
Fremantle City and Future Glory at Ken Allan Field.
Saturday sees another round of all-important First Division games with just two points separating the top three clubs. Mandurah City are at home to leaders Stirling Lions, Dianella White Eagles host second-placed Queens Park and Bayswater City have home ground advantage over third-placed Armadale. Stirling Suns take on Morley Windmills at Brian Burke Reserve, Southside United play Canning City, and Leeming Strikers are home against Perth City. There are two games at Kingsway Sporting Complex where Wanneroo City take on South West Phoenix, and Kingsway Olympic play Balcatta. Rockingham City have the bye.
15.8.2002
CONFIDENT BULLOCH HEADS TO SCOTLAND
Currently trying his luck in the United Kingdom is E.C.U. Joondalup's flying left wingback Scott Bulloch. The teenager, who turned eighteen this week, headed to England several weeks ago for trials with Charlton Atheltic and Preston North End and, although he made an impression at both clubs, Bulloch is yet to land a contract. But the State Under-19 representative is not about to give up on his dreams. "Playing professionally is what I have trained all my life for, and two knock-backs are not going to make me stop following my dreams," he said this week.
"I spent a week at Charlton training with the youth team. Unfortunately I was one of the older boys there so my chances of being signed were limited because clubs are always on the look-out for the younger players. Anyway, I learnt a lot from my time with Charlton such as it's all about yourself - no player will be there to help you, you have to help yourself. I played for the Under-19's against Leyton Orient which we won 2-1, our second goal resulting directly from one of my crosses, but after a week was told I wouldn't be signed."
Next on the agenda was a train trip north to Preston. "At first I trained with the Under-19's squad but, after a couple of days, was invited to train with the reserves and was feeling very confident when they asked me to stay on for a second week. We played a friendly against Dallas - a touring American team - and I came on for the second half with us already three goals down. I played the best game I've had since coming to England, putting in hard tackles and making some good runs down the line before scoring first goal with a header from a corner. But two days later I got the same news as I did at Charlton and was told I was probably better than the youth team players at the club but the reality is that only one or two of these boys will pick up professional contracts."
Despite the knock-backs, Bulloch remains optimistic about his chances in the U.K. "It is a hard business to make it in but you just have to keep working and training hard to get the benefits from it." The 2001 Rookie of the Year recently moved even further north, crossing the border into Scotland where he'll spend time with the club he's supported since birth - Motherwell. "I'm back in my country of birth, Scotland, and can't wait to start trials with the club I have always supported. I am confident going in to this as I have learnt a lot in England and believe I'm a better player for the experience I've gained."
After three weeks abroad, Bulloch said the standard of the youth players in England is nowhere as great as he'd been lead to believe. "The youth players here are not as special as everyone thinks. Some of the boys I've played against have had full-time training for three years and I'm on par or even better than these boys and I only train two nights a week at Joondalup plus my own work at home. It's in the standard of coaching that Australia gets left behind - the coaches here have great techniques and really know how to get the best out of players. And over here players are a lot better mentally prepared - if you come over from Australia with the slightest of doubts they will murder you."
"The only other difference is the pace of the game - it is so much faster in England. It's mostly two or three touches with some great movement off the ball," Bulloch added. "I had to adapt quickly to the speed of things and are now loving every minute of it. I've learnt how to use my body and strength to my advantage and know that if I had to come back to play state league in Perth I would be a much better player after this trip."
15.8.2002
DAVIES RECEIVES AUSTRALIAN CALL-UP
Young Birmingham City goalkeeper Clint Davies has been called-up for the Australian Under-23 national team. Davies, a 19-year-old product of Blues' Academy, will compete in two matches and a training camp in Germany between 2nd and 8th September. The camp is in preparation for the Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Athens in July 2003.
14.8.2002
GLORY TO FACE LOCALS
National Soccer League side Perth Glory kick-off their pre-season campaign with a friendly against First Division outfit Rockingham City at Dowling Street Reserve in Rockingham this Saturday (17th August). It is expected the club will make full use of their squad, including new signing Adrian Caceras and German-born attacker Andre Gumprecht who is currently on trial with the club. The action at Rockingham gets underway from 3.00pm. On Tuesday Glory bring their talents north of the river to the National Stadium where they'll take on Premier League side Inglewood United. This match kicks-off under lights at 7.00pm.
14.8.2002
SCOUTS EYE LOCAL TALENT
A number of Perth youngsters have been catching the eye of scouts from near and far with some sparkling recent performances. 22-year old Cockburn City striker Branimir Mikulic and classy Perth S.C. midfielder Robbie Gaspar have both been offered the opportunity to trial with Malaysian League side Brunei. Unfortunately, the pair are wanted by coach Mike Lyons, formerly with the Saints Academy at Joondalup, for the Kings Cup tournament which gets underway towards the end of September - before the local season is over. Gaspar is believed to have also attracted the interest of National Soccer League side the Melbourne Knights.
Shifting to England, Fremantle City teenager Josh Kamasz, who is currently on trial with Manchester City, has also been offered to try-out with Preston North End. Sorrento centre-half Kevin Murphy is doing well in trials with Sheffield United where he's featured in a number of pre-season friendlies for both the first and reserve teams. And State Under-19 attacker Greg Sharland has found the net on a couple of occasions in trials with Charlton Athletic and is hotly rumoured to be close to inking a deal with the Premier League club.
13.8.2002
JOONDALUP OVER-POWER SWAN ON COLD NIGHT
E.C.U. Joondalup tonight defeated home side Swan I.C. in an entertaining match played in chilly conditions at the Swan Italian Club. Starting with an attacking formation, the visitors made their intentions clear from the outset and were rewarded after 15 minutes when a mesmerizing run by teenager John Higgins saw Jamie Kuzmanovich crash the resulting cross past goalkeeper Corey Hugo. The goal woke up the black-and-whites who picked up the pace and levelled the scores when midfelder Damian Scali switched play to talented youngster Rob Shepheard on the left wing and his cross was lashed home by Justin Hugo from just inside the 18-yard box. A tight finish to half ensued with both teams defending resiliently. Swan's Damian Scali came close to giving the home side the lead but his shot was kept out by a great save from the Joondalup goalkeeper Peter Stewart (right). Five minutes from the break Joondalup re-stored their lead from close range when Abdul Kamara toe-poked Andy Mason's low cross over the line after a superb run from 17-year old Craig Cheesman.
After a brief half-time respite from the chilly night air, the second half started with the visitors continuing where they left off only to be thwarted by some fantastic goalkeeping by Corey Hugo. The home side also created some good attacking moves and drew level when after Damian Scali worked his way into the box where he was brought down, the referee pointing to the spot which Damian Scali converted himself. With the match swinging from one end to the other, Swan were prevented from going in front by some outstanding work from Stewart between the posts for the visitors. Both sides were left with ten men after 80 minutes when Kamara and Justin Everley were dismissed after a physical challenge. Five minutes later and Joondalup bagged what would be the winning goal as Kevin Griffiths' cross from the right was headed in by Cheesman at the far post. However, Swan were not to give up without one last roll of the dice, Tom Shepheard playing a great through ball to Brian Robertson who ran into the box only to push the ball wde with the 'keeper to beat. In the earlier Under-18's game, Joondalup defeated Swan 3-0.
13.8.2002
ARMADALE HAVE TOP FLIGHT AMBITIONS (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Armadale may be one of the minnows of the First Division but they have ambitions to play Premier League soccer. A new clubhouse and new floodlighting has transformed the Alfred Skeet Oval and they are pushing hard for promotion after beating league leaders Stirling Lions 3-2 in the top eight play-offs. With just a handful of games remaining in the First Division season the Reds sit in third place, just two points adrift of the Lions. Craig Anderson, who joined Armadale this season from Cockburn City, got their first goal on Saturday - by going against the set-piece plan devised by coach Billy Russell. "We had intended for Craig to run to the near post in set-pieces situations in an attempt to drag Lions centre half Andy Wright with him," said Russell. "But Craig just stood in the middle for the free kick and beat Andy in the air to score. I was going to get stuck into him after the game - but I thought better of it."
13.8.2002
INJURY THREATENS KALOGERACOS' CAREER (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Former Floreat Athena and Perth Glory striker Vas Kalogeracos has a career-threatening injury that just will not go away. Kalogeracos, who has been playing in the Victorian State Premier League in recent months with Whittlesea Stallions, cannot train and takes two days to recover from the nagging injury to his groin. Steve O'Connor, the Australian Institute of Sport director of coaching in Canberra, has volunteered to come to the strikers rescue and has invited him to attend the A.I.S. doctor in a bid to get to the bottom of the problem.
12.8.2002
BORO'S JONES RETURNS FROM INJURY
Former Bayswater City junior Brad Jones has overcome injury to make his first pre-season appearance for top flight English club Middlesbrough. While a very young 'Boro reserves line-up lost their friendly clash with Harrogate 1-2, Jones was pleased to have seen come through the match without a recurrence of the knee injury which kept him out on the sideslines towards the end of last season. The 20-year old suffered a set-back on his road to recovery when he suffered a calf strain recently. Jones, who last year represented Australia at Under-20 level, made several impressive performances for Middlesbrough's reserves in season 2001/02 which lead to him agreeing to a new two-year contract in March.
11.8.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
The University of W.A. returned to form with a hard fought 4-1 win over Kwinana at Kelly Park in Sunday's round of W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League fixtures. The game started well for University when, in the 5th minute, Robert Benkovic picked out David Berg at the far post whose header hit the crossbar and Mark D'Ascanio made no mistake from the rebound to put the visitors in front. Down the opposite end Kwinana won possession and Chris Atkins' fine 25-metre drive crashed into the upright before University scrambled the ball to safety. After 20 minutes University's Adam Brett sent Teemu Sihvola away down the left where he beat his opponent and crossed to Benkovic who drilled the ball home from close range. Joe Collins and Sihvola went close to extending the margin before Kwinana fought back strongly late in the half. A bullet-like shot from D'Ascanio early in the new half was blocked by Atkins, and University goalkeeper Shayam Young produced a good save after 55 minutes to keep his side two goals up. Steve Padbury teed-up Sihvola for University's third in which he confidently sidestepped the goalkeeper and calmly steered the ball into the net. Shortly after Kwinana's Andy Willars won a tackle on the edge of the box to drill the ball home and reduce the margin. The visitors responded just two minutes when Collins won the ball on the half way line and played a one-two with Matt Hill before sending the ball to the near post where Sihvola's powerful header made the final score 4-1. "This was a pleasing win in terms of the commitment everyone showed and penetration against a Kwinana side desperate for points," said University coach Kevin Burton after the game. "The passing and work off the ball were the critical success factors." University lost the reserves match with Alex Seed scoring the only goal of the 90 minutes.
It was a bad day at the office for Balga who were comfortably beaten 3-0 by a slick Spearwod Dalmatinac combination at Brian Burke Reserve. The visitors stormed out of the blocks immediately from the kick off and with barely two minutes on the clock took the lead after some neat play on the edge of the penalty area which saw Martin McShane inadvertently deflect a cross past his own goalkeeper. For the next fifteen minutes Dalmatinac peppered the home goal and were unlucky not to add to their tally on three occasions. Balga clawed their way back into the game as Willie Lyall and then Justin Jensen came close to equalising. But some sloppy passing in midfield saw Dalmatinac deliver a knock-out blow, a quick ball over the Balga defence leaving a visiting striker with a simple tap-in. The second half was all one-way traffic with Dalmatinac's dominance eventually hitting their third goal after some comical Balga defending.
Elsewhere, Hamersley Rovers' 3-1 away win over Perth Azzurri keeps them at the top of the table, four points clear of Shamrock Rovers who accounted for Subiaco United by the same score. Forrestfield United went down 0-2 at home to Murdoch University, and E.C.U. Joondalup also lost at home by the same scoreline to Fremantle United.
11.8.2002
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
Perth S.C. return to the winners list with goals from Robbie Gaspar, Jamie Coyne, Andres Oliveira (2) and David Onoforo in their 5-0 mauling of Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens. Western Knights appear to have recovered from their mid-season slump after downing Bassendean Caledonian 3-0. Fremantle City and Sorrento played out a nil-all draw, while the points were also shared between Ashfield and Inglewood United where the score was one-all. The clash between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup was postponed at late notice due to a waterlogged pitch. The round concluded on Sunday when Floreat Athena defeated Future Glory 2-1.
Round Nineteen of the First Division season produced losses for the top two sides, Stirling Lions going down 2-3 at home to Armadale, while Queens Park crashed 0-3 at home to Mandurah City. Despite the results, the Lions (41 points) and Queens Park (40) retain first and second spots respectively as Armadale (39) narrow the gap. Raymond Rose bagged a late equaliser for Morley Windmills to earn a 2-2 draw with Bayswater City, and Stirling Suns defeated Dianella White Eagles by 1-0.
11.8.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SIXTEEN (Fremantle City vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater)
After three consecutive draws, Perth S.C. were keen to get back on the winning track when they hosted Cockburn City in Saturday's round of Premier League fixtures. After weathering an initial onslaught from the visitors, it was Perth that settled the quick and created the better of the early opportunities. Robbie Gaspar came close to putting Perth in front after 3 minutes when the midfielder beat goalkeeper Dino Pacella with a pile-driver unleashed from 17-metres which came back into play off the base of the up-right. Six minutes later Andres Oliveira ran a short corner into the 18-yard box where he was dispossessed by a defender, the loose ball rolled to Gaspar who this time made no mistake in slamming it through a crowded area and out of reach of Pacella to make it one-nil. The visitors were lucky no to find themselves another goal behind when David Onoforo ran onto a good ball played over the defence but he was denied by the alert Pacella who was quick off his line to block the shot before Boza Erakovic swept the bouncing ball to safety.
The visitors first genuine shot on goal came after 17 minutes when Branimir Mikulic's free-kick ricocheted off the defensive wall to Domenic De Felice whose first time volley was comfortably saved by Robert Scarparolo. Slowly but surely Cockburn started to find their rhythm, stringing together some good attacking moves which started in midfield where Shane McNally and Joshua Pescud began to take control. Scarparolo prevented Mikulic from levelling the scores in the 26th minute when he dived low to his left to save the big striker's penalty that was awarded when Aaron Cole hauled down Christian Paschewitz. Shortly after Scarparolo was again at his best, this time keeping out a vicious curling shot from 18-metres by Mikulic. And when Dusan Macura went on a weaving run after 37 minutes that took him past several defenders only to find the side netting, it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors would equalise. But Perth responded immediately with a devastating counter-attacking play, Todd Howarth's low centring ball from the left finding Jamie Coyne with enough time to pick his spot and send the home side into the break with a two goal lead.
The second half was five minutes old when Oliveria manoeuvred onto a pass from Onoforo before slamming it into the net after Pacella had been caught flat-footed with his defence waiting for a non-existent offside flag. The home side continued to press forward to create a succession of scoring opportunities that saw Stephen Willey shoot wide after a fine run, some desperate defending denied Oliveira his second, and Coyne headed a corner narrowly over the crossbar. Cockburn's only chance of the period came when De Felice played the ball low into the area from the left, Mikulic scuffed his shot and Paschewitz skied it over the bar much to his disappointment. With much of the play now taking place in Perth's attacking half, it came as no surprise when the margin was extended on the hour when Howarth's low ball to the near post was skilfully flicked it into the roof of the net by Onoforo.
Four goals up, Perth now eased off the pace and Cockburn accordingly came back into the match. Paschewitz managed to evade several challenges as he raced into the area in the 66th minute but the striker was unable to get clear sight of goal before the ball was cleared from under his feet. Mikulic curled a free-kick around the wall but over the bar, and Scarparolo's reflexes were tested with an explosive rising shot from De Felice. Nine minutes from full-time Oliveira capped an eye-catching performance with is second goal, robbing Erakovic of possession to net for the sixteenth time this season. Gaspar and substitute Adam Bunce both came close to adding to Perth's tally but they'd have to be content with a 5-0 result which keeps the pressure on League leaders Floreat Athena. Gaspar proved to be the driving force behind the win with a non-stop performance in midfield and there were also telling contributions from Willey and Howarth. For Cockburn Mikulic kept the home defence on their toes while De Felice impressed on the right wing.
Perth S.C. : Robert Scarparolo, Steve Willey, Aaron Cole (Michael
Icanovski 81), Dino Djulbic, Todd Howarth, Robbie Puca (Adam Bunce 63),
Jamie Coyne (Rob Giorgi 63), Mark Pottier, Robbie Gaspar, David Onoforo,
Andres Oliveira
Cockburn City : Dino Pacella, Dusan Macura, Boza Erakovic, Dean
Wallace, Paul Wright (Roberto Colalillo 72), Domenic De Felice, Joshua
Pescud, Shane McNally (Peter Petkovic 63), Peter Vukmirovic, Christian
Paschewitz, Branimir Mikulic
Referee : Steve Muldoon
Cautions : Cole (79)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 200 (approx.)
Fremantle City and Sorrento managed to frustrate their fans by battling out a scoreless draw at Ken Allen Reserve on Saturday. The match had everything else fans came to see - passion, commitment and controversy - but the impotent attack forces left a lot to be desired. Sorrento started the better on the slippery surface with Lee Burns teeing up Gareth Phillips after 4 minutes but his volley was just over the bar. The home team's first opening came on 15 minutes when Anthony Pereira turned his marker and fired in one swift movement, Gareth Deeg blocked the shot and Daniel Trim sent the rebound back into the danger area where Dom Ando was unlucky not to get a decisive touch. Neither team could come to terms with the conditions, or their opposition, and a mid-field gridlock ensured. The first controversial incident arrived after 33 minutes when referee Derek Minnett red carded Cesare De Bartolo for hand ball. The resulting free-kick by Tony Cumace hit the wall and Jared Love fired the loose ball over Robert Zabica's bar. Four minutes later a Fremantle free-kick taken by Alex Cummings snuck under the wall but Deeg gathered safely. It was a much brighter start to the second half with John Mirco testing Deeg, and two minutes later Jared Love's shot from an angle skimmed the cross bar with Zabica struggling. Cisco Jorquiera was lucky to remain on the field after a late challenge on Burn's which saw him replaced by David Colegate. In the 74th minute Cumace sent Love down the right who squared the ball to the recently introduced Shane Crampton but Zabica blocked as he pulled the trigger. Sorrento's best move of the afternoon came when Cumace went down the right, Crampton headed on his near post cross into the path of Craig Wells but he blasted over. Pereira came close to breaking the deadlock nine minutes from full-time when he tried his luck from 25 metres only for his volley scrape the wrong side of the up-right. That was the last of any noteworthy action as the match petered out to very tame end.
Western Knights consolidated third place on the Premier League table with a comfortable 3-0 away win over Bassendean Caledonian. The visitors took the lead in the 5th minute when Claus Nielsen's long range free-kick eluded goalkeeper Alan Dunlop and came to rest in the back of his net. While both sides created some good opportunities over the course of the opening half, they were also wasteful in the finishing department with no additional to the score before the interval. The Knights doubled their lead through Evan Wallace who toe-poked the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble after 75 minutes. And three minutes later the match was put beyond the reach of Caledonian when Eugene Singeorzan was needlessly brought down inside the area and Carl Medica converted the resulting spot-kick for a final 3-0 scoreline.
Ashfield were just moments away from recording their second win of the home-and-away campaign when they hosted Inglewood United, who were without State Under-19 goalkeeper Oliver Taseski, at Ashfield Reserve. The home side took a surprise lead after 15 minutes via a well-rehearsed free-kick, Martin Sherwin rolling the dead ball to Karl Atley whose explosive shot rocketed in the back of the net much to the joy of coach Tom Kilkelly. With neither side able to convert their chances as the full-time whistle approached, Inglewood eventually got back on level terms with the very last play of the match. The equaliser arrived four minutes into stoppage time when Ryan Fredericks popped up inside the area with a valuable header that left the home side ruing what might have been.
Floreat Athena never looked in danger when they hosted Future Glory in the Sunday fixture. With an entertaining first half looking destined to end scoreless, Ryan Newhill broke the deadlock when he rose above a static defence to head in his twelfth goal of the campaign from James Afkos' 41st minute free-kick. Afkos again was the inspiration for Athena six minutes after the interval when his cross from wide on the right was moved on to Costas Socratous at the far post who had time to pick his spot and make it 2-0. But the two-goal lead lasted just a couple of minutes, Future's Shaun Kilkelly laying the ball off to Peter Lord who advanced on the defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 22-metres which flew past John Xigas on it's way into the top corner of his net. The home side were denied a third goal by Future custodian Michael Basilio who kept out Socratous' 65th minute strike, and four minutes from the end Anthony Jones' was unlucky to send his header over the bar after an excellent cross from Kosta Kalavrouziotis. Future pressed hard for a late equaliser and Miki Vujacic looked to have found it from long-range only for his shot to be comfortably saved by Xigas.
The match at the Swan Italian Club between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup didn't kick-off after it the playing surface was deemed waterlogged and unsuitable to play on. The fixture will be played on Tuesday evening.
11.8.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP
Sorrento started their away reserves clash with Fremantle City by conceding a penalty that was successfully converted by Michael Vaz, who added another goal before the break as the port side went in with a two-goal buffer. Four minutes into the new half Michael Stefanovski got Sorrento back into the match, but shortly after Joe Woodin was dismissed for dissent following a melee after Fremantle were awarded a penalty. Vaz completed his hat-trick from the spot and Fremantle extended the margin in the 58th minute through Tyrone Fenwick. A tremendous strike by substitute Michael Mirco saw the score blow out to 5-1 after 73 minutes, and two minutes later Craig Wells produced some magic of his own with a wonder goal which rocketed into the top corner of Bobson Koroma's net.
Level on points at the top of the table with Fremantle are Inglewood United who notched up a 2-0 away win over Ashfield where Joe Capone and Adam Gangemi got on the scoresheet. Four goals in as many minutes at the start of the second half set Perth S.C. on their way to an amazing 7-3 victory over Cockburn City, Albert Osei-Tutu (2), Rob Giorgi (2), Vlad Milasinovic (2) and Damien Delaurentis the scorers for the home side. Matt Gow put Bassendean Caledonian ahead with only ten minutes remaining against Western Knights who snuck a point when Stipan Majic netted from the penalty spot with just minutes remaining. A double to Matthew Novatsis enabled Floreat Athena to knock off Future Glory by 2-1, Stjepan Beretovac Future's scorer. The clash between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup was abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface.
Perth S.C. have gone three points clear at the top of the Under-18's Premier League table after a convincing 5-0 win over the visitors from Cockburn City. On target for the Blues were Cosi Calavaro, Nick Paone, Alen Zilic, Zlatko Babac and Oriano La Palombara. Previous leaders Fremantle City were held to a one-all draw by third-placed Sorrento, Simon Elton-Bott (Fremantle) and Joe Woodin (Sorrento) the scorers. Goals from Paul Vlachou and Rodrigo Agguirre for Floreat Athena were cancelled out as Ben Rogers and Scott Bushby netted for Future Glory in their 2-2 draw. Bassendean Caledonian recorded their first win of the season, 2-1 over Western Knights at Jubilee Reserve. The Caledonian youngsters moved from the bottom of the League table courtesy of goals by Gareth Wright and Alex Tharby, while Andrew Jennings netted for the Knights. Elsehwere, Ashfield defeated Inglewood United 4-3, and the Swan I.C.-E.C.U. Joondalup match was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.
10.8.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Lions vs Armadale with the assistance of Don Evans and Michael Di Pietro; Morley Windmills vs Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Balcatta vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)
With five games remaining, the First Division season is really beginning to hot up after the top two sides lost on the weekend. Playing away from home and knowing that anything less than three points would end their championship hopes, Armadale closed the gap on the leaders with a 3-2 win over Stirling Lions. On a rain-sodden pitch that was more suited to a mud wrestle than a soccer contest both teams came out and gave it their all before a healthy and passionate crowd. The home settled the quicker with Bobbi Klenkovski going close after 8 minutes in an opening half that produced few genuine chances. Against the run of play, Armadale took the lead two minutes from the interval when a free-kick into the dangerzone saw Craig Anderson's near post header hit the back of the net. A Rob Milevski free-kick after 60 minutes hit the post and rebounded into the path of Klenkovski who levelled the scores with a simple tap. Ten minutes later the visitors re-claimed the lead after Lions goalkeeper Steve Grant spilled a corner and Lee Hallams scrambled the ball over the line. The home side responded eight minutes later when a corner from substitute Tomo Nishizawa somehow made it's way through a crowded goalmouth before crossing the line to tie the game up at two-all. Armadale refused to give up the fight and in the 85th minute Gary Murdoch bagged what would be the winning goal much to the delight of the travelling Red army crowd. A long-range effort from Adam Rains after 88 minutes almost snared the Lions a point but it was not to be as Armadale moved to within two points of the Lions, and just one point adrift of second-placed Queens Park. The Reds also took out the reserves meeting with goals from Darren Ingham, Emlyn Whetnall and Steve Tsallis making the final score 3-0. And in a quality Under-18's clash the Lions triumphed by 2-1.
Mandurah City made their way to Coker Park on Saturday for the clash with second placed Queens Park. The home side came out firing on all cylinders, throwing everything at their opponents over the opening twenty minutes only to be held at bay by a solid Mandurah defence which was led by veteran Neil Patten-Williams who was partnered by Steve Adams and Peter Knight. Mandurah opened their account after 23 minutes when the Leagues leading goalscorer Andrew Rennie netted with a fine finish on the turn. While their was not addition to the score before the interval, Mandurah were the more create side only to be let down by a combination of poor finishing and brave defending by the home side. The margin was doubled after 53 minutes by Bobridge, and Rennie got his sixteenth goal of the season on 70 minutes as Mandurah notched up a well-deserved 3-0 victory. In the reserves, Mandurah easily accounted for Queens Park 4-1 with Mikel Sesma scoring a superb hat-trick and Jordan Kissane getting the fourth. The Under-18's match also went the way of the visitors courtesy of Jake Loreto who scored the only goal of the game.
Bayswater City went into their away clash with Morley Windmills brimming with confidence with a spot in the top four on offer. The visitors started with a bang as Andrew O'Neill swung the ball into the area to find Dario Pelliicciotti all alone, the striker making no mistake from close-range to give Bayswater the lead after 5 minutes. Bayswater found themselves in strife when goalkeeper Mathew Saliacus came out of challenge second best, a knee injury ending his afternoon and with no substitute keeper on the bench Bayswater midfielder Willie Herd took his place between the posts. That didn't seem a problem when Gareth Healey's through saw O'Neill double the lead after 34 minutes. Windmills got back int he game two minutes from half time when striker Ray Rose found the net and brought the margin back to a single goal. The visitors dominated after the break with O'Neill then Sal Marrapodi going through one-on-one with the 'keeper who came out on top on both occasions. Bayswater continued to apply pressure to the home defence but were unable to get the finish they so desperately sought from their attacks. A few minutes from full-time and completely against the run of play the home side levelled the score through Steve Keady who made the most of an error by stand-in 'keeper Herd. The reserves match was taken out by Windmills by 4-1, while the Under-18's went to Bayswater 2-1.
Graham Burkett Reserve provided the venue for the second time this season for a clash between Balcatta and Canning City. In a lively opening period, Balcatta took the lead after 10 minutes when Hadi Polozani took control of a loose ball on the right to strike it into the roof of the net from a narrow angle. Balcatta continued to press Canning's defence through it's domination of midfield and doubled their lead when Ryan Allomes headed into his own net as he attempted to clear a Balcatta cross after 20 minutes. Throughout the first half Canning relying greatly on the long ball out of defence but created few genuine chances against a competent Balcatta defence. The second half started in much the same as the first, however, as the half progressed Canning began to push forward more positively. Minutes from the end they eventually reduced the deficit when a Allomes' free-kick found Carlos Dos Santos who turned sharply to knock it under the diving Adam Dassie from close range.
Stirling Suns defeated Dianella White Eagles at Brian Burke Reserve after an 18th minute goal from Miladin Gugoroski. South West Phoenix collected all three points from their home meeting with Perth City after the visitors opted to forfeit the game. Perth will be fined $200 by Soccer West Coast for refusing to play to Bunbury. Scott Cooper snared a hat-trick with goals in the 18th, 48th and 79th minutes as Southside United thumped Leeming Strikers 6-1. Tony Pougher, Tony Pritchard and Gary Jamieson also got on the scoresheet for Southside, while Stuart Indge scored for Leeming who had Jonathan Cook sent off early in the second half. Kingsway Olympic were 2-0 victors against Rockingham City after Shane Fitzpatrick and Oli Foster found the back of the net.
9.8.2002
BRIGHTON SNAP UP PETTERSON (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
West Australian Andy Petterson has signed a one-month deal with English First Division side Brighton and Hove Albion. New Seagulls boss Martin Hinshelwood said: "Andy's signed for a month. He came in recently and played in the pre-season friendlies and did really well. We've offered him a month and we're delighted that he's taken it." The experienced goalkeeper has helped Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic and West Bromwich Albion win promotion to the Premiership in recent seasons.
9.8.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
There are several tantalising Premier League games on offer this Saturday with the clash between Bassendean Caledonians and Western Knights at Jubilee Reserve amongst them. Three very valuable points are on the line at Ken Allen Field where Fremantle City and Sorrento meet as both sides endevour to keep alive their hopes of a place in the end-of-season play-offs. Perth S.C. will be wanting to return to winning ways when they host Cockburn City, Ashfield are home to Inglewood United, and Swan I.C. take on E.C.U. Joondalup at the Swan Italian Club. Sunday's fixture takes place at Litis Stadium where leaders Floreat Athena take on the youngsters from Future Glory.
It's first verses third at Macedonia Park where Stirling Lions face off with Armadale in Round Nineteen of the First Division season. Second-placed Queens Park have an equally difficult task ahead of them in their home encounter with Mandurah City. Morley Windmills take on Bayswater City at Wotton Reserve, while Stirling Suns have home ground advantage over Dianella White Eagles. South West Phoenix are up against Perth City, and Leeming Strikers host Southside United at John Connell Reserve. Canning City are on the road to Balcatta, Rockingham City host northern suburbs outfit Kingsway Olympic, and Wanneroo City have the bye.
8.8.2002
PLANS FOR FUTURE TO CONTINUE
Perth Glory have rejected rumours that the club's youth set-up - Future Glory - will disband at the end of the 2002 season. Although their initial 12-month agreement expires with the end of the current campaign, it is hoped Glory and Soccer West Coast can reach an agreement which will see Future continue in the Premier League. "ur intention is to be in there but we need to continue to work with Soccer West Coast regarding that agreement," said Jeff Dennis, Chief Executive Officer with Glory, this week. "We have committed a lot to this program and we don't expect it to finish up at the end of the season." This sentiment was echoed by S.W.C. president David Schrandt. "I believe Future has had a positive impact on our competition, not only financially but also in terms of exposure. The Board of S.W.C. is confident that Future will be in the Premier League in 2003," Schrandt told the Western Australian Soccer Website a fortnight ago.
8.8.2002
SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT IN PERTH THIS WEEK
The 2002 School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships gets underway at Litis Stadium and the adjoining Brittania Road Reserve on Sunday. The tournament will see Schoolboy and Schoolgirl teams from all over Australia play off silverware. At the completion of this years' event, an Australian Schoolboys team will be travel to East Timor for a friendly series, while in December the Schoolboys and Schoolgirls national squads head to the United Kingdom for a series of games.
The West Australian Schoolboys start their campaign on Sunday with an 11.15am match against South Australia. The following day at 5.00pm they take on the Australian Capital Territory before enjoying a break on day three of the tournament. It's a 10.00am return to action on Wednesday when Queensland are the opposition, Thursday sees the clash with Victoria (10.00am) while in the final match of the championship the State Schoolboys play New South Wales (12.00noon). This years West Australian Schoolboys squad is Colin Gilchrist, Kris Haxton, John Freeman, Chris Wylie, Bryan Hedges, Nick Ward, Peter Noiszewski, Dinko Ahmetanovic, Igor Arsovski, Craig Stewart, Adam Calleja, Damir Kuduzovic, Chris Hart, Dean Apelgren, Jeff Bright and Alan Mattecucci. Jordan Conti (shoulder) and Michael Bushby (knee) were forced to withdraw from the squad at late notice due to injury.
The Northern Territory are the West Australian Schoolgirls first opponents from 1.00pm on Sunday. It's a double header the following day for the State Schoolgirls with games against New South Wales (10.00am) and South Australia (3.00pm). At 10.00am on Tuesday they come up against the Australian Capital Territory before meeting Victoria on Wednesday (12.00noon) and Queensland on Thursday (12.00noon). The 2002 West Australian Schoogirls squad is Brid Dawson, Ciara Conway, Carys Hawkins, Ashley Kane, Gemma Langley, Jessica Pilcher, Candice Townsend, Laura Turnbull, Stephanie Grant, Lydia Hirst, Helen Bremer, Megan Jenyns, Ashley Bennett, Catherine Gooding, Stacey Woodfin and Kylie Woodfin.
7.8.2002
GLORY GET THEIR MAN
Perth Glory have confirmed the signing of attacker Adrian Caceras who recently scored against Manchester United while on trial with Bournemouth. "This is a real coup for Australian soccer," said Glory coach Mich d'Avray. "Adrian has scored against one of the best club sides in the world and now we will have him back on home soil. He will arrive in Perth on the weekend and will then slot into our pre-season program. I am confident that with the work he has had in England in recent weeks he will not be underdone." Having shone on the local stage with Perth S.C., Caceras spent two years on the books of English Premier League side Southampton where he was restricted to appearances in their reserves and youth teams.
7.8.2002
CHASING PACK CLOSE IN ON LIONS
The weekend 4-0 mauling of Stirling Lions handed out by Dianella White Eagles has opened up the race for the First Division championship. With six games left in the season, the Lions have seen their lead trimmed to just a single point as both Queens Park and Armadale move in to pounce. A few weeks ago you would have been locked up to bet against the Lions winning promotion to the top flight after they finished the opening stage of the season with one loss in sixteen gamess. With eight hauls of four or more goals, the pre-season favourites amassed 55 goals with strike partners Bobbi Klenkovski and Robert Milevski contributing close to half that tally.
Queens Park have been lead by young attacker Glen Noblett who is sure to add to his 13 goal haul before the season comes to a close. Their 3-2 win on Saturday was the sides fifth in succession and took them to within a point of the Lions. Queens Park will really be put to the test on Saturday when they host debutant's Mandurah City, currently sitting in fourth place, at Coker Park. Armadale, five points behind the leaders, started their 2002 campaign with an astonishing ten game unbeaten run that came to an end at the hands of the Lions - the only side to have defeated the Reds this year. With the likes of Jason Goodwin and Dennis Lee beginning to fire, Armadale have recovered from their mid-season slumber with successive wins over Stirling Suns and Morley Windmills, but this weekend could prove make or break time for the side when they travel to play the Lions.
In fourth place and with a mathematical chance of taking out the First Division title are Mandurah City. The club have had a fantastic first season in Soccer West Coast competition and boast two of the League's best goalscorers in Andrew Rennie, whose 14 goals has him on top of the scorers table, and Michael Bobridge. Kevin Henderson has lead the way from midfield for Bayswater City while in attack 22-year old striker Sal Marrapodi has hit the target on 9 occasions to date. A young Dianella White Eagles outfit have roared their way up the table after spending much of the first half of the season languishing in the lower depths. Teenage sensation Boima Karpeh has scored 10 times for the club who appear to have hit top form over the past month. Sitting in seventh and eighth places respectively are Stirling Suns and Morley Windmills who are locked together on 22 points. The leading scorers this season have been Rydeen Botha (Suns) and Raymond Rose (Windmills).
7.8.2002
GARCIA HAS NO REGRETS
Richard Garcia maintains he has no regrets about signing a new contract with West Ham United, despite having to compete against the likes of Trevor Sinclair, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Steve Lomas to stake a spot in the first-team. "I couldn't think of a harder midfield to get into but you have to set your standards high and I welcome the challenge," Garcia told his club's official website (www.whufc.co.uk) this week. "Hopefully it will be a big season for me, but I will just take it one day at a time."
Garcia was also pleased with the fact that Hammers manager Glenn Roeder had not wielded the axe to make wholesale changes to the squad over the off-season. "If you have got the same lads around, the team morale is a lot higher, and hopefully people will be playing in the same spots every week." And the 20-year old is predicting good things for the upcoming campaign, "I think the boys have prepared themselves quite well and hopefully we can do even better than last season."
6.8.2002
ATHENA KEEP FEET ON THE GROUND (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Floreat Athena coach Taki Lambetsos isn't getting carried away with his team's success after hitting the top of the league. "We're taking everything nice and slow - our feet are still on the ground," said Lambetsos who is in his first season as a senior coach in Western Australia. "Everyone is calling me a rookie, but I'm a bit too experienced to be given that label," said the 46-year old who has been coaching for 20 years. Born in Greece, he came to Australia as a 15-year old and played in Victoria with Port Melbourne before a serious knee injury - which required four operations - ended his playing career when he was 23. "I turned to coaching a few years after that and have been responsible for developing a lot of young talent," he said. He was youth team coach at South Melbourne with Jim Pyrgolios was in charge of the first team and also assisted Pyrgolios when he was the first-team coach at Athena. "I'm a great believer in the team unit," said Lambetsos. "That's the secret of success - you need to have togetherness in your squad."
6.8.2002
KOROMA ATTRACTS SCOUTS (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Fremantle City's reserve team goalkeeper Bobson Koroma has caught the eye of several National Soccer League scouts. An agent who represents Sydney United and Marconi Stallions is due in Perth this weekend to run the rule over the 20-year old, who is a political refugee from Sierra Leone. He stumbled across the Fremantle club by chance when visiting a friend in Hamilton Hill, he saw there was a game on at Ken Allen Field and asked if he could have a look. "We didn't even charge him an entry fee," said Fremantle treasurer Nick Rotondella. "He was impressed with what he saw and asked if he could join us. We gave him a trial and the rest is history."
6.8.2002
EYES ON NOBLETT (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Queens Park striker Glen Noblett, who scored twice in the 3-2 win over Morley Windmills on the weekend, could be the hottest property in the First Division as a number of Premier League clubs sit up and taken notice of the 20-year old. "Glen has a huge future and is attracting a lot of attention," said Queens Park coach Mike Brazil. "But we would hope that he would stay at the club for a while yet as we have certain ambitions." Queens Park are second in the league with prospects of gaining promotion next season to the top flight. Noblett's two younger brothers, Evan and Dean, play for the clubs' reserve and Under-18 sides respectively. Glen is originally from England and was involved in the youth set-up at Middlesbrough before coming to Australia. 19-yer old Luke Woodfin is another Queens Park player who has been turning heads, the young goalkeeper is believed to be on the wanted list of several Premier League outfits.
5.8.2002
PETTERSON LURED BY SEAGULLS
New Brighton and Hove Albion manager Martin Hinshelwood has confirmed that he is considering adding Fremantle-born goalkeeper Andy Petterson to his clubs playing stocks. The 32-year old has played in the Seagulls last three friendlies having been invited to trial following injuries to Michel Kuipers and Will Packham. Petterson started his time with Brighton by keeping a clean sheet in last weekend's nil-all draw with Leyton Orient. In mid-week he was between the posts for the 2-4 loss to Cheltenham Town, while on Saturday he impressed in the 2-0 win over south coast rivals Bournemouth. Petterson is on the lookout for a new club after being released from by West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season.
5.8.2002
E.C.U. WIN WELSH TOURNAMENT
E.C.U. Western Australian have ended their visit of the United Kingdom by defeating the Under-16 side from the Protec Football Development School in the final of the Ian Rush Tournament. They may have started the match as favourites, but Protec were the ones doing all the defending early on as the side from down under peppered the goal in an attempt to snatch the lead. A superb free-kick by Ryan Murphy struck from the edge of the 18-yard box forced a great save from the 'keeper for E.C.U.'s best chance of the period. Down the other end James Fosdike did well to keep out a long-range bomb headed for the top corner of his goal, but there was little he could do when a lovely pass through the middle saw a Protec open the scoring. The ever-dangerous Ross Casey smacked the crossbar with a stunning shot as E.C.U. sought an equaliser, and shortly after the midfielder found Tom Jones who flicked the ball on to Joshua Kamasz who put the teams back on level terms.
After a change of goalkeepers at the interval, Fosdike making way for Michael Lawson, both teams emerged for the second half hell-bent on taking the lead. Having seen two attempts on goal blocked in quick succession, Protec re-claimed the lead when they were allowed a clear shot on target which Lawson did well to get a hand on but he was unable to keep it from hitting the net. With their backs to the wall, E.C.U. needed to score to keep alive their hopes of lifting the trophy and that's exactly what they did - Casey setting up Kamasz who made no mistake by slamming it into the roof of the net. With the scores tied at 2-2, both sides searched desperately for a winner with Protec coming closest only to be denied by the agility of Lawson. Close to the end of regulation time the West Australian side lost leading scorer Kamasz to injury, his place taken by Daniel Defazio as the match scored finished level after regulation time.
A quite opening 15 minutes of golden-goal extra-time was followed by a pacey second half. Lawson again came to his teams rescue after a long-range drive cannoned off the underside of the bar and fell into the path of a Protec striker whose header from 5-metres was brilliantly saved by the E.C.U. custodian. With their opponents tiring, E.C.U. pressed hard over the final few minutes when they saw a good header cleared off the line and Rostin Griffiths hit the up-right from a tight angle before the ball was scrambled to safety.
Having elected to shoot first, E.C.U. off to a great start with Jones and Casey successful from the spot only for Protec to equalise on each occasion. John Morton drilled his penalty straight down the middle to make it 3-2, and goalkeeper Lawson produced more heroics by diving the right way and keeping out Protec's third attempt. Murphy put E.C.U. in the drivers seat by making it 4-2, and Lawson sealed victory by diving to his right to save and send the Australian fans and players into raptures. With the trophy heading down under for the first time, Kamasz was voted as the Player of the Tournament.
4.8.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
The University of W.A. were held to a scoreless draw by Forrestfield United in Sunday's W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League clash at McGillivray Oval. An opening half saw both sides create some good scoring opportunities without success. Robert Benkovic had one of the best chances to break the deadlock when put through on goal by Matt Hill but he slide the shot beyond the left up-right. The other highlight of the first half was an athletic grab by University goalkeeper Shayan Young which denied two Forrestfield forwards who looked certain to score. The second half followed a similar pattern until late in the piece when University upped the pace, David Berg hitting the up-right and a close-range effort from substitute Christian Tribe was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper. At the other end a quick Forrestfield counter-attack was halted by Adam Brett's perfectly executed tackle. Teemu Sihvola proved lively when running at the defence, a push on Tribe inside the penalty area somehow escaped the attention of the referee, and Joe Collins screwed the ball wide with only the 'keeper to beat. University did finally get the ball in the net but a late flag for offside denied the home side the win they deserved. "It was a very enjoyable game and whilst disappointed not to win we were pleased with the quality of our football especially in the second half," coach Kevin Burton said after the game. "To create that many chances against a good team is encouraging and we also managed to give a first team debut to another reserve team player and he did very well at the back." Reserve League leaders Forrestfield took out their fixture 2-0.
Balga continue to keep their fans on the edge of their seats with a hard fought 3-3 home draw with Fremantle United in a match of many thrills, spills and goalmouth. Both sides started confidently with some superb passing of the ball with the Zebra's shading in terms of possession and scoring opportunities. Fremantle scored first, from the penalty spot, after Rob Santich was dragged down inside the area, but Balga fought back strongly to equalise through Scott Wilson who steered Willy Lyall's low cross into the net. The goal marked a lengthy period of domination by the home side in which Paul Cunningham fired in several deep crosses which sounded panic alarms in the Fremantle defence. A chilly start to the second half saw Fremantle re-store the lead when a long ball out of defence caught the opposing defence napping as Santich lobbed into a vacant net. The see-sawing nature of the game continued when Lyall's header slipped through the hands of the goalkeeper to make it 2-2. The visitors looked sure of all three points when they found the net for third time after Balga's goalkeeper parried a sharp free-kick which then landed at the feet of a Fremantle striker. With nothing to lose, Balga threw caution to the wind and with eight minutes remaining got their result they were after when a dazzling run from Anthony Banham resulted in a clinical finish by Lyall as the match ended with honours even.
Hamersley Rovers stay on top of the Premier League table after thrashing Spearwood Dalmatinac 4-0 at home. Four points behind the are Shamrock Rovers who accounted for Kwinana United 3-0, while Forrestfield's win moves them into third. Elsewhere, Murdoch University defeated Perth Azzurri 3-0, and Subiaco United went down 3-4 at home to E.C.U. Joondalup.
4.8.2002
MORE SUCCESS FOR TOURING TEENAGERS
After taking our the St. Andrews Tournament in Scotland last week, E.C.U. Western Australia have continued their British tour into Wales by winning the Ian Rush Tournament. Widely regarded as Britain's top youth competition, the Ian Rush Tournament is held at the University of Wales in the town of Aberytswyth. Some of the players unearthed at the annual event over the years include Michael Owen (Liverpool), Alan Shearer (Newcastle United), and Robbie Keane (Leeds United).
The sides' first game in Wales took place on Monday evening against Oswestry with the late kick-off time of 7.40pm. One way traffic would describe the opening half with the West Australian boys proving to a class above their opponents. While their practically laid siege on the Oswestry goal, it wasn't until the 25th minute that E.C.U. opened the scoring when Ross Casey's pass to Josh Kamasz saw him perfectly positioned to open the floodgates. A quick flick from Tom Jones found it's way into the box and Scott Blackmore doubled the margin. Always a danger on the right flank, Ryan Murphy's cross into the area resulted in Jones adding to the tally. With the half-time whistle approaching and after several near-misses, Blackmore set-up Kamasz for his second and the teams fourth. With the match over as a contest, E.C.U. eased off in the second period but still dominated possession, Jones making the final score 5-0 in what was an easy win.
The following days clash with Carmarthen Town was another one-sided affair. Kamasz gave E.C.U. the lead after 5 minutes when he scored after a corner kick. The Carmarthen goalkeeper was kept busy as shots rained in from the West Australian team and when Rostyn Griffiths headed on to Kamasz the score blew out to 2-0. The Australian youth international, on loan from Fremantle City for the tour, completed his hat-trick shortly after, and a minute from the interval Jones got in on the act to effectively end any chances Carmarthemn had of making a comeback. Several changes were made to the team for the start of the second half but that didn't stop the onslaught. E.C.U. goalkeeper James Fosdike was called into action early in the half but otherwise it was a repeat of the opening period as Daniel DeFazio bagged himself a hat-trick while Casey and Daniel Hendley also got on the scoresheet as the game ended 9-0.
Wednesday's fixture pitted E.C.U. against their strongest opponents yet, Bulith Bulls, provided a good workout for the defence who were well-marshalled by team captain John Morton. Down the other end the goals kept on coming for the touring side, Murphy scoring the opener from a well-struck free-kick before the same player doubled the lead. DeFazio supplied the ammunition for Jones who finished quickly and gave E.C.U. a three-goal half-time lead. Right wing-back Phil O'Callahan proved the source for many of E.C.U.'s best attacking moves of the second half. DeFazio found the side netting and O'Callahan saw his head kept out by the goalkeeper as the West Australian side looked to extend their lead. DeFazio eventually added the fourth goal following a good solo run which began outside the 18-yard. A final flurry of activity saw Hendley's shot go just wide of the up-right while another was saved by the 'keeper as the score stayed at 4-0.
Thursday's semi-final paired E.C.U. with Irish team Stella Marais. With both sides matched in terms of skill and a determination to win, the match started with the West Australian side on the offensive only to be thwarted by a well-drilled defence. Having been on the back-foot for much of the opening spell, Marais fought their way into the game but encountered some strong resistance as Morton and Jake Lennox stood firm at the back for E.C.U. Murphy knocked a corner to Jones who was shot over the bar, and Jones saw another chance saved by the goalkeeper as the half ended scoreless. Shortly after the re-start E.C.U. gotr the ball in the back of the net through a brilliant header from Kamasz but the referee disallowed it for an earlier foul. Not deterred, E.C.U. continued to push forward and took the lead when a lovely cross from Murphy was expertly converted by Kamasz. Both sides playing attacking football until the final whistle but with no further addition to the scoreline it was E.C.U. that progressed to the next day's final.
4.8.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FIFTEEN (Ashfield vs Cockburn City by Lennie Bavich; Sorrento vs E.C.U. Joondalup by Kerry Slater; Fremantle City vs Inglewood United and Swan I.C. vs Western Knights by Mike Hennessey)
Bassendean Caledonian were keen to maintain their undefeated home record when they hosted joint Premier League leaders Floreat Athena at Jubilee Reserve on Saturday. Having not lost in their past seven starts, the visitors came out firing on all cylinders and a jinxing run by James Afkos in the 2nd minute saw Jamie Trandos' excellent shot from 16-metres stretch goalkeeper Alan Dunlop. While much of the early play took place in Athena's attacking half, the home side confidently soaked up the pressure with some solid defensive work that reduced Dunlop to spectator status. Caledonian eventually found their rhythm and started to create some promising moves of their own. A sweeping move started in midfield by Jimmy Merkouris ended with Mark Lennon's dipping shot being saved by Athena custodian Vas Vujacic. And in the 21st minute Ian Griffiths drilled the ball goalward from 20-metres only to see it rise narrowly over the crossbar.
Athena responded immediately, Kosta Kalavroutziotis raced down the right and floated the ball to the far post, Robin Dyers nodded it back across the face of goal to Anthony Jones but his header was blocked by Dunlop and Ryan Newhill pounced to open the visitors account from close range. If the goal had an effect on the Caledonian side then it didn't show as their midfield continued to dictate play. But shots on goal were few and far between, a blistering shot from Jason Van Rooy which was brilliantly turned away by Vujacic after 30 minutes their best chance of the half. Two minutes later Caledonian suffered a body blow when George Ramm was judged to have handled inside the area and Athena received a lucky penalty, Dunlop brilliantly blocked Newhill's initial shot but could do little as the big striker netted from the follow-up. Shortly before the interval Griffiths tried his luck from distance as the home side desperately sought a way back into the game but his effort curled wide of the up-right.
The home side started the second half with a bang, Lennon's fierce drive forcing another fine save from Vujacic after 47 minutes. Caledonian then had the visitors under the hammer, winning four consecutive corners of which none really caused any great concern for the Athena defence. The margin blew out to three goals six minutes after the re-start when, with another counter-attacking move, Newhill put Dyers through with only the 'keeper to beat. Despite being three goals down, Caledonian continued to plug away and dominate possession. Matthews saw his powerful shot fly low across the face of goal after 57 minutes. Six minutes later there were some nervous moments at the back for Athena when Vujacic fumbled the ball when put under pressure from Matthews but Adrian Sutton and Jones combined to rescue the visitors. And in the 66th minute Glenn McCormick left Afkos chasing shadows wide on the right only to curl his shot wide of the far post.
With twenty minutes remaining Athena put the icing on the cake with the goal of the afternoon, Dyers timing his run to perfection to head a deep cross from Newhill past Dunlop for his second goal of the half. In the space of four minutes the visitors could have added to their total another four times. Afkos' volley was well-saved by Dunlop who then produced a great smothering save at the feet of Dyers as he sought his hat-trick. Costa Socratous was denied by the sharp reflexes of the home 'keeper after the Caledonian defence failed to clear a corner, and Afkos slipped the ball into the path of substitute Dejan Djukanovic whose shot was caught by Dunlop. In the 80 the minute the home side pushed forward down the right through Paul Strudwick who ran the ball into the area, evaded a challenge from Eugene Tan then knocked the ball past Vujacic from a narrow angle to reduce the margin.
Other than a scuffle which resulted in Lennon and Kalavroutziotis being booked, there was very little to get excited about over the closing stages as Athena shut up shop and turned their attentions to preventing the home team from adding to their tally. While the 4-1 win suggests Athena dominated this game, the truth is Caledonian were the ones who spent much of the afternoon with the ball at their feet while the visitors simply took their chances when they arose. Athena's defence of Jones, Tan and Sutton near-faultless over the course of the afternoon, while midfielders Kalavroutziotis and Afkos worked tirelessly. Lennon, McCormick and Kevin Smith chimed in with strong performances for the home team on day that luck was against them.
Bassendean Caledonian : Alan Dunlop, Kevin Smith, Craig Naven, George
Ramm, Glenn McCormick (Raph Mahony 70), Jason Van Rooy, Jimmy Merkouris,
Ian Griffiths, Mark Lennon (Aaron Moschopoulos 82), Ramon Westerberger
(Paul Strudwick 45), Graeme Matthews
Floreat Athena : Vas Vujacic, Adrian Sutton, Eugene Tan, Anthony
Jones, Andreas Pantelis (Dejan Djukanovic 45), Kosta Kalavroutziotis
(Peter Coci 82), Jamie Trandos, James Afkos, Costa Socratous, Ryan
Newhill, Robin Dyers
Referee : Angelo Nardi
Cautions : Matthews (44), Van Rooy (60), Smith (74), Lennon (82),
Kalavroutziotis (82)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 250 (approx.)
Cockburn City picked up three much needed points from their away clash at Ashfield to keep alive their end-of-season play-off hopes. The home side took an early lead from a corner which saw goalkeeper Dino Pacella put under pressure by Nathan Salisbury who forced the ball over the line despite the best efforts of Denis Stojanovic on the line. It was the perfect start for Salisbury who was making his first appearance this season for Ashfield having only recently returned from England. Playing with a three-man attacking formation, Cockburn threatened to get back on level terms on numerous occasions in the first half but were constantly thwarted by a combination of staunch defending or bad luck. A change of tactics for the second half paid off almost immediately as striker Branimir Mikulic slipped into the area in the 52nd minute to crash the ball into the net to bring Cockburn back into the game. Joshua Pescud streamed forward down the left flank after 66 minutes with Mikulic meeting his far post cross to put the visitors ahead for the first time. Stojanovic, Christian Paschewitz and Devid Vitale made way for Roberto Colallio, Dean Wallace and Shane McNally respectively as Cockburn coach Mark Jackson upped the ante. Having scored twice himself, Mikulic then turned provider when he threaded a pass to Peter Vukmirovic who sent the ball past Ashfield custodian Phil Jackson. With minutes remaining on the clock Mikulic bagged his third of the day - and his fourteenth of the season - when he waltzed into the area and crashed his shot beyond Jackson to make the final score 4-1.
Sorrento were beaten by their northern neighbors E.C.U. Joondalup who take possession of the North Coastal Shield after the 4-0 result. The final score somewhat flattered the visitors to Percy Doyle Reserve as Sorrento suffered a reduction in numbers and were on the wrong end of some inept calls by officials that had the home side flustered. Glen Thomas had the first scoring chance of the afternoon in the 3rd minute but he fired high from outside the penalty box. Five minutes later Joondalup defender Richard Watson made his way down the left to cross low for the on-rushing Andy Mason who turned the ball past Gareth Deeg despite the attention of a defender. Determined play and some crunching tackles ensured the crowd were entertained. Thomas received a prefect pass from Lee Burns and lobbed it over visiting goalkeeper Peter Stewart, but an unwarranted offside flag spoiled the move and Thomas was harshly booked for time wasting. Six minutes later the Seagull's flat defence were caught napping by a long clearance from Danny Wilson which reached Mason who made it 2-0 despite appeals for offside. On 38 minutes Thomas was dismissed for his second caution, and shortly after Peter Butler was carded for a tackle on Abdul Kamara. After the break Joondalup turned up the pace to capitalised on their superior numbers. A bizarre lack of action from the linesman allowed Joondalup in for their third goal after Garin Collins, who was clearly in an offside position, netted on the hour. Three goals and a player down, Sorrento were on the ropes when Mason completed his hat trick with a superb 81st minute strike after he slipped past his marker.
The upset of Round Fifteen took place at Ken Allen Field where Fremantle City condemned top five hopefuls Inglewood United to their second loss in as many weeks. The opening period of the clash was an even struggle made difficult by a poor surface and greasy ball. A defensive lapse in the 20th minute enabled Anthony Perreira to put the port side into the lead after Cisco Jorquera and Dale Wingell were involved in a good lead-up. Inglewood enjoyed the better of the play in the second half and created a number of good goalscoring opportunities. But standing between the visitors and a share of the points was one-time Australian goalkeeper Robert Zabica, denying Daniel Harrop and Elton Holmes as Inglewood sought a way back into the game. Fremantle could have increased their lead but failed to make the most of some careless defending and midfield work from an Inglewood side who are clearly going to have to improve to gain a spot in the play-offs.
Swan I.C. showed that they are a side on the improve with a top defensive display to hold Western Knights to a scoreless draw at the Swan Italian Club. The first half was an even affair with both defences on top and neither goalkeeper seriously troubled. Swan showed more attacking endeavour after the interval only to meet with a solid visiting backline that held firm over the second 45-minutes and ensured the points were shared. Christian Marocchi and brothers Damian and Carlo Scali excelled in what was a good overall team performance against a Knights side that are anxious to maintain a spot in the top five.
Dorrien Gardens was the venue for what turned out to be an uninspiring nil-all draw between Perth S.C. and Future Glory on Sunday. Perth midfielder Jamie Coyne had the best chance of the opening half when, two minutes from the break, his vicious shot stung the palms of goalkeeper Michael Basilio. Shortly after the break Basilio was back in the thick of the action when he pushed Andreas Oliveira's header onto the up-right before the danger was cleared by the visiting defence. With Perth lifting the pace, Rhys Graham and David Onoforo were both unable to make the most of their opportunities. Down the other end, Robert Scarparolo had to be at his best to tip away a stunning long-range strike from Nick Ward with fifteen minutes remaining. The scoreless draw means Perth, who have lead the Premier League field for the past 12 weeks, slip to second place while Future collect just their third point from six outings.
4.8.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP
A late penalty from John Greenwood enabled E.C.U. Joondalup to defeat Sorrento on home soil and remain at the top of the reserves table after 15 games. Fremantle City move into second place, two points behind the leaders, courtesy of a 2-0 win over Inglewood United in which Michael Vaz scored twice. A four-goal haul by Floreat Athena's Matthew Novatsis saw his side gain maximum poiints from their away game at Bassendean Caledonian by a 4-2 margin, Norbert Hadjani bagging a double for the home team. Ashfield crashed 0-5 at home to Cockburn City for whom Sergio Alvarez, Fabio Fusari, Peter Petkovich and Simon Jonas (2) were on target. Swan I.C. defeated Western Knights 1-0, and Perth S.C. drew 1-1 with Future Glory on Sunday.
Perth S.C. stay at the head of the Under-18's table after Simon Trinca scored twice in their 2-0 win over Future Glory. Fremantle City were big winners again, this time 7-0 against Inglewood United who had goalkeeper Luke Hennessey stretchered off with a serious ankle injury. Bassendean Caledonian went down 1-4 to Floreat Athena while honours were shared between Ashfield and Cockburn City with a 2-2 final score. Hayden Darcy, Damian Coniglio and Brendan Knox were the scorers in Swan I.C.'s 3-0 home win over Western Knights. In a match played earlier in mid-June, Sorrento defeated E.C.U. Joondalup by 2-1.
3.8.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Lions vs Dianella White Eagles by Don Evans; Armadale vs Stirling Suns by Michael Di Pietro; Canning City vs Rockingham City by Phil Unsworth)
First Division leaders Stirling Lions were reminded that the fight to win promotion is still very alive after being humbled 0-4 by Dianella White Eagles at Macedonia Park. The League favourites looked anything but a championship team as Dianella swooped from the opening whistle and had a goal on the board within 2 minutes courtesy of speedy flank player Zelko Savic. The normally watertight Lions defence was in disarray early on their fast attacking opponents continually streamed into attack. Bobbi Klenkovski and Leo Harman came close to leveling the scores without success, but in the 12th minute Dianella extended the margin when Zelko Tesic found deadly sharpshooter Savic who beat goalkeeper Steven Grant with composed shot. Two-goals up, Dianella switched to a more defensive game plan which allowed their opponents in but Harman, Klenkovski and Rob Milevski all saw their shots stopped by the visiting goalkeeper. Midfield dynamo Toby Wright found himself on the wrong side of the fence when he received his second yellow card two minutes before half time. The uphill battle for the ten man Lions team was too tough a task, the second half opening just like the first with Dianella netting number three courtesy of Dragan Njegic. The Lions were left lamenting as the visitors soared, some fine work and a brilliant finish by rising star Boima Karpeh in the 60th minute making the final score 4-0. The only bright light on a dark day for the Lions was a convincing 8-1 rout for their reserves and a 5-0 win for the Under-18 side.
Queens Park attacked from the opening whistle of their home fixture with Morley Windmills and the tactic paid off after just 27 seconds when Glen Noblett converted with an easy tip-in. Windmills fought back strongly with Ray Rose equalising after 28 minutes with a fine shot that flew low in the corner of the net. The Queens Park goalkeeper produced a fantastic save to deny the visitors from taking the lead just minutes later, but there was little he could do to prevent Simon Messenger's header from hitting the net to give Windmills the lead at the break. The second half introduction of Jodi Henderson added some bite to Queens Park's forward line, and a well-directed header by Noblett saw Queens Park equalise with fiftenn minutes remaining. With time running out, Grant Learmont sent his free-kick from 25-metres into the net for Queens Parks' the late winner, while Windmills disappointing day ended with the 89th minute expulsion of striker Ian Ballantyne. With Stirling Lions losing at home, the three points picked up by Queens Park sees them narrow the gap to one point to the League leaders.
Armadale began the final stages of their season in third place, eight points behind Stirling Lions, and at home to Stirling Suns. The Reds created a host of first half chances but had to be content with only a one goal lead at the break courtesy of a 15th minute strike from Jason Goodwin. After an even start to the new half, the Suns ran out of legs midway through the period with an 80th minute goal from Gary Murdoch securing maximum points for the home side. Paul Caulkin made it 3-0 a minute from the final whistle as Armadale move to within five points of next week's opponents, the Lions. The reserves match ended also ended in an easy win for Armadale, 4-2 courtesy of goals from Emlyn Whetnall (2), Darren Ingham and player-coach Byron Wood. It was a goalfest in the Under-18's for the young Reds as Dave Forsythe, Matt Bennion (3), Oliver Crockford, Chris Burns and Peter Taylor (2) found the net in the 8-1 victory.
Bayswater went into their home clash against Mandurah City without the services of six players who have been regulars in the first team this season. The game started well for the visitors who put a lot of pressure on the Bayswater backline before taking a deserved lead after 18 minutes, teenager Jordan Rhodes finding the net with a well taken volley. John Tranfield was denied Mandurah's second by a great reflex save from Adam Ashworth. Bayswater leveled the score on the half-hour via a free-kick which Andrew O'Neill sent flying past goalkeeper Mike Green. But three minutes from the interval Mandurah restored their lead through the First Division's leading scorer Andrew Rennie who raced clear to net for the fourteenth time this year. The home team emerged from the break determined to get back on level terms, and that's exactly what they did after 53 minutes when a Dario Pellicciotti delivered a fine ball from the right to O'Neill who made no mistake from close-range. In a free flowing second half, both sides had the chances to take out maximum points but neither was able to make the most of them as the game petered out to end in a 2-2 draw. The reserves match ended 2-0 in favour of Mandurah as Mikel Sesma and Steve Choate scored, while the Under-18's also went to the visitors by 3-0.
The opening 20 minutes of the fixture between Canning City and Rockingham City was a tight period with neither goalkeeper called into action as a result of some solid defending. Rockingham's Peter Kuzet produced the first shot on goal but his weak header barely tested home goalkeeper Darren Williams. On 25 minutes a well-weighted ball from Ryan Allomes found Anthony Hendriquez who struck his shot low past Rockingham custodian Alan Matteucci to give the home side the lead. A fine ball fromt he right by Shane Nunes teed-up Gi Peter for what should have been the equaliser, but the attacker sent his shot high. Five minutes later Canning doubled their lead when Peter Murphy's free-kick from 25-metres flew over the defensive wall and under the crossbar. Rockingham continued to create chances and either side of the break Christian Alvarez and Nunes were denied by some stubborn defending. The 63rd minute brought Canning's third goal after twins Paul and Mick Van Dongen combined with Paul volleying truly from close-range. Canning rounded out a successful day on the stroke of full-time when Peter Murphy's free-kick came back off the base of the up-right and substitute Gerald O'Brien rammed home the loose ball to make it 4-0.
A Mark Cox hat-trick set Perth City on their way to a 5-2 away win over Wanneroo City. Perth's other goals came from Paul Cummings and Paul Everall while Nigel Tomkinson and Wade Headley were on target from the home side. Balcatta were on fire at home against Leeming Strikers where the final score was 6-1, while South West Phoenix and Southside United battled out a 1-1 draw. Phoenix got on the board through Trent Hathaway with Tony Pritchard the scorer for Southside. Kingsway Olympic had the bye.
3.8.2002
OXFORD TRIALS FOR OLDFIELD
Perth-born David Oldfield is currently on trial with English Third Division club Oxford United but refused to be drawn on speculation that he could be in line for a coaching position with the club. The attacking midfielder last week saw out the full 90 minutes of United's 1-3 friendly loss to Chelsea, and more recently played the opening 87 minutes of their 0-0 draw with Leicester City. "David wants to carry on playing. He's 34 and is very experienced and I thought he was excellent the other night (against Chelsea). It's one we'll keep open," said United manager Ian Atkins recently. Oldfield, whose made over 600 League and Cup appearances since heading overseas in 1986, spent last season as player/coach with Peterborough United.
3.8.2002
MORE SUCCESS FOR TOURING TEENAGERS
After taking our the St. Andrews Tournament in Scotland last week, E.C.U. Western Australia have continued their British tour into Wales where they took part in the Ian Rush Tournament. Widely regarded as Britain's youth competition, the Ian Rush Tournament is held at the University of Wales in the town of Aberytswyth. Some of the players unearthed at the annual event over the years include Michael Owen (Liverpool), Alan Shearer (Newcastle United), and Robbie Keane (Leeds United).
The sides' first game in Wales took place on Monday evening against Oswestry with the late kick-off time of 7.40pm. One way traffic would describe the opening half with the West Australian boys proving to a class above their opponents. While their practically laid siege on the Oswestry goal, it wasn't until the 25th minute that E.C.U. opened the scoring when Ross Casey's pass to Josh Kamasz saw him perfectly positioned to open the floodgates. A quick flick from Tom Jones found it's way into the box and Scott Blackmore doubled the margin. Always a danger on the right flank, Ryan Murphy's cross into the area resulted in Jones adding to the tally. With the half-time whistle approaching and after several near-misses, Blackmore set-up Kamasz for his second and the teams fourth. With the match over as a contest, E.C.U. eased off in the second period but still dominated possession, Jones making the final score 5-0 in what was an easy win.
The following days clash with Carmarthen Town was another one-sided affair. Kamasz gave E.C.U. the lead after 5 minutes when he scored after a corner kick. The Carmarthen goalkeeper was kept busy as shots rained in from the West Australian team and when Rostyn Griffiths headed on to Kamasz the score blew out to 2-0. The Australian youth international, on loan from Fremantle City for the tour, completed his hat-trick shortly after, and a minute from the interval Jones got in on the act to effectively end any chances Carmarthemn had of making a comeback. Several changes were made to the team for the start of the second half but that didn't stop the onslaught. E.C.U. goalkeeper James Fosdike was called into action early in the half but otherwise it was a repeat of the opening period as Daniel DeFazio bagged himself a hat-trick while Casey and Daniel Hendley also got on the scoresheet as the game ended 9-0.
Wednesday's fixture pitted E.C.U. against their strongest opponents yet, Bulith Bulls, provided a good workout for the defence who were well-marshalled by team captain John Morton. Down the other end the goals kept on coming for the touring side, Murphy scoring the opener from a well-struck free-kick before the same player doubled the lead. DeFazio supplied the ammunition for Jones who finished quickly and gave E.C.U. a three-goal half-time lead. Right wing-back Phil O'Callahan proved the source for many of E.C.U.'s best attacking moves of the second half. DeFazio found the side netting and O'Callahan saw his head kept out by the goalkeeper as the West Australian side looked to extend their lead. DeFazio eventually added the fourth goal following a good solo run which began outside the 18-yard. A final flurry of activity saw Hendley's shot go just wide of the up-right while another was saved by the 'keeper as the score stayed at 4-0.
Thursday's semi-final paired E.C.U. with Irish team Stella Marais. With both sides matched in terms of skill and a determination to win, the match started with the West Australian side on the offensive only to be thwarted by a well-drilled defence. Having been on the back-foot for much of the opening spell, Marais fought their way into the game but encountered some strong resistance as Morton and Jake Lennox stood firm at the back for E.C.U. Murphy knocked a corner to Jones who was shot over the bar, and Jones saw another chance saved by the goalkeeper as the half ended scoreless. Shortly after the re-start E.C.U. gotr the ball in the back of the net through a brilliant header from Kamasz but the referee disallowed it for an earlier foul. Not deterred, E.C.U. continued to push forward and took the lead when a lovely cross from Murphy was expertly converted by Kamasz. Both sides playing attacking football until the final whistle but with no further addition to the scoreline it was E.C.U. that progressed to the next day's final.
2.8.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Round Fourteen of the Premier League season gets underway on Saturday with joint-leaders Floreat Athena on the road against a Bassendean Caledonian side who are yet to lose at Jubilee Reserve this season. Inglewood United will be looking to return to winning ways when the take on Fremantle City at Ken Allen Field, while the clash between Swan I.C. and Western Knights could prove to be one of the games of the round. The big northern suburbs derby takes place at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento play E.C.U. Joondalup, and Ashfield host Cockburn City. At Dorrien Gardens on Sunday Perth S.C. come up against Future Glory.
With the second stage of the First Division season having been drawn during the week, leaders Stirling Lions are home to Dianella White Eagles, while Queens Park host Morley Windmills. Armadale have home ground advantage against Stirling Suns, and Bayswater City meet Mandurah City at Frank Drago Reserve. Wanneroo City are home to Perth City, and Canning City take on Rockingham City at John Connell Reserve. Balcatta go head to head with Leeming Strikers, and Southside United play South West Phoenix at Forrest Park. Kingsway Olympic have the bye.
2.8.2002
KAMASZ SHINES IN BRITAIN
Fremantle City's teenage goalscoring sensation Josh Kamasz has managed to turn more than a few heads in the United Kingdom where he's part of the E.C.U. Western Australia squad. Since taking out the Player of the Tournament award at the St. Andrews Tournament in Scotland last week, four British clubs have expressed an interest in the 16-year old striker. English Premier League club Manchester City have been the quickest to act, this week making an official request for the teenager to attend a 10-day trial. It's been a swift rise up through the ranks for Kamasz - 12-months ago he was a regular in Fremantle's Under-18 side and he now finds himself being courted by some of England's top clubs.
2.8.2002
STRONG SCHOOLGIRLS SIDE READY FOR ACTION
With the School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships kicking-off next Sunday (10th August) at the Litis Stadium and Brittania Road Reserve in Mount Hawthorn, State Schoolgirls coach Aric Forman has been hard at work readying his players for the tournament. "We've played quite a few warm-up games and the girls have been really doing well," Forman said this week. "The games have been against all boy teams, under-14 and under-15 sides, they've been pretty tough matches but I'm happy with the way things are going."
Western Australia may not yet have won the championship but the state side has finished as runners-up on four occasions, including each of the past three years. The W.A. squad hoping to go one step better on home soil in 2002 is Ashley Bennett, Helen Bremer, Ciara Conway, Brid Dawson, Catherine Gooding, Stephanie Grant, Carys Hawkins, Lydia Hirst, Meagan Jenyns, Ashley Kane, Jessica Langley, Jessica Pilcher, Candice Townsend, Laura Turnbull, Kylie Woodfin, Stacey Woodfin. Team manager Debbie Constantino is assisting Forman.
1.8.2002
FALLON BEGINS KINGZ TRIAL (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
Former Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup attacker Sean Fallon has been handed trials by National Soccer League outfit the Football Kingz. Fallon signed a short-term deal with the New Zealand-based club last season and, under coach Kevin Fallon, made his debut in the national competition when he came on late in February's 1-0 loss to Perth Glory. The 26 year-old, who has also experience playing in the S-League, is currently training with the Kingz squad under the watchful eye of assistant coach Stu Jacobs.
1.8.2002
WOMEN'S STATE TEAM WIN CUP
The West Australian women's team claimed victory in the Australasian Invitation Cup tournament by taking out Sunday's final in Kuala Lumpur. Coached by former Australian international Alistair Edwards, the State team went through the event undefeated. They opened with a 3-1 win over the Malaysian national team, thrashed the Australian Defence Forces 9-0 and defeated New Zealand Universities 3-0 in the last game of the group stage. Despite going a goal behind in the play-off for silverware against New Zealand Universities, W.A. lifted the trophy after Mia Walker and Lindsey Jobling (2) found the net for a 3-1 final score.
There was further glory of Walker, who plays locally for Floreat Athena, when she was named the tournament's leading scorer with an eight goal haul. The talented 20-year old also collected the Player of the Tournament and the Player of the Final awards. Walker, who has represented Australia at Schoolgirls level, sees the achievement as another step on a road she hopes will one day take her to the United States. "I'd love to get a scholarship in the States and play over there," she said. Edwards was quick to praise the heaped praise young striker who was undoubtedly the stand-out performer for W.A. "I reckon she's good enough to be involved in the Matilda's now and I'll certainly be pushing her claim," the coach said.
Other vital contributors to the success of the State team included defender Tanya Oxtoby, captain Lisa Tana and Debbie Gorton. Edwards, well-known in Malaysian soccer circles after a long and distinguished playing career with Selangor, Johore and Sarawak, was delighted for his players. "They did really well in difficult conditions - it was hot and they were playing games on consecutive days," he said. "We've got a bunch of players in W.A. with national league potential."
31.7.2002
CACERAS AGREES TERMS WITH GLORY
Former Perth S.C. striker Adrian Caceras has agreed terms on a two-year contract to play with Perth Glory in the National Soccer League. Speaking late least week, Glory coach Mich d'Avray said Caceras would be an exciting acquisition for the club. "Soccer in this country needs to have its best young players playing on home soil and Adrian comes into this category. He is a quality player and has some magic touches that I am sure will give the crowd plenty of entertainment ... Perth Glory is all about offering players the chance to make a living from soccer here in Australia and signing Adrian Caceras is a great example of that."
The 20-year old attacker is currently in England where he's on trial with Third Division club Bournemouth. Mid-week Caceras was part of the Cherries side which lost 0-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly, and on Saturday he gave the Third Division club a 26th minute lead against Manchester United before the English giant stormed back to win 2-3. Although trialling in England, Glory officials are confident Caceras will return to Perth shortly. "I was aware that there was a game against Manchester United," d'Avray told "West Australian" reporter Jonathon Cook. "We've got an agreement in place and I envisage he will be here by the weekend."
Having risen up through the ranks locally with Perth, Caceras joined Southampton mid-2000 where he made seven appearances for the Saints' Under-19 side, scoring five times. While he was limited to just one appearance as an unused substitute at senior level, Caceras had an impressive scoring record with the reserves where he played 21 times and found the net 14 time. During his two-year spell in England Caceras also spent a short period on loan to Brentford (6 games) as well as turning out for Hull City (4 games) after being released by the Saints towards the end of the 2001/02 season.
31.7.2002
EYE INJURY SIDELINES ATHENA 'KEEPER
Floreat Athena goalkeeper John Xigas looks like being out of action for some time after being rushed to hospital with a serious eye injury following his clubs 3-3 draw with Perth S.C. on the weekend. Late in the match Xigas made a courageous diving save at the feet of an opponent only to receive a kick in the face for his efforts. "John's eye had nearly popped out of his socket," said Athena coach Taki Lambetsos this week. "I believe the bone holding the eye socket is broken. He had x-rays but a decision on whether or not he needs an operation won't be taken until the swelling goes down." The incident, which resulted in Perth's third goal, outraged Lambetsos. "I couldn't believe the referee allowed the goal to stand for John had the ball in his grasp and then he dropped it when he caught a boot in the face." Also injured in the Premier League fixture were Xigas' teammate Robin Dyers and Troy Bernard. Dyers played for much of the second half with what was initially thought to be a broken arm but was later revealed as severe bruising, while Bernard limped off the park mid-way through the first half after spraining his ankle. Both players were back in training on Tuesday night and are expected to be in contention for a place in the starting line-up for Saturday's showdown with Bassendean Caledonian.
31.7.2002
SENGKANG TIP OUT CUP HOLDERS
Former Sorrento coach Trevor Morgan has lead Sengkang Marine to a memorable 1-0 win over high-flying Home United to send the current Singapore Cup holders tumbling out of this year's knock-out competition at the quarter-final stage. United, placed second on the S-League table, went into the match as red-hot favourites but were humbled by mid-table Sengkang for whom Steven Tan scored the only goal of the game after 14 minutes. Post-match, Morgan said his side were prepared for the challenge posed by United and the Dolphins thoroughly deserved the victory. "Even if we had lost today, I couldn't have asked for more from my players. They were great, they gave their all."
The Sengkang coach opted to start the match with an attack featuring Danny Hill, Grant Holt and Simon Harland - all of whom turned out for Sorrento last season. "When we were losing against Sembawang, we used the same tactics and it paid off for us," said Morgan on his decision to play three up-front. "So going into this game I was thinking 'it's a cup tie, we're at home, and the match is there for us to win' ... so I just went for it, there was nothing to lose." Dolphins captain Tony Carbone - another former Sorrento player - was honoured with the man-of-the-match award for his superb defensive performance. Sengkang will meet Tampines Rovers in the semi-finals.
The win came just four days after Sengkang and Sembawang Rangers fought out an entertaining five-all draw. Sembawang went 2-0 up early on through Hafiz Esah but the teams went into the break on level terms after Harland and Holt found the net. Sembawang restored their two-goal buffer when Pitipong Kuldilog and Noh Alam Shah scored, Hill bagged the Dolphins third in the 76th minute before Pitipong made it 5-3. Harland scored his second in the 87th minute before Tan equalised in stoppage time. Holt, Harland, Carbone and Hill, who was named man-of-the-match, all saw out the full 90 minutes.
30.7.2002
COCKBURN AIM FOR N.S.L. (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Cockburn City have co-opted three high profile businessmen onto their Board of Directors in a bid to secure corporate sponsorship with the aim of gaining National Soccer League status within a few years. The three businessmen who will chasing the dollars are Andrew Johnson, the boss of Westralian Pty Ltd, Ross Thorpe, an accountant, and Harry Atturo, who is the State Manager of Red Dot stores. "They've been brought in with the express purpose of attaining a higher profile for the club," said club secretary Sue Potter. "The N.S.L. is our ultimate aim. We believe it is achievable."
Cockburn City evolved when Spearwood Dalmatinac merged with Cockburn United a few years ago. Dalmatinac nearly gained admission to the N.S.L. 18 years ago when the club had all the financial support in place, but clubs in the eastern states voted against bringing in a team from Perth. If Cockburn realise their dream this time round it's likely they would play their home games in the Cockburn vicinity. It's known that the Cockburn City Council are keen to establish a soccer stadium in the Thompson's Lake area.
The club will also launch a summer academy which will play at Beale Park between October and March. It is hoped some of the academy games will be televised by Channel 31. The Cockburn City Council are already committed to increasing the floodlight capacity at Beale Park. An academy director will be appointed very shortly with some high profile candidates seeking the job.
30.7.2002
MATTHEWS LEADS CALIES REVIVAL (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Bassendean Caledonian might have unearthed a rare gem in striker Graham Matthews, a 20-year old who joined the club this season from Rockingham City. Matthews has only come into the side in a regular basis in the last six or seven weeks and has already bagged four goals. "We don't want to make too much of a fuss over the achievements of Graham or any of our other players," said Calies coach Alan Weir. "No one has really taken too much notice of us in the league and we've managed to work our way into fifth spot." Caledonian's 1-0 win over Cockburn City on the weekend stretched their unbeaten run to five games and was highlighted by a typically determined performance by sweeper Craig Naven, the former Perth Glory star, when his side were under the pump for most of the second half. Another ex-Glory ace, midfielder Paul Strudwick, missed the game because of broken ribs but hopes to be back in action within a week or so.
29.7.2002
PERTH YOUNGSTERS WIN SCOTTISH TOURNAMENT!
E.C.U. Western Australia have taken out the prestigious St. Andrews Tournament in Scotland by defeating reigning champions Bosco Juniors in Friday's (26th July) Final. On their way to lifting the trophy, the local teenagers accounted for the youth teams of St. Johnstone, Glasgow Rangers, Dundee, Dundee United and Kinnoul before defeating Glasgow-based Bosco Juniors in what turned out to be a drama-filled decider.
The West Australian side needed to a positive result from Thursday's final qualifying match against Bosco in order to proceed to the tournament decider. The mid-afternoon start saw E.C.U. get off on the right foot when, in the 5th minute, Tom Jones' flick on to Josh Kamasz saw him control the ball before powering it past the opposing goalkeeper to open their account. Shortly after that lead was extended after a defensive error allowed Kamasz to run from the half way line and into the penalty area before converting. With the side from down under dominating, Ryan Murphy came close to adding to the tally but his shot forced a good save from the Bosco goalkeeper. The second period started with Bosco reducing the arrears after an error in the E.C.U. defence, but otherwise it was the West Australian's that did all the attacking with little reward. A good shot from Kamasz was touched away by the 'keeper and several other chances went begging before a dubious penalty decision gave Bosco an equaliser late in the half as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
In a strange turn of events, E.C.U. Western Australia and Bosco Juniors met for the second time in 24-hours, the second occasion being the tournament's decider. The Australian's got proceedings underway and immediately had their opponents under pressure. Ten minutes in and Ross Carey won possession with an excellent tackle before sending the ball into the path of Kamasz who struck the ball sweetly and into the back of the net to get his side off to the best possible start. The remainder of the half was a relatively even affair with the sides going in to the break on level terms after Bosco found the target late in the period. Bosco started the new half on the offensive with E.C.U. forced to work overtime at the back where John Morton and Darryl Platten were in fine form and snuffing out their opponents best plays. The West Australian side clawed their way back into the match as it progressed but, with neither team able to find the net, the Final went into golden-goal extra-time. E.C.U. came out attacking from the re-start and within five minutes got the goal they were after courtesy of a stunning 20-yard volley from Casey which left the 'keeper with absolutely no chance. Having travelled half way around the world and played nine games in five days, few could deny that the youngsters from Western Australia were worthy winners as captain Morton lifted the trophy. Kamasz, an Australian youth international, took out the Player of the Tournament award.
The successful E.C.U. Western Australia squad is Michael Lawson, James Fosdike, Chris Compton, Daniel Waind, Darryl Platten, John Morton, Daniel Hendley, Rostin Griffiths, Scott Blackmore, Tom Jones, Daniel DeFazio, Josh Kamasz, Phil O 'Callaghan, Jack Hunter, Jake Lennox, Ross Casey, Tom Hunter and Ryan Murphy. John Brown and Michael Quayle are the coaches with team management shared between Jacqui Jones and Mandy Morton. The tour, which now heads to Wales, has been organised by Gary Williams of World Sports Management.
29.7.2002
BAYSWATER DEFEAT WINDMILLS (by Adam Rucci)
In the First Division catch-up game played at the National Stadium tonight, Bayswater City defeated Morley Windmills 3-1 to end the opening phase of the season in fifth place. Missing regulars Kevin Henderson, Dario Pellicciotti, Julian Coci, Gerry McEwan, Mathew Saliacus, Nick Stojanovski and Willie Herd, Bayswater looked to their youth ranks who enthusiastically stepped up to the challenge brimming with confidence. Within a minute of the opening kick Andrew O'Neill struck the crossbar with a stunning volley which caught the Windmills goalkeeper flat-footed. Windmills responded with a long-range shot which caught goalkeeper Adam Ashworth off his line but he recovered to pull off a fine diving save to keep things on a level footing. Despite these early chances, the two sides went into the break with the score tied at nil-all.
Bayswater coach Salv Todaro replaced Pasquale Marrapodi with Ray Ballerini at half time, and two minutes into his senior debut Ballerini converted a cross from O'Neill to open the scoring. Windmills upped the pace and midway through the half won a penalty, but Ian Ballantyne's spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Ashworth. Bayswater doubled their lead after 67 minutes when a fine run by Daniel Naumovski saw him through with only the 'keeper to beat, the ball finding the net courtesy of a lucky deflection off the Windmills player. Ray Rose reduced the margin to a single goal after making the most of a defensive error, but Bayswater secured maximum points in the final minute when Gareth Healey's through ball found Ballerini, he unselfishly crossed to Sal Marrapodi who calmly finished from close-range.
29.7.2002
MURPHY STARTS BLADES TRIAL
Sorrento captain Kevin Murphy was one of two triallists in the Sheffield United reserves' side which drew 1-1 with non-League Lincoln United on Saturday. Kevin Murphy will spent a month with the Blades after older brother and United regular Shaun put his name forward to coach Neil Warnock. "I've asked the Gaffer to have a look at him and he agrees that we have nothing to lose by giving him a trial and a chance to impress," Shaun recently told the clubs official website (www.sufc.co.uk). "I suppose you could say he is a similar player to me when I arrived on these shores a few years ago. He is a wholehearted centre-half with the added advantage of being bigger and also possibly more skillful than me. Because the Australian Leagues are played during the English summer I've been able to watch and monitor his progress over the past couple of years."
28.7.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
The University of W.A. slumped to a 0-1 away defeat by Perth Azzurri in Sunday's W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League fixture. Perth started the better of the two sides and had an early shot go over the bar from inside the box. In the 10th minutes University's Robert Benkovic made a darting run into attack but his shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. A Perth deep free-kick somehow found Robbie Celeste at the back post where he threaded the ball through a congested 6-yard box to hand his side the lead. Mid-way through the opening half University goalkeeper Shayan Young made a great save, and not long after a goal line clearance from Mal Lewington kept their side in the game. The visitors may have dominated the remainder of the half but they were unable to find a way past the Perth custodian. Benkovic went agonising close to equalising with a 51st minute volley, but luck wasn't on University's side today as some solid defending from Perth enabled them to claim all three points. "We conceded a very poor goal and then had to chase the game," said University coach Kevin Burton post-match. "We had four good one to one chances in the first half but our finishing let us down. Our penetration was not good enough in the second half and to their credit Perth Azzurri defended and competed very well." In the reserves, University came from two goals down with twenty minutes remaining to win 5-3, Tom Muirhead (2), Gareth Briggs, Mike Ford and David Berg the scorers.
Balga kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation with a storming 3-1 away win over E.C.U. Joondalup. Playing in front of a large crowd in warm conditions, the game started at a hectic pace with both sides having an even share of the ball. While Balga carved out the best of the early chances, it was Joondalup that scored first when they converted a penalty. For much of the season conceding an early goal would have signalled a Balga collapse, but on this occasion they rolled up their sleeves and pulled together to steer the game in their direction. After a string of unsuccessful shots on goal, the black and greens found themselves back on level terms through a crashing John Summers volley shortly before the interval. The second half started explosively, a long ball by Justin Jensen put Anthony Banham through on goal, he rounded the 'keeper only to be hacked down by a defender. After calm had been restored, the referee send off the Joondalup defender before Steve Hill calmly slotted home the penalty to put Balga in front. Down to ten men, Joondalup lifted and won a succession of corners without threatening the goal. Exploiting the numerical advantage, Balga added to their tally when Willy Lyall combined with Hill to make it 3-1. Joondalup were fortunate the visitors didn't score more as they ran over with the game as Lyall, Craig Chalmers, Banham and Hill all went close.
Although they were held to a 1-1 draw at Fremantle United, Hamersley Rovers remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. With the leaders stumbling, Forrestfield United squandered a golden opportunity to go level with Hamersley when they lost 0-1 at home to Shamrock Rovers. Spearwood Dalmatinac's 1-1 draw with Murdoch University moves them to within striking distance of leaders. And Kwinana United inflicted Subiaco United's twelfth loss of the season when they triumphed 4-0.
27.7.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FOURTEEN (Floreat Athena vs Perth S.C. by Christian Galapolous; Sorrento vs Future Glory by Kerry Slater; Swan I.C. vs Inglewood United by Mike Hennessey)
Floreat Athena and Perth S.C. continue to head the Premier League table, separated only on goal difference, after they fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Litis Stadium on Saturday. Perth took the lead after 19 minutes following a mix-up in the Athena defence which left goalkeeper John Xigas stranded and allowed Andreas Oliveira to net with ease. The goal came at a high price for the home side who shortly after saw classy defender Troy Bernard forced off the pitch with a leg injury. A goal up, Perth steered control of the match in their direction and doubled the margin after 33 minutes when young wingback Rhys Graham flew past an under-manned Athena backline to set-up Mark Pottier who made no mistake from close-range. The second half saw Athena started more confidently and on the hour Ryan Newhill reduced the deficit by heading home Robin Dyers flick on from Kosta Kalavroutziotis' corner. The goal had the effect of breathing new life into the match as hard-working midfielder James Afkos brought the home side back into the contest. In the 67th minute Afkos earned his side a penalty after Rob Giorgi pulled him down inside the box, Newhill sending Perth goalkeeper Rob Scarparolo the wrong way to level the score. Both sides lifted the tempo with the knowledge that a winning goal would take their side into the position of outright League leader. With eighteen minutes remaining Perth nudged in front largely thanks to a mistake by the linesman which allowed Todd Howarth to swoop a loose ball into an empty net as the Athena backline were caught waiting for an offside flag. But just three minutes later Dyers latched on to a long ball and chipped Scarparolo to make it three-all. Athena began to take the upper hand over a clearly tiring Perth side as the clock ticked down by they were unable to find the target despite going close on several occasions. Dyers and Afkos were the stand-out performers for Athena, both players working tirelessly to give their side the dominance in midfield, while for Perth it was Pottier and teenager Graham that chimed in with valuable performances.
Sorrento struggled early but had enough fight to recover from being two goals down after 14 minutes to eventually run out 5-3 winners over Future Glory at Percy Doyle Reserve. The Seagulls kept possession from the kick-off and went into attack where David Foster collided with goalkeeper Michael Basilio as they competed for Craig Wells cross from the right, the injured Foster replaced by Shane Crampton after 4 minutes. On 9 minutes Future beat a lazy off-side trap which allowed Mileta Miletic to advance on Gareth Deeg and slotted the ball past the 'keeper from an angle. Sorrento suffered further damage five minutes later when a defensive mix-up provided Miletic time to pick his spot with a low shot in making it 2-0. A 16th minute cross from the left by Jared Love was nodded on by Ryan Jeans to Ross Greer who steered his header inside the far up-right to reduce the deficit. On 27 minutes Deeg picked up an awkward back pass and referee Ron Tully had no option but to award a free-kick which Miki Vujacic rolled to Shaun Kilkelly who powered his shot into the bottom left corner for Future's third of the afternoon. Three minutes later Crampton's drive came back off Basilio and Glen Thomas was there to shot home. Deeg had to be alert to twice block Robert Cibesku on 40 minutes, and shortly after Basilio was at his best to tip Thomas' long-range effort wide. Early in the second half Sorrento had more injury concerns when Michael Ord succumbed to a knee problem after challenging possession with Chris Ritson. Future looked like collecting all three points before Sorrento mounted a late charge which produced three goals in seven minutes. In the 83rd minute Jeans sent Basilio the wrong way as he levelled the scores from the penalty spot. Two minutes later Crampton's overhead flew past the 'keeper as Sorrento hit the front. Jake Harman should have added another shortly after but he fired high, while down the opposite end Nick Ward latched onto a loose ball only to see his shot fly straight to Deeg. A minute into stoppage time Crampton sealed the win after being put through with only the 'keeper to beat by Greer. The 5-3 result keeps alive the Seagulls finals hopes but came at a price with both David Foster and Michael Ord now in doubt for next week's derby clash with E.C.U. Joondalup.
With four first team regulars absent, Bassendean Caledonian travelled south of the river to take on Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. The visitors came out firing on all cylinders to dominate the opening twenty minutes of this clash and could have twice taken the lead but on both occasions Graeme Matthews failed to make the most of his opportunities. Cockburn created several good chances down the other end, their best coming from Joshua Pescud corners - Craig Naven clearing Denis Stojanovic's header off the line, and later in the half Christian Paschkewitz headed over the bar. A lovely piece of football six minutes before half time saw Jimmy Merkouris release Ramon Westerberger down the right flank and his cross was well met by Matthews who amends for his earlier failures to give the visitors the lead. Cockburn started the second half determined to get back on level terms, Peter Vukmirovic's powerful shot was blocked by Raph Mahoney and shortly after striker Branimir Mikulic shot high from close-range. Caledonian goalkeeper Dusan Martinovic was at his best to deny Paschkewtiz and the 'keeper's confidence only grew as the half progressed. With time against the home side, coach Mark Jackson made full use of his bench in an effort to find an equaliser as Peter Petkovich, Jeff Bright and Shane McNally came on with little success. In a great team performance it was the experience of Naven that helped Caledonian over the line, while Martinovic showed promise with several fine saves.
Swan I.C. finally gained reward for their recent improvement by convincingly defeating Inglewood United 3-1 at the National Stadium on a fine but windy Saturday afternoon. Inglewood took the lead when a rare error by goalkeeper Cory Hugo enabled Paul Lincoln to open the scoring after 37 minutes. But this would not be enough to compensate for the absence of several key players, particularly Alan MacKenzie and captain Daniel Harrop, and Inglewood's lead was short-lived. A fine move from Swan which involved Eddie Mura and Brian Robertson saw Damian Scali drove the ball past the goalkeeper for his first goal of the day. Early in the second half Swan took a deserved lead when Damian Scali headed in a high ball to make it 2-1 with 48 minutes elapsed. Under the guidance of joint-coach Gary Marocchi, Swan have looked a better proposition and looked the better of the two sides on the park. All three points were wrapped up a minute from full-time when Robertson teed-up Damian Scali who completed his hat-trick with another fierce drive. The win sees Swan pull six points clear of bottom side Ashfield who now seem doomed for relegation from the top flight.
The Western Knights climbed to equal third after a 4-0 victory over bottom side Ashfield at Nash Field. Stuart Montgomery gave the Knights the lead after 19 minutes and Ray Marinovic made it 2-0 four minutes from half-time. Carl Medica extended the lead eight minutes into the second half before Marinovic struck his second of the afternoon with 57 minutes gone. Having gone six weeks without victory, the Knights have now won their past two encounters and are well and truly back in the title hunt.
E.C.U. Joondalup improved their chances of taking part in the end of season play-offs with a 3-2 home win over Fremantle City. Young midfielder Llewlleyn Bake gave the port side the lead after only 4 minutes but the home side hit back when John Higgins' corner was converted by striker Andy Mason after 24 minutes. Nine minutes into the second half defender Jamie Kuzmanovich made it 2-1 before the prolific Garin Collins knocked in Joondalup's third goal in the 79th minute. Teenager Matthew Danskin came off the bench and scored Fremantle's second goal two minutes later to set up a tense finish. The loss severely dented Fremantle's play-off aspirations, the club sitting in tenth place and fast losing ground on those above them.
27.7.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP
Sorrento's players managed to score all four goals in the one-sided reserves clash with Future Glory at Percy Doyle Reserve. Jake Harman made no mistake after being set up by Dejan Gurovski after 14 minutes, and eight minutes later Bryan Hedges provided the ammunition for the Seagulls second with a fine cross from the right which was headed in unchallenged at the far post by Gurovski. A minute from the break, a Harman shot from distance was misjudged by goalkeeper Michael Smerilli and hit the back of the net for the Sorrento players' tenth goal of the campaign. The second half saw many missed chances before the ball found the Future net after 83 minutes when Shaun Mooney, who had an excellent match in the center of the home defense, deflected a low cross into his own net. The wins lifts Sorrento to fifth place on the table.
The top of the reserves tables is becoming congested with five points separating the top five teams. Inglewood United reclaimed top spot on the table by hitting four past Swan I.C. without reply. Goals by Garry Murray and Andy Stefanovski weren't enough for E.C.U. Joondalup who drop to second as a result of their 2-6 home loss to Fremantle City, Michael Vaz, Kevin Correia, John Mirco, John Migas and Joe Liguan finding the net to lift the port side into third place. Perth S.C. dropped one place to fourth after playing out a scoreless draw with Floreat Athena. Cockburn City notched up their fifth home win of the season with a resounding 7-0 thrashing of Bassendean Caledonian. Roberto Colalillo and Fabio Fusari both netted twice as Cockburn went on the rampage, Dean Wallace, Jeff Bright and Bryn Griffiths also getting their names on the scoreboard in what was Cockburn's best performance of the season. Tristan Carroll (2), Steve Sulenta and Eric Kuzmar were the scorers for Western Knights when they defeated Ashfield 4-3.
Sorrento recorded a very good win by coming from behind with ten men against Future Glory in the Under-18's competition. Future took the lead early through a successful penalty kick by goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski, but that was cancelled out by Daniel Cain after 26 minutes. Five minutes into the second half Barry Briman put Sorrento into the lead, and Future drew level when Vrteski converted from the spot for the second time today. Joe Woodin had to an early shower after receiving his second caution. However, in a very good performance from the home side, the winning goal originated from left back and progressed to Will Kirkpatrick on the right wing who crossed for Farrell Hedges to head his ninth of the season.
It's also getting tight at the top of the Under-18's table where a single point separates three clubs. Perth S.C. (32 points) remain on top despite losing 0-1 to Floreat Athena, Rodrigo Agguirre the scorer of the games only goal. Fremantle City, whose away match with E.C.U. Joondalup was postponed, shared second place with Sorrento on 31 points. Cockburn City defeated Bassendean Caledonian 4-1 through goals by Fabio de Oliveira, James Walsh, Daniel Palermo and Lee Westlake. Matyas Balogh, James Comi and Daniel Evans enabled Inglewood United to down Swan I.C. 3-0. The points were shared at Nash Field where Western Knights and Ashfield fought out a 3-3 draw, Toby Prosin, Stuart Purvis and Andrew Jennings scoring for the Knights) while Adam Quinn, James Morris and Daniel Dawson were successful for the visitors.
27.7.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Armadale vs Morley Windmills by Michael Di Pietro; Kingsway Olympic vs Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Stirling Suns vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)
A man-of-the-match performance by Riste Stefoski helped pave the way for Stirling Lions 5-0 home thumping of Perth City. It was a totally switched on Lions outfit that emerged from the players tunnel, and any late-comers missed one of the goals of the season when veteran defender Andy Wright unleashed a 30-metre scorcher that rocketed into the top corner of the net in the opening minute. Andy Wright almost made it two in five minutes when his near post header came within inches of the target. With a top eight finish on offer, Perth City responded to the Lions early blitz by slowly getting into the contest, but captain Barry McLeod let his side down following a crude challenge on Bobbi Klenkovski which saw him booked for the tackle then dismissed for dissent after 35 minutes. The home team seized the immediately seized the initiative but both Keegan Ashley and Rob Milevski were denied by brilliant saves from City custodian John Bosus. Stefoski went on a long run from the back in the 43rd minute before laying the ball off to Klenkovski who beat the off-side trap and cleverly chipped the 'keeper to make it 2-0. A minute into first half stoppage time that margin became three goals when Stefoski's cross was nodded in by Milevski. The second period began with the Lions pressing for further goals. And the crowd were treated to another stunner in the 55th minute, good lead-up work from Darko Ilmanovski saw Toby Wright break down the right and cross to Klenkovski whose first time volley rocketed into the net off the up-right. The Lions depth was demonstrated with the introduction of Adam Rains who provided even more life to an already creative midfield, and in the 65th minute Rains nailed his sides fifth goal from close range after the 'keeper failed to hold Milevski's shot. The reserves game was both thrilling and controversial before ending in a 3-3, while the Under-18's match went to City by 3-1.
Armadale coach Billy Russell made several changes to his line-up for the home clash with Morley Windmills in an attempt to stem a continuous run of draws. Chances fell freely to the home side in the opening 45 minutes but only Paul Caulkin was successful in finding the net after 14 minutes. Down the other end goalkeeper Craig Olenjeki was in superb form to thwart the opposing side with several classic saves that would prove crucial in the outcome of this match. Ten minutes in the second half Gary Murdoch tightened Armadale's grip on their first win in seven weeks, Windmills pegged a goal back after 62 minutes through Ray Rose, but Brion Griffith sealed the Reds' win with their third goal in the 82nd minute. Armadale would rue a string of missed opportunities as the reserves match ended in a 1-1 draw, Dave Williams opening the score in the 80th minute before Windmills levelled from the penalty spot just three minutes later. The Under-18's proved to be a stroll in the park for Armadale as goals by Steve Flynn, Dave Forsyth, Peter Taylor (2), Darryll Perrella and Oliver Crockford handed them victory by 6-1.
Leeming Strikers played host to a Mandurah City outfit who could not afford to lose if they were to hold on to fourth spot on the First Division table. The visitors started brightly with some great attacking moves courtesy of fine distribution from Sean Kearns and Jordan Rhodes. But it was the Strikers that took the lead after 9 minutes when the ball somehow ended in the back of the net after the ball ricocheted off three players. Despite dominating the opening half, it wasn't until shortly after the interval that Mandurah equalised through Sean Kearns who tucked away a great cross from Rhodes. With Mandurah looking set to add to their tally, Cliff Kearns received his marching orders in the 55th minute. The Strikers made the most of the numerical advantage and raced to a two-goal lead after Richard Du Santon and John Sherrington scored. Mandurah reacted in the only way they could and attacked relentlessly, Michael Bobridge pulling a goal back after skillfully shrugging off the home defence. With five minutes remaining, Sean Kearns bagged his second goal of the day to level the scores and give Mandurah a well-deserved if hard-earned point. The reserves clash saw Mandurah claim victory by 3-2 after Carlos Almieda (2) and Mikel Sesma found the net, while the Under-18's saw the points shared in a 2-2 draw.
It was a dark day for Bayswater City who put in their worst performance of the 2002 campaign to be out-played by strugglers Kingsway Olympic. The match started well for Bayswater with Andrew O'Neill going close to bagging the opener but his effort was well saved by the Olympic goalkeeper. Just after the half-hour Dario Pellicciotti's rasping shot from 18-metres was deflected for a corner as Bayswater failed to create space in attack. Olympic were denied what looked a certain goal from long-range by goalkeeper Mathew Saliacus, and shortly after the home side squandered a holden opportunity when a header was placed over the bar from 7-metres. The second half saw O'Neill miss a sitter from close-range, then striker Sal Marrapodi failed to convert with a poorly taken penalty kick. Olympic continued to press forward and were rewarded five minuets from the end when they put away an easy chance which gave them just their third win from sixteen games. Olympic took out the reserves by 2-0, while the Under-18's went 2-1 in favour of Bayswater.
With key players Mick Van Dongen (suspended) and Paul Daly (injured) absent, it was an under-strength Canning City side that visited Brian Burke Reserve for the clash with Stirling Suns. The home side dominated much of the first half, creating eight scoring chances to Canning's three but neither was able to find the net over the 45 minute period. With Canning's Darren Williams by far the busier of the two goalkeepers, Rydeen Botha came closest to a first half goal with a 25-metre cracker which struck the crossbar after 30 minutes. The second half continued in the same vein with Canning desperately clearing the ball from in front of their goal on several occasions. However, the visitors luck could not hold out against such relentless pressure and in the 78th minute Miladin Gugaroski volleyed into the top corner of the net from the edge of the penalty box. Gugaroski was also involved in Stirling's second goal, back-heeling into the path of Gareth Banfield shot low past Williams to make it 2-0. Canning's best chance of the game came shortly after when Patrick Fitzgerald had a well struck shot headed off the line. While the absence of creative midfielders Daly and Van Dongen exposed a lack of depth in the Canning squad, the club can take solice from the fact that there are a number of quality juniors coming up through their ranks. Canning's loss saw them slip to thirteenth - five weeks ago the club were seventh - and will now compete in lower half competition for the remainder of the First Division season.
Currently four points behind leaders Stirling Lions sit Queens Park who on the weekend made the long journey to Bunbury where they defeated South West Phoenix 3-2. First half goals from Daniel Bush, Gary Abraham and Steve Sauzier set the visitors on the road to victory before Gary Mayers and Chris Normanton reduced the margin. Dianella White Eagles snuck into the top half of the table with a 2-1 win over Balcatta, Dragan Njegic and Boima Karpeh on target for Dianella with Mark Gentile bagging Balcatta's lone goal. Rockingham City defeated Southside United 1-0, and bottom side Wanneroo City had the bye.
26.7.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
The biggest game this weekend in the Premier League takes place at Litis Stadium where joint-leaders Floreat Athena and Perth S.C. go head-to-head. The corresponding fixture last year produced seven goals with the home side triumphing by the odd-goal, and other thriller is expected on Saturday. There are also a couple of important mid-table clashes with Cockburn City meeting Bassendean Caledonian, and E.C.U. Joondalup up against Fremantle City. Inglewood United are expected to account for Swan I.C. at the National Stadium, while Western Knights should ‘do the double’ when they host Ashfield. On Sunday the action takes place at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento host Future Glory.
It should also be an interesting weekend in the First Division as sides challenge for a place in the top half of the table. Dianella White Eagles (10th) have the home ground advantage over Balcatta (7th) with both sides able to finish in the top eight. Other sides in the hunt are Morley Windmills (away, 6th), Perth City (away, 8th), Stirling Suns (home, 9th) who play Armadale, Stirling Lions, Canning City, respectively. Queens Park make the trip to Bunbury where they’ll face South West Phoenix, and Leeming Strikers play Mandurah City. Elsewhere, Kingsway Olympic host Bayswater City, Rockingham City met Southside United, and bottom side Wanneroo City have the bye.
Footnote : Soccer West Coast this week overturned the result of the game between Wanneroo City and Balcatta which was played on 29th June after confirming Wanneroo played an ineligible player. The match has been awarded to Balcatta by 3-0.
26.7.2002
BRITISH TOUR GOING WELL FOR JOONDALUP YOUNGSTERS
The Under-17 team from E.C.U. Joondalup’s Saints Academy have made an eye-catching start to their month-long tour of Great Britain. After a series of warm-up games, the side - playing under the moniker E.C.U. Western Australia - recently started the St. Andrews Tournament with a stirring 5-3 win over Scottish club St. Johnstone. With a number of English clubs having already expressed their interest in several of the Perth teenagers, E.C.U. will also take part in the prestigious Ian Rush Tournament in Wales that gets underway next week.
Despite the long journey, the West Australian team started their British tour with a strong showing against the Portsmouth Under-17 side. While the overcast and breezy conditions for the 6.30pm kick-off were less than ideal, a lively match ensued with Pompey finding the net first after via a goalmouth scramble. But the visitors from abroad responded swiftly as Josh Kamasz found the target with a blistering shot from 18-metres. E.C.U. made full use of their bench for the second half but it was Portsmouth that score eighteen minutes in. Showing they meant business, E.C.U. equalised after Tom Jones’ free-kick was spilled by the goalkeeper and Phil O’Callaghan pounced to level the match at 2-2, which was the final score.
Birmingham City, whose players were in fact a year older than their opponents, were next on the agenda and the tourist found themselves with a surprise early lead after a Birmingham defenders’ miscued pass-back lobbed over his own goalkeeper and nestled in the back of the net. E.C.U. created some good opportunities to make the most of the situation, Jones and Ross Casey going close, before Casey’s 23rd minute cross into the box saw Kamasz put away his second goal in as many games. The introduction of O’Callaghan, Jake Lennox, Daniel Defazio and Chris Compton. Birmingham put themselves back in the match when they netted from a defensive error and, after a couple of unsuccessful attacks by the Australians, a superb long-range from Scott Blackmore re-stored the two-goal buffer. The Blues mounted a late resurgence, pegging the margin back with a quickly taken free-kick from the edge of the area, then equalising via the penalty spot in the games dying minutes.
Monday 15th July saw E.C.U. take on the youngsters from English Premier League side Aston Villa over three 30-minutes periods. Villa took the opportunity to utilise their full squad, effectively meaning the visitors faced a different team in each of the games thirds. Playing against full-time professionals in the opening period, E.C.U. found themselves 0-2 down after 30 minutes. The second third saw the visiting team up against players of their own and E.C.U. got back on level terms with Jones and Casey knocking the ball past the goalkeeper. The final period saw some entertaining end-to-end football with illa scoring with a late header to win the game 3-2.
Two days later the West Australians produced their best performance to date against a very strong Manchester City Under-18 team that included three England internationals, two Republic of Ireland internationals and a half-a-million pound centre-half recently signed from Sampadoria. Played over three 25-minute periods, E.C.U. found themselves under the hammer for opening quarter-hour while they adjusted to the pace of the game. Once they found their feet, the Australians took the game up to their Manchester opponents and were unlucky not to snatch the lead as Kamasz, Jones, Casey and Defazio all went close to scoring. But, after a tight encounter, City proved too strong by scoring twice in the final ten minutes to take out the match 2-0.
The Australians started their Scottish campaign with a cracking 5-3 win over St. Johnstone in the St. Andrews Tournament on Monday (22nd July). First half goals from Tom Hunter, Blackmore and Casey gave the E.C.U. side a comfortable lead at the break. It was a more determined St. Johnstone that emerged for the second half and reigning in the margin in the 50th minute, but shortly after Ryan Murphy restored the three-goal buffer. The Scots responded with another goal within five minutes and when Jones scored with a spectacular diving header to make it 5-2 the game was effectively over as a contest. To their credit, St Johnstone continued to plug away and were rewarded with a late consolation goal.
The following day proved to be a tough test for the West Australian side with two games against strong opposition. They started off with an afternoon kick-off against Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers who were the first to find the net, E.C.U. slipping two goals down before they knew it. Showing they weren’t there just to make up the numbers, the Perth boys fought their way back in the game and reduced the deficit after 55 minutes when Casey won possession and set Kamasz through to score from 15-metres. Ten minutes Casey won the ball to once again release Kamasz who this time finished brilliantly from 30-metres. From that stage the Australian side controlled the match and were very unlucky not to take out full points as Rangers held on for a 2-2 draw.
Just an hour after their grueling draw with Rangers, a very tired E.C.U. line-up faced off against a fresh Dundee side. The tourists spent much of the opening period on the defensive against a fast flowing Scottish side, bit after the break it was a different story as E.C.U. forged their way back into the game. Jones and Murphy saw shot come back off the frame of the goal before the latter Murphy slotted home from a Hunter corner. Having clung to their one-goal advantage for much of the period, E.C.U. wrapped up the result five minutes from full-time when Blackmore got on the end of cross from Jake Lennox to make the final score 2-0.
Dundee United were the opponents on Day Three the St. Andrews Tournament in a match that was played at break-neck pace. The Scottish side came close with an early corner which was headed past the up-right, while at the opposite end Kamasz shot wide. A corner from Hunter saw Jones’ header deflected off the line by a Dundee opponent. Then a free-kick to the Scottish club saw them take the lead after 30 minutes. E.C.U. replied through Kamasz who smacked a blinding shot into the net for the equaliser. Dundee restored the lead and the sides almost went into the break on level terms when Jones’ teed-up Kamasz whose shot was deflected wide of the left post by the goalkeeper. A spectacular cross from Kamasz after 50 minutes resulted in Jones burying the ball with a diving header, and Casey’s long pass enabled Kamasz to power E.C.U. into the lead for the first time today. Goalkeeper Michael Lawson prevented Dundee from scoring via a dead ball, and the match was put beyond doubt when the ball bounced off Kamasz and Casey was on hand to volley it home, taking the score to 4-2.
That evening from 7.30, E.C.U. came up against Kinnoul and another fast-flowing game. The West Australian side again found themselves doing a lot of the early defending but slowly found their rhythm and took control of the match. In the 30th minute Casey’s cross was met by Murphy who headed the ball into the top corner of the net to open E.C.U.’s account. Further chances came the way of Casey, Murphy, Jones and Griffiths before, right on the stroke of half-time, good work on the right flank by Kinnoul resulted in an equaliser to Kinnoul. The Scots started the new half at a blistering pace and within five minutes found themselves 2-1 courtesy of a strike from 20-metres. This woke the Australian side who hit the crossbar three times and the post once in the next ten minutes. Eventually Jones broke through to out-pace the defence and round the goalkeeper to level the scores at 2-2. Five minutes later a fine volley from 20-metres by Casey slammed into the back of the net to put E.C.U. in front, but with time running out Kinnoul put the Perth boys under pressure by equalising from a corner. With the female Canadian contingent of a large crowd lending their vocal support to the E.C.U. side, Lennox nodded in Hunter’s final minute corner to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Australian’s.
25.7.2002
OLD RECORD SMASHED
Without any shadow of a doubt, 2002 has been the most successful year to date for the Western Australian Soccer Website - and we’ve got the figures to prove it! Up until midnight last night (Wednesday), a grand total of 43,720 visitors have logged on to www.soccerwa.com to check out the latest news and happenings on the local soccer scene. While we are only seven months into the year, this already surpasses the previous best 12-month total which was recorded last year when 43,107 visitors were registered.
Monday (22nd July) was the day on which last years all-time record was broken - it also marked our second best day with 362 visitors logged. The honour of the best single day EVER goes to Monday 20th May when 404 hits were received. May 2002 currently stands as our best month, 9,127 hits recorded as visitors tracked the progress of the State Under-19 side in France. The week starting Monday 8th May is our best seven-day total when 2,127 hits were registered although, going on recent figures, that tally will also be broken in the not-too-distant future.
25.7.2002
OPTIONS INGLEWOODS’ STRONG POINT
Inglewood United have emerged from a worrisome mid-season slump by stringing together four consecutive wins, bagging 17 goals in the process. The return to form has come as welcome relief for coach Steve Parkinson whose side have climbed to third place on the Premier League table, just four points behind joint-leaders Perth S.C. and Floreat Athena. “We are now starting to gain some consistency in both results and performance but we’re still a long way from where I want the team to be. We’ve created a lot of goal scoring opportunities in the last month and we have a number of players capable of putting the ball in the net, which is something not many clubs have - Paul Lincoln, Elton Holmes, Andy Cornmell, Alan MacKenzie, Louis Parkinson and Michael Bacysinski are all capable - and this gives us the variation and depth needed over a full season.”
They may have defeated Sorrento 2-0 last weekend, but Inglewood rode their luck for much of the afternoon as the northern suburbs side squandered chance after chance in front of goal. Although Inglewood stuck to their guns, made the most of their chances and came away with all three points. “But it was probably our poorest display of the season,” Parkinson said after the game. “However, I believe that it all balances out in the end. An example of that was last season when we lost at home 3-4 to Sorrento - we deserved to win 6-4 that night - and they went on to win the League. You create you own luck, so I will take Saturday’s result.”
Goalkeeper Oliver Taseski was undoubtedly the star performer against Sorrento, while veteran midfielder Alan MacKenzie has shown his quality since joining the club early in the 2002 campaign. “I have been waiting for Olly to produced that performance since I took over at the club. He is very capable, once he gains consistency and a greater belief in his own talent then he will be ready to play at the next level - he’s set his own bench mark now and the rest is up to him. As for Alan, he’s done exactly what we brought him to the club for, a true professional who still has a lot that the younger players can learn from.”
But the Inglewood coach was hesitant to single out other players for praise, stating that there has been an overall improvement throughout his squad that has benefitted Inglewood through increased competition for places in the first team. “I look at each player and see an improvement in the whole squad. The greatest improvement is that of the number of players from the Under-21’s who are looking capable of coming into the senior squad, it’s maybe that fact that is making the players holding positions to look over their shoulder. The current squad knows that I will bring in anyone who shows that he is better than what we currently have.”
With thirteen games gone in the 22-game home-and-away series, 2002 has been a very winter with a number of clubs capable of going all the way and winning the Premier League championship. Currently in the second of a three-year plan to bring that trophy to Inglewood, Parkinson said his side would be up there at seasons’ end but that they weren’t quite ready to be crowned champions just yet. “Our aim is top five and a place in the Boral Cup Final. This season we consider ourselves as a challenger and not a contender ... Perth, Floreat Athena and Western Knights are contenders and I expect the league title to be won by one of those three sides.”
25.7.2002
SCHOOLBOYS READYING THEMSELVES FOR TOURNAMENT
Although hindered somewhat by injury, the State Schoolboys are making headway as they prepare for next month’s School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships that are being staged in Perth. Once again under the guidance of coach Tony Ratcliffe, the side started their warm-up schedule with a crushing 7-1 win over a youth team from Stirling Lions’ before recording a 1-0 result over the State Under-16 team. A 1-1 draw with the W.A. Amateur team followed, while on Monday night they were held to the same score by an Ashfield under-20 line-up. The Schoolboys hope to wrap up their preparations next week with a friendly against Floreat Athena at Litis Stadium.
“We’ve got a great bunch of lads here and one of the best things about the team this year is the level of camaraderie amongst the players,” said Ratcliffe, whose preparations have been hampered by injury. Midfielder Craig Simpson was forced to withdraw from squad after breaking his leg playing at club level for Perth S.C., while Michael Bushby and Damir Kuduzovic have missed recent activities with leg injuries. The full W.A. Schoolboys squad is Dinko Ahmetanovic (Cyril Jackson Senior Campus), Dean Aplegren, Kris Haxton, Chris Wylie, Jeff Bright, Alan Mattecucci, Nick Ward (John Curtin S.H.S.), Igor Arsovski (Mirrabooka S.H.S.), Michael Bushby (Canning College), Adam Calleja (Mandurah Catholic College), Jordan Conti (Guildford Grammar), John Freeman (Scotch College), Colin Gilchrist (Wesley College), Chris Hart (Forrestfield S.H.S.), Bryan Hedges (Greenwood S.H.S.) and Damir Kuduzovic (Lockridge S.H.S.).
24.7.2002
DUNLOP TRIALS IN SYDNEY
Bassendean Caledonian goalkeeper Alan Dunlop will miss this weekend’s clash with Cockburn City as he’ll be in Sydney where on trial with National Soccer League clubs Marconi Stallions and Olympic Sharks. Having spent his junior years with Caledonian, the Scottish-born shot-stopper joined Fremantle City in 1999 and played a key part in the club lifting their first ever Premier League title the following year. He was part of the W.A. State side that played Perth Glory and the Malaysian Under-23 side towards the end of 2000, but he was forced to miss much of last season due to injury. The 22-year old re-joined Caledonian this year and has been an ever-present as the club shape up for a top five finish.
24.7.2002
WHERE TO NOW FOR THE FIRST DIVISION?
Following a decision made by the First Division clubs earlier this year - a decision which was later endorsed by Soccer West Coast - the league will split into two with the completion of Saturday’s round of fixtures. The top eight clubs will then meet eachother once over coming months with the team finishing at the head of the First Division table winning promotion to the Premier League, providing they meet the criteria as set down by S.W.C. Although their season will run a week longer, the bottom nine First Division clubs will also meet before the First Division season comes to a close on 28th September. It should be noted that all points, etc accumulated over the opening 17 rounds of the season will be carried over in this final stage of competition.
The controlling body are currently in the process of planning out season 2003. “If - and that’s a big if - we get a merger between any of the clubs, I would like to see a Premier League of twelve teams and a First Division of fourteen or sixteen. S.W.C. would prefer a single First Division competition, but if this doesn’t happen then we may see the same situation as this year … I doubt there will be a Second Division next year,” S.W.C. president David Schrandt said this week. S.W.C. are also negotiating with Future Glory officials regarding their inclusion in the league next year. “I believe Future has had a positive impact on our competition, not only financially but also in terms of exposure. The Board of S.W.C. is confident that Future will be in the Premier League in 2003.”
23.7.2002
S.W.C. PLAN NEW YOUTH TOURNAMENT (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Soccer West Coast will hold an end-of-season Cup tournament for Under-18 teams and are inviting expressions of interest from all clubs. The event will be held over two weekends (26th/27th October and 3rd November). Clubs can have more than one representative team in the tournament and non-S.W.C. clubs are welcome to participate. There will be a fee of $150 per team which will cover all referees fees and ground hire. The event will also be used by S.W.C. coaching staff to identify players with the potential to be included in the State Under-19 team.
23.7.2002
STATE SIDE INVITED TO ITALY (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
The State Under-19 team have been formally invited to compete in next year’s Viareggio Carnivale, widely considered to be one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world. Held in Italy every year since 1949, the young teams of such giants as Juventus, Torino, Empoli, Fiorentina, A.C. Milan and Partizan Belgrade have won the event. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young players,” said . Soccer West Coast general manager Paul Tombides. “It’s a massive tournament and attracts teams and scouts from all over the world.” Tombides said that his organisation was hoping to raise $100,000 to cover the expense of competing in the tournament which will be staged from 17th February to 3rd March next year. “We are hopeful that the soccer community will get behind us to support this venture,” Tombides added. S.W.C. also has the option of sending an Under-19 team to Spain. The Under-19’s took part in a tournament in France last May, when they finished sixth out of the twelve competitors.
23.7.2002
ROCKINGHAM TO PLAY GLORY (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
First Division side Rockingham City have pulled off something of a coup in organising a glamour friendly against Perth Glory at Dowling Street Reserve on Saturday, 17th August from 3.00pm. Rockingham will cancel their League match that day. The clubs juniors will also meet the Glory Academy from 11.00am while Rockingham’s Under-18’s will play the reserves, from 1.00pm. A signed Glory shirt will be raffled, while entry will be by donation. Rockingham’s Glory Supporters Club will be doing a special drive on the day to entice new members.
22.7.2002
JOONDALUP TEENAGER JOINS BURNLEY
16-year old Ryan Townsend has become the latest Australian to head overseas in search of a professional career. Townsend, who played locally with Kingsway Olympic, Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup as a junior, is currently training in England with the Under-19 side at First Division Burnley after impressing during an initial trial period earlier this year. The Clarets have offered the former State Under-15 representative, who arrived in Perth in 1994 with his family from England, a three-year scholarship.
Townsend has also attracted the interest of several other English clubs. Following a ten-day spell with Reading he was offered a three-year scholarship but that amounted to nothing when negotiations between the club and Joondalup broke down. And Sheffield Wednesday were also keen after Townsend turned out for their Under-17 side against Southampton, “But they couldn’t include him in the squad because they were committed to other players,” George Townsend, Ryan’s father, told David Marsh of the “West Australian” this week. “I then phoned Burnley and told them I thought my boy was good. They said they’d have a look at him.”
22.7.2002
SET-BACK FOR HOWELLS
Cheltenham Town’s Lee Howells has suffered a major set-back in his recovery from injury with confirmation this week that he’ll be out of action until December. The long-serving midfielder broke his leg in early February’s away clash with Bristol Rovers, and initial reports indicated he’d be sidelined for between five and six months. But a visit to a new specialist recently confirmed that it would be December before Howells could play again.
Fremantle-born Howells has been part of the Robins squad since late 1991, despite tempting offers from elsewhere, and has become the third highest appearance maker in the clubs history with over 400 games to his credit. A member of the Cheltenham side that won promotion from the Dr Martens League before claiming the F.A. Trophy and Conference titles, Howells had been a fixture in the centre of midfield prior to his injury.
21.7.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
Spearwood Dalmatinac have come away with maximum points after defeating University of W.A. 4-0 in Sunday’s W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League clash at McGillivary Oval. Dalmatinac started brightly by taking the lead after 6 minutes when a long-range strike crashed against the crossbar and Chad Condipodero reacted quickest to volley home the rebound. Shortly after Charlie Condipodero hit an excellent low shot from 25-metres which flew into the corner of the goal to double the margin. For their part, University were unable to convert the scattered half chances which came their way. The second half saw University step up the pressure and ten minutes into the new period Joe Collins hit the bar with a sharp header from a corner. However, the gap blew out to three goals when Charlie Condipodero popped up to nail another long-range bomb and extinguish University’s hopes of salvaging anything from the game. Ten minutes from the end University goalkeeper Shayan Young parry another good shot, but unfortunately for defender Steve Padbury it struck him and ended up in the back of the net to make the final score 4-0. “Spearwood’s movement off the ball was very good and they hit us well on the break whenever we applied pressure,” said University coach Kevin Burton after the game. “I suspect they will be right up there come the end of the season.” In the reserves, University came away 4-1 victors to remain in second spot on the table. Stefan Masur, Lee Stickells (2), and an own goal tallied up University’s goal, while Michael Forzatti scored for Dalmatinac.
Balga’s struggling first team produced a battling performance at Carine Reserve to come away with a point against League leaders Hamersley Rovers. Played in sunny and warm conditions, the visiting team started just as brightly and stunned their rivals with some clever football, soaking up the early pressure before going on the offensive themselves. With Justin Jensen and Steve Hill controlling the middle of the park, forwards Willy Lyall and Anthony Banham carved out several opening over the first 45 minutes only to see the Rovers agile goalkeeper keep their best efforts out. Although the first half ended scoreless, there was plenty on-field action to keep the crowd entertained as the new period started at a cracking pace. The home side eventually began to dominate proceedings, twice rattling the crossbar while Paul Cunningham made several good saves to keep his side in the hunt. Breaking on the counter-attack, Balga were awarded a penalty when Lyall was up-ended in the box, but Jensen’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by the home ‘keeper. Sensing the match was theirs for the taking, the visitors upped the ante over the closing stages but were unable to get the goal which would have resulted in three much needed points.
Forrestfield United’s 3-2 away win over Subiaco United keeps them in second place on the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Hamersley. In other games, Murdoch University defeated Fremantle United 2-1, and Shamrock Rovers thumped Perth Azzurri 5-1 on home turf. Winners for just the third time this season, Kwinana United accounted for E.C.U. Joondalup 4-2.
21.7.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND THIRTEEN (Cockburn City vs Swan I.C. by Lennie Bavich)
Gloomy, overcast conditions greeted the players as they stepped into the playing arena for Saturday’s Premier League clash between Inglewood United and Sorrento at the National Stadium. The home side started with a flurry with Elton Holmes’ close-range shot spectacularly saved by Sorrento custodian Gareth Deeg. But it was the visitors that would dominate the opening half with Michael Ord in electrifying form on the right flank where he combined to great effect with Peter Butler and Kevin Murphy. Inglewood goalkeeper Oliver Taseski was called into action for the first time in the 13th minute when he knocked Murphy’s close range header over the bar following an in-swinging corner from Ryan Jeans which was flicked on at the near post by Steven MacDonald. In the space of six minutes Sorrento could have had two goal as Jared Love drilled the ball narrowly high from 20-metres, and Ord shot just wide after seizing upon a defensive error.
A long ball pumped from the back by MacDonald in the 25th minute caught the home defence napping as Love raced clear only to knock his shot over the bar. By this stage Sorrento were completely in control of the middle third and there was little the home side could do but batten down the hatches and hope that the storm would pass. After a good build-up involving five players, Love turned a defender and shot from the top corner of the box to stretch but not really test Taseski. Minutes later Murphy found Lee Burns who played the ball forward to Jeans, he threw off an opponent only to rifle narrowly wide of the up-right from 16-metres. And on the half-hour Glen Thomas’ delicate curling shot was destined for the top corner before Taseski launched himself at the ball, tipping it to safety and conceding the corner.
Inglewood eventually found their rhythm and came into the game with Scott Campbell creating room to manoeuvre wide on the right. The midfielder played a short ball to Holmes after 33 minutes which the striker rocketed across the face of goal. A lively attacking move three minutes later saw Alan MacKenzie get behind the defence and round Deeg only to for his shot to be cleared off the line by a fast back-tracking MacDonald. Campbell again provided the ammunition when his low ball into the box saw shots from MacKenzie and Holmes blocked before Daniel Harrop’s explosive drive struck a defender and ricocheted to safety. After a short period on the defensive, the visitors fought back as they sought to go into the break a goal up. Ord flicked a corner to Love at the back post and he deceived the defence by sneakily back-heeling the ball at goal, unfortunately it ended the wrong side of the post. And in the 43rd minute Butler found Stuart Banks pushing forward on the left but the defender’s rising shot was well held by Taseski.
Inglewood coach Steve Parkinson responded to Sorrento’s first half dominance by making a double substitution at the interval, Ryan Frederick and Paul Lincoln replacing Renato Rechichi and Daniel Harrop. And the move almost paid off immediately from the re-start with Lincoln’s header from close in requiring Deeg to be at his sharpest. With some strong defending at both ends of the ground, the breakthrough came after 56 minutes when Sorrento were caught flat-footed in midfield, Louis Parkinson raced away down the right, drew an opponent then centred to Lincoln who precisely slotted the ball between Deeg and his left post. Buoyed by the goal, Inglewood then went in search of a second and in quick succession Rory Mouttet and Louis Parkinson forced good saves out of the Sorrento ‘keeper.
Far from finished, Sorrento stepped up a gear to dominate play for the remaining half-hour. While much of the play took place in the visitors attacking half, it was rare for their forwards to get clear sight of goal as Inglewood’s defence proved up to the task with several timely interceptions and well-executed tackles. Sorrento were left seething following an off the ball incident in the 69th minute which saw Jeans was taken out of play by Jason Godfrey, referee Eddie Lennie waiving the subsequent appeals for a penalty. Three minutes later a low ball into the area from Thomas skidded past a crowd of players to Foster at the back post who was denied only by the sharp reflexes of Taseski. The Inglewood goalkeeper showed his value not long after by making a courageous diving save at the feet of Shane Crampton after he made a strong run from midfield.
Content to sit back, soak up the pressure and break occasionally on the counter-attack, Inglewood effectively killed the match off eight minutes from full-time as Lincoln bagged his second of the afternoon. A surging run by Holmes down the right flank took him to the top corner of the 18-yard box, he centred to Campbell who in turn laid it off to Lincoln to knock past Deeg and wrap up the three points. Lincoln was prevented from bagging his hat-trick by an alert Deeg after the Inglewood striker skilfully avoided the challenge of a defender with 87 minutes gone. Shortly after the referee’s whistle signalled the end of a game in which Inglewood rode their luck for much of the time but ultimately made the most of those chances which came their way. In a man-of-the-match effort Taseski was simply outstanding between the posts for Inglewood, while there was another quality showing in midfield by MacKenzie. Sorrento, for whom Ord was the star performer, were understandably demoralised by the outcome which leaves the reigning champions languishing in tenth place with just three wins from thirteen games.
Inglewood United : Oliver Taseski, Jamie Goodman, Jason Godfrey, Michael Di
Fulvio, Renato Rechichi (Ryan Fredericks 45), Louis Parkinson, Rory
Mouttet, Daniel Harrop (Paul Lincoln 45), Scott Campbell, Alan MacKenzie
(John Bartolomei 77), Elton Holmes
Sorrento : Gareth Deeg, Steven MacDonald, Kevin Murphy, Stuart Banks,
Michael Ord, David Foster, Glen Thomas, Lee Burns, Peter Butler, Ryan
Jeans, Jared Love (Shane Crampton 60)
Referee : Eddie Lennie
Cautions : Butler (36), Ord (88)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 250 (approx.)
Bassendean Caledonian, undefeated at Jubilee Reserve this season, had table-toppers Perth S.C. on the ropes just a matter of minutes after their clash kicked-off, teenager Glenn McCormick sending the ball past Gianni Papalia to give the home side an early lead. Shortly after, Perth’s job was made all the more difficult when midfielder Gareth Naven was red carded following a clash with Dean Gartside. Playing with the numerical advantage, Caledonian controlled proceedings for the remainder of the first half and when Ian Griffiths’ perfectly-weighted pass saw Graeme Matthews beat Papalia to make it two-nil it looked as though an unset was on the cards. Although coach Graham Normanton was banished from the bench for the second half after being dismissed for dissent, Perth came storming back after the interval. Mark Pottier pegged the margin back to a single goal when he converted an uncontested header and, after a prolonger period of pressure from the visitors, midfielder Robbie Gaspar equalised from the penalty spot. With ten minutes remaining Jamie Coyne headed Perth in front and the Blues would have wrapped up the game in the minutes that followed if not for some top-draw goalkeeping from Alan Dunlop. A long ball from Dunlop in the 85th minute saw Griffiths slipped the ball into the path of Ramon Westerburger who made no mistake in levelling the scores and keep in tact Caledonians’ fine home record.
In an eventful match at Litis Stadium, an inexperienced Floreat Athena outfit struggled to overcome a battling Ashfield side desperate to stave off relegation. The visiting side started the contest in good style with Steve Gillibrand causing problems for one of Athena’s two debutants, Andoni Socratous, down Ashfields’ left flank from where he sent a string of threatening crosses into the area. Down the other end the home side struggled to break down a well-drilled Ashfield defence. Finding his good touch after a lengthy lay-off, some direct running and sharp footwork saw James Afkos shape up as Athena’s chief source of inspiration. A good ball forward by one-time Athena player Jamie D’Arcy, who had a strong game in midfield, sent the hard running Scott Bailey into attack but he shot disappointingly wide. With regulars Troy Bernard, Hugh Miller, Anthony Jones, Peter Coci, and Kosta Kalavrouzoitis sidelined through injury, Athena shifted Dejan Djukanovic out wide in an attempt to stifle the influence of Gillibrand, Socratous took up a more central role alongside Robin Dyers. With the game looking more and more likely it was destined to end scoreless, which would have been a fair result, Afkos streamed into attack and beat three opponents before squaring to Ryan Newhill who skillfully lobbed goalkeeper Phil Jackson with a deft chip in the 90th minute. Athena’s eighth consecutive victory moves them into equal first place on the Premier League table, while Ashfield can take solice in the fact that they held one of the competition’s top sides and, with a little more work, a few results must surely be just around the corner. Afkos, Jamie Trandos and Dyers were the best performers for the home side, while for Ashfield it was D’Arcy, Bailey and Gillibrand
Super striker Branimir Mikulic scored his eleventh goal of the 2002 Premier League season as Cockburn City defeated Swan I.C. 3-1 at Dalmatinac Park. The first half was a very tight affair with neither side able to make the most of their chances courtesy of some fine goalkeeping from goalkeepers Dino Pacella and Corey Hugo. In the very last play of the opening 45 minutes, the home side nosed ahead when Devid Vitale drew the defence out of position and slotted to Mikulic who made no mistake. Twenty minutes in the second half Cockburn doubled their lead after Denis Stojanovic’s cross from the right was headed on by Mikulic to to Domenic De Felice who powered the ball through a crowded penalty area and into the back of the Swan net. Dusan Macura halted a Swan attack on the halfway line before his surging run into attack caught the visiting defence in two minds, Corey Hugo reacted by racing out to narrow the angle but Macura squared the ball to Christian Paschkewitz who netted via the simplest of tap-ins. Straight from the re-start Swan deservedly pegged a goal back through Steve Tierney who caught the Cockburn backline napping but, with neither side able to add to their tally, Cockburn held on to record three much-needed points.
Western Knights notched up their first win in six weeks when they held on for a nail-biting 2-1 win over Fremantle City at Nash Field on Sunday. Knights captain Carl Medica converted from the penalty spot for the only goal of the first half, but just 30-seconds after the break John Nicolaou doubled the margin following a free-kick. The port side hit back after 69 minutes through Craig Surtees who headed past goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. Finishing the stronger of the sides, Fremantle hit the up-right and then substitute David Rodgers missed an open goal which would have levelled the scores. Fremantle’s chances of snatching a point suffered a major blow when defender Dom Ando was sent off in 84 minutes for a second yellow card offence. Post-match, Knights coach Ronnie Campbell said he was sure his side, currently sitting in fourth place, were over their mid-season slump. “We traditionally do well in the second half of the season and I’m confident we’ll starting firing again … we were a bit nervous about defending a two-goal lead against Fremantle for our confidence wasn’t what it should be after not having won for so long.”
Future Glory stay in seventh place after securing a one-all draw with E.C.U. Joondalup in the northern suburbs. Joondalup took the lead after the half hour when Admir Mehic deflected Garin Collins cross into his own net. But the lead was short-lived with the visitors back on level terms within five minutes, Mileta Miletic running onto Chris Ritson’s through ball and chipping it over on-rushing goalkeeper Peter Stewart. Future custodian Michael Basilio kept his side in the hunt after the break with several good saves, while down the opposite end Shaun Kilkelly watched in frustration as his header was cleared off the line.
21.7.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18’S ROUND-UP (Inglewood United vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater)
Sorrento’s reserves clash with Inglewood United at the National Stadium was very much a match that got away from the northern suburbs side. John Bartolomei smacked the home side into a surprise lead with just 4 minutes elapsed. Sixteen minutes later and a glaring miss by Jake Harman resulted in Gary Friedman go through the middle of the Sorrento defence untouched and shoot past goalkeeper Robert Pedri. Early in the second half and the gap became three goals when Bartolomei headed in from a corner. And in the 68th minute Sorrento coughed up the ball in defence and Friedman’s powerful shot was battered away by Pedri only for Friedman to knock the rebound back pass the tall ‘keeper.
E.C.U. Joondalup stay on top of the reserves table courtesy of a 4-1 win over Future Glory. Gary Murray (2), Oliver Marshall and Andy Stephanovski were on target for the home side which Stjepan Beretovac scored Future’s long goal. Goals by Albert Osei-Tutu, Damien Catalano, David Michevski and Adam Bunce saw Perth S.C. overpower home team Bassendean Caledonian 4-1. A Roberto Colalillo hat-trick and a single by Simon Jones put Cockburn City on the road to victory over Swan I.C. by 4-2. The remaining two games - Floreat Athena vs Ashfield, and Western Knights vs Fremantle City - both ended in one-all draws.
Two first half goals by Peter Noisweski put Sorrento’s Under-18 side well in control of their away fixture with Inglewood United. Noisweski completed his hat-trick with a good header which went in off the up-right in the second half, and Joe Woodin slotted home the fourth before the match deteriorated with the sending off of three players late in the piece. The first to go was Michael Stefanovski who reacted to an overly physical challenge, a fracas resulted and referee Angelo Madaschi should have dismissed more than the Sorrento player. James Comi and Thomas Batchelor received red cards for the home side later in the match which ended disgracefully.
Fremantle City recorded a massive 12-0 victory over Fremantle City on Sunday. Midfielder Matthew Danskin lead the way for the port side with a four-goal haul, John Migas snared a hat-trick, Danny Barlow and Mo Atak both bagged a pair and Chris Zarriceuta rounded out the scoreline. Perth S.C. were also big winners on the weekend, their 7-1 result at Bassendean Caledonian came through goal by Robert Ivanovski (2), Daniel Michevski (2), Simon Trinca and Dean Sinagra. Lee Westlake was on target twice as Cockburn City knocked off Swan I.C. 2-1, while Floreat Athena and Ashfield shared the points after their game ended in a 2-2 draw. Adam Quinn netted both Ashfield’s goals with Daniel Narancic and Paul Vlachou successful for the home team. E.C.U. Joondalup, whose youngsters are currently in England, will meet Future Glory later in the season.
20.7.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Queens Park vs Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Perth City vs Leeming Strikers courtesy of www.leemingstrikers.com)
Stirling Lions magnificent 13-game undefeated streak was twelve minutes from ending when the First Division leaders hosted a youthful and tactically aware South-West Phoenix side on Saturday. The heavy playing surface obviously suited the visitors who quickly settled and came out with all guns ablaze. The Bunbury boys silenced the Macedonia Park faithful in the 10th minute when a near post header by 17-year-old Chris Normanton went beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stephen Grant to give Phoenix the early lead. With their confidence boosted, Phoenix continued to put pressure on the Lions defence who were lucky not to concede their second five minutes after the opener. The home side slowly re-grouped and came back into the match with Toby Wright’s chip sailing narrowly over the bar for the best opportunity of the opening half. The Lions second half game plan became clear when Toby Wright’s speculative long range effort was just off-target minutes after the re-start. There was plenty for strikers Bobbi Klenkovski and Rob Milevski to work with as the home team increased the tempo but lady luck simply wasn’t with them today. The introduction of hard-working Tomo Nishizawa and experienced campaigner Tony Paolino swung things in the Lions favour and their equaliser arrived when Andy Wright’s well-placed header fell into the path of Keegan Ashley who rammed the ball home from close range after 78 minutes. The closing stages saw the Phoenix defence under siege as shot fro Toby Wright, Milevski, Andy Wright and Danny Carlino all went close to nabbing a late winner before the final whistle signalled that points would be shared.
It was a confident Bayswater City side that travelled to Coker Reserve for the First Division clash with Queens Park on Saturday. A dull opening saw both sides focus on performing defensive duties and preventing the other from taking the lead. The home side went ahead via in-form forward Glen Noblet who put away his eleventh goal of the home-and-away season, and the margin was doubled in first half stoppage time following a defensive error by Scott Payne which allowed Jodi Henderson in to score. Bayswater emerged for the second half a much different proposition and set about taking the game up to their opponents. They deservedly pulled a goal back after 67 minutes when striker Sal Marrapodi found the net for the eighth time this season with a cracker from 22-metres. Continually pressing forward at will, substitute Willie Herd had Bayswater’s best chance of scoring an equaliser but was unable to beat the home goalkeeper as the match ended 2-1 in favour of Queens Park. Ivy Njdrich scored a hat-trick in the reserves to give Bayswater a 4-0 victory, Corey Smits getting the visitors other goal, while Bayswater also came away with maximum points in the Under-18’s by 3-2 courtesy of an inspired performance by David Norella.
Mandurah City hosted Armadale at Peelwood Parade on Saturday in what promised to be a thrilling encounter with only one point separating the two sides. With both coaches having done their homework on their opposition during the week, it became clear from early on that it would take something special to break the deadlock. It came after 32 minutes, Armadale’s Dennis Lee finding himself in space on the left and out-stripping the defence before clipping the ball over goalkeeper Mike Green from a narrow angle and hitting the back post before crossing the line. Mandurah’s response was swift and decisive, Sean Kearns driving a free-kick into a crowded area where Michael Bobridge rose above everyone to power a header past the Armadale ‘keeper and level the scores. The game remained tight mainly due to some excellent defensive work from both teams, neither conceding any ground nor permitting the usual playmakers to gain the upper hand. Armadale were reduced to ten men mid-way through the second half with Darren Ingham getting his marching orders for retaliation. The final one-all scoreline was a fair reflection of the game but did no favours to either side who lost ground on second-placed Queens Park. Mandurah took out the reserves 1-0 when Gary Collins marked his return from injury with the only goal of the match. The Under-18 clash ended one-all, Armadale took the lead after 50 minutes through Darren Kingston but a last minute strike from Jake Loreto saw that the points were shared.
Substitute David Sherington came within a whisker of earning a point for Leeming Strikers when his late header crashed against the cross bar in their 2-1 loss to Perth City at Kingsway Reserve. But it probably would have been rough justice for the home team which had peppered the Strikers goal throughout the afternoon, striking the woodwork on three occasions and being thwarted time and again by goalkeeper Mark Wiseman. The veteran shot-stopper made a terrific double save at the feet of David Fyfe in the 27th minute and was made to work hard until the death of the contest. Jamie Herkes broke the deadlock just seconds before the half-time whistle as he sprinted into space and calmly slotted in the opener. The Strikers had had their first half chances but Gary Reading’s blasted wide while Daniel Koers was twice denied by the home custodian. After the break Perth seized the initiative with Aaron Cunderly striking a post and Ben Yates, after young referee Allan Dix had ignored the flag of an assistant, was denied by one of the saves of the season from Wiseman. The traffic continued in its one way direction as Fyfe had a shot saved and substitute Mark Cox hit a post before the visitors sprung into action at the other end. The combative Reading used all his experience to dispossess Steve Mills at the back before tucking the ball past the ‘keeper for an unlikely leveller with 71 minutes gone. However, the stalemate lasted just eight minutes before Cox crashed in the winner after Perth had swept from one end to the other in just a couple of passes. Scott Ferguson almost added to the score with a speculative cross that bounced off the Strikers crossbar as legs wilted late in the game, and just minutes Sherington found a spring in his step to head powerfully against the woodwork at the other end.
Goals from veteran Ian Ballantyne and Ray Rose saw Morley Windmills over the line against Wanneroo City by 2-1, Paul Harland scoring a 67th minute consolation for the visiting team. Balcatta overcame Kingsway 2-0 with goals from Adrian Caloiero and Michael Lagana. Stirling Suns and Rockingham City shared the points after their meeting ended in a three-all draw. The Suns scored through Peter Nikoloski, Rydeen Botha and an own goal, while on target for the visitors were Shane Nunes, Christian Alvarez and Daniel Sirca. Dianella White Eagles came from a goal down to beat home team Southside United 2-1. Brian Cairney put Southside ahead after 35 minutes but that was negated by Zelko Savic’s 79th minute equaliser with Boima Karpeh netting the winner four minutes from full-time.
19.7.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Going into Round Thirteen of the Premier League season, Perth S.C. hold a two-point buffer at the top of the table. But that margin could well be narrowed on Saturday when they play an in-from Bassendean Caledonian at Jubilee Reserve, while second-placed Floreat Athena should extend their winning run in the home clash with Ashfield. The match of the round is undoubtedly at the National Stadium where Sorrento, bouyed by a mid-week win over Perth, will be aiming to keep alive their hopes of a top five finish against Inglewood United. The remaining Saturday games sees Cockburn City play Swan I.C. On Sunday the depleted Western Knights have home ground advantage over Fremantle City, and Future Glory make the trip north to play E.C.U. Joondalup.
There are some intriguing fixtures in the First Division this Saturday when Queens Park's youngsters (2nd) take on Bayswater City (5th) at Coker Reserve, while down south Mandurah City (4th) have the home ground advantage against Armadale (3rd). Runaway leaders Stirling Lions should encounter few problems when they play South West Phoenix at Macedonia Park, and Morley Windmills should take maximum points from their home clash with bottom side Wanneroo City. After hitting five goals last week, Balcatta will be hoping for more of the same against Kingsway Olympic, and a win to Dianella White Eagles away at Southside United will keep their top eight hopes alive. Elsewhere, Perth City are home to Leeming Strikers, Stirling Suns face Rockingham City at Celebration Park, and Canning City have the bye.
19.7.2002
IN CONVERSATION WITH ... JAMES MORGAN
Singaporean club Sengkang Marine has forged quite a strong link with local Premier League club Sorrento in recent times, the S-League club currently home to no less that five players - and one coach - that have pulled on the Seagulls' sky blue shirt. Midfielder Tony Carbone has been Sengkang's captain for the past couple of years, coach Trevor Morgan joined him towards the end of last season while Simon Harland, Danny Hill, James Morgan and Grant Holt all came on board for the 2003 campaign. This week Brett Klucznik caught up with the youngest of the Sengkang sextet, 19-year old James Morgan, to find out how things have been going in Singapore.
Let's start off with your background in the game ... when did you start playing and who for?
"I have always played football for as long as I can remember. I started in England when I was younger for my local junior sides and when we moved to Perth in 1997 I joined Sorrento straight away as that was where my Dad (Trevor) was coaching at the time. I played for Sorrento from Under-14's all the way through to the reserves and had a couple of brief appearances in the first team towards the end of last season. When I first started with Sorrento I was playing as a centre-back, but I moved into the centre of midfield when I was 16 and that's where I'm play now, it's a bit harder in midfield but I really enjoy it there."
Late last season your Dad was offered the coaching position with Sengkang Marine ... what were your thoughts on that at the time?
"When Dad first had the job interview and I knew there was a chance that we could be moving to Singapore I have to admit I was a bit worried - I didn't even know where Singapore was on a map! He moved over here in July and I came over in October for a visit and I really did like it. For as long as I can remember I had always wanted to be a footballer, so when Dad said there was a chance for me to do it full-time in Singapore that pretty much made my mind up."
You're now well and truly settled in to life in Singapore ... how have you found the city and it's lifestyle?
"Singapore is very different to Perth, it has very different cultures and the weather here is so hot. The football is also very different and, because all the teams I play against are all full-time, it changes a lot of things. They are a lot sharper on the ball, full of tricks and turns and it's very hard to get the ball off your opponent - unless you foul them which is sometimes the only way! Seriously though, I do miss Perth a lot, I miss my mates there, but I wouldn't want to come back yet, not now I have tasted what it is like playing football full-time. And the lifestyle here is brilliant, sometimes we train twice a day - at 8.00am and 6.00pm - but more often than not it is just at 6.00 in the evening. That really leaves the whole day free for us, there are a few ex-Sorrento boys here, we all get on really well together and have a great time."
You've spent much of your first season with Sengkang playing for their Prime League team - excuse my ignorance, but what is the Prime League?
"It's basically the equivalent of the S-League reserves, it's purpose is to provide competition for those players that do not play for the first team each week. And if you do play for the S-League (senior) team on the Thursday, Friday or Saturday then you can not play in the Prime League. The League itself is very well organised and is quite strong, there are some very good teams in it and some very good players. I've been primarily playing for the Prime League side as we are only allowed to have four foreign players in the first team each week and I'm the fifth - and youngest - of Sengkang's foreign players."
How have things been going for Sengkang this season in the Prime League?
"Unfortunately we're not doing too well at the moment. We haven't got a very big squad and have a lot of very young, inexperienced players, myself included. I have played most games for the Prime League this season, I've missed only two previous games through suspension but are currently serving a two-match ban ... so as you can see I haven't fully adapted to the way the game is played in Singapore yet! But as I said before, the Prime League is quite a high standard - higher than the equivalent leagues in Perth - but then again it should be as all the Prime League teams train full-time, mostly with their S-League counterparts."
The Sengkang first team started their season in sensational form but seen to have become somewhat erratic as the season has progressed. What caused the change in fortunes?
"We did start the season off very well. We were unbeaten over the first five games and even top of the league at one point, but now we are in a more realistic mid-table position. It's well-accepted that we can not compete for the top-of-the-table positions with some of the other clubs as we are only a small club in comparison. For example, Singapore Armed Forces - who are now top of the league by nine points - are a massive club, they have several big sponsorship deals worth several hundreds of thousands dollars each year and can afford to bring in the best foreign talent and also sign the best local players. There are few clubs like this - Home United, Tampines Rovers, Woodlands Wellington and Jurong - that all have big corporate sponsorship deals, hence have a lot of money to throw around. Sengkang will want to finish as high up as possible, as I am sure any club would, but I think that seventh or eighth is a realistic goal for us, especially when you consider that all our previous season's have seen us end in the bottom two!"
You recently stepped up to the Sengkang senior side when named on the bench for the game with Woodlands Wellington, but your debut outing lasted just four minutes ... what happened?
"I made by my first team debut a few weeks back, an opportunity that I had waited for a long time for as I had to wait until one of the other foreign players was injured or suspended. It was a league match against Woodlands at our ground with around 3,000 people there. I came on as substitute in the 56th minute, I had three good touches of the ball and then went in for a tackle with another player. I may have been a bit late and the referee blew for a free-kick but my momentum took me over the top of the opposing player and my foot became entangled with him. He obviously thought that I stood on him on purpose, a bit of a free-for-all begins during which he spat at me, and after all the chaos ended I was the one sent off - in just the 60th minute!"
What are your goals for the remainder of the season, do you expect to feature more for the first team?
"Yeah, I hope so. I spend most of my time training with the S-League squad and the improvement has been no-end. After the gruelling pre-season training we went through - some of which I thought I wouldn't survive - I am now a lot fitter and looking forward to the next opportunity. That should come this week against Geylang United, who are the reigning S-League champions, as our striker Grant Holt will be missing through suspension. I'll take my chances as they come and hopefully my next game will last longer than four minutes!"
19.7.2002
SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT IN PERTH NEXT MONTH
The 2002 School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships are being staged in Perth early next month. The tournament, which kicks-off on Sunday 10th August and concludes six days later, will be based at Litis Stadium with the Brittania Road Reserve facilities also being utilised. Competing at this years event will be boys and girls teams from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, while Northern Territory will be represented by a girls team only.
Since the tournament came into being in 1973, New South Wales have won the boys title no less than thirteen times. Last year the Australian Capital Territory claimed their fourth championship by pipping New South Wales to finish top of the table. New South Wales have also been the dominant force in the girls' competition, claiming the trophy on every occasion - with one exception - since 1985. At the completion of this years event an Australian Schoolboys team will be heading to East Timor for a friendly series. December will see both the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls squads travel to the United Kingdom for a series of matches
Included amongst those that have played at Schools level over the years are past and present Australian internationals Craig Moore, Steve Horvat, Tony Vidmar, Marco Bresciano, Sharon Black, Heather Garriock, Cheryl Salisbury and Amy Taylor. In recent times David Tarka (Perth Glory), Robert Cibesku, Daniel Arias, James Hesketh (Future Glory), Rhys Graham, Robbie Gaspar (Perth S.C.), Scott Bulloch (E.C.U. Joondalup), David Foster (Sorrento), Collette McCallum (N.S.W. Sapphires) and Lisa DeVanna (Adelaide Sensation) have gone on to scale greater heights since representing Western Australia.
18.7.2002
YOUNG GUN DANZE-ING TO THE TOP (reproduced with permission from the "Glory Days" magazine, Volume 23, June 2002)
At a time when more ond more young Australians are choosing to head overseas, Anthony Danze could be excused for rushing to take his place in that queue. After all, the Perth Glory midfielder has just returned home after almost 18 months at the Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S.), 18 months that saw him captain the national Under-17 side (the Joeys) and finish third in the National Youth League Northern Division Player of the Year award.
But although the 18-year old has ambitions to one day play overseas, for now he's more than happy to stay in Perth. "I've just signed a three-year contract which starts in July this year," he said, "so I'm in no rush to go overseas. Down the track we'll see what happens but my main objective now is to try to push for a place here and get at least a few seasons in the National league under my belt, and after that, if I'm good enough to make a move, I'll go."
Speaking to Danze, you get the impression he's matured enormously, not only as a soccer player, but also as a person, during his time at the A.I.S. "Definitely," he agreed, "being away from home for nearly a year and a half. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well, I've learned a lot, gained more experience." He said going to the A.I.S. was a big learning curve and believes it's actually benefited him a lot more than had he decided to try his luck in Europe at the same age. "It's one of the best things I've done so far with trying to make a career of it," he said. "I learnt a lot of things and I've come back with a lot of information and a lot of things I need to work on, but basically I've been very well educated in all aspects of soccer."
And he showed he was a quick learner, playing a starring role last seasons for the A.I.S. team that finished sixth (of 14) in the Northern Division of the National Youth League, although he was quick to point out he still had plenty to learn. "I had a decent season, it had its ups and downs," he said. "I managed to score 20 goals from midfield so that was the main highlight of it. That aspect of my game I was pretty happy with but there's always things I've got to keep working on. It was steady."
Not surprisingly, Danze was selected in the Future W.A. side to compete in France recently but the talented midfielder was a late withdrawal after rather belatedly discovering he had broken a toe while in Italy with the A.I.S. team. He'll be on the sidelines for a few weeks but after that can Perth fans expect to see Danze stake a claim for a place in the Glory midfield sometime next season? "It's all up to me basically," he said. "If I go out there and do what I know I'm capable of and I keep working on the things I need to work on and improving, I don't think much can stop me. I mean, in the end it's the coach's decision ... I'm only young and I'm willing to bide my time a bit but I feel if I can do my best possible that there's no reason why I can't play. But again, it will take time and I'm not expecting it to happen straight away."
18.7.2002
SARPE RETURNS FROM EUROPE
Former West Australian youth midfielder Andre Sarpe is back from Europe and has spent this week training with the Future Glory squad. The 18-year old right wingback, who last year played for E.C.U. Joondalup and travelled to France with the State Under-19 side, joined Romanian First Division club F.C. Universitatea Craiova in March of 2002. It is not clear at this stage if, or how long, Sarpe will remain in Perth.
18.7.2002
KEEPING THE MEDICAL PROFESSION BUSY ...
When young midfielder Carlos Cusana was stretchered off at Dorrien Gardens shortly before half-time in Ashfield's meeting with Perth S.C. on Sunday, he became the latest in a long line of players to suffer serious injury this year. Shortly after the commencement of the Night Series, Future Glory's Tomislav Crnkovic saw his season come to a premature end by a knee problem that ultimately required a reconstruction of the joint. The very same fate befell Perth midfielder Vince Tana who damaged his knee playing in the Night Series semi-final against Sorrento. And, on the opening weekend of the home-and-away season, Daniel Webb (Swan I.C.) broke his leg in five places in the reserves' fixture at Litis Stadium.
Round Four saw Cockburn City's off-season signing Stuart Francis suffer a broken leg away at Bassendean Caledonian. A fortnight later both Daniel Stoitis (Sorrento) and Hugh Miller (Floreat Athena) suffered season-ending injuries against Swan and Cockburn respectively, both players expected to go undergo knee reconstructions in the not too distant future. Attacking midfielder Brad North (Future) has been out of action since breaking a bone in his foot on the training track. Playing for Ashfield's reserves, Mohammed Kpata broke an ankle at Percy Doyle Reserve and, two weeks later at the same venue, Perth Under-18 player Craig Simpson was rushed off to hospital with the same problem. Western Knights have been without Leon Russell, who is still in plaster with a broken ankle, since his clubs' Round 10 loss to Future.
17.7.2002
SEAGULL'S KNOCK OUT CUP HOLDERS (by Kerry Slater)
Sorrento have progressed to the semi-final of the Boral Cup after winning a marathon contest against reigning Cup holders Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens tonight. The sudden-death atmosphere caused some disjointed early play with passes going astray and high balls to no one in particular. After 11 minutes Shane Crampton sped down the right and cut inside his marker to square the ball to Lee Burns but he balked at shooting first time and pulled the shot wide of Perth's right post. Eight minutes late the Seagulls' David Foster made a darting run onto a well-weighted Glen Thomas pass, Foster laid the ball off Ross Greer whose first time effort went well wide. The northern suburbs team profited from a poor goal-kick by Robert Scarparolo but Crampton sent his effort wide. A re-shuffle was needed in the Sorrento line-up when Greer limped off with a calf injury on the half-hour, Iain Deans coming on and Kevin Murphy pushed into attack. Four minutes before the break Rob Giorgi found himself unattended on the edge of Perth's attacking area but he scuffed his attempted chip over Gareth Deeg.
Three minutes into the new half Stuart Banks' free-kick flew around the defensive wall but also the up-right, and a 56th minute corner from Craig Wells was headed narrowly high by Murphy. Michael Icanovski was presented with a golden opportunity to put Perth in front after 66 minutes after the visiting defence failed to deal with a corner, but the defender put the ball over the bar from close range when it seemed easier for him to hit the target. Stephen Willey was judged to have handed the ball two minutes later and Sorrento awarded a penalty that Shane Crampton converted by sending Scarparolo the wrong way. Perth coach Graham Normanton responded with a couple of tactical changes, David Onoforo and Albert Osei-Tutu replacing Mark Pottier and Giorgi. The move proved to be the right on shortly after as Osei-Tutu seized upon the Seagulls failure to clear the danger and the young striker rounded Deeg to tuck the ball into an unguarded net for an 81st minute equaliser.
The match ended golden-goal extra-time and Perth came close through Onoforo who had time to pick his spot but curled the ball wide of Deeg's left up-right. Shortly after Onoforo got the ball into the net but was cautioned for using his hand to do so. The second period of extra-time saw a number of players suffer from cramps as the pace dropped off, the match looking destined for a shoot-out well before referee Steve Muldoon, who had an excellent match, signaled the end of 120 minutes. The opening spot-kick was converted by Sorrento's Jared Love, and Willey and Crampton followed suit before Osei-Tutu's attempt struck the up-right. Steven MacDonald gave the Seagulls a two-goal buffer, Gaspar saw his shot saved, then Foster's attempt was also kept out. Icanovski kept his side fast-fading hopes alive, but when Banks' found the net to give Sorrento a 4-2 lead there was no need for Perth's fifth spot-kick. Sorrento will now meet northern suburbs rivals E.C.U. Joondalup in the semi-final stage of the Cup competition.
Earlier in the night the reserves match went the opposite way with Perth getting over the line 4-3 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Robert Pedri pulled off a sensational save to deny Osei-Tutu after 17 minutes after the striker combined to great effect with Damien Catalano. Six minutes from half-time Sorrento had their strong claim for a penalty ignored by the referee after Jason Colli appeared to bring down Michael Stefanovski. Fifteen minutes into the second half Perth were gifted a goal when Pedri fumbled a high, looping cross and swept the ball into his own net as he attempted to batter it to safety. But that lead lasted just seven minutes, Daniel Kovacevic conceding a penalty that was coolly converted by Jake Harman. With no further addition to the score, the match went to penalties. The match ended 4-3 to Perth after Igor Arsovski, Adam Bunce, Osei-Tutu and Catalano were successful from the spot, while for Sorrento the shoot-out scorers were Harman, Andrew Chapman and Farrell Hedges. Last Thursday night, Sorrento won the Under-18 Cup clash 5-4 on penalties at the expense of Perth, this match also finishing 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
17.7.2002
COUNTRY JUNIORS IMPRESS AT KANGA CUP
The 2002 Kanga Cup tournament was held in Canberra last week and the Junior Soccer Association of W.A. was represented at the annual event by three country sides in the Under-13, 15 and 17 age groups. The Kanga Cup, one of the largest tournaments of its kind in the southern hemisphere, this year attracted club, school, association and community based teams from all over Australia along with sides from the United States of America, China, New Zealand, Ghana and Fiji. Sanctioned by Soccer Australia, the Oceania confederation and F.I.F.A., the event is open to both boys and girls.
Playing in Pool A, the Under-13 side started brightly with wins over Belnorth Devils (1-0) and Dapto (2-0) on the opening two days of competition. Wednesday saw them held 1-1 by Canberra Deakin, but a 3-0 victory against Strikers the following morning set up a top-of-the-table clash with Adelaide City. Kicking-off at 10.00am on Friday, Adelaide proved too strong for the W.A. side, taking out the match 5-0 and making their tally to 30 goals from their five group matches. W.A. finished as runners-up with Dapto in third. The J.S.A. Country Under-13 squad (and their regional association) was Tristan Brown, Toby Burnell, Matthew Macomish, Matthew Puzey, Rohan Quain, Jack Tasker, Sarah Wilson (Albany), Jackson Coyne, Michael George, Richard Smith, Wesley Hagan, Matthew Riley (Bunbury), Kyle Doogan (Peel), Llewyn Butler (Karratha and Districts) and Joe Steven (Geraldton)
The Country Under-15 side had some mixed results in their campaign. Beginning with a 1-1 draw with Brindabella Eagles on Monday, they then went down 0-2 to North Shore United Achilles before chalking up a 3-2 victory over Belnorth Blues on Wednesday morning. This was followed by a 0-3 loss to Marist College, but the Under-15's ended on a high with a hard-fought 1-0 win against South West Queensland on Friday afternoon. The W.A. side finished the group stage fourth in the six-team Pool A that was taken out by North Shore on goal difference over Marist. The J.S.A. Country Under-15 squad was Jaison Bairstow, Jonathan Romeo, Luke McCarthy, Allan Spicer, Cameron Meyer, Simon Robinson (Albany), Christopher Colegate, Joel Grainger (South-West), Joel Dyett, Martin Leighton, Draasko Jankovic, Matthew Waycott (Bunbury), Jarred Meerman (Geraldton), Lyson Phanthawee, Brenton Smyth (Karratha and Districts)
Radford College were the Under-17's first opponents with W.A. coming away triumphant 1-0. A 0-2 loss to Sydney Grammar was followed by Wednesday's scoreless draw with A.K.S.FC. W.A. had the difficult job of playing twice in the space of four-and-a-half hours on Thursday when they lost 1-2 to Jaguars before drawing 2-2 with Griffith. Friday's match with The Mean Machine ended in a 1-1 draw. The Under-17's ended fifth in the seven-team Pool A, Griffith taking out the group on goal difference from Sydney Grammar. The J.S.A. Country Under-17 squad was Chris Triplett, Ryan Whittinigstall, Brett Worsfold, Caleb Castelhow, Matthew O'Byrne, David Twentyman (Albany), James Anderson (Bunbury), Daniel Howell (Karratha and Districts), Tiago Duque, Ljupco Taneski (Karratha), Kim Cannon, Joel Davey, Zoe Zinetti, Katie Battilana, Darien Anderson (Geraldton)
17.7.2002
KNEE INJURY RULES OUT MCCALLUM
A knee injury has forced 16-year old Collette McCallum out of contention for a spot in the Australian squad that will compete at the inaugural F.I.F.A. Under-19 Women's World Championship in Canada next month. Young Matildas coach Mike Mulvey said the talented midfielder, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament while in camp with the side, was expected to have the knee reconstructed in around a months' time. "It must be very disappointing for her to miss out on the championships, because she worked very hard to get us there," the coach said. "But the good thing is that she is young enough to still be eligible for the 2004 under-19 World Cup in Ghana."
McCallum had been instrumental in the Young Matilda's qualification for the up-coming tournament, scoring three goals in the teams four Oceania qualifiers during April. Mulvey said part of the midfielders artillery was a her superb delivery from dead ball situations. "She has an educated boot and any team would miss a player of her skill," he added. "But we will overcome her absence, and I am sure she will overcome this setback, too." The Young Matilda's will play friendlies with the Queensland Under-14 boys' team and the Academy of Sports Women's side ahead of the F.I.F.A. tournament which kicks-off on 17th August.
17.7.2002
MULTICULTRAL TOURNAMENT AT BALGA
Brian Burke Reserve, home of W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League side Balga, will this Saturday (20th July) host the third annual Multicultural Soccer Festival. With the first match kicking-off at 9.30am with the final taking place from 3.00pm, the round-robin tournament will include teams from Balga and Ishtar United along with sides representing the Eritrean, Afghan, Ethiopian, and Sundan communities, a Mirrabooka composite team and a local police side who are also the reigning title holders. Spectators are welcome to enjoy good soccer and guaranteed laughs.
16.7.2002
ILLNESS GETS THE BETTER OF TARKA
19-year old Perth Glory defender David Tarka has withdrawn from the Australian Under-23 squad which will play Chilean giants Colo Colo on the eastern seaboard next month. The former Cockburn City and Australian Schoolboys representative was forced to pull out of Frank Farina's 22-player squad due to illness. Australia meet Colo Colo in a two-game friendly series with the opening match taking place at Parramatta Stadium on 20th July. The second meeting will be at Canberra Stadium four days later.
16.7.2002
BOARD CALLED ON TO SETTLE DISPUTES (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
The Soccer West Coast Board, following a recommendation by the Tribunal, has decided that the Bayswater City-Morley Windmills game, which was abandoned on 13th April, will be replayed before the end of July. The game was called off with Windmills leading 2-1 after a spectator struck player Grant Learmont. The points were originally awarded to Windmills, but on appeal it has been decided that the entire game will be replayed at Bayswater's ground.
Western Knights have lost an appeal against the eligibility of former player Steven MacDonald, who turned out for Sorrento in an E.C.U. Challenge Cup quarter-final contest against the Knights. Sorrento won that game, but their opponents contended that MacDonald should have been ruled ineligible as he was cup-tied with the Knights after being named in their squad for a previous E.C.U. Cup match but did not take the field. The S.W.C. Board, following a recommendation by the Tribunal, ruled that Sorrento should be fined but that they should not lose the game.
16.7.2002
TRIALS FOR SORRENTO PAIR (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Sorrento will be without the services of defenders Tony Cumace and Kevin Murphy for the next month. Cumace has been given an opportunity to break into the ranks of the National Soccer League with a month-long trial from Adelaide City Force. Seagulls captain Murphy will next week head off to England where he has trials lined-up with First Division club Sheffield United, home of older brother and Australian international Shaun Murphy.
16.7.2002
UNIFICATION ON TRACK THROUGH FORUM
Over the past couple of months, the various stakeholders in the local game have got together to discuss the structure of soccer in Western Australia in an effort to formulate a plan for the future. This week Lisa Braddock, general manager of the Junior Soccer Association of W.A., spoke with John O'Connell on the 'Junior Soccer Review' (990AM) about what has been happening at the forum meetings. "We've done a few exercises which have shown that everyone is on the same wavelength in terms of wanting to make the game work better and be more unified in their approach. There's been no solid outcomes to date because we are in the early days of it, but it's refreshing to see that everyone knows which way we should go in general and it's just a matter of working out the specifics and how we achieve it."
With representatives from all aspects of the local game attending the forums, Braddock was hopeful that the group would be able to overcome previous unsuccessful attempts at restructure and unify the game under a single controlling body. "As for whether we can achieve for the future, I believe we can, but it's going to be a situation of everyone compromising to a point because I don't believe everyone can get exactly what they want. We need to acknowledge that there will be things we need to work on long term once we do get a unification together. I think that the best feeling amongst the group at the forum is that no individual, and no one association or group, is bigger than the game - that's probably the key point that will take us forward. To come together we have to leave a little bit of ourselves aside, and a little bit of personal opinion, and come to a compromise that the game must benefit from change and that there must be change in order to move forward."
15.7.2002
STATE UNDER-14'S ENJOY FRIENDLY COMPETITION
The Under-14 Friendship Games were held at Valentine Sports Park in Glenwood, New South Wales, this week in what was hailed as 'Five Days of Friendly Matches!' Hosted by the New South Wales Soccer Federation, the week-long event featured teams from Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and, or course, West Australia who were represented by their North and South Development Squads. While tables not calculated in line with the friendly nature of the tournament, both West Australian teams achieved some positive results.
The North Development squad started with an opening day, Group A loss to Queensland Country (0-1) before hitting their straps against South Australia when they ran out victors 2-1. Wednesday saw a 0-4 thumping at the hands of a very powerful Victorian side, before the following afternoon's 1-1 draw with Queensland State. The final match for the North team ended in a 0-2 loss to Country New South Wales.
In Group B was the South Development side who kicked-off the week-long event with losses to Queensland State (1-3) and Queensland Country (0-2). The team got things back on track on day three of competition with a 2-1 win over Australian Capital Territory, and backed this up with a 2-0 result against Northern New South Wales. On the final day of the friendly tournament W.A. went down 0-2 to New South Wales. "It was a wonderful experience for the boys," coach Mike Tetlow said on returning to Perth. "There were no points at stake - it was purely a development tournament."
15.7.2002
GLORY GO COUNTRY
Soccer's profile in the South West is set for a boost with confirmation that Perth Glory will play promotional games in Margaret River and Collie under the banner of the State Government's Country Sport Enrichment Scheme. The games will take place over the weekend of 24th and 25th August with National Soccer League side Parramatta Power the opposition on both occasions. The trip, aimed at promoting sport in the country and giving local soccer groups the chance to raise funds, will also include more than ten coaching clinics at schools in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River. Another clinic will be held in Collie and there will also be special seminars for local coaches, where they will have the chance to pick up tips from Glory coach Mich d'Avray and his assistant Alan Vest.
Glory Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dennis said the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme was one the club had a proud association with. "We have visited places as far apart as Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie, Albany and Karratha. The rewards are enormous in the fun and enjoyment local people get from the visits. We have always received tremendous support from each local community. The trips are especially exciting for young fans, who get to meet and learn from, their heroes. Perth Glory is very grateful to the State Government for this excellent scheme."
Mr Dennis also said the relative proximity to the metropolitan area would offer local soccer groups an excellent chance to raise funds. "We would expect a fairly large contingent of supporters to come from Perth for the games," he said. Glory will take on Power in Margaret River from 3.00pm on Saturday 24th August at the Recreation Ground. The following afternoon in Collie the two sides again go head-to-head from 3.00pm.
14.7.2002
"WE'VE GOT TO AIM FOR PROMOTION" SAYS COYNE
After playing his part in Luton Town winning promotion to the English Second Division last season, central defender Chris Coyne has his sights set on helping the Hatters claim second trophy in as many years this term. "I think we've got to aim for promotion," the former Perth S.C. player told www.lutontown.co.uk this week. "If you don't go in with those aspirations, you'll never get anywhere. You can always come down, but it's hard to go up if you don't set your goals that high. Everyone around the club wants to try to do the same again."
Last season Coyne made 31 League and Cup appearances for the Hatters, scoring on three occasions. He was a key part of the Luton side which finished the season by collecting maximum points from thirteen of their last fourteen games (the remaining match ended in a draw) to gain automatic promotion. "It was such a great run. You don't think in your wildest dreams that we could have done as well as we did at the end of the season. It's a shame we didn't start the run earlier but we hope to carry that run on into the new season. It's a tougher league this year, but we should be able to do it."
14.7.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
University of W.A. secured a 1-1 draw away to Fremantle United in a competitively fought W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League match on Sunday. The game started brightly for the in-form Fremantle when they hit the post after only 4 minutes, University responding immediately with Tom Muirhead's volley well-saved and just minutes later the same player headed Matt Hill's cross narrowly high. In the 9th minute University snatched the lead when a Muirhead free kick somehow managed to find its way into the net through a crowded goalmouth. The visiting side continued to create opportunities with a number of half chances going unconverted before Fremantle pulled level. Danny Collova was allowed too much room out on the left flank in the 23rd minute to deliver a pin-point cross onto the head of the towering Dave Evans who finished with ease to make it 1-1. Fremantle's goalkeeper kept his side in the match with two top-class saves from distance by Joe Collins and Steve Padbury. The second half saw Fremantle apply a lot of pressure but the University defence handled everything with comfort before sending the visitors into attack where they were unable to deliver a telling final pass. "Fremantle had won four of their last five league games so they were never going to be an easy team to beat," said University coach Kevin Burton. "Although we should have go in ahead at the break we are satisfied with a point given that we lost two key players before the game and consequently had players in unfamiliar positions." In the reserves, Fremantle defeated University after Stewart Kingsbury and Michael Tripi found the net.
The scoreboard at Brian Burke Reserve had familiar look to it as Balga slumped to another home defeat at the hands of Murdoch University who scrapped home courtesy of two late goals. Boosted by last weeks' cup win and their opponents recent run of negative results, the home side dominated the early play which was highlighted by several sweeping one-touch moves only to be thwarted by some frantic defending from Murdoch and a lack of support for their strikers. Paul Cunningham proved to be particularly effective down the right flank with numerous surging runs and dangerous crosses into the box. The visitors gradually crept back into the game, winning several corners but failed to trouble Dean Ravipinto in goal. The second half saw Murdoch pick up where they left off with some sharp passing bringing them close to the opener, and down the other end Willy Lyall began to cause trouble for the visiting defenders. The deadlock was broken when Murdoch swung a free-kick into their 18-yard box, the ball eluding the defence before looping into the net off the head of an attacking player. Balga then sparked into life with headers from Justin Jensen and Darren McNally going over the bar, while Murdoch's pacey forwards relished the space they were now afforded. A long ball from the back resulted in Murdoch scoring their second goal after Ravipinto saved the initial shot. And that's the way it stayed with Murdoch victors by 2-0.
Leaders Hamersley Rovers surprisingly shared the points with home side E.C.U. Joondalup after their game ended 2-2. Forrestfield United closed the gap to Hamersley to four points courtesy of a 5-0 drubbing of Kwinana United. University drop to third while Spearwood Dalmatinac's 2-2 home draw with Shamrock Rovers sees them slip to fifth. Perth Azzurri defeated Subiaco United 3-1 in the remaining fixture.
14.7.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWELVE (Sorrento vs Western Knights by Christian Galapolous; Swan I.C. vs Floreat Athena by Mike Hennessey; Fremantle City vs Cockburn City by Lennie Bavich)
It was top verses bottom at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday when Perth S.C. took on Ashfield. The match began promisingly for the visitors who confidently stroked the ball around to enjoy the better of the early possession. But it was the home side that came closest to scoring when, after 8 minutes, a clearance by goalkeeper Phil Jackson struck Robbie Gaspar and rolled back towards the goal line, the Ashfield bench breathing a collective sign of relief as Mark Donnelly conceded a corner. Three minutes later Gaspar missed what amounted to an open goal after Todd Howarth pulled the defence out of position with a fine run down the left flank. Otherwise, it was an uneventful opening twenty minute period in which saw neither side produced much to get excited about.
The match sparked to life in the 24th minute when Gaspar slipped the ball inside to the unmarked Howarth but his shot from an angle was brilliantly saved by Jackson. Two minutes later Perth goalkeeper Robert Scarparolo was called into action for the first time when he kept out an in-swinging corner from Carlo Cuscana. Shortly after Karl Atley laid the ball off to David Mayers who threw off Stephen Willey only to see his shot from 17-metres land on the chest of Scarparolo. Ashfield's young defence proved effective in limiting the supply line to Andreas Oliveria and David Onoforo, but as the half came to a close Perth began find the feet of their forwards with regularity, and eventually it paid off. Oliveira won possession inside the penalty box and, with Jackson nipping at his heels, cleverly clipped the ball into the roof of the net with 38 minutes gone. The period ended on a sobering note when Cuscana was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg after a 50-50 challenge with Michael Icanovski.
After a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes which produced few genuine goalscoring opportunities, Perth started the second half full of running and on the attack from the first kick. A minute after the re-start a darting run by Jamie Coyne ended with Jackson pushing his low drive around the post. Oliveira showed his quality and skillfully threw two opponents off his trail before unselfishly squaring to the unmarked Coyne, but he scuffed his shot to the Ashfield 'keeper. Jackson again came to the rescue by punching an in-swinging Gaspar corner clear of the 18-yard box in the 56th minute, but Ashfield were guilty of some sloppy defending as Oliveira re-gained possession and laid the ball off to Onoforo who slammed it high into the net from 7-metres to make it 2-0.
>From there it was all one-way traffic with Perth dominating possession despite being unable to find top gear. Howarth slipped the ball to Oliveira whose first time shot was parried by Jackson, and moments later Howarth's rasping left-footer was knocked over the bar by the Ashfield custodian. Just after the hour Coyne teed-up Gareth Naven but the former Perth Glory captain took on one opponent too many before the ball was booted to safety. Shortly after, Coyne's cross from the left was expertly met by Naven whose glancing header was tipped wide for a corner. Oliveira found a way through the visiting defence but again Jackson was up to the job by denying the tricky striker after 69 minutes.
A brilliant 25-metre strike by Coyne struck a defender and was deflected for a corner as Perth searched for their third goal. Onoforo rounded two opponents and drew Jackson out of position before centring to Gaspar whose shot was prevented from crossing the line by defender Martin Sherwin. With three points in the bag, Perth eased off over the closing stages as the rains, which had threatened all afternoon, finally came tumbling down. Full credit to Ashfield who prevented their opponents from playing their natural passing game but still found themselves outclassed in every department with Coyne leading the way from midfield, and Willey in complete control at the back. Ashfield found holes in the Perth defence very hard to come by, lacking that vital spark in attack, and can thank goalkeeper Jackson that the final margin was not greater than two-goals.
Perth S.C. : Robert Scarparolo, Stephen Willey, Michael Icanovski,
Aaron Cole, Rhys Graham (Albert Osei-Tutu 84), Todd Howarth (Rob Giorgi
75), Jamie Coyne (Adam Bunce 82), Gareth Naven, Robbie Gaspar, David
Onoforo, Andreas Oliveira
Ashfield : Phil Jackson, Martin Sherwin, Mark Donelly, Adam Kiley,
Steve Gillibrand, Carlos Cusuna (Jamie D'Arcy 43), Mark Brown, Tom
Caca (Scott Brisley 75), Karl Atley, David Mayers, Scott Bailey (Ben
Kelly 70)
Referee : Ray Archibald
Cautions : Naven (36)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 250 (approx.)
In a match that saw two goals scored in the first half and four red cards issued in the second, it was the Western Knights who came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. Both sides started the match nervously with the only action in the first 15 minutes coming when referee Jeremy Oliphant was forced off the field through injury. The game came alive after Sorrento's exciting young winger David Foster had his rasping shot cannon of the crossbar, and five minutes later the Knights were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty when striker Eugene Singeorzan was clearly fouled inside the box. Play went from end to end with neither side able to make the most of their chances, that was until the 30th minute when Ross Greer broke the deadlock by rising above the visiting defence to head home a Sorrento free-kick from close-range. Typical of the way the match was being played, it didn't take the Knights long to respond through experienced midfielder Paul McVittie who drove home a loose ball from inside the penalty area to level the scores with 33 minutes elapsed. The second half turned was a physical affair as both teams sought the three vital points on offer. In the 56th minute the substitute referee made a questionable decision when he dismissed Sorrento defender Michael Ord and Knights striker Stuart Montgomery, who were both equally surprised by the turn of events, after a trivial off the ball incident. With each side a man down the match opened up. Sorrento goalkeeper Gareth Deeg did well in the 66th minute to save Carl Medica's goal bound effort after some good work from Singeorzan and Dean Nicolaou put the Knights captain in space. The visitors chances of snatching victory were dealt a blow when McVittie was the victim of another dubious send-off in the 75th minute. With a one-man advantage, the home side seized control of the match but despite having almost all the play were unable to create any clear cut chances. Sorrento looked even more likely to win when Knights defender Steven Zuvela was sent-off three minutes after McVittie for his second yellow card offence. But even with a two-man advantage the Seagulls failed to put any pressure on the visitors defense leaving the match draw at 1-1 at full time. Sorrento will look back on the match as two points dropped while the Knights, who end their four-game losing streak, will be thankful they were able to leave with one.
Swan I.C. not only had to play their home match against Floreat Athena at Litis Stadium, but they also had to concede three points when they went down 3-2 after Athena were awarded the softest of penalties deep into stoppage time. Recent rains may not have filled the dams but they were enough to waterlog pitch at the Swan Italian Club, forcing the home team on to the road for the trip to Litis Stadium. For forty-five minutes the gamble seemed to have paid off, Swan holding their opponents to a scoreless first half and the black and whites might even have been in the lead had they been awarded what looked an obvious penalty. The sense of injustice grew in the second half when Athena were given a soft penalty in the 57th minute, Ryan Newhill converting from the spot to break the deadlock. Newhill then added a second when he met a cross from the left to beat Corey Hugo in the Swan goal. Swan struggled to come back and it was not until the 80th minute that Eddie Mura scored to reduce the deficit, and in a goalmouth scramble Carlos Echeverria netted to level the scores. But just when is looked like the points would be shared and fans were expecting the final whistle, Athena were awarded another soft penalty, Newhill confidently stepping up to complete his hat-trick and make it one of the unluckiest of afternoons for Swan.
Cockburn City and Fremantle City played out a drama-filled 2-2 draw at Ken Allen Field. Daniel Trim put the port side ahead in the 8th minute courtesy of a fine cross from the right wing that opened up the visiting defence and left the tall midfielder with only goalkeeper Dino Pacella to beat. The return of Domenic De Felice to Cockburn's midfield saw them look a much better proposition than in recent weeks and the visitors slowly took command, presenting their forwards with several good opportunities that gave Fremantle custodian Robert Zabica a solid work-out. After a re-shuffle of the line-up at the break which saw Christian Paschkewitz replace Roberto Colalillo, it took Cockburn just six minutes into the new period to get back on level terms when Paschkewitz's near post shot squeezed past the 'keeper. With the attacking combination of Branimir Mikulic, Peter Petkovich and Paschkewitz proving more than a handful for Fremantle's defence, a delicate chip from Petkovich left Zabica stranded as Cockburn took the lead after 79 minutes. With Cockburn seemingly safe of maximum points, attacker David Rodgers popped up for Fremantle in the dying seconds of the game with an unstoppable header that earned his side an equal cut of the points.
Despite the late withdrawal of influential wingback Andy Cornmell due to injury, Inglewood United continued their surge up the ladder with a 4-2 away victory over E.C.U. Joondalup. The opening period saw never side able to take the upper hand with scrappy play the order of the day as both side opted to send the ball long into attack. The home side were reduced to ten men when centre-back Andy Brown was red carded for a deliberate handball as Inglewood opened up the defence. The visitors made the most of their player advantage shortly before half-time, Alan MacKenzie clipping the ball over a stagnant defence and Louis Parkinson raced through to beat goalkeeper Peter Stewart. The second half was a more productive period for Inglewood who doubled their lead when Scott Campbell coolly slid the ball past the 'keeper. Joondalup struck back through Andy Mason from the penalty spot, but the visiting team restored their two-goal buffer ten minutes later when MacKenzie's curling right-footer went it off a defender. Inglewood continued to create chances but failed to kill off the match. Late in the game a surging attack down the right flank resulted in a goalmouth scramble that was put away by Mason, the score now 3-2 to Inglewood. Sensing a point was their's for the taking, Joondalup continually pressed forward for the equaliser but were halted in their tracks by some desperate defending. Inglewood sealed the win late in the match on the counter-attack, Campbell releasing striker Elton Holmes who found the target just seconds from the full-time whistle.
Future Glory started their clash with Bassendean Caledonian at Jubilee Reserve in an attacking frame of mind and were duly rewarded for their positive approach when Mileta Miletic sent the ball past goalkeeper Alan Dunlop after just 5 minutes. However, Caledonian were determined not to repeat their 5-1 opening round loss to Future and the home side settled to play some attractive football. The midfield combination of Mark Lennon, Jimmy Merkouris and Jason Van Rooy took control of the game, and along with attackers Graeme Matthews and Ian Griffiths put the Future backline under increasing pressure. So it came as no surprise when a fine pass from Merkouris found Van Rooy who netted the equaliser. Making his presence felt on the left was youngster Glen McCormick whose exchange of passes with Craig Naven opened up a path to goal for the latter who made no mistake in giving Caledonian the lead. Robert Cibesku and Miletic had opportunities to get Future back on level terms but were thwarted by a solid home defence marshalled by Kevin Smith and some brilliant goalkeeping from Dunlop. The win sees Caledonian move up the table two places to fifth as their goal of a top five finish becomes a very real prospect.
14.7.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP (Bassendean Caledonian vs Future Glory by Shiny Chef)
The was a swag of goals at Jubilee Reserve where the reserve teams from Bassendean Caledonian and Future Glory played out a very entertaining 3-3 draw. A rasping 30-metre strike by Future's Soul Contera got the visitors off to a fine start, but that was negated in the 30th minute when Eric Ravenal's neat flick crashed into the net after a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Contera bagged his second of the day right on the stroke of half time, heading past the 'keeper after meeting a cross from the right. A good finish by 16-year old Alex Tharby levelled the scores once again as Caledonian started the second period strongly. Future took the lead for the third time following a terrible defensive error that allowed Stejepan Beretovac in for a well-taken opportunist goal. Late in the game Tharby made the most of a mix-up in Future's backline to score the games' final goal and see that the points were shared.
E.C.U. Joondalup went two points clear at the top of the table after defeating previous leaders Inglewood United 2-0 through goals from Gary Murray and Peter Rustidge. A double by Cisco Jorqueira keeps Fremantle City third after their 2-1 home win over Cockburn City, Colin Copperwaite the visitors' scorer. Swan I.C. went down 1-2 at home to Floreat Athena, while goals by Ciaran Allen, Tristan Carrol (2) and Stipan Majic gave Western Knights full points for the just third time this season, 4-1 away over Sorrento. On Sunday, Adam Bunce and Nick Zumaran were on target as Perth S.C. defeated Ashfield 2-0.
Future Glory moved up the Under-18's table to fourth place after a come-from-behind 4-1 win at Bassendean Caledonian where, if not for a great goalkeeping display by Frankie Ternel, Future could have won this match by an even greater margin. In a man-of-the-match effort Ternel continually thwarted the visiting side as they launched an endless barrage of attacks over the opening period. But it was Caledonian that went into the interval with the advantage after Gareth Wright found the net late in the half. Future continued their assault into the second half and were back on level terms when Michael Parks' low, hard shot snuck under the 'keeper following some quality lead-up work by Alex Crookes and Ben Rogers. A powerful shot by Crookes from 25-metres came back into play off the upright and Rogers was positioned to put Future in front from close-range. Wesley Ryder showed his skill by beating four opponents and netting Future's third, and Rogers sealed full points after a fine solo run of his own to make the final score 4-1.
Fremantle City's 4-0 win over Cockburn City sees them narrow the gap to leaders Perth S.C. who were held to a 1-1 draw by Ashfield. Hayden Darcy (2) and Brendan Knox found the net for Swan I.C. when they drew 3-3 with Floreat Athena whose goals came via Rodrigo Agguire, Jarryd Campher and Filippos Pakioufakis. Sorrento defeated Western Knights 2-0 and, in their Round 12 match which was played last month, E.C.U. Joondalup drew 1-1 at home with Inglewood United.
13.7.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Armadale vs Kingsway Olympic by Michael Di Pietro; Bayswater City vs Canning City by Adam Rucci)
A bagful of goals to super-striker Rob Milevski put paid to any threat Morley Windmills had against the all-conquering Stirling Lions in wintry and slippery Macedonia Park on Saturday. Played on a shifting surface badly affected by recent heavy rains, the ambitious Lions had the visiting side under pressure from the opening whistle. Danny Carlino set the pace in midfield with some electrifying runs and laying off near perfect balls to forwards Milevski and Bobbi Klenkovski, who came close to scoring on three separate occasions. Andy Wright came close with a shot just over the bar, as did Klenkovski whose effort skimmed off the far post. A piercing run out of defence by Riste Stefoski in the 45th minute opened up the Windmills' defence before he laid the ball off to Leo Harman whose cross was met at the near post by Milevski for the opening goal. The second half started with the Lions focused on securing maximum points. Klenkovski showed great skill in beating two defenders and rounding the goalkeeper before squaring unselfishly to Milevski who doubled the margin on the hour. Two minutes later Keegan Ashley got in on the action with a shot that rocketed off the up-right. Midfielder Toby Wright came close to making it three-nil with a spectacular long-range effort. Five minutes from full-time substitute Tomo Nishizawa threaded a perfect ball through to Milevski who expertly rounded a defender to complete his hat-trick. 15-year old Christian Debarro made his debut late in the game and almost made it a dream start to his senior career with a scorching shot that went narrowly wide. With the sky's greying over, Milevski tucked away his fourth in the 88th minute after some superb work in the middle by Toby Wright and Carlino. The Lions remain six points clear at the top of the First Division table and have confirmed their status as favourites to win promotion to the top flight at seasons' end. The Lions won both the earlier games also, the reserves grinding out a 2-0 result while the Under-18's triumphed 9-0.
Armadale slip down the table to third, the gap between themselves and the Lions widening to eight points, as a result of the home draw with lowly Kingsway Olympic. Saturday should have been a fairly easy three points for the Reds, but, as has been their pattern over the past month, vital League points again slipped from their grasp. The early signs weren't good for Armadale with three one-on-one opportunities with eh visiting goalkeeper squandered inside the opening quarter-hour. The home crowd were finally given something to cheer about after 25 minutes when Jason Goodwin converted from the penalty spot. And a minute from the interval the Reds won a free-kick on the edge of the 6-yard box, Olympic attempted to block the path to goal by putting everyone on the goal line, but Jason Hardie blasted over their heads and into the roof of the net to extend the margin. The home side looked assured of three points as the second half began, but when Olympic pegged a goal back through Shane Fitzpatrick after 54 minutes the game was brought back to life. Although Goodwin was dismissed for his second bookable offence in the 65th minute, the Reds continued to go on the attack but were unable to put the ball into the net. But the smile was wiped off the home fans when Mark Purcell equalised seven minutes from full-time. Armadale's reserves thumped Olympic 7-0 courtesy of goals from Harvey Vasquez, Dennis Lee (2), Darren Ingham, Steve Tsallis, Dave Williams and Byron Wood in what was a very polished performance from the home side. With Olympic unable to field an Under-18 side, the match was awarded to Armadale 3-0.
Bayswater City went into their home fixture with Canning City knowing that victory would keep them in the hunt for a top four finish before the closing weeks of the First Division season is drawn. The game started slowly with both defences holding firm, but the home side suffered a severe blow after 20 minutes when captain Kevin Henderson limped off with a knee injury. It wasn't until the 32nd minute that the crowd were treated to a shot on goal, a great run from Andrew O'Neill seeing his 22-metre bomb beat the goalkeeper but crash into the up-right. The only other move which caused some excitement amongst the spectators saw Canning put the ball in the back of the net only to have it disallowed for a foul on Gerry McEwan. The two teams emerged for the second half with Bayswater the more dominant. Five minutes after the re-start Nick Stojanovski was sent through on goal but sprayed the ball wide from 12-metres. The home side continued to go on the attack and Sal Marrapodi had a chance to give Bayswater the lead but shot narrowly wide. The deadlock was broken in the 57th minute when Dario Pellicciotti's precise cross from the right was headed home by Marrapodi from close-range. Bayswater doubled their lead in the 65th minute after Julian Coci's shot form 25-metres forced the Canning 'keeper into a great save which he was unable to hold and Marrapodi nipped in for the crumbs. Bayswater's reserves went down 3-1 with Ray Bellarini the home sides' scorer. The Under-18's game also went the way of Canning by 2-1, Marco Leeme getting Bayswater's goal.
A 29th minute goal by 18-year old Nathan Watkins enabled Queens Park to defeat Southside United and jump into second place on the First Division table. Hadi Polozani bagged a hat-trick as David Moschilla and Paul Gallagher also found the net for Balcatta who won 5-2 away at Perth City, John Wyeth and Jason Hope their scorers. Second half goals by Davorin Svirac and Zelko Savic saw Dianella White Eagles win for just the fifth time this season, 2-1 over Rockingham City for whom Glen Hallums scored. A second half Steven Suttie goal gave South West Phoenix a 1-0 home win against Stirling Suns, while Paul Gibson and Jonathan Cook were on target for Leeming Strikers who knocked off bottom side Wanneroo City 2-0. Mandurah City remain in fourth place despite not playing.
12.7.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Saturday sees the commencement of the second half of the Premier League season. A Floreat Athena win over a Swan I.C. team showing signed of improvement will cement them second place on the table. Inglewood United (3rd) are on the road to play E.C.U. Joondalup (5th), while fourth-placed Western Knights will be hoping to get their season back on course when they travel to Sorrento. Three points to either Bassendean Caledonian or Future Glory will result in them moving up the table, and both Fremantle City and Cockburn City will be desperate for victory in order to stay in touch with the top five. The Sunday game pits League leaders Perth S.C. against bottom side Ashfield.
Round 15 of the First Division season should see leaders Stirling Lions, who are undefeated at home this season, collect all three points from their meeting with Morley Windmills at Macedonia Park. The battle for second place is hotting up with three sides currently on equal points - Armadale are home to Kingsway Olympic, Queens Park travel to play Southside United, while Mandurah City will lose ground having the bye. Bayswater City take on Canning City at Frank Drago Reserve, while victory to Perth City and Stirling Suns over Balcatta and South West Phoenix respectively will see them hold onto their positions in the top eight. In the bottom half of the table, Dianella White Eagles play Rockingham City, and thirteenth-placed Leeming Strikers have home ground advantage against bottom side Wanneroo City.
12.7.2002
BOBBY DAZZLES FOR SOCCEROOS
Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski will be hoping to celebrate his 31st birthday this Sunday by helping Australia win the 2002 Oceania Nations Cup in New Zealand. Despotovski, who spent several seasons with Floreat Athena in the local competition, made his Socceroo debut this week when he came off the bench 62 minutes into the opening round fixture with Vanuatu and took just 23 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Australia ran out victors by 2-0. Two days later he marked his first appearance in the starting line-up with a four-goal haul as Australia cruised to victory 11-0 over New Caledonia. The striker missed the final group match with Fiji due to a minor injury.
Also representing Australia at the tournament is one-time Spearwood Dalmatinac (now Cockburn City) goalkeeper Jason Petkovic. The Glory custodian was rarely called into action in the win over Vanuatu and was rested when the Socceroos thumped New Caledonia. On Wednesday Petkovic was back between the posts as Australia romped to an 8-0 win over Fiji. Since making his senior Australian debut late in 1995, Petkovic has made 13 'A' appearances for the national side for eight clean sheets.
Australia meets Tahiti today in the semi-finals, with the Oceania Nations Cup Final on Sunday at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland. Despotovski and Glory strike-partner are expected to start up-front for the Socceroos with Petkovic continuing in goal. Coach Frank Farina has been forced to delay naming his starting line-up with injuries casting doubt over captain Steve Horvat (leg), Patrick Kisnorbo (knee) and Paul Trimboli (groin). Farina has been critical of tournament organisers, saying players risked serious injury by playing too many games at the wrong time of the year.
12.7.2002
WOLVES TRIALS FOR TRIM
Versatile Fremantle City player Daniel Trim has been offered trials in the National Soccer League with Wollongong Wolves. The tall 21-year old who is more than capable of playing in defence, midfield or attack, had the opportunity to link up with the Wolves prior to last season but had to turn down the offer after fracturing his jaw and being sidelined for eight weeks. Trim rose to prominence as a teenager playing for the ill-fated Ashfield/Bunbury side and signed with Fremantle at the start of 2001. He capped a fine debut season for the port side by taking out the clubs Players Player of the Year award, and made his senior State debut in March's nil-all draw with South Australia. Daniel isn't the only member of the Trim family currently making a name for himself, brother Damian is also part of Fremantle's first team while another sibling, Sebastian, turns out for Future Glory's Under-18 side.
12.7.2002
SIGNINGS STRENGTHEN LIONS SQUAD
First Division leaders Stirling Lions have strengthened their playing stocks with a number of important recent signings. When regular goalkeeper Rob Pucovski - who has conceded just twelve goals in as many games this year - became available only a fortnightly basis due to work commitments, the club moved quickly to secure Steve Grant from Bassendean Caledonian. "We feel that signing Steve has been a major coup as he adds further strength and poise to our overall structure," said coach Basil Lenzo this week. "We needed someone who also has some vision to stay with a club and is actively looking at progressing with us in the in the coming years. We are very confident of retaining Rob for next year as well however unfortunately work commitments are a priority."
There have been several other recent arrivals at the club who are red-hot favourites to win promotion to the Premier League next season. Left-sided defender Steven Bretti arrives after a brief spell with Ashfield, Billy Ristevski joins from Inglewood United and Billy Bozanovski has made the move from local rivals Stirling Suns. "They are all exciting, young players that have had some experience with top flight football. We have had a lot of interest from players and the main reason is that they are wanting to be part of a club that, if all goes well, is going places," Lenzo added. "But all the credit must go to the current crop of players who have been with us over the last three years as they are the ones who've made the club an exciting place to be, not only a soccer point of view but also from a social aspect."
11.7.2002
ATHENA OUT-MUSCLE PERTH
Floreat Athena have sounded a loud and clear warning that the race Premier League trophy is far from over by defeating Perth S.C. in atrocious conditions at Dorrien Gardens last night. In an evenly fought game amongst the howling wind and stormy conditions, one of the features was the battle in midfield between former Perth Glory captain Gareth Naven and in-form Athena battler Jamie Trandos, both important contributors to their teams' cause. Perth started strongly but found the visiting defence a tough stumbling block, particularly Troy Bernard and Adrian Sutton. Livewire striker Andreas Oliviera had Perth's best two chances of the half when he twice intercepted poor passed from Andreas Pantelis in Athena's defensive third, but on both occasions he was thwarted by last-ditch tackles from Sutton and Trandos. Ryan Newhill came close when he rattled the Perth crossbar with a great curling shot just on the half an hour, but the team went into a welcomed break scoreless.
Perth found it hard to get their regular passing game going as both teams needlessly conceded possession. With the wintry conditions stifling the regular game of both teams, route one - the long ball - was used adopted as preferred option going forward. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute through Dejan Djukanovic who scored his third goal in six days. Replacing the flu-ridden James Afkos in the Athena line-up, Peter Coci darted into the box before crossing to Robin Dyers at the far post, the tall striker expertly headed the ball back across goal to Djukanovic who powered his header in the net of goalkeeper Robert Scarparolo. Perth pushed hard for an equaliser only to be met with some resolute, not so pretty, but effective defending from the visiting side. With Perth leaving themselves exposed at the back, a quick counter-attacking move strung together by Dyers and Kosta Kalavrouzoitis teed-up Pantelis who squandered a guilt-edged chance to double the lead. The reasonably sized crowd staying rooted toe their seats until the end as Perth made a last-ditch effort to sneak a point - Todd Howarth finding the side-netting in the 88th minute and, two minutes into stoppage time, substitute David Onoforo sent the ball wide from 12-metres.
Athena deservedly collected all three points from this postponed Round Four clash after continually shown more desire for the ball, while their well-marshalled defence was always in control of their third. Dyers, Trandos and Sutton were the key performers for Athena in what will be a confidence boosting win, while for Perth it was Naven, Oliveria and Michael Icanovski who fought hardest until the final whistle. The only disappointing aspect of an enthralling contest was the below-par showing of the referee who made several needless bookings and some strange decisions which left even the players wondering at times. The win reduces Perth's lead at the top of the table to two points, stretches Athena's undefeated run to five matches and moves them four points ahead of third-placed Inglewood United with the second half of the home-and-away series about to commence.
11.7.2002
CACERAS MAKES IMPACT
Bournemouth coach Peter Grant says he is impressed with West Australian triallist Adrian Caceras. The former Perth S.C. attacker scored the goal of the game in the Cherries' 4-0 friendly win over Hamworthy Engineering during the week. "There's no doubt that he's got ability. People say he's a frustrating type of player because it's well within his reach for him to become a top class player, but he's got to produce it a lot more. Southampton have maybe thought they can't afford to wait this long for that to happen."
"We knew about Adrian last year and he went on loan to Brentford. At the time when we were looking for a left-sided player, so he's one we've been keeping an eye on and now Southampton have released him," added Grant. "He's been here the last few days and will train for the week to begin with and we'll see from there after he's got the two games in. The lad's done as much as you could expect in the second half (against Hamworthy), but it's difficult when the opposition's not particularly strong, although we think he could be a bit fitter. He's done himself justice and scored a lovely goal and that shows the quality he has."
10.7.2002
INJURY FRUSTRATIONS FOR KNIGHTS
It's been a frustrating month for Western Knights who, just four weeks ago, were sitting three points clear at the head of the Premier League table. But at the half way stage of the winter campaign, the club have slipped to fourth and have failed to collect a single point from their past four starts. This dramatic reversal of fortunes has coincided with a string of unfortunate injuries which has left the Knights first team squad decimated. Danish import Claus Nielsen has been out of action with a knee injury picked up four weeks ago against Cockburn City, the same game in which State Under-19 sweeper Ivan Zuvela received a knock to an ankle which as kept him sidelined since. The following weekend against Future Glory nuggety defender Leon Russell received a broken ankle and is expected to be out of action for up to eight weeks. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel with Nielsen and Zuvela hopefully coming back into contention for this weekend's fixture at Sorrento.
10.7.2002
FIRST DIVISION OPTIONS
Following a meeting with the Soccer West Coast board, the First Division clubs have agreed not to divide the competition into two from next season. With a variety of options on the table, the clubs have opted to try and reduce their number from the current to a more manageable fourteen or fifteen with the possibility that several clubs will merge. "If clubs are planning to merge, and if it suits both and if it benefits soccer, then we will support their endeavour," said Soccer West Coast president David Schrandt. "From our position it would reduce the number of clubs and make planning for the First Division much easier - we'd rather have an even number of clubs so the weekly bye disappears." It is understood that Canning City and Leeming Strikers are talking about a possible merger, while Kingsway Olympic, Wanneroo City and Perth City - who all play out of the Kingsway Sporting Complex - are also in discussion. Also a possibility is the admission of amateur clubs Subiaco City and Maddington Eagles into the ranks of S.W.C. in time for the 2003 season.
10.7.2002
ENGLISH TRIALS FOR LOCAL TRIO
Three Perth youngsters - Greg Sharland, Scott Bullloch and Andrew Evans - are within striking distance of continuing their careers in England. The trio have been invited to trial with several English clubs over the next month thanks to the work of Sportsgroup Soccer International, a locally-based coaching academy. "It's all laid out for them," said Danny Kuzmanovich, co-director of S.S.I., told the "Sunday Times" recently. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the boys and they are obviously excited at having a chance to realise their dream."
Evans was the first to head abroad when he departed on Saturday. The Wanneroo City goalkeeper will spend time at the top flights' Charlton Athletic and First Division club Nottingham Forest. Sharland and Bulloch, who were both members of the W.A. Under-19 side that played in France in couple of months back, leave this coming weekend. The pair will try their luck with Newcastle United and Charlton along with First Divisioner's Preston North End. 19-year old attacker Sharland made 13 appearances in the National Soccer League last season for Wollongong Wolves, while Bulloch, a left sided midfielder with E.C.U. Joondalup, capped his debut season in the local competition by taking out the Rookie of the Year award in 2001.
9.7.2002
COONEY ACCEPTS THIRD YEAR
Second-year Coventry City trainee Sean Cooney has agreed to a new deal which will take him into the third year of his scholarship with the English First Division club. Having spent the past couple of years in the Sky Blues youth ranks, 18-year old Cooney slotted into the reserve team towards the end of the 2001/02 campaign and turned in several impressive performance in the centre of defence. With Coventry's trainees currently in pre-season, recently appointed Academy Director Steve Ogrizovic revealed he is looking forward to the coming season. "I feel we have a very talented group of players at Coventry with great potential who should do very well for the club in years to come." Cooney played locally as a junior with Rockingham City, Fremantle United, Kingsway Hammers and Inglewood United before signing with Coventry in mid-2000. He represented Western Australia at all junior levels up to Under-16's.
9.7.2002
DJUKANOVIC THE HERO FOR ATHENA (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
Floreat Athena have unearthed a new goal-scoring sensation in 21-year old Dejan Djukanovic, who got both goals in the weekend's 2-0 win over Fremantle City. The level-headed Djukanovic, who is studying for an Engineering Science degree at Curtin University, has already achieved his number one goal for the season - to get in the Athena first team. "I've improved since the start of the season, but I'm not getting carried away - I'm taking things one step at a time," he said. Interestingly, there is a bit of superstition about Floreat's four-game winning run. "I usually wear a gold chain around my neck, but I've now started giving it to our physio, Sam Duff, to look after it for me and we haven't lost since," said the young striker.
9.7.2002
REFEREE ADMITS TO ERROR (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
State League referee Ron Tully has held his hand up to a mistake in Saturday clash between E.C.U. Joondalup and Western Knights. Tully red-carded Joondalup midfielder Kevin Griffiths midway through the second half for not retreating 10-yards when Knights player Paul McVittie went to take a free-kick. Griffiths had already been booked and it was his second yellow. But Tully later admitted he was a bit too quick in producing the second yellow, the ball apparently struck Griffiths as he turned his back to move away from McVittie, whose haste at trying a quick free-kick caught everyone on the hop. Tully later consulted his linesman over the incident and the red card has now been rescinded and Griffiths will not be required to serve a suspension.
9.7.2002
BAYSWATER APPEAL TO BE HEARD (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
The Soccer West Coast tribunal will this week meet to consider an appeal from Bayswater City whose home game with Morley Windmills on 13th April was abandoned after a spectator struck Windmills player Grant Learmont, who is now with Queens Park. At the time of the incident Windmills were leading 2-1 and the points were subsequently awarded to the visiting side.
8.7.2002
SYDNEY UNITED ASK ABOUT TOMICH
Sydney United are the latest National Soccer League club to show an interest in Western Knights goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. The 22-year old shot-stopper, who spent 12-months on the book of Perth Glory as an apprentice in the summer of 1999/2000 but was not retained by the club, has bounced back to establish himself as arguably one of the best 'keepers outside the national competition. New Parramatta Power coach Nick Theodorakopoulos has already offered the youngster pre-season trials, however, Sydney United are threatening those plans after contacting the Knights concerning Tomich's availability.
Born and bred in Western Australia, Tomich came to the attention of then Glory assistant coach Mich D'Avray after shining for Knights in their successful 1998 and 1999 Premier League campaigns. After overcome a serious injury which looked to have ended his season, Tomich's progress with Glory was always going to be difficult as he had Australian internationals Jason Petkovic and Tony Franken ahead of him in the pecking order. A season with Cockburn City followed, and 2001 was spent at Bassendean Caledonian before Tomich returned to the Knights camp for the current campaign.
8.7.2002
ATHENA "MY HOME" SAYS LAZARIDIS
Stan Lazaridis has been very much the success story of West Australian football. After shining for Floreat Athena in the local competition, the midfielder spent three seasons in the National Soccer League with West Adelaide before being snapped up by top-flight English club West Ham United in 1995. After four injury-hampered seasons with the Hammers, Lazaridis signed with Birmingham City and was part of their squad which just two months ago won promotion to the Premier League. Back in Perth for a brief off-season visit, Lazaridis recently spoke with Bob Figg for Access 31's "Soccer W.A." segment about his ties to the game in his home state and his playing future.
"This is my home really," Lazaridis said when interviewed at Litis Stadium, home of Athena. "We're talking a long time now, it's been eleven or twelve years, this is where I started and hopefully other players can come through here as well. I'm one that never forgets their roots. The club looked after me while I was here, they gave me an opportunity and assisted my progress to play where I am now. So it's always nice to give something back in whatever form you can. I do hold an affection for the club."
Lazaridis caught the eye of Australian followers of the game while representing Australia at Under-17 level in the 1989 World Youth Championship Finals. Four years later he made his senior national debut in the 1-0 win over Kuwait, and since then he's pulled on the green and gold over 50 times. Part of two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns, Lazaridis said he had a difficult time watching the 2002 tournament on television. "It's been hard to watch to be honest. When you're watching Uruguay play, you really do think you should be there, if we could have got through. It's frustrating but all we can do is try the next time - again! Whether I'll be part of it I'm not sure but I'll just keep myself fit and see what happens."
About to commence his fourth season with Birmingham, Lazaridis is planning to be part of the Blues set-up for some time. "I've still got two more years left on my contract and the club do not want to let me go or anything like that, which is good, the manager's happy with me. The thing you've got to remember is that it's a squad game over there these days. I played 36 matches in a year which is over three-quarters of the season, so I was quite a regular in the team but in the last half-a-dozen games I think I didn't play as regularly as I would have liked to. But there's no problems, I'm looking forward to playing in the Premiership, it's where I want to be."
With in excess of 200 League and Cup appearances with West Ham and Birmingham to his credit, Lazaridis added he would like to see out his playing career in Western Australia, hinting at a stint in the N.S.L. with Perth Glory. "My mum and dad want me back in a couple of years, and to be honest another two or three years will probably be the maximum that I'll be over there. I'd like to play a couple of years here and possibly with Perth Glory if the opportunity is there and if they want me. I'd like to play in front of my home public, that would be great."
7.7.2002
AMATEURS ROUND-UP
University of W.A. were bundled out of the Mitre Amateur Cup on Sunday by Second Division Gosnells City who scored after only 3 minutes when Daniel Devise laid the ball on for Darren D'Mello who struck a fine dipping shot from outside the 18-yard box. University hit back after 11 minutes with a well executed free-kick from Tom Muirhead which flew past the goalkeeper and a defender on the line. Eleven minutes later Malcolm Lewington had the misfortune of heading the ball past his own goalkeeper to restore Gosnells' lead. Lively in attack, Gosnells went 3-1 up when Shayan Young parried a shot, the ball falling Devise who drilled it over the line from close-range. University came out strongly at the start of the second half, Robert Benkovic seeing his shot deflected over the bar and not long after a good header from Adam Brett went narrowly high. Gosnells pounced on another defensive error in the 60th minute which saw D'Mello blast the ball into the right hand corner of the net and extend their margin to three goals. Five minutes later Gosnells were reduced to ten men for a late tackle. Christian Tribe then pegged back the gap with a low first time shot from a corner. Five minutes from regulation time Benkovic was brought down inside the box and Brett stepped up to make it 4-3 in Gosnells' favour. Despite five minutes of stoppage time University could not find the equaliser the sought to desperately. "All the credit and congratulations should go to Gosnells," said University coach Kevin Burton post-match. "They put us under a lot of pressure at the back and forced the errors. The Gosnells strikers were better than any pair I have seen in the Premier League this year and if they keep these players further progress in the Cup and League would be expected." University's reserves faired better with 6-0 victory over Stirling Panthers courtesy of goals from Tim Grose, Guy Hattersley, Tom Banyard, Dave Holley (2) and David Berg.
Playing at home, Balga went a goal behind to Belmont Villa in their Third Round Cup meeting before Justin Jensen equalised from the penalty spot. With fifteen minutes remaining, Willy Lyall netted the decider to send Balga through to the quarter-final stage of a knockout competition for the first time in over twenty years. Hamersley Rovers kept alive their hopes of pulling off the double with a 3-0 win over Southern Spirit 0, and in the rounds only all Premier League clash Shamrock Rovers bowed out 2-1 to Murdoch University. Forrestfield United proved too strong for Suburbs United 4-1, while Condors went down 3-0 at home to Fremantle United. Second Division Ballajura made it through to the round of eight with a 3-1 win over Stirling Panthers, and Third Division strugglers Maddington Eagles continued on their merry way with a 3-2 result against Carlisle.
7.7.2002
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ELEVEN (Swan I.C. vs Perth S.C. and Inglewood United vs Future Glory by Mike Hennessey; Ashfield vs Bassendean Caledonian by Bill MacAllister; Sorrento vs Cockburn City by Christian Galapolous)
Saturday's Premier League meeting between E.C.U. Joondalup and the Western Knights in the northern suburbs was an important fixture for both sides. Victory to Joondalup would keep their goal of a top five finish well on track and, while midfielders Abdul Kamara and Mark Ristofski were absent though injury, they were bouyed by a resounding 3-0 win at Cockburn City last weekend. Knights' coach Ronnie Campbell was no doubt desperate to halt his sides run of three consecutive League losses. But with key defenders Ivan Zuvela (ankle), Leon Russell (broken ankle) and Danish import Claus Neilsen (knee) all out, Campbell was well aware achieving his aim wasn't going to be easy.
Some bruising tackles dominated a pacey opening spell in which the respective midfielders attempted to establish some control over the middle third of the playing surface. Settling quickest, the Knights carved out the more productive moves only to be continually caught out by a well-rehearsed Joondalup off-side trap which was sprung successfully four times inside ten minutes. The visitors persistence paid off in the 12th minute when some sloppy Joondalup defending resulted in the ball being turned over on top of the 18-yard box, Stuart Montgomery seizing possession and evading three challenges before rifling into the bottom corner of Peter Stewart's net to give his coach a dream start. It was very nearly two-nil three minutes later as Ray Marinovic's cross from the right found Carl Medica but his explosive shot was deflected for a corner.
Joondalup slowly found their rhythm and some great movement of the ball lead to them winning a corner after 18 minutes. Kevin Griffiths swung the ball into the dangerzone from the left and, rising high in a congested box, Scott Broadley nodded in the equaliser. Minutes later a superb long ball out of defence by teenager John Higgins picked out Scott Bulloch, his cross into the area was powerful met by Andy Mason but the striker's header was directed straight to goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. With the momentum now well and truly with Joondalup, the Knights had Tomich to thank that they didn't go into the break a goal or two down. Midway through the half the young 'keeper twice came to his sides rescue in the space of a few minutes, first racing well outside his area to thump a ball played over the defence to safety, and shortly after by blocking a close-range blast from Griffiths. Mason sent Garin Collins clear down the right after 34 minutes and, with the defence closing in, the striker's shot was halted by Tomich.
Out of the match for a lengthy period, the Knights finishing the half strongly only to find the opposing defence very difficult to crack. Paul McVittie should have done better than blaze wide after a penetrating run from Marinovic. Medica made his way into the 18-yard box where he went down under Richard Watson, the Knights' appeals for a penalty rightfully waived away by referee Ron Tully. In keeping with the physical nature of the match, Joondalup's Andy Brown should consider himself lucky not to have been booked for a crunching tackle on Luka Jukic which stopped dead a surging run into attack by the youngster. And three minutes from the break it was Marinovic that worked hard to retain possession wide on the right before crossing to Montgomery who finished poorly by lifting his shot over the crossbar.
Two minutes into the second half and Joondalup hit the front after Tomich mis-judged the flight of Higgins' free-kick into the heart of the 18-yard box, the ball spilling to Mason who made no mistake from 6-metres. The goal sparked a flurry of activity from the visiting side who came close to levelling the scores through Montgomery in the 52nd minute when he out-paced the defence but a sprawling save from Stewart kept out the shot. Five minutes on and another penetrating run from Jukic took him into the Knights attacking zone where, after a neat one-two with Medica opened up the defence, Stewart did well to block his low shot. Griffiths could have killed off the Knights hopes after 64 minutes but failed to test the 'keeper after meeting a fine cross from Bulloch. The referee was kept busy as on-field tempers neared boiling point, but his decision to send off Griffiths two minutes later was sheer lunacy (Tully has since admitted his error and the red card been rescinded).
With both sides committed totally on playing attacking football, the home supporters were the ones celebrating in the 68th minute when Dale McCulloch raced onto a ball pumped into attack and slotted it past the advancing 'keeper from 9-metres to make it 3-1. If the Knights thought they were still in with a chance, then those hopes were effectively snuffed out eight minutes later. Breaking swiftly on the counter-attack, Bulloch's centring ball found McCulloch who drew the defence then placed the ball into the path of Collins whose powerful, low shot flew beyond Tomich's reach. Safe with a three-goal buffer, Joondalup eased off the pace and permitted the Knights to control the closing stages, a Christie volley which was saved by Stewart the closest the visitors came to getting a late consolation goal. In the final minute of regulation time Joondalup should have extended their lead when a cross from substitute Craig Cheeseman cross found Mason whose shot was parried by Tomich, then Bulloch's follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Evan Wallace.
Loud cheers from the home crowd greeted the final whistle as Joondalup picked up another three points that would see elevate them to fifth place by the end of the weekend. Quick-thinking teenagers Bulloch and Higgins combined to great effect in orchestrating the win on the left flank, while in the middle of the park there was another non-stop display from McCulloch. The Knights were today constantly found lacking in the finishing department, with Montgomery all too often finding himself with little support in the final third. Marinovic ran himself into the ground on the right to provide much of his sides best attacking moves, while Jukic showed maturity beyond his years with a fine performance at the back.
E.C.U. Joondalup : Peter Stewart, Richard Watson, Andy Brown, John Higgins,
Jamie Kuzmanovich (Craig Cheeseman 78), Scott Bulloch, Scott Broadley, Dale
McCulloch (Sam Miller 88), Kevin Griffiths, Andy Mason, Garin Collins (John
Greenwood 88)
Western Knights : Tommi Tomich, Steven Zuvela, Evan Wallace, David Annall
(Eugene Singeorzan 66), Luka Jukic, Ray Marinovic, Carl Medica, Alex
Christie, Paul McVittie, John Nicolaou (Joe Reale 80), Stuart Montgomery
Referee : Ron Tully
Cautions : Griffiths (39), Kuzmanovich (48), Christie (53), Medica (74)
Dismissals : Griffiths (66)
Attendance : 300 (approx.)
Swan I.C. lost 1-0 to Perth S.C. in their Premier League clash at the Swan Italian Club on Saturday. In a tough, hard-fought game, Swan matched the League leaders for much of the afternoon but a momentary loss of concentration early in the second half lost them three points. Former Perth Glory coach Gary Marocchi came to assist player-coach Carlo Scali and his influence was evident as Swan tightened up on recent performances. The return of goalkeeper Corey Hugo, too, gave the defence that extra confidence needed to tackle Perth who found the going harder than they might have imagined as the first half remained scoreless. Perth did most the attacking but it was the home side that came closest to scoring just before the break, a fine passage of play seeing Darren Freeman's rising shot spectacularly saved by Rob Scarporolo and which allowed the visiting defence time to scramble the ball to safety. Although always fiercely competitive but without malice the match was marred by a flurry of yellow cards that left two angry coaches and perplexed players and fans. Two minutes into the second half Swan were in trouble when an exquisite centre from Robbie Gaspar found Mark Pottier unmarked in front of goal and he eagerly slotted home to give Perth the lead. Perth remained on top for a period, Jamie Coyne twice coming close to scoring, Todd Howarth was also unlucky not to net and a Pottier effort was cleared off the line with Hugo beaten. But Swan held out and Perth's failure to add to their score gave the home team renewed confidence which resulted in them pressing Perth hard over the final fifteen minutes. The best chances of the period came the way of teenager Tom Shepheard whose effort went just wide as Perth defended in numbers. Swans, however, were unable to score but will gain in confidence from their performance against a strong Perth line-up.
In a cliffhanger at Ashfield Reserve, Bassendean Caledonian recorded their first away victory of the 2002 season when they defeated Ashfield 2-1 in the local derby. The early stages of this match produced some good end-to-end action as the sides battled to gain the upper hand. Karl Atley and Steve Gillibrand combined to win the home team a corner which resulted in a stunning volley from Atley beating Alan Dunlop but the ball came back into play off the crossbar. Down the other end Phil Jackson pulled off a great save from Caledonian midfielder Dean Gartside. As the opening half came to a close it was the visitors which began to mesh and, from a free-kick, Gartside found Jimmy Merkouris whose hard cross was deflected past Jackson by the unfortunate David Mayers. On the hour Glen McCormick outstripped the Ashfield defence and Jackson failed to hold his explosive shot to extend Caledonians advantage. The visiting side were by this stage well in control of proceedings and would have gone further ahead but for the good goalkeeping of Jackson. With fifteen minutes remaining Ashfield struck with a scrambled goal after a bad defensive lapse, Gillibrand credited as the scorer, to sett up a nail biting finish. With only minutes to go Dunlop made a great save to deny Mayers an equaliser, and just before full-time Caledonian substitute Raphael Mahoney headed the ball goalward but saw his effort cleared off the line. The visitors were fortunate to go home with all three points as a spot in the top five now beckons at the seasons' halfway stage.
Floreat Athena stretched their winning run to four games with a solid display away to Fremantle City where both sides overcame strong winds and a bumpy surface to turn in on an entertaining match in both goalkeeper Robert Zabica and John Xigas were outstanding. It was Fremantle that started the stronger with young gun Joe Liguan hitting the post after being sent through by Michael Mirco. The home side should have made more of what amounted to a gale force wind at their backs, but it was Athena's classy Kiwi stopper Adrian Sutton that had the best chances of the half. The defender hit the up-right with a fine header, and later in the period had Zabica pawing a first time strike around the post with Floreat's two Costa's, Socratous and Kalavrouzoitis, supplying the ammunition. Dale Wingell spurned a half chance for Fremantle after journeyman defender Alex Cummings won possession in the middle of the park and, with the half time break looming, Fremantle's Daniel Trim looked to have broken the deadlock only his shot to be cleared off the line by Sutton. Athena emerged for the new half and, with the wind now at their backs, set about taking control of the game. A trademark run from the back by Troy Bernard saw him unleash a bullet-like left-footer which re-bounded off the post and rookie striker Dejan Djukanovic pounced on the rebound at make it 1-0 after 55 minutes. Fremantle looked a beaten side from then on as the visitors pressured for a second goal which didn't arrive until eleven minutes from full-time. A jinxing run from Kalavrouzoitis took him down the right before crossing into the box where Djukanovic out-jumped Trim and sent an unstoppable header into the far right corner. Djukanovic, who was in for the suspended Ryan Newhill, was unlucky not to have a hat-trick when his clever chip was finger-tipped over the bar by Zabica. For the home side there were strong performances from Cummings, Zabica and Mirco, while for Athena it was two-goal hero Djukanovic that shone. Midfielder Jamie Trandos was another to stand out for the visitors, likewise Robin Dyers who won everything up front.
Sorrento move into ninth place in the Premier League after cruising to a 5-1 win over over Cockburn City in windy conditions at Percy Doyle Reserve. After a quite start the match came alive after the 27 minutes as Cockburn striker Branimir Mikulic found himself in space inside the area but his powerful shot was deflected wide by Sorrento goalkeeper Gareth Deeg. Breaking on the counter-attack, Ross Greer put Shane Crampton through on goal but the young striker's effort cannoned off the crossbar and, pouncing on the rebound, Jared Love was denied by a superb save from Jeff Cargill. In the 31st minute referee Wayne Oldham awarded Sorrento a dubious free-kick on the edge of the penalty area which Stuart Banks curled low past the defensive wall and the 'keeper to put the home side up 1-0. The visitors had Cargill to thank that the margin was greater by the interval, the young 'keeper making fine saves to deny Crampton and Lee Burns, while Ryan Jeans shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Sorrento started the second half the better and doubled their lead in the 52 minute when Love got the last touch on Jeans' wickedly curling corner. The referee was again in the middle of the action when he awarded a controversial penalty to Cockburn only one minute after Love netted, Mikulic converting from the spot after Kevin Murphy was judged to have up-ended Jeff Bright. The goal spurred Cockburn into action and they controlled play as their opponents failed to keep possession. But, despite their dominance, Cockburn failed to generate any clear-cut chances with the midfield unable to deliver the ball to lively forwards Mikulic and Christian Paschkewitz. Sorrento punished the visitors Cockburn for their inability to capitalise by scoring their third of the afternoon against the run of play, Love hitting the target after being set-up by Crampton in the 74th minute. Committing players forward, Cockburn were left exposed defensively and midfielder David Foster capped off a solid performance by chipping Cargill after a fine solo run after 89 minutes. Sorrento substitute Gareth Phillips made the final score 5-1 when he struck late in injury time.
Inglewood United out-classed Future Glory in the Sunday game at the National Stadium to move into third place at the completion of the round. The home side looked likely to be heading for a shock loss after some poor defensive play enabled Miki Vujacic to score twice and give Future a 2-0 lead. Vujacic first was a swerving shot which nipped inside the up-right after some great lead-up work by Mileta Miletic, and the midfielder's second came from a close-in header after a Miletic cross. It was not until the 27th minute that a fine move on the left led to Louis Parkinson firing home for Inglewood. Continued pressured on the visiting defence lead to Alan MacKenzie rocking the bar with a spectacular long-range drive. Parkinson, too, just failed to get the touch he needed to put Inglewood on level terms. It was Rory Mouttet who finally levelled the scores after 35 minutes, by which time Inglewood were well on top but could not score again before half-time. It took Inglewood 12 minutes into the new half to take the lead, a fine move enabled a delighted Renato Rechichi to cut in and score at the near post. 3-2 up, Inglewood had another momentary lapse at the back that enabled Mileta Miletic to head Future Glory back on level terms against the run of play. In the 64th minute Scott Campbell had Inglewood back in front, Parkinson then took advantage of a defender's slip to score his second goal and put his side into a 5-3 lead. Paul Lincoln came off the bench to make it 6-3, and Matt Donlevy's free-kick saw Michael Di Fulvio head truly and give Inglewood a 7-3 win.
7.7.2002
RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP (Inglewood United vs Future Glory by Shiny Chef; Sorrento vs Cockburn City by Kerry Slater)
Inglewood United's lead at the top of the reserves competition was cut to one point by E.C.U. Joondalup who whipped Western Knights 4-1 on the weekend. John Greenwood bagged two for the home side for whom Adam Bachiller and Gareth With also got on the scoresheet, while the Knights lone scorer as Stipan Magic. Fremantle City stay in fourth place, just four points behind Inglewood, after a convincing 3-0 home win over Floreat Athena. Swan I.C. were never in the hunt against Perth S.C. who ran out victors 6-0, and Ashfield went down 1-0 at home to Bassendean Caledonian. Sorrento's Gareth Phillips gave his side the lead after 25 minutes against Cockburn City by sending the ball past visiting goalkeeper Dino Pacella. Will Kirkpatrick conceded a penalty on the hour which Robert Colalillo converted to level the scores. Ten minutes later Phillips restored the Seagulls lead. With five minutes left on the clock Craig Wells' attempted clearance struck Colalillo who equalised for the second time as the sides shared the points.
The Sunday reserves meeting between Inglewood United and Future Glory at the National Stadium produced a number of bookings and one dismissal in an ill-tempered game. With neither side able to dominate a hard fought first half, a Future defensive error allowed Inglewood striker Paul Lincoln in for the opening goal of the match. The home side were unlucky not to extend their lead after hitting the crossbar with a good shot. After half time Future stepped up the pace which saw Saul Contera and Sasa Kilibarda go close before Kilibarda equalised after Stjepan Beretovac's fierce drive was parried. Inglewood then saw several good chances to reclaim the lead go begging, while down the other Future goalkeeper Michael Smerilli made a fine save at the feet of striker Michael Bascynski. Future saw four shots on goal blocked on the line in a late goalmouth scramble as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Perth S.C. has leapt to the top of the Under-18 table thanks to a 2-0 away win over Swan I.C. E.C.U. Joondalup slip to second place after their home fixture with Western Knights was postponed until Tuesday 27th August. Fremantle City stay within striking distance of the leaders courtesy of 1-0 win over Floreat Athena. Bassendean Caledonian collected their first point of the season after holding Ashfield 2-2, Alex Tharby, Gareth Wright (Caledonian), Ben Matei and James Morris (Ashfield) the scorers. It took Sorrento 30 minutes before Farrell Hedges broke the deadlock against Cockburn City, the youngster notching up his eighth goal of the season. In the 78th minute Peter Noiszewski secured maximum points for the Seagulls when he swivelled on the edge of the box to hit a very good shot past Luigi Lopresti in the visitors goal.
An entertaining Under-18 clash between Inglewood United and Future Glory started with Future winning a free-kick some 30-metres from goal which Ashley Otte headed just wide of the target. After some good end-to-end football, an Inglewood free-kick led to a goalmouth scramble in which Shaun Box finished well to give his side the lead. After 30 minutes it was Future's turn, Ben Rogers finding Wesley Ryder inside the 18-yard box and he made no mistake in equalising. With Future continually pressing forward, Goce Dilevski found himself in space on the right to cross to Rogers who chipped the 'keeper from 15-metres. Not to be outdone, the home side was awarded a penalty just before the break that Tom Bachelor converted. A good second half brought many chances without success until the final minute when Future midfielder Alex Crookes combined with Rogers who knock the ball past the 'keeper with the last kick of the game.
6.7.2002
FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Balcatta vs Armadale by Michael Di Pietro; Stirling Suns vs Bayswater City by Adam Rucci)
The Stirling Lions juggernaut hit top gear with an 8-1 demolition of Leeming Strikers at John Connell Reserve. The Lions started with a rush to have the home goal under siege with shots coming fast and frequent, Bobbi Klenkovski, Rob Milevski and Keegan Ashley all had a chance to be the first to find the net but brilliant early goalkeeping by Mark Wiseman kept them at bay. The Strikers scored the first goal against the run of play when a corner fell at the feet Paul Gibson who converted from close range after 19 minutes. With the home team playing a very defensive formation, it look the genius of midfield maestro Toby Wright to crack open the defence when he ran onto a loose ball and smashed it past the 'keeper after 42 minutes. Minutes later he followed this up with a 30-metre drive that whistled into the net to hand the Lions a 2-1 lead at the break. Coaches Wayne Thorpe and Basil Lenzo must have given an inspirational blast to their charges at the break as the Lions came out looking for blood. Ashley and Leo Harman provided their own Brazilian magic with Ashley's clever back heel sending Harman away to cross to Milevski who netted in the 50th minute. A 60th minute penalty gave man-of-the-match Toby Wright his hat-trick, and the unlucky Klenkovski finally got his name on the score sheet in the 77th minute. Nippy midfielder Danny Carlino, who was at his creative best, decided to get in on the act with a brace of goals in the 85th and 88th minutes. But it was birthday boy Ashley who had the last say, latching on to pass that sent him free with only the 'keeper to beat, doing just that with a cracking shot into the bottom corner in the final minute. The big win now has the Lions six points clear - and with a massive +32 goal difference - at the top of the table with their next three games all to be played at Macedonia Park. The Lion reserves and Under-18 teams continued their good form with 7-1 and 4-0 wins respectively. Billy Bozanovski (reserves) and Anthony Macri (Under-18's) scored hat-tricks in their matches.
In what was their most lacklustre performance of the season, Mandurah City played out a 2-2 draw with bottom side Wanneroo City at Kingsway Sporting Complex. Mandurah got off to the best possible start when, after 7 minutes, Andrew Rennie weaved his way behind the Wanneroo defence to see his low cross tucked away by Michael Bobridge. But from that moment on Mandurah's usual composure deserted them, the home side equalising in the 18th minute when Nigel Tomkinson beat the off-side trap. Things went from bad to worse for Mandurah at the 32 minute mark, Steve Adams adjudged to have pushed over his opponent inside the box and the resulting spot kick was duly converted by Wade Headley as Wanneroo went into the break a goal up. The second half saw Mandurah play with more conviction as they sought to fight their way back into the game. With fifteen minutes remaining Mandurah won a free-kick 25-metres from goal which Sean Kearns delightfully curled around the defensive wall and into the bottom corner of the net. The goal brought the game to life but the steely determination of both defences meant the points were shared in what was a fair reflection of the game. In the reserves, Mandurah jumped into third place after a 4-0 win, Carlos Almieda (2), Steve Choate and Brian Hastie the scorers. This game marked the return to Mandurah of Jordan Rhodes who spent the past two years in the youth ranks of English club Charlton Athletic. Mandurah's Under-18 side also continued on their winning ways with a 2-1 win, Adam Boone scoring the first and Jack Kearns bagging the goal of the day as he chipped the 'keeper from 30-metres to secure maximum points.
There are only three games remaining before the First Division is split into two separate play-off tournaments. The top eight teams will play for the right to spend next year in the top flight, while the bottom nine sides fight it out for a spot in a new-look First Division - let's hope that minor series isn't a waste of time like in 2002 when no Second Division was created. Armadale are assured of a birth in the top eight play-offs, but is not heading into it with a great winning record. Four draws and a loss in their last five outings is not how coach Billy Russell would have hoped his charges would be finishing off the first half of the season. Having said that, the Reds haven't lacked opportunities to win, but have bee missing the killer instinct in front of goal. The match away to Balcatta was a tight struggle, with both sides having chances to win the match, but in the end both defences managed to keep a clean sheet. After a scoreless first half, Armadale's reserves had goals from Steve Tsallis (47th minute), Darren Ingham (50), and Byron Wood (65 and 75) to thank for a 4-1 win over Balcatta who scored their consolation goal five minutes from full-time. Balcatta took an early lead in the Under-18's but it wasn't their day as Oliver Crockford (19, 89), Peter Taylor (22), Steve Flynn (39), and David Forsythe (91) took the young Reds to a 5-1 victory.
The fixture at Brian Burke Reserve between Stirling Suns and Bayswater City also ended in a scoreless draw. There were very few chances during the game which saw only three shots on goal from both sides. Over the opening stages it was the Suns that controlled the game with a dominant midfield but for all their possession the 'home' side couldn't convert their chances with the Bayswater defence holding firm. At the end of 45 minutes the two teams hadn't managed one descent strike on goal between them, so it was a surprise when the new half started with both the Suns and Bayswater in attacking mode. The Suns had the first scoring chance of the match when a header hit the frame of the goal, and shortly after Vlad Beretovac was sent through with only Mathew Saliacus to beat but the Bayswater custodian raced off his line to make the save. The first opportunity for the visiting team resulted from a cross from the right that Dario Pellicciotti headed just over the bar from 7-metres. There was little to keep the crowd's attention until the dying minutes when Bayswater substitute Nick Stojanovski turned sharply and his shot from 23-metres skimmed the wrong side of the up-right. The Suns ran out 3-1 winners in the reserves, Pasquale Marrapodi scoring for Bayswater, while a hat-trick by star striker Tony Casella saw Bayswater's Under-18 side record their first victory in ten games by a 3-2 margin.
Queens Park moved level on points with Armadale and Mandurah in joint-second place after a 2-1 home win over Dianella White Eagles. Jodi Henderson and Steve Sauzier got the goals for Queens Park while Dianella came back with a strike from Boima Karpeh. Queens Park's leading scorer Glen Noblett limped out of the game with what appears to be a serious knee injury and could be sidelined for several weeks. Morley Windmills went down 2-0 at home to Perth City whose goals came from Scott Wyeth and Kevin Morris. The points were shared between Kingsway Olympic and Rockingham City who drew 1-1 with Mark Purcell (Olympic) and Peter Kouzet (Rockingham) finding the net. Shane Laing was on target as Canning City drew 1-1 with South West Phoenix, Greg Hayes their scorer. Southside United had the bye.
5.7.2002
DISCREPANCY IN PETKOVIC TRANSFER?
Soccer Australia's acting chief executive, Greg Bates, believes it unlikely that any outstanding money is owed to South Melbourne over the transfer of goalkeeper Michael Petkovic. The Australian international joined Trabzonspor at the end of the recent National Soccer League season. Shortly after reports surfaced in the media of an irregularity of $267,000 in the money which the Turkish club paid and South received. Bates said the difference was probably due to poor communication between the two clubs, "I don't think there is missing money, but we aren't close to the situation," he said. "While there's been much made of it, it's probably more an issue of poor communication. The clubs themselves probably want to handle the situation themselves rather than get Soccer Australia involved at any earlier stage."
5.7.2002
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Saturday marks the half-way stage of the Premier League season and there are several important mid-table clashes on the agenda. Home side E.C.U. Joondalup will be looking to secure their place in the top half of the table when they play a Western Knights outfit that has failed to collect a single point from their past three outings. At Percy Doyle Reserve Sorrento (8th) take on Cockburn City (7th), while Fremantle City’s good run of results has lifted them away from the relegation zone and this weeks home fixture with an in-form Floreat Athena should prove a good measuring stick for the remainder of the season. Swan I.C. host Perth S.C. in the first leg of the Spring In The Valley Cup, while Bassendean Caledonian cross the railway line to play Ashfield. Sunday’s game pits Inglewood United against Future Glory at the National Stadium.
The First Division leaders are all expected to take maximum points from their weekend games. Stirling Lions travel to play Leeming Strikers, Armadale are away to Balcatta, and Mandurah City take on bottom side Wanneroo City at Kingsway Sporting Complex. Queens Park should prove too strong for Dianella White Eagles, while victory to Bayswater City at Stirling Suns would see them close the gap on the top four. Morley Windmills are home to Perth City, Canning City face South West Phoenix at Willetton Sportsman Club, Kingsway Olympic play Rockingham City, and Southside United this week have the bye.
5.7.2002
STATE WOMEN’S TEAM READY FOR MALAYSIAN ADVENTURE
The State Women’s team are shortly to depart for Malaysia where they will compete in the Australasian Invitation Cup which is being held in Kuala Lumpur. The week-long event kicks-off on 21st July and will see the West Australian side take on the likes of the national teams of Malaysia and Thailand, representative sides from South Australia, the Northern Territory, New Zealand, Queensland, and a number of Asian representative sides. The side recently played their first friendly in preparation for the trip, drawing 2-2 against Floreat Athena’s Under-14 boys team.
“This championship tournament is designed to assist in the development of women’s soccer in the Asia Pacific Region and to foster sporting relations,” said player and team manager Jill Mateljan this week. “Whilst soccer is the most participated sport in the world, soccer in Australia is only just starting to grow. Over the past few years the W.A. Women’s soccer association have been in a rebuilding phase and developing young girls. We are now at a stage where we need to go one step further and have an open age team to play in a quality competition.”
Mateljan said the State side were fortunate enough to have secured former Australian international Alistair Edwards as coach. “Alistair is a wealth of knowledge on the game and has been a great asset to the girls in preparation for the tournament. He’s also developed a great repour with the girls and the communication between players and coach is fantastic. We’ve also been very lucky in having the services of Gareth Naven, who attends all our training sessions and assists Alistair. Gareth’s help within the team has been invaluable and we are hoping that Gareth will be able to travel with us, depending on his commitments.”
The 17-member State Women’s team has been drawn from far and wide and consists of several players from regional areas. The playing squad for the tournament is Jessine Bonzas, Debbie Gorton, Helen Carroll, Lisa Tana, Mia Walker (Floreat Athena), Lyndsey Easton, Jill Mateljan, Lyndsay Jobling, (Queens Park), Tanya Oxtoby, Nicola Williams, Amanda Tana, Suzy Stojanovski (Stirling Reds), Emma Duffield, Nicole Spinelli, Lisa Ward (Bunbury), Tobie Burnnand and Tahlia Lang (Karratha). Also making the trip are Edwards (coach) and Marita Ratcliffe (sportstrainer). The side are heading to Malaysia courtesy of the invaluable support shown by sponsors Oz West Screen Printing, Bobby 10 Football World, Shish Mahal Indian Restaurant and Total Corporation.
5.7.2002
SWISS RETURN FOR ERGIC
Ivan Ergic will this weekend officially start his third season in Switzerland with F.C. Basel when the club travel to play F.C. Aarau in the opening round of the 2002/03 campaign. The former Perth Glory midfielder has had a busy past month with his club who are preparing to defend the League and Cup crowns they won last season. The pre-season kicked-off with a 2-1 win over F.C. Wil before moving to the United States of America where Basel defeated DC United (4-1), Chesapeake Athletic Dragons (8-2) and New England Revolution (5-0). Since returning home, Basel have knocked over S.K. Rapid Wien (3-0), A.S.K. Inter Bratislava (2-0), and most recently Ituano Sao Paulo (2-1). Ergic featured in all seven friendlies and got himself on the scoresheet in the 5-0 win over the Revolution.
5.7.2002
IN CONVERSATION WITH … CLINT DAVIES
Goalkeeper Clint Davies headed to England a couple of years ago to take up an apprenticeship offer with First Division club Birmingham City. Having been a regular in the youth teams over that period, the recently turned 19-year old enjoyed a successful 2001/02 season in which he made several appearances on the bench for the first team who won promotion to England's top flight. While Davies was in town for the off-season break, Brett Klucznik posed a few questions to the talented 'keeper about his past 12-months ...
You started 2001/02 as first choice 'keeper for Birmingham's Under-19 side and on the bench for the reserves. After some impressive performances, I believe you were approached to join the Northern Ireland youth squad in September but refused their offer?
"Yeah, it was a difficult decision to make to not play for Northern Ireland but I was asked on the Sunday and on the Monday I actually broke my arm so I couldn't have gone anyway. If I had chosen to play for Northern Ireland it would have stopped any opportunity for me to play for any other international team - ie Australia. After he heard about my arm the Irish coach phoned and wished my well in my career, which I impressed me that he took that time to do that."
How'd the arm injury come about?
"I broke my arm at a Monday afternoon training session. I was in goal while the outfield players were doing a crossing and finishing session, I came out for a cross and a player challenged me, he headed my arm instead of the ball and I fractured it. The next few weeks were a frustrating time because I could only do running and gym work for my legs when I wanted to be out there playing games and being fully involved. However I was determined to stay focused by doing as much as I could and working hard at the things I could do, for example kicking."
On your return you regained your spot in the reserves squad and within the month were promoted to the ranks for the senior team for whom you made a couple of appearances on the bench ...
"That's right. Ian Bennett, one of the first team goalkeepers, injured his thumb playing against Wolves and therefore Nico Vaesen was promoted to first team spot and I was pushed up into reserves and on the bench for the first team. This was a great confidence booster for me as it was leading up to contract decision time."
Come April you answered a call from Halesowen Town who were in need of a goalkeeper after their regular custodian became unavailable. You made two appearances for the club and kept clean sheets on both occasions ...
"I really enjoyed my time at Halesowen. It gave me a bit more experience of playing for a result, in this case it was to win the Dr Martens Western Division League. It felt good helping them on their way, the manager and players made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed playing for them."
And then at the start of May you watched from the bench as Birmingham won promotion to the Premier League via the First Division play-off series ...
"The atmosphere around the club is always confident leading into the important games and it was great to be involved in Birmingham winning promotion. We travelled down to Cardiff to watch the Final against Norwich City from the stands and when we won it was just brilliant. And to see Darren Carter scoring the winning penalty was amazing considering he was still training with us in the 19's at Christmas!"
One of Birmingham's scorers in the penalty shoot-out win was fellow-West Australian Stan Lazaridis. Do you have much to do with Stan around the club?
"Whenever we meet at training or in the club he always comes to see how I am going. It's great to have someone from my hometown there - it certainly helps. I get inspiration from players like Stan as well as Mark Boznich, players from Australia that have achieved so much so far in their careers and I hope to experience the same in years to come."
Later in May you were part of the Birmingham City side that took out the Tournoi de Croix for the second time in as many years. On your way to beating South African in the Final, Birmingham come up against the WA Under-19 side ...
"That's right. The W.A. team played much better this year than last and, even though it was a hard game, we ended up beating them 2-0. The team Birmingham took to France was much younger than last year and we were missing some key players through injury, but winning the tournament just shows that we have some good players coming through. I managed to catch up with most of the W.A. players at meal times as everyone ate together, it was meet to catch up with the players that I knew from when I was playing in Perth, and since I've been back home I've caught up with a few more of my old friends."
Shortly before you returned to Perth you were involved in contract negotiations with Birmingham, the end result being your first professional contract which takes effect at the start of the coming season ...
"My contract is for one-year, during which time I have to prove myself once again, so I have a big year ahead of me. I was delighted to have been offered a contract, and was obviously happy to sign. I'm now aiming to establish myself as a professional player over the next year and hopefully get into the first team. I arrive back at Birmingham on the 1st July and am looking forward to pre-season training which starts on 3rd July. I think it'd be an understatement to say that I'm looking forward to the season ahead, it will be a great learning experience."
Thanks for your time Clint and all the best for the coming season with Birmingham ...
"Thank you for your interest."
5.7.2002
COACHES CORNER WITH TAKI LAMBETSOS (reproduced with permission from the “Onside” magazine)
Two out of three ain’t bad … but three out of three is even better and that’s what Taki Lambetsos and his Floreat Athena side have managed over the past few weeks. The winning streak started in Round Eight with a 2-1 win at home to Inglewood United and was backed up by a polished performance at E.C.U. Joondalup where a Robin Dyers’ hat-trick saw them leave 3-0 winners. That was followed by another 2-1 home win last weekend against Sorrento, although Lambetsos conceded their first half that day wasn’t their best of the season.
“I said to them at half-time ‘Boys, stop playing their game - they’re stronger, they’re taller, they’re bigger than us. Let’s put the ball down on the ground and play our game’.” His troops responded with a much slicker, more cohesive second period and were rewarded with two goals. Not even a last-minute consolation to the visitors could dampen the mood of the coach whose defence remains the best in the competition. “'If you think about it, we’ve played nine games now and conceded ten goals but seven of them were in two games,” he said, “so that means our defence has done a really good job.”
But it hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for Lambetsos since taking over the Floreat reins when John Hunter departed just a week before the season kicked off. After watching his new charges smash six goals past the opposition in the opening two rounds, the side managed just a solitary goal in their next four outings. Although Lambetsos believes his team were still playing quite well, “The boys had a bit of pressure on them because the team had three coaches in three months and it took a little while to make them play my own way, the way I wanted to play,” he said. “We did have a bit (of a goal drought) but not to forget we didn’t have our strikers as well -Robin Dyers. (Ryan) Newhill came back from an operation and Peter Koidis wasn’t really 100 per cent so we only had one striker.”
“Also the midfielders … I wasn’t too happy with some of the players. That’s why I swapped them around until I found the formation, the winning formation.” Lambetsos not only appears to have found a winning formation on the pitch, but just as importantly, the team are gelling away from the field and that respect for each other and the coach can only further improve the team’s performance at the weekend. “Yes, the atmosphere is there, all the boys are friends and I’m best friends with them as well,” Lambetsos said. “What 1 try to do with the boys is for everyone to be involved. I’m the boss but also I just make sure players feel their worth as well, so there are a few players that talk to the boys on the pitch and act like bosses. You give a player responsibility and if the player takes it, it’s good fur the team and it’s good for the club.”
However, while his team are right on target to fulfill their pre-season goal of finishing in the top five, Lambetsos is well aware a few poor games on the trot could easily see them battling to make the play-offs. “I reckon this year is the most open competition, anyone can beat anyone,” he said. “We’ve played nine, won five and lost two games. Everyone’s thinking about Perth and Western Knights - hey, they’re losing games too. The competition will be even and Lady Luck will play a big role, injuries as well and the squad size - I believe the biggest squad will win this year.”
4.7.2002
NATIONAL CALL-UP FOR MCCALLUM
Midfielder Collete McCallum is the only West Australian invited to attend the Young Matilda’s training camp before the selection of the squad which will compete in next month’s inaugural F.I.F.A. Under-19 Women’s World Championship in Canada. In all, 21-players will be put under the microscope by coach Mike Mulvey on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast between 10th and 20th July before the naming of the 18-player Under-19 national squad. The Young Matilda’s have two scheduled friendlies during the ten-day camp, against the Queensland State Under-14 boys’ team, and the balance of the Queensland Academy of Sport Women’s Squad.
4.7.2002
MOVEMENT AT THE STATION
The Soccer West Coast transfer deadline expired last Friday but not before some late moves on the transfer market. Former Perth Glory midfielder James Afkos re-joined Floreat Athena on deadline day, “He started with us and was looking to move back here,” said Athena’s happy coach Taki Lambetsos. Rooted firmly to the bottom of the Premier League table, Ashfield strengthened their squad with the signing of Scott Bailey (ex-Cockburn) and Mark Brown (Queens Park). E.C.U. Joondalup have captured 18-year old Sam Miller from Future Glory, but going the other way is import Tony Ellis who returns to England to join non-League Telford.
Bassendean Caledonian have lost midfielder Devid Vitale to Cockburn City, and former Perth Glory captain Gareth Naven has signed on the dotted line with Perth S.C. Unable to hold down a spot in the first team at Inglewood United this season, defender Gerry McEwan has gone on loan to First Division side Bayswater City. Steve Sauzier, who started the season in the top flight with Swan I.C., has swelled the ranks at Queens Park. And Dianella White Eagles have added some experience to their young squad by securing one-time State player Michael Roki from Western Knights.
3.7.2002
MARTIN SIGNS FOR ZEBRA’S
Former E.C.U. Joondalup junior Ian Martin has joined National Soccer League outfit Adelaide City Force. The 21-year old returns to Australia after spending the past two years in the Irish Football League with Coleraine. First choice goalkeeper for much of that time, Martin was between the posts when the Coleraine defeated Omagh Town 2-0 to take out the North-West Cup last September. Martin headed abroad several years ago after being offered a three-year apprenticeship with English Premier League club Newcastle United, and it was during his time on Tyneside that he represented Northern Ireland at youth level.
3.7.2002
EUROPEAN OPPOSITION FOR STATE TEAM
The West Australian State team will take on reigning Macedonian champions Vardar Skopje in a friendly later this year. Tentatively pencilled in for Sunday 15th December at Macedonia Park, home of Stirling Lions, will be the state’s first taste of European opposition since the 2-0 lose to Yugoslav heavyweight’s Red Star Belgrade in January 2001. The visit will be the second time Vardar, who have won the Macedonian League five times, have played in Perth. On the previous occasion they played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with the State side in 1979 when the legendary Johnny Davidson bagged a hat-trick. Vardar will also play two games in Sydney while in Australia.
There is also a possibility that the W.A. State side will also take on the Australian national team in Perth in conjunction with the Vardar visit. Tour organisers have contacted Soccer Australia to ask that the Socceroos come west. “Soccer Australia is keen for the Socceroos to play Vardar in Sydney, probably on December 22, but I would love to have the Socceroos play the W.A. State side before the Vardar match. Friday the 13th would be great and give us two superb matches over the weekend,” promoter George Kocoski told Len Findlay of the “West Australian” newspaper.
3.7.2002
INGLEWOOD JUNIORS ON THE GROW
The junior set-up at Inglewood United has gone from strong strength-to-strength in recent times with the club this year experiencing a 25% increase in membership. This has meant the club has expanded operations beyond their traditional Hamer Parade home with Rooballers - Under-6’s though to Under-9’s - now competing at Grand Promenade Reserve in Bedford. Mark Kaplin of Access 31’s “Soccer W.A.” segment recently caught up with the club’s Director of Coaching Eddie Dabrowski to discuss what’s been happening at the club.
“We’re trying to raise an academy and promote our facilities to those youngsters in our catchment area,” Dabrowski said. “We've found that we’ve always had a strong junior contingent, we’ve got some 400 junior this year, and we feel we’ve got to be able to promote these players to play for Glory or the Inglewood league side, or as high as they can get. We start at Under-6’s - this is the first year we’ve had that age group - and go up through to the Under-17/18 age group. We have some 35 teams this year.”
Part of the structure at Inglewood is their Academy, as Dabrowski explains. “The Academy is basically the competitive teams which play on a large pitch, age grouped from 11’s through to Under-15’s. The teams are in the higher divisions, the Premier Divisions, and we have taken the players, graded them and hopefully given them better coaching and better opportunity. We’ve done this by not adverting to groups outside the club, but by promoting it to kids that want to come to our club for their future.”
It’s not just the players that are benefitting from the set-up at Inglewood, Dabrowski saying there is also a career path available for the club’s coaches. “We ask that the coaches have a level two of intermediate qualification to start with and we do hope that they are ex-players. We have some outstanding coaches at the moment with Norrie Sutton being one of them, Kevin Witzby and Stuart Duncan are a couple more have been involved in the club and have got their accreditation up to level three, which is a senior course. My aim is that hopefully one of the coaches of our League side in the future will come through our development here.”
2.7.2002
JOONDALUP YOUNGSTERS ENGLAND BOUND (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
E.C.U. Joondalup will lose some of their brightest young talent for a month due to the Saints Academy’s tour of the United Kingdom. Among the players with first-team experience who will depart this Sunday are Scott Blackmore, Tom Jones, Daryl Platten and Daniel Defazio. Also amongst the travelling party is 16-year old Fremantle City and Australian youth striker Josh Kamasz. The boys will play challenge games against the under-16 teams of Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Manchester City while abroad. They will also take part in a tournament in St Andrews, Scotland, and in the Ian Rush youth tournament in Wales. The youngsters return to Perth on 5th August 5. The trip, which sees the youngsters return to Perth on 5th August, is funded chiefly by the players’ parents who have raised money over the last 18 months.
2.7.2002
MAROCCHI ASSISTS AT SWAN (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)
State Under-19 team coach Gary Marocchi has made a comeback of sorts to the ranks of the Premier League. The former Australian captain is lending a helping hand to Swan I.C. player-coach Carlo Scali, who was made caretaker coach after Paul Wozny left the club over a month ago. “It’s nothing official, I’m just lending Carlo a hand,” said Marocchi who previously coached Perth Italia to much success and was the inaugural coach of Perth Glory. Marocchi could be tempted back permanently to the big time if he received the right offer. “I’ve never lost the taste, but I’ve never had the sort of offer that would make me give up my business to dive back into soccer but you never know what might happen,” he said. Currently out of action is Marocchi’s 21-year-old son Christian who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder injury received while turning out for Swan a month ago.
1.7.2002
POWER TRIALS FOR TOMICH (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)
National Soccer League club Parramatta Power coach Nick Theodorakopoulos has offered trials to former Perth Glory goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. The Western Knights shot-stopper is rated the best young ‘keeper outside the N.S.L. and has also been linked with Wollongong Wolves. Theodorakopoulos is keen to bolster his goalkeeping stocks after losing Les Pogliacomi to Oldham Athletic over the winter.
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