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27.2.2019
WHY LADDER-LEADING GLORY’S DRAW FELT LIKE A DRUBBING
You know you're going well when a draw away from home feels like a five-goal loss. That's the position Perth Glory find themselves in as they edge closer towards securing the A-League Premiers Plate.
Glory sit eight points clear on top of the table following a stunning debut season under new coach Tony Popovic. It would have been 10 points clear if they hadn't conceded a goal with the last kick of the game in last week's 1-1 draw with Western Sydney.
Glory defender Dino Djulbic is in his third stint at Perth Glory - and has been left amazed by the new-found winning culture at the club. "We drew the game away from home and everyone was disappointed. It was like we lost 5-0," Djulbic said.
"We would have been happy in previous years with that result. But now we're not happy with draws - even away from home. It just shows the character we have and what the group want to do this year. They want to win and try and achieve all those goals that we set ourselves at the start."
Djulbic has played a key role in Glory's flying start to the season, notching 11 starts as part of a rock solid defence. The veteran defender heaped praise on Tony Popovic, crediting the master coach for helping players reach their potential.
"The boss is bringing the best out of me. I'm learning so much, even now at 36," Djulbic said. "He's bringing so much detail - the way he wants us to stand, the way he wants us positioned, how he wants us to do certain things. I've probably never had that before from other coaches."
27.2.2019
KERR NAMED MATILDAS CAPTAIN
Matildas coach Ante Milicic has named West Australian Sam Kerr as team captain. The 25-year old striker, who also captains W-League side Perth Glory, has made 72 appearances for the Matildas since debuting in 2009, and has represented Australia at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.
"It is a tremendous honour to have been recognised by Ante and the staff as captain of the Matildas," Kerr said. "Together with (vice-captain) Steph (Catley) and the team we are committed to excelling at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, and there will be no bigger honour than to wear the armband in France."
While Kerr admits she's not the most vocal leader, she intends to continue to lead by example with her actions on the field. "I'm not going to start making speeches when I haven't made speeches before," she said. "It's an honour and I'm not going to give it up for anything. I'm really excited about it."
27.2.2019
FORNAROLI 'NOT A DONE DEAL’ YET, SAYS SAGE
Bruno Fornaroli’s proposed switch to Perth Glory is not yet cut-and-dried, according the club’s owner Tony Sage. On the day the Uruguayan posted a heartfelt farewell letter to the Melbourne City “family” on social medial, Sage played down the assumption that the 31-year old was on his way west for next season.
It’s understood that a mouthwatering $1.2 million contract is on the table awaiting Fornaroli’s signature. However, Sage isn’t counting his chickens 24-hours on from Fornaroli accepting a City severance package after his spectacular fallout with coach Warren Joyce.
“Bruno Fornaroli has just parted ways with City and (it’s well known that) Tony Popovic showed interest,” he said. “Agents are talking to management and who knows what will happen. He’s obviously got lots and lots of different offers on the table (from elsewhere).
“Until you get a signed contract from a player it’s not a done deal. You know what happens in football, anything is possible. We showed interest ... it’s up to him now to show interest in Perth Glory. If it was concluded we would’ve made an announcement.”
24.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FIVE REVIEW
The Semi-Finals spots in the NPL Night Series have been decided after the final round of Pool games over the weekend. In Pool One Rockingham City leapfrogged ECU Joondalup after thrashing them 4-1 at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. ECU needed a point to secure their spot in the next phase but went behind on 23 minutes after they gave the ball away in the middle of the park and Lydon Hodgkiss made them pay firing home from long-range via the post. It was 2-0 on 35 minutes, great work down the right by Jason Constable ended with a cross to Riley Van Dieken at the back post who finished well. Their outstanding first half was completed five minutes before the break, with the goal of the game. Hodgkiss burst clear down the left, his shot was well saved by Johnny Perkins the rebound fell to Van Dieken, who shot from the edge of the box flew into the top corner of the net. Rockingham added a fourth on 56 minutes, Justis Bradley raced down the left and whipped in a cross that was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Luke Palmateer. ECU scored a consolation goal on 65 minutes, Palmateer heading home Andy Higgins' corner. Joe Knowles hit the bar late for ECU, while Palmateer got back to clear the ball off the line to deny Van Dieken a hat-trick, but it was Rockingham moving through to a Semi-Final clash with Floreat Athena.
Perth SC had already qualified for the next phase but the ended the Pool games in style thrashing Inglewood United 4-0 at Percy Doyle Reserve in the early game on Friday evening. Perth opened the scoring on 10 minutes, great forward pressure saw them win the ball high up the field, and Yacoub Mustafa finished clinically. It was 2-0 just before half time, young midfielder Kristian Santich received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and finished with a plomb via the post. Perth added a third on the hour, Mustafa slipped the ball through to Niccolo Sabatini to score. They put the icing on the cake in the final minute with a fourth, Mustafa was the supplier again, the former Perth Glory striker skipping past two defenders before squaring the ball to Luke Garas to score, to seal a Semi-Final with Bayswater City next week. "It was a fantastic win from the boys, I thought we were excellent for the full 90 minutes," Harley Orr said. "We probably haven’t been able to do this in the night series so far, so it was really good to put in such a good performance heading into the semi-finals, the boys are full of confidence."
In the final game of the Pool, Stirling Lions won for the first time in the competition with a 3-2 win against Sorrento in the late game at Percy Doyle Reserve. It was scoreless at the break but it was Stirling who opened the scoring on 55 minutes. Great interplay between Andrew Maranta and Nelson Tshongo, ended with a low drive from Nelson, which flew into the corner of the net, for his first senior NPL goal for the club. Sorrento had a perfect opportunity to level ten minutes later but Jordan Roberts missed from the penalty spot. That miss hurt the Gulls as Stirling doubled their advantage moments later. New Scottish midfielder Finn Graham sending Moses Kalau through down the left, and he squared the Maranta, and the 16-year-old finished clinically for his first senior goal for the club. Sorrento lifted and pulled one back on 80 minutes, with Elliot Tattersall on target, and they levelled sixty seconds later, with big defender Steven McDonald scoring. But Stirling weren’t to be beaten and two minutes later they won it. Chris Mclaughlin through ball sent Kalau clear, and he raced past the Sorrento defence and fired home into the top corner of the net via the post to seal the win. Stirling Coach Keegan Ashley was delighted to end the competition with a win. "It was a solid performance by the lads on the night who all put in a shift, still sticking with our theme for the night series and giving opportunities to our young lads and it was great to see them step up to the plate," he said. "Players like Andrew Maranta, Joey Perkins, Kristian Despotovski, Iggy Rubina, Nelson Tshongo and Bleron Mumudi all played well, and it was also very pleasing to see our more senior players out there communicate and guide them along. All in all, we deserved the win and now gives us some selection issues going into round one with a fair few players sidelined."
In Group Two Floreat Athena continued their unbeaten run in the competition after thrashing Cockburn City 5-0 in the early game at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. Athena had already qualified for the Semi-Finals but goals from Calvin Whitney, Luke Ninkovic, Phil Arnold, Chris Saldaris and Nick Ambrogio secured top spot in the Pool and a meeting with Rockingham City next week. “A good performance from the team," Floreat midfielder Jon Stynes said. "Garret rotated the squad on Saturday and we were still able to put on a great performance, and we finished top of our group.” Bayswater City secured second spot on the table after a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Armadale in the late game at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. Daryl Nicol’s shot flicked off the crossbar early for Bayswater, while Armadale striker Friday Zico’s volley was well saved by Devon Spence, but at the break it was scoreless. Armadale looked dangerous from set-pieces all night and on 53 minutes they took the lead. Ali Nazary’s corner found Zico, whose looping header beat Spence. Bayswater Coach Chris Coyne made a few changes and City starting to take control and it wasn't a surprise when they levelled on 74 minutes. Jason Mirco’s corner wasn’t clear and a ball back into the box found Gordon Smith, who finished well. Bayswater pressed for the winner, but Armadale defended gallantly and it looked like they would secure their first point of the competition but in the second minute of stoppage time Bayswater won it. Nicol’s corner was headed home powerfully by Jason Mirco at the back post to seal the win and set up a Semi-Final clash with Perth SC next week.
In the final game of the Pool Balcatta beat Perth Glory 3-1 in the late game at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday night. Balcatta took control with three first half goals. First on 25 minutes Shub Mokala scored from the penalty spot, and ten minutes later Adam Zimarino added a second. Three minutes before half time Zimarino added his second and Balcatta's third to put the game out of reach of a young Glory side. Ciaran Bramwell did pull one back for Richard Garcia's side on 77 minutes but it was too little too late. Balcatta Head Coach Goran Stajic said it was a good way to end the competition. "It was nice to finish the Night Series off with a win, and I'm extremely pleased for Shub who scored the penalty and our youngest recruit former Glory Youth striker, Adam Zimarino who scored a sublime double for us, hopefully that performance can be the start of something special for him and ultimately us," he said. "Overall the team executed the game plan very well lead by BIG Davie Keenan in goal, while captain Jon Corness in the middle and the explosive teenage forward's up top were outstanding. So to bounce back with a win, after last week’s result is another plus to take into the new NPL season."
24.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - QUARTER FINALS REVIEW
The Football West State League Night Series Quarter-Finals given us four entertaining games on Saturday evening. In the early game at Hartfield Park Forrestfield United beat Mandurah City 3-1. The hosts took the lead when Josh Pereira smashed home from the edge of the box after Mandurah had only half cleared from a free kick. But Mandurah hit back and were level when Cohen Aitken shot took a deflection and went in at the near post. It looked like the game was going to penalties, but in stoppage time Forrestfield regained the lead. Rhys Loxley's cross picked out Dan Corbett to score from five meters. Forrestfield made sure of the win moments later when they added a third, Mordecai Junior made space down the left and he whipped in a cross which was converted by Loxley. "Really pleased to progress through to the semi-finals after a hard-fought win against a good Mandurah side," Loxley said. "We didn’t start well and Mandurah really caused us problems early on, but we steadied the ship and really controlled the second half. We weren’t clinical enough though and we allowed Mandurah a way back into the game but our fitness shone through with two late goals to win the game. We’re looking forward to another tough game next week with the chance to progress to another Night Series Final."
In the late game at Hartfield Park Gwelup Croatia beat Gosnells City 7-6 on penalties, after the game ended 1-1 at full time. It was an entertaining start to this one with both sides having early chances, but it was Gosnells who hit the front on 18 minutes. Feisel Zaw was brought down in the box by Gwelup defender Brodie Martin and Zaw picked himself up to score from the resulting penalty. But two minutes later Gwelup levelled. A fantastic cross-field ball from Ellis Healing, who turned his defender inside-out and then finishing cleverly from close range. No more scoring so it was off to penalties and there were 13 straight penalties scored in an amazing shootout, but Gosnells’ Sheldon Nogueira was the unlucky player who hit the cross bar, resulting in Gwelup going through. “Obviously pleased to have gone through to the semis even if we had to do it through penalties," Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaidis said. "Gosnells played very well and thought they were quite unlucky at the end. We need to improve on our recent performances if you’re to progress further in the Night Series."
In the early game at Wanneroo Reserve UWA Nedlands have beaten local rivals Subiaco 2-1 UWA started the better and Alex Kretowicz had a good opportunity to score off Sam Carrello cross, but the Subiaco keeper produce a great save to deny him. UWA couldn't find the opener after numerous corners and set piece chances, but it looked like Joshua Marocchi had scored after following up from a Conor Devlin set piece, but it was ruled offside. Riaz Kelly then hit the crossbar late in the first half, whilst Adam Carlino spurned Subiaco best chance following a failed clearance. The game came to life early in the Second, Kretowicz chipping the Subiaco goalkeeper following a ball being played over the defence from Marocchi. After conceding the goal, Subiaco enjoyed their best spell of the game and put UWA under increased pressure for the next 15 minutes. They were rewarded when Carlino burst down the wing, getting to the bye-line and cutting the ball back to Shay Donovan to score.
This seemed to spark UWA back into life and they regained the lead on 75 minutes, when Devlin's corner was unfortunately headed home by a Subiaco player. UWA had a few more chances to finish the game off but failed, whilst Subiaco pushed for an equaliser but UWA keeper Luke Stonebridge remained resolute. "Playing a second time against Subiaco in the competition was an interesting task," UWA Coach Michael Janssen. 'I thought we dominated the first half entirely but missed to score one or two goals. We started the second half brightly and the boys continued and scored, unfortunately we lost our rhythm and invited them back into the game resulting in their goal to level the score. It took us a few minutes but then we gained control of the game again and Conor gave us is the deserved lead to win the game. Overall, we improved our performance and we are on a good way leading us to the start of the season. Now we are looking forward to playing the semi-final next weekend."
In the late game at Wanneroo Reserve Western Knights moved into the Semi-Final after a 3-0 win against Olympic Kingsway. The Knights, who had won all their Pool games opened the scoring in the first minute. Dean Hurley headed down a Andrew Cartwright corner to Cameron Yorke who tapped it in from close range. They added a second late in the second half after some good skill from Cisco Jorquera on the left who cut it across to Jack Rycroft to score. They added a third late a good finish from Andrija Jukic again after some good work from Jorquera on the left. "It was a really intense and competitive battle and Olympic was a very good side," Knights Head Coach Ivan Zuvela said. "I thought we responded well against a tough side and we kept trying to play our own game right to the end. Overall it was a good team effort and everyone including our three substitutes contributed. We are looking forward to next week."
24.2.2019
GLORY CONCEDED LATE TO DRAW AGAINST WANDERERS
Perth Glory missed a chance to go ten points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League table after conceded a goal with the last kick of the game against Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Glory had looked like they had secured their 15th win of the season after Chris Ikonomidis scored on 24 minutes, against his former club. But deep into stoppage time Tarek Elrich long-range shot went under the body of Liam Reedy to share the spoils, but the point did guarantee Glory a spot in the end of season finals.
"It's an away point," Head Coach Tony Popovic said post-game. "I think when you've been on our run, people get too disappointed in the changeroom with a result like that because you concede right at the end. But it's good. It just shows us that if we're not quite at our best, anything can happen. For an away performance, very dominant, but second half, not so good with the ball and ultimately, we paid the price. We keep a good run away from home going and we'll try do the same again next week."
Popovic received a good reception from the Wanderers fans in the ground, after his first return to the club that he left two years ago, but the atmosphere in the stadium was muted with the Wanderers active group the RBB boycotting the game and you could hear a pin drop at kick off. Glory went into the game unchanged and dominated for long periods early. Ikonomidis shot stung the palms of Wanderers keeper Vedran Janjetovic before the Socceroo headed Andy Keogh cross just over the bar moments later.
But on 24 minutes he did find the target. Ivan Franjic and Diego Castro combined down the right, and the Spanish maestro slipped in Ikonomidis and he finish low past Janjetovic. Glory went close to doubling their lead on the stroke of half time, Keogh showing great persistence to get to the by-line and cross for Ikonomidis, and with the goal at his mercy he header straight at Janjetovic. The Wanderers best chance came in stoppage time, Oriol Riera lost his marker but his header was well saved by Reedy.
Wanderers were on the front foot after the break, and after Glory gave the ball away on the edge of the box the lively Bruce Kamau burst into the area, but Matthew Spiranovic got back with a great block. But Glory were still creating the better chances, and should have doubled their lead when Keogh was sent clear one-on-one with Janjetovic, but the Wanderers custodian produced a great save to deny him. Glory sat back and let Wanderers press, and it was all the home side late, and it looked like they were too deep and they ultimately conceded an equaliser in the fifth minute od stoppage time. Manyiel Majok pulled the ball back to the top of the box and Elrich curled home his second goal of the season to deny Glory a fifth successive victory.
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Vedran JANJETOVIC, 8 Jordan O’DOHERTY (22 Rashid MAHAZI 16'), 9 Oriol RIERA (19 Mark BRIDGE 77'), 10 Alex BAUMJOHANN (12 Mitchell DUKE 60'), 11 Bruce KAMAU, 13 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 17 Keanu BACCUS, 21 Tarek ELRICH, 28 Roly BONEVACIA, 33 Tate RUSSELL, 49 Abraham MAJOK - Subs not used: RGK Nicholas SUMAN, 14Mathieu CORDIER
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 75'), 9 Andy KEOGH (7 Joel CHIANESE 68'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS ( 20 Jake BRIMMER 83'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 22 Fabio FERREIRA - Referee: Jonathan Barreiro
22.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FIVE PREVIEW
It's the final round of the NPL Night Series this weekend, with Semi-Final spots still up for grabs in both groups. First up in Pool 1 leaders Perth SC need a point to go through when they take on Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday evening. (6.30pm) Inglewood, who are coming off a last-minute defeat against ECU Joondalup last week, could still move through, but need a six goal or more win and hope ECU and Rockingham draw to seal a spot in the next phase. Perth edged out Balcatta last week to put them in control and Head Coach Ramon Falzon has rotated his squad during the pre-season competition and he said the young players and new signings have fitted in well. "We are very happy with the impact of the new players in the Night Series," he said. "Tom Southgate and Bojan Radinovic have been solid in our backline, Jackson Morgan is helping us to be more disciplined in the middle of the park, while Michael Domfeh and Yacoub Mustafa have added to our firepower in the attacking third. These players help us add more depth in the quantity and especially in the quality of the squad. It is also important for us as a club to keep working hard with our youngsters, and to inject more homegrown talent into the first team, this year and the years to come. We had four players that have debuted for the first team during the Night Series - Luke Garas, James Fanelli, Jason Petrie, and Lachie Byrd. We have also involved others like Nick Messina, Lennon Crane and Adrian Sinagra, and although they haven't featured, it's good to get them involved in first team football." Falzon knows they only a point to progress, but he is looking for another strong performance with the league season just around the corner, but knows Inglewood are a good side. "Inglewood's performances have been solid this Night Series and they will be a dangerous opponent for anyone to face this season," he said. "They look to be more aggressive to regain possession compared to the last few years, but they managed to retain their good quality football that makes them dangerous in the attacking third. We know they will be a tough test for us, and we look forward to it." In the late game at Percy Doyle Reserve Sorrento host Stirling Lions. (8.30pm) The Lions bounced back from their heavy defeat in week three and put in a good performance last week, but went down 0-1 to Perth, and they will be playing for pride in this one. Sorrento do have a chance to move through, but need a big win and hope results elsewhere go their way.
The final game of the Pool takes us to Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening, where Rockingham City take on ECU Joondalup and a win for either side will see them progress to the Semi-Finals. (5.00pm) Rockingham were edged out at Sorrento last week, and despite the loss they have adapted to life in the NPL well and Head Coach Cameron Lord has taken great strides to improve the side, but is well aware it is only pre-season. ECU have won back-to-back games, scoring ten goals in the process, and last week beat Inglewood in a seven-goal thriller. Joe Knowles continued his goalscoring bagging a hat-trick, including the winner in the final minute of stoppage time, while Czech striker Jakub Sklenar has settled in well at the campus. Assistant Coach David Tough said they have improved in each game, and they are looking for more improvement in this one. "We were really pleased the way we finished off the game last week and showed great character to come back and win," he said. "We gave them a two-goal start, something you can't do every week, so we need to be switched on against a Rockingham side who have played well so far in the competition." Tough said they have shuffled the squad in the competition and it will be more of the same in Saturday's game. "We have a good squad and competition for a spot in the starting eleven is high, and we are giving all our squad the opportunity so far, and that won’t change on Saturday," he explained. "We've watched Rockingham, and they are good side so we know we will have to be at our best, but we know a win will take us into the Semi-Finals, so we'll be doing all we can to achieve that."
It's also very close in Pool 2, and leaders Floreat Athena host Cockburn City in the early game at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. (5.00pm) Both sides can still make the Semi-Finals, a win for Floreat will see them top the group, while a win for Cockburn and results elsewhere going their way could progress. Cockburn edged out Perth Glory last week, while Floreat thumped Armadale. Floreat Head Coach Garrett McDuling said it's been a good Night Series for the club, but he knows it is only pre-season. "We all know pre-season is an important period and we are pleased that we have managed to play the number of players that we have in order to test our depth," he explained. "In addition, the format allows us to play a minimum of five competitive games which also helps us see where players are at, both with match fitness and tactical comprehension. We are happy with the progress we have made recently, but never are satisfied and we will keep focussed on working hard and improving with each game we play. It's a constant cycle of train, play and review." McDuling is happy with how his new signings are fitting in, and he is expecting a tough game against a good Cockburn side on Saturday. "They (Cockburn) have a good quality squad and we know they will be organised and prepared, but we are looking forward to the challenge," he said. "We have seen them play some good football in the Night Series and both teams have something to play for which makes for a competitive game, which is just what we need the league season fast approaching. Our most recent signings, Adrian Madaschi and Nick Ambrogio (Perth SC), Ibrahima Soumah (Laos - Thailand Premier League), Luka Ninkovic and Tristan Colli (Bayswater) have all settled in well and are relishing the challenge with what looks like a fascinating season to come." In the late game at E&D Litis Stadium Balcatta take on Perth Glory. (7.00pm) Both sides can't progress, but with the season only four weeks away it's an important game in their preparation. Glory were edged out by Cockburn last week, a result which ended their semi-finals chances, but it's been good for Coach Richard Garcia to see some of their younger players in action. Balcatta, who were well beaten by Bayswater, but they did have their opportunities and a missed penalty and the woodwork prevented them from leading early, but Head Coach Goran Stajic will be looking for them to finish on a high.
In the other game in the Pool the inform Bayswater City host the winless Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. (7.00pm) It's been a difficult Night Series for Armadale and head coach John O'Reilly will be hoping to end their campaign with a win, but will face a Bayswater side who need a win to progress. Bayswater assistant Coach Alun Vernals said the new squad is gelling nicely, but knows there is still room for improvement. "We're pleased with the new players and the way they have gone about training and match days,” he said. “With continued injuries we've also managed to play some of the younger lads who haven't let us down which is good going forward, but we know there is more to come from the group.” Vernals said Saturday is another opportunity to get game time in the players legs, and despite Armadale not winning a point in the competition so far, he is expecting another tough game. "They (Armadale) will be another game where we'll look to do the same, we need a win to go through and we’ll be fully prepared for another challenge, and after a few slow starts in the competition to-date, we need to be ready from the first whistle.”
22.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - QUARTER FINALS PREVIEW
The State League Night Series has reached the Quarter-Finals stage and this weekend games will be played at Hartfield Park and Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening. In the opening game at Hartfield Park, Forrestfield United hosts Mandurah City. (5.00pm) Forrestfield went unbeaten and topped Pool 2, while Mandurah did likewise to top Pool 5. Forrestfield winger Rhys Loxley said the new look squad has gelled well under new coach Graham Normanton and are improving each week. "We're really pleased to progress through to the quarter-finals, especially as we went in without playing any friendlies, and with so many fresh faces in the squad, so it's given us the opportunity to gel," he said. "We came through three really tough games with seven points, whist showing glimpses of Normo's playing style, so hopefully a few more games in the competition will give us all an opportunity to continue to embed the playing style on the squad." This will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the 2017 First Division/NPL play-off game, when Forrestfield sealed promotion and sent Mandurah to Division One, but Loxley said this is a new chapter of their rivalry. "Yes, our last memories of playing Mandurah were certainly enjoyable, however circumstances have changed a lot since then and it seems Alex (Grayson) has got them playing a real effective brand of football, so we're expecting a really tough game on Saturday night," he said. "We are up for the challenge and Normo has assembled a very talented group of players, so hopefully with the vocal home support that might be enough to earn us a spot in the last four."
In the late game at Hartfield Park, Gwelup Croatia meet Gosnells City. (7.00pm) Gwelup topped Pool 3, going through undefeated, while Gosnells finished second in Pool 6, and qualified as one of the two best runners-up. New City Head Coach Marc Anthony has assembled a good side and they performed well in the group stage, so they will be ready for the challenge on Saturday. New Gwelup midfielder Ellis Healing has started life at the club with a bang and he said the squad is improving each week. “It has been a very good start at Gwelup for me, but most of all the club have won all three games and we’ve qualified for the knock-out stage of the Night Series, which is my focus,” he said. “We go into Saturday’s game full of confidence, and hopefully we can carry on the success and win the night series which is our goal.” Ellis, who joined the club from Inglewood United this season, said Saturday is a knock-out and they need to be on their game from kick-off. “I’m sure this Saturday will be another tough game and we need to be on our game from the start,” he said. “We feel we are good enough to beat anyone in the league, so we prepare the same regardless of who we are playing, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
At Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday, the opening game sees UWA Nedlands taking on Subiaco in a local derby. (5.00pm) UWA Nedlands topped Pool 1, while Subiaco finished second in the same Pool, and went through as one of the two best runners-up. They met in the qualifying section with UWA running out 2-1 winners and this should be another close one. Subiaco, who were relegated from the NPL last season, have made a good start under the tutelage of new coach Basil Lenzo, and Nathan Smith said he is great to work with. "We're delighted to have qualified for the quarter-finals, and Basil has recruited well in the off-season and brought in some great addition to the squad," he said. "He's a great communicator and is able to get his ideas and plans across to the boys in an easy to understand manner, which helps us out on the pitch, he's great to work with." Smith said the last game against UWA was a tight game and he is expecting the same this time around. "Yes, Saturday will be another tough game, and we know what to expect after playing only a fortnight ago," he explained. "Looking back at the 1-2 loss we know where we went wrong and we have plans now on how to make sure that doesn’t happen again."
In the late game Western Knights take on Olympic Kingsway. (7.00pm) Western Knights topped Pool 6 while Olympic won Pool 4, both going through undefeated. New Knights coach Ivan Zuvela has added some quality to his squad, and they looked impressive in the group stage and they must fancy their chances of going into the Semi-Finals, but standing in their way is Olympic. New Olympic Coach Gary Williams has overseen a good group stage, and he said he players are working hard to his new plans. “This is my third week at the club and the players have been receptive to new ideas and the spirit at training has been superb,” he explained. “I have been in charge for two matches, both of which resulted in draws. The game against Swan was a little disappointing as we conceded goals late in each half whilst leading however, I always try to take the positive from games. We remain unbeaten, we are through to the quarter finals and have a great chance of progressing to the semi-finals.” Williams said Western Knights have recruited well in the off-season and he they are among the favourites for the title. “The game against Western Knights will be very tough. They are unbeaten, and have scored numerous goals and will be amongst the favourites for this competition and the State League Division One title,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the match as it will allow us to benchmark ourselves against good quality opposition. This match will represent a major challenge to our young team however I have every confidence the players will respond positively.”
22.2.2019
POPOVIC HOPING FOR A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO WANDERERS
Perth Glory are having their best season in the Hyundai A-League and are currently on a 10-game unbeaten run, and they will be looking to extend that on Sunday when they travel to Spotless Stadium to take on Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 20 (4.00pm WA Time) A win on Sunday would not only set a new club record for games without defeat, it would also be a 15th for the campaign, which would be the most for the club in a single season. Glory are coming off one of their best performances of the season, and the big 4-0 win against Brisbane moved them nine points clear, while the Wanderers are also coming off a big win, a 3-1 win on the road at Adelaide, so if the last meeting between these two is anything to go by, this will be an absolute cracker.
In that game the Wanderers led 3-1 with just 11 minutes to go at HBF Park in round ??, but Glory fought back and Chris Ikonomidis' stoppage time goal gave them a 4-3 win. Glory have used their squad well, and Tony Popovic has rotated his squad to great success, and every player that comes in has done their job, and with only eight games to go their fans are already dreaming of the title, but the players are taking nothing for granted. The form of Diego Castro, Ikonomidis, Jason Davidson and Neil Kilkenny to name a few, has been outstanding, and at the back Shane Lowry, Dino Djublic and Matthew Spiranovic have been solid, something Popovic would be delighted about.
The coach is adamant that his side will not be straying from the principles that have served them so well thus far this season, heading into Sunday’s game against his former club. “We won't be forgetting the fact that without hard work, things can change very quickly and we won't take anything for granted, so we'll continue to work hard, prepare as we do and respect our opponent,” he said. “They [Wanderers] are a very dangerous opponent with some very good players. We'll go there confident but knowing that we'll have to play well." On his return to his former club, Popovic said he’s not exactly sure what to expect in terms of the welcome he'll receive from the home faithful. "With fans, you don't know what the reaction will be, but whatever it is, I'm sure deep down they'll respect the time we had together. How they show that will be up to them,” he said. "It'll be a special feeling. I have fantastic memories from my time there and I still have a lot of friends there. I'm sure I'll see them before and after, but during the game it's business as usual and we want the three points."
Like Popovic, defender Spiranovic, along with Scott Neville and Brendan Santalab will come up against their former club on Sunday, and Spiranovic said their squad has totally changed since the two seasons (2013-15) where he helped them to win the AFC Champions League in 2014, and Wanderers captain Brendan Hamill is one of the few players who have remained. "It's definitely a different team, but it's quite a long time ago now and in four years a lot can happen in football," he said. "I've got some fantastic memories from there, and I'm looking forward to Sunday's game. I think it's hard to go past the ACL win as my favourite memory." Spiranovic didn't win an A-League title at the Wanderers, but he is well placed to achieve that at Perth. The defender, who joined Perth from Chinese club Zhejiang Greentown, was injured during the early part of this season, but he has now recovered from a long-term hip injury. But the 30-year-old has played a vital role in Glory's recent form, and says he is feeling fit. "I'm feeling great. The body's been really good," Spiranovic said. "To play a run of games, the match fitness is very high. Once you start stringing those matches together, you feel more and more confident."
Another player who has had a good season is Andy Keogh, and the Irish striker is on the verge of becoming the clubs leading single-season goal scorer. He bagged two goals in Saturday’s win over Brisbane Roar, which took him to 12, one short of the record shared by Diego Castro and Shane Smeltz. He is already Glory’s leading A-League scorer with 52 goals and is in the Golden Boot race, just one behind Sydney FC’s Adam Le Fondre and equal second with Roy Krishna, of Wellington Phoenix. But Keogh said records would be the last thing on his mind on Sunday. “I don’t focus on anything but the next game. It’s just the next game,” Keogh said. “How I can help the team, know my roles. That’s the mentality every player has. It’s very nice to score. It’s just about getting in the right positions. The way the boss has us playing, I’m always going to get chances. When you are playing good football you always find that little bit extra.”
Having clinched back to back victories over Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United, the Wanderers are primed for three consecutive league wins, a streak not achieved since April 2017. Defender Tarek Elrich would love nothing more than to spoil Popovic’s homecoming with a defeat that could potentially blow the Premiership race wide open again. “There’s other teams out there who are relying on us to do a job," Elrich said. “We’ve now got a taste of that winning feeling and continued it and we want to salvage some pride if we can because it’s been a tough year. If we can stay compact and stay structured in defence, we can beat anyone.” In team news, Glory will again be without injured defensive duo Alex Grant and Tomislav Mrcela, but have brought in Santalab and Brendan Wilson to the 18-man squad. The Wanderers will be without the suspended Brendan Hamill, but do regain the services of Nick Fitzgerald and Mark Bridge.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC squad: GK Vedran JANJETOVIC, RGK Nicholas SUMAN, 7 Nick Fitzgerald, 8 Jordan O’DOHERTY, 9 Oriol RIERA, 10 Alex BAUMJOHANN, 11 Bruce KAMAU, 12 Mitchell DUKE, 13 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 14 Mathieu CORDIER, 17 Keanu BACCUS, 19 Mark BRIDGE, 21 Tarek ELRICH, 22 Rashid MAHAZI, 24 Raul LLORENTE, 28 Roly BONEVACIA, 33 Tate RUSSELL, 49 Abraham MAJOK - *two to be omitted* - Ins: FITZGERALD (promoted), BRIDGE (promoted), LLORENTE (promoted) - Outs: 5 Brendan HAMILL (suspended – one week) - Unavailable: 18 Marc TOKICH (injury – 4 weeks), 24 Patrick ZIEGLER (injured – 6 weeks), 27 Kwame YEBOAH (injured – 2 weeks)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 15 Brandon WILSON, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SANTALAB, WILSON - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (thigh – 1 week), 16 Tomislav MRCELA (thigh – 1 week)
20.2.2019
GOAL RECORD IS WITHIN REACH OF KEOGH
Andy Keogh is on the cusp of becoming Perth Glory’s leading single-season goal scorer of the A-League era. A double in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Brisbane Roar took the former Republic of Ireland international to 12 goals, one short of the record shared by Diego Castro and Shane Smeltz.
Keogh is already Glory’s leading A-League scorer with 52 goals and is in the Golden Boot race, just one behind Sydney FC’s Adam Le Fondre and equal second with Roy Krishna, of Wellington Phoenix. But Keogh insists records will be the last thing on his mind when the table toppers face struggling Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
“I don’t focus on anything but the next game,” Keogh said. “How I can help the team, know my roles. That’s the mentality every player has. It’s very nice to score. It’s just about getting in the right positions. The way the boss has us playing, I’m always going to get chances.”
Keogh could have had a first-half hat-trick against Brisbane. Before powering home a 35th minute header and then tapping in ten minutes later following some Diego Castro magic he mistimed a header with the goal open. But even when the ball skimmed away it fell for Jason Davidson to score.
“People might say that’s lucky but there’s no luck about that because we work on that every day of the week,” Keogh said. “It was a misplaced header but the way we operate, if I do miss a header, it still goes to an area where Davo (Davidson) would be if the ball got hit to the back post in the first place.”
19.2.2019
GLORY BUILD A CUSHION ATOP A-LEAGUE LADDER AHEAD OF TRICKY SPELL
Perth Glory are rewriting history on their march to a maiden A-League Premiers’ Plate. Their 4-0 drubbing of Brisbane Roar on Saturday night equalled the club record of 14 wins in a single season set in 2014/15. They also equalled the best unbeaten run of ten in a row from that campaign, when the club breached the salary cap.
With eight games remaining Glory could beat Sydney FC’s record of 20 victories in a single campaign and if they win four of their remaining five away matches would equal Western Sydney Wanderers’ record of ten away wins in a season. They are nine points clear at the top with 47 points and could topple the Sky Blues’ record haul of 66.
Glory do not have a home game for six weeks. They are away to Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne City and Adelaide United and will not be at home until 30 March when they host Melbourne Victory. “We go on a tough run of away games,” coach Tony Popovic said. “Hopefully we are still in a very good position when we come home. The challenges keep coming.”
Popovic was delighted with the win, but despite three goals in the first 45 minutes, he was more pleased with the solid second half. “The second half was a more complete, professional performance,” he said. “If you want to be picky, we should have scored more.” Sydney FC blew the chance to go second yesterday, drawing 1-1 at home to lowly Central Coast Mariners.
18.2.2019
KERR’S FUTURE UP IN THE AIR
Perth Glory superstar Sam Kerr has not ruled out a return to the A-League despite intense speculation that Saturday’s losing Grand Final may have been her last for the club. But while she makes her decision, Glory coach Bobby Despotovski says he will start planning for next season under two scenarios - with his captain or without her.
Kerr is widely regarded as one of the world’s best female players and currently splits her time between Glory and the Chicago Red Stars. She has attracted a number of lucrative offers from European clubs in the past couple of years including Barcelona and Chelsea but she returned to Glory as part of a landmark marquee contract from FFA.
The FFA are sure to do everything it can to retain Kerr next season but Despotovski said there would be no pressure from Glory. “Sam is in a unique position. She is the best footballer in the world,” Despotovski said of Kerr, whose weekend outing against Sydney FC was the last game under her current Glory contract.
“She has got a lot of offers from overseas and all round the world so she is going to make the decision when she is ready. We are not putting any pressure on Sam to make a decision. She is going to come up with her decision sooner or later. The door is always open here for Sam. Now it’s up to her.”
Kerr has not decided on her future but after Grand Final suggested she has unfinished business at home. “Hopefully I’ll be back. I love the W-League, I love the fans and I love this league, so hopefully one day soon we’ll be deciding what I’m doing,” she said. “I haven’t had any thoughts, just focusing on the World Cup and Chicago.”
Kerr, who scored 17 goals for Glory this campaign, converted a penalty in the 4-2 Grand Final loss to Sydney but was disappointed she could not take her team to the title. Glory struggled after playing a 120-minute semi-final in Melbourne six days earlier before criss-crossing the country for the season finale in Sydney.
“It was a tough one. Sometimes football sucks and today was that day,” she said. “Honestly, we gave it all we could. I felt really tired, but I’m so proud of our girls. We’ve given all this season, we took it right to the last whistle and we gave everything we’ve got. It just wasn’t good enough today and Sydney were the better team.”
17.2.2019
NEXT MONTH A TEST FOR TABLE-TOPPING GLORY
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic briefly let himself enjoy a near-faultless 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar but is prepared for a challenging month for the A-League leaders. Glory moved nine points clear atop the A-League with their thumping win over Brisbane last night.
Glory controlled the game from the outset and barely conceded an opportunity to the visitors, giving Popovic plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy what he was seeing. “This coaching, I’ve been doing it for a little while now and I’m trying to enjoy it more, especially in a game like this,” Popovic said.
“We’ll all reflect on the game and enjoy some of the great passages of play that we showed and the great football we played. But then it ends and you have to prepare for your next match and that’s what the job is. Hopefully we can enjoy more good moments at the end of the year.”
Glory are in prime position to claim the club’s first ever Premiers’ Plate, even with upcoming away games to Western Sydney, Melbourne City and Adelaide United, before they are back home to host Melbourne Victory on 30 March. Popovic is confident his team can cope with the draw and says if they get through still clear on top, the premiership is theirs.
“We’ve done very well last week and this week to back it up and now we go on a tough run of away games. Hopefully we are still in a very good position when we come home,” Popovic said. “The challenges keep coming and we have three away games now that we know will be very difficult. Hopefully our fans will remember this performance and result, and support us while we’re away and be eager to see us when we get back.”
17.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FOUR REVIEW
The Semi-Final spots in the NPL Night Series are still up for grabs in both Pools after games over the weekend. In Pool 1 Perth SC are in pole position after a narrow 1-0 win against Stirling Lions at Percy Doyle Reserve. The only goal of the game came on 66 minutes, a corner wasn’t dealt with by the Lions keeper and Jacoub Mustafa fired home from close-range. ECU Joondalup moved to second spot after a come-from-behind 4-3 win against Inglewood United at Frank Drago Reserve. United took the lead on 12 minutes when Chok Dau was brought down by keeper Scott Wallis and Dau converted the spot kick. It was 2-0 four minutes later Hamza Hina drifting in at the back post to score. ECU reduced the margin three minutes into the second half, Knowles found space down the right and cut past his marker and finished clinically past Alex Dunn. It was a perfect start, and the Jacks started to get on top, and they levelled on 70 minutes. Cian Hirrell’s low cross from the right was side footed home by Sklenar at the front post. The comeback was completed four minutes from time when Richard Howles was brought down in the box and Knowles fired home the resulting penalty to put the Jacks in front for the first time on the night. But Inglewood weren’t finished and they levelled in the first minute of stoppage time.
The Jacks gave the ball away in the middle of the park and a quick break ended with Scott Blackmore, who’s powerful shot from the edge of the box gave Wallis no chance It looked like the points would be shared, but there was one final twist two minutes later. Knowles’ superb through ball sent Howles in on goal, and he was brought down again, and Knowles kept his nerve to seal the win in a seven-goal thriller. “I think it showed a lot of character in our team for us to overcome a 2-0 deficit at half time and the strength we have in our squad for us to be able to rotate our team heading into the game,” ECU defender Luke Palmateer said. “Being able to bring on players who can also impact the game adds a huge bonus to our squad and brings confidence in knowing how much quality we have throughout the team. “So overall it highlights areas in which we need to work on through conceding three goals but also provides a great platform to advance to the semi-finals with a win over Rockingham next week.”
Sorrento stayed in contention for a Semi-Final spot after a 4-2 win against Rockingham City at Percy Doyle Reserve. City were ahead on 27 minutes, with James Harmer scoring from the penalty spot, but Sorrento levelled ten minutes later, Jordan Roberts firing home from the edge of the penalty area. City regained the lead sixty seconds later through Jonny Araya, but the home side restored parity four minutes before half time, with Cameron Teece finishing well from a cross from the right. Sorrento hit the front for the first time in the match on the hour, they won possession in their own half before Teece was sent one-on-one with the keeper and he finished well. The Gulls wrapped up the points, and their first win in the Pool on 71 minutes, Teece played a one-two with Shaun Kilkelly, and the defender raced into the box and finished low past the keeper. "Credit to them because we struggled a lot in the first half with the pace and intensity of Rockingham," Sorrento midfielder Tim Hill said. "But going into the second half we slowed them right down and in the end we were fairly comfortable, but I'm sure they'll give a lot of teams a scare this season."
In Pool 2 Floreat Athena maintained their unbeaten start to the competition after a 5-0 win against Armadale at Dalmatinac Park on Sunday evening. Floreat were out of the blocks early and they were ahead after only three minutes with Calvin Whitney scoring. It was tight for the rest of the half but after the break Floreat started to take control and doubled their lead on 57 minutes, with Whitney adding his second. It was 3-0 five minutes later with Phil Arnold’s shot turned into his own goal by James Harin, before goals from Nick Ambrogio and Luke Ninkovic made it a comfortable win and puts them in pole position to go through to the semi-finals. “It was good to get the early goal because that set us up for the game,” Floreat striker Robert Petkov said. “Armadale stuck with us for majority of the first half and it was only in the second half where we really broke away and added a nother. It gave us that cushion and allowed us to play which is why the next three goals came in quick succession. It was a good team win against a team which is always hard to play against.” In the early game at the venue Cockburn City kept their hopes of progression alive with a tight 1-0 win against Perth Glory. The only goal of the game came on the hour Ashley Rosindale playing in Devon Gibson and the midfielder finished well. “Loved getting a goal, on my birthday too, and to be fare I’ve been due one after nearly scoring last week, I was ready for one, especially when I knew Scotty Miller was starting me right midfield,” Gibson said. “The boys have been playing very well as a group, a lot of positives to take into the season. The Perth glory boys have just come back from finishing their season, so we played a very fit glory team, luckily we have some young guns our self, that are really standing out, Adam Anfuso and Daniel Santich I give them high praise for their work ethic and football ability, there boys to watch this season.”
Meanwhile Bayswater City continued their good form with a 4-0 win against Balcatta at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday. "The first 30 minutes we were very sloppy all over the park and to be fair we should have been 2-0 down as Balcatta started well and they didn’t capitalise on our mistakes," defender Adam Tong said. "But once we got our foot on the ball and relaxed and played, we started to dictate play and great time to get the goal. Second half we played very well and thought in the end we deserved the win but we know we need to start better. Thought Goggsy (Gordon Smith) was great again and it was nice to keep a clean sheet." It was Balcatta who started the brighter and had a perfect opportunity to take the lead on eight minutes, when referee Steven Gregory spotted a handball by Shayne Passalacqua, but Calum O'Connell missed the resulting penalty. Balcatta continued to take the game to Bayswater, but against the run of play Bayswater hit the front. Gordon Smith's shot took a deflection off new signing Steve Hesketh to beat keeper Yousri Gharsallah. They increased their lead on 66 minutes, Paul Lloyd sent Daryl Nicol clear and he rounded the keeper to score. It was 3-0 when Smith raced through from a ball over the top by Tong, and finishing clinically past Gharsallah. Balcatta were then reduced to ten men when former Bayswater striker Alex Wild was sent off for a second yellow card. Bayswater added a fourth late Jason Mirco squaring the ball to Lloyd who finished well to give them a compressive win. For new signing Hesketh it was a perfect start to life at Frank Drago Reserve, a win and a goal as well. “The game was up and down, Balcatta started well and we were slow to get going but the win was all that mattered," he explained. "It was great to get 90 minutes in the legs and the lads had a good second half. The goal was an amazing assist from Gordon, and I was lucky to get a toe on it to tap it in."
17.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK THREE REVIEW
It was the final round of the State League Night Series Pool games over the weekend and the quarter finalists have been decided. Pool winners were UWA Nedlands, Forrestfield United, Gwelup Croatia, Olympic Kingsway, Mandurah City and Western Knights, while Subiaco and Gosnells move through as the best of the runner ups, with Curtin University missing out on goal difference. In Pool 1 on Sunday afternoon UWA found the point they needed to go through after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Balga at Hartfield Park on Sunday. Georgie Atha opened the scoring for Balga with a powerful shot after eight minutes, and Kris Spaseski doubled their lead 10 minutes later with a curling shot around the keeper. Balga dominated the first half and went close to a third but the crossbar came to UWA rescue. UWA got into the game in the second half and Balga keeper Lance Alavakis produced a number of fine saves, but he could do little when UWA pulled one back from the penalty spot after Thomas Moroney was brought down, Alex Kretowicz converting. UWA pressed late and Balga were hanging on for the win but in stoppage time UWA levelled with Kretowicz finding the bottom corner. “We did not show up in the first half defensively at all and we were not good,” UWA Coach Michael Janssen said. “We were two goals down, but after half time the team showed great character and we got the draw. With our young boys at an average of 22 years through the entire squad on Sunday, they gave their best in the second half. Our work rate and the football in the second half was better but we missed chances to win the game. Credit to Balga fighting and trying to defend their lead to the last minute. It's good to have another game in the Night Series, as we can again rotate players. But our focus is 100% on the league start.” In the other game in the group Subiaco also moved through as one of the best runners up by beating Dianella White Eagles 4-2 in the other game in the group. Mark Pritchard, Adam Carlino, Liam Fyfe and Shay Donovan were on target for Subiaco, while Keylun Pollard and Vlad Naumovski scored for Dianella. “It was a great team win and result for the club,” Carlino said. “It was good to see us finish the game strongly as we struggled in the first two games in that regard, and do enough to go through to the quarter-finals.”
In Pool B Forrestfield United topped the group after a 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Hartfield Park on Friday. The home side were ahead when Jordan Hart cut the ball back to Mitch Crocker on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder found the bottom corner. It was 2-0 Rhys Loxley headed back across gaol and Albert Luwi fired hoe at the back post. MUM pulled one back when they intercepted a poor back pass to score. But Forrestfield made sure of the three points when Loxley's cross was finished well by Josh Kotio from five meters. 'I thought we controlled the game for the first 30 minutes and deserved our early lead," Loxley said. "However, we lost our way a little in the second half and let them back into the game, but overall, we’re happy with the win but we know that we need to play better for longer periods throughout the game." In the late game Ashfield won for the first time in the group with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Shamrock Rovers. Rovers took the lead on 25 minutes, with Lachy Parker firing home a stunner from long-range. Ashfield levelled just before half time through Paul McCormack, and Mella Loding gave them the lead early in the second half. Rovers hit back when Ger Fitzgearald scored from the penalty spot, but Ashfield won it five minutes from time with McCormack bagging his second of the night.
In Pool 3 Gwelup Croatia finished top of the group after a come-from-behind 3-2 win against Quinns at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Friday evening. It was a tight first half with both sides having chances, but all the goals came after the break. Quinns were ahead on the hour, with Jake Benson-Cooper heading home from close-range. They doubled their lead four minutes later, Luke Woodward was found on the edge of the penalty area and his shot took a deflection and beat Riley Stevenson. A shock looked on the cards but Gwelup skipper James Sammut pulled one back on 70 minutes, curling home from outside the box, before Sam Wynne did likewise to level things up at 2-2 seven minutes later. It looked like the points would be shard but in the thirds minute of stoppage time Gwelup won it, Wynne finding the bottom corner to maintain Gwelup's 100% record in the Pool. "Full credit to Quinns. They caused us problems and made it difficult for us to find any rhythm," Brodie Martin said. "We showed a lot of character to get back in the game with some great goals from Jimmy and Sam." In the other game in the Pool Joondalup City thrashed Morley Windmills 6-0 on Sunday also at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, with Devon Rindel scoring a brace, with others rom Johnny Hulme, Luke Doyle, Sam Rawlings and Liam McGurk.
In Pool 4 Olympic Kingsway finished top after a 2-2 draw against Swan United on Friday at Wanneroo Reserve. Olympic were ahead when Boas fired home after a quick counter attack. Swan levelled just before half time Nic Tatasciore cross was headed back across goal by John Monterosso, and Connor fired home. Olympic regained the lead late in the game, Danny Hodgson scoring after being picked out by a cross. But Swan weren’t finished and in stoppage time they levelled, a corner wasn't dealt with by the Olympic defence and Aaron Colli fired home with a great strike. "That was the worst we’ve played in the competition," Hodgson said. "We’ve conceded in the last minute of each half three goals in a row, we need to learn to kill games off if we want to be challenging at the top of the table. On to the next game now to put things right." In the other game in the Pool, Wanneroo won for the first time in the competition and ended the chances of Joondalup United moving through after a 2-1 win. The home side opened brightly and Nathan Scully rattled the crossbar early, but it was Joondalup who opened the scoring with Ibrahim Hamad on target. But Wanneroo levelled before the break, with some great individual work from Scully, before finding the bottom corner. Wanneroo were on top after the break and they were rewarded with the winner. Jody Thompson's diagonal pass found Jack Hailstones racing down the right, he got to the by-line and crossed to Connor Lynch wo made no mistake. "With the change in some personnel, we have played a couple of different formations in the night series and I think we’ve found the one that suits us best," Wanneroo Coach Tim Kantor said. "It's very pleasing to finish the night series off with a win, and against Division One opposition."
In Pool 5 Mandurah City finished top, and went through with a 100% record after a 3-0 win against Canning City at Edinburgh Oval on Friday. Mandurah were ahead when a great through ball sent Cohen Aitken down the left and he squared the ball to teenager striker Regan Davidson, who finished from close-range. It was 2-0 before the break, Reece Allen's corner was dealt with by the Canning defence and Joey O'Brien poked it home from close-range. Mandurah made sure of the three points in the second half, after new signing Brian Crellin scored on his club debut, firing home after the initial shot had only been parried by the Canning keeper. - "Really pleased to come away with the result and the clean sheet we were aiming for," Mandurah Coach Alex Grayson said. "We made a lot of changes to the squad which might have caused some uncertainty, but the young lads plus a few new faces showed fantastic understanding and energy. We can't wait for the knock out stages." In the other game Curtin University just missed out on a place in the quarter finals on goal difference after 1-0 win against Fremantle City. The only goal of the game came on 34 minutes, Dilip Thapa won the ball on the half way line and raced forward and finished superbly from long-range. "Yes, it was hard fought win, and as expected Fremantle came forward hard and fast with numbers," Thapa said. "They had brilliant individuals who loved and could twist and turn and take on our fullbacks. But as planned, we stood compact and worked on closing them down fast - it paid off when we intercepted the ball in the middle of the park which led to our goal just before half time. It was a solid defensive display, and it was enough to get us through to the quarters."
In Pool 6 Western Knights finished top after a 6-0 win against Kelmscott Roos at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Friday evening. The Knights were ahead when Andrija Jukic scoring from Tom Kennedy's cross. It was 2-0 when Dean Hurley converted from the spot after he was brought down in the box. Brian Patterson made it 3-0 from Jukic's cross, before Jack Rycroft added a fourth. before the break. Bobby Ramic added the fifth with a neat back heel, before Hurley added his second and the Knights' sixth with a low shot from just outside the box. "Our plan was to improve on last week’s performance and the boys exceeded our expectations," Knights Coach Ivan Zuvela said. "We defended well to keep another clean sheet, and we were extremely pleased to score six goals. There’s a good feeling amongst our squad and we are looking forward to the next challenge. Gosnells City also moved through as a best runner-up and they didn't have to play, with South West Phoenix forfeiting the game and with the 3-0 results Gosnells pipped Curtin for a spot in the Quarter-Finals.
16.2.2019
SKY BLUES BEAT GLORY IN W-LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
Perth Glory suffered the heartbreak of a third Westfield W-League Grand Final loss, after losing 4-2 to Sydney FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Sky Blues led 2-1 at the break after Sofia Huerta's early strike and Savannah McCaskill's close range finish sandwiched between Sam Kerr's successful penalty for Glory. McCaskill then headed her second and Sydney's third close to the hour-mark and although Alyssa Mautz's swift response gave Glory hope, a stunning effort from Chloe Logarzo ultimately sealed the win.
"Another time. We'll come back stronger, it was not going to be our day,” Kerr said. “We gave it all we could but I felt really tired. Sydney played really well and I think everything just got the better of us. We took it right to the last, gave everything we could but it was not just good enough on the day.” Head Coach Bobby Despotovski had no complaints about the result. "They [Sydney FC] scored three world class goals to beat us, so you can't take that away from them,” he said. “They are a very good team, but on the flip side, we started very poorly. We were slow and sluggish and couldn't get into the rhythm of the game quickly enough. But in saying that, Sydney FC are a very well organised team and they deserved what they got today; 100%."
Both sides were unchanged from their semi-finals and Sydney were boosted by the return of Lisa De Vanna, the Matildas' leading goalscorer, on the bench. It was a sluggish start for the Glory as Sydney gathered momentum and they got behind a static Glory defence. Glory had an early scare after just two minutes when McCaskill hit the crossbar from a metre out with the goal open, but on six minutes Sydney hit the front, and what a goal it was, Huerta found the top corner from the edge of the box with an unstoppable shot.
Glory responded well to the early setback, going close to levelling it up when Kerr's header from a Nikki Stanton corner flashed narrowly wide. Then on 23 minutes Kerr did level after she was brought down by Danielle Colaprico and referee Kate Jacewicz pointed straight to the spot. Kerr picked herself up to score from the resulting penalty to level things up. For the rest of the half it was a tight affair with half chances to both sides but four minutes from the break Sydney regained the lead, McCaskill beating Eliza Campbell in the Glory goal with a looping header from Caitlin Foord's clever, chipped through-ball.
The hosts began the second half as brightly as they had ended the first, with Campbell called into action to save bravely at the feet of Foord and then react smartly to claim a curling effort from Princess Ibini. But she was helpless to prevent Sydney from extending their lead on the hour-mark as Glory's defence failed to clear their lines and McCaskill pounced to fire an angled drive into the bottom corner. Undaunted, the visitors hit back eight minutes later, Mautz converting from Stanton's corner, only for Ante Juric's side to restore their two-goal advantage almost immediately courtesy of Logarzo's sublime strike from just outside the box. Glory were shell-shocked, and with the effects of their demanding travel schedule and last week's 120 minute-battle with Melbourne Victory perhaps finally catching up with them, Glory were unable to haul themselves back into the game and it was Sydney celebrating another W-League Grand Final win in front of a record crowd of 6127.
Sydney FC: GK Aubrey BLEDSOE, 2 Teresa POLIAS (c), 4 Elizabeth RALSTON, 5 Ally GREEN, 6 Chloe LOGARZO (8 Amy HARRISON 82'), 9 Caitlin FOORD, 10 Savannah McCASKILL (17 Angelique HRISTODOULOU 90+2'), 14 Alanna KENNEDY, 20 Princess IBINI (11 Lisa DE VANNA 75'), 22 Sofia HUERTA, 23 Danielle COLAPRICO - Subs not used: RGK Trudy BURKE, 3 Shay EVANS
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY (14 Caitlin DOEGLAS 67'), 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 11 Leticia McKENNA (15 Alexia MORENO 77'), 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 20 Sam KERR, 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO, 2 Sarah CARROLL, 12 Jenna ONIONS - Referee: Kate Jacewicz
16.2.2019
GLORY THRASH THE ROAR TO MOVE NINE POINTS CLEAR
Perth Glory produced a perfect 90 minutes of football to thrash Brisbane Roar 4-0 at HBF Park on Saturday evening. The score line probably flattered the Roar, the Glory bagging four but had over 25 shots, in a one-sided game. Jason Davidson opened the scoring early, before Andy Keogh bagged a brace before half time, and Diego Castro capped off another sublime performance with the fourth. Keogh said it's good to get the points and extend their gap at the top of the table. "It was a great win and a great performance from the whole team,” he said. “We also kept a clean sheet which is good going forward and we move on to next week, with another important game at the Wanderers, but all games are important, at this time of the season.”
It was another clean sheet for Tony Popovic's side and central defender Shane Lowry said it's a good habit to have heading into the finals. "I thought we dominated the game and it should have been six or seven, but also happy with the clean sheet,” he said. “We led by three at the break and they came out with nothing to lose so it could have been tricky, but I thought we stayed concentrated and saw the game through. There is strong competition for places within the squad, but it’s a team game and the boss emphasis’s this, and he has made a number of changes this season and everyone is fighting for a spot.”
Popovic made one change to the side that beat Melbourne Victory last week with Keogh coming back into the starting line up with Joel Chianese dropping to the bench. It was a lively start with both sides having early chances. First Roar's striker Nicholas D-Agostino lost his marker, but his shot was straight at Liam Reddy. Moments later Chris Ikonomidis' cross was headed just wide of the target by Keogh. But on 19 minutes Glory opened the scoring. Ikonomidis' cross found Davidson on the left and he raced into the box and finished low past Brendan White at his near post.
Glory lost Ivan Franjic on 34 minutes, the defender looked ill and was having trouble breathing, he was replaced by Scott Neville, and the former Sorrento youngster made an immediate impact. He was picked out down the right by Castro, and his perfectly weighted cross found an unmarked Keogh who made no mistake headed into the top corner of the net. It was one-way traffic and White had to be alert to tip Ikonomidis' header over, before Davidson went close to a second, but he failed to find the target. But in first half stoppage time Glory added a third. Castro received the ball on the left of the penalty area and the Spanish maestro left several Roar players in his wake and raced into the box before squaring the ball to Keogh, who couldn't miss. He did look in an offside position but VAR checked and the goal stood.
Glory started the second as they had finished the third and it wasn't a surprise when they added a fourth nine minutes in. Keogh and Davidson combined to find Castro, and the skipper swept the ball past White and celebrated in front of a sold out Shed. Glory wanted more and Keogh went close to his hat-trick moments later, Neville picking out the Irish striker, but he couldn't keep his down. Then it was Ikonomidis who went close, but White produced a good save to deny the Socceroo. Roared on by the 10,831 crowd Glory pressed for a fifth and White produced another good stop to thwart substitute Chianese, while Shane Lowry saw an effort flash the wrong side of the upright. But the win and results elsewhere saw Popovic's side move nine points clear, and he was delighted with the performance.
"It was important to get the early goal, and then it was a great time to score the third just before half time," Popovic told Fox Sports. "I thought the second half was then a very disciplined and professional performance and in the end the score line could have been a lot bigger, but we're very happy with the win and the four goals. We spoke about the need to back up the performance and result we produced at Melbourne Victory last weekend and the players certainly did that. It'll be a real test for us [the three upcoming away games] and we just have to focus upon one game at a time, starting with the Wanderers next week which we know will be difficult and try and get through this period unscathed, playing well and hopefully getting the points that we require."
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 34'), 6 Dino DJULBIC (7 Joel CHIANESE 72'), 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (22 Fabio FERREIRA 77'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 20 Jake BRIMMER
Brisbane Roar: GK Brendan WHITE, 2 Dane INGHAM (35 Jay BARNETT 87'), 8 Jacob PEPPER, 11 Eric BAUTHEAC, 12 Ruon TONGYIK, 15 Stefan NIGRO (4 Daniel BOWLES 46'), 17 Matt MCKAY, 18 Joe CALETTI, 23 Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26 Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (22 Tobias MIKKELSEN 65'), 33 HENRIQUE - Subs not used: RGK Macklin FREKE, 36 Daniel LECK - Referee: Shaun Evans
15.2.2019
PERTH LOOKING FOR W-LEAGUE GLORY
Perth Glory will go in search of their first Westfield W-League title when they take on Sydney FC in Saturday’s Grand Final at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah 1.30pm WA time. It’s been a season of ups and downs, thrilling comebacks and last goal winners and skipper Sam Kerr leading Glory by example, and she has defiantly delivered. She hasn’t been on her own though, with keeper Eliza Campbell, defender Kim Carroll, winger Alyssa Mautz and speedy striker Rachel Hill all contributing to an outstanding season. Saturday’s opponents have meet 19 times in the Westfield W-League, and there has never been a draw, with the Sky Blues winning ten and Glory nine, it will be nice to square the ledger on Saturday.
They have also unearthed some young talent to, with, Leticia McKenna (16), Alexia Moreno (17), Jenna Onions (17), and Jacynta Galabadaarachchi (17) all coming into the side and making a difference, while Jamie Lee-Gale has also burst on to the scene after impressing in the State League. “Those kids, they’re honestly great. They’re amazing people and it shows on the field,” Kerr said. “I’m so happy for them and they work so hard. They’re great kids to have in the team. We’ve had some young ones step up a lot this year and do a really good job in really important positions and they don’t get enough credit.”
Kerr said McKenna shone in the Semi-Final win against Melbourne Victory and it bodes well for the club going forward. “Leticia did amazing “When I was 16, I definitely wasn’t fit enough to run out 120 minutes of the quality she did. I’m super proud of her,” she said. “They come to me for advice but they are still a bit shy. I just put my arm around them and try and be their friend, make them feel comfortable, give them a little bit of support. They are just kids. Sometimes they need a kick up the butt and sometimes they need a hug and someone to tell them how good they are.” Kerr said it will be the biggest achievement in her football career if she can bring home the trophy.
The 25-year-old claiming the Golden Boot for the second successive year and adding a hat-trick in Sunday's superb 4-2 semi-final win over Premiers Melbourne Victory. "Winning the Grand Final would be a dream come true," she said. "I'd hand in all the medals I've won personally over the years to win this one. I've been dreaming about this for ten years and it would mean everything. I've only ever won one Championship, with Sydney FC, so hopefully this will be my second and we can bring it home. It would be right up there with winning the Asian Cup with the Matilidas. If we score first, we'll put ourselves in a really good position and they'll have to chase the game, and our front three is playing really well and scoring a few goals and our defence has really held its own in the last few weeks, making it ok for us to run amok up front."
Glory coach Bobby Despotovski said they need to match or exceed the performance levels they produced in Sunday's semi-final if they are to claim a maiden Westfield W-League championship. “We have to be either that good or better to get anything out of this game," he said. "They [Sydney FC} are obviously the favourites, but we'll go there and give it our best shot and if our best shot is good enough, we'll bring the trophy home. Sydney are not as physical as Victory, but in saying that, we need to match them physically, technically and tactically if we are to get something out of the game, and we are more than good enough to get something out of the game."
Former Glory duo defender Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord are no strangers to W-League grand finals, and they will be doing they can to win it for the Sky Blues on Saturday. “I know what to expect,” Kennedy said. “I know in terms of it being a big game and the nerves in the lead-up to it. I know I have to prepare myself just like any other game … I’ve experienced [Grand Finals, and] I know it’s going to be a different level of football, so I’m prepared to come up against that and to bring it myself. I’ve experienced [losing] plenty of times in different leagues and matches. It doesn’t really get any easier, to be honest. But we have to hope that doesn’t happen. If it happens, I know how to deal with it. There’s not much you can do about it other than just let time pass.”
Coming up against her old club Perth Glory, however, Foord is ready for anything. “When it’s finals, you could know the other team’s whole tactic book, but in that game it’s different. It’s so much more intense, everyone is up for the game, everything you know goes out the window because even if you know they’re going to do it if they do it well, it’s still going to work,” she said. “We know what we’re coming up against, we’ve already played them once this season, we all watched the semi-final, we all know what Perth are capable of. I’ve said this all season: if our focus is on us and we as individuals and as a team get our jobs right, I honestly believe we can beat any team. The core group [we have] and the way our team takes the field together, when that’s one hundred percent and the best it can be, I believe we can beat anyone.”
15.2.2019
PERTH LOOKING FOR W-LEAGUE GLORY
Perth Glory will go in search of their first Westfield W-League title when they take on Sydney FC in Saturday’s Grand Final at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah 1.30pm WA time. It’s been a season of ups and downs, thrilling comebacks and last goal winners and skipper Sam Kerr leading Glory by example, and she has defiantly delivered. She hasn’t been on her own though, with keeper Eliza Campbell, defender Kim Carroll, winger Alyssa Mautz and speedy striker Rachel Hill all contributing to an outstanding season. Saturday’s opponents have meet 19 times in the Westfield W-League, and there has never been a draw, with the Sky Blues winning ten and Glory nine, it will be nice to square the ledger on Saturday.
They have also unearthed some young talent to, with, Leticia McKenna (16), Alexia Moreno (17), Jenna Onions (17), and Jacynta Galabadaarachchi (17) all coming into the side and making a difference, while Jamie Lee-Gale has also burst on to the scene after impressing in the State League. “Those kids, they’re honestly great. They’re amazing people and it shows on the field,” Kerr said. “I’m so happy for them and they work so hard. They’re great kids to have in the team. We’ve had some young ones step up a lot this year and do a really good job in really important positions and they don’t get enough credit.”
Kerr said McKenna shone in the Semi-Final win against Melbourne Victory and it bodes well for the club going forward. “Leticia did amazing “When I was 16, I definitely wasn’t fit enough to run out 120 minutes of the quality she did. I’m super proud of her,” she said. “They come to me for advice but they are still a bit shy. I just put my arm around them and try and be their friend, make them feel comfortable, give them a little bit of support. They are just kids. Sometimes they need a kick up the butt and sometimes they need a hug and someone to tell them how good they are.” Kerr said it will be the biggest achievement in her football career if she can bring home the trophy.
The 25-year-old claiming the Golden Boot for the second successive year and adding a hat-trick in Sunday's superb 4-2 semi-final win over Premiers Melbourne Victory. "Winning the Grand Final would be a dream come true," she said. "I'd hand in all the medals I've won personally over the years to win this one. I've been dreaming about this for ten years and it would mean everything. I've only ever won one Championship, with Sydney FC, so hopefully this will be my second and we can bring it home. It would be right up there with winning the Asian Cup with the Matilidas. If we score first, we'll put ourselves in a really good position and they'll have to chase the game, and our front three is playing really well and scoring a few goals and our defence has really held its own in the last few weeks, making it ok for us to run amok up front."
Glory coach Bobby Despotovski said they need to match or exceed the performance levels they produced in Sunday's semi-final if they are to claim a maiden Westfield W-League championship. “We have to be either that good or better to get anything out of this game," he said. "They [Sydney FC} are obviously the favourites, but we'll go there and give it our best shot and if our best shot is good enough, we'll bring the trophy home. Sydney are not as physical as Victory, but in saying that, we need to match them physically, technically and tactically if we are to get something out of the game, and we are more than good enough to get something out of the game."
Former Glory duo defender Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord are no strangers to W-League grand finals, and they will be doing they can to win it for the Sky Blues on Saturday. “I know what to expect,” Kennedy said. “I know in terms of it being a big game and the nerves in the lead-up to it. I know I have to prepare myself just like any other game … I’ve experienced [Grand Finals, and] I know it’s going to be a different level of football, so I’m prepared to come up against that and to bring it myself. I’ve experienced [losing] plenty of times in different leagues and matches. It doesn’t really get any easier, to be honest. But we have to hope that doesn’t happen. If it happens, I know how to deal with it. There’s not much you can do about it other than just let time pass.”
Coming up against her old club Perth Glory, however, Foord is ready for anything. “When it’s finals, you could know the other team’s whole tactic book, but in that game it’s different. It’s so much more intense, everyone is up for the game, everything you know goes out the window because even if you know they’re going to do it if they do it well, it’s still going to work,” she said. “We know what we’re coming up against, we’ve already played them once this season, we all watched the semi-final, we all know what Perth are capable of. I’ve said this all season: if our focus is on us and we as individuals and as a team get our jobs right, I honestly believe we can beat any team. The core group [we have] and the way our team takes the field together, when that’s one hundred percent and the best it can be, I believe we can beat anyone.”
15.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FOUR PREVIEW
It's week four of the NPL Night Series and both Pools are tight with only two rounds to go before the Semi-Finals. The top two teams in each Pool will move through to the knock-out stage, and in Pool One there is only two points separating the top four sides. In the first game of the round we head to Frank Drago Reserve, and in the early game Inglewood United meet ECU Joondalup. (6.30pm) Only one point separates the teams, and both are coming off wins last week, with Inglewood ending Rockingham City's winning start to the competition with a 3-2 win, while ECU beat Stirling 6-1 in the other game. Inglewood new striker Adriano Jelenovic got off the mark last week, while other new players ChokDau and Sam Riak both impressed last week. ECU found their scoring boots last week with new Czech striker Jakub Sklenar bagging four, while Joe Knowles added another, and the former Perth Glory striker has scored in all three games in the competition to date, and he said it was good to get some reward after dominating the opening three games. "Yes it was good to get the win and get our Night Series campaign back on track,” he said. “The front four were happy that we could supply the team with goals this week something we have been working hard on past few weeks. “Rich and Jakub are both good players so it makes them easy to play with. We all work hard for each other and want the best for the team before ourselves. It’s only been 3 weeks together so the best is yet to come.” Knowles knows it's a huge game for them this week if they want to reach the Semi-Finals, and he said they are ready for the challenge. "Inglewood have a good team with good experienced managers in charge so it will be a tough challenge for us but we have been getting better and better each week. I’m sure if we play the way we have been playing don’t think we have anything to worry about.”
The other two games in the Pool take place at Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday and first up Pool leaders Perth SC take on Stirling Lions. (6.30pm) Perth bounced back from defeat against Rockingham in Week 2, with a hard fought 3-1 win against Sorrento, with new striker Michael Domfeh on the scoresheet again. The former Glory Youth player has been impressive since the move to Dorrien Gardens, and he is forming a good partnership with Gustavo Catarcione. It was a disappointing result for the Lions last week and one they will want to forget. It was also a difficult debut for former Brechin City midfielder Finn Graham, who arrived in Perth last week and played 90 minutes in the hot weather, but he said we need to put it in to context it's only pre-season. "The temperature was crazy but I knew when I came over, I’d have to get used to the heat and stuff, it was tough but a good test for myself,” he said. “It was a disappointing performance from the team collectively, but we should use it as a lesson and test of character, and we just need to make sure we don’t let it happen again.” Graham, who played for Dunfermline Athletic for three years, and then spent a year at Berwick Rangers, then two years at Brechin, and a few months at Arbroath before coming here, said playing against the old firm was a highlight. ‘Playing against both Celtic and Rangers is up there, however, promotion with Brechin was an amazing achievement too.” The Lions will need to tighten up at the back against the Champions, and the 22-year-old midfielder said they have worked hard this week at training and are looking for an improved performance on Friday. "We’re looking forward to the game, another chance to impress and get used to playing with the Stirling boys,” he said. “We’ve worked hard a training this week and Keegan has us ready for the challenge, so hopefully we get a win and see where it takes us.”
In the late game Sorrento host Rockingham City, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats last week. City lost for the first time in the competition against Inglewood, while Sorrento, who are still looking for their first win, lost 1-3 against Perth SC. City have impressed in the competition to date and skipper James Harmer will be a real handful for all teams, and Sorrento will need to keep a close eye on him. New Rockingham winger Riley van Dieken also impressed last week and he said last week’s game was close. “It was a great performance from the boys, where on another day we possibly could have got the win, unfortunately that was not the case,” he said. “There were some great positives from the game that we can take too our future games and also some points to work on. But overall a solid performance from the lads.” The 18-year-old played at Mandurah, Cockburn City and Bayswater, before heading to Lark Hill, and he said after a chat to coach Cameron Lord it was an easy decision to join. “Bayswater was a great team and have obviously achieved a lot in the NPL, but prior to joining Rockingham I spoke to Cameron in-depth and I believe his coaching technique and his experience will enable the team to perform well in the NPL this year. Although the team is new, we've bonded well and each week we are progressing. We have a great bunch of players that can definitely hold their own in the NPL. With the new experienced players added to the team, gives us some great experience coming into the NPL,” he explained. “We are still learning to play as a team, but are definitely improving each week. We will definitely be a strong force in the NPL, as we have shown already. This week’s game against Sorrento will be a big game for us, to try and make the semi final. We need to play our own game and the result will come. Important to take one game at a time and not get focused on future games ahead.”
It's also tight in Pool Two (add table points difference) The first game is on Friday night when Bayswater City host Balcatta at Frank Drago Reserve. (8.30pm) After defeat in the first game Bayswater have hit back with big wins against Glory and Cockburn City, while Balcatta are still unbeaten, and picked up their first three points against Armadale last week. Gordon Smith scored a hat-trick in last week’s win, and their new recruits are gelling well, and their form is looking ominous. Balcatta's big win against Armadale was a well-deserved victory and new keeper David Keenan said it was also good to get in the winner’s circle and back in the NPL. "Obviously great for the lads to get the three points we’ve deserved after two hard fought draws in the previous rounds, and were looking to carry that into this week,” he said. “I’m delighted to be back in the game with Balcatta this season. I spoke to Goran (Stajic) back in October about coming in for a few sessions pre-season to see where I was at and it’s worked out great for me. There was always going to be competition for playing time especially in the NPL but we’ve got a really good core of lads here so settling in was no issue." The former Mandurah City and ECU Joondalup shot stopper will miss Friday’s game, but he said it is another big test but he is confident they can get a positive result. "Unfortunately, I won’t be able to experience it this weekend due to work commitments but the boys are looking forward to playing against Bayswater,” he explained. “It’ll be a cracker of a game and hopefully we come away with a good result to put us in the best position to progress in the night series.”
The last two games in Pool Two are at Dalmatinac Park on Sunday, and first up Cockburn City host Perth Glory. (5.00pm) After a bright start to the competition Glory have lost the last their last two games, including a 4-0 defeat against Floreat last week. It's a young Glory side, with all the clubs Foxtel Y-League players being rested, but Richard Garcia will be looking for an improved performance against the Cockerels this week. Scott Miller's side lost for the first-time last week against Bayswater, and despite the score line Adam Anfuso, who has scored twice in the competition to date, was pleased with the performance. “Yes, it was a disappointing loss, especially considering we conceded from set pieces but overall we played well,” he said. “We felt we were a bit unlucky to not get a result out of the game of his team, but we move on. It’s been a good start for me, I’ve been training well this pre-season so hopefully I can keep it up and keep scoring.” The 19-year-old midfielder has come through the ranks at the club said Sunday’s game will be a tough one. “Glory are playing some really good football at the moment so won’t be an easy game,” he explained. “But we believe that our team is one of the best in the league and deserve to be in the semifinals so not being able to get there will be somewhat of a disappointment for us.”
In the final game Floreat Athena take on Armadale. Floreat are unbeaten in the competition to-date, and are coming off a big win against Glory and a win in this one would see them qualify. On the other hand, it's not been the best starts for John O'Reilly's Armadale, who have lost all their games and conceded 19 goals in doing so. John O’Reilly said despite the poor start to the competition he is positive his side will bounce back. “The Night Series this season is a little too early for us. We have had some changes and we need time to aclimatise to our changes.” The Armadale coach knows his players, and they reached the final last season, and won the State League Cup, and he is sure they will improve. “We have shown glimpses of what we can do going forward but we have been punished for our mistakes,” he said. “Of course, I'm confident this group of players will come good with a few more weeks of building, and we are looking forward to playing a league winning contender on Sunday.”
15.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK THREE PREVIEW
It's the final week of the State League group stage and after this weekend’s fixtures the six Pool winners, plus the two best runners-up will progress into the quarter finals. All games will be played on Friday and Sunday, with no games on Saturday as Perth Glory are at home to Brisbane Roar in the A-League. We start in Pool One at Hartfield Park on Sunday, and in the early game Subiaco take on Dianella White Eagles. (5.00pm) The Eagles won for the first-time last week, a 4-2 win against Balga, and they need a win in this one to have any chance of going through. It’s the same for Subiaco, who were edged out by league leaders UWA Nedlands last week, and Nathan Smith said it was a tight game but they deserved the win. “It was a disappointing defeat, but credit to UWA for getting over the top of us,” he said. “They (UWA) played well and kept pushing for the win.” Smith is expecting another tough encounter against a good Dianella side. “It’s a great opportunity to progress to the next round and we will be doing everything we can to progress come Sunday,” he said. “They are a good side and have recruited well in the off season, so it will be a tough test but we are confident we can get the win and hopefully go through to the next round.” In the late game leaders UWA Nedlands will be looking for their third win of the competition and guarantee a spot in the next phase when they take on Balga. (7.00pm)
The Pool Two games will also be played at Hartfield Park on Friday, and in the opening game Ashfield take on local rivals Shamrock Rovers. (6.30pm) Ashfield fought out a draw with Forrestfield last week, the draw still keeping them in contention of progressing, while Shamrock will be buoyed by last week's win against Murdoch University Melville. Rovers defender Ger Fitzgerald said last week’s win was important after their loss to Forrestfield the previous week, and he said they deserved the win. "It was a good performance from the boys especially in the heat which made it hard. Josh took his goal very well and we held on in the end under a good bit of pressure,” he said. “As a team there is a few new boys including myself so we are still getting used to playing as a team but Gerry has done well with the group over the last few weeks and we are still learning and we will get better." Fitzgerald said a win in Friday’s game and results elsewhere going their way a spot in the knockout stage could be there’s. “We will have a different team again this week with some players missing and some back from work and holidays,” he said. “Hopefully we play well which is the most important thing and get a win and hope Murdoch do us a favour, but Ashfield will be strong and it should be a good game.” In the late game Forrestfield United host Murdoch University Melville at 8.30pm and a win for either side could see them progress.
In Pool Three the games will be played at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Friday and Sunday evening. In the early on Friday Gwelup takes on Quinns. (6.30pm) Gwelup know a win will see them progress to the quarter-finals, and will be hard to beat especially with new signing Matty Sparrow and Ellis Healing playing well. Quinns fought out 2-2 draw with Joondalup City last week, and keeper James Bosdet said they had their chances to win it. "It was a good game but a game we thought we deserved the three points. We created a lot of good chances especially towards the end of the game but unfortunately couldn’t take them,” the former Joondalup United keeper said. “It’s a new side so the boys are still getting used to playing together as we went straight into the night series with no friendlies so plenty of positives so far.” Bosdet said Friday's game is going to be a tough game but they believe they can a result. "Gwelup was always the game we were looking forward to as they are a quality side and will be one of the favourites for the league this year,” he said. “But we are all looking forward to the test and we’re ready for the challenge.” In the late game on Sunday Morley Windmills and Joondalup City will both be looking for their first win in the competition at 8.30pm.
In Pool Four the games will be played at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday evening, and in the early game Wanneroo City host Joondalup United (6.30pm) Wanneroo are still looking for their first points in the competition, while Joondalup United are yet to lose, but where held by Olympic last week. It's a new look Joondalup side with a large number of players leaving the club after relegation from the NPL, but Nick Jennings has his side playing well, while Wanneroo will be looking to end the group stage on a positive note. In the late game Olympic Kingsway take on Swan United (8.30pm). Both sides can still qualify for the next stage so this is a huge game. Swan looked impressive last week in the big win against Wanneroo, while Olympic scored late to draw with Joondalup United. Olympic striker Danny Hodgson said the new side and coaching staff are getting used to each other. “Last week was a good game, but I thought we got tired in the last 10 minutes which cost us the three points,” he said. “We hit the bar and had a few chances, so there is a lot of positives to take out of the game. We have a new coach and there were only three players in the starting 11 who were at the club last season, so it’s a whole new team, but we are getting to know each other which always takes a few games to get into full flight. Gary has a good background of coaching and so does Ian, and Gary has brought a few players along with him so there is plenty of competition for spots at the moment.” Hodgson is expecting another tough game on Friday, but knows its pre-season and a time for players to get their match fitness up, but a win would be nice. “Swan will be a hard game but the result doesn’t really matter it’s about trying to get fit with pre-season games,” he explained. “Yes, it would be nice to win and move through to the next stage, but the main thing is getting minutes into the legs.”
In Pool Five the games will be held at Edinburgh Oval on Friday evening, and the early game sees Curtin University host Fremantle City. (6.30pm) Fremantle were well beaten by Mandurah City last week, and will need a big win in this one to go through. Likewise, Curtin, who produced a good performance last week to beat Canning City and keep their hopes of qualifying alive. Curtin midfielder Dilip Thapa was on target in last week’s win and he said it was a good performance. “We definitely deserved the win I’d say, and we looked promising going forward for most part of the game,” he said. “But there’s lots to work on defensively as we’re letting in goals due to our own errors. We know Freo is a good side, and we’re expect nothing less than a really tough match against a well organised team. Having said that, we have training hard and the new signings are starting to gel well, so were going for the win.” In the late game Mandurah City take on Canning City. (8.30pm) Canning will be looking to bounce back from the defeat last week, while Mandurah knows a win will see them progress.
Finally, in Pool Six the games will be played at Perth Plasterboard Stadium, but on different nights. First on Friday evening Western Knights take on Kelmscott Roos in the late game (8.30pm). The Knights need a win to go through undefeated, and are coming off a big win last week against the Phoenix. The Roos were also beaten last week and will be looking to bounce back this week and put a spanner in the Knights good start to the competition. The last game will be the early clash between South West Phoenix and Gosnells City. (5.00pm) It's not been the best of start for he Phoenix, who have lost a large number of players from their squad this season, but they will be hoping for an improved performance this week. Gosnells on the other hand bagged six last week against Kelmscott, and they need results elsewhere to go their way if they are to go through. Feisal Zaw bagged a hat-trick last week, and the former Cockburn City and Inglewood United winger said it was a good performance from the new look Gosnells side and they will be doing all they can to win to see if they can progress. "Yes, I’m very happy to contribute to the team with a couple of goals. Hopefully we can continue the run of form, but wish we could have kept a clean sheet though,” he said. “The results would probably indicate that we will get a win on the weekend but it's dangerous to think that way. So, it's important to keep the same mentality and keep the same intensity this weekend and hopefully we come out with a win.’
15.2.2019
GLORY HOST AN UNDERMANNED ROAR IN WEEK 19
After last week’s top of the table win against Melbourne Victory, Perth Glory will be looking to maintain their seven-point lead when they host Brisbane Roar at HBF Park on Saturday (7.00pm WA Time). Last week showed the league the Glory are the real deal, but if they slip up in this one, last week will be a waste, so Head Coach Tony Popovic has his players feet firmly grounded and knows this is going to be a tough game. Brisbane haven’t travelled well in recent seasons and have gone 11 Hyundai A-League games without a win, but the last time they did manage to pick up three points on the road was here in the West in Round 27 of last season, and they are coming off a big win against third placed Sydney FC last week.
"We are being asked now if we can stay at the top and that's a good question to have to answer and the best way of answering that is by our actions. Words won't be remembered on Saturday night, but our actions will,” Popovic explained. "We are seven points clear for a reason. We've been the best and most consistent team up to now and after 18 rounds, that's where we deserve to be. Now it's up to us to try and keep that gap by winning against Brisbane. "We know that our members and fans were delighted with our performance and result away at Melbourne Victory last week and in front of them on Saturday night, we'd like to deliver another great performance and send them home happy."
Alex Grant will again miss with a thigh injury, but Popovic will have defender Tomislav Mrcela and Brendan Santalab available, with both being added to the squad. Popovic saw enough from Darren Davies' men last week and in in Suncorp Stadium clash earlier in the season to know that they will provide a stern test on Saturday. "They [Brisbane] showed a lot of spirit and fight to come back which is not easy to do when you've been on a poor run," he said. "They've got some exciting young talent there and we have to be ready for that. They haven't got much to lose and they'll come here to Perth with a lot of energy. We just need to keep playing our football and respect our opponent, but know that if we play to our full capabilities, we can get the three points. We are always looking to improve and we've been working on certain aspects of our game this week. Hopefully that will come out against Brisbane."
Brisbane head west with an undermanned squad with three youngsters being promoted to their 18-man squad. Daniel Leck, Jay Barnett and Shannon Brady have been promoted while Izaack Powell who last week became Brisbane Roar’s youngest ever player retains his spot in the squad. New signing Ruon Tongyik is in line for his Roar debut while Dane Ingham and Daniel Bowles also come back into contention after missing last week’s win over reigning premiers Sydney FC through suspension. Jamie Young will sit out the match as he serves the final match of a two-game suspension, while Spaniard Alex Lopez also misses the trip to Perth through suspension.
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SANTALAB, MRCELA - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (thigh – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar FC squad: GK Brendan WHITE, GK Macklin FREKE, 2 Dane INGHAM, 4 Daniel BOWLES, 8 Jacob PEPPER, 11 Eric BAUTHEAC, 12 Ruon TONGYIK, 15 Stefan NIGRO, 17 Matt MCKAY, 18 Joe CALETTI, 20 Shannon BRADY, 22 Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23 Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26 Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33 HENRIQUE, 35 Jay BARNETT, 36 Daniel LECK, 38 Izaack POWELL - *two to be omitted* - Ins: INGHAM (returns from suspension), BOWLES (returns from suspension), TONGYIK (promoted), BRADY (promoted), BARNETT (promoted), LECK (promoted) - Outs: 3 Luke DEVERE (knee), 9 Adam TAGGART (international transfer), 14 Alex LOPEZ (suspended), 19 Jack HINGERT (knee) - Unavailable: 7 Thomas KRISTENSEN (ankle),10 Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13 Stefan MAUK (groin), GK Jamie YOUNG, (suspended), 24Connor O’Toole (broken leg)
14.2.2019
TAGGART EXITS BRISBANE
Fringe Socceroo Adam Taggart has exited Brisbane Roar after he was snapped up by an Asian club, believed to be from the K-League. Suwon Bluewings have been tipped to have won the race for the striker who was in the running for this season's A-League Golden Boot despite Brisbane's dismal season.
Taggart, 25, had found the net 11 times already this season, just one behind leading A-League goal scorer Adam Le Fondre of Sydney FC. But now he has been freed by Brisbane to join his new club for an undisclosed fee and subject to final terms of a transfer agreement being met.
“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the club, players, coaches and fans for their support during my time at BRFC," commented Taggart, who had 15 months to run on this Brisbane contract. "I'm confident that the club can turn things around and have more success in the future."
12.2.2019
CONFIDENT KERR HAPPY TO BE THE FOCUS
She's been marked as the player to stop in Saturday's W-League grand final by Sydney FC and that's fine with Sam Kerr. The Perth Glory superstar scored the first hat-trick in a W-League finals match on Sunday to book her team in for their Grand Final berth with a 4-2 extra-time win over premiers Melbourne Victory.
Kerr's display prompted Sydney coach Ante Juric to suggest he might double-up on Kerr or that his side must aim to outscore the 25-year old to take out the championship. That attention sits fine with the Matilda, who believes there's more than enough goal threats from her teammates to make the Sky Blues pay if they take a singular focus into the match.
"We have so many girls that are scoring and creating opportunities. We've got Rachel Hill, (Alyssa) Mautz, Leticia McKenna - all those girls that are ready to step up," Kerr said. "If they're worrying about me, then that's another player on our team free. Rachel Hill and Alyssa Mautz are well and truly capable of scoring more than one goal."
Glory flew home yesterday but face another cross-country trip to take on the Sky Blues on Saturday afternoon in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah. That's despite a gruelling 120 minutes in which coach Bobby Despotovski didn't make one substitution until the second half of extra time.
Despite the potentially exhausting schedule, Kerr said the lure of a first championship for the Glory in the A-League/W-League era would overcome any fatigue. "They're (legs) a bit sore but we're in the grand final so we'll be fine," she said. The W-League Grand Final will be played at Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah, Sydney, on Saturday. Kick-off is at 1.30pm, Perth time.
12.2.2019
RISDON BECOMES A-LEAGUE NEWCOMERS SECOND SIGNING
The club still does not yet have a name or a head coach but Western Melbourne Group today confirmed Socceroos defender Josh Risdon has been signed on a two-year deal. 26-year old Risdon, currently contracted to Western Sydney Wanderers, has been a member of Australia's World Cup and Asian Cup squads over the past year.
Risdon said he was delighted to join up for the club's first season in the A-League. "I'm absolutely stoked to be the first Australian player to join Western Melbourne," Risdon said. "With the signing of Panagiotis as the marquee, I can see the club has big ambitions both on the park and off it."
“With their own boutique stadium being built, which I think is a great idea, the club has an exciting future. I'm a hard worker who understands that the fans in the West of Melbourne want players who'll give absolutely 100% for the shirt. I can't wait to start doing that."
Risdon started out with Perth Glory as a teenager and went on to make 153 appearances for the club. Since switching to Western Sydney in May 2017 he has added a further 34 outings to that tally. Risdon has also represented Australia on 14 occasions, mostly recently at last month's Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Risdon's unveiling comes after Greek international Panagiotis Kone was revealed as the club's first marquee signing. "We're absolutely thrilled to bring Josh into the Western Melbourne family and we look to him being a leader and mentor to some of the younger players that will be joining the squad," said a WMG football director and former Socceroo Steve Horvat.
"Attracting a talented current Socceroo shows our ambition and our commitment to building a competitive squad from the first season that our fans can be proud of. Josh is an attacking defender with a fantastic work ethic who we know our fans will love watching. He has an excellent character and we know he’ll fit in with our club very well on and off the park."
11.2.2019
SAGE SETS SILVERWARE AS BENCHMARK FOR BUMPER CAMPAIGNS
Perth Glory have never been in a better position under long-time owner Tony Sage. The W-League team has qualified for this week’s grand final – its third decider in five years – and the A-League side is flying under Tony Popovic, seven points clear on top of the table.
But Sage, who has bankrolled Glory since 2007 for little reward, is far from satisfied. The boss underlined his hunger for silverware after Sam Kerr fired the women’s team past Melbourne Victory in yesterday’s semi-final. “We’ve got to win something,” Sage said. “We’ve been in two grand finals before in the W-League and we didn’t win them, so we haven’t won anything yet.”
Sage lavished praise on marquee striker Kerr after the W-League Golden Boot winner’s “sensational” hat-trick saw Glory through after extra-time. “We have to thank the FFA – we couldn’t afford her otherwise – so that’s a fantastic move by them,” Sage said. “But you can see what she does to the league. Already a Golden Boot winner and another three, all of them were magnificent.”
Sage said he had “100 per cent” faith Glory could cause another upset away to Sydney FC in the decider. “You could just see the quality on the park,” Sage said. “Rachel Hill gutsed it out and they (Hill and Kerr) have got a great combination up front. The back four held up really well and I think they’ve got a really good chance of winning it.”
11.2.2019
KERR WANTS ATTENTION DIRECTED TO ON-FIELD ACTION
Samantha Kerr hopes her scintillating W-League semi-final performance can help shift the focus of Australian women’s soccer back to the on-field action following weeks of unrest over the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stacjic. The Golden Boot winner bagged a hat-trick as Glory registered a dramatic 4-2 win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
With the Matildas are still coachless ahead of the World Cup in France in June and questions linger over Football Federation Australia’s handling of Stacjic’s shock departure. “I’ve said it a million times, the most important thing is for people to be talking about what we do on the field,” Kerr said.
“The reason people have talked about the Matildas over the last two years is because of what we’ve done on the field and how great some of the players are, and how good a role models they are. Hopefully it (the focus) can go back to football now and we can start rolling onto the World Cup.”
Kerr denies the rumour and innuendo surrounding the Stacjic situation had been a distraction for Matildas players at the business end of the W-League season. “I haven’t had a (international) game so it hasn’t been hard at all,” Kerr said.
“I’ve honestly just been focusing on Glory and once I’ve finished with Glory I’ll focus on the Matildas. But right now Glory is all I’m thinking about. At the end of the day, whatever is going to be is going to be. We’ve got a World Cup in four months, so I can’t waste a day thinking about it.”
Kerr, the W-League’s all-time leading scorer, again let her football do the talking as she steered her side past Premiers’ Plate winners Victory. “If I scored a hat-trick, I’ve done alright, but in the first half I thought I kind of struggled,” Kerr said.
“But I think when you score goals like that everything kind of goes out the window. I’m happy with my performance, but most importantly the team’s. I don’t normally score in finals so it’s pretty special for me. I seem to have made a lot of finals and never scored, so it felt really good.”
Glory will take on Sydney FC in the season finale on Saturday and Kerr said it would be “unbelievable” to lift the trophy. “I can’t explain it to you ... I’ve got to stop myself dreaming and just focus on the game,” Kerr said. “It would honestly mean everything and it would be a dream come true for me and the girls.”
11.2.2019
GLORY ON BRINK OF FIRST A-LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP
Perth Glory boss Tony Popovic is yet to claim the A-League minor premiership, and Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is yet to concede it. But with a seven-point gap between the top-ranked Glory and second-placed Victory, the contest certainly looks as good as over with just one-third of the season remaining.
Glory flexed their muscles on Sunday, looking every inch a well-oiled machine in a 2-1 defeat of the Victory. Popovic agreed his side "deserved the three points" but wouldn't be drawn on his title prospects. "Of course we can (be caught)," Popovic said. "If you do the sums, it's quite easy."
"We're certainly delighted with the result ... and we'll go home and try and do it all over again. We haven't spoke about (the title). We're not going to go home and say 'look boys we're seven ahead'. We'll move on and we'll finish where we deserve to finish and at the moment we deserve to be top. If we're there at the end we deserve to be premiers."
10.2.2019
CASTRO AND KILKENNY SEND GLORY SEVEN POINTS CLEAR
Perth Glory moved seven points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League after a 2-1 win against their nearest rivals Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon. In front of over 25,000 supporters Glory dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead on the hour with Neil Kilkenny converting a penalty. Diego Castro doubled their advantage nine minutes later, but Victory hit back with Kosta Barbarouses pulling one back with 12 minutes remaining but they couldn't find a way through a tight Glory defence.
Glory coach Tony Popovic said his side deserved the win but isn't getting carried away with all the title hype as there is still a long way to go in the season. "Of course, we can (be caught). If you do the sums, it's quite easy," he said post-match. "We're certainly delighted with the result. We'll enjoy the victory ... and we'll go home and try and do it all over again against Brisbane Roar on Saturday. We haven't spoken about (the title). We're not going to go home and say 'look boys we're seven ahead'. We'll move on and we'll finish where we deserve to finish and at the moment, we deserve to be top. If we're there at the end we deserve to be premiers."
Popovic made one change to the side that beat Wellington Phoenix last week with Joel Chianese coming in for Andy Keogh, who dropped to the bench. Melbourne were without Swedish striker Ola Toivonen with injury, but Marque midfielder Keisuke Honda and defender Georg Niedermeier did return to the squad, both were on the bench. It was a lively opening with both sides having early chances. First Elvis Kamsoba's shot on the turn was saved low by Liam Reddy, while Ivan Franjic shot on the run at the other end flew wide of the target.
Glory were on top, with Victory struggling to get into the game and the visitors went close to the lead on 34 minutes. Kilkenny's deft chip over the top sent Chris Ikonomidis in on goal, but his shot from the angle could only find the side netting. Both sides had an opportunity late in the half. First Castro's cross across the box was cleared by a last-ditch tackle from Storm Roux, with Ikonomidis ready to pounce, well Reddy got down well to save Kenny Athiu's shot in stoppage time.
It was the visitors went close again early in the second half, and it was Castro again who was the supplier. This time his trickery took him clear of his marker and he picked out Ikonomidis, whose shot was well saved by Lawrence Thomas. But on the hour the Glory hit the front when Kilkenny's ball into the box was handled by Corey Brown and referee Jarred Gillett pointed straight to the spot. It looked a little harsh and after a VAR check the decision was upheld and Kilkenny stepped up and found the back of the net, despite Thomas getting a hand to his resulting penalty.
The goal silenced the big Victory crowd, but the pocket of Glory supporters was cheering again nine minutes later when they doubled their lead. Ikonomidis was sent done the left and he outpaced Thomas Deng and whipped in an inviting cross and Castro met it with a volley at full stretch and steered it past Thomas to double the Glory's advantage. Victory had brought on Honda and Niedermeier and with Glory sitting back to defend their lead the Japanese start was a constant threat, and on 78 minutes they reduced the margin.
Kamsoba found Leigh Broxham on the right, who played a great ball into the penalty area for Barbarouses, and the Kiwi raced clear and finished clinically across Reddy. The big crowd were now in full voice as Kevin Muscat's side looked for the equaliser, and they had all the possession, but couldn't test Reddy and it was Glory who should have added a third late. Keogh, who had replaced Chianese, was sent one-on-one with Thomas, but the keeper stood tall and Keogh's shot went agonisingly wide of the upright.
Melbourne Victory: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 2 Storm ROUX (5 Georg NIEDERMEIER 62'), 3 Corey BROWN, 6 Leigh BROXHAM, 7 Kenny ATHIU (4 Keisuke HONDA 62'), 8 Terry ANTONIS, 9 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10 James TROISI, 14 Thomas DENG, 15 Raul BAENA, 24 Elvis KAMSOBA - Subs not used: RGK Matt ACTON, 16 Josh HOPE, 25 Anthony LESIOTIS
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 86'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE (9 Andy KEOGH 75'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (20 Jake BRIMMER 83'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 22 Fabio FERREIRA - Referee: Jarred Gillett
10.2.2019
KERR HAT-TRICK SENDS GLORY TO THE GRAND FINAL
Perth Glory have secured a spot in the Westfield W-League Grand final next weekend after a Sam Kerr inspired 4-2 extra time win against Melbourne Victory in the Semi-Final at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon. Victory had led with Christine Nairn on target, but Kerr levelled and it looked like Rachel Hill had won it late, but deep into stoppage time Grace Maher stored parity for Victory to send it to extra time. Kerr then took control bagging a brace to complete her hat-trick and send Glory into a clash with Sydney FC next week.
"That's the best we've played all season," Glory Head Coach Bobby Despotovski said post-match. "From the first minute, we looked like we were on top of them all the time and had more intensity than them. The players got through an astonishing amount of work in order to win the game and the victory is a fitting testament to them working extremely hard in pre-season and in training throughout the year to be able to play at that level of intensity for 120 minutes. "Even in the latter stages of the game, we always looked like we were going to score and created more chances in extra-time than we did in the whole of normal time. They [the Glory players] did not want to put in all that work and not end up getting anything. Everybody stood up today and I'm just delighted for everyone involved."
It wasn't the start Glory were looking for, with Victory opening the scoring after only two minutes. A cross-shot by Nairn's caught Glory keeper Eliza Campbell out at her near post to give the hosts the lead. Glory hit back and Kerr was denied by Casey Dumont, before the Victory custodian spread herself well to thwart Hill. Glory thought they had a penalty when Ella Mastrantonio brought down Kerr in the penalty area, but referee Rachel Mitchenson waved away Glory's protests.
Shannon May was the first to threaten after the break, her looping header well claimed by Bethany Mason-Jones who had replaced the injured Dumont at the break. Hill then fired over after Victory failed to fully clear a Nikki Stanton corner and Kerr saw her goal bound effort blocked by Laura Alleway. But Kerr wasn’t going to be denied, and on 72 minutes she levelled. The skipper getting in front of two home defenders to stab home a fine cross whipped in by Leticia McKenna.
Glory were now well on top and it wasn’t a surprise when they hit the front. Four minutes from time Kerr raced down the right and stood the ball up at the back post where Hill rose highest to head home her sixth goal of the season. It looked the win but deep in stoppage time Victory found a lifeline. Glory failed to clear Nairn's free-kick and Maher pounced to fire the loose ball past Campbell from close range and send the game into extra-time.
It was Glory who had the upper hand in the first additional period, and seven minutes in Kerr restored her side's lead. She was sent racing clear by Hill’s through ball and she lobbed the on-coming keeper Mason-Jones much to the delight of the Glory supporters. Sixty seconds later, Victory's hopes took another hit as Samantha Johnson received a second yellow card for her tug on Kerr. Glory went close to a fourth with McKenna and Hill both being denied by Mason-Jones' save and Alleway's goal-line block.
But the fourth and decisive goal did arrive two minutes into the second period of extras time. McKenna cutting the ball back for Kerr who finished with aplomb and celebrated with her traditional back flip. It was a frantic finale which saw Natasha Dowie miss a gilt-edged chance to grab a lifeline for Victory, but Despotovski's side were not to be denied and the final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the players and coaching staff alike.
Melbourne Victory: GK Casey DUMONT, (RGK Bethany MASON-JONES 46'), 3 Teigen ALLEN (14 Melina AYRES 109'), 5 Laura ALLEWAY, 7 Christine NAIRN, 8 Angela BEARD, 9 Natasha DOWIE, 11 MelindaJ BARBIERI (10 Kyra COONEY-CROSS 83'), 15 Emily GIELNIK, 16 Samantha JOHNSON, 17 Danielle WEATHERHOLT (18 Grace MAHER 64'), 21 Ella MASTRANTONIO - Subs not used: 6 Annabel MARTIN - Red cards: Johnson
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ (2 Sarah CARROLL 114'), 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 11 Leticia McKENNA (14 Caitlin DOEGLAS 117'), 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 20 Sam KERR, 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO, 12 Jenna ONIONS, 5 Alexia MORENO - Referee: Rachel Mitchenson
10.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE REVIEW
It was another exciting weekend in the 2019 NPL Night Series, with goals galore in the six games, and it all started on Saturday evening in Pool One at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, when ECU Joondalup won for the first time in the competition with a 6-1 win against Stirling Lions. ECU were on top early and on 11 minutes they hit the front. A ball into the box by Joe Knowles was dropped by the keeper the ball under pressure from Ronald Rixer, and it fell to Jakub Sklenar who scored from close-range. It was 2-0 eight minutes later, Ollie Annis’ cross headed down by Luke Palmateer and Sklenar steered the ball home from close-range. They added a third moments later when Lukas De Lima was sent clear, he beat the keeper to the ball on the edge of the penalty area, laid the ball to Knowles whose cross was headed home by Sklenar to complete his hat-trick. The fourth came on 37 minutes, Brad McDonald won a great tackle in the middle of the park and he sent Knowles in on goal, and the striker finished with aplomb to send the Jacks in with a comfortable 4-0 lead. They added a fifth three minutes into the second half, when substitute Andy Higgins’ corner was headed home by Rixer at the back post. It was 6-0 ten minutes later, Richard Howles was sent clear down the right and he unselfishly crossed to Sklenar who scored. The Lions scored a consolation goal on 75 minutes, after good work down the left by former new Scottish midfielder Finn Graham saw him get to the by-line and pulled the ball back to Campbell who finished well past Perkins.
In the late game at the same venue Inglewood United also won for the first time in the Pool, after ending Rockingham City perfect start to the competition with a 3-2 win. It was Rockingham who opened the scoring on the quarter hour, a short corner caught Inglewood napping and James Harmer’s deep cross was headed home at the back post by Lydon Hodgkiss. But Inglewood hit back four minutes later, Samuel Riak sent Jason Barrera clear, and he held off his marker and fired low past Alfie Brincat. Inglewood then hit the front on 27 minutes, Hamza Hina crossed from the right and Barrera laid it back to Adriano Jelenovic who made no mistake. The hosts made a perfect start to the second half by adding a third, Chok Dau superbly curling home a free kick from the edge of the box. Barrera then fired over the top for the hosts, before Jamie Murphy got back with a last-ditch tackle to thwart Harmer at the other end. Rockingham were back in the game ten minutes from time when referee Michal Jasinski spotted a handball from defender Mark Barnett and Harmer scored from the resulting penalty. Rockingham pressed late looking for the equaliser but Inglewood stood firm to claim the points.
The last game in Pool One was played at E&D Litis Stadium where Perth SC bounced back from last week’s defeat against Rockingham with a 3-1 win against Sorrento. New Perth striker Michael Domfeh continued his good form by opening the scoring on the half hour, a great solo run and neat finish. But Sorrento hit back with Reece Vittiglia levelling four minutes later with a stunning long-range shot. But Perth regained the lead eight minutes before half time, and it was that man Domfeh again linking up with Niccolò Sabatini, before finishing clinically. The result was wrapped up for Ramon Falzon’s side ten minutes into the second half with Matt Milenkovic heading home Sabatini’s cross. “It was a very important confidence boost for us as a team, as we’ve had a few injuries in the last couple of weeks which has meant that a few of the younger boys have had to step up and it has been good to see them embrace their opportunity,” Milenkovic said. “We’ve also had some new faces in the team and I think the strength they add showed on Saturday night. We have had a strong pre-season which is now starting to show, we are fit enough to run out games and are playing well as a team which is all we can ask for in the earlier stages of a season.”
In Pool B at Dalmatinac Park, the early game saw Bayswater City make it back-to-back wins with 3-1 win against Cockburn City in the early game at Dalmatinac Park, with Scottish striker Gordon Smith scoring his first hat-trick in WA. The visitors were ahead four minutes from half time when Paul Lloyd crossed to Smith to tap home from close-range. They doubled their lead three minutes later, Smith was picked out in the penalty area and his shot on the turn flew into net. Cockburn hit back after half time and on 69 minutes they pulled one back, a stunning long-range strike from Adam Anfuso. But Bayswater regained their two-goal advantage three minutes later, Colli’s free kick was headed home by Smith to complete his hat-trick. “It was good to get another win and put us in a good position to progress,” Smith said. “Cockburn are a good side with dangerous players, but I thought we controlled the majority of the game and could have scored a couple more.”
Floreat Athena remind top of the table after a 4-0 win against Perth Glory in the early game at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. Floreat opening the scoring ten minutes before half time with Robert Petkov heading home a free kick. They doubled their lead on the hour, Jon Stynes latching onto a through ball from Petkov to finish, before Chris Saldaris added the fourth on 74 minutes, before Calvin Whitney scored the fourth from the penalty spot four minutes from time. “We needed a reaction from the boys after the draw against Balcatta,” Stynes said. “We got it and thoroughly deserved the win.”
In the late game at the venue Balcatta beat Armadale 5-0. They opened the scoring on 16 minutes, when a corner was flicked on and Gavin Knight volleyed home at the back post. It was 2-0 on the half hour, Calum O’Connell heading home after a cross from the right by Roberto Del Bordello. They added a third in the first minute of the second half, with Knight finishing off well from a Michael Zimarino pull back. It was 4-0 on the hour when O’Connell volleyed home Shub Mokala’s cross, and the scoring was rounded off seven minutes from time when Anthony Topini intercepted a ball and raced one-on-one with the keeper and finished well. “To score in the fashion that we did is a testament to ALL the hard work the squad is putting in at training and game days,” Balcatta Head Coach Goran Stajic said. “Gavin (Knight) and Captain Calum (O'Connell) scoring a brace each is a huge positive for us and in particular them as players, the finishing was top shelf. The goals had everything from build-up play, set pieces and individual brilliance the challenge now for us is to maintain consistency that is required to compete at this level.”
10.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK TWO REVIEW
It was another busy weekend in the State League Night Series and in Group One at Hartfield Park on Sunday evening Dianella White Eagles beat Balga 4-2 in the early game. Josef Tweats gave Dianella the lead, before an own goal and Keylun Pollard strike gave them a 3-0 lead at the break. Kris Spaseski pulled one back for Balga after the break, but Pollard added his second on the counter attack to restore their three-goal lead. Georgie Atha scored a penalty to complete the scoring. “I think we started off well scoring early and getting some confidence and from there we started to control the game, and went into the half time break with a 3-0 lead,” Spiro Nenadicc said. “The second half we probably got a bit comfortable and conceded two goals, it’s practically a brand-new squad only a few players left from last year and we are still gelling and we will only get better with each game.” In the late game UWA-Nedlands beat Subiaco 2-1, with Alex Kretowicz scoring both for UWA.
In Pool Two the games were also played at Hartfield Park on Saturday evening, and in the early game Shamrock Rovers beat Murdoch University Melville 1-0, while in the late game Ashfield and Forrestfield United fought out a 1-1 draw. Albert Luwi gave the hosts the lead but central defender Matt Horton headed home powerfully for the equaliser with three minutes remaining to give both sides a share of the spoils. “I believe we were the better side on the night and deserved all three points, but when you play against top sides like Forrestfield they are always a threat and even with 10 men took the lead albeit a mistake from us,” Ashfield Coach Matt Wardle said. “Credit to our boys to continue to put pressure on and find the equaliser, and there is loads of positives and a great indicator of where we are at as a team.”
In Pool Three the games were at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening and in the early game Joondalup City and Quinns fought out a 2-2 draw, Jamie Stewart and Jake Benson-Cooper on target for Quinns while Jack Lockhart and Sam Rawlings scored for City. In the late game Gwelup Croatia eased past Morley Windmills 5-0. They opened the scoring on four minutes after debutant Morley keeper Louis Gunning spilled a long-range shot and Sam Wynne tapped home from close-range. David Heagney doubled Gwelup’s lead just before half time, finishing well after being picked out by James Sammut. Wynne added his second to make it 3-0 on 77 minutes, before Dino Topcagic long-range strike made it 4-0 six minutes from time. The fifth came from the spot after Topcagic was brought down in the box and Ellis Healing converted the resulting penalty to wrap up the scoring. “I thought we did a professional job from start to finish, controlled the game, kept our shape and discipline and scored five good goals,” midfielder Matty Sparrow said. We also kept a clean sheet which is always a bonus, and it now cements our place in the quarter finals with a game to spare.”
In Pool Four at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday evening Swan United ran out 4-0 winners in the early game against hosts Wanneroo City. It was a tight first half and it was scoreless at the break, but Swan hit the front early in the second half. Jamie Burns’ penalty was saved but Nick Tatasciore scored from the rebound. Monterosso doubled their lead finishing Kye Murray’s cross, and the striker added another to make it 3-0, before Burns made emends for his penalty miss scoring late to make it 4-0. “For only our second game this season was a good solid win,” Monterosso said. “We started well but just couldn’t finish, and we let Wanneroo get into the game late in the first half. But in the second half we came out strong and pressed and put away four goals. It was an encouraging performance but still a lot to work on.” In the late game Joondalup United and Olympic Kingsway drew 1-1. Danny Hodgson gave Olympic the lead, but Ben Wantee levelled for Joondalup. “I was very pleased with the performance from the players, they have reacted well to what Ian and I are trying to implement and I believe lack of fitness cost us the three points in the end,” Olympic Coach Gary Williams said. “There were some very positive signs which is great as we move forward and there will be another tough encounter this week against Swan, but we are confident of securing a positive result.”
In Pool Five at Edinburgh Oval on Saturday evening and in the early game Curtin University beat Canning City 3-2. Dilip Thapa gave Curtin the lead, before Roman Cowley levelled for Canning. Shaq Lali regained the lead for Curtin, but Joe Kelly restored parity for Canning. But it was Curtin who would take the points with Malek Domkoc scoring. In the late game Mandurah City scored a 4-1 win against Fremantle City. Joey O’Brien opened the scoring and he added a second after tapping home a Reece Allen free kick. Fremantle pulled one back but Lee Stewart added a third for Mandurah before a stunning free kick from Michael De Bellis wrapped up the three points.
In Pool Six at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Sunday in the early game Western Knights beat South West Phoenix 5-0. Alec Robinson capitalised on an error to score the opener, before Andrija Jukic added the second finishing well from Jack Rycroft cut back. Dean Hurley added the third from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the box, and Hurley added his second and the Knights’ fourth, heading home Chalmers cross. The final goal came late, Bobby Ramic firing low into the bottom corner to wrap up a comprehensive win. “We improved after last week’s game and that’s what we are looking for during pre-season,” Knights Head Coach Ivan Zuvela said. “It was a hot night but we still managed to work hard in the tough conditions. It was a good team performance and it was evident that the boys are started to gel and play for each other and the club.” In the late game Gosnells City beat local rivals Kelmscott Roos 6-2. Feisal Zaw scored a hat-trick for City, with Hanafi Ghazali bagging a brace, with Wade Farmer scoring the other. Kelmscott’s goals came from Alfie Bryant and an own goal.
8.2.2019
GLORY IN SEMI-FINALS ACTION ON SUNDAY
Perth Glory are in Westfield W-League Semi-Final's action this weekend when they travel to AAMI Park to take on Premier's Plate winners Melbourne Victory on Sunday morning. (11.00am WA Time and live on Fox Sports) The game is the first part of a double header with the clubs A-League sides also meeting on the day, but this is a knockout game and if Glory are to win the Championship this season they will have to reverse the score line from last weekend, when Victory travelled to Dorrien Gardens and left with a 2-1 win, with goals from Christine Nairn and Emily Gielnik, placing Glory fourth on the final league table
It's the second time Victory has beaten Glory 2-1 this season, but Coach Bobby Despotovski said this is another game and he is confident his players can get the job done. "It's going to be a hard game, but I believe that we have enough quality in this team to progress to the Grand Final," he said. “We want to go one step further [having lost two previous Grand Finals]. If we did that, I would just be so pleased for the playing group and the club. Winning the Grand Final would be a fitting testament to their resilience and how much hard work they've put in."
But Despotovski said they need a strong start if they are to beat Victory. "When we went 2-0 down last week and were chasing the game, the players stood up and did everything we asked them," he said. "Now we have to make sure that we do that from the start of the game. As much as we can say that it's a normal matchday, it's not. It's the finals. You lose and there's no coming back. We have to be hot, but we have to be calm as well."
Glory are set to be at full-strength for the last-four clash, with no fresh injuries concerns emerging from Friday evening, and Sarah Carroll Jacynta Galabadaarachchi and Liana Cook added to the squad. Glory skipper Sam Kerr's 13 goals this season earned her the leagues Golden Boot, two ahead of Victory skipper Natasha Dowie and both will be vital in this Semi-Final. At the other ends of the pitch the two keepers of the respective teams have also had good season. Casey Dumont and Eliza Campbell have both been in stellar form and both will need to be on their game again on Saturday.
Victory played on Tuesday in Canberra but Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said precautions had been taken to ensure the team are at their best come finals. “It’s been a pretty hectic week, it’s good to have got the Canberra game done and dusted and out of the way and we can focus now 100% on the game at hand at the weekend,” he said. “It’s quite a short season so over the last few weeks we’ve eased off on a few of the girls. Training has been a bit lighter with obviously a big trip to Perth before Canberra, so we’ve managed to manage the players and focus game by game.
Among the players rested from the mid-week game were Laura Alleway and Sam Johnson, who Hopkins admits will play a big role in shutting down Glory stars Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill. “Looking back at the two games we’ve played, we’ve beaten Perth twice, but with players like Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill as well, they combine really well together and they’re always a threat, you can never really relax,” he said. “Both games we’ve had big periods where we’ve dominated but we never really seemed comfortable because of that threat that Sam and Rachel pose, and also there’s a few good girls in the midfield that support them really well, it’s a big job for Laura Alleway and Sam Johnson.”
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, RGK Bethany MASON-JONES, 3 Teigen ALLEN, 4 Alexandra GUMMER, 5 Laura ALLEWAY, 6 Annabel MARTIN, 7 Christine NAIRN, 8 Angela BEARD, 9 Natasha DOWIE (c), 10 Kyra COONEY-CROSS, 11 MelindaJ BARBIERI, 14 Melina AYRES, 15 Emily GIELNIK, 16 Samantha JOHNSON, 17 Danielle WEATHERHOLT, 18 Grace MAHER, 19 Lia PRIVITELLI, 21Ella MASTRANTONIO - *two to be omitted* - Ins: ALLEWAY (return from injury), JOHNSON (return from suspension), WEATHERHOLT (promoted)
Perth Glory squad: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, RGK Morgan AQUINO, 2 Sarah CARROLL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11 Leticia McKENNA , 12 Jenna ONIONS, 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15 Alexia MORENO, 17 Liana COOK, 20 Sam KERR (c), 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - *two to be omitted* - Ins: Sarah CARROLL (promoted), GALABADAARACHCHI (promoted), COOK (promoted)
8.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE PREVIEW
We've reached Week three of the NPL Night Series and we have games across the metro area on Saturday evening, and in Pool One Perth SC meet Sorrento at E&D Litis Stadium (5.00pm) Perth were beaten last week against newly promoted Rockingham City and Ramon Falzon will be looking for an improvement this week against a Sorrento side still looking for their first win of the competition. Jamie Harnwell's side have drawn both their games, and last week scored late to draw with local rivals ECU Joondalup, but the Coach thought they could have taken all three points late in the game. "We allowed ECU to dominate in the first half and had to scramble a few times, but we improved in the second half and looked solid, barring one great save that James Morgan had to make. We are still a work in progress with our team shape, but as long as we show that resilience, I will be happy," he explained. "In the second we were able to maintain possession for longer periods of time and put more pressure on them in their back half. If you looked at the last 20 odd minutes alone, I could perhaps feel disappointed we didn't get anything out of the game, but on the context of the whole match a draw was probably fair." Harnwell is looking forward to Saturday's game but knows Perth will be looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat. "Perth will certainly be hurting from that result and looking to make amends, but games between these two sides are always competitive, and I am expecting nothing different this week," he said. "We are improving in patches each week and believe we will have a more complete performance this week. We need the three points to keep us up in the running for a semi-final spot."
The other two Pool One games will be played at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Saturday night, and in the first game Stirling Lions take on ECU Joondalup, with both sides also looking for their first win in the Night Series. (5.00pm) Both sides let leads slip in the last round, the Lions against Inglewood and ECU against Sorrento. ECU midfielder Henry Durr, who has re-joined the Northern suburbs club from the VPL, said they have dominated both games they have played, but haven't took their chances, but are creating them which is pleasing. "It is disappointing but each game we’ve been able to see more improvements so it’s only a matter of time before we get the results we’re looking for,” he said. “It is a new squad but I think we’ve adapted quickly and the chemistry within the squad is great which is only going to help our performances going forward.” Durr said Saturday’s game is another chance for the squad to gel and he said they are getting better with every game. “It’s a game we’re all looking forward to, and getting more game time in our legs,” he said. “We’ve had a good week of training and if we stick to our game plan, I’m confident we’ll be able to get that first win.”
In the late game Inglewood United take on the surprise package of the competition Rockingham City. (7.00pm) Inglewood are also looking for their first win in the competition, after back to back draws, but it's still early days for new coach Trim Morgan. Rockingham on the other hand have hit the ground running and back to back wins see them flying high at the top of the Pool and skipper James Harmer said it's been a great start, but they are not getting carried away with the opening two games. "It was great to get a win against the defending champions especially against a massive club like Perth SC," he said. "But we definitely all understand it’s pre-season and we are just trying to build up each game to be ready come start of season. I know Perth had a few players missing and we also had two or three out with injury, so I think round 3 will be a very exciting fixture."
The talented striker had many offers to leave the club in the summer but he has stayed loyal to the Rockingham and hopes to make it three wins on Saturday, but is expecting a tough game against a good Inglewood side. "If it’s not broken why fix it," he said. "Rocky are a really professional club that are looking to do big things in W.A. With our superbly talented squad and a manager that is super professional and believes in you I didn’t feel the need to move elsewhere. I am really happy at Rocky and hope we can surprise everyone again this year. On Saturday's game I’m sure Inglewood are in their building stage as well. They will be looking to improve each week and we all know what they are capable of. I think we just have to believe in our process and keep working together as a squad."
The Pool Two games also kick off on Saturday evening and in the early game at Dalmatinac Park Cockburn City host Bayswater City. (5.00pm) Both sides won convincingly last week Cockburn against Armadale, while Bayswater beat Perth Glory. Head coach Chris Coyne said the win was a better performance from their opening game shocker at Floreat. "It was a vast improvement on the performance on the week before against Floreat, and I suppose in a pre-season competition that is all I can ask for," he explained. "I thought defensively against a very good Glory side we were solid and gave away very few chances and going forward were very effective on the counter." The club have added some experienced players to their squad this season and Coyne said the pre-season has gone to plan, and he will be looking for them to step up on Saturday. "We are happy with pre-season, but we are still just getting everyone out on the pitch as we had a few away, a few with niggly injuries. That being said the group has gelled well and the buy in to what we are doing has been great from the players, both the old players and new," he said. "This week we will be looking again for an improvement against a very good Cockburn side, who have recruited well and in Scotty Miller have the best coach in the NPL."
In the late game Armadale meet Balcatta, both sides looking for their first win. (7.00pm) It's not been the best of starts for Armadale, losing heavily in both games, but they have been in both games but let late goals slip, and John O'Reilly will be looking for a 90-minute performance from his side this weekend. Balcatta have drawn both their games after leading, but Goran Stajic has them playing good football and he will hope they can take their chances this week, after squandering a few in the last two games. "To have Floreat Athena at 2-0 within the first 25 minutes was an extraordinary effort but also a just reward for the football we played. I guess the only negative was that we couldn’t manage to finish them off but you would expect that at this stage of the season," he said. "Overall the massive positive is that we are undefeated and we managed two games now where we controlled the game and scoreboard for long periods but not long enough, something we need to improve on." Stajic said Armadale will be a new challenge, especially after they lost their first two games. "From a coach’s perspective I am enjoying this Night Series format as it provides us another opportunity to continue developing our style of play. The scenarios presented each week almost mimic the season proper, for example Floreat came into their game against us with a huge five goal win against a very, very good side and yet we were only a goal away from beating them, whereas Armadale now come into this game on the end of a 5-0 beating against a very, very good side so it’s fair to say this will be another completely different test for our emerging squad."
The other Pool Two games is at E&D Litis Stadium, where Floreat Athena hosts Perth Glory. (7.00pm) Floreat were held to a draw by Balcatta last week, their first dropped points in the Pool, but they did come back from two goals down to earn a point. On the other hand, Glory were beaten for the first time in pre-season, a loss at Bayswater. The club have rested all their Foxtel Y-League players, after a strong end to the competition, and Richard Garcia has used some of the under 20's and all have performed well, and but keeper Nic Speca said they growing each game. "Yes, obviously a loss isn’t what we set out to achieve and there are definitely things we can work on during the week but I think the boys put in a good shift, kept the ball well, adjusted to the physicality of the game well and were brave at times going forward," the keeper said. "We just need to learn to capitalise on how much we have the ball and take our chances." Speca said Floreat are a good side and showed everyone last season that, and he is expecting another tough game on Saturday night. "They (Floreat) are a good side, but we have been preparing really well in the lead up to the game," he said. "Everyone’s fit and in a good frame of mind knowing what the opposition will be like, so I think we can really test them this week and come away with a win."
8.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK TWO PREVIEW
It's week two of the Football West State League Night Series with games all over the weekend and it kicks off at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday night in Pool Four, and in the early game Swan United meet host Wanneroo City. (6.30pm) Both sides are coming off defeats in tight games in the opening round and both will be looking to open their account in this one. Wanneroo coach Tim Kantor thought his side deserved something from last week’s loss against Olympic and he will be looking for more of the same from his players. “Very pleased with the performance of the entire squad last week, especially abs it was our first game with the new formation and although we had a few key players out reasonably pleased,” he said. “It’s been a good pre-season so far and the new lads have slotted in well. Swan will be another tough opponent and with seven long weeks to go before the start of the season we are treating these fixtures as competitive friendlies and giving the entire squad of 16 a good hit out. We play our last night series game on the 15th February and round one of the new season is on 30th March 30, so 24 teams in the Night Series and clubs only play three games, then wait another six weeks before the season starts, go figure.”
In the late game new Olympic Kingsway Coach Gary Williams will take control of his first game for the club when they take on Joondalup United. (8.30pm) Joondalup scored late to beat Swan last week, while Olympic did likewise against Wanneroo. Williams said he watched the win and was pleased the way the side fought it out, scoring two late goals and he will look for an improvement this week. "I watched an hour of the match and left at 1-1, and I saw the result the following day and was delighted when I saw the club had won the first match,” he said. “There is no doubt there is work to do but in fairness to the players they gave Jake Harman 100% and deservedly secured a hard-fought victory. I’m looking forward to the game on Friday, and I understand Joondalup are in a similar position to us with regards to the number of personnel changes. Joondalup secured a good win last week against Swan and if past form is to go by the match will be a tough physical encounter.”
On Saturday evening we head to Hartfield Park for Pool Two games. In the first match Shamrock Rovers takes on Murdoch University Melville. (5.00pm) Rovers were well beaten against Forrestfield last week, while MUM fought out a 1-1 draw with Ashfield. MUM Coach Gavin Brown said they had their chances to win it but it was a good workout for his side. "A very good performance in the first half, and we created numerous chances, hit the bar and post from distance and had a goal disallowed for offside, and we probably should have gone in two or three up,” he said. “In the second half we tired and they took control, but after they scored through a free kick, we were the better side again. We won and converted a penalty through Broden Brown and had two one-on-one’s which we should have scored to win near the end.” Brown said Saturday will be another tough game. “Shamrock looked well organised and solid for the first 20-25 minutes against FUSC,” he explained. “We will not take them lightly and want to put on a good performance against another Division Two side.” In the late game hosts Forrestfield United entertain Ashfield. (7.00pm) Forrestfield made a great start under new coach Graham Normanton, and he will look for another improved performance in this one, while Ashfield, who drew their opener will be looking to get in the winner’s circle.
In Pool Five on Saturday evening we have games at Edinburgh Oval, and first up Canning City take on Curtin University. (6.00pm) Canning almost nicked a point last week against Fremantle, a missed penalty in stoppage time denied them a 5-5 draw, while Curtin were well beaten by Mandurah. Canning head Coach John Drewett said it was defiantly a game of two halves, and he will be looking for more of his team’s second half performance. "We’re just looking to keep progressing on in pre-season, and we were all encouraged from our second half performance last week, especially our first run out of the year and we clearly grew into the game,” he said. “Against the hosts this week (Curtin), will be another challenge, but it’s really all about our own progress at this stage and we continue to try out different ideas that myself and Rob Pearson have for season ahead.”
In the late game the two winning teams from the first-round meet, with Mandurah City taking on Fremantle City (8.00pm) Mandurah eased past Curtin, but will face a tougher test this time around against Fremantle. It's a new coach at the helm of the Port side, with Dom Gangemi, who has coached at Avondale FC and Werribee City in Melbourne, taking over. He said the first half performance last week was pleasing, but they need to improve after just holding on to beat Canning. "The result of the match was not my primary goal even if we played to win of course, and to my boys I asked to try to play on the principles of the game that we are working on,” explained. “In the second half we are lowered physically because we are not yet at the top of the physical condition, you have to remember that the average age of my team is 22 years old, and we started preseason on January 7 with a whole new group, but we will be ready for the league. On Sunday we play Mandurah who are a very good team, but we will approach them with the same philosophy to play our football and to improve our physical condition.”
In Pool Three we have games a Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday and in the opening game Joondalup City take on Quinns. (5.00pm) Quinns earned a point against Morley last week, while City were edged out by Gwelup, and both will look to open their account in this one. In the late game Morley Windmills meet Gwelup Croatia. (7.00pm) Morley had their chances against Quinns but had to settle for the draw, while a brace from new signing Ellis Healing gave Gwelup a win against Joondalup City. Gwelup Head Coach Taki Nicolaidis said he was happy to get the first up win and happy for Ellis to score on his debut for the club. “Obviously very happy to come away with three points in our first game, although Joondalup City pushed us all the way and were unlucky not to come away with at least a point,” he said. “It was also nice to see Ellis scoring a brace on debut including a peach of a free kick.” Nicolaidis knows his side need to improve, and he is confident they can against a good Morley side. “Morley were a tough side to beat last year and I expect them to be the same again this season,” he said. “But we know we will need to improve on last week’s performance if we’re going to get the three points.”
We head to Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Sunday for Pool Six games and the early game sees Western Knights taking on South West Phoenix. (5.00pm) The Phoenix were well beaten by Kelmscott last week, and they will need to improve if they are to get anything from this one. New Knights Coach Ivan Zuvela got off to a winning start in his tenure at the club, but they made hard work of it, coming from two goals down to beat Gosnells. In the late game Kelmscott Roos will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they meet Marc Anthony's Gosnells City in a local derby. (7.00pm) Kelmscott also have a new coach with Richard Changadzo taking over, and forward Steven Ingram said last week was a good first up performance in the competition. "Definitely a good first up win of us, we were unsure at the start of the game because we hadn’t played any pre-season games at all, but the boys started off sharp, pressing from the front putting Phoenix on the back foot, allowing us to create chances and in the end hitting the back of the net,” he said. “Kelmscott’s brought in some quality players this season so combining them with the quality from last season they’ve put a great side together, the club and the coaches are really getting behind us to make a turnaround, there’s no better way to start a season than a 3-0 win.” Ingram, who returned to Frye Park after a year out with injury, said the players are looking forward to the local derby. “All local derby are good games, and after watching Gosnells Sunday night against Western Knights they’ve definitely got a bit of fight in them and were unfortunate not to walk away with the win,” he said. “But the boys are all up for the game and are ready to come out as strong as we did in the first game.
Also on Sunday we have Pool One games at Hartfield Park, and in the early game Balga meet Dianella White Eagles. (5.00pm) The Eagles were beaten by a last-minute goal against UWA, and Balga suffered the same fate against Subiaco, so both will be looking to get their first win this weekend. In the late game the two winners from last week, UWA Nedlands and Subiaco meet. UWA Head Coach Michael Janssen said it was a good first up win in a busy week for the club. “Last week with four sessions and two games it was busy, but good and necessary at this stage of the pre-season. The new players need to be glued to the team and our philosophy of football, and that needs time and extra hours of training,” he explained. “The Dianella game was a tight game with both teams trying to win, and defensively we were solid and the team played a good game. At the end we grabbed the win, and even when it was late it was well deserved. We then played on Sunday and we were able to test all players in the friendly vs DRB HICOM FC of Malaysia.” Janssen said Sunday is another challenge against their local rivals and he said competition for places is high. “This weekend we play Subiaco, and we will rotate and try to perform to the best,” he said. “Subiaco is a totally different team compared to last season and the game will be another friendly for us in a more competitive environment. We look forward to playing Subiaco as for UWA it’s always a bit more special to play them regardless the competition, and I know the boys will work hard this week in training to earn a spot this Sunday.”
8.2.2019
TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH FOR GLORY IN A-LEAGUE
It's a top of the table clash for Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon, when they travel to AAMI Park to take on Melbourne Victory in Week 18 of the Hyundai A-League (2.00pm WA Time). Glory sit four points clear of Kevin Muscat's side and beat them in their last visit to the venue, Chris Ikonomidis scoring late to give them a 3-2 win. Saturday's win against Wellington Phoenix was a great lead up game for this one, a game where they kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the first time in their A-League history and striker Andy Keogh became the club’s first player to notch 50 goals in the competition.
Despite all those records coach Tony Popovic said they are all in the past and he is now concentrating on Sunday's game and a chance to increase their lead at the top, and increase their seven-game unbeaten run on the road. “It’s a big game, of course, and it was a big game when we played them in round two,” Popovic said. "It was a great game of football, and I’m sure this one will be the same. But I’m quite confident we will definitely play our part, and I’m confident we will perform.”
“Round two was probably a bigger game for us than them in terms of Melbourne Victory, in the past, has always been a big game for Perth Glory. The difference now is Perth Glory is a big game for Victory. It should be a great game. We go there excited by playing such a big team away from home and knowing that we’re also a big game for them this week. We’ve earned that right to have that and we don’t want to disappoint them.” In team news for Glory, Tomislav Mrcela and Fabio Ferreira have been added to the squad, but Alex Grant will miss another week with a thigh injury.
In the last meeting Victory’s Japanese star Keisuke Honda laid on both goals, but he hasn’t played since December 14 but is pushing for selection in Sunday’s match after returning to training last week, and Popovic said it would just add to the spectacle if the marquee man returns. “Our memories are very good of him from round two, he was excellent in that match and he’s been a bright spark for the league,” Popovic said. “I’m sure Victory want him out there and, if he’s fit, great ... it’s a big game and we want the best players out there. If he plays, we’ll welcome him and we’ll just play the way we are and have another quality player in front of us.”
But that is now in the past and Glory prepare to face second-placed Melbourne Victory on Sunday with a chance to open a seven-point lead. Chris Ikonomidis returned to the side last week and never missed a beat and he said Sunday is a huge game for both clubs. “For the ladder, it’s a huge game,” he said. “We have a bit of a cushion now but getting three points there would extend that and at this point in the season three points is vital for us. We know it’s a big game but we make it a big game because we’re top of the league. For any team we’re a big game and we obviously treat this as the important game that it is and prepare as best as we can and go into it flying.”
In 10 appearances for the club, Ikonomidis has scored seven goals and contributed two assists, and he scored the winner last time the two sides met, and it was the start of his excellent run in front of goal, with Ikonomidis admitting he has worked overtime to improve that side of his game. “It’s definitely pleasing to be finding the back of the net. It’s something I’ve been working on and it’s the freedom in attack I’m allowed to have which also helps me create chances for myself,” he said. “We’re always working on the positioning inside the box, the timing of our runs and that final finish as well. We always do extra sessions.”
Victory are threadbare at the back but do have returning defender Storm Roux available after injury and James Donachie has also been added to the squad after returning to the club last week. Captain Carl Valeri hobbled off against the Mariners with a hamstring injury and isn’t available, but Ola Toivonen looks site to return after he sat out the Mariners game with soreness. More good news for Kevin Muscat is the return of Keisuke Honda, who hasn’t played since December 14, but he might not be fit to start.
Defender Thomas Deng said it’s good to have the Japanese midfielder back for this top of the table clash. "We've missed his presence on the park, and even if he comes off the bench this weekend it'll be massive for us," he said. “I'm missing him on my side, so it'd be a good return. Everyone is ready and really focused for this big game, it’s first versus second, the last time they got one over us here, so we’ll be looking to get one back with the crowd behind us. We can’t afford to concede [early goals], so defensively we’ll be on our game. They’ve got good players in that front line, but for us it doesn’t matter. [For us] it’s about how we prepare and we’ll be ready for the task ahead.”
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Lawrence THOMAS, RGK Matt ACTON, 2 Storm ROUX, 3 Corey BROWN, 4 Keisuke HONDA, 5 Georg NIEDERMEIER, 6 Leigh BROXHAM, 7 Kenny ATHIU, 8 Terry ANTONIS, 9 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10 James TROISI, 11 Ola TOIVONEN, 14 Tommy DENG, 15 Raul BAENA, 16 Josh HOPE, 17 James DONACHIE, 24 Elvis KAMSOBA, 25 Anthony LESIOTIS - *two to be omitted* - Ins: ROUX (return from injury), HONDA (return form injury), DONACHIE (promoted) - Outs: 21. Carl VALERI (injury) - Unavailable: Jai INGHAM (quad)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: MRCELA, FERREIRA, - Outs: None - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (thigh – 1 week)
7.2.2019
WILLIAMS TAKES OVER AT OLYMPIC KINGSWAY
Olympic Kingsway have appointed Gary Williams as senior coach for 2019. The 49-year-old was a senior coach at Stirling Lions in 2014 and has spent a number of years at Bayswater City, but he is looking forward to the new challenge. "I previously assisted Mick Lyons and Doug Hesketh at Stirling Lions before taking the head coach role myself in 2014," Williams explained. "In 2013 Doug and I won the State Premier League title with the club and in 2014 we reached a cup final and secured an FFA Cup match against Brisbane Lions which was a huge moment for the club. After that I took a year out and joined Bayswater in 2016. I completed three years with the Under 18's and commenced a new role with the Under 20's this year. I am confident I left Bayswater in a good place with their youngsters and loved my time at the club however this was also a great opportunity to test myself at the top level again."
Williams, who will have Ian McMurray as his assistant at the club, is well aware of the past at Olympic and is looking forward to the challenge of bringing them back to the highest level. "The club is steeped in tradition and has an illustrious past which we hope to recreate in the near future. The club has massive potential and the council have invested heavily to ensure Olympic Kingsway have facilities that are first class," he said. "Ensuring the club are competitive this year will be a big challenge but I am confident in the ability of both Ian McMurray and myself in bringing the best out of players. I am aware a number of players have left the club for various reasons. It was my first training session on Tuesday during which we introduced five new signings who will add value to the current player group."
Olympic Kingsway President Steven Nelkovski is delighted to have secured Williams’ services. “Gary certainly impressed our football department with his understanding of the club and how he could help us collectively achieve our goals,” he explained, “Gary was a standout and we are delighted to have him on board.” Williams watched the side in the opening Night Series game against Wanneroo and takes over for this week’s game against Joondalup United on Friday evening. "I watched an hour of the match and left at 1-1, and when I saw the result the following day and was delighted when I saw the club had won the first match. There is no doubt there is work to do but in fairness to the players they gave Jake Harman 100% and deservedly secured a hard-fought victory," he said. "I'm looking forward to the game on Friday, and I understand Joondalup are in a similar position to us with regards to the number of personnel changes. Joondalup secured a good win last week against Swan and if past form is to go by the match will be a tough physical encounter."
7.2.2019
O’NEILL SPURNS CHAMPIONSHIP TO STAY WITH SYDNEY
Sydney FC's Brandon O'Neill has not shut the door on a dream move to Europe despite turning down approaches from the English Championship to extend his stay with the Sky Blues. The young midfielder has gone from talented prospect to crucial squad member in the space of four seasons, and has been rewarded with a new two-year deal which ties him down to Sydney until 2021.
O'Neill's impressive form, which has helped propel Sydney to two A-League Premierships, a Championship and an FFA Cup, has not been ignored with clubs in England, Holland and Switzerland all looking to sign the 24-year old. While happy to commit to Sydney for the next two years, O'Neill revealed he could have very easily have joined Aston Villa.
O'Neill admitted it was a big decision to turn down a move to England but felt his call to stay with the Sky Blues is the best one for his long-term career. “I’ve had a fantastic four seasons already at Sydney FC and can’t see myself at any other club right now,” O’Neill said.
"There was interest in the last transfer window and previously but their was no defining factor for me to jump at something. It is my ambition to still play at the highest level possible, whether that be in Asia or in Europe. Sydney FC want to do everything in their power to make that a reality for me and it played a big part in my decision to stay."
One of O'Neill's main priorities is one day earning an international call-up, and he is confident he can follow the path paved by other A-League stars to earn a national team spot without making the move abroad. "Rhyan Grant and Josh Risdon as well as a number of other A-League players are proof you can play in this competition and at a higher level," he said.
"One day I would love to say that I play for Sydney FC and be in an international team. It would be a very proud moment to do that here because coming from Perth as a relative unknown ... Sydney FC have helped me through so much." O'Neill has featured in all 17 of Sydney's A-League games this season, creating four assists and scoring one goal.
6.2.2019
LOWRY GETTING THE JOB DONE AT BOTH ENDS
At one end Perth Glory defender Shane Lowry is a towering influence in a formidable backline - at the other he is on his own little goal scoring streak. He opened the scoring with a powerful header in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wellington Phoenix and played a huge part in the record fourth consecutive shutout.
The goal was just Lowry's second in 12 games since netting against Central Coast Mariners. "I don't score a lot. I usually get one token goal a season. Two is the most I've scored," Lowry said. "When I do score it's a bit of a blur to be honest. I just run off. I don't have a celebration in my bag. I don't score enough to need one."
Glory have conceded an A-League low 16 goals in 17 games, including seven clean sheets, but will need to be at their stingy best against the league's top scorers and second placed Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Victory, with 39 goals, are four points behind Glory who have found the net 36 times.
"We have tightened up. We're really happy," Lowry said. "Keeping a clean sheet for us defenders is like scoring a goal. We pride ourselves on clean sheets. Defensively our structure is brilliant from the front right to the back. Our front three are very clever on how they press their players.
"As long as we get our line right, pushing up behind them, keeping compact, it's very hard for teams to break us down at the moment. When the rest of the teams are seeing us not conceding goals, and we score a lot of goals, it's intimidating. We want to stamp our authority on the league. We're doing well at the moment but there's still a long way to go.
"We're at the top for a reason, because we have been the best team so far. We beat Victory last time (3-2 in round two) over there and we are confident. We'll reflect, look at them and go in confident. It sounds a cliche but it's really just another game."
"We are mentally very strong. We have shown when we are behind in games that we can come back and beat teams. Our mental strength is a massive factor. You can feel the buzz from the lads in the team. You look around and look at people's eyes in the change room and you know that they are right by your side."
6.2.2019
POPOVIC PUMPED FOR BIGBEST TEST YET
Records tumbled in table-topping Perth Glory’s emphatic 3-0 A-League win over Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night. They kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the first time in their A-League history and striker Andy Keogh became the club’s first player to notch 50 goals in the competition.
But that is now in the past for coach Tony Popovic as he prepares to face second-placed Melbourne Victory on Sunday with a chance to open a seven-point lead. The clash will be a real test of Glory’s championship potential but Popovic has confidence in a side unbeaten in seven away games this season.
“It’s a big game, of course. It was a big game when we played them in round two,” Popovic said, recalling his teams last-gasp 3-2 win of earlier in the season. “It was a great game of football. I’m sure this one will be the same. I’m quite confident we will definitely play our part. I’m confident we will perform.”
Glory face a difficult run of just one home game in their next five encounters. “There’s a challenge every week,” Popovic said. “Next challenge is Victory and then we’ll move on from there. We’re on top because we deserve to be there. Keep fighting and that’s where we stay.”
3.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO REVIEW
It was Week Two of the NPL Night Series and in the opening game on Friday evening in Pool One Stirling Lions and Inglewood United fought out a 1-1 draw at Percy Doyle Reserve, which leaves both teams still looking for their first wins of the competition. It was Inglewood who opened the brighter, but against the run of play it was Stirling who hit the front on the half hour. David Molinari’s free kick took a deflection off Kristian Despotovski to beat Alex Dunn. Inglewood pulled level on 64 minutes with Chok Dau converting from the spot. Both sides pressed for the winner, and Dunn had to be alert to deny Steve Sokel at the second attempt. There were late chances at both ends in a thrilling finale. First, Dau thought he had scored the winner, but a goal line clearance from Darren O’Riordan saved the day, although the Inglewood players were convinced it had crossed the line. Then moments later it looked like Josh Anasmo had won it for Stirling, but Mark Barnett’ got back with a superb last-ditch tackle to deny him. “I thought both teams were up for the fight for the full 90 minutes which produced a great game to watch,” Molinari said. “Both defensively and offensively we've taken great strides over the past week which led us to create many chances which unfortunately we didn’t take, but that was also coupled with limiting Inglewood to create as minimal opportunities as possible. We showed some great signs and hopefully as a team we can continue to bond and improve together throughout the night series as we get ready for the season ahead.”
In Friday’s early game ECU Joondalup and Sorrento drew 1-1, and like the first game left both sides searching for their first win in the Pool. The Jacks made a perfect start and were ahead on 10 minutes, Henry Durr played in Joe Knowles, and the former Perth Glory finished well past James Morgan. ECU dominated the first half and Sorrento had their keeper to thank for keeping them in the game. First Richard Howles raced down the flank and his cross picked out Jakub Sklenar, but Morgan produced a stunning save to thwart the new Czech striker. Moments later Knowles raced into the box again, his low shot looked destined for the bottom corner of the net but Morgan got down well to save. It was more of the same after the break and Knowles was sent one-on-one with Morgan, but the big keeper stood tall to deny him. Sorrento lifted and started to create some chances of their own and they were rewarded fifteen minutes from time with the equaliser, when referee Steven Gregory pointed to the spot after Reece Vittiglia fell under a challenge from Luke Palmeteer, and Vittiglia picked himself up score past Johnny Perkins to level. Both sides had late chances but there were no more goals and the points were shared. “We were dominating the game for 60-65 minutes, when we should have scored a few more goals but their keeper made couple great saves,” Sklenar explained. “But we are a new squad and it’s very positive that all new players have been welcomed to the club and the atmosphere in the changing rooms has been also good. I believe when we get our first win, that’s when the confidence will boost up and motivate us even more.”
The Final Pool One game was on Sunday evening where Rockingham City continued their good start to the competition after 2-0 win against Champions Perth SC at E&D Litis Stadium on Sunday evening. Perth went close early with Michael Domfeh hitting the crossbar, but Rockingham were alert to clear the danger. The ball went up the other end moments later and Riley Van Dieken was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and Van Dieken’s resulting free kick was curled around the wall but crashed off the post. But before half time Perth had the perfect opportunity to take the lead when Michael Farmer brought down Gustavo Catarcione and referee Joshua Nixon pointed to the spot. Niccolò Sabatini stepped up to take the penalty, but keeper Alfie Brincat guessed the right way to save, and the rebound was cleared. It was even after the break with both pressing but it was Rockingham who made the break through on the hour. Lyndon Hodgkiss burst into the box and was brought down by Bojan Radinovic, and the referee pointed straight to the spot, and James Harmer stepped up and made no mistake from the resulting penalty. The three points were wrapped up on 70 minutes when Rockingham added a second. Substitute Koty Millard cut inside his marker and sent Harmer through on goal, and the skipper made no mistake firing low past Malek Kuc. Both sides had late chances but it was Rockingham celebrating at the final whistle, with maximum points in their first two pool game. "It's always nice to win games of football, especially against a side of Perth's pedigree,” Rockingham Head Coach Cameron Lord said. “However, there are still parts of our game that we want to get better at these early stages of pre-season, and we will continue to work hard during the weeks to fine tune some of these details to ensure we are ready for Round One of the NPL."
In Pool Two the first game was at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening, where Bayswater City bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat against Floreat Athena to beat Perth Glory 4-2. Fresh off a big win against Armadale last week, Glory opened the game well and were ahead on eight minutes. A ball over the top sent Luke Salmon in on goal, and he dinked the ball over the onrushing Devon Spence to give them the lead. But the home side were level three minutes later, Gordon Smith squaring the ball to Daryl Nicol who finished well into the bottom corner of the net. It looked like the sides would go into the break all-square but in third minute of stoppage time a long throw from Adam Tong was missed by everyone and Lloyd ghosted in at the back post to score. Glory hit back two minutes into the second half when Gomo Dukuly was brought down by Tong in the penalty area and referee Michal Jasinski pointed the spot, and the striker picked himself up to score from the resulting penalty to restore parity for Glory. But on the hour Bayswater restored their lead when Nicol’s corner was headed into his own goal by the unfortunate Nick Walsh. Glory pushed hard for the equaliser, and pushing players forward it left gaps at the back and Bayswater capitalised in the final minute when Smith was sent clear one-on-one with Nic Speca and he finished clinically to seal the win. “Great to get a win and put last week behind us,” Smith said. “Although Glory had a lot of possession, we were still the most dangerous looking team going forward and worked extremely hard to keep our shape and deny them opportunity’s.” The other game at Frank Drago Reserve on the night saw Cockburn City easily account for Armadale 5-0. “Happy with the performance this early in pre-season,” City Head Coach Scott Miller said. “But obviously lots to work on, and it’s great that there is five games of competitive football this night series for teams to get game time into all the lads.” Cockburn lead 1-0 at the break with Harry O’Brien on target, but the second half was one-sided with O’Brien completing his hat-trick with other to Daniel Robinson and Adam Anfuso. After injury curtailed defender Euen Grant last season, he is happy to be back fully fit and getting a full game into his leg. “Really pleased to get 90 minutes into the legs, and hopefully the injury is behind me now,” he said. “To be fair Armadale made it difficult for us first half, but we played some nice football after the break and deserved the win, and we move onto Bayswater next week.”
The final game of Pool Two was at E&D Litis Stadium on Sunday evening where Floreat Athena came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Balcatta. The hosts were stunned on 22 minutes when Balcatta hit the front with Calum O’Connell scoring. It got better for Balcatta two minutes later when they doubled their lead, with O’Connell added his second. Floreat reduced the margin just after the half hour. A poor back pass was pinched by Ludovic Boi and he finished low past the keeper. The home side equalised six minutes from half time, Chris Saldaris’ cross found Boi, who cut the ball back to Jon Stynes who made no mistake. Both sides had chances after the break but couldn’t convert so both sides had to share the spoils. “The draw was a disappointing result but a point is a point,” Floreat keeper Jason Saldaris said. “We lost Ryan Malton in the warm up, so our defence was chopped and changed. But on a positive we created a number of chances in front of goal but unfortunately did not convert them for the win.”
Balcatta Head Coach Goran Stajic said it was a great game. “Amazing game that had it all and both our goals were well taken, and it’s so pleasing to see the entire team play a part in both goals,” he said. “Calum is doing a fantastic job for the team and the double was deserved for the hard work he puts in, probably should’ve had a couple more to be honest. We rested Cal last week by starting him on the bench as we can finally do that now with the depth in our squad so hopefully, he can see the value in the decision. I hope he can keep that level but whether he is scoring or not he is a great leader…As for the result I thought we were in control and had various ways throughout the game to open them up however Floreat’s individual quality around the ground and our individual errors saved them.” O’Connell said it was good to get on the scoresheet. “It’s always nice to score during these games to build confidence going into the season. I thought we deserved our 2-0 lead taking the chances when created,” he said. “But all credit to Floreat they pounced on some average decisions at the back from us and punished us. Just something we have to learn that you can't give teams like Floreat those opportunities. But full credit to the boys we played some great football and should have pinched all three in the second half, so there is positive signs for us heading into the final Night Series games.”
3.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK ONE REVIEW
It’s the first week of the Football West State League Night Series and it all kicked off on Friday evening with games at Hartfield Park, Edinburgh Oval, Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium and Wanneroo Reserve. First up in Pool 1 it was a seven-goal thriller with Subiaco beating Balga 4-3 at Hartfield Park. Subiaco under new Coach Basil Lenzo opened the scoring against the run of play, but then led 3-0 at the break with goals from Adam Carlino, Dom De Felice and Nathan Smith. But Balga hit back and goals from Kris Spaseski, Bojan Ninkovic and Hermon Micheal levelled things up. It looked like the points would be shared but a quick counter attack in the final minute ended with Carlino scoring the winner. "There were a lot of positives to take from the game, and I thought we dominated parts of the game particularly the first half and with a group of boys that haven’t played together before that was really good to see," Smith said. "But Balga came out firing in the second half and to go and grab the win like that at the end was pleasing, but we made it hard for ourselves but 3 points is 3 points." In the late game at Hartield Park a goal in the final minute from Tom White gave UWA-Nedlands a 1-0 win against Dianella White Eagles.
In Pool three at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium Gwelup Croatia edged out Joondalup City 2-1 in another entertaining game. Joondalup took the lead on 20 minutes, Rawlings getting in behind a stagnant Gwelup defence and finishing low past Riley Stephenson and into the bottom corner. It wasn't until 67 minutes that Gwelup equalised, when new signing Ellis Healing, curled home a free kick from the edge of the box. Again, it looked the points would be shared but three minutes from time Gwelup won it. Gwelup striker Dino Topcagic was brought down in the box, and Healing stepped to dispatch the penalty low and hard into the corner for his second of the game and all three points for Gwelup. "It was a good first win for us," Healing said. "The squad hasn’t been together that long, so it’s a very good sign to see us winning games when we weren’t at our best." In the late game on the night Quinns and Morley Windmills fought out a scoreless draw.
In Pool Four at Wanneroo Reserve Joondalup United edged out Swan United 3-2 in the early game. Ibra Hamed had given Joondalup the lead at the break and two quick goals from Jamie Gibson and Ben Wantee had Nick Jennings' side 3-0 up on the hour. But Paul Dundo's side hit back with goals from John Monterosso and Aaron Colli to set up a tense last ten minutes, but Joondalup hung on for the points. “It's always good to start with a win and superb individual strikes from Ibra Hamed, Jamie Gibson and Ben Wantee proved just about good enough to get us over the line over a decent Swan United side," Jennings said. "I felt we were the better side throughout but a lack of composure in the final third and numerous spurned opportunities nearly proved costly, as Swan finished strongly and nearly pegged us back. Credit must go to the boys with 13 players making their JUFC debuts certainly plenty of positives as we continue the rebuilding process."
In the late game at Wanneroo Reserve, Olympic Kingsway edged out hosts Wanneroo City in another seven-goal thriller. It was the home side who opened the scoring, with Nathan Scully's long-range shot dipping just under the bar. But Olympic hit back before the break with Nathan Thorpe volleying home to send the teams level at the break. Olympic took lead just after half time, with Jack Lavis heading home from a corner. But Wanneroo restored parity, with Gary Hamilton firing home from the edge the box. The home side then hit the front, Hamilton's powerful shot was well saved by Todd Hoyle, but Connor Lynch tapped home the rebound from close-range. But Olympic rallied and hit back and Steven Burton set up Danny Hodgson for the equaliser. The pair combined again for the winner, Burton picking out Hodgson to fire home to seal the win.
In Pool Five Mandurah City opened their campaign with a 4-1 win against host Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval. Mandurah were ahead when Michael De Bellis squared the ball to Lee Stewart who slotted from four meters. It was 2-0 when a quick free kick from De Bellis caught Curtin napping and Stewart finished well. It was four when Joey O’Brien drove into the penalty area, his shot was well saved but Abraham Taona fired home the rebound. It was four when Taona played in Reece Allen, who eased past two Curtin defenders and finished clinically. Curtin scored a consolation goal late, but it was too little too late. “A great to start our competitive games off with a win,” Mandurah Head coach Alex Grayson said. “We had some new faces who all slotted in nicely but ultimately, plenty still to put right before the season starts. Overall, a solid first run out.”
In the late game at the same venue Fremantle City and Canning City fought out a nine-goal thriller. Fremantle dominated the first half and were ahead when Sasa Ruffo headed home Bjordi Asllanaj cross. They doubled their lead when Angel Andres finished well from Harry Greeves pull back. Asllanaj added a third, before Sabin Shrestha rounded the keeper to add a fourth. Joe Kelly pulled one back for Canning, but Ruffo’s free kick made it 5-1 to Fremantle at half time. Canning pressed and Kelly added a another, before a brace from Roman Cowley pulled the score back to 5-4, and Canning should have levelled late, but Kelly missed an injury time penalty to had Fremantle the points. “There was lots of positives to take from the match and also things we need to look at in training but this young squad are eager to learn and take on board knowledge and instructions from our head coach Dom Gangemi,” Danny Clapham said. “There’s a long way to go until the start of the season with a lot of players to come back from injury so we are all very excited to see what the season brings.”
The rest of the games were on Sunday and in the early game at Hartfield Park Murdoch University Melville drew 1-1 with Ashfield in Pool Two. Kevin Ashwood gave Ashfield the lead, but Melville equalised from the penalty spot. In the late game Forrestfield United beat Shamrock Rovers 5-0, in Graham Normanton’s first game as Head Coach. They were ahead when Albert Luwi slipped in Rhys Loxley who crossed to Jordan Hart who finished well. It was two when Hart found the top corner, and three when Josh Pereira crossed from the bye-line and Loxley made no mistake at the back post. Jarrad McNally made it 4-0, before Michael Fletcher played in Luwi who finished low past the keeper. “We were trying to just bed a few things in last night, and trying to implement what the gaffer has us working on during the week and it came out more often than not,” midfielder Mitch Crocker said. “We still have a lot to work on and it’s a work in progress, getting used to new players and ideas but last night was a good first outing.”
The final games on Sunday was at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium and first up Kelmscott Roos beat South West Phoenix 3-0 in Pool Six, while in the late game Western Knights came from two goals down to beat Gosnells City 3-2. Gosnells hit the front with Feisal Zaw scoring from the penalty spot, before Dean Hurley’s header was cleared off the line. Callum Roberts effort then flashed wide for the Knights, and it was Gosnells who doubled their lead at half time with Josh Wade on target. But the Knights fight back started early in the second half with Hurley scoring from the penalty spot, before Hurley added a second finishing from Andy Cartwright’s corner. Then the Knights won it with another penalty, converted by Hurley to complete his hat-trick. “I thought the first half we started pretty well and then against the run of play ended up 2-0 down and found ourselves chasing the game a bit. We came close with a couple of chances, post but luck wasn’t with us,” he said. “Second half we had to show some character and pride to wear the Western Knights jersey. Especially with it being the gaffers first game in charge we wanted to do him and the club proud. We all knew once the first goal came for us that we were capable of going on to win the game. Thankfully I was lucky enough to score the three goals for us to go on and win the game but the main thing is the win and our first competitive game together.” Knights Head Coach Ivan Zuvela said it was a good comeback. “I was really pleased with how we responded in the second half,” he said. “We are still in the early stages of our pre-season and this was our first game. There is a lot of room for improvement and refinement, but we are happy with our progress so far.”
2.2.2019
GLORY TO GOOD FOR NIX
Perth Glory continued their good form by dominating Wellington Phoenix in Week 17 of the Hyunadi A-League at HBF Park on Saturday evening. The side from over the ditch have been on a good run of form too, but first half goals from Shane Lowry and Chris Ikonomidis, and Andy Keogh's 50th goal for the club after the break gave Tony Popovic's side a comfortable 3-0 win and maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table and gave them their fourth consecutive clean sheet, which pleased the coach. "It was a very good performance and result, and it's pleasing that we're backing up the performances," Popovic told the Glory website. "It's a great achievement [the four consecutive clean sheets] and I'm delighted for the players and the club. It's not easy to do, so credit to the players. When you're creating, you're always satisfied and we've always felt that if we continue to create chances, the goals will come. The focus and the intensity was there and we didn't slack off."
Popovic made three changes to the side that beat Newcastle Jets last week with Ikonomidis, who was returning from Socceroos duty, replaced Fabio Ferreira, Ivan Franjic replaced Scott Neville, who dropping to the bench, while Dino Djulbic replaced the injured Alex Grant. The Phoenix were hit by a late injury, with experienced defender Steven Taylor pulling out, Andrew Durante was suspended, while Mandi stayed home for the birth of his baby. It meant a return to the west for Ryan Lowry, and the former ECU Joondalup skipper took on his brother Shane. The 9,148 fans had hardly got in their seats when the visitors went close to the lead. A poor clearance from Liam Reddy went straight to Roy Krishna, who played in David Williams, his intial shot was superbly blocked by Matthew Spiranovic, while his follow up shot crashed off the crossbar. Glory hit back, but they found Phoenix keeper Filip Kurto in fine form. First, he saved well to deny Franjic's header, before a stunning one-handed save to keep Diego Castro's free kick out moments later. But there was nothing the Polish keeper could do on 19 minutes when Glory hit the front. Neil Kilkenny's corner was met by Shane Lowry, and his bullet-like header gave Kurto no chance. It was one-way traffic and Keogh's header was saved by Kurto, before Juande's low drive flashed inches past the post. It looked like a second goal was on the cards and duly came on 35 minutes. Castro's shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Kurto, but the alert Ikonomidis was quickest to react to fire home from close-range.
It was more of the same after the break and Glory were in again early after Keogh pounced on a defensive error from Louis Fenton, but Kurto saved again, before Jason Davidson bent a shot inches past the post. Glory had Wellington on the back foot and Ikonomidis went within inches of a third, his powerful shot rattling the crossbar in front of the Shed. But just after the hour they did add a third. Juande won a 50-50 tackle in the middle of the park on Alex Rufer, the ball fell to Keogh, whose first-time long-range shot flew into the bottom corner of the net. Wellington went close themselves late on, with Sarpreet Singh's shot smacking the crossbar, while Ikonomidis and Davidson both went close to adding a fourth for the Glory.
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 82'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO (11 Brendon SANTALAB 70'), 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY (20 Jake BRIMMER 73') - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 7 Joel CHIANESE
Wellington Phoenix: GK Filip KURTO, 5 Ryan LOWRY, 6 Dylan FOX, 11 David WILLIAMS (23 Max BURGESS 85'), 13 Liberato CACACE, 14 Alex Rufer, 15 Michal KOPZCYNSKI (7 Cillian SHERIDAN 70'), 16 Louis FENTON, 18 Sarpreet SINGH, 19 Tom DOYLE (12 Antony GOLEC 85'), 21 Roy KRISHNA - Subs not used: RGK Oliver SAIL, 3 Justin GULLEY - Referee: Shaun Evans
1.2.2019
VICTORY WIN PREMIERS PLATE AFTER BEATING GLORY
Perth Glory will have to do it the hard way if they are to be crowned Westfield W-League Champions in 2018-19, after they were beaten 1-2 by Melbourne Victory in their final league game of the season at Dorrien Gardens on Friday evening. In front of big crowd first half strikes from Christine Nairn and Emily Gielnik put the visitors in control and although Sam Kerr reduced the arrears after the break with her 11th goal of the season, Jeff Hopkins' side held on to secure the win which earned them the Premiers' Plate. With the defeat Glory finished the regular season in fourth spot and they will now have to play Victory again in the Semi-Finals next weekend at AAMI Park, the winner will win a place in the Grand Final.
Glory head coach Bobby Despotovski was disappointed with the loss, but he said they will be ready for Sunday's do-or-die clash. "If we'd had the same intensity in the first half as we had in the second, we wouldn't have had any problems," he told the Glory website. "We were not composed enough in the first half, but the second was a completely different story with us putting them under pressure and dictating the pace of the game. It wasn't our night tonight, but now we'll go to Melbourne and look to win the game. There are no second chances now; it's as simple as that. Our first objective has been reached, which was the top four and now we'll regroup, put some things in place in training and go again."
The grandstand was packed at kick off, with the 1,212-crowd getting behind the Glory, and it was a hectic opening with chances at both ends. First Nairn tested Glory keeper Eliza Campbell, before Kerr was thwarted in a one-on-one dual with Casey Dumont. Moments later Alyssa Mautz's long-range strike whistled over the top, but on 17 minutes it was Victory who took the lead. Lia Privitelli's cross picked out Nairn, who lost her marker and headed home. Glory looked to hit back immediately and Dumont again denied Kerr, as the skipper looked to respond. But ten minutes before half time Victory doubled their lead, a quick break ended with Gielnik and her shot across Campbell went in off the far post. Glory went close late in the half, but Dumont wasn't going to be beaten, and she produced a great double save to deny Kerr again.
Glory needed a good start to the second half and they found it 10 minutes in. A ball into the box was headed back by Mautz and Kerr got in front of her marker to head past Dumont finally. Roared on by the big crowd Glory pressed but they were caught out on a quick counter attack, but luckily Privitelli's header rattled the post. After that let-off, Despotovski's side pressed and Kerr fired into the side netting after being found by Nikki Stanton. But despite throwing everything they had at it, Glory couldn’t break through a tight Victory side for a second time, and now they have to do it the hard way.
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 15 Alexia MORENO (11 Leticia McKENNA 46'), 20 Sam KERR (c), 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO, 12 Jenna ONIONS, 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS
Melbourne Victory: GK Casey DUMONT, 3 Teigen ALLEN, 5 Laura ALLEWAY, 7 Christine NAIRN, 8 Angela BEARD, 9 Natasha DOWIE (c), 15 Emily GIELNIK, 16 Samantha JOHNSON, 17 Danielle WEATHERHOLT (11 MelindaJ BARBIERI 46'), 18 Grace MAHER, 19 Lia PRIVITELLI - Subs not used: RGK Bethany MASON-JONES, 6 Annabel MARTIN, 14 Melina AYRES - Referee: Rebecca Durcau
1.2.2019
CHENNAIYIN SIGN HERD
Indian Super League club Chennaiyin FC have announced the signing of Chris Herd through to the end of the current season. The 29-year old, who is comfortable playing in defence and midfield, is eligible for selection in Chennaiyin's clash with Pune City on 2nd February.
"Chennaiyin is a new challenge for me and one I am genuinely excited about," said Herd, who played juniors at ECU Joondalup. "I am looking forward to help the club pick up as many points as possible in the remainder of the ISL campaign and of course there are two cup competitions to look forward to after that.
Herd has had something of a chequered football career. He spent eight seasons at Aston Villa, rising from the youth ranks to make 42 senior appearances for the club in addition to 40 outings while on loan to the likes of Port Vale and Lincoln City.
A season with Chesterfield was followed by an ill-fated move to Perth Glory, and on returning to England he joined Gillingham. In mid-2017 he signed with Western Sydney Wanderers but nine months later his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Last season Herd was on the books of Buriram United (Thailand).
1.2.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO PREVIEW
It's Week Two of the NPL Night Series and it all starts on Friday evening in Pool One where Inglewood United and Stirling Lions will be looking for their first win of the tournament when they meet at Percy Doyle Reserve. (6.30pm) The Lions were well beaten by Rockingham City last week, while Inglewood were held by Sorrento. New Inglewood defender Mark Barnett said it was a good first up game but if they had taken their chances it would have been a different result. "We definitely had chances to win the game, myself included with a header but the big pointer from the game was that chances were made early doors,” he said. “I feel we dominated the game for the 90 minutes, and it was ours to lose. However, it was our first proper hit out with a fresh squad, the lads put in an exceptional shift and got a well-earned point.” Barnett joined the club after a trial in the UK, and he said he’s settled in well and he’s looking forward to t he Lions clash. “I’ve settled in great, it’s been good to get back into the rhythm of training and playing weekly and also to join back in with the squad I was once was with a few years back,” the defender explained. “This week is no different, we have a game plan the coach wants us to play and we have the players in the areas to achieve this. The fitness is coming through now and the boys are training hard and it’s becoming a lot sharper every session.”
In the late game it's a local derby when hosts Sorrento entertain ECU Joondalup. (8.30pm) Like in the first game both sides will go in search of their first win of the competition, ECU conceding two late goals to lose to a ten men Perth SC, while Sorrento were held by Inglewood. New Sorrento defender Fraser Garnaut said last week was a good defensive display, and he will be looking for more going forward this week against his former club. "Inglewood was a good first test for us as a new playing group, we knew we were coming up against a strong team,” he said. “I think both teams had a few good chances to go up. We played well I thought in patches and we were just trying to stick to the game plan in a new formation. The club has welcomed me in well and they’re a good bunch of boys, so it’s been an easy transition into the team. ECU are always a tough team to break down, but I believe we have the quality to win this game Friday night.
The final game in Pool One is on Sunday, when the two unbeaten sides of the competition, Rockingham City and Perth SC meet at E&D Litis Stadium (5.00pm) Michael Domfeh, who scored on his debut for Perth Sc last week, said the side is getting stronger each week, and to come from behind last week showed that. “I thought last week was a game of two halves, they created better chances before the break, whilst we were very sloppy in possession,” the striker explained. “But in the second half we came out firing and despite going down to 10 men, looked the more dominate team, so overall was good to start of the new campaign with a win.” Domfeh said Rockingham have a good side and they will need to be at their best if they are to keep their winning run going. "Rockingham’s first win hasn’t surprised me, as we played them a couple of weeks ago, and it seems like Cameron has prepared his team well to keep their momentum going for last year,” he said. “After a very successful year in the season gone, Ramon has made it clear the club’s ambitions to match that success and even do better. So, all the new players which have been brought in is to reach this goal, and this will increase the depth of the squad whilst making all positions competitive bringing the best out of everyone.”
In Pool Two the first games are at Frank Drago Reserve where Bayswater City host Perth Glory (6.30pm). City were thrashed last week by Floreat, and Chris Coyne will be looking for a response from his side, while Glory beat Armadale. Both sides rested players last week, and Glory had all their Foxtel Y-League players missing and the youngsters who came in did a great job. In the late game Cockburn City and Armadale go in search of their first win. (8.30pm) City scored late to draw with Balcatta, while Armadale went down to Glory. Skipper Billy Quinncroft said it is still early days, but he is hoping they can put a better performance this week in the local derby. "We weren’t happy with the result as no one likes losing, but fair play to Glory who were up for it and very fit,” he said. “It’s early doors for us, so we were trying a few things out and had a couple players missing but there were some positives to take out of the game, so onwards and upwards.”
One of the players missing was top goalscorer Chris Jackson, who has headed back to the UK, and Quinncroft said he is a big loss, but they go into Friday’s local derby looking to bounce back. “Chris would be a massive loss for any team with 20+ goals in a season, but with the players we have coming in I think we will be able to make up, and it also opens the doors for someone to step up and take the limelight, but we won’t miss his moaning,” he joked. “Can’t beat a local derby, always adds a bit extra to the game, and no one wants to lose, and of course we want the bragging rights. We’ve had a good look at ourselves after the Glory game and pinpointed a few areas that we need to tighten up, so hopefully we fix them for this weekend and come away with the win.”
The final game in Pool Two is on Sunday when holders Floreat Athena entertain Balcatta at E&D Litis Stadium (7.00pm). Balcatta let the lead slip against Cockburn last week, but it was a positive performance from Goran Stajic's side. Floreat looked good against Bayswater, and it continued their good form from last season and Jon Stynes said all their hard work is paying off. “The coaching staff have implemented a professional feel at the club, they put a lot of hours into preparing us for each game and the boys have responded,” he explained. “We are confident against anyone and it all just clicked on Friday night.” Stynes missed the start of last season with injury but he is fit a ready for the challenge on Sunday against an improved Balcatta side. “I suffered an injury last pre-season that affected me throughout the whole year, but it’s great to be finally fit and scoring again, and I hope to continue in into the season,” he said. “We’re not getting carried away it’s only the first pre-season game, but we have a game plan for Sunday and anything else other than three points will be disappointing.”
1.2.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK ONE PREVIEW
The Football West State League Night Series kicks off this weekend with six groups played across the metro area. First on Friday evening we have Pool One games at Hartfield Park, and the first game sees Subiaco taking on Balga. (6.30pm) After relegation from the NPL, Subiaco will be looking for a good start to the competition but will face a tough first up task against Aleks Vrteski's side. In the late game Dianella White Eagles meet UWA Nedlands. (8.30pm) Dianella, who were relegated to Division Two after defeat in the play-off's last season also face a tough first up clash against a Nedlands side who finished mid-table in Division One. It’s a busy weekend for UWA who also take on Malaysian Premier League side DRB-HICOM FC, in an international friendly at UWA Sports Park on Sunday morning 9.30am.
Also, on Friday night there is Pool Three games at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium and first up Gwelup Croatia meet Joondalup City (6.30pm) City were relegated from Division One last season, while Gwelup were edged out on promotion to the NPL by Rockingham City, so both teams will be looking for a good start to pre-season. Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaides said it's good to get back into football again and his new look side are looking forward to competition. "We have quite a few new faces down this season and are all working hard to improve on the foundation we laid last season. We are looking forward to a good Night Series to help our final preparations for the season proper,” he said. “Joondalup City were a tough side to beat last year and were the first team to take points off us during the season, so I expect them to be full of energy and give us a real good test. As always we will need to be at our best to ensure we come away with 3 points". In the late game Quinns take on Morley Windmills (8.30pm)
There is more Friday night action in Pool Four at Wanneroo Reserve, and first up Joondalup United meet Swan United. Swan missed out on promotion to Division One after losing to Mandurah City in the play-offs, while Joondalup were relegated from the NPL. Joondalup Head Coach Nick Jennings said they have put last season's disappointment behind them and are focused on a quick return, and a good Night Series is an important part of that. "The night series is always something I look forward to, it gives coaches and players the opportunity to start putting the hard work on the training field into practice. With virtually the whole playing group for a variety of reasons abandoning ship at the end of last season, I have had the exciting challenge of rebuilding a whole new side,” he explained.
“Whilst it is still early days and recruitment is ongoing, the 20 or so boys we have brought in are showing plenty of promising signs. Our last two ventures into the State League Night Series have seen us make the semi-finals and win the competition, so it is something I always take seriously and treat with the utmost respect.” Jennings said their first up game is tough, but he said they are looking forward to the game. “Early games in the Night Series are also a bit of an adventure into the unknown, with little or no knowledge of players recruited by your opposition,” he said. “Although I do know that Paul will have Swan organised and that they will offer a real goal threat with the dangerous striker John Monterosso leading the line. We will have to be at our best to achieve the positive outcome I will demand from my boys and should be a cracker of a game.” In the late game it's a local derby when hosts Wanneroo City entertain Olympic Kingsway (8.30pm)
The final games on Friday evening are in Pool Five at Edinburgh Oval, and first up Curtin University host Mandurah City. (6.30pm) Curtin finished well clear of the Division Two relegation zone, but they will be looking for an improvement in 2019. That could be also said for Mandurah, who only stayed in Division One after edging out Swan United in the play-off final. Mandurah Head Coach Alex Grayson said its business as usual and they will be hoping to start the pre-season tournament well. “Everyone at the club is looking forward to the start of the competitive season. We have made great strides on and off the pitch since last season and we are aiming to hit the ground running,” he said. “All three games in our group pose different challenges so it gives our boys a good spread of opposition to face. Curtin always have a great energy and work ethic, so it'll be great to see our work in pre-season be put to the test. We have kept a lot of the quality we had last year and have made some superb additions so the competitiveness within the squad is at an all-time high.” In the late game Fremantle City and Canning City go head-to-head. (8.30pm)
There are no games on Saturday evening, with Perth Glory in A-League action at HBF Park - Get along and support the league leaders!!!! But on Sunday the games continue and in Pool Two Murdoch University Melville meet Ashfield at Hartfield Park. (5.00pm) In the late game hosts Forrestfield United entertain Shamrock Rovers (7.00pm) It will be Forrestfield's first game under new coach Graham Normanton, and winger Rhys Loxley said it will be good to get back on the park, especially after relegation for the NPL last season. "Whilst last season was disappointing, I think we all learnt a lot about where we are at as a team and as a club. It was a tough season on the park and most of the squad found it pretty hard to take,” he explained. “However, Normo has come in and made an instant impact and there is already a good level of optimism heading into the season. He has brought in some fresh faces who have really added to the quality of the team, and as one of the three relegated NPL sides, there will be a level of expectation to do well in the night series this year. But for us, the main focus is solely on Round One again Mandurah but if we can go deep into the night series then it will only serve well in our preparations for the season.” Loxley said he is looking forward to playing at home and giving the fans something to cheers. “The Game this weekend won’t be easy, as we are still adapting to the way that Normo wants us to play football, and on top of that, I’m sure Shamrock would love to come to Hartfield Park this weekend and spoil the party,” he said. “We will have quite a few debuts so the game will be a great opportunity to start gelling as a new squad and hopefully start with a good result in front of our home fans.”
The final games on Sunday will be in Pool Six at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. First up South West Phoenix meet Kelmscott Roos (5.00pm) In the late game Gosnells City take on Western Knights. Both teams have new coaches in the dugout, with Ivan Zuvela taking over at Nash Field, while Marc Anthony is the new man in charge at Gosnells. Anthony said he is looking forward to the new challenge. “A new season and a new adventure for myself and Lenny,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to the season ahead, the boys are still pretty early in their preparation but are gradually getting fitter by the week.” Anthony said they couldn’t have had more difficult first up game, against a side he believes will do well in 2019. “It’s an extremely challenging first game against a side who will no doubt be favourites to gain promotion this year,” he said, “They have recruited very well, and Ivan will do a great job there, we are ready for the game and looking to start our night series with a positive performance.”
1.2.2019
DISTANCE DERBY NEXT UP FOR GLORY
Perth Glory are back at home on Saturday evening when they host Wellington Phoenix in the Distance Derby in Week 17 of the Hyundai A-League at HBF Park. (7.00pm) This should be a classic with both sides in good form, Glory top of the table, four points clear and only beaten once this season, while the Phoenix, under new coach Mark Rudan, have only lost once in their last 11 games. Glory eased past Newcastle Jets last week, and the score line flattered the Jets, and with the inclusion of Chris Ikonomidis from International duty, they will fancy their chances, while the Phoenix edged out Melbourne City to maintain their sixth spot on the table, 11 points clear of the Jets.
Popovic has rotated the squad well in recent weeks, but this week will he go for his strongest side? Matthew Spiranovic has struggled with injury this season, but he is looking really composed in the back three last week with Shane Lowry, and with Alex Grant limping off at half time Dino Djulbic has been added to the squad as cover. Ikonomidis looks like coming straight back into the side, but where is he going to play? Fabio Ferreira was good last week, likewise Castro, while Keogh is continuing to score, so it could be interesting to see which way the coach goes. Juande and Neil Kilkenny are forming a good partnership in the middle of the park, while Jason Davidson looks like he has the left back spot, with Ivan Franjic and Scott Neville fighting it out for the right back role.
Popovic is expecting Mark Rudan's side to be another stern test on Saturday, but he has been delighted the way his side have performed in a hectic period. "We're delighted with how we went through that period [six games in 17 days] and everyone that has played has really contributed,” he said “We're very happy with the squad and are looking forward to another home game. We all want this run to continue, but also know that we have to keep playing well and maintain the standards and performance levels that we have shown to keep ourselves up there. Wellington have been great this season; a breath of fresh air for the league. They keep playing good football and getting good results and they are where they deserve to be on the table. I'm sure they'll come here with confidence, but we're also very confident and playing very well, so we look forward to it."
Both sides have attacking threats, so I'm sure this won’t be a scoreless draw. Roy Krishna has been on fire in front of goal for the Nix, while David Williams has found his scoring boots and scored the winner with a sweet volley last week against City. The visitors will be without skipper Andrew Durante for the trip, after he was shown his fifth yellow card of the season last week and is suspended, so Rudan will have to get a new partner for former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor, who has been great in his first season at the club and they have signed former Glory defender Antony Golec. Keeper Filip Kurto has been in great form in recent weeks, and the Polish shot stopper produced a number of fine saves to earn them a point last week. In the middle of the park Spaniard Mandi Sosa and Alex Rufer have run the midfield this season while the guile and pace of Sarpreet Singh has been another huge plus for Rudan. “The confidence is high at the moment, but we know there is a long way to go and the lads aren’t getting carried away,” Taylor said. “I’m loving my football at the moment, playing with a smile on my face and the results are coming our way so it’s a positive time for the club.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: DJULBIC (promoted), IKONOMIDIS (returns from international duty) - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 16 Tomislav MRCELA (thigh – 1 week)
Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Filip KURTO, RGK Oliver SAIL, 4 Mandi SOSA, 5 Ryan LOWRY, 6 Dylan FOX, 7 Cillian SHERIDAN, 9 Nathan BURNS, 11 David WILLIAMS, 12 Antony GOLEC, 13 Liberato CACACE, 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Michal KOPZCYNSKI, 16 Louis FENTON, 18 Sarpreet SINGH, 19 Tom DOYLE, 21 Roy KRISHNA, 23 Max BURGESS, 27 Steven TAYLOR - *two to be omitted* - Ins: FOX (promoted), BURNS (promoted), GOLEC (new signing) - Outs: 22 Andrew DURANTE (suspension - 1 week) - Unavailable: Nil
1.2.2019
GLORY PUSH FOR VICTORY TO REACH FINALS
Perth Glory's finals chances go on the line on Friday night when they host Melbourne City at Dorrien Gardens in their final Westfield W-League game of the season. (7.00pm) Fresh from last week’s huge win against Western Sydney Wanderers Bobby Despotovski's side know a draw would secure a place in the finals, but three points could also see them take out the minor premiership if results elsewhere go their way. Despotovski said his players know what’s required and he said their approach will be very single-minded. "We'll know on Thursday exactly what sort of result, if any, we are going to need to make the top four," he told the Glory website. "But in saying that, we are going to try and win the game regardless. We play every game to win whether it's to make finals, whether it's the Grand Final itself, or the first game of the season. It's as simple as that."
The last time the sides meet was in round nine at AAMI Park when a brace from Natasha Dowie gave Victory a 2-1 win and Despotovski said they will be looking to change that result on Friday. "We didn't play well in that game and it took us by surprise a little bit how well Victory were and how physical they were as well," he said.
"I always say that if you start a game in second gear, you're not going to jump to fourth or fifth, but if you start in gear five, you can always drop into fourth or third. In that game we started at a very low intensity, and we deserved nothing from that game and that's what we got. But we have chance to make up for that now and we'll look to combat everything that they throw at us on Friday and be better." In team news Despotovski has a full squad to choose from, and they will be confident after the 5-1-win last week.
Victory are coming off a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC, with Dowie and Emily Gielnik on target. Former Glory and Cockburn City midfielder Ella Mastrantonio set up Victory’s second goal, but the midfielder is suspended for the trip to Perth after picking up a fourth yellow card of the campaign. Victory still have two games left, and the title won’t be decided until they play their final game against Canberra United next week. Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins knows it will be a tough game, but he will be looking for a repeat of their last meeting. "Last time was most probably one of our best displays of the season," he said. "They're a good side, there not up near the top of the league for nothing. Obviously, they've got Sam Kerr and (Rachel) Hill and (Alyssa) Mautz up front and everyone is really focusing on them, but they're a good side right the way through.
"They've got a strong midfield, they're solid at the back and a good goalkeeper as well. They're a tough proposition, although we played really well against them at home, they still caused us a few problems, so we'll be working on one or two things in the next couple of days leading into the game. We're confident in our own ability. There are a few areas I think we can cause them some real problems. Although we'll be having a good look at them, a big focus for us will be on how we can hurt them."
31.1.2019
DESPOTOVSKI SLAMS STAJCIC SACKING
Perth Glory Westfield W-League coach Bobby Despotovski has had his say on the sacking of Matildas' coach Alen Stajcic and he pulled no punches. Stajcic was controversially sacked as head coach following a series of internal reviews and confidential player surveys, and the former Glory legend and now Women's coach said he himself would be fired for being a “bully” under those same standards.
There still hasn't been an explanation, and mystery still surrounds the exact reasons behind Stajcic’s axing, with FFA only saying the veteran coach oversaw an “unsatisfactory” team environment, but Despotovski fears that Stajcic was sacked merely for being a hard taskmaster. So, if this was the case Despotovski said he should also be fired because he does the exact same thing at Perth Glory.
“I was 100 per cent disappointed in FFA with how they handled the situation, “Despotovski said. "If that can happen, and the survey is an indication of we’re sacking the coaches and the coaches are bullies because they have high standards for the players, then you know what, put me in that category because I’m a bully as well. I have very high standards for my players, myself, and the club. So, if that is classified in women’s football as a bully, then I should get sacked. Simple as that, because I’m no different than Alen.” FFA have advertised the position of Matildas coach but Despotovski said he wouldn't put his hand up, especially after what happened to Stajcic. “The Matildas is one of the best brands in Australia, and all of a sudden they (FFA) put it in jeopardy,” he said. “Everybody is a laughing stock now - to the whole of Australia. It’s just mind-boggling.”
31.1.2019
SKINNER TAKES CHARGE OF Y-LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
WA referee Shane Skinner has been rewarded for his performances in 2018 by being appointed to officiate Friday afternoon’s Foxtel Y-League Grand Final. The 22-year-old whistle blower from Bull Creek will be in charge of the title decider between Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (kick-off 1.30pm WST). “It’s the pinnacle of the season for the league and so it’s really, really satisfying,” Skinner told the Football West web, adding that it was reward for the “hard yards” he and his colleagues put in during the campaign. Skinner was named 2018 Football West State League Referee of the Year and Assistant Referee of the Year, and he praised the pathway program in WA which has helped him progress. “I have had a decent run, and this shows I haven’t been wasting my time,” he said. “I’m grateful to the guys at Football West who put the work in and who do the physical sessions, the education and the other development. It puts you in good stead to develop nationally.”
The Y-League competition is for players aged between 16 and 21, some of whom go on to become A-League stars and even Socceroos. Previously known as the National Youth League, it is split into two conferences of five teams apiece with the winners of each conference meeting in the Grand Final. “It should be a belter,” Skinner said. “The way the two conferences are divided, I have done Brisbane but not Western Sydney. But I’ve had a chance to watch them.” And just like the players, Skinner has his ambitions. “The A-League is my immediate goal, that’s the pinnacle of Australian football,” he said. “I’d love to get on the FIFA panel further down the track, too. For now, though, it’s one step at a time.” Skinner began refereeing as a Level 4 in 2010. He joined the Football West Referee Academy in 2014 and two years later the FFA National Talent Pool, officiating in both the Foxtel Y-League and Westfield W-League. Last year he became a Level 1, the highest level of FFA referee accreditation.
“I originally began refereeing while I was playing, just for a bit of extra money. It’s fantastic and really good fun,” he added. “I enjoy the high-pressure nature of it, exerting yourself to keep up with play. It’s a challenge, there’s always something that will throw you a curve ball and you have to be prepared when it comes.”
30.1.2019
GLORY EYE FORNAROLI MOVE
It's been reported that Perth Glory will sign unwanted Melbourne City star striker Bruno Fornaroli on a multi-season deal at the end of the current A-league campaign. The club haven't denied it, and we all know Coach Tony Popovic is a big fan of the Uruguayan, and it looks like he will head west when his current contract expires at the end of May. There were rumours that Fornaroli and Glory striker Andy Keogh would be swapping clubs earlier in the season Glory owner Tony Sage confirmed today that Fornaroli was a target for the club next season. “He is a Glory target for next season. We are talking to him as are other clubs. We are hopeful he sees Glory as the place to be. We are awaiting his response,” Sage said. "He is a player Tony Popovic loves and wants to have at the club. It’s not up to us to announce anything until his (City) contract is finished, but he’s on our radar to get for next season and has been for the last month. The last I heard (from the football department) is that he’s very close to coming to terms with us. We’ve enquired about his availability for next season and I believe we’re in talks with him right now. “I can’t confirm whether he’s signed yet, but I’m told it was close.”
It's obvious Fornaroli won’t play for City again, after a falling out with City manager Warren Joyce and he was then dropped from the starting side in October because Joyce was unhappy about his fitness and skinfold tests. Since he has been frozen out by Joyce, who cited a lack of commitment for his continued absence and said at the time “You take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink."
The 31-year-old did have a spell on the sidelines with a serious injury last season and played only a handful of games at the start of this campaign before Joyce banished him. He has continued to train with City but will need to work hard to reach the standards expected by Popovic’s under his tough fitness regime. Meanwhile Sage also said that Keogh would be going nowhere, and it looks like the Irish striker has signed a new two-year contract to keep him in the west and next season the pair could lead the attack at HBF Park, a mouth-watering prospect.
29.1.2019
MATILDAS HURTING OVER STAJCIC SACKING: DE VANNA
Matildas leader Lisa De Vanna has laid bare the stresses of a week in the white-hot spotlight following Alen Stajcic's sacking. The mercurial forward, anointed as a joint captain of the national team early in Stajcic's reign, says she's endured plenty of emotions after Football Federation Australia's bombshell decision to remove the coach.
"It's been a really hard week for me personally. It's been tough and really stressful," she said. "I'm just sad. Not just for Staj but for other people that have gone through this. There's a lot of hurt that's come out of this."
"This is the job of his dreams. It's been taken away from him. So any human being would be devastated, hurt, angry, frustrated, lost. Normal feelings from (being in) that position. I've felt that too. It's still raw for a lot of us right now."
De Vanna said the sacking was affecting on-field performances. "As an athlete you just want to play the game, do your job. When you get put in a position like this it's very hard to do your job," she said. "I love to play football (but) right now it's causing chaos. And football's not winning at the moment."
De Vanna said the looming World Cup - little more than four months away - gave the team a focus to work towards and a way of processing their grief. "We're a tight unit and a tight team," she said. "Staj has been a big influence in that, but it comes down to ourselves. We will take a little bit longer to move forward. That's fine but as long as we're moving together for a common goal."
28.1.2019
KILKENNY VOWS TO SHOOT MORE AFTER WONDERSTRIKE
Perth Glory midfielder Neil Kilkenny has vowed to back himself in front of goal after his stunning effort helped sink Newcastle Jets on Sunday. It was a vital strike, giving Glory a two-goal buffer straight after the re-start, and helped lift them four points clear of Melbourne City at the top of the A-League table.
Kilkenny and returning captain Diego Castro turned in star displays, dominating the midfield and ensuring an end to the two-game goal drought. The midfielder’s fourth goal of the season was his first from outside the box, a spectacular curling effort from the left hand corner of the area into the right hand side netting.
“It was good. I was happy for it to go in,” Kilkenny said. “I cut inside and thought ‘why not hit it’. I’ve scored a few like that but, to be honest, people say to me I don’t shoot enough... not greedy enough around the box. Maybe I should shoot a bit more. I normally just pass it.”
Kilkenny produced another perfect effort on 16 minutes which allowed Diego Castro to set-up Andy Keogh’s opening goal. He said opposition sides were showing Glory respect as real title contenders. “A lot of teams now are showing us a lot of respect, changing formations to nullify us,” he said.
“Teams are trying to stop us playing but they are still not getting a lot of clear cut chances against us. Teams go man-to-man now because they don’t want to leave someone free. We’ve been working on that since pre-season, working the ball out from the back under pressure.”
While he may have starred in Sunday’s win Kilkenny was quick to praise the whole squad for Glory’s current success. “It’s not about individuals, it’s not about 11, it’s about 23 players,” he said. “We’ve got a team that can come in to provide competition for everyone throughout the squad.”
“It goes to all the players that are sometimes not in the (game day) squad. They come in every day, they train, they push us hard to improve. Let’s not forget about them. They are fantastic characters and they are pushing us. They are after our places and that creates competition and that pushes the bar higher.”
28.1.2019
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITS $2 MILLION TO WALKING FOOTBALL
Seniors are being encouraged to take up ‘walking football’ after the Federal Government committed nearly $2 million to initiatives aimed at growing the sport in Western Australia. Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie and Seniors Minister Ken Wyatt were in Perth today to announce the commitment - which will be used to set up local leagues around the state.
Walking football, which is aimed at people aged 65 and older, has grown in popularity over the past six years in the UK and it’s hoped it will be taken up in WA too. The move comes after statistics revealed that less than 25 per cent of Australians over 65 are getting enough physical activity.
‘Walkshops’ have been organised by Football West throughout Perth and in regional WA, as the organisation bids to get more people trying out the game. The organisation claims the sport not only helps to keep seniors more active but is also proving give over 65s a better social life too.
Speaking at the launch today Football West chief executive James Curtis called on people to give the sport a try. “It's not just about physical outcomes,” Curtis said. “It's about making sure Australians over 65 become part of clubs and that clubs are inclusive environment so we can improve physical and mental health outcomes.”
Local competitions will be organised through affiliated clubs that are currently being run in Floreat, Mandurah, Quinns Rock and Wanneroo. It’s hoped more clubs will get on board with the scheme soon, making teams and competitions available across WA.
27.1.2019
GLORY BACK IN THE GOALS
Perth Glory rediscovered their goal scoring touch to beat Newcastle Jets 2-0 in Week 16 of the Hyundai A-League. After scoreless draws against Melbourne City and Adelaide United, goals from Andy Keogh and Neil Kilkenny were enough for Tony Popovic's side and the 11,393 crowd, the biggest of the season to date, all went home happy. "It was a very good, dominant performance, the only disappointing thing is that we didn't put the game away in the first half, really," Popovic said post-match. "They are a dangerous side with some very good individuals, and you know that they'll have some periods in the game where they'll be on top. But apart from that, it's a great three points for us. Every single player out there made a contribution and we deservedly got the three points."
Popovic continued his rotation policy, making five changes to the side that draw against Adelaide in midweek with Keogh, Matthew Spiranovic, Diego Castro, Scott Neville and Fabio Ferreira coming into the side with Jake Brimmer, Brendan Santalab, Joel Chianese and Ivan Franjic dropping to the bench while Dino Djulbic was omitted. The visitors, who would have been buoyed by their F3 Derby win against Central Coast Mariners in midweek, began brightly but it was the home side who had the first real chance on 13 minutes. Jason Davidson picked Keogh in the penalty area, he laid the ball of to Ferreira, who shot from the edge of the box stung the palms of Jets keeper Glen Moss. But three minutes later Glory hit the front, Kilkenny's ball found Castro, and with the Jets defenders looking for the offside flag, that never came, the Spanish midfielder superbly controlled the ball and crossed to Keogh, who made mistake from close-range for his ninth goal of the season.
Glory continued to threaten, and Ferreira's cross was fumbled by Moss, and Kilkenny's follow up shot was blocked by some desperate defending. Newcastle looked dangerous on the counter attack and they went close to the equaliser on 24 minutes. Roy O'Donovan was sent away, and he had Kaine Sheppard free in the penalty area, but Shane Lowry got back with a great last-ditch tackle to clear the danger. The Lively Ferreira was in again just after the half hour, racing in on goal from a Spiranovic pass, but Moss stood tall to deny him. From the resulting corner Moss was called into action again saving well to deny Davidson as Glory looked for a second.
It was a perfect start to the second half for the Glory and they doubled their lead two minutes in. Kilkenny was found on the left of the penalty area and he cut inside his marker before superbly curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net giving Moss no chance. It was almost 3-0 on the hour, Franjic, who had come on at half time to replace the injured Alex Grant, played the ball into the box and Castro raced past his marker and pulled the ball back to Keogh, whose shot flashed just wide of the target. The Jets weren’t finished and Dimi Petratos' long-range whistled just wide as they looked to get back into the game.
But Glory should have finished them off moments later Keogh sending second half substitute Chianese free down the left, but his shot was well saved by Moss. With the Jets pushing forward the Glory were finding holes in their backline and again went close to a third on 72 minutes. Castro turned former Glory defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley inside and out and raced into goal, again Moss saved, then the follow up shot from Franjic crashed off the post. The Jets were convinced they had a penalty when Ronald Vargas' shot hit Spiranovic's arm on 83 minutes, but after consulting VAR referee Alex King ruled no penalty. Both sides had late chances the best fell to O'Donovan, but he was a denied by Liam Reddy.
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Alex GRANT (5 Ivan FRANJIC 46'), 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 9 Andy KEOGH (11 Brendon SANTALAB 85'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA (7 Joel CHIANESE 60'), 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 20 Jake BRIMMER
Newcastle Jets: GK Glen MOSS, 4 Nigel BOOGAARD, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 9 Roy O’DONOVAN, 10 Ronald VARGAS, 13 Ivan VUJICA (3 Jason HOFFMAN 69'), 14 Kaine SHEPPARD (8 Jair 67'), 17 Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 22 Lachlan JACKSON (7 Dimi PETRATOS 46'), 23 Matthew RIDENTON, 44 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY - Subs not used: RGK Lewis ITALIANO, 11 Mitch AUSTIN - Referee: Alex King
27.1.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE REVIEW
The 2019 NPL Night Series kicked off on Friday evening and first up in Pool One Perth SC came from a goal down, with ten men, to beat ECU Joondalup 2-1. New Jacks striker Joe Knowles gave ECU the lead on the half hour converting from the spot after he was brought down in the penalty area. Perth were then reduced to ten men on the hour when Jackson Morgan was sent off by referee Matthew Southern. But Perth hit back and new signing Michael Domfeh levelled seven minutes from time. It looked like the points would be shared but in the final minute Niccolò Sabatini scored to give Perth the points. “It was fantastic to start the pre-season off with a hard-fought win against ECU, especially due to the fact we were down to 10 men,” Domfeh explained. “We didn’t come to the races first half, but we rectified ourselves by putting in a much better performance in the second half creating a lot of dangerous moments. I was happy to get off the mark yesterday with my first goal for the club at a crucial time in the game, and I’m really enjoying playing up top with Gustavo Catarcione, so I’m sure there’s plenty of more goals to come.”
In the other Pool One games on the night Inglewood United and Sorrento fought out a scoreless draw at Perth Plasterboard Stadium, while newly promoted Rockingham City beat Stirling Lions 3-0. Lydon Hodgkiss opened the scoring for Rockingham in the first half, before Riley van Dieken and Shaz Ramlee wrapped up the win. “It’s always nice to win games of football, but there is work to be done to make sure we are performing at a higher level come the first round of the NPL,” City Head Coach Cameron Lord said. “We will be working even harder to get better and look forward to our next Night Series challenge against Perth SC next week.”
In Pool 2 Perth Glory opened their campaign with a good 4-2 win against Armadale at Dalmatinac Park. Luke Salmon gave Glory the lead early, before Callum Timmins doubled their lead with a fantastic long-range free kick. It was 3-0 on the hour Gomo Dukuly scoring, but Armadale found a lifeline 19 minutes from time when Sam Garces pulled one back. But Glory restored their three-goal advantage when Dukuly’s through ball sent Ciaran Bramwell in on goal and he finished well past Duncan Lennon-Black. Armadale scored a consolation goal two minutes later through Chris Rizidis, but it was too little too late. “I thought the team thoroughly deserved the win last night, for the whole 90 minutes we were switched on and focused and ready to go,” Glory midfielder Jack Leech said. “I thought we moved the ball well and put in a good performance on how was wanted to play the game, there’s always room for improvement as we conceded two soft goals but overall, I thought it was a great performance.”
In the other Pool Two games Cockburn City and Balcatta produced a 2-2 draw at Dalmatinac Park. Harry O’Brien gave the Cockerels the lead on six minutes, before new Balcatta striker Gavin Knight levelled from the penalty spot on the quarter hour. Ben Pellizzari then gave Balcatta the lead at the break, but a goal from Cockburn midfielder Cameron Edwards on the hour gave both sides a share of the spoils. “It was an entertaining game, but unfortunately we couldn't hold onto the lead or get that third goal to finish off the game but overall a fair result,” Balcatta Head Coach Goran Stajic said. In the final game Floreat Athena produced a great performance to thump Bayswater City 5-0 at E&D Litis Stadium. Jon Stynes opened the scoring on 25 minutes, but they dominated the second half, with goals to new signings Nick Ambrogio and Luka Ninkovic, against his former club, Marco Santalucia Calvin Whitney gave them a comprehensive win. “The coaching staff have been great, a lot of hours going into preparing the team for each match, and it’s paying off,” Stynes said. “We have a great squad and I’m happy to be fit and hopefully back to my best to help the team win as much as we can this year.”
26.1.2019
SOCCEROOS OUT OF ASIAN CUP
Australia are out of the 2019 Asian Cup after a 0-1 defeat at the hands of host UAE in their quarterfinal clash at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday morning. After dominating for most of the game the Socceroos were hit with a sucker punch when Ali Mabkhout capitalised on a poor back pass from Milos Degenek, rounded Mat Ryan and score. The Socceroos pressed late but they couldn’t find the equaliser and relinquished their Asian crown.
Despite the defeat Head coach Graham Arnold said he was proud of his players. "Football can be a cruel sport, it's probably the only sport in the world that you can control possession, you can have much more possession, can have more chances on goal, you can spend more time in the opposition's half, and you can still lose,” he said. "We came here to the Middle East and we've performed very well. The young players, the wonderful experience that the younger players have had during this tournament and the amount of changes that we made.
“It's been a very enjoyable tournament, it's been a great experience for all. I'll be honest - I think that we've done very, very well this tournament. With the amount of players that haven't been capped - the whole frontline for the first three games had less than 10 games between all three of them ... it's been a wonderful experience for myself, for the staff, and the country should be very proud of them."
With Tom Rogic unavailable due to suspension, Arnold switched things up and he went for Jamie Maclaren and Apostolos Giannou up top, while Robbie Kruse and Chris Ikonomidis were the wide players. UAE also made changes Ismaeil Mattar made his first start of the tournament alongside Mabkhout, while Walid Abbas, Fares Juma, Majed Hassan and Mohamed Ahmad came into the side.
UAE started brightly, and with less than a minute on the clock, Ismail Al Hammadi controlled Ali Hassan’s ball into the area before forcing Ryan to palm the ball clear. It was a lively opening, aa moments Ikonomidis’ corner was heading inches over the top by Trent Sainsbury. The Socceroos custodian was in the thick of the action again on 20 minutes, Al Hammadi beat Sainsbury and his shot was pushed away be the alert Ryan. Both sides pushed for the opener as the game opened up, and despite dominating possession the Socceroos couldn’t find a way through a well-drilled UAE defence. They had UAE on the back-foot as the half ended, and Maclaren’s header was cleared off the line by Fares Juma, and five minutes from half time the Socceroos had their best chance of the game, Giannou was in on goal but Khalid Eisa saved well. Then just before the break UAE went close themselves, a ball into the box picked out Mabkhout, but he headed over the top from close-range.
It was the Socceroos who were on the front foot after the break and Degenek and Jackson Irvine both saw headers flash wide, while Perth Glory’s Ikonomidis dragged his shot just wide. They then had the ball in the net, Giannou firing home but the flag was up for offside. The game was in the balance, and it looked like one goal would win this one and it arrived on 68 minutes. Degenek seemed to get the ball stuck under his foot, and his attempted back pass was intercepted by Mabkhout, who raced into the box, rounded Ryan and fired into an empty net, much to the delighted of the 25,053 home fans. It was a huge blow for the Socceroos, and they grew increasingly desperate as the clock ticked down. Matthew Leckie headed over from a corner and Awer Mabil let fly as Australia upped the ante in search of an equaliser, but UAE held on to secure their spot in the final four, the Socceroos’ coming up short to end their reign as Asian champions.
UAE: GK Khalid Eisa Bilal, 2 Ali Hassan Salmin, 3 Walid Abbas Murad, 6 Fares Juma Al Saadi, 7 Ali Ahmed Mabkhout, 8 Majed Hassan Ahmad, 9 Bandar Mohammed, 10 Ismaeil Matar (16 Mohammed Abdulrahman 52'), 15 Ismail Al Hamadi (20 Saif Rashid 88'), 19 Ismail Ahmed, 23 Mohamed Gharib (12 Khalifa Mubarak 18')
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Rhyan Grant, 5 Mark Milligan, 9 Jamie Maclaren (7 Mathew Leckie 60'), 10 Robbie Kruse (21 Awer Mabil 73'), 14 Apostolos Giannou (11 Andrew Nabbout 80'), 15 Chris Ikonomidis, 16 Aziz Behich, 20 Trent Sainsbury, 22 Jackson Irvine – Referee: Ryuji Sato
26.1.2019
GLORY THRASH WANDERERS TO GO TOP OF THE W-LEAGUE
Perth Glory climbed to the top of the Westfield W-League table after goals from teenager Lexie Moreno, Katie Naughton, Rachel Hill and a brace from Sam Kerr secured a 5-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Marconi Stadium, and a timely first win away from home for the season. Moreno marked her first senior start by firing home the visitors’ opener, but Leena Khamis' header soon levelled things up, Naughton opened her account for the club to make it 2-1 before the break, before Kerr then added the third in the second half. The goal from the skipper took her past Michelle Heyman as the competition's all-time leading goalscorer, her 64th W-League goal. Kerr added her second late on, before Hill added the fifth to wrap up a comprehensive win.
Head coach Bobby Despotovski was pleased with the performance and the way his players responded from their last game in Newcastle. "We controlled the whole game, from start to finish, apart from a few minutes when we started panicking and went back into some of our old habits," Despotovski told the Glory website. "But after that we dominated. We had worked very hard over the previous ten days to rectify what went wrong against Newcastle in our last game and it was great to see that hard work come to fruition. "We said to the girls before the game that they needed to bring their competitive spirit and desire to win, because I didn't need to tell them how important the game was or where we were sitting on the ladder because they knew all that. I left them with that message and they really responded. I'm really looking forward to next week's game at Dorrien now. Hopefully we'll get a good crowd along to the game and the girls will respond to that home support."
Glory opened brightly and hit the front on nine minutes. Hill's ball into the box was well controlled by Kerr and she laid the ball back to Moreno on the edge of the penalty area, and the 17-year-old finished well via the foot of the post. They should have doubled their lead two minutes later when Kerr sent Hill racing clear, but Wanderers keeper Nicole Simonsen stood tall to deny her. It was one-way traffic and the visitors went close again when Shannon May sent Hill down the right and she unselfishly squared the ball to Kerr in the penalty area, but the skippers flick drifted inches past the post. Kerr was in again on 20 minutes, sent clear by Alyssa Mautz, she looked way offside, but the flag stayed down, and she raced one-on-one with Simonsen, but once again the Wanderers custodian denied her. Kerr had a golden opportunity to add the second when referee Katie Patterson pointed to the spot after hill fell under a challenge from Talitha Kramer. It looked a little harsh on the Wanderers defender, but Kerr stepped up and Simonsen guessed the right way to push away the spot kick.
Glory's profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them on 27 minutes when Wanderers levelled. Servet Uzunlar's free kick was headed home superbly by Kamis giving Eliza Campbell no chance. It was the Wanderers who were now on top and Glory were on the back foot, but the home side couldn't find a second, and defender Jamie Lee-Gale was superb down the right stopping many Wanderers breaks. But it was Glory who added a second six minutes before half time. Hill's shot was blocked by Uzunlar in the penalty area and Wanderers didn't clear the ball and it ended at the feet of Naughton who fired home from close-range
Wanderers opened the second half well and when Elizabeth Patterson picked out Khamis early she fired over the top. Both sides had penalty claims turned down by the referee, first Kerr was pulled to the ground by Uzunlar as she raced into goal, before Addo fell in the box after a tackle by Natasha Rigby, but again it was waved away, but it was Glory who increased their lead on 70 minutes. Hill raced down the right and her low cross was turned home by Kerr for her record-breaking goal. The home side weren’t finished, and Glory had keeper Campbell to thank, producing two great saves to thwart Erica Halloway, the second a stunning one handed save at full stretch.
But on 81 minutes Glory added a fourth, Mautz cross picked out the unmarked Kerr, who headed home. The icing was put on the cake three minutes later when they added a fifth. Hill was sent racing in on goal, her first shot was well saved by Simonsen, and the keeper produced another great save to her follow up shot, but there was nothing she could do with the third attempt, Hill firing under the keeper to round off a comprehensive win. The win, their fifth of the season, leaves Glory in a strong position to clinch a spot in the finals, and next up they take on fellow-high-fliers Melbourne Victory in their last game of the regular season at Dorrien Gardens next Friday.
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Nicole SIMONSEN, 4 Maruschka WALDUS, 5 Rachel LOWE, 6 Servet UZUNLAR, 7 Lo’eau LABONTA, 8 Erica HALLOWAY, 10 Kylie LEDBROOK (20 Caitlin JARVIE 78'), 11 Elizabeth ADDO, 14 Courtney NEVIN, 15 Talitha KRAMER (12 Susan PHONSONGKHAM 83'), 19 Leena KHAMIS - Subs not used: RGK Jada WHYMAN, 9 Remy SIEMSEN
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL (14 Caitlin DOEGLAS 87'), 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 15 Alexia MORENO (11 Leticia McKENNA 74'), 20 Sam KERR, 24 Natasha RIGBY (12 Jenna ONIONS 80'), 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO - Referee: Katie Patterson
26.1.2019
GLORY HOST JETS IN WEEK 16
Perth Glory will be looking to end their goal scoring drought when they host Newcastle Jets on Sunday afternoon at HBF Park in Week 16 of the Hyundai A-League. Tony Popovic’s side have dropped points in its last two games and have been held to goalless draws but the coach is confident the drought is about to break. The coach believes that his players and staff are only too happy to shoulder the extra expectations that has been placed on the club this season, and he said his players are savouring the high level of analysis his top of the table side are being given, and he’s looking forward to the Jets game to continue their improvement.
"It's good to see that people have these expectations and that Perth Glory are seen in a different light now," he said. "We've created the expectation that exists, and it is based on what people have seen and they've seen a very good team playing some very good football. There are always things you can do better, but overall, we've done well. We want to be that club that is challenging for honours and we don't see the expectation as pressure; we embrace it. Everyone in the club is happy with where we're at. We want more of it, but we know it can't be done without hard work and we'll continue on the way we're going and look forward to another challenge on Sunday."
The Jets are a shadow of the side that lost last season’s Grand Final, but Popovic is aware of the talent they have in their side and knows they will be looking to build on last weekend's victory over Central Coast and do have a good record over in the west. "Newcastle create a lot of opportunities and that's not a surprise when you look at the frontline that they have," he said. "They may feel they have fallen short of their own expectations in terms of results after doing so well last year, but if you look at their performances, a lot of them have been very good. We're aware of what we're up against, but we're also aware of how good we are. "We're a strong team, so I think we can certainly play our part in a good game."
Jason Davidson echoed the coach’s words, and said they are determined to end the goalless run. "Throughout the season we have shown that. We have scored multiple times and come back from tough games and scored three, four goals, and we are confident we will create chances and come the weekend we will create a lot of chances again and put them away,” he said. “We are hungry to have a successful season this year. There have been some games when we have not been performing at our best, but we have found a way to get results and that's a key thing towards the end of the season."
Davidson said clubs are doing all they can to stop the Glory juggernaut, and they are ready for the challenge. "Every team that tries to stop us plays a different formation, the boys should be happy about that. It shows how much teams are fearing us,” he said. "Every team that plays against us - it's one of the biggest games for them and it feels like they step up a gear when they play against us. They are always trying to outrun us or press us because they want a result. It's a good build up for the finals where every game is going to be a crucial game. It's good for us because that means every week, we are playing a team that wants to knock off the top dog in the league at the moment." In team news Matt Spiranovic and Jacob Italiano are added to the squad but Tomislav Mrcela will miss again with injury
The Jets’ win in the F3 Derby has seen the seventh-placed Jets close the gap to the top-six to eight points ahead of Sunday’s game. They have won two of our last three matches in Perth and Ernie Merrick is hopeful the winning feeling in his squad after Wednesday’s triumph could be the turning point of their season. “That’s the hope isn’t it? You hope that’s the start of getting some momentum and kicking on,” he said. “We’ve got two tough away games now, Perth and then the Wanderers but we can do it. They [Glory] are top of the league so it’s going to be a tough game, but I feel we can match anyone. When we played [Glory] here we dominated the game and lost. We had twice as many scoring shots as they had…we’re capable of taking anyone on the day.” The Jets welcome back skipper Nigel Boogaard, who was rested for the win over Central Coast, while Jason Hoffman and Matt Ridenton also return to the travelling party.
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SPIRANOVIC, ITALIANO - Unavailable: 16 Tomislav MRCELA (thigh – 1 week), 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
Newcastle Jets squad: GK Glen MOSS, RGK Lewis ITALIANO, 3 Jason HOFFMAN, 4 Nigel BOOGAARD, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Dimi PETRATOS, 8 Jair, 9 Roy O’DONOVAN, 10 Ronald VARGAS, 11 Mitch AUSTIN, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 14 Kaine SHEPPARD, 16 Nick COWBURN, 17 Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 22 Lachlan JACKSON, 23 Matthew RIDENTON, 24 Joe CHAMPNESS, 44 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: HOFFMAN (return from suspension), BOOGAARD (promoted), RIDENTON (promoted) - Outs: 18 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (– 1 week) - Unavailable: 5 Ben KANTAROVSKI (groin – 1 week)
25.1.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE PREVIEW
The 2019 NPLWA season officially kicks off this weekend with the Night Series starting on Friday night. The competition is split into two pools of six teams, with each side playing everyone else in their pool. The top two from each pool will advance into the semi-finals, with the Night Series final taking place on Saturday, March 9. In Pool One are newly promoted Rockingham City, Perth SC, ECU Joondalup, Stirling Lions, Inglewood United and Sorrento. In Pool Two are holders Floreat Athena, Cockburn City, Bayswater City, Armadale, Perth Glory and Balcatta.
First up on Friday evening there is a double header at E&D Litis Stadium. In Pool One NPLWA Champions Perth SC open their account against ECU Joondalup at 6.30pm, while the late game sees holders Floreat Athena entertain Bayswater City at 8.30pm in Pool Two. Athena were the form team of the league in the second half of the season and Head Coach Garrett McDuling they stormed up the table and just missed out on the top four finals. It's been quiet in the transfer market for Athena, but they have brought in former Bayswater striker Luke Ninkovic and Perth SC’s Nick Ambrogio. On the other hand, Bayswater have been very busy, bringing in ECU Joondalup quartet Daryl Nicol, Gordon Smith, Ross Millard and Adam Tong to name a few. It's a new challenge for Nicol, who won the Football West Gold Medal last season and he said the pre-season is important as the club look to bounce back from a disappointing 2018. " 2019 brings a new challenge for myself with Bayswater and it’s one I’m extremely excited about," Nicol said. "Everyone at the club has helped me settle in very quickly, the squad is shaping up nicely and we’re hoping it’s going to be another very successful campaign for the club."
Nicol won the Gold Medal and was top goalscorer last season and he said he's looking to continue that form for Bayswater, starting against Floreat Athena on Friday. "I was obviously delighted to pick up both awards and get recognition for what was a very good season personally. Although we had a disappointing season as a team at ECU, the coaching staff and players all played a huge part in me picking up both awards and I have to thank them for that," he explained. "We've been training very hard for a couple of months now and are looking very fit but we can’t wait to get going with some competitive games. It’s important we have a successful night series so that we go into the league flying and it doesn’t get much tougher than a trip to Floreat to start with. They ended 2018 very well and will be looking to take that momentum into this season so it’s the perfect test for us to see where we’re at with our new look squad."
In the earlier game ECU will be looking for their first Night Series title, while Perth have won the pre-season competition on 19 occasions, the last in 2010. The Jacks have a new look squad this season, while Perth will go in with a similar line-up, and midfielder Harley Orr said the club will be looking to produce another good season after winning the league in 2018. "Last season was an incredible year for us at Perth, and it was a terrific NPL season to be a part of," he said. "To be able to win the double again for the second time in three years is just an incredible achievement for us as players, but not only that without our coach Ramon and assistant Mark none of it would have been possible. Hopefully we can do something similar this year." Orr said Friday will be their first hit out of the season, and a good challenge against ECU and a chance to see where they are at. "The boys are really keen for the first official hit out. We had a pretty tough pre-season to make sure we are going to be fully fit for this Friday. We have had a couple pre-season games and the boys look really good. Hopefully we can hit the ground running and get a good result."
There is also a double header at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, and first up hosts Inglewood United entertain Sorrento in Pool One. It will be Trim Morgan's first official game in the hot seat at United, after replacing Andy Keogh, who stood down after last season. Both sides struggled last season, but both missed out on a top four final spot. In the late game at the same venue, newly promoted Rockingham City meet Stirling Lions. Lions will be looking for their six Night Series title, while it will be City's first time in the NPL next season, and they earned their place after a very consistent season taking out the First Division title ahead of Gwelup Croatia. Head Coach Cameron Lord said it was a huge achievement to gain promotion and all the hard work has continued. "Everyone at the club is really looking forward to the new challenges in 2019. A lot of hard work went into preparations for last season both on and off the pitch, and it was a nice feeling to be rewarded with promotion to the NPL after winning the league," he explained. "Last season’s success has drove us to work even harder to ensure that we have another enjoyable year of football at Rockingham. We are looking forward to the start of the Night Series as we continue to prepare for Round One. It is an opportunity to see where other teams are at, but our entire process in pre-season is all about what we are doing, how we want to play football, and ensuring that we are at peak fitness the first league game of the season."
The final two games take place at Dalmatinac Park, and in the opening game Armadale host Perth Glory. Both sides will be looking for their first Night Series title, but it was a breakout season for both last season, Armadale winning the State League Cup, while Glory went so close to winning their first league title, pipped at the post by Perth SC. Armadale have lost top goalscorer Chris Jackson, but they have brought in some good players to fill the void. Glory are coming off a good Foxtel Y-League campaign which saw them go unbeaten in their final three games, which included the two sides who are fighting out for the title. The late game sees host Cockburn City take on Balcatta. Cockburn went so close to the top four final last season, before losing to Perth SC and Scott Miller will be looking for more of the same this season. Balcatta improved as the season went on and head coach Goran Stajic saw some good signs that they were on the improve and a good Night Series campaign will give them some confidence.
25.1.2019
DO OUR DIE FOR GLORY WOMEN
Perth Glory Westfield W-League finals chances go on the line on Thursday evening when they travel to Marconi Stadium to take on Western Sydney Wanderers in their final away league game of the season. (Kick off 4.30pm WA Time and live on Fox Sports 505) Bobby Despotovski's side know nothing more than a win is good enough to their spot in the Finals, and they take on a team whose confidence will be high, as they are fresh off their first victory of the season last week against Adelaide United.
It's been an unsettling week in women’s football after the sensational sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, and Glory marquee player Sam Kerr, like all the other Matildas players, have been asking questions why this decision was made, but she needs to put that behind her and focus on three points for Glory, and she will. Glory have struggled away from home this season and are still searching for their first win of the season on the road, but they have a great opportunity to end that and move closer to a finals birth. The form of keeper Eliza Campbell has been a major factor in Glory's finals push, and she will need to be at her best again, while in front of her Katie Naughton and Kim Carroll need a solid game. Shannon May continues to run the midfield along with Alyssa Mautz, but it's the strike force of Kerr (10 goals) and Rachel Hill (4 goals) that has been the shining light, but they must start to turn the half chances into goals.
Head coach Bobby Despotovski knows the stakes are high in this one, and after a disappointing defeat away at Newcastle last time out, he wants a reaction from his charges tonight. "The players realise the great opportunity that we missed at Newcastle when we didn't perform as we expected to, and no-one was more disappointed than the players themselves, but now we have this Western Sydney game and we have to respond," he said. "From the training sessions that we've had, I think the girls are on the right track to perform well and get the positive result that we need. There is no hiding anymore. Results elsewhere went in our favour last weekend and we're still in the top four, but we can't drop anything in our final two games. It's still up to us and I'm looking for the players to stand up and be accountable."
One of the results that went Glory's way was Wanderers win in Adelaide, and Despotovski is expecting a tough game. "I'm expecting a hard game," he said. "I've said all year that Western Sydney are a better team than their ladder position suggests, and we have to be prepared for a very hard game." In team news, Nikki Stanton is expected to return to the side having missed the Jets game due to suspension, while Sarah Carroll could make her long-awaited return from injury. In the last meeting between the two sides in round three a brace from Rachel Hill and one from Sam Kerr gave Glory a 3-0 win, and their last two visits to the harbour City they have come home with the points, let’s hope it's third time lucky.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC Squad: GK Jada WHYMAN, GK Nicole SIMONSEN, 4 Maruschka WALDUS, 5 Rachel LOWE, 6 Servet UZUNLAR, 7 Lo’eau LABONTA, 8 Erica HALLOWAY, 9 Remy SIEMSEN, 10 Kylie LEDBROOK, 11 Elizabeth ADDO, 12 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 14 Courtney NEVIN, 15 Talitha KRAMER, 17 Sydney MIRAMONTEZ, 19 Leena KHAMIS, 20 Caitlin JARVIE - *one to be omitted* - Ins: JARVIE (returns from suspension) - Outs: Nil
Perth Glory squad: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, GK Morgan AQUINO, 2 Sarah CARROLL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ , 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11 Leticia McKENNA, 12 Jenna ONIONS, 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15 Alexia MORENO, 20 Sam KERR, 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - *two to be omitted* - Ins: Sarah CARROLL (returns from injury), STANTON (returns from suspension), GALABADAARACHCHI (promoted) - Outs: 17.Liana COOK (not selected) - Referee: Katie Patterson
24.1.2019
DESPOTOVSKI'S SIDE ALL SET FOR MUST-WIN CLASH
'There is no hiding anymore' - that is the blunt message from Perth Glory Women coach Bobby Despotovski head of this evening's game at Western Sydney Wanderers. Glory occupy fourth spot on the ladder but have Melbourne City, Adelaide United and Canberra United lining up to sneak into the finals should they slip up.
The stakes, therefore, could hardly be higher and after a disappointing defeat away at Newcastle Jets last time out, Despotovski is expecting a reaction from his charges. "The players realise the great opportunity that we missed at Newcastle when we didn't perform as we expected to," he said.
"No-one was more disappointed than the players themselves, but now we have this Western Sydney game and we have to respond. From the training sessions that we've had, I think the girls are on the right track to perform well and get the positive result that we need."
"There is no hiding anymore. Results elsewhere went in our favour last weekend and we're still in the top four, but we can't drop anything in our final two games. It's still up to us and I'm looking for the players to stand up and be accountable."
24.1.2019
POPOVIC INSISTS GLORY ARE STILL DANGEROUS DESPITE GOALS DRYING UP
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic backed his side's ability to score goals following last night's 0-0 home draw with Adelaide United. Glory looked comfortable throughout the encounter and were unlucky not to steal all three points at the death, Joel Chianese inches away from latching onto an inviting cross.
Interestingly, Glory have no failed to produce a goal in five of their last six halves of football, a stark contrast to their opening 13 games where they found the back of the net each time. Despite this, Popovic affirmed this was no cause for concern. "We get a point here, we got a point the other day in Melbourne — it’s a busy period for everyone," said Popovic.
"We’ve come through unscathed, not our best performance with the ball but we’ve got to give credit to the opposition on that as well ... I felt we were always dangerous and always a chance to score, although it wasn’t our best performance in possession. But that’s always a good sign when we feel like we can win matches when we’re not quite there."
While backing his side's ability to produce goals, Popovic was honest about the performance against Adelaide. "We always thought it would come to one goal, if any, and unfortunately we couldn’t get it," said Popovic. "But we’re pleased to keep a clean sheet in a game where we didn’t really have any rhythm in the match - that’s credit to Adelaide as well, they didn’t really allow us to get a foothold of the game."
"At any moment we’re able to make a good combination where we can score. "Jason (Davidson) had a chance from inside the box to finish it off, but unfortunately it just didn’t fall for us." The shared point keeps Glory (34 points) at the top of the A-League, although with Sydney FC (32) and Melbourne Victory (30) in hot pursuit.
23.1.2019
GLORY HELD SCORELESS AGAIN
Perth Glory's lead at the top of the Hyundai A-League has been cut to two points, after they were held to 0-0 draw by Adelaide United at HBF Park on a wet Wednesday evening. Both sides created chances but couldn't convert them, and it was Glory who almost nicked the points with the last move of the match, but Joel Chianese was inches away from Jason Davidson's cross. The result was the first time in over a year that the home supporters hadn't seen a goal, and it makes it two games on a row the Glory have failed to worry the scoreboard, which is a worry. Head Coach Tony Popovic said his side were not at their best but was happy to keep a second consecutive clean-sheet.
"It was a tough game in tough conditions. It was wet and windy, and we thought it would come down to one goal. We’re disappointed we didn’t get it, but it’s another clean sheet," he explained. "We looked very resilient in a game where our own game didn’t really flow. We were dangerous and were always a chance to score, even though it wasn’t our best game. No one really had a chance to get a foothold in the game, there was no time on the ball. It was a case of us restricting Adelaide and them restricting us. Now it’s about recovering from this game for Sunday. It’s going to be a difficult game but we’re going to make it difficult for Newcastle too"
Popovic made three changes to the side that drew against Melbourne City, with Jake Brimmer, Brendan Santalab and Shane Lowry coming into the side, with Andy Keogh and Diego Castro dropping to the bench, and Matthew Spiranovic was rested. It was a cagey opening with both sides struggling to create any chances, the first real opportunity fell to the home side on the half hour. Djulbic was given far too much space and his long-range shot was well saved by Paul Izzo. The Adelaide custodian has been in good form this season and he was alert to deny Chianese moments later.
Adelaide lifted and Craig Goodwin gave the home side a scare just before half-time with a low shot that was blocked by Liam Reddy, before Ben Halloran pounced on the rebound, but Glory were able to block out his effort. The rain cleared up in the second half, and Glory introduced Castro in the hour and Keogh five minutes later and Glory looked livelier, but Adelaide still look dangerous on the counter attack, Goodwin found space in the box on 75 minutes, but his effort was well blocked by Djulbic.
It looked like one goal would win it, and both sides went close late. Adelaide substitute Ryan Kitto goal bound shot was blocked by Grant, before the last chance of the game. A slick move ended with Davidson down the left, his low ball across the face of goal looked like it was going to be turned home by Chianese, but he couldn’t get a touch and the chance was gone and Glory had to settle for a point, in front of a disappointing crowd of only 7213.
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 78'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 11 Brendon SANTALAB (9 Andy KEOGH 66'), 20 Jake BRIMMER (17 Diego CASTRO 61'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 22 Fabio FERREIRA
Adelaide United: GK Paul IZZO, 2 Michael MARRONE, 3 Scott GALLOWAY (7 Ryan KITTO 77'), 4 Ryan STRAIN, 6 Vince LIA, 8 Isaías SÁNCHEZ, 11 Craig GOODWIN, 16 Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17 Nikola MILEUSNIC (10 Ken ILSØ, 66'), 23 Jordan ELSEY, 26 Ben HALLORAN – Subs not used: RGK Daniel MARGUŠ, 14 George BLACKWOOD, 27 Louis D’ARRIGO - Referee: Adam Kersey
22.1.2019
GLORY IN MIDWEEK ACTION AT HBF PARK
It's midweek football at HBF Park again on Wednesday evening, when Perth Glory take on Adelaide United in Week 15 of the Hyundai A-League. (7.00pm WA time). The last time they played on a Wednesday evening Glory produced their best 45 minutes of football this season, to be 3-0 up at half time, before going on to beat Sydney FC. Tony Popovic will be looking for more of the same this time around, however they will have to produce more than they did last weekend, a dull 0-0 draw against Melbourne City. It's a short turn around and Popovic will probably tinker with his starting line up again, having made 16 changes in the last three weeks.
Shane Lowry and Tomislav Mrcela were both rested last weekend, and Lowry returns to the squad but Mrcela will miss with a thigh injury. Jacob Italiano has shown enough in the last two Y-League games to also get a recall to the squad, while Fabio Ferreira, Jake Brimmer, Scott Neville and Brendon Santalab where all on the bench and will be pushing for a spot in the starting line-up. Despite last week’s poor performance veterans Diego Castro and Neil Kilkenny were both outstanding, and should keep their place, but can they play two games in five games, another dilemma for Popovic. Jason Davidson was back in the side last week and put in another solid performance, while Juande continues to improve in the middle of the park, but the strong squad hasn't let the coach down when he has rotated player.
Popovic was happy with the point in Melbourne, but thought they had chances to win it, and he also said the players are relishing the hectic schedule in January. "I thought against Melbourne City we put in a good away performance and finished very strongly. We had some opportunities to maybe win it, but also never really looked like losing that game. Our mentality was very good throughout and that was a positive aspect,” he said. “On the schedule it's so far, so good. We've got another two games to get through before we go back to a game a week. It's been a difficult period, but I'm sure the players enjoy playing a lot more than training, so I'm sure they are looking forward to the games.
"It's challenging with the travel and fatigue, but we've had some good performances and good results in the games we've played since our little break over Christmas and we hope that can continue tomorrow night. We've tried to freshen the boys up in terms of their recovery yesterday and today they'll have a light session as well. The boys are fit and healthy and enjoying their football and obviously they should be happy with where they're positioned. I'm sure they're looking forward to trying to get another three points and staying where they are."
The only ever present in the Glory side this season has been keeper Liam Reddy, and he said the coach’s rotation policy has helped them get some important wins this season, especially over the past month with most teams having played five or six games in the month during the Festive of Football. "It’s had no effect on the team, everyone comes in and does the job that’s required of them. It’s a great luxury to have in terms of having a deep squad and everybody’s going to get used through these games,” he explained. “It’s a positive that players are coming in and doing really well. It shows that we’ve got a really tight-knit group of players and staff and we’re all pushing for the one thing.”
The last time these two sides met was at Coopers Stadium when Andy Keogh and Chris Ikonomidis were on target in a 2-0 win sealed a 2-0 Glory win in Week 4, while the last time they played in Perth was in season 2017/18 in Week 14 when the Reds left with the three points after a 3-0 win. The Reds arrive in WA in good form and in sixth spot on the table and are coming off a 2-1 win against Western Sydney Wanderers with Vince Lia and Craig Goodwin on target.
They are led by inspirational skipper "Aussie" Isaias, who has been outstanding, while the form of Goodwin saw the winger selected in the Socceroos late last year. Matt Izzo is up amongst the best keepers in the league, while at the back they are tight, and have only conceded 12 goals the same as Glory, which is the second best in the league, but they will be without Danish defender Michael Jakobsen on Wednesday, as he serves a one-match ban. They have struggled somewhat up front, but with former Sydney FC George Blackwood fit again, it could be the turning point of the season in front of goal.
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: LOWRY (promoted), ITALIANO (promoted) - Unavailable: 16 Tomislav MRCELA (thigh – 1 week), 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
Adelaide United squad: GK Paul IZZO, RGK Daniel MARGUŠ, 2 Michael MARRONE, 3 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Ryan STRAIN, 6 Vince LIA, 7 Ryan KITTO, 8 Isaías SÁNCHEZ, 10 Ken ILSØ, 11 Craig GOODWIN, 14 George BLACKWOOD, 16 Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 23 Jordan ELSEY, 26 Ben HALLORAN, 27 Louis D’ARRIGO, 28 Kristin KONSTANDOPOULOS, 32 Carlo ARMIENTO - *two to be omitted* - Ins: D’ARRIGO (promoted), KONSTANDOPOULOS (promoted), ARMIENTO (promoted) - Outs: 22 Michael JAKOBSEN - (suspended - 1 week) - Unavailable: 9 Baba DIAWARA (knee), 18 Lachlan BROOK (knee), 33 Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS (quad) - Referee: Adam Kersey
22.1.2019
RYAN THE HERO AS SOCCEROOS MOVE INTO THE QUARTER-FINALS
It wasn't pretty, but the Socceroos moved into the Quarter-Final of the 2019 Asian Cup after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win against Uzbekistan at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Clear cut chances were few and far between in 90 minutes and extra time as the two sides ended 0-0, but keeper Mat Ryan was the hero saving two penalties, and Matthew Leckie, who returned off the bench after a hamstring injury, fired home the winning penalty to see Graham Arnold's side home. After the match Leckie revealed how he'd watched the Uzbek keeper react to the earlier kicks and then exploited it. "I watched the few penalties that were taken before and the keeper stood really long on his spot," he said. "I wanted to make sure if I hit it hard that way if I got it in the corner, he wouldn't have had a chance, and to be fair, of all the penalties I've taken in my life, even in training, I've never hit it that good, I think it was meant to be."
But Leckie added: "The hero of today is Matty Ryan. He's saved two unbelievable penalties - the first one, to stand that strong and to hold his hand, I just had to finish it off but he's the real hero. We've worked super hard and done everything I can to get me back and today it was a question mark for the quarter finals if we made it. But I felt good today, it's always difficult, the fitness and games. Fitness in training and fitness is two different things, but hopefully I can work hard, recover and contribute again."
Arnold made just one change to the side that beat Syria in the final group game, Trent Sainsbury returning from suspension and Massimo Luongo dropping to the bench. It was Uzbekistan who opened the brighter and should have scored on 10 minutes. Jaloliddin Masharipov played the ball into the box and Eldor Shomurodov raced in one-on-one with Ryan, but the Brighton and Hove Albion keeper stood tall to save. The Socceroos first chance came two minutes later, Aziz Behich's shot from the edge of the box was straight at Ignatiy Nesterov. Uzbekistan looked dangerous going forward and Javokhir Sidikov long-range shot fizzed over the top before Dostonbek Khamdamov did likewise moments later. The Socceroos ended the half well and put pressure on the Uzbekistan defence, but they failed to create any clear-cut chances and at the break it was scoreless.
After the break the Socceroos looked lively especially down the flanks and Rhyan Grant was a constant threat, and he went close to the opener on the hour, but his header from a corner whistled just wide of the post. Moments later Chris Ikonomidis headed wide, after good work on the right by Grant. Leckie was introduced on 68 minutes and he had an immediate impact, feeding Rogic, whose shot was saved low by Nesterov. Leckie went close himself moments later, Mark Milligan finding the Hertha Berlin winger his shot well saved low by Nesterov.
The Socceroos were well on top and Rogic and Leckie had long-range efforts fly wide, before a quick break saw Odil Ahmedov place a shot wide of the target for Uzbekistan. Australia had one final chance to win it in normal time, second half substitute Apostolos Giannou heading inches wide from Behich's cross. In extra time the Socceroos started brightly with Ikonomidis, Rogic and Leckie all having chances. Uzbekistan went close themselves in the final minute of extra time but Ikromjon Alibaev fired wide, so we were off to penalties. Mark Milligan, Robbie Kruse, Apostolos Giannou all scored in the shootout, with Aziz Behich the only one to miss when his effort was well saved by Uzbek keeper Ignatiy Nesterov. Mat Ryan saved two penalties, denying Islom Tukhthakhujaev and substitute Marat Bikmaev, before Leckie stepped up to seal the win and send the Socceroos into the last eight, where they'll face host nation UAE.
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Rhyan Grant, 5 Mark Milligan, 9 Jamie Maclaren (14 Apostolos Giannou 75'), 15 Chris Ikonomidis (10 Robbie Kruse 96'), 16 Aziz Behich, 20 Trent Sainsbury, 21 Awer Mabil (7 Mathew Leckie 68'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Tom Rogic (8 Massimo Luongo 111’)
Uzbekistan: GK Ignatiy Nesterov, 5 Anzur Ismailov, 6 Davron Khashimov, 9 Odil Ahmedov, 11 Jaloliddin Masharipov, 13 Oleg Zoteev (4 Farrukh Sayfiev 105'), 14 Eldor Shomurodov (10 Marat Bikmaev 104'), 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov (6 Azizbek Turgunbaev 107'), 19 Otabek Shukurov, 20 Islom Tukhtakhujaev, 22 Javokhir Sidikov (8 Ikromjon Alibaev73') - Referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim
21.1.2019
ROTATION HAS US ON A ROLL, SAYS GLORY'S REDDY
Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy says his teammates’ seamless adaptation to heavy squad rotations in the midst of a hectic January schedule can help the league leaders extend their seven-match unbeaten run. The strength and depth of Tony Popovic’s squad has been fully tested, with the coach making 16 changes to his starting line-ups over the past three games.
There were five changes made for Saturday's draw at Melbourne City and more are on the cards for Wednesday’s home game with Adelaide United, with Glory to back up four days later at home to Newcastle Jets. “It’s had no effect on the team,” Reddy said of Popovic’s rotation policy. “Everyone comes in and does the job that’s required of them.”
“It’s a great luxury to have in terms of having a deep squad and everybody’s going to get used through these games. It’s a positive that players are coming in and doing really well. It shows that we’ve got a really tight-knit group of players and staff and we’re all pushing for the one thing.”
Reddy is the only Glory player to have started every game this season. The shot-stopper was buoyed by a strong defensive performance against City, which delivered him a fourth clean sheet of the campaign and a first in seven matches. City have had more possession than any other team this season, but were beaten in that statistic by Glory and not allowed a single shot on target.
Reddy expected finals hopefuls Adelaide to provide a stern test after they defeated Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night. “Adelaide’s a tough team,” Reddy commented. “Isaias is a key player for them and if we can shut him down it will go a long way to helping us get the three points.”
21.1.2019
INJURY SETBACK FOR ROTHERHAM'S WILLIAMS
Attacker Ryan Williams is facing a spell on the sidelines as Rotherham United battle against injuries in their push for Championship safety. 25-year old Williams, who is comfortable playing on the wing or in a more central role, damaged his hamstring in training last week and is expected to be out of action for around three weeks.
"Willo had an accident at the training ground," said manager Paul Warne, who is also without striker Jamie Proctor (hip) and Joe Newell (groin). "His foot went over the ball and he stretched his hamstring. Regrettably, he's out for two or three weeks. That limits us quite a bit because it leaves us with only two fit wingers at the club."
20.1.2019
POPOVIC EARNS GLORY YOUTH A LATE POINT
Perth Glory ended their 2018-19 Foxtel Y-League season with a hard fought 3-3 draw against league leaders Melbourne City at CB Smith reserve on Sunday afternoon. The home side were ahead early, with Moudi Najarr on target, but Richard Garcia's side hit back, and Daniel Stynes levelled from the penalty spot, before Ethan Brooks gave them the lead. Ramy Najarrine restored parity for City and Najjar gave them the lead on the half hour. It looked like City would take the three points but a last-minute header from Kristian Popovic saw both sides share the spoils. "It was a great comeback in the end, and we fought hard as a team all game to stay in it and in the end, we got our rewards with Kristian's goal," Stynes said. "We also had to play the last ten minutes with ten men after Trent (Ostler) came off with a hamstring injury, so it shows the belief and courage amongst the group. Obviously, there are still elements what we can improve on, but overall it was a good team performance."
The Melbourne-based Glory supporters, and those who travelled over from WA for Saturday's A-League game were on hand to support the youngsters, who suffered a blow in the week, with striker Gabriel Popovic ruled out with a broken toe. It was a bright opening for the visitors and Trent Ostler's shot was saved by Ahmad Taleb. But City, who knew a win in this one would put them in pole position for the Grand Final, went close themselves on 10 minutes. Joshua Cavallo's cross field pass found Stefan Colakovski, who cut inside his marker, but his shot was saved by Nicholas Speca.
But it was City who took the lead on the quarter hour. A back heel by Connor Metcalfe on the edge of the box sent Najjar through on goal and the striker finished low past Speca. But Glory levelled moments later when Ostler was brought down in the box and referee Rhys Shelmerdine pointed straight to the spot. Stynes stepped and made no mistake from the spot. It got better for the visitors and four minutes later they hit the front. Stynes was the provider this time superbly chipping the ball into the box and Brooks raced to the by-line before beating the last defender and finishing with aplomb past Taleb.
City hit back and levelled on 25 minutes, Metcalfe was the provider again, this time sending Najarrine in on goal. It looked like the striker had held on to the ball to long and the chance was gone, but he managed to find a pocket of space and fired home, despite Speca getting a hand to it. Then five minutes later city restored their lead. Cavallo's ball into the penalty area found Najjar, whose shot on the turn gave Speca no chance. City went close to a fourth before the break, Najjarine firing wide, before Dylan Pierias' long-range shot flashed inches over the top, but at the break City led 3-2.
Both sides had early chances after the break, Portelli's curling free kick whistled over the top, while Stynes low cut back from the by-line but there was no one there to finish it off. Roared on by the VAG (Victorian Association of Glory Supporters) Glory were on top and created a number of half chances, and pushing players forward they were nearly caught out on 85 minutes when City scored but the flag was up for offside. Glory were pushing hard for the equaliser and Cameron Murray headed inches over the top on 88 minutes, but in the final minute they found it.
Stynes' corner from the left found Popovic who headed powerfully home. City almost nicked the points in stoppage time when Metcalfe's long-range shot was well saved by Speca. The result moved Glory to third on the table having won three, lost three and drawn two of their eight games this term. "It was a decent display and although we had some lapses of concentration, I was very impressed by the boys' willingness to stick at it and keep going and in the end, we could have snatched the win,” Glory Head Coach Richard Garcia told the Glory website. “We definitely deserved something out of the game, we were on top in the second half and were nice and calm and composed which is what we asked for from the lads at half time. We've made good progress from the start of the season. There is still so much work to do with the guys, but they've come on nicely and the good thing is that they are all eager and engaged and want to get better."
Melbourne City: GK Ahmad TALEB, (RGK Majak MAWITH 62'), 41 Mitchell GRAHAM, 36 Dylan PIERIAS, 43 Lucas PORTELLI, 45 Mark KARLIC, 51 Idrus ABDULAHRI (47 Luke DUZEL 61'), 38 Joshua CAVALLO, 34 Connor METCALFE, 30 Moudi NAJARR, 55 Stefan COLLAKOVSKI, (37 Gianluca IANNUCCI 61') 39 Ramy NAJARRINE (53 Nicholas HATZIGEORGIOU 75') - Subs not used: None
Perth Glory: GK Nicholas SPECA, 2 Daniel WALSH, 3 Nicholas WALSH, 4 Kristian POPOVIC, 5 Henry HORE (C), 6 Jayden LEADER (15 Cameron MURRAY 46'), 7 Ethan BROOKS (14 Walter SCOTT 46'), 8 Trent OSTLER, 9 Jaidon SELDEN, 10 Jacob ITALIANO (16 Aidan EDWARDS 46'), 11 Daniel STYNES - Subs not used: RGK Jackson LEE - Referee - Rhys Shelmerdine
20.1.2019
SHOCKED AND UPSET’ KERR DENIES FEDERATION GAG
Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has denied being gagged by Football Federation Australia in the wake of coach Alen Stajcic’s sacking on Saturday. Kerr was scheduled to speak at a Perth Glory football clinic hours after the news broke, but the club backtracked at the last minute and said FFA had intervened and requested she not answer questions from the media.
Kerr took to Twitter today to clarify the situation, suggesting she pulled out of the media opportunity in order to gather her thoughts. “I have not been gagged by the FFA, I have not commented because I wasn’t ready to comment while I am still shocked and upset,” Kerr wrote. “My trust was in Staj to lead us to the World Cup final & I believe he was the best coach for that.”
Kerr is the latest Matilda to publicly back the sacked coach after a flurry of social media activity on Saturday. Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna cast a shadow over the motivation behind Stajcic’s axing by tweeting a gif containing the words, “The lies! The lies!” FFA chairman Chris Nikou and chief executive David Gallop said Stajcic’s sacking came after two confidential surveys and discussions with players and staff.
19.1.2019
UZBEKISTAN SHOULDN'T BE UNDERESTIMATED, INSISTS GRIFFITHS
Uzbekistan are a tough and talented team that is headed in the right direction under veteran Argentine coach Hector Cuper, and will not be easy opponents when the Socceroos face them in the Asian Cup. That’s the view of Melbourne CIty midfielder Rostyn Griffiths, who returned to the A-League this season after playing for Uzbek league side Pakhtakor Tashkent.
Griffiths’ time in the central Asian national gave him a good insight into Uzbek football and he insists the Socceroos will be in for a fight when they take on Uzbeksitan in the Asian Cup round of 16. He played alongside a number of the current Uzbek national team who are part of their Asian Cup squad, including defenders Akmal Shorakhmedov, Egor Krimets and Farrukh Sayfiev, and forward Jaloliddin Masharipov.
Uzbekistan might be ranked 95th in the world, and have never beaten Australia in their past three encounters, but 30-year old Griffiths has warned they remain dangerous. “You definitely can’t underestimate the Uzbeks, they’ve got some talented players and they’re fighters as a nation as well so they’re no easy-beats,” Griffiths told The World Game.
“All they’ve really lacked in the past is some organisation, so with a foreign coach I think that’s the missing piece. The whole nation is on the rise at the moment and the football team is no different, they’re staring to put proper investment in to it and realising what they’re missing. Also with a foreign coach the best players are no playing as opposed to before it was all about who knew who.”
Striker Eldor Shomurodov is the star of Uzbek football and has already scored four goals in this Asian Cup, getting on the scoresheet against Oman, Turkmenistan and Japan. Griffiths believes Shomurodov and team captain Odil Ahmedov are the White Wolves’ two biggest threats. “Eldor is a tidy player, he’s a bit of a pin-up boy for Uzbek football,” he said.
“For me, the captain Akhmedov is the biggest danger, everything comes through him and he’s the real king of Uzbekistan. He stands up in the big games and proved why he’s lasted so long at a big club in China. I’ve played with quite a few players in the squad, the best one in Jaloliddin Marsharipov. He’s not starting right now under this coach, but technically he’s probably the best and the quickest player playing in Uzbekistan at the moment.
“I would be targeting Egor Krimets as he’s the slowest of the lot and very prone to a red card. [But] I would still expect the Socceroos to have too much for them. Especially with an early goal, I think that would kill them. But if they score first they’ll pull out all the stops of game tactics and make it very frustrating for the Socceroos.”
Griffiths made nine appearances for Pakhhtakor Taskkent after leaving Perth Glory in 2017. The midfielder cut short his stay in Uzbekistan after his wife fell pregnant and joined Melbourne City last July. “Initially I loved Tashkent, it was all new and exciting,” he said. “However it’s so different to what we are used to and there’s almost nothing there that most people would know ... so after a while to do simple things became very hard.
“The language barrier for me is the hardest place I’ve ever been with almost nobody speaking English, so day to day things become overwhelming. Once we found out my wife got pregnant then we knew we couldn’t see out my contract there so decided to explore other options. When the doctors there were suggesting we have the baby outside of Uzbekistan then we knew we couldn’t stay.”
19.1.2019
DULL DRAW AS GLORY AND CITY CANCEL EACH OTHER OUT
Perth Glory and Melbourne City have played out a dull 0-0 draw in Week 14 of the Hyundai A-League at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon. The game never reached any heights and will not go down as a classic, with both teams cancelling each other out. City were the better in the first half and Glory in the second, but only one shot on target from each side showed how poor this game was but may be the 'Summer of Hero’s' campaign which has seen all clubs play seven games in a month may have taken its toll.
“I think coming to Melbourne away from home, I think overall we’re happy to go home with a point,” Head Coach Tony Popovic said. “When we analyse the game, we played well, we created good opportunities. We had more possession than a team that has the most in the league so, for an away performance, the only thing missing was three points, but we go home with a point on the road and we move forward. In midfield, we had good control of the game. I think we gave it away a bit too easily in the first half and our ball speed wasn’t as high as it’s been recently but in the second half, I think we really nullified them and put a lot of pressure on them.
“In the last 10, 15 minutes we looked a threat and looked like we could score at any moment so overall, we’re pleased with the performance. You’d always like three points but today’s a good point.” Popovic made five changes to the side that beat Western Sydney Wanderers last week with skipper Diego Castro, Jason Davidson, Matthew Spiranovic, Neil Kilkenny and Dino Djulbic coming into the side. Shane Lowey and Tomislav Mrcela were rested, while Scott Neville, Fabio Ferreira and Jake Brimmer dropped to the bench.
It was the home side who started the brighter, but they didn’t turn their possession into chances. Glory were first to threaten on the quarter hour, Kilkenny’s long-range shot was straight at City keeper Eugene Galekovic. Glory went close again after City failed to deal with a corner, but his shot flashed the wrong side of the upright. City were struggling up front, and with Bruno Fornaroli looking on from the stands, they could have done with him. They created a couple of half chances before the break, the best set up by former Leicester City defender Ritchie De Laet, but French midfielder Florin Berenguer-Bohrer completely scuffed his close-range effort.
We were hoping things would get better after the break, and Glory were on the front foot and should have taken the lead on the hour. Kilkenny played a defence-splitting ball to Andy Keogh, who raced into the box, but Harrison Delbridge got back with a perfectly-timed challenge as the Irishman was about to pull the trigger. City looked like they were defending for a point, much to the displeasure of their supporters and when an image of coach Warren Joyce came on the big screen many booed him.
The game heated in the final ten minutes with both sides looking to nick the winner. First Castro played Keogh in on goal again, this time he raced clear of the defence, but Galekovic stood tall to deny him. Moments later former Glory Scott Jamieson’s cross shot beat Liam Reddy, but the crossbar came to the keepers’ rescue. It was Glory making all the forward pressure late, but they couldn’t find the winner and had to do with a point, which keeps them top of the table and four points ahead of the chasing pack.
Melbourne City: GK Eugene GALEKOVIC, 2 Ritchie De LAET, 3 Scott JAMIESON (c), 4 Harrison DELBRIDGE, 5 Bart SCHENKEVELD, 7 Rostyn GRIFFITHS (25 Iacopo LA ROCCA 76'), 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON (26 Luke BRATTAN 46'), 15 Kearyn BACCUS, 19 Lachlan WALES, 22 Curtis GOOD, 27 Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER (8 Riley MCGREE 61') - Subs not used: RGK James DELIANOV, 36 Dylan PIERIAS
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE 69'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE (11 Brendon SANTALAB 74'), 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO (20 Jake BRIMMER 90+5'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY – Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 22 Fabio FERREIRA - Referee: Shaun Evans
18.1.2019
STAJCIC SENSATIONALLY SACKED AS MATILDAS COACH
After moving the Matildas to a top six ranking in the world, coach Alen Stajcic has been sensationally sacked by Football Federation Australia, less than five months before the start of the Women’s World Cup. FFA chairman Chris Nikou and chief executive David Gallop confirmed the decision at a packed media conference in Sydney on Saturday. Gallop said the move was based on the results of two confidential surveys as well as discussions with players, staff and coaches, and “we no longer feel confident Alen is the right person to lead the team and the staff”.
“The decision was based on the findings of two confidential surveys … as well as discussions done with players, staff and the coaches as well,” he said. “There’s definitely some serious findings from the surveys and discussions and a view that things have deteriorated in recent times. It’s difficult to go into specifics because of the confidentiality arrangement around the nature of the surveys. It’s fair to say that workplace issues around the culture of the set up but it’s difficult to go into specifics. We will move as quickly as possible to appoint a coach for the Cup of Nations and the preparation for the World Cup and indeed the World Cup itself in June and July.”
Perth Glory superstar Sam Kerr has denied being gagged by Football Federation Australia in the wake of coach the sacking on Saturday. Kerr was scheduled to speak at a club football clinic hours after the news broke, but the club backtracked at the last minute and said FFA had intervened and requested she not answer questions from the media. The striker took to Twitter today to clarify the situation, suggesting she pulled out of the media opportunity in order to gather her thoughts.
“I have not been gagged by the FFA, I have not commented because I wasn’t ready to comment while I am still shocked and upset,” she said. “My trust was in Staj to lead us to the World Cup final and I believe he was the best coach for that.” Kerr is the latest Matilda to publicly back the sacked coach after a flurry of social media activity on Saturday. Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna cast a shadow over the motivation behind Stajcic’s axing by tweeting a gif containing the words, “The lies! The lies!” – It’s also reported many of the players are demanding he is reinstated – there is more to come from this.
18.1.2019
CITY UP NEXT FOR LEAGUE LEADERS
The games keep coming quick and fast for Hyundai A-League leaders Perth Glory, and after back to back home wins against Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers they head east for Week 14 to take on fourth placed Melbourne City on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Park. It will be Glory's fifth game in 20 days, but they keep getting the job done, although last week’s sensational fightback against the Wanderers was a close thing, but a Diego Castro inspired comeback maintained their six-point lead at the top. That lead was cut to three points when Melbourne Victory thrashed Brisbane Roar in midweek, and with Sydney, Adelaide United and Melbourne City pressing a win on Saturday will keep them all in their shadow. City did however lose ground on Glory after a surprise loss at Central Coast Mariners in midweek, so they will be looking to bounce back on Saturday.
Both sides have been in the transfer news in recent weeks, with reports Glory striker Andy Keogh and City's Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli could be swapping clubs. But Tony Popovic, and Keogh himself have denied it, and I'm sure the Irishman will be doing all he can on Saturday to bring the three points home. Again, all the focus will be on which team Popovic will select this week. In the past two games he has made ten changes, and after Sunday's tough battle with the Wanderers he might tinker again. He rested Matthew Spiranovic and Neil Kilkenny for the Wanderers game, and it likes they will return, a huge game for Kilkenny against his former club, while Jason Davidson, Castro and Brendan Santalab all came off the bench last week and all had good games - Good luck with that one Popa.
Popovic said it’s a good problem to have and he believes they can get better, which is a worry for the rest of the league. "We'll put out a team that we believe will win this game," he said. "It won't revolve around resting anyone. We've had a few days to recharge. It's only a six-day turnaround, but at this stage that feels like a lifetime. I believe we can be a lot fitter, and I don't believe we're fit enough yet to play our style of football for 90 minutes. But that will grow and that will get better. It's not easy to open up and play at all times the way we want to. Physically it's very demanding. We've got to keep working on that and improving that, and hopefully the minutes will get longer and longer that we can dominate games."
Without Fornaroli City Head coach Warren Joyce has tried a number of players up top, Lachlan Wales looked good and scored in the midweek defeat, while last weekend defender Ritchie De Laet did the job and popped up with the winner against Brisbane. The midfield battle will be interesting with Dario Vidosic, Rostyn Griffiths and Luke Brattan are forming a tough combination, so whoever Glory go with it's vital to get that spot right. Jake Brimmer and Juande were the pair against Wanderers, but with Kilkenny coming back, will he give Brandon Wilson some game time in the middle or will he go for Spiranovic, who can play that role too. At the back Shane Lowry was replaced at half time last week, no injury has been mentioned, but with Scott Neville, Tomislav Mrcela and Alex Grant all putting in good shifts, this is another tough choice for the coach, but a good one to have.
City get back Harrison Delbridge to the side as the defender returns from his one-match ban for the accumulation of yellow cards. Dario Vidosic also joins him in the 18-man squad with the attacker still touch and go with the hip injury that has kept him out of the previous three matches. Osama Malik is under an injury cloud and will be given the maximum time to prove his fitness for Saturday with the defender picking up a corked thigh against the Mariners, while Mark Birighitti could also miss with a back injury, he has been replaced in the squad by James Delianov, but will also be given up to kick off to prove he is fit.
Melbourne City FC squad: GK Eugene GALEKOVIC, RGK James DELIANOV, 2 Ritchie De LAET, 3 Scott JAMIESON (c), 4 Harrison DELBRIDGE, 5 Bart SCHENKEVELD, 6 Osama MALIK, 7 Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 8 Riley MCGREE, 10 Dario VIDOSIC, 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15 Kearyn BACCUS, 19 Lachlan WALES, 21 Ramy NAJJARINE, 22 Curtis GOOD, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 27 Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER, 34 Connor METCALFE - *two to be omitted* - Ins: DELBRIDGE (return from suspension), VIDOSIC (promoted) - Outs: Nil
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 15 Brandon WILSON, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SPIRANOVIC, WILSON - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 19.Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
18.1.2019
GLORY YOUTH SIDE HAVE CITY IN THEIR SIGHTS
PGFC academy First Team will play their final Foxtel Y-League game this weekend, when they visit CB Smith Reserve to take on Melbourne City. After back-to-back wins the youngsters currently sit in third spot on the Conference A table, two points behind Sunday's opponents, and they can have a say who will play in the Grand Final next month, with City vying for top spot with Brisbane Roar. Gabriel Popovic has settled in nicely at the club, after his move along with his brother Kristian from Western Sydney Wanderers last season, and he was outstanding in the 4-2 win against Adelaide United last time out, and the 15-year-old said they fought the game out well and deserved the three points.
"It was a great team performance from the boys against Adelaide, especially after going down to ten men," he explained. "We fought hard together for the full 90 minutes, and it was great to come away with the three points and win back-to-back games for the first time this season. "My brother and I have settled in well, as it's never easy to join a new club, but the boys have been great with helping us settle into the new environment."
The striker, who is the son of Hyundai A-League Head Coach Tony Popovic, will miss the trip after a training ground injury, but he said the young group have improved and are now performing well and they head into the final game full of confidence, and will be doing all they can to end their season on a high. "I'm really disappointed to miss the game due an injury I picked up in training, but that’s football, the boys head over to Melbourne full of confidence," he said. "The squad have been working very hard every week in training, and it's so glad to see it showing on the pitch. We want to win every match we play in and Sunday will be no different, so hopefully the boys get the job done and end the season on a high."
Head coach Richard Garcia was pleased with his sides battling performance against Adelaide and he said it showed how far the squad has come this season. "To go down to ten men so early in the game wasn't ideal, but it showed me that the group have been taking things on board and they played with courage" he explained. "They fought for everything and continued to try and play the football we want to play. They have worked hard so far this season and they now starting to find their feet as a group, but there is still plenty of room for improvement and hard work ahead.
Garcia said City are a talented side and he is confident they can go there and put in a positive performance. "It's the final game of the season and the players have another opportunity to play against a good opponent and test themselves" he said. "The guys are gelling well as a group and have grown, which is a great to see. We lost Zayd last week early in the game and everyone dug in and played with a fair amount of maturity, it’s pleasing to see. It’s now about reproducing those performances consistently "
17.1.2019
HARD WORK RE-IGNITES DAVIDSON'S NATIONAL DREAM
Perth Glory defender Jason Davidson's mental strength and appetite for hard work have reignited his hopes of a return to the national set-up. Davidson has been a key in Glory's table-topping run, playing all 13 games and coming off the bench to help spark Sunday's 4-3 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Davidson is expected to feature in Saturday's clash with Melbourne City as coach Tony Popovic rotates his players in a heavy schedule. But it could have been a very different story. A hairline fracture was discovered in his back when he joined West Bromwich Albion after an impressive 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"It's something that I've had from young apparently," said Davidson, who has 22 Socceroos caps. "I don't even know where it is. It has been a test of my mental side at times, but it's important to be strong mentally to keep going. I just try to focus on the positive side and keep the negative stuff out of my head."
WBA retained Davidson despite the injury but after a couple of games he moved to Huddersfield Town. He was also with Groningen before signing for Glory from Croatian side Rijeka, where he was loaned out to Slovenian club Olimpija Ljublijana.
Davidson has dropped 5kg under the tough Popovic regime. "I came to Perth to get back to a level where I needed to be. I thought Tony was the best coach to give me the opportunity to get back in the national team," he said.
"It's been fantastic to feel fresh and fit again. It's enjoyable to play with a smile on my face, be happy and enjoy my football. Every player should have the ambition to play for their country. I've been fortunate enough to have tasted that and it's something I aspire to again."
16.1.2019
POPOVIC'S WARNING TO A-LEAGUE RIVALS
Here's a scary thought for Perth Glory's rivals - coach Tony Popovic reckons his players are going to get even fitter in the coming weeks. Glory have built a reputation for their elite fitness this season, with Popovic's demanding training regime helping his team snatch a series of wins at the death.
Glory's dominance late in games was on display again last Sunday when they came from 3-1 down in the 77th minute to snatch a 4-3 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Glory are three points clear on top of the table - a margin they can extend to six with victory over Melbourne City on Saturday night.
Popovic has been thrilled with his team's sensational start to the 2018/19 season. But he's adamant they can go to another level. "I believe we can be a lot fitter," Popovic said. "I don't believe we're fit enough yet to play our style of football for 90 minutes.
"But that will grow and that will get better. It's not easy to open up and play at all times the way we want to. Physically it's very demanding. We've got to keep working on that and improving that, and hopefully the minutes will get longer and longer that we can dominate games."
Popovic successfully rotated his squad during a recent stretch of three games in eight days. The former Socceroo is likely to do the same when Glory take on Melbourne City (away), Adelaide (home) and Newcastle (home) over the space of eight days.
15.1.2019
ROGIC SECURES SOCCEROOS SPOT IN KNOCKOUT STAGE
A late goal from Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic has secured the Socceroos a place in the knock-out stage of the 2019 Asian Cup after a 3-2 win in Group B against Syria at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday evening. The holders were made to fight for the win against a determined Syria, who were roared on by a vocal crowd. Awer Mabil gave Graham Arnold's side the lead just before half time, but Syria hit back moments later, Omar Khrbin scoring from close-range. Perth Glory winger Chris Ikonomidis regained the lead for the Socceroos, but a dubious penalty ten minutes from time by Omar Al-Soma restored parity. Another Syria goal would have knocked the Socceroos out, and there were some nervy moments, but Rogic calmed the nerves in stoppage time, firing home superbly from the edge of the box.
"It's fantastic, a wonderful learning process," Arnold said. "The older boys did very well with their leadership, we knew that Syria were going to throw everything at us but we did well tonight. We're very grateful and happy to go through to the last 16, I do believe the longer we go, the longer the learning experience for these guys on a four-year journey. That was a difficult pitch to play on, very quick, Mabil is a terrific striker. That's another learning experience. Past experiences show that when you score a goal or concede you have a three- or four-minute emotional window where you can switch off. Straight after we scored, we conceded, that’s when you have to be more focused than ever.”
Many were concerned in some of the defending on the night, but Arnold said he is focusing on the positives for now. "It's when there are a lot of long balls, it can become a lottery with the second ball," he said. "The first goal was a mental thing, the second one, you said I don't want to look at - it was a penalty, there's not a lot we can do. "This journey is really exciting, I'm learning a lot on how to deal with training sessions. Without four players out there tonight through injury and suspension, it was a mighty performance."
Arnold made one forced change to the starting line up from the win against Palestine, with Massimo Luongo coming into midfield, with skipper Mark Milligan dropping back to the centre of defence in place of the suspended Trent Sainsbury. It was Syria who settled the quicker, and they looked dangerous every time they went forward, and the dangerous Khrbin went close to the opener on 13 minutes, but he fired wide of the post. The Socceroos should have taken the lead eight minutes later, Rhyan Grant's teasing cross picked out Jamie Maclaren, who lost his marker, but his glancing header flashed wide - he should have done better. Maclaren, who scored his first goal for the green and gold against Palestine, went close again on 36 minutes.
The Hibernian striker was picked out by Rogic, but Ibrahim Alma produced a good save to deny him completed a better save to deny Maclaren's follow up. But the keeper could do little on 41 minutes when the Socceroos hit the front. Ikonomidis found Mabil, whose curling shot flew in the top corner of the net, much to the relief of the Australian fans in the crowd. But they say you are always vulnerable just after you score and that was the case as Syria levelled two minutes later. Mouaiad Al Ajaan cross was headed goal wards by Khrbin, Mat Ryan saved, but the ball wasn't cleared and when it was returned back into the box Khrbin side footed home from close-range.
The Socceroos re-grouped at the break and they opened well with Mabel firing over the top, and on 54 minutes they regained the lead. Rogic's slide-rule pass picked out Ikonomidis on the left of the penalty area and he finished low past Alma, and despite a desperate goal line clearance from ? the goal was awarded, much to displeasure of the Syrian players, who surrounded the referee as they thought the ball hadn't crossed the line, but the goal stood, and replays later showed it did go over the line. Syria were then adamant they had a penalty when it looked like the ball hit the arm of skipper Milligan in the box, but the referee waved away their penalty claims, I think the Socceroos got away with that one.
Arnold's side looked to kill the game off and Rogic's low shot was saved by Alma, before Ikonomidis fired just wide on 70 minutes. They went closer five minutes later, second half substitute Apostolos Giannou raced down the right channel, his low shot beat Alma, but crashed off the far post and away to safety. But on 79 minutes they certainly didn't when Omar Al Soma fell in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Replay's showed he had been brought down by his own team mate, but Al Soma sent Ryan the wrong way to level things up again.
It was now Syria pressing for the winner and Fahad Youssef long-range shot flashed wide, and moments later Tamer Hag Mohamad did likewise. It was tense, as one more goal to Syria would end the Socceroos campaign, but in third minute of stoppage time they scored the vital third. Ikonomidis found space down the right and intelligently squared to the ball to Rogic on the edge of the box and he finished clinically to win it. The Socceroos' Round of 16 opponents will be the Group F runner-up, which will be determined when Japan and Uzbekistan square off in the early hours of Friday morning.
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Rhyan Grant, 5 Mark Milligan, 8 Massimo Luongo (6 Matthew Jurman 90+1'), 9 Jamie Maclaren (14 Apostolos Giannou 68'), 15 Chris Ikonomidis, 16 Aziz Behich, 21 Awer Mabil (10 Robbie Kruse 82'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Tom Rogic
Syria: GK Ibrahim Alma, 2 Ahmad Al Saleh, 3 Mouaiad Al Ajaan, 5 Omro Al Midani, 7 Omar Khrbin, 8 Mahmoud Almawas, 9 Omar Al Soma, 10 Mohammed Osman (21 Fahad Youssef 72'), 12 Hussein Al Jwayed (15 Abdul Malek Anizan 74'), 14 Tamer Hag Mohamad, 20 Khaled Al Mbayed (18 Mohamad Zaher Almedani 83') – Referee - Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
13.1.2019
GLORY FIGHTBACK TO BEAT WANDERERS
Perth Glory maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Hyundai A-League after a gutsy come from behind 4-3 win against Western Sydney Wanderers at HBF Park on Sunday afternoon. Goals either side of half time from Kwame Yeboah and Roly Bonevacia looked like it would end Glory's recent good form, but second half substitute Diego Castro pulled one back. Abraham Majok then added Wanderers' third and it looked grim for Tony Popovic's side, but goals from Ivan Franjic, Andy Keogh and a controversial Juande penalty four minutes from time completed the stunning comeback.
"It was a crazy sort of game," Popovic said post-match. "We created an amazing opportunity in the first couple of minutes and we didn't take it. They've [Wanderers] been very dangerous all year and are a very dynamic team, but we defended very poorly today, so it was no real surprise that we struggled at times. But what can you say about the character of the boys? You're down 3-1 in the 77th minute at home and you win 4-3. It's quite special. I'm just delighted for everyone involved and I'm sure it's a night that the fans will remember."
Glory made five changes to the side that beat Sydney FC on Wednesday with Scott Neville and Tomislav Mrcela came into the back line for the rested Matthew Spiranovic and Jason Davidson, who dropped to the bench. Juande came into the middle of the park for Neil Kilkenny, who dropped to the bench, while Andy Keogh and Fabio Ferreira came in to the front line, with Diego Castro and Brendan Santalab also dropping to the bench, as the coach continued his rotation policy. While the Wanderers were missing import players Oriol Riera and Alexander Baumjohann.
The home side made a good start and should have taken the lead after only three minutes. A neat one-two between Ferreira and Neville sent the defender down the right, his cross picked out the unmarked Keogh five meters from goal, but the Irish striker headed inches wide. The side selected by Glory had raised a few eye brows in the 9,000 crowd, but it was a good start and Juande tested Wanderers keeper Nicholas Suman moments later.
It was the second visit to Perth for the Wanderers this season, and they starting to get on top in this one and Yeboah was denied by a smart save by Liam Reddy. Yeboah, who has recent signed for the Wanderers from German club Fortuna Köln was a real handful and he was thwarted again by Reddy as they pressed for the opener and it duly came six minutes before half time. Nick Fitzgerald's corner flicked off the head of Shane Lowry and Yeboah turned the ball home at the back post despite Mrcela's attempted goal line clearance.
Popovic made a double change at the break, bringing on Castro and Davidson for Shane Lowry and Joel Chianese, and once again it was a positive start, with Suman getting down well at his near post to save Franjic's effort, but against the run of play it was the visitors who doubled their advantage on 67 minutes. A quick break down the left by substitute Abraham Majok, who had replaced the injured Jordan O'Doherty after only 18 minutes, he released Yeboah who squared the ball to Bonevacia, and the Dutch striker made no mistake from the edge of the box.
It didn't look good for Glory, but they are a new team under Popovic, and they reduced the margin four minutes later. Jake Brimmers’s cross wasn’t dealt with and Neville’s shot was turned home by Castro from close-range. The flag was up for offside but after consulting with his assistant the goal stood. But the game swung back in the visitors’ favour when Yeboah led another quick counter-attack and laid the ball off for Majok to fire low past Reddy. Many in the ground thought that was game over, but Glory had other ideas. First on 79 minutes Castro’s cross was headed against the bar by Alex Grant and Franjic fired home the rebound to make it 3-2.
Then four minutes later the home side drew level, Castro slipped Franjic down the right and his low cross was turned home by Keogh at the back post. Glory were well on top and two minutes later Glory won it, when Keogh was pulled down in the box by Brendan Hamill and referee Kurt Ams pointed to the spot. It looked a little soft, but VAR gave it the all clear and Juande finished with aplomb. But the action hadn’t finished there and in the third minute of stoppage time Jaushua Sotirio found space in the box, but Grant got back with a last-ditch tackle to deny him and seal a remarkable comeback.
Wanderers head coach Marcus Babbel was left fuming after the game and thought the officials got some of the decisions wrong. “If I say that, what I think, what is in me then I get a (fine) or I get banned, so I’m not talking about it,” he said post-match. “But you have the chance to talk about it because I saw a fantastic game, two games played a really good style of football I think for the supporters, for the people in the stadium, was a fantastic game to watch." He also added he struggled to see how there were “so many mistakes” in the A-League, given the presence of the VAR. "This is what I don’t understand. Now you have the help with the VAR and even then, you do so many mistakes,” he said. “This is very hard to accept and especially if you have a team on the pitch like today with so many young players that deserved definitely more. But what will you do?”
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Alex GRANT, 4 Shane LOWRY (3 Jason DAVIDSON 46'), 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE (17 Diego CASTRO 46'), 9 Andy KEOGH, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA (11 Brendon SANTALAB 81'), 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 88 Neil KILKENNY
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Nicholas SUMAN, 5 Brendan HAMILL (c), 7 Nick FITZGERALD (22 Rashid MAHAZI 62'), 8 Jordan O’DOHERTY (49 Abraham MAJOK 18'), 11 Bruce KAMAU, 13 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 17 Keanu BACCUS, 21 Tarek ELRICH, 27 Kwame YEBOAH (16 Jaushua SOTIRIO 87'), 28 Roly BONEVACIA, 33 Tate RUSSELL - Subs not used: RGK Vedran JANJETOVIC, 14 Mathieu CORDIER - Referee: Kurt Ams
13.1.2019
UNDERSTRENGTH JETS DEAL GLORY'S TOP TWO HOPES A BLOW
Perth Glory's top-two finish lies in tatters this morning after a disappointing 1-3 defeat against an understrength Newcastle Jets at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday afternoon. Skipper Sam Kerr gave them the lead at half time, but after the break it was all Jets and goals to Arin Wright, Tara Andrews and Cortnee Vine stunned Bobby Despotovski's side and has really dented their top two aspirations, while the win bolstered the Jets finals chances.
"We did not play well in the second half, not at all and it was very disappointing," Despotovski said post-match. "It was a pretty even game in the first half and we took our goal well. I thought the girls played well in the first half, but the second half was horrendous.
"I'm not sure that Newcastle are better than us quality-wise, but it looked like they wanted it more and it was exactly the same as the second half against Melbourne Victory [in Round 9]. Once things started not to go our way, we seemed to want to hide and that's not acceptable. We need to calm down now, reflect on the game and then get back on the training ground, regroup and get ready for the Western Sydney game. The finals places are all still up for grabs."
Glory opened brightly and went close to the lead on 23 minutes, Leticia McKenna’s shot was well saved by Jets keeper Britt Eckerstrom. The home side went close moments later, Arin Wright shot flashed inches over the top. But on the half hour Glory hit the front. Rachel Hill's cross was headed home by Kerr for her 50th goal in Glory colours. Glory custodian Eliza Campbell made sure they would go to the break with the lead, producing a stunning save to thwart Jenna Kingsley.
The Jets lifted after the break and Hannah Brewer and Gema Simon both went close before Wright levelled things up on the hour, a well-struck shot from the edge of the box. The home side hit the front four minutes later, Andrews capitalised after some hesitant Glory defending. Kerr did come close to restoring parity with a header, while substitute Lexie Moreno also fired just over the bar, but they couldn’t find a away past the impressive Eckerstrom. With Glory pushing players forward the Jets wrapped up the points in stoppage time, Vine shot took a deflection and rolled in to the net past Campbell.
Newcastle Jets FC: GK Britt ECKERSTROM, 2 Hannah BREWER, 4 Libby COPUS-BROWN (11 Cortnee VINE 61'), 5 Arin WRIGHT, 6 Cassidy DAVIS, 7 Gema SIMON, 12 Tara ANDREWS (19 Pana PETRATOS 89'),17 Jenna KINGSLEY, 18 Clare WHEELER, 22 Larissa CRUMMER, 32 Tessa TAMPLIN (25 Teigan COLLISTER 72') - Subs not used: RGK Claire COELHO
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY (15 Alexia MORENO, 84'), 9 Rachel HILL, 10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (17 Liana COOK 45'), 11 Leticia McKENNA (12 Jenna ONIONS 56'), 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 20 Sam KERR (c), 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO - Referee - Isabella Blaess
12.1.2019
KEOGH INSISTS HE'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE
Perth Glory's chances of snaring Bruno Fornaroli appear dead in the water after Andy Keogh expressed his desire to stay in Perth. Melbourne City were exploring the prospect of a blockbuster trade that would have seen them send Fornaroli to Glory in a straight swap for Keogh.
Fornaroli's hefty pay packet was already shaping to be a major stumbling block, while City were also hesitant to send the star attacker to a title rival. The final nail on the head could be Keogh's preference to stay in Perth, where he is settled with an extended family.
"I see my future here," said Keogh, who joined Glory in 2000 and the clubs' fourth highest goalscorer with 47 goals in 106 appearances. "I'm settled in Perth with my family and have enjoyed my time in WA over the past four-and-a-half years."
"I'm close to finalising my Australian citizenship and have built up a good relationship with the passionate fans who have always been great to me through the good and the bad. They're also my harshest critics which is great because it pushes me to perform even better."
The 32-year old has been in strong form this season, netting seven goals in 12 games. "I'm in form at the moment, enjoying my football and loving the new regime under Tony Popovic," Keogh said. "The team has been performing consistently and I'm happy to have contributed more to that this season, long may it continue."
12.1.2019
'THIS IS JUST THE START' SAYS SOCCEROO IKONOMIDIS
Look out Asia, the Socceroos are just getting started - that's the message from Perth Glory's Chris Ikonomidis after Australia kick-started their AFC Asian Cup defence with a 3-0 win over Palestine. The 23-year-old made the most of being handed a start by providing assists for Awer Mabil and Aposotolos Giannou in a bright display.
"I'm happy with my performance and the team's win," Ikonomidis said. "We've got a squad full of talented players. This is Australia. This is just the start for us, we're only just getting warmed up. There's so much more to give. I think there's a real buzz in camp and everyone's excited for the next match."
Ikonomidis's rise to Socceroos starter is one of several exciting emergences in Australian football since last year's FIFA World Cup. His ball to Mabil for the South Sudanese refugee's strike was a combination between two 23-year olds who weren't part of Australia's squad at last year's World Cup in nRussia.
"I told him before the match to come in on my right foot and I'll have my head up, just cut across the defence and I'll look for you. We performed that," Ikonomidis said. "Getting that one win and having the goals flow brings a little bit of relaxation and more confidence to team."
12.1.2019
TRAINING GROUND INJURY RULES LYDEN OUT FOR THE SEASON
Aston Villa's Jordan Lyden is out for the remainder of the 2018/19 season following a freak injury in training. The midfielder was recalled by Villa boss Dean Smith earlier in the week from on loan to League Two side Oldham Athletic.
22-year old Lyden damaged a muscle when he simply had a shot at the end of a training session, with scans showing he will miss at least the next three months. It is a blow to Lyden and Smith as Villa seek a return to the Premier League with a promotion push in the second half of the season.
12.1.2019
LIONS AND PHOENIX PLAY FOR BAXTER
Football is not the main concern when Stirling Lions host South West Phoenix at Macedonia Park on January 19, the game will be a Charity Match for Phoenix teenager Baxter Hutchinson who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, with all money raised going to the ‘Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’.
“After being diagnosed in September 2018, 18-year-old Baxter has been a dedicated campaigner to raise awareness and funds to help in finding a cure for brain cancer,” Stirling Lions President Luke Pavlos said. “Andrew Forrest and Tour De Cure have both supported and contributed towards Baxter’s fundraising, helping him raise much needed money for Brain Cancer research. “South West Phoenix FC, whom Baxter played with prior to his diagnosis, along with Stirling Lions FC are proud to support the teenager, to further raise money for Brain Cancer research.”
The charity match will be held at Macedonia Park Balcatta on January 19th (5pm) A gold coin donation entry fee, canteen, bar as well as raffle ticket sales will go towards the charity, with proceeds to be donated to Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Baxter’s determination and courage is an inspiration to all and with unconditional support from his family and friends Baxter has been unselfishly raising money towards brain cancer. We ask all Footballwa readers and WA football supporters to come down on January 19th to support the game - gates open 4pm.
12.1.2019
WANDERERS NEXT UP FOR GLORY
Perth Glory are back in Hyundai-League action on Sunday when they host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 13 at HBF Park (5.00pm WA Time) Glory moved six points clear of the chasing pack after the win against Sydney FC on Wednesday and this will be their fourth game in 15 days, but it doesn't look like it's affected the squad and Head coach Tony Popovic has the luxury of a full squad to choose from. Alex Grant and Fabio Ferreira were rested for the Sydney game, and both come back in the squad, while Andy Keogh started on the bench and will be pushing for a starting role this week, but Brandon Santalab, who replaced the Irishman in the starting line-up, and scored, would love I'm sure to play against his former employer.
In fact, there is four former Wanderers players in the Glory squad for the clash, Santalab, Matthew Spiranovic, Liam Reddy and Scott Neville, while Head Coach Popovic was also coach of the club. Popovic was quick to salute his players' resilience, maintaining their performances in a hectic period. "We travelled back from Brisbane and arrived on Monday afternoon and the lads put in a performance like that on Wednesday [against Sydney FC] without any talk of a short turnaround or fatigue," he said. "I think that shows where the players are at physically and mentally.
"They'll take on any challenge and we know that there are many still ahead of us and we can't take our position for granted, because if we do, we won't get the result on Sunday. We'll need to perform as well if not better against Western Sydney. They are a different type of opposition. They'll be very dynamic, they run, they chase, and they've created the most chances in the league. If we take them for granted, we'll end up empty-handed, so we need to make sure that doesn't happen."
Santalab, who scored 35 goals in 97 appearances for Wanderers, admits having many fond memories of the club but said all emotion will be put aside at kick-off. “It’s business as usual for me. The main goal against the Wanderers is to shake the back of the net,” he said. “It’s all about focus now, not thinking too deep into the situation and not letting the emotion get into this one. It’s very easy to do, but the sole focus is on the end result. Three points. I have a lot of respect for everybody at the Wanderers and what that club gave me in my career, great memories that I will have for a long time, but this is not the time think about that. This is the time for us to focus, get the three points.”
The striker opened his account for Glory in the big win against Sydney, and he said he celebrated hard after firing home the third goal of the night. “It was not so much about relief. It was great to score in my first start,” he said. “That gave me a lot of confidence. Whether I start or come off the bench goals are always in my mind. It’s always great to score but for me it’s always been about the team and the work rate and how I can make a difference for the team. That’s the key. That was my main target in the game against Sydney and the goal was a nice bonus.”
On the other hand, the Wanderers enter the game eighth on the table after a run of five matches without a win, form that sees them 10 points off the final’s places. Markus Babbel’s side should have got something from a 3-2 defeat to Wellington Phoenix on Tuesday but paid the price for poor defending late and life gets no easier for the struggling Wanderers as they head to the west without Spanish striker Oriol Riera and influential German midfielder Alexander Baumjohann, who both limped off in the loss to Wellington.
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: GRANT (promoted), FERREIRA (promoted) - Outs: Dino DJULBIC (Omitted) - Unavailable: 10 Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Vedran JANJETOVIC, RGK Nicholas SUMAN, 5 Brendan HAMILL (c), 7 Nick FITZGERALD, 8 Jordan O’DOHERTY, 11 Bruce KAMAU, 13 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 14 Mathieu CORDIER, 17 Keanu BACCUS, 21 Tarek ELRICH, 22 Rashid MAHAZI, 24 Raul LLORENTE, 27 Kwame YEBOAH, 32 John ROBERTS, 33 Tate RUSSELL, 34 Patrick ZIEGLER, 49 Abraham MAJOK - *two to be omitted* - Ins: MAHAZI (promoted), LLORENTE (promoted), ROBERTS (promoted), MAJOK (promoted) - Outs: 9.Oriol RIERA (injury - 3 weeks) 10.Alexander BAUMJOHANN (injury – 3 weeks) - Unavailable: 16.Josh RISDON (international duty), 19.Mark BRIDGE (injury – 2 weeks)
11.1.2019
IKONOMIDIS OUTSTANDING IN SOCCEROOS WIN
Australia have breathed new life into their Asian Cup defence with a solid 3-0 win against Palestine in Dubai. After their opening round loss against Jordon it was vital to get the three points and they did it comfortably with Glory winger Chris Ikonomidis outstanding, setting up two of the goals. Jamie Maclaren opened the scoring early with his first international goal. The result never looked in doubt from that point, and the points were wrapped up, with Awer Mabil scoring the second goal and Apostolos Giannou providing the sealer at the death, both from crosses from the Glory winger. The Socceroos now need only one point from Tuesday's meeting with Syria to secure second position in Group B and a round-of-16 clash against the runner-up from Group F, likely to be Uzbekistan or Oman.
“I’m happy with my performance and the team’s win,” Ikonomidis said. “We’ve got a squad full of talented players. This is Australia. “This is just the start for us, we’re only just getting warmed up. There’s so much more to give. I think there’s a real buzz in camp and everyone’s excited for the next match.” On the Mabil goal the Glory winger said he gave him heads up prior to the match. “I told him before the match to come in on my right foot and I’ll have my head up, just cut across the defence and I’ll look for you. We performed that,” Ikonomidis said. “Getting that one win and having the goals flow brings a little bit of relaxation and more confidence to team. We’ll be doing exactly that again in four days’ time.”
Coach Graham Arnold made three changes to the team that lost their opener, Rhyan Grant replaced the injured Josh Risdon, while Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine came in for Robbie Kruse and Massimo Luongo who both dropped to the bench. The coach wanted a reaction to the Jordan shock, and he got it, but Maclaren fluffed his lines early after being picked out by Ikonomidis, the Hibernian striker took an air swing with the goal at his mercy. But he didn’t have long to wait to rectify that miss, giving the Socceroos the lead on 18 minutes. Tom Rogic's cross from deep was headed home by Maclaren, and he was mobbed by teammates as he celebrated his drought-breaker.
You could see the relief in the group and in a flash, it was 2-0 to the reigning champions. Ikonomidis was found down the left, he cut inside his marker and sent a deep cross to the back post Mabil was on hand to fire home. Australia were on top and Irvine nearly added a third, first his effort was blocked by defender Musab Battat and his second flashed over the crossbar. The Palestinians were struggled to create anything going forward, while the Socceroos looked dangerous going the other way. Mabil could have had a brace before the break, racing into the box from Maclaren’s lay off, but he failed to find the target.
Palestine were on the front foot after the break, but it was Australia who went close to a third, Grant’s ball into the box was met by Palestine defender Abdullah Jaber his flick hit the crossbar and away to safety. The only downside of the win came on 83 minutes, when Trent Sainsbury earned a yellow card for time-wasting. It was his second of the tournament, meaning he will be suspended for the match against Syria. But in the final minute the Socceroos added a third. Giannou, who came on for Maclaren late in the second half, was picked out in the penalty area by Ikonomidis, and Cyprus-based striker headed home from inside the six-yard box.
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Rhyan Grant, 5 Mark Milligan, 9 Jamie Maclaren (14 Apostolos Giannou 82'), 15 Chris Ikonomidis, 16 Aziz Behich, 20 Trent Sainsbury, 21 Awer Mabil 10 Robbie Kruse 87'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Tommy Rogic (8 Massimo Luongo 75')
Palestine: GK Rami Hamada, 6 Shadi Shaban, 7 Musab Battat, 8 Jonathan Zorrilla (18 Oday Dabbagh 57'), 9 Tamer Seyam, 14 Abdallah Jaber, 15 Abdallatif Al Bahdari, 19 Mahmoud Wadi (12 Khaled Salem 77'), 20 Nathmi Albadawi (3 Mohammed Rashid 71'), 21 Alexis Norambuena, 23 Mohammed Darwish
11.1.2019
GLORY HOPE TO CELEBRATE MILESTONE FOR CARROLL
Perth Glory head east for Week 11 of the Westfield W-League when they take on Newcastle Jets at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday afternoon. (4.30pm WA Time) Glory, who are still looking for their first win on the road this season will face a tough game against a Jets side who are currently languishing in eighth place on the ladder having won just twice this term. But Craig Deans' side held Glory to a 2-2 draw at Dorrien Gardens last month, this despite having Larissa Crummer sent off after just 26 minutes and Glory Head Coach Bobby Despotovski feels that they will again make life difficult for them.
"It's always a hard game against Newcastle even though they are in a different position to where they were this time last year," he said. "Last year they were in the top four and now they're out of it having had a couple of crucial injuries. Nevertheless, it's going to be difficult. It's a long journey and Nikki [Stanton] is suspended, so we'll need to reshuffle the pack and be at our best to get anything out of the game."
The 1-0 win against Canberra United has given the whole squad a lift and Despotovski said it's vital they keep that momentum going to keep their finals push going. "The win over Canberra means nothing if we don't get three points against Newcastle and then Western Sydney in our next game after that," he said. "It's so tight with six teams going for the top four. I was really pleased with the clean sheet against Canberra and to be fair, we've defended well in the last few games. The partnership between Kim [Carroll] and Katie [Naughton], along with the full-backs in Jamie-Lee [Gale] and Tash [Rigby], is working very well. They have been doing the job for us. "
Saturday's game will see Kim Carroll play her 100th Westfield W-League appearance. The defender has been a mainstay of the Glory backline ever since she joined the club ahead of the 2015/16 season. Also, at international levels and she helped the Matildas lift the 2010 Asian Cup and was a part of the squad at both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, and Despotovski said the defender is vital going forward. "Kim is our vice-captain and is very experienced both in the W-League and obviously with the Matildas," he said.
"She's crucial for us not only as part of the defensive unit, but also in terms of the leadership she brings. Jamie-Lee next to her, for example, has not played many W-League games, so Kim needs to organise and think for two at times and help guide her along. She's been fantastic for us this year and reaching 100 games is a great achievement." In team news for the trip Nicole Stanton is suspended and will be the only notable absentee from Glory's squad, but the Jets are set to be without key midfielder Emily Van Egmond, striker Katie Stengel (foot) and fellow-import Taylor Smith who unfortunately sustained a serious knee injury when the two teams last met.
Newcastle Jets FC squad: GK Britt ECKERSTROM, RGK Claire COELHO, 2 Hannah BREWER, 4 Libby COPUS-BROWN, 5 Arin WRIGHT, 6 Cassidy DAVIS, 7 Gema SIMON, 11 Cortnee VINE, 12 Tara ANDREWS, 15 Renee POUNTNEY, 17 Jenna KINGSLEY, 18 Clare WHEELER, 19 Pana PETRATOS, 22 Larissa CRUMMER, 25 Teigan COLLISTER, 32 Tessa TAMPLIN - *one to be omitted* - Ins: VINE (return from injury), TAMPLIN (promoted) - Outs: 10.Emily VAN EGMOND (ankle - 6 weeks) - Unavailable: 9.Katie STENGEL (foot - 4 weeks), 14.Taylor SMITH (knee - indefinite)
Perth Glory squad: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, RGK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ , 5 Shannon MAY, 9 Rachel HILL, 10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11 Leticia McKENNA, 12 Jenna ONIONS, 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15 Alexia MORENO, 17 Liana COOK, 20 Sam KERR (c), 22 Abbey GREEN, 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - *two to be omitted* - Ins: MORENO (promoted), COOK (promoted), GREEN (promoted) - Outs: 7.Nicole STANTON (suspended – 1 week)
11.1.2019
POPOVIC’S TRUST HELPS CHIANESE BLOSSOM
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic believes Joel Chianese’s double strike against Sydney FC is the confidence-building boost the striker needs. The first-half goals, with a third coming from Brendon Santalab, enabled Glory to outclass the visitors 3-1 on Wednesday night.
A chipped collarbone and groin injury ruled Chianese out for the bulk of last season, but he has featured in every game under Popovic in the current campaign. “He has been outstanding in every game,” Popovic said. “He’s as good as anyone out there. He’s always been a talented player, maybe a bit like the group, looking for consistency.”
“He just keeps growing and getting better and I expect him to be an even better player. Tonight he added something that he knows he needs to do more of, and that’s score goals. He gets in so many good positions, he sets up so many goals for everyone else. He was at the right spot, the right time and he deserved that.”
Chianese, who scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Sydney from 2011 to 2014, attributed his renaissance to Popovic. “I’ve got the backing of the boss, who has given me a lot of confidence to go out there and be positive,” Chianese said. “He’s given me game time and I feel feel like I’m improving every game.”
Chianese is enjoying the new central role he’s been handed by Popovic. “It’s almost taken me back to when I started at Sydney when I was playing as a second striker,” he said. “I enjoy playing wide, but playing through the middle gives me a lot more chances.”
10.1.2019
MILLERS WORKING ON NEW CONTRACT FOR WILLIAMS
Rotherham United are working on a new contract for attacking midfielder Ryan Williams. The 25-year old is out of contract at seasons' end, but having impressed since joining the Millers in June 2017, the club are are keen to tie him down. And that's something Williams is happy about.
"There has been some kind of talks between my agent and my club," Williams said. "I am happy here. I am playing at a really good level, playing well in a team that is suited to me and for a manger who suits me. The rest of the contract stuff is to do with my agent and the club."
Williams' form for the Millers over the last 18 months has put him on the verge of international recognition, having been the preliminary squad for Australia's Asian Cup squad. He has made the step up to the Championship with aplomb this season and puts his impressive form down to his relationship with boss Paul Warne.
"Player-management is probably the gaffer's strongest point, but he offers a lot of other stuff," said Williams, who has chalked up 75 league and Cup appearances to date for the club. "He has just kind of let me do what I need to do to go out and perform. I have a good relationship with him."
"If he has a problem or I have a problem on or off the pitch, I just go and speak to him and he sorts it out and brings it all back down to earth. He has been massive for me, especially after coming from Barnsley where I had a period of being out injured. He has given me a platform, he has let me get on with it and let me do what I am good at."
10.1.2019
WILLIAMS: MATILDAS ARE THE PRIORITY
Melbourne City goalkeeper Lydia Williams admits the national team is the main priority now for the Matildas in the W-League. Season 2018/19 of the W-League is now at the business end and City will be battling Brisbane Roar tomorrow afternoon for a place in the finals.
In the past fortnight City’s Kyah Simon and Roar’s Katrina Gorry have succumbed to injuries which leaves them out for the rest of the season. Both players are key in the Matildas’ upcoming preparations for the 2019 World Cup in France and the national team’s first choice ’keeper says they need to take precautions for the tournament.
“While it’s good to focus on the present, everyone has an eye on France,” Williams told The Women’s Game. “We have a great medical staff and support staff and we’re doing everything they can to make sure they’re ready to go. At this point in time, it’s everyone’s main priority ... the bigger picture is the national team.”
“We really have to look after ourselves in terms of our bodies and maintain them throughout different seasons as a lot of us play overseas. We then return, perform for the national team and then on top of that, there’s the W-League. We try to make sure the priority is the national team ... at the end of the day, it’s for Australia.”
Despite the national team being at the front of Williams’ mind, she still believes her club can taste success this season. City have won three Championships in a row since their inception, but currently sit fifth on the table. But slow starts are familiar to them as they won the last two Championships from fourth.
“We’ve been in the same position for the last couple of seasons, so it’s nothing new,” she said. “We’re obviously a bit frustrated with having to win the last couple of games to bring it home, but we have the players that can come into it and really perform on the day.”
9.1.2019
GLORY STUN SYDNEY TO MOVE SIX POINTS CLEAR
Perth Glory moved six points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League after a 3-1 win against Sydney FC at HBF Park on Wednesday evening. A stunning first half was the difference, with Joel Chianese bagging a well taken brace, while Brendan Santalab scored his first goal for the club on his starting debut. Adam La Fondre pulled one back for the visitors on the hour, but it was too little too late as Glory beat the Sky Blues for the first time in ten games.
"Sydney are a quality side and they have been good for a number of years, and we've had trouble against them so to be three up at half time showed how well we played, and we could have scored a few more in the second, it was good performance, so we'll take the win and keep moving forward," Glory defender Scott Neville said. "People have said we put a marker down with tonight's performance, but we have gone quietly about our business. We've a strong squad and the rotation of players is important, and we had a number of players missing tonight, so if we keep everyone fit, we will go a long way."
Head coach Tony Popovic rotated his squad again for this top of the table clash, and he made six changes to the side that beat Brisbane Roar on Sunday, with Ivan Franjic, Matthew Spiranovic and Tomislav Mrcela coming into the back line in place of Alex Grant and Dino Djulbic who were rested from the squad, while Neville dropped to the bench. Santalab replaced Andy Keogh up top, while Diego Castro and Juande came in for Jake Brimmer and Fabio Ferreira.
In the last meeting Sydney dominated from the start, but it was Glory who opened the brighter in this one and they opened the scoring on 13 minutes. Jason Davidson played a one-two with Castro, before crossing low to Chianese who made no mistake, firing low past Andrew Redmayne. It was a perfect start and Glory went close to second moments later, again Castro was the provider, but this time Chianese couldn't find the target. But that miss was forgotten by the former Sydney winger on 24 minutes, when he doubled Glory's lead. Neil Kilkenny's ball over the top sent Chianese racing clear, he cushioned the ball superbly on his chest under pressure from two Sydney defenders, before driving into the box and finishing with aplomb past Redmayne, much to the delight of the 9,521 Glory supporters.
Glory were putting on a clinic, and some of the football was outstanding, and Castro went close to a third late in the half. He was picked out by Santalab, but his curling shot flashed inches over the top. But the fans didn't have long to wait for third, and in the third minute of stoppage time Chianese turned provider. He seized on a mistake by Josh Brillante and sent Santalab down the left channel and the former Western Sydney Wanderers' striker finished clinically, and the whole crowd gave their heroes a standing ovation as they left the pitch.
Glory looked solid at the back after half time as Sydney looked to get back in the game, and despite dominating possession it was Glory who went close to a fourth. Castro linked up again with Chianese, he shot from close-range flashed wide of the target. Sydney did pull one back on 68 minutes, le Fondre finishing superbly from long-range. Liam Reddy then produced a great save to deny Michael Zullo, but Sydney never seriously threatened to claw their way back after that and indeed it was Glory who finished on the front foot, with substitutes Keogh and Jacob Italiano both going close right at the death.
Glory head coach Tony Popovic was thrilled with his players' first-half performance. "Great intensity, great football and disciplined defensively. It was an all-round great 45 minutes and I'm glad they got the three goals they deserved. It was probably the best half of the season," he said. "We've had some good halves that maybe haven't resulted in three goals, so if you look at the total package in terms of performance and goals, yes, this was it. But I think we've played as well as that, without getting the rewards. It was a very confident, dominant display against an excellent team. In our last home game, we lost to them and I think it's quite clear the improvement we've made since then."
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON (23 Scott NEVILLE 81'), 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 11 Brendon SANTALAB (9 Andy KEOGH 64'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO (21 Jacob ITALIANO 89'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 20 Jake BRIMMER
Sydney FC: GK Andrew REDMAYN, 2 Aaron CALVER, 4 Alex WILKINSON, 6 Josh BRILLANTE (31 Luke IVANOVIC 81'), 7 Michael ZULLO, 8 Paulo RETRE, 9 Adam LE FONDRE, 10 Milos NINKOVIC, 13 Brandon O’NEILL, 14 Alex BROSQUE (c) (11 Daniel DE SILVA 66'), 22 Siem DE JONG (17 Anthony CACERES 77') - Subs not used: RGK Alex CISAK, 18 Jacob TRATT - Referee: Jarred Gillett
9.1.2019
GLORY BACK HOME AND READY FOR SKY BLUES
After Sunday's second half fight back against Brisbane Roar, Perth Glory make a quick turn around when they host Sydney FC at HBF Park on Wednesday evening (7.00pm WA Time). It will be Glory's third game in ten days and a second consecutive home clash with the Sky Blues. In that game a double from Adam Le Fondre gave the Sky Blues the points and despite Chris Ikonomidis' late strike the result ended Glory's unbeaten start to the season. Glory have bounced back from that set back and have won back-to-back games on the road at Central Coast and Brisbane, scoring eight goals, but this one is important, with Sydney seemingly having the wood on Glory, winning the past nine games between them.
A win in this one would put a marker down, as still many in the east don’t think Glory will be there come season's end with many still talking up a Sydney v Melbourne Victory Grand Final. A win tonight will give Glory confidence that they can beat Steve Corica's side, but Glory need to be on the front foot early, as Sydney bossed them in the first game early and they never recovered. Both sides will be missing players on Socceroos duty, with Rhyan Grant and Ikonomidis in the UAE. But there are tasty battles all over the park, with both sides liking to get the ball down and play attacking football, so I'm betting there will be a few goals in this one.
Le Fondre and Alex Brosque have been on fire in recent weeks and were huge in the Sky Blues win in the last game between the two sides. In the middle of the park Milos Ninkovic, former Glory midfielder Brandon O'Neill and Alex Brillante are outstanding, with pace and guile so it will be interesting to see who Popovic goes for in the engine room to play alongside Neil Kilkenny, who has been outstanding again this season and sits fourth in the Fox Sports Alex Tobin Medal count. Glory rested Matthew Spiranovic, Tomislav Mrcela and Juande last week, and held back Diego Castro from a start also, although the Spanish Maestro was superb when he came on after an hour. So, it will be interesting which way the coach goes, a few selection headaches for sure.
Glory head coach Tony Popovic said his side can create more new history, and after a good start to the season he will be looking for them to continue that positive trend by bringing the Sky Blues' nine-match winning run against Glory to an end. "This year I think we've created a lot of history so far and changed a lot of perceptions and results in terms of past history that the club has had against teams," he said. "Tomorrow [Wednesday] we have another chance to create some more new history against Sydney FC and that's what we'll be looking to do. All the players are available, except for Chris Ikonomidis [away on international duty] and that's a good headache for me to have as a coach. Everyone that has played has done a wonderful job and everyone that has not played is itching to get into the team. That's exactly what we want that here at the club and I'm sure that whoever is selected will be up for the challenge."
Popovic was delighted the way his chargers had fought back against Brisbane and he said it showed the fight there is within the squad. "It's quite clear how much belief there is among the group," he said. "We felt that we started the game very well, but with their first attempt on goal they scored and then lifted with the crowd behind them. They got some confidence and capitalised on that before half-time leaving us a huge challenge. But the players took that on and scored four away goals in the second half which is not easy to do. So, we were delighted with the performance and the result. The January period is difficult, but we've dealt with the travel very well so far and we'll be ready for tomorrow, that's for sure."
Sydney currently sit third on the ladder having recorded seven wins from their 11 games, including a 5-2 victory last time out against the Mariners. Former Glory Daniel de Silva will return to the squad having missed their win last weekend due to a clause in his loan deal preventing him from playing against his parent club. Sydney coach Corica is determined to continue their dominants over Glory, and said he is confident his players can dish out another lesson to Perth. "Obviously we're doing very well over there," Corica said. "The boys enjoy playing over there. Each game is very important, but this is a top-of-the-table clash, and our players know that, and they know what will happen if we win it - we'll be top of the table. We're very confident. The boys are doing a great job at the moment. The last time we went to Perth was a great win."
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SPIRANOVIC, MRCELA, JUANDE - Outs: 15 Brandon WILSON - Unavailable: 19Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
Sydney FC squad: GK Andrew REDMAYNE, RGK Alex CISAK, 2 Aaron CALVER, 4 Alex WILKINSON, 6 Josh BRILLANTE, 7 Michael ZULLO, 8 Paulo RETRE, 9 Adam LE FONDRE, 10 Milos NINKOVIC, 11 Daniel DE SILVA, 13 Brandon O’NEILL, 14 Alex BROSQUE (c), 17 Anthony CACERES, 18 Jacob TRATT, 21 Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 22 Siem DE JONG, 24 Cam DEVLIN, 31 Luke IVANOVIC - *two to be omitted* - Ins: DE SILVA (return from non-selection due to Mariners loan agreement), LOKOLI-NGOY (promoted) - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 3 Ben WARLAND (foot – 1 weeks), 5 Jop van der LINDEN (hamstring – 2 weeks), 12 Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 19 Chris ZUVELA (knee – indefinite), 23 Rhyan GRANT (International Duty)
9.1.2019
FORNAROLI AND KEOGH SWAP?
It's been reported from Melbourne that Melbourne City are lining-up a swap-deal involving City's unsettled Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli and Perth Glory skipper Andy Keogh. City coach Warren Joyce signed Keogh when he was coach at EFL side Leeds United and is keen to bring in the Irish striker to give them more strike power, with Fornaroli on the outer at the club after a fall out with the English coach.
The 31-year-old Uruguayan's feud with Joyce has meant he hasn't played since November, but it's reported City have reached an agreement with him to move on, but Sydney FC and Adelaide United also in the chase for his signature. City have started to move people on with Michael O'Halloran leaving the club and Kearyn Baccus coming in from Western Sydney Wanderers, but it's up top where they are struggling.
Glory coach Tony Popovic was coy when asked about the swap-deal on Tuesday morning. “There’s nothing to comment on because we’ve got nothing to discuss in terms of that,” Popovic said. "There’s nothing to rule in or out, because we’re talking about speculation. There will always be talk in January about good players. We’re on top on the table. It’s no surprise our players are creating interest from other clubs, and that’s what’s happening. If he (Fornaroli) was available, I think he could help any side, but if you’re asking me if Bruno is a good player - yes. Is Andy Keogh a good player - sure is.”
There was another twist when it was reported that Adelaide and Sydney have also entered the race to sign Fornaroli, the cashed-up Reds have thrown their hat into the ring. German coach Marco Kurz has been given $1 million to spend by the club’s new ownership group. Meanwhile Sydney, who almost signed Fornaroli as a marquee in the off-season, have also re-entered the fray for the Uruguayan, but for next season rather than this January window.
As a Glory supporter I'm not keen on this deal. Yes, Keogh does have his knockers, but he is starting to hit his straps and has bagged seven goals this season under the new coaching regium. Fornaroli is a good striker but it looks like he is a bad influence in the dressing room, do we need that? Keogh in my opinion holds the ball up well and brings players into the game, while Fornaroli scores goals, but likes the ball to feet and will not go looking for it. Both good players but I think we'll keep Keogh Thank-you!!!!
9.1.2019
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUBS KEEPING TABS ON FORMER GLORY DUE
Former Perth Glory duo Brandon O'Neill and Josh Risdon are being courted by several English Championship sides, including Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa. The pair have both expressed a desire to test themselves at an overseas club, and it's been reported that Villa has reviewed footage of the pair and will no doubt ask for advice from former Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak, who is still on the books at the club and played alongside Risdon at the recent World Cup, as they monitor their form.
The pair are close mates, both are from Western Australia and played at the same junior club (ECU Joondalup SC). Both came through the ranks at Perth Glory together and both have thrived since leaving their home state for NSW, especially O'Neill who wasn't really given a chance at the club. One problem of playing overseas is a work permit, but the pair do have European connections. O'Neill has an Irish passport while Risdon is applying for a Croatian one, with heritage through his mother's side. Risdon's previous attempts at shifting to England have not progressed due to work permit issues.
Risdon, 26, has made no secrets of his ambitions to play overseas, and is hoping the opportunity comes along. "I feel like I've paid my dues in the A-League, I've been here nearly 10 years and it's something I've always wanted to do," he said. "If the opportunity comes along, I'd jump to get over there and take the next step. It's where every player wants to go, you can experience different cultures, different leagues, different styles of football."
O'Neill, 24, whose contract at Sydney is up at the end of the season, has also said wants to play outside of the A-League and test himself at Europe. After three impressive seasons with the Sky Blues, he is weighing up whether to leave Sydney FC at the end of the 2018/2019 season after winning four trophies with the club. "I have aspirations, like anyone else in Australia, to play at the highest level and overseas," he said. "Both myself and Sydney FC, and as a club they’ve been brilliant in terms of talking about that and they realize that’s what I want to do. But they also want to support me and help me as much as possible.
"But maybe not yet – there’s still a lot of football to be played, a lot of scenarios to play out. The biggest thing for me is I have the support of the club, I have the support of my family and friends that I will make the correct decision moving forward that ultimately helps me achieve what I want to achieve and where I want to play. It’s a good position to be in because lads that have been in this situation don’t have the support and the actual guidance to make the right decision, and it is a big decision because I’m 24 now.
"We’ve been so lucky to have the success we’ve had at Sydney FC and I feel that the next part of my career, and the next part of my life is trying to play at the highest level possible. Whatever the situation or the scenario that plays out, me and Sydney FC are committed to making sure the best outcome happens for club and player. I’ve said this to so many people, but Sydney is my footballing home and forever will be.
"I was born in Perth and raised in Perth, and my family and friends are still over there, but in terms of my career and what’s happen in the four years I’ve been here this will forever be my home. I’d love to travel and see a bit of the world and then finish my football career here because it’s the best club in the A-League, it’s the best club in Australia to be part of and I have no intention of ever playing for any other A-League club because of what they’ve offered me and what I’ve been able to do here. It’s a big decision that I’ve got to make this year… I’ll make sure I’ll make the right one and everyone will be happy."
8.1.2019
POPOVIC REFUSES TO GUARANTEE FUTURE OF KEOGH AS SWAP RUMOURS SWIRL
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic has refused to guarantee the future of Andy Keogh, fuelling rumours the star striker could be swapped for Bruno Fornaroli. The Melbourne City forward has fallen out with coach Warren Joyce and reports are rife the club are keen to swap him for Keogh.
Popovic did his best to sidestep the topic when pressed about it this morning, but he left the door open for the swap to go ahead by refusing to guarantee Keogh would stay at the club. "There's nothing to comment on, because we've got nothing to discuss in terms of that," Popovic replied when asked whether Keogh will remain with Glory until the end of the season.
Popovic was also reluctant to talk about the direct swap. "Well there's nothing to rule in or out, because we're talking about speculation," he said. "There will always be talk in January about good players. We're on top on the table. It's no surprise our players are creating interest from other clubs, and that's what's happening."
7.1.2019
VILLA TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT DECISION ON LYDEN
Aston Villa are set to recall Jordan Lyden from his loan spell with Oldham Athletic, with the Championship giants considering offering the midfielder new terms at Villa Park. Lyden has been impressing at League Two outfit Oldham, making 14 appearances for the Latics across all competitions.
Villa are reportedly keen to take a look at the 22-year old’s progress as they consider offering him a new deal at Villa Park. The former ECU Joondalup junior has been limited to just 7 outings for Villa since 2015, however, new manager Dean Smith has placed a strong emphasis on promoting young players from within the club.
6.1.2019
LYDEN HELPS LATICS TO FA CUP UPSET
Former ECU Joondalup youngster Jordan Lyden has impressing at League Two side Oldham Athletic, making 14 appearances for the Latics, after moving on loan from Aston Villa. The 22-year-old helped Oldham to an upset win against English Premier League side Fulham last weekend, and it's been reported that Villa are looking to recall Lyden as they consider offering him a new deal at Villa Park.
In his senior career, Lyden has managed only seven appearances in claret and blue, with the latest of those coming back in September 2017, when Steve Bruce handed the midfielder just under half-an-hour of a League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. However, Dean Smith is now in-charge at Villa Park, with the former Brentford boss having an emphasis on promoting young players, and Callum O’Hare, James Bree and Keinan Davis were all involved on Saturday afternoon as Villa crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea City.
Lyden's current deal expires in the summer, and his loan deal, and performances at Oldham have impressed the Villa coaching staff, and he said it was always the case that this loan would be instrumental to his future. “For me personally, I just needed game time,” Lyden said. “Villa have told me that if I get game time here, then we can talk about a new contract when I go back. I’d like to stay here for the season, get Oldham promoted and then hopefully I can push on back at Villa from there.”
6.1.2019
SOCCEROOS ASIAN CUP DEFENCE OFF WITH A DEFEAT
Australia's Asian Cup defence has begun in the worst possible way after a 0-1 defeat against Jordan at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday evening. Despite dominating possession, the Socceroos couldn't find a way past a packed Jordanian defence and lost to a bullet header from Anas Bani-Yaseen after only 26 minutes. While disappointed with the result, skipper Mark Milligan feels it will be easy to lift the team for Friday’s second Group B match against Palestine. “We have a great bunch of boys,” he said post-match. “This will hurt everyone, it’s hurting me at the minute and I know everyone feels the same. But we’ll let [the result] settle, we’ll let Arnie [coach Graham Arnold] have his say and we’ll get to work as players to focus and get ready for the next game.
“We can be a little bit more patient as we have been but sometimes it’s hard to maintain your patience when a team is sitting in so deep and giving you that ball to play. We need to settle down and keep our composure. The good thing is we kept going until the end. We’ll work on things and we’ll be alright. We know we have to be better if we want to progress and succeed in this tournament. I still think there's good signs in the way we want to play but we need to execute better.”
Jordan held off a late onslaught by the reigning Asian champions in the second-half to leave the Socceroos with little margin for error in their remaining two group matches. Already struck by injury to key players such as Aaron Mooy, Martin Boyle, Daniel Arzani and Mat Leckie, the Socceroos suffered another blow before the match with Andrew Nabbout ruled out due to a groin strain. Jamie Maclaren took his place in the centre of Australia's three-pronged attack but failed to make much impact on the match as Graham Arnold's men dominated possession but were largely ineffective up front.
Celtic's Tom Rogic had Australia's best chance to level the game in the second half but somehow blazed his shot over from 12 yards after a cutback by Aziz Behich in the 72nd minute. Awer Mabil, starting the match ahead of Perth Glory's Chris Ikonomidis, also smacked the post with a shot in the second half. There was late drama when Maclaren found the back of the net in the 87th minute but his effort was ruled out for offside. Australia also believed it had a good shout for a penalty late in the first half when a Robbie Kruse effort was blocked by a Jordanian defender but despite howls of protest Omani referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf was unmoved.
The loss was sealed when veteran Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi's double save to deny Ikonomidis and Grant was followed by the final whistle. Defeat isn't terminal for Australia given a third-place finish in the group could still lead to progression to the last 16 but it raises plenty of questions for Arnold heading into the second group match against Palestine in Dubai on Friday. Jordan can all but ensure its progression to the knockout stages when they face Syria in Al Ain on Friday.
Overall it was a dis-jointed display, with Rogic failing to impose himself on the game, but he had some mates as well. We played the ball to slow and didn't get behind Jordan until the introduction of Rhyan Grant and Chris Ikonomidis, both should have started. The lack of firepower up front is also a worry, we went with Jamie Maclaren, who hasn't scored a goal for the green and gold but losing Nabbuat Leckie and Boyle before the game and tournament respectively we might struggle in the rest of the games. So instead of the talking about who we will play in the quarter finals, on Sundays display we should be worried about getting out of the group stage.
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 2 Milos Degenek, 5 Mark Milligan, 8 Massimo Luongo, (22 Jackson Irvine 74'), 9 Jamie Maclaren, 10 Robbie Kruse (15 Chris Ikonomidis 55'), 16 Aziz Behich, 19 Josh Risdon (4 Rhyan Grant 46’), 20 Trent Sainsbury, 21 Awer Mabil, 23 Tomas Rogic
Jordan: GK Amer Shafi, 2 Feras Shilbaya, 3 Tareq Khattab, 4 Baha Abdel-Rahman, 6 Saeed Al Murjan (10 Ahmed Saleh 90'), 7 Yousef Rawshdeh, 11 Yasen Bakheet (14 Ahmad Ersan 88'), 13 Khalil Bani Ateyah, 18 Mousa Suleiman (9 Baha' Seif 72'), 19 Anas Bani Yaseen, 21 Salem Al Ajalin
6.1.2019
GLORY HIT BACK TO TAKE THE POINTS
Perth Glory produced a superb second half comeback to beat Brisbane Roar 4-2 in Week 11 of the Hyundai A-League at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The home side were in control at half time, with a brace from former Glory striker Adam Taggart, but Glory hit back on the hour with Neil Kilkenny converting from the penalty spot after the Roar were reduced to ten men with Daniel Bowles sent off. From then on Glory took control and Kilkenny added another from the spot nine minutes from time, before an own goal from Aaron Reardon and a header from skipper Andy Keogh gave the Glory the points and move them back to the top of the table, although Taggart had a chance to complete his hat trick late on and reduce the margin, but he blazed over the top from the penalty spot.
"We've shown real character and quality to come back from 2-0 down, it's very satisfying because it's always difficult here [in Brisbane]; the conditions and the pitch make it tough," Glory Coach Tony Popovic said post-match. "We're delighted to have come out of two difficult back-to-back away games with six points. I thought we started the game well and created plenty of opportunities, but then we conceded and that happens in football. After we conceded the second, though, I felt that we started forcing things and getting a bit anxious, so the message at half time was about getting back to how we started, trusting our game and believing in ourselves. That was it. The players did the rest."
Popovic made four changes to the side that beat Central Cost Mariners on New Year’s Eve with Dino Djulbic, Scott Neville and Shane Lowey coming into the back line in replace of the injured Tomislav Mrcela and Matthew Spiranovic, while Ivan Franjic dropped to the bench. In the middle of the park Jake Brimmer came in for Juande as the coach freshened things up with Glory also in action on Wednesday evening at home against Sydney FC. It was a tight opening with clear cut chances few and far between, but it was Glory who had the first real opportunity. Fabio Ferreira, fresh off a brace against the Mariners, saw his first shot blocked by Jack Hingert, before firing over the top after good work from Neil Kilkenny.
But against the run of play it was the home side who opened the scoring on 22 minutes. There looked little danger when a long ball out of defence by Dane Ingham, but Liam Reddy raced out of his box and collided with Lowry, the ball rolling to Taggart, who fired home from close-range, despite a despite last ditch tackle from Djulbic. The Roar, who have only won once all season, were battling for every ball and had the Glory on the back foot and it wasn't a surprise when they doubled their lead five minutes before the break. Eric Beautheac's corner picked out Taggart, who lost his marker and headed powerfully past Reddy.
The home side carried on where they left off after the break and Beautheac's long-range shot flashed inches past the post early, but Glory lifted and pulled one back on the hour. Keogh's through ball sent Joel Chianese racing clear and as he entered the penalty area he was brought down by Bowles and referee Adam Kersey pointed straight to the spot and sent the Roar defender off. Kilkenny kept his nerve and drilled the penalty down the middle to reduce the margin. Popovic smelt blood and brought on Diego Castro and Franjic as they made their numerical advantage count and the Glory started to get on top.
Keogh was denied by a superb block from young defender Reardon, before Jamie Young saved low to deny Castro. The Roar custodian then produced another smart save to thwart Keogh, as the Irish striker was sent in one-on-one, before Chianese headed Jason Davidson's cross narrowly wide. But Glory's pressure was rewarded with the equaliser on 81 minutes. Second half substitute Brandon Santalab's shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the arm of Reardon, and after checking the VAR the referee pointed to the spot. Kilkenny stepped up again and sent Young the wrong way to level things up.
Glory were now well on top and it was only a matter of time till they hit the front, and it came four minutes later. The ball pinballed in the box (check video) before eventually falling to Chianese, whose low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Reardon. Glory then added a fourth on 87 minutes to put the game out of the reach of the Roar. Chianese chip from the right picked out Keogh, who headed past Young from five meters. Despite the score line the drama wasn't over and Henrique shot hit the post before Taggart was brought down by Franjic and the referee awarded his third penalty. But Taggart couldn't complete his hat-trick blazing over from the resulting penalty.
“The message from the boss was to stay calm and composed,” Davidson said post-match. “We know were a quality team and that we’re going to create chances, to stick to the game plan. Credit to the boys, because it shows the character in the team and the resilience and discipline to go out in the second half and get the job done. “Going into the season we had our targets and we take each game as they come. For us the confidence and the belief are through our hard work and discipline. Defenders put their body on the line to stop goals and attackers create chances to score the goals. It was a great team effort today and the boys should be very happy with the result.”
Brisbane Roar: GK Jamie YOUNG, 2 Dane INGHAM (34 Aaron REARDON 60'), 4 Daniel BOWLES, 7 Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8 Jacob PEPPER, 9 Adam TAGGART, 11 Eric BEAUTHEAC, 14 Alex LOPEZ, 17 Matt MCKAY (c) (26 Nick D’AGOSTINO 56'), 19 Jack HINGERT, 24 Connor O’TOOLE - Sub not used: RGK Brendan WHITE, 23 Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 33 HENRIQUE - Red Cards - Bowles 59'
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Alex GRANT (11 Brendon SANTALAB 75'), 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 6 Dino DJULBIC (5 Ivan FRANJIC 62'), 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA (17 Diego CASTRO 62'), 23 Scott NEVILLE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 15 Brandon WILSON - Referee: Adam Kersey
6.1.2019
GLORY GO BACK-TO-BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN Y-LEAGUE
Perth Glory moved up to third place in Conference A in the Foxtel Y-League after a 4-2 win against Adelaide United at Dorrien Gardens. They had to do it the hard way as three minutes after Jaiden Selden had given them the lead defender Zayd Farah was sent off. But they did double their lead on the hour though Daniel Stynes, before Pacifique Niyongabire pulled one back six minutes later. But the ten men continue to create chances and Stynes added his second before Ethan Brooks made it 4-1 moments later. Adelaide did pull another one back through Taras Gomulka, but Glory held on for the three points to end their home games on a high with back to back wins for the first time this season.
“We showed courage and we showed the resilience that the boys have started to grow in recent weeks,” Glory academy Head Coach Richard Garcia said. "People put their bodies on the line and defended well, so when we go forward, we’ve got that quality that allows us to go and score. The most important thing was their mentality and that’s something we’ve been trying to drive…today was a good display of what we’re capable of when everyone’s thinking and doing the right thing.”
Garcia made one change to the side that beat Melbourne Victory last week, with Walter Scott coming back into the side to replace Ethan Brooks, who dropped to the bench. It was the visitors who opened the brighter and Carlo Armiento's shot was cleared off the line by some desperate Glory defending. Moments later Niyongabire saw his shot well saved by Jackson Lee, the Glory custodian also reacting to save Armiento’s follow-up effort. It was backs to the wall for the home side, and Lee denied Niyongabire again on 24 minutes, and their early pressure should have been rewarded two minutes later.
Gomulka was a found unmarked at the top of the six-yard box, but his shot flew over the crossbar much to the relief of the Glory defence. That miss came back to haunt the Reds, and on the half hour Glory hit the front. A superb run from Selden, which saw him race past three Adelaide defenders, before finishing with aplomb past Isaac Richards. But three minutes later the Glory were reduced to ten men when Farah was shown a second yellow card by referee Shane Skinner and sent off.
Garcia shuffled the pack at the break with Brooks coming on and his trickery caused problems for the Adelaide defence and he supplied the cross as the ten men doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half. Brooks made space on the right and whipped in a low cross for Selden, his shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Stynes who eased past his marker and made no mistake. But the visitors were back in the game on 67 minutes, Armiento's shot was parried by Lee, and Niyongabire was on hand to fire home.
That goal lifted the visitors and they went to the equaliser soon after, second half substitute Ninko Beric's shot hitting the woodwork. It was anyone’s game and the Glory took control on 77 minutes when Kristian Popovic was brought down in the box by Jai King-Byrne and the referee had no hesitation in pointed to the spot. Stynes stepped up to score and give the ten men back their two-goal buffer. They increased their sixty seconds later, Brooks again racing clear of his marker and finishing clinically. The Reds did score a consolation goal moments later, with Gomulka finishing, but it was too little too late.
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Daniel WALSH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Zayd FARAH, 5 Henry HORE (C), 6 Kristian POPOVIC, 7 Trent OSTLER, 8 Cameron MURRAY (14 Ethan BROOKS 46’), 9 Jaidon SELDEN, 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Gabriel POPOVIC - Subs not used: RGK Nicholas SPECA, 15 Jack LEECH, 17 Kristian SANTICH - Red cards: Farah (32’)
Adelaide United: GK Isaac RICHARDS, 7 Taras GOMULKA, 8 Jai KING-BYRNE, 11 Carlo ARMIENTO, 12 Yared ABETEW, 14 Noah SMITH (9 Ninko BERIC 65’), 19 Al Hassan TOURE (10 Aladin IRABONA 61’), 22 Cooper NUNN (44 Jared CLARK 61’), 24 Pacifique NIYONGABIRE, 27 Louis D’ARRIGO (C), 28 Kristian KONSTANDOPOULOS - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK - Referee - Shane Skinner
4.1.2019
TAGGART: 'IT'S HARD TO SAY ANYTHING HAS CHANGED' AT BRISBANE
Adam Taggart looked like he was carrying the world on his shoulders ahead of Sunday’s huge A-League fixture against leaders Perth Glory. A lot has happened since the striker left West Australia eight months ago for Queensland and the chance to play under former Socceroo and World Cup hero John Aloisi.
Aloisi has quit, Roar are languishing near the bottom of the table and Glory – under new coach Tony Popovic – are setting the pace for the rest of the league. Taggart is currently second on the goal scoring chart with seven from 11 appearances but agrees with teammate Eric Bautheac that the players let Aloisi down.
“As individuals we weren’t performing as well as what we could be,” Taggart told ftbl.com.au “It’s obviously hard to talk for everyone but you know, myself, I’ve definitely not been playing the sort of football that I know I can this year.”
“And I’m sure everyone would probably say the same about themselves. It’s been a difficult period and I think for John, who worked really hard for us, it was disappointing on our behalf to have not been able to do more for him to stick around.”
Roar stopped the rot with a 2-2 away draw against Newcastle Jets last round, ending a five-game losing streak. The Queenslanders showed plenty of grit coming back twice through Taggart and Bautheac to earn the point but according to the striker beleives “it’s hard to say anything has changed”.
“Obviously a few more young boys have come in and probably helped lift the squad I think. All of them have been really good so far,” commented Taggart in reference to the recent promotion of youth team players Jay Barnett and Dylan Wenzel-Halls. “(But) the way we want to play is exactly the same.”
“Coming second bottom there comes the point where there’s not much to lose. People start to play with a bit more freedom and that’s probably what everyone can see. People probably feel like there’s a bit less pressure obviously being second bottom. No one’s giving us much of a chance at the moment.”
Despite his subdued demeanour, Taggart said he was looking forward to Sunday’s clash and the quick turnaround. “Perth have everything to lose being top of the league and performing really really well – and us obviously at the other end,” he said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for all of us to really help kick on from a good couple of team performances.”
4.1.2019
GLORY READY TO SILENCE THE ROAR
Perth Glory are on the road again this weekend when they travel to Suncorp Stadium on Sunday to take on Brisbane Roar in Week 11 of the Hyundai League. (4.00pm WA Time) Glory bounced back to the top of the table after a comprehensive win against Central Coast Mariners last week, with skipper Andy Keogh bagging a brace to end his barren spell in front of goal, while Fabio Ferreira also scored a double, but it was Neil Kilkenny who stole the show. The former Leeds United midfielder was superb in a man of the match performance, and Tony Popovic will be looking for more of the same in this one as Glory do not have a good record at the venue, including the Grand Final heartbreak in 2012, with only three wins from 20 visits to Brisbane.
The squad stayed in the east after last weeks game and Popovic feels it has been beneficial for the squad. "It's been a good opportunity for us to have the group together," he told the Glory website. “We've come here [to the Sunshine Coast], the players have recovered from the game well and had their first full session on Thursday afternoon. The players are enjoying the relaxed atmosphere that we have here, but as much as we're enjoying our time together, we're here for a job and that is to be as prepared as we can be for what will be a tough game against Brisbane. Everyone has pulled up ok from the Mariners game which is obviously a positive. We have some sore bodies having played in hot and humid conditions, but not having to go back to Perth has helped with the recovery and we're very thankful for that."
Glory will again be without Chris Ikonomidis, who is on international duty, but Popovic has a full squad to choose from. Defender Tomislav Mrcela limped off last week in Gosford, but it looked more like cramp than an injury, and he has been named in the squad, while Shane Lowry returns from suspension and Brendan Wilson has also been added to the squad. Diego Castro was left on the bench last week and the skipper may come into the side for this one, although Joel Chianese put in another good shift and will be disappointed if he misses out, while Juande worked well with Kilkenny in the middle of the park. But it's a sign that Popovic has a strong squad this season and competition for places is high and you’re not guaranteed a place, which bodes well for the season.
Popovic said last week’s first-half performance was pleasing and he is hoping for more of the same against Brisbane, who will be playing there first home game since the departure of John Aloisi, and the coach wished him well in the future. “Last week we started with a really positive intent both with and without the ball and got that early goal, that really set the tone and we kept their crowd quiet and saw their players' heads drop a bit,” he explained. “That's one thing, but you have to take advantage of that and we didn't want to let them get back into the game and get their confidence back, so getting the second and third goals before half time certainly set the platform to finish the game off in the second half."
"I know Johnny and I know how much work he did at the club, especially given the difficulties they've had there in the last two to three years, I think he did a wonderful job and I'd like to wish him all the best. There is always an impact every time there's a managerial change, especially in the early stages. It's their first home game since the change in management, but we'll need to focus on ourselves and make sure we back up another good away performance at Central Coast. We'll need to do that and probably be even better to get the result we want. The players are pleased with the result against the Mariners, but they're very focused and know that they will have to work extremely hard to get another three points from what we know will be another very tough game on Sunday."
Brisbane came away from Newcastle with a point in midweek, twice coming from behind in a 2-2 draw, with former Glory striker Adam Taggart on target. He was also on target in the last game between the two sides in round three at nib Stadium, with Glory running out 2-1 winners, and interim coach Darren Davies will be looking to celebrate his first home game with three points to kick start the Roars season. They will have Daniel Bowles back from suspension, while Danish defender Thomas Kristensen has also been added to the squad.
Brisbane Roar FC squad: GK Jamie YOUNG, RGK Brendan WHITE, 2 Dane INGHAM, 4 Daniel BOWLES, 7 Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8 Jacob PEPPER, 9 Adam TAGGART, 11 Eric BAUTHEAC, 14 Alex LOPEZ, 15 Stefan NIGRO, 17 Matt MCKAY (c), 18 Joe CALETTI, 19 Jack HINGERT, 23 Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24 Connor O’TOOLE, 26 Nick D’AGOSTINO, 33 HENRIQUE, 34 Aaron REARDON - *two to be omitted* - Ins: BOWLES (returns from suspension), KRISTENSEN (promoted) - Unavailable: 6 Avram PAPADOPOULOS (glute),10 Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13 Stefan MAUK (groin)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 15 Brandon WILSON, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO (c), 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: LOWRY (returns from suspension), WILSON (promoted) - Unavailable: 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (international duty)
4.1.2019
KERR SPOT ON AS GLORY RETURN TO THE TOP
Perth Glory skipper Sam Kerr was the hero as they returned to the top of the Westfield W-League table, after a hard fought 1-0 win against Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens on Thursday evening. The Matildas striker got out of her sick bed to play in the game and put in another good shift and scored the winner from the spot five minutes from time after being brought down. But keeper Eliza Campbell also had a hand in the win, the Glory custodian producing one of the saves of the season midway through the second half to keep United at bay.
"I thought both teams had something to lose and both teams really pushed to win the game," Glory head Coach said post-match. "I thought it might take something like a free-kick or a penalty to win it and that's how it turned out. Overall it was an even match and it was a good performance from us, especially as Sam, Nikki [Stanton] and a few of the others had all been ill this week and I was really pleased with it. Now we'll look to kick on again in the coming weeks."
Glory made one change to the side that lost to Melbourne Victory last time out with Leticia McKenna replacing Jacynta Galabadaarachchi who dropped to the bench. The grandstand at the home of Perth Soccer Club was packed at kick off, and both sides knew a win was vital in their season. The home side opened brightly, and Shannon May's early effort whistled over the top. They went close again on six minutes, Rachel Hill's shot was cleared off the line by the alert Taren King, before McKenna's follow up shot was saved by Shamiran Khamis.
The Canberra custodian was in the action again moments later, this time she produced a great fingertip save to thwart McKenna. Glory were well on top and went close again on the quarter hour, Nicole Stanton's ball to the back post picked out Kerr, but she could only find the side netting. Canberra’s first real chance fell to Nikki Flannery after she was picked out by Rhoda Mulaudzi, but her shot was blocked by Glory defender Natasha Rigby, before Maria Jose Rojas long-range strike flew over the top. Canberra ended the half the better, with Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi both outstanding, but it was scoreless at the break.
Glory were on the front foot after the break and Kerr headed straight at Khamis early, and she went closer on 51 minutes, her shot smacking the crossbar. American striker Hill then fired inches wide, before she headed Stanton's corner straight at Khamis. Canberra brought on the experienced Ashleigh Sykes on the hour and they went close to the opener eight minutes later. Flannery was given far too much room on the edge of the box, her shot looked destined for the top corner of the net, but Campbell produced a stunning one handed save at full stretch to deny her.
After eight goals in each of their last two meetings, it looked like one would win this one, and May's shot on 76 minutes was pushed around the post by the alert Khamis. Sykes was in on goal moments later, but Campbell was out quick to bravely save at her feet, before Olivia Price fired wide of the target for the visitors. But the deadlock was broken on 85 minutes after Kerr was brought down by Karly Roestbakken and referee Casey Reibelt pointed to the spot. Kerr picked herself up and fired home to win it, and to take the outright lead in the golden boot race and send Perth top of the ladder, while all but ending Canberra's season.
Perth Glory: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ (10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI 80'), 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 11 Leticia MCKENNA (12 Jenna ONIONS 88'), 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 20 Sam KERR (c), 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - Subs not used: RGK Morgan AQUINO, 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS
Canberra United: GK Shamiran KHAMIS, 4 Rachel CORSIE (c), 5 Nikola ORGILL, 6 Refiloe JANE, 8 Olivia PRICE, 9 Rhoda MULAUDZI, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18 Taren KING, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY, 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Maria JOSE ROJAS (14 Ashleigh SYKES 54') - Subs not used: RGK Melissa MAIZELS, 2 Laura HUGHES, 12 Lauren KEIR - Referee: Casey Reibelt
4.1.2019
GLORY YOUNGSTERS READY FOR THE REDS
Perth Glory academy side are back in Foxtel Y-League Conference A action on Saturday morning when they host Adelaide United in round eight at Dorrien Gardens. Glory sit level on points with the Reds, who edged the youngsters out 1-2 in their last meeting in round four at Marden Sports Complex, Gabriel Popovic's late goal not enough to claim a point. Midfielder Jack Leech said they are looking to build on their last game, when goals from Daniel Stynes and Henry Hore gave them a 2-0 win against Melbourne Victory. "Yes, it was a great win the lads were fantastic for the whole 90 minutes which was great,” he said. “I thought it was a dominating performance from us and we deserved the points and we will be looking to maintain that standard on Saturday.”
Leech said the young side are improving each game, and with only two games to go the 19-year-old said they are determined to end the season well. “We are roaring to go this weekend and very excited to get our first back to back win of the season, and fully believe we can,” the midfielder explained. “Unfortunately, they (Adelaide) got the better of us last time round, but I think we can take plenty of positive out of that game coming into this one, especially that we are at home, and we are determined to end the season well.”
Glory academy Head Coach Richard Garcia said the boys have had a well-earned rest over the festive period, but he said they have hit the track hard and are focused on a good performance against Adelaide. "We finished 2018 with a well-deserved win against Melbourne Victory and it was a just a reward for the effort the lads have put in," he explained. "They have had a break with us having a bye in the last round, but it was great to see them back and the training has been upbeat as we look for three points in our final home game of the season. We have been inconsistent this season and lapses in concentration and lack of thought in our game have cost us, but like I’ve said it’s a huge learning curve for them. But the boys have improved and are beginning to be accountable, with and without the ball which is pleasing.” - Get along and support the boys entry on the day at Dorrien Gardens is free!!
4.1.2019
W-LEAGUE ACTION RETURNS TO DORRIEN GARDENS
Perth Glory will be looking to bounce back from last week’s first defeat of the season against Melbourne Victory, when they host Canberra United in Week 10 of the Westfield W-League at Dorrien Gardens on Thursday evening. Glory slipped to third after the 1-2 defeat, but they did have opportunities to win the game, but missed chances and some good goalkeeping from Casey Dumont denied them, they will be looking to put that result right against a Canberra side in good form. Both sides like playing each other and the last two meetings between the teams has seen 4-4 draws, and Head Coach Bobby Despotovski is expecting more of the same on Thursday and is aware it's a vital game as they look to get back to winning ways. " "It's an absolutely crucial game for us and Canberra," he told the Glory website. “Both teams really must go for it and make it happen and with so much at stake, it could well be another thriller. It's going to be a very hard game as it always is against Canberra and we'll need to be at our very best in order to win it."
Despotovski said the side will have to be at their best, this after a disappointing performance against Victory last week. "We didn't work hard enough to get anything out of the Victory game," he said. "The second goal shouldn't have stood, and the officials have let us down there, but we weren't good enough on the day. Now we have a great chance to get back on track on Thursday and I'm sure our fantastic members and fans will turn out in force to help get the girls over the line. It should be a fantastic atmosphere at Dorrien and a great game.”
The last time the sides met was in the nation’s capital in round two, when Glory found themselves 1-4 and with ten players with less than ten minutes to play, but a Sam Kerr inspired turn around saw them snatch a point at McKellar Park, but the Glory will need to defend better this evening.
United head into the game after a hard fought 1-1 draw against the in-form Brisbane Roar last week, and have only lost once since round four, and they do have a good record against Glory and are unbeaten in the last seven-games, that stretches back to October 2014 - so it's a good time to end that run and get their season back on track.
Perth Glory squad: GK Eliza CAMPBELL, RGK Morgan AQUINO 3 Kim CARROLL, 4 Alyssa MAUTZ, 5 Shannon MAY, 7 Nicole STANTON, 9 Rachel HILL, 10 Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11 Leticia MCKENNA, 12 Jenna ONIONS, 13 Jamie-Lee GALE, 15 Alexia MORENO, 20 Sam KERR (c), 22 Abbey GREEN, 24 Natasha RIGBY, 25 Katie NAUGHTON - *one to be omitted* - Ins: MORENO (promoted)
Canberra United squad: GK Shamiran KHAMIS, GK Melissa MAIZELS, 2 Laura HUGHES, 4 Rachel CORSIE (c), 5 Nikola ORGILL, 6 Refiloe JANE, 8 Olivia PRICE, 9 Rhoda MULAUDZI, 12 Lauren KEIR, 13 Meaghan MCELLIGOTT, 14 Ashleigh SYKES, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17 Maddy WHITTALL, 18 Taren KING, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY, 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Maria JOSE ROJAS - *two to be omitted* - Ins: MCELLIGOTT (Promoted), WHITTALL (Promoted)
1.1.2019
POPOVIC LOOKS AHEAD TO BUSY SUMMER
Perth Glory head coach Tony Popovic has called for calm following last night's 4-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners as he looks to keep his squad fresh. The New Year's Eve fixture saw Glory race to a 3-0 lead at half-time before Andy Keogh's second goal of the night restored their three-goal advantage.
Popovic was proud of his players' performance, but accepted the need to manage the squad ahead of a busy schedule in which Glory will play six games in just 21 days. "We'll have to manage them," said Popovic. "They're not going to be able to play like today - play on Sunday, then Wednesday, then Sunday at home - with all our travel.
"They won't be able to do all that. It'll be up to us to manage them the best we can [in] this January period and I'm hoping they all come through unscathed. Then from February onwards, when it's back to a game a week, hopefully they'll be back at full fitness."
Glory's win meant Popovic's men finish the year in outright first on 23 points, three clear of nearest competitors Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC. The team from the West began the season unbeaten in eight, before falling to Sydney FC 2-1 in Round 9.
"It's a great feeling (to be on top)," said Popovic. "I thought the players have done exceptionally well in the first third of the season to be in first spot, now we finish the year on top, so there's a lot of good things to look back on."
We'll have a drink tonight, we'll enjoy that, the club should be proud as well. But we know there's a lot of work ahead, really busy schedule. We put ourselves in a good position, now we have to navigate the tricky period and try and finish the season strong."
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This page was last updated on the 31st December, 2018