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29.2.2024
GILSENAN IN RED-HOT FORM AT BLACKBURN
Zak Gilsenan continues to stake his claim for a place in Blackburn Rovers' senior line-up after scoring a brace for the Under-21s in mid-week. Unfortunately, the lively 20-year old finished on the losing side as Aston Villa claimed a 6-2 victory in the Premier League Cup.
Gilsenan has been in red-hot form for Mike Sheron's side and has now scored nine goals in his last six outings. Calls are understandably increasing for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for February nominee to be given a change by new first team manager John Eustace.
“I have only seen him train twice but he has certainly caught my eye on the coaching staff’s eye,” said Eustace. “He is a really exciting young player and he’s in a rich vein of form at the moment, scoring goals for the under-23s. He is someone we are monitoring and we are really pleased to have him here.”
“He has trained with the first team since we have been here and again, it is about assessing the squad and seeing if there is room to bring young Zak in. “But I am sure he will play a part at some point from now until the end of the season.”
29.2.2024
PARIS HERE WE COME AS MATILDAS THRASH UZBEKISTAN
The Matildas have qualified for their third Olympic Games in a row after thrashing Uzbekistan 10-0 in the second and final qualifying leg at a sold-out Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Wednesday evening. Leading 3-0 from the first leg in Tashkent, the Matildas put on a football lesson, with Tony Gustavsson’s side putting the game to bed before half time, leading 8-0 with Michelle Heyman bagging four, with singles to Kaitlyn Torpey, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord and an own goal.
Gustavsson went to the bench at the break, and they added two more in the second half with Hayley Raso, and Amy Sayer which secured a 13-0 aggregate scoreline, and it sent home the 54,000 fans home happy. "You could sense the focus in the group when the game started, they were on a mission," Gustavsson explained post-match. "We had a very good training session yesterday and I know for a fact that these players feed off the energy in the stands and that was massive tonight, you can see we came out flying from minute one.
"Good finishing passes today, final passes and good finishing as well. But what I did like is the variation in attack, there was a lot of central combination, more than we've done before, as well as a lot of wide combination. We were effective on set plays, as we've always been. We've been on the journey to that and to see five games against low blocks ending up with a 26-nil in differential, and see what we've done in terms of investing in that attack, that makes me really happy because now we're sending messages to our opposition that, if you press us, we'll go behind you, because we use the space and speed. If you park the bus, we open it up, because we have tools to do that now.”
Gustavsson made two changes to the side that won 3-0 in Tashkent, with Heyman and Caitlin Foord replacing Emily van Egmond and Hayley Raso in the starting eleven. The hosts were on the front foot from the first whistle, and were ahead after only 35 seconds. Fowler’s cross picked out Heyman, who played the ball back to Katrina Gorry on the edge of the box, the midfielder sent Torpey racing into the penalty area on the right, and her cross was turned into her own net by the unfortunate Dilrabo Asadova.
They doubled their advantage three minutes later, Fowler’s cross from the left was helped across goal by Torpey, and Clare Hunt had a fresh air shot, but luckily for defender Heyman fired home from close range. It was one-way traffic and it wasn’t long before the Matilda’s added a third, skipper Steph Catley’s cross from the left was headed home by Hayman. The Canberra United striker was on fire and she added a fourth on 16 minutes, turning home Fowler’s low shot to complete her hat trick.
It soon became 5-0, Kyra Cooney-Cross’ corner wasn’t dealt with and Torpey fired home, for her first goal for the Matildas. The visitors should have reduced the margin moments later, skipper Karachik Lyudmila racing one-on-one with Mackenzie Arnold, but the Matildas custodian stood tall to deny her. It was becoming a precession and it was soon 6-0 with the goal of the game, Gorry found Fowler in the box and the Manchester City player made no mistake, with a clinical finish.
Foord made it 7-0, again the Uzbekistan defenders failed to deal with a free kick and the Arsenal striker fired home from close-range. In the shadows of half time, it was 8-0, Heyman added the icing on the cake with her fourth, to send them in at the break in total command. The Matildas made four changes at the break, Sayer, Tameka Yallop, Hayley Raso and Emily van Egmond all made their way onto the pitch, replacing Heyman, Foord, Gorry, and Ellie Carpenter.
The half-time changes slowed the goals, but not Australia’s complete dominance. After hitting the side-netting - and coming close on several other occasions, Raso added the ninth, finishing well at the back post after a clever dummy from van Egmond. Sayer was having a great second half, and she was rewarded with her first goal for her country in stoppage time, finishing well to end a successful night. "Well, the job description for me as a forward, is to just get in the box and score goals. That's all I wanted to do, get out there and try and be in the best position every single time that ball got crossed in, to make sure I was there to finish," Hayman said post-match.
"When I looked at Tony after the third one, he was smiling and I think I even said, I've got five in me, hold on. The support I get from Tony, the staff and the team has just been incredible. It's allowed me to just play and have fun and be free. I think as a forward, you don't want to have so many restrictions on yourself. You want to be able to get out there and, do what you do best. And I'm just finding my feet and finding myself in good positions."
Matildas: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 2 Michelle Heyman (17 Amy Sayer 46’), 7 Steph Catley (22 Charlotte Grant 65’), 8 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 9 Caitlin Foord (13 Tameka Yallop 46’), 11 Mary Fowler, 14 Alanna Kennedy, 15 Clare Hunt, 10 Katrina Gorry (10 Emily van Egmond 46’), 20 Kaitlyn Torpey, 21 Ellie Carpenter (16 Hayley Raso 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Teagan Micah, RGK Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, 3 Aivi Luik 4 Clare Polkinghorne, 5 Clare Wheeler, 6 Chloe Logarzo
Uzbekistan: GK Maftuna Jonimqulova (RGK Kumushoy Gulomova 50’), 4 Feruza Bobokhujaeva, 5 Nafisa Nabikulova, 6 Dilrabo Asadova (20 Leyla Rustullaeva 81’), 7 Nilufar Kudratova, 8 Ilvina Ablyakimova (19 Nozimakhon Ergasheva 46’), 11 Maftuna Shoyimova, 15 Umida Zoirova, 16 Zarina Mamatkarimova (10 Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva 46’), 17 Lyudmilla Karachik, 22 Sevinch Kuchkorova (2 Madina Khikmatova 63’) – Subs not used: RGK Nilufar Bakhtiyarova, 3 Setora Takaboeva, 9 Zarina Norboeva, 21 Shokhida Tojiddinova
26.2.2024
STAJCIC CONSIGNED TO STANDS
Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic will be forced from the sidelines this weekend after he was hit with a one-match ban by Football Australia. Stajcic received his fifth yellow card of the season on the weekend after venting his frustration at the refereeing team during Glory’s 0-0 draw with Wellington Phoenix.
A number of seemingly line-ball refereeing decisions went against Glory, drawing the ire of both the crowd and the coach throughout the game. The foul tally ended 11-3 against Glory. Stajcic was booked for his protests in the 76th minute and, having picked up four yellow cards already this season, it triggered a mandatory one-game suspension.
Post-game, Stajcic downplayed his frustrations with the referees and said they did not contribute to the outcome of the match. “We all get emotional during the 90 minutes and you think things should go your way,” he said. “It’s just a normal game, we’ve got to look at our own performance rather than the referees when we analyse the game.”
25.2.2024
NPL-WA – MEN’S NIGHT SERIES – SUNDAY REVIEW
The NPLWA – Men’s Night Series semi-finalists have been decided, with Stirling Macedonia joining Perth RedStar, Olympic Kingsway and Bayswater City in the knock-out stage after a 2-0 win against Perth SC in the final game in Group B game at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. Both sides needed a win to move through, but second half goals from Ciaran Byrne and Calvin Whitney secured Ian Ferguson’s sides passage. Stirling Macedonia will meet Perth RedStar in the opening Semi-Final on Sunday at the Sam Kerr Football Centre (5pm), while in the late game Bayswater City take on Olympic Kingsway (7pm)
“It was great to get the win to seal our spot in the next phase of the competition, and all the boys worked hard for it and deserved it in the end,” Stirling striker Byrne said. “Our performance before the Bayswater game last week hadn’t been the best, but the last two weeks we have shown what we can do and if we can keep that going, we can push to get into the final, and we are all looking forward to another big game next week.”
It was a tight first half with chances at both ends, but it was the hosts who found the opener on the hour mark. Good work in the middle of the park by Gyles Davies, ended with a neat ball into Byrne, who finished low past Joe Pollard. Perth pressed to get back into the game, but they couldn’t find a way past a tight Stirling defence, and the final minute, Stirling added a second. A corner wasn’t dealt with, and Calin Whitney fired home from close-range.
In Group A, the both sides who have progressed to the semi-finals met in the early game at Macedonia Park, with Perth RedStar topping the group standings after a 0-0 draw against second placed Olympic Kingsway. In the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve, Armadale and Western Knights ended their campaigns, with the hosts running out 2-1 winners. It was sad night for Armadale, after news earlier in the day that club life member Mark ‘Willie” Wilkinson had passed away. Everyone at Footballwa sends our thoughts to the Williamson family and everyone at Armadale SC.
It was the hosts who found the opener on the half hour, defender Nathan Costello scoring for Alun Vernals side, but the Knights levelled before the break, with Jesse Lazzaro finding the target. Both sides looked for the winner, but it went to Armadale just after half time, neat build up play ended with Lucas Cook, who crossed to substitute Ryley Wishart-Stephen, who made no mistake, the win leaving the Reds third on the ladder.
“I thought we were a little bit sloppy, and we tried a new formation in the first half, and it’s difficult when you bring new players in,” Vernals said post-match. “We changed a few things up at half time, and changed the structure of the game slightly, and we made a few personal changers, and I thought we were a lot more effective, moving the ball a lot quicker and getting forward. So, pleased to get the win but we all know it’s only pre-season and there is still plenty to work on.”
In the late game at the venue, Inglewood United won for the first time in the group stage, with a 7-0 win against Balcatta Etna. “We’re not getting too carried away with the win as Balcatta had a very youthful side out there, but obviously very pleased to get our first win in the NS and probably more pleased that we finished off the chances that were created,” Inglewood Head Coach Taki Nicolaidis said. “We also had three players either make their debut or play their second game of league football, so that is also pleasing going forward.”
Inglewood was out of the blocks early and were ahead on 11 minutes, good link up between Harry Evans and Charlie Garnham, saw the latter score. Balcatta should have levelled ten minutes later, but Shogo Osawa missed from the spot. United went on with it after the break, and doubled their lead six minutes in, Shubham Mokala crossing to Chad Nilson to head home. It was 3-0 moments later, Mokala finishing clinically. The floodgates opened late, Benson Nsegetse added a fourth, before Nilson added the fifth. Mokala added his second to make it six on 83 minutes, and sixty seconds later Nilson completed his hat-trick to seal the big win for Inglewood.
“It was a great performance from the first minute to last last night, we have shown what we are capable of in patches this night series in some games, but not for long enough but last night we were ruthless from back to front and it could have been more if it wasn’t for a couple of great saves from the Balcatta keeper,” Inglewood’s Harry Evans explained. “It’s a positive way to end the night series, but we won’t read too much into last night’s result, but there were good signs all over the pitch for the season ahead. We’ll get back on the training pitch with Taki, Ian & Matty and will be ready to go for round one against Perth Glory at home in a couple of weeks.”
25.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES QUARTER FINAL – SUNDAY REVIEW
Mandurah City and Dianella White Eagles have joined Sorrento and Joondalup United in the State League Night Series semi-finals, after wins in their respective quarter-final games on Sunday evening at the Paintseal Arena, in Ashfield. In the early game Mandurah were too strong for Curtin University, running out 6-1 winners. “Really happy with last night’s performance, from start to finish was very pleasing, a lot of the boys getting minutes also,” Mandurah Head Coach John Baird said. “The goals we scored were excellent and moved the ball well throughout the game. Build up play to all the goals had elements of the stuff we’ve worked on which is also pleasing for the coaching staff.”
The Dolphins dominated early, and raced to a two-goal lead, with goals from Leigh Griffiths and Shaun Mukwevho. But Curtin hit back and nine minutes before the break they reduced the margin, with Jordan Valentini scoring. But after the break Mandurah took control, and Griffiths added a third on the hour, before Charles Parry made it 4-1 soon after. Late goals from Craig Barker, and substitute Zak Byrne sealed the comprehensive win.
Mandurah striker Leigh Griffiths said it was a good all-round team performance. “I thought we started the game off really well and scored two really good goals, and had total control of the game, but they scored and it gave them a bit of bit momentum,” the former Celtic striker explained “Second half we knew they’d come out and try to have a go, but soon as we got the third, it was then a case of how many. We scored another three good goals and it sets us up for a hard game Friday night, but one the boys are looking forward to.”
In the late game at the venue, a ten-man Dianella have survived a late comeback from Cockburn City to move through 2-1. “Happy to move into the semi-finals, but we made hard work of it,” Dianella player coach Angel Andres explained. “Leading 2-0 we were well on our way, but after the sending off, we had to defend well to hold them out at the end. So, we were pleased with the determination of the group, and look forward to the semi-final against a strong Mandurah side.”
The Eagles flew out of the blocks and were ahead after only three minutes, with Diego Marin Dupre scoring, and they added a second 14 minutes later, with former Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh on target. But a red card in first half stoppage time turned the game, young striker Angle Andres Jnr sent off. The Cockerels were back in the game midway through the second half, with Ben Pike scoring, but they couldn’t find the equaliser, Dianella holding firm to see out the game.” The Semi-Finals will be held at Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday evening, first Sorrento host Joondalup United, in the local derby at 6.30pm, while in the late game holders Mandurah City take on Dianella White Eagles. (8.30pm)
25.2.2024
NPLW-WA – WOMEN’S & HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE REVIEW
It was week one in the NPLWA – Women’s Night Series, and in the early game at Grindleford Reserve Perth RedStar have scored late to earn a 1-1 draw against Hyundai NTC in Group A. Klaudia Houlis gave the NTC youngsters the lead early, and it looked like it would seal the win, but a goal five minutes from time from Jayna Ridley, levelled for the Champions. But moments later the lights went out, with the game abandoned, but the scoreline will stand.
“We were excited for the first game of the night series and expected it to be a challenge against NTC, as they were quick and moved the ball well, and going down 1-0 in the first half meant we really had to stay switched on to get the goal back,” RedStar new signing Lauren Continibali explained. “Jayna came on and straight away was a threat - holding the ball up well and always trying to get forward. It was a great goal that showed the team working together, and it came at the perfect time, right before the light went out.”
In the late game at the venue, Balcatta Etna opened their account with a 3-0 win against newly promoted UWA Nedlands. It was new signing Abbey Meakins who opened the scoring on six minutes, before Monique Godding added a second on the hour, with Kat Jukic grabbing the third late on. “I was delighted with the first half especially, I think we really showcased the style of football we are going to play this season and there were a lot of promising signs,” new Balcatta head coach Peter Rakic explained.
“I thought UWA put up a worthy fight as well, so it's pleasing to face a newly promoted side with a fresh and competitive approach.” The host made the perfect start, a set-piece routine would have pleased the coach, Abbey Meakins found on the edge of the box who fired through a crowded penalty area and into the corner of the net. They doubled their advantage on the hour, Monique Godding was in the right place at the right time after the UWA keeper failed to hold a cross. They sealed the points late, Jamie-Lee Gale’s cross found Katarina Jukic who headed home.
UWA Nedlands Head Coach Lawrence Lewis said they will take a lot from the game. “Balcatta are a strong side and moved the ball around well, we wanted to try and stay compact and be ready to move forward quickly when regaining possession, which I thought we were ok at,” he said. “Second half was a lot better from us, tightened up a bit and was able to get forward on a few chances but unfortunately couldn’t finish them off. Was a great experience for the team to play against NPL opposition for the first time and with two other tough games coming up for us, it will be good practice for the season ahead.”
On Saturday evening the Group B games were played at Dorrien Gardens, and in the early game Fremantle City overcame Murdoch University Melville 3-0. The opener came when Liv Trueman delivered a deep cross for Andy Preiarto to finish back post. It was 2-0 after great build up play from the back, finished with a superb long range shot by Alex Poad. They sealed the win with a rocket from outside the penalty area from Anna Powel.
In the late game at the venue Perth SC were too strong for Subiaco AFC, also running out 3-0 winners, with a brace from new signing Sam Mathers. “All the girls were super nervous heading into our first game together as a relatively new team so to come away with a win was very motivating for us,” Mathers explained.
“We’re all keen as a team to see how far we can go this season. to see our ability come through later in the Subiaco game shows the potential we have. The standards everyone played at for a game of such high intensity were very impressive and can’t wait to see what future games bring.” Jesse Flannery echoed her thoughts, and hopes they can continue their improvement. “The game as a whole was a really good team performance, especially as it was out first game as a new squad,” she said. “A good start to the preseason and I think we will only get better as the year progresses.”
The Hyundai Women's League Night Series also began on Friday evening, and the goals were flowing at Peelwood Reserve. In the early game in Group B Hyundai NTC beat hosts Mandurah City 6-1. Cate McAuliffe bagged a brace, with others to Hannah Reynolds, Isabella Wainwright, Marley Barlow and Sophie Rennie, while Melanie Paschkewitz scored for Mandurah. But Fremantle City doubled that tally after beating Gosnells City 12-0 in the late game at the venue. Jessica Mitchell was the star scoring seven goals, with Rachael Oliver adding a brace, with Lauren Giovannangelo, Kylie Smith and Ashlee Byrne one each.
The goals continued to flow on Saturday evening in Group A, with Hamersley Rovers proving too strong for North Beach running out 7-0 winners in the early game at the UWA Sports Park. Brianna Corbett second a hat-trick, with Jemma Flis and Royan Norman scoring twice. In the late game at the venue Perth RedStar beat UWA Nedlands 6-1. Niamh Gustavino opened the scoring for the hosts, but that was as good as it got for them, with Tara Meeres scoring a hat trick, with other goals to Jasmine Gray, Mikayla Ingrey and own goal.
In Group C at Baldivis Reserve on Sunday, Subiaco AFC and Murdoch University Melville fought out a scoreless draw, while the other team in the group, Perth AFC had the bye. The Group D games took us to Dorrien Gardens on Sunday evening, and in the early game Sorrento best Ellenbrook United 4-1. Natalia Xavier scored a brace for the Gulls, with others to Kaley Cornell and Teagan McNeill, with Tracey Moore scoring for United. In the late game hosts Perth SC secured a 3-1 win against East Perth, with Macey McCready scoring a hat-trick, with Rachel Hein scoring for East Perth.
25.2.2024
AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND TWO REVIEW
The second round of the Australia Cup WA stage kicked off this weekend, and it wasn’t the start new Morley Windmills coaches John O’Reilly and Dan Evans were looking for, going out of the competition after a 2-1 loss against Division Three side Spearwood Dalmatinac at Dalmatinac Park on Sunday afternoon. The hosts were ahead on 13 minutes, Jesse Jones went on a mazy down the left, cut inside the box and finished low into the corner of the net.
But Morley were level in the shadows of half, Gavin Knight found space 20 meters out, and he hit an unstoppable strike into the top right-hand corner. But ten minutes from time Spearwood won it, Harry Wisker ball into the box wasn’t cleared and in the goalmouth scramble Ross Moncrieff headed home from close-range. “It was a great result for Dalies who just shaded a tough game,” Spearwood player/coach Wisker said.
“We had five new players in the starting lineup, and three new on the bench after establishing a Master 35 team at the end of the season and 12 Amateur players moving to Masters. So, we’re very happy with the way the team gelled this early in the season and played some really good football in spells. Now have a couple of weeks to prepare for another tough test against Wembley Downs (Prem).”
It wasn’t an upset at Woodville Reserve, with North Perth United beating Woodville FC 6-0. Gershom Rowland and Oliver Bradley bagged doubles, with singles to Lochlann Edwards and Barry Boggan. New North Perth Head coach Chris Holland was pleased with his side’s performance. “Australia cup is always a good competition to enter and see how far you can go as a club. However, we used it as a good opportunity to play a lot of players who haven’t had much game time so far for us and they all really stood up and took their chances,” he said. “It was another clean sheet for us is very important and now we are starting to click up top scoring six which could have been more in fairness, but it was a good day for the club, onto the next round.”
Wembley Downs moved through to the next round, but were made to work for it, beating Hamersley Rovers 4-2 at Camberwell Park. “Happy to go through after a tough game against a strong Hamersley side,” Wembley coach Bob Jackson said. “This was only our second run out in preseason, so we’re still short in terms of match fitness. All the signs are promising though, and we’ll be giving as many minutes to as many of the boys as we possibly can in the upcoming Night Series.”
The visitors were ahead 2-0 at the break, first Halil Russo scored, after being teed up by Stefan Hill, before Sam Mattock rounded the keeper to add a second. Hamersley pulled one back just after half time through Joel Salmon, but Wembley regained their two-goal lead when Callum McLeod capped off a great team move to head in at the back post. Hamersley pulled another one back with Aref Muradi converting from the spot, but Mattock sealed the tie moments later firing home a free kick.
Cracovia moved into the next round with a 7-2 win against Chipolopolo at Camberwell Park on Sunday. “We’re happy to get the cup of with a hard-fought win,” John Sabetta said. “Chipolopolo got off to a fast start scoring first, only to have Cracovia strike back minutes later. The game was evenly matched for most of the game however Cracovia’s finishing proving the difference. New First team coach Ryan Connor getting the club off to a great start in the cup.” In other results, Football Margret River advanced with a 1-0 win against Bunbury Dynamos at Hay Park, Australind beat Manjimup Rovers 2-0, while Alkimos FC beat Armadale Christian FC 2-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Perth AFC beat Premier League Jaguar 2-0 at Len Packham Park, Maccabi beat fellow Premier League side North Beach 3-1 at Maccabean Memorial Oval, Southern Spirit edged out Black Stars 2-1 at Rickman Delwaney Reserve.
Ellenbrook United returned from Pendula Reserve with a 2-1 win against Northern City, Ballajura AFC beat Kwinana United 6-3 at Kingfisher Park, while Stirling Panthers beat Kelmscott Roos on penalties at Yulma Park. In the late game on Sunday evening, Port Kennedy edged out Queens Park on penalties at Coker Park, after the score was 1-1 at full time. In the other games Baldivis FC moved through as South West Phoenix forfeited, likewise Dunsborough Town after Busselton City forfeited.
24.2.2024
'NO PANIC, REALLY PLEASING' - OXTOBY HAPPY WITH FIRST LEG
Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says the lack of panic from her players was the most pleasing aspect of Friday's 2-0 Nations League play-off win in Montenegro. The Northern Irish dominated the first leg but had to wait 70 minutes for the opening goal, which came through Lauren Wade.
Demi Vance added a second in injury-time for a handy buffer heading into the second leg in Belfast on Tuesday. "We knew we'd have to grind them down," Oxtoby said post-game. "We knew when we came here, it was going to be a difficult game. They were going to put bodies behind the ball and they did it effectively."
Oxtoby had spoken before the game about wanting a complete 90 minute performance and she feels her players delivered on that front. The former Perth Glory defender made "a couple of little tweaks at half-time" and was pleased with how her players adapted as Montenegro sat deeper and deeper, rather than playing hit-and-hope football.
"I'm really pleased with the performance and the determination in terms of making sure we stuck to our processes and what we were trying to do," said Oxtoby. "We didn't get too frustrated and to get the win in the end is fantastic. It is easy to panic and I think that's the most pleasing thing about our performance."
"I think maybe three or four months ago, we would have just started lumping balls in the box, but we actually really tried to exploit the spaces with our movement, with our patterns and you know the second goal is a great example of that. I'm really, really pleased for the players as that shows progress in terms of what we're trying to do."
After a strong performance away from home, Northern Ireland will look to finish the job on Tuesday at Windsor Park and retain their place in League B. "I think you can expect more of the same," Oxtoby commented. "It's going to be another difficult game for us to try and break them down. So yeah, it's going to be a little bit more of the same."
24.2.2024
GLORY HOLD LEADERS AND EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN TO SIX
Perth Glory has fought out and entertaining 0-0 draw with Isuzu Ute Men’s A-League leaders Wellington Phoenix, in the ‘Distance Derby’ in front of the biggest crowd of the season at HBF Park on Saturday evening. Both sides had chances to win it, the best falling to Phoenix’s Ben Old, whose shot crashed against the woodwork, while Adam Taggart saw a couple of efforts flash narrowly wide. The hosts were thankful to New Zealand keeper Oli Sail late, producing the save of the match last to deny Oskar Zawada a last-minute winner.
“It’s good to keep a clean sheet, and there were a lot of positives from the game, but to be honest I’m still disappointed in the draw,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match. “We need to get on a roll of wins to catch up with the teams above us, but I couldn’t fault the effort and the performance was good in patches, against a good quality team as well, but to keep our second clean sheet of the season is a real positive. Ultimately, we went into the game looking to win, and I thought we had enough chances in the first half especially to get in front and try and put some scoreboard pressure on them, but we didn’t capitalize.”
Stajcic made just the one change from the side that beat Brisbane Roar last week, with Stefen Colakovski coming in for David Williams, who dropped to the bench. Glory attacked towards the Shed End, which was full at kick off, and they almost found the opener on two minutes, Riley Warland’s strike from outside the box flashed just wide of the post. The visitors, who have been the surprise team this season hit back, and Glory defender Darryl Lachman did well to block Fin Conchie’s powerful shot.
Taggart was a real threat up top, and he went close on 18 minutes, Josh Rawlins cross picked out the former Socceroo striker, but his header at the back post was wide of the target. It was end-to-end, and Scott Wotton headed wide from a corner, before Giordano Colli sent Taggart in on goal, but Phoenix custodian Alex Paulsen was out quick to block, but at the break it was all to play for.
The visitors were on the front foot after the break, but clear-cut chances at both ends were and far between. But just after the hour the Phoenix went close, a quick counter attack by substitute Oskar Zawada, and Old’s effort beat Sail, but the woodwork came to the rescue of the Glory custodian. David Williams came off the bench, and once again he livened things up, firstly teeing up Taggart who shot flew wide, and moments later he was in on goal after good approach work from Trent ostler and Taggart, but he fired straight at Paulsen. Sail then produced a superb one-handed save to deny Zawada.
The visitors almost claimed all three points late, Rawlins made a great last-ditch tackle to deny Alex Rufer, before Sail made a superb one-handed save to keep out a strong header from Zawada in the final minute. It was to be the final goalscoring opportunity with both sides forced to settle for a share of the spoils
“I’m very happy,” head coach Giancarlo Italiano said post-match. “It was a solid point. The fact that we’ve picked up four points away from home in two games [when] we’ve had some injury concerns and bringing back players, I’m very happy. The long trip is difficult. We’re lucky enough the board gave us the funds to stay over for an extended period after Macarthur, and I think it made a difference tonight. If we had gone home and came back, I think we would have been in all sorts, so I’m very thankful to club management for organising that for us.”
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Jacob MUIR (19 Trent OSTLER 60'), 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (9 David WILLIAMS 61'), 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS (27 Jayden GORMAN 90+1'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE (31 Joel ANASMO 70'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 11 Adam ZIMARINO, 34 Andriano LEBIB
Wellington Phoenix: GK Alex PAULSEN, 3 Finn SURMAN, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin CONCHIE (17 Youstin SALAS 54'), 6 Tim PAYNE, 8 Ben OLD, 10 David BALL (11 Bozhidar KRAEV 61'), 12 Mo AL-TAAY (9 Oskar ZAWADA 61'), 14 Alex RUFER, 18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 26 Isaac HUGHES - Subs not used: RGK Jack DUNCAN, 23 Luke SUPYK, 24 Oskar VAN HATTUM, 43 Matt SHERIDAN - Attendance: 8,252 - Referee: Daniel ELDER
24.2.2024
MATILDAS LEAVE IT LATE TO BEAT UZBEKISTAN
The Matildas have one foot on the plane to the Paris Olympics, after securing a 3-0 win against Uzbekistan in the qualifying play-off first leg at freezing Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent on Saturday evening. With snow falling prior to kick off, Australia struggled to breakdown a stubborn home side, missing a number of opportunities, but they scored three late goals to seal the win.
Second half substitute Michelle Heyman capped her return to national duty, after an eight-year absence, grabbing the opener 17 minutes from time, before Mary Fowler added a second six minutes from time, and substitute Caitlin Foord made it 3-0 to move Tony Gustavsson’s one step closer to qualification. Gustavsson stressed scoring three goals, combined with sealing a clean sheet, had just given his charges freedom to kick up a gear in Melbourne.
"We actually spoke about that going into this game that this is the first half of two, and a lot of players have experienced playing Champions League when it's the same thing when you play home and away and it's a two-leg series, and you need to play that a bit different," he said. "So, we said 'let's have a very, very focused, mature performance where we don't give anything away in terms of the defending, focus and discipline, keep a clean sheet again.
“Then as a bonus, if we get some goals, we can come home in Australia, gear up and attack even more. I think it was a very mature performance, we didn’t panic or get frustrated... at the same time there was some technical mistakes today and we need to admit we left a lot of goals out there. Matildas gave a debut to Kaitlyn Torpey, who wore Sam Kerr's number 20, and this was the first match without the skipper, who tore her ACL in January. Caitlan Foord was surprisingly on the bench, the Arsenal striker wasn’t injured, with her omission instead part of “managing her load” ahead of Wednesday night’s second leg in Melbourne due to her recent busy schedule with the Gunners in the English Women’s Super League.
The Matildas dominated from the outset, but struggled to breakdown the Uzbekistan side, who sat deep. Hayley Raso was busy early, the Real Madrid winger played a neat one-two with Ellie Carpenter, but dragged her shot wide. Mary Fowlers long-range effort was saved low by Maftuna Jonimqulova, but the best effort fell to Emily van Egmond, who couldn’t keep her shot down after being picked out unmarked by Raso. The stand in striker had another opportunity before the break, skipper Steph Catley’s pinpoint cross found van Egmond, but here header flew wide of the target.
Australia brought on Foord at the break, in place of debutant Torpey who impressed on her debut. Van Egmond went close again early in the second half, Fowler’s cross picking out the San Diego Wave midfielder, but once again she failed to find the target. Gustavsson was hoping his sides profligacy wouldn’t come back to haunt them, as they continued to dictate terms. But the introduction of Heyman just after the hour mark soon changed that.
The Canberra United striker held the ball up well with her back to goal and played in Raso, but her shot was saved. But moments later Heyman bagged her 21st Matildas goal, Catley’s corner was headed goalward by Clare Hunt, the ball rebounding off the crossbar and Heyman nodded home from close range. That goal opened the floodgates, with the Matildas adding two more. First on 84 minutes, Fowler intercepted a clearance and raced towards goal, before finding the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box. It was 3-0 moments later, with Catley finding Foord, who made no mistake
Heyman was delighted to get back on the score sheet for her country. “Back playing for my country, to come on and score a goal, it’s a dream come true,” she said post-match. “It’s what I wanted and I’m so happy to get it done – it’s a really nice feeling.” Told it was her first goal since 2016, she said: “I didn’t know. That’s just wild! It felt like it was just yesterday” she was last in the team, she added.
Uzbekistan: GK Maftuna Jonimqulova, 4 Feruza Bobokhujaeva, 5 Nafisa Nabikulova, 6 Dilrabo Asadova, 7 Nilufar Kudratova (9 Zarina Norboeva 88’), 10 Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva, 11 Maftuna Shoyimova, 15 Umida Zoirova, 16 Zarina Mamatkarimova (8 Ilvina Ablyakimova 68’), 17 Lyudmilla Karachik, 22 Sevinch Kuchkorova – Subs not used: RGK Nilufar Bakhtiyarova, RGK Kumushoy Gulomova, 2 Madina Khikmatova, 3 Setora Takaboeva, 13 Kumushoy Gulomova, 19 Nozimakhon Ergasheva, 20 Leyla Rustullaeva, 21 Shokhida Tojiddinova
Matildas: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 7 Steph Catley, 8 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 10 Emily van Egmond (2 Michelle Heyman 65’), 11 Mary Fowler, 14 Alanna Kennedy (3 Aivi Luik 82’), 15 Clare Hunt, 16 Hayley Raso (13 Tameka Yallop 82’), 10 Katrina Gorry, 20 Kaitlyn Torpey (9 Caitlin Foord 46’), 21 Ellie Carpenter (22 Charlotte Grant 90’) – Subs not used: RGK Teagan Micah, RGK Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, 4 Clare Polkinghorne, 5 Clare Wheeler, 17 Amy Sayer
23.2.2024
NPLWA-MEN’S NIGHT SERIES WEEK FIVE FRIDAY REVIEW
Bayswater City have sealed top spot in Group B of the NPLWA – Men’s Night Series ladder after a beating Fremantle City 2-1 in the late game at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening. All the action in this one came late, substitute Joshua Anasmo gave the hosts the lead 12 minutes from time, but Alex McLean levelled three minutes later.
Bayswater sealed the win, and a semi-final spot two minutes from time with former Perth Glory striker Anasmo adding his second. “A huge win for us, Fremantle were well organised, and they were at it from the start,” Bayswater’s Jason Mirco said. “It was a very hard-fought result, but some moments of quality meant we were able to get the edge on the game.”
It was a huge game for both sides, both needing a win to seal top spot in the group, and it was a tight first half with chances at both ends, but Fremantle would go on to regret not taking the better ones. All the goal action came late in the game. First on 78 minutes a quick counter attack ended with Chris Jackson, who squared the ball substitute Anasmo, who finished well at the back post. But Fremantle hit back moments later, with McLean beating Lewis Italiano.
It looked like the points would be shared, but on 88 minutes the hosts won it. Anasmo’s pace took the striker in behind the Fremantle defence, and he kept his composer to finish well past Ryan Barker. “It was great to secure our spot in the semifinals,” Bayswater Head Coach Gary Williams said. “But great credit to Fremantle who created the better chances on the night and must feel hard done by not to get a point. We look forward to next week and wait in anticipation to see who we play.”
Perth Glory moved in second place on the NPLWA – Men’s Night Series Group B ladder, after a 4-2 win against Floreat Athena in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening. “Another good performance from the group again against Floreat,” Glory Head Coach John Walmsley said. “A lot of changes to the side but we still managed to be consistent with our performance. The young players have shown a lot of maturity in the last few weeks which is pleasing.”
The Glory youngsters led 2-0 at the break, with goals from Malise Mpunga and Sam Barry, but Floreat skipper Nick Ambrogio pulled one back early in the second half. Glory restoring their two-goal advantage with Gert Prinsloo scoring, but Floreat hit back again through Ethan Mom. But Glory secured the win and kept their semi-final hopes alive, with substitute Santiago Flores scoring ten minutes from time.
“It was a great game, and we got the result we wanted and needed and played some good football,” Glory midfielder Seb Despotovski said. “Our goals were scored from our patience build up and our constant pressure on their defence, the whole team played well, and everyone who came off the bench too, so overall it was a good performance from everyone to secure the win.”
23.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – QUARTER FINALS – FRIDAY REVIEW
Sorrento moved into the semi-final of the State League Night Series, after a dramatic 9-8 win on penalties against Joondalup City in the early quarter-final game at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday evening. “All in all, a frustrating game for us Sorrento boys, although I thought we deserved to go through,” Sorrento defender James McGowan said. “I thought we had the majority of the possession and chances, but give the Joondalup City boys credit, they did really well and I think they will have a good chance of winning their league this year, for us onto the semis we go.”
After controlling the opening period of the local derby, Sorrento found themselves behind on 11 minutes, City’s Liam Peacock finishing from the spot, after Lucas Reid was brought down in the box, and they led at the break. Sorrento hit back after the break, and levelled two minutes into the second half, Keegan Chambers heading home from a corner. But City restored their lead moments later, their high press won possession in their own half and a quick break down the right ended with Eddie Wilcock who finished low under David Keenan.
It looked like City would pull off a shock win, but in the final minute the Gulls levelled. A great through ball from Neil Kilkenny found Clay Gibbs, who cut the ball back to Luke Salmon who made no mistake. The shoot-out went down to the wire, with 22 penalties being taken, Sorrento keeper David Keenan scoring to make it 9-8, before City keeper Brett Corey missed his to send Steven McGarry’s team through.
“It’s a tough one to take when you’re five minutes from a great win and we conceded late. They are a top team and for the majority of the game we competed and were very organised to a high level,” Joondalup City Head Coach Guy McDonald explained. “But again, I can’t fault these boys, week after week they have gone toe to toe with teams from the division above. The foundations and standards have now been set for the season ahead and we will build on a positive preseason from here.”
In the late quarter final at the venue, Joondalup United qualified for the semi-finals after a 3-1 win against Gosnells City. “Tonight was all about winning, and I thought at times it wasn’t pretty,” Joondalup Head Coach Nick Jennings said. “But I thought the boys were more than good enough to get the job done on the night.” Joondalup were ahead on 28 minutes, Jamie Gardiner pouncing after Gosnells failed to clear the ball in a goalmouth scramble. They doubled their advantage six minutes later, Joel Sollitt racing clear, outpacing the Gosnells backline before finishing clinically past Duncan Lennon-Black.
But Gosnells were back in the game on the hour, after the referee spotted a handball in the box and Aaron Coslani converted the resulting penalty. It was game on, but Joondalup sealed the win on 70 minutes, Tyler Holden’s cross shot went in off Lennon-Black. “We weren’t at our best tonight, and had a poor first half,” Gosnells skipper Scott Pereira said. “In the second half we created some chances and probably could have got ourselves back in the game, but take nothing away from Joondalup they were a good team and probably deserved to go through in the end.”\
23.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – QUARTER FINAL PREVIEW
The State League Night Series has reached the quarter final stage, with the six group winners, plus the two best runners-up, doing battle over the weekend. Firstly, on Friday evening the early game at Wanneroo Reserve sees Joondalup City take on Sorrento. (6.30pm) The temperature in Perth is again in the high 30’s, but hopefully it will be cooler by kick off. Sorrento topped Group A, winning all three of their games, and keeper Dave Keenan said they will look to continue their good start to the tournament. “To be honest we set our expectations to top the group as the minimum, and the club have put together a new squad and are still a work in progress, we’re coming together nicely but we can still be better in my opinion,” he explained.
“I’m looking forward to Fridays encounter, I know their coach Guy (McDonald) from my time at Kingsway, and he’s a coach that’ll be looking to play football. But if we play our game and do the right things in and out of possession the result will take care of itself.” Joondalup City were runners-up in Group D, but went through undefeated, and striker Liam Peacock said they are relishing the tie against an inform Sorrento. “We are happy to go undefeated in the group we are obviously disappointed on letting our lead slip against Wanneroo, which would have seen us go through on top, but overall happy to go through,” he said. “Really looking forward to testing ourselves against a good team in Sorrento and show how good we are this season and get a result.”
In the late game at the venue on Friday evening, Group B winners Joondalup United meet Group C runners-up Gosnells City. Joondalup won all their games in the group, and go into the game in good form, and striker Joel Sollitt said they will look to continue their good form in front of goal against a good Gosnells side. “It’s been a really good start to the season, and to go undefeated while scoring 13 goals in three games is a credit to the whole team,” he said. “It was a good finish for Gosnells in a difficult group, so we are expecting a tough game for sure, against a really physical team.”
Gosnells lost only one game in the group stage, and skipper Scott Pereira said it’s been pleasing the side is gelling well, and are looking forward to taking on Joondalup. “Yes, it was a good group stage for us and a good opportunity for the new lads to gel into the team and show what they can do. Having finished second I thought we were unlucky not to top the group, but we move on to the quarters anyway,” the midfielder explained. “The boys are looking forward to Friday night’s game against Joondalup, and having played against them last year we have an idea of what we will be up against, but it’s a good opportunity for us to progress into the next round.”
On Sunday the other quarter-finals takes us to Paintseal Arean in Ashfield, and in the early game last season’s winners Mandurah City take on UWA Nedlands. (5.00pm) The Dolphins topped Group E, and new defender Steve Hesketh said it’s good to reach the knock out stage, but he is well aware it’s still pre-season. “It’s always good to be winning games, but it’s very early doors and as a squad we’re focusing on getting ready for the season,” the former Perth Glory Youth defender explained.
“It’s a great group of lads and the team and coaches are putting it in to keep improving what we do. The games have been physical with a lot of good and a bit to work on (as you’d expect), and this early in the year everyone is pretty much even. On Sunday’s clash, as I said, this early in the year there is not much between everyone, but it’s always good to be involved in finals football and the club will be ready for it this Sunday.” UWA Nedlands topped Group F, going through undefeated, and Richard Abrams side have been impressive but Football West have a tribunal hearing tonight regarding their game against Curtin University on February 10, which UWA won 2-1. If it is upheld Curtin will take the points, and will replace UWA in the tie.
In the late game at the venue Cockburn City come up against Dianella White Eagles. (7.30pm) The Cockerels topped Group C, and will go into the tie in a confident mood, and defender Chris Thackrey said the new squad is gelling well. “It was good to progress to the quarter-finals top of the group unbeaten, giving us confidence going into the game against Dianella White Eagles. It is a fairly new group of players at Cockburn City, and we have been making progress week by week, one step at a time; all the players and coaching staff have been working really hard on the training field, which has shown in the group's games,” the defender explained.
“However, we were disappointed with our second half against Balga and know we have room to improve in our consistency. Dianella had a strong campaign last season and topped their group in the night series with a strong squad of players, so we know this will be a really strong challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.” Dianella White Eagles were unbeaten to top Group D, and player coach Angel Andres said they are improving each week. “The group stage was good for us to see players in different positions and for us to play different formations, so that has been a huge positive for us,” he explained. “We are now in the knockout stage, and are ready for the challenge. Cockburn have lost a number of players from last season, but they still have a lot of quality, so we will need to be at our best on Sunday.”
23.2.2024
NPL-WA MENS NIGHT SERIES - WEEK FIVE PREVIEW
We head into the final round of the NPLWA Men’s Night series group stage, and in Group A the semi-finalist has already been decided, with Perth RedStar and Olympic Kingsway sealing the top two spot, and the pair meet in the last round on Sunday in the early game at Macedonia Park. (5.00pm) RedStar claimed their spot after a win against Armadale last week, while Olympic sealed their place after a 5-1 win against Balcatta Etna at Kingsway Reserve on Wednesday evening.
The hosts made the breakthrough on 21 minutes, Sasa Njegic picked out Joe Knowles on the edge of the box, and the former Perth Glory striker finished low across Connor Campbell. Knowles doubled the lead in the shadows of half time, converting from the spot after he was brought down in the box. Olympic added third 15 minutes from time, nice lead up play from between Knowles and Luke Hewing saw the ball played to Njegic on the edge of the box, and he slipped the ball into Knowles and the striker completed his hat trick.
Balcatta reduced the margin four minutes later, Shogo Osawa was brought down in the penalty area by Knowles, and Osawa picked himself up to score from the spot. But Olympic added two late goals, first their high press paid dividends, Njegic winning possession feeding Ollie Annis on the edge of the box and he finished clinically. Then two minutes from time it was 5-1, a quick break Calum O’Connell find Billy Baker, who laid the ball back to Lebib Labib, and he played in James Fanelli who made no mistake.
“I’m pleased with the performance and that our fitness levels are improving each week, and we’ve been working on a lot of different things in preseason, but I think we’re now getting the balance right,” Olympic Head Coach David Tough explained. “Balcatta were missing several of their senior players, but I thought the young lads that came in gave a great account of themselves. It’s been an emotional week for every involved with the two clubs after Declan Hudson’s injury, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.” The other games in group this week are at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday evening. In the early game Armadale host Western Knights (6.30pm), while in the late game at the venue Inglewood United take on Balcatta Etna. (7.30pm)
Meanwhile, Group B is still wide open, with five of the six teams still in a chance to play finals football. The games start on Friday evening, when Perth Glory take on Floreat Athena in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve. (6.30pm) Floreat are the only team that can’t make the semi-finals, but will be looking to end the competition with a win. Glory on the other hand need a win and hope the other results go their way. Glory assistant coach Stephen Walmsley said the youngsters have been fantastic during the group stage, and will be doing all they can to get the result.
“It’s nice going into the last game with qualification still on the line and hopefully if we do our job, we can get a bit of luck in terms of other results to go through. The level of performance in each of our four games so far has been good and the plan is to continue that against Floreat, regardless of what happens,” he said. “We know they’ll be full of energy and they’re a team that like to be aggressive and compete, so the job for us is to match them in that sense and control the match. It’s been pleasing that we’ve been consistent in our approach and shown a bit of resilience as a group dealing with different situations. We’re looking forward to another good test against on Friday and hoping to put in a strong performance regardless of where we end up.”
In the late game at the venue Bayswater City host Fremantle City. (8.30pm) Bayswater only need a draw to move through, but Head Coach Gary Williams said they will be looking for all three, this after missing the opportunity to wrap a semi-final spot up last week. “The game last week was just what we needed, a very competitive game with both teams wanting to win,” he said. “Stirling were strong and I believe a draw was a fair reflection of the match, but it was disappointing conceding a late goal but they deserved something out of the game. This week will also be a hard match, as Fremantle have improved significantly since their first match. We won’t play any other way than to secure the three points. It is a big game as if either team lose it may knock them out of the competition with Stirling and Perth still able to qualify. Our players have done well so far, but we do have a number of players out at the moment and the young lads that have come in have been exceptional.”
New Fremantle striker Robert Petkov was on target last week in the win against his former club Floreat, and he said it sets up a winners take all clash against Bayswater on Friday. “Last week was an important win from the boys, everyone knows it’s always a hard task playing against Floreat and even though I thought we controlled the game we still had to fight until the end and make sure we got the three points,” he explained. “I think it’s fair to say Bayswater are looking very strong so, we’ll have to make sure we are up for the challenge. It’s still in our hands and knowing if we get the win would mean we go top, so it gives us everything to play for.”
The final game in the group is on Sunday, when Striling Macedonia hosts Perth SC in the late game at Macedonia Park. (7.00pm) Both teams will know what result they need after the Friday games, but a win for either side is vital to see them progress to the knockout stage. Perth SC assistant coach Stuart Banks this game will be like a knockout game, and they are ready for the challenge. “Essentially this game is a quarter final with both teams knowing that they must win. I’m expecting an entertaining game as even a draw will knock both of us out,” he said.
“From our perspective we’ve been really happy with the number of chances we’ve created in the previous games and the goals that we’ve scored, but we’ve conceded way too many so we have to be tighter in defence. I’m sure Stirling are disappointed with their night series campaign so far too, given their usual high expectations, so for both teams it’s an opportunity to push on now, set up a semifinal game and be that bit closer to being ready for the start of the season.”
Stirling fought back to earn a point against Bayswater last week, to keep them in the semi-final mix, but assistant coach John Lavery said their form in the group stage has been mixed, and they need to be at their best against a good Azzurri outfit. “We’ve been up and down in the night series with our levels of performance, but we are hoping to build on a decent run out against Bayswater last week,” he explained. “Perth will be a tough test as they are a very good young team, but like I said, hopefully we can build on last week’s performance and get the desired result.”
23.2.2024
WOMENS AND HYUNDAI WOMENS LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – PREVIEW
The NPLWA Womens and Hyundai Womens League Night Series begin this weekend, with games on Friday, and Saturday. First in the NPLWA the opening game is on Friday evening in Group A, and newly promoted UWA Nedlands take on hosts Balcatta Etna in the late game at Grindleford Reserve. (8.30pm) UWA Head Coach Lawrence Lewis said they have prepared well in preseason, and his side are looking forward to the challenge. “Yes, preseason has been going well, great buy-in from the squad on training a lot during the week and putting in extra sessions to get prepared for this NPL season coming up. We know we have to be ready to get stuck in and work super hard in games, so that work has been put into the last couple of months and will continue,” Lewis explained.
“We know that we are in a strong group and Balcatta has been a strong side for a while now. With player movements and Pete (Rakic) going over, no doubt they will have been working hard to get set early. For us, we relish the chance to play big teams in a pre-season competition like this as it will put us in good stead physically, technically and mentally on where we need to be for the season to go well for us.”
In the early game at the venue on Friday, Perth RedStar take on the Hyundai NTC squad. (6.30pm) Last season champions will look to continue their dominance from last season, and Head Coach Carlos Vega Mena said he has been delighted the way the new players have gelled, and he is expecting a tough game against the talented NTC side.
“We have been working hard in the preseason with a couple of new faces in the group and I’m happy with the results so far. The squad has a solid mixture of youth and experience and I’m looking forward to seeing them in action on Friday,” he said. “The NTC are always an unpredictable team, and they always pose a challenge with their youth and energy. They are well coached and I’ve now doubt it should be an entertaining game of football.”
On Saturday the games take us to Dorrien Gardens for Group B games, and in the early game Fremantle City take on Murdoch University Melville (5.00pm), while in the late game hosts Perth SC will look to defend their title when they meet Subiaco AFC. (7.00pm) Perth go into the season with former coach Danielle Holtham in charge, and once again they will be among the favourites to win the competition.
Subiaco Head Coach Greg Farrell said his side are progressing well, and Saturday will be a great test for them. “Our pre-season has been very good so far. We’ve recruited well during the off-season in a few areas that needed it, but mostly we’ve continued to work with the players we already had and are seeing good progress from all of them,” he said.
“Last year in night series we played Perth SC, then Fremantle, then MUM FC, so there’s a bit of Deja vu, though the opposition teams will potentially be quite different. Perth will be good, Danielle Holtham is a very experienced coach and with the resources Perth has, their team should be very strong. We are more interested in our performances than results, but hopefully the latter will come as a result of the former.”
In the Hyundai Women’s League Night Series there are four groups, with each group winner advancing to the semi-finals. In Group B on Friday evening, Mandurah City host Hyundai NTC in the early game at Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade (6.30pm), while in the late game at the venue Gosnells City meet Fremantle City (8.30pm)
On Saturday in Group A, Hamersley Rovers take on North Beach in the early game at UWA Sports Park (5.00pm), while in the late game UWA Nedlands host Perth RedStar. (7.00pm) In Group C the games will be played at Baldivis Reserve on Sunday, with Subiaco AFC meeting Murdoch University Melville (7.00pm), while Perth AFC have the bye. Finally, in Group D Ellenbrook United and Sorrento go head-to-head in the early game at Dorrien Gardens, while in the late game at the venue Perth Sc host East Perth. (7.00pm)
22.2.2024
SCOTTISH DUO HEAD TO MANDURAH
Mandurah City are performing well on the park, after qualifying for the State League Night Series as group winners last weekend, and they are also performing well off the pitch after picking up Scottish duo Scott Davidson and Jamie Adams for the season ahead. The pair arrived in WA in the middle of the hottest part of the season, but striker Davidson said it’s a great opportunity to play overseas, and he can’t wait to get started. "The chance to come to Australia is incredibly thrilling, and to play football here is even better,” the 29-year-old said. “I'm eager to meet everyone and hopefully, we can achieve promotion this season after coming so close last year." The club hope his international clearance arrives in time so he can make his debut in the Night Series Quarter-finals.
Davidson brings a wealth of experience from playing for various clubs like Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Clachnacuddin, Fort William, Rothes, Brora Rangers, and most recently with Highland League club Nairn County where he bagged nine goals. Known for his goal-scoring abilities, Scott is a seasoned striker with a strong football background. He made history as one of the youngest players to feature in the Scottish Cup when he was at Clachnacuddin, the striker played against when he was 15 years, one month and three days old, against Wick Academy in the first round in 2009. He also comes from a footballing family, with his dad Roddy having an impressive record of over 740 games for Inverness.
“I’ve known Scotty for some time, and he was at Inverness Caley Thistle for a period when I was there,” Mandurah Head Coach John Baird explained. “Unfortunately, he got injured, but made his way back in football and got his career going in the Highland League in Scotland scoring lots of goals, and we hope he can bring that trait to the Dolphins this season. I believe if Scotty lived central belt in Scotland, he would’ve played at a higher level, that’s the biggest compliment I can give Scotty, I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Adams has already hit the pitch, making his debut for the club in the Night Series. The midfield/striker took time out of the game recently, this after spells at a number of Scottish clubs, most recently Petershill FC. He’s been doing some travelling, but has got the itch back to play football and he said it’s great to be at family friendly club like Mandurah. "I've been away from the game for a few months, but now I'm ready and eager to put my boots back on and help Mandurah get promotion,” Adams said. “The club and players have been incredibly welcoming, and I hope to contribute to the team's success this season."
Baird said the signing of Jamie and Scott is huge for the club, and after being recommended to him, Adams has settled in really well. “Jamie was recommended to me through a friend, and after going my research he became a very good option for us to get into the club which we’re delighted to do so,” Baird explained. “Both players are good fits for our club, and the team, and I’m really looking forward to working with them. Jamie is also from the same area east end Glasgow as myself, which is good, and I’m sure both players will do well for the club.”
22.2.2024
GLORY HOST LEAGUE LEADERS IN WEEK 18
Perth Glory is a team in form, unbeaten in their last five games, with back-to-back home wins, and with a new owner in place, there is huge optimism around the club and their loyal supporters. But that will be tested on Saturday evening when they welcome Isuzu Ute A-League leaders Wellington Phoenix to HBF Park in the Round 18, Distance Derby. (6.45pm) Their last defeat in the competition was against Saturday’s opponents in the Unite Round, when the Phoenix prevailed in a seven-goal thriller, and Head Coach Alen Stajcic is expecting a similar game like that one.
“Every game is unique, you never know what you’re going to get and you certainly don’t know what you’re going to get when we play at HBF Park, but I’d love a nice little 1-0, our way,” Stajcic joked. “We’re probably the two most in-form teams [in the A-League] at the moment. In terms of the last five matches, we’ve picked up the most number of points between us, and that shows that it’s going to be a really tight contest, whether that’s tight low-scoring or tight high-scoring. It’s going to be a tough occasion for both teams. They are playing to try and seal top spot in the league and we’re fighting for our lives to start banging on the door of the Finals six, that’s really the main driver.”
Stajcic said his side are playing with confidence, and he has been pleased with certain aspects of their play, but knows there is still plenty of room for improvement. “We’ve hit a good vein of form and results are starting to follow, which is good, and we all know that we’ve done well, but there’s still a long way to go,” he explained. “The boys have shown that they can focus on the task at hand and the task at hand hasn’t changed.
“We have to win as many matches as we can and we’re still towards the bottom of the ladder, so we have to do everything we can to start nudging that Finals race. It’s great to have new owners and new visions and that stability across the club, but ultimately, what we do on the training field and for matches doesn’t change. So, it’s very important that we refocus on playing the league leaders.”
The last time we hosted the Phoenix in Perth was in round nine last season, with the sides fighting out a 1-1 draw in front of a sell out crowd at Macedonia Park. David Williams gave the hosts the lead early, but Polish striker Oscar Zawada levelled before the break, with both sides sharing the spoils. The Phoenix arrives in Perth flying high, five points clear at the top of the table, and are unbeaten in 2024, so Stajcic knows the challenge they face on Saturday, but he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“We know what a consistent team they are, they’re a hard-working team, and Chief [Head Coach Giancarlo Italiano] has done an amazing job to weld that team into the force they are,” Stajcic said. “They have some exceptional players and are probably the most cohesive group in the competition at the moment. Full credit goes to them and the whole club for putting together the season they have so far.”
The coach said they have a number of players that can hurt you, but one of them, Kosta Barbarouses, is missing from the squad due to injury, but Stajcic knows it’s not a one-man band. “Kosta [Barbarouses] has probably had his best season for the last three or four and we know what an exceptional player he’s been in the A-League for such a long time,” he said. “Behind him they have some excellent players as well and ultimately that’s why they’re at the top of the pack.
“More importantly, they’ve been a complete unit. Defensively they’ve been solid, the goalkeeper has had a real breakout season, their midfield is tough, hard-working and resilient. They’re very collective in the way they approach the game and that’s why they’ve been such a tough nut to crack for everyone.” In team news Glory will still be without the injured Johnny Koutroumbis, Mark Beevers and Mustafa Amini, and Stajcic will go into the game with the same squad as last week, with the addition of youngster Kaelan Majekodunmi, who celebrated his birthday in midweek.
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34 Andriano LEBIB, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *One to be omitted* - Ins: MAJEKODUNMI - Unavailable: 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (injured), 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Alex PAULSEN, GK Jack DUNCAN, 3 Finn SURMAN, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin CONCHIE, 6 Tim PAYNE, 8 Ben OLD, 9 Oskar ZAWADA, 10 David BALL, 11 Bozhidar KRAEV, 12 Mo AL-TAAY, 14 Alex RUFER, 17 Youstin SALAS, 18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 23 Luke SUPYK, 24 Oskar VAN HATTUM, 26 Isaac HUGHES, 43 Matt SHERIDAN, 51 Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES - *One to be omitted* - Ins: PAYNE (returning from injury), KRAEV (returning from injury) - Unavailable: 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES (injured), 15 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 19 Sam SUTTON (injured) - Referee: Daniel Elder
22.2.2024
AUSTRALIA CUP KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND
The WA rounds of the Australia Cup kicks off this weekend with games across the state. It will be the first competitive game in charge of Morley Windmills for John O’Reilly and Dan Evans, when they travel to Dalmatinac Park to meet Spearwood Dalmatinac on Sunday. O’Reilly said it’s been a busy preseason and they are progressing well. “Our preseason has been very encouraging, we have recruited well and have steadily been progressing forward,” the former Armadale coach said. “We have had four very productive friendlies and now we look forward to the first round of the cup. Dalies are a historical team in Perth and a team I've never played against, so I’m thoroughly looking forward to it.”
It will also be the first game in charge for new North Perth United Head Coach Chris Holland, who takes over from Alex Carter in 2024, when they host Woodvale at Woodville Reserve on Sunday. He has liked what he has seen in preseason, but knows Sunday will be a tough game, like all cup games are. “Preseason has gone well, and it’s pleasing to see more numbers every week which is great, and we are looking like a real strong squad across both teams,” he explained. “Cup games are always funny, and anything can happen. I have no doubt they will be right up for this game, but my goal is to ensure my boys go out with the mindset to put the game to bed in the first half, especially playing at home in front of our fans, it’s going to be a cracker.”
The game between Dunsborough Town and Busselton City has been forfeited by Busselton, while AFC Gortankaku and Joondanna Blues have been given a bye. The Full Round Two fixtures are as follows – Saturday Hamersley Rovers v Wembley Downs – Camberwell Park (4pm), Bunbury Dynamos v FMR Football Margaret River, Hay Park Pavilion (6pm) - Sunday (3pm unless stated) Manjimup Rovers v Australind, Collier Reserve (11am), North Perth United v Woodvale, Woodville Reserve (1pm), South West Phoenix v Baldivis, Hay Park (1pm),
Armadale Christian FC v Alkimos, Alfred Skeet Reserve (2.30pm), Perth AFC v Jaguar, Len Packham Park, North Beach v Maccabi, Maccabean Memorial Oval, Northern City v Ellenbrook United, Dryandra/Pendula Reserve, Black Stars WA v Southern Spirit, Rickman Delwaney Reserve, Stirling Panthers v Kelmscott Roos, Yuluma Park, Chipolopolo v Cracovia, Camberwell Park, Spearwood Dalmatinac v Morley Windmills, Dalmatinac Park, Ballajura AFC v Kwinana United, Kingfisher Park, Queens Park v Port Kennedy, Coker Park (5pm)
20.2.2024
OXTOBY READY FOR PLAY-OFF AFTER 'BAPTISM OF FIRE'
Tanya Oxtoby says her time as Northern Ireland manager has been a "baptism of fire" but she is excited to see how her team progresses in 2024. The former Perth Glory player, who took charge of Northern Ireland in August, is preparing the womens national team for a Nations League play-off first leg clash with Montenegro.
A win will help Northern Ireland retain their place in League B, while a loss will keep alive Montenegro's hopes of earning promotion. "Yeah, it's been a baptism of fire for sure," said Oxtoby when asked how she has progressed as an international manager over the last six months. "I know the players better now."
"I know their strengths and some of their motivations and background stories. That's really important if you want to try and get the best out of players. So from that point of view, you know, that time has been really well invested and I trust this group. I can see that we're heading in the right direction and I'm excited to see how they go in 2024."
While Northern Ireland will be favourites to retain their League B status, Montenegro will be no pushovers and showed promising form in Group C3 despite being ranked 91st in the world. Montenegro's only two defeats in the Nations League came at the hands of group winners Azerbaijan, while Northern Ireland had an up-and-down campaign in the tier above.
The Republic of Ireland defeated Montenegro 3-0 and 2-0 in Euro 2022 qualifying and the Montenegrins will be looking for a scalp against Oxtoby's side. "They're going to be a really physical side. They've got some really creative players that can hurt you in transition," the 41-year old said.
"We need to make sure that we are controlling the game with and without the ball. That's really, really important. Footage has been hard to come by, so that's probably one of their strengths but we're prepared and we're ready. It's going to be a pressure game but we're ready for it and we want to embrace it".
Oxtoby added her players "know what the task is" as they bid to retain their League B status, which will play a pivotal role in Euro 2025 qualification. "We want to make sure that we're continuing to grow and implement our principles. Longer-term, we know what the goal is.
"These two games are like knockout football, so that is a privilege and it will hold us in good stead moving forward. I want to win both games. There's always an element of the stuff you can't control when you're away from home so we need to be aware of that.
"We know what the different scenarios are but my job now is just to make sure we win these two games and hopefully go with strategy A. We will end up finishing where we deserve to finish. So if we don't perform in these two games then we'd be pretty disappointed. Hopefully, the result and our status will take care of itself as well."
19.2.2024
IREDALE REVEALS GORY INJURY
Jack Iredale may have to play against former club Cambridge United with a protective headband after suffering an unusual injury against Charlton Athletic. The Bolton Wanderers defender was caught by a stray elbow from Chuks Aneke which tore his ear so significantly it required the attention of a plastic surgeon and several stitches.
Iredale played on with the injury on Saturday and returned to the training ground quickly to put his name in the frame for Tuesday’s game at the Abbey Stadium. “I’ve no idea how it happens but there was an incident midway through the second half when he went off, I think the boy Aneke caught him with quite a nasty elbow and literally his ear split in two parts,” said Bolton manager Ian Evatt.
“It was severe enough for him to need to see a surgeon. Great credit to Jack, he has brave it, strapped it up, and carried on for the remainder of the game. And that was part of the ear that was unprotected by his Australian mullet. Potentially he’ll need some type of Terry Butcher style strapping to look after it but he’s a brave lad and he wants to continue.”
19.2.2024
PELLIGRA OUTLINES HIS VISION FOR GLORY
New Perth Glory owner Ross Pelligra has unveiled his vision for the A-League club - a sustainable entity with an identity gravitating around community. After assuming control of the club on Friday, the property developer has revealed his plans and how Socceroos great Vince Grella convinced him to invest in the club.
“When you hear the word Perth Glory, it’s the glory of Perth; it represents WA and this club has to represent the people of WA,” Pelligra told ‘the West Australian’ newspaper. “Most important is that everyone that comes to the club respects the brand and the badge; anyone who doesn’t won’t survive in our club.”
After a whirlwind few days, Pelligra arrived in Perth on Saturday and attended his first home match as owner on Saturday night. He would not have made it to Perth had it not been for Grella, who is chief executive of Catania, the Italian Serie C club Pelligra owns.
“The main reason why we initially looked at Perth was because of Vince Grella. He had a big passion for Perth, he knew I was pushing to get a licence in Australia,” Pelligra said. “Vince was a massive advocate of Perth. When I was over in Italy, one night he said to me, ‘Ross, if we’re gonna set up a club in Australia, we need to do it in Perth.’ Vince is really the reason why we’re here.”
Grella is a shareholder in Pelligra’s consortium and will play an active role in running Glory. “We’re going to have a local CEO, but he’ll be at board level, making decisions, implementing a lot of the football philosophy we have in Europe here,” Pelligra said. “Especially in the grassroots, getting back into making sure that as the years go on, we want to have Perth Glory kids, not just imported kids from other states and countries.”
Perth-born ex-English Premier League veteran Stan Lazaridis is poised to play a part in the structure of the club moving forward, while Socceroos legend Mark Bresciano remains a firm friend of Pelligra’s, but it not yet involved in the club. Local business identities Jason Bontempo and Michael Di Fulvio will also be involved.
“This is something I learnt at a young age: you can’t be the expert at everything yourself,” he said. “It’s important to bring in the people that are more talented than you, that can run and help and advise you to give you the right expertise and knowledge to move forward.”
Prior to purchasing the club, Pelligra travelled to Perth to meet with state and local government representatives, and preliminary discussions involved a parcel of land next to the Stirling administration building. Glory have endured a fairly nomadic existence, with no specifically designed training facility or permanent administration base to call home and Pelligra said changing that was paramount.
“A home for the club is important, knowing that the club has a place where it does its training, the players go there, the facilities are built to excellent standard,” he said. “We’re dealing with athletes, champions of Australia, one day that could be going out and playing in the FIFA World Cup. They need to feel like champions when they arrive at the training facilities.”
“That’s probably something that is going to be the first task that we’re going to be working on, to make sure we embed the right training facility for the male and female team. I need long-term; I need to make sure the team has a facility not for the next one or two years, but for the next 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 years.”
Pelligra’s idea is not just for a cutting-edge facility - in-house rehab and injury prevention is a particular area of interest for him - but one which houses plenty of pitches, a home not just for the top-end of the club, but one that welcomes in the community too. Parallel to dwindling crowds at Perth Oval, Glory’s grassroots connection has also waned over the past decade.
Pelligra plans to meet with fan groups and local clubs over the coming months to establish how the relationship between the top, middle and lower levels of the game in Perth can be strengthened. “Perth Glory belongs to Perth, it belongs to not to just the first team and myself as the owner and Vincenzo; it also belongs to every community that’s got football, they should feel like they’re part of it.”
“If we don’t connect with them, where do these kids go? We’re going to keep on investing until we get it right. It doesn’t mean because I’ve got deep pockets, we just spend whatever and hope for the best. This club will be built over the years to come around what people in Perth believe.”
18.2.2024
STAJCIC HAILS CROWD, ATMOSPHERE DURING 3-2 WIN OVER BRISBANE
Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic has paid tribute to the electric atmosphere which urged on his team to victory as their new owner watched on from the sidelines. There was a sense of anticipation and excitement at Perth Oval last night, as incoming chairman Ross Pelligra saw his new team pull of a 3-2 comeback victory over Brisbane Roar.
In what was Brisbane coach Ruben Zadkovich’s first game back in Perth following his off-season departure, two Adam Taggart goals frustrated the ex-Glory manager, before a player Zadkovich froze out last season - Stefan Colakovski - popped up with a late winner.
It was the latest in an increasingly long line of chaotic comebacks from Glory this season and Stajcic said there was a palpable air of excitement around the ground on Saturday night. “It was a really important one for the fans. Just seeing and hearing the noise, it was probably the loudest I’ve felt at a Perth Glory home game,” he said.
“There was just that extra level of connection and spirit in the ground and I’m glad that the boys could produce that kind of result for the fans and give them that sense of belonging again. There’s a real sense of hope among the whole sort of environment now, on the field and off the field, so hopefully it drives us forward even more.”
Stajcic also commended the effort of Colakovski, who rose from the sick bed to earn a spot on the bench and deliver the killer blow against Zadkovich’s Roar. Colakovski only played 63 minutes under Zadkovich last season; his winner on Saturday was his sixth goal of the season.
“He was ill for a week, so he’s come out of bed and struggled to get onto the pitch today to be honest,” Stajcic explained. “Recovering from that illness, he was sick for about 10 days, he had to show that little bit of extra character just to even get on the pitch to be able to produce that for us.”
Meanwhile, Taggart scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season to move within one goal of the lead of the Golden Boot award. “We can talk about the goals and he’s always been a goal scorer, always been able to have that kind of influence on a game, but just talking to other players in the group, he’s elevated himself as a leader in the group,” Stajcic said.
“On and off the pitch, during matches, at training sessions and I think that brings a whole new level of growth to a team. To have an experienced player like that who’s giving so much to the other players in the group is going to be a major facet in us being driven forward.”
Zadkovich was left frustrated by his return to Perth after his side fell away following a disappointing second-half, but praised Taggart’s performance. “That’s why I signed him to the club and brought back a Perth boy and wanted to build a club around him,” he said. “For me, the difference was Adam Taggart; clear as day, he was the best player on the pitch.”
18.2.2024
STATE GOVERNMENT DETAILS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FLOATED FOR GLORY
The State Government has revealed they floated a three-pronged investment package to entice new Perth Glory owner Ross Pelligra to take control of the embattled A-League club. Treasurer Rita Saffioti said they had made the financial commitment after meetings with the league last year spelled out the Glory’s dire predicament.
The government’s sweetener to any potential bidder for the Glory licence centered around community support programs, prospective training facilities and negotiations around the club’s stadium deal. After seven months without an owner, Pelligra officially took control of the Glory on Friday - and the new owner has made his first decision, pledging free entry for the first 3000 kids under the age of 16 at next Saturday’s home game with Wellington Phoenix.
Pelligra was formally unveiled by Saffioti, Australian Professional League chairman Stephen Conroy, Sport Minister David Templeman and Glory chief executive Anthony Radich on Sunday morning. While Pelligra has promised to invest heavily in the Glory, Saffioti revealed the government had put forward a three-part support package as part of the league’s discussions with prospective buyers.
It came after the State met with league officials, who outlined the precarious nature the Glory were in and there were no guarantees for the club’s future. “There’s community support, so there’s just over $1.8 million for grassroots football, and that includes supporting the women’s game in reaching into schools and also regional tours,” Saffioti said.
“That was starting to be embarked upon by Perth Glory, reaching into areas who have a strong support for the game like the Goldfields and Albany. There’s a commitment to support with the training facilities - currently around the State (Sam Kerr) Football Centre, but I know the new Glory might have different aspirations. So we’ll work with them, but there’s something that’s very much a work in progress.”
Saffioti also said post-COVID, there had been re-negotiations with Glory and Western Force in regards to pricing structures around hire of the Venues West-operated Perth Oval for home games. “We’re working through that and whatever is offered here will be offered to the Force too in relation to the concessions, but what you’ll see is a far better arrangement for the clubs accessing this ground,” she said.
“There was a new deal that was offered during COVID through Venues West and we’re looking at sustaining that, but there’s a number of different aspects we’re looking at. There’s been a lot of government investment into this ground, and we want to make sure we utilise it as much as possible, so we’re working with the current users in particular about how we can make it far more sustainable.”
Pelligra, who flew into Perth on Saturday in time to see the Glory beat Brisbane Roar 3-2, said he was particularly inspired by the teenagers in the stands leading the jubilant scenes in the aftermath of the match. “Next week’s game, the first 3000 under-16s purchasing tickets will be for free,” said the new Glory owner.
“Please bring your mum and dad along as well. It’s important the family comes along; it’s a family event. This is our first step showing our commitment to the younger kids, to the grassroots. We want to see them come from all over WA, not just from the city fringes.”
18.2.2024
KNIGHTS TOO STRONG FOR INGLEWOOD
Western Knights have secured their first win in the NPLWA Men’s Night Series, after a 4-1 win against Inglewood United in the Group A clash at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Tuesday evening. First half goals from Jack Bardsley and Shay Donovan set them on their way, before a second half brace from Owen Goodliffe sealed the tie. Shubham Mokala scored a late consolation goal for United, but the result leaves them bottom of the ladder. Goodliffe said it was a solid performance, especially with them missing a number of first team players. “We have had no less than seven players out for each night series game so far, but now we are slowly getting players back each week so hopefully we are near enough full strength come round one,” the striker explained.
“It was a really positive performance, the energy from the boys was extremely high and the discipline to allow some tactical adjustments to be tested was a testament to the boys. Taki’s sides are always full of energy and work rate so we needed to be switched on for 90 minutes to get this over the line, to concede so late is really disappointing as a clean sheet would’ve been the cherry on top of an excellent performance.”
The Knights were ahead on the half hour, good lead up play through the middle of the park ended with Jesse Lazzaro, who found Bardsley on the edge of the box, and his shot on the turn, flew into the net. They doubled their lead moments later, Alex Da Rocha dinked the ball to Goodliffe, who squared the ball to an unmarked Donovan to score. They increased their lead early in the second half, Kristian Santich and Lazzaro combined to send Goodliffe in on goal, and he chipped the oncoming Nic Speca to score.
It was 4-0 soon after, Kristian Santich was again involved, taking on three Inglewood players, and his persistence paid off, and he found Goodliffe on the edge of the penalty area, and the striker made no mistake finishing low past Speca. Inglewood found a consolation goal late, Mokala curling home a free kick from distance, but the damage had already been done.
Knights Head Coach Adam Kostrencic was pleased with sides performance, and they will look to end the competition with another good performance against Armadale on Sunday. “We have shown glimpses through our previous matches of the type of football we want to play. It was our most consistent performance so far and it was good to be rewarded with a win,” Kostrencic explained. “We’ll be looking to continue to build towards round one with another good test against Armadale on their home turf this weekend.”
Western Knights: GK Travis Cook, 5 Adam Harris, 10 Alex Da Rocha, 11 Owen Goodliffe, 14 Jack Bardsley, 15 Luke Passeretto, 17 Shay Donovan, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 24 Kristian Santich, 24 Daniel Santich, 25 Jay Sheridan - Subs: RGK Sam Reilly, 3 Lucas Triglavcanin, 6 Denzal Tshuma, 8 Xavier Medica, 13 Gian Zupanov, 18 Joni Zlendic, 20 Bailey Collingwood
Inglewood United: GK Nic Speca, 2 William Formston, 4 Ciaran Salinger, 6 Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 8 Dhuors Chol, 9 Harry Evans, 10 Shubham Mokala, 14 Yamamoto Kotato, 17 Jeremy Tshongo, 18 Jordan Brown, 21 Thomas Abraham - Subs: RGK James Lindsay, 3 Aiden Formston, 7 Chad Nilsson, 11 Benson Neegetse, 15 Taylor O’Sullivan, 16 Elliot Ireland
18.2.2024
FORRESTFIELD ON THE BOARD IN MIDWEEK NIGHT SERIES GAME
Forrestfield United have ended their State League Night Series Group B games, with their first win of the preseason competition after coming from behind to beat Ashfield 3-1 at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park on Tuesday evening. Ashfield were still in the mix for a quarter-final spot, but their chances took a hit just before half time when Conor McCann was shown two quick yellow cards and sent off.
“Really pleased to get the win, give credit to Ashfield, they made it difficult for us even when they had ten men,” Forrestfield coach Daryl Platten said. “Again, it was a really positive performance from the lads, apart from maybe 15 minutes in the second half I thought we dominated the game and played some really good stuff. The boys have been working ever so hard, so delighted for them.”
But the ten men hit the front seven minutes into the second half, with Ravi Singh scoring. But that’s as good as it got for James Sammut’s team, and just after the hour mark the hosts levelled. Connor Boland was clipped in the penalty area and the referee pointed straight to the spot, and Mitch Crocker converted the resulting penalty.
Forrestfield hit the front 12 minutes from time, substitute Sherwin Tucker, who made a really positive impact off the bench, was sent one-on-one with the keeper finished clinically. The points were sealed four minutes from time, Emerson Di Mattina’s free kick picked out David McGuinnes in the box, and he chested the ball into the net.
The other game scheduled for the night between Curtin University and Quinns didn’t go ahead. We are unsure of the reason and we wait clarification from Football West on the outcome, with the quarter-final draw scheduled for this afternoon.
18.2.2024
REDSTAR BEAT ARMADALE TO SEAL SEMI-FINAL SPOT
Perth RedStar have continued their unbeaten run in the NPLWA Men’s Night Series Group A, after a 3-1 win against hosts Armadale, in hot and humid conditions at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday evening to book their spot in the semi-finals. The game had already been delayed with temperatures in the 40’s in Perth on the day, but the temperature was still in the high 30’s at kick off, making it difficult for both teams.
Andrew Palmer gave the visitors the lead early, but Peter Jacobsz levelled soon after. Armadale winger Amir Ajan was sent off three minutes before the break, and Daryl Nicol’s deflected effort gave RedStar the lead at half time. Both sides had chances after the break, but it was the RedStar who sealed the points in the final minute with Joel Chianese finding the target.
RedStar Head Coach Callum Salmon said it was the worst conditions his side has ever played in, but was pleased come away with the win. “It was a very competitive game, in probably the worst weather we’ve ever played in, so full credit to both teams for playing some great attacking football,” he said. “Playing the game late on a Sunday night is never ideal with players working next day, but we’re pleased to have got the win, to see us into the semi-finals.”
Armadale coach Alun Vernals echoed the words of his counterpart with the hot conditions, but he was pleased how his young side performed, but thought the sending off hurt them. “Yes, very tough conditions for players and supporters alike, but we got a lot of positives from the game, and I thought our youngsters matched them for long periods,” he said. “We showed great character to hit back after they started brightly and we were probably lucky not to concede a second.
“But once we equalised, I thought we had the better of the game and put them under pressure, but a brain-fade from Amir saw us go down to ten and that changed the game. We had chances to pull level, but it wasn’t to be, we now move on to next week’s game against the Knights, with players getting more valuable competitive game time into their legs ahead of the new season.”
It was the visitors who hit the front on six minutes, Nicol’s low cross into the box was turned home by Palmer. But Armadale, who needed a win to keep their semi-finals hopes alive, hit back and levelled two minutes later, Ajan’s ball sent Jacobsz in on goal, the striker beat the last defender before finishing clinically past Liam Reddy. The hosts were buoyed by the equaliser and pressed for a second, and had a number of chances, but they couldn’t find a way past a tight RedStar defence.
The game took another twist three minutes before half time, with an incident involving Ajan and Ryan Finnie, which saw the Armadale winger given a straight red card by referee Matthew Southern for kicking out at the defender. It didn’t take long for RedStar to capitalize on their man advantage, Nicol racing clear, rounding the keeper and his shot was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Lucas Cook, sending them into the break with the lead.
Armadale were still in the game and created a number of chances, but RedStar keeper Liam Reddy was determined not to be beaten again. RedStar were also dangerous going forward with Nicol, Chianese and Gomo Dukuly a constant threat. But with Armadale committing players forward looking for the equaliser, RedStar sealed the points in the final minute.
Nicol picked up the ball on the half way line, and raced towards goal, before slipping the ball through to Chianese, and the former Perth Glory winger made no mistake, with a brilliant finish past Joel Driscoll. “We’re very pleased with the win against a much-improved Armadale side,” Nicol said post-match. “We felt in control of the game although not being anywhere near our best in the first half and the sending off really gave us a much easier night than it could’ve been.”
Perth RedStar: GK Liam Reddy, 2 Nick Walsh, 3 Blair Govan, 4 Declan Hughes, 8 Andrew Palmer, 9 Daryl Nicol, 10 Gomo Dukuly, 11 Dennis Galan, 14 Lewis Tucker, 17 Joel Chianese, 19 Ryan Finnie – Subs: RGK Sonny Inzalaco, 5 Keane Embleton-Hill, 6 Matthew George, 12 Sonny O’Shea, 13 Nyle Weale, 16 Takudzwa Chisunga, 18 Daniel Katz
Armadale: GK Joel Driscoll, 2 Lachlan Collins, 3 Luke Collins, 6 Purvishna Appadoo, 7 Amir Ajan, 15 Lucas Cook, 16 Matthew Worton, 17 Peter Jacobsz, 18 Joshua Bartler, 19 Charlie Fleming, 22 Egide Ngendakumana – Subs: RGK Preston Gilling, 4 Nathan Costello, 8 Stanley Brown, 9 Benjamin Harrison, 11 Pacifique Dufitimukiza, 20 Jayden Leader
18.2.2024
JOONDALUP SEAL TOP SPOT IN GROUP B
The extremely hot weather caused havoc in Sunday’s State League Night Series games, with only one game being completed. That game was in Group B, where Joondalup United topped the group after a 4-2 win against Kingsley Westside at Crazy Domain Stadium. Midfielder Jay Lang said it was good to keep their winning run going, but silly errors cost them. “Happy with the win against a hard-working Kingsley side,” he said. “Although we were disappointed to lose a couple of soft goals from our perspective.”
Nick Jennings side made a perfect start, and were ahead on four minutes, with Joel Sollitt thunderbolt finding the top corner. It was 2-0 moments later, Jamie Gardiner outpacing his marker and finishing at the second attempt. It looked game over on 20 minutes, when Sollitt added a third from close-range, but Kingsley reduced the margin seven minutes later. Josh Waldock getting on the end of a Joel Gillespie cross to head home at the near post.
It was game on early in the second half when Kingsley added a second, Waldock losing his marker to get on the end of a Jack Reilly flick, before finishing clinically. But their comeback was halted on 57 minutes when Aston Montgomery was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Joondalup had to wait until the final minute to secure the win, Tyler Holden’s fine solo effort making it 4-2. “In what was a competitive game it was good to beat a fellow Division One side,” Jennings said. “Also pleasing to move convincingly into the knockout stages of the tournament.”
Kingsley Head Coach Steven Dimitrovich said their slow start cost them, but he was pleased with his side’s performance after that. “Apart from the first 20 minutes, where Joondalup got the jump on us, I felt we played a good brand of football. We had good control of the game at times especially when we went down to ten men and were unlucky not to get an equaliser when their keeper made a very good save.
“Lots of positives to take out of the night series and now we build towards our cup game against Gosnells. Also, I want to add that considering how bad the conditions were on Sunday night, hats off to both sets of players for sticking at it for the 90 minutes. No game should’ve been played in those conditions and player welfare should always come first.”
The other games in Group F on the night were called off. First Curtin University and Quinns game at Wanneroo Reserve was called off early in the day, due to the high temperatures, the game has been rescheduled on Tuesday Evening. Meanwhile the game between Gwelup Croatia and UWA Nedlands was abandoned on the hour mark, when the lights went out. If the result stands UWA will go into the Quarter Finals, with Gwelup missing out.
So, the eight teams for the quarter-finals are as follows: Group A winners Sorrento, Group B winners Joondalup United, Group C winners Cockburn City, Group D winners Dianella White Eagles, Group E winners Mandurah City, Group F winners UWA Nedlands – Two highest runners up are Gosnells City and either Joondalup City or Ashfield, depending on the result on Tuesday evening.
18.2.2024
MARINERS TOO GOOD FOR GLORY
Perth Glory’s form slump has continued in the Liberty A-League, going down 1-3 to Central Coast Mariners at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. Millie Farrow bagged her seventh goal of the season to give the hosts the lead, but it went downhill after that. Kyah Simon levelled for the hosts just before half time. Then late goals from Bianca Galic and substitute Annalise Rasmussen secured the points for the Mariners.
The visitors were well worth the three points, Glory struggling again in the final third, having only two shots on target for the game, with the Mariners having 11. The win means the Mariners leapfrogged over Glory on the ladder, leaving Alex Epakis’ side in sixth, which is the final spot for finals football, so they need to turn their form around very quickly or finals football will be gone, especially with teams below them ready to pounce.
The Mariners opened brightly and Morgan Aquino got down well to deny Rola Badawiya’s header on seven minutes, and ten minutes later Annabel Morgan’s cross shot hit the bar and away to safety. Glory suffered a blow on 20 minutes, with Grace Johnston forced off with a knee injury, she was replaced Sadie Lawrence. But five minutes later, and against the run of play, with their first shot on target, Glory found the opener.
Sofia Sakalis dinked a ball into the box, which was misjudged by the Mariners defender, and Farrow pounced finishing well into the corner of the net, much to the delight of the Glory faithful. But the Mariners weren’t finished and Simon thought she had levelled three minutes from the break, but her shot from the edge of the box crashed off the woodwork. But in stoppage time the Mariners deservedly levelled, a free kick from the left from Galic picked out Simon, who lost her marker to head past Aquino.
The hot conditions were taking their toll, and clear-cut chances were few and far between after the break, but it was visitors creating the better ones. Aquino stood tall to thwart Chinese striker Wurigumula on 72 minutes, and moments later a stunning one-handed save from the Glory custodian denied Paige Hayward. But there was little she could do when the Mariners hit the front three minutes later, Galic’s shot from the edge of the box flew into the corner of the net.
Mariners wrapped up the points seven minutes from time, Glory gave the ball away in the middle of the park, Wurigumula and Alexia Karrys-Stahl combined to send fellow substitute Rasmussen in on goal, and her low shot beat Aquino, despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Glory must re-group and prepare for the visit of Wellington Phoenix next Friday at Macedonia Park, which is another vital game.
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART (19 Izzy FOLETTA 77'), 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (17 Abbey GREEN 77'), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (27 Georgia CASSIDY 60'), 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON (18 Sadie LAWRENCE 20') - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES
Central Coast Mariners: GK Sarah LANGMAN, 2 Faye BRYSON, 3 Ash IRWIN, 5 Annabel MARTIN, 8 Bianca GALIC, 10 Rola BADAWIYA (13 Alexia KARRYS-STAHL 81'), 12 Jazmin WARDLOW, 17 Kyah SIMON (9 WURIGUMULA 46'), 19 Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 22 Peta TRIMIS (11 Annalise RASMUSSEN 69'), 33 Tess QUILLIGAN (4 Paige HAYWARD 56') - Subs not used: RGK Casey DUMONT - Attendance: 901 - Referee: Bec MACKIE
17.2.2024
QUEZADA SAYS VICTORY IS A MUST
Forward Quinley Quezada says winning is Perth Glory’s only option as they look to keep alive their flickering A-League Women’s finals hopes. After a superb start to the season, Glory have not won since beating the Central Coast Mariners on New Year’s Eve, but will be hoping for a repeat performance when they host Central Coast on Sunday night.
Glory found themselves on top of the ladder in December but are now clinging on to a spot in the top six by just a point - and with finals just six rounds away, Quezada said it was put up or shut up time. “This week, we have the mentality winning is the only option that we have,” she said.
“With each game, we’re trying to put the best team performance that we can out there, but as of right now, where we are in the standings and where we want to be, a win is the only option. We’re really focused on being unified, being really team oriented and just going after it.”
Quezada said the tightness of the league - seven points separate the top six and five points separate fifth from 10th - proved its quality. It makes it interesting definitely every week, but that’s just a testament to how good this league is and how good every team is,” said the Philippines international. “A team at the bottom can beat a team at the top, so you just never know.”
After Central Coast pushed Glory all the way in their previous encounter, Quezada said they were wary of the threat this weekend’s opponent poses. “They’re a really good team, especially being that they’re new. I feel like they’re really putting a challenge on every team that they face, we just have to be ready for it,” she said.
17.2.2024
COLAKOVSKI HAS THE FINAL WORD IN GLORY WIN
Perth Glory striker Stefen Colakovski almost left the club last season after not getting game time under former coach Ruben Zadkovich, but he had the final word on Saturday evening, scoring the winner in a thrilling 3-2 win against Zadkovich’s Brisbane Roar at HBF Park. With new owner Ross Pelligra watching his side for the first time, it was skipper Adam Taggart who gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half, but the Roar hit back with goals from Nikola Mileusnic and Thomas Waddingham to lead at the break. But Alen Stajcic’s side showed real character and determination to hit back, and Taggart added his second to draw them level, before Colakovski fired home the winner in front of packed Shed to seal the points and move Glory to within six points of the top six.
A delighted Alen Stajcic said it was a gutsy performance from his chargers. “It was a real important win for the fans tonight, hearing the noise it was probably the loudest I’ve heard at a home game, and it was an extra spirit and connection in the ground tonight, and I’m glad the boys could produce that kind of result for them,” he said post-match. “The players once again showed that heart and spirit and resilience, and we’ve elevated as a group and that’s clear to see how they fight back from situations. We’ve built a good foundation of values, and if we can improve our consistency, we can make finals football.”
Stajcic made two changes to the side that drew against Adelaide United last week, with Jacob Muir coming in for the suspended Johnny Koutroumbis, while super-sub, David Williams started in place of Jarrod Carluccio, who dropped to the bench. It was the host who opened the brighter, but the first real chance fell to Daniel Bennie on 20 minutes, whose goalbound shot was deflected wide.
Then three minutes later the hosts hit the front. Riley Warland’s free kick from the right was headed back across goal by Aleks Susnjar, and Taggart lost his marker to head home. But the Roar hit back and Mileusnic headed inches over the top, and they were level on the half hour. Former Glory winger Antonee Burke-Gilroy cross from the left, was brought down well by Mileusnic, and his shot on the turn flew past Oliver Sail.
The visitors stunned the crowd six minutes later, when they hit the front. Former Glory striker Henry Hore burst into the penalty area, and got a lucky break, the ball finding Waddingham, the youngsters first effort was well saved by Sail, but he fired home the rebound via the post. Roar keeper Macklin Freke was keeping his side in the game, making a stunning one-handed save to deny Taggart.
On 38 minutes the crowd stood as one with a minute of applause to mark the annual DT38 matchday, in memory of former Socceroos striker Dylan Tombides. (https://dt38.org/) Susnjar tried his luck from distance just before half time, but it flashed wide of the target, and at the break the Roar were ahead, and Glory need a big second half. Freke continued to thwart the Glory after the break, the Brisbane custodian saving well from Warland’s powerful shot.
It looked being one of them nights for the hosts, and Stajcic made a triple change on the hour, bringing on youngsters Joel Anasmo, Trent Ostler and Colakovski, with Williams, Muir and Bruce Kamau making way, and moments later Freke was at it again clawing away Bennie’ effort in a goalmouth scramble. The hosts were pressing and on 74 minutes their pressure was rewarded with the equaliser. Anasmo was the supplier, the youngster raced at the Roar defence, his shot took a deflection, which fell kindly for Taggart, and the skipper found the bottom corner of the net, for his 12th goal of the campaign.
The Shed were now in full voice, and four minutes later they were celebrating again as Glory hit the front. Glory’s high press worked a treat and James Nikolovski’s pass out of defence was picked off by Bennie, he got a foot in and the ball found its way to Colakovski who swept the ball home, and celebrated in front of the sold out Shed. They went close to a fourth moments later, Sail’s kick was flicked on by Taggart, and Colakovski raced into goal, but Freke got down well to save. Late goals have comeback to haunt Glory this season and the crowd were on the edge of their seats, but they held firm to take the points. The win moves them up one place on the ladder, and to within six points of a finals spot, while the loss leaves the Roar in eighth position.
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Jacob MUIR (19 Trent OSTLER 60'), 9 David WILLIAMS (31 Joel ANASMO 60'), 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleks SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 64'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU (7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 60') - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 34 Andriano LEBIB
Brisbane Roar: GK Macklin FREKE, 5 Tom ALDRED, 6 Joe CALETTI (17 Carlo ARMIENTO 82'), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (7 Florin BERENGUER 70'), 13 Henry HORE (3 Corey BROWN 56'), 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM (20 Marco ROJAS 56'), 19 Jack HINGERT, 21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY (32 James NIKOLOVSKI 69'), 23 Keegan JELACIC, 26 Jay O’Shea, 27 Kai TREWIN - Substitutes not used: RGK Matt ACTON, 12 Taras GOMULKA - Attendance: 6,597 - Referee: Adam KERSEY
17.2.2024
NPL-WA – NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FOUR – FRIDAY REVIEW
The NPLWA Night Series is getting down to the business end in the group stages, and on Friday evening in Group B, Fremantle City have kept their semi-finals hopes alive after a 2-1 win against Floreat Athena in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve. “First of all, it was a really satisfying win, we barely had 11 players to pick from as our squad has been hit with injuries/players going away etc,” Fremantle Head Coach Matty Sparrow explained. “So, the lads who were fit and available stepped up and put in a great shift. Conceding a late consolation goal was disappointing, as I thought we defended superbly second half to warrant a clean sheet.
“But overall, it was a pleasing to get another three points, which puts us in a strong position now going into our final group game.” Fremantle hit the front late in first half, good work down the right by Oli La Galia, and he picked out Robert Petkov, who made no mistake past Jason Saldaris. Floreat pressed in the second half, but Fremantle held firm, with former Floreat duo Jesse Fuller and Riley Woodcock solid at the back. But it was Fremantle who added a second in the final minute. Great work by Charles Chechlacz, who raced down the middle of the park, and he found La Galia, who cut inside his marker and finished clinically. Floreat weren’t finished and in stoppage time Ben Steele pulled one back, but it was too little too late.
In late game at the venue Bayswater City and Stirling Macedonia have fought out a 2-2 draw, to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The result keeps Bayswater at the top of the table, and coach Stewart Moses said it was a pleasing performance, especially with a number of players missing. “I thought the young kids did well, against a full strengthen Stirling side,” he said. “For us to have so many players missing, it’s pleasing to see how good the squad is gelling for the upcoming season, and Sammy Dweh’s strike was outstanding. But it was fair result over the 90 minutes, and we go into next week full of confidence to hopefully get a spot in the semifinals.”
It was Ian Ferguson’s side who hit the front in the shadows of half time, Gyles Davies finding the target. With the hosts missing the likes of Gordon Smith, Cameron Teece and Jon Stynes, to name a few, it looked like a tough task after the break, but they drew level on the hour, with Chris Jackson scoring, and nine minutes from time they hit the front with a stunning strike from Dweh. But Stirling hit back to earn a point on 87 minutes, with midfielder Calvin Whitney scoring.
The other games on Friday were played at Dorrien Gardens, and in the early game Balcatta Etna and Olympic Kingsway met in a Group A game, but the game was abandoned five minutes from half time after Balcatta’s Declan Hudson suffered a broken leg. From everyone at Footballwa, we wish Declan a speedy recovery. In the late game at the venue, a ten-man Perth Glory have kept their slim hopes of a semifinal spot alive in Group B, after a 4-3 win against Perth SC. “A top performance from the group against a well-structured Perth SC side,” Glory Head Coach John Walmsley said. “I thought we controlled the match well, and responded superbly when we went down to 10 men after the red card.
“To not only control the match but go on and win the game highlights the spirit and mentality within the group. Well done to Jim Collins, Daniel Jankuloski, Jhett Warner, Malise Mpunga and Ruben Argent, who all made their first team debuts.” Glory hit the front early with Gert Prinsloo scoring, but the hosts were level soon after, with Gordon Perkins scoring from a corner. Glory regained the lead when Jaylan Pearman scored, but goals either side of half-time from Joshua Cala and Perkins, saw Perth hit the front. Glory restored parity on the hour, with Royle Rahamim on target, but moments later they were reduced to ten men with Laat Mathiang sent off. But it was the ten men who found the winner twenty minutes from time, with Rahamim added his second.
17.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE – FRIDAY REVIEW
Sorrento, Mandurah City, Dianella White Eagles and Cockburn City have all moved into the knockout stage of the State League Night Series, after winning their respective groups on Friday evening. First in Group A, Sorrento secured their place after a 2-0 win against East Perth in the early game at Percy Doyle Reserve. “It was another pleasing performance, and I thought the boys controlled a lot of the game and played some very good football at times,” Sorrento Head coach steven McGarry explained.
“At the top end of the pitch we had an 18-year-old, two 19-year-olds and a 21-year-old, who have all came through the pathway at the club so it’s great to see these young lads earn their opportunity and excel. It was important that we started the game well as we knew East Perth were a well organised team and would be up for the challenge after their two previous performances, so scoring early ideally took the sting out of the game.”
The Gulls hit the front after only two minutes, Ryan McLaughlin’s through ball sent Keegan Chambers clear, and he used his strength to hold off the recovering defender to finish well. They sealed the points before the break, some neat build up play down the left, ended with Zach Dabbs, his cross into the penalty area was only cleared as far as Jake Nicholson, who took a good first touch before firing home via the post from long-range.
In the late game in the group, Murdoch University Melville have secured their first win of the competition after a 5-4 win against Swan United. Patrick Shortall gave Swan the lead early, but MUMFC levelled with an own goal. Swan took control with goals from Jake Fritchley and Brennan Borzecki, giving them a 3-1 lead at the break, but Marc Anthony’s side hit back with goals from Adrian Ciampini, Edward Wynne-Willson and Iljas Ahmadov had them in front.
Jamie Duncan restored parity for the black and whites, but a goal late from Jack Steele secured the win in a nine-goal thriller. “Not our best performance, down 3-1 at half time where we made a few silly mistakes,” MUMFC Head Coach Marc Anthony explained. “We saw a better attitude and desire in the second half where we settled and played a little better. There is still lots still to work on, but we now get prepared for the start of the season.”
Cockburn City topped Group C, after a 1-1 draw against Balga in the late game at Dalmatinac Park. The hosts were ahead just before half time, with Jake Robinson scoring, but Balga’s Mark Bauersachs levelled. Balga had the chance to win it late in the game, but Nathan Scully missed from the spot, the point was enough to take Steven McDonald’s side into the next round. In the early game at the venue Gosnells City were too strong for Carramar Shamrock Rovers, running out 3-0 winners, and they are still in the mix to go through as one of the two highest runners-up.
A first half brace from Wade Farmer, and a second half goal from Adam Barker secured the win, and Gosnells Head Coach Peter Allan was pleased with his side’s performance. “We came up against an organised Shamrock team who made life hard for us sitting back,” he said. “But the lads were patient and unlike last week we took our chances when we got in behind. Again, I’m happy with the win and another clean sheet, and we will have to wait and see if we move through, but the aim is still to build for that first league game.”
Dianella White Eagles won Group D, after a brace from Andy Keogh, saw them run out 2-0 winners against Subiaco AFC in the early game at Wanneroo Reserve. They ended the game with ten men, after Kian McGuigan was shown a second yellow card. “Happy to progress in the competition, and more important is that we get more competitive games in as we prepare for the season ahead,” Dianella player coach Angel Andres said. “Really pleased for Andy (Keogh), scoring two goals, and having a solid performance, the only downside was the sending off, but we must now prepare for the quarter finals.”
In the late game at the venue Wanneroo City and Joondalup City have fought out a 2-2 draw. The visitors were ahead mid-way through the first half, compliments of an own goal, and they doubled their advantage before the break with Luke Wilson on target. But Joondalup hit back after the break, Asa Sippits scoring on the hour, and three minutes from time Greg Greenwood pounced to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Finally in Group E, Mandurah City secured their place in the knockout stage, after a hard fought 3-2 win against Canning City in the late game at Poolmart Stadium. “They were the better side in the first 15 minutes, but we became stronger, created lots of chances and must’ve had about eight corners, but couldn’t find the breakthrough,” Mandurah player coach John Baird said. “But I thought we took control after the break and scored some good goals, but a late goal to Canning made it edgy for the last few minutes, but we did enough to move through to the next phase.”
After a tight first half, it was Canning who opened the scoring early in the second half, Thomas Kinnane pouncing on a defensive mistake on the edge of the box to score. But Mandurah hit back soon after, Baird and Leigh Griffiths combined to send Shaun Mukwevho in on goal, and he was brought down in the box, and Griffiths made no mistake from the resulting penalty. They were ahead on the hour, with Robbie Galvin finding the top corner of the net from long-range. It looked game over nine minutes from time when Mukwevho raced clear, one-on-one with the keeper and he finished with aplomb. But Canning reduced the margin three minutes from time with Mason Langham scoring from a set-piece, but they couldn’t find the equaliser, the Dolphins moving into the quarter-finals.
In the early game at the venue Rockingham City secured their first points of the competition, after a 3-0 win against Kalamunda City. “Delighted to get the win,” new Rockingham Head Coach Rob Crerar said. “It was more pleasing, after we were reduced to ten men just before half time.” Rockingham hit the front in the shadows of half time, Dylan Rogers was brought down in the box, and Ryan Kennedy converted the resulting penalty. But they were then reduced to ten men moments later, with Declan Collins sent off. The ten-men doubled their lead just after the hour mark, Cory McNelis scoring from long-range. Kalamunda’s cause wasn’t helped when Gaston Bazet was sent off, and Shane Boyle soon added a third for Rockingham. Kalamunda ended the game with nine-men, after Isak Isak was sent off eight minutes from time.
16.2.2024
IT'S OFFICIAL PERTH GLORY HAS A NEW OWNER
It's official, Perth Glory has a new owner with Melbourne-based property mogul Ross Pelligra taking over the A-League club. It’s fantastic news for the Glory faithful, and everyone involved at the club, and they can hopefully look forward to successful times ahead.
Glory announced today the Pelligra Group as the club’s new owners. They are a private, family-owned and operated property developer and construction business, Pelligra Group has expanded its breadth of developments with particular focus in the sports and entertainment sectors, acquiring interests in a number of sporting clubs around the world and enhancing that relationship through the development of sporting infrastructure.
In Europe, the Group holds a 100% interest in Italian Serie C football club, Catania FC, including ownership of Catania Rugby, Catania Women’s Football, Catania Junior Football and the Varese Basketball Team. They also have Australian sporting interests, including the ownership of Adelaide Lightning Women’s basketball team, Adelaide Giants Baseball team and the Canberra Braves and Adelaide Adrenaline Ice Hockey teams.
Pelligra Group Chairman, Ross Pelligra, is relishing the prospect of re-establishing Glory as a benchmark club of Australian football, and sent a message to the clubs’ members and supporters. “Sport is a great passion of mine and over the years I have invested in other sporting clubs in Australia and in Italy,” he said. “I have seen how integral a sporting club can be to a community. It can have a powerful, unifying impact and that is what we are here to achieve in Perth.
“There are three key pillars we need to focus on in the first phase of our tenure; to reconnect; to drive success and to create long term sustainability. I remember watching Perth Glory when I was a child on TV back in Melbourne and thinking that football had arrived in this country when I saw a packed Perth Oval every home game and a team that played an exciting and attacking brand of football that had everyone in Perth captivated. That is the energy we know exists here and that is the energy we must rediscover.
“We have learned from our previous experiences with other sporting franchises, but every team is different, every city is different and it is important we listen and learn. I want to return the club back to the Glory days. We want it to be the envy of every other A-League club, just like it was when it was first founded. I know that we have a strong football community here in Perth and it’s time to reunite.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich looking forward to what the future holds for the club. “Today’s announcement brings to an end what has been an extremely challenging period for Perth Glory and opens a new and exciting chapter in our history,” he said. “The Pelligra Group brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and resources that we are confident will successfully rebuild the club’s reputation, image and credibility, revitalise its commercial relationships and most importantly, reconnect it with the WA community.
“With these key building blocks in place, Perth Glory’s enormous potential can be unlocked and the sustained success which our loyal Members and fans crave and deserve can be delivered. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our administration and coaching staff and players, along with our members and fans, for their patience and understanding during this period of transition for the club. We look forward to working closely with our new owners to help drive Perth Glory into what will undoubtedly be a bright new era for the club.”
Those words were echoed by A-Leagues Commissioner, Nick Garcia. “Perth Glory is one of Australia’s oldest and most decorated professional football clubs and we are pleased to welcome Ross Pelligra to the A-Leagues as the club enters a new era,” he said. “Ross is a successful business and football person, both locally and abroad and this experience and his passion for the world game is a great asset for Perth Glory and the A-Leagues. There is an incredible opportunity that exists for football in Western Australia.
“We believe that with this new ownership, the future of Perth Glory is in extremely safe hands and we look forward to seeing them deliver success both on and off the pitch. We are grateful to the Western Australian Government for its strong support during this transition period and into the future. I also want to acknowledge and thank the fans for their passion for the Glory and club management, staff, players and coaches for their dedication and commitment to the club during this time.”
16.2.2024
A WIN IS THE ONLY OPTION FOR GLORY SAYS STRIKER
Perth Glory meet Central Coast Mariners in Week 17 of the Liberty A-League on Sunday at Macedonia Park, and Philippine striker Quinley Quezada says a win is the only option, after a six-game run without a victory. (kick off 7.30pm) The Glory have dropped out of the top four after recent results, and they need to turn that around, sooner rather than later, if they are to play finals football this season.
The Mariners arrive in Perth only one point behind Glory in seventh place, but three points in this one will push Alex Epakis’ side back into contention, and Quezada know the importance of the game. “This week we have the mentality that winning is the only option we have,” she said. “In each game we’re trying to put out the best team performance that we can, but as of right now where we are in the standings and where we want to be, a win is the only option. “Right now, we’re focused on being unified, really team-orientated and going after it.”
The Mariners returned to the Womens A-League this season, after they pulled out of the 2010–11 W-League season. The last visit west was in season 2009-10, when they left with the three points after a 2-1 win in round six at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood. Goals from Lydia Jackson and Michelle Heyman secured the win, with Marianna Tabain scoring for the hosts. They hosted Glory on News Year Eve this season, when a Mille Farrow brace gave Glory the points in a 2-1 win.
Quezada, who has played over 50 games for the Philippines, said Sunday will be another tough game, like they have all been this season, but is looking forward to playing in front their loyal supporters. “It makes it interesting, definitely, every week and that is just a testament to how good this league is and how good every team is,” she said. “A team at the bottom can beat a team at the top, so you just never know. I think they [Central Coast Mariners] are a really good team and especially being new, I think they’re putting a challenge on every team that they face and we just have to be ready for it.”
“I’ve been learning a lot from Alex [Epakis] and the girls and it’s been really good for me development-wise, I’m excited to be here. I feel like I’m getting back to where I want to be. The first part of the season was kind of rocky for me, but I’m getting back in form and just in time for Finals. “It’s honestly amazing (their home support) and it can change a game. Just being in that environment; they’re all chanting Perth and I bet our opposition is scared every single time. It’s a really great environment for us and we feed off the energy that’s there.” In team news Morgan Aquino has recovered from an arm injury, which saw her replaced in last week’s draw against Canberra United, but they do lose Grace Jale, who is on international duty with New Zealand.
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY, 31 Clara HOARAU - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: CAIN, STONEHILL, LAWRENCE, MIHOCIC - Unavailable: 11 Grace JALE (international duty), 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Sarah LANGMAN, GK Casey DUMONT, 2 Faye BRYSON, 3 Ash IRWIN, 4 Paige HAYWARD, 5 Annabel MARTIN, 8 Bianca GALIC, 9 WURIGUMULA, 10 Rola BADAWIYA, 11 Annalise RASMUSSEN, 12 Jazmin WARDLOW, 13 Alexia KARRYS-STAHL, 14 Sophie NENADOVIC, 16 Briana WOODALL, 17 Kyah SIMON, 19 Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 22 Peta TRIMIS, 24 Shay EVANS, 27 Maya LOBO, 33 Tess QUILLIGAN - Ins: NEDADOVIC - Unavailable: 6 Isabel GOMEZ (suspended), 18 Taren KING (injured)
16.2.2024
NPL-WA – NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FOUR PREVIEW
The NPLWA Night Series has reached week four, and places in the Semi-Final are still up for grabs in both groups. In Group A, Perth RedStar sits top of the table, with three straight wins, and a win in the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday, against hosts Armadale could seal a spot in the last four. (5pm) RedStar Head Coach Callum Salmon said it’s always a challenge at Alfred Skeet, but they are ready for it.
“Looking forward to the game, it will be an exciting match in front of one of the biggest and best crowds in the league at Armadale,” he said. “It’s always a tough game, an arm wrestle at a ground where not many teams earn three points, but the boys are training hard and ready to go. Will be interesting to see how the new coaching staff have built on all the great work John (O’Reilly) did over nearly a decade at the club. I’m sure Alun and Vic will have them well prepared.’
Armadale are still in the mix for the semi-finals, but need a win in this one to keep their chances alive, and Head Coach Alun Vernals is relishing playing the champions. “We were pleased with the performance last week against Inglewood, and we will look to build on that on Sunday,” Vernals said. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to take on the Champions, and it will be a good test against the recent benchmark of the competition. It’s also an opportunity for our new young players, to gauge where they are at during this preseason competition, and to be fair they haven’t let us down so far.”
The other games in the group starts on Friday evening at Dorrien Gardens when Balcatta Etna take on Olympic Kingsway. (6.30pm) Both sides can still make the last four, Olympic sit on seven points, with Balcatta on four, so both sides need a win in this one to keep them in the mix. In the final game of the group, Inglewood United take on Western Knights in the late game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday (7pm), with both looking for first points of the competition.
It’s tighter in Group B, with only four points separating the top five sides. Group leaders Bayswater City could wrap up a semi-final spot if they can beat Stirling Macedonia in the late game at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening. (8.30pm). Bayswater sit on top of the group on seven points, after a 3-1 win against Floreat last week, while Stirling sit third on four points, and have slipped up in recent weeks. Stirling defender Brent Quick said they need to bounce back this week, to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. “We are coming off two very disappointing results, and we know that Bayswater are on a good run, so it should be a challenge for us,” he said. “I think this needs to be a bounce back game for us, and we need to show more character and quality. We are very much looking forward to the game.”
Bayswater coach Gary Williams, who is a former coach at Macedonia Park, said both sides will be desperate for the points, so it should be a great game. “We are all really looking forward to this week’s match against Stirling, a club I had a number of very happy years, and it is great to see them back chasing for titles,” he explained. “It is another tough one for us, we have been fortunate to get to seven points so far, however I am also realistic and see the night series as a great opportunity to try things and play some of our young players which we did last week, and all performed admirably. Our incentive is to win and stay in this competition for as long as possible to ensure the best preparation for the upcoming league season.”
In the other games in the group, Perth SC sit second on five points, and are coming off two draws, and will look to get back to winning ways when they host Perth Glory in the late game on Friday evening at Dorrien Gardens. (8.30pm) Glory picked up their first point with a draw against Stirling, and they will look to build on that in this one. In the final game fourth placed Fremantle City meet fifth placed Floreat Athena in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening (6.30pm), with both sides looking to keep their hopes of progression alive with a win.
16.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE PREVIEW
The quarter-final spots in the State League Night Series are up for grabs this weekend, with top spot in each group, and the two highest runners-up spots, going down to the wire. First in Group A, Sorrento are in pole position after back-to-back wins so far, but East Perth are still in the race, and the winner of the group will be decided when they meet in the early game at Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday evening. (6.30pm) Sorrento have taken all before them so far, with experienced Neil Kilkenny and Dean Cummings leading the way for the Gulls, but East Perth, who are playing state league football for the first time, have also impressed, with a win and a draw.
East Perth coach Colm Costello said it’s a huge challenge, but one they are looking forward too. “Really looking forward to the game on Friday, and after watching Sorrento’s last two games they look excellent and will be the team to beat this year 100%,” Costello explained. “There movement, individual talent and their depth is unreal so it’s a huge challenge for us. To be fair, nobody will expect us to get much change off them, but for us it’s a chance to compete against the best and see we’re we are at. These games are the ones you have to enjoy as players and coaches and a chance to learn, so we are buzzing for it. The lads have been brilliant since the first week in January and we have mixed it up, and have got some decent results over last few weeks. So, we will enjoy the challenge, and I’m sure the lads will stand up to the test.” The late game in group Murdoch University Melville plays Swan United, with both sides looking for their first win in the competition so far. (8.30pm)
In Group B, Joondalup United are favourites to advance, after winning both of their games, and a win in the final game against Kingsley Westside at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park on Sunday, will seal it. (8.00pm). But a win for Kingsley could see them advance, and they will be buoyed by their big win against Forrestfield last week. Kingsley Head Coach Steven Dimitrovich said they will look to build on last week’s 3-1 win, but they are gearing up for the start of the season and hitting the ground running. “We know it’s going to be a really competitive game against Joondalup they always are and with us still having a slight chance to go through we will give it a good crack and see where we land after the 90 minutes,” he explained. “It is another preseason game and another opportunity to get minutes into the squads’ legs. The game also gives us the chance to see where we are at as a squad playing against a fellow Division One club who made the NPL playoff last year so really looking forward to the game.” In the other game in the group, Ashfield could also move through if they beat Forrestfield United in the early game at the venue, and other results go their way. (6.00pm)
In Group C, Cockburn City sit on top after two wins, and will seal a spot into the next round with a result against Balga in the late game on Friday evening at Dalmatinac Park. (8.30pm), while in the early game Gosnells City could also take a place into the quarter finals, with a win Carramar Shamrock Rovers. (6.30pm) It’s very tight in Group D, with three sides still in the mix. In the late game on Friday evening at Wanneroo Reserve, Wanneroo City host leaders Joondalup City, and a win for either side could see them qualify. (8.30pm) Joondalup sit one point ahead of Wanneroo, while Dianella White Eagles could also progress, if they get a result in the early game at the venue against Subiaco. (6,30pm)
It's also tight in Group E, with three teams still in contention. Mandurah City sit one point clear at the top, but can seal a quarter final spot if they get a result against Canning City in the late game on Friday evening at Poolmart Stadium in Mandurah. (8.30pm) Canning have drawn both their games so far, and under new coach Lee Hayward have improved, and he said they go into the game in a confident mood, after battling back from two goals down last week against Kalamunda City. “It’s going to be a tough one against an experienced Mandurah team which includes a couple of former internationals in it, but the boys are excited for the challenge,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have many missing for this game, including Ishmael Greywood who picked up an injury in the game last week, he’s had a really strong showing so far with his directness and will be a big miss for the game.
“We had both Will Higginson and Damon Brun on the bench last week, Will has State league experience after playing for UWA last year and Damo scored well at reserves level for Fremantle City, so it will allow me to see how the go against a top side. We have a very young team, but they are all very hungry and the recent performances have shown that. We will set up to play our game, but we know Mandurah will likely dominate the ball for long spells, so will likely set up slightly different out of possession.” In the early game at the venue Kalamunda need a win against Rockingham City, and results elsewhere to go their way to progress. (6.30pm)
Finally, in Group F, UWA Nedlands sit top of the table after two straight wins, and a result in the final game against Gwelup Croatia in the late game at Wanneroo Reserve on Sunday evening, will see them qualify. (7.00pm) UWA coach Richard Abrams said they are improving each week and he is looking forward to taking on his former club. “We are really excited for Sunday’s game and a chance to play a team in our division which we haven’t had over the past month. Coaching against any former club is always special and I personally had four really good years at Gwelup with a lot of positive memories so this one is extra special for myself,” Abrams explained.
“However, its pre-season and the important thing is getting minutes into key players and setting standards on the pitch. We have ex Gwelup players at UWA, who like myself will be looking forward to the contest. We are grateful of the late kick off especially with the heat which our oversees players defiantly struggled with against Curtin. We have a couple back this week from Covid, injury and holidays so we will decide on our lineup after Saturday morning’s training session. I’m sure whoever is on the park for both sides will deliver and the game hopefully will be a good one.” In the early game Quinns can still go into the knockout stage, if they can a result against Curtin University, and results in the other games go their way. (6.00pm)
16.2.2024
ROAR UP NEXT FOR GLORY
Perth Glory will look to build on their four-game unbeaten run when they host Brisbane Roar at HBF Park on Saturday evening. (6.45pm) After two wins and two draws, including a win last time on home soil against Melbourne City has reignited their top six aspirations. There will be some familiar faces in on the Roar bench this week, with former Glory coaches Ruben Zadkovich and Chris Coyne in charge of the Brisbane outfit, after coach Ben Cahn had to step aside for health reasons.
Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic has played down the notion that any of his charges will be out to prove a point. “We haven’t spoken about that, to be honest,” he said. “There’s too much at stake moving forward to think about what happened last year. Any memories you have, good or bad, they’re not going to drive you forward. You’ve got to think about the team, about moving forward and focus on this match. Our season is on the line as we move forward. We’ve shown that we are competitive and we’ve caught up with the pack, but we certainly haven’t overtaken anyone in the pack, so we have a lot of hard work still to do.”
After conceding a late equaliser, took the shine off another good performance from Stajcic’s side, and he hopes to build on the performance. “Last week was a little bit bittersweet, there were lots of good signs and a good second half was leading towards a good result,” Stajcic said. So, to get that killer punch again was a bit of a blow, especially considering that a win would have crept us up the ladder a little bit. There were lots of positives, but that killer blow was disappointing. We’ve shown that we can be really good in moments in the game, but we’ve also shown that we can lose focus.
“To lose points with the last kick of the game four times shows that we’re not focused enough in critical aspects of the game, so we really need to focus on this game at hand. We’ve built a little bit of momentum, confidence and belief. Our Achilles heel is still needing to protect our goal a little bit better, but there are lots of good signs in and around the group and the fact that we can dominate most of the teams in the top six for large periods of the game, which we have done over the last month, just shows that we’re heading in the right direction. The team is aligned, united and pulling in the same direction and giving everything that they can on the pitch and that’s probably been the biggest positive over the last few months.”
Last time the Roar headed over to WA, was in round six last season at Macedonia Park, with Glory taking the points after a 2-1 win. Defender Darryl Lachman gave the hosts the lead at the break, but Roar levelled on 56 minutes with Connor Chapman on target. But four minutes later the home side sealed the points, after former Glory defender Scott Neville scoring into his own net. It was a tight game then, and Stajcic is expecting another one on Saturday, who thrashed Melbourne City last week. “He’s [Zadkovich] only been in charge for two games, I think, so it’s a little bit false to judge a coach on the first week they arrive whether they win or lose,” he said.
“It takes a bit of time to have an impact, but obviously their performance last week was probably their best of the year, certainly since the early days of Ross’s [Aloisi] tenure before he left. They’ve got a lot of bodies back now and you can see the difference in their team. Henry Hore and [Nikola] Mileusnic are extremely dangerous and Jay O’Shea is one of the classiest midfielders in the league, so there is certainly enough in their team to threaten anyone and that’s why they were in the top three or four during the early part of the season.”
Glory will be without Johnny Koutroumbis this week, the defender, who has been impressive over the past month, has picked up a hip injury, while midfielder Mustafa Amini will again miss with a rib injury. They do welcome back Stefan Colakovski, who missed the trip to Adelaide last week due to suspension, while talented Kaelan Majekodunmi is also available after battling back from injury, while Andriano Lebib has also been added to the squad.
Perth Glory Squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34 Andriano LEBIB, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: COLAKOVSKI, MAJEKODUNMI, LEBIB - Unavailable: 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (injured), 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
Brisbane Roar squad: GK Macklin FREKE, GK Matt ACTON, 3 Corey BROWN, 5 Tom ALDRED, 6 Joe CALETTI, 7 Florin BERENGUER, 8 Jonas MARKOVSKI, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 13 Henry HORE, 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM, 17 Carlo ARMIENTO, 19 Jack HINGERT, 20 Marco ROJAS, 21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 23 Keegan JELACIC, 26 Jay O’Shea, 27 Kai TREWIN, 32 James NIKOLOVSKI, 35 Louis ZABALA - Ins: ALDRED - Unavailable: 2 Scott NEVILLE, 14 Rylan BROWNLIE
16.2.2024
ARE BLUE CARDS NEEDED IN OUR GAME?
When the red and yellow cards were introduced in 1970, many disliked the idea, and when VAR was brought in, it went down like a lead ballon. But the conversation has now turned to the blue card, which they are looking to bring in to the game, for use in situations where dissent has been shown against match officials, or when a promising attack has been ended by a cynical, or professional foul.
If shown it will mean ten minutes in the sin bin, while two blues, or one yellow and one blue, equals a red. The use of red and yellow cards in football began in 1970. It was reportedly introduced by English referee Ken Aston during the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Since then, red and yellow cards have become widely adopted by football associations worldwide as a disciplinary measure for players' misconduct on the field.
The blue card could confuse things even more, and FIFA was moved to clarify that it was “incorrect and premature” to suggest the blue card would be trialled at the elite level next season, even though reports have claimed that England’s Football Association was prepared to offer the men’s and women’s FA Cups as guinea pigs. If a trial occurs, FIFA says, it should only happen at the lower levels of the game, as it will table at next month’s IFAB annual general meeting when the idea could be passed.
Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has had his say on the matter, saying it’s not needed in the game. “Just bin it mate, bin the whole idea,” the Tottenham Hotspur coach said. “Just forget about it. I don’t know why they [IFAB] keep interjecting themselves into the game. There’s not that much wrong with the game. I think once they throw an idea like that out, it usually means they’ve already tested the waters.
“I don’t think there’s a need for it. I think you’re seeing a lot more dissent in the game these days because there’s more a lot more people to dissent to: in the past it was just the referee but [now] you can dissent to the fourth official, you can dissent to the VAR, you can dissent the head of referees. It used to be simple. The authority was with the referee, and he could handle it himself. I just don’t think we need to mess with the game too much, but it is what it is.”
We asked coaches from WA, for their say on the idea, and all three were in agreement. “I don’t think the idea has any base, merit or reason to be implemented,” Perth RedStar Head Coach Callum Salmon said. “From what I can see as a supporter of the professional game the main priorities would be goal line technology and more funding to support development and professionalism of referees. Blue cards in my opinion would offer no value and are not fit for purpose, and I can’t imagine any coach supporting it.”
Joondalup United Head Coach Nick Jennings had the same thoughts, and said referees need to understand the rules of the game and apply them. “Another card isn’t required We have the laws and sufficient cards to deal with all offences,” he said. “All the officials have to do is issue a yellow card for dissent, player carries on second yellow equals red off they go, as we do now you accumulate yellow cards and after four you serve a ban easy. All a blue card will do is complicate an easy process that has served us well for decades. It all comes down to the officials understanding the laws of the game and applying them to situations as they arise during the 90 minutes”
Quinns Head Coach Antony Benetti said clubs will only slow the game down and frustrate the supporters. “Personally, I think it's an unnecessary introduction to the game. I think the two main negatives is the scale on which you apply it and the threat of major inconsistencies and the threat to how clubs will attempt to negate it with negativity that will slow the game down and increase player, coach and supporter frustrations,” he explained. “I believe there is nothing wrong with the process as it stands, referees get it right and they get it wrong, and we all accept that.”
But Football Australia’s head of referees Nathan Magill has observed a positive change since “temporary dismissals” were implemented and sees the blue card as a logical progression, at least at grassroots level. Sin bins have already been trialled at that level in some countries, including Australia, to some degree of success. “The blue card could serve as an educational mechanism for players, parents, and coaches, which is a common challenge for community match officials,” he said.
“It’s the goal of Football Australia to enhance the experience of community match officials. As such, we are open to exploring options that can assist referees in managing the game effectively. To that end, we are developing a series of initiatives for this community football season to enhance the match environment for all involved.” Football is game played all over the world, and I’m sure there are many will like the idea of the card, but with the uproar seen on social media and in print media, is this decision the right one?
15.2.2024
NEW PERTH GLORY OWNER SAGA NEARING AN END
The long running saga of a new Perth Glory owner is nearing an end, if reports are to be believed this week, but we have heard these all before. But news out of the east are saying the A-League club are on the verge of having new owners, with Melbourne-based property mogul Ross Pelligra firming to complete a takeover. If it is correct, it ends an uncomfortable seven-month wait, which included a failed attempt to buy the ailing club. But the West Australian Newspaper, WA Today and Nine News Perth have all reported a source has confirmed that Pelligra’s bid to take control of the club had entered its final stages and could be announced soon.
Pelligra, who is also chairman of Catania in Italy’s Serie C, is also set to involve former Socceroos midfielders Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella, if and when his takeover is approved. But the reports also say that Glory’s current owners, Australian Professional Leagues, who have been in control of the club since July, and advisory firm KordaMentha haven’t signed off on the bid as of Thursday morning, so the wait goes on for the frustrated Glory faithful.
In a statement, an APL spokesman said they were working through the final stages with the associated parties and were hoping to announce positive news soon. Any deal to buy the Glory would need to be ratified by Football Australia to be completed. The previous attempted takeover by businessmen Robert Brij and John Nekic in October was announced before the bid reached the FA.
Should the deal go through, Bresciano and Grella would be involved at some level, although Grella is currently chief executive of Pelligra’s Italian club Catania. It could be the end of the search, but until he’s in the stands and it’s fully ratified by everyone involved, many won’t believe it. Pelligra flew to Perth in January with Bresciano - currently a member of the Football Australia board - to speak with State Government and City of Stirling officials, apparently regarding a parcel of land between Stirling Station and the council chambers.
The Cedric Street site — a former rubbish tip — is located next to Mitchell Freeway and the talks involved the potential for future Glory headquarters, which could house training fields and administration facilities, to be built there. Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin told The West he supported the idea of turning the former tip sit into a Glory HQ. “One of the things that’s always been on our radar is the potential to have sporting facilities there,” he said. “We’re very keen if an opportunity presents in the future for Perth Glory to have either administration home or playing fields, but that is as far as the discussions have gone.”
14.2.2024
CASSIDY AND MCKENNA NAMED IN YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD
Perth Glory rising star Georgia Cassidy and Melbourne City young gun Tijan McKenna are headed to Uzbekistan after being named in Australia’s squad for the under-20 Asian Cup. The pair are the only West Australians in Young Matildas coach Leah Blaney’s 23-player squad for March’s tournament in Uzbekistan.
Cassidy was the October nomination for the A-League Women’s Young Footballer of the Year and has featured in all 16 of the Glory’s games this season, including 11 as a starter. The teenager trained with Glory last season on a scholarship agreement while playing for the National Training Centre.
McKenna, a John Curtin graduate, spent three years with Glory but found opportunities limited last season when she made just three appearances. She headed to Melbourne in the off-season - alongside her sister Leticia - and has played 12 games for the league-leaders this season.
Australia will take on Korea Republic (March 3), hosts Uzbekistan (March 6) and Chinese Taipei (March 9) after being drawn in Group A. If the team finishes in the top two of the group and qualifies for the knockout stages, it will mean they also qualify for the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia held later this year.
11.2.2024
BAFFORD SEALS VICTORY FOR REDSTAR
A goal 15 minutes from time by Perth RedStar striker Bryce Bafford, has given them a 1-0 win against Balcatta Etna at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. RedStar assistant coach David Butterfield said they had to work hard for the win, but it continued their unbeaten start to the competition, and he was thrilled for two youngsters who made their senior debuts for the club.
“It was another great result for the lads, and it was another tough game against a really defensively organised Balcatta team,” Butterfield said. “We finally managed to break them down in the second half with a well worked goal to seal the win. Delighted for Nyle Weale and Keane Embleton-Hill on their first team debuts, and we are looking forward to next weeks game against Armadale.”
It was an even game, with chances at both ends, but keepers Liam Reddy and Connor Campbell remained unbeaten, that was until 75 minutes when RedStar won it. A neat move down the right, ended with a ball out wide to Daryl Nicol on the left, the Scottish striker, who topped the goalscoring table last season, was the provider this time, playing a perfectly weighted cross to Bafford, who made no mistake at the back post.
“It was a good win for us against a team that made it quite tough to score by defending quite deep, but that’s something we have to get used to and it was good practice for what will come in the season ahead,” RedStar defender Nick Walsh explained. “It took a while to eventually break the deadlock, but I think it was well deserved, and once we scored, I think we were quite comfortable and should have probably scored one or two more.”
Perth RedStar: GK Liam Reddy, 2 Nick Walsh, 4 Declan Hughes, 6 Matthew George, 8 Andrew Palmer, 9 Daryl Nicol, 11 Dennis Galan, 13 Nyle Weale, 15 Bryce Bafford, 16 Sonny O’Shea, 17 Joel Chianese – Subs: RGK Sonny Inzalaco, 3 Blair Govan, 10 Gomo Dukuly, 12 Josh Kingston, 14 Lewis Tucker, 16 Takudzwa Tarrel Chisunga, 18 Dainel Katz, 20 Keane Embleton-Hill
Balcatta Etna: GK Connor Campbell, 2 Trent Kay, 4 Luke Alessandrino, 7 Liam Hudson, 9 Hasani Sinclair, 11 Delan Hudson, 12 Ben Hinshelwood, 13 Jozef Monastra, 14 Zarne Gaitan, 16 Ben Ognenis, 22 Fanuel Dawit - Subs: 15 Kian Thompson, 17 Ben Ford, 20 Frazer Imrie, 23 Justin Alessandrino
11.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – SATURDAY AND SUNDAY REVIEW
The State League Night Series, week two games were completed in hot and humid conditions on Saturday and Sunday. In Group A, hosts Sorrento made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at Percy Doyle Reserve, on Sunday afternoon. “All in all, pleased with our performance once again, but loads to improve on,” Gulls striker Hamza Hina said. “We have a new squad and loads of new players, it's all about making sure we continue to gel and build that chemistry for the season.”
It was scoreless at the break, but the Gulls found the opener on 57 minutes, youngster Keegan Chambers heading home, Neil Kilkenny’s cross. The second goal followed quickly, a low cross into the penalty area was turned into his own net by a MUMFC defender. The points were wrapped up late, Kilkenny was the supplier again, this time his ball over the top of the MUMFC backline sent Hana in on goal, he beat his marker to the ball before chipping the oncoming keeper, and headed it into the empty net.
In the late game at the venue, East Perth have kept their finals hopes alive after a 3-1 win against Swan United. “A great performance from the squad this evening, and a big improvement on last week, bar a 15-minute spell in second half, I thought we controlled the ball very well and tried to keep possession and get in behind their fullbacks, which we did well and both Miguel and Ryan scoring some great goals,” East Perth coach Colm Costello. “It was a great night of football at Sorrento with two excellent games on show, and it’s a pleasure to be playing in such a great set up. We know we have a huge test ahead on Friday, when we take on Sorrento, but we will be looking forward to it.”
East Perth started brightly but couldn’t break Swan down, but their early pressure was rewarded with the lead seven minutes before the break, A cross from Niall Murray found Miguel Oliveira on the left, and he cut inside his marker and finished with aplomb into the top corner. Swan hit back early in the second half, a mistake at the back was pounced upon by Brennan Borzecki who finished low past Tommy McCarron.
It was game on, with both sides looking to win it, but it was East Perth who regained the lead on 72 minutes. Good work on the right by Nathan Ferguson, saw him pick out Ryan McGready, who turned his marker and fired home. They wrapped up the win six minutes later, McCready again finishing brilliantly on the turn giving Swan keeper Ben Parry no chance.
In Group B, the opening game was at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park on Saturday evening with Kingsley Westside beating hosts Forrestfield United 3-1. “A massive improvement on our game against Ashfield, and after our loss last week we got down to working on certain areas that let us down and the mistakes we made last week weren’t evident this week,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich explained. “I felt we controlled the game from start to finish and had we had more composure in front of goal the winning margin probably should’ve been bigger. We now move onto Joondalup Utd as we continue to build for the season proper in March.”
The visitors were ahead on three minutes, Luke Doyle’s corner headed home by Nic Koefler. It was 2-0 on 18 minutes, Chad Samuels beat the offside trap and finished at the second attempt. Forrestfield were back in the contest just before half time, James Bourne converting from the spot to half the deficit. But Kingsley won it 13 minutes from time, Paul Stewart’s cross beat everyone and nestled in the back of the net. The hosts were reduced to ten men late with Alex Baker sent off.
The other game in the group was on Sunday at Paint Seal Arena Ashfield, with Joondalup United making it two wins from two after a 4-2 win against hosts Ashfield. Despite the win, Joondalup Head Coach Nick Jennings said it wasn’t their best performance. “In my opinion, it was a disappointing performance, and we have things to work on,” he said. “But all credit to the boys who showed great character and found a way to win in difficult warm conditions, and a poor pitch.”
United were ahead early, Tyler Holden outpaced a flat back four and finished clinically. The hosts hit back and levelled on 17 minutes, with Robert MacDonald on target. But in the first minute of the second half, Joondalup regained the lead, with a great individual goal by Jamie Gardiner. Ashfield restored parity moments later, after Dean Kezurer found the net, but Joondalup weren’t finished and hit the front again just after the hour, James Oldroyd long-range strike gave the keeper no chance. Both sides were reduced to ten players late, with Joondalup’s Billy Quinncroft and Ashfield’s substitute keeper Riley Stephenson receiving red cards in separate incidents. But Joondalup secure the points six minutes from time with a trademark Jay Lang free kick.
In Group D at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening, Dianella White Eagles and Joondalup City have fought out a 1-1 draw in the early game. “It was another solid performance from our boys against a good side in dianella,” City’s Liam Peacock said. “It put us in a good position going into the final game of the group to qualify for the knock out stage.” It was the Eagles who opened the scoring 20 minutes into the second half, with Shane Barnes on target. But Joondalup levelled ten minutes from time, a free kick picked out Emmanuel Emefiele at the back post to score.
In the late game at the venue, hosts Wanneroo City beat Subiaco 2-1, to keep their finals hope alive. “Moving toward the start of the season we’re working on instilling belief and competitiveness in the camp, the two Night Series games have provided us with that,” Wanneroo Head Coach Howard Tweats explained. “Without showing to much quality of play, the players endeavour and resilience bodes well, knowing we have quality footballers to impact games. Young Sam Nguyen produced a couple of fine saves that deserves praise whilst as a developing unit defensively the players held firm a foundation we can certainly build on.”
Wanneroo were ahead early, Montee Benjamin was released down the right, and his cross picked out Nik Dossena who headed home. But in the shadows of half time Subiaco levelled, some hesitation in defence from ball over the top saw Kaleb Morrison nip in and round the keeper to score. But the winner came in the final minute, a corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Greg Greenwood found the top corner. Subiaco finished the game with ten men after Henri Mulwila was sent off.
In Group E, at Pool Mart Stadium in Mandurah, hosts Mandurah City moved to the top of the table after a hard fought 2-1 win against local rivals Rockingham City in the early game at the venue. “A hard-fought local derby, and win is great for the lads in warm conditions on the night,” Mandurah Head Coach John Baird said. “But the win was soured somewhat with the injury to Alex Grayson, and it put a damper on events. We are all devasted for Alex, and the Mandurah family wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”
Mandurah were ahead on 15 minutes, after neat build up play, Jordan Callaghan saw his shot was blocked, but the youngster was the quickest to the rebound to score. It looked like the Dolphins had secured the points after Leigh Griffiths won a penalty, and the Scottish striker made no mistake from the spot. But Rockingham hit back, and halved the margin moments later, with Shane Boyle scoring. The injury to Grayson came soon after and everyone at Footballwa wishes him a speedy recovery.
In the late game at the venue Kalamunda City and Canning City have fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw. “The draw was a disappointing result for us but there were positives to take out of the game, as well as areas to improve on,” Kalamunda striker Farruh Mavlonov said. “In the last two games, we scored seven goals which is great, but we also conceded seven goals, which is concerning.” Kalamunda made a great start, with Fernando Albornoz scoring early, and they doubled their advantage on 35 minutes, Antonio Martinez scoring from a well-worked short corner. Canning had their chances, with Tom Kinnane and Ishmael Greywood hitting the woodwork.
But they were back in the game six minutes from half time, Kinnane’s freekick was saved, but Mason Langham was quickest to the rebound to score. They were level early in the second half, Freeman Nyatsambo beating is marker and crossing to Langham who finished well. Kalamunda regained the lead on the hour mark, with Gaston Bazet firing home a free kick, but five minutes later Canning levelled again, Kinnane converting from the penalty spot. Both sides had chances to win, but had to settle for a share of the spoils. “From my perspective it’s another point against a good team,” Canning Head Coach Lee Hayward said. “There were many positives to take outs from the game, and a few negatives that we will need to work on over the coming weeks.”
Finally in Group F, UWA Nedlands maintained their perfect start to the competition, after a 2-1 win against Curtin University in the early game on Saturday evening at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. “After dominating the first 20 minutes, and scoring we took our foot off the gas and the game opened up,” UWA Head Coach Richard Abrams said. “Credit to Curtain they were not there to make up the numbers and had some very good chances. With seven players missing and players clearly struggling with the heat we were not at our best. We did however manage to rotate the subs to get gametime into everyone which is the main objective of February. We have plenty to reflect on from the two games to date mostly all positive, however with many new faces in the squad it will take a little time to gel together.”
UWA opened the scoring on 21 minutes, a ball into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with by Curtin, and in the goalmouth scramble, Jed Afenyo toe poked home. Curtin levelled early in the second half, a back pass from Franco Van Zyl bobbled in front of keeper Brendan Rintoul, and he sliced the ball into his own net. But that was all forgotten six minutes from time, when UWA won it. New signing Sebastian Hooshanigan beat his man and used his pace to deliver a perfect cross to Oliver Lebihan, who finished well. Curtin went close late to levelling, but Rintoul made up his mistake for the goal pulling off a stunning save to seal the points.
The other game in the group was on Sunday evening at Paint Seal Arena Ashfield, with Quinns beating Gwelup Croatia 3-2. “It was a tough game, but we were pleased with our response after going down 1-0. We felt we dominated the game thereafter and were able to connect well across the phases,” Quinns Head Coach Antony Benetti explained. “We are really still getting a feel for what is a very new group and being we still have a number of players to come in we know consistency will be key.”
Gwelup were ahead on 27 minutes, Jeremie Mba firing home, but in first half stoppage time Quinns levelled. Matt Cherrie neat through ball sent Mou Marial clear, and he rounded the keeper and walked the ball home. Quinns hit the front seven minutes into the second half, great build-up play ended with Tanaka Maumbe, who sent Marial in on goal, his shot was well saved by Josiah Godfrey, but Liam Hunt fired home the rebound from close-range. They added a third on 70 minutes, Maumbe was brought down in the box, and Jason Petrie converted the resulting penalty. Gwelup reduced the margin late, with the unfortunate Dave Sallis scoring an own goal, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
10.2.2024
JONES FOCUSED ON BOLTON AND STAYING ON THE SOCCEROOS RADAR
Gethin Jones got a rough introduction to life as an international footballer, but he can’t wait to give it another go. Following Australia’s exit from the Asian Cup, the Bolton Wanderers vice-captain endured a 17-hour journey back to England, a training session at Lostock and a four-hour coach journey to play just nine minutes of club football against Cambridge United.
Australia crashed out of the Asian Cup at the quarter-final stage with defeat to South Korea. Jones had to cope with the rough and the smooth during the tournament, dropped for the Korea game after a groin injury in a win over Indonesia. But none of that will stop Jones doing it all again, however, he’s looking forward to earning a few more caps.
“Obviously international football is a lot, lot different to club football,” Jones told The Bolton News. “They praise and criticise everything you do, and it’s a big nation with lots of opinions. Playing international football is something I’d always wanted to do. I loved every minute of it and, hopefully, if I keep playing well for Bolton then I’ll get that call-up again.
“Playing against countries like India or Syria – ones you’d never even think you’d face growing up – and while they made it difficult, the games themselves were enjoyable. I was gutted to be knocked out by South Korea in the end but for myself playing on a big stage like the Asian Cup, so it is something I am really proud I did.”
Australia continue their qualification efforts for the 2026 World Cup finals with a two-legged game against Lebanon next month. Jones accepts that the travelling involved will not always marry well with club football but he hopes to stay in the mix for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. “I spoke to a few of the lads and they said it can be difficult at times,” he said.
“One of the games next month is in Sydney and you pretty much fly out on the Monday, train for two days and get used to the time difference, play the game, then go back. My focus is on playing well for Bolton and getting those call-ups if I can. To know the World Cup is there in two-and-a-half years is a huge and it is something that I’ll obviously work hard to try and achieve. We’ll wait and see what happens.”
10.2.2024
GLORY LEAVE IT LATE TO EARN A POINT
A goal in stoppage time from Perth Glory midfielder Isobel Dalton has earned her side a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Canberra United, in front of another big crowd at Macedonia Park. Glory Head coach Alex Epakis was delighted with his sides fighting spirit to fight back against the odds to get the equaliser, and he thought it was the best game of the season for the goalscorer.
They had to come from behind twice to earn the point, Matildas’ striker Michelle Heyman gave the visitors an early lead, before the returning Susan Phonsongkham fired Glory level. Heyman regained the lead for Canberra in the shadows of half time, and it looked like that would give the bottom of the table side the three points, but Dalton had other ideas, to level with her first goal for the club and send the Glory faithful into raptures.
“I thought it was the best performance from Isobel, with and without the ball, and she came up with the goods when required today, an on a personal level to score her first goal has given a huge boost and we will feed off that in the week,” he said. “To go down twice, and build momentum, and then have things go against us, with our keeper going off with a serious injury, I thought the resilience and character from the group was outstanding. I thought it was a fluent attacking performance, and we had plenty of the ball, which is a heathy sign for me.” Glory made two changes to the side that were beaten by Sydney FC last week, Phonsongkham replacing Grace Jale, while Grace Johnston came in for the injured Sadie Lawrence.
It was a warm night in Perth, but it didn’t affect the visitors, who hit the front on eight minutes. Some neat build up play ended with Nickoletta Flannery down the right, and her low cross was turned home by Heyman. Both sides had chances as the game ebbed and flowed, first Deven Jackson’s effort flashed wide for United, before Mille Farrow’s header was straight at Chloe Lincoln.
But on 35 minutes Glory found the equaliser. Quinley Quezada sent Sofia Sakalis down the right, her cross to the back post was well cushioned down by Farrow, and Phonsongkham finished clinically past Lincoln. Canberra were still creating the better chances, and Vesna Milivojevic’s shot crashed off the post and away to safety and in the shadows of half time they deservedly regained the lead, Flannery crossing to Heyman, and the striker finished with aplomb past Morgan Aquino.
Glory looked to respond after the break, but their cause wasn’t helped when keeper Aquino was taken off with a serious arm injury after a collision with Heyman on 56 minutes, she was replaced by Sally James. Glory went close to restoring parity on the hour, Dalton’s long-range was superbly saved by Lincoln. Canberra almost sealed the points three minutes from time, Heyman low shot across goal, flashing inches wide of the far post.
It looked like Glory’s poor form was going to continue, but in the final minute they found the equaliser. Hana Lowry found Dalton, who controlled the ball well, before finding the top corner of the net from the edge of the box, before racing off to celebrate with the glory fans in the stands. There was a late debut for 16-year-old Clara Hoarau, the former Melville Murdoch University midfielder replaced Quezada in stoppage time.
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO (RGK Sally JAMES 56'), 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (17 Abbey GREEN 90+2'), 12 Sofia SAKALIS (27 Georgia CASSIDY 66'), 20 Quinley QUEZADA (31 Clara HOARAU 90+2'), 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON (19 Izzy FOLETTA 66') - Subs not used: None
Canberra United: GK Chloe LINCOLN, 2 Alex MCKENZIE, 3 Sarah CLARK, 8 Sasha GROVE, 10 Mary STANIC-FLOODY, 11 Deven JACKSON (16 Maddy WHITTALL 71'), 17 Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY (13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON 52'), 22 Cannon CLOUGH (5 Emma ILIJOSKI 70'), 23 Michelle HEYMAN, 28 Tegan BERTOLISSIO (20 Lillian SKELLY 79') – Subs not used RGK Coco MAJSTOROVIC – Attendance: 1,003 - Referee: Rebecca DURCAU
10.2.2024
JACOBSZ AT THE DOUBLE FOR ARMADALE
Armadale have kept their NPLWA Night Series Semi-Final hopes alive, after a 4-2 win against Inglewood United in Group C at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening. “Great to see the team beginning to gel and some of our long serving youth players getting on the score sheet,” Armadale assistant coach Sam Hutchings said. “It was a very promising first half marred only by a couple of injuries and a failure to put the game to bed given the number of opportunities we created, and we moved the ball well. In fairness to Inglewood, they came out the blocks in the second half and we allowed them back into the game.
“However, this did provide a glimpse of the groups character and we recovered to win, well with two well worked goals. Some first competitive debuts to mention for youngsters Ben Harrison (18) and Preston Gilling (19) and overall, a decent performance from the group as a whole. We continue to work hard and improve day to day. We are looking forward to welcoming our final squad additions this week and then onto the challenges Redstar will provide next weekend.”
Both sides were searching for their first wins in the pre-season competition, and it was the hosts who found it on the half hour, with Peter Jacobsz finding the target. They doubled their lead just before half time, Amir Ajan the provider to substitute Purvishna Appadoo to score. But Taki Nicolaidis’ hit back after the break, with Yamamoto Kotaro converting from the spot, and Shubham Mokala levelling on the hour.
But four minutes later Armadale regained the lead, with Ajan scoring, and they sealed the tie 14 minutes from time, with Jacobsz adding his second to give them their first win in the group, while Inglewood remain winless. “It was a must win game for the boys, the goals we scored, were all team goals starting from the back with possession passes around the back and balls through the middle into the attackers with really good finishes and getting into some good attacking positions,” Armadale defender Lachlan Collins said.
“Overall was a good win, the boys fought hard after losing a couple of players to injury. Hopefully it’s a speedy recovery for them but I reckon the boys adapted quite well was a slow start at the start of second half conceding two goals. But the boys dug deep and created the good attacking runs and good possession we had in the first half and we got two really important goals back winning 4-2, so at the end of the day got the job done and proud of the boys adapting to the game.”
Armadale: GK Preston Gillings, 2 Lachan Collins, 3 Luke Collins, 4 Nathan Costello, 7 Amir Ajan, 13 Igor Cvijanovic, 15 Lucas Cook, 17 Peter Jacobsz, 18 Joshua Bartler, 19 Charlie Fleming, 20 Jayden Leader – Subs: RGK Joel Driscoll, 6 Purvishna Appadoo, 8 Ben Harrison, 11 Pacifique Dufitimukiza, 16 Matthew Worton, 22 Egide Ngendakumana
Inglewood United: GK Nic Speca, 2 William Formston, 3 Aiden Formston, 4 Ciaran Salinger, 6 Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 7 Chad Nilson, 8 Dhuors Chol, 9 Harry Evans, 10 Shubham Mokala, 11 Benson Nsegetse, 18 Jordan Brown – Subs: 12 Taylor O’Sullivan, 14 Yamamoto Kotaro, 17 Jeremy Tshongo, 21 Thomas Abraham, 22 James Lindsey
10.2.2024
MURRAY ON TARGET TO BEAT THE KNIGHTS
A goal seven minutes from time from substitute Liam Murray has secured Olympic Kingsway a 1-0 win against Western Knights in the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening, keep them second in Group C. “We’re happy with the three points and the clean sheet,” Olympic Head Coach David Tough said. “Western Knights made it hard for us, but I thought we controlled the game, but we're still a work in progress, with plenty to improve on, but I'm content with where we're currently at.”
It was a tight game with both sides having chances, but it was Olympic who won it on 83 minutes. Former Perth Glory striker Joe Knowles, who was making his debut for the club, made space down the right, and his low cross picked out Murray at the back post to score.
“It wasn’t our best game overall, it was quite a difficult match in the heat,” Olympic midfielder Tyler Garner said. “We are still working on a few things and improving our chemistry as a team. Nonetheless we are happy with the clean sheet after leaking goals the past few games, hopefully we can improve and put in a solid performance next week.”
Midfielder Joshua Samson said they are working hard in preseason, as they prepare for the new season. “I thought we showed great persistence and fight to keep playing our style yesterday. Our build up play was good and we played through the lines into the final third on numerous occasions,” he said. “It was an enjoyable game to be a part of with both sides creating chances and fighting for every ball. We were happy to get the result and keep a clean sheet, but we know we still have room for improvement. We will continue to work hard and build our fitness in preparation for the start of the NPL season.”
Olympic Kingsway: GK Adrian Sinagra, 2 Jonathon Leithead, 3 Daniel Walsh, 4 Ollie Annis, 6 Aryn Williams, 7 Tyler Garner, 8 Mitchell Oxborrow, 9 Joe Knowles, 16 Sasa Njegic, 17 Joshua Samson, 20 Luke Hewings – Subs: RGK Seb Medica, 5 Calum O’Connell, 11 Liam Murray, 12 James Fanelli, 15 Shane Cassidy, 19 Lebib Lebib
Western Knights: GK Sam Reilly, 5 Adam Harris, 10 Alex Da Rocha, 11 Owen Goodliffe, 14 Jack Bardsley, 15 Luke Passeretto, 17 Shay Donovan, 19 Orhan Boric, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 22 Kristian Santich, 23 Daniel Santich – Subs: 2 Jake Sardelic, 6 Denzel Tshuma, 16 Gian Zupanov, 20 Bailey Collingwood, 25 Jay Sheridan, 30 Travis Cook
10.2.2024
BAYSWATER BEAT FLOREAT TO KEEP FINALS HOPES ALIVE
It’s still tight in Group B of the NPLWA Night Series, and Bayswater City are still in the mix for a final spot after a 3-1 win against Floreat Athena at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. “We have got seven points so far which is great but the tally of points has not been matched by our performances,” Bayswater Head Coach Gary Williams said. “We have a great deal of room to improve and will continue to work hard in training, but on the positive side it was great that some of our young players got a chance play and they all did well.”
It was Floreat who found the opener, a corner picked out the unmarked Noah Shamaki who headed past Casey Robertson. But the hosts hit back and levelled when they won possession in the middle of the park, and Chris Jackson crossed to Sam Dwek, who made no mistake. Bayswater hit the front before the break, Luke Palmateer’s cross field ball found Jason Mirco, who found Declan Hargreaves on the right, and his cross found Dwek who headed home his second at the far post
After the break it was end-to-end football, as Floreat looked for the equaliser, but it was the hosts who won it late. The high press from Bayswater saw substitute Josh bell nick the ball off Sean McManus, and he raced one-on-one with the keeper, and the youngster made no mistake to give Bayswater the points. “It was a great game,” Mirco said. “It keeps us in the finals hopes, and we look forward to next week’s clash against Stirling.”
Bayswater City - GK Casey Robertson, 4 Luke Palmateer, 6 Declan Hargreaves, 10 Jason Mirco, 14 Samuel Dweh, 15 Jackson Stephens, 16 Aryan Yazarlou, 18 Christopher Jackson, 19 Julian Kelly, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 24 Joshua Anasmo – Subs not used: 5 Thiak Kuel, 21 Scotlan Morrison, 22 Celeston Fuller, 23 Joshua Bell, 28 Konstantinos Sparta
Floreat Athena – GK Joshua Hunter, 3 Ali Mohamed, 4 Ben Steele, 5 Ethan Mom, 6 Cherno Bah, 10 Nicholas Ambrogio, 12 Kyle Murray, 17 Alexander Christodoulakis, 19 Mohammed Al-Zaidy, 23 Flilippo Gioffre, 25 Noah Shamaki – Subs not used: RGK Jason Saldaris, 8 Sean McManus, 9 Guy Davies, 11 Ajang Yuot, 16 Luke Ryan, 20 Friday Zico, 22 Dau Deng
10.2.2024
LAST MINUTE HEARTBREAK FOR GLORY
Perth Glory continued their unbeaten run in the Isuzu Ute A-League to four games, after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday evening. It looked like they were in for a long night after the hosts raced to a two-goal lead early, with goals from Hiro Ibusuki and a Zac Clough’s penalty. But Glory fought back with skipper Adam Taggart scoring before the break, and second half goal to David Williams and Josh Rawlins had them ahead. Oli Sail then saved a Stefan Mauk penalty late in the game and it looked Alen Stajcic’s side would leave with the points, but a controversial goal from Panagiotis Ikianis eight minutes into stoppage time, saw both sides take a share of the spoils.
“I couldn’t tell if the ball had crossed the line, in fact I never saw it, but it’s a goal, but I don’t know where he (referee) got the eight minutes of stoppage time,” Stajcic said post-match. “I thought first half we were poor, yes, we hit the post and Tags scored, but they dominated the game, and looked threatening with every ball into the box. They caused us all sorts of problems, which we weren’t solving well, and we lacked discipline in key moments, and could have been further behind at the break.
“But the second half was a role reversal, right from the first moment our intensity and pressure on the ball increased, and we created numerous chances. I thought we were the better team in the second half, and it’s disappointing for us to let it slip late. I think that’s the third time we’ve conceded a goal with the last kick of the game, and we could be in and around the top six if we didn’t concede. But it’s another would’ve, could’ve and should’ve, we didn’t defend well for the last corner and we’ve got no one to blame but ourselves.”
Stajcic was forced into two changes from the side that beat Melbourne City last time out, with Mustafa Amini out injured, he was replaced by Jarrod Carluccio, while Josh Rawlins came in for his first starting appearance, since returning to the club on loan, in place of the suspended Stefan Colakovski. It was the hosts who made the better start, and were ahead after only nine minutes, Ryan Kitto’s cross from the left was headed powerfully home by Japanese striker Ibusuki to give Carl Veart’s men the lead.
Glory looked for an immediate response, and youngster Daniel Bennie almost supplied it, sent into goal by a neat ball from Taggart, but his effort from the angle hit the outside of the woodwork. But moments the hosts doubled their advantage, a corner from the left was punched clear by Sail, but referee Ben Abraham spotted a hold on Ibusuki by Aleks Susnjar, and pointed to the spot. Clough stepped up and no mistake from the resulting penalty. The visitors were struggling, and it was Sail keeping them in the game, the Kiwi keeper getting down well to make a smart save to deny Kitto’s long-range effort.
Then on the half hour, Glory was back in the game. Giordano Colli’s corner from the left was flicked on by Darryl Lachman, and Taggart lost his marker at the back post to score. Still the Reds were dictating terms, and Sail made three vital saves late. First, he denied Ibusuki and Clough’s headers, and the best of them came in stoppage time, when he got down well at his near post to turn Ibusuki flick around the post. It was a poor first half from the team in white, but they were still in the game.
Glory started well after the break, and Taggart had two opportunities to level, but failed to take them, but moments after coming off the bench Williams did. Colli’s corner was only punched clear by James Delianov as far as Williams, whose first time shot flew into the net, much to the delight of the travelling supporters at that end of the ground. The visitors were now on top and Bennie went within inches of his first A-League goal, but like the first half, the woodwork denied him.
But eight minutes from time Glory hit the front. Colli won a tough 50/50 tackle in the middle of park and Taggart sent substitute Trent Ostler down the left, he and Bennie exchanged passes, before Ostler pulled the back to Rawlins on the edge of the box and the teenager rifled home. But moments later the hosts had the perfect opportunity to level after Luke Bodnar handled in the box. Mauk stepped up to take the spot kick, and Sail guessed the right way and saved superbly.
The board went up from the fourth official, showing six minutes of stoppage time, and it looked like Glory had won it when Taggart steered home substitute Joel Anasmo’s cross, but his celebrations were cut short, with the assistants flag up for offside. The six minutes were up, but still the game went on and in the eighth minute the hosts salvaged a point. Isaias’ corner was headed goalward by Giuseppe Bovalina, and Ikianis flicked the ball home despite a goal line clearance from Colli, the assistant on the far side flagged to say the ball crossed the line.
Adeliade United: GK James DELIANOV, 3 Ben WARLAND, 6 Stefan MAUK, 7 Ryan KITTO, 8 ISAÍAS, 9 Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10 Zach CLOUGH (17 Luka JOVANOVIC 79'), 27 Josh CAVALLO (66 Nestory IRANKUNDA 60'), 43 Giuseppe BOVALINA, 51 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 55 Ethan ALAGICH (26 Ben HALLORAN 61') - Subs not used: RGK Ethan COX, 2 Harry VAN DER SAAG, 22 Ryan TUNNICLIFFE, 23 Luke DUZEL
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (4 Luke BODNAR 71'), 14 Riley WARLAND (19 Trent OSTLER 71'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS (3 Jacob MUIR 90'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (9 David WILLIAMS 61'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE (31 Joel ANASMO 90'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 27 Jayden GORMAN – Referee: Ben ABRAHAM
9.2.2024
PETKOV HEADS LATE EQUALISER FOR FREMANTLE
Fremantle City have kept their NPLWA Night Series Semi-Finals alive, with a hard fought 2-2 draw against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens on a warm Friday evening. “It was a really entertaining game, and I thought we continued to build on last week’s win and grew into the game second half and had some golden opportunities to take the lead,” Fremantle Head Coach Matthew Sparrow explained.
“A draw was looking likely until the game burst into life in the final few minutes with the sending off, and we conceding late. But the character the lads showed to get the point was really pleasing. In the end it shows how far the club has come if we’re disappointed coming away from Perth with a point. The boys are improving week by week, slowly we are getting bodies back into the squad which will give us more depth by the time round one comes around.”
Fremantle found the opener on 12 minutes, Oli La Galia finishing well after some build up play. But Perth found the equaliser five minutes later, Abdul Osman’s defence splitting pass sent Gordon Perkins in on goal, and he finished clinically. The game looked like it was heading for a draw, but it took a twist in the final minute when Patrick Loughrey was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Perth capitalised on the extra man and hit the front again in stoppage time. A free kick on the right was floated into the box, the ball fell Osman, who did well to bring the ball down, and it fell Federico Achilli, who pounced on the loose ball to poke home.
But Fremantle, who beat Perth Glory last week, weren’t finished in the final minute of stoppage time they restored parity. Anthony Topini cross picked out Robert Petkov who made no mistake. “That’s two weeks in a row now we’ve conceded a late equaliser which is obviously disappointing,” Perth SC assistant coach Stuart Banks said. “This early in preseason though, with a lot of new and mostly young players we know there is still a lot of work to do and we will keep working hard in training to make sure we iron out any issues prior to the start of the season.”
Perth SC: GK Joe Pollard, 4 Jack Cawley, 6 Abdul Osman, 7 Ethan Banks, 8 Hayley Orr, 10 David Ninkovich, 11 Daniel Faichney, 12 Zayd Farah, 14 Judd MacDougall, 16 Federico Achilli, 17 Gordon Perkins – Subs: RGK Rocco Liberti, 2 Emerson Alexis, 9 Sam Cook, 13 Matthew D’Hotman, 19 Joshua Cala, 20 John Lardis, 21 Christian Belladonna
Fremantle City: GK Ryan Barker, 3 Patrick Loughrey, 7 Charles Chechlacz, 8 Anthony Topini, 9 Oliver La Galia, 11 Robert Petkov, 16 Jesse Fuller, 17 Taj Bingwa, 20 Joshua Macri, 21 Nicolas Santalucia, 23 Riley Woodcock – Subs: RGK Isaac Driessen, 4 Anton Guarino, 10 Alex McLean, 15 John Chalmers, 18 Davin Park, 19 Darsi Mukunzi, 22 Lachlan Vearing
9.2.2024
TEN MAN GLORY HOLD STIRLING
A ten-man Perth Glory have secured their first points in the NPLWA Night Series, after drawing 1-1 with Stirling Macedonia at Dorrien Gardens on Friday evening. “The boys performed really well last night, and controlled the match despite having 10 men for 80 minutes,” Glory Head Coach John Walmsley said. “It was pleasing to see the maturity from the side, with this being the first exposure to first team football for many of them, it was a disciplined, mature performance from the group.”
Glory made the worst possible start with keeper Liam Coyne sent off after colliding with the Stirling striker who raced on to a through ball, and he was deemed to be the last man. They brought on reserves keeper Jim Collins, for his NPL debut, and took of the unfortunate Aiki Tsukamoto. Stirling made their one-man advantage count moments later, neat link up play down the right between Asher Nelson and Brent Quick, ended with a hard and low cross from Nelson, which deflected off Andriano Lebib for an own goal.
It was a real arm wrestle from then on, but it was the ten-men Glory who levelled 11 minutes from time. Giovanni De Abreu regained possession high up the pitch, before combining with substitute’s Samuel Barry and Tadiwanashe Kuzamba to score. Stirling pressed late, but Glory held firm to take a share of the spoils. “Tonight’s performance and result is simply unacceptable,” Stirling skipper Dejan Spaseski said. “We let complacency creep in early after going 1-0 up against 10 men and after some missed chances, this came back to bite us. We look forward to bouncing back next week.”
Perth Glory: GK Liam Coyne, 2 Gert Prinsloo, 3 Manolo Veneracion, 4 Adriano Lebib, 5 Sean O’Connor, 7 Aiki Tsukamoto, 8 Jaylan Pearman, 9 Sebastian Despotovski, 10 James Overy, 11 Laat Mathiang, 12 Giovanni De Abreu – Subs: RGK Theodore Leeming, 6 Daniel Jankuloski, 14 Tadiwanashe Kuzamba, 15 Oliver Leeming, 16 Samuel Barry, 17 Royle Rahamim, 25 Jim Collins
Stirling Macedonia: GK Liam Price, 2 Brent Quick, 5 Kai Matthews, 6 Dejan Spaseski, 7 Asher Nelson, 10 Sam Wynne, 13 Calvin Whitney, 15 Shade Stewart, 17 Alex Tanevski, 18 Danny Douglas, 19 Ciaran Byrne – Subs: RGK Jack Telford, 4 David Stokoe, 9 Kade Fearnall, 11 Louis Hadfield, 12 Joshua Bosevski, 14 Joshau Bilaloski, 50.
9.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO FRIDAY REVIEW
Cockburn City made it back-to-back wins in Group C, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Gosnells City at Dalmatinac Park on Friday evening. “Great effort and application from the lads, and another step in the right direction,” Cockburn defender Chris Thackray said. “I thought we played well is spells of the game, especially at the start of the second half controlling tempo and taking the game to Gosnells, showing what we are capable of, but we are well aware there is still lots of work to do on been more consistent.”
Cockburn found the opener on the half hour, good work down the left by Seb Da Silva, ended with a low cross which was finished neatly by Vlad Naumovski. But Gosnells, who won their opener last week against Balga, hit back just after half time, when Joshua Spencer’s shot from the edge of the box deflected past Ben Radonich. But it was the Cockerels who sealed the points 15 minutes from time, a corner from Harry Lewis, was flicked on at front post and Ben Pike headed home at far post.
In the other game at the venue, Balga’s Mark Bauersachs has scored in the final minute, to secure a 2-2 draw against Carramar Shamrock Rovers. “I thought we started well, and were rewarded with the lead, but a request for a drinks break, as it was clearly very warm but were initially turned down by the line official who started telling us what the temperature was on his watch,” Rovers’ Coach Gerry McEwan explained.
“Balga then said they agreed we should have a drink break so it was then granted. I think it’s important this is highlighted as we have people paying to watch our young, predominantly amateur, footballers who have been laying bricks, tiles, plastering, painting etc all day, in temperatures of 41 degrees, then rushing through city centre traffic to get to a 6:30 kick off. So, I think our paying public would rather see them get two minutes to rehydrate and potentially play better football. Disappointing to have nothing to play for in terms of qualification when we play Gosnells next week, but it will be another challenge for our team and good preparation for the season ahead.”
Rovers were on the front foot early and found the opener on 21 minutes. Alan Reidy beat his man on the left and then played the ball across the face of goal for the onrushing Dylan McCann to tap home. But the drinks break helped Balga, who levelled on 26 minutes, with Stefan Poposki racing through to score. Moments later Rovers were reduced to ten-men, with Seamus Edwards shown a red card. But early in the second half Rovers regained the lead, with Warren Wadawu converting from the spot.
It looked like that would win, but on 89 minutes Balga levelled, Rovers’ keeper Jakeb Seppings made a great save to deny Sam Kent’s effort, but the rebound fell to Bauersachs, who fired home the rebound. “Overall, it was a game on a very good quality level despite the temperatures above 31°C,” Balga Head Coach Gerhard Jannsen said. “It’s still early in preseason and the team is developing including the introduction of new players.”
9.2.2024
LOWRY READY FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CANBERRA
Perth Glory will be hoping they can get back to winning ways when they host Canberra United in Saturday’s Liberty A-League clash at Macedonia Park (7:30pm) Alex Epakis’ side have slipped down the table in recent weeks, and will be searching for a first win in six games, and midfielder Hana Lowry said they are looking forward to playing in front of their passionate supporters.
“The crowds this season have been unbelievable and for me personally, having my friends and family there watching, it means a lot,” the midfielder said. “It just gives us that extra boost and we’ve seen that in games that we’ve won it right in the 90th minute and that’s a credit to them. Our home record is very strong and again, that’s credit to the crowd and what they’ve made Macedonia Park [into].”
The 20-year-old is having another huge season, and is enjoying the challenge that the coaching staff have given her. “I’m really enjoying getting exposure to different positions, but there’s so much for me to learn,” Lowry explained. “Playing bit deeper, being more a ball player and also I enjoy going forward and having shots and things like that, so I appreciate that trust [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] has in me to play both positions and I feel like I’ve learned a lot this season.”
A win is vital if Glory are to keep in the finals mix, and Lowry believes that with some minor improvements in key areas, they can do exactly that. “We’re all really focused on the job we have to do at the weekend,” she said. “We know that it’s a really important game and it’s crucial that we get three points. Obviously, the last few games haven’t been our best and it’s really important that we turn that around this weekend. In what is a long season we started really well and then I guess some things just haven’t gone our way.
“We need to be a bit more clinical around the goal, keep the ball for longer periods and be more possession-based. We need to take the positives from the start of the season and even though the results haven’t gone out way in the last few games, still take the positives from those games and be confident that we’re good enough. We all have that belief that we’re good enough and now it’s just about showing that on the pitch.”
The last time Canberra played in WA, was in Round Five last season when the Glory came from two goals down at half time to win 3-2. Nicki Flannery gave the visitors the lead early, before Vesna Milivojevic doubled their lead. Glory hit back early in the second half with Rylee Baisden on target, before Cyera Hintzen levelled just before the hour mark, and Baisden’s second goal of the game won for the hosts. Canberra arrives in the west this season sitting on the bottom of the table, but are coming off a big win against the league leaders Melbourne City last week, and Lowry said they will not be underestimating Njegosh Popovich’s side.
“We know Canberra are going to be a really tough opponent, but we just need to focus on our own actions and making sure that we’re executing the little details because that’s maybe what’s letting us down a little bit, and we know that we’re fully capable of doing that,” Lowry said. “They (Canberra) are a fast-paced team and on the transition, they’re really threatening as we saw against City last week, so we know that Michelle [Heyman] and Vesna [Milivojevic] are huge targets for them, but all round the pitch they’ve got smart ball players and we just need to smart about how we’re playing and shut that down.”
Susan Phonsongkham returns to selection contention after missing last week’s defeat to Sydney FC due to suspension, while defender Sadie Lawrence will miss the game due to concussion, that she suffered in the loss against the Sky Blues. Epakis has added five more players to the squad, with Sarah Cain, Tia Stonehill, Abbey Green, Grace Johnston and Anika Stajcic.
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY, 28 Anika STAJCIC - Four to be omitted - Ins: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 28 Anika STAJCIC - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 18 Sadie LAWRENCE (injured)
Canberra United squad: GK Chloe LINCOLN, GK Coco MAJSTOROVIC, 2 Alex MCKENZIE, 3 Sarah CLARK, 4 Holly MURRAY, 5 Emma ILIJOSKI, 7 Maria ROJAS, 8 Sasha GROVE, 9 Ruby NATHAN, 10 Mary STANIC-FLOODY, 11 Deven JACKSON, 13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, 15 Hannah MCNULTY, 16 Maddy WHITTALL, 17 Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20 Lillian SKELLY, 22 Cannon CLOUGH, 23 Michelle HEYMAN, 28 Tegan BERTOLISSIO - Five to be omitted - Ins: ILIJOSKI - Unavailable: GK Georgia RITCHIE, 6 Ava PIAZZA, 12 Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 14 Maia CAMERON
8.2.2024
NEW FACES FITTING IN AT ARMADALE
It’s been a busy pre-season at Alfred Skeet Reserve, as Armadale look to build on last seasons fifth place finish. Head Coach Alun Vernals has a new look squad as they prepare for the new season, with Lucas Cook and Igor Cvijanovic a couple of the new signings. Cook, who played for Perth Glory Youth, before moving to English club Stalybridge Celtic. The 20-year-old said it’s great to be back in Perth, but his time in the UK was amazing.
“My time at Stalybridge Celtic was a great experience, traditionally it is a massive club in the area of greater Manchester and straight away I saw that within the professionalism of how it was ran from the juniors right through to the seniors, and also through the loyal fan base who are passionate and committed to the club home and away and are always bringing couple hundred people minimum to each game,” Cook explained. “Throughout my time at the club, I played with many quality players from all ages and it really made me get an understanding of the way football is played in England.”
He learnt so much in his time at Glory, and also played at Bayswater City, but the move to Armadale was a great opportunity. “Yes, my time at Glory has helped me massively, from the technical, physical, tactical and mental point of view, being surrounded by hungry young players who aspire make it to the highest level really helps your own development,” Cook said.
“You need to keep the standards high at all time on and off the pitch, I developed massively in some technical aspects by working with some great coaches at my time there. When Alun contacted me, the move to Armadale was a no brainer, the style I know Alun likes to play excites me and suits my strengths massively as a fullback, with the group we have and the culture we are forming it will be a great year.”
For Cvijanovic, a move to Armadale is an exciting one, after spells at Cockburn City and Dianella White Eagles recently. “I had two enjoyable seasons at Cockburn, where I made a fair number of good memories and friendships along the way,” the midfielder explained. “2022 was a big year for me personally and for the club having won the State Cup and also being given the opportunity to go away to Brisbane to play the round of 32 of the FFA cup which we only just fell short of winning.
“Working under Mirko at Cockburn really helped me as he guided me so I was able to adjust from 20s football to senior level smoothly, having also constantly being given useful information from someone that is used to a professional environment overseas. In 2023 I came to terms with Cockburn to leave and made the decision mid-season to join Dianella White Eagles. After speaking with the Dianella committee and Angel I wanted to just enjoy playing football again. I wanted to help Dianella finish as high as possible on the ladder for the 2023 season and in all fairness, it was a successful season for them as a club finishing strong in 5th after starting the season slow.”
Cvijanovic is relishing the new challenge at Armadale, and working with his former coach Alun Vernals “I’m looking forward for the season to start and the new challenge. I chose to play for the club as I have known Alun for a couple of years now and the time, I spent with him at Bayswater we had a good relationship and a good run picking up some silverware,” he explained. “I learnt a fair bit under him over the couple of years and I’m excited of what more there is to come.
“I had a good chat with him and what he has planned ahead with us as players and as a club and it is looking quite promising so it left me convinced. Looking into the season, AV has set very high standards at training and has made the expectations from us players very clear. The team is looking strong with a good ratio of youth and experience so I am excited for what the season has in store as I still have plenty to learn at 22 from Alun and his coaching staff at Armadale.”
The club have also signed former Perth Glory youth midfielder Jayden Leader, former Newcastle Olympic striker Chan Yelchan, from TFA Dubai in Dubai, Canadian forward Ryley Wishart-Stephen, who played for Clarence Tigers in Tasmania last season, and Irish defender Charlie Fleming, who played at North Geelong Warriors last season.
8.2.2024
IVANOVIC FINDS A NEW HOME
Former Perth Glory striker Luke Ivanovic has found a new home, after the 23-year-old left the club by mutual constant last week. Yesterday he signed for Finnish club FC Lahti, who play in the Veikkausliiga which is the Premier Division in the country. After spells at Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar, Ivanovic headed to Glory, and played 24 games in the west, scoring just the one goal, he moves to Europe to continue his football journey.
Ivanovic, whose parents are both Serbian, is excited to play in Europe for the first time. “I am in Europe for the first time in my life, I have never seen so much snow,” he said. “I knew in advance that it would be cold here, but it's hard to play in Australia when it's so hot, this will be a good experience for me, Ivanovic thinks on his first day in Finland.
The club’s website said Ivanovic, who thrives as a pure attacker and a winger, considers Finland a good place to play. He is a very powerful player who tends to break the defensive line with his vertical runs. He also wants to help the team in the form of powers. “I try to be a threat to the opponent's goal all the time. I want to score as many goals as possible and take victories,” Ivanovic explained.
“I look forward to playing in front of the supporters and I want to bring pleasure and joy to the people of Lahti. I am very excited and I want us to succeed together.” The club finished 10th on the table last season, and the new season doesn’t start until April 6th, but they are involved in the Finland, and Ivanovic is available for FC Lahti coach Toni Lindberg, when they meet IF Gnistan away from home on Saturday, February 17.
8.2.2024
NPL-WA – NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE PREVIEW
We’ve reached the half way stage of the NPLWA Night Series, and Group A leaders Perth RedStar will look to make it three straight wins when they take on second placed Balcatta Etna in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (6pm) It’s been back-to-back wins for the Champions, with wins against the Knights and Inglewood, while Balcatta are still unbeaten, after a draw against Armadale, before beating the Knights last week, so this should be a good encounter.
New signing Dennis Galan said it’s been a great start to the competition, and competition for places is heating up. “I believe it was another step in the right direction for the team and carrying out what we have been working on training. A lot of possession and moving the ball quickly to create space and opportunities for the team,” the former Floreat Athena defender explained. “It’s always great to get wins as it’s builds confidence and momentum, however we all know it’s early days and nothing to look too deep into as it’s a pre-season tournament.
“The team has had a bit of a change from last year’s group, with young boys stepping up from u20’s and a few new additions to the squad. That why it’s great to have a pre-season tournament, so we can work on structure, game style and get a better understanding of each other. We’re slowly building a strong playing group which has created a healthy competition within the team and everyone will be fighting for spots. To compete for this league, you need a bit of depth and I think we are It’s a great problem to have as it pushes everyone to work harder and give better performances.”
Galan said Balcatta will be well prepared, especially after last weeks win against the Knights. “As I said prior, it’s another pre-season game, where we’ll be concentrating on what we have been working on, and building on from our last two games, in order to prepare us for the season,” Galan said. “I know Glen will have his team rallying up and putting in a shift, so will be a good test for us to keep improving on our game style and fitness.”
In the other games in the group, Olympic Kingsway meet Western Knights in the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening (6pm). The Knights are still searching for their first points of the competition, while Olympic remained unbeaten after a draw against Armadale last week. Inglewood United will also be looking for their points in the group when they take on hosts Armadale in the late game at the venue. (8pm) Armadale have drawn both games, and will need three points in this one to keep their semi-finals hopes alive.
It’s tight in Group B, with only one point separating the top five teams. First up on Friday evening, Stirling Macedonia meet Perth Glory in the early game at Dorrien Gardens. (6.30pm) Glory have lost both games so far, but a win could pull them back into contention, while Stirling lost for the first-time last week against Floreat, and they need to bounce back to keep them in the mix, while in the late game at the venue, Perth SC welcome Fremantle City. (8.30pm). Fremantle bounced back from a first round defeat to beat Glory last week, while Perth shared the spoils against Bayswater, so three points will be massive in this one.
In the other game in the group, leaders Bayswater City take on Floreat Athena in the late game at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. (8pm) Bayswater were held by Perth last week, and will hope to use the home ground advantage to their benefit, while a goal from Noah Shamaki saw Floreat beat Stirling to kick start their pre-season. Shamaki said it was a good performance, and it was goo to get some experienced players back after missing the first game. “Yes, it was a big win coming off a loss the previous week, but I felt we deserved it, played well and most importantly defended well all through the game,” the striker explained. “We were a bit stronger this week as we had a few more players available, which is important, and we’ll look to build on the win last week on Saturday.”
Shamaki said there is no easy games in the NPL, and that’s the same in the night series, and he said the game against Bayswater will be tough, but one they go into in a confident mood. “It’s preseason and everyone is still trying to get that match fitness, and I feel we will get better and better with more games, considering we have a lot of new players in the team,” he said. “There are no easy games in the NPL, and this one will another tough one. We’ve just come off a win, so we will defiantly be trying to build on that momentum and push for the three points.”
8.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO PREVIEW
We head into week two of the State League Night Series, and it kicks off on Friday evening in Group C at Dalmatinac Park. With the temperatures hitting 40, the Saturday games have been put back one hour. In the early game Balga and Carramar Shamrock Rovers meet (6.30pm). Both sides lost their opening games, so three points are vital in this one. In the late game at the venue, Cockburn City host Gosnells City. (8.30pm) Cockburn edged out Rovers in their first round, while Gosnells beat Balga 3-0.
Gosnells coach Peter Allen said the win against Balga continued their good start to pre-season, but they need improve in certain areas. “We’ve played three games so far this pre-season, and Alan (Dunlop) and I have been pleased the way the group are growing, and to start the night series with a good win against Balga was positive, but we’re well aware we have a long way to go,” he explained. “We put our chances away last week in the first half, but Balga put us under pressure after the break, but we held firm, and we were really pleased with the clean sheet.”
Allen said Cockburn will be another tough test, but after watching them edge out Rovers last week, they go into the game looking to build on last week’s performance. “We watched their game last week, and you can see they are a good side, but do have a lot of new faces, and they struggled at times, but they do have quality that can hurt you,” he said. “We will go into the game looking to build on the performance and fitness, as we prepare for the start of the season, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
On Saturday in Group B, Forrestfield United welcomes Kingsley Westside in the late game at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. Both sides suffered big defeats in the opening game, and will be looking to bounce back. Forrestfield let a two-lead slip to lose to Joondalup, and coach Paul Oliver said they learnt a great deal from the game. “We go into every game ultimately to get a result but more importantly than that at this stage of the year is to get minutes into players, try different formations and to get the right balance so that when the league season commences, we are ready to go,” he explained. “I thought we started well and tried to play football against a physical and direct opponent and I thought we definitely had the best of it through the majority of the first half. Changes we made and we got bullied a bit through the middle stages and gave away some avoidable goals but there were definitely positives to take from it and stuff to work on as well.”
Oliver, who is coaching alongside Daryl Platten at Forrestfield this season, said they move on and look forward to another contest against Kingsley. “They (Kingsley) obviously had a fantastic campaign last season and their result would have possibly raised a few eyebrows, apart from possibly Ashfield,” Oliver said. “We’ve got a big squad and we will use that squad through preseason to ensure we are where we want to be. We have a number of players coming back from injury and suspension, so I am sure training through the week will be at a standard that we demand. It will be good to be back at Hartfield Park on a Saturday night under lights. A decent crowd expected so hopefully the lads can put on a performance and send them home happy.” The other game in the group is on Sunday evening, with Ashfield hosting Joondalup United at the Paint Seal Arena in Ashfield. (7pm)
In Group D, the games will be played at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening, and in the early game Dianella White Eagles meet Joondalup City. (6pm) The Eagles won their opener against the hosts, while Joondalup shared the spoils with Subiaco. In the late game at the venue Wanneroo City host Subiaco. (8pm) City were beaten in the opener, while Subiaco conceded late to draw with Joondalup, and Wanneroo’s Joshua Marocchi said despite the loss they were pleased with certain aspects of the game.
“Dianella was a great test for us after facing Sorrento and Morley in friendlies prior, I thought as a team we defended quite well and made it quite difficult to break us down. First half we created some good opportunities and failed to finish or find the final pass,” he explained. “Dianella have good quality across all areas of the park so we knew they would create opportunities, and eventually that managed to take a couple. Overall, the performance from us was good, we were competitive and that should give us confidence moving forward.”
Marocchi is expecting another tough challenge on Saturday, but they go into the game looking for the three points. “Subiaco will be another big test for us. They conceded late to draw with Joondalup and look like they have transitioned a number of players to this season, so Saturday will be a good opportunity for us to try and control the game more and take it too Subiaco,” he said. “We should be confident how we competed with Dianella and our coach (Howard Tweats) wants to see us score and win against Subiaco, so that’s the standard and challenge for this week if we wish to progress in the competition.”
In Group F, the games will be played at different venues across the weekend. In the first game Curtin University take on UWA Nedlands in the early game on Saturday at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. (6pm) Curtin conceded late to draw against Gwelup in the opener, while UWA eased past Quinns. UWA Head Coach Richard Abrams said it was a good first up performance, and looking to build on it against Curtin. “It’s always good to win the first game of any competition and to keep a clean sheet too showed good fighting character,” he said.
“We have recruited a number of players, so it’s going to take a while to get everyone on the same page and there is no better vehicle for that than a pre-season competition. Having watched Curtain play against Gwelup I would think they are one of the better sides in Division Two, so it will be a very tough game especially in the heat. We have a few lads back from injury, holidays etc this week so should be a little stronger ourselves and are looking forward to this game.” In the other game in the group, Quinns meet Gwelup Croatia in the early game on Sunday at the Paint Seal Arena in Ashfield. (5pm)
In Group A, Sorrento will look to build on their big win against Swan, when they host Murdoch University Melville in the early game on Sunday at Percy Doyle Reserve (5pm), while MUMFC were held to a draw in their opener by East Perth. In the late game at the venue, Swan United meet East Perth. (7pm) In their first game in the State League East Perth fought out a good draw against MUMFC, while the Swan were well beaten by Sorrento. Swan Coach Niall Hughes said their new look squad struggled in the first half, but take some positives from the second half. “I don’t think you’ll get a much tougher first game up in the state league than Sorrento, who have assembled one of the best squads I’ve seen at that level and in the first half it showed,” he explained.”
“We have had a bit of a turnover in our squad this off season with a lot of younger lads coming in, with team team debuts for Darby Raddon, Vlad Puia and Patrick Shortall, and for them it was probably an eye opener on what is needed to compete at this level. We struggled to deal with the full back’s movement for a good 30 minutes which created plenty of problems and we found ourselves 4-0 down. To the lads credit though, once we got the message across on our duties, they all stuck to their tasks and were much improved. We started to get the ball down and play with it better and created a few chances and I suppose you can look at it and say we won the second half. But it was a fair result and we learnt a lot about players, so you have to take the positives away from the game.”
Hughes said East Perth are new to the league, but after last weeks draw against MUMFC, he is expecting another tough game. “It should be a pretty interesting game. I’ve heard bits and pieces about them and they obviously had a very good season last season, narrowly missing out on winning the league. That type of confidence is sure to carry on it to this season and I saw their game last week which ended in a good draw against a good MUM side, so we expect a really tough battle out there,” Hughes said. “For ourselves it’s another game where we get to try a few things with different players and get the minutes in the legs, albeit we still want to be going out there and getting results, as it breeds that confidence that carries on it to the season.”
Finally on Sunday, we head to the Pool Mart Stadium in Mandurah, and in the early game in Group E Mandurah City host local rivals Rockingham City. (5pm) Both sides drew their opening game, Rockingham against Canning, while Mandurah fought out an eight-goal thriller with Kalamunda. In the late game Kalamunda City meet Canning City. (7pm) Kalamunda scored two late goals to draw against Mandurah in the opening round, while Tom Kinnane secured a drew for Canning, and their new coach Lee Hayward said things have been going well, and the conditions in the opener didn’t help them.
“I thought the windy conditions down in Mandurah made it hard, but the lads went out and tried to play the way I’ve asked them to play. It’s almost a completely new group and we haven’t really worked on much at training yet but I was really pleased with how we played,” Hayward explained. “That’s our third game as a unit and if I look at our previous two fixtures, we more than matched up with both Gosnells and Gwelup, but errors cost us in late in those games, so to pick up a point against Rockingham was a pleasing result, especially with such a young team. I actually thought we did enough to win it really but I’ll take a point.”
Hayward, who joins City from South Perth United, said Sunday will be another test, and after watching Kalamunda fight back to earn a point against Mandurah, but it will be good to play a team from their league next season and see where they are at. “I watched the first half of the Maddington game, although they were three nil down, they were actually moving the ball around quite well at times,” he said. “For me it’s my first look at a team from our league, so it will be a good guide of where we might be at when the season starts. We are still missing four or five players due to injury, but it will allow us the opportunity to look at a few different options before the season starting next month.”
8.2.2024
GLORY HEAD TO ADELAIDE IN A CONFIDENT MOOD
Perth Glory will head into Friday’s Isuzu Ute A-League Round 17 clash against Adelaide United in a confident mood, unbeaten in their last three games, and coming off a huge win against Melbourne City. But they come up against an Adelaide side who have lost the last three game, including a 0-4 loss against Central Coast Mariners. They have only won one in their last six games, which has seen them drop to eighth on the table, so a big win at Coopers Stadium (4.45pm WA Time), could see Glory leapfrog the South Australians on the table.
But Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic is expecting the Reds to come out fighting, in front of their own supporters, especially after the big loss last week against the Mariners, and Carl Veart’s side will be looking to bounce back and keep their finals hopes alive. “Adelaide had a decent loss at home last week against Mariners, but I don’t think the scoreboard was necessarily a reflection of the game,” Stajcic explained.
“But no doubt they’re a bit wounded and they’ll come out even more fired up than they would normally. They have a lot of key strengths, and they’re a good attacking team, probably one of the best in the league and we know that we’ve been vulnerable at the back this year. So that’s definitely going to be a big part of the game for us this week.”
The coach was full of praise for his chargers after the big win against Melbourne City, which continued their recent good form, but he knows there is still a great deal of improvement in this side. “It was a big win for us against one of the bigger clubs of the A-League, especially over the last four or five years when they’ve definitely been the benchmark,” he said. “It was definitely good for confidence, but regardless of the result, we keep looking at ways to improve.
“It’s still clear to see that we have many problems to fix up, and we’re working on these, every week. It’s not easy, but we’re progressing and as long as we keep progressing in those areas that we’re still vulnerable in, we’ll keep improving as a team. At both ends of the park, there are definitely parts to polish, so while we’re happy with the result, we still know there’s a lot of hard work to do to keep improving and ultimately start knocking on the door of the top six.
“It’s six points away [to sixth place], but that’s a big six points as you have to work hard for every point in this league. There are no easy moments, no easy matches for anyone. Every game and every moment matters, and no doubt Adelaide will be no different this Friday. There’s no game I think we can’t win, but at the same time, I know that every game is going to be real hard work. The mentality has to be the same, the processes that we bring into the game have to be the same and we have to ensure we hit the ground running.”
The last time the Glory headed to Coopers Stadium was in Round Ten last season, when the Reds ran out 2-0 winners. In front of over 10,000, in the first game of the new year, Lachlan Barr gave the hosts the lead five minutes before the break, before Ben Hallaran gave Adelaide the points 18 minutes from time. For Friday’s game, Stefan Colakovski will miss the trip due to suspension, while Luke Ivanovic has left the club, to join a club in Europe.
Stajcic said they have a few niggles within the squad, and he will wait and see if those players will be available until after training. “We’ve got a few issues in the team, so we’ll see how they pull up at training today and tomorrow,” he said. “At the moment, Cola is the only one who’s definitely out, but as we’ve seen and as we’ve shown over the last few weeks, anyone who comes in can do the job and that’s what probably gives me the most confidence in this group.” You can watch the game on Paramount +
4.2.2024
FLOREAT AND BALCATTA WIN SUNDAY’S NIGHT SERIES GAME
Floreat Athena have hit back from a first up NPLWA Night Series defeat, to beat traditional rivals Stirling Macedonia 1-0 in the Group B game at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. Floreat skipper Jason Saldaris said it’s a step in the right direction. “Sunday’s result was a step in the right direction, and I thought it was hard fought 1-0 win away to an impressive Stirling line up,” the Floreat custodian said.
“The conditions were tricky, with the strong wind making it tough for both teams, on playing their desired play styles but we managed the wind in the first half and got the important goal. I felt like after last week's results the boys could see that what we have been working on is progressing and the win on the weekend further cements that we are going in the right direction.”
The only of the game came on seven minutes, Floreat’s high press working a treat, pinching the ball of Stirling and Noah Shamaki found the net past Liam Price. Stirling pressed but couldn’t find away past a tight Floreat defence, with Saldaris in commanding form to hold them at bay.
In the early game at the venue, Balcatta Etna were too strong for Western Knights in Group A, running out 3-1 winners. “It was a good hit out for us against a good opponent as we continue to build our match fitness in preseason. I thought Knights played really well in the early stages of the match but as the game progressed, we found a good rhythm which we are pleased about,” Balcatta assistant coach Malcom Tshuma said.
“The most pleasing part of our game was the players ability to adapt to a few tactical tweaks in the second half which enabled us to gain control of the match and play some pretty good football in periods. We’re obviously pleased with the result but we are under no illusions that we have a lot of facets to our game we want to improve on which is exactly where we want to be at this stage of preseason.”
The Knights made the perfect start, with Jack Bardsley opening the scoring after only three minutes. But Balcatta were level 11 minutes later, with American striker Hasani Sinclair scoring. Glenn Grostate’s side hit the front eight minutes into the second half, with Ben Hinshelwood converting from the spot. They wrapped up the points late with Liam Hudson scoring, the win taking them second in Group B, while the Knights are still searching for their first point in the competition.
4.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK ONE REVIEW
Sorrento have started life in the State League well, with doubles from skipper Dean Cummings and Keegan Chambers giving them a comprehensive 4-1 win against Swan United in the Group A Night Series at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening. The Gulls were flying in the first half with Chambers scoring early, and he doubled their advantage on 17 minutes. Cummings made it 3-0 three minutes later, and he added another before the break.
Swan pulled one back after the break with Nicholas Burmej scoring early, but the damage had already been done. “We really dominated the first half, and lead by four at the break, but after half time Swan came back into the game, and I thought we took the foot off the gas, which is disappointing, but it’s good to open the tournament with a win,” Gulls skipper Cummings said. “We know there is still plenty to improve on still, and we’ve got a few senior boys out injured coming back, who will help the team in the coming weeks.”
In the other game in the group at the same venue, new State League club East Perth have fought out a 2-2 draw against Murdoch University Melville. “All in all, I thought we were worth a point in a very entertaining game,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “I was very impressive MUM were especially in first half, but the wind did play a factor for both teams, and could see the difference in our second half performance. After half time the lads really came out and gave a brilliant performance, it felt like a cup game and I think every week playing really good sides will make us a better side. It’s another big week at training for us ahead and Swan next up so looking forward to that one.”
It was MUMFC who opened the better and they found the opener on 24 minutes, a mix up at the back was pounced on by Iljas Ahmedov, who rolled the ball into an empty net. East Perth lifted after the break and they levelled just after the hour. The hard-working Miguel Olivera raced down the left, and beat his marker before squaring the ball to Ryan Murray who turned the defender and slotted into the bottom corner. But seven minutes later MUMFC regained the lead, a great shot on the turn by Ishmeal Dawson.
But East Perth weren’t going away, and levelled again ten minutes later, a free kick from Murray sailed over keeper Jake Maley-Orr. MUMFC went close late, but East Perth keeper Tommy McCarron made some excellent saves to earn them a point. “A hard-fought game as we expected, and I thought the draw was fair,” MUMFC coach Marc Anthony said. “We dominated the first half and they came right back into it in the second half, and they will go really well in Division Two with their squad. For us, plenty of positives to take from the game, and we are happy with our progress leading into the season.”
In Group B, Joondalup United fought back from two-goals down to beat Forrestfield United 5-2 at the Ashfield Arena on Sunday afternoon. Forrestfield raced to a two-goal lead after 30 minutes, with a brace from Noah Appleby, but goals from Jay Lang and Tyler Holden had Joondalup level at the break. Lang added another from the spot early in the second half, before Joondalup took control, with further goals from Sam McKearnen and Charlie Breen, to secure the comprehensive win. In the other game in the group, a brace from Ravi Singh, and others to Conor McCann and Dougal Kindness gave Ashfield a 4-0 win against Kingsley Westside.
Gosnells City made a perfect start to Group C, after a 3-0 win against Balga at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon. They put the game to bed in the first half with goals from youngster Joshua Spencer, Aaron Coslani and Blake Pritchard. Balga hit back after the break but Gosnells held firm to keep a clean sheet and the three points. “It was a great start to the night series, and we’ve been putting the lads through a tough preseason and we hit the ground running with a dominant first half,” Gosnells coach Peter Allen said. “It was a more even affair after the break, and credit to Balga who put us under pressure, and it was pleasing to come away with the win and clean sheet as we keep building for the start of the season.”
In the other game in the group, hosts Cockburn City started their life in the State League with a narrow 1-0 win in the late game against Carramar Shamrock Rovers. The only goal of the game came on the hour, some great work on the right from import signing Harry Lewis, getting the ball the box, for Alessandro Basto to score at the far post. Rovers had the opportunity to level in the final minutes but Alan Reidy had his penalty saved. “A good start to the night series competition to get a win but it was not all plain sailing, as it was a hard-fought win against a team who tried their best to frustrate us by sitting deep,” Cockburn Head Coach Steven McDonald explained.
“Unfortunately, we gave the ball away in silly areas due to slack and lazy passing, and of not for Cyril Sharrock pulling off four great saves we could have found ourselves behind on a couple of occasions, including the penalty save in the 90+ minute to earn us the win. A special mention to two 15-year-old’s, Oliver Palmer and Isaiah Wingell, who came on last night and performed well. So, it was a frustrating performance at times, but very happy to start the campaign with a win.”
In Group D, Joondalup City and Subiaco have fought out a 2-2 draw in the early game at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening. “I was really pleased with our first half performance, but also disappointed we didn’t capitalise in regards to putting the game to bed after being so dominant,” Joondalup Head Coach Guy McDonald said. “The second half got a bit scrappy and became very transitional and I felt we should have managed the game better. But I can’t fault the boy’s effort and fighting right to the end, scoring in the last minute to grab the equaliser, which was the least we deserved.”
It was City who opened the scoring, with Sam Rawlings pouncing on a poor back pass on 16 minutes and finishing well. But Subiaco hit back six minutes later, some good lead up play ended with a low ball across the box and Hasan Asadi made no mistake. It looked like Subiaco had won it on 89 minutes, a long-range shot from Christian Miraudo flew into the net. But moments later Joondalup hit back, Miraudo was sent off for a second yellow card, and Emmanuel Emefiele’s resulting free kick crashed off the crossbar, but Jayden Rowles was the quickest to the rebound to score from close-range. “I thought we had really good moments where it felt like our hard work in preseason was showing through but there’s still lots of work to be done to make sure we can maintain it for a full 90 minutes, Miraudo said. “But credit to Joondalup, I thought they were great, and it looks like they are in for a good season.”
In the other game in the Group Dianella White Eagles edged out hosts Wanneroo City in the late game at the venue. The Eagles were ahead on 23 minutes, a ball over the top from Roberto Soares sent Paul Zimarino clear, and he finished clinically on the half volley. The points were wrapped 20 minutes from time, with former Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh scoring. “It was a good result for a fairly new team we are putting together,” Zimarino said. “Everyone is still getting to know each other, so it was a good result.”
On Sunday in Group D both games ended in draws. In the early game Rockingham City and Canning City drew 1-1 at the Poolmart Stadium in Mandurah. Dylan Rogers gave Rocky the lead on the hour, but Thomas Kinnane levelled from the spot 18 minutes later. Rockingham ended the game with ten men after Marco Florenca was shown a second yellow card. In the late game at the venue, it was an eight-goal thriller with hosts Mandurah City conceding two late goals to draw 4-4 with Kalamunda City, in the start of their defence of the title.
It looked like the hosts were well on their way to victory, after goals from Brian Patterson and a brace from Robbie Galvin had them 3-0 up at half time. But two quick goals after the break from Samir Ramos and Lal Cung, had the visitors back in it. But Patterson’s second looked like it had sealed the win for the Dolphins, but a penalty from Jose Zuniga, and a stoppage time goal from Gaston Bazet, earned Kalamunda a share of the spoils.
Finally in Group F Gwelup Croatia have scored deep into stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw against Curtin University in the early game at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Gwelup hit the front on 21 minutes, with Robert Ferrante converting from the spot. But Curtin were level four minutes later, with Dylan Kelly on target. Curtin moved ahead on 78 minutes, Janno Saks scoring, and it looked like they would take the points, but in the final minute of stoppage time substitute Ryan Johnson restored parity for Gwelup, and gave both sides a share of the spoils.
In the late game in the group, UWA Nedlands F.C. were too strong for Quinns FC, running out 4-0 winners. Oliver Lebahan nodded them ahead early, before Adam Falcone scored from the spot before the break. Daniel Iuliano netted the third before Jed Afenyo completed the scoring. Quinns ended with ten men with Alfie Wheeler shown a straight red card late.
3.2.2024
BAFFORD AT THE DOUBLE FOR REDSTARS
Photo - Bryce Bafford celebrates his goal in the 3-1 win against Inglewood United - Photo by Fotoenzo) A brace from former Perth Glory Youth striker Bryce Bafford has given Perth RedStar their second win in the NPLWA Night Series Group A, after a 3-1 win against Inglewood United at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday evening. Bafford gave Callum Salmon’s side the lead midway through the first half, before former Perth Glory winger Joel Chianese doubled their advantage before half time on his debut for the club. Bafford sealed the points just before the hour, adding a third, and Ciaran Salinger scored a late consolation goal for United.
RedStar Head Coach Callum Salmon was pleased with another strong performance from his side, but is well aware there is a long way to go. “A good step in preparation for the season, winning against Inglewood who were very organised and hard to break down,” he said. “I’m very happy with the player’s performance and where the team is at, and we’re starting to implement a lot of what we’ve been working on, integrating new boys. But we are very conscious it is early days and nothing to get excited about this time of year.”
It was RedStar who made the breakthrough on 23 minutes, with Bafford finished well after good work down the right by Matthew George. It was 2-0 eight minutes later, Daryl Nicol made space down the left, his cross wasn’t dealt with and Chianese nipped in to fire home past Nicholas Speca. The tie was sealed early in the second half, George was again the provider crossing to Bafford who made no mistake. Inglewood found a late consolation goal, with Salinger beating keeper substitute keeper Sonny Inzalaco.
Chianese said it’s great to be back playing again. “The win was one to take a lot of positives from as a team, and it’s clear we’ll enjoy a lot of possession throughout the season so it’s about working on combinations and movements now,” he explained. “It’s still very early days but the team is moving in the right direction, and on a personal level it was my first game in a long time so it’s always nice to score and be back to doing what I love.”
Inglewood United: GK Nic Speca, 2 William Formston, 3 Aiden Formston, 4 Ciaran Salinger, 6 Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 7 Chad Nilson, 9 Harry Evans, 10 Shubham Mokala, 11 Benson Nsegetse, 17 Jeremy Tshongo, 18 Jordan Brown – Subs not used: 22 James Lindsay, 13 Rene Kisesa, 21 Thomas Abraham, 14 Yamamoto Kotaro
Perth RedStar: GK Liam Reddy, 2 Nick Walsh, 3 Blair Govan, 4 Declan Hughes, 6 Mattew George, 9 Daryl Nicol, 11 Dennis Galan, 14 Lewis Tucker, 15 Bryce Bafford, 19 Ryan Finnie, 17 Joel Chianese – Subs not used: RGK Sonny Inzalaco, 5 Jay Patel, 8 Andrew Palmer, 12 Josh Kingston, 13 Nyle Weale, 16 Sonny O’Shea, 18 Daniel Katz
3.2.2024
POINTS SHARED AT ALFRED SKEET
The lights stayed on Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening, and the points were shared , with Olympic Kingsway scoring late to earn a 2-2 draw against Armadale in Group A. Tyler Garner had given the visitors the lead midway through the first half, but Amir Ajan levelled for the hosts. Second half substitute Joshua Bartler put Armadale in front on the hour, but Olympic fought back to take a share of the spoils, with former Perth Glory midfielder Mitch Oxborrow scoring six minutes from time,
“Another good work out, as we prepare for the new season, but I was a little disappointed that we were weren’t aggressive enough with our press in the first half, “Armadale Head coach Alun Vernals explained. “But credit to the lads they stepped the intensity up in the second half, and played in much better areas of the pitch. I thought we dominated for long spells, but couldn’t find a goal to make it 3-1 and put the game to bed, but a draw probably a fair result in the end.”
The visitors were ahead early, after good build up down the right, the ball was cut back to Garner, who made no mistake. But Armadale levelled before the break, good work from Lachlan Collins down the left, who picked out Ajan, the midfielder brought the ball under control before finding the top corner of the net. Armadale were ahead on the hour, when a corner wasn’t dealt with and youngster Bartler pounced to score from close-range.
Olympic pressed for the equaliser, and six minutes from time Oxborrow fired home. The visitors could have won it late, missing three golden opportunities, but the points were shared. “I thought it was a good game, but to be fair they were well on top for 20 minutes after the break, but we hung in there,” Olympics Ollie Annis said. “When we found the equaliser, and we looked like we would go on and win it, but we missed a few chances late, and had to settle for a point.”
Armadale: GK Joel Driscoll, 2 Lachlan Collins, 3 Luke Collins, 6 Purvishna Appadoo, 7 Amir Ajan, 13 Igor Cvijanovic, 15 Lucas Cook (20 Pacifique Dufitimukiza 79’), 16 Matthew Worton, 17 Pieter Jacobsz, 19 Charlie Fleming (11 Jayden Leader 46’), 22 Egide Ngendakumana (18 Josh Bartler 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Preston Gilling, 4 Nathan Costello
Olympic Kingsway: GK Adrian Sinagra, 2 Jonathon Leithead, 3 Daniel Walsh, 4 Ollie Annis (79’), 12 James Fanelli, 6 Aryn Williams, 7 Tyler Garner, 8 Mitchell Oxborrow, 11 Liam Murray (5 Calum O’Connell 79’), 17 Joshua Samson, 19 Lebib Lebib, 20 Luke Hewings (16 Sasa Njegic 61’) – Subs not used: RGK Seb Medica, 9 Jack Overy, 13 Ryan Lowry, 15 Shane Cassidy
3.2.2024
LA GALIA BAGS A BRACE AS FREMANTLE DOWN GLORY
A goal five minutes from time from Oliver La Galia has given newly promoted Fremantle City a come-from-behind first win of the NPLWA Night Series, after a 2-1 win against Perth Glory in the Group B game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Adam Zimarino had given the Glory youngsters the lead early, but La Galia levelled before half time. Both sides had chances after the break, but it was la Galia who found the winner, the former Forrestfield United striker firing home the winner.
“Very happy to get off the mark and get our first win in the top flight. It’s always a tough game against Glory who are well structured and control a lot of the ball but I thought we grew into the game and very happy to come from 1-0 down to get the win,” Fremantle’s Riley Woodcock said. “We’re a new side and still gelling but winning builds confidence so we’ll look to build on that through the night series. Oli grabbed two great goals which he took well and thought we could have grabbed a couple more early in the game, but a great win overall and we now move onto Perth SC next week.”
The Glory youngster found the opener on 20 minutes, with Zimarino finding the target. But 12 minutes before half time Fremantle restored parity, with La Galia finishing well past Liam Coyne. It was end-to-end after the break, with both sides missing chances, but it was Fremantle who pounced to win it on 85 minutes, La Galia adding his second, and the port side held firm to take the points.
Perth Glory: GK Liam Coyne, 2 Gert Prinsloo, 3 Jacob Muir (21 Khoa Ngo 71’), 4 Andriano Lebib, 5 Sean O’Connor, 6 Giovanni De Abreu, 7 Aiki Tsukamoto, 8 William Freney (17 Seb Despotovski 71’), 9 James Overy (16 Samuel Barry 71’), 10 Adam Zimarino (15 Josh Rawlins 46’), 11 Laat Mathiang – Subs not used: 14 Manolo Veneracion, 19 Oliver Leeming, 30 Jhett Warner
Fremantle City: GK Luke Radonich, 3 Patrick Loughrey, 7 Charles Chechlacz, 8 Anthony Topini, 9 Oliver La Galia, 11 Robert Petkov (14 Dylan White 58’), 15 John Chalmers (18 Davin Park 77’), 16 Jesse Fuller, 20 Joshua Macri, 21 Nicolas Santalucia (17 Taj Bingwa 58’), 23 Riley Woodcock – Subs not used: RGK Ryan Barker, 4 Anton Guarino, 19 Darsi Mukunzi, 22 Lachlan Vearing
3.2.2024
POINTS SHARED IN ITALIAN DERBYY
Bayswater City have scored late to earn a 2-2 draw in the Italian derby against Perth SC at in Group B at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Chris Jackson gave the home side the lead from the spot seven minutes before the break. But the Azzurri hit back with Abdul Osman levelling early in the second half, before defender Federico Achilli gave the visitors the lead 12 minutes later. It looked like that would be the winner, but an own goal in the final minute from Achilli gave Bayswater a share of the spoils.
“I thought it was very good competitive game for both sides, and I believe a draw was a fair result,” Bayswater Head Coach Gary Williams said. “We were on top in the first half, but Perth lifted their performance in the second. The players work ethic was tremendous and it was great to see Omar Diarra make his debut as well as Josh Bell who had just come back from Covid. All in all, another good performance but a little disappointed with the two goals we conceded.”
It was Bayswater who took the lead into the break after skipper Gordon Smith was fouled in the box off the ball and Jackson converted a Panenka penalty. But the Azzurri were back on level terms six minutes into the second half, Osman turned his marker on the edge of the box and finished clinically past Casey Robertson. The visitors were ahead just after the hour, a corner from Ethan Banks was headed home by Achilli.
But Bayswater hit back late and levelled. Jason Mirco’s cross caused confusion between keeper Liberti and defender Achilli, and the defender headed into his own net, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “It was a bit frustrating to concede late on especially with an own goal,” Perth SC assistant coach Stuart Banks said. “But there were a lot of positives from the game, and a decent improvement from the previous week which is what we want from preseason.”
Bayswater City: GK Casey Robertson, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Thiak Kuel (17 Omar Diarra 60’), 6 Declan Hargreaves, 8 Gordon Smith, 10 Jason Mirco (16 Aryan Yazarlou 89), 15 Jackson Stephens, 18 Chris Jackson, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 24 Joshua Anasmo (14 Sam Dweh 80’), 28 Konstantinos Sparta (23 Joshua Bell 74’) – Subs not used: RGK Lewis Italiano, 19 Julian Kelly, 21 Scotlan Morrison
Perth SC: GK Rocco Liberti, 2 Emerson Alexis (11 Daniel Faichney 46’), 4 Jack Cawley, 6 Abdul Osman, 7 Ethan Banks, 8 Harley Orr (18 Joshua Cala 73’), 10 David Ninkovich, 13 Matthew D’Hotman (9 Sam Cook 46’), 14 Judd MacDougall, 16 Federico Achilli, 19 Toby Snook (12 Zayd Farah 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Joe Pollard, 17 Gordon Perkins, 21 Christian Belladonna
3.2.2024
VINE AT THE DOUBLE SINKS GLORY
Perth Glory’s Liberty A-League form slump continued on Saturday, after a 3-1 loss against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval. Quinley Quezada’s first goal for the club, and a penalty save from Morgan Aquino were not enough to prevent them making it five games without a win. Maddy Caspers gave the Sky Blues the lead, and Aquino made sure they didn’t double their lead saving superbly to deny Princess Ibini from the spot, before Quezada sent the sides into the break level.
But second half goals from Matildas striker Cortnee Vine gave the hosts the points, the loss meaning Glory slip to fifth on the table, and they need to turn their form around sooner rather than later if they are to play finals football this season. Head Coach Alex Epakis was back in the dugout for this one, and he made just the one change from the side that were beaten by Adelaide United last week, with Sofia Sakalis replacing Claudia Mihocic at the back.
The hosts were on the front foot early, and Caspers was inches away from Vine’s cross on the quarter hour. The Sky Blues continued to dictate terms, and it wasn’t a surprise when they found the opener on 24 minutes. Vine was the supplier, her ball into the box found Caspers, who shot on the turn beat Aquino. They should have doubled their lead three minutes later, Hana Lowry bringing down Indiana Dos Santos down in the penalty area, and referee Isabella Libri pointed straight to the spot.
Ibini stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Aquino made a superb one-handed save to deny her. That save was huge, and it became more important six minutes later, and with their first effort on goal Glory levelled. Lowry’s curling free kick from the right picked out Quezada at the front post, who poked the ball past Jada Whyman, and it was all-square at the break.
The hosts continued to dictate terms after the break, Dos Santos’ long-range shot flew over the top early, and on the hour mark they regained the lead. Charlotte McLean’s defensive tackle set up Ibini who’s through ball sent Vine down the right, and the striker raced into goal, and finished clinically low past Aquino. The Glory custodian was keeping her side in the game, making a double save to thwart Mackenzie Hawkesby’s first effort, and denying Ibini with the follow up shot. Aquino was at it again moments later saving well from the lively Ibini, but there was little she could do when Sydney sealed the points five minutes from time.
Dos Santos’ pass sent Vine clear, and the striker rounding Aquino, and rolled the ball home. Glory substitute Georgia Cassidy came closest to claiming a late consolation, but her deflected half-volley was brilliantly saved by Jada Whyman. The win moves Sydney FC up to third in the table, only three points behind leaders Melbourne City, while Glory slip to fifth, and after other results this weekend, could drop further down the ladder, making next week’s home game against Canberra United vital
Sydney FC: GK Jada WHYMAN, 3 Charlotte MCLEAN, 4 Tori TUMETH, 5 Kirsty FENTON, 11 Cortnee VINE, 15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY (18 Taylor RAY 89’), 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 20 Princess IBINI (14 Abbey LEMON 77’), 21 Shay HOLLMAN, 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS (17 Jynaya DOS SANTOS 89'), 26 Madeleine CASPERS (19 Zara KRUGER 84’) - Subs not used: RGK Tahlia FRANCO
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 11 Grace JALE (17 Abbey GREEN 67'), 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE (19 Izzy FOLETTA 30'), 20 Quinley QUEZADA (27 Georgia CASSIDY 83'), 23 Isobel DALTON (13 Sarah CAIN 83') - Sub not used: RGK Sally JAMES - Attendance: 3,266 - Referee: Isabella LIBRI
3.2.2024
SOCCEROOS BOW OUT OF ASIAN CUP
The Socceroos AFC Asian Cup has come to an end after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss after extra time against South Korea at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Qatar on Saturday morning. It looked like Graham Arnold’s side were going through after Craig Goodwin’s stunning first half volley, and they had a number of chances to seal the win, but failed to take them. Then, like they did in their last game in the competition, the Korean’s scored a stoppage time penalty, with Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan on target, before in extra time Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min curled home a free kick to win it, and the Socceroos ended the game with ten men after midfielder Aiden O’Neill was sent off.
“We were up 1-0, and we had chances [for] 2-0, 3-0,” Arnold said post-match. “That gets down to the individual to put the ball in the back of the net. If you don’t take those chances, you get punished – and that’s exactly what happened. Individually, their players play in top leagues around Europe with a very fast tempo, and they can keep that up. They play a lot of football – whether it’s Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur or Wolverhampton Wanderers – against top-level players. That’s why I think they can run the legs off teams, and then they punish at the end.”
Arnold made four changes to the side that beat Indonesia, with Nathaniel Atkinson returning at right-back, while Craig Goodwin started having returned from injury. The two other changes came in the form of Connor Metcalfe, and Mitchell Duke, who has missed most of the last two games with a hamstring injury. The Green and Gold were on top early and went close to the opener on 19 minutes. Goodwin pouncing on a loose ball in the middle of the park and racing into the box, his shot was well saved by Jo Hyeon-woo, and Metcalfe fired the rebound wide of the target.
The Korean’s thought they had the lead 12 minutes later, some patient build-up ended with a cross to the back post and Seol Young-woo laid the ball across goal and Hwang Hee-chan fired past Mat Ryan, but their celebrations were cut short, with the flag up for offside, with Young-woo inches offside in the build-up. But three minutes before the break it was the Socceroos who made the breakthrough. Metcalfe found the overlapping Atkinson down the right, his cross to the back post found Goodwin, who volleyed home through a crowded penalty area.
The Socceroos should have doubled their lead early in second half. Harry Souttar’s racking ball found Goodwin down the left, his cross to the back post picked out Martin Boyle, whose first header was well saved by Hyeon-woo, and the Korean keeper was up quick to save Boyle’s follow up shot, before Duke fired over the top when well placed. Korea was starting to get the upper hand late, and Ryan was out bravely to save at the feet of substitute Lee Jae-sung as they pressed for the equaliser. But the Socceroos had another perfect opportunity to wrap the tie up seven minutes from time.
Miller won possession in his own half and raced down the park, the ball ended with fellow substitute Jordan Bos, he crossed to the back post, and with the goal at his mercy, Duke diving header flashed wide of the target. That miss came back to haunt them, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time South Korea found the equaliser. Heung-Min wriggled his way into the box, and Miller dived in and brought the Korean skipper down and referee Ahmed Abu Bkar Siad Al Kaf pointed straight to the spot. It was a poor decision by Miller, with the Spurs striker going nowhere, and Hee-chan made no mistake from the resulting penalty, and we were off to extra time.
Miller was involved again in extra time, his rash foul on the edge of the box saw Heung-min curl home a superb free kick to seal the win. Things went from bad to worse for the Socceroos with O’Neill sent off, after a poor tackle on Hee-chan. He was shown a yellow card in the first instance, but after a VAR check, he was shown a red card and sent off. “It’s pure disappointment at the moment, we were one minute away from going through,” Goodwin said post-match.
“We had chances to put the game away in the second half; there were a few times we should have scored the second goal. There’s nothing but disappointment at the moment. To be honest, I don’t know what to say. Korea is a great team with great players and we gave them opportunities from set-pieces that we didn’t need to. For [Lewis Miller], it’s a learning curve – not just for him, for anyone. He’s unlucky to give away the penalty, because I thought it was one that could have gone the other way. It’s done now, we’re disappointed and that’s it.”
Australia: GK Maty Ryan, 3 Nathaniel Atkinson (20 Lewis Miller 72'), 4 Kye Rowles, 6 Martin Boyle (21 Cameron Burgess 87'), 8 Connor Metcalfe (14 Riley McGree 70'), 15 Mitchell Duke (9 Bruno Fornaroli 92'), 16 Aziz Behich, 17 Keanu Baccus (13 Aiden O'Neill 70'), 19 Harry Souttar, 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Craig Goodwin (5 Jordan Bos 72') – Subs not used: RGK Lawrence Thomas, RGK Joe Gauci, 7 Samuel Silvera, 10 Kusini Yengi, 11 Marco Tilio, 24 Patrick Yazbek - Red Cards: Aiden O'Neill 105+1
Korea Republic: GK Jo Hyeon-woo, 4 Kim Min-jae (15 Jeong Seung-Hyeon 119'), 5 Park Yong-woo (16 Park Jin-seop 106'), 6 Hwang In-beom (8. Hong Hyun-seok 78'), 7 Son Heung-min, 9 Cho Gue-sung (10. Lee Jae-sung 70'), 11 Hwang Hee-chan (20. Oh Hyeon-gyu 106', 18 Lee Kang-in, 19 Kim Young-gwon, 22 Seol Young-woo, 23 Kim Tae-hwan (26 Yang Hyun-jun 85' - Substitutes Not Used: RGK Song Bum-keun, 2 Lee Ki-je, 3 Kim Jin-su, 13 Lee Soon-min, 17 Jeong Woo-yeong, 25 Kim Ji-soo – Attendance: 39, 632 - Referee: Ahmed Abu Bkar Siad Al Kaf (Oman)
2.2.2024
GLORY PUT THE HEAT ON CITY TO TAKE THE POINTS
Perth Glory have produced one of their best performances of the season, on a hot night in Perth to beat Melbourne City 4-2 at HPF Park on Friday evening, and in doing so made it three Isuzu Ute A-League games unbeaten, and move them within six points of the top six. The win was more impressive as they had to come from behind twice to get the three points.
An own goal from Aleksander Susnjar gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half, but Mustafa Amini levelled in the shadows of half time. City regained the lead on the hour with Tolgay Arslan on target, but after that the hosts took over, with two quick goals, and own goal from Scott Galloway and Adam Taggart adding another on his return from injury. The points were wrapped up late with youngster Joel Anasmo scoring his first A-League goal on his debut, and City ended the game with ten men after Arslan was sent off for dissent late on.
Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic was pleased with his sides never say die attitude, and he said his players love playing in front of the fans and they are determined to turn things around at the club. “It was another performance with heart and spirit, fighting to the death. There were moments when we rode our luck slightly and Oli Sail produced some clutch saves, in a great performance from him to keep us in those critical moments,” he said. “We had to fight back twice and show that spirit and to be rewarded for it is great, and it shows we are heading in the right direction, and it’s something everyone should be proud of.
“I’ve said before this league is tight, and we’ve been in all the games this season and its whoever turns up on the day and wins them critical moments, and it’s good for us to put them moments in games and get rewarded, which we weren’t earlier in the season This club has gone through some tough times, but the players love playing in front of their fans, they want to represent this club and city, and we have to do everything we can to lift this club up from the position it is in, and the best place to do it is on the pitch.”
Glory made a surprise in their starting line-up, with Taggart named to play, after he was not on the squad list that released to the media on Thursday, the striker recovering from injury to take his place in the side with Luke Ivan Ivanovic dropping to the bench. In the other change to the side that drew against Macarthur last week, saw Bruce Kamau coming in for Jarrod Carluccio, whose loan spell from the Wanderers was extended to the end of the season, meanwhile new signing Josh Rawlins was on the bench.
It was a warm one at kick off, with the temperature still in the mid-thirties, and both sides had early chances. Taggart found the side netting after only two minutes, after City failed to clear Riley Warland’s corner, and moments later Oli Sail produced a fingertip save to deny former Glory striker Jamie Maclaren. Taggart was in again on 12 minutes, Johnny Koutroumbis sending the striker in goal, but Jamie Young got down well to save at his near post.
The chances continued to flow, and Sail saved well to deny Andrew Nabbout, but on 21 minutes there was little the Glory custodian could do as City found the opener. Arslan made space down the left, and the German midfielders cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Susnjar. Glory should have levelled moments later, former City striker Stefen Colakovski raced one-on-one with Young, but the City custodian stood tall to save his low shot.
Sail was keeping his side in the game, the New Zealand shot stopper produced a great one-handed save to thwart Maclaren’s header. Then in stoppage time Glory found a lifeline, when Portuguese defender Nuno Reis impeded Kamau, and referee Shane Skinner pointed straight to the spot. Amini stepped up and found the bottom corner of the net, to send the sides into the break on even terms.
The start of the second half was just like the first, with chances at both ends, Daniel Bennie fired over the top, before Sail produced another great save to parry Leo Natel’s shot, and the Brazilian striker saw his follow-up shot hit the post. But City did find the target on the hour, but were given a helping hand by Glory again. Maclaren pounced on a poor back pass from Giordani Colli and picked out Arslan, who made no mistake.
Glory hit back and restored parity eight minutes later, substitute David Williams raced down the right and squared the ball to Taggart, but Galloway got in front of the Glory striker to turn the ball into his own net. The hosts were looking for more, and two minutes later they hit the front. Koutroumbis sent Bennie racing down the right and his inch perfect cross to the back post was turned home by Taggart, who raced off to celebrate in front of the Shed.
City weren’t finished, but Sail was having a superb game, and he produced another stunning save to deny Curtis Good’s header, before the dangerous Arslan hit the post. But in stoppage time Glory sealed the points, a quick counter attack saw Williams race forward and lay the ball in front of Anasmo, and the teenage striker raced into goal and finished clinically past Young, his first senior goal on his debut. Then to rub salt into City’s wounds, Arslan was sent off for what appeared to be dissent after the final whistle.
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (9 David WILLIAMS 61'), 8 Mustafa AMINI (4 Luke BODNAR 77'), 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE (31 Joel ANASMO 77'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 77') - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 16 Josh RAWLINS
Melbourne City: GK Jamie YOUNG, 2 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Nuno REIS (18 Jordon HALL 59'), 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 9 Jamie MACLAREN, 10 Tolgay ARSLAN, 11 Leo NATEL (37 Max CAPUTO 82'), 15 Andrew NABBOUT (8 James JEGGO 71'), 17 Terry ANTONIS (46 Ben MAZZEO 71'), 22 Curtis GOOD, 38 Harry POLITIDIS (7 Mathew LECKIE 82') - Substitutes not used: RGK Patrick BEACH, 21 Alessandro LOPANE – Red Cards: Arslan 90+6’ - Attendance: 5,494 - Referee: Shane SKINNER
2.2.2024
DONNELL OUT ON LOAN AT AIRDRIE
Former Rockingham City junior, and Perth Glory Academy graduate Chris Donnell, will call the Excelsior Stadium home for the rest of the season after joining the Scottish Championship club Airdrieonians on loan from English Premier League side Fulham, on the last day of the transfer deadline day in the UK. The 20-year-old was born in Glasgow, but moved to Australia at an early age, and playing his junior football at Lark Hill, before joining Glory, and he made his professional debut in a FFA Cup playoff match against Melbourne Victory in 2021, and has also earned caps for the Joey’s and Young Socceroo.
Donnell, who has impressed in the Fulham under 21’s, including a 14-minute hat-trick from the bench in a recent match against Burnley, said he looking forward to the new challenge and getting some first team experience at the Diamonds. “I’m very happy to be at Airdrie till the end of the season,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to learn and continue to work on my craft in a professional first team environment, and one that will hopefully push me on in the next few years.”
The midfielder said he was welcomed to the club, and he hopes to help them gain promotion or the play-offs. “I want us to get promoted. I want to get into the play-offs, obviously the boys have done really well and are in a good position, and hopefully I can help to make it a special season,” Donnell said. “It’s a great bunch of lads and they have been playing some really good football. So hopefully I can help add to that, and ultimately move the club to promotion.”
Airdrie Head Coach Rhys McCabe said the signing of Donnell will add more versatility to his squad. “I’ve watched Chris from afar for a wee while now. He’s a big athletic boy with great energy levels and fitness,” he told the clubs website. “He can play in a variety of positions, midfield and upfront - covering three or four positions fits the model that we’re trying to build here, and gives us that different dynamic in terms of changing shape. He’s a quality player and we’re sure he’ll do well.”
2.2.2024
SAKALIS SAID IT TIME TO TURN THEIR SEASON AROUND
Perth Glory will look to get their Liberty A-League season back on track when they meet Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon. (4pm WA time) They are coming off an unexpected loss against bottom of the table Adelaide United last week, which made it only one win in their last seven games, which will need to improve if they are to play finals football this season.
Saturday’s opponents Sydney leapfrogged Glory after last weeks defeat, and Glory have struggled against the Sky Blues in recent seasons, and it’s been six games since they tasted victory against them, but midfielder Sofia Sakalis is quietly confident they can bounce back and get their season back on track. “I think we’re all a little bit disappointed as we would be, naturally [by the defeat against Adelaide],” she said, “but with the fact that it’s a longer season, the message has just been to make sure we stay focused.
“We’ve kind of regrouped as a team this week, realigned our goals and reaffirmed what we’re here for as a team. Individually, we’ve all looked inwards and I’m really confident that all the answers are within our squad. We had such a strong start to the season and we really have to keep that behind us and go into every game like the team we were in those first games of the season, but there’s no belief lost in the team.
“In the top five, there’s just one point separating four of the teams and that just showcases the importance of every game. That’s also been a message this week; that we can’t take any game lightly. We have to go into every game 100% and not holding back. That’s so important heading into the mid and back-end of the season. Every point counts.”
The last time they played Sydney on the road was in round 11 last season, when two late goals gave the hosts the points. Indiana Dos Santos gave the Sky Blues the lead just before the half hour, but Alana Jancevski levelled from the spot in stoppage time, but Cortnee Vine regained the lead for Sydney before the break. Gabby Coleman restored parity for the Glory on the hour, but late goals from Madison Haley and Princess Ibini gave the hosts a 4-2 win.
Sakalis believes Saturday will be open game, and nothing like when they played at Macedonia Park in December, when it was tightly fought 0-0 draw. “Sydney have enjoyed a lot of success in past seasons and are always towards the top of the ladder,” the 21-year-old said. “That’s something that we’re aware of, but as I mentioned before, we have to go into every game in the same way.
“Obviously it’s going to be a great test and challenge for us, but I have every belief in the group and I think it’ll be a great game in which to bounce back from last week and a big statement too. Our first game against them was a draw and it was a very defensive game, but I feel like everyone is chasing at this point and really wants to get a win, so I feel like it will be a different game. I hope from when the whistle blows, we’re on the go, get an early lead and dominate the game.”
The Melbourne-born midfielder, who is currently in her third season at the club, made her 50th A-League appearance, with spells at Melbourne City and the Glory, and she said it mean a lot, but there is more to come. “I was actually quite shocked myself that I’d reached 50 games,” she said. “It kind of seems like a blur, but it’s a huge honour and especially to be able to achieve that while being at Perth, a club that really supports me so much, that was special as well. It means a lot and I just want to keep building on that.” You can catch Saturday’s game live and FREE on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Sydney FC squad: GK Jada WHYMAN, GK Tahlia FRANCO, 2 Margaux CHAUVET, 3 Charlotte MCLEAN, 4 Tori TUMETH, 5 Kirsty FENTON, 8 Darcey MALONE, 10 Sienna SAVESKA, 11 Cortnee VINE, 13 Aideen KEANE, 14 Abbey LEMON, 15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 17 Jynaya DOS SANTOS, 18 Taylor RAY, 19 Zara KRUGER, 20 Princess IBINI, 21 Shay HOLLMAN, 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS, 26 Madeleine CASPERS *Four to be omitted* - Ins: CHAUVET (promoted), MALONE (promoted), SAVESKA (promoted), KEANE (promoted) - Unavailable: 6 Lucy JOHNSON (injured), 9 Shea CONNORS (injured), 12 Nat TOBIN (injured), 23 Fiona WORTS (injured)
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY *Three to be omitted* - Ins: CAIN, STONEHILL, GREEN, JOHNSTON - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (suspended), 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
2.2.2024
STIRLING DEFENDER HEADS OVERSEAS
Hristijan Jankuloski has been rewarded for a successful season at Stirling Macedonia last season by signing for North Macedonia club side F.C Voska Sport for 2024. The big defender’s last game for the club in WA was in the NPLWA Top Four Cup Final win against Champions Perth RedStar, and he said the club where great to work for and wished them all the best in 2024. “Stirling have always been great to me over the past two years, we had a lot of success especially in the previous season finishing second and winning the Top Four Series,” the defender explained. “It was a great moment for myself and the team that we will never forget, and I wish my home club Stirling this coming season all best in the night series and the league and hopefully win it all.”
F.C Voska Sports finished first in the second division last season, gaining promotion to the top flight of football in the country, and are currently in the semi-final of the Macedonia Cup, and Jankuloski said it’s a huge step for him to be playing full time football. “Yes, it’s a great opportunity for myself to improve and level up in my game to be surrounded by other professionals. It’s a great experience to be a full-time footballer, training every day, twice a day and making it as my daily profession,” he said. “The club is located in my home town where I go every year to visit my close family and friends and there was no doubt for me when the opportunity came about. It happened over night and I was out in three days which made me a little nervous but got through it in the end.”
Stirling Macedonia Football Operations Manager Keegan Ashley said the defender will be missed at the club, but wished him all the best in future endeavours. “Hristijan, or Yanko to all his teammates, was a very solid contributor to the team, he’s the type of player that gives absolutely everything out on the park and works extremely hard to constantly improve his game,” Ashley said. “He was a popular member of the team and well-liked by all the supporters. He’s young and has time on his side, and I personally wish him all the best, as does everyone at the club.”
The defender has been training with new team mates for a few weeks and feels right at home, and he can’t wait for the season to restart, after the winter break, and help the club to more success. “The club is on a high note at the moment being in Macedonian Cup Semi Final, after a 1-0 win against FK Bregalnica Štip in the quarter final,” Jankuloski said. “To win the competition it will give us a chance to play in Europe against other big clubs, and we are also consistent in the league being not too far away from the leaders. I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a different climate, different players and a different mentality, I’m looking forward to it all and want to make sure by the summer we get closer to the leader to prove a point.”
2.2.2024
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO PREVIEW
It’s week two of the NPLWA Night Series, and first up in Group A, Inglewood United take on Perth RedStar in the late game at Frank Drago Reserve. (7pm) The RedStar’s started their campaign, winning a nine-goal thriller against the Knights, while Inglewood let a two-goal lead slip in the second half to lose to Olympic. Inglewood defender Ciaran Salinger said it was definitely a game of two halves, but they did take some positives from the narrow defeat. “Definitely positives to take away from the game, and I thought the control we had in the first half definitely gave us confidence and belief in our structures,” the defender explained. “Just like any night series game we are going to take plenty of things away to work on for the season, but overall, a decent performance not as a fulfilling result.”
Salinger, who played at the Joondalup based club for eight seasons’ as junior and senior, knows they are still the team to beat after winning the league last season, but he is looking forward to the challenge. “I always love playing against RedStar, I like the way they play and the way they are coached,” he said. “I feel they are a team that you can always test yourself against, as well as the ability within the team. Based on the results from Round One it will definitely be a game to watch, plenty of goals and hopefully we can come out on top.”
In other games in group, Olympic Kingsway will look to build on last week’s win when they travel to Alfred Skeet Reserve to meet Armadale on Saturday evening. (7pm) Armadale, whose first game against Balcatta was abandoned at half time after a power blackout in the area, will look to get their campaign up and running. The final game in the group takes us to Macedonia Park on Sunday, when Balcatta Etna take on Western Knights in the early game at the venue. (5pm) The Knights were unlucky to go down in a thriller against RedStar last week, while Balcatta head in search of the three points after their game was cut short against Armadale.
In Group B, the two teams beaten last week, Fremantle City and Perth Glory, meet in the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening. (5pm) It was Fremantle’s first competitive game in the NPL, and were well beaten by Stirling, but I’m sure they will be better for the run. Meanwhile Glory conceded two late goals to go down to Bayswater, but they showed good signs, so both sides will be doing all they can to get the points. The other Saturday game in the group sees Bayswater City take on Italian rivals Perth SC in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve. (5pm)
Both sides starting the competition with big wins against Glory and Floreat respectively, with new signings Jack Cawley and Chris Jackson both scoring for their sides on their debuts. Jackson said they had to work hard for the points, but he thought they deserved them. “It wasn’t an easy game coming up against a fit and organised Glory team, but we did enough to take the points,” the striker said. “Everyone wants to get off to a winning start, so for us we delt with what they had coming at us and took our chances in the end, and I was happy to get on the scoresheet and help the side to the win.”
Jackson, who has joined City from Armadale this season, said he is looking forward to the Derby, and even it is a pre-season game, he knows it will be a big game for both sets of supporters. “We know Perth SC have recruited well and we are expecting a tough game, but at the end of the day it is still a pre-season game,” he explained. “We’ll be hoping to keep the winning mentality, we’re still a team with a few new faces, so linking up together and gaining match fitness is also the aim, it should be a good game and a big crowd to watch it.” The final game in the group is on Sunday evening at Macedonia Park, with Stirling Macedonia hosting Floreat Athena. (7pm)
2.2.2024
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE PREVIEW
The 2024 State League Night Series kicks off this weekend, with games played across the state. Mandurah City will be looking to defend the crown they won last season after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win against Fremantle City, when they host Kalamunda City at the Poolmart Stadium in Mandurah in the late game in Group E on Sunday. (7pm) Head Coach John Baird said they have been successful in the pre-season competition, wining it in 2021 and last season, and he is looking to continue that on Sunday.
“Yes, over the last three seasons the night series competition has been good to us which led to good league seasons,” he said. “Obviously Kalamunda are a very good side will lots of experience, the reports I have been given that we’re in for a difficult night but we wouldn’t expect anything else.” City were runners-up in Division Two last season, in their first year back in the State League since 2013, and after merging with Maddington they head into the new season with a new identity, and looking to carry on from where they left off last. The other game at the venue in Group E, sees Rockingham City take on Canning City. (5pm)
Sorrento begin life in the State League, when they entertain Swan United in the early Group A game at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday. (5pm) The Gulls were relegated from the NPL last season, ending a run of 36 years in the top flight, and they face a Swan side who missed out on promotion to Division One last season in the play offs. In the late game in the group, newly promoted East Perth meet Murdoch University Melville. (7pm) East Perth Head Coach Colm Costello said the club are working hard in preseason, and getting some game time in the legs as they enter the State League for the first time.
“We are into the fourth week of preseason, and the levels are getting better every session. We have played two preseason games against Mandurah and Kingsley last week and both occasions opened our eyes with what’s ahead with the quality of sides at this level,” Costello explained. “Thankfully we got all the players back from last year’s squad, except Craig Howie who returned to Clyde in Scotland. That is a huge plus and also some really good additions in the correct areas so we are very happy with the squad and how they are applying themselves so far.
“We are all very excited for the challenge in the coming week and three big tests ahead, starting with MUMFC on Saturday. Marc and Lenny are a great coaching team, that have had success consistently over past few seasons and I’m sure they will again this year. For us, it’s a chance to see where we are at it and it’s probably a good thing not knowing a whole deal about the opposition for the next while. We can work on our structure and strengths, and want the lads to enjoy the experience of playing the top sides, so it’s starts on Saturday and we are looking forward to it.”
In Group B, the games will be held at Ashfield Reserve on Sunday, and in the early game Joondalup United and Forrestfield United meet. (5pm) Joondalup just missed out on promotion to the NPL last season, falling short in the playoff final, while Forrestfield were relegated to Division Two, after a poor season, but Daryl Platten and Paul Oliver will be looking to turn things around. In the other game in the Group, Ashfield hosts Kingsway Westside. (7pm)
The opening games in Group C takes us to Dalmatinac Park on Saturday, and in the early game Gosnells City take on Balga. (5pm), while Cockburn City host Shamrock Rovers in the late game. (7pm) Cockburn were relegated last season from the NPL, and like Sorrento will look to bounce back, but Shamrock, who missed out on the play offs last season, will have something to say about that. In Group D at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday, Wanneroo City host Dianella White Eagles in the late game (7pm), while in the early game Joondalup City take on Subiaco AFC. (5pm)
It’s all change at Joondalup this season, with former ECU Joondalup President Steve Amphlett taking over the reins at the club, while Guy McDonald is the new coach, and he has been pleased with the pre-season to date and they are ready to play competitive football for the first time under his tenure. “Yes, very big changes which is only going to benefit the whole club moving forward,” McDonald said.
“Everyone at the club that has been involved behind the scenes have put us in a great position for this next step with the aim to be competitive in the senior setup. The boys have been great so far during preseason and really responsive to everything we are trying to implement. Obviously, Saturday will be our first competitive game, but we have played four friendlies against teams from the division above. So, this is another good opportunity for our boys to be able to compete with the aim to just keep get better every week.
Finally in Group F on Sunday we head to Percy Doyle Reserve, and in the early game Gwelup Croatia take on Curtin University. (5pm). Curtin just missed out on promotion to Division One last season, beaten in the Playoff final, while Gwelup were beaten in the semi-final last season and just missed out on the top four spot, so both will be looking to start the competition with a strong performance. In the late game at the venue Quinns meet UWA Nedlands. (7pm)
2.2.2024
PREMIERS NEXT FOR GLORY
Perth Glory return home on Friday evening, when they host sixth placed Melbourne City at HBF Park. (6.45pm) Glory have been on the road for the last three weeks, but will be buoyed by the win against Western Sydney Wanderers in week 12, and the come-from-behind draw against Macarthur FC last weekend. Head Coach Alen Stajcic said they are looking forward to playing in front of their supporters again, and believes they will play a key role in the game against last season Premiers.
“It means a lot [to be back at HBF Park, it’s a much bigger factor than just the actual flight away. The feeling they [the players] get playing at home from the fans is something they express all the time and I can’t express enough how important it is for everyone to get out there and support them,” Stajcic explained. “What we have shown over the last couple of months and in particular the last month, is that these players are fighting for the club.
“So, the more they feel the love in return [the better] and getting five or six thousand people, obviously we’re grateful for everyone that turns out, but if we could double that I’m sure they’ll grow an extra leg on Friday night and in every game after that. The more people that come out to support, it certainly gives the players that extra emotion.”
Stajcic said his side are improving each week, and knows they can go toe-to-toe with any team in the competition. “We’ve had a couple of good results that have matched our performances, which is always a little bit refreshing,” he said. “We’ve probably done well over the past four or five weeks, to be honest, improving in terms of how we’ve played, so it’s good to be getting a little bit of reward for that, we’ve just got a little bit better belief.
“Obviously we’ve still got a few factors that we’d like to improve and I’ve said that many times regardless of whether we’ve been winning or losing. There’s a lot of belief in the team that we’re still competitive and can beat anyone on any given day and that’s really important when you’re towards the bottom of the ladder. We’ve played Melbourne Victory and Wellington, who are top two and could easily have got results in both of those games and against Victory we were one man short for 45 minutes. So even though we lost both of those games, it still gives us a lot of belief to know that we can beat anyone on a given day.”
City have already played in the west, leaving with all three points after a 2-1 win in round seven. German midfielder Tolgay Arslan gave the visitors the lead from the spot seven minutes before half time, but talisman Adam Taggart levelled in the shadow of half time. It was a tight second half with chances at both ends, but it was City who won it, with former Socceroos striker Matthew Leckie on target just after the hour.
In team news for the clash, Taggart will miss again with injury, while new signing Josh Rawlins won’t be risked, after only arriving at the club on Wednesday. “[Josh] hasn’t trained with us much as he just came in at the end of last week, so we’ll integrate him into full training in the next couple of days,” Stajcic said. “We’ve only just returned from Sydney, so it’s a short training week for us and a short turnaround. It’s a great boost to the team and everyone is excited to have him here.”
Midfielder Daniel Bennie is becoming and integral part of Stajcic’s plans, the 17-year-old has been regular in the starting line up in recent weeks, and he said last weeks come from behind win continued their recent good form. “It was a good point to get, obviously we wanted the three points, but ultimately we were happy to come to come away with a point and try and keep our momentum going this week,” he said. “We’ve shown in every game that we can score goals, we have to try as a team to keep clean sheets and stay positive at the back.”
The youngster said David Williams’ late goals are becoming a regular occurrence, and hopes it continues, while he is delighted to get some game time, and pleased with the faith the coach as in him. “He (Williams) has been good for the squad, and he has come on scored some important goals for us, And I Hope it continues,” Bennie said. “For me personally, I’m happy to get minutes under my belt, and I like I said earlier in the season, I just need to keep improving my game, and hopefully I can get a goal sometime soon.”
Bennie knows they are in for a tough game against last seasons Premiers, but he is relishing the opportunity to once again play in front of family and friends. “Yes, Melbourne City are a good team, so we are expecting a tough game,” he said. “But we have matched all teams so far this season, and will be looking to bring our recent momentum into Friday’s game. It’s the best feeling walking out at HBF Park, with family and friends in the crowd and that can only help us on the night.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Adam ZIMARINO, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 34 Andriano LEBIB, 77 Bruce KAMAU *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MUIR, GORMAN - Unavailable: 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured), 22 Adam TAGGART (injured), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (injured)
Melbourne City squad: GK Jamie YOUNG, GK Patrick BEACH, 2 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Nuno REIS, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Mathew LECKIE, 8 James JEGGO, 9 Jamie MACLAREN, 10 Tolgay ARSLAN, 11 Leo NATEL, 15 Andrew NABBOUT, 17 Terry ANTONIS, 18 Jordon HALL, 21 Alessandro LOPANE, 22 Curtis GOOD, 25 Callum TALBOT, 35 Zane SCHREIBER, 37 Max CAPUTO, 38 Harry POLITIDIS, 46 Ben MAZZEO – Ins: REIS, LECKIE, JEGGO - Unavailable: 23 Marco TILIO (international duty), 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN (groin), 34 Arion SULEMANI (ACL), 44 Marin JAKOLIS (hamstring)
2.2.2024
RAWLINS HEADS HOME
Perth Glory have added versatile defender Josh Rawlins to the club’s squad for the rest of the Isuzu Ute Al-League season. The 19-year-old has returned to the club on a free loan from Dutch side FC Utrecht, and he can’t wait to get going. “It’s a good opportunity for myself to come home and play some football,” he told the Glory website. “Coming through the [PGFC] Academy, reaching the first team and playing for my hometown club was a proud moment for me, and to play in front of the Glory fans at HBF Park is amazing. Alen [Stajcic] seems like a good coach and I’m really looking forward to playing under him.”
Rawlins joined Glory aged just 11 and after progressing through the ranks of the PGFC Academy, made his senior debut in the club’s 2019 friendly clash with Manchester United at Optus Stadium. He then made his first competitive appearance during Glory’s 2020 AFC Asian Champions League campaign and chalked up his maiden A-League start against Adelaide United in January 2021. After featuring in 34 A-League games over the next eighteen months and still aged just 18, the former Dianella SC junior signed a four-year contract with prominent Dutch side, FC Utrecht, for whom he has made 24 appearances at Under-21 level to date.
In terms of his international career, meanwhile, Rawlins previously represented Australia at Under-15, 17 and 20 level and is currently a key member of the Under-23 squad who remain on track to secure a place at this year’s Paris Olympics. Glory CEO Anthony Radich is thrilled that one of the club’s brightest young products has re-joined the squad at a crucial time of the season. “It’s fantastic to have Josh back at Glory,” he said.
“He’s a hugely-talented player with a great future in front of him and very much one of our own. I would like to sincerely thank FC Utrecht for agreeing to this deal and also the player’s agency, most notably Mich d’Avray and Matthew Moore, for making it happen. I’m sure our members and fans will be very excited to see Josh representing his hometown club once again.”
31.1.2024
TAGGART IN FITNESS BATTLE
Perth Glory co-captain Adam Taggart may miss his second consecutive game with coach Alen Stajcic revealing his star striker is no certainty to line up against Melbourne City. Glory will be full of confidence when they face City at Perth Oval on Friday night after breaking their away drought with a win and a draw on the road in their last two games.
But their 2-2 draw with Macarthur on Sunday came without Taggart, who has been one of the league’s best forwards this season with eight goals in 12 games. “We’ll see how it pulls up training over the next couple of days. He just had a little niggle in one of his leg muscles so we’re just seeing how that recovers,” Stajcic said.
29.1.2024
JONES BACK FOR ASIAN CUP QUARTER-FINAL
Australia has dodged an injury crisis at right-back heading into their Asian Cup quarter-final with Gethin Jones declaring himself ready for duty. The 28-year old defender limped off in the 69th minute of Australia's 4-0 round of 16 win over Indonesia, with coach Graham Arnold revealing post-game that he had immediately been taken to hospital for scans on a suspected groin injury.
With Lewis Miller and Thomas Deng not travelling to the stadium due to illness, it left Nathaniel Atkinson as the only healthy option on the right flank. Jones has since confirmed he'd been cleared of any major damage to his groin, which he had first had issues with after Australia's group stage win over Syria, and that he would be available for Friday.
"All clear," Jones said. "Just a bit of fatigue. This is new to me, a different kind of competition from what I'm used to at the club level. Definitely (be ready for the quarter-final). The group's been doing really well, working hard in training every single day and now we just need to look forward to who we get after they play tomorrow night."
29.1.2024
GLORY WELCOME RAWLINS BACK INTO THE FOLD
Perth Glory have pulled off a transfer window coup by securing defender Josh Rawlins for the remainder of the 2023/24 A-League Men’s season. The 19-year old right-back has returned to his hometown club on a short-term loan after 18 months with Dutch Eredivise side FC Utrecht.
It comes after a frustrating month on the transfer front for Glory, with the currently owner-less outfit limited in their ability to bring in reinforcements. With the Australian Professional Leagues running Glory, the club has in recent week lost the services of on-loan midfielder Oli Bozanic and attacker Salim Khelifi.
Rawlins originally joined Glory as an 11-year old and made his senior debut in the 2019 friendly against Manchester United. Having made 34 A-League appearances, Rawlins penned a four-year deal with Utrecht - the fifth Australian to join the club - in May 2022, and has gone on to make 24 appearances for their under-21 team.
Rawlins said it was a good opportunity for him to return home and play first team football. “Coming through the (PGFC) Academy, reaching the first team and playing for my hometown club was a proud moment for me,” he said. “To play in front of the Glory fans at HBF Park is amazing (and ) Alen (Stajcic) seems like a good coach.”
29.1.2024
GILSENAN READY FOR FIRST-TEAM OPPORTUNITIES
Zak Gilsenan hopes his double against Sparta Praha’s Under-21s will put him in the shop window for a loan move away from Blackburn Rovers - but only if he won’t figure in his clubs’ first team plans. The young attacker scored twice in last weeks emphatic 4-1 victory over the Czech visitors in the Premier League International Cup campaign.
Gilsenan, 20, has scored twice in four first team outings this season but hasn’t featured since October, something the former Sorrento junior is keen to change. “I want to test myself against the best and once you have that taste of first team football, you always want more,” Gilsenan admitted to RoversTV.
“Whether that’s here or out on loan, that’s what I want. I feel ready and I’ll go anywhere and play to help me learn more about my game. This week’s been good for me having played two games to get my fitness levels back up. It’s been a little while since that happened, but I’m feeling good and I want as much football as I can get now.”
Gilsenan’s two goals in 10 minutes against Sparta put Rovers back in front after Ben Chrisene’s opener was cancelled out. “It was nice to contribute and win, and it’s always good to score,” he commented. “You want to start games and it’s disappointing when you don’t, so I just wanted to show why I should have started. I felt I made an impact off the bench.”
“Playing against different opponents from around the world, they all have different philosophies and it makes it exciting that you don’t know a great amount about them. Playing at Ewood is always that extra bit special. Yas (Ayari) did well for the first goal, winning the ball back. The second one was my game, one against one, beating a man and then scoring.”
28.1.2024
BYRNE AT THE DOUBLE FOR STIRLING
Stirling Macedonia have started their NPLWA Night Series campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win against newly-promoted Fremantle City in the late game at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. New signing Ciaran Byrne bagged a first half brace on his debut, and the striker was involved in the other goals from Dejan Spaseski and Brent Quick. It was a good start to the pre-season competition for the club, as they go in search of their first night series title since 1995.
“Fremantle being the newcomers to the league made them a bit of a wildcard heading into the game, and we didn’t know too much about them and made it our aim to stick to our game and focus on ourselves,” Stirling skipper Spaseski said. “Fortunately, this paid off with a massively dominant 90 minutes and result to kickstart our night series campaign. Hats off to all the debutants and a special mention for Byrner, who has come in and scored two great goals for club in his competitive debut.”
Ian Ferguson’s side made the perfect start, and were ahead on four minutes. Sam Wynne found the overlapping Quick, who’s cross to the back post fell to Byrne, who showed composure and volleyed the ball into the far corner of the net. They doubled their advantage 16 minutes later, Quick was again the supplier his cross was played down by Alex Tanevski and Byrne made no mistake from close-range.
Fremantle found themselves three goals down on the half hour mark, a ball across the edge of the penalty area found Byrne, who was on a hat-trick, but the striker dummied the ball and it fell to Spaseski, whose first time shot flew into corner of the net. Fremantle were on the front foot after the break, but it was Stirling who added a fourth just after the hour. Second half substitute Asher Nelson picked out Byrne in the penalty area, and the big striker unselfishly laid the ball back to Quick, who capped off an impressive performance with a shot on the run past Ryan Barker.
Quick said it was a good first up performance, and good to score a few goals, but he knows there is a long way to go. “We are very pleased with the result, it’s a welcome change to our usual narrative of struggling to find the net,” the defender said. “We were without a few boys who would usually be in the starting lineup, but that just goes to show that we have good depth in the squad. I think it’s a great start to our campaign and we hope we can build off of this in weeks to come.
Stirling Macedonia – GK Liam Price (RGK Jordan Howell 62’), 2 Brent Quick, 3 Ryan Malton (16 Stephen Pastorelli 79’), 4 David Stokoe, 6 Dejan Spaseski (11 Hugo Snowden 62’), 9 Joshua Bilaloski (7 Asher Nelson 57’), 10 Sam Wynne, 15 Shade Stewart, 19 Danny Douglas, 19 Ciaran Byrne (5 Kai Matthews 62’) – Subs not used: 14 Joshua Bosevski
Fremantle City – GK Luke Radonich (RGK Ryan Barker 46’), 3 Patrick Loughrey, 6 Cameron Edwards (2 Alex Silla 30’), 8 Anthony Topini (21 Nicolas Santalucia 73’), 9 Oliver La Galia, 11 Robert Petkov (18 Davin Park 73’), 14 Dylan White (17 Taj Bingwa 62’), 15 John Chalmers, 16 Jesse Fuller, 20 Joshua Macri, 23 Riley Woodcock – Subs not used: 19 Darsi Mukunzi, 22 Lachlan Vearing
28.1.2024
BAYSWATER TAKE THE GLORY IN NIGHT SERIES OPENER
Bayswater City have scored two late goals to beat Perth Glory 3-1 in the early NPLWA Night Series game at Macedonia Park on Sunday afternoon. Sam Dweh had given Gary Williams’ side the lead early, but second half substitute Sebastian Despotovski levelled for the Glory youngsters nine minutes from time. It looked like the points would be shared, but Bayswater hit back with two late goals from new signing Chris Jackson and substitute Jon Stynes to seal the points.
Willams said it was good start to their pre-season and they got a great deal from the game against a good Glory side. “To be fair, it was exactly as we expected, we are still in preseason and our fitness levels will improve with games,” the Head Coach said. “We came up against a young fit side, so the plan was to defend a bit deeper and in numbers. It worked really well and the players concentration levels were high. The players dug in scored three goals and no injuries reported so a very positive night.”
Another big crowd was on hand on a barmy night in Balcatta, and it was Bayswater who found the opener on 18 minutes. A poor back pass was intercepted by the alert Jackson, and the striker crossed to Dweh, who finished well at the far post. There were chances at both ends, but it was City who held a narrow lead at the break. Glory battled back after half time, and they were rewarded with the equaliser on 81 minutes. A free kick was headed back across goal and Despotovski finished from close-range.
It was game on with both sides pressing for the winner, but it was Bayswater who regained the lead three minutes later. Substitute Aryan Yazarlou made space out wide, and whipped in a teasing cross, which picked out Jackson at the back post, who lost his marker to head home. They sealed the win late, when they added a third, Jason Mirco crossed to the unmarked Stynes at the back post who made no mistake.
“Great to get a win to start the night series campaign,” Bayswater skipper Gordon Smith said. “We knew Glory would be fit, energetic and tidy on the ball. They are well organised and have a top coach in John Walmsley, but we showed our experience and were clinical at the right moments. Good work out for our squad as we build our fitness and match sharpness.”
Perth Glory – GK Liam Coyne, 2 Gert Prinsloo, 3 Oliver Leeming, 4 Manolo Veneracion, 5 Sean O’Connor (12 Tadiwanashe Kuzamba 90’), 6 Giovanni de Abreu, 7 Aiki Tsukamoto, 8 Willima Freney (15 Jaylan Pearman 46’), 9 Joel Anasmo (18 Khoa Ngo 62’), 10 Jayden Gorman 17 Seb Despotovski 62’), 11 Laat Mathiang 16 Samuel Barry 62’) – Subs not used: 14 Daniel Jankuloski
Bayswater City – GK Casey Robertson, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Thiak Kuel (16 Aryan Yazarlou 61’), 6 Declan Hargreaves, 8 Gordon Smith, 14 Sam Dweh 7 Jon Stynes 56’), 15 Jackson Stephens, 18 Chris Jackson (21 Scotlan Morrison 90’), 20 Sam Mitchinson, 24 Joshua Anasmo (10 Jason Mirco 56’), 28 Konstantinos Sparta – Subs not used: 19 Julian Kelly, 22 Celeston Fuller, 25 Tayloe Rae
28.1.2024
UNCONVINCING SOCCEROOS QUALIFY FOR ASIAN CUP QUARTER FINALS
Australia moved into the Asian Cup quarter finals, after a 4-0 win against a hard-working Indonesian outfit at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar on Sunday evening. The scoreline probably flatters the Socceroos, who were made to work hard and found it tough to breakdown a packed Indonesia defence, and they created very little chances, but two late goals gave the scoreline a different look.
A deflected Jackson Irvine shot gave them the lead, against the run of play on 12 minutes, before Martin Boyle doubled their advantage in the shadows of half time. Indonesia was fighting for every ball, giving the Socceroos no time on the ball, and it wasn’t till late goals from Craig Goodwin and Harry Souttar made the game safe, and sets up a quarter final tie against either South Korea or Saudi Arabia, who play their round of 16 clash on Wednesday evening.
Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold said it was good to get the win, but knows there is room for improvement. "It was a tough game but obviously the quality that we've got up front came through," he said. “The improvements today was the individual belief, and some of the actions the boys were doing. It was, in a lot of ways, more freedom from them and more relaxed, and that's what I want, for them to show their individual qualities. It's good to have a great system of play, and it's good to have great attacking patterns.
"But I'd rather see these boys relax and show their skills and show their imagination - and I saw that growing today. We get a couple of days off now to rest and recover which is crucial," Arnold added, after conceding his charges could improve "in every aspect". The most important thing is we get our game right, we get our brains cleared, our brains ready, and then the boys know their jobs and they can go out and get it done."
The Socceroos made two changes from the side that drew against Uzbekistan in the final group game, with Bolton Wanderers defender Gethin Jones coming in for Nathaniel Atkinson, while Melbourne Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli was rewarded for his three impressive performances off the bench in group stage, replacing Kusini Yengi. Indonesia went into the game ranked 146 in the world, but they had the first opportunity on six minutes. A ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Rafel Struick’s flick flashed inches over the top.
But on 12 minutes, and somewhat against the run of play, the Socceroos found the opener. Irvine burst into the right side of the penalty area, and the St Pauli midfielder’s shot took a wicked deflection off the unfortunate Ipswich Town defender Elkan Baggott, wrong footing goalkeeper Ernando Ari and beating him at his near post. The Indonesians were closing down the Socceroos, and it made it difficult to get their passing game going, and it was them who were next to threaten, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Justin Hubner fired straight at Mat Ryan.
Then in the shadows of half time, the Socceroos doubled their lead. Keanu Baccus played a reverse pass to Riley McGree, who fed the ball out wide to Gethin Jones, the Bolton Wanderers defender cross to the back post picked out the unmarked Hibernian striker Boyle, whose diving header found the net. It wasn’t pretty, but at the break the Socceroos led 2-0, but they still had a lot of work to do to shake off the energetic Indonesian side.
The second half was a mirror image of the first half, Indonesia closing down well, and making it hard for the Socceroos to play, but they didn’t really threaten Ryan in the Socceroos goal, but saying that the Australian’s didn’t either. Arnold went to his bench to try and give his side some inspiration, and Mitch Duke should have sealed the tie ten minutes from time. Boyle’s delightful through ball sent the striker racing clear, but his lob over Ari was way off target.
Craig Goodwin made his return, following an injury suffered in the first group tie and his introduction paid immediate dividends as the Socceroos added a third. A neat back heel from Connor Metcalfe sent Nathaniel Atkinson down the right, his cross picked out Irvine, whose bullet-like header was superbly saved by Ari, only for Goodwin to fire home the rebound at the back post. Two minutes later it was 4-0, Goodwin turned provider for Souttar, his free kick finding the head of the Leicester City defender, and his glancing header sealed the tie.
“Overall, I’m especially really pleased with the second half performance. Sometimes in these games they play with a lot of emotion. As I say, they have nothing to lose, and you have to stay calm,” Jackson Irvine said post-match. “They started getting nasty and naughty at the end, and you have to remain cool and I think we did that well enough to see the game off, and a comfortable win.”
Australia: GK Maty Ryan, 4 Kye Rowles, 5 Jordan Bos (23 Craig Goodwin 86'), 6 Martin Boyle, 9 Bruno Fornaroli (15 Mitch Duke 60'), 14 Riley McGree (8 Connor Metcalfe 60'), 16 Aziz Behich, 17 Keanu Baccus (13 Aiden O'Neill 86'), 19 Harry Souttar, 22 Jackson Irvine, 25 Gethin Jones (3 Nathaniel Atkinson 69') – Subs not used: RGK Lawrence Thomas, RGK Joe Gauci, 7 Samuel Silvera, 10 Kusini Yengi, 11 Marco Tilio, 21 Cameron Burgess, 26 John Iredale
Indonesia: GK Ernando Ari, 2 Yakob Sayuri (5. Rizky Ridho 75'), 3 Elkan Baggott, 4 Jordi Amat, 6 Sandy Walsh, 7 Marselino Ferdinan, 11 Rafael Struick, 14 Asnawi Mangkualam (8 Witan Sulaeman 58'), 20 Shayne Pattynama, 24 Ivar Jenner, 25 Justin Hubner – Subs not used: RGK Muhammad Riyandi, RGK Nadeo Argawinata, 9 Dimas Drajad, 10 Egy Maulana Vikri, 12 Pratama Arhan, 15 Ricky Kambuaya, 16 Hokky Caraka, 17 Adam Alis, 19. Wahyu Prasetyo, 23 Marc Klok
28.1.2024
WILLIAMS SCORES LATE TO GIVE GLORY A DESERVED POINT
A goal in the third minute of stoppage time from super sub, David Williams has seen Perth Glory pick up a well-deserved point, after a 2-2 draw against Macarthur FC in week 14 of the Isuzu Ute A-League clash at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A stunning opener from the hosts early, with Mexican midfielder Ulises Davila, finishing off a great Macarthur move, and Glory struggled in the final third in the first half.
But after the break Glory drew level from the spot, with skipper Mustafa Amini converting 18 minutes from time. Then against the run of play the Bulls regained the lead, also from the spot, with French striker Valere Germain scoring, and it looked like there good second half performance was going to end empty-handed. But deep into stoppage time it was Williams, who securing the draw, his solo run and clinical finish saw Alen Stajcic’s side take home a well-earned point.
“I thought we were the better team today and deserved to win the game,” Stajcic said post-match. “I thought in the first half we a little bit passive, but our possession was good, but our penetration was poor. But second half I thought it was a lot better tempo, created numerous chances, and I think they only had a couple of chances, but with Davila they are always tricky, but I was really proud of the second half and I thought we played really well.
“I was really pleased to get back level, but the penalty they got was a bit soft, it was never a penalty. But the boys had a lot of courage to come back again and that’s what we have shown in the last month. Once again, the players showed the courage in adversity and have stood up and everyone back in Perth should be proud of the last few weeks.” Stajcic made two changes from the side that beat Western Sydney Wanderers last week, with skipper Adam Taggart out injured, he was replaced by Luke Ivanovic, while Jarrod Carluccio came in for Bruce Kamau, who dropped to the bench.
There was a sombre moments before kick-off, with both sets of players and the crowd standing as one in a minute's silence to mark the passing of Macarthur FC founder Lang Walker. Buoyed by the big win last week, Glory looked up for this one, but they found themselves behind after only nine minutes. Some neat build-up play saw Raphael make space down the left, he found Germain in the middle of the park, and the Frenchman’s through ball sent Davila in on goal, and he finished clinically past Oli Sail.
Glory hit back and dominated possession and territory and Ivanovic was denied by Filip Kurto. The visitors were making the better chances, but they were only half chances, with Kurto getting back to clear a mistimed back pass of his line, under pressure from the lively Stefen Colakovski. Glory almost handed the Bulls a second on the stroke of half time, Amini’s back pass was picked off by Davila, but Sail stood tall to deny him, before Raphael fired wide of the target.
The visitors were out of the blocks early in the second half, and Colakovski fired over the top after good work by Johnny Koutroumbis, who was having a superb game. They should have levelled on 56 minutes, Riley Warland made space down the left, and put in a teasing cross to the back post, Ivanovic got in front of his marker, but with the goal at his mercy, his effort drifted wide of the far post. The Bulls hit back and Sail had to be alert to parry a shot from Jake Hollman, but on 70 minutes the Glory had the chance to level after Koutroumbis was brought down by Kearyn Baccus, and referee Daniel Elder pointed straight to the spot.
Amini took the responsibility from the resulting penalty, and he made no mistake beating Kurto to draw his side level. It was Glory who looked the more likely team to go on and win it, and Daniel Bennie’s header was saved by Kurto, but again against the run of play the Bulls were rewarded a penalty after Aleks Susnjar was adjudged to have tugged the shirt of Germain, who made the most of it. It was there, but Stajcic disagreed and was shown a yellow card for his troubles. Germain picked himself up and sent Sail the wrong way, to regain the lead for the hosts.
It was a bitter blow for Glory, but they weren’t finished and Colakovski volleyed straight at Kurto, after good cross from Trent Ostler. With Glory pressing forward they almost conceded the third, Davila blazed inches wide after a defensive mistake. It looked like Glory would leave with nothing, but cometh the hour, cometh the man, with Williams grabbing a late equaliser. The overlapping Koutroumbis found Williams, who cut inside his marker on the right and raced into the box, his quick feet took him clear of two Bulls defenders before finishing low past Kurto and raced off to celebrate with the Glory faithful in the crowd.
Macarthur FC: GK Filip KURTO, 4 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomi USKOK, 8 Jake HOLLMAN (21 Bernardo Oliveira 78'), 10 Ulises DAVILA, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 15 Kearyn BACCUS (31 Lachlan ROSE 78'), 17 RAPHAEL (27 Jerry SKOTADIS 78'), 22 Yianni NICOLAOU, 37 Jed DREW (23 Clayton LEWIS 62'), 98 Valere GERMAIN (53 Joel BERTOLISSIO 90+2') - Subs not used: RGK Danijel NIZIC, 19 Jesper WEBBER
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI (4 Luke BODNAR 86'), 12 Luke IVANOVIC (9 David WILLIAMS 57'), 14 Riley WARLAND (19 Trent OSTLER 71'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (77 Bruce KAMAU 57'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 23 Daniel BENNIE (11 Adam ZIMARINO 86'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN – Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 34 Andriano LEBIB - Referee: Daniel ELDER
27.1.2024
REDSTAR AND KNIGHTS PLAY OUT A NINE GOAL THRILLER
Perth RedStar and Western Knights played out a nine-goal thriller, in the early Group B game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The goals were flying in, with Daryl Nicol carrying on from where he left off last season bagging a hat-trick with Gomo Dukuly grabbing a brace. But newly promoted Knights were gallant in defeat with goals from Kristian Santich, Jesse Lazzaro, Alex Da Rocha and Shay Donovan, but it was Callum Salmon’s side who took the three points.
Salmon said it was a good start to the Night Series, in a very competitive game. “I thought it was a super game from both teams and highly competitive throughout. Western Knights were particularly strong with Jesse Lazzaro and Kristian Santich easily two of the best midfielders in the competition,” he explained. “But I was really proud of our finishing, and some well taken goals from Daryl (Nicol) and Gomo (Dukuly). Great to come through with no injuries and looking forward to another preseason hit out against Inglewood next week.”
It was a perfect start for the Knights, racing to a two-goal lead, with new signings Kristian Santich and Lazzaro on target. But the champions hit back and were level at the break with goals from Nicol and Dukuly. It looked game over after the break when Nicol completed his hat-trick to give RedStar a 4-2 lead. But the Knights had other ideas, first Da Rocha reduced the margin, before Donovan restored parity. The big crowd were on the edge of the seats in this thriller, but it was RedStar who won it, with Dukuly scoring his second to secure a 5-4 win.
Knights new signing Jesse Lazzaro said it was tough lose the game, after scoring four goals. “It was a very good game, very competitive, and RedStar are always a very good team and very dangerous but we showed we are good enough to compete with the best and are going to put the league on notice this year,” the former Cockburn City midfielder said. “We’ve made some really good signings to add to the very strong squad we had last year, and Adam and Carl have got us working extremely hard every opportunity giving us the best chance to be very competitive.”
Hat-trick hero Nicol said it was a tight game, but knows this is normal in pre-season. “It was a crazy game with so many goals, but probably to be expected considering it’s preseason,” the Scottish striker said. “Both teams made plenty of mistakes and lots of substitutions, but all in all it was a good run out to start building the match fitness for the start of the season.”
Knights assistant coach Carl Medica said they will take a great deal from the game. “Probably a great game for the neutrals with plenty of action and goals. It took us about ten minutes to settle into the game and once we did, I thought we started to implement some of the things we have worked on and spoke about before the game, and I think we may have caught them by surprise a little, taking a two-goal lead,” he explained.
“But they hit back and levelled it by half time, and early in the second half we conceded two within minutes due to our errors but we never gave up and kept taking the game on. Credit to the boys as they tied the game back up at 4-4 due to their never say die attitude, so it was a little disappointing to concede the fifth with a soft goal. Well done to Redstar, they’re a good team and have so many dangerous players that will punish you with any mistake. As a group we know we need to be better defensively right across the park but overall, very happy with our performance.”
Western Knights – GK Sam Reilly, 2 Jake Sardelic, 5 Adam Harris, 8 Xavier Medica, 10 Alex Da Rocha, 13 Alex Kretowicz, 14 Jack Bardsley, 17 Shay Donovan, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 22 Kristian Santich, 23 Damel Santich – Subs not used: 6 Denzel Tshuma, 9 Asher Hwight, 15 Elijah Birrell, 18 Jack Sparkes, 19 Orhan Boric, 20 Bailey Collingwood, 30 Travis Cook
Perth RedStar – GK Sonny Inzalaco, 2 Nick Walsh, 4 Declan Hughes, 5 Jay Patel, 6 Matthew George, 9 Daryl Nicol, 10 Gomo Dukuly, 11 Dennis Galan, 14 Lewis Tucker, 15 Bryce Bafford, 19 Ryan Finnie – Subs not used: RGK Liam Reddy, 3 Blair Govan, 8 Andrew Palmer, 12 Josh Kingston, 16 Takudzwa Chisunga, 18 Daniel Katz, 99 Nyle Weale
27.1.2024
ARMADALE AND BALCATTA LEFT IN THE DARK
A power outage in the area at half time, caused the abandonment of the Night Series Group B clash between Armadale and Balcatta Etna in the late game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening. The score at the break was 1-1 with Peter Jacobsz scoring from the spot for the hosts, before Luke Alessandrino levelled for the visitors, before the lights went out.
“Armadale Head Coach Alun Vernals said it was disappointing to not finish the game, but he saw plenty of positives in the first 45 minutes. “Look you can’t do much about the power, so it was disappointing for both sides, but I thought we started well and played some good stuff,” he explained. “We had a few real good chances, but started to give the ball away rather than keep it, which allowed Balcatta back into it, but I’d say going in at half time all square was probably about fair, so move on to next week against Olympic Kingsway.”
The hosts were on the front foot and found the opener on 12 minutes, a corner wasn’t dealt with and in the scramble the ball hit the arm of Alessandrino and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Jacobsz stepped up and converted from the spot, despite Connor Campbell going the right way. But Balcatta hit back and levelled on the half hour mark, a free kick to the back post was headed back across goal and Alessandrino fired home from close-range. It was evenly poised at the break, but the lights went out, and the official called the game off.
Balcatta keeper Connor Cambell said they will also take positives from the game. “We’ve got a relatively new team this year and considering we haven’t played many minutes, I thought during the first half we showed early signs of implementing a style of play that Glen is looking for,” he said. “Our reaction after going one down was excellent, and we levelled and I thought we controlled the tempo, it was a shame about the power-out as I thought after we scored walking in at half time the momentum was in our favour. I think we would’ve pushed for another one or two.”
Armadale goalscorer Peter Jacobsz said it was disappointing not to complete the game, but they move on to Olympic Kingsway next week. “Yes, it was unfortunate the lights went out at half time, we were looking forward to scoring some more goals and putting on a performance for our home supporters,” he said. “The boys were fit and raring to go, had there been another half I’m sure we would’ve have sealed it. “
Armadale – GK Joel Driscoll, 2 Lachlan Collins, 3 Luke Collins, 6 Purvishna Appadoo, 7 Amir Ajan, 8 Hamish van Dieken, 13 Igor Cvijanovic, 14 Ali Gholami, 15 Josh Bartler, 16 Matt Worton, 17 Peter Jacobsz, 77 Geroge Ballah – Subs: RGK Preston Gilling, 4 Nathan Costello 18 Lucas Cook, 19 Charlie Fleming, 20 Pacifique Dufitimukizo, 22 Egide Ngendakumana,
Balcatta Etna – GK Connor Campbell, 4 Luke Alessandrino, 6 Blamo Qua-Qua, 7 Luke Hudson, 8 Shogo Osawa, 9 Hasani Sinclair, 10 Jonathan Corness, 11 Declan Hudson, 18 Adam Buckingham, 22 Fanuel Dawit, 23 Jack Taylor – Subs: 3 Matthew Tomassone, 13 Zarnw Gaitan, 15 Kian Thompson, 16 Benjamin Ognenis, 17 Ben Ford, 20 Frazer Imrie
27.1.2024
EPAKIS MISSES DEFEAT AS ADELAIDE SAY I DO
Perth Glory poor form in the Liberty A-League and South Australia has continued, after suffering a surprise 1-2 defeat against bottom of the table Adelaide United at the Marden Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon. It continues their poor run of results in Adelaide, which goes back to December 2016, while the loss makes it only one win in the last seven games. Head Coach Alex Epakis missed the game due to his wedding, but it was Adelaide saying I do, winning their first game for over a month, and moving off the bottom of the table.
The game started well with Hana Lowry opening the scoring mid-way through the first half, but the hosts hit back in first half stoppage time courtesy of Isobel Hodgson. Then shortly after the break the hosts won it with Nanako Sasaki grabbing the winner, the loss sees Glory stay in fourth spot on the table, but they need to improve if they are to seal a finals spot. Glory made just the one change to the starting lineup, with Sofia Sakalis coming in for Quinley Quezada, who dropped to the bench.
It was an even opening to the game, with half chances at both ends, but assistant Tiana Gauci, who was in the dugout for Epakis, would have been happy with the start, and it was Glory who found the opener on 23 minutes. Liz Anton and Sofia Sakalis combined down the left, and Anton’s pin-point cross found Lowry, who volleyed well past Reds’ keeper Annalee Grove. The hosts looked to hit back and when Chelsie Dawber's cross found Izzy Hodgson, her shot flashes narrowly wide of the far post.
Both sides had late chances, first Grace Jale found Lowry, but the midfielder couldn’t keep her shot down, but in the fourth minute of stoppage time it was the hosts who found the equaliser. The hard-working Hodgson was in the right place at the right time to drill home a low cross from former Glory forward Alana Jancevski, to send the sides into the break all-square.
Adelaide, buoyed by the late goal before the break, were out of the blocks after half time, and hit the front two minutes in. It looked like little danger, as Sasaki received the ball, but Japanese midfielder’s shot from the edge of the box squeezed under Aquino at her near post, and into the bottom corner. The hosts were on top, and Dawber almost added a third moments later, but her effort flew over the top.
Dawber was a constant threat and just after the hour her shot was saved low by Aquino, before Tollard’s cross flashed inches wide of the far post. The visitors weren’t finished and Dalton tried her luck from distance, but Grove was equal to the effort. They had one final chance to level in the final minute, Lowry’s corner was only punched as far as Millie Farrow, but the English striker couldn’t keep the shot down.
Adelaide United: GK Annalee GROVE, 2 Emily HODGSON, 6 Hannah BLAKE (14 Jenna HOLTZ 87'), 8 Emily CONDON, 10 Chelsie DAWBER (28 Chrissy PANAGARIS 89'), 11 Isabel HODGSON, 12 Nanako SASAKI, 13 Ella TONKIN, 16 Dylan HOLMES (5 Sarah MORGAN 84'), 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 19 Maruschka WALDUS, 23 Alana JANCEVSKI (3 Meleri MULLAN 84') - Subs not used: RGK Grace WILSON
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (20 Quinley QUEZADA 83'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC (18 Sadie LAWRENCE 63'), 23 Isobel DALTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY (10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM 62') - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES, 19 Izzy FOLETTA – Attendance: 903 - Referee: Isabella MOSSIN
25.1.2024
AZZURRI BEAT ATHENA IN SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER
In the late game at Dorrien Gardens, hosts Perth SC have fought out a seven-goal thriller against traditional rivals Floreat Athena, eventually running out 4-3 winners. “Going forward we were happy with some of our play and pleased to score four goals but obviously very disappointed in conceding three,” Perth SC assistant coach Stuart Banks explained. “It’s still early days and we have quite a few new players particularly in defence so we just need to keep working to improve game by game.”
The hosts made the best possible start, and were ahead after only five minutes, Ethan Banks free kick was header home by Federico Achilli. But Floreat hit back and levelled three minutes later in similar circumstances. A free kick to the back post was headed back across goal and Mohammed Al-Zaidy scored from close-range. The game continued to go end-to-end, and it was the hosts who regained the lead two minutes later, David Ninkovich heading home Toby Snook’s cross from the left. But Floreat weren’t going away, and they restored parity on 35 minutes. Some neat build up play ended with Al-Zaidy, his shot was blocked and the ball fell to Nick Ambrogio, who timed his run well to finish past Joe Pollard.
The scoring wasn’t over and Perth added a third just before half time, Matt D’Hotman’s cross from the left picked out Banks, who controlled on his chest inside the box before slotting home into the bottom corner. Again, Floreat hit straight back to level moments later, Kye Murray sliding the ball into the path of Noah Shamaki, who raced into goal, and he unselfishly squared the ball to Ambrogio who tapped into an empty net to send the sides into the break all-square.
Both defences tightened up after the break, but it was Perth who found the winner just after the hour. A corner was flicked on by Harley Orr, and new English defender Jack Cawley was first to react in the box to poke home from close range. Floreat midfielder Nick Ambrogio said the loss was disappointing, but it was a good game for the neutrals. “It was a fun game to play in, and must’ve been fun for the fans also,” he said. “I’m a little disappointed with the loss, as I felt we deserved to take something from the game, but we have a whole new team that needs time to iron out the way we want to play and that doesn’t happen overnight. All in all, there was a lot of positives we can take from the game, we’ll go back to the lab and continue to build on this performance.”
Perth SC - GK Joseph Pollard, 4 Jack Cawley, 7 Ethan Banks, 8 Harley Orr (6 Abdullahi Osman 65’), 10 David Ninkovich, 12 Zayd Farah (2 Emerson Alexis 65’), 13 Matthew D'Hotman (9 Samuel Cook 86’), 14 Judd MacDougall, 16 Federico Achilli, 19 Toby Snook (17 Gordon Perkins 76’), 20 John Lardis (18 Joshua Cala 64’) – Subs not used: RGK Rocco Liberti, 21 Christian Belladonna
Floreat Athena – GK Josh Hunter, 2 Flilippo Gioffre, 3 Ali Mohamed (16 Luke Ryan 83’), 4 Ben Steele, 5 Ethan Mom (22 Dau Deng 83’), 6 Cherno Bah, 10 Nicolas Ambrogio, 12 Kye Murray (11 Ajanng Yuot 67’), 17 Alex Christodoulakis, 19 Mohammed Al-Zaidy, 25 Noah Shamaki (14 Ludovic Boi 67’) – Subs not used: 9 Lukas Stambelos, 21 Kyeson Barker, 23 Gianluca De Felice – Referee: Shane Skinner
25.1.2024
OLYMPIC HIT BACK TO BEAT INGLEWOOD
Olympic Kingsway have begun the defence of the NPLWA Night Series title with a come-from-behind 3-2 win against last season’s beaten finalist Inglewood United in the early game at Dorrien Gardens on Thursday evening. “We are delighted with the victory, especially considering being 2-0 down at halftime,” Olympic Head Coach David Tough said. “The atmosphere in the changing room during the break was of genuine belief that we could turn the game around. The team displayed great character, and the first 15 minutes of the second half was excellent. There were promising signs of what we’ve been working on but there is still a lot of work ahead to fine-tune and improve our fitness. Credit must be given to Inglewood; Taki is an excellent coach and had them very we’ll organised.”
It was United who found the opener three minutes from half time, Matthew Ntoumenopoulos’ corner wasn’t dealt with and in the goalmouth scramble Shubham Mokala got the final touch to score. It got better for Taki Nicolaidis’ side in stoppage time, Chad Nilson’s cross hit the arm of Ollie Annis, and referee Adrien Liechti pointed to the spot. Mokala stepped up and finished past Olympic keeper Adrian Sinagra, to double their lead.
But whatever the coach said at half time worked, and Olympic reduced the margin three minutes in. A diagonal ball from Mitch Oxborrow found half time substitute Lebib Lebib on the right, and he played in Jonathan Leithead, who crossed to Luke Hewings to score.
They levelled four minutes later, Lebib was involved again, racing down the right and he found Hewings, who turned his marker and played in the overlapping Lebib, and he cut the ball back to Tyler Garner to fire home. They completed the turn around on the hour, some patience build-up play ended with Liam Murray, who slipped in Hewings, and with the Inglewood defenders looking for the offside flag, that never came, he finished low past Nicholas Speca. Both sides had chances late, but Olympic held firm to take the points, and start their defence with the three points.
Despite the loss, Inglewood midfielder Harry Evans said there were some positives to take from the game. “I thought we played well considering it was our first competitive game with our new coaching team and many new players at the club,” he said. “We executed what we have been working on since December with Taki and the coaching team so that bodes well for the future. On another night we could have won but Kingsway are a good outfit with some decent players so we are disappointed to lose after being 2-0 up, but plenty of positives to take away from the game.”
Olympic Kingsway – GK Adrian Sinagra, 2 Jonathan Leithead, 3 Daniel Walsh, 4 Ollie Annis (5 Callum O’Connell 78’), 6 Aryn Williams, 7 Tyler Garner, 8 Mitch Oxborrow, 11 Liam Murray (12 James Fanelli 82’), 16 Sasa Njegic (19 Lebib Lebib 46’), 17 Josh Samson 20 Luke Hewings – Subs not used: RGK Seb Medica, 15 Shane Cassidy, 25 Naiem Murad, 95 Jack Overy
Inglewood United – GK Nicholas Speca, 3 Aiden Formston (2 William Formston 65’), 4 Ciaran Salinger, 6 Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 7 Chad Nilson (13 Rene Kisesa 84’), 8 Dhuors Chol, 9 Harry Evans, 10 Shubham Mokala, 16 Elliot Ireland, 17 Jeremy Tshongo (11 Benson Nsegetse 65’), 18 Jordan Brown – Subs not used: 12 Sebastian Hooshangian, 21 Thomas Abraham, 22 James Lindsay - Referee: Adrien Liechti
25.1.2024
NPL NEW BOYS RELISHING NIGHT SERIES CAMPAIGN
The 2024 NPLWA Night Series competition kicks off this Australia Day long weekend, with six games across the metro area. In Group A we have newly promoted Western Knights, Champions Perth RedStar, last season winners Olympic Kingsway, Armadale, Balcatta, and Inglewood United. In Group B we have last season’s Top Four Finals winners Stirling Macedonia, newly promoted Fremantle City, Perth SC, Floreat Athena, Bayswater City and Perth Glory. It all starts on Thursday evening at Dorrien Gardens, with a replay of last season’s final when Olympic Kingsway take on Inglewood United. (6.30pm)
It will be first competitive game in charge of Inglewood for new Head Coach Taki Nicolaidis, and a huge challenge against last season’s winners. Olympic impressed in their first season back in the Premier League, finishing third in the league, and winning the Night Series after a penalty shootout against United, and coach David Tough will be looking for a repeat in 2024. It was a season of struggle for Inglewood in the league, after a good night series and cup run, where they were beaten in the final of both, and the club have turned to experienced coach Nicolaidis to turn that around. The other game at the venue on the night is from Group B, when Perth SC host Floreat Athena. (8.30pm)
Western Knights play their first NPL competitive game since promotion last season, when they take on champions Perth RedStar at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening in Group A. (5.00pm) The Nash Field club were the champions in Division One last season, and assistant coach Carl Medica said pre-season is going to plan. “Being promoted to the NPL has given the whole club a boost. We worked hard off the field and were fortunate to keep together the majority of our squad from last season, to which they thoroughly deserve their shot at playing at this level. We have also been able to make some quality additions to the side,” Medica explained.
“Pre-season has been really encouraging, Adam Kostrencic (head coach) and I have been really pleased with how the boys have applied themselves. We have probably started a little later than most clubs, however we have a program in place which we will stick to with the focus being the opening round of the regular season. We do have a few injuries to some of our senior players leading into the night series this week, but this opens the door for some of our younger players to show us what they can do and gain valuable experience stepping into senior football.”
Medica said the Night Series is a great opportunity to see where they are at, and to take on the champions in the opener is a challenge they are looking forward to. “We couldn’t have asked for a better opening game in the night series against the champions Perth RedStar, it’s one we are all looking forward to,” he said. “It will be a good test for us to gauge where we are at physically and tactically against one of the best teams in the NPL the last few seasons. We've only had the one lead up game against UWA last weekend with lots of positives to take away, but with plenty of work still ahead of us. That being said, I think the team we put out this weekend will be more than capable of putting in a positive performance.” In the other game at the venue on Saturday evening, Armadale host Balcatta Etna. (7.00pm)
The other newly-promoted side is Fremantle City, and they begin life in the NPL against Stirling Macedonia in the late Group B game at Macedonia Park. (7.00pm) Ian Ferguson’s side took out the Top Four Finals last season, with a 2-0 win against RedStar, while Fremantle won promotion back to the NPL for the first time in the play-off final. Fremantle City Head Coach Matty Sparrow said they have prepared well for the step up to the NPL, and have worked hard in pre-season. “The pre-season is always tough, but for us it has been going as well as expected,” he said. “The boys are getting fitter every week and they’ve been a pleasure to work with, we’re still missing some important players, but slowly we will be getting them back one by one.”
Sparrow, who led the club to the top flight of WA football for the first time since 1987, then called East Fremantle Tricolore, knows the challenge ahead of them, and a trip to Macedonia Park first up is tough, but he’s looking forward to it. “We all know how difficult our group is and Stirling away for our first night series opponents at their ground doesn’t come any easier but it’s a challenge we will all be relishing as these are the games you want to be playing in,” Sparrow explained. “We know there’s no easy games this year, so it’s important we just focus on our matches week by week, but the night series will definitely give us an indication to see where we are at.” The other game at the venue on Sunday sees Perth Glory take on Bayswater City. (5.00pm)
25.1.2024
ARMADALE LOOK TO BUILD ON LAST SEASON
After ending last season on a high, Armadale go into the new season full of optimism, and Head Coach Alun Vernals has brought in some talented players as they look to build on last season. They won their last three games and only just missed out on a top four spot, but their fifth-place position was the highest finish for the club back in the top flight of WA football. The club have added attacking midfielders Hamish van Dieken from Mandurah City, Luke Collins from Perth SC, young keeper Preston Gilling from Murdoch University Melville and former Stalybridge Celtic defender Lucas Cook, with more to come.
Vernals, who goes into his first full season at Alfred Skeet Reserve, is excited the calibre of players they have attracted to the club, and is looking forward to the new season. “We are a progressive club, and I’m grateful the club have backed me with the players we have brought in,” he explained. “We’ve brought in young and exciting footballers, all who have a lot of NPL experience in their short careers. The pre-season is ticking along nicely, and I have a renewed energy and determination for this new group to achieve great things together.”
Collins joins from the Azzurri, a club with great tradition in WA football, and he enjoyed his time there. “Perth is one of the most prestigious clubs in WA so when the opportunity came, I had to grab it with both hands, my time there was great,” he said. “I really enjoyed the whole experience, both sets of coaching staff I had were great with me and improved me so much mentally and physically, the club were always great with my family too. It was a tough decision to leave the Azzurri, but due to certain circumstances it had to be done.”
The midfielder started his football at Rockingham City, a club where he made is senior debut, something the 20-year-old will never forget, and he is hoping for more success at Armadale next season. “I had a good chat with Alun about the future at Armadale, and after speaking to him it was a no brainer that was the club I wanted to go to,” Collins explained. “We’re now deep into pre-season and the boys are starting to gel and Alun has been nothing but top class. We want to be playing free flowing football this season and we have the players to do so, it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to and hopefully one the fans will be too.”
It was also a tough decision for Van Dieken to move from Mandurah City, after two good seasons, but he thought it was the right time to move on. “It definitely was a tough decision to leave Mandurah, as I felt at home their and had a good relationship with everyone at the club,” he explained. “I played my junior football at Mandurah, so to win two trophies for the club in the two years I was there, I am proud of that and wish the club the very best going forward.”
The 20-year-old, who has also played at Perth Glory, Bayswater City, Ashfield, Rockingham City, said his highlight in the game was scoring against Liverpool in the Singapore JSSL 7’s competition when he was the Glory. He now looks forward to the new challenge at Alfred Skeet and has settled in really well. “I’m excited with the project that’s going on at Armadale and think that it is the right footballing decision for me,” Van Dieken said. “I’ve worked with Alun in the past and I really enjoyed it, and improved as a footballer so for me that made the decision easier. So far, the club has been really professional and I can’t wait to get into the competitive matches.”
Gilling joins after a successful spell at MUMFC, and he thought it was good for his goalkeeping development, but after taking to Vernals he jumped at the chance to head to Alfred Skeet. “I thought last season at Melville was good for my growth as a player as it presented me with lots of first team football,” he said. “It was a tough decision to leave the club of course but at the end of the day I had many contributing factors that helped me to make my decision to play elsewhere.”
The 19-year-old played most of his football at Bayswater, before heading to the Perth Glory academy. But he has some good memories at Bayswater, and hopes to add to that at Armadale next season. “My most memorable moments probably came whilst playing at Baysie, and winning the treble with the 18s in 2021 was huge,” Gilling explained. “I’m really excited to be part of Armadale, and when Alun discussed what direction, the club was trying to head in and what the philosophy was that we were trying to embrace as a team and as football club it really sounded like something I wanted to be a part of. I’ve heard people doubting us already, but I do think that we have a good group and our performances come round one will sound out all the voices of doubt.”
25.1.2024
GLORY AIMING TO BUILD ON WANDERERS WIN
Perth Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic believes his side are still in finals contention after last week’s big win against Western Sydney Wanderers, and he is looking to build on the hard-fought 2-1 win, when they visit Macarthur FC on Sunday in week 14 of the Isuzu Ute A-League (kick-off at 2:00pm WST). Stajcic’s side showed great character and desire to dominate a Wanderers side who were second on the table, and he said it had been coming.
“It’s still desperate times, we need to win a lot of matches to start threatening the finals race. We’re certainly not resting on our laurels and thinking that’s enough and I’m not, that’s for sure,” Stajcic said. “We haven’t kicked over the halfway point, it’s definitely not a write-off. What I have been saying for a long time is that the competition is so close.
“I actually truly believe Western United are a good team in this competition and they’ve competed well every week and have been very unlucky on numerous occasions and they’re rooted to the bottom of the ladder and we’re not too far away. I don’t think that anything’s a write off; this competition is so tight and it’s one of those where I think anything can happen right down to the wire.”
They head to the harbour city again this week, to take on the improving Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, and Stajcic said they will go there with the same attitude and looking for another three points. “It was a good performance last week and I thought we deserved the win, so it’s great that we can carry that momentum forward with those players that played last week, he said. “At the end of the day, there are lots of players in our squad who are all fighting for positions and we might have had reduced numbers in the last couple of weeks, but there are still plenty of boys there fighting for spots and it’s their lives and their careers on the line, so it’s an opportunity for other people to step up.
“I think the positive from this year, has been that even in the last four or five weeks, regardless of who’s come into the squad when we’ve had red card suspensions, injuries and what have you, we’ve kept that same level. We haven’t really dropped at all regardless of the difficulties we’ve been given and that’s going back four or five weeks before we even lost some players. So that’s really been a pleasing part, showing that we’re unified at training and everyone’s all aligned [so that] when they do have to fill a roll, they can come in and do it. These are still desperate times and we need to win a lot of matches to start threatening the Finals race. So we’re certainly not resting on our laurels and thinking that’s enough, of course we want to go there and compete and win again.”
The last time we visited Campbelltown, the hosts were 1-0 winners, with Georgian striker Bachana Arauli scoring the only goal 19 minutes from time. Glory fought from two goals down to beat the Bulls in Perth recently, and Stajcic believes that Mile Sterjovski’s side will be better prepared this time around. “Macarthur have come off their first win in a long-time last weekend,” he said, “so they’re finding form again and [Ulises] Davila looks like in the last two weeks that he’s hit his old levels of being exceptional, so they’re definitely a good team.
“I think they were a little bit disadvantaged that day [the defeat to Glory at HBF Park], to be honest. They were coming off a long run of games and some long-haul trips as well in the AFC Cup and I think we caught them at a good time. I sensed a little bit of fatigue in them halfway through the first half and they won’t have that this time. They’re playing at home, they’ll be fresh having not played for eight or nine days, so I think they’ll be a different proposition.”
Stajcic remains adamant, that there is actually little to separate all teams in the A-League this year, and you need to be at your best and take your chances to get the three points. “What I have been saying for a long time is that the competition is so close,” he said. “I actually truly believe Western United are a good team in this competition and have competed well every week and been unlucky on numerous occasions and they’re rooted to the bottom of the ladder.
“Some teams at the top have scored less goals than us, for example, so it’s really on the day. The teams that are on the top have been more consistent throughout each game and throughout the comp, but it’s not a gap, there’s not a big gap week to week, game to game, between any team. This competition is so tight and I think anything can happen right down to the wire.” Glory have added three to the squad for the trip, with Jarrod Carluccio, Kaelan Majekodunmi and Andriano Lebib available, but co-captain Mark Beevers is still out injured.
Midfielder Giordano Colli said last week’s win was huge, and they hope to kick on with it. “A great win last week and good to get the monkey off our backs, especially against a team like the Wanderers who are having a good season,” Colli explained. “We’ve taken a lot of confidence from the win, the boys are up and about and ready to go, looking for back-to-back wins away. Being a Perth boy, I’m not happy the position we are on the table, but the win last week was important and we will look to get some more and push for finals football.”
The former Bayswater City midfielder said they will look for a repeat of the result against the Bulls earlier in the season, but knows they need to start well. “Macarthur have a good side, with some quality up top, so we can’t take them lightly,” Colli said. “We came from two goals down to beat them earlier in the season, but we need to start the game well this time. On a personal level I’m happy with my performance this season after a dip in form last season, so to get the consistency and have the backing of the coach is really good, and I want to play as much as possible and help the team get as many wins on the board.”
Macarthur FC squad: GK Filip KURTO, GK Danijel NIZIC, 4 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomi USKOK, 8 Jake HOLLMAN, 10 Ulises DAVILA, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 14 Kristian POPOVIC, 15 Kearyn BACCUS, 16 Oliver Jones, 17 RAPHAEL, 20 Kealey Adamson, 21 Bernardo Oliveira, 22 Yianni NICOLAOU, 23 Clayton LEWIS, 27 Jerry SKOTADIS, 31 Lachlan ROSE, 36 Ali AUGLAH, 37 Jed DREW, 98 Valere GERMAIN - Unavailable: 2 Jake McGING, 7 Danny DE SILVA, 19 Jesper WEBBER, 24 Charles M’MOMBWA (INTERNATIONAL Commitment), 32 Isaac HOVAR (injury), 44 Matt MILLAR
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 34 Andriano LEBIB. 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: CARLUCCIO, MAJEKODUNMI, LEBIB - Unavailable: 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
25.1.2024
GLORY LOOKING TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
Perth Glory head into Week 14 of the Liberty A-League looking to return to winning ways, when they make the trip to Marden Sports Complex to take on bottom of the table Adelaide United on Saturday afternoon. (2:30pm WA time) Alex Epakis’ side haven’t won in the last three games, and are coming off back-to-back draws against Victory and the Roar, which saw them drop to third on the table. But midfielder Isobel Dalton is confident they have the game plan required to make a return to winning ways.
The English-born midfielder, who has played for Bristol City in the UK, and Napoli in Italy, believes that only minor improvements are required to help secure a seventh win of the campaign which would potentially close the gap on leaders Melbourne City and Sydney. “We’ve had two good performances, but at times we could have been a bit more clinical,” she said. “So, it’s about going into this game, taking our chances and just building on those performances.
“The formation that we play, a lot of teams didn’t expect that when we first started, but people have adjusted to it now, so it’s a bit more predictable. But the movements we make our lives a lot easier, so it’s about finding ways to work around other teams and we won’t shy away from the way we play. That’s our identity and we know how well it works at times, so it’s about finding [different] ways that we can actually play in that formation.”
The last clash between the two sides in Adelaide, saw the home side run out 2-1 winners in week 17 last season at ServiceFM Stadium. Hannah Blake gave Glory the lead early in thr second half, but the Reds hit back with Morgan Aquino scoring an own goal, before Fiona Worts secured all three points for the hosts 20 minutes from time.
The Reds may be languishing at the foot of the table this season, and haven’t won since the turn of the year, but Glory haven’t won in the South Australia capital since 2016, and Dalton feels that they should not be underestimated. “They’re a good team and the table doesn’t justify how good a team they actually are,” she said. “They’re quick up front, they have former Glory players and we know it’s going to be a tough challenge. But I think if we stick to our game plan, we’ll give them a good game.”
On a personal note, the 26-year-old has become an integral part of the squad, and she feels that she is now starting to hit her straps. “It was tough at the start coming back from injury and it was about finding a bit of consistency,” she said. “In the past few matches I’ve got some decent minutes and that’s been nice for me personally. I think I’m growing into it and finding feet and combining with the other girls.” You can catch all the action from the game live and FREE on 10Play from 2:30pm WST.
Adelaide United squad: GK Annalee GROVE, GK Grace WILSON, 2 Emily HODGSON, 3 Meleri MULLAN, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Hannah BLAKE, 8 Emily CONDON, 9 Rosetta TAYLOR, 10 Chelsie DAWBER, 11 Isabel HODGSON, 12 Nanako SASAKI, 13 Ella TONKIN, 14 Jenna HOLTZ, 16 Dylan HOLMES, 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 19 Maruschka WALDUS, 20 Miley GRIGG 21 Claudia JENKINS, 23 Alana JANCEVSKI, 28 Chrissy PANAGARIS - Ins: CONDON, TAYLOR, GRIGG, JENKINS, PANAGARIS - Unavailable: 7 Mariah LEE, 22 Emilia MURRAY (ankle)
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: CAIN, STONEHILL, GREEN, FOLETTA - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
24.1.2024
STAJCIC CONFIDENT GLORY CAN PUSH INTO THE FINALS
Coach Alen Stajcic has vowed Perth Glory will go down swinging and still believes they can play finals football despite sitting in 11th spot on the A-League Men’s ladder. After winning their first away games in 18 attempts against Western Sydney Wanderers over the weekend, Glory sit just seven points off a finals berth.
The season has not quite reached the halfway mark and with 14 games to go, Stajcic said the top six was not beyond Glory. “It’s still desperate times, we need to win a lot of matches to start threatening the finals race. We’re certainly not resting on our laurels and thinking that’s enough and I’m not, that’s for sure,” Stajcic said.
“We haven’t kicked over the halfway point, it’s definitely not a write-off. What I have been saying for a long time is that the competition is so close. I actually truly believe Western United are a good team in this competition and they’ve competed well every week and have been very unlucky on numerous occasions and they’re rooted to the bottom of the ladder.”
“I don’t think that anything’s a write off; this competition is so tight and it’s one of those where I think anything can happen right down to the wire.” Glory play their second game on road on the boucne when they meet fifth-placed Macarthur FC on Sunday afternoon.
24.1.2024
WALMSLEY READY FOR NIGHT SERIES AFTER TRIP TO THE REDS
It’s been a busy off-season for Perth Glory NPL Head Coach John Walmsley, heading to England and working at his favourite EPL club Liverpool as part of his Pro License. Warmsley said it was fantastic experience to see behind the scenes at one of the biggest and famous clubs in the world. “As I’m between part 2 and 3 on my Pro Licence at the minute and I had to do a club visit, so I was fortunate enough that I could make it work with Liverpool,” Walmsley said.
“I spent a week with the Under-21s leading up to their match against Athletic Bilbao in the Premier League International Cup. It was great to see how they run things, what their culture and environment is like and the training facilities and everything else. It was a fantastic experience.” Warmsley returned to his duties at Glory, and is straight into the action with the club taking on Bayswater City in the NPLWA Night Series opening round.
Glory will also face newly promoted, Fremantle City, Perth SC, Floreat Athena, and last season’s Top Four Finals winners Stirling Macedonia in Group B, and Walmsley is relishing the prospect of fine-tuning his preparations for the new NPL WA campaign which gets underway in mid-March. “We have a really competitive group, the culture is good and the approach of all of the players has been superb, so we’re really pleased with where we are at the moment,” he said.
“Going into the Night Series, we’ve had one pre-season friendly against Perth RedStar last week and we’ll use the Night Series to try and get ready for the season, build on match minutes and work on what we need to do in and out of possession. Last year, as my first year [as Head Coach], I was getting to know that players from scratch and even getting to know the league and what’s expected and what’s needed. There are less unknowns this year, and I know the players more, and I know where we need to be a bit clearer [as coaches] and hopefully that’ll make the preparation easier.”
The Head Coach believes that many of last season’s successful Under-20s side will get their chance at First Team level, as they look to unearth another young player to make the step to the A-League. “We’ve had a lot of lads that have gone into the A-League set-up,” he said, “like Daniel Bennie, Joel Anasmo, Kaelan Majekodunmi and Andriano Lebib and I may have missed a few there. That gives opportunities for lads in the 20s to come up, so the First Team this year is the core group of the 20s from last year moving in. Some of them got First Team experience towards the back end of last year as well, so it’s a continuation of that.”
24.1.2024
PERTH GLORY FANS DESERVE MORE
The future of Perth Glory is hanging by a thread, with crowds dwindling, still looking for an owner, and a squad which is getting smaller by the week. The Glory faithful continue to support their team, but it’s down to under 6,000 a game, and they are miles below where they used to be. Many can remember the 15,000 plus crowds from the NSL day’s and over 10,000 only a few ago, but many are being turned off by the ownership problems, and are letting their feet do the talking, but they deserve more.
Glory, who have been run by the APL since July, after former owner Tony Sage handed his licence back, and the club was forced into receivership, said the league instructed them to accept a loan offer for Salim Khelifi, and the APL are understood to be annoyed by this, but the departure of the Tunisian winger, who was apparently open to a move away from Perth, left many supporters outraged. Despite propping up Glory financially, the APL themselves are cash-strapped - having had to lay off a reported 50 per cent of the league’s staff this week - and the financial burden of running Perth is evidently taking its toll, but is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
It's been reported that Melbourne property developer Ross Pelligra is looking to purchase the club, but he could be buying them for a pittance, and is set to capitalise on the financial turmoil at APL by snapping up the Perth Glory licence for a cut price. The club were once valued by the APL at $15 million, a well credentialed source claims Pelligra - who last week was joined by ex-Socceroo Mark Bresciano in WA for takeover talks - could be handed the ownership for a token fee, with an ongoing pledge to fund the club by up to $4 million each year.
Already the benefactor of Italian Serie C side Catania, Pelligra is back for a second bite at purchasing the club, after his initial bid to rescue the club and take on its debts was rejected. Receivers KordaMentha subsequently dumped an offer from another Melbourne property baron, Robert Brij, after the proposed sale been initially trumpeted as a done deal. This leaves Pelligra as the last man standing - and a decision close, according to reports.
The recent upheaval within the APL - 50 per cent of its 90-strong work force axed last week in a radical restructuring of its business - has played into Pelligra’s hands, with extravagant evaluations of the club’s value cast asunder in favour of finding a credible purchaser willing to fund the club long into the future, and a source told football website FTBL a decision is very close.
“There is an air of desperation now (at APL HQ) and they just want to stop the bleeding because they’ve been losing hand over fist in multiple areas,” he said. “A decision is very close in terms of a Perth Glory takeover - Ross Pelligra was there in the first round and offered a $1. I think the sentiment within the APL is very different now.
“My feeling is that if the Pelligra Group is genuine then a deal with happen. If they’re skirting around the issue, it won’t. Now is their best opportunity because the APL are at their weakest point (in terms of asking price). The only way forward is not by the APL extracting a significant licence fee and attempting to make a new owner pay for the sins of the past, it’s in the promotion of the club.
“That requires at least $1.5 million up front in marketing and promotion plus of course ongoing costs which I’d estimate to be around $3-4 million each season (assuming TV money via the league’s Paramount+ deal covers the bulk of player wages). Money needs to be blown to create hype around the club again.” Pelligra’s Perth trip included meetings WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti and officials from the City of Stirling last week, with discussions thought to revolve around a new home for the team and Pelligra’s plan to revive a club which has been propped up by the APL since Sage surrendered the licence in July.
West Australian newspaper journalist Ben Smith hit the nail on the head, saying the club are on life-support. “Right now, the club is teetering in a perilous position, and those outside of Perth may do well to heed warning - the discontent from fans is at an all-time high. The sales process has dragged on for more than six months after a quick turnaround was pledged by the league and the longer it takes, the more fans lose hope and faith in the future,” Smith wrote. “
“Even during Sage’s tenure, as polarising as he was to some and downright unpopular to others, the level of indifference was never at the level it is now. Crowds have dwindled, The Shed is shrinking and games are purely attended by the loyal supporters - which is becoming an even smaller group by the minute. And if those loyalists are driven away, there won’t be anyone left.
24.1.2024
WOMEN’S MASTER LEAGUE TEAMS REQUIRED
With the success of women’s football hitting an all-time high in Australia, competitions are growing, and Football West announced this week, they are after clubs to nominate for the new Hyundai Women’s Masters League. This league is open to players aged 35 and over (born in 1989 or earlier). However, each team can field three players aged 30-34 (born 1990-1994). The announcement comes after in-person and online community consultation through the recent Hyundai Women & Girls Forum and an online survey for players and administrators.
The forum and survey demonstrated great passion for the establishment of the league and the ongoing development of women’s football opportunities in WA. The insights from this consultation have shaped the league design and considered the preferences of players. Football West Manager - Female Football & Advocacy Sarah du Plessis said: “The introduction of a Hyundai Women's Masters League marks a significant step in recognising and celebrating the enduring talent and passion of female players.
“Beyond the pitch, this league holds importance by providing a platform for experienced players to continue participating through club football and playing the game they love. It symbolises a commitment to inclusivity and showcases that football is a lifelong pursuit for all players, contributing to a more diverse and equitable sporting landscape. “
Key information on the Hyundai Women’s Masters League: * League matches will be played as per standard club football - 11 v 11 on full-sized pitches and for 90 minutes - *At least four teams will be required for Football West to facilitate the league. Football West will confirm this with the participating clubs upon completion of the nomination process - *Matches will be played home and away on Sundays. Clubs will be able to determine optimum days and times based on agreement. This is noting that Friday evenings were also a popular preference in some instances
The allowance for three underage players in this first season considers the aim to make the competition accessible to more clubs growing their Women’s Master’s program. This will be reviewed in future seasons. Clubs can nominate through Squadi when this opens for the 2024 season. Team and player fees will be as per the 2024 Football West fee structure for Masters football
If there are enough teams, Football West will look to facilitate a Hyundai Women’s Masters Cup If this is not the case, Women’s Masters League teams will be entered into the Hyundai Women’s League Cup in this first season. Teams will have the choice to opt out of this - For further information on the Hyundai Women’s Masters League, please email clubsupport@footballwest.com.au
23.1.2024
SOCCEROOS HELD BY UZBEKISTAN TO END GROUP STAGE (courtesy Molly Darlington)
Australia have sealed top spot in their Asian Cup group, but dropped their first points of the competition after a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan at the Al-Janoub Stadium on Tuesday evening. Once again, the Socceroos struggled in the final third against the best opposition they had faced in the tournament to date, but they did enough to go into the knockout stage, but they haven’t clicked as yet. Martin Boyle gave them the lead on the stroke of half time from the spot, but Uzbekistan levelled with substitute Azizbek Turgunboev heading home ten minutes from time. The draw also secured a spot in the next stage for Uzbekistan, while it ended a run of six consecutive clean sheets for the Socceroos.
Head Coach Graham Arnold said they are growing into the tournament, but their confidence must have been dented, not to see out the game. “We played some good combination football, we played some good attacking football, but it’s the last pass, and it’s the last maybe cut back or finish … that’s down to the individual,” Arnold said post-match. “The individual needs to put them in the back of the net – I can’t do that. Of course, we can do things better, but when you’ve only had them (the squad) for about two, three weeks to get them sorted out and when we’ve got to play games as well, it’s always about that culture and commitment the boys give that is very good.
“Do you know how hard it is to get 26 players together who play all around the world in different competitions, and they’re coached in completely different ways. We have great team culture and mateship. When the energy is high and the boys are good mates, you can overachieve, and that’s what we’re doing. Overall, we’re getting better as we go. We came here at the start of the tournament to top the group and we’ve got the job done. We move forward now, one game at a time and see who our next opponent is.”
Arnold made four changes to the side that beat Syria last time out, with Kusini Yengi coming in for the injured Mitch Duke, Keanu Baccus, and Riley McGree came in to the middle of the park for Connor Metcalfe and Aiden O’Neill, while Nataniel Atkinson replaced Cameron Burgess at the back. Uzbekistan needed a result in this one to qualify, and they started brightly and Harry Souttar had to be alert with a well-timed block to deny Oston Urunov on seven minutes. The Socceroos had the ball in the net five minutes later, Yengi heading home, but Boyle was in an offside position in the build-up, to deny the Portsmouth striker his first goal for the green and gold.
It was a tight game, with the Socceroos having plenty of possession, but doing little with it. Uzbekistan defender Umar Eshmurodev was lucky not to see red after hauling Boyle down as he burst forward, but after a lengthy VAR check, he was only given a yellow card. Souttar came to the rescue again on 38 minutes, this after his errant pass went straight to Otabek Shukurov, but the big Leicester City defender got back to block his effort. Then in the shadows of half time, the Socceroos hit the front. The lively Yengi weaved his way past a number of defenders, before cutting the ball back to McGree, but the Middlesbrough midfielder failed to hit the target.
But VAR had seen a possible handball by Odiljon Hamrobekov after Yengi’s pass, and after a lengthy check referee Yusuke Araki pointed to the spot and booked the defender, much to the displeasure of the Uzbekistan coaching staff. It looked very harsh, but Boyle kept his composure and sent keeper Utkir Yusupov the wrong way from the resulting penalty, to send them into the break with the lead.
Both sides had chances early in the second half, Bos cutting the ball back to McGree, but he failed to find the target, and moments later Jaloliddin Masharipov’s free kick flashes just wide of the upright. Uzbekistan was fighting for every ball and making it tough for the Socceroos to play out, and they were getting on top, and their supporters thought they had levelled just after the hour, a free kick into the box was headed home by Eshmurodov, but the flag was up for offside, and VAR agreed with him.
Then ten minutes from time Uzbekistan deservedly levelled. Masharipov made space down the left and whipped in a cross, and Turgunboev rose above Aziz Behich and power home his header. With news of the score in the other group game, both sides settled for the draw and a passage into the round of 16. “The first piece of the puzzle, finishing top of the group, was the most important at this stage of the competition. We can be proud of that.” Socceroos skipper Maty Ryan said post-match.
“I feel like we’re building into the tournament nicely. And we’ll go and analyse this and recover from tonight’s match and look forward to the next one. When you face some adversity, and some challenges, and you don’t get the result that you want… you have to take it in your stride. It’s important to learn from the lessons that we got tonight, and the better that we can do, the stronger we’ll be moving forward. That's going to be the messages that are going to be driven now moving forward is to learn from each experience, and in each game in the moments within that to make yourself stronger, and we’ll come out hungry for the next one.”
Australia: GK Maty RYAN, 3 Nathaniel ATKINSON (20 Lewis Miller 93’), 5 Jordan BOS (11 Marco TILLO 93’), 6 Martin BOYLE (8 Connor METCALFE 72’), 10 Kusini YENGI (57'), 14 Riley MCGEE (9 Bruno FORNAROLI 79'), 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Keanu BACCUS (13 Aiden O'NEILL 84’), 19 Harry SOUTTAR, 21 Cameron BURGESS, 22 Jackson IRVINE – Subs Not Used: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 2 Thomas DENG, 7 Samuel SILVERA, 23 Craig GOODWIN, 24 Patrick YAZBEK, 26 John IREDALE
Uzbekistan: GK Utkir YUSUPOV, 4 Farrukh SAYFIEV, 5 Rustam ASHURMATOV, 7 Otabek SHUKUOV, 9 Odiljon HAMROBEKOV, 11 Oston URUNOV, 10 (Jaloliddin MASHARIPOV 46'), 15 Umar ESHMURODOV, 18 Abdulla ABDULLAEV, 20 Khojimat ERKINOV (19 Azizbek TURGUNBOEV 63'), 22 Abbosbek FAYZULLAEV (21 Igor SERGEYEV 63' 8 (Jamshid ISKANDEROV 84'), 26 Zafarmurod ABDURAKHMATOV - Sub Not Used: RGK Abduvohid NEMATOV, RGK Botirali ERGASHEV, 2 Mukhammadkodir KHAMRALIEV, 6 Diyor KHOLMATOV, 14 Jamshid BOLTABOEV, 17 Bobur ABDIKHOLIKOV, 23 Shokhboz UMAROV, 24 Azizbek AMONOV – Attendance: 15,290 – Referee: Yusuke ARAKI (Japan)
23.1.2024
MAYOR OPEN TO GLORY HEADQUARTERS IN STIRLING
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin has thrown his support behind a possible Perth Glory headquarters within the council area, after City officials met with a potential buyer for the embattled A-Leagues club. Property developer Ross Pelligra and Socceroos great Mark Bresciano jetted into Perth last week to talk with local and state government officials.
Pelligra is the most high-profile bidder for the Glory licence, which has been without an owner since long-term chairman Tony Sage ceded control of the club in July. Pelligra is the owner of Catania in Italy’s Serie C, which boasts former Socceroo Vince Grella as chief executive and has counted Bresciano as an advisor.
It is understood Pelligra and Bresciano’s meeting with local and state government representatives involved preliminary discussions in regards to a parcel of land next to the Stirling administration building. The Cedric Street has been touted as a potential future Glory headquarters, which could house training fields and administration facilities.
Irwin said the future City Stirling Centre, which will include the vacant block next to the Stirling council chambers and through to Glendalough, would be supported with strong amenities and services as well as sporting infrastructure. “One of the things that’s always been on our radar is the potential to have sporting facilities there,” Irwin said.
“When the potential owners are looking at purchasing Perth Glory, we are just happy to be involved in any discussions. The Stirling City Centre is supportive of soccer within Perth and specifically within the City of Stirling. We’re very keen if an opportunity presents in the future for Perth Glory to have either administration home or playing fields, but that is as far at the discussions have gone.”
“Discussions between new owners and Perth Glory is between them and entirely confidential, I’m sure that although they met with a new group last week, they may not be the only groups that they’re meeting with. We’ve just made it very clear to Perth Glory that at any time, if they would like us to chat to potential buyers about future opportunities, landholdings and relationships, then we’re keen to be a part of it.”
Irwin said currently talks were very preliminary and any potential construction of a Glory base would have to undergo the regular process of public consultation and council reporting beforehand. “We’d certainly be keen to talk to them about temporary facilities or how we can help them in the short-term, but in terms of doing any development I would think it would be at least 18 months to two years,” he said.
Glory do not have a permanent headquarters and currently operate out of Fremantle Oval, while making use of various training pitches away from the facility. They were forced to move home games to the 4000-capacity Macedonia Park, home of Stirling Macedonia, last season due to the redevelopment of Perth Oval ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
Irwin said the City had built up a strong relationship with Glory over the last couple of years, particularly during their move to Macedonia Park, where their A-League Women’s side still plays. “The benefit for having such a prestigious sporting club in the heart of Stirling was fantastic for community sport and showing the pathway for junior sport,” he said.
22.1.2024
IREDALE EYES UP CHELTENHAM BOOST
There was a joke to be made as Jack Iredale said Bolton Wanderers must get “back on the horse” against Cheltenham Town – but nobody was in a laughing mood after Saturday’s defeat at Leyton Orient. An unimpressed Ian Evatt described an “awful” performance in East London, standing arms-folded and po-faced alongside members of his coaching staff.
“We have no excuses for that one,” Iredale told local media following the weekend loss. “It is too soon to tell the reasons but from the messages we had in the changing room we just didn’t play the conditions, what the game and environment gave us and that is why we came away with that.”
More than 1,200 fans had sold out the away stand, hoping to see Bolton secure a fifth straight win and potentially put themselves back into the automatic promotion spots. Instead, they viewed one of the Whites’ most disjointed displays in recent memory, and one they simply cannot afford to repeat in mid-week against Cheltenham.
“It is a massive journey for them to come down and support us, and our travelling fans are absolutely incredible,” Iredale said. “Having them here and dishing out that performance is not good enough, so we are already fully looking forward to Tuesday to try and fix that. We have to get straight back on the horse.”
“I am fully confident we will bounce back and learn our lessons. We know how good we have been this season, we have set a really high standard for ourselves and we dipped below it. I expect us to improve – we have to, because if we play like that again we will get what we deserve. Cheltenham at home we are going to get back to what we do next.”
Bolton will move on from the loss quickly with Iredale confident of getting a result against Cheltenham, who have not played a full league game since January 6. “I love the fact we have so many games,” he said. “We don’t just have to sit, wait and dwell on what has happened. We are going to figure out why it happened and then get back out there for Tuesday. I think we will learn a lesson.”
22.1.2024
BIRIGHITTI JOINS KILMARNOCK ON SEVEN-DAY LOAN
Dundee United goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has joined Kilmarnock on a seven-day loan ahead of their Scottish Cup clash against Dundee. The West Australian shot-topper made the switch to Rugby Park on an emergency loan after selection issues in goal for Kilmarnock.
"Due to a minor injury sustained by (first choice 'keeper) Will Dennis in training and (back-up) Aiden Glavin being cup-tied, Mark Birighitti has been recruited on a seven-day emergency loan for our Scottish Cup clash against Dundee," read a statement on the Kilmarnock website.
Birighitti is expected to play a back-up role on the bench for Kilmarnock, with third-choice 'keeper Kieran O'Hara likely to come into the eleven. The 32-year old has been seeking a move away from Dundee United since falling out of favour with manager Jim Goodwin in July 2023.
22.1.2024
GRIFFITHS HOPEFUL OF GAME TIME FOLLOWING INJURY LAY-OFF
Rostyn Griffiths has been the man for all seasons for Mumbai City since his arrival at the club ahead of the 2022/23 Indian Super League season. The veteran has been a rock at the heart of the Islanders' defence from then and formed an intimidating centre-back partnership with Mehtab Singh.
An unfortunate back injury has put Griffiths onto the sidelines of late, however, he is hopeful of featuring in today’s Kalinga Super Cup encounter with Chennaiyin. "My recovery has been quite good so far. I may be a part of the game against Chennaiyin if I really push myself; maybe not start the game but still play some part in it," Griffiths said.
"It has been a bit frustrating for me personally due to the injury that I picked up a while ago. But it has been great to watch from the sidelines - almost like a fan. The boys who have played in the Super Cup have been nothing short of brilliant. They are extraordinary players, and we are quite lucky to have them in our side."
"A lot of these youngsters look up to me as an elder brother… sometimes it just staggers me that I am almost double some of their ages. I know that the culture here in India is to look up to and respect your elders, but still, I find it quite nice when they come up to me, ask questions and are respectful in general."
Griffiths spoke glowingly of new coach Petr Kratsky, who took over when Des Buckingham joined English League One side Oxford United in December. "Petr (Kratky) shares a lot of similarities with Des (Buckingham)," he said. "Their ways of working are similar and their systems too are quite alike."
"The philosophies may be a tad different, but there is no significant change there. You can see why Petr was brought in to replace Des - both are young and possess an abundance of fresh ideas. This is the first time he has been a head coach in his career, but I know for a fact that he will succeed here."
22.1.2024
FANS LOSING FAITH AS GLORY ENTERS SIXTH OWNER-LESS MONTH (courtesy thewest.com.au)
Perth Glory fans have seen their fare share of chaos and confusion across the A-Leagues era - but right now, it really does feel the club is in their deepest purple mire, as smoke rises on the Swan River once more. Once again, it is those who bleed purple who are suffering the most as they watch their team stripped to its bare bones as the long and arduous process of the club’s sale lumbers on.
On Friday, the club issued a statement saying the Australian Professional Leagues - the league’s governing body - was behind the decision for them to accept a loan bid for Tunisian attacker Salim Khelifi to A-League rivals Melbourne Victory. Glory, who have been run by the APL since July, said the league instructed them to accept a loan offer for him.
The APL are understood to be annoyed at Glory’s messaging surrounding the departure of Khelifi - who was apparently open to a move away from Perth. Despite propping up Glory financially, the APL themselves are cash-strapped - having had to lay off a reported 50 per cent of the league’s staff last week - and the financial burden of running Glory is evidently taking its toll.
There has clearly been a direction by the APL for Glory to limit their player wage bill, as evidenced by the club’s inability to extend Ollie Bozanic’s loan deal despite the player and the team both seeking an extension. But even if the APL did not like the phrasing the fact of the matter is, there has been pressure from the league for the club to reduce its wage bill, and ultimately, the league are the ones in control of the club.
It is also not as if Glory have baulked at offloading players either. They agreed to the termination of Joseph Forde’s contract, forgoing the hassle of transfer negotiations to get him off books, while Aaron McEneff is headed back to Ireland on loan. At a broader level, a club under control of the league pushing through a deal which weakens one of the worst teams and improves one of the strongest is a bad look.
Glory fans are now worried which of their fan favourites will be next. Say you are Western Sydney, who are lacking an authoritative striker - how they would love the in-form Adam Taggart. And switching to the A-League Women’s, Sydney FC could also do with a striker - if they were to submit a loan bid for Millie Farrow, would it be accepted?
While it is likely each case will be assessed on its merit, it feels like the floodgates may open and fans are already fearing a repeat of the 2021/22 season, where the club had to dig deep into its academy reserves to field a team. Right now, the club is teetering in a perilous position, and those outside of Perth may do well to heed warning - the discontent from fans is at an all-time high.
The sales process has dragged on for more than six months after a quick turnaround was pledged by the league and the longer it takes, the more fans lose hope and faith in the future. Even during Sage’s tenure, as polarising as he was to some and downright unpopular to others, the level of indifference was never at the level it is now.
Crowds have dwindled, The Shed is shrinking and games are purely attended by the rusted-ons - which is becoming an even smaller group by the minute. And if those loyalists are driven away, there won’t be anyone left.
21.1.2024
STAJCIC SAYS APL NOT TELLING TRUTH
Alen Stajcic has hit back at the Australian Professional Leagues, rubbishing the assertions from head office that Perth Glory willingly agreed to midfielder Salim Khelifi quitting the club. Cash-strapped Glory have been under the control of the APL and receivers KordaMentha since Tony Sage was stripped of the club’s licence last year.
Glory’s chief executive Anthony Radich said on Friday the club wanted to keep Khelifi but had been “instructed by the APL to accept a loan offer from another A-League club”. But the APL released a statement on Saturday that said “all decisions are made collectively between Perth Glory, KordaMentha and the APL, including the sale of players”.
After his side’s 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night, Stajcic intimated the APL were being misleading. “That’s not true,” said Stajcic when asked if the APL’s statement matched his interpretation of the saga. “Not in this circumstance, not with Salim - that was a decision without instruction, consent or compensation.”
Stajcic has indicated he won’t be able to add to his squad in January and said the hopes of strengthening his side lay in the hands of A-League commissioner Nick Garcia. “I think the rest of the questions have to go to the APL and to Nick Garcia, he’s technically, for want of a better term, the owner of our club at the moment,” Stajcic said.
“So any questions around that really have to go to him. The APL are technically our owners, and Nick, whatever title they’ve given him, CEO or commissioner, he’s technically in charge of our club. I know the receivers have been handling things day to day so really, that’s a question for them. I’m coaching a team and trying to put a team on the park and that’s all I can be responsible and accountable for.”
21.1.2024
BURGESS OF HIS SOCCEROOS 'SPECIAL MOMENT'
Cameron Burgess was given his first start at an Asian Cup for the Socceroos, while also recording a first clean sheet, in the 1-0 win over Syria. The start was also the Ipswich Town defenders first in a major tournament for his country and it was a proud moment in his career.
“First game in the Asian Cup, another one ticked off for the Socceroos, which is nice and a special moment for me,” Burgess commented. “Good to have my family there to watch the game as well which is which is nice and yeah a step in the right direction.”
Burgess performed well against Syria, winning all his aerial duals and contributing to a sixth clean sheet in a row for Australia. “It’s something that we take pride in and something that we focus on, it's a big message for us and something we really think is a big strength,” he said. “It's tournament football, good to get a clean sheet and good to get another win.”
Australia were made to work hard by Syria, with a Jackson Irvine goal just before the hour enough to get the win. “You've just got to find a way to win the game, it's not always going to be easy, especially when the team's set up like that,” he said. “It means sometimes you can't score four and five goals; you have to just stick with it... stay calm and stick to the process.”
That process continues as well with the final group stage game against Uzbekistan fast approaching, and Burgess explained attention has already switched to their next outing. “We'll have a look at them and what their strengths are and what they'll try and do,” he said. “Both teams are looking to get top spot so should be an exciting game and hopefully we can go and take all three points.”
Burgess also touched on the team goal for this tournament and how important building confidence is in the effort to achieve that goal. “We're here to win every game we're not here to take it easy in any games so we're going to go into that one with full confidence and hopefully go and take three points, top the group and take the confidence into the next few games,” he said.
And to finish, Burgess said how much fun he is having in camp with his teammates. Seems the vibe in camp is high, would we expect anything else? “I love being around these boys, it's a great group to be involved in,” he said. “The boys are always up to something, there's always stuff going on around camp and it's a good place to be.”
21.1.2024
AZZURRI ADD EXPERIENCED ENGLISH DEFENDER
Perth Soccer Club have added their second import for the 2024 NPLWA season, bringing in experienced English defender Jack Cawley from New Zealand club Wellington Olympic. The 31-year-old joined his team mates at Dorrien Gardens last week and he has settled in well in Perth. “We’ve only been here a week, but settled in well, Perth is a beautiful place, great weather lovely beaches so it ticks all the boxes,” the defender explained. “The move here came when I spoke to a mate of mine Stephen Hoyle, who is a great lad, and he put me in touch with Danny Hay the coach at Perth, and he knew someone over in in New Zealand to come and watch the final recent, and the rest is history as they say.”
Cawley spent his younger years at Leyton Orient in the UK, before a stint in America. He returned to the UK and played for a number of clubs including National League clubs with Concord Rangers, Wealdstone, Bromley and Maidstone United. He then headed over the ditch to play for Wellington Olympic, helping them to win the Central League and Men’s National League titles, and Cawley said it was a great club to be involved with. “It was a good and successful time at Wellington, although it was shorter than I expected,” he said. “I was lucky enough to meet some great people and we managed to win the national league that clubs never managed to do, so I was happy I could play my part in that.”
Perth SC assistant coach Stuart Banks said the import is a huge signing for the club, and gives them a great deal of experience in the back line. “The signing of Jack gives us that final piece of the puzzle we were missing as he brings qualities to the squad, we felt we were lacking,” Banks explained. “A strong, determined, no nonsense defender with a desire and focus to win at all costs. He’s also a very good communicator and organises the players around him on the pitch. Even though he’s only been here a couple of weeks he’s already shown us what a great character he is and a quality addition to our squad.”
Like his new defensive partner at Perth, Ben Stroud, Cawley has football in his family, with his father Peter playing over 200 games in the UK, and he followed his dad’s footsteps playing at Wembley on two occasions, for Concord in 2020 and again in 2022 for Bromley, memories he will never forget. “My dad is my idol and my best mate, with the career he had in football that’s the main reason I’ve done what I’ve done in my career as I’ve had someone like him to look up to,” he said.
“Yes, playing at Wembley was unbelievable, it’s all kids dream to play at one of the biggest stadiums in world football and luckily enough I managed to do that, it was covid year that season so unfortunately there wasn’t any crowds but was still a great experience. The year after was great also I ended up returning to Wembley again with Bromley where we beat Wrexham, that’s a great experience also, think there was around 45/50 thousand fans at that one.
The defender is looking forward to working with Perth SC Head Coach Danny Hay, and believes he’s made the right choice after overtures from clubs in Melbourne. “Yes, other then the unreal weather and beautiful beaches, Danny was the reason I choose to come to Perth,” Cawley joked. “But in all seriousness, I had offers in Melbourne but I’ve learnt in football not always to go where the money is but to go where the best manager and environment is, and as soon as I heard Danny was interested it was a no brainer for me. Everyone I’ve spoken to about the man has been positive and since I’ve been here, he’s been top man, he’s also a centre half like me and has played for his country so who better to learn from.
“Also, everyone I spoke to before I come here about the club was positive, they told us how big it was and how much history it has so that, was obviously a no brainer as well, everyone’s been so welcoming and they’ve gone above and beyond to help us settle in, I can’t thank them enough. I’ll hopefully bring experience to side, we’ve got a young group of boys with a lot of talent so hopefully try bring the best out of them as much as possible, I like to say I’m comfortable on the ball and will bring the midfield into play as much as possible, front foot defender who likes to win my headers and tackles, looking forward it.”
20.1.2024
GLORY STUN WANDERERS AFTER A TOUGH WEEK
After a week of off-field turmoil, Perth Glory have put that behind then to beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 in week 13 of the Isuzu Ute A-League at CommBank Stadium on Saturday afternoon, to end a 17-game winless away hoodoo. A first half strike from Stefan Colakovski and another two minutes from time from David Williams secured the points, but there were some nervy moments late when Marcelo’s header in stoppage-time bounced in off Glory keeper Oli Sail, but it was a well-deserved win against the inform Wanderers, and a performance all Glory supporters should be proud of, and hope they can build on it and push for the finals.
“I thought we were the most disciplined that we’ve seen for a long time, the courage, commitment and the heart and spirit was the best we’ve put into a game I thought, over the 90 plus minutes, so to get rewarded for that effort is pleasing,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match. “I thought we played well against Victory and Phoenix in the last couple of games, and there at the top of the table and those results could’ve gone either way very easily, so we weren’t far away, but when you’re losing it’s not good enough.
“But to get over the line with such amazing courage after dealing with a little bit of adversity last week, and to come out the other end, and put on that sort of display for the fans back home is something they should be proud of. Football is tough, if you’re winning or losing and things going on, but I thought the last week was unique, something I’ve never had to deal with before. Not knowing we had a player (Salim Khelifi) to play 24 hours before kick-off was extremely challenging, and at training he was in our starting eleven, but the lads have overcome all that and it’s a really good platform for us to build on.”
Stajcic made four changes to the side that were edged out by league leaders Wellington Phoenix last time out. The most surprising was between the sticks, with Sail coming in to replace Cameron Cook, while Darryl Lachman returned from injury for Jacob Muir. Stefan Colakovski came in for Luke Ivanovic, who dropped to the bench, while Bruce Kamau returned from suspension for Khelifi, who left the club on Friday. It was the hosts who made the better start to the game and Sail did well to keep out a Dylan Pierias’ shot on six minutes, before saving low from Nicolas Milanovic 12 minutes later.
It was one-way traffic and the Wanderers went close again moments later, Marcelo’s header at the back post beat Sail, but Riley Warland was back on the line to clear. After surviving the early onslaught, Glory hit back, and Taggart was picked out by Colakovski’s cross, but his powerful header flashed inches past the post, before former Glory keeper Daniel Margush got down well to deny Taggart again, as Glory lifted the tempo. The Glory supporters in the crowd and at home took a deep breath when Taggart went down with a calf injury, but the former Socceroos striker was back on minutes later.
Sail then saved well to thwart the lively Pierias on the half hour, but four minutes later it was Glory who found the opener. Kamau sent Taggart racing down the left, his low cross on the run found Colakovski, who finished clinically Past Margush. There was a VAR check, with both players close to offside, but the goal was allowed. They went close to a second four minutes later, Taggart’s shot beat the Wanderers custodian, but Brazilian defender Marcelo cleared the ball off the line, and at the break it was Glory who held a narrow lead.
Glory started the second as they ended the first half, and Johnny Koutroumbis was denied by Margush at his near post, before Aleks Susnjar fired over the top. Glory had the ball in the net again just after the hour, Taggart’s shot was parried by Margush, and Williams fired home the rebound, but the flag was up for offside. The hosts made a triple change, with Gabriel Cleur, Valentino Yuel and Milos Ninkovic coming on, but they couldn’t find away past Sail, who was having an outstanding game, the Glory custodian getting down well to deny Josh Brillante.
It was end-to-end football, with Sail saving a Ninkovic long-range effort, before Glory substitute Ivanovic was deny by Margush. But with the hosts pushing players forward, Glory was finding holes in their defence and two minutes from time they doubled their advantage. Giordano Colli sent Williams down the right, and the former Socceroo cut inside Alex Bonetig, and finished with aplomb and was mobbed by his teammates. They weren’t finished there, and Margush saved well to deny Taggart, after another quick break from Glory. The hosts continued to press forward and were denied again by Sail in stoppage time, the Glory custodian saving well from Marcus Antonsson’s free kick. But from the resulting corner, Wanderers did pull one back, Marcelo’s header hit the base of the post and rebounded into the net off the back of the unfortunate Sail, but it was too little too late, Glory taking the three points.
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Daniel MARGUSH, 6 Marcelo, 7 Dylan PIERIAS (17 Lachlan BROOK 80'), 9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 13 Tate RUSELL, 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC (11 Valentino YUEL 64'), 19 Jack CLISBY, 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 33 Alex BONETIG, 36 Oscar PRIESTMAN (2 Gabriel CLEUR 64'), 37 Alex BADOLATO (10 Milos NINKOVIC 64') - Subs not used: RGK Taiga HARPER, 16 Tom BEADLING, 39 Marcus YOUNIS
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (19 Trent OSTLER 73'), 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (12 Luke IVANOVIC 57'), 8 Mustafa AMINI (4 Luke BODNAR 73'), 14 Riley WARLAND (3 Jacob MUIR 79'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU (9 David WILLIAMS 57') - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 27 Jayden GORMAN – Attendance: 8,779 - Referee: Ben ABRAHAM
20.1.2024
AQUINO STARS AS GLORY ARE HELD BY THE ROAR
Perth Glory remains second on the Liberty A-League table, despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Brisbane Roar at Macedonia Park on Saturday evening. Morgan Aquino was the star for the hosts, making a number of important saves, including a superb penalty save to deny former Glory midfielder Ayesha Norrie just before half time, but the hosts had chances to win it late, with Mille Farrow and Susan Phonsongkham going close, but they couldn’t find the winner.
“I thought the first half we were a bit flat, and hesitant with a few things without the ball as well and it allowed them more time and space, but we discussed it at half time and I thought we had a lot more energy in the second half, and the last 30 minutes was our best period of the game and we created some good chances,” Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis said post-match. “We defiantly need more goal scoring opportunities, and when we get them, we need to ice them, but defensively tonight I thought we were superb, a clean sheet, which is important when you’re misfiring up front.”
Epakis went in with the same side that drew with Melbourne Victory last time out, and looking to get back to winning ways, after their first loss at the venue against Western Sydney Wanderers in their last home game. The host arrived in the west in tenth spot, but they were on the front foot early, and Aquino saved well to deny American striker Mia Corbin’s point-blank shot. She went close again as the Roar continued to dictate terms, but her long-range shot flew over the top.
Glory best opportunity cam on 36 minutes, Farrow finding Quinley Quezada, and the Philippines international’s long-range shot fizzed narrowly wide. But in first half stoppage time the visitors were given a perfect opportunity to take the lead after Natasha Rigby handled Sharn Freier’s cross and referee Mikayla Ryan pointed straight to the spot. Norrie stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Aquino guessed the right way to save. The Roar had dominated the first half, and there is a lot of work to do for Glory after the break.
It was still the Roar on top after half time, and Aquino was standing between them and the three points, the Glory custodian saving low to deny Corbin on the hour, before Freier blazed over the rebound. There was a change of referee four minutes later, with fourth official Shane Skinner replacing the injured Ryan. Glory was starting to get on top and English striker Farrow went close to the opener on 70 minutes.
Georgia Cassidy’s ball sent Farrow racing clear, Roar keeper Jordan Silkowitz came racing out, and Farrow knocked the ball past her and raced towards goal, but her shot from the angle was cleared off the line by Holly McQueen, with Farrow flying over the advertising hoardings luckily, she was unhurt.
Glory went close again four minutes later, Isobel Dalton’s ball found Farrow, who cut inside Ruby Cuthbert, but the striker saw her shot superbly blocked by Silkowitz, the keeper up quickly to pounce on the rebound. It Glory who were looking more likely to win it, and Cassidy’s racking ball sent Rigby down the right, the Glory skipper pulled the ball back to Phonsongkham, but she couldn’t keep her shot down, with both sides sharing the spoils.
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 11 Grace JALE, 20 Quinley QUEZADA (12 Sofia SAKALIS 68'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON (10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM 76'), 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 25 Grace JOHNSTON
Brisbane Roar: GK Jordan SILKOWITZ, 3 Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 4 Kijah STEPHENSON (12 Tamar LEVIN 76'), 5 Jenna MCCORMICK 6 Holly MCQUEEN, 7 Ayesha NORRIE, 9 Mia CORBIN (20 Bonnie DAVIES 76'), 11 Sharn FREIER, 13 Tameka YALLOP, 19 Hollie PALMER, 22 Ruby CUTHBERT (2 Rebecca KIRKUP 79') - Subs not used: RGK Keeley RICHARDS, 18 Teagan THOMPSON - Attendance: 1,205 - Referee: Mikayla RYAN (Shane SKINNER 65’)
20.1.2024
COWART READYING FOR BIG SECOND HALF
Defender Jessika Cowart says Perth Glory have reset and recalibrated as they ready themselves to lock down a spot in the finals in the second half of the A-League Women’s season. With Glory sitting second on the ladder, five points behind leaders Melbourne City, 10 games stand between them and a return to the finals for the first time since 2019.
The run home begins with a clash against Brisbane Roar at Macedonia Park tonight and Cowart said the squad were determined to push on after their strong start to the season. “All season, our target has been to be the top team and I think we’ve been making really great strides towards that,” Cowart said.
“We can look back and be very proud of how we played the first half of the season and we want to build off of that momentum. Maybe our performances might have been a bit of a shock to some people and how well we’ve been playing, but that’s what we want to do, we want to surprise people, catch them off guard.”
Cowart has been a rock at the back for Glory in her first season with the club after starting all three of The Philippines’ Women’s World Cup matches. After graduating from Washington University, she spent time in Turkey, Serbia and Sweden before finding her way to Glory.
While the expanded finals system means the top six will qualify this season - as opposed to just the top four of past seasons - Glory find themselves at the head of a logjam which spans most of the league. And although currently second from top, Glory are also just eight points ahead of 10th-placed Brisbane Roar.
But after their come-from-behind draw against a star-studded Melbourne Victory last week, Cowart said there was plenty of confidence in the Glory squad. “It was a really great response to how the Western Sydney game went... it was nice that we had a quick turnaround and all week, practices were intense, “she said. “They were focused and we really bought back into how we play and I think that showed in the Victory game.”
19.1.2024
APL FORCED GLORY'S HAND IN RELEASE OF KHELIFI
Perth Glory say the Australian Professional Leagues is behind the decision for them to accept a loan bid for Tunisian attacker Salim Khelifi to A-League rivals Melbourne Victory. Glory, who have been run by the APL since July, have confirmed Khelifi’s departure and said the league instructed them to accept a loan offer for him.
It is understood Khelifi will join Victory - currently second on the ladder - although he is yet to complete a medical with the A-League high-flyers. The foreigner’s departure comes as another import, out-of-favour Irishman Aaron McEneff, returns to his homeland.
Glory chief executive Anthony Radich said the club were disappointed to lose Khelifi. “I want to make it very clear to all our members, club partners and fans that this decision is neither the will nor the want of the club,” he said. “It is a direct consequence of our inherited financial legacy, but that said, the outcome is still a very difficult one to accept on many levels.”
“We understand the disappointment that this will bring to all our key stakeholders and furthermore, the significant impact it will have upon Alen Stajcic and his team as they look to drive forward into the second half of the season. This is a challenging time for the club, but we remain hopeful of a resolution to our ownership situation in the very near future.”
The decison to release Khelifi arrived just hours before Glory confirmed McEneff had departed for Shamrock Rovers. The midfielder joined Glory ahead of the 2022/23 A-League season and went on to make a total of 15 appearances, the most recent of which was five weeks ago.
Khelifi and McEneff join Joseph Forde, who has joined Waterford in the League of Ireland, as January departures from Glory. The club have also watched on powerlessly as on loan midfielder Ollie Bozanic recently returned to Western Sydney Wanderers, while Jarrod Carluccio will do likewise at the end of the month.
Glory have been instructed by the APL to not sign any players until they have new owners in place. APL commissioner Nick Garcia told ESPN this week the bid to sell the Glory - after a previous deal with Primeland Group’s Robert Brij and business partner John Nekic fell through - was nearing an end.
18.1.2024
DUO DEPART GLORY ON-LOAN
With a squad that is getting smaller each day, and with no owners in place, things look dire for the A-League club, and today they confirmed the parting of two players, Salim Khelifi and Aaron McEneff, on-loan for the rest of the season. In the Khelifi move, the club were instructed by Australian Professional Leagues (APL), who own the club at present, and are making cutbacks of their own, to accept the loan offer from another A-League club for Tunisian midfielder. Khelifi will join the club in question, rumoured to be Melbourne Victory, for the remainder of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Season (subject to medical and international clearance).
Glory coach Alen Stajcic was aware of the loan deal and his hands are tied with the club in the situation as it is, and said in his weekly match preview, “I can’t comment on that at the moment, there are a list of things that are happening, so we will see how that plays out in the next period of time.” But the deal has been done and Glory CEO Anthony Radich said it’s not a decision they wanted to make. “I want to make it very clear to all our members, club Partners and fans that this decision is neither the will, nor the want of the club,” he said
“It is a direct consequence of our inherited financial legacy, but that said, the outcome is still a very difficult one to accept on many levels. We understand the disappointment that this will bring to all our key stakeholders and furthermore, the significant impact it will have upon Alen Stajcic and his team (who have been incredibly stoic and resilient) as they look to drive forward into the second half of the season. This is a challenging time for the club, but we remain hopeful of a resolution to our ownership situation in the very near future and are deeply appreciative of our loyal and passionate Glory family for their ongoing support.”
The club also confirm that McEneff has joined his former Irish club Shamrock Rovers on loan, with a view to completing a permanent move. The Irish midfielder joined Glory ahead of the 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-League season and went on to make a total of 15 appearances in purple. The club thanked McEneff for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.
McEneff is looking forward to the return to his club and working with coach Stephen Bradley. “Brilliant memories from here in Tallaght and the day in the Aviva Stadium to win the cup was amazing. We played in some really good games and scored some great goals here. We also had some good performances in Europe too, so hopefully, I can pick up where I left off.,” McEneff said on his return to Rovers.
“Stephen was massively instrumental in my return. In my opinion he’s been the best manager I’ve ever had. He took me to another level when I first signed for Rovers. You only have to look at the success the club has had in recent years and the part he’s played in that. He’s a top manager who I love working under. We still kept in contact when I left Rovers, so it’s good to be back working with him again.”
18.1.2024
IRVINE SENDS SOCCEROOS INTO KNOCK OUT STAGE AT ASIAN CUP
Australia have qualified for the Round of 16 of the Asian Cup with a game to spare after a 1-0 win over Syria on Thursday night at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. But Graham Arnold’s side made hard work of the win, against a well organised Syrian side, who had chances themselves, but Jackson Irvine’s second goal of the competition was enough to seal passage to the knock out stage, but questions still remain, with the performance well below par.
"Our expectations and what demands are, we want to top this group," Head Coach Graham Arnold said post-match. "Yes, we've qualified for the second phase already but we want to top the group. That's been a goal of ours since we started, since we got into camp before the Asian Cup. To do that. There's no such thing as taking your foot off the pedal. We need to improve with the ball, but it's getting those balls in the positions and when Syria has 10 players, nine players defending the edge of their box.
“We got into the right positions on numerous occasions but because of the number of players that they had in the box, they made it difficult to score. It's been a trait of these types of teams for quite a long while and they're hard to break down. And that's the reality of it. But what's important for us is that we give a mature performance, making sure we're not throwing too many men forward and getting hit on the break. They had a couple of shots, one hit the post in the first five minutes. The rest of the shots I think went in the grandstand, so it was important that we kept that clean sheet."
Arnold made three changes to the team that started in win over India, former ECU Joondalup defender Cameron Burgess was recalled to the heart of Australia’s defence at the expense of Kye Rowles. Midfielder Aiden O’Neill started ahead of Keanu Baccus, while left-sided utility Jordan Bos – who scored after coming off the bench against India – forced his way into the starting team, with winger Craig Goodwin dropping to the bench.
Socceroos were wearing black armbands for the game, in honour the passing of former Socceroo Stephen Laybutt, who died earlier this week. Following their rusty 2-0 win over India, the Socceroos were out of the blocks quickly in this one and Martin Boyle cut inside the box in the opening sixty seconds, but his effort was blocked. But four minutes later, Syria went closer, Pablo Sabbag was found in the penalty area, his low shot beat Mat Ryan, but the base of the post came to the rescue of the Socceroos custodian.
It was the Socceroos who were creating the better chances, but falling to convert, with Boyle again failing to find the target. They went close again on 16 minutes, Irvine almost getting on the end of a curling free kick at the back post, but the midfielder just couldn’t make contact. The big Syrian contingent in the crowd were in full voice every time they crossed the half way line, but that was a rarity, with the Socceroos creating the chances but not finding the net.
It was Irvine again on 36 minutes, Boyle’s corner was flicked on by Gethin Jones, the ball beating everyone, including the FC St Pauli midfielder, whose flung himself at the ball, but failed to get a touch at the back post. The Syrians weren’t going away, and their supporters were on their feet again two minutes later, Ammar Ramadan picked out in the penalty area, but his low shot flashed the wrong side of the post. The Syrian’s were ending the half well and the lively Sabbag, brought the ball down well in the box, but as he was about to shoot, the Socceroos blocked and the chance was gone, but at the break it was all-square.
The second half started like the first, Australia pressing, but they couldn’t find a way through a hard-working Syrian team, and 11 minutes in Arnold made a triple substitution. Riley McGree, Sam Silvera, and Keanu Baccus coming on, for Jordan Bos, Aiden O'Neill and Connor Metcalfe. It had an immediate impact and two minutes later they hit the front. Jones fed Boyle on the right, and the Hibernian winger cut inside his marker and raced to the edge of the box, he had a little luck the ball deflecting of a couple of defenders, the ball falling kindly for Irvine, who controlled the ball well with his first touch, and the second he finished under the body of the Syrian keeper Ahmad Madania.
The goal saw Syria come out of their shell and Harry Souttar had to be alert, putting in a huge tackle on the substitute Omar Khribin, who had broken down the left. Syria went close again on 67 minutes, there looked little danger when Moyad Ajan’s shot from long-range, but it surprised Ryan, who parried the ball back towards goal, but the Socceroos skipper got back in time to scramble the ball away.
Soutter then did a good impression of Franz Beckenbauer, the Leicester City defender picking the ball up in the middle of the park with the Socceroos three against two, he raced forward finding Silvera on the right, and went into the box for a return, that never came, much to the annoyance of the big defender. They could have added another late on, Silvera firing over the top, while McGree raced down the left and into the box, his low shot was saved low by Madania, but Irvine’s goal was enough to seal another three points and see Australia top of Group b
Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan said it was another tough game, but he is expecting that from every game. “I thought defensively we were strong – we pride ourselves on that,” he said post-match. “Football’s not easy, you’ve got two teams out there, trying their best to make it difficult for the other, and both wanting to win so much, and you’re not going to get it right every single time. We probed on occasions and had quite a few entries into their final third and into the box, and were probably unlucky not to put one or two more chances away.
“If that happens, all of a sudden, we’re standing here looking at a 3-0, 4-0 scoreline and everybody’s thinking that it’s lot more convincing … but we got the job done, we got the victory and we move on. We’ve got a lot to learn from (the win over Syria) to better ourselves, and now we focus on that one (against Uzbekistan). The mission has been to win the tournament. We’ve got a tremendous amount of belief that we can do that.”
Syria: GK Ahmad MADANIA, 2 Aiham OUSOU, 3 Moayad AJAN, 4 Ezequiel HAM, 11 Pablo SABBAG, (7 Omar KHRIBIN 65'), 12 Ammar RAMADAN, 13 Thaer KROUMA, 18 Jalil ELIAS, 21 Ibrahim HESAR (20 Antonio YAKOUB 78'), 24 Abdul Rahman OUES, 25 Mahmoud Al ASWAD (17 Fahad YOUSSEF 65') – Subs Not Used: GK Ibrahim ALMA, GK Taha MOSA, 5 Omar MIDANI, 14 Mouhammad ANEZ, 15 Khaled KOURDOGHLI, 16 Elmar ABRAHAM, 19 Moayad Al KHOULI
Australia: GK Maty RYAN, 5 Jordan BOS (7 Samuel Silvera 57'), 6 Martin BOYLE (10 Kusini YENGI 83'), 8 Connor METCALFE (14 Riley MCGREE 57'), 13 Aiden O'NEILL (17 Keanu BACCUS 57'), 15 Mitch DUKE (9 Bruno FORNAROLI 79'), 16 Aziz BEHICH, 19 Harry SOUTTAR, 21 Cameron BURGESS, 22 Jackson IRVINE, 25 Gethin Jones – Subs Not Used: GK Joe GAUCI, 2 Thomas DENG, 4. Kye ROWLES, 11 Marco TILIO, 20 Lewis MILLER, 23 Craig GOODWIN, 24. Patrick YAZBEK – Attendance: 10,097 - Referee: Adel Al NAQBI
18.1.2024
AZZURRI ADD KIWI DEFENDER
Perth Soccer Club have continued their recruitment drive, with the signing of New Zealand defender Ben Stroud for the upcoming NPLWA season. The 25-year-old joins the Dorrien Gardens club from Finnish second tier club FC Jazz, but the opportunity to play under former All Whites coach Danny Hay was a huge reason why the talented defender headed down under. “Danny is a big reason why I decided to sign up here, I am aware that it will be demanding, high intensity with real attention to detail and quality in training,” Stroud said.
“I know that it is an opportunity to learn and grow under his mentorship from a coaching standpoint and as a defender. The reputation of Perth SC with a strong history alongside a vision and demand of excellence is something I hope and aim to contribute to and help this team and club excel. That is the ambition I have as a person and player and the reason why I committed here this year. “I have settled in well and quickly, and I have been made to feel very welcome thanks to the staff and the boys here at Perth SC. There is a massive sense of community and pride at this club and it is special to be a part of.
The move to WA is the challenger the central defender was looking for, and he can’t wait to get started. “During my last season in Finland I was aware in myself that I wanted a change of scene and a different challenge,” Stroud explained. “Through contacts and having some previous experience with Danny we were able to begin conversations and develop an idea around what the club wanted and the expectations moving into the 2024 season. It was clear to me with an understanding of Danny’s mentality and drive for professionalism and high standards that Perth SC holds as a club that it would be an incredible opportunity to play and learn this year.”
Stroud had a superb two seasons in Finland, and he couldn’t have asked for a better club than FC Jazz. “I’m very grateful for the experience I had in Finland and with FC Jazz. There were times of success and times of learning both on and off the pitch which has given me some incredible experiences,” he said. “Personally, it was not hard to leave the Finnish winter with a New Zealand summer break on the cards and family time that was waiting for two years. I knew that I wanted a different challenge and change of scenery in the world of football and with making incredible connections with good people I knew a move was inevitable.”
After playing schoolboy football for St Bede’s, and youth football with Coastal Spirit and Canterbury United, Stroud had spells with Wellington United, Cashmere Technical, Central United, Wainuiomata and Western Suburbs. He then earned a football scholarship to NCAA Division 1 school, Missouri State, and was a key member and leader there as a starting player all four years. In 2022, he signed for FC Jazz and was made first team captain in his first season in which the club came fifth, before leading the club to second place in the league and winning promotion to Finland’s second-tier, Ykkönen.
Perth assistant coach Stuart Banks said the defender is a great acquisition for the club, and is looking forward to working with him. “When Ben was first identified to us, he was a player we wanted to sign right away. Quick, strong, excellent passer of the ball, good in the air and a very good communicator who will help a lot of the younger players in the squad,” Banks explained. “Playing full time in Finland gave Ben the experience, the professionalism and the mental strength required to excel and we see Ben as a key contributor to the squad this season and we’re delighted to sign someone of his quality.”
He is chomping at the bit to get started at the Gardens, and football is defiantly in the Stroud family, with his father (Alan) and grandfather (Arthur) both playing for New Zealand, as goalkeepers, but he bucked the trend by not being between the sticks. “Yes, there’s a trend in the family when it comes to football, although breaking the cycle of goalkeepers is something I am quite happy with,” he joked. “Myself and the family are happy with the move slightly closer to home which makes it a bit easier to access for a visit. For me, hopefully, the experience I have gained will help the boys this year as a voice from the back, I love to play aggressive attacking football with a creative edge to the game. Clean sheets and chip-in with a couple of goals for the Azzurri would go down nicely too.”
18.1.2024
GLORY LOOK TO END AWAY DAY BLUES AT WANDERERS
Perth Glory will go in search of their first three points on the road this season, when they make the trip to the CommBank Stadium to take on the inform Western Sydney Wanderers in week 13 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (4.45pm WA Time) The Glory supporters will be hoping they can turn things around, after a good performance, but a narrow loss against Wellington Phoenix in the Unite Round in Sydney, and Head Coach Alen Stajcic has put the club’s dire situation to one side and he believes his side can give a good account of themselves on Saturday.
“Football’s always tough and it doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, there are always things that come along that test you out,” he said. “We’ve got some unique circumstances at the moment, but rest assured that everyone’s trying their hardest to find solutions to the problems. You have to rebound regardless of the result. Win, lose, or draw, we go through the same processes reviewing the things we did well and the things we didn’t do so well and we’re back to that drawing board again this week.”
It will be the second meeting of the two clubs this season, with goals from former Glory defender Jack Clisby and Tate Russell giving the Wanderers the points in round four, and Marko Rudan’s side currently sit third on the table having conceded the fewest goals in the competition this term (12), but Stajcic is looking forward to the challenge.
“They’re obviously doing well and are towards the top of the table,” he said, “and they’re the only team that we haven’t scored against this year, so it’s a big challenge for us to try and get over the top of them. I thought the first time we played them it was an extremely close game and we were unlucky not to be in the lead at half-time, so if we play well, we’ll be well in the hunt and it’ll be a good contest.”
Glory teenager Daniel Bennie has taken his chance in the starting line up with some impressive performances, and the Joey’s winger is enjoying the challenge. “This season my main aim was to get some minutes and play as much as I can, and gain some experience, and I think I’ve trained well to get those minutes and I’ve been working hard and hope to keep it going and get a goal,” he explained.
“The step up to A-League is obviously tougher, quicker and harder, but that’s what is going to help me in the long run, to get prepared to playing men’s football. I’m learning a new position, which is only going to help my development, and training and playing with the experienced players is only going to help that. Talking to players like Tags (Adam Taggart) and the other senior players is only going to help me.”
Bennie has made seven starting appearances for the side this season, and he said Saturday is a huge game, and their aim is three points. “We’ve got a big point to prove this week, we haven’t had the best run of results, but the boys have been working really hard at training and we’re ready for the big challenge this week,” he said. We’ve scored a lot of goals this season and I think we’re capable of breaking down any defence in the league, so attacking wise it will be more of the same come Saturday, we just need to be solid at the back.”
Glory’s injury woes have been bolstered by the return from injury of Stefan Colakovski and Darryl Lachman, while Bruce Kamau returns from suspension, but there is still no Mark Beevers due to injury, while Jarrod Carluccio is unavailable to play against his parent club due to terms of loan agreement. Wanderers, meanwhile, remain without the services of key duo Lawrence Thomas and Brandon Borrello who are unavailable due to international duty and injury respectively.
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Daniel MARGUSH, GK Taiga HARPER, 2 Gabriel CLEUR, 6 MARCELO, 7 Dylan PIERIAS, 9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 10 Milos NINKOVIC, 11 Valentino YUEL, 13 Tate RUSELL, 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC, 16 Tom BEADLING, 17 Lachlan BROOK, 19 Jack CLISBY, 21 Jorrit HENDRIX, 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 29 Dylan SCICLUNA, 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 33 Alex BONETIG, 36 Oscar PRIESTMAN, 37 Alex BADOLATO, 39 Marcus YOUNIS - Unavailable: GK Lawrence THOMAS (Socceroos – international duty), 26 Brandon BORRELLO (injured – 3 months)
Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - Ins: COLAKOVSKI, LACHMAN, KAMAU - Unavailable: 5Mark BEEVERS (injured), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (unavailable to play against parent club due to terms of loan agreement), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
18.1.2024
COWART CONFIDENT WITH HOME SUPPORTORS BEHIND THEM
Perth Glory welcome Brisbane Roar to Macedonia Park on Saturday evening in week 13 of the Liberty A-League. (7.30pm) After last week’s come-from-behind point against Melbourne Victory in the Unite Round, Glory will be looking to get back to winning ways, and bounce back from their loss in their last home game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Glory’s American-born defender Jessika Cowart said they start the second half of the season in a confident mood after the hard-fought draw against Victory, and sit second on the table, five points behind leaders Melbourne City, and she is confident that they can use that draw as a platform to continue their excellent season. “It was a really great response to how the Western Sydney game went,” she said. “After that game, we were feeling a little bit less confident than we have in the past, but it was nice that we had a quick turnaround and all week, the practices were intense and focused and really bought back into how we play.
“I think that showed in the Victory game, our defensive unit is incredibly strong. We’re very consistent game in, game out and we just want to get back to that, to being that unit you can rely on and I think we did that (against Victory). We want to get stuck in and be relentless. When we have a good performance, we want to keep our momentum from that performance and be able to string together some results.”
The Philippines international defender, who starred for her country in the recent Women’s World Cup, has played every minute of every game this season, feels that Glory continues to be underestimated in some quarters. “All season our target has to be the top team and I think we’ve been taking some really big strides towards that,” she said.
“We can look back and be very proud of the way we played in the first half of the season and we want to build off that momentum. I know that our good form might have been a bit of a shock to some people and how well we’ve been playing, but that’s what we want to do; surprise people and catch them off-guard and I think we’ve done really well doing that.”
The last time the Roar headed west was in round one in 2021-22, with Glory running out 2-1 winners at Macedonia Park. It looked like the Roar would leave with all three points after Anna Margraf scored after 22 minutes, but Glory had other ideas. First, two minutes from time Susan Phonsongkham levelled, and in stoppage time an own goal from Georgina Worth secured the three points for the hosts.
Glory have almost a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s clash, with only Isabella Wallhead unavailable due to injury. Meanwhile Cowart is looking forward to taking on her Philappines teammate Mia Corbin, who has been on fire for the Queensland outfit with six goals. “We both played in the Pac-12 (U.S. Women’s College competition), which is a really strong conference for soccer and we both bring that experience into the A-League,” she said. “She’s a very strong striker, you have to watch out for her and that’s one thing we have to focus on.”
A return home is always special for the Glory players, and Cowart said, it’s always nice playing in front of their supporters. “The atmosphere they bring is second to none,” she said. “I love playing at home because the fans make us want to play at home and they make it very hard for the opposing team to travel over here and play. The unwavering support, no matter how we perform, or what the scoreline is, it’s been one of the best things about playing at home. Now we have the second half of the season, we really need that push from them and I have no doubt we’ll get it. I’m always so, so excited to play at home.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Ins: CAIN, STONEHILL, GREEN, FOLETTA - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
Brisbane Roar squad: GK Keeley RICHARDS, GK Jordan SILKOWITZ, 2 Rebecca KIRKUP, 3 Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 4 Kijah STEPHENSON, 5 Jenna MCCORMICK, 6 Holly MCQUEEN, 7 Ayesha NORRIE, 8 Mariel HECHER, 9 Mia CORBIN, 11 Sharn FREIER, 12 Tamar LEVIN, 13 Tameka YALLOP, 14 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 18 Teagan THOMPSON, 19 Hollie PALMER, 20 Bonnie DAVIES, 21 Isabella SHUTTLEWORTH, 22 Ruby CUTHBERT, 32 Alicia WOODS - Ins: SHUTTLEWORTH - Unavailable: 10 Grace KUILAMU, 15 Hannah HOLGERSEN, 16 Chelsea BLISSETT, 17 Leah SCARPELLI, 23 Ashlee BRODIGAN
18.1.2024
TRANSFER RUMOURS PUSHED TO ONE SIDE BY STAJCIC
Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic has refused to weigh in on speculation that winger Salim Khelifi could leave the club in another January transfer window blow. The transfer rumour mill is working overtime in the January window, and there are murmurings Khelifi will join Melbourne Victory on loan, but when asked about the speculation around the Swiss winger, Stajcic said: “I can’t comment on that at the moment, there are a list of things that are happening, so we will see how that plays out in the next period of time.”
Glory head to Sydney on Saturday to take on Western Sydney Wanderers, still searching for their first win of the season on the road, and former Glory midfielder Neil Kilkenny spoke to the West Australian regarding their travel issues. “It makes me laugh really, when I hear people talk about how Perth Glory have to travel or players when they turn around and whinge about travelling,” Kilkenny said. “I just can’t get my head around that excuse and straightaway you’re putting an excuse in your mind; if you have weak characters in your group, that’s going to filter through.”
When asked about the comments, Stajcic agreed that there were no excuses but wouldn’t buy into the fact that it was snowballing on his struggling side. “The last win (away) the team had was against Central Coast which was one of the first games of the previous season and they didn’t win any after that,” he said. “It’s been around for a while and in the last three years there’s only been five wins away from home, I don’t think it’s snowballed recently I think it’s been a common trend over the last three years. For me personally, playing away from home is no excuse. You’ve just got to be good enough on the day and we haven’t been.”
If they do lose Khelifi they will struggle to replace him, with the club barred from signing any new players until the new owners arrive, but Stajcic they have to get on with it. “It makes it tougher no doubt, but there’s always difficulties in football and in more recent times particularly in Australia,” he said. “We’re not going to make excuses for that.”
18.1.2024
HAS THE A-LEAGUE HIT A BRICK WALL
After the euphoria of the Matildas success in the recent Women’s World Cup, many thought the game as a whole would take off in Australia, but how wrong they have been. Yes, the Liberty A-League crowds have increased, but unfortunately the Isuzu Ute crowds are dwindling, and last weekend’s “Unite Round” – in which all 12 A-League men’s and women’s matches were played in Sydney – attracting a cumulative attendance of less than 48,000 people.
It’s been reported this week that the A-League is in financial turmoil, with the Australian Professional Leagues undergoing an “organisational restructure” that has led to mass redundancies on the back of horror crowds at last weeks games. The APL, which has run the A-League men’s and women’s competitions for the past three years, has confirmed staff cuts in an attempt to “consolidate” the business, with up to 50 per cent of the staff having been made redundant.
As part of the cost-cutting measures, KeepUp, the APL’s digital and content arm which is understood to have cost the organisation $40 million, will cease to exist. However, the A-League’s separate competition website, which started this season as under the broader KeepUp banner, will continue in some form. In a statement without attribution to A-League commissioner Nick Garcia, the APL stated a need to “create efficiencies through consolidation” as poor crowds continue to be a problem for the men’s and women’s competitions.
“In the three years since unbundling (with Football Australia), APL has implemented a strategy that has seen a period of rapid growth across our business,” an APL statement said. “With the original three-year strategy coming to an end, a planned full strategic and commercial review has taken place over the last several months. The review has identified significant opportunities to create efficiencies through consolidation and this necessitates an organisational restructure that is now underway. APL’s priorities remain the same – to deliver commercial growth and sustainability by creating the most exciting competitions possible for our fans – with strong teams producing great young players across Australia and New Zealand.”
Sources also say the job losses were an acknowledgement the APL’s previous strategy was not working and a new vision was needed, which could involve greater collaboration with Football Australia. The split from Football Australia in 2021 was borne of a desire from the clubs to have more control in the direction of the A-Leagues, similar to England, where the Football Association looks after all levels of the game while the independent English Premier League focuses purely on the top flight of the professional game. The Glory are one of two A-Leagues teams without an owner, with the club still in receivership after long-time chairman Tony Sage handed back his licence in July.
KordaMentha, the advisory firm appointed as the Glory’s receivers, are also spearheading the hunt for owners for Newcastle Jets, who have been propped up by a series of fellow A-Leagues teams since December 2020. Perth coach Alen Stajcic last week accused those currently in control of the club of reneging on a deal which would allow them to firm up their playing ranks over the next month, with the club now unable to sign any new players until new owners are found. Garcia told ESPN the bid to sell the Glory - after a previous deal with Primeland Group’s Robert Brij and business partner John Nekic fell through - was reaching its end. “(Glory’s) receivers (KordaMentha) are in negotiations, which we expect to conclude quite soon. They have a timeline that is very aggressive.” Watch this space……….
16.1.2024
KERR HONOURED AT FIFA AWARDS
Even while she is recuperating from major surgery, Samantha Kerr keeps picking up awards for her stellar performances. The Matildas captain, who last week went under the knife to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was yesterday named in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World XI, voted for by players across the globe.
30-year old Kerr was the leading scorer for Chelsea and Australia in 2023, netting 37 times for club and country and helping the national team to the World Cup semi-finals. She also fired Chelsea to a third consecutive FA Cup and a fourth-straight Women’s Super League title.
“It is a huge honour to be voted into the World XI by the players,” Kerr said after the awards ceremony in London. “To have the respect and acknowledgement of your peers is something that is hugely special to any player. Many thanks to my Matildas and Chelsea teammates for making this possible and to all the players who voted for me.”
The best women’s player award went to Spain’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati with England boss Sarina Wiegman picking up the coaches award for the second successive year. Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the best men’s player award and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was crowned the top coach.
14.1.2024
GLORY BEATEN IN SEVEN GOAL THRILLER IN UNITE ROUND
Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix have fought out a seven-goal thriller in the Isuzu-Ute A-League Unite Round at the CommBank Stadium on a wet Sunday afternoon in the harbour city. It was raining goals in this one, and skipper Adam Taggart gave Glory the lead early, but goals from Kosta Barbarouses and Alex Rufer saw the Kiwi’s lead at the break.
A stunning strike from Aleks Susnjar restored parity early on the second half, but the Phoenix regained the lead through Tim Payne. It was still anyone’s game and Jarrod Carluccio bagged his first goal for the club to draw Glory level again, but Barbarouses decided the game moments later, adding his second and securing the 4-3 win to move the Phoenix back to the top of the table while Glory remains 11th and with a lot of hard work ahead of them if they to make the finals.
Glory coach Alex Stajcic was disappointed to concede four and said they need to tighten up at the back, as it’s costing them. “Our defensive lapses are costing us badly, we’ve scored so many goals in the last few weeks, in fact all season, so you can’t concede three or four at the other end,” he said post-match. “It just makes it hard, as like today, we’ve been in most games this season, but until we improve that side of our game, we’re going to be on the wrong of the scoreboard every week. There is a lot of hard work to do, and it’s not an easy solution, it’s a collective, but at the moment we’re just not good enough and we have to address this quick land keeping working hard.”
Stajcic made three changes to the side that were beaten by Melbourne Victory last week, with Susnjar returning from suspension to replace the injured Darryl Lachman, while Salim Khelifi returned for the suspended Bruce Kamau and Luke Ivanovic came in for Stefan Colakovski who wasn’t selected. With rain clouds hovering at kick off, it was the Phoenix, who are having their best start to an A-League season, who were on the front foot early, and Cameron Cook made a smart save to deny David Ball on five minutes.
But the Glory steadied and hit the front two minutes later. A quick break down the right saw Daniel Bennie race clear, his cross was only cleared to Khelifi on the edge of the box, and the Tunisian midfielder crossed to Taggart who headed home powerfully past Phoenix keeper Alex Paulsen, for his eighth goal of the season and much to the delight of the travelling supporters. It was almost two moments later, the lively Bennie’s shot flashed wide.
Moments late Mustafa Amini’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by Paulsen, as Glory looked to press their good start. But the Phoenix found the equaliser on the half hour, Barbarouses cutting into the box and finishing clinically past Cook. The Phoenix then took control and Bozhidar Kraev nodding just wide after meeting an inviting cross from Barbarouses before Ball saw his shot deflected wide after latching onto a Payne cutback, before Barbarouses’ glancing header flashed wide of the far post. Then deep into stoppage time, Phoenix took the lead, Glory hesitated on a loose ball and Phoenix skipper Rufus fired home from the edge of the box, to send them into the break with the lead.
Glory were on the front foot after the break and Taggart’s shot early was pushed away by Paulsen, and five minutes in they restored parity. Susnjar strode forward and unleashed an unstoppable strike from distance with found the top corner, a candidate for the goal of the season. But seven minutes later the Phoenix restored their lead, Barbarouses turned provider, cutting the ball back from the left to Payne whose first-time shot went through a sea of Glory defenders and into the net.
They almost had a fourth two minutes later, Rufer’s ball over the top found Kraev, but the Bulgarian midfielder was denied by a smart save from Cook. The storm hit, and the rain made it difficult for both sides, but it didn’t stop Glory levelling again on 70 minutes, substitute Carluccio firing home seconds after being introduced off the bench. It set up a thrilling last 20 minutes, and could Glory hold the Phoenix out, the answer was no, three minutes later they regained the lead, Payne’s cross picked out Barbarouses was poked beyond Cook. Glory pressed late, and Ivanovic headed over from a corner, while Taggart’s volley on the turn whistled wide, but they were unable to add yet another twist to tale, the Phoenix taking home the points.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano praised his side’s mentality after they Nix fell behind early and saw Perth twice draw level in the second half. “I think we’ve now built the belief that we can come back into any game,” Italiano said post-match. “Even at three-all I was like ‘we’re going to make a chance it’s just whether we capitalise and we breakthrough. I’m pleased for the group that they can do that. That puts us in good stead because I feel like if you can’t battle through those moments, you’re going to drop a lot of points throughout the season.”
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (19 Trent OSTLER 68'), 3 Jacob MUIR, 8 Mustafa AMINI (4 Luke BODNAR 64), 10 Salim KHELIFI (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 68'), 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE (9 David WILLIAMS 68') - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI
Wellington Phoenix: GK Alex PAULSEN, 3 Finn SURMAN, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10 David BALL, 11 Bozhidar KRAEV (26 Isaac HUGHES 85'), 12 Mo AL-TAAY (8 Ben OLD 74'), 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 19 Sam SUTTON (18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD 74') - Subs not used: RGK Jack DUNCAN, 5 Fin CONCHIE, 23 Luke SUPYK, 51 Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES - Referee: Tim Danaskos
13.1.2024
SOCCEROOS OFF TO WINNING START IN ASIAN CUP
The Socceroos have begun their Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 win against a stubborn India side at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Saturday evening. They went into the game as overwhelming favourites, but in the first half Graham Arnold’s side struggled to get past the desperate Blue Tigers defence. But after the break Jackson Irvine scored early and substitute Jordan Bos added a second with his first touch off the bench to seal the win, and start their Group B games with the three points.
“I have to give great credit to India, their determination and fight and they put their bodies on the line a lot of times in the penalty area, and they are very well coached,” Arnold said post-match. “For us there was probably a little too much excitement in the first half, it’s a big competition and the players have been waiting to get started over the last ten days. But we got them in at half time and spoke about the good things they were doing and second half we did very well.
“But we’ve got to improve a lot, and one of the disappointing parts of tonight’s game was our set-pieces. We work a great deal on them and are usually very strong, but once again you’ve got to give credit to India, they set up well, but there wasn’t much variety with corners and free kicks, so we must improve and we will. It’s tough when you get the squad together, who play all around the world with different systems, it’s hard to gel them all together, but we can improve all over the pitch, and the boys know that.”
It was a nervy start by the Green and Gold, with Harry Soutter, who has lacked game time at his English club Leicester City, looking out of sort, and India could have taken the lead early in a rare attack on 16 minutes. A cross from Nikhail Poojary floated over the head of Souttar and into the path of India’s captain Sunil Chhetri, who timed his run to perfection, but the veteran’s diving header flashed the wrong side of the upright.
The Socceroos went close themselves five minutes later, Connor Metcalfe’s shot from the edge of the box was parried by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and the alert Poojary blocked Craig Goodwin’s follow up shot. Australia continued to dominate and had 12 corners, with Metcalfe, Martin Boyle and midfielder Keanu Baccus all having chances before halftime, but they were kept at arm’s length by some solid defending especially from Sandesh Jhingan, who ended the half with a bandage around his head after a clash of heads with Kye Rowles.
Arnold looked a frustrated man in the technical area, but five minutes into the second half that frustration turned into joy with the Socceroos hitting the front. Boyle made space down the right and his cross wasn’t claimed by Sandhu, the India keeper flapping at the ball and diverting it to Irvine and the FC St. Pauli midfielder made no mistake firing home from eight meters. That goal settled the nerves and the Socceroos started to find holes in the India defence, Aziz Behich firing over, while Soutter header flashed over the top, as they searched for the second.
Arnold went to the bench, with Riley McGee and Samuel Silvera replacing Metcalfe and Boyle just after the hour mark, while Bos and Bruno Fornaroli came on for Mitch Duke and Goodwin on 72 minutes, and the second change had an immediate impact as the Socceroos doubled their advantage. Silvera sent McGree down the right, and the Middlesbrough midfielder raced past his marker to the bye-line and crossed to the back post, and the unmarked Bos fired home, the first goal for his country for the K.V.C. Westerlo defender.
McGree was involved again as the Socceroos pressed for a third, picking out the overlapping Bos on the left, but his low shot flashed inches past the post. So, it was a good start to the tournament result wise, but the performance must improve if the Socceroos are to go deep in the tournament, but there were some good signs for Arnold, but the focus now turns Syria, who they will face on Thursday night, with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line. The game will be live on Network Ten and Paramount Plus. (7.30pm WA Time)
“I thought we had to be patient tonight, sometimes these games start off a little cagey when a team plays deep, but the first goal was so important,” Irvine said post-match. “We kept pushing and doing all the right things, and came out second half and got two important goals. Of course, there is things we need to look at and do better, but overall pleased the performance.
“Credit to India they fought really hard and defended desperately, throwing their bodies on the line, and staying in the game for a long time. In the first half we created some really good positions and moments, but we probably rushed them, but we made up for that after the break. The ball fell kindly for my goal, but it was then all about getting the ball down and finding the target and fortunately it went in.”
Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 4 Kye ROWLES, 6 Martin BOYLE (7 Samuel SILVERA 63'), 8 Connor METCALFE (14 Riley MCGREE 63'), 15 Mitch DUKE (9 Bruno FORNAROLI 72'), 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Keanu BACCUS (13 Aiden O'NEILL 82'), 19 Harry SOUTTAR, 22 Jackson IRVINE, 23 Craig GOODWIN (5 Jordy BOS 72'), 25 Gethin JONES - Subs Not Used: RGK Joe GAUCI, RGK Lawrence THOMAS, 2 Thomas DENG, 3 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 10 Kusini YENGI, 11 Marco TILIO, 21 Cameron BURGESS
India: GK Gurpreet Singh SANDHU, 2 Rahul BHEKE, 3 Subhasish BOSE (6 Akash MISHRA 74'), 5 Sandesh JHINGAN, 8 Suresh Singh WANGIAM (12 Liston COLACO 74'), 9 Manvir SINGH, 11 Sunil CHHETRI (24 Naorem Mahesh SINGH 89'), 17 Lallianzuala CHHANGTE (14 Vikram Partap SINGH 89'), 19 Lalengmawia RALTE, 21 Nikhil POOJARY, 25. Deepak TANGRI (7 Anirudh THAPA 74') – Subs not Used: RGK Amrindah SINGH, RGK Vishal KAITH, 4 LALCHUNGNUNGA, 10 Brandon FERNANDES, 16 Rahul PRAVEEN, 20 Pritam KOTAL, 27 Mehtab SINGH – Attendance 36, 253 – Referee: Yoshimi YAMASHITA (Japan)
13.1.2024
SOCCEROOS MEET INDIA IN ASIAN CUP OPENER
The Socceroos kick off their AFC Asian Cup group stage account against India, on Saturday night (10:30pm AEDT), at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadum in Doha. The Socceroos' last appearance at both the stadium and the city of Doha, was a narrow defeat to eventual world champions Argentina during the Round of 16 stage, capping off their best ever run at a FIFA World Cup. Move forward twelve months, and India has become the opponent, with a different trophy on the line, and a second continental crown firmly in the sights of Graham Arnold and his team.
“It's one game at a time and our full focus is just on India, getting our game plan right and performance right. What's crucial is our energy, when we go out there on the pitch. I want movement off the ball all the time, runs in the back of people and making sure that the energy is right, and as I said, full focus is just on this first game of India,” Head Coach Graham Arnold said. "We're here to win seven games and obviously our expectations are high and the boys have shown over the last year against top opposition where our standards are and I expect them to be retained.
“I think that we do have the players here - Boyle, Silvera, Tilio, Jordy Bos, Craig Goodwin, Riley McGree, these guys have great one v one actions and individual quality, and I want to see that. We will get nations that will sit back and try to frustrate us, so it's important that we're patient, and we stick to what we're good at, and that's moving the ball quickly, penetrating in behind and boys showing individual skill.”
This will not be the first time that Australia has played India in an Asian Cup opener, with the pair facing off during the 2011 edition, in Qatar, where the Socceroos ran out 4-0 winners, thanks to a Tim Cahill brace, along with goals from Harry Kewell and Brett Holman. The two sides have changed considerably since then, with Graham Arnold now overseeing a youthful and exuberant squad, mixed with a number of stalwarts.
India meanwhile, have grown in stature under former West Ham United and Derby County defender Igor Stimac, who has coached the side since 2019. Their performances have improved in recent seasons, thanks to the creation of the Indian Super League in 2013, with the two strongest local products to come out of the professional league being 198cm keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and central defender Sandesh Jhingan.
Although they missed out on the knockouts for the 2019 edition, India are slowly climbing the ranking in Asia, and their rent performances show that, with two points separating themselves and eventual semi-finalists the United Arab Emirates last time out, with a 4-1 win over Thailand signalling to the rest of Asia that the Blue Tigers may finally step out of the shadows and announce their arrival as the continent's next footballing powerhouse.
Arnold’s side go into the match on a four-game winning run however the coach would be the first to remind his players that prior form means little in tournament football, with his squad needing to be on alert as Asian football continues to grow and progress. The Socceroos are ranked 25th in the world, with India sitting at 102, but this is tournament football and anything can happen. In their head-to-head meetings they have played eight times, with the Socceroos winning four, drawing one and losing three.
A number of new inclusions will be wanting to prove themselves, with youngsters Joe Gauci, Patrick Yazbek, and John Iredale in line for minutes, meanwhile defender Gethin Jones selection may prove to be a stroke of genius, with the Bolton defender wasting little time settling in to his new surroundings, with a strong display during Australia's recent friendly against Bahrain. For Adelaide United keeper Gauci it’s a huge opportunity, and it helps having two quality keepers to push him on.
“I'm really fortunate just to be in this position. If I'm able to get on the field on Saturday, it would be a really special moment for myself and my family and everyone that's supported me along the way,” he explained. “I'm also here to learn and develop. I've got two fantastic experience goalkeepers in Maty [Ryan] and Lawrence [Thomas]. I understand I need to be a sponge and just ask them questions and learn off them. In a goalkeeping sense, it's a position that everyone does slightly differently.” The game will be live on Network 10 and Paramount Plus.
Socceroos Squad: GK Mat Ryan (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), GK Joe Gauci (Adelaide United, Australia), GK Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia), Harry Souttar (Leicester City, England), Kye Rowles (Hearts, Scotland), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town, England, Nathaniel Atkinson (Hearts, Scotland, Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata, Japan), Jordy Bos (Westerlo, Belgium), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City, Australia), Lewis Miller (Hibernian, Scotland, Gethin Jones (Bolton, England), Keanu Baccus (St Mirren, Scotland), Aiden O'Neill (Standard Liege, Belgium), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli, Germany), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli, Germany), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough, England), Patrick Yazbek, (Viking FK, Norway), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda, Saudi Arabia, Martin Boyle (Hibernian, Scotland), Sam Silvera (Middlesbrough, England), Marco Tilio (Celtic, Scotland), John Iredale (SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Germany), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth, England), Bruno Fornaroli Melbourne Victory, Australia), Mitchell Duke (FC Machida Zelvia, Japan)
India Squad: GK Amrinder Singh (Odisha, India), GK Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru, India), GK Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan, India), Akash Mishra (Mumbai City, India), Lalchungnunga (East Bengal, India), Mehtab Singh (Mumbai City, India), Nikhil Poojary (Hyderabad, India), Pritam Kotal (Kerala Blasters, India), Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City, India), Sandesh Jhingan (Goa, India), Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan, India), Anirudh Thapa (Nohun Bagan, India), Brandon Fernandes (Goa, India), Deepak Tangri (Mohun Bagan, India), Lalengmawia Ralte (Mumbai City, India), Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan, India), Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal, India), Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan, India), Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru, India), Udanta Singh (Goa, India), Ishan Pandita (Kerala Blasters, India), Lallianzuala Chhangte Mumbai City, India), Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan, India), Rahul Kannoly Praveen (Kerala Blasters, India), Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru, India), Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City, India)
13.1.2024
TRANSFER EMBARGO SCUPPERS STAJCIC PLANS FOR GLORY
A frustrated Alen Stajcic has hit out at A-League bosses, accusing them of backtracking on promises that would have allowed Perth Glory to strengthen their depleted squad in the January transfer window. Glory have been in limbo since the Australian Professional Leagues removed the club's licence from the control of Tony Sage last July and placed Glory in receivership.
"The APL have given us notice that we can't do any business in January," said Stajcic, whose team are nine points outside the top six heading into Sunday's clash with Wellington Phoenix. "At the moment, we are under their control and we can't utilise any of the prospects that we were looking at or any of the finances that we might have saved."
"They've all disappeared and we can't do any business in this window. The receivers and the APL have reneged a little bit on an assurance we were given a month ago. Ultimately, it doesn't affect how we play on the pitch, but it's disappointing and it just makes it tougher. We're going to see how tough we actually really are."
This comes on top of on loan midfielder Oli Bozanic being recalled by Western Sydney Wanderers and young defender Jospeh Forde's move to Irish club Waterford. Out-of-favour midfielders Aaron McEneff and Luke Bodnar have been linked with moves away while another loanee, Jarrod Carluccio, will return to Western Sydney at the end of the month.
Adding to Stajcic's woes is the fact that captain Mark Beevers is likely to be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury. "We're going to have to fill that void, and that was probably the most pleasing part about last week is that some of the players stepped up," said Stajcic, referencing the performances of Jacob Muir, Kaelan Majekodunmi and Andriano Lebib.
“Maj has done well and Muir has done well and young Lebib is a fantastic prospect as well for the future - not just for club but for country as well. We do have a bit of depth in that role, which is thankful. The way that we played, the spirit and the heart and the culture within the group was the best I've seen. So if that's our foundation, I'm really confident moving forward that we can fill in the gaps."
13.1.2024
BURGESS ON LATE SOCCEROOS ARRIVAL, IPSWICH AND THE ASIAN CUP
It has been just four months since Perth-raised Cameron Burgess was handed a first national team call-up and a debut international cap at the age of 28. Now, after just four games for Australia, the Ipswich Town defender looms as the preferred option to partner Harry Souttar in the heart of defence when Australia begin their Asian Cup campaign against India tonight.
But despite the breakthrough, there is no time for Burgess to look back fondly on the last twelve months. “Maybe there will be time for that later down the line, but at the moment, we’re in a good flow of things at the moment,” Burgess said. “It’s been a big year for me personally at club level and obviously international as well. Maybe when I get a chance to reflect properly, then I’ll be able to pinch myself.”
Burgess partnered Souttar in the Socceroos’ warm-up game against Bahrain, a potential hint by coach Graham Arnold the Perth product has got the nod to start the tournament. A relative latecomer to the international scene, the Asian Cup will be Burgess’ first major tournament, having only made his Socceroos debut in a friendly against Mexico in Dallas in September.
But while the lone star State proved a slightly unusual spot for his first game in national team colours, Burgess felt his selection was anything but a bolt from the blue. “I’d like to think people who have been paying attention and watching me specifically, it wouldn’t be too much of a shock that I was involved,” Burgess said.
“It was something I was really looking forward to and really hopeful to be involved in and to be able to start the first game that I was involved in a camp was really good. It was an experience let’s say, playing in such a crazy stadium, playing on an artificial pitch - that was obviously a different experience for most of the boys - in front of what was pretty much a home crowd for Mexico.”
Born in Aberdeen and a product of the ECU Joondalup academy, Burgess journey to the national team along the yellow and green brick road has featured stops at a host of lower league teams. After graduating from Fulham’s academy, Burgess spent time at Ross County, Cheltenham Town, Oldham, Bury, Scunthorpe United, Salford City and Accrington Stanley before moving to Ipswich in 2021.
The former English Premier League side are currently in the midst of a rise up the pyramid; having finished second in League One last season, with Burgess starting 30 games for the Tractor Boys. Ipswich have soared to second spot in their first season back in the Championship, a return to the English Premier League within reach.
While it took some time for him to get a look-in at international level, Burgess said he never focused too much on his lack of games for the Socceroos. “It was a case of right place, right time with my move to Ipswich and I’m playing the style of football that suits me the best, playing in a really good team,” he said. “But there’s still plenty of time left to hopefully get a lot of caps and I’m just excited to be involved.”
It has been nine years since the Socceroos claimed Australia’s only Asian Cup title, and Burgess said there was a confidence within the group they had what it took to match it with giants Japan and South Korea. “We’re under no illusions, it’s not going to be an easy thing to do, there’s some some top teams in this tournament,” Burgess said.
“There’s also some teams that will look to frustrate us and some of the other bigger teams, so it’s certainly not going to be easy. There’s never going to be easy games, there never is, especially in tournament football. But the belief is there that if we can do what we know we can do, then we’ve got a real chance of doing something special.”
12.1.2024
POINTS SHARED IN UNITE ROUND IN SYDNEY
Perth Glory have played out a hard fought 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory, in the opening game of the Liberty A-League Unite Round at the Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Friday afternoon. Alex Epakis’ team were behind at the break with Rachel Lowe scoring for Victory, but a gutsy second half saw Glory level, with Hanna Lowry’s in-swinging corner headed into her own net by Jamilla Rankin, although the ball was heading into the top corner of the net. Both sides had chances to win it late, Claudia Mihocic rattling the bar and Mille Farrow going close for the Glory, but they had to settle for a share of the spoils.
“Today was probably a fair result across the 90 minutes, they probably had a few more shots than us on the day, but what pleased me was the way the side fought back from a difficult performance last week,” Head Coach Alex Epakis said post-match. “I thought it was a controlled performance, with and without the ball and had some phases of play which was exciting and put Victory under some pressure and it was really encouraging. They were really desperate for a result after recent games, and we knew they would come out on the front foot, but we were ready for that and I thought we matched them.”
Glory made two changes to the side that were beaten last week, with Quinley Quesada, and Georgia Cassidy coming into the starting line-up, with Susan Phonsongkham and Sofia Sakalis dropping to the bench. It was the navy blues who started the better and Morgan Aquino had to be alert to save American defender Kayla Morrison’s shot from the edge of the box at the second attempt. There were some concerns on the quarter hour when English striker, and top goalscorer Mille Farrow went down injured after a collision with Alana Murphy, but the former Chelsea Crystal Palace striker was able to continue, much to the relief of the small pocket of travelling Glory supporters behind the goal.
Victory, who were coming of three defeats on the bounce, looked up for this one, and they wasted a perfect opportunity to take the lead on 26 minutes, with American midfielder Sara D’Appolonia firing wide when well placed. But their bright start was rewarded with the lead two minutes later. Rankin’s deep cross from the left picked out Lowe, who lost her marker to head home. It was poor goal to give away, with miscommunication between defenders, but Glory have it all to do. Their best chance of the game came in stoppage time, Quinley Quezada was given to much space on the edge of the box, but the Philippines striker fired inches wide of the target.
The Glory were out of the blocks after half time and the lively Lowry went close to the equaliser three minutes in, bursting into the penalty area, but Victory keeper Courtney Newbon saved. It was a struggle for both sides, both playing on a neutral ground, but the mini shed behind the goal were in full voice on the hour when their team levelled. Lowry’ curling corner was heading for the top corner of the net and it was helped on its way by Rankin.
Epakis’ team were on top and went within inches of the lead three minutes later, Mihocic’s long-range shot flew past Newton, but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Victory custodian. The game was up for grabs and both sides went for the win. First Lowe’s well-struck shot was saved by Aquino, before Farrow seeing her effort flash inches wide of the target, but both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. The result leaves Glory second, five points behind leaders Melbourne City, while the Victory jump one place to six, but that could change after the weekends fixture.
Melbourne Victory: GK Courtney NEWBON, 2 Jamilla RANKIN, 3 Tori HANSEN, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA (9 Emily GIELNIK 74'), 8 Alana MURPHY (1. Paige ZOIS 90+4'), 10 Alex CHIDIAC, 11 McKenzie WEINERT, 15 Emma CHECKER, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 21 Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT (19 Lia PRIVITELLI 66'), 23 Rachel LOWE - Subs not used: RGK Georgia CANDY, 27 Rosie CURTIS
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON (25 Grace JOHNSTON 71'), 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (12 Sofia SAKALIS 86'), 11 Grace JALE, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON (18 Sadie LAWRENCE 78'), 27 Georgia CASSIDY (10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM 71') - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES – Attendance: 1,130 - Referee: Caitlin WILLIAMS
12.1.2024
BACKS TO THE WALL FOR GLORY IN UNITE ROUND
With reports circulating that Perth Glory would be making no new signings in the January transfer window and players on loan would be leaving the club, it was backs to the wall for Head Coach Alen Stajcic ahead of Sunday’s Isuzu Ute A-League Unite Round against Wellington Phoenix at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Sunday. (4.45pm WA Time) With the club still searching for a new owner Stajcic believes his side need to dig deep and show the rest of the league what they are made of.
“APL [Australian Professional Leagues] have given us notice that we can’t do any business in January, so at the moment, we’re under their control… and we can’t utilise any of the prospects we were looking at and any of the finances that we may have saved have disappeared, it is what it is,” Stajcic explained. “We knew what we were coming into [as a coaching staff], but the receivers and APL have reneged a little bit on the assurances that we were given about a month ago and that’s just a summary of where we’re at the moment.
“So, it’s something we’ve got to deal with and ultimately it doesn’t affect how we play. It’s disappointing, it makes it tougher… but I’m even more determined now. Probably the most pleasing thing about last week was that so many players stepped up and filled the void of other people. The way that we played and the spirit and heart and culture of the group was the best I’ve seen. That’s our foundation and moving forward, I’m really confident that we can fill in gaps which might present on or off the pitch.”
Things went from bad to worse after their narrow loss to Melbourne Victory last week, with co-captain Mark Beevers injured in training and to miss six weeks with a knee injury. Meanwhile Bruce Kamau will serve a one-match suspension after his sending off last week, and Darryl Lachman’s groin strain could also see him miss the game, while midfielder Oliver Bozanic will not be available either following the completion of his loan spell from Western Sydney Wanderers.
It's a huge blow for Stajcic, but he believes he has the players to fill the void. “One door closes and another one opens in sport. I know that’s the old cliché, but there are lots of opportunities,” he said. “We saw Maj [Kaelan Majekodunmi] come on and do well last week and there are other players here in our squad who have been training the whole time. Last week… regardless of who came in, we kept up a good level against the best team in the competition and that was probably the most heartbreaking part of the result; that we actually did well and the players that came in did a great job.
“Other leaders are going to have to step up in the group. We brought Oli [Bozanic] in not only for his football, but also for his leadership and at this point we’re going to have to fill that void. I guess again, that was probably the most pleasing thing about last week; so many players stepped up and filled the void of other people. The way that we played and the spirit and heart and culture of the group was the best I’ve seen. That’s our foundation and moving forward, I’m really confident that we can fill in gaps which might present on or off the pitch.”
Stajcic is well aware the form of Sunday’s opponents, the Phoenix sitting second on the table, and he believes his chargers need to lift to get a positive result. “Our defensive shape and principles haven’t been great this year,” he said. “They’re in place and everyone knows what they, but for us to be conceding two or three goals a game is way too many. In the last three-and-a-half games, we’ve scored nine goals which should be enough to win those matches, so we certainly have to tighten up in that area regardless of what minute of the game the goal goes in.
“Against Victory, to be honest, we didn’t concede that many chances. Even with ten men for half of it, they only had maybe four or five chances in the whole match. The week before, when Mariners had 15 or 20, that was a real worry. So that’s why I was pleased with the improvement last week, even though the result ended up going against us. They [Wellington] have been excellent this year, they were top of the table for a minute last weekend until [Melbourne] Victory’s late goal.
“The young boy in goal [Alex Paulsen] has had probably the best season any goalkeeper has had up until this point. They are getting just enough goals in each game to get over the line and have done really well with the squad they’ve got, so full credit to everyone there; the staff and the players.” Sunday’s fixture will mark the 51st ALM Distance Derby clash and the overall record could not be any more even, with both sides having won 20 times and scored 70 goals apiece in the process.
Perth Glory Squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 34 Andriano LEBIB - *Two to be omitted* - In: SUSNJAR, OSTLER, GORMAN, LEBIB - Unavailable: 5 Mark BEEVERS (co-c) (injured), 11. Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured), 24 Oliver BOZANIC (loan ended), 29 Darryl LACHMAN (injured), 77 Bruce KAMAU (suspended)
Wellington Phoenix Squad: GK Jack DUNCAN, GK Alby KELLY-HEALD, GK Alex PAULSEN, 3 Finn SURMAN, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin CONCHIE, 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8 Ben OLD, 10 David BALL, 11 Bozhidar KRAEV, 12 Mo AL-TAAY, 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 19 Sam SUTTON, 23 Luke SUPYK, 24 Oskar VAN HATTUM, 26 Isaac HUGHES, 43 Matt SHERIDAN *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 9 Oskar ZAWADA (injured)
12.1.2024
RIGBY HOPING TO GET BACK INTO THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Perth Glory will kick off the much anticipated A-League Unite Round today, when they travel to Leichhardt Oval in Sydney to take on Melbourne Victory in week 12 of the Liberty A-League. (2pm WA time) Glory suffered their first home defeat of the season last weekend against Western Sydney Wanderers, that loss saw leader’s Melbourne City move six points clear at the top of the table.
Skipper Natasha Rigby said they are confident they can bounce back on the road, and points to their recent good record away from home. “We have acknowledged and learnt from the [Western Sydney] game, but because of the short turnaround, we just have to make sure we’re taking on the messaging that Alex [Epakis] has relayed to us and move past it quickly because we have a game on Friday,” the skipper explained. “So we’ve learned from our mistakes and are really looking to come back this weekend. There are a lot of things that we could have done differently and better, we’ve been made aware of those and we’re really looking to grow from that performance.
“We’ve seen some really strong performances [this season], but we really need to get some more consistency in the performances, because we’ve been performing really well and then maybe dropping off the next week. So we’re looking to get that consistency, firm that out and then we’ll look to apply it for the rest of the season.”
The last time the two sides met in Melbourne was in round nine last season when they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at AAMI Park. Paige Zois gave the hosts the lead on the half hour, but Glory salvaged a point 16 minutes from time with Alana Jancevski on target.
Victory are on a three game losing streak, and Rigby knows they will be determined to end that run, but Glory are heading there looking for the three points and send their travelling supporters, with many making the trip, home happy. “We absolutely adore our travelling fans and we’re so thankful to them,” she said. “It just allows us to pull each other even closer and it’s really special when they’re there.”
“On Friday’s game, we know Victory are always a really strong squad and they are this year as well, and they’ve got some incredible players and we really need to respect them as an opponent. Yes, they haven’t had results go their way in the last few games, but it doesn’t mean we can underestimate them as they are really strong.
“So we need to come out and play our best. They’ve got strong centre-backs, some really dynamic midfielders and obviously I think [Emily] Gielnik is coming back into the squad, so she’ll be a really big presence for them and we need to look out for that.” The game will be live today on 10 Play and Paramount plus.
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Lydia WILLIAMS, GK Courtney NEWBON, 2 Jamilla RANKIN, 3 Tori HANSEN, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5 Jessika NASH, 7 Ella O’GRADY, 8 Alana MURPHY, 9 Emily GIELNIK, 10 Alex CHIDIAC, 11 McKenzie WEINERT, 13 Kurea OKINO, 15 Emma CHECKER, 16 Paige ZOIS, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 19 Lia PRIVITELLI, 21 Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 22 Ava BRIEDIS, 23 Rachel LOWE, 27 Rosie CURTIS In: GIELNIK, O’GRADY, PRIVITELLI - Unavailable: 6 Beattie GOAD
Perth Glory Squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - *Four to be omitted* - In: STONEHILL, GREEN, LAWRENCE, FOLETTA - Unavailable: 16. Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
12.1.2024
BAYSWATER ADD SENEGAL MIDFIELDER AND FORMER PLAYER RETURNS
Bayswater City have hit the ground running in 2024, as the club look for their first NPL title since 2017, and they announced this week the signing of Senegal midfielder Omar Diarra, while teenage wing-back Julian Kelly returns after a season at the Perth Glory Academy. Both players will bolster a squad, that have a great deal of talent, and for Diarra a move to Australia is one he’s looking forward too.
“I’m really pleased with the move to Bayswater and the City of Perth,” he said. “The sun, the beautiful landscape and I have met great people, so everything is going very well. I think I have found an excellent club to be able to enjoy the coming season. They are professional, and have done good recruitment, we are going to have a very good team and I like it because I am a winner and hope that we will do good things in this championship.”
The move to WA came about after a chat to Anthony Bafobusha, who is a close friend of Diarra, and he thanked him for helping him. “Anthony is one of my best friends, a brother who helps me so much in my life,” the 29-year-old said. “We played together in Belgium and since then we have become inseparable. Despite the distance, we always keep in touch via social networks, and I always talk to him about my situation in Belgium compared to football, my life etc. The same for him on his side explained to me his situation with his team over there and his life in Australia in Perth. Then one day after explaining to him that I wanted to change my living environment to discover other things, new experience, he offered me to come and play in Australia.
“He told me that he knew some good clubs, a place where I can let my football express and have fun, and I didn't hesitate for a second and I accepted. After telling me that Bayswater was interested in my profile after seeing my video, I took my plane ticket and I arrived in Perth. I met President Oriano Colli, a very good man, and my two coaches Gary (Williams) and Stewy (Moses), and we were able to discuss and I loved their speech and especially their vision of football and that's it. I’m here, in my new house, and I really don't regret my choice.”
Diarra played his early football in Belgium with Charleroi Sporting in the Belgian First Division, then to RWDM Brussels FC. He was transferred to SC Wiedenbruck, where he signed his first professional contract, and also had spells at FK Atlantas, before returning to Belgium with UR La Louviere. The midfielder said the first contract in Germany was special, and he hopes to bring success to Bayswater in 2024.
“I think the day I signed my first professional contract in Germany was one of the happiest days of my life, and it gave me great pride in being able to live and practice my passion,” he explained. “This season, I will try to give my best to the midfielder. To make a difference by my technique and my vision of games and my leadership, I want to win everything. I will bring my winning mentality to this team and give myself 100% for the club and my teammates.”
Bayswater Head Coach Gary Williams said the pair will be great additions to their squad, and have both been prominent in pre-season. “We are delighted with the signings of Julian and Omar for the season ahead. Julian knows the club well and will bring us great energy and balance down the left-hand side of the team. His attitude has been first class and has been an ever present at training which show's he is very hungry,” Williams explained.
“Omar has also impressed greatly since arrived at the club. Bafa recommended him and we decided as a group to offer him an opportunity at the club. The signs in training are very good, he is mobile, technically very good and will suit our football very well. It sometimes takes time for players to settle but Omar has come in and hit the ground running.”
The return to Bayswater of Kelly is another big coup for the club, the talented wing-back is happy to be back at Frank Drago Reserve, this after a good season at Perth Glory. “I’m really excited to be coming back to Baysie, I’ve always enjoyed playing at Frank Drago,” he said. “The atmosphere never disappoints when there’s a full crowd under the lights, so I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Kelly said his time at Glory was outstanding, and helped in his player development, but with Bayswater bringing in a number of quality players for the season ahead, he said he can’t wait to get going. “The time I spent at Glory was very good and exciting. During last season I also spent some time training with the A-league squad, which was always a good experience to be able to see the difference in standard, which also did help with my development as a footballer too,” he explained.
“It was tough to decide, but in the end, I think Baysie is the club where I’ll shine the most and play my best football and enjoy it. As for the season ahead, yes, I’m always happy to be a part of such a great squad, especially with Gary and Stuart back in as the coaches, they like seeing young players shine also. So yes, hopefully with their expertise we can have a very successful season.”
12.1.2024
FORDE READY FOR IRISH CHALLENGE
Perth Glory young defender Joseph Forde has terminated his contract at the A-League club by mutual consent, and has signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford FC. The club won promotion to the top league in Ireland, beating Cork City 2-1 after extra time in last season play-offs. The versatile defender, has strong Irish family connections, he is the grandson of Northern Irish Olympic footballer Hugh Forde and great-nephew of Northern Irish professional footballer Tommy Forde.
The speedy defender starred for the Perth Glory NPL side, making his senior debut in the 2021 FFA Cup play-off against Melbourne Victory. He went to make 17 A-League appearances for the club, and also represented Australia seven times at U20 level. On the move to Waterford, the defender said a chat to Glory midfielder, and former Derry City and Shamrock Rovers’ midfielder Aaron McEneff convinced him the move was right for his career.
“I’m very excited to be here, and it’s a new chapter for me in my football journey,” the 20year-old said. “I know a bit about the league, and I’m Irish myself, and after talking to Aaron (McEneff) he gave me the rundown of the league. I describe myself as an attacking full-back, who likes to go forward, take players on, deliver crosses, and make things happen. I enjoyed meeting all the lads and they all made me feel welcome, it’s completely different from where I’ve been in Australia, so I’m very excited and ready to take it on.”
The 2024 season begins on February 17, with a home game against Shelbourne, and Waterford Head Coach Keith Long is really pleased to have complete the signing of Forde, and hopes the defender can make a big impact at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. “We’re delighted to welcome Joseph to the group, joining us from the Australian club Perth Glory,” he said.
“Joseph has played first team football there; at a good standard and a good level. He’s very fit and athletic, and a very fast and powerful defender. He’s adaptable in terms of positions; he can play full back, wing back, left back so we’re looking forward to working with him. He’s 20 years of age, has played for the Australian Under-20s, has got Irish connections, and has ambitions to play at a high level in the game, so we’re hopeful he’ll make a big impact this season.”
11.1.2024
MACKINTOSH RETURNS TO SCOTLAND AFTER TWO-YEARS AT MANDURAH CITY
Murray Mackintosh has ended his two-year stint at Mandurah City, the 26-year-old heading home to Scotland and signing for Scottish Highland League club Brechin City FC on deal until the end of the season. The Hedgeman currently sit on top of the table three points clear of their nearest rivals Fraserburgh, and with a game in hand, as they look for a return to the SPFL.
Mackintosh made in excess of 100 appearances for Forfar Athletic, before signing for Brechin in 2021. He was almost ever-present in the heart of midfield before injury cut his season short in March. He made a total of 30 appearances, chipping in with four goals, with his stunning strike against Darvel in the Scottish Cup selected as goal of the season. The midfielder said he’s looking forward to returning to Glebe Park, but will have to get used to the cold weather.
“Yes, I’m back at my old club who are doing well so far this season, but still a very competitive league but delighted to be back playing again after I received international clearance this week,” Mackintosh explained. “I like to challenge myself that’s for sure, and going from the Perth 30+ heat, to the minus Scottish temperatures is just one I’ll have to deal with.”
The midfielder was a key part in Mandurah’s push toward promotion in his two seasons at the club, and he said the club and the country feel a huge part of him now. “I was very fortunate to spend almost two years in Australia with Mandurah, and I’m grateful to the club and my team mates for the experiences I’ve had there,” Mackintosh said. “We won two trophies and unfortunately finished second in the league both years, but I hope that they can get that promotion soon. I hope to return at some point in my life to Australia for at least an odd holiday as it feels a part of me now.”
Mandurah Head Coach John Baird, who also played for Brechin, wished Mackintosh all the best and thanked him for his time at the Dolphins. “Murray was a great member of our squad over the past two seasons, and his experienced helped bring along some of the youngsters in our team,” he said. “He was good for the team on and off the pitch, and on behalf of the club I’d like to wish him all the best at Brechin.”
Since his return to Scotland at the end of last month, Mackintosh has taken part in a number of training sessions and with his international clearance now received, the club can now be officially confirmed as a City player again. He will go straight into the squad for Saturday's Highland League fixture against Rothes at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park.
"We are really pleased to bring Murray back to the Club. He is another player who will certainly strengthen us as we reach the crucial stage of the season,” Brechin manager Gavin Price said. “Fixtures will be coming thick and fast over the next few months and it is important we have depth to our squad to deal with this. Murray is a great addition and he can play comfortably in a number of positions."
11.1.2024
MCENEFF LOOKS FOR RETURN HOME
Perth Glory’s out of favour midfielder Aaron McEneff is close to a move to his former club Shamrock Rovers, after reports the club are working on a deal to bring him back to the Tallaght Stadium. The Irishman joined the Glory in 2022, playing 15 games, scoring three goals, but injuries has curtailed his appearances. He doesn’t seem to be in the plans of Head Coach Alen Stajcic, and it looks like a move in the transfer window is on the cards.
The 28-year-old played over 100 games for Derry City before joining the Hoops in 2019, enjoying a two-year stint at the club, winning the FAI Cup in his maiden campaign before following it up with a starring role in their breakthrough league win under Rovers’ boss Stephen Bradley. The box-to-box midfielder left Rovers to join Hearts in February 2021, helping the Edinburgh club to return to the Scottish top flight in the months after his arrival, although he was restricted to just 14 Premiership appearances in his only full season there.
McEneff was attracted by the opportunity to move Down Under and joined Glory in the summer of 2022, making a positive start in his new surroundings. However, it has turned into a struggle compounded by the club’s perilous financial position. They entered voluntary receivership last summer and have been receiving support from Australian football authorities to honour wage commitments with the club’s future uncertain and the subject of ongoing court proceedings.
McEneff has made just two appearances in the A League this season but is under contract until the summer of 2025, and while the centralised operations in Australia are keen to reduce the Glory wage bill, it’s not a straightforward equation. The proposed switch would see McEneff join Rovers on loan for the 2024 League of Ireland season, with the Hoops paying a portion of his wages with a view to the deal becoming permanent next winter. A green light from the Australian end is required before Rovers can formally press on and bring the Derry native back to home.
11.1.2024
RIGBY SAYS CONSISTENCY NEEDED TO CONTINUE STRONG SEASON
Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby has preached the need for consistency as they look to keep pace at the top of the A-League Women’s ladder at the halfway mark. Glory head east to take on an out-of-form Melbourne Victory tomorrow afternoon as the first cab off the rank in the A-Leagues’ Unite Round, which will feature every men’s and women’s team playing in Sydney across the weekend.
But while the star-studded Victory have slipped to seventh after three losses in a row, Glory’s own form has been up and down, having taken just eight points from a possible 21 over the past seven matches. After last weekend’s loss to Western Sydney Wanderers - a loss which snapped Glory’s year-long unbeaten record at Macedonia Park - Rigby said the group were eager to make amends.
“We just need to get back to us. We’re focusing, really looking within and internally and in the inner sanctum, we just want to get back to playing our style of football,” said Rigby, whose team remain second but only six points above eighth-placed Newcastle as the table begins to tighten. “We have acknowledged and learnt from the game.”
“But because of the short turnaround, we really just have to make sure we’re taking on the messaging that (coach) Alex (Epakis) has portrayed to us. We need to get a little bit more consistency in our performances, because we’ve been performing really well and then maybe drop off the next week, so we’re looking to get that consistency, firm that out and look to fly for the rest of the season.”
Victory drew 2-2 with Glory at Macedonia Park earlier in the season and could field Matildas Alex Chidiac, Lydia Williams, Elise Kellond-Knight, Emily Gielnik and Emma Checker tomorrow. “Victory are always a really strong squad and they are this year as well. They’ve got some incredible players and we really need to respect them as an opposition.
“They haven’t had results go their way the last few games, but it doesn’t mean we can underestimate them because they are really strong. They’ve got strong centre backs, some really dynamic midfielders and I think Gielnik is coming back in to the squad.”
8.1.2024
EPAKIS CONFIDENT TEAM CAN OVERCOME FORM SLIDE
Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis has admitted his side need to self-solve a few problems posed by opponents after a fade-out of their opening season A-League Women’s form. After more than a year without a loss at home, the Glory women fell to a 2-0 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers last night
Glory have taken just eight points from a possible 21 over the past seven games and have lost three of their past six. The run has slipped the team to six points adrift of competition leaders Melbourne City, although they do still hold a three-point lead over third-placed Western United.
Epakis said the coaches and players had an honest discussion in the wake of their loss to the Wanderers and admitted they needed to be better. “Other teams are taking care of our key players and marking our key spaces that we want to play in, so we’ve got to be more adaptable,” he said.
“We’ve got to find solutions on the pitch. We’ve got a really strong playing style in how we want to play and we train to that, but ultimately, there’s got to be some player decision-making that adds a little bit more variety to what it is we’re trying to do.
“We said ‘that’s not us, that’s not the type of performance that we put on the pitch’; we’re a fighting team, that’s in our DNA, this team since I’ve been here has been a really relentless competitive outfit- even when we lose.”
With just a five-day turnaround before GLory face an out-of-form Melbourne Victory in Sydney, Epakis took solace in sensing his squad were already eager to right the weekend wrongs. “We’ve got a game coming up this week and against another team that’s going to be wanting to come back after a loss as well,” he said.
“If we get comfortable based on where we’re sitting (on the ladder) and think we’re just going to roll through the second half of the season... that just doesn’t happen. The reality is we need to make sure that we lean on the group and each other to make sure we take what we need out of this game to go and put it into the next game.”
7.1.2024
NEW SOCCEROO JONES READIES FOR ASIAN CUP (courtesy waoveryonder.au)
Defender Gethin Jones has thanked coach Graham Arnold after making his international debut for Australia. Four days after joining his first national team camp, the Bolton Wanderers vice-captain became Socceroo #639 when handed a starting spot in the 2-0 friendly win over Bahrain in Abu Dhabi overnight.
The last last week has passed in something of a blur for 28-year old Jones, who is grateful to his teammates and the coaching staff for aiding his transition into the Socceroos fold. “I’ve known Arnie had been coming to the games at Bolton for quite a few months now,” Jones said.
“When I first had the chat with Arnie a couple of months back he told me that there was a good chance of me going to the Asian Cup. He said that we wanted to win it. I’m not going to lie, it is nerve wracking walking into a room with so many fresh faces but I’ve settled in really well.”
Arnold made no secret of Jones’ inclusion in his starting eleven, with the trust and transparency of his coach further motivating Jones to repay the faith. “He told me on Thursday (that I’d be starting),” commented Jones, who has chalked up close to 250 league and cup appearances in England.
“It was good to know straight away, and know he’s put his faith in me, to put me in straight away. I’m hoping I can do the same on the pitch for Arnie and the team. It was good to be out there and get my debut. It’s been a few days, now training with the lads, but obviously, games are completely different.”
Deployed at right-back, Jones displayed his attacking prowess with regular darts down the right flank, a sight which League One fans have become accustomed to. “Arnie he told me what we do here is exactly the same as Bolton – attacking football,” he explained.
“He told me that when the ball is on the left side and the space on the right in front of me, I need to just make those runs and I’ll get the space. When I get in the wide areas, try and get as many crosses into the box while obviously doing my defensive duties as well.”
Looking ahead to the Asian Cup in Qatar, Jones is aware that he’ll will need to build on his debut performance. Nonetheless, the defender has every confidence in the squad that has been assembled. “I need to do a bit more. I didn’t show all of it tonight, but now to make up for what I’ve done,” he said.
“There’s competition for places everywhere. We all need to be at it every single day in training and put performances in the games and whoever plays the best will get their opportunity… I believe that the squad is good enough to go all the way.”
Australia’s Asian Cup campaign commences against India (January 13) followed by further group outings against Syria (January 18) and Uzbekistan (January 23). The top two sides from each of the six groups plus the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. The final will be played on February 10.
8.1.2024
KERR RUPTURES ACL AND IS SET TO MISS THE PARIS OLYMPICS
Matildas skipper Sam Kerr is set to miss the Paris Olympics later this year after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament while on a training camp in Morocco with her English WSL club Chelsea. The WA superstar has returned to London to begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical team, and the news doesn’t sound good, and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said he is shattered at the setback, having witnessed first-hand Kerr’s push to return to full fitness after her calf setback in the recent World Cup. “Considering how hard Sam has worked over the past six months to return to play, this news is a devastating blow for everyone,” Gustavsson said.
“With her ability to lead by example, Sam’s guidance and influence on the team is significant and, as a result, this will be an incredible loss for the national team. It could be so devastating that you can bring the whole team down because you can’t handle your own emotions. But what Sam did in that moment in the World Cup was to be the best teammate that I’ve ever seen, is just this everything about Sam as a person and as a leader for this team. The energy she gave, the belief she gave, the support she gave and at the same time going through her toughest moment in her career, possibly. Our focus now is on ensuring she has all the support she wants and needs to navigate recovery and rehab.”
Chelsea released a statement on the injury, saying. “Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco. Sam will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and then begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. The Australia international signed for the Blues in 2019 and has gone on to score 99 goals in 128 matches. She has played a pivotal role in four Women’s Super League title wins, three FA Cup triumphs, two Women’s League cup victories, and the Women’s Community Shield in 2020. Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sam the very best for her recovery.”
Some of Kerr’s Matildas teammates have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the devasting news – “Absolutely gutted for you my friend,” Matildas teammate Caitlin Foord said. “We’ve got you.” While Steph Catley wrote: “No words... Here with you every single step.” Even WA Premier Roger Cook sent his regards to one of the state’s most successful and important athletes of the past decade. “Devastating news. We’re all with you Sam,” Cook said. “Your home State wishes you a speedy recovery.”
Kerr is the latest leading women’s player to suffer an ACL injury recently, which seems more prevalent in the women’s game and is belatedly the subject of research into why this is. Ellie Carpenter, Kyah Simon, Chloe Logarzo and Elise Kellond-Knight are among Australian players to have suffered ACL injuries in recent years.
Meanwhile England’s Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, Vivianne Miedema of the Netherlands and France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto were among a string of stars to miss the World Cup while Spain’s Alexia Putellas had only just returned to playing and is still to regain her former level. Mead was one of the players to add her well wishes on social media, writing: “Gutted for you, no words will help right now but sending big love and wishing you a speedy recovery.”
7.1.2024
WANDERERS END GLORY’S UNBEATEN HOME RUN
A goal in each half from Western Sydney Wanderers’ striker Sophie Harding has given them an upset 2-0 win against Perth Glory in week 11 of the Liberty A-League at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. It was the first loss of the season for Alex Epakis’ side, who struggled in the final third, and it was the third game out of four that Glory have failed to score. Meanwhile English-born Harding was on fire, scoring a stunner in the first half, and despite Glory improving after the break, Harding’s second sealed the points.
The loss saw the gap at the top widen to six points from Melbourne City, but Glory still sits in second spot, and will be looking to bounce back on Friday against Melbourne Victory. “The loss came out of nowhere if I’m honest, we trained really well this week, the focus was there from the moment we returned from the Central Coast, and we highlighted the idea of putting two consistent performances together,” Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis said post-match. “We were ready for a good Wanderers side, who are good on transition, and we went in with a game plan to do that, but transition is what hurt us tonight.”
Epakis made just the one change from the side that won 2-1 in Gosford, with Sofia Sakalis returning to midfield, with Georgia Cassidy dropping to the bench. The Wanderers arrived sitting eighth on the table, and they made the better start, with American striker Maliah Morris’ shot on the turn flashing just wide of the upright, and moments later Harding’s effort whistled over the top. Glory settled and went close themselves on eight minutes, Gale Jale and Mille Farrow combining to send Susan Phonsongkham down the right, and her shot on the run stung the gloves of Wanderers keeper Kaylie Collins.
But on 24 minutes it was the visitors who found the opener. Cushia Rue won possession on the right, and played the ball back to Morris, who picked out Olivia Price in the middle of the park. The lively midfielder played in Harding, and her first time shot from the edge of the box found the top corner, giving Morgan Aquino no chance. Glory needed a response and young midfielder Hana Lowry almost found it seven minutes before the break.
Her long-range shot beat Collins, but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Wanderers custodian. It was the best period of the game for the hosts and they went close again two minutes later, Phonsongkham’s cross from the right picked out Jale, the New Zealand’s header was going into the far corner of the net, but Collins made a smart save low to her left to deny her, and at the break the hosts had it all to do.
Glory was out of the blocks early in the second half, in front of another bumper crowd, with Farrow a constant threat, and two minutes in she should have levelled. Liz Anton’s cross fell to the English striker, but Collins stood tall to save from the angle. Then on the hour Jale tried her look from distance, but she couldn’t keep her effort down. But against the run of play, the Wanderers doubled their advantage. A quick break ended with Rue, who played in Harding, and she raced into the box, and cut inside Jessika Cowart and finished clinically past Aquino.
The Wanderers went close to a third moments later, Holly Caspers deep cross found Price at the back post, and her half volley was superbly saved by the alert Aquino. Harding went close to her hat-trick late, racing at a tired Glory defence, and her shot on the run was well saved by Aquino. The win moving Wanderers up to sixth on the table, while Glory will look to regroup ahead of their trip to Victory on Friday.
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON (25 Grace JOHNSTON 65'), 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (27 Georgia CASSIDY 65'), 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (20 Quinley QUEZADA 65'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES, 13 Sarah CAIN
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Kaylie COLLINS, 2 Vicky BRUCE, 4 Madison MCCOMASKY, 7 Amy HARRISON, 8 Olivia PRICE (3 Gemma FERRIS 77'), 9 Sophie HARDING (23 Ella ABDUL-MASSIH 90+1'), 11 Danika MATOS, 15 Cushla RUE, 18 Malia MORRIS (10 Melissa CACERES 66'), 21 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 25 Holly CASPERS (19 Talia YOUNIS 90+1') - Subs not used: RGK Keely SEGAVCIC - Attendance: 1.469 - Referee: Isabella MOSSIN
7.1.2024
GLORY SWEAT ON FITNESS OF BEEVERS AND LACHMAN
Perth Glory’s defensive stocks are set to be tested as they reckon with the fall-out from Saturday’s injury-time home loss to Melbourne Victory. With Darryl Lachman exiting the game early due to a suspected groin, coach Alen Stajcic revealed co-captain Mark Beevers had suffered an undisclosed injury during training.
Beevers collided with young gun James Overy during a routine training run during the week and Stajcic feared he could miss a few weeks. “We don’t know the extent of that at the moment. He will probably be out for a few weeks minimum. We’ll have to shuffle the pack again,” Stajcic said of the veteran defender’s injury.
It means Perth may be forced to field a centre-back pairing of 21-year old Jacob Muir and 19-year old Kaelen Majekodunmi next week against Wellington Phoenix. The returning Aleksandar Susnjar could fill in at centre-back, although left-back Riley Warland was forced off with cramp after his first match in almost two months.
6.1.2024
MELBOURNE TAKE THE VICTORY WITH STOPPAGE TIME WINNER
Melbourne Victory moved back to the top of the Isuzu Ute A-League table after a hard fought 3-2 win against a 10-man Perth Glory in their round 11 clash at HBF Park on Saturday evening. Tony Popovic’s side had to work for the three points, after Adam Taggart had given the hosts the lead midway through the first half, but French midfielder Zinedine Machach levelled just before half time, before a second yellow card for simulation to former Victory striker Bruce Kamau turned the game early in the second half.
The ten-men were outstanding battling hard and creating chances of their own, but it was Victory who hit the front eight minutes from time with substitute Eli Adams curling home. But the Glory weren’t finished and former ECU Joondalup and Gwelup Croatia defender Kaelan Majekodumni restored parity in the final minute, and it looked like he had earnt them a point on his A-League debut off the bench, but the hosts couldn’t hold on with Ben Folami curling home the winner deep into stoppage time.
“I thought it was the best we’ve played this season and I feel disappointed for the boys who put in that much effort and came away with nothing, but there were a lot more positives to take from the game,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match. “Even when we went down to ten-men we were positive looking for the winner, and I was really proud of the effort they put in, after the break in particular. But you have to fight to the end you can’t drop your guard late, and we’ve been stung like that, three times now.”
Stajcic said the sending off turned the game, but felt Kamau wasn’t looking for a penalty and didn’t appeal for one. "If you're going to police that like that it would be policed on every occasion," he said. "There were two or three times they went down as well, and last week there would have been about 10 of those in our game right in front of me and they were rewarded with free-kicks, and I don't think he was appealing for a penalty anyway. I just asked him what happened and he just said, 'Maybe I got a little nick and then I just went down, I wasn't looking for a pen'."
Glory made five changes to the side that were beaten by Central Coast Mariners last time out, with Daniel Bennie, Darryl Lachman, Bruce Kamau, Mustafa Amini and Riley Warland, who wasn’t even in the squad announced in the week, coming in for the suspended duo Mark Beevers and Alex Susnjar, with Oliver Bozanic, Luke Ivanovic and Salim Khelifi dropping to the bench.
It was a tense start to the game, with chances few and far between, the best early came for the visitors with Cameron Cook saving Machach’s free kick. But on 19 minutes it was Glory who found the opener, Daniel Arzani’s wayward pass fell to Taggart on the edge of the box, and the former Socceroos striker finished with aplomb, blasting into the top corner of the net giving Paul Izzo no chance in the Victory goal.
They went close to a second six minutes later, Amini’s shot was parried by Izzo, and Stefen Colakovski pounced on the rebound, but Izzo was up quickly to block his shot. Victory who arrived in Perth as the only unbeaten team in the competition lifted, and Cook got down smartly at his near post to deny the dangerous Machach moments later.
Johnny Koutroumbis then tried his luck from distance, after spotting Izzo off his line, but his shot drifted jut wide of the target. Glory looked compact at the back and the Victory were struggling to break them down, but three minutes from the break their good work was undone. Arzani slipped Machach into goal, and he eased past his marker before finding the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box, to send the sides into the break all-square.
All the Glory’s half time plans were thrown out of the window just 15 seconds into the second half, after Kamau fell in the penalty area under a challenge from Damien Da Silva, and referee Lachlan Keevers, who was well placed to see no contact was made, and booked Kamau for simulation, his second of the game, and he was sent off. Victory went in for the kill, but Glory held firm, with players putting their bodies on the line.
Cook then produced a stunning double save 15 minutes from time. Folami’s through ball sent Nishan Velupillay in on goal, but the Glory custodian stood tall to save, and was up quick to save his follow up shot from the angle. But there was nothing he could do on 82 minutes as the visitors hit the front, Adams cutting in from the right and curling into the top corner of the net.
Many thought that was it, but Glory had other ideas, Ivanovic stung the palms of Izzo with a powerfully strike from distance and from the resulting corner they restored parity. Amini’s corner wasn’t dealt with and Majekodumni fired past Izzo and raced off to celebrate in front of the Shed.
Victory hit back and Cook saved well again to deny Machach, who got on the end of Adams’ curling free kick. But in the final minute of stoppage time the visitors won it. Jordi Valadon found fellow substitute Falomi who raced into the box and curled into the bottom corner past Cook to seal the three points.
Popovic was thrilled with his team's fighting spirit, but he wasn’t happy with their momentary drop in intensity after taking the lead late. "I'd say from the send-off that's probably the only disappointing part I had - that at 2-1 up, we gave the ball away, we got sloppy, we gave corner after corner away, which is very unnecessary," he said. "Perth got the equaliser, and we still found a way to get a goal in the last couple of minutes, which is a credit to the players."
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (12 Luke IVANOVIC 66'), 8 Mustafa AMINI, 14 Riley WARLAND (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 74'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, (9 David WILLIAMS 74'), 23 Daniel BENNIE (10 Salim KHELIFI 66'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN (28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 58') 77 Bruce KAMAU - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 24 Oliver BOZANIC – Red Card: Kamau 47’
Melbourne Victory: GK Paul IZZO, 2 Jason GERIA (3 Adama TRAORE 76'), 5 Damien DA SILVA, 7 Chris IKONOMIDIS (11 Ben FOLAMI 69'), 8 Zinedine MACHACH, 14 Connor CHAPMAN, 17 Nishan VELUPILLAY (27 Jordi VALADON 87'), 18 Fabian MONGE (4 Rai MARCHAN 69'), 19 Daniel ARZANI (24 Eli ADAMS 76'), 21 Roderick MIRANDA, 25 Ryan TEAGUE – Subs not Used: RGK Christian SICILIANO, 16 Stefan NIGRO - Attendance: 5,318 - Referee: Lachlan KEEVERS
6.1.2024
SOCCEROOS AT THE DOUBLE TO BEAT BAHRAIN
The Socceroos have ended their preparations for the Asian Cup Finals next week, with a strong 2-0 win against Bahrain in their friendly encounter at the Baniyas Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening. An own goal from defender Amine Binaddi gave Graham Arnold’s side the lead at the break, and Mitch Duke doubled their advantage on the hour. They go in camp in a confident mood, as they go in search of their second Asian Cup crown, there first game will be against India next Saturday.
“It was a great hit-out,” Arnold said post-match. “It was quite a physical game and obviously playing against these types of nations, how they sit back - as much as you can do presentations and train it and get ready for it, it’s always great to play against opposition that play that way. So, it was a perfect, perfect game that we could have had leading into the Asian Cup.”
Arnold brought in Adelaide United keeper Joe Gauci for the injured Matt Ryan, Bolton Wanderers and WA born defender Gethin Jones became Socceroo #639 and Middlesbrough striker Sam Silvera was given his first start for his country, while former ECU Joondalup junior Cameron Burgess was at the heart of the defence. It was a typical friendly game early, with most of the action in the middle of the park.
But it was the Socceroos first to go close on 20 minutes, Conor Metcalfe finding space on the edge of the box, but his half volley was straight at Bahrain keeper Ebrahim Luftalla. The Socceroos were now dominating the game and went close again ten minutes later, neat build up play from skipper Jackson Irvine ended with a ball to Silvera out on the right, his cross into the box found Craig Goodwin, but his effort was wide of the target.
Their pressure was rewarded with the lead five minutes later. Duke found Goodwin wide on the left, and his first time cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Binaddi. They went close to a second in the shadows of half time, Bahrain turned the ball over and Goodwin found Duke, whose acrobatic effort from close-range flashed over the top, but at the break they held a narrow lead.
The second half began in a similar style, the Socceroos on the front foot, but the Bahrain side were making it hard for Arnold’s side, and they started to string passes together and ask a few questions, but on the hour the Socceroos doubled their advantage. Aiden O’Neill’s deep cross found Goodwin at the back post and he headed back across goal for Duke to fire home from close-range, his 12th goal for his country.
Arnold made a number of changers, bringing off Burgess, Conor Metcalfe, Duke and Goodwin for Kye Rowles, Riley McGree, Kusini Yengi and Aziz Behich. Bahrain fought back and went close eight minutes later, when a deflected shot was well saved by the alert Gauci. The Socceroos saw the game out to seal the win, and interestingly, Arnold only made six subs across the second half.
Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi given a run out at striker ahead of Melbourne Victory’s Bruno Fornaroli, while previously-injured attackers McGree and Marco Tilio were given match-time. Rowles was also brought on in what appears to be a straight shootout with Burgess for the second centre-back position alongside Harry Souttar.
Overall, it was a solid performance for the Subway Socceroos as players were able to get more minutes into the legs ahead of the Asian Cup opener next week. Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin said they could yet “be a bit tidier in possession” but was pleased with the overall performance. “It’s probably similar to some of the games that we’ll encounter at this Asian Cup,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough competition, but we have the aspirations to go very deep into the competition, so it’s important for us to get the minutes, to get used to playing together again, and having that mentality of being ruthless.”
Bahrain: GK Ebrahim Luftalla, 2 Amine Binaddi, 3 Waleed Alhayyam, 6 Mohamed Alhardan, 7 Ali Madan (19 Ali Saeed 66’), 10 Komail Alaswad (11 Ebrahim Alkhatal 66’), 13 Moses Atede (5 Mohamed Abdulwahab 76’), 14 Abdulla Alhashash, 8 (Mohamed Marhoon 55’), 18 Mohamed Adel, 23 Abdulla Alkhalasi (16 Mohamed Qayoom 76’), 24 Jasim Khalif (9 Abdulla Yusuf 55’) – Subs not Used: RGK Abdulkarim Fardan, RGK Sayed Mohamed Jaffar, 4 Sayed Mahdi Baqer, 15 Jasim Alshakh, 17 Ahmed Bughamar, 19 Hazza Ali, 20 Mahdi Humaidan, 25 Ibrahim Alwali, 26 Husain Aleker
Socceroos: GK Joe Gauci, 25 Gethin Jones (3 Nathaniel Atkinson 78’), 19 Harry Souttar, 21 Cameron Burgess (4 Kye Rowles 62’), 5 Jordan Bos, 8 Conor Metcalfe (14 Riley McGree 62’), 13 Aiden O’Neil, 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Craig Goodwin (16 Aziz Behich 62’), 15 Mitchell Duke (10 Kusini Yengi 62’), 7 Sam Silvera (11 Marco Tilio 78’) - Subs not Used: RGK Mathew Ryan, RGK Lawrence Thomas, 2 Thomas Deng, 6 Martin Boyle, 9 Bruno Fornaroli, 17 Keanu Baccus, 20 Lewis Miller, 24 Patrick Yazbek, 26 John Iredale
5.1.2024
GLORY’S TITLE PUSH CONTINUES AGAINST WANDERERS
Perth Glory will be aiming to continue their fantastic start to the Liberty A-League season when they host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 11 at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening. (kick off 7pm) Alex Epakis’ side sit second on the ladder, only three points adrift of leaders Melbourne City. They are coming off a hard-fought win against Central Coast Mariners last weekend, with Millie Farrow continuing her stellar form in front of goal bagging a brace in the 2-1 win, and Epakis said they must build on the win in Gosford, as they go in search of their seventh win of the season.
“The key thing for us is just building on our performance last week against Central Coast,” he said. “It was a really important performance for us in terms of the ability to compete from a physical and mental point of view. Leading into this week, it’s going to be a very similar game with a very similar style from the opposition and what we really want to do is harness the idea of being at home.
“We had a fantastic calendar year there last year, losing just one game at home in 12 months and that’s a record we’re extremely proud of. We know that when teams come here, we can go a long way in controlling the performance and the way we want the game to go. We’ve been really stressing that this week and the players are really primed for a great performance.”
The Wanderers shared the spoils in their last visit to Perth at Macedonia Park in round 16 last season. Skipper Natasha Rigby gave the hosts the lead early in the second half, with her first A-League goal, but the Wanderers levelled ten minutes from time, with Matildas midfielder Amy Harrison converting from the spot. Kat Smith’s Wanderers side sit eighth on the table, but Epakis is not underestimating them, especially after coming off a huge win against Melbourne Victory last time out with Harrison and Alexia Apostolakis on target.
“We have to expect the best version of Western Sydney Wanderers and we’re really mindful of what they can do and what their style is,” Epakis said. “We’re really focused on making sure we can nullify their type of play and really battle with and without the ball and if we do that, we give ourselves a chance to get another three points.”
Glory almost has a full squad to choose from, and no new injuries were picked up in the New Years Eve win against the Mariners, and Epakis has added Tia Stonehill, Abbey Green, Sadie Lawrence and Izzy Foletta to the squad for Sunday’s game. The coach also explained how his side enjoy playing at home, with the attendances growing each week, and he knows how much their fans help them, especially at Macedonia Park.
“It’s such a great force that the crowd and the home advantage generate for us,” he said. “We’re super-appreciative of all the support and the energy that the crowd gives us and we really encourage everyone to keep doing that not just this week, but throughout the rest of the season. We’re going to need everyone behind us as we give this thing a real crack.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Four to be omitted - Ins: STONEHILL, GREEN, LAWRENCE, FOLETTA - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 28 Anika STAJCIC (injured)
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Kaylie COLLINS, GK Sham KHAMIS, 2 Vicky BRUCE, 3 Gemma FERRIS, 4 Madison MCCOMASKY, 5 Lauren KEIR, 6 Amy CHESSARI, 7 Amy HARRISON, 8 Olivia PRICE, 9 Sophie HARDING, 10 Melissa CACERES, 11 Danika MATOS, 14 Milly CLEGG, 15 Cushla RUE, 17 India BREIER, 18 Malia MORRIS, 19 Talia YOUNIS, 21 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 22 Ischia BROOKING - Ins: Nil - Outs: Nil
5.1.2024
DOLPHINS SNAP UP SCOTTISH DEFENDER
After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Mandurah City have wasted little time in strengthening their squad for 2024 with Scottish defensive midfielder Dylan Coll joining the club for next season. The 22-year-old has played for Scotland as a junior, and had stints at Partick Thistle, Clydebank, and most recently Benburb FC in the West of Scotland League.
Head Coach John Baird is delighted to sign Coll, and said he will be a crowd favourite for the Dolphin’s supporters. “We’re really pleased to have secured the services of Dylan for next season, he’s a no-nonsense defender who I believe will be a big hit with our supporters,” he explained. “Dylan is a player that’s been on our radar for a while, but as you know it’s hard to get these players over the line, but we have done it and that’s a credit to the club. He will bring professionalism and ability which will help our squad, and we look forward to his arrival in Perth in early January.”
For Coll a conservation with a former coach got the move down under going, and he can’t wait to get here and get started with the Dolphins. “I had a chat to Kieran McAnespie my former coach at Clydebank about a move, and when John (Baird) contacted me, the decision was an easy one,” he said. “John said he would love to have me at Mandurah City, and I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.”
Coll played his youth football at Clyde, then went to Clydebank and Partick Thistle, before stints at Bo’ness United in the Scottish lowland league, and most recently Benburb FC. He has also played for Scotland Senior Schools team while at Clydebank, something he remembers well. “Yes, representing your country at any level is an honour, and to play Scotland was a highlight in my football,” he said. “It was the Scotland Senior Schools side and we played against Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, England and Australia.”
The defender said he can’t wait to get over to Perth in January, and get to work. “I’m buzzing to get over and get started. It’s a massive move for me moving over from Scotland so will be good to get in and settle in with the boys,” the 22-year-old said. “I know the level of football is good, after taking to John, so I’m hoping to bring a bit of football from defence, playing out from the back and defending well, and my long throws my cause a few problems, but most of all I’m looking forward to playing in front of the home supporters.”
5.1.2024
HOLLAND TAKES OVER THE REINS AT WOODVILLE RESERVE
North Perth United were in the Belt-Up Premier Amateur Division title mix for most of last season, but fell three points adrift at seasons end, and they will look to a new face to lead them in 2024, with Chris Holland taking over as Head Coach, and he hopes to guide them to success next season. “I’m extremely excited to be given the chance to lead the team, which was a strong squad last season,” he said. “So, when given the chance to take over an already established team came up, it was a no brainer for me to join and bring in my own players and twist to such a strong team already.”
It will be Holland’s first coaching gig, after a playing career with Armadale, Forrestfield United, Gosnells City, Swan United, Ashfield and Shamrock Rovers, and he can’t wait to get started, but he won’t be pulling the boots back on again in 2024. “I thought the boys were unlucky last season, leading the league almost all season, only to be pipped at the end,” he said. “The squad depth is always a factor and already before pre-season has even started, we have addressed that issue by bringing in some quality to the squad already.
“This league has always been very competitive, however North Perth have always been there or there abouts, so this season my goal is not to finish third or second but to win the league, and although it will be a difficult task, I believe we have what we need to achieve this. For me personally, I don’t plan on putting the boots back on at all, however stranger things have happened if we need the odd goal here or there. Yes, this will be my first-year coaching which makes it all the more exciting with no expectations on myself personally, however we will let the football do the talking.”
Club President Kevin Flavin said Chris showed last season as a player at the club, his knowledge of the game and believes he is a perfect fit. “As a club we are excited about the appointment of Chris as our new first team head coach,” he said. “He has been around the WA football scene for a long-time playing State League and amateur football so having that experience of being involved at a high level is vital for us. He was at the club last season as a player, and I couldn’t think of a better place to start his coaching career now that his playing days are over. He comes in with the same ambitions as the club to getting back to winning trophies again this season.”
Holland will be joined in the dugout by his new assistant Shane Nunez, and the Head Coach said it is a huge appointment, and he hopes they can bring promotion to the Woodville Reserve club. “I’m proud to have Shane join me, who brings a wealth of experience from both here in WA and the Victoria state leagues,” Holland said. “Our goal is to shake things up a little in WA football.
“Most of the teams play the same system with the same formation, but we will be a team to watch this season for any neutral as it will be a very attacking system with a new style that I don’t believe I’ve seen played in WA before, so the goal is simple win the league. Kevin Flavin did a great job last season, and he will be the reserves coach this season, although he is the club’s president, the man is such a loyal club member and taking on another job role I respect that very much.”
5.1.2024
GLORY AIM TO START 2024 WITH A VICTORY
Perth Glory will look to start 2024 on a high, when they welcome second placed Melbourne Victory in Week 11 of the Isuzu Ute A-League at HBF Park on Saturday evening. (6.45pm) They ended 2023 with a loss against the Mariners, and also lost defenders Mark Beevers and Aleksandar Susnjar in the process, the pair were sent off in Gosford, and will serve one-match suspension, but they will be available to face Wellington Phoenix at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium in Unite Round on Sunday 14 January.
The pair will be missed on Saturday, and Head Coach Alen Stajcic will have to shuffle the pack, against a Victory side who have scored 21 goals this season. He spoke at his media conference about looking for a more resolute defensive performance from his side, and the absence of Beevers and Susnjar isn’t going to help that, but Stajcic believes they can fill the void, and hopes to continue their good home form, only losing once in their four games in the west.
“I think in the last two-and-a-half games, we’ve been much better on the ball,” he said. “We’ve gone from averaging around 30% possession to 50-55%, have created lots of chances and scored seven goals in the last two-and-a-half games. We really should be winning, with that amount of goals, so it’s not that part of the game that I’m worried about. It’s more our defensive shape and in transition. We can’t be conceding eight goals and the number of chances we did, especially last week against the Mariners. If we do that against this team [Victory] we’ll just give up the game, so it’s certainly an area of the game that we have to fix up and tidy up.”
It’s a return to the west for former Glory coach Tony Popovic, but they will be missing another former Glory man, with Bruno Fornaroli away on Socceroos duty, and Stajcic is well aware the talent they have in their line-up, and is expecting another challenging encounter. “They’ve looked good so far, we obviously played them in the pre-season down in Bunbury and at Dorrien Gardens, so we knew even at that point they were going to be a strong team,” Stajcic explained.
“When you look at their bench, they’ve probably got more depth than most other teams in the league. Last week they brought on [Ben] Folami, [Chris] Ikonomidis and [Jake] Brimmer… so they have depth that probably a lot of other teams don’t have at their disposal. They definitely deserve to be at the top the way they’ve played this season. They’ve played good attacking football all year and even in that draw that they had against Wellington [in Round 4], I think they had 19 shots to 1 and ended up with a draw off an own-goal. So, they’ve been a touch unlucky not to be further ahead in the league table.”
The last visit west in the A-League for Victory, ended in a 3-1 defeat in round 13 at Macedonia Park. In front of a sell-out crowd at the home of Stirling Macedonia, Glory hit the front eight minutes before the break, with Ryan Williams on target. It looked like Josh Brillante had secured a point for the visitors, when he levelled on 69 minutes, but Adam Taggart had other ideas, the striker scoring a brace in the final ten minutes to secure the three points.
In team news, Stajcic has added youngsters Daniel Bennie, Jayden Gorman, and Young Socceroos defenders Kaelan Majekodunmi and Andriano Lebib to the squad, to cover the loss of Beevers and Susnjar, but there is still no room for Aaron McEneff and Luke Bodnar. Stajcic also spoke of the possibility that on-loan pair Oliver Bozanic and Jarrod Carluccio could stay at the club, as their loan period from Western Sydney Wanderers is almost up.
“It’s tough losing two of our back four who have been there all year, so we’re going to have to adapt and it’s an opportunity for other people,” he said. “We’ll see how we realign and readjust that and at the moment we’re still working through who that’s going to be. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to keep both [Bozanic and Carluccio] until the end of the year. That’s not 100% at the moment, but I’d say it’s 90-95% that we’ll have them until the end of the year.”
Popovic will be tasked with replacing the league’s top goal scorer with Fornaroli leaving for international duty with the Socceroos at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. The return of Adama Traore and Jordi Valadon are welcome inclusions into the Victory squad. Traore missed last weekend’s game against Adelaide United, due to concussion protocol after suffering a head knock the week before. New French recruit Zinedine Machach is available and will be looking to add to his impressive start, while in the middle of the park Daniel Arzani, ex-Glory trio Brimmer, Ikonomidis and Jason Geria will be looking to get one over their former employers.
Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 34 Andriano LEBIB, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BENNIE, GORMAN, MAJEKODUNMI, LEBIB - Outs: 5 Mark BEEVERS, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR - Unavailable: 4 Luke BODNAR (not selected), 6 Aaron MCENEFF (not selected), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 14 Riley WARLAND (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Paul IZZO, GK Christian SICILIANO, 2 Jason GERIA, 3 Adama TRAORE, 4 Rai MARCHAN, 5 Damien DA SILVA, 6 Leigh BROXHAM, 7 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 8 Zinedine MACHACH, 11 Ben FOLAMI, 14 Connor CHAPMAN, 16 Stefan NIGRO, 17 Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18 Fabian MONGE, 19 Daniel ARZANI, 21 Roderick MIRANDA, 22 Jake BRIMMER, 24 Eli ADAMS, 25 Ryan TEAGUE, 27 Jordi VALADON - Ins: TRAORE, MARCHAN, VALADON - Outs: 10 Bruno FORNAROLI (international duty)
2.1.2024
MUM INSPIRED JONES TO CHOOSE AUSTRALIA OVER WALES
Perth-born Gethin Jones has revealed the reason he switched international allegiances from Wales to Australia. The Bolton Wanderers defender had earned Welsh youth and Under-21s caps and was called up by Chris Coleman to the senior squad in 2017 whilst playing for Everton.
Jones had harboured an ambition to represent Wales at senior level amid calls from the Socceroos scouting network change his international allegiance. So when a firm offer arrived earlier this year, Jones recalled the advice of his late mum, Karen, and set about re-registering with football’s governing body, FIFA.
“It has always been in the back of my mind,” Jones told 'the Bolton News'. “I grew up in Australia and we only moved back because my dad took over the family business. Obviously, I’m happy we did move because I probably wouldn’t be playing football otherwise but as I got older it is something I have thought about.”
“My mum had always said ‘would you not play for Australia?’ She really didn’t want to come back at the time and as I went through the system with Wales she always talked about Australia being an option. When I got that call and they asked me, I thought straight away of my mum, she would have been buzzing.”
Australia will be one of the favourites to lift the Asia Cup, along with Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The tournament begins on January 12, with the Socceroos facing India in their first group game 24 hours later. Jones is under no illusion that, if called upon, he will have to hit the ground running.
“I spoke to the manager and the assistant, Rene Meulensteen, and they both want to go out there and win the tournament. It will be a huge experience for me,” Jones said. “I know they wanted to call me up to the last camp because we had to get all the papers done with FIFA.”
“They asked me if I was ready to go straight into a big tournament and I was like: ‘One hundred per cent.’ It is a different pressure for me. It has been windy and rainy all week and the lads have been telling me: ‘This time next week you’ll be in Qatar’ - and I am sure it will be warmer. But being involved in a top level competition like that is exciting.”
“It will be a good experience. Obviously something I haven’t been involved in for about five years now, playing in an international squad, and not since I have played for Bolton. I haven’t left the squad for anything. It will be strange not seeing the lads, the gaffer and the staff every day but I want to make a success of it.”
Bolton will potentially be without their vice-captain for ten games if Australia reach the final on February 10, which was a decision he did not take lightly. “It was something I have talked to the manager about and because it is a first call-up, so to say ‘no’ and stay with the club would have been a big decision,” he said.
“I know the lads will keep doing brilliantly... I’m 28 now and I might not get the chance again. The manager has been brilliant with me and everyone wishes me luck, so I want to go and do my best then come back to help the club get promotion, which remains the number one aim.”
2.1.2024
CIRCATI ATTRACTS INTEREST FROM ENGLAND AND SPAIN
Alessandro Circati is at the heart of Parma’s push for Serie A promotion and his exploits have not gone unnoticed across Europe. LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid and English Premier League outfit Brentford have reportedly shown an interest in the Socceroos defender, having watched the 20-year old in recent matches.
Circati has gone from strength to strength since jetting out of Perth in 2021. He made his Serie B debut for Parma during the 2021/22 season, playing alongside legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The former Perth SC junior has gone on to make 40 league and cup appearances for Parma, including starting 14 games this season.
Circati made his Australia debut New Zealand last October but was omitted from the Asian Cup squad as he is likely to be involved in Australia's upcoming Olympic Games qualifying campaign. Additionally, he is a key part of Parma’s quest to return to Italy’s top flight, the club currently top of the second tier and six points clear of Venezia and Como.
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This page was last updated on the 29th December, 2023