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Welcome to footballwa.net! Here you will find all the latest football news from Western Australia, current tables for the state's top four Leagues, archived tables and results dating back to 1950, the Western Australian Club Directory which includes honour lists and divisional movements for each club and much, much more.
8.7.2025
GRANT WINS IT FOR THE MATILDAS IN STOPPAGE TIME
The Matildas have ended their WA Camp, and split the two-game series against Panama, after an entertaining 3-2 win at HBF Park on Tuesday evening. The Central America side took out the first game in Bunbury on Saturday, and hit the front in this one with a stunning strike from Ericka Arauz to lead at the break. But the Matildas hit back with a brace from Michelle Heyman. Panama leveled six minutes from time, Lineth Cedeno on target, and it looked like that would be the final score, but Charli Grant's stoppage-time winner sealed the victory for Australia.
Despite the win coach Joe Montemurro was quick to bemoan his side’s mistakes and admonished them for not realising they only had ten players on the pitch when Panama equalised late. “We fell into the trap of wanting to rush the play when we needed to slow it down, and slowing it down when we needed to go quick,” he said. “That caused a lot of technical errors, because people weren’t in position at the right time, weren’t in their right zones at the right time and every time we turned the ball over, Panama looked like they were going to hurt us. “We put ourselves in in trouble a few times, and I was a little bit disappointed because there were things I thought we got rid of over the last three games.”
But on the whole, Montemurro said there were plenty of positives to work with and take into the October window. “They’re an amazing bunch of athletes that really love representing their country and love being in camp, that’s the first thing,” he said. “The second thing was to instil a direction through a base of what we believe will be a team that will win major tournaments. We’ve taken away a lot of tactical snippets, we now know where we need to solve problems because the opposition were tricky.”
The coach made eight changes from the team from Saturday. Chloe Lincoln made her starting debut in goal after Teagan Micah was forced to leave camp with injury. Emily van Egmond took the captain’s armband after Hayley Raso wore it from the start for the first time on Saturday, and only three players kept their spot in the starting side, Raso and Holly McNamara up top, and Courtney Nevin, who moved to a more familiar left-back role.
Australia opened brightly and created a couple of half chances early, before the lively Raso went close to the opener on 24 minutes. A great solo run from the Tottenham Hotspur striker ended with a shot which hit the post, the rebound falling back to her, and she cut the ball back to Remy Siemsen, but her effort was parried away, by Farissa Cordoba. Despite the pressure from the hosts, it was Panama who would find the opener ten minutes later. Matildas poor pass out of defence turned the ball over, and it fell to Arauz and her shot flew past Lincoln into the top corner of the net.
The Matildas needed a good start after the break, and that’s exactly what they got, finding the equaliser nine minutes in. McNamara found the run of Raso on the right, and her low cross found Heyman, who got in front of her marker to score from close range. The crowd of 10,657 were on their feet again when Australia hit the front on 65 minutes. It was Raso again who was the supplier, sent down the right by Amy Sayer, her cross into box picked out Heyman, who rose highest to head home. Panama wasn’t finished and Lincoln produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Riley Tanner as they searched for the equaliser.
They went close again ten minutes from time, another turnover was pounced on by the visitors, and Cedeno shot beat Lincoln, but Jessika Nash got back bravely to clear the ball off the line under pressure from Tanner. But Panama would restore parity three minutes later, the hosts broke quickly down the right and Cedeno raced into the box and finished clinically past Lincoln. But the fans were sent home happy, when the Matildas won it in stoppage time.
Alana Murphy pass was flicked on by former Perth Glory striker Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, sending Courtney Nevin down the left and her cross on the run found Grant at the back post who bundled the ball home, her second goal for her country. It turned out to be the winner, and a successful WA camp came to an end, with the coach giving some of the younger players an opportunity at international level which will be vital in their devolvement. Harley Razo was outstanding on the night and said they got a good taking too at the break and it work, and she also it’s been good to work up front with Heyman.
“I feel like it’s so easy to play with Michelle (Heyman). Whenever I get it out on the wing, I can just play it into the box and find her there,” she said. “We had a good talking to at half-time. That’s not us to be playing like that in the first half. But we came out knowing what we needed to do. I felt a little tired out there. I’ve been rehabbing a quad injury. But hopefully I looked ok, and I’m feeling alright. The girls are really thriving under Joe. He’s implemented his own style and the girls are getting to grips with that. It will be good to get the full squad training together too.”
Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 2 Courtney Nevin, 4 Clare Hunt, 10 Emily van Egmond (6 Chloe Berryhill 90+5’), 16 Hayley Raso (34 Jacynta Galabadaarachchi 74’), 17 Amy Sayer (30 Alana Murphy 74’), 22 Charlotte Grant, 25 Holly McNamara (26 Bryleeh Henry 90’), 31 Jessika Nash, 32 Michelle Heyman, 35 Remy Siemsen (36 Adriana Taranto 90’) – Subs not used: RGK Jada Whyman, RGK Sally James, 5 Natasha Prior, 29 Jamilla Rankin, 33 Grace Kuilamu, 37 Alexia Apostolakis
Panama: GK Farissa Cordoba, 2 Hilary Jaen (15 Arlen Hernandez 86’), 3 Wendy Natis (16 Rebeca Espinosa 59’), 4 Katherine Castillo, 7 Ericka Arauz (18 Lineth Cedeno 59’), 8 Schiandra Gonzalez (9 Karla Riley 86’), 10 Marta Cox, 11 Sherline King (14 Carmen Montenegro 74’), 13 Riley Tanner, 21 Ana Ggabriela Quintero (17 Shayari Camarena 59’), 23 Carina Baltrip-Reyes – Subs not sued: RGK Isabella Morey, 5 Katherine Gonzalez, 19 Katherine Parris
6.7.2025
BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWELVE REVIEW
Emerald has bounce back from defeat last week against Morley, beating Olympic Kingsway 2-0 in our Belt Up Amateur Premier Division round 12 ‘Match of the Week’ at Kingsway Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Only four points separated the two teams in this top of the table clash but goals from Ronan Flaherty and Conor Gormely secured the points for Shane Dineen’s side, the win keeping the pressure on the leaders, while defeat for the hosts sees them slip down to sixth. “Sunday was a massive result for us and a very impressive, dominant performance,” Emerald captain Jamie McLaughlin said. “We were fired up for this game due to them beating us earlier in the season and we weren’t leaving without three points this time.
“The return of three key players after their holidays to Ireland including club captain Shane Young gave the squad a massive boost and it showed on Sunday. Overall, it was a very impressive performance from the lads, that we will hope to continue on next week against North Beach.” The pair had met in the Night Series Final earlier in the season with Emerald successful on that occasion 2-0, and they dictated terms in the first half, and Conor Gormely saw his goal ruled out for offside, not soon after they did hit the front. A cross to the back post found Flaherty, and his bicycle kick beat Daniel Higgin. They doubled their advantage just after the hour, Conor Hogan was fouled in the box, and the referee pointed straight to the spot, and Gormely converted the resulting penalty. The hosts finished the game with ten men, after Kevin Nguyen was sent off.
League leaders North Perth maintained their three-point buffer at the top, after a 3-0 win against Maccabi at Woodville Reserve. “Overall, it was a great day for us. We were so happy with the performance from the lads, they all ran themselves into the ground and didn’t stop from the first to last minute,” North Perth assistant coach Kevin Flavin explained. “I thought we played some great football in tough conditions, now we move onto Friday night against North Beach which will be another tough test.”
The hosts were ahead on 38 minutes, Cian O’Dwyer was put through and he rounded the keeper and slotted it home. They added a second moments later, Caolin Coyle scoring directly from a corner. They sealed the points 20 minutes from time, Maccabi failed to clear their lines, and in the goalmouth scramble Lawson Smith fired home. Head coach Jason Winter was pleased with the performance in tough conditions. “Very happy with the result, the boys were brilliant today,” he added.
Kelmscott Roos are back in the winner’s circle and moved up to third, after beating South Perth United 5-0 at Challenge Reserve. “It was a complete performance at the end of the day. The conditions were tough for both teams, but we really took a hold of the game from the first minute,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “We never really got out of second gear, and it’s exciting to see that we can produce these sorts of performances after a few tough weeks.” The visitors made a perfect start, ahead on five minutes. A great cross was swung in by Isaac Koomson, which found Amos Doegolia, whose first time shot was saved by Zephan Smith, the rebound falling to Chad Samuels who finished well.
They added a second thirty minutes later, Kingsley Nteng won the ball back in the midfield, beat his marker and was brought down in the box, and Koomson scored the resulting penalty. It was 3-0 in the shadows of half time, Samuels finished well again, after Smith had parried a shot. The game was put to bed on 58 minutes, Koomson was brought down on the edge of the box, and Benn Lewis curled home the free kick. It was five soon after, Samuels was sent one-on-on with Smith, and he kept his composure to score and complete his hat-trick.
Morley Windmills resurgence continued, making five wins in the bounce, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Hamersley Rovers at Carine Open Space. “Hamersley worked tirelessly to get into the game. I can see them taking points from teams fighting for first and second,” Moley coach John O’Reilly said. “We worked hard to get a two-goal cushion, and then we had to weather the storm figuratively and literally in the second half to manage the game out to the end.” The Windmills were ahead on the half hour, Daire Austin was brought down in the box, and John Monterosso converted the penalty. They doubled their lead seven minutes later, a ball down the right found Isaac Ntow, who cut the ball back to Stephen Kirk, who swept the ball home. The hosts pulled one back five minutes from time, with Jack Wilson scoring, which set up a tense end for Morley, but they held firm to take the points.
Kingsley Westside made it back-back wins, returning from Herb Graham Recreation Centre with 3-2 win against Jaguar. “It was a really good performance which we controlled for the majority of the game. The difficult conditions at the end and a couple of mistakes, it was good to come through relatively unscathed,” Kingsley coach Sam Ellis. “We can now hunt down the teams above us and intend to do so, the lads have been excellent over the last few weeks and credit to them.” Ellis’ side made the breakthrough on 14 minutes, good build up play ended with Bailey Salmon, who drifted in field and played a perfect ball through for Nathan Griffiths, who made no mistake. Jags levelled seven minutes later, with Sameer Hourani on target, but they were only level for eight minutes. The same combination was at it again, as Salmon picked up a loose ball and played Griffiths through and he finished well. It was 3-1 on the hour, Jacob Lambert pouncing on a defensive error to score. The host reduced the margin ten minutes later, with Andrew Kiir scoring, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
The big winners this week was North Beach who thrashed Peel United 13-0 at Bortolo Park. Alex Kretowicz helped himself to eight goals, which takes him to 24 goals this season, Ben Reynolds bagged a brace with others to James Di Carlo, Patrick Morrison and Chris Judge. With Peel’s reserve team folding the first team are struggling big time, and the end of the season can’t come quick enough for the club. But they will bounce back, as there is so many good football people down in that area. “A really pleasing result today in the stormy weather today. We didn't know what we were going to be facing with the news in the week of Peel losing their reserves setup, and the weather was touch and go, but we had a well-rounded team performance with some individual standouts,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Fair play to Peel for digging in a difficult period for the club. Friday night under lights at home awaits us against the league leaders which were very excited for.”
4.7.2025
NPLWA – WOMEN’S – ROUND FOURTEEN REVIEW
Perth SC have returned to the top of the NPLWA - Women’s table, after a 4-0 win against the Hyundai FW Academy side at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon. Sam Mathers opened the scoring early for Tom Glavovic’s side, before a hat-trick from Ella Lincoln secured the big win. “To get the win today was really good, it was a tough game and didn’t come easy, the FW Academy side aren’t an easy team to beat, they worked hard and we matched that and came out on top,” Perth defender Violet Longmore explained.
“We definitely had the energy coming into the game after our loss to them in the cup round and that helped us come in to the game strong. I think it also came down to us sticking to our principles of play and moving the ball, and some individual talent. So good for Ella to get a hattrick and a nice goal from Sam as well. The team is really proud of our performance as well as Tommy, and it’s a nice feeling to be sitting at top of the table.”
Both sides went into this one after big wins in round 13, but it was the Azzurri who found the opener on 16 minutes, Mathers getting on the end of a Jessica Flannery cross to head home. The hosts were hoping to go into the break only one down, but in stoppage time Perth added a second. Mathers laying off an indirect free kick in the penalty area to Lincoln, and the Perth Glory striker powered it home. It was 3-0 early in the second half, Lincoln jogging on the spot to fire home Daisy McAllister’s cross from close-range.
The Academy youngsters had no answers to Perth, and they went close to a fourth, but Daisy McGreadie-Cole saved McAllister’s shot. The hosts did go close moments later, Sakura Leong shot on the run flashed wide. The points were sealed twenty minutes from time, Lincoln completing her first hat-trick since re-joining the Dorrien Garden club, sweeping home Flannery low cross.
Balcatta Etna have moved level on points with Perth RedStar, after beating them 5-0 at the RedStar Arena. The win also took them to within one point behind the Azzurri, as the race to the title hots up. "The win today wasn't just important because of the current position on the table, but we had to make amends for the first-round loss against RedStar, which strangely enough inflicted the same scoreline,” Balcatta Etna coach Peter Rakic explained. “I thought we were very clinical today and that showed with the quality of goals that were scored, which is something we've been focusing on over the past few weeks.
“There are never any doubts about the opportunities we create in front of goal, but I think now you're seeing a confident team enjoying their football and being rewarded for their performances. The message was clear after the final whistle though, we stay level headed and we only focus on what we can control, as we are well aware of the many other challenges that lie in front of us." The visitors were on an eight-game winning streak, and found the opener in this one on 12 minutes, Faye Phillips was given to much room, and she curled past Gabby Del Busco. It was 2-0 just before half time Jamie-Lee Gale cutting the ball back to on the edge of the box to Ella Marwick who beat Dal Busco.
The hosts were shell-shocked and needed a good start to the second half, but on the hour, Balcatta added a third. Abbey Meakin’s corner picked out Gale, who made no mistake, much to the delight of her team mates. Balcatta increased their lead seven minutes later, when referee Adrien Liechti spotted a handball by Abbey Woolley and pointed straight to the spot, and Meakins converting the resulting penalty. Gale capped off an impressive performance, scoring the fifth 12 minutes from time, racing clear and finishing with aplomb past Dal Busco.
Fremantle City have kept their faint hopes of a top four finish alive after a 4-1 win against Subiaco AFC at Rosalie Park. With seven games remaining, they sit 12 points out of a finals spot, but they thoroughly deserved the three points in this one, making it four consecutive wins for Sam Geddes’ team. It was a tight encounter in the first half, but it was the port side who found the opener just after the hour mark. Alex Poad cross from the right picked out Leyna Wood, whose first time finish beat the onrushing Monique Todd. The host lost Todd moments later with injury, this after colliding with So-Yi Kim, she was replaced by Amalia Caceres.
The visitors added a second 18 minutes from time, captain Annabelle Leek heading in Abbey Green’s corner. The game was put to bed with a third moments later, Poad the supplier again, finding Wood, who made no mistake. Wood completed her hat-trick four minutes from time, pouncing after Subiaco gave the ball away, and her shot on the turn beat Caceres. The host scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, with Stella Zampogna firing home from the edge of the box, but it was too little too late.
In the final we headed to Besteam Stadium were the bottom two teams, Murdoch University Melville and UWA Nedlands met. It’s been a tough season for MUMFC, but they have not let their heads drop, and on Sunday they won their first point of the season after a hard fought 0-0. “I thought the girls were extremely unlucky today. To lose a core player after five minutes with an ankle injury and a red card after 30 minutes certainly put us on the back foot,” MUMFC coach Steve Atkins explained.
“But to the girls credit they rallied and created multiple chances off the woodwork and a couple more clear-cut chances. On another day these may have been converted but that’s the game. A sense of real disappointment after the game in the change room indicates how hard these girls are working, sticking together, maintaining positivity and care, we know we have a challenge ahead and are certainly going to give absolutely everything. Whilst not the result we wanted, and deserved, we go again.”
MUM FC lost Gabriella Saraceni with an injury early, replaced by Elise Cleminson, but they went close to the opener nine minutes before the break. Ana Denona’s free-kick hit a UWA defender and crashed off the bar. Things got worse moments later for the hosts, when Monique Baiamonte was shown a straight red card by referee Kai Bartusch, after an off-the-ball incident. Both teams gave it everything in the second half, and both had chances to win it. Jemma Skinner produced a smart save to deny UWA’s Melina Franklin, before Ellis Glanfield fired wide of the post for MUM FC in the dying stages, but both had to settle for a share of the spoils.
“It was a frustrating result given the number of chances we created, especially in the first half. The conditions were tough with the wind and rain, but we still managed to control large periods of the game and should’ve taken at least one of the opportunities we had,” UWA Nedlands coach Lawrence Lewis explained. “Credit to MUMFC – they dug in after going down to ten and still asked questions of us defensively. While we’re disappointed not to come away with three points, there were lots of positives in the performance that we can build on.”
5.7.2025
NPL-WA ROUND FIFTEEN - REVIEW
NPLWA – Men’s league leaders Bayswater City have moved six points clear at the top of the table, after a Cameron Teece brace helped them to a 3-0 win against Western Knights at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “I thought the boys bounced back brilliantly from a disappointing performance last week against RedStar,” Teece said. “We controlled the game from start to finish, and every time we went forward, we looked dangerous. It probably could have been five or six on a different day, but happy with the result.”
Matthew Sparrow’s side were ahead on 12 minutes, some neat build up play ended with Thomas Southgate on the right, his cross wasn’t dealt with and Teece headed into the corner of the net. They doubled their advantage eight minutes later, Sam Mitchinson’s ball up the middle was mis-judged by Luke Sprigg, and Chris Jackson pounced, rounded the Knights keeper Sam Reilly and firing home. They sealed the points in stoppage time, substitute Ollie la Galia racing down the right and cutting the ball for Teece to fire home from close-range.
Olympic Kingsway and Perth RedStar have both lost ground on the leaders, after they played out a 0-0 draw at Kingsway Reserve. “We came away from the game disappointed with a point as we probably should’ve been a couple of goals ahead at half time,” RedStar striker Daryl Nicol explained. “But Kingsway also had their chances in the game and a draw was probably a fair result. The football we’ve been playing over the last few weeks is as good as you’ll see in the league and we’re full of confidence that we can reach the finals.” Despite the scoreline, there were chances aplenty in this one, with both WA State keeper Adrian Sinagra and former Glory keeper Liam Reddy making some vital saves. The visitors had the better of the first half chances with Sinagra brilliantly saving Nicol’s hooked volley, before the Scottish striker crashed an effort against the post.
Aryn Williams had the best chance for the host in the first half, unable to keep his effort down from a free kick. It was more of the same in the second half, Nicol put another good chance wide of the post, while Tyler Garner’s effort was deflected onto the bar by the alert Dennis Galan, but it ultimately ended goalless. “I thought it was a very even game, they had the better chances in the first half, but we definitely dominated the second half with a number of really good chances,” Olympic defender Ollie Annis explained. “But Rocket (Liam Reddy) made some great saves and Dennis (Galan) made a crucial block on to the bar. Disappointed with some of the decisions from the referee, which also impacted the game.”
Perth Glory consolidated third place, after a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Floreat Athena at E&D Litis Stadium. “We struggled in the first half after going 1-0 down, and to be fair to Floreat they played very direct and got bodies forward which caused us problems,” Glory coach Joe Heath explained. “After half time we came out and played well for 20 minutes and got back into the game, but still could have been cleaner, and tidier in possession. As a player it can be very easy to approach playing teams at the bottom of the table with complacency. I hope lessons we’ve learnt in that first half. I go back to what I said a few weeks back, we need to start finding some consistency from game to game in performances.”
Floreat, who were still searching for the first win of the season, hit the front on 12 minutes. Glory turned the ball over in the middle of the park and Moustafa Mohamed found Daniel Khan, whose mazy run ended with a dink into the penalty area, and Abraham Mathet finished well at the back post. Glory drew level seven minutes into the second half, Tadiwanashe Kuzamba cross from the right hit the arm of Hasen Asadi and referee Oguz Tekatli had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Seb Despotovski stepped up and beat Joshua Hunter from the resulting penalty. Joe Heath’s side would win it ten minutes from time. Despotovski sent Adrian Pini down the left, his cross deflected off a Floreat defender and fell kindly for substitute Louis Sollitt, who finished clinically past Hunter.
Sorrento have bounced back from their loss at Glory last week, after a big win against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. “It was a terrific team performance, and a really important result especially with the league table being so tight,” Sorrento coach Steven McGarry explained. “Kenny (Lowe) has Perth playing well this year, so we knew we had to execute the game plan well. That’s three away games on the bounce against three teams at the top end of the table and coming away with three good performances and two wins, it should give the group real confidence going into the back end of the season. It’s hard to single out any players but it was great to see Franco score two on debut and have such an effective performance.”
The visitors were ahead on three minutes, Corey Sutherland made space down the left, and his cross picked out new signing Franco Villa, who brought the ball down well and finished past Mateusz Zaniewski. But the Azzurri were level on 34 minutes, Sami Riak’s effort was cleared off the line by Scott Robertson, but referee Steven Gregory deemed the defender had used his hand to stop the ball and awarded a penalty. The defender was lucky to escape with just a yellow card, and David Ninkovich stepped up and sent Ben Ratajczak the wrong way from the resulting spot kick.
But the Gulls regained the lead five minutes later, Federico Achilli’s ball out of defence was picked off by Clay Gibbs, and the youngster lashed in an unstoppable shot from just outside the box, giving Zaniewski no chance, for a goal of the round contender. Steven McGarry’s side wrapped up the points early in the second half, with a third. Moments early Villa’s shot on the run was tipped over by Zaniewski, but from Gibbs’ resulting corner, the ball was flicked on by Shay Natalotto at the front post, and Villa was hand to head home at the back post.
In the final game, Balcatta Etna have moved clear of the drop zone, and dented Armadale’s top four hopes, after a 3-0 win at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. “I thought we pressed really well as a team which allowed us to break and create some really good opportunity,” Balcatta’s James Fanelli explained. “We played with a lot of confidence and energy especially after scoring an early goal, so we are all delighted to get the three points.” The hosts made a great start and were ahead on four minutes. Jesse Fuller’s cross from the right was headed goalward by Rostyn Griffiths, but Purvish Appadoo cleared the ball off the line, but after speaking to his assistant referee James Langoya said it had crossed the line and awarded the goal, much to the displeasure of the Armadale players.
The hosts great start continued six minutes later with a second. Fuller’s diagonal ball found Fanelli on the right, he slipped in Ben Hinshelwood, who low cross was cleverly back heeled home by American striker Hasani Sinclair. It was 3-0 on 22 minutes, Sinclair was the provider this time, sending Darius Ghinea in on goal and he finished with aplomb. Armadale pressed after the break looking to get back into the game, but the damage had already been done.
5.7.2025
QUICK FIRE STIRLING TAKE THE POINTS AT FREMANTLE
Stirling Macedonia substitute Brent Quick scored six minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win against Fremantle City in our NPLWA – Men’s Round 15 ‘Match of the Week’ at Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon. It’s been a big week for the defender, who was selected in the WA State side to play Persebaya Surabaya on Wednesday evening, and he turned home fellow substitute Alex Tanevski’s header across goal to secure the victory. A curling effort from Scottish striker Callum McKenzie had given the visitors the lead just after the hour mark, before Charlie Betts levelled shortly after. But Quick’s goal secured the points, moving Ago Mujic’s side up to seventh on the table.
“It was a game with only couple chances for both sides, but I thought our substitutes and couple things we changed around the hour, made huge impact on the game which help us to get win at the end,” Stirling coach Ago Mujic said. “Lots of things to work on this week, but we will take three points and move onto the next week.” Both sides came into the game on the back of draws last week. Fremantle made one change to the side that drew with Balcatta Etna, with Anthony Topini coming in for the suspended Ben Steele. Stirling shuffled the pack, making three changes to the team that drew with Perth. Nic Speca, Dejan Spaseski and Bayley Brown-Montgomery came in for James Bosdet, Alex Tanevski, and Sam Dweh, who were all named on the bench.
It was an even start to proceedings. Brown-Montgomery headed straight at Fremantle keeper Luke Radonich early, before, at the other end, Sam Cook hit the side netting after getting on the end of a Taj Bingwa cross from the left. Bingwa was in the action again on 15 minutes; the home fans thought they had a penalty after the winger went down in the box, but referee Cecil Gwezere booked him for simulation.
Stirling were creating the better chances. McKenzie’s overhead effort flashed wide, before an audacious shot from halfway by Brown-Montgomery had Radonich racing back, but it just cleared the crossbar. Both sides were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply in a frustrating first half, but the hosts almost snatched the lead five minutes before the break. Charlie Chechlacz’s snap shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Speca, and at the break, it remained all square.
The hosts made a change at the break, with Bingwa replaced by Riley Woodcock. But it was more of the same in the second half, with both sides struggling in the final third. Mujic had seen enough and made a triple substitution on 57 minutes, bringing on Calvin Whitney, Tanevski, and Dweh. The speedy winger was involved moments later, found on the left by Kade Fearnall before cutting inside the box. Dweh’s dangerous low cross eluded everyone.
But on 64 minutes, the visitors found the opener. Euan Cameron’s ball into the box fell kindly for McKenzie, and his curling effort gave Radonich no chance. They went close to a second moments later—good work by McKenzie on the right found Tanevski, but he fired straight at Radonich. However, Stirling’s lead lasted only four minutes. Chechlacz won possession on the right and raced forward before picking out Betts, who finished clinically past Speca. It was game on, with both teams pushing for the winner.
In fact, the hosts looked more dangerous late on. Woodcock’s cross from the left found new signing Paul Zimarino, but he fired straight at Speca, before Stirling captain Dejan Spaseski got back with a last-ditch tackle just as Zimarino was about to pull the trigger. But after that scare, it was Stirling who found the winner on 84 minutes. McKenzie had seen his header tipped over the bar by Radonich, and from the resulting Leigh Griffiths corner, Fremantle failed to clear their lines. Tanevski’s header at the near post was flicked on, and Quick was on hand to turn the ball home to secure the three points.
Fremantle City: GK Luke Radonich, 5 Hayden Stevens, 6 Cameron Edwards, 8 Charlie Chechlacz, 9 Sam Cook (14 Jack Steele 79’), 10 Nick Ambrogio (7 Paul Zimarino 63’), 13 George Festa, 15 John Chalmers, 16 Anthony Topini, 17 Charlie Betts, 20 Taj Bingwa (23 Riley Woodcock 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Ryan Barker, 11 Oscar Holden, 19 Isaiah Wingell,
Stirling Macedonia: GK Nic Speca, 4 Aston Montgomery, 5 Kai Matthews (2 Brent Quick 79’), 6 Dejan Spaseski, 8 Kade Fearnall (11 Leigh Griffiths 79’), 9 Euan Cameron, 10 Sam Wynne (17 Alex Tanevski 57’), 13 Riley Warland, 14 Joshua Bilaloski (22 Sam Dweh 57’), 16 Bayley Brown-Montgomery (23 Calvin Whitney 57’), 19 Callum McKenzie – Subs not used: RGK James Bosdet, 7 Asher Nelson – Referee: Cecil Gwezere
5.7.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FIFTEEN - REVIEW
Kingsley Westside have continued their good form in the State League Division One, and moved into the top four, after a 4-1 win against Inglewood United, in our round 15 ‘Match of the Week’ at Chichester Park on Saturday evening. “I’m really proud of our group and their performance against Inglewood. After losing to them earlier in the season it was important we learnt from that game and I thought the lads executed our game plan perfectly,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews explained. “Winning any game in this league is tough, but to control the game for the majority against a team with so many quality, experienced players is very pleasing. The lads deserve all the credit for the way they’re playing at the moment, but we are all well aware of how quickly things can change in football. So, we’ll quickly turn our attentions to Kalamunda and prepare the best we can to try keep the positive momentum going.”
A tight first half burst into life late, and it was the hosts who found the opener on 39 minutes. Luke Doyle’s free kick was nodded on by Paul Stewart, and Nicholas Koefler lashed the ball home. It was 2-0 moments later, Stewart finding Max Adamson, who held off several Inglewood defenders before firing low past James Lindsay from the edge of the box. They added a third, ten minutes into the second half, Stewart finding the bottom corner of the net despite Lindsay getting a hand to it. Kingsley thought they had a fourth on 65 minutes, Shane Hulgraine out muscling Chris Tilson, his shot crashed off the post, and Adamson was on hand to fire home the rebound, but the flag was up for offside.
Inglewood found a lifeline four minutes later, Stephen Christopher’s diagonal ball sent Cammron Morris in on goal and he finished low past Mason Stickels. But the hosts sealed the points with a fourth, 13 minutes from time. Referee Luke Brennan played a good advantage, after a foul, and Stewart raced into the box and was brought down by Jason Dunphy, and Brennan pointed to the spot. Adamson stepped up and sent Lindsay the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Inglewood received a penalty of their own three minutes later, after Kingsley keeper Stickels brought down Morris, who picked himself up to take the resulting spot kick, but Stickels produced a great stop to deny him. The visitors ended the game with ten men after Morris was shown a second yellow card and sent off deep into stoppage time.
UWA Nedlands remain top of the table after a narrow 1-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at the UWA Sports Park. “Very happy to get the three points against a solid MUMFC side, they’ve some quality players in their midfield and it showed today,” UWA captain Tadgh O’Malley said. “We didn’t play the football we would have liked to, but we somehow came out with the result regardless. Frustrating to pick up a couple of injuries at the end of the game but that’s just football especially this time of year.” The only goal of the game came 18 minutes from time. Substitute Nicolas Falco picked the ball up in the middle of the park and found WA State defender Jack Hilaire out on the left, his cross into the box was headed into own net by the unfortunate Adam Fields. The only downside for the hosts was the sending off of defender Jordan Pokler for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Dianella White Eagles has kept the pressure on the leaders, after a 2-0 win against traditional rivals Gwelup Crostia at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. “I thought we played a really good game from start to finish, holding the ball for long periods of time and created plenty of chances, but as you can imagine the Dianella v Gwelup derby is always a tight one,” Eagles captain Saša Njegic explained. “Our perseverance paid off early in the second half with a stunning strike from Corey and then a few minutes from time our new signing Recce capped off a great performance from the entire team by securing the win.
“I think the last two games we have hit our strides in all parts of the pitch and it’s been evident in our results, but we know the seasons still long and that we must take it game by game from here on in.” The hosts hit the front just after the hour mark, Cory McNelis picked the ball up in the middle of the park, and beat his marker, and his shot on the run from distance beat Rocco Liberti. Gwelup looked for the equaliser, but were unable to breakdown a tight Dianella defence, well marshalled by WA State defender Franc Gamiz Quer. But he hosts made sure of the points with a second in in the final minute, Albert Luwi made space down the left, and his low cross was fired home by substitute Reece Kral, against his former club.
Joondalup City have lost ground on the top two, conceding in stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Kalamunda City at Iluka District Open Space. “In the first half our game plan worked to a tee, and I thought we deserved the lead at halftime,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “The second half was a different story and credit to Kalamunda they threw everything at us and deserved what they got at the end of the game.” Joondalup were looking to bounce back from a loss at home last week to Kingsley, and they were ahead on 37 minutes. Cameron Stratton long throw was flicked on at the front post by Sam McCracken, and Mason Gallagher shot took a deflection before beating Jake Maley-Orr.
It looked like that be enough for the hosts, but Kalamunda had other ideas and found the equaliser deep into stoppage time. Even keeper Maley-Orr came up for Roman Gajardo’s corner, which found Nicolas Roca who fired home. “Going down 1-0 at half time was disappointing, especially since we didn’t really deserve to be trailing,” Kalamunda coach Kristian Usedo said. “Credit to Joondalup their defence held strong, and it took a moment of brilliance from Roca to secure the equaliser. Overall, we could have left empty-handed, but we’ll gladly take that point.”
Mandurah City have bounced back from defeat at MUMFC last week, beating Subiaco AFC 4-1 at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, Peelwood Parade. The Dolphins made a perfect start to the game, ahead on five minutes, with player/coach John Baird on target. They doubled their advantage nine minutes before the break, Robert Galvin and Liam Bonner combined down the right, the latter racing into the box and cutting the ball back to Jordan Callaghan, who made no mistake. They extended their lead early in the second half, a short corner caught Subiaco napping and Luke Desmond crossed to the back post and Baird headed home. They sealed the points five minutes from time, Harrison Murray’s shot was well saved by Navarone Synnerdahl, but fellow substitute Michael Mejia fired home the rebound. Subiaco scored a late consolation goal, with Ivan Skorich on target, but it was too little too late.
In the final game Curtin University have come from behind to beat Gosnells City 2-1 at Edinburgh Oval. “A very important win in a game where chances were limited. We could have found ourselves further behind at halftime, but credit to the boys for responding well and taking our opportunities in the second half,” Curtin striker Kieran Witt explained. “We know there’s still plenty to work on as we head into the final seven games of the season.” The visitors found the opener in the shadows of half time. A long clearance from Duncan Lennon-Black was flicked on by Darren Francis, and Christopher Michael finished with aplomb from just outside the box. But the game was turned on it’s head by the hosts with goals either side of the hour mark. First, half time substitute Mackenzie Snooks’ lob into the box found Ronal Onek who rolled the ball home, and moments later
Rowan Steed curled home from distance to win it.
5.7.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOURTEEN - REVIEW
Our round 14 State League Division Two ‘Match of the Week’ took us to Dalmatinac Park, for the top of the table clash between Cockburn City and Quinns on Saturday afternoon, and it was the hosts who won it 3-2, to move three points clear at the top of the table. “It was a hard-fought 3-2 win against a resilient Quinns side, and I thought we played our best football this year so far in the first half,” Cockburn assistant coach Paulo Basto explained. “We showed good character to edge the result, especially after they clawed their way back into the game in the second half. There’s still plenty to work on, but the team’s spirit and attacking intent were a real positive.”
The Cockerels were ahead on 26 minutes, Ben Thorpe racing down the right, cutting into the box and slotting it past Luke Martino. They doubled their advantage seven minutes later, with James Bourne making no mistake after some good build up play. The game looked over four minutes from half time, when Cockburn added a third, Matty Bowen controlling a cross in the box and finishing clinically. But whatever Quinns coach Nick Jennings said at half time worked, and they reduced the margin two minutes in. Good work down the left flank by Andrew Flint, he crossed to James Oldroyd who laid ball into path of Ben Wyeth who finished clinically finish from the edge of box.
Then five minutes from time it was 3-2, with Elliot Ireland converting from the spot. It set up a tense finish to the game, and Quinns went close to the leveller late, when substitute Joel Sollitt raced one-on-one with Ben Radonich, but the keeper stood tall to deny him. “A disappointing day at the office when we didn’t really show up,” Quinns coach Nick Jennings said. “All credit to Cockburn, who we had no answer to for the first 45 minutes and in all fairness could have been further ahead. At the break the boys were challenged for a reaction and we at least showed a bit of fight and character throughout the second half even if we lacked our usual quality, and we could have nicked an undeserved point but for a great save by the Cockburn keeper.”
East Perth have lost ground on the top two, after being held to a 2-2 draw by Ashfield at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve. “It could end up being a crucial point for us with such a lot of football left to play so nothing has changed for us in terms of the seasons objectives,” East Perth coach Adam Capper explained. “Huge credit to Ashfield who gave it a really good go, never sat in and made it a frantic and thrilling second half to watch. It was more like basketball in the last 20 minutes. They were also incredibly unlucky not to be given a penalty late on too, but we move on to another huge game against Forrestfield.”
The visitors were ahead early with Gavin Dillon on target after only six minutes, but Ashfield were level ten minutes later. Jared Flavel slid the ball through to Luca Macri who chipped the keeper from distance. Then just before the half hour, Ashfield hit the front, Jake Melia free kick from just outside the box finding the top corner past Peter Stewart. But East Perth restored parity 18 minutes from time, with Owen Paterson converting from the spot. “Disappointing not to come away with the three points but pleased with the effort and character shown by all of our lads,” Ashfield coach James Sammut said. “We now turn our focus towards another tough game next weekend at Rockingham.”
Forrestfield United have maintained the pressure on the top three, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Balga at Princess Road Reserve. “Generally, a good performance, and first half we controlled the whole game but second half Balga came out and caused us a few problems, mostly through our own making,” Forrestfield coach Alec Robinson said. “But a good win and good response to a game, as we felt we deserved a lot more from Quinn’s last weekend, so it was nice to add substance to our increasingly impressive style. Now all attention is on the East Perth game next week, we spoke about putting a few results from the first games right and have done that following loses to Shamrock and Balga. We will be preparing to make sure East Perth are the next redemption victory.”
Forrestfield were ahead on 26 minutes, Noah Appleby won a free kick about 25 meters from goal, and Sam Platten stepped up and dispatched it beautifully into the top corner. They added a second nine minutes before the break, a corner which was cleared back out to Hermon Michaele, which he lifted to the far post for Platten again to finish well. Balga found a lifeline five minutes from time, a long ball caused miscommunication, and Matty Evan’s slotting it into the corner from the edge of the box, a fine finish if it wasn’t into his own goal. Balga pressed for the equaliser, but the visitors held firm to take home the points.
Canning City are up to seventh after a 3-2 win against Rockingham City at Burrendah Reserve. “It’s good to get back to winning ways, we have come pretty close in recent weeks and we really needed that win today,” Canning coach Lee Hayward explained. “The boys showed great character after going giving away the lead and going 2-1 down just after the break. Hopefully the result pushes us on with big games against Swan and Wanneroo coming up in the next two weeks.” The home side found the opener after 12 minutes, Freeman Nyatsambo finding the top corner from distance. But Rockingham were level on the half hour, with Evan Ludgate on target. Then nine minutes into the second half the visitors hit the front, with Regan Davidson scoring. But Canning restored parity three minutes later, Alfie Moore playing Greg Burns down the right channel, and he drove into the box, before cutting in and firing the ball into the right corner. Both sides pressed for the winner, but it was Canning who found it eight minutes from time, Alex Guzman corner was turned home by Mason Langham.
Wembley Downs have moved clear of the drop zone, beating Carramar Shamrock Rovers 4-2 at Butlers Reserve on Saturday evening. “We worked hard this week to prepare and the boys executed our plans really well,” Wembley coach Luke Thompson said. “Extremely happy with the first half especially, but Carramar came out strong second half, credit to Ronnie for making some tweaks as they got back into the game but once we got to grip with them, I felt like we deserved the three points.” The hosts began brightly and were ahead on 13 minutes, Rory Hannon raced down the right and picked out Luke Coltman who laid the ball to Tristian Sullivan who fired home.
It was 2-0 midway through the half, Lachlan Chamberlain the supplier this time, sending Hannon into goal with a defence splitting pass, and the striker made no mistake. The points looked secure ten minutes after the break, with Callum McLeod heading in at the back post. But Rovers were back in the game with two quick goals. First and own goal from Daniel MacQuillan, two minutes after Wembley’s third, and moments later Cameron Hendry-Munford made it 3-2, and it was game on. The game was in the balance, but Thompson’s side won it on 70 minutes. Hannon’s corner wasn’t cleared and Luke Coltman fired home from close-range.
In the final game Swan United remain at the foot of the table, despite a 2-1 win against Wanneroo City at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening. “Following last week’s setback, the team showed real character today,” Swan coach Shannon Beniston said. “Their trust in one another and determination to put things right, laid the groundwork for a strong performance and a well-earned 2-1 victory.” It was Wanneroo who led at the break, with Kane Fitch converting from the spot, after referee Ollie Clark spotted a handball in the box. But ten minutes into the second half the Swans were level. A corner from Nicholas Burmej, was turned back to him and his deep cross to the back post was headed down by Yousif Toto and substitute Brennan Borzecki turned the ball home from close-range. But it was the visitors who won it 13 minutes from time, Burmei’s corner was headed home by Borzecki.
5.7.2025
UNDER-STRENGTHED MATILDAS BEATEN BY PANAMA
A big crowd was in attendance at Hands Oval in Bunbury on Saturday afternoon, but the 10,272 supporters left disappointed, after the Matildas lost for the first time under new coach Joe Montemurro, going down 0-1 to the 56th-ranked Panama in the first of their two friendlies. The only goal of the game came from teenager Sherline King early in the second half, and the new look Matildas failed to find the equaliser, the best chance fell to Michelle Heyman, who blazed over top in stoppage time.
“We continue to try to play our style. Now we have to be smarter in using it at certain times. It was a very broken game, and we couldn’t find any rhythm. It was a great game for all the debutants and pairings. But it is a sign of where we are at,” Montemurro explained. “Just to give the debutants a feel and a taste, then we can give them the opportunities they deserve. But that is the point of this camp and this window. If I’m being brutally honest, I expected a little bit of a dip at some point. We can change personnel and go back to a higher rhythm. But it’s important that we continue on our way. We’re being proactive, we’re being possession based, because that’s what you need to compete at the level.”
Although the loss came as a surprise, the Matildas fielded a side missing a host of their biggest stars. Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler were all absent from the current international window, while Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Sharn Freier exited the squad following the Slovenia series, while Amy Sayer and Charli Grant were rested.
Montemurro made ten changes to his starting side against the Central Americans, with Kaitlyn Torpey the only player in the starting side from last week's draw with Slovenia. He gave debuts off the bench to Western United midfielder Adriana Taranto became cap number #239 when she was introduced in the second half, before former Perth Glory Jacynta Galabadaarachchi became number #240, Brisbane Roar striker Grace Kuilamu earned cap #241, and Melbourne City full-back Alexia Apostolakis earned cap #242.
The visitor’s day started on a horrible note, with keeper Yenith Bailey carried off on a stretcher with a hyperextending knee, and replaced by Farissa Cordoba. The Matildas went close early, Emily Gielnik’s free kick flashing over the top, then on the half hour Holly McNamara found Gielnik in the box, but the Monterrey striker was wrong-footed, and unable to direct a shot on target. The visitors had the best opportunity of the first half, Riley Tanner’s shot from the angle hitting the post, but at the break it was scoreless.
The hosts did have the more possession in the first half, but couldn’t turn it into goals, but Panama made them pay, hitting the front six minutes into the second half. Marta Cox found space and forced Teagan Micah into a save from a close angle, but Sherline King was quickest to the rebound to give Panama the lead. The Matildas almost hit back immediately, Alex Chidiac’s shot from close range was cleared off the line, it looked like it was going to be one of those days, in wet and windy conditions down south.
Montemurro went to the bench, as they looked for the equaliser, and one of them, Galabadaarachchi almost had an instant impact, linking up with fellow debutant Taranto, whose shot was saved at full stretch by Cordoba. The big crowd thought they had found the equaliser late, Apostolakis forced a save from the Panama custodian, the ball falling to Heyman with the goal at her mercy, but she blazed the ball over the top. The teams are back in action on Tuesday at HBF Park.
Matildas: GK Teagan Micah (RGK Chloe Lincoln 63’), 2 Courtney Nevin, 5 Natasha Prior, 6 Chloe Berryhill (36 Adriana Taranto 63’), 8 Kaitlyn Torpey (37 Alexia Apostolakis 87’), 15 Emily Gielnik (34 Jacynta Galabadaarachchi 77’), 16 Hayley Raso (32 Michelle Heyman 63’), 25 Holly McNamara (33 Grace Kuilamu 87’), 27 Alex Chidiac (10 Emily van Egmond 77’), 29 Jamilla Rankin, 31 Alana Murphy – Subs not used: RGK Sally James, 4 Clare Hunt, 26 Bryleeh Henry, 30 Jessika Nash, 35 Remy Siemsen
Panama: GK Yenith Bailey (RGK Farissa Cordoba, 2 Hilary Jaen (15 Arlen Hernandez 79’), 3 Wendy Natis (16 Rebeca Espinosa 79’), 4 Katherine Catillo, 6 Deysire Salazar (11 Sherline King 52’), 7 Ericka Arauz (18 Lineth Cedeno 79’), 8 Schiandra Gonzalez, 10 Marta Cox (14 Carmen Montenegro 90’), 13 Riley Tanner, 21 Ana Ggabriela Quintero, (19 Katherine Parris 79’) 23 Carina Baltrip-Reyes – Subs not used: RGK Isabella Morey, 5 Katherine Gonzalez, 9 Karla Riley, 17 Shayari Camarena
5.7.2025
WA SQUAD NAMED FOR FRIENDLY AGAINST PERSEBAYA
Men’s WA State Team head coach Ian Ferguson has confirmed his final squad for next Wednesday night’s international friendly against top Indonesian professional side Persebaya Surabaya in what promises to be an unforgettable night at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park (7:30pm). Ferguson has named a strong 22-player squad for the game, with NPL champions Olympic Kingsway contributing six players — including former Persebaya defender Aryn Williams, who will captain the WA State Team.
Williams spent two seasons at Persebaya and helped them win the 2020 East Java Governor’s Cup, defeating Persija Jakarta 4-1 in the final. The defender said his time at the club was fantastic and winning that cup was a career highlight, and he still keeps in touch with several staff members from his time there. “I had an amazing time at Persebaya and made some really fond memories of the place and the people. My highlight would be winning that first piece of silverware for the club in many, many years,” he said. “I still speak to a few of the staff members at the club, and they said they’re all really looking forward to coming over to Perth.”
Persebaya, now under the guidance of new Spanish head coach Eduardo Perez, will bring a full-strength squad to Perth, and up to 100 members of the club’s passionate Bonek supporter group are expected to attend the match. The fixture will be broadcast live in Indonesia on national station Indosiar to a potential audience of over 10 million viewers, and coincides with the 35th anniversary of Western Australia’s sister-state relationship with East Java, where Surabaya is located.
It is also part of Football West’s wider partnership with Persebaya, which includes a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2024. The agreement promotes talent development and exchange programs. Persebaya previously sent their U-19 team to Perth in 2018, with Football West reciprocating by sending a squad to Surabaya the following year.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our close friends from Surabaya back to Perth for what will be a fantastic night. We are delighted with how the players have embraced the chance to represent the State and want to be involved against a very good team,” said Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell. “It’s exciting to have an occasion of this magnitude at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, especially following the CommBank Matildas using the venue as their base while in WA.”
The WA squad looks impressive. Alongside the six Olympic Kingsway players, NPL leaders Bayswater City have five representatives, Perth RedStar and Dianella White Eagles three each, with the remaining players coming from Armadale, Gwelup Croatia, Perth SC, Stirling Macedonia, and UWA Nedlands. Head coach Ferguson said he hopes all players come through Saturday’s fixtures injury-free and is looking forward to the match.
“Congratulations to the players who have made the final squad. I want to thank everyone who attended the training sessions over the past three weeks – it was not an easy decision to leave anyone out of the original squad, as the standard has been very high,” said the Scotsman. “Now it’s fingers crossed that all the players come through the weekend unscathed so we can look ahead to putting on a show against a top side in Persebaya.”
Captain Aryn Williams said that despite the short turnaround, the players are excited for the game and the battle for a place in the starting XI. “Fergy has picked a great, competitive squad for the game. Training has been enjoyable and everyone is eager to be selected in the matchday squad,” the Olympic defender explained. “With such a short turnaround, it’s always difficult to gel, but a lot of the boys know each other, and I think we’ll do just fine and put on a good match.”
WA Squad: GK ADRIAN SINAGRA (Olympic Kingsway), GK PETER PILKADARIS (Dianella White Eagles), ARYN WILLIAMS (C), LAAT MATHIANG, JAYDEN GORMAN, JOSH SAMSON, TYLER GARNER (All Olympic Kingsway), DECLAN HUGHES, JONATHAN CORNESS, JACKSON STEPHENS, SEAN MCMANUS, CAMERON TEECE (All Bayswater City), DARYL NICOL, SAM POLLARD, THEO LEEMING (All Perth RedStar), DAVID NINKOVICH (Perth SC), BRENT QUICK (Stirling Macedonia), PIETER JACOBSZ (Armadale), SASA NJEGIC, FRANC GAMIZ QUER (Dianella White Eagles), JEREMY MBA (Gwelup Croatia), JACK HILAIRE (UWA Nedlands)
4.7.2025
NPLWA – WOMEN’S – ROUND FOURTEEN PREVIEW
It’s a bumper Sunday in the NPLWA – Women’s competition, with the top four teams meeting in round fourteen, and with only two points separating all teams it sets up a couple of cracking games. First up league leaders Hyundai FW Academy welcome second placed Perth SC to the Sam Kerr Football Centre. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Both sides are coming off big wins in the last round, the Academy thrashing UWA, while Perth beat RedStar, which kept the Academy youngsters top of the table by one point, although the Azzurri do a have a game in hand.
The last time they met in the league at the venue was in round 12 last season, when Perth secured a 4-0 win. Both sides had chances in the first half, but it was Perth who hit the front nine minutes before the break. Sophia Papalia’s through ball sent Sam Mathers clear and she made no mistake. The game continued to ebb and flow, with chances coming for both sides, but it was Perth who doubled their lead 15 minutes from time. Nelli Johnson brought down Ella Lincoln in the box, and the striker picked herself up to score from the resulting penalty. Lincoln was in again three minutes from time, the striker beating the offside trap to score, before she hammered home moments later, to complete her hat-trick.
FW Academy coach Stephen Walmsley said both sides are evenly matched, and if the last cup game was anything to go by, Sunday should be a great game. “We met in the Cup quarter final, and I thought the standard of the game was excellent. Perth has plenty of good individual players and will always be difficult to play against so it’s important for us to have the right mentality and approach to the game,” Walmsley explained. “We are enjoying being together as a group and are working hard to make more memorable moments together in the remaining eight league games and beyond. It’s an exciting time with very little between the teams at the top end and the players are excited to build on the big steps we’ve already taken this year.”
Daisy McAllister bagged a brace in last week’s 5-3 win against RedStar, and the midfielder said they have prepared well for Sunday’s game, and looking to make emends, for their penalty shoot-out defeat in the State Cup. “The girls are super excited for this weekend’s match, a top of the table clash is always a quality game and we are expecting the academy to put up a solid fight,” McAllister said. “They have proven themselves as a great young squad, but this game has a lot at stake and we are confident that we can reestablish our lead on the ladder at this point in the season. The last game in the state cup against them was certainly disappointing to concede a last-minute goal, along with an unlucky penalty shootout, but I’m sure if we unite as a group and perform as we did in the first league match which saw a 3-0 victory, we will be able to replicate a similar result.”
In the other blockbuster, Balcatta Etna make the trip to the RedStar Arena to taker on Perth RedStar. The hosts were beaten for the first time in eight games last week at Dorrien Gardens, while Balcatta continued their good form, unbeaten in seven games after hard fought 2-1 win against Subiaco. They did meet earlier in the season at the venue, with RedStar winning 5-0 in round seven, when a brace from Caitlin Doeglas, an own goal and others to Renee Leota and Sarah Carroll secured the big win. RedStar’s Lauren Continibali will come up against her former club on Sunday, and she said they are ready for another stern test, as they look to get back to winning ways. “We’re all looking forward to the challenge of playing Balcatta on Sunday. It would be great for us to get the win, especially after the loss to Perth - Go RedStar.”
In the other games in round, Murdoch University Melville host UWA Nedlands at the Besteam Stadium. It’s been a tough season for the hosts, still looking for that elusive win of the season, while UWA will also look to get back in the winner’s circle after conceding 33 goals in their last three games. There last meeting was in round seven when goals from Andrea Preiato and Hannah Seeley gave UWA a 2-0 win. In the final game Subiaco AFC host Fremantle City at Rosalie Park. (3:45pm) The hosts will look to break a six-game losing streak, and will take some positives out of their narrow loss at Balcatta last week, while Fremantle will be buoyed by back-to-back wins, as they look to push for a top four spot. They meet in round seven and it was a tight game, with a goal from Leyna Wood securing a 1-0 win for Fremantle, and Sunday will be another tight affair.
4.7.2025
BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWELVE PREVIEW
We head into the second half of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division season, and our round twelve ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Kingsway Reserve on Sunday afternoon, where third-placed Olympic Kingsway entertain second-placed Emerald. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Both sides dropped points in the last round, Emerald losing at home to Morley, to lose ground on the leaders, while Olympic fought back from 0-3 down to draw at Kelmscott, and with only four points separating the two teams, both will be searching for a win in this one. Sunday is a repeat of this seasons Night Series Final, where Emerald prevailed 2-0, with goals from Conor Hogan and Shane Hickey, but Olympic got revenge in the opening game of the season winning 2-1 at Fraser Park. Lynton Pearson gave the visitors the lead, and an own goal doubled their lead. Emerald pulled one back late, with Shane Young converting form the spot, but Olympic held form to take the points.
Olympic captain Scott Bushby said the draw at Kelmscott was a typical game of two halves, but they will take positives from the game. “It was a great effort from our lads last week, to come back from three down and get a draw, we felt if the game went on for another 5/10 minutes we could have won it, it seemed like we were the only team trying to win in the end,” Bushby explained. “Fair play to Kelmscott though, they came out firing and put pressure on us and took advantage of our slow start, to be 3-0 down after 25 minutes is disappointing but once we adjusted a couple of things and got to grips with the game, we always thought we could get back into it. The lads showed great fight and commitment to come away with a point so we take the positives in the end from what was a good game of football.”
Bushby knows Emarald will be hurting after their loss by Morley last week, and he’s expecting another tough challenge on Sunday. “It will be another tough game this week against Emerald, they’re a good side and they’ll be wanting to bounce straight back from their loss last week and keep tabs at the top,” the defender said. “We know if we can get a win, it drags us closer to them and keeps us in touch with the top two and sets us up for a good second half of the season. We’ve played each other twice already this season and both results were probably just about fair, with one win each so this weekend should be another entertaining game with both teams wanting to win and a game our lads are looking forward to.”
League leaders North Perth United welcome Maccabi to Woodville Reserve. (1:00pm) The leaders moved three points clear with a win against Jaguars, and coach Jason Winter said they are expected another tough test against Maccabi on Sunday. “Jags was a good win for us, although we didn’t play great on the day to be honest but kept a clean sheet and won so I’m very happy with that,” Winter said. “Maccabi is another big test for the lads, especially after they they had a massive win last weekend, so they will be full of coincidence.”
Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said they need to find consistency, and look to build on last weeks big win against Peel. “Yes, we must try consistently perform close to our best if we want a chance of picking up points each week, it can get hard with players away, injured, sick etc but I assume it’s the same for everyone. We just try to train hard and keep ourselves sharp, and then try play our game on the Sunday,” Berelowitz explained. “This weekend will be as tough as it gets, last time we started very poorly and the game was over before we could get going, so we’ll be looking to put on a better showing of ourselves and hopefully be able to come away with more points.”
In other games, fourth-placed Kelmscott Roos make the trip to Challenger Reserve to take on South Perth United, hoping to keep the pressure on the leaders, while Hamersley Rovers welcome the inform Morley Windmills to Carine Open Space. Jaguars host Kingsley Westside at the Herb Graham recreation Centre. Meanwhile it’s tough times at Peel United, with them unable to play a side in the reserve completion, forfeiting all their games, and the first team are also struggling, and this week they welcome North Beach to Bortolo Park.
4.7.2025
NPL-WA ROUND FIFTEEN - PREVIEW
Our round 15 NPLWA - Men’s ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Hilton Park, where Fremantle City entertain Stirling Macedonia on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) It’s been a huge two weeks for Stirling, a place in the State League Cup Final, also the Hahn Australia Cup round of 32, and they have bounced back in the league with wins at Glory and a draw at Perth last week. On the other hand, it’s been a tough run for Fremantle, with last week’s draw at Balcatta ending a six-game losing streak. So, three points in this one is important for each team, at either end of the table.
Last time the two sides met at the venue was in round 16 last season with both sides taking a point in a 2-2 draw. The hosts made the breakthrough on ten minutes. Pat Loughrey made space down the right, and played a one-two with Dean Hurley, before crossing to Charles Chechlacz at the back post who scored from close-range. But in the shadows of half time the visitors levelled, skipper Calvin Whitney curling home from the left of the penalty area. Stirling were ahead early in the second half, Alex Tanevski slipping in Ciaran Byrne, who finished low past Ryan Barker. Their lead lasted for only 12 minutes, Chechlacz picking out Shubham Mokala, who took on his marker and finished with aplomb past James Bosdet to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Stirling keeper James Bosdet said the win at Glory was a great performance, but last week’s draw at Perth was a little disappointing after leading twice, but they move on. “Yes, it’s always a tough pill to swallow when you lead in a game and don’t come away with the win let alone twice,” he explained. “To be fair it was a really good game and was end to end, so would have been exciting for the neutrals.”
It’s been a huge couple of weeks for Stirling, bolstering their squad with the signing of Riley Warland, Leigh Griffiths and Callum McKenzie last week, and reaching the National stage of the Hahn Australia Cup. Bosdet was the hero saving a penalty in their 1-0 cup semifinal win against Inglewood, which has seen them reach the State League Cup Final and a place in the round of 32 with a trip Avondale in Melbourne. The keeper said the trio have fitted in well, while everyone at the club is looking forward to the trip, but the league is the priority now, and first up a trip to Fremantle.
“It’s a great draw for the boys with an away trip which we are all looking forward to, but it’s the league we must concentrate on now,” Bosdet said. “We’ve signed a couple of boys over the past few weeks, who have added real quality to our squad and give us lots of options. No game in this division is easy so we expect it to be another tough fixture at Fremantle. A crucial game for both clubs but hopefully we have enough to come away with the three points.”
Fremantle City finished third last season in their first season after promotion, but they gave struggling this term sitting eleventh, and had lost six straight matches prior to last week’s draw at Balcatta, and they had chances to win it, and captain Hayden Stevens said it was good to get some reward. “It was nice to finally snap that losing streak and come away with a point,” he said. “Like you said we had chances but we just weren’t able to capitalise on those, but it’s positive that we are getting ourselves in those areas. We look to build on those performances for the remaining games.”
Stevens said the table doesn’t lie, and they’re not where they would like to be, but did take some positives from the draw last week, but he is well aware they face another stern test on Saturday against a good Stirling side. “There is no denying, we aren’t where we want to be but at the end of the day, the table doesn’t lie either. Last week is another step in the right direction for us hopefully making a late push up the ladder. The biggest positive is we are making chances and now we just need to take them,” the defender explained. “We’re a cohesive group and we’re all working hard to put this club in a better spot then where it currently is. Stirling are always a tough side to play against, who epitomise a never say die attitude. This is proven with the number of late goals they score. We’re just looking to build on last week and looking forward to playing back at Hilton Park.
In other games on Saturday, league leaders Bayswater City welcome Western Knights to Frank Drago Reserve. Both sides let leads slip last weeks, the hosts are still unbeaten, but dropped two points last week after, conceding a late equaliser at RedStar, while the Knights were held to a draw at home to Armadale. Second placed Olympic Kingsway, who will meet Melbourne Victory at Kingsway Reserve on July 29 in the Hahn Australia Cup, entertain Perth RedStar in the northern derby at the venue. Olympic head coach David Tough will take on his former club, hoping for a better result from their first meeting, when RedStar won 3-1. Perth Glory makes the trip to E&D Litis Stadium, to take on bottom of the table Floreat Athena, hoping to keep their top four hopes alive, the hosts searching for a first win this campaign. Sorrento head to Dorrien Gardens to meet Perth SC, while Balcatta entertain Armadale at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve.
4.7.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FIFTEEN - PREVIEW
In only their second season in the State League Division One, Kingsley Westside are starting to get to come to terms with league, and currently sit seventh only two points out of the top four. This comes after only one defeat in their last six games and this week they welcome Inglewood United to Chichester Park on Saturday evening, in our round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ (6:00pm)) On the other hand it’s been a difficult start for Inglewood, sitting ninth on the table, but a good cup run saw them beat NPL sides Fremantle and Bayswater, before being edged out by Stirling, but it seemed to hamper their league form. They secured only their fourth win of the season last week, beating leaders UWA Nedlands, which they hope can kick start their league season.
The last time they met was in round five this season when Inglewood found a 2-1 win at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. The host were ahead with an own goal on five minutes, but Kingsley drew level in the shadows of half time with Max Adamson on target. But Inglewood won it six minutes into the second half, with Chad Nilson adding a second. Nilson was impressive in the win against UWA, and scored the second goal in the game, his sixth of the season, and the former Armadale winger said they deserved the win, and hopes it can kick start their season. “It was a nice win, once again we seem to do well against the teams near the top, but I thought we deserved the points on the chances we created,” he said. “It’s been the story of our season. We haven’t been able to win away games which is why we are where we are. But a pleasing performance and enjoyable to be a part of, and something to build on.”
It’s never easy when a team gets relegated, with teams lifting when they play you, and Nilson said that has happened to them, but they know they need to be better. “Yes, there’s probably a bit in that, where teams definitely rise to another level against us however, we haven’t been able to match them a lot of the time,” the winger explained. “We have a chance to make something of the second half of the season now, and we’re ready for the fight, and try and finish somewhere decent come seasons end.”
Nilson knows Saturday evenings trip to Kingsley will be another tough test, just like it was in the first game against them this season. He knows they have been in good form recently, but they are determined to get a positive result and kick start their season. “We’re looking forward to Kingsley. They’re a good well organised side, but it will be a very different game from our first meeting earlier this season, which both sides looking to rise up the table,” he said. “But we are just focusing on how we are playing at the moment, because we are playing some good football and hopefully, we can come up with the points.”
Kingsley Westside are on their best run of form since promotion from Division Two in 2024, and last week they beat the inform Joondalup on the road, and captain Neil Gillies said it was a great all-round team performance, which closed the gap on the top four. “It was a great result for us away at Joondalup who were in really good form going into the game, and we fully deserved the win,” the defender said. “I thought we played some really good stuff and defended well throughout.”
It’s never easy when clubs change coaches in mid-season, but that’s what happened at Chichester Park, with Ben Andrews replacing Richard Abrams, who had led them to the Night Series title earlier in the season. Gillies said Andrews has hit the ground running, and they hope to keep it going on Saturday night. “Benny has been great since he came in. He has been very clear with his ideas and how he wants us to play which I think we have executed well on the pitch,” he explained.
“It has obviously given the lads a boost and we have had some really good results in that time, we know we’re in touching distance of the top four and a few more wins would get us right in the mix but we know there is a lot of football still to be played and a lot of very difficult games in this league still to come. Saturday night will be a big game against Inglewood under the lights. They are a good side despite their position in the league and they have already beaten us this season, so we know we are in for a tough game and we will have to be right on top form to get the three points.”
In other games (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated), league leaders UWA Nedlands will look to bounce after their loss last week, when they welcome Murdoch University Melville at the UWA Sports Park, while MUMFC scored late last week to beat Mandurah, and return to the winner’s circle. Second placed Dianella White Eagles entertain traditional rivals Gwelup Croatia in the other late game on Saturday evening (5:00pm), with both sides coming off wins late week, against Subiaco and Curtin respectively. Mandurah City hosts Subiaco at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, while Kalamunda City, who will be buoyed by last weeks win against Gosnells, head up the freeway to take on Joondalup City at the Iluka District open Space, the host hoping to get back to winning ways. In the final game it’s a real six-pointer, when the bottom two teams, Curtin University and Gosnells City, meet at Edinburgh Oval, a win will be huge for both clubs.
4.7.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOURTEEN - PREVIEW
Our State League Division Two round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ is the top of the table clash between Quinns and Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Both sides sit in 29 points, with Quinns ahead on goal difference, so this highly anticipated clash should be a cracker. Both sides went into the season with new coaches at the helm, Nick Jennings at Quinns, looking to improve on last season’s eighth place finish, while Kenny Palmer joined Cockburn, looking for stability after back-to-back relegations, so it should be a great game, with three points massive for both sides.
Last time they met was early this season when Quinns won 2-1 at Stylish Park. The home side hit the front early, Ben Wyeth’s in-swinging corner, was headed home by James Elkington-Soan. Cockburn hit back and levelled midway through the first half, with James Bourne on target. But it was Quinns who won it just after the hour mark. Elliot Ireland won possession after Cockburn turned the ball over from the high press, and he played in Joel Sollitt, who beat his marker, before sliding the ball across to Tyler Holden who made no mistake.
Quinns coach Steven Flint said last week’s win was really tough, against the form side in the league at present, but they took their chance to take the points. “Forrestfield have become the form team of the league and they came to Stylish Park with real intent to disrupt our season. They are an excellent, young energetic side, Platts (Daryl Platten) has them playing with a well-disciplined system,” Flint explained. “In all honestly they would have left disappointed not to have taken any points back down the freeway, mainly due to a stoic performance from our defensive unit.”
Quinns hold the advantage at the top, but Flint is well aware there is a long way to go this season, and they need to stay focused, starting at Cockburn on Saturday. “Yes, it’s rewarding to be sitting where we are in the league at this time of the year. The players and coaches are working hard to keep the momentum going and as a side we are so well supported by the committee, sponsors and who could forget our main supporters The Ultras,” he said.
“We still have a lot of hard work still to be done and no doubt a tight finish to the season. We head down to Cockburn and we expect another challenge. They are a good side and will be wanting to square the ledger from our game early in the draw. We need to shuffle the deck with a few players missing but we are a deep and committed squad and we will go into the game with the intention to win.”
Cockburn coach Kenny Palmer has steadied the ship this season after back-to-back relegations, and he said everyone is working hard to turn things around, and their good season continued last week at Carramar. “It was a solid defensive display last week, that was ultimately rewarded with a couple of late goals,” Palmer said. “As has been mentioned previously, the club has endured a couple of difficult years but with the backing of the new committee we have a shared vision of where we want to be and the manner in which we want to get there.”
Palmer said Saturday is another challenge, but after a good start to the season, they hope to pick up another three points. “We've had a good start by putting ourselves in a position to challenge at the top end of the table and the focus is very much on maintaining that consistency, which we will looking to continue on Saturday,” he explained. “The previous game against Quinns was evenly contested so we look forward to hosting them at Dalmatinac Park. No doubt our members and loyal supporters will be there in numbers which is always appreciated by the players, so we hope to give them another positive performance and result.”
In other games this week East Perth will be looking to close the gap on the top two when they make the trip to the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve to take on Ashfield. Colm Costello’s side sit three points behind the top two, while Ashfield will look to build on their last-minute draw at Balga last week in the relegation fight, meanwhile Balga welcome Forrestfield United to Princess Road Reserve, both sides pressing for a top four spot, and Canning City host Rockingham city to Burrendah Park. We have two late games, with points important at both ends of the table. First Wembley Downs host Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Butlers Reserve (5:00pm), while Wanneroo City entertain Swan United at Wanneroo Reserve (5:00pm)
29.6.2025
BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ELEVEN REVIEW
North Perth United have moved three points clear at the top of the Belt Up Amateur Premier Division after the three teams behind them all dropped points, with Jason Winters side produced a 3-0 win against Jaguar at Woodville Reserve in round 11 on Sunday. “Overall, we were happy with the win, Jaguar is never an easy game as they have some very good attacking players,” North Perth coach Kevin Flavin said. “We weren’t at the races in the first half, but the lads stepped up the quality in the second and we could have even had 3-4 more only for some great saves by their keeper. Our squad again made a huge difference as all the lads that came on gave us something extra.”
The hosts were ahead on 13 minutes, Yanich Jordan cut in from the left and his shot was saved by Mustafa Yussuf, but Cian O’Dwyer scored from the rebound. They doubled their lead seven minutes later. A set-piece was returned to Lawson Smith and his cross picked out Eoghan Rea who made no mistake. They sealed the points ten minutes into the second half, great build up play by Eamon Kelly, saw him feed Conor Quinn and he hit a first-time screamer from distance into the top corner of the net.
Emerald have lost ground on the leaders, and lost at home for only the second time this season, going down 2-1 to the improving Morley Windmills at Fraser Park. The win consolidated fifth place for John O’Reilly’s side, and he said it was tough game, but delighted to have claimed the three points. “Tough game that was evenly fought from start to finish. We tried to play football when we could but we were also prepared to win our physical one on one battles all over the park,” he explained. “From our perspective it was a solid team performance.”
With new signing Adam Tong, and midfielder Ali Gholami returning to Morley, they made a great start opening the scoring on 12 minutes. A corner was headed clear by Emerald, but only as far as Gholami, whose shot from 20-meters, through the crowded penalty area, found the bottom corner past Gerard Crehan. They added a second 20 minutes from time, Richard Lee was sent clear, and he was brought down from behind, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. John Monterosso stepped up and beat Crehan with a shot into the top corner. The hosts found a lifeline five minutes from time, with substitute Lee Wilson scoring, but it was too little too late.
There was a six-goal thriller at Frye Park, where fourth placed Kelmscott Roos have thrown away a three-goal lead and had to settle for a 3-3 draw against third placed Olympic Kingsway. “This is a game that got away, we let ourselves down in such an important game. Going 3-0 early in the first half set us up for a great result, but we didn’t handle the pressure that Kingsway presented well and couldn’t hold on,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “We went into our shell and stopped playing our brand of football and it punished us in the end. We have 11 games to play, and nothing but three points in each of these next 11 games is expected if we want to be anywhere near the top come the end of the season.”
The hosts raced to an early two-goal lead. They opened the scoring in the first minute, Isaac Koomson winning the ball back on the bye line, getting past his defender and cutting the ball back to Amos Doegolia, his shot was saved Daniel Higgins, but fell to Brodie McCrae who smashed a shot back into the roof of the net. It was 2-0 six minutes later, Koomson finding Kingsley Nteng out wide who chipped in a cross which found McCrae who headed home clinically. The points looked safe just before the break when Kelmscott added a third. Doegolia found space in the middle of the park and hit a long range shot which was saved by Higgins but the follow up was put home well by Chad Samuels.
Olympic found a life line in the shadow of half time, a low cross into the box from the right was finished by Jake Lynch. It was game on six minutes into the second half, a long freekick was flicked on by Niall McGurk, and Josh Booysen controlled well in a crowded penalty area, and finished with aplomb. Olympic were level 16 minutes from time, a through ball found James Venton who raced away from the left back, cut inside and beat the Taylor Warwick at his near post. Both sides pressed for the winner, but had to settle for a point.
“It was a really poor start from our perspective, conceding two fairly early. We had several chances to reduce the lead but then switched off again to concede the third which was disappointing,” Olympic coach Jason Stern said. “Although we conceded some sloppy goals, we always thought we were creating enough and we’re still in the game if we cleaned up the errors - so it was a positive message at half time. Second half the lads were excellent and we feel as though we could’ve won the game. After being 3-0 down It’s a good point in the end, especially with a few lads filling in out of position and putting in a good shift.”
North Beach have leapfrogged Hamersley Rovers on the table, after a 4-0 win against them at the Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. “Today was a massive response to a highly disappointing weekend last week at Morley and just an overall tough couple of weeks,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “We were extremely disappointed with how we started last week, conceding multiple goals with 15 minutes, and although we worked back into the game, some decisions didn't go our way and we walked away with nothing to show because of how we started that match. We made a point of rectifying that today against another tough opponent from the first whistle and really made amends for the last few weeks and hope to move forward with this momentum away at Peel next weekend.”
The home side hit the front on 24 minutes, when Cade Miranda played a well weighted diagonal ball to Alex Kretowicz who managed to beat his defender and finish from eight meters. It was 2-0 on the half hour, Kretowicz drove into the box, beat a defender and sent a ball across into the box and was finished by Luke Jones. It was three before half time, James Di Carlo headed home from a Ben Reynolds corner. They completed the scoring five minutes from time, Kretowicz beat a couple of defenders, delayed his cross then cut back to an incoming James Ashford who finished well from the edge of the box.
Maccabi were the big winners of the round, thrashing Peel United 9-0 at the Maccabean Memorial Oval. “I’m very pleased in how professional we were in our approach today, it had been a while since we’d got a win so this came at a good time to get a bit of confidence going into the second half of the season,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz explained. “We know we just need to keep consistent in our performances, it’s a very tight league so have to be up for it every week.” Peel arrived without interim coach Mitch Kelman, who stepped down last week, and they found themselves five-goals down at half time, with Dion Berman, Jonah Froman, Natan Shuffrin, Josh Chiat and Zac Rosenberg on target. Abel Thomas-Hy added a sixth early in the second half, before Shufrin, Froman and Berman added another one each to complete the scoring.
In the final game Kingsley Westside are back in the winner’s circle, and moved above South Perth on the table, after beating them 2-1 at Chichester Park. “It was a scrappy affair and we weren’t at our best but we battled to get the win,” Kinsley coach Sam Ellis said. “It’s a nice way to get to finish that half of the season and gives us a platform to build from in the second half.” It was the visitors who found the opener on ten minutes, with Tawanda Madzikanda on target. But Kingsley levelled ten minutes before half time, a long free kick into the box was spilled by Zephan Smith and Craig Richard’s lashed it home from the close-range. Kingsley won it on 69 minutes. Cameron Bishop played a good through ball into Kai Main-Nyckowski who finished clinically past Smith to seal the win.
29.6.2025
NPL-WA ROUND FOURTEEN - REVIEW
It’s tight at the top of the NPLWA - Women’s table, with only four points separating the top four sides, after an entertaining round 13 this weekend. In our ‘Match of the Week’ Perth SC produced a strong performance to end Perth RedStar’s seven game winning streak, after a 5-3 win at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday afternoon. “The game against RedStar was such a great team performance,” Perth striker Jessica Flannery said. “Going in we knew it was going to be a super tough game and all were focused on executing each of our roles perfectly and capitalising on chances when they came, which I think is what ultimately won it for us.”
The hosts wore pink shirts, as they celebrated their annual ‘Pink Game’ to help raise awareness and support for those battling breast cancer. It looked business as usual for RedStar early, Quyen Doan’s shot smacked the post, and they were ahead on five minutes, Carla Bennett’s corner was cleared only as far as Sarah Carroll, who volleyed home from the edge of the box. But the Azzurri hit back and blew the game wide open with three quick goals. First moments after RedStar had scored, Hannah Collins’ shot hit the woodwork, and Flannery was on hand to turn home the rebound home. They hit the front on eight minutes, Daisy McAllister cutting in from the left and fired into the corner, and amazingly it was 3-1 three minutes later, MacAllister adding another.
The visitors were shell-shocked, and found themselves 4-1 down after only 26 minutes, Collins sending Flannery into the box, and she finished with aplomb past Gabby Dal Busco. RedStar pulled one back just before the hour mark, Bennett’s pass was finished by Caitlin Doeglas, for her 15th goal of the season. Doeglas then rattled the crossbar, as Chris Atturo’s side looked to get back into the game, but on 65 minutes the hosts put the game to bed with a fifth. Kim McCartney’s free-kick was spilled by Dal Busco and Sam Mathers was on hand to fire home the rebound. RedStar scored a late consolation goal after referee Dave Avison pointed to the spot after Maja Archibald’s foul on Lauren Continibali, and Carroll scored from the resulting penalty, but it was too little too late.
The Hyundai FW Academy lead the way, one point ahead of Perth SC, although the Azzurri do have a game in hand, after the 12-2 win against UWA Nedlands at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Wednesday evening. It was a lively opening with Samantha Brady giving the hosts the lead on four minutes, but moments later Chloe Rodrigo levelled for UWA. But that was as good as it got for UWA, as the Academy side took control, with a hat-trick from Xuri Dalton, a brace from Cate McAuliffe and another from Theo Mouithys gave them 7-1 lead at the break. They went on with it after half time, with McAuliffe completing her hat-trick, and substitute Sakura Leong grabbed a double. Dalton added her fourth to make it 12-1, while Alice Muller scored a late consolation goal for the visitors.
Balcatta Etna have continued their good form, making it seven straight wins after back-to-back wins this week against Subiaco AFC at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. On Wednesday evening they played a round five catch up game, and won 5-1. Abbey Meakins gave the hosts the lead at the break, and they added a second early in the second half with Jamie-Lee Gale on target. Subiaco’s Soyi Kim reduced the margin on the hour mark, but Balcatta sealed the win with three quick goals, Ella Marwick made it 3-1, before Meakins converted from the spot, before Gale added the fifth.
Then on Sunday, they met again at the venue, and it was a tighter game, Balcatta running out 2-1 winners. “It wasn't our best performance particularly in the final third but another three points to back up a mid-week game was the most important factor for us,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “The girls did appear to be a little off the mark and probably carrying a level of fatigue from Wednesday evening, but If we want to be considered as more than just contenders in the top four, you have to take the ugly wins and focus on the bigger picture.”
The hosts were ahead on 18 minutes, Abbey Meakins scoring directly from a corner, her 13th goal of the season. They doubled their lead 22 minutes from time, former Subiaco defender Frankie Murray crossing from the left and Gale slid into score. But they were reduced to ten, when Isabella Foletta was shown a second yellow card by referee Samia Omar and sent off. It set up a nervy last few minutes for Balcatta, especially when Subiaco pulled one back three minutes from time. Marianna Tabain finding Tayna Campos, who swept the ball home past Rebecca Bennett, but Balcatta held firm to take the points.
In the final game, Fremantle City have also had back-to-back win against Murdoch University Melville at Hilton Park this week to consolidate fifth place on the table. In Wednesday’s round five catch-up game, Abbey Green gave the host the lead 20 minutes from time, and further goals from Sophie Meaden and Mikayla Lyons gave them a 3-0 win. Then on Sunday the hosts ran out 5-0 winners, with Green scoring a hat-trick. “It was nice to pick up three points against Murdoch to help us continue towards top four,” Green said.
It was another tight game early, but the home side were ahead eight minutes before the break, Sophie Meaden’s through ball found Green who finished well. The pair were involved again for Freo’s second with Meaden’s shot saved by Jemma Skinner, but Green poked home the rebound. Meaden added a quick fire double to take the game away from MUMFC, before six minutes before time Green completed her hat-trick, rounding Skinner and rolling the ball home.
30.6.2025
MATILDAS LET IT SLIP LATE IN PERTH
The Matildas have conceded a stoppage time goal, to draw 1-1 with Slovenia, in the second friendly at HBF Park on Sunday evening. There was bigger turnout for this clash, with over 13,000 in the ground, and it looked like Canberra United striker Michelle Heyman had sealed the win after her 31st goal for her country early in the second half, but the visitors silenced the crowd with Mirjam Kastelec scoring at the death to give both sides a share of the spoils.
“I think we played at a good rhythm and tempo. The ability to prepare to go forward, I liked that. That’s what we’ve worked on all week,” Joe Montemurro said post-match. “I’ll continue the message. We’ll continue this style of football. But we have to be match smart. We still wanted to go for that second goal, which can be a good thing, we want to play football, but we also have to be match smart.”
Montemurro made six changes to the team that defeated the same opposition 3-0 on Thursday evening. Former Perth Glory keeper Mackenzie Arnold started in goal for the first time since February, while Remy Siemsen started for only the fourth time in her career, the first since 2023. Kyra Cooney-Cross, Michelle Heyman, Charli Grant and Kaitlyn Torpey were the other players who came into the side.
Buoyed by their 3-0 win in the opening game, Australia started brightly, with Ellie Carpenter a constant threat down the right, and on 14 minutes she picked out Heyman, but the ball was cleared. Moments later Heyman found Amy Sayer in the penalty area, and her cutback found Kaitlyn Torpey, who wasn’t able to turn the ball home. It was one-way traffic and when Kyra Cooney-Cross mazy run took her past several Slovenian defenders, before finding Heyman in space, but the striker couldn’t keep her shot down, and it was scoreless at the break.
But five minutes into the second half the Matildas found the opener. Former Glory, Alanna Kennedy won possession in the middle of the park, and Remy Siemsen played a neat through ball in behind for Carpenter, who’s cross found Heyman, the striker losing her marker and volleying past Melania Pasar. It meant the visitors had to come out of their defensive shape, and they created some chances of their own. Captain Mateja Zver found space one-on-one with Arnold, but the Matildas custodian stood tall to deny her.
The Matildas had their chances to double their lead, and Slovenia were forced into a goal-line clearance on 78 minutes, with Kaja Eržen clearing Courtney Nevin shot. The visitors pressed for the equaliser and Arnold got down well to deny Kastelec, after the Matildas gave the ball away in the middle of the park. The Matildas had failed to find a second goal to seal the game, and in the final minute Slovenia made them pay, finding the equaliser. Korina Janež found Naja Poje Mihelic on the left, her shot beat Mackenzie but crashed off the post, the rebound falling to Kastelec who was quickest to react to fire home.
Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 3 Winonah Heatley, 4 Clare Hunt, 8 Kaitlyn Torpey (25. Holly McNamara 65’), 14 Alanna Kennedy (31 Alana Murphy 86’), 17 Amy Sayer (15 Emily Gielnik 86’), 21 Ellie Carpenter (2 Courtney Nevin 76’), 22 Charli Grant, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 32 Michelle Heyman (16 Hayley Raso 65’), 35 Remy Siemsen (6 Chloe Berryhill 76’) - Subs not used: RGK Teagan Micah, RGK Jada Whyman, 5 Natasha Prior, 10 Emily van Egmond, 27 Alex Chidiac 29 Jamilla Rankin
Slovenia: GK Melania Pasar, 2 Lana Golob, 3 Sara Agrež, 4 Sara Gradišek (14 Špela Kolbi 66’), 6 Kaja Korošec (21 Korina Janež 46’), 7 Nina Kajzba (9 Mirjam Kastelec 76’), 8 Matja Zver (20 Zara Kramžar 66’), 10 Dominika Conc, 11 Lara Prašnikar, 16 Kaja Eržen (5 Naja Poje Mihelic 81’), 17 Izebela Križaj (19 Zala Vindišar 81’) - Subs not used: RGK Zala Meršnic, 12 Tinkara Testen, 13 Zala Kuštrin, 18 Sara Ketiš, 23 Maja Sternad
28.6.2025
NPL-WA ROUND FOURTEEN - REVIEW
Olympic Kingsway have closed the gap on NPLWA – Men’s leaders Bayswater to four points, after a hard fought 2-1 win in the round 14 game against Floreat Athena at the E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday afternoon. “Delighted with the win away from home. Floreat are having a tough year and seem to be struggling on and off the field. But as we know in this league there are no easy games,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards said. “It took a while to get the first goal, but once we did, we knew we would run out winners. A very professional performance by the boys and we roll on and try and keep the pressure on Bayswater.”
It was a tense game, with both sides needing the points at the opposite ends of the table, but it was the visitors who found the breakthrough 19 minutes from time. Laat Manyec searching ball down the right found the overlapping Lebib Lebib, whose low cross was turned home at the back post by the unmarked substitute Luke Hewings. It was a case of déjŕ vu ten minutes later as Olympic doubled their advantage. Tyler Garner sent Lebib down the right, he swung a deep cross into the box and Hewings volley past Joshua Hunter at his near post. Floreat pulled one back late, Mohammed Al-Zaidy and Abraham Mathet combined to find substitute Egide Ngendakumana who finished well. It set up a frantic last few minutes, but Olympic held firm to home the points.
Armadale have come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Western Knights at Nash Field. A stunning long-range strike from Kristian Santich gave the hosts the lead, but Armadale coach said an obstruction on Purvish Appadoo by the referee in the lead up to the goal should have been a free kick to his side. “A hard-fought point on the day, but their goal was very disappointing with the referee obstructing one of our players, who lost possession and they scored,” Armadale coach Alun Vernals said. “I’m all for letting the game flow but his involvement had a bearing on the goal, which was hard to take. The lads gave everything today, so we leave with a point and move on to next week at Balcatta.”
The controversy came on 55 minutes, Luke Collins found Appadoo, who ran into the referee and the midfielder lost his balance and Manase Abandelwa disposed him of the ball on the half way line, it fell to Santich, who spotted Armadale keeper Seb Medica off his line and his first time shot sailed over the head of the keeper for a superb goal. The Armadale players surrounded the referee after, but the goal stood. Armadale levelled ten minutes from time, Hamish van Dieken was brought down by Callum Mellowship.
Amir Ajan’s free kick was only cleared as far as Collins, his first shot was blocked by Asher Hwight, but the Armadale captain drilled the second through a crowded penalty area and past Sam Reilly to give both sides a point. “It’s another game we have let slip, we dominated the majority of the game but just couldn’t convert the pressure we applied onto the scoreboard,” Knights’ coach Adam Kostrencic explained. “After Kristian’s brilliant finish we had more good moments to add a second but we didn’t take them and then unfortunately dropped our guard for the set piece which allowed Armadale back into the match.”
In the final game Balcatta Etna and Fremantle City have played out a 0-0 draw at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. It was a game of very few clear chances, Cameron Edwards free kick stung the palms of Balcatta keeper Riley Stephenson early, before Darius Ghinea’s shot flashed wide for the host. The best chance fell to Fremantle captain Hayden Steven’s his shot beat Stephenson but hit the base of the post and away to safety.
It was more of the same after the break, but Fremantle should have hit the front just after the hour, good work by Sam Cook down the left, his cross found substitute Jack Steele, but with the goal at his mercy he fired wide. John Chalmers’ cross from the left bounced off the crossbar as Fremantle looked for the opener. But four minutes from time Ben Steele was shown a second yellow card from referee David Bruce for a challenge on Stephenson, and sent off. Balcatta pressed for the winner late, the best fell to Ben Ognenis in stoppage time, but his shot was saved low by Luke Radonich, and the points were shared.
28.6.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOURTEEN REVIEW
Dianella White Eagles moved to within one point of leaders UWA Nedlands, after a 3-0 win against Subiaco AFC in our Round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. Second half goals from Albert Luwi and a brace from George Ballah gave Ian Ferguson’s side the points, and with UWA losing at Inglewood they reduced their lead at the top. “Another good performance from the boys, against a side who have been in good form,” Dianella assistant coach John Lavery said. “It’s great to get the three points and also have another clean sheet, and we move on to Gwelup next week.” The hosts found the opener on 57 minutes, Anthony Dolan found Luwi in the penalty area, and he turned his marker before firing low past substitute keeper Navarone Synnerdahl, who had replaced Tando Velaphi in the first half.
They doubled their lead 11 minutes later, when Ballah’s long-range shot slipped through the hands of Synnerdahl, who recovered to save on the line. But after consulting with his assistant, referee Alex Stojcheski awarded the goal. The hosts sealed the points 12 minutes from time. They won a free kick out on the right, and Ballah curled home superbly, much to the delight of the home faithful. “It was a massive win and massive performance by us we dominated the game from start to finish and really put on a great clinic especially in the second half,” Eagles striker Luwi explained. “We were well prepared for the fight, we knew what Subiaco were going to bring and didn’t let that take us away from our game so was pleasing to see. Overall happy with the three points and to close the gap at the top to just one.”
UWA Nedlands remain top, despite a 2-1 defeat against Inglewood United at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. The win is a huge boost for the hosts, who have struggled since relegation from the NPL last season, and skipper Ciarán Salinger was delighted with the three points. “Great performance from us today, I thought first half we dominated possession and the share of chances. Very happy with the output and football played by us,” the defender explained. “Second half very similar until UWA had a man sent off, then the game became a bit stagnant and a bit scrappy, although we continued to create genuine chances. But importantly we held on until the end. As a unit we need to continue that performance and bring that into each game until the end of the season.”
The hosts were looking to bounce back from last weeks loss at Joondalup, made a flying start, ahead on 18 minutes. A diagonal ball from Chris Tilson found Dean Hurley on the left, and he played a neat give and go with Stephen Christopher before finishing clinically past Tadgh O Malley. It was 2-0 ten minutes later, good work down the right by Chad Nilson, his cross wasn’t cleared, and when the ball was recycled back to him unmarked at the back post he headed home. The visitors’ chances of a comeback were dented six minutes into the second half, when referee Josh Mannella showed a second yellow card to David Molinari and sent the defender off. But the ten men were back in the game 18 minutes from time. A quick free kick from George Cooper caught Inglewood napping, Joseph McInnes played the ball back to Sam Ince on the edge of the box, his shot was blocked but the rebound fell to substitute Mark Bauersachs who finished low past James Lindsay. UWA pressed for the equaliser, but they didn’t find it, the three points moving the hosts five points clear of the drop zone.
Joondalup City have lost ground on the top two, and lost for the first time in eight games, after they were beaten 2-1 by Kingsley Westside at Iluka District Open Space on Saturday evening. “Delighted to get the win last night against a quality Joondalup City side and keep our good momentum going,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews said. “The work rate from the lads all over the pitch was superb and I thought the two new lads who signed through the week slotted right into our system very well. A special shout out to Max Adamson for grabbing another brace. He’s had a challenging year but has really come into his own over the last few weeks after being given his chance up top.
“His winner last night was something special and sums up where he’s currently at. We now prepare for another big game on Saturday night against Inglewood who will be on a high after their win yesterday.” The visitors were on a good run of form, only one defeat in their last six games, and they found the opening goal in this one, on 34 minutes. New signings Xavier Medica and Sam Mattock combining, the later raced into goal, his shot was saved by Joe Smith, but Adamson fired home the rebound. But 11 minutes into the second half Joondalup levelled, Cameron Stratton cross into the box found Edward Wilcock who out jumped keeper Mason Stickels to head home. But it was Kingsley who won it, Luke Doyle free kick was controlled well by Adamson, who rolled his marker and fired home superbly from distance, giving Smith no chance.
Gwelup Croatia have scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win against Curtin University at the Croatian Sporing Complex, Wishart Street. “We have had a horrid six weeks,” Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said. “However, we all knew we had to play with heart, grit and be absolutely fearless, and it was a really good performance to get our season back on track.” The hosts were ahead when Jai Rawling’s thunderbolt crashed down off the bar, and Jeremie Mba was on hand to tap home from close-range. But Curtin levelled before half time, Rowan Steed’s free kick was parried by Rocco Liberti, and Gaspar Zuljevic fired home the rebound. It looked like the points would be shared, but in the fifth minute of stoppage time Gwelup won it, Christos Vaenas’ cross from the right found Rob Ferrante, and his volley deflected off a Curtin defender, the ball looping over the standard Alec Radonich.
Murdoch University also left it late in their 2-1 win against Mandurah City at the Besteam Stadium. “Big result as we have played better and lost this year but never say die attitude from the players got us over the line,” MUMFC coach Marc Anthony said. “I such a tight league, it’s important we try to get in a winning habit.” It was Mandurah who found the opener on ten minutes, a cross from the left by Oliver Fields, was flicked on by Craig Barker, and Robbie Galvin’s shot on the turn beat Preston Gilling. The hosts struggled to breakdown a tight Mandurah defence, but they eventually did five minutes from time with a helping hand. Angel Andres made space down the right, his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Fields. It looked like a point a piece, but four minutes into stoppage time the hosts won it. Charlie Breen sending Andres down the right and his low cross was turned home by Eddie Wynne-Willson.
In the final game hosts Kalamunda City beat Gosnells City 1-0 at Maida Vale Reserve. “The boys played really well. Kyle (Robertson) and I would have liked to have a larger lead at half-time, but everything we worked on during the week went according to plan,” Kalamunda coach Kristian Usedo said. “Unfortunately, the ball didn’t find the back of the net as much as we would have liked. But credit goes to Gosnells for holding strong and making a game of it second half.” The only goal of the game came just after the half hour mark, Agustin Ventre shot from distance was turned home by Gaston Bazet. The win moving the hosts clear of the drop zone, the loss leaving Gosnells at the foot of the table and three points adrift.
28.6.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISIO TWO, ROUND THIRTEEN REVIEW
Quinns have remained top of the table after they edged out Forrestfield United 1-0 in our round 13 State League Division Two ‘Match of the Week at Stylish Park, Gumblossom Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “Forrestfield are an outstanding team and a times put us under some real pressure, it took a great defensive display from the group as a collective,” Quinns coach Nick Jenning said. “But particularly praise to the back five who were outstanding in another clean sheet. The only disappointment on the day was the two sending off’s late, which looked a little harsh, but it’s three points and on we move.” The only goal of the game came twenty minutes from time, with Tyler Holden playing the ball to the far post to Andrew Flint who showed great composure to lay the ball into the path of Joel Sollitt to tap home. The game ended a sour note for the hosts, when referee Shuo Chen sent off captain Ben Johns Jamie Gardiner in stoppage time.
Cockburn City remain second on goal difference, after they beat Carramar Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Grandis Park. “A solid performance by the players to show character and bounce back from last week’s loss and take three points this week,” Cockburn assistant coach Paulo Basto said. “Throughout the game we had chances but couldn’t capitalise, but we kept working hard and the end result paid off. Great resilience from the team to work hard right to the final whistle and get the result.” It looked like the game was heading for a goalless draw, but in the first minute of stoppage time the Cockerels were awarded a penalty by referee Alex Novatsis after Matthew Bowen was fouled in the box, and James Bourne stepped up under pressure and converted the spot kick. Then straight from the restart it was 2-0, confusion at the back allowed Bourne to run on to the ball and slotted the ball past the keeper to seal it.
Balga lost ground on the top four, after they conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with Ashfield at Princess Road Reserve. “It is the feeling of a loss, despite the fact that we drew. When the opposition has the first shot on goal in extra time and scores, the point feels like nothing,” Balga coach Gerhard Janssen said. “Especially, as we gave away in the first half a penalty which Meng Chroek did not really take with a necessary power. But even in the second half and in the first half besides a penalty, we had enough opportunities to decide this game. Credit to Ashfield that they threw everything forward and receive their reward in extra time. We now have to win next week at home against Forrestfield to get the two points back.” The hosts had a perfect opportunity to hit the front when they received a penalty just before the half hour mark, but Ashfield keeper Jordan Bell guessed the right way to save Chroek’s spot kick.
But they did find the opener on 63 minutes Nicholas Bahr-Pike cross from the left side and Bleron Mamudi lost his marker and finished into top corner. But two minutes into stoppage time, Ashfield levelled. Substitute Fabrice Kikuni crossed from out wide, into a crowded penalty area, but the ball beat everyone and nestled in the net to give them a point. “It was a pretty even game I think both keepers didn't really have much to do but it was a very entertaining game which was played box to box the whole 90 minutes” Ashfield coach Jesse Bridgeman said. “Balga scored a great goal on the counter attack which was finished very well, but we responded positively after going a goal down to get a point and in the last few minutes we were unlucky not to walk away with all three points late.”
Wanneroo City were the big winners of the round, coming home from Butlers Reserve on Saturday evening with a 4-0 win against Wembley Downs. “Credit to the players for engagement, application and commitment to renewed targets and standards,’ Wanneroo coach Howard Tweats explained. “As we strive for consistency through the second half of the season.” The visitors were ahead on the quarter hour, Bosko Koloski broke down the right with his cross only cleared to the edge of the area where Abdulla Rogers picked the ball up and clinically found the bottom corner. It was 2-0 on the hour, Josh Allum drove down the right beating his man, before his deflected cross fell to Boas Mtwale who smashed a first-time volley past the keeper. They added a third 14 minutes from time, neat combination of passes found Noel Disha in behind the Wembley defence, and he showed great composure to finish. They completed the scoring in the final minute, a neat one two on the edge of the area put Taiga Kobayashi through on goal, and he drove a shot across the keeper into the corner.”
Rockingham City have won for the first time six games, with a 3-0 win against Swan United at Endeavour Homes Stadium - Larkhill Sportsplex, which gave new coach Matt Brook his first win since his appointment. “The boys’ performance had been building over the last couple of games. The effort and application of what we have been trying to do has been fantastic. The result against Swan was a deserved result of their hard work, a credit to the group. We will look to continue building on this week by week,” Brook explained. “Credit to Swan, they made us work very hard to get the result and provided a threat throughout. I’m sure they will pick up some results as they move forward. All the best to them for the rest of the season.” The home side found the opening goal seven minutes from half time, good work down the left saw the ball crossed into the penalty area, and Tom Kinane was first to react in front of his marker and turn the ball home. They doubled their advantage just after the hour, a great run in behind by Shaun Mukwevho who squared the ball to Sura Yigletu to tap it in at the back post. They sealed the points in the final minute, after some good work down the left saw the ball pulled back to the edge of the box and it was finished well by Dylan Rogers.
In the final game on Sunday afternoon, East Perth have kept in touch with the top two, after a stoppage time goal gave then an entertaining 3-2 win against Canning City at Burrendah Reserve. “We had to dig incredibly deep today to find that win and it’s testament to the team spirit and togetherness we have at the club and have shown already this season with the last-minute win away at Wembley,” East Perth coach Adam Capper explained. “Credit to Canning as well who can probably feel aggrieved not to have come away with at least a point.”
The visitors made a great start and were ahead on eight minutes, Niall Murray cross from deep was headed home by Ryan McGready. They added a second six minutes later, a quick counter attack by Stewart Mills found Andy Keogh, and the striker lobbed home from distance. The game took a twist on 24 minutes, when Liam Moore was sent off after a tackle on Alfie Moore. Then from the resulting free kick Moore fired home from close-range. But in the shadows of half time, Canning was also reduced to ten men, after Bill Orr was sent off after a challenge on the East Perth keeper Peter Stewart.
Stewart was unable to carry on and was replaced by 17-year-old Azari Tanveer. The young keeper was soon in the action, guessing the right way to save Moore’s penalty. Then in the resulting passage of play, Tanveer tipped a header onto the post before saving low with his feet, a superb performance from the teenager custodian, and the visitors went in at the break with the lead. But the hosts did draw level 14 minutes from time, with substitute Will Higginson fired home from distance, after good link up play with Freeman Nyatsambo. It looked like the game would end 2-2, but deep into stoppage time East Perth won it, a free kick was punched way and dropped to Thomas Lynch who fired home to win the game.
“Disappointed with going down 2-0 again early on again, however we can’t knock the lads’ efforts. The way the played even when we were reduced to 10 as well,’ Canning coach lee Hayward said. “I thought we controlled the game well in big spells, similar to the last couple of weeks, but we are not doing enough damage on the score board and the other teams seem to be making the most of the chances they get. We set up in a way that took East Perth’s directness out of the game, so it was a little disappointing when McGready headed home early on. Andy Keoghs goal was a great finish but after that I thought we controlled the game well. Losing Bill Orr for a silly knock on the keeper was not great, however the boys battled really well but unfortunately got hit late, similar to away against Cockburn.”
28.6.2025
REDSTAR SCORE LATE TO SHARE THE SPOILS WITH BAYSWATER
Perth RedStar have scored late to secure a 1-1 draw against league leaders Bayswater City, in our round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ at the RedStar Arena on Saturday afternoon. It looked like Matthew Sparrow’s side would leave with all three points after Patrick Loughrey converted from the spot early in the second half, but Nicol fired home at the back post in the final minute, for his tenth goal of the season, to earn the hosts a point. RedStar made one change from the side that beat Armadale last week, with captain Nicol returning up top, with Benson Nsegetse dropping to the bench, while Bayswater went with the same side that beat Floreat last week.
It was a hectic start to proceedings, with both looking for the early edge, but it was the hosts who went close to the opener on two minutes. Luke Palmateer’s back pass was nowhere near keeper Lewis Italiano, the ball rolled just wide of the post. They went close again 15 minutes later, good work down the left by Sam Pollard, saw him get to the by-line and cross to Theo Leeming, who couldn’t keep his header down. Bayswater settled and hit on a quick counter attack, Sean McManus racing down the left, he cut inside his marker but fired straight at Liam Reddy.
They were in again moments later, Chris Jackson sending Ollie La Galia down the right, his cross to the back post found Loughrey, but he fired wide under pressure from Sonny O’Shea. Both sides had late chances, former RedStar midfielder Declan Hughes curled a free kick over the top, and La Galia cross from the right to Jackson, was well intercepted by the alert Daniel Walsh. RedStar hit back and Theo Leeming’s glancing header flashed wide, before Nicol’s shot on the run was over the top. The best chance of the half fell to the hosts in the final minute. Theo Leeming’s cross-shot from the left deceived Italiano, the ball smacked off the crossbar, and Pollard’s cross from the rebound was claimed by the Bayswater custodian, and it was scoreless at the break.
The visitors made a great start to the second half, and they were ahead six minutes in. Italiano’s long clearance was flicked on by La Galia, and Jackson was bundled down in the box by Dennis Galan, and referee Michal Jasinski pointed straight to the spot. Loughrey stepped up, and sent Liam Reddy the wrong way from the spot. RedStar looked for a quick reply, Nicol’s snap shot flew over the top, before Matthew George shot was saved at his near post by Italiano.
RedStar had a strong penalty claim turned down by Jasinski soon after, when Thomas Southgate bundled down Sonny O’Shea, but the referee was well placed to wave away their protests. Then on 73 minutes Italiano produced a stunning reaction save to thwart Pollard’s close-range header, after he was picked out by Nicol. The game opened up and Nicol fired straight at Italiano from the edge of the box, before substitute Jon Corness lob from distance drifted over the top. The home side were on top late, and should have levelled on 83 minutes, substitute Liam Murray sending Nicol clear, the Scottish striker held off his marker, but he fired wide of the target.
It looked like it was going to be one of those days for Callum Salmon’s side, but in the final minute Nicol made emends for his miss early, finding the equaliser. Theo Leeming slipped George into the right side of the penalty area and his low cross was turned home by Nicol at the back post. They had two late chances to take all three points. First Nicol did well down the left, his cross picked out George, but he fired wide when well placed, before Nicol saw a curling free kick in stoppage time saved by Italiano, so at the final whistle both sides had a share of the spoils.
“Very proud of the way we played today. Boys were outstanding and deserved to win the game, I thought we played excellent football throughout the game,” RedStar coach Callum Salmon said. “But we didn’t take our chances and also a few decisions didn’t go our way the big one being a penalty. Happy with how we played but ultimately disappointed with a draw, we’ll go again next week and fight hard for the three points away to Kingsway.”
“Overall fair result in the end, we looked to be heading towards another three points, but it wasn’t to be conceding in the last minute, credit to RedStar they probably deserved it in the end after making it very difficult for us to find any sort of rhythm especially in the second half,” Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow said. “Disappointing to concede so late in the game, but looking back now at the two games we’ve played against them this season, beating them at home and drawing away is a big positive, not many teams will come here and walk away with three points. We move on now and look forward to another tough game at home to Knights next week.”
Perth RedStar: GK Liam Reddy, 4 Daniel Walsh, 6 Sam Pollard (13 Liam Murray 81’), 8 Luke Bodnar, 9 Daryl Nicol, 10 Matthew George, 11 Dennis Galan, 15 Theo Leeming, 17 Sonny O’Shea, 19 Ryan Finnie (14 Oliver Leeming 81’), 20 Andrew Palmer (5 Benson Nsegetse 76’) – Subs: RGK Luca Iovene, 25 Oskar Patterson, 34 Seth McGillivray, 39 Finn Wensley
Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Pat Loughrey, 6 Declan Hughes (12 Anthony Bafobusha 86’), 7 Sean McManus, 13 Gyles Davies (8 Gordon Smith 81’), 14 Ollie La Galia (16 Jonathan Corness 76’), 15 Jackson Stephens, 18 Christopher Jackson, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 30 Thomas Southgate - Subs not used: RGK Taylor Rae, 2 Alex Ishida-Livings, 10 Jason Mirco, 17 Charlie Garnham – Referee: Michal Jasinski
27.6.2025
GLORY BRING DOWN THE GULLS WHILE PERTH AND STIRLING SHARE THE SPOILS
We had two games to start Round 14 of the NPLWA – Men’s competition on Friday evening, and first up, Perth Glory consolidated third place on the table after a 3-1 win against Sorrento at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The Gulls arrived on the back of a big win at Olympic last week, while Glory were looking to bounce back from their loss to Stirling.
The rain that made conditions difficult last weekend had cleared, and it was a fine night, and it was Glory who hit the front on 20 minutes, when Adrian Pini’s corner from the left was headed home by Daniel Jankuloski. But the Gulls levelled seven minutes later. Good work from Corey Sutherland saw him find Clay Gibbs, whose shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net past Ryan Warner, and the teams went into half-time all square.
The hosts regained the lead three minutes into the second half. Ryan McLaughlin dragged Pini back on the edge of the box. Glory thought they should have had a penalty, but after consulting with his assistant, referee Niall Gillmor awarded a free kick. Pini’s effort went into the wall, the rebound falling to Alfie Knight, whose shot flew past Ben Ratajczak.
Sorrento looked for the equaliser but couldn’t break down the Glory defence, and three minutes from time, the hosts wrapped up the points. A surging run down the right by Tadiwanashe Kuzamba saw him find substitute Royie Rahamim, who swept the ball home. However, Glory ended the game with ten men after Giovanni De Abreu received a second yellow card in stoppage time and was sent off.
In the other Friday game, the points were shared, with Perth SC drawing 2-2 with Stirling Macedonia in the Dylan Tombides Trophy match at Dorrien Gardens. Both sides were coming off big wins last week, Perth winning 5-0 at Fremantle, while Stirling beat Glory 3-1.
The visitors made the best possible start, taking the lead after just two minutes. An errant pass from Sam Riak was pounced on by Callum McKenzie, who raced through on goal and finished low past Mateusz Zaniewski. The Azzurri hit back 18 minutes later and levelled the score, with a bit of help. A goal kick from James Bosdet found Aston Montgomery, but the defender's pass was deflected by Abdul Osman, the ball falling to Daniel Faichney, who made no mistake.
Stirling didn’t let the mistake faze them and regained the lead just before the half-hour mark. A cross from the right by Alex Tanevski wasn’t dealt with, and Euan Cameron’s ball to the back post found Asher Nelson. With the Perth defence looking for an offside flag that never came, Nelson fired low past Zaniewski. Both sides had chances late in the half: Ethan Banks’ shot whistled just wide of the post, before Tanevski’s looping header was cleared off the line by Luka Hirninger. Stirling went into the break with the lead.
It was a real arm-wrestle after the break, but Perth restored parity on 67 minutes. Substitute Jamie McNelis played a neat one-two with Joshua Cala, raced into the box, and found Osman, who finished low past Bosdet. The hosts were reduced to ten men seven minutes from time, with referee Shane Skinner showing a second yellow card to Hirninger for a late tackle on Bayley Brown-Montgomery. Both sides had chances to win it: Faichney was denied by Bosdet, before a Stirling substitute was thwarted by Zaniewski. In the end, both teams had to settle for a point, with the draw meaning Stirling regained the Dylan Tombides Trophy.
“It was good to get another three points on the board, especially after a disappointing performance last week against Stirling,” Glory coach Joe heath said. “I was very happy to see the lads bounce back and put in a performance that was one of the best I've seen from them this season. I thought we moved the ball very well,
creating good opportunities to score. We competed and defended well when it was required. I thought Daniel Jankuloski was solid for us at the back, winning all of his aerial duels. The team as a whole performed well. However, like I have said before, we need to maintain that level of performance week in, week out.”
27.6.2025
BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ELEVEN PREVIEW
The first half of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division season comes to an end on Sunday, and we have joint leaders, and only ten points separate the next eight teams, so it’s going to be another exciting second half of fixtures. North Perth United and Emerald lead the way on 24 points, and they both have home ground advantage in round 11. First Jason Winter’s side, who lead on goal difference, welcome Jaguar to Woodville Reserve, looking to keep top spot (1:00pm) The last time Jaguar visited the venue was in round 20 last season, but left empty-handed losing 3-1.
The hosts found the opener, early Dean O’Meara on target, and it was 2-0, Joshua Cortes crossed for Oscar Kelly to score. They had a third before half time, a cross from the left by O’Meara and Kyle Jackson got to the front post before the defender and slotted in the bottom corner. Jaguar scored a late consolation goal with Abraham Taona converting from the spot. North Perth is coming off a big win at South Perth last week, and captain Eoghan Rea said it was good to bounce back from their loss against Kelmscott in round nine, but knows all games for the rest of the season will be tough.
“We had a big win last weekend, and all the squad are performing superb since our loss to Kelmscott, and we’ve have shown how we can bounce back from a loss and gather momentum again,” the defender said. “Every game is huge when your top of the table, so we are just taking it game by game approach and working hard in training to make sure we are there or there abouts come the end of the season. We are really looking forward to Sunday and hopefully we can come away with another three points.”
Jaguars made it back-to-back wins last week at Peel, and coach Syakir Shariff said his new look side face a tough test on Sunday, but is relishing the challenge. “It’s always a tough one against North Perth, for a lot of our new players I’m sure they’ll find out Sunday just how tough it is,” he explained. “Nonetheless will be up for the challenge and looking forward to finishing off this half of the season on a good note. As we look to build on the second half off the season.”
Meanwhile Emerald host the improving Morley Windmills at Fraser Park. (All other games kick off at 3:00pm). Emerald made it six straight wins, this since they were beaten at Peel in round four, coming home from Kelmscott with a hard-fought win last week, while Morley made it three straight wins after a win against North Beach. The last time these two met at the venue was in round 22 last season with the hosts prevailing 2-0 with goals from Brendan Doherty and Shane Young. Emerald captain Jamie McLaughlin said last week’s win at Kelmscott was tough game, but thought they deserved the three points, and knows they will have to be at their best again on Sunday against the improving Morley.
“Last weekend was a massive win against an in-form Kelmscott. We were very good in the first half and dominated, but the second half we maybe sat back a bit too much but we had a job to do and that was three points and that’s what we achieved. We have been in good form and the results are following so hopefully this continues through to the weekend and into the second half of the season,” the defender explained. “This weekend will be another tough test against Morley as it always is. We don’t overlook any team in the league, and just take it one week at a team. We will be chasing another win to keep the pressure on North Perth and to set us up well coming into the second half of the year.”
Morley held off a fast-finishing North Beach last week, and coach John O’Reilly said they are on a good run, and are looking forward to the challenge at Emerald. “I believe Emerald are the team to beat if you want a chance of competing for honours this year. They are a club with a defined culture and they bring that onto the park each week,’ he explained. “We are having a good spell at the moment so we will be quietly optimistic going into this game, looking forward to the challenge.”
In the other games this weekend, it’s third v fourth when Kelmscott Roos will look to bounce back from defeat last week, when they welcome Olympic Kingsway to Frye Park, while Hamersley Rovers make the trip to Charles Riley Memorial Reserve to meet North Beach. There is a real six-pointer at Chichester Park, where Kingsley Westside entertain South Perth United, while in the final game Maccabi welcome Peel United to the Maccabean Memorial Oval.
27.6.2025
MATILDAS MAKE A WINNING START UNDER NEW COACH
The Matildas have begun the Joe Montemurro era, with a 3-0 win against Slovenia 3-0 at HBF Park on Thursday evening. Emily Gielnik opened the scoring after only three minutes, before late goals from Holly McNamara, her first goal for Australia, and Hayley Raso sealed the win. “We have to put ourselves in positions, especially against the team that played player on player, to be comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, and we made, I think, three or four big errors in that,”. Montemurro said post-match. “But I’m not concerned, because it’s the process going forward.
“For me, it was the perfect game. It was the perfect game; a team that’s pressured all over the pitch, and we have to be comfortable under that pressure, we have to learn to be that. So, for me it was an important exercise tonight. But look, for me, it was a very, very important test, because a team that will play player on player, in that manner, you know, we have to learn. We have to learn to be better under these circumstances, because a lot of teams will do this.”
With some of the big names missing Montemurro made eight changes from the side that beat Argentina. Ellie Carpenter captained the team in the absence of Steph Catley, while Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik were rewarded with starts in their first call-ups since November last year against the 40th ranked Slovenia. In front of a sparse crowd, the Matildas made a flying start, and they were ahead after only there minutes. The visitors failed to a corner, and it fell to the feet of Gielnik, who made no mistake from close range.
But errors were causing problems for the hosts, and a turnover on 15 minutes almost gave Slovenia the equaliser, but Spela Kolbl’s cross-shot hit the crossbar. Australia went close to a second just before the break. Carpenter’s run saw her ease past a couple of Slovenia defenders, her pass found Gielnik, whose shot was saved well by the Slovenian goalkeeper Zala Meršnic, but they went into half time with a narrow lead.
It was Slovenia who opened the second half the better, and they should have levelled early. Clare Hunt was caught in possession, the ball was played in to Zara Kramzar, but she fired straight at Matildas custodian Teagan Micah when well placed. Moments later Alanna Kennedy’s poor backpass found Slovenian substitute Nina Kajzba, who pounced on the mistake, but her shot was well saved by the alert Micah. McNamara went close at the other end on the hour, but her shot was superbly saved by Meršnic.
The game was in the balance, but the Matildas found a second four minutes from time. Amy Sayer found substitute Hayley Raso on the right, who’s cross picked out McNamara, and the 22-year-old’s diving header beat Meršnic, and was mobbed by her teammates. It was 3-0 moments later, Raso raced though a static Slovenian defence before firing home from the edge of the box, to seal the win. The teams will meet again at the venue on Sunday.
McNamara said it was a relief to finally score her first goal for the Matildas. “Obviously I’ve missed a lot of chances and I think it has been weighing on my mind. I think just getting the goal, it is really important for me, important for the team, had a great ball by Hayley Raso,’ she said post-match. “My teammates, staff, they have put no expectation of pressure on me. I think a lot of it is internal, which is annoying, but I’m just glad to get that one, and everybody worked so hard. A tough game but we also learn from it.”
Australia: GK Teagan Micah, 3 Winonah Heatley (5 Natasha Prior 64’), 4 Clare Hunt, 10 Emily van Egmond (35 Remy Siemsen 75’), 14 Alanna Kennedy, 15 Emily Gielnik (16 Hayley Raso 75’)), 17 Amy Sayer, 21 Ellie Carpenter (22 Charli Grant 87’), 25 Holly McNamara, 27 Alex Chidiac (32 Michelle Heyman 64’), 29 Jamilla Rankin (2 Courtney Nevin 74’) – Subs not used: RGK Mackenzie Arnold, RGK Jada Whyman, 8 Kaitlyn Torpey, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 31 Alana Murphy
Slovenia: GK Zala Meršnic, 2 Lana Golob, 3 Sara Agrež, 6 Kaja Korošec, 10 Dominika Conc (12 Tinkara Testen 72’), 11 Lara Prašnikar (13 Zala Kuštrin 78’) 14 Špela Kolbi (17 Izebela Križaj 61’), 15 Sara Makovec (18 Sara Ketiš 60’), 16 Kaja Eržen, 20 Zara Kramžar (7 Nina Kajzba 61’), 23 Maja Sternad (21 Korina Janež 60’) – Subs not used: utes: RGK Melania Pasar, 4 Sara Gradišek, 5 Naja Poje Mihelic, 8 Matja Zver, 9 Mirjam Kastelec, 19 Zala Vindišar – Attendance: 8,678
27.6.2025
AZZURRI HOST REDSTAR IN ROUND 13 BLOCKBUSTER
We head into round 13 of the NPLWA - Women’s competition, and the big game this weekend sees Perth SC entertaining Perth RedStar at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday afternoon, in the clubs Annual Pink Game to raise money for Breast Cancer Care WA. (3:00pm) The round actually started on Wednesday evening, with the Hyundai FW Academy moving to the top of the table after a 12-2 win against UWA Nedlands at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. It was a lively opening with Samantha Brady giving the hosts the lead on four minutes, but moments later Chloe Rodrigo levelled for UWA.
But that was as good as it got for UWA, as the Academy side took control, with a hat-trick from Xuri Dalton, a brace from Cate McAuliffe and another from Theo Mouithys gave them 7-1 lead at the break. They went on with it after half time, with McAuliffe completing her hat-trick, and substitute Sakura Leong grabbed a double. Dalton added her fourth to make it 12-1, while Alice Muller scored a late consolation goal for the visitors.
On Saturday it’s second v third, with Perth looking to bounce back from defeat in the last game against Balcatta, while RedStar are hoping to continue their seven-game winning streak. The last time they met at the venue, was in round five this season, with the Azzurri running out 2-1 winners. Jessica Flannery opened the scoring on 20 minutes, and an own goal made it 2-0 five minutes later. Renee Leota pulled one back on the half hour, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
That was the last time Chris Atturo’s side were beaten in the league, and he is delighted with their recent form, but knows there is more to come. “While our recent form has been pleasing, I still don’t believe we’ve reached our ceiling. This group has achieved some fantastic results, but there’s a collective understanding that we’re still a work in progress,” Atturo explained. “There’s always room for growth, and full credit to the players—they consistently show up with the mindset to improve, to challenge themselves, and to raise the benchmark week after week.”
The coach has been delighted with the younger players who have made the transition to the first team this season, and knows the support they receive on the pitch from the experienced players at the club is important. “From day one this season, Conrad and I spoke at length about the importance of bridging the gap between U21s and First Team football. It’s a space that often gets overlooked, but it’s critical if we want to build sustainable success. Conrad has done a fantastic job in preparing his players for senior football—technically, tactically, and emotionally—and we’re now starting to see those players take the next step with confidence,” Atturo explained.
“From the outset, we agreed on a key principle: in our development teams, success shouldn’t be defined solely by results. It should be judged by how effectively we’re preparing players for senior football. The question we ask ourselves is, "Are we creating competitive, adaptable players who can thrive at the next level?" And I think the answer, increasingly, is yes. What has really stood out this season is the level of support our young players receive from within the senior group. It’s one thing to create opportunities for young players—but it’s another thing entirely to see them genuinely embraced by their teammates. People like Caitlin Doeglas—who only recently played in the A-League—have gone out of their way to celebrate and encourage our younger girls when they make their debut. It speaks volumes about her character, but also about the culture we’ve built here.”
Atturo is expecting a fired-up Perth on Saturday, after their loss against Balcatta, and he is looking forward to the game. “We know Perth will present a significant challenge. They’re well-organised, disciplined, and already one of the toughest sides to break down in the competition. The addition of Tijan only further strengthens their defensive structure,’ he said. “We’re under no illusions—it’s going to be a difficult game. But these are the kinds of matches that bring the best out of our group. That said, our focus remains firmly on ourselves. We have great respect for every opponent, but our preparation is always internal. There’s a strong belief within this squad that, when we play to our potential, we can compete with anyone in the league.”
Perth striker Jessica Flannery has been outstanding this season, and is the leading scorer for the club, and she believes they are hard to play against and their season has been extremely positive. “I really think in games, especially against the top half of the table, we need to maintain our composure and not let what the other team is doing stop us from playing our brand of football,” Flannery told the clubs website. “Sometimes we can get so focused on trying to do things a particular way we become stuck and have tunnel vision. So, I think, especially during this tough set of fixtures, it is so important we all remain relaxed during the game and play with courage because when we all play with certainty, I think we are extremely difficult to get a result against.
“I would say collectively it’s been really positive season so far. For a team with quite a few new players, and players coming in and out of the squad for whatever reason we have been doing super well. One of the key aspects of the campaign so far has been trying to play at 100% in every game. I think we have all put a big focus on playing well together and focusing on our game as a team regardless of the result. This has really helped everyone get used to playing together in such a short period of time because we are less focused on the opposition and more focused on our team and what we do.”
Flannery knows what to expect on Saturday against the reigning champions, but she is looking forward to the challenge. “RedStar are definitely such a different game from the rest of the teams in the league. There is not a single weak point in their start 11 and when we played them, we all are super aware that every single player on the pitch will have a hard battle the entire game. RedStar is such an experienced team it’s really difficult to ever get comfortable in a game against them because no matter how much you are up by, it is a constant struggle to keep that score line. Individually and as a team they have the capacity to create something out of nothing, which we always have to watch out for.
“I think in order for us to get the win on Saturday, it’s going to be so important that we win every single ball we possibly can. If we let RedStar have even a bit of space or time, they have the players who can play that killer ball and breakthrough an entire team in a single pass. I think playing with intensity and confidence in offence and defence will really make the difference for us.” The other games are on Sunday, and first up Balcatta Etna welcome Subiaco AFC to the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. The hosts are on a five-game winning streak, while Subiaco are on a four-game losing run, while in the final game Fremantle City welcome Murdoch University Melville to Hilton Park.
27.6.2025
NPL-WA ROUND FOURTEEN - PREVIEW
All roads will lead to the RedStar Arena in Joondalup on Saturday afternoon, when the two form teams of the NPLWA – Men’s competition, Perth RedStar and league leaders Bayswater City meet, in our round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ (all games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) City head into the round, the only team in the league unbeaten this season, the latest a hard fought 2-0 win against Floreat Athena moving them five points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, RedStar have won their last six games, and last week beat Armadale 2-0 to jump into fourth, so it sets up a thrilling encounter in the northern suburbs.
The last time Bayswater travelled to the venue in the league, they left empty handed, going down 3-2 in round 16 last season. City were ahead on 14 minutes, Joshua Bell finished low past Liam Reddy. They held that lead until midway through the second half, when the hosts drew level Theo Leeming rounded Lewis Italiano to score. Bayswater regained the lead on 74 minutes, Cameron Teece converting from the spot, but skipper Blair Govan levelled five minutes later. It looked like the points would be shared, but deep into stoppage time the hosts won it, with Joel Chianese scoring.
RedStar winger Sam Pollard has returned to the club this season, and was instrumental in their win at Armadale last week, and he said it was great to see some of the clubs’ youngsters getting a chance and not letting them down. “I think it was a great performance all round from the lads last week, it was an important win in terms of our place on the table as well as keeping the winning form going,” he explained. “It was great to see some of the younger lads step up as well, in those tough conditions against a good side, is encouraging.”
Pollard has been on a football journey over the last couple of years, playing a couple of seasons in the American college system with The University of Omaha Nebraska, before signing pro-contract in the Faroe Islands with Argja Bóltfelag and with SC Vianense FC in Portugal, and he said he learnt a great deal. “My time overseas has been a great experience,” he said. “I think going through the American college system gave me a good taste of what it would be like at the pro level in terms of training and playing full time. My time at AB Argir, I was very thankful for, as it led to a contract in Portugal, which was another great experience and unreal standard.”
The 25-year-old said Saturday is a huge game for both sides, and is expecting another tough game and hopes a big crowd will be on hand to watch. “Yes, it’s a big game this weekend obviously Bayswater have a great squad and will want to keep their unbeaten run going,” he explained. “But we are feeling great and want to keep pushing up the table, so I think both teams will be up for it and will be a great game, and hope there is a big crowd on hand to watch it.”
Bayswater City are flying at the top of the table and their lead was extended to five points with the win against Floreat, and coach Matthew Sparrow said they had to be patient. “Yes, it was another hard-fought win in the end especially in horrendous conditions, fair play to Floreat they made it difficult for us at times, saying that we could have been three up inside 10 minutes,” he said. “We had to wait until the hour mark when Jacko popped up with two great goals in the space of three minutes to ensure we kept our unbeaten run going and managing to keep another clean sheet along the way was really pleasing.
“Overall, it was a very important win once again which keeps us top for another week. We knew we had to remain patient and wait for opportunities to come along, every team we face is different in terms of their shape and setup, so we know we’ll have to adapt to different circumstances out on the pitch. Jacko’s been superb since he’s come in, had to wait a little longer than he might have liked to get his opportunity but he’s taken it with both hands. The two goals he took reminded us all of what he can do and he will be very important for us with nine games left.”
Sparrow was a member of the WA side in the recent Seniors World Cup in Thailand, beating England in the final, and he said it was a great tournament with a great bunch of players. “It was a great trip and competition in Thailand, the boys were incredible throughout the tournament getting through the group stages unbeaten,” he explained. “Then seeing off Iran in the semis before finally beating a strong England team in the final, a great week.”
Bayswater head into Saturday’s game full of confidence, and the coach knows it will be a tight game, but one they are looking forward too. “Saturday will be a really tough game but one we are relishing. They are in fine form and have a number of good players that we’ll need to watch out for, plenty of duels will be going on all over the pitch,” Sparrow explained. “Again, it will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes in both boxes, we are well aware that the longer our unbeaten run goes on the more difficult it will become, but we are full of confidence right now and we’ll be aiming for another three points come Saturday afternoon.”
We have two games on Friday evening, first at Dorrien Gardens Perth SC welcome Stirling Macedonia. (7:00pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week against Fremantle and Glory respectively, and need the three points to keep in touch of the top four as they play for the Dylan Tombides Trophy. The other game is at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, with Perth Glory entertaining Sorrento. (7:30pm) The Gulls upset Olympic last week, to move clear of the relegation zone, while Glory were beaten for the first time in four weeks, going down to Stirling.
In the other Saturday games, Olympic Kingsway will look to bounce back from their loss last week, when they travel to the E&D Litis Stadium, to take on Floreat Athena, who are still searching for a first win. Buoyed by their big win at Balcatta last week, Western Knights will hope to make it back-to-back wins when the hosts Armadale at Nash Field, the visitors hoping to get back to winning ways after two games without a win, while in the final game it’s a real six-pointer, when Balcatta Etna meet Fremantle City at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve.
27.6.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOURTEEN PREVIEW
Dianella White Eagles closed the gap on the State League Division One leaders UWA Nedlands last week, and they will hope to keep the pressure on them this week, when they entertain fourth-placed Subiaco AFC in our round 14 ‘Match of the Week’ at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. (5:00pm) The Eagles flew home with all three points from Gosnells last week, after a 3-0 win, leaving them four points off top spot, while Subiaco held UWA to a scoreless draw. Dianella have a good home record, only one defeat this season, but Subiaco know a win is crucial, to close the six-point gap between them.
The last time Dianella hosted Subiaco at the venue, was in round seven last season, when they runout 2-0 winners. They found the opener on 22 minutes, Mitchell Byrne made space down the right and he wasn’t closed down, and burst into the box and finished low past Subiaco keeper Conor Hogan. Subiaco pressed for the equaliser, but failed to find one, the closest came late with Moustafa Mohamed heading just wide of the target. But deep into stoppage time at the end of the game the Eagles added a second to secure the points. A clearance from Peter Pilkadaris was flicked on by Andy Keogh, and Roberto Soares controlled the ball on the run, and finished with aplomb past Hogan.
The win at Gosnells ended a two-game run without a win, and striker Albert Luwi said it was much needed. “Yes, after some bad results the last couple of weeks, we knew we had to win this game not only to improve our form but for our aspirations of challenging for the title,” he said. “I thought we dominated the majority of game and the score showed that so pleased with the win and to close the gap on the leaders.”
They return to Dianella Reserve this week to take on Subiaco and Luwi said it’s great to be back in front of their loyal supporters. “Thanks to the club and supporters who make Dianella Reserve a wonderful place to play, they whole community has shown us a lot of support and is always nice to reward them with wins on our home turf,” the striker explained.
“Hopefully we can reward them even more by bringing the title to Dianella and putting the club where it belongs, it has been a very competitive league this year so will definitely be a fight to the end for that top spot. Subiaco is a very well coached and organised team and having already played them earlier in the season we know just how difficult this game with be. But I’m confident if we come prepared and focused, we can reward the fans with another home win come Saturday.”
Subiaco held league leaders UWA last week, and midfielder Dean Evans said both sides had their chances but had to settle for a share of the spoils. “It was a bit of arm wrestle with the wet and slippery conditions, which made it difficult for both sides,” he said. “I thought we probably had the best chance of the game early in the first half, but also UWA had their moments too, so overall I think a draw was probably a fair result.”
Evans has returned west this season, after two years in the NPL NSW, but it wasn’t all plain sailing in the eastern states, the talent midfielder was injured late in the season at Floreat prior to his departure, but he is back playing and enjoying his football. “Unfortunately, I did my ACL and LCL with Floreat prior to moving over east which was a tough time missing about 15 months of football, and two surgeries later,” he explained. “But once I got up and running had two great years with Northern Tigers and Bonnyrigg White Eagles, and now back in the west and still enjoying my football.”
Subiaco have only lost once in their last six games, which has seen them climb the table, and Evans said Saturday night’s game will be another tough contest, but one they are looking forward too. “Saturday is another big game for us as a group and our push to cement ourselves in the top four. We know the threats that they possess, a lot of quality in their squad so we need to be at it from the start,” the midfielder explained. “First game earlier in the year was pretty even, so I’m expecting another hard-fought game and hopefully we will be heading home with all three points.”
League leaders UWA Nedlands make the trip to Proto DPS Inglewood stadium to take on Inglewood United. (All other games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) The hosts were beaten in midweek at Joondalup to leave them perilously close to the drop zone while UWA sit four points clear at the top. Joondalup City moved to third after that win against Inglewood on Tuesday, and this week they entertain Kingsley Westside, who have lost once in their last six games, at the Iluka District Open Space. (5:00pm)
Gwelup Croatia will look to end a six-game run without a win, when they host Curtin University at the Croatian Sporing Complex, Wishart Street. Meanwhile Curtin who will be buoyed after a fourth win on the road at Kalamunda last week. Mandurah City hit the road to take on Murdoch University Melville at the Besteam Stadium, while in the final game it’s the ‘City of Gosnells Derby’, when Kalamunda City welcome Gosnells City to Sutherlands Park.
27.6.2025
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THIRTEEN PREVIEW
Forrestfield United are one of the form team of the State League Division Two, and are an eight game unbeaten run, but they face one of their toughest tests of the season when they make the trip to Stylish Park, Grindleford Reserve on Saturday to take on league leaders Quinns in our round 12 ‘Match of the Week’ (All games kick off at 3:00pm unless stated) Daryl Platten’s side have moved up to fourth after their good run, the latest a come from behind 2-1 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers. Meanwhile Quinns moved to the top of the table last week, with a big win against Ashfield, and Nick Jennings’ side have only lost once this season, and are on a four-game unbeaten run, so it should be a great contest.
Their last meeting at the venue saw Quinns win 4-2 in round ten last season. Forrestfield were ahead early, with Alec Robinson on target, but Quinns were level on the half hour, Jason Petrie scoring from the spot. The hosts were ahead in the last minute of the first half, with Liam Hunt scoring. Quinns broke the game open early in the second half, first Petrie added his second on 51 minutes, before Deng added a fourth moments later. Robinson added his second for Forrestfield on the hour, and despite Quinns keeper Logan Muirhead being sent they held firm to take the points.
Last week Quinns moved to the top of the table on goal difference, thanks to a 4-0 win against Ashfield, and coach Ben Fairbairn said it was good to score some goals and keep a clean sheet. “Yes, it was a great result last week against Ashfield, and we really could have scored a few more goals if we were more clinical,” he said. “But we’re all pleased with the three points and our third clean sheet of the season.”
Fairbairn said it’s good to be top of the table but it means nothing yet, he knows there is still a long way to go, starting against Forrestfield on Saturday. “I think it’s still too early to determine who will be in that number one spot come the end of the season, this league is really competitive and anyone and can beat anyone. We can only keep putting our best foot forward and keep winning games,’ he explained. “Forrestfield have a really good squad and Daryl will have them well structed, we know they have a lot of energy when they play. So, we will need to make sure we match that energy and hopefully the quality in our squad will help us get a huge three points.”
The win for Forrestfield against Carramar Shamrock Rovers last week came late, and continued their good run of form, and coach Alec Robinson said he was pleased how the lads battled out the game and got the reward late. “We were really pleased to get the result last weekend, and the reaction from the boys from a difficult start, in difficult conditions was pleasing. As a coaching team and playing group, we learnt a lot from that and it will only make us stronger moving forward,” he explained. “This weekend we travel to Quinns who have had a fantastic season so far. Our focus is on getting another good performance from the lads and trust we will get what we deserve on the day, which means hopefully three points.”
In other games Cockburn City will look to bounce back from defeat at Wembley last week, when they travel to Grandis Park to meet Carramar Shamrock Rovers, while third placed East Perth, whose game against Swan was called off last week, head to Burrendah Reserve to meet Canning City on Sunday, who were edged out Balga last week. Balga will be hoping to build on that win, when they entertain Ashfield at Princess Road Reserve. Buoyed by their win against Cockburn last week Wembley Downs welcome Wanneroo City, who were also in the winner’s circle last week, to Butlers Reserve 95:00pm), while Swan United, whose game was postponed last week, will look to build on their win against Balga in round 11, when they head to Endeavour Homes Stadium – Larkhill to meet Rockingham City.
27.6.2025
MONTEMURRO REALLY POSITIVE AHEAD OF WA GAMES
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will take control of his first game tonight, when they host Slovenia at HBF Park. (7:00pm) The former Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon women’s coach said that his first camp in charge of the team has been a positive one, having had the opportunity to meet and work with many of the players for the first time. “The preparations have been good,” he said. “It's more about integrating, and getting to know the mechanisms and the systems and how a national team works. But we’ve been great in the first couple of days, in terms of formulating the processes and, more importantly, meeting a lot of the players, which has been fantastic. The first couple of days have been really positive.”
Montemurro is working with an extended squad for this four-game window, and said that it has allowed him to spread his messages across a broader playing group. “We've got players coming in at all different levels that have played, or haven't played,” he explained. “It’s important to integrate the ones that need a little bit more time. They're off-season, or out of season. So it could be that we use it as a training scenario to get them ready at certain points. We'll look at a few different ways of approach, and the more [players] we can get on the pitch, and the more we can get the messages out there on the pitch, it will be important.”
Montemurro gave an update on WA’s Sam Kerr, who is training individually in Perth during this international window. “It's fundamentally a situation where she's now building her physical capacity, and we'll monitor that,” he said. “The important thing is, we're working with Chelsea to make sure that she's right for pre-season, and she gets some games under her belt. It is an individual process, but it's great to have her around the group.”
He explained that these games are a good way to determine where the team is ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. “It’s a good benchmark. It’s a good gauge for us,” he said. “It is the official start of our build-up for the Asian Cup. Yes, I am looking at a lot of players. Yes, I am trying to instil some language. Yes, I am trying to instil some new ideas. But the approach to the game is still the same. We're playing at home, and we are in our country. The attitude has to be that it's a big game. It's a game that we want to win. It's a game that we want to make sure that we do the right things. To get that mentality leading into a big tournament.”
Ellie Carpenter, who played under Montemurro at Lyon, said she was excited for the future with Montemurro in charge. “You can see already - by day three - we've implemented a new style of play, a new rhythm,” she said. “It's really important to nail those down in the first couple of days, to really set up the next couple of years here with Joe and the team. These next two weeks are going to be really important for the team to try to apply that in these four games. And I'm really excited for the future.
“If you look at this group, we've seen a lot of new debutants come in the last three or four years. With a new coach coming in, it creates a very challenging environment. It creates an environment where people are pushing for those Asian Cup spots next year. This camp is a great test for those players, and an opportunity for them to showcase why they want to be in Matilda.”
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