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21.4.2025

IREDALE HOPEFUL OF SOCCEROOS CALL-UP

Hibernian defender Jack Iredale has his fingers crossed that continued good performances in green and white will lead to an international call-up in June. A stand-out performer in Hibs run of 17 Scottish Premiership games without defeat, the Scotland-born defender qualifies for Australia having grown up in Perth's northern suburbs.

With Socceroos boss Tony Popovic keeping a close eye on Scotland's top flight and, in particular, Hibs given the quartet of eligible players starting every week, Iredale would love nothing more than to get a chance in the senior set-up in June's World Cup qualifying double-header against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

“I was born in Greenock so I’m about as Australian as Martin Boyle, but I think Scotland are pretty covered in terms of left-backs," Iredale said. "At heart, I feel Australian. I managed to represent the country at under-17 level and since then, I've been desperate to get back in. I've got agent Boyle on the case for me, but I know I'm in a good place."

Recent call-ups for Boyle, Lewis Miller, and Nectar Triantis have been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Popovic choosing three players from Hibs gives Iredale the confidence that the selectors are closely watching. But on the other hand, it was difficult being the only Australian-qualified player at the club without international involvement.

"When there are other boys getting called up, that means they're watching. I'm at the right club for it, and I'm enjoying my football so hopefully I can get a chance in June," Iredale continued. “The fact that the other boys are getting call-ups gives me confidence that I can get a chance but I think it made it a lot worse when I was the only one left here at the last camp."

"That was a bit tough to take. But I know they're watching because those three are getting called up. I know the manager was in the crowd a couple of times in the lead-up to the last camp so, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, enjoying my football, and if it's meant to be, it'll be."

21.4.2025

RADICH PLOTS COURSE TO NAVIGATE NEW SALARY CAP RULES

Perth Glory chief executive Anthony Radich says the club will not be impacted by salary cap shifts next season, but admits they will have to get creative when the cap changes again the following year. From next season, the Australian Professional Leagues will implement a ‘hard’ salary cap on teams in an effort to curb teams’ expenditure, deemed “unsustainable” by its executive chairman Stephen Conroy.

The current A-League Men’s $2.5m ‘soft’ cap, which features concessional categories including scholarship deals and homegrown contracts, will shift to a trial $3.5m ‘hard’ cap for the 2025/26 season and then drop to another hard cap of $3m in 2026-27. A kicker is clubs will only be allowed one marquee contract - a player who is paid outside of the cap — and sanctions will come into play for clubs who do not adhere to the cap in 2026/27.

Radich said Glory would be relatively unaffected by the changes in respect to recruitment for next season. “It doesn’t really impact us in terms of the budget we had anticipated and what we’ve got in terms of concessions like the marquee we have, so that doesn’t really impact us too greatly next season,” he said.

“From the outset, the budget we have in mind for next season hasn’t materially been affected by these changes. Some of the more experienced players we’ve had to earmark, we have accommodated in that budget. Some of them might become - depending what happens in the marketplace - a little more affordable.”

Radich said the following season, where the cap would fall by $500,000 and there would be no wiggle room to exceed it, would be more difficult to navigate league-wide. “It’s really more about decisions we make for next season really need to be done with a view to the following season,” he said. “That’s more the impact.”

“It’s how we strategically approach player recruitment from that point of view, because the following year, the hard cap is instituted, and then that’s a further drop we have to navigate. The changes don’t have a material impact for us for next season, it’s just now with those discussions, if you look at multi-year (contracts), we have to be a bit more strategic.”

Under the stewardship of chairman Ross Pelligra, the club have simultaneously flagged investment in the squad for next season while also talking up the need to bring through academy products.

The A-League cap changes are geared towards encouraging the development homegrown players rather than spending money on recruitment. While Radich admitted the machinations of the cap changes could result in the league’s middle and top-tier players looking to the more-lucrative Asian markets, it could be balanced out by an even-more pronounced focus on youth development.

“There probably is that risk (of losing more talented players) but on the flip side, it’s a deliberate move to place that emphasis around developing that young talent, putting them on longer-term contracts, so you can derive your return that way,” he said. “We’ve seen over recent years, some of the young products that have come through the league have added just as much value or excitement than more-seasoned, experience players.”

“Everyone’s starting to realise with broadcast distributions not being a source of genuine income for clubs, the future really is around sustainability, and sustainability for us means the development of the academy. We’ve got big plans from a junior academy point of view, and creating a broader pool of players that we can draw upon across the metropolitan area.”

20.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND THREE REVIEW

Jaguar have scored late to earn a 2-2 draw against Olympic Kingsway in our Belt Up Amateur Premier Division week three ‘Match of the Round’ at Kingsway Reserve on Sunday. The Jags were coming off a big loss at Kelmscott last week, and coach Syakir Shariff was pleased response of his side. “I thought it was a good game and we needed a response from last week and we certainly got that,” he said. “It would’ve been better with a win, but will take the point on the road.”

The hosts were on the front foot early, and they had a perfect opportunity to take the lead on 15 minutes when they were awarded a penalty, but Josh Booysen saw his spot kick saved by Michael Dudek. They did find the opener before the break, Olympic won the ball high up the pitch and Matt Cherrie was played in behind the Jags defence and he slotted it between the keeper’s legs.

Kingsley doubled their lead early in the second half, Cherrie made a run to the back post and was able to fire into the roof of the net, for second on the day. But Jaguar weren’t finished and pulled one back on the hour, Mohammad Rezai was brought down in the box, and Conor O’Driscoll converted the resulting penalty. Jags pushed players forward looking for the equaliser, and it duly arrived three minutes from time, Nader Khayat cross squeezed its way past Olympic keeper Daniel Higgins at the near post.

“I believe we dropped two points today. We had ample opportunities to put the game away at 2-0, but we weren’t clinical enough in the final third. A mix of really good goalkeeping and some poor finishing kept Jags in the game. We knew they would throw numbers forward late in the game and they were able to grab a point,” Olympic coach Jason Stern explained. “We’ll learn from it as a group, but it rams the point home that if we don’t execute or put teams away in this league we can be punished. On the bright side, we were well below our best and we believe we should’ve taken all three points so we’re eager to move onto next week.”

Maccabi have sealed their first win of the season, after a 2-0 win against Kelmscott Roos at Frye Park. “Very happy with the result, great to get our first win of the season and a clean sheet too is the icing on the cake,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said. “I thought we managed the game well, there were periods where they were on top and we had to defend doggedly and rode our luck at times too. Every game is tough so it’s great to take the six points on the day and move onto another big game next week.” The visitors found the opener in the shadows of half time, Abel Thomas-Hy’s corner picked out the unmarked Aamon Zothner at the back post to score. They sealed the points 14 minutes from time, Hifzhan Hayazi pressed the Kelmscott defender, winning the ball and squaring to Dion Berman, who finished well past Taylor Warwick.

There was a six-goal thriller at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve, with North Beach and Kingsley Westside battling out a 3-3 draw. “Frustrating result for the lads today to only walk away with a point at home. We felt we dominated for the majority of the game but made some crucial errors which Kingsley punished us with clinically,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “There were a lot of positives in attack, going close to finding winning goals in an end-to-end finish, but just couldn't get it done. Kingsley are a real threat on the counter with some quality up top who also had chances late. We will aim to erase the mistakes made today from the memory banks and move on immediately to our focus next week.”

The hosts hit the front early, James Ashford received the ball out wide and played a deep ball into the box where Luke Jones headed home. But Kingsley scored two quick goals, first 18 minutes Nathan Griffiths was on target, and two minutes later they were ahead after an own goal. But the goals kept coming, and shortly after the hosts restored parity, Ashford free kick from was met by Alex Kretowicz at the back post who headed home. Kingsley regained the lead early in the second half with Bailey Salmon scoring. But on the hour North Beach levelled to seal the draw, Patrick Morrison received the ball in midfield, turned and played Kretowicz through on goal who slotted into the bottom corner.

Hamersly Rovers have continued their good start to life in the Premier Division after promotion last season, after a 4-2 win against Peel United at Carine Open Space. “First of all, I would like to thank Peel for making the trip today, being on a bank holiday,’ Peel coach Nigel Smith said. “They were also missing players, but they gave a great account of themselves.” The hosts were ahead early, Jack Mahon cut inside from the left and finished clinically from 18 meters. But Peel were level on 16 minutes, Sam Arthurs scoring after a mistake from by the Rovers’ keeper. The host regained the lead six minutes before the break, Mahon raced down the left, eased past two Peel defenders and fired home. But Peel levelled just before half time, Mitchell Kelman firing home. After the break Rovers dominated possession, and were rewarded on the hour, with Ryan Mahon scoring, and Aref Muradi sealed the points late.

In the other games goals, North Perth United have maintained their lead at the top of the table with a 3-0 win against Morley Windmills at Wotton Reserve. “I thought was a close first half both teams had their moments but we managed to go in at 1-0 at half time,” North Perth skipper Eoghan Rea said. “In the second half I thought we dominated the whole half and got our two goals as a reward, credit to Morley they never gave up and didn’t stop coming at us but it was just our day. It’s been a great start to the season for us considering we are a very new squad so we are just focused on taking a game at a time starting with Hamersley next weekend.”

The hosts opened brightly, but North Perth hit back and hit the front on 35 minutes, Niall Kennedy with a great finish. They doubled their lead in the first minute of the second half, with substitute Cian O’Dwyer scoring. They sealed the points just after the hour, with Rea on target. “We had a slow start to the game, and it was very tight first 30 minutes, but we managed to score to lead at the break,” North Perth coach Jason Winter said. “We made a couple of changes at half time, and one of them Cian scored in the first minute, before our captain Eoghan sealed the points. We were the better in the second half, and I felt like we deserved our win.” In the final game a hat trick from Andrew Wood has helped Emerald to a 4-1 win against South Perth United at Fraser Park. Tererai Gwavava had given the visitors the lead on the half hour, but the sending off of South Perth duo Pablo Vargas and Tayfun Yagir turned the game.

20.4.2025

NPL W ROUND FIVE - REVIEW

We had a shortened week five of the NPL W, with games between Balcatta Etna v Subiaco AFC and Fremantle City v Murdoch University Melville postponed. But in the opening game of the round, Perth SC have got back to winning ways with a hard fought 2-1 win against champions Perth RedStar at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. “It was such a good feeling to get the win against such an experienced side. I think in the end we deserved it after a strong performance from the team, we were stringing passes together in tight spaces and withheld the pressure that RedStar gave,” Perth defender Violet Longmore explained. “RedStar played hard and fought to the end to try and get the win and unfortunately it came down to an own goal from them. Very proud of the team and our performance and looking to keep pushing further in next few tough rounds.”

The visitors started well, and had the Azzurri on the back foot. Skipper Jay Colman effort flashed over the top early, before Perth custodian Dayle Schroder denied Lauren Continibali with a great save on the quarter-hour. The hosts settled, and found the opener on 20 minutes, Sam Mathers’ corner to the near post was headed into her own goal, by the unfortunate Quyen Doan. RedStar hit back, and a smart one-handed save from Schroeder denying Carlo Bennett moments later. But it was 2-0 to the hosts on 25 minutes, Mathers made space down the right and her deep cross picked out Jess Flanery, who fired home.

It wasn’t the start the visitors were looking for, but they still continued to create chances, but found Schroeder in fine form to deny them, the Perth keeper making a smart save to deny Continibali again. But Chris Atturo’s side were back in the game on the half hour, Jayna Ridley’s cross from the right to the near post was turned home expertly by Renee Leota. Perth ended the half like they started, and Gabby Dal Busco saved well to thwart Longmore’s volley, and at the break it was the hosts with a narrow lead.

RedStar opened the second half brightly, and Carla Bennett’s free kick was headed inches wide by Leota, before the RedStar striker was sent clear by a great through ball from Abbey Woolley, who fired inches wide. Both sides cancelled each other out, with both defences on top, but the Azzurri had a chance late to add to their lead, but Dal Busco saved Daisy McAllister’s shot from the edge of the box, but Tom Glavovic’s side had done enough to take the points. “It was a game of two halves for us. I thought we were excellent in the first half and defended well when we needed to and our goals came at the right time for us and just gave us the momentum, we needed to control the game,” Perth SC assistant coach Fernando Barreiro explained.

“Not normally one to give praise to individuals but I thought Sam Mathers and Violet Longmore were excellent, and special mention to Maja Archibald as well. In the second half RedStar put us under a lot of pressure as was expected as they’re a championship team and know how to put teams under pressure. But really happy with how we had to defend in the second half and pick up three points. Should give us a bit of confidence going into next week against Balcatta. Really looking forward to it.”

The Hyundai FW Academy have continued their great start to the NPL W season, but they were made to work for the 4-1 win, against a gritty UWA Nedlands on Sunday afternoon at the UWA Sports Park. “Conceding early within the first couple of minutes is never ideal and that gave UWA hope and something to hold onto. Despite the early goal, I thought we played really well and it was a case of staying calm and sustaining pressure. We lacked a bit of composure in front of goal but we knew if we arrived in the box enough times, the goals would come,” FW Academy coach Stephen Walmsley explained.

“It was a different challenge for us and we know we need to be capable of winning football matches in different ways. We’re capable of adapting our approach and UWA worked hard to make life difficult for us. Daniella Santich and Nelli Johnson were excellent at the back, Lacey Heys controlled the game for us in midfield, and I was pleased for Klaudia Houlis, Theo Mouithys and Cate McAuliffe for providing the moments of quality in the final third we were missing in the first half. Subiaco will be a tough test and we need to train and prepare properly to show the best version of ourselves again.”

The hosts made the ideal start, when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Chloe Rodrigo’s set-piece was saved by Sofia Borg, but the rebound fell to Emily Dinsdale, who fired home from close-range. The visitors looked for an immediate response, but couldn’t breakdown a determined UWA defence, with keeper Janina Sauer in fine form. They had a perfect opportunity to level on 25 minutes, when referee John Olaghere spotted a handball by Alyssa Kinkaid, and pointed to the spot. Xuri Dalton stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Sauer guessed the right way to save, and Melina Franklin cleared the ball to safety.

The hosts continued to defend well after the break, as the FW Academy pushed for the equaliser, and it eventually came just after the hour. Lacey Heys’ defence-splitting through ball sent Theo Mouithys racing clear, and she rounded Sauer and rolled the ball home from the angle, a great way to celebrate her call-up to the Young Matildas training camp next week. The Academy hit the front seven minutes later, Cate McAuliffe’s low cross from the right was turned home by skipper Klaudia Houlis. They were now in control and it was 3-1 on 74 minutes, Dalton’s cross from the right hit the arm of Emma Gibson, and after consulting with his assistant, the referee pointed to the spot. Mouithys penalty beat Sauer, despite the keeper getting a hand to it. They wrapped up the scoring four minutes later, McAuliffe flicked on to Houlis, who held off her marker and finished low past Sauer.

20.4.2025

SAINSBURY SUFFERS 'GUT-WRENCHING' INJURY

The season looks to be over for Central Coast Mariners captain Trent Sainsbury after suffering what appears to be a ruptured achilles tendon in his clubs thrilling 2-2 A-League Men draw with Macarthur. The 33-year old defender scored the first goal of today's game but there was heartbreak in the dying minutes when he crumpled in a heap as he competed for a set piece.

Sainsbury had twice gone down earlier in the match with calf and knee issues, and he took down a Macarthur player when he collapsed to the turf with the achilles injury. Macarthur players pleaded for a penalty, but Mariners players soon remonstrated with their opponents for not taking Sainsbury's injury seriously.

Central Coast coach Mark Jackson fears the worst for Sainsbury. "Nothing confirmed yet, but it didn't look good. He felt something go in his achilles," Jackson said. "I thought Trent was excellent today. I thought it was a commanding performance from him. To see what happened to him at the end was gut-wrenching."

An unmarked Sainsbury, who played juniors at Armadale, scored the opening goal in the 15th minute with a glancing header. It marked his first goal for Central Coast since 2013, with stints in the Netherlands, China, Italy, Switzerland, Israel and Belgium sandwiched in between.

19.4.2025

DESPOTOVSKI SHINES AS GLORY THRASH REDSTAR

Perth Glory have produced one of their best performances of the season, with Sebastian Despotovski outstanding on the day with four goals, as the thrashed Perth RedStar’s 5-0 in our NPL M week five ‘Match of the Round’ at the RedStar Arena in Joondalup on Saturday afternoon. The hosts had no answers to a rampant Glory, with Despotovski scoring a first half hat-trick, with Nathanael Blair adding the other. Despotovski added another after the break, to move the youngsters two points behind leaders Bayswater.

“Very happy with the performance from minute one to the final whistle. The lads started the game with high energy, especially Alfie Knight who's work rate was brilliant in and out of possession,” Glory head coach Joe Heath said. “We didn't give RedStar a moment to breathe in the first half and we moved the ball well through the lines. What was most impressive again was the clean sheet, to go away to RedStar and not concede is a testament to how hard these lads are working. It is very reassuring as a coach when you can make five changes in the second half and every one of them players come on with the same energy and good attitude. There is a lot of talent in this group, and we are starting to see what some of them are capable of.”

Both sides went into this one in good form, after big wins in the last round, the hosts beating champions Olympic, with Glory beat Floreat. It was the hosts who started brightly, forcing three early corners, and from one Blair Govan headed down to Daryl Nicol, but his shot was well blocked. But in their first attack on five minutes Glory found the opener. Blair cutting across the edge of the penalty area, before finding Despotovski who finished well past Liam Reddy. They were in again three minutes later, Blair again was the supplier, this time picking out Knight, whose shot was superbly blocked by Govan. But on 14 minutes it was 2-0, RedStar lost possession in the middle of the park, and Adrian Pini sent Blair in on goal, and he rounded Reddy to score.

The visitors were red hot, with Giovanni De Abreu, Despotovski, Blair and Khoa Ngo all instrumental, and Blair’s long-range shot flashed wide of the target ten minutes later, before Despotovski’s free kick was saved at his near post by the alert Reddy. But it wasn’t a surprise when they added a third just after the half hour mark. Pini through ball sent Blair clear, and he was brought down by Daniel Walsh, and referee Liam Barclay pointed to the spot. Despotovski stepped up and converted the resulting penalty. The hosts were struggling in the final third, and Glory were carving them up on transition, and it was 4-0 eight minutes before the break. Despotovski started the move picking out Blair on the left, the ball fell to Ngo who laid the ball back to Despotovski, who curled home superbly, which brought back memories of his father doing that for Glory in the past.

RedStar went close to pulling one back early in the second half, Nicol racing clear, but Ryan Warner got a strong hand down at his near post to deny him. But on 52 minutes it was 5-0, a long clearance sent Ngo racing down the left, he spotted the unmarked Despotovski on the edge of the box and he made no mistake. They went close to a sixth moments later, Reddy saving at full stretch to deny substitute Santiago Flores. RedStar continued to press forward and Benson Nsegetse’s shot was well saved by Warner, and Nicol’s long-range lob drifted over the top, but it was too little too late for the hosts, with the hosts defence well-marshalled by the impressive Daniel Jankuloski, but it was a comprehensive win and team performance from Joe Heath’s side.

Perth RedStar: GK Liam Reddy, 3 Blair Govan, 4 Daniel Walsh (17 Sonny O’Shea 68’), 5 Benson Nsegetse, 6 Sam Pollard (34 Seth McGillivray 76’), 8 Luke Bodnar, 9 Daryl Nicol, 10 Matthew George (15 Theo Leeming 59’), 14 Oliver Leeming, 19 Ryan Finnie, 20 Andrew Palmer (11 Dennis Galan 68’) – Subs not used: RGK luca Lovene, 22 Dhuor Chol, 24 Reece Bantleman

Perth Glory: GK Ryan Warner, 2 Tadiwanashe Kuzamba, 3 Daniel Jankuloski, 6 Giovanni De Abreu, 10 Sebastian Despotovski (14 Noah Ieraci 76’), 12 Alfie Knight (8 Alex Bolton 65’), 13 Khoa Ngo (11 Santiago Flores 60’), 15 Ruben Argent (19 Hayden Thomas 65’), 16 Nathanael Blair (22 Max Naylor 60’), 20 Max Argent, 21 Adrian Pini – Subs not used: RGK Jhett Warner, 17 Tinomuonga Mutema – Referee: Liam Barclay

19.4.2025

NPL-WA ROUND FIVE - REVIEW

Olympic Kingsway have bounced back from their defeat at RedStar last week, after a 3-0 win against Western Knights at Kingsway Reserve. “We anticipated it was going to be a tough game and that it was. Knights have a lot of technical players in their squad and can pose a significant threat when they get time on the ball,” Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson explained. “First half I think we were particularly good. We defended strong and were really positive in the attacking third. Second half we weren’t as tidy on the ball but demonstrated a strong defensive display, but overall happy with the result and look forward to another tough test against Armadale next week.”

The hosts found the opener on 22 minutes, Harley Orr losing his marker and heading home Mitch Oxborrow’s corner. They added a second 14 minutes later, a quick counter attack, led by Tyler Garner, saw him burst through the middle of the park and he found Laat Manyec on the right, and he cut inside his marker and drilled a shot past Sam Reilly via the post. They sealed the points in the final minute, Oxborrow sending Joe Hobson down the left he out-muscled his marker before finishing from the angle.

Fremantle City and Sorrento are still both searching for their first win of the season, after they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Hilton Park. “It was one of those games, I feel like we did almost everything right but score. We played some good football for majority of the time and had a lot of the ball and control but couldn’t capitalise unfortunately,” Fremantle skipper Hayden Stevens said. “We know it’s not far off from clicking for us, we’re doing a lot right and just need that finishing touch, we look forward to another big game next week.” The Gulls made the breakthrough on 69 minutes, Keegan Chambers rising highest to head home substitute Nate Wilson’s corner from the left. But the hosts levelled five minutes from time. Charlie Chechlacz’s free kick was headed goalward by Ben Steele and Charlie Betts turned the ball home from close-range. It set up a tense finale, but both sides had to take a share of the spoils.

Stirling Macedonia have secured their first win of the season, and gained bragging rights, after a 2-1 win against Balcatta Etna in the local derby at Macedonia Park. The game was switched to the home of Stirling, due to the Balcatta home ground (Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve) is still unavailable due to reconstruction. “It was good to get first win of the season mate and we deserve it on the day even Balcatta worked so hard and was very organised so was hard to break them down which we done it very late in the game but boys been excellent and played some really good football,” Stirling coach Ago Mujic said. “We changed our formation last couple of weeks which worked great for playing in back three and boys enjoy new style of play which is good to see. Now we focus on Sorrento game next week which will be another challenge like every other game in NPL.”

The visitors hit the front on 25 minutes, Declan Hargreaves corner wasn’t dealt with and Jessie Fuller fired home, despite Kade Fearnall attempted goal line clearance. The hosts pressed for the equaliser, which eventually came seven minutes from time. Moments earlier substitute Hugo Snowden had seen his goalbound shot well blocked by Kurt Harris, but from the resulting Calvin Whitney corner, Dejan Spaseski headed back across goal, and Danny Douglas fired home. It set up a grandstand finish, with both sides pushing for the winners, but it was Stirling who found it deep into stoppage time. Whitney’s ball over the top sent Sam Dweh racing towards goal, he held off his marker and finished low past Stefan Sotirovski.

19.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR REVIEW

Our State League Division One week four ‘Match of the Round’ saw Gosnells City play out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Kalamunda City at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Both these teams had played all their game this season on the road, due maintenance at their venues, but Gosnells home coming saw them take the lead in the first half with skipper Scott Pereira scoring, but the visitors levelled 20 minutes from the time with Gaston Bazet on target. “I think the draw was the right result in the end, we knew we were in for a tough day, Kalamunda unbeaten and hadn’t conceded a goal we knew we had our work cut out,” Gosnells coach Peter Allen said post-match. “We had to weather early storm, but I thought we grew into the game taking the lead, but second half credit to them, they again stepped-up drawing level but towards end it could have gone either way I think a share of the points was the right outcome.”

The visitors started brightly and Friday Zico’s through ball sent Carl Dias racing clear, but a great last-ditch tackle by Aaron Coslani denied him. The hosts hit back and from Tony Chandler’s corner, Pereira headed goalward, and Coslani’s shot on the turn was straight at Jake Maley-Orr. But just before the half hour it was Gosnells who opened the scoring. Chandler was brought down by Nicolas Roca, and referee Josh Throssell awarded a penalty. Pereira stepped up, but Marley-Orr made a great save to deny him. But the assistant flagged to say the keeper had moved off his line, and the penalty was retaken, and this time Pereira sent Marley-Orr the wrong to give his side the lead. Zico tried his luck from long range just before the break, but Duncan Lennon-Black saved well, and at half time the hosts held a narrow lead.

Kalaumunda were on the front foot after the break and Coslani cleared Abdirahmaan Warsame’s shot off the line on the hour mark, as they pushed for the equaliser. Moments later down the other end, Chandler sent Amro Atta racing clear, but he couldn’t find the target. Kalamunda had the ball in the net on 69 minutes, Warsame firing home from close-range, but the referee spotted a foul in the lead up. But two minutes later their pressure was rewarded with the equaliser. Matias Bovone shot was saved by Lennon-Black, but Gaston Bazet was quickest to the rebound to fire home. Gosnells went close to regaining their lead five minutes later, a ball over the top by Sebastian Stenqvist sent Thang Sangpichung clear, and he raced into goal, but Maley-Orr was out bravely to save at his feet. Zico tried his luck from range late, but it was straight at Lennon-Black, with both sides taking a share of the spoils.

“I try to always look at the positives, we are the new team in the league and still haven’t lost a game, we had not conceded a goal until today,’ Kalamunda coach Maxi van Ravensteyn said. “In my opinion, unfortunately the referee made a mistake and Gosnell’s penalty was re-taken, he said our goalkeeper was two meters in front of the line, we watched the replay and our goalkeeper didn’t move, strange call but we understand mistakes can happen. It took two penalties for us to concede a goal, so although this wasn’t the result we wanted, we can leave with our heads up high, knowing we did everything to take the three points. Well done to Gosnells for playing a really good game, as I said last week, we knew they would be a tough side. We lost two points today, but we can only fix it by focusing on next game against Joondalup City.”

In other games Mandurah City have scored two late goals to salvage a 2-2 draw against Murdoch University Melville at Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. “Frustrated, feels like two points dropped because of the late goals, but before the season a draw away to Mandurah might have been considered a decent point,” MUMFC assistant coach Gavin Brown explained. “I thought they were the better team first 20 minutes, but then we finished the first half strongly. Second half I thought we could have scored four, but when they scored their first, we knew that it would be backs to the wall. Not sure how the ref found that much injury time but hey ho.” The game sprung into life just before the half hour, after an all-in melee saw two red cards handed out by referee Shuo Chen, with Mandurah skipper Harry Collins and MUMFC’s Joshua Macri both having early baths.

But it was the visitors who found the opener on the hour, a ball over the top found Gustavo Giron Marulanda, and with the Mandurah defender looking for the offside flag, that never came, the striker finished clinically past Alfie Brincat. It looked like the points were safe seven minutes from time, when MUMFC added a second. Charles Breen’s shot was well saved by Brincat, the ball falling to fellow substitute Kai Jones, who made no mistake. But the Dolphins found a lifeline two minutes later, Louie Evans cutting the ball back to Robbie Galvin to score. It was game on, and five minutes into stoppage time the hosts found the equaliser. John Baird’s ball into the box was knocked on by Galvin, and Evans fired home from a tight angle.

Inglewood United’s poor start to life in Division One has continued, after they were beaten 1-0 by UWA Nedlands at the UWA Sports Park. “It was a well-polished performance today, we’ve had to shuffle the pack with suspensions and injuries,” UWA coach Kris Donnell said. “First half we created a lot of chances to get ourselves ahead but we kept working and it finally came for us in the second half. Really happy for the playing group they are putting big efforts in through the week and we couldn’t be prouder of them all.” The only goal of the game came 17 minutes from time, Mark Bauersachs found space on the right, and eased past his marker, his low cross was turned home at the near post by fellow substitute Iljas Ahmedov.

Subiaco AFC and Dianella White Eagles have also shared the spoils, after a 1-1 draw at Rosalie Park. “It was good to get our first point of the season against a really good Dianella side,” Subiaco assistant coach Jamie D’Arcy said. “It was a really competitive game, both sides had some good chances to take the three points. I think overall, a draw was a fair result, and we now move on to Mandurah next Saturday.” The hosts made the perfect start, and were ahead on three minutes. Some neat approach work, down the left ended with a through ball by Jonty Pearson and Ben Bathgate finished with aplomb past Peter Pilkadaris. But their lead only lasted five minutes. George Ballah’s corner picked out Matt Worton, his header was cleared off the line by Oscar Barry, but Gavin Byars volleyed home the rebound. The visitors had skipper Sasa Njegic sent off late, as both sides shared the spoils. “Disappointing dropping points, but I’m sure Subiaco will feel the same,” Dianella assistant coach John Lavery said. “Both teams created chances to win the game so a draw was probably a fair result.”

In the late game on Saturday evening, Kingsway Westside have scored in the final minute to salvage a 1-1 draw against Joondalup City at Chichester Park. “Tonight was up there with the best we have played since I’ve been at the club, the boys were superb,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “The results aren’t matching our performances, but we take 100% responsibility for that and we are going to stick together and keep believing in what we are doing.” It was Joondalup who opened the scoring just after the hour mark, skipper Liam Peacock’s diagonal ball found half time substitute Leonard Gama, who beat his marker and finished low past Mateusz Zaniewski. it looked like the visitors were on their way to the first win of the season, but in the final minute the hosts found the equaliser. Ellis Lawson’s sent a free kick into the back post, and the referee spotted a push in the box and pointed straight to the spot. Luke Salmon stepped and sent Joe Smith the wrong way from the resulting penalty, to give both sides a point. “Credit to Joondalup who turned up and played well, and will be disappointed not to get three points,” Kingsley coach Richard Abrams said. “Our late equaliser via a penalty set up a frantic last few minutes where Luke (Salmon) hit the bar. Although we obviously wanted all three points, we take the draw against a well organised and workmanlike City set up.”

19.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOUR REVIEW

Carramar Shamrock Rovers have consolidated third place on the State League Division Two table, after a 3-1 win against Wanneroo City at Grandis Park, in our week four ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday afternoon. “It was a strong team performance from start to finish. We stuck to our game plan, kept our composure, and took our chances when it mattered,” Rovers’ Jackson Dongray explained. “Credit to the boys for working hard all over the pitch. I was stoked to get on the scoresheet with our third and help seal the result. Our goals yesterday prove that we have quality in set pieces. Jamie’s free kick showed his experience and it was great to see Cam score a cracker on his Shammy debut.”

The hosts hit the front on the half hour, with Jamie Gibson converted a great free kick, but Wanneroo levelled in the shadows of half time, with referee Dragan Kovaceski pointed to the spot, and Kane Fitch made no mistake from the resulting penalty. It was a tight second half, but it was the hosts who regained the lead, with a long-range effort by Cameron Hendry, who was making his Shamrock debut. They wrapped up all three points eight minutes from time, a corner from Nial McKeown, found Dongray, who rose highest at the back post to head home.

“We started the game well and found the opener, unfortunately we conceded a soft penalty right on half time so we went in a bit disappointed as we deserved to be ahead at the break,” Rovers’ coach Ronnie Martin explained. “We got back in front with a good strike from Cam, although the keeper should probably have done better with it. We managed a third, with Nial’s set pieces, which were superb all day, headed in by Jackson. Overall, a very good performance again from the full team, the fact we limited a good Wanneroo side to one decent chance over 90 minutes shows how good we were. Week on week the lads are getting better and better and competition for places is great to have.”

East Perth maintained top spot, after a 2-0 win against Forrestfield United at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park. “I thought the boys showed a lot of character today, to see the game out,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “Defensively we were brilliant today and stood up to a huge push from Forrestfield, and it was brilliant to get an away victory at a difficult place to get points.” The visitors started brightly, and created some good chances, but couldn’t breakdown a well organised Forrestfield defence. That all changed on the half hour, Tomas Hehir cross was handled in the box, and referee Oguz Tekatli pointed to the spot, and Andy Keogh made no mistake from the resulting penalty. Forrestfield pressed for the equaliser early in the second half, but East Perth stood firm, and found a second on 67 minutes, Herir’s cross turned into his own net by a Forrestfield defender.

Canning City have won for the first time this season, after a well-deserved 4-0 win against Swan United at Burrendah Reserve. “We are pleased with the result, we have worked on a few things in training over the last few weeks and it’s starting to click after a slow start,” Canning coach Lee Hayward explained. “I thought we dominated the game from start to finish and were unlucky not to score more, Tom Kinnane and Moore both hitting the bar in the first half, Alex Guzman and Josh Snow were both unlucky from close range late on We now need to take that performance and build on it away at Wanneroo next Friday.” The hosts made it 1-0 three minutes before the break, Tim Kinnane crossed to the back post for Bill Orr to head home. Canning received two quick penalties after the break, with Orr converting both to complete his hat-trick. They added a fourth late, with Alfie Moore heading, to complete a comprehensive win.

Quinns have won their third consecutive game, and spoilt Wembley Downs first ever home state league game, after a 3-2 win at Butlers Reserve on Saturday evening. “A huge result for us away at Wembley. They’re newly promoted and it was their first home game, so we knew they’d be up and about,” Quinns midfielder Elliot Ireland said. “But I thought overall we played really well, we should have scored probably three or four in the first half, and I thought we were unlucky to concede the goals that we did. But again, I thought our character really stood out, down to ten men, to still keep going, get the winner and grind out the result.”

The visitors were ahead on 17 minutes, Joel Sollitt made space out wide and squared the ball to James Elkington-Soan, whose first shot was blocked, but he made no mistake from the rebound. But Wembley levelled on the half hour, with Lachlan Chamberlain on target. But in the shadows of half time, Quinns regained the lead, Ireland intercepted a back pass, but keeper Casey Robertson stood tall to save, but the ball fell to Elkington-Soan who fired home. Wembley restored parity on the hour, with R Hannon scoring, and the visitors were reduced to nine men with Tyler Holden and Elkington-Soan both sent off by referee Cecil Gwezere. The hosts pressed for the winner, but it was Nick Jennings’ side who won it in the final minute. A free kick was only cleared as far as Paddy Hughes, who slid the ball into Sollitt, who took a touch and finishes well into the net

In the other two games, Cockburn City have beaten Balga 3-2 at Princess Road Reserve. “It wasn’t our best football we’ve played but we’ll take the three points away from home,” Cockburn assistant coach Paulo Basto. “We move on to next week at leaders East Perth.” The Cockerels were ahead on three minutes, Frankie Kinnen converting from a corner. But the hosts levelled on 21 minutes, Alex Kelder pouncing after Cockburn failed to clear a corner. Cockburn were back in front 12 minutes later, James Bourne finding the target. They added a third on the hour, after a swift counter attack, Bourne raced clear and chipped the oncoming keeper. Balga reduced the margin 15 minutes from time substitute Michael Anokhin scoring to set up a tense finish, but Cockburn held firm to take home the points. In the final game, Ashfield and Rockingham City have played out 0-0 draw at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve.

19.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND THREE PREVIEW

It’s week three of the Belt -Up Amateur Premier Division, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Kingsway Reserve where Olympic Kingsway welcome Jaguar. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) The hosts started the season well after promotion, with a big win against Emerald, while it’s been a horror start for Jags, coming off a big loss at Kelmscott, and I’m sure new coach Syakir Shariff will be looking for a response this week. Jaguar keeper Michael Dudek said the new look side are determined to show last week’s defeat was just a blip.

“It's been an interesting first two weeks for us at Jaguar, with a whole new team this season. While having pretty shocking first half scorelines in both games, we were able to turn it around in round one to salvage a draw. But in round two it was just as bad in the second half and we were on the wrong end of what I think was the worst scoreline that any of us players had experienced in our lives,” Dudek explained. “Kingsway will have a strong team, but this game will be very important for us in defining the kind of team we want to be this season. I have faith in the quality of the players that have joined, and we'll see if we can link up and work together in the way we need to.”

A good night series and a win the opener was ideal for the Green Machine, and after last week’s game was called off due to the Hahn Australia Cup, head coach Jason Stern said his player are chopping at the bit. “We’re looking forward to getting back on the park this weekend after having a week off. It was a really good opportunity for our lads to have a mini rest after a longer than usual preseason,” he explained. “We know Jags had a tough result last weekend, so we are expecting them to fight hard to bounce back. We’ll need to be ready for anything and know that they have individual quality to hurt us if we aren’t on our game.”

In other games league leaders Kelmscott Roos welcome Maccabi to Frye Park. The hosts are unbeaten so far, including the big win against Jags, while Maccabi will want to build on their first point of the season last week. “We’re really looking forward to it, we know it’s going to be a really tough game as Kelmscott were strong last year and I’m sure are even stronger this year,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said. “We’ve been training well and everyone’s really focused and determined to get our first win on the board.”

In the early game at Fraser Park, Emerald welcome South Perth United. (1:00pm) South Perth were not in action last week, but did draw their opener at Kelmscott. The hosts bounced back with a win last week, after their first-round defeat to Hamersley, and skipper Shane Young said they are ready for another big game. “We’re looking forward to the game on Sunday against South Perth,” Young said. “We showed great fight and character against Hamersley and we’re hoping to get another three points this week.”

The other promoted side Hamersley Rovers welcome Peel United to Carine Open Space. The visitors are still searching for their first win of the season, while Rovers were edged out by Emerald last week, and coach Nigel Smith said they will not be underestimating the visitors. “After a hard-fought game against Emerald and the narrow lost, we will be hoping to get back to winning ways,” Smith said. “We won’t underestimate Peel and I’m expecting a very hard game, hopefully we can produce the quality of football that we played against Emerald in the first half and do this for 90 minutes should see us over the line.”

Kingsley Westside hit the road this week, when they take on North Beach at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. The hosts won their opener, but didn’t play last week, while Kingsley have drawn both of their games, and coach Sam Ellis said he was pleased with last week’s game. “We’re coming off the back of a good week, the performance last Sunday was excellent and we’ve had two really good sessions to follow up,” Ellis said. “Easter Sunday games are always challenging with people away but it gives opportunities for lads to step up and we have a strong squad. We’re still unbeaten and we’ll be looking to keep it that way this week. North Beach is always a tough away game but we’ve prepared well and the lads are ready for Sunday.”

In the final game we head to Wotton Reserve, where Morley Windmills host North Perth United. Morley bounced back from the week one defeat, winning at Peel, while North Perth were flying the flag for the league in Hahn Australia Cup, pushing State League Division One side Curtin University all the way, before losing in extra time. North Perth coach Jason Winter said they are looking forward to getting back to league action. “We are looking forward to the game, Morley are a top side and are pushing to go back state league, so it will be tough game away to them,” Winter said. “But the boys are keen to test themselves against one of the league favourites and see where they are as a squad themselves.”

19.4.2025

NPL W ROUND FIVE - PREVIEW

We have a shortened NPL W week five, with two games between Balcatta Etna v Subiaco AFC and Fremantle City v Murdoch University Melville postponed, as the teams have half of their players away for the long weekend. Both games have been rearranged, at Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve May 28, and Wauhop Park on June 18.

On Saturday afternoon Perth RedStar will make the trip to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth SC. (5:00pm) Both sides are coming off draws last week and both need the points to keep tabs on FW academy, who sit on top of the table. In the final game on Sunday, the Hyundai FW academy travel to the UWA Sports Park to take on UWA Nedlands. (3:00pm) The hosts are still looking for their first win of the season, but have been improving each week, but they face a FW Academy side who have won all their games this season.

It’s been a great start to the tenure at the Academy for Stephen Walmsley, and he said it’s been great to see the improvement in the squad. “When I came into the program, I spoke with (Head of Football West Academy) Gareth Naven and (Girls Program Lead) Andrew Ord and it was decided the team needed a bit of a collective mentality shift. To be in the Academy, the girls must have a level of talent. That’s a given. And the priority is always to improve the players’ technical ability and their game awareness,” Walmsley told the Football West website.

“What we also wanted to know was, can you meet the physical demands of the game? Can you run? Can you do repeated action, head it, kick it? Because the further they go in the game, that is what they will be exposed to and it can’t come as a shock to them. That’s the starting point, be competitive and be hard to play against. You can’t be on every single game, and you will lose games. But when you’re not on, it’s how you react.

“There are times when you will be under pressure. But you can’t lose 6-0, 7-0, they have all bought in and are enjoying it. We can’t think it’s about results. We will be judged on whether we can produce players. I see this as a great opportunity to coach quality players and work with committed, high-level people such as Gareth and Andy,” he said. This is a high-performance environment and one where I believe I will thrive.”

19.4.2025

CITY TOO STRONG FOR GLORY TO SEAL THE TITLE

Melbourne City have claimed the 2024-25 Premiers Plate after a 5-1win against Perth Glory on Friday night at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. In a commanding performance, that sealed top spot and capped off City’s unbeaten regular season, the visitors were too strong, racing to a two-goal lead early with goals from Taylor Otto and Bryleeh Henry inside the opening six minutes. Susan Phonsongkham pulled one back for the hosts from the spot shortly after, but that was as good as it got for Glory, with Otto headed home the third and Holly McNamara added a fourth before the break, before former Glory midfielder Leticia McKenna added the fifth after the break.

Glory head coach Stephen Peters made two changes to the side that were edged out in Sydney last week, keeper Casey Dumont and Ella Abdul Massih returning, with Miranda Templeman dropping to the bench, and Chari Wainwright was omitted. In front of over 1,400 supporters, the best crowd of the season, the visitors were off to a flier, ahead on three minutes, Alexia Apostolakis’ corner was headed home by Otto at the near post.

They doubled their advantage three minutes later, Glory failed to clear the ball on the edge of the box and Lourdes Bosch slipped the ball through for Henry who finished low past Dumont. But Glory hit back on the quarter hour, and were awarded a penalty. Phonsongkham’s free kick from the left was headed against the bar by Onyinyechi Zogg, and her effort from the rebound was handled on the line by Rebekah Stock, and referee Bec Mackie pointed straight to the spot, and the Melbourne defender was lucky not to be sent off.

Phonsongkham stepped and found the bottom corner of the net from the resulting penalty. But ten minutes later the visitors restored their two-goal buffer, Glory not learning their lesson, Apostolakis’ corner was headed home by Otto at the near post again. City added a fourth before the break, a great team move ended with McKenna, who slipped a well-weighted through ball into McNamara, who finished with aplomb past Dumont to send the visitors into the break with one-hand on the Premiers Plate.

Glory started on the front foot after the break, and should have reduced the deficit early, Phonsongkham robbed Stock, and raced one-on-one with Malena Mieres, but the City’s custodian stood tall to deny her, and did even better to thwart Kelli Brown’s follow up shot. But on 65 minutes the points were sealed, McKenna’s long-range free kick went into the top corner, where the spiders live, giving Dumont no chance. Glory continued to fight and Izzy Dalton headed over the top from close-range, before substitute Ella Lincoln went close, but the night belonged to Michael Matricciani’s Melbourne City, sparking special scenes of celebration.

It was City's 16th win of the campaign, to go with seven draws and no defeats, ensured the club’s second consecutive Premiership, and fourth in club history. They are also into the final four of the AFC Women’s Champions League, where they’re set to face Incheon Red Angels in May for a place in the final of the continental tournament.

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE (44 Kelli BROWN 35'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (25 Ella LINCOLN 79'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (18 Izzy FOLETTA 62'), 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (2 Mischa ANDERSON 62'), 23 Izzy DALTON, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN (

Melbourne City: GK Malena MIERES, (RGK Melissa BARBIERI 84'), 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia MCKENNA, 8 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9 Holly MCNAMARA (11 Emilia MURRAY 65'), 13 Rebekah STOTT (27 Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC 74'), 14 Laura HUGHES (12 Shelby MCMAHON 74'), 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18 Leah DAVIDSON, 19 Lourdes BOSCH, 22 Bryleeh HENRY (10 Rhianna POLLICINA 65') - Subs not used: None - Attendance: 1,402 - Referee: Bec Mackie

19.4.2025

PETERS COGNISANT OF AREAS REQUIRING IMPROVE

Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters says their season-ending 5-1 loss to Melbourne City was a harsh reminder of their distance from the league’s benchmark as he forecast increased final-third firepower next season. A five-star City swept Glory aside on Friday night, racing out to a 4-1 lead at the break to clinch the A-League Women title for the second year running.

Peters’ first season in charge has been promising, with seven of their 13 losses coming by just a single goal after an injury-affected campaign was already impacted by an almost completely new-look squad assembling in pre-season. They finished only two points adrift of last season’s tally but Friday’s loss was a sobering reminder for Peters of how much progress needs to be made.

“We kept up quite well fitness-wise and the challenge was, they were always going to be a team that plays good-structured football so there were always going to be opportunities for us to showcase we can play good football as well,” Peters said. “They’re just so much better at executing than us, they’ve got quality in the final third that, unfortunately, it’s better than us at the moment in our journey.”

“We need to get better. It was an opportunity to go for it and try and show something, and then we saw where we were really at unfortunately. We could have probably sat in a low block and kicked balls over the fence but ultimately, in our of our development, what’s that going to do for us? It’s good for us to see where we are against the team of this quality.”

Glory scored 27 goals this season, the equal-third lowest total in the league, and they were dealt blows in the final third with forwards Susan Phonsongkham, Kelli Brown, Sarah O’Donoghue and Gabby Hollar all missing significant chunks of the season. Peters said while the progress of the likes of Ella Lincoln was good, they needed to strengthen in front of goal next season.

“There’s going to be a recruitment element to that but also what we have managed to do is blood some of these kids that have come through and bridged that gap,” he said. “But we definitely need some more battle-hardened, experienced leaders up there that can score goals for us.”

18.4.2025

NPL-WA AND STATE LEAGUE THURSDAY REVIEW

The NPL M week five started on Thursday evening, with league leaders continuing their winning start to the season after a 4-1 win against Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve. “Fantastic performance and result from the boys, we knew we had to start the game well and I thought we played with a great level of intensity and hunger throughout the match, and we scored three very good first half goals,” Bayswater head coach Matthew Sparrow explained. “We switched off and conceded after the interval, but credit to the boys they bounced back and got the fourth, with Cameron Teece getting his second, who I thought was a real threat all game for us. It’s a very good start from us but one thing for sure we won’t be getting carried away, we will now focus all our attention on next week’s game when we entertain Balcatta.”

The hosts hit the front on seven minutes, Jon Corness cross was headed back across goal by Luke Palmateer, and Sean McManus fired home at the back post. They added a second eight minutes later, Declan Hughes’ free kick picked out Palmateer, his header was parried by Seb Medica, and Ollie La Galia fired home the rebound. Bayswater were on fire, and they found a third just before the half hour, McManus crossing for Teece to score, and it looked game over. But Armadale found a lifeline in the opening minute of the second half, Amir Ajan’s in swinging corner beat everyone. But Bayswater quashed any comeback, by adding a fourth on 54 minutes, Corness’ free kick from the right wasn’t dealt with and Teece fired home from close-range.

In the other Thursday evening game Perth SC and Floreat Athena have fought out a 2-2 draw in the City of Vincent Cup clash at Dorrien Gardens, with the ten-men visitors scoring deep into stoppage time to earn a point. “It was a very tough game for us considering we were down to 10 men, but we battled through, worked hard and got the reward,” Floreat skipper Noah Shamaki said. “We will be looking at building on that next week.” The visitors found the opener on six minutes, after referee Michal Jasinski pointed to the spot, and Noah Shamaki sent Mark Birighitti the wrong way from the resulting penalty. But Floreat were reduced to ten men on the half hour, with Ali Mohamed receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Ethan Banks.

Floreat held firm until six minutes from time, when the hosts found the equaliser six minutes from time, David Ninkovich’s ball into the box wasn’t cleared and substitute Sean OConnor fired home. It looked like the home side had won it three minutes into stoppage time, Banks’ teasing cross from the right was headed home by Gordon Perkins. But there was twist in the tale, and in the tenth minute of stoppage time Floreat restored parity. Substitute Jack Sprigg made space down the right, and his cross hit the unfortunate Sami Riak, the ball looping up over Birighitti to give the ten men a share of the spoils.

In the State League Division One game on Thursday evening, league leaders Gwelup Croatia have made it four straight wins after a 3-0 win against Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval. “We knew it would be a tough game, Thursday night under lights teams, are always up for it, but overall, it was a great win,” Gwelup’s Matthew Lenzo said. “I thought we controlled the game quite well and created loads of chances, and in the second half we did well to take our chances and put the game to bed early on.

The hosts, who were searching for their win of the season, found themselves behind on 27 minutes. Gwelup were gifted the opener, a poor clearance from Daniel Marques went straight to Jack Bardsley who fired home. Basil Lenzo’s side doubled their advantage early in the second half, great work by skipper Matthew Henry, his quick feet saw him beat his marker and he curled home superbly from the edge of the box. The points were sealed on the hour, when they added a third. Bardsley crossing from the left and Christos Vaenas made no mistake.

18.4.2025

NPL-WA ROUND FIVE - PREVIEW

After last week’s Hahn Australia Cup round, we’re back on to league action this week, and our week five NPL M ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to the RedStar Arena in Joondalup on Saturday afternoon, where Perth Glory will look to keep their unbeaten start to the season going, when they take on Perth RedStar (3:00pm). The hosts sit fifth, with only one win this season, but will go into the game full of confidence after beating Olympic last time out, while Glory are second and scored 15 goals in their four games, the best in the league, and with both sides having players who have played for both teams, this one should be a thriller.

The last time the two sides played at the venue, was in week 19 last season, when the hosts ran out 2-1 winners. A tight first half saw both sides have their chances, but in the final minute it was the hosts who hit the front, Declan Hughes’ corner was volleyed home by skipper Blair Govan at the back post. But Glory were level on 69 minutes, the lively Khoa Ngo raced down the right and cut the ball back to Adam Bugarija, who finished clinically. But two minutes later RedStar found the winner. Daryl Nicol’s cross from the right was turned goalward by Sonny O’Shea, Cameron Cook saved well, but Matthew George pounced on the rebound to fire home.

Glory, who have former RedStar players Giovanni De Abreu, Alfie Knight, Khoa Ngo, Jhett Warner and Kaelan Majekodunmi in their NPL squad this season, have started well, their only blemish was in 2-2 draw in round three at Sorrento, and head coach Joe Heath has been delighted the way his young side have started the season. “The lads seem to have responded to us coming in [as coaches] and look like they are playing with freedom and confidence, that’s the way I want them to play,” Heath told the Glory website. “I want them to go out and express themselves on the pitch, while obviously being disciplined when they’re not in possession. There’s a lot of talent in this group and I’d like to see a lot of them push on. It’s a good group of players to be working with and I feel privileged to be working with them.”

Heath said Saturday is a challenging game against a good RedStar side, in the first of three consecutive away trips for Glory, but they are looking forward to it. “It’ll be a good test for them,” he said. “We’ve got some young lads in there, 16, 17, 18-year-olds, so it’s good for them to go and play at these places. I’m hoping that after these three away games, it’ll start to show a bit more of a true reflection of where they’re at as a group.”

RedStar skipper Bliar Govan said their last league game was a deserved win against Champions Olympic, and they will look to continue that on Saturday against a good Glory side. “Our last league game was a great team performance against the unbeaten Kingsway, and I thought we executed the plan that was set in place and took the chances when we had them,” the big defender explained. “I thought we defended really well from the front and the work rate was where we expect it to be, so really pleased the performance and the result.”

Govan said Glory arrive in good form, and with a number of RedStar players having played for Glory in the past, he’s sure some will have a point to prove. “Yes, Liam (Reddy), Joel Chianese) and Luke (Bodnar) all had fantastic careers with Glory and they served the club really well. We also have some younger boys who were involved with the Glory, the likes of Daniel Walsh, Nick Walsh, Matthew George, Theo & Ollie Leeming and Luca Iovene, so I’m sure they will feel like they have a point to prove,” he said. “They (Glory) have started the season really well and have been scoring plenty of goals. We are looking forward to it, we have to bounce back from the cup defeat. It will be a tough game no matter what team they put out so we will have to be at our best I’m sure but if we play the way we know we can then hopefully that will get us a win.”

RedStar head coach Callum Salmon, who was part of the Glory academy set up from 2010-2019, is expecting another tough clash against his former club. “Looking forward to the challenge, Glory are always a difficult team to play, generally they have a few players on pro contracts in the team (usually from over east) and presents a tough game with many ex-Redstar/ECU Jnrs in their squad,” he explained. “I’m sure it will be a close game, like years gone by, and we’re aiming to fight hard for the three points.”

The round starts tonight, with two games on Good Friday Eve. First league leaders Bayswater City welcome Armadale to Frank Drago Reserve. (7:00pm) Matthew Sparrow’s tenure at City couldn’t have got off to a better start, winning all their games and topping the table season, while it’s a return to his old stomping ground for Armadale coach Alun Vernals, and his side have won back-to-back games, and are still unbeaten in the competition, so it sets up a tight affair. In the other Thursday game Floreat Athena travel to Dorrien Gardens in the City of Vincent Cup to take on Perth SC. (7:00pm) The Azzurri are also unbeaten, sitting third and they have been impressive so far this season, but on the other hand Floreat sit bottom of the table, still searching for their first win of the season, but they will be buoyed after last week cup win at RedStar.

On Saturday all games kick off at 3:00pm). Champions Olympic Kingsway will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against RedStar, when they welcome Western Knights to Kingsway Reserve, while Sorrento go in search of their first win of the season, when they visit Hilton Park to take on Fremantle City. The final game takes us to the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, when hosts Balcatta Etna entertains Stirling Macedonia in the local derby. (3:00pm) Both sides made it into the hat for the next round of the cup with wins last week, but both have struggled in the league this season. The hosts with one win, while the visitors are still searching for their first win of the new season, so three points and bragging rights in the derby is massive for both.

18.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

Our week four Division One ‘Match of the Round’ is between two teams who are yet to play at home so far this season, with Gosnells City hosting Kalamunda City in a local derby at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm unless stated) Gosnells do return home this week, after their home ground has been unavailable due to pitch maintenance, while Kalamunda’s home ground at Maida Vale Reserve has also been unavailable, and have moved to Sutherlands Park for the season, and they will hopefully play their next week, so with both grounds in the City of Gosnells, it’s a new derby for both sides. The home side sit seventh, and Peter Allen’s side has made a steady start to the season and the win at Mandurah in the last round shows they can mix it with the best, while Kalamunda are unbeaten and sit third, a great start for new coach Maxi Van Ravensteyn.

Kalamunda coach said it’s been tough playing on the road, but they knew this before the start of the season and have prepared accordingly. “Yes, we knew that would be the case and we have mentally prepared to play all year away,” Van Ravensteyn said. “The grounds at Kalamunda are under construction, there is a big development happening which is great for the club’s future. We were lucky to secure Sutherlands Park as our home ground for this year, but we can’t access it, we can’t train there, so in our minds we are preparing to play away all season, but hopefully it will change.”

The homeless club haven’t let the problem affect them, and are unbeaten, the latest result a hard-fought win at Inglewood, and the coach was delighted with the performance. “Inglewood was a tough match, we could have scored a second goal and managed the game better, but they have experienced players and didn’t let us follow our game plan,” Van Ravensteyn explained. “The game became too physical and not really fun to watch. I think this will be a very competitive year and all teams can take points from anyone. The cup game last week gave us even more confidence, especially for our strikers since it is the first game we could score three goals.”

As the coach said, all games in the league are tough, and he knows Saturday’s trip to Gosnells will also be challenge. “Gosnells will be our most difficult game so far, I have watched all their games and they have a solid team, it’s difficult to play all games away, especially against Dianella, Gwelup and Mandurah, so I don’t think their results are a true reflection of who they are, we are ready to face a strong team,” he said. “They will have their people with them this Saturday, which will definitely play a big role, but as always we will try to play our best football.”

Gosnells coach Peter Allen said it will be nice to get back home, but he has been pleased how his side performed in a tough start to the season. “Yes, when we saw the fixtures at the start of the season, we definitely wouldn’t have picked being away to Dianella, Gwelup and Mandurah,” he said. “But as the old saying goes you play everyone twice so we just got on with it and give it our best shot. But to be at home finally is great, and the pitch is in great condition, so the lads are rearing to go.”

Allen said Kalamunda have been impressive this season, so he knows it will be challenge, but they have taken great confidence from their win at Mandurah in the last round. “After back-to-back defeats on the road, beating Mandurah away was a great result, and the battling performance was great to see, but we’re under no illusions each game is another test there are no easy games in this division,” he explained. “Hats off to Kalamunda, their start has been great and they’ve climbed through the leagues so I’m not surprised. But we will be up for the challenge and playing in front of our members and supporters, we will be aiming to show that Gozzy fighting spirit come Saturday.”

The round starts tonight when league leaders Gwelup Croatia travel to Edinburgh Oval to take on bottom of the table Curtin University. (8:30pm) Basil Lenzo’s side have opened the season well winning their opening three games, the latest against UWA in the last round, while it’s been back-to-back defeats to start the season for Troy Reid’s side, and they will look to turn that around in this one. In the other Saturday games Mandurah City will go in search of their first win, when they welcome Murdoch University Melville to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, while UWA Nedlands will be hoping to put the loss on the last round, and their Australia Cup exit behind them, when they entertain Inglewood United at the UWA Sports Park, the visitors still searching for a first win of the season since relegation from the NPL. Dianella White Eagles have also won their opening three games and will look for a fourth when they travel to Rosalie Park to take on Subiaco AFC, who will be buoyed by their cup win at Sorrento last week, while in the late game is at Chichester Park, Kingsley Westside entertains Joondalup City. (6:00pm)

18.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

It’s week four of the State Division Two, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is between two sides who have made a good start to the season, with fourth place Carramar Shamrock Rovers entertaining fifth placed Wanneroo City at Grandis Park on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm unless stated) The hosts are coming off a hard-fought win against Wembley last week, to keep their perfect start on home soil intact, while Wanneroo will be in confident mood after their win on the road at Swan in round three, so with both sides in good form this should be a great contest.

Last time they met at the venue was in week ten last season, with Wanneroo leaving with all three points after a 2-1 win. The visitors found the opener in the last minute of the first half, after Montee Benjamin broke behind the Carramar defence and looped a shot from a tight angle over the keeper. But Rovers were level early in the second half, Daniel Airns converting from the spot. But the Roos won it just after the hour mark, Jordan Rowe drove into the box and cut a ball back to Boas Mtwale who slotted home.

Wanneroo City skipper Kane Fitch, said the win at Swan was vital, especially after their loss at Cockburn, but he knows they need to start games better. “It was important for us to bounce back from a loss as that was something we couldn’t do last season,” the skipper said. “But it’s the second time this season already we’ve had to come back from 2-0 down, so we know we’ve got the boys there that can win us games we’ve just got to start games better and not give ourselves a mountain to climb every week. But it’s good nonetheless to have six points on the board so early.”

It's a new look Wanneroo side this season, and Fitch said they are building nicely, and they are relishing Saturday’s trip. “I think we’ve recruited really well this off season, as have a lot of other clubs. I think what Howard and Dean have done really well, is to build on a strong core which we had here last season and add some real quality but also proven winners to the team which as you can see from our results has paid dividends already,” the defender explained. “We’re looking forward to Saturday’s game, they’re really effective at their way of playing and the results have shown that this season. However, we know we’ve got as much quality in our squad as anyone in this league and I’m confident if we turn up for 90 minutes our quality will shine through and we’ll get the result we need.”

Rovers also bounced back from defeat in the previous round, beating Wembley Downs, and coach Adam Walsh said they deserved more from the loss at Cockburn, but he is really happy how the younger players are performing. “The game against Cockburn, especially in the first half, showed that we can compete with anyone in Division Two, but in the second half, the sending off and two penalty decisions against us cost us the game,” he said. “The following week, we prepared for a well drilled Wembley in training and we took the game to them. Young Griffin Sture was outstanding along with the rest of the boys and we got the three points thankfully.”

There have been some off-field issues at the club, but Walsh said they are focused on the pitch, and all their teams have made a good start to the season. “We have a really good core of lads who have been with the club for a long time through reserves and first team, so we didn't focus on any off-field issues we just focused on getting the three teams working hard to win football matches,” the coach explained. “Hopefully we can continue to show this throughout the season. There's a good feeling around the squads at the moment which is really pleasing.”

Walsh said the club are determined to improve from last season, where they nearly got relegated, and Saturday is a good test, with Wanneroo added some quality to their squad this season, so it will be a tough game, but he knows if their players give it their all they will give them a good contest. “The Wanneroo game was always a big game and with their new additions they will be dangerous. We have added to our squad with some quality so hopefully it's a good contest,” he said. “All we can do as coaches is try our best to get the lads to give 100% in every game and to make sure we don't end up where we did last year.’

In the other games this week, league leaders East Perth make the trip to the Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park to take on Forrestfield United, who will look for their first win of the new season. Colm Costello’s side, who just missed out on promotion last season, bounced back with two wins after defeat in the season opener, while Daryl Platten’s will look to bounce back after they loss to Balga at home last week. Second placed Cockburn City travel to Princess Road Reserve to take on Balga, while Canning City welcome Swan United to Burrendah Park. Ashfield will go in search of their first win of the season, when they host Rockingham City at the Paintseal Arean, Ashfield Reserve, while in the late game Wembley Downs entertain Quinns at Butlers Park. (5:00pm)

18.4.2025

HAHN AUSTRALUA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE DRAW AND GLORY HIT THE ROAD

After a thrilling Hahn Australia Cup (WA) Round Four, the draw for Round Five was made on Tuesday afternoon at the Football West headquarters, while Perth Glory will hit the road to Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park, in their Playoff game. The Playoffs feature the bottom four clubs Isuzu Ute A-League, and the two victorious teams will qualify for the Round of 32. Glory’s game is scheduled to take place on either Tuesday 13 May or Wednesday 14 May.

In the WA stage, we have eight NPL clubs, six State League Division One, and two Division Two clubs left in the competition. The next round will be played between May 2nd – 4th, and we are guaranteed two State League side in the next round. Subiaco, who stunned NPL side Sorrento in the last round, head to Grandis Park to meet Kalamunda City, while Murdoch University Melville travel to Burrendah Reserve to take on Canning City, who are in the draw after UWA Nedlands breached competition rules last week, although the club are appealing this decision.

We have two all-NPL ties, with holders Olympic Kingsway hosting Perth Sc at Kingsway Reserve, while Floreat Athena welcome Balcatta Etna to E&D Litis Stadium. Division Two club Quinns, who upset Gosnells City in the last round, travel to Frank Drago Reserve to take on NPL leaders Bayswater City, while Kingsley Westside, who ended the run of Football Margarat River, travel to Macedonia Park to take on Stirling Macedonia. FULL DRAW: Stirling Macedonia v Kingsley Westside, Kalamunda City v Subiaco, Bayswater City v Quinns, Olympic Kingsway v Perth SC, Inglewood United v Fremantle City, Floreat Athena v Balcatta Etna, Canning City v Murdoch University Melville, Western Knights v Curtin University

18.4.2025

GLORY HOPING TO END SEASON ON A HIGH

Perth Glory will be aiming to end the season on high on Friday evening at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, but they face a tough test, with visitors Melbourne City only needing a draw to seal the 2024-25 Ninja A-League Premiers Plate. Glory’s finals hopes were eliminated last week against Sydney FC, a game Head Coach Stephen Peters thought they deserved more, and was disappointing after a crude challenge on skipper Izzy Dalton earlier in the second half went unpunished.

“We were quite pleased with the way we played, and we know we had a couple of chances to win it late ourselves, so to not do that and then cop the goal was a little bit frustrating, and it hurt us on the day,” Peters explained. “But with a little bit of reflection, everyone can see we probably deserved a little bit more from that game, and by a little bit, I mean a lot more, and we’re quite pleased with the style of football we played and the approach we had. The challenge on Izzy could have been pretty bad – and by bad, I mean a broken leg. It’s hard to justify how it goes unpunished, but she’s got some pretty bad grazes on her leg and some bruising. She’ll probably wear a bit of padding and get on with it, I’d say.”

Peters said Saturday’s opponents have been consistent this season, but he doesn’t want a repeat of last season, when City won the title in WA. “Melbourne City is a team that everyone has a lot of respect for, the quality that they possess. They won the Premiership in Perth last year, so we want to not let history repeat itself, we want to try and spoil the party,” he said. “They are definitely going to want to put it to bed early because they want to control the game…we’ve got to be really ready for that.

“Holly McNamara is a brilliant player – we have to be ready for her, Speckmaier, Pollicina, McKenna, Bosch – good side, and they’ve rotated two starting elevens all season, so a nice position to be in. We’re going to try to take the game to them and do what we’ve done at Sam Kerr (Football Centre) in every game, which is try to bring the crowd into it and make an entertaining game, and hopefully, we can put a couple of goals in and take the three points and keep the fans happy.”

That last game was in week 22 last season, when in front of 1,314 supporters at Macedonia Park, City sealed the tile after a narrow 2-1 win. It was the final game for Glory skipper Natasha Rigby, but Rhianna Pollicina gave the visitors the lead after only eight minutes, and Shelby McMahon doubled their advantage in the final minute to spoil her finale. Glory did pull one back in stoppage time, with Tanika Lala on target, but it was too little too late.

Peters is hopeful keeper Casey Dumont will be in contention to play, after missing the 0-1 defeat in Sydney, while teenage midfielder Ella Abdul-Massih is also hoping to get back into the starting lineup, after returning from the bench last week. The former Western Sydney Wanderers said they are determined to build on the positives from last week.

“We thought, collectively, it was a very good game. We were happy with our performance in that game. There were some controversial calls, but all round, we were happy with the performance, and we want to bring that into this weekend,” the midfielder explained. “They obviously haven’t lost a game all season, so that brings us a bit more fire to be the only team in the league that can hopefully beat them. They are a great team…first game of the season we played them, and we were in the lead, so going into this game, it would be great to beat them, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Injuries have hit the NSW midfielder hard since her move from NPL club NWS Spirit FC, where she second nine goals, but she has learnt a great deal over in the west. “It’s been difficult, it’s a mental game as well. I’ve played three seasons and I’ve never had as many injuries as I’ve had this one season, so it’s definitely been hard, and it hasn’t been little injuries,” Abdul-Massih said. “It’s been a few weeks out, a month out, a month and a half out, so it’s been difficult building connections and consistency in games, so when you haven’t played for a month and a bit and then play, it makes it difficult.

“I’ve learned a lot on the field and off the field. Off the field, living by myself without my family – there’s seven of us at home, and now it’s just me and my cousin, so that’s a big difference. On the field, I’ve learned so much having Stephen (Peters) and Tiana (Gauci), I’ve found we try to play more football. Where I’ve been previously, we’ve been a bit more direct. But I do like the football style that we’ve been trying to incorporate into our game (in Perth).”

16.4.2025

ZDRILIC TO GET EXTRAS SUPPORT FROM GLORY BOARD

Chairman Ross Pelligra says Perth Glory’s underperforming football department will have a beefed-up support system and added resources after his public backing of coach David Zdrilic. It came as Socceroos great Vince Grella, who serves as a club director, warned there needed to be drastic improvements in performance next season.

Pelligra and Grella attended training this week, just days after Pelligra gave his public backing to Zdrilic amid the club staring down the prospect of a second consecutive wooden spoon. For Grella, who serves as chief executive of Serie C side Catania FC - also owned by Pelligra - it was his first visit since Glory were purchased by the property development magnate.

Fans have criticised Zdrilic for poor performances throughout the season, which has seen Glory win just three of 25 games, while director of football Stan Lazaridis was lambasted by supporters after several pre-season signings under-performed or failed to hit the mark at all.

However, Pelligra backed the pair to continue in their roles, acknowledging the board was satisfied with Zdrilic’s over-arching vision for the club. “We’re going to make some technical changes around strengthening up the team on-field and off-field, and we’re going to make sure we go into next season being a different team,” he said.

“I believe in what David’s doing, and so does Vince and the board. We’re going to support him. You can’t expect a person to come into a job and be a champion from day one. The advice and technical support, that we’re looking to build around him and he’s shown us his plan, myself and Vince and the vice chairman (Jason Bontempo) as well.”

Neither Pelligra nor Grella offered specifics as to what those changes would look like in terms of immediate rectification of on-field results, although both were happy with the progress made at their new headquarters in Mirrabooka.

While Grella also supported Zdrilic, he also delivered a warning that there would be few excuses moving forward if results failed to materialise. “The on-field performance of the team this year has been very ­­­under-par and not acceptable; not just for the result, but also the way we saw them play and wear the jersey, something that won’t be acceptable anymore at the club,” he said.

“From the start of the pre-season of the new season, we will not accept this type of performance and attitude. Everybody is on a little bit of borrowed time, they will have to perform and produce, otherwise they will be no longer involved in the club. We’re going to give faith to the coach. We believe we haven’t given him all of the tools for him to do his job this year, but when he receives the tools, then he will be accountable for producing consistency on the field.”

Grella, who has served as a consultant to Pelligra and the club for the past year, pledged to provide support and guidance to the club to ensure on-field success. “I’m going to try, together with the chairman, to set up some structures and some good practice to be able to manage and measure performance and make sure that everybody’s doing their bloody job - because if you don’t do your job, you’re going to be out of the club,” he said.

“We don’t ever want to finish bottom again, ever. While my name is attached to this football club, I never want to see Perth Glory anywhere near the bottom. We have to do everything in our power to make sure the team performs better, and we give them all of the knowledge and support they need so they’ll be accountable for that result.”

14.4.2025

CIRCATI MAKES SURPRISE EARLY RETURN

The Socceroos' hopes of securing World Cup qualification are set to be boosted by the return of Alessandro Circati. The 21-year old defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in late September and it seemed unlikely he would play again this season for Italian Serie A club Parma.

However, a little more than six months after suffering the injury, Circati was part of Parma's match-day squad for their weekend clash with Fiorentina. And while the former Perth SC player was an unused substitute, the signs seem positive that he will get sufficient game time between now and the end of the season to be in consideration for Australia's World Cup qualifiers in early June.

The Socceroos currently sit second in Group C of the third round of Asian qualifiers, seven points adrift of leaders Japan and three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia. Australia squares off with Japan on June 5 in Perth and five days later travel to Saudi Arabia for what could be a make-or-break encounter.

13.4.2025

NPL W – WEEK FOUR REVIEW

We have a new leader at the top of the NPL W table, with the Hyundai FW Academy leapfrogging Perth SC after a 4-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University on Sunday afternoon. The week four win maintained their perfect start to the season, and head coach Stephen Walmsley said the players are really playing well, but they were made to work hard for the win. “Credit to MUM who made it difficult for us and put in a lot of effort to defend narrow and get numbers behind the ball. We wanted to speed the game up and keep a high tempo and this helped us open the game up the longer it went on,” he explained.

“Theo Mouithys was excellent for us not only in her ability to create chances and score goals, but in her desire to help the team defensively to press the ball, stay connected to the team and react quickly in transition. We put in an accomplished performance overall, but we have to do a better job of managing the match and showing an elite mentality - high performance isn’t an on/off switch and the players need to understand that our expectations and standards have to remain high in all moments. I’m proud of the team for sticking together and fighting for each other and we’ll look to take this attitude into next week against UWA.”

The hosts were on the front foot early, but it was the Academy who opened the scoring on 25 minutes, Klaudia Houlis and Xuri Dalton combining to set up Mouithys, who made no mistake. They doubled their advantage nine minutes later, Mouithys was the supplier this time, her cross turned home from close-range by Dalton, to give them a 2-0 lead at the break. The hosts needed a good start to the second half if they were to get back into the game, but in opening minute, the Academy added a third. Lacey Heys ball into the box, and the unmarked Houlis finished well past Kaitlyn Mohan. The icing on the cake came midway through the second half, with a great team goal. Amelie Dumont broke away through the centre to feed Dalton, who sent Mouithys clear, and the winger finished with aplomb from the edge of the box.

Perth SC have lost top spot after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Subiaco AFC at Dorrien Gardens. Subiaco head coach Greg Farrell said it was good to bounce back after their performance last week. “After a poor performance last week against RedStar we needed to show a positive response and to show that we’d learned lessons,” he explained. “Perth are a very good side and with six first team regulars out, being able to select Marianna Tabain for the first time this season was a big positive.” Both sides had early chances, Chloe Taylor was sent clear by Nikayla Hughes but Perth keeper Dayle Schroder was out quick to save, before Sam Mathers cross found Daisy McAllister, who headed wide. But the Azzurri found the opener just after the half hour, Jess Flannery was fouled on the edge of the box, and Kim McCartney curled the resulting free-kick past Subiaco keeper Monique Todd.

After the break Todd was busy, making a number of fine saves to keep her side in the game, the best denying Flannery’s curling effort at full stretch. Subiaco lifted late, and the introduction of Tabain saw them find the equaliser six minutes from time. Tayna Campos and Stella Zampogna combined down the left, and the latter’s low cross was turned home by Tabain. Both sides had chances to win it late, first Perth’s Epril Nossent was denied by the alert Todd, before Tabain fired over the bar after she pounced on a loose ball, but both sides had to settle for a point.

Balcatta Etna have won back-to-back games, beating UWA Nedlands 5-1 at the UWA Sports Park. "It's been a good couple of weeks in response to our opening results, particularly with individual performances,” Balcatta head coach Peter Rakic said. “I thought we moved the ball well and had good intentions throughout the 90 minutes of football and I could see evidence of our ideas from practice put into game scenarios which is always pleasing to see. The girls are gaining confidence and I have full belief that they can drive this form into our next run of fixtures.” The visitors, who are yet to play at home this season due to the refurbishing of the clubhouse at Home Group Stadium, were ahead midway through the first half, Jamie-Lee Gale scoring after being picked out by Abbey Meakins.

They added a second, seven minutes before the break, Zoee Spadano’s stunning free kick gave Janina Sauer no chance. Then in the shadows of half time it was 3-0, Rachel Jarvis’ low cross found Gale at the back post to score. Gale completed her hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining, racing in goal after a slide rule pass from the impressive Spadano, before rounding the goalkeeper to score. The hosts found a consolation goal ten minutes later, Chloe Rodrigo was fouled by Mia Hargreaves in the box and Samara Riches converted from the resulting penalty. But Meakins made it 5-1 in the final minute, curling calmly into the bottom corner, after being been found by substitute Jamie Duncanson.

In the final game Fremantle City have returned from the RedStar Arean in Joondalup with a point after a 0-0 draw with Perth RedStar. “It was a hard-fought and well-earned point on the road against a disciplined RedStar side. The girls showed great resilience and determination, with some really encouraging passages of football,” Fremantle head coach Samantha Geddes said. “I thought Gabby Dal Busco was outstanding in goal for RedStar, making several excellent saves to keep the scoreline level. I’d like to give a special mention to Macy Johnson and Ange Clayton, who both made their first-team starting debuts and stepped up with maturity and composure. The players continue to impress me with their determination to improve and their desire to keep performing better each week. It’s a great sign of the direction we’re heading.”

Fremantle were still searching for their first win of the season, and they were under the pump in the first half. Andreia Texiera went close, after a solo run her goalbound shot was blocked. They went closer before the break, when former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Doeglas saw her effort crash off the bar. Fremantle lifted after the break, and Mikayla Lyons fired wide from Leyna Wood’s cross, before being denied one-on-one by Dal Busco. The RedStar custodian then made a great save to deny Abbey Green, following good work by Erin Siah’s but both sides had to share the spoils.

13.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWO REVIEW

Kelmscott Roos have kicked started their Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division season with a big 9-1 win against Jaguar in our week two ‘Match of the Round’ at Frye Park on Sunday afternoon. Both sides were coming off draws in week one, and the game was switched as Jags home ground wasn’t available, and Kelmscott made the home ground advantage count, taking a four-goal lead in at the break.

They opened the scoring on 18 minutes, a cross from Ishmael Greywood found Amos Doegolia inside the box and he finished well. It was 2-0 on the half hour, Chad Samuel’s was brought down in the box and Isaac Koomson converted from the spot. They weren’t finished and a pass from keeper Taylor Warwick sent Chad Samuels through one-on-one with Michael Dudek, and he finished clinically. It was 4-0 moments later, Doegolia won possession and squared the ball back to Chad Samuels who finished low past Dudek.

The visitors pulled one back eight minutes into the second half with substitute Andrew Kiir scoring, but that was as good as it got for them. Kelmscott regained their four-goal advantage three minutes later, Kingsley Mteng sending Doegolia clear to score, and on the hour Josh Cortez’s free kick was turned home by substitute Justin Samuels for 6-1. Doegolia completed his hat trick moments later, finishing well after a neat through ball by Chad Samuel’s, before a fantastic long-range finish from Cortez made it 8-1. Then five minutes from time it was nine. A clearance from Dudek found Nteng on the half way line, who controlled the ball and sent it back over the keeper’s head to complete the rout.

“It was a really great overall performance from the squad. We dominated the game from the start, keeping possession in important moments and creating plenty of chances. Our front three caused all sorts of problems for the Jags defenders and keeper and were clinical at the right times,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “I thought we defended well when we needed to as well, but we know there is still plenty of stuff to improve on, but happy with the team’s overall energy and commitment to today’s game, now we forget about this game and focus on Maccabi next week.”

Morley Windmills have also won for the first time this season, coming home from Bortolo Park with a 3-0 win against Peel United. “We’re really pleased with the performance after a disappointing start last week. They (Peel) are typically a well-organized team and we had a competitive game with them in the night series. I felt that today both individually and collectively we were the better side and deserved the points on this occasion,” Morely coach Dan Evans explained. “What was most pleasing is seeing some of our training ground work pay off in specific areas however we still have a way to go to get where we feel we can be.

“For all our dominance I felt we could have created and converted more chances but three goals and a clean sheet away from home is a nice turnaround from last week. Now we have to focus on North Perth who always put in strong performances so we know that we will have to maintain our levels if we are going to get the result we want.” The visitors found the opener ten minutes before the break, a superbly taken free kick from Steven Kirk, curling into the top corner, giving Peel keeper Lendll Stoffels no chance. They doubled their advantage just after the hour mark, with Ollie Simpson’s looping header, and they sealed the points five minutes from time, substitute Fauzi Zainuddin tapping in at the back post, with his first touch after coming on.

Emerald have bounced back from last week’s loss against Olympic, beating Hamersley Rovers 2-1 at the Carine Open Space. The hosts, who opened the season with a win at Morley, were ahead just before half time with Hunter Murphy on target. Emerald levelled ten minutes into the second half, with Ryan Frankland’s 20-meter strike beating Rovers’ keeper Ahmad Rahimi. The visitors found the winner 18 minutes from time, a pinpoint cross from Kevin Hurley picking out Brendan Doherty who headed home. Rovers finished the game with ten men after Jack Wilson was shown a second yellow card.

“After last week we were very disappointed with how we performed, so we were determined to bounce back. First half we were a bit sloppy at times and conceded a poor goal, but in the second half reaction was exactly what we wanted,” Emerald coach Shane Dineen explained. “The game management and work rate from the 16 lads involved was outstanding. Good to get the first points on the board and we look forward to South Perth next weekend.”

In the final game a ten-man Kingsley Westside have played out a 1-1 draw with Maccabi at Chichester Park. “Great performance from the lads, especially going down to ten in the first half from two very soft yellows, they ground out a result and had chances to win it,” Kingsley coach Sam Ellis said. “They can be immensely proud of themselves for digging in deep. It was our best performance of the year and will take that into next week.” The home side were ahead on 11 minutes, when Jamie Kane’s corner was headed back across the box for Craig Richards to power a header home.

Maccabi levelled on 37 minutes Dion Berman’s shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Abel Thomas-Hy and he finished well. The hosts were then reduced to ten men, after Callum Russell was shown a second yellow card. Both sides had chances after the break, but Maccabi couldn’t make their numerical advantage count, with the points shared. “Much happier with our performance today, obviously not coming away with the three points against ten men is disappointing,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said. “But we did create more than enough chances, and just have to be more clinical.”

12.4.2025

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP FOURTH ROUND WA – REVIEW

We saw a number of upsets in the Hahn Australia Cup WA fourth round, the biggest seeing State League Division Two side Subiaco AFC beating NPL side Sorrento 5-3 at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The Gulls led 3-1 at the break, with Keegan Chambers scoring a double and skipper Dean Cummings adding the other, with Kaleb Morrison scoring for Subiaco. But it all changed after the break, and Morrison completed his hat-trick to bring the sides level, before Alex Coelho gave the visitors the lead, and Tarek Atta added a fifth to seal the tie. “It was definitely a game of two halves, we were slow to start and Sorrento capitalised on that, going ahead early,” Subiaco’s Daniel Dols said. “We spoke at half time about how we needed to respond and all the boys really stood up in the second half and we were able to take advantage of the momentum we had. Really great to get the win and looking forward to the next round.”

Division Two Quinns caused another upset at Stylish Park, beating Division One side Gosnells City 3-0. Ben Johns gave the hosts the lead just after the half hour, but they didn’t wrap up the tie till late. First five minutes from time Tyler Holden added a second, and Holden added his second and the sealer in the final minute. “After a slow start we got to grips with the game,” Quinns coach Nick Jennings said. “We always knew it was crucial to score the first goal, and after we took the lead, I felt we dominated, created plenty of opportunities and deserved the victory.”

The holders Olympic Kingsway moved into the next round with a comfortable 5-2 win against fellow NPL side Armadale at Kingsway Reserve. The hosts, who lost their first NPL game of the season last week at RedStar, lead 3-0 at the break with goals from Harley Orr, Tyler Garner and Jayden Gorman. Ajar Ajan pulled one back for the visitors early in the second half, but Ronan Dowling replied for Olympic. Luke Hewings made it 5-1 on the hour, with Pieter Jacobsz scoring a late consolation goal for Armadale to round out the scoring.

In the other all NPL clash, last season’s beaten finalists Perth RedStar have been eliminated, after Floreat Athena won in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, after the game ended 1-1 after extra time. With new signing Luke Bodnar in the starting line-up, the hosts found the opener on 15 minutes through Matthew George, but Floreat hit back five minutes later with Moustafa Mohamed getting in front of his marker to turn Danielo Khan’s cross from the right. In the shoot-out both keepers were magnificent, Hunter and Liam Reddy saving two penalties each, and Floreat keeper Hunter stepped up to convert the final penalty to secure the 5-4 win. “Firstly, congratulations to Josh, making crucial saves in the shootout, and scoring the winner, he’s a great guy who works so hard and deserves his moment,” Floreat assistant coach Miki Vujacic said. “Overall, it was just important to get a result, to reward our boys for some great performances so far this year. It could have gone either way if I'm honest, but please to have gone through to the next round.”

The other NPL sides moved through, after games against lower opposition. Fremantle City needed extra time to beat Division Two side East Perth 4-2 at Hilton Park. The hosts were ahead 2-0 with goals Riley Woodcock and Sam Cook, but the visitors hit back with substitute Tomas Hehir reducing the deficit, and striker Ryan McCready levelled in the final minute to send the game into extra time. But Fremantle regained the lead with Charlie Chechlacz scoring and another to Woodcock sealed the tie, and East Perth finished the game with ten men after Kealan McDermott was shown a second yellow card. Western Knights edged past Division Two side Wembley Downs, with Alex Pomeroy scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win, the hosts finished the game with ten men after Xavier Medica was sent off

At Macedonia Park, Division Two side Forrestfield United kept Stirling Macedonia at bay for 54 minutes, before Sam Dweh opened the scoring for the hosts, before two late goals from Dweh and Kade Fearnall secured the 3-0 win. It was the same at the Pro DPS Inglewood Stadium, Wembley Downs holding Balcatta Etna until the hour, but Balcatta bagged four goals after that, with Jon Stynes bagging a hat-trick and Anthony Skorich adding the fourth. There was no upset at Dorrien Gardens, with Perth SC beating Amateur Division One side Perth AFC 12-0. The visitors had Spiro Nenadic sent off in the first half, with Jamie McNelis scoring four, and doubles from Gordon Perkins, Daniel Faichney and David Ninkovich, with singles to Michael Scafetta and Thiak Kuel to seal a comprehensive win for the hosts.

In the other games, Inglewood United have beaten Gwelup Croatia 0-3 on penalties, after the game at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street ended 1-1 after extra time. Jeremie Mbe gave the hosts the lead from the spot early, but they then had Jai Rawling sent off, with a straight red card. But Inglewood levelled just after the hour, with Chad Nilson also converting from the spot. In the shoot-out Inglewood keeper Conor Hogan was the hero saving the second penalty, while the first and third were missed by the hosts, with Harry Evans, Nilson and Jordan Black scoring for Inglewood. Goals from Eddie Wynne-Willson, Gustavo Giron-Marulanda, Declan Tanna, Adam Fields and Alan Carroll gave Murdoch University Melville a 5-1 win against Amateur Division One Port Kennedy with Maxime Habanabakize scoring a late consolation for the visitors.

UWA Nedlands fought back from two-goals down to beat Canning City 4-3 in a thriller at the UWA sports Park. Early goals from Bill Orr and Alfred Moore had the visitors in control, but Kris Donnell’s side hit back and led at the break after a brace from Joseph McInnes and another to Roberto Soares. It looked game over when McInnes added a fourth to complete his hat trick, but Lee Hayward’s side had other ideas, with Shale Moothen making it 4-3, 18 minutes from time, which set up a grandstand finish. Canning’s Chris Thackrey had a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper late, but the hosts held firm to move into the next round. Kalamunda City beat Amateur Premier Division South Perth United 3-0 at Challenger Reserve. A first half goal from Ignacio Ramella saw Maxi Van Ravensteyn’s side lead at the break, and second half goals from Gaston Bazet and Carl Dias saw them progress.

In the late game on Saturday evening, the run of South West Soccer Association side, Football Margaret River has come to an end, after they were beaten 5-1 by Kingsley Westside at Chichester Park. A hat-trick from Luke Salmon led the way, with Max Adamson and Shane Hulgraine also getting on the scoresheet in an entertaining game that saw the visitors from the south-west more than hold their own in a tough game of Cup football. Angus Somerset scored the consolation goal for the visitors.

In the final game on Sunday afternoon Curtin University have survived and upset, after a 3-2 extra time win against Amateur Premier Division North Perth United at Woodville Reserve. “Credit to North Perth, they came with a game plan and played to their strengths which caused us problems,” Curtin skipper Nathan Smith said. “We kept playing our way and eventually were able to grab the win in extra time. We will take that and move on to the next round now.” The visitors found the opener with Jude Baillie on target, but Jason Winter’s side hit back with Yanich Jordan and Niall Kennedy giving the hosts the lead at the break. It looked like an upset was on the cards, by Troy Reid’s side levelled with Marcus Seydel scoring, and we were off to extra time, and it was Curtin who sealed the tie, with Seydel added his second.

North Perth coach Jason Winter was proud of his side. “The boys were brilliant today, and they did everything we asked of them before the game, and I think fitness in extra time was a big factor,” he said. “We went down early, but the lads didn’t panic and stuck together turning things around to go into half time with the lead. Curtin scored with ten minutes left to take it to extra time. We feel we could have won it in normal time with the chances we had but that’s football. Overall, really proud of the lads and their efforts.’

12.4.2025

PEARMAN DOUBLE GIVES GLORY WIN

Perth Glory gave their loyal supporters a memorable end to the home games this season, beating Adelaide United 4-1 at HBF Park on Saturday evening. First-half goals from skipper Adam Taggart and Trent Ostler had the hosts in control, but the Reds hit back before the break, with Ben Folami reducing the margin. However, Glory weren’t to be denied, and young Socceroo midfielder Jaylan Pearman scored a second-half brace—in what could be his final game for the club, with a move to the UK on the cards—to seal a comprehensive second home win of the season.

“It’s the best result of the season, and I’m really happy for the guys, because every week they’ve reset themselves. It’s been a tough season for us, and in our last game at home to show that performance and get that result, creating the chances and scoring them—I’m delighted for the lads,” said Glory head coach David Zdrilic post-match. “I thought we managed the moments better. When they scored, it was easy to think, here we go again, but we created a lot of very good chances tonight. For us to restrict them to one goal—which we gave them—was really good.”

Zdrilic made two changes to the starting XI from the side beaten by Western United last week, with Kaelan Majekodunmi replacing Tass Mourdoukoutas, while Josh Risdon returned in place of Will Freney. There was also a return to the bench for midfielder Brandon O’Neill. With club chairman Ross Pelligra in the stands, it was the visitors who started brighter, regularly finding space in the Glory midfield—but they couldn’t capitalise. Glory did, though, on 11 minutes, and what a finish it was.

Risdon’s searching ball down the right sent former Adelaide winger Nikola Mileusnic racing away. His low cross found Taggart, whose superb back-heel beat Max Vartuli for his eighth goal of the season. They added a second eight minutes later—Mileusnic picked out Pearman on the edge of the box, and he squared the ball to Ostler, who found a pocket of space and saw his shot deflected past Vartuli. Glory could’ve had a third moments later, with Mileusnic racing one-on-one with Vartuli, but the Reds' keeper stood tall to deny him.

Adelaide pulled one back on 25 minutes, with a poor touch from Risdon gifting the ball to Folami, who made no mistake firing past Oli Sail. The Glory custodian then made a smart save to thwart the lively Zac Clough as the visitors pressed for an equaliser. The whole crowd rose on 38 minutes to applaud as the club honoured Dylan Tombides and the DT38 charity. At the break, Glory held a narrow lead.

The visitors again came out strong in the second half, but they couldn’t find a way past a resolute Glory defence, with Majekodunmi and Tomislav Mrcela outstanding at the back. It was Glory who struck next—on 73 minutes, Nicholas Pennington’s cross-field ball found Pearman, whose first touch took him past his marker before he curled home superbly to the delight of the Shed and Active supporters.

Both sides went to the bench on a warm Perth evening, but it was Pearman who was having a party in his purple swansong. He nearly added another six minutes later, his dink drifting just wide. But he made no mistake moments later, wrapping up the three points with another great finish. Substitute Adam Bugarija sent the 18-year-old clear, and he finished with aplomb—low past Vartuli—before racing off to celebrate with the home faithful. Sail made a crucial save late on, getting back to scramble Dylan Pierias’ shot off the line.

The win lifts Glory off the bottom of the table with two games remaining, while the defeat makes a finals spot more difficult for Adelaide. Zdrilic praised the Glory faithful and thanked them for their support over a challenging season. “The fans here are just unbelievable, because this has not been a good season, and you would never know it from the atmosphere today,” he said. “I’m delighted for them, I’m delighted for the players, I’m delighted for the owners.”

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (27 Will FRENEY 69'), 17 Yuto MISAO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (6 Brandon O’NEILL 85'), 21 Luke AMOS (16 Adam BUGARIJA 69'), 22 Adam TAGGART (23 Patrick WOOD 85'), 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (26 Khoa NGO 90+2'), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomislav MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI

Adelaide United: GK Max VARTULI, 4 Jordan ELSEY, 6 Stefan MAUK, 10 Zach CLOUGH (19 Yaya DUKULY 60'), 12 Jonny YULL (9 Luka JOVANOVIC, 60'), 17 Ben FOLAMI (44 Ryan WHITE 82'), 20 Dylan PIERIAS, 21 Javi LÓPEZ, 26 Archie GOODWIN, 51 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 55 Ethan ALAGICH (8 ISAÍAS, 90+2') - Subs not used: RGK James DELIANOV, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 14 Jay BARNETT - Attendance: 5,986 - Referee: Sam Kelly

12.4.2025

GLORY FINALS HOPE END IN SYDNEY

Perth Glory’s finals hopes are over for the season after a last-minute goal from Princess Ibini gave Sydney FC a 1-0 win in the Week 22 Ninja A-League clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both sides knew a win was vital to keep their slim chances of a finals spot alive, but Ibini’s stunning strike proved decisive—although she was fortunate to still be on the pitch after a studs-up tackle on Glory skipper Izzy Dalton midway through the second half. The win keeps the Sky Blues’ finals hopes alive and maintains their record of qualifying for finals football in every season of the competition’s history.

Head Coach Stephen Peters made three changes to the side that lost to Canberra United last week, with Miranda Templeman replacing the injured Casey Dumont, Susan Phonsongkham coming in for Kelli Brown, and Charli Wainwright replacing Natalie Tathem. The hosts started brightly, and in the sixth minute Indiana Dos Santos’ corner found Tori Tumeth, whose goalbound shot was cleared away by the alert Sarah O’Donoghue. Three minutes later, Mackenzie Hawkesby’s effort from the edge of the box was pushed away by Templeman.

Glory responded nine minutes before half-time. Susan Phonsongkham found space down the left and cut the ball back to O’Donoghue, who swept a first-time shot into the side netting. Early in the second half, Glory had a penalty shout when Phonsongkham’s cross from the right looked for Ella Abdul-Massih in the box, who appeared to be impeded by Tumeth, but referee Sarah Jones waved away the protests.

In the 63rd minute, substitute Ibini’s poor first touch led to a nasty-looking challenge on Dalton. Replays showed she was lucky not to receive a red card. With their season slipping away, the Sky Blues brought on former Glory striker Millie Farrow, who quickly made an impact. She beat two Glory defenders before finding fellow substitute Shea Connors, whose shot was well saved by the alert Templeman.

Glory continued to push forward. Half-time substitute Ella Abdul-Massih had a deflected shot go wide, but their best chance came five minutes from time. Phonsongkham broke free from O’Donoghue’s through ball, cut inside Tumeth, but her shot was saved by Sky Blues keeper Jasmine Black with her feet. However, in the final minute, the hosts snatched victory. Indiana Dos Santos’ cross from the right found Ibini, who took a touch and finished clinically past Templeman to seal the win.

Sydney FC: GK Jasmine BLACK, 3 Faye BRYSON, 4 Tori TUMETH, 12 Natalie TOBIN, 14 Abbey LEMON, 15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY (23 Rubi SULLIVAN 86'), 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 21 Lucy JOHNSON (20 Princess IBIN 46'), 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS, 24 Caley TALLON-HENNIKER (9 Shea CONNORS 36'), 26 Maddie CASPERS (7 Millie FARROW 61') - Subs not used: RGK Beth MASON-JONES

Perth Glory: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY (2 Mischa ANDERSON 89'), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (25 Ella LINCOLN 89'), 23 Izzy DALTON, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 46'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Jessica SKINNER, 22 Ischia BROOKING – Attendance: 2,481 - Referee: Sarah Jones

12.4.2025

ODDS STACKING UP AGAINST KERR

Samantha Kerr faces a race against time to feature in Chelsea's end-of-season push for four trophies with the English champions reporting the injured Matildas' captain is still "a few weeks" away from being ready. With the Blues set to embark on a punishing schedule as they seek to add the Women's Super League, FA Cup and Champions League crowns to the League Cup they've already pocketed, manager Sonia Bompastor had frustrating news on Friday for fans desperate to see their star striker back.

Bompastor reckoned it had been a key step for Kerr to join up with her Matildas teammates back in Australia during the international break after what's been a trying time off the field for Kerr. "It was really important for her," said Bompastor. "First of all, mentally, because she had the chance to be around the national team, which is really important for her, and also she could see her family, which is really nice to have the opportunity to do."

But as for Kerr's return to action, it's now been 14 months since she suffered her ACL injury on a training camp and Bompastor admitted: "We're still a few weeks away from Sam returning fully on the pitch, so it's difficult to put a timeframe on it." That forecast suggests it may not be before the end of April that Kerr could return, by which time there would only be three weeks of the domestic season left and, should Chelsea qualify, the FA Cup final on May 17.

11.4.2025

CITY SEAL CUP WIN AGAINST BALGA

Bayswater City are the first side into the Hahn Australia Cup WA fifth-round, after a 3-0 win against Balga in the fourth-round tie at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening. First half goals from Gordon Smith and Pat Loughrey set them on their way, before Chris Jackson converted from the spot after half time to seal the tie. “Overall, it was a satisfying win, credit to Balga they made it difficult for us at times, but I thought it was a professional performance from us and in the end, we should have scored a few more but we’ve kept another clean sheet which was pleasing,” Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow explained. “The boys can enjoy their weekend off, then it’s back to business next week when we welcome Armadale next Thursday night which I’m sure will be a cracker.”

The hosts found the opener on 15 minutes, a neat move down the right found Cameron Teece, his cross was only cleared as far as Smith, and the skipper made no mistake. Balga were tight and compact at the back and had a few half chances to level, but it was City who doubled their advantage six minutes from the break, with Loughrey firing home from close-range. The hosts created a number of chances after the break, but failed to take them, and Balga should have pulled one back late, but substitute Bai Bosque-Hamilton failed to hit the target when well placed. But Bayswater sealed the tie six minutes from time, after Jackson was brought down in the box, and the striker picked himself up to fire home the resulting penalty. “Good to progress into the next round we knew Balga would sit in and try and frustrate, so it was a case of being patient with the ball and taking our early chances when they came. In the end it could’ve been a lot more but that’s three clean sheets on the bounce and minutes in the legs for the boys who haven’t had as much minutes.”

Balga coach Gerhard Janssen was pleased with his side’s performance on the night. “Bayswater was the expected tough draw for us, and we were under pressure early, and it took time for us, with the players nervousness,” he explained. “We kept playing forward and created a lot of half chances, but the difference was that Bayswater took their two, and the lead for Bayswater was deserved. In the second half, we played more attacking and it was a very brave performance and all our pressing would have paid off but we didn’t take our best chance from Bai, but this was the difference between the two teams on the night. A few minutes later they scored a third which buried all our hopes. It was a learning curve for our team and we will take a lot of it positive into our season. But credit to my colleague’s team, which is clearly in comparison the best team in Western Australia at the moment.”

Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Pat Loughrey, 8 Gordon Smith, 11 Cameron Teece (13 Gyles Davies 46’) (10 Jason Mirco 70’), 12 Anthony Bafobusha, 14 Oliver La Galia (17 Charlie Garnham 46’), 15 Jackson Stephens, 18 Chris Jackson, 22 Phillip Radeski, 30 Thomas Southgate (16 Jon Corness 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Taylor Rae, 6 Declan Hughes

Balga: GK Jason Madureira, 2 Cian Guest, 4 Menghoung Chroek, 7 Galey Zangpo (14 Rommie Banda 60’), 8 Karl Maluga, 10 Bleron Mamudi (20 Nicholas Bahr Pike 60’), 11 Christian Vest (16 Bai Bosque-Hamilton 72’), 13 Tenzin Norbu, 15 Silver Alex Kelder, 17 Luke Christie (6 Takumi Kambai 72’), 18 Seamus Edwards (3 Martin Gorong 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Darcy Taylor

11.4.2025

NPL W – ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

Week four of the NPL W kicks off on Sunday afternoon, with Perth SC leading the way on top of the table with three straight wins, and this week they host Subiaco AFC at Dorrien Gardens. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Subiaco arrives in fifth spot on the ladder, with Greg Farrell’s side having won one and lost one, while Tom Glavovic’s side sit level on points with the Hyundai FW Academy, ahead on goal difference, and midfielder Daisy McAllister said the league is so competitive this season, and they had to work hard to overcome UWA last week.

“We came into the game against UWA acknowledging that they were a side that can't be underestimated. They have gone up early against the top teams so far in the season, just as they did in our initial game against them in night series,” McAllister said. “Every game so far of the season has just proven how much this league has developed. There have been some great competitive matches which is super exciting to see, and I can't wait to watch how this season is going to play out. UWA managed two solid chances in the first five minutes in the game last week, which after these scares we knew we had to work harder to establish a lead. Some great team goals and individual performances from the girls allowed us to deliver another strong performance with the 4-0 win.”

McAllister said they have worked extremely hard in pre-season and they are now getting the rewards. “The team is now looking to extend to our fourth straight win, which the start of the season is nothing short of a testament to how hard we worked to be able to hit the ground running in the form we have,” the midfielder explained. “Subiaco are a great tactical and physical side so the girls are ready for an exciting game. It will also be great to be back at Dorrien Gardens after the last two weeks on the road. Ultimately, we are super determined to continue to develop with each game, especially with some big opponents in the coming weeks.”

In other games in week four, the Hyundai FW Academy travels to the Besteam Stadium to take on Murdoch University Melville. The academy youngsters have also made a great start under new coach Stephen Walmsley, while the hosts are will go in search of their first win of the season. Balcatta Etna won their first game of the season last week at MUMFC, and will look to maintain their winning run when they visit the UWA Sports Park to take on UWA Nedlands, who are still searching for their first win of the campaign. Frankie Murray bagged a brace in the win and she said it’s great for the group to get their season up and running. “Yes, great to get the first win of the season. I feel we controlled the game well, held possession of the ball and it was our day for set pieces,” Murray explained. “UWA have been growing as a team so it will be a tough game but it’s a game we are ready for. We are going to bring the momentum from the MUM game and hopefully get another win.’

In the final game Perth RedStar welcome Fremantle City to the RedStar Arena in Joondalup. The hosts sit third after last weeks win against Subiaco, while Fremantle are sixth, and still looking for their first win of the season. The port side have played three of the top four teams so far, and have been close in every game, and skipper Annabelle Leek said it doesn’t get any easier with a trip the champions, but they are ready for the challenge. “We’ve had a tough run of fixtures to start the season but every game presents an opportunity to learn,” the defender explained. “I think we’ve been very competitive so far, there’s just still a few aspects of our game that we’d like to fine tune. This week’s fixture against RedStar will be another big challenge for us. We need to back ourselves and move the ball around confidently, like we know we can. It’s always a difficult fixture but we’re more than ready, and are looking to get some more points on the board heading into the rest of the first rotation of games.

11.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATUER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWO PREVIEW

It’s week two of the Belt- Up Amateur Premier Division, and it’s a shortened round, with two clubs, South Perth United and North Perth United, involved in the Hahn Australia Cup fourth round, so their home games against Olympic Kingsway and North Beach have both postponed, to be played at a later date. In our ‘Match of the Round’, we head to Frye Park where Kelmscott Roos hosts Jaguar. (All games kick off a 3:00pm) Both sides are coming off draws last week, Jags coming from three goals down to draw 4-4 at Kingsley, while the Roos also had to come from behind, to draw 2-2 at home, so both will be doing all they can to kick start their season.

The last time they met at the venue was in round 14 last season, when they played out a 1-1 draw. It was the visitors who found the opener just after the hour, Jared Lange heading home at the back post from a corner. It looked like they would be the winner, but four minutes from time Jaguar levelled, Paul Sopp racing one-on-one with Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick to give both sides a share of the spoils.

Jaguar new coach Syakir Shariff said he was delighted with the players fighting spirit last week at Kingsley, to earn a point, and he believes they will need more of the same on Sunday. “Yes, it was great to come back, to get a point out of the game, although I was still disappointing going down 3-0 early. But it’s to be expected with a relatively whole new squad, but to score four goals in the second is massive, hopefully the boys can carry it on for the coming weeks,’ he explained. “We’re looking forward to Sunday game, they’re always a very well-equipped team, should be a good challenge for the boys but will be up for it, as the games come will get more and more familiar with each other and hopefully only up from here.’

Kelmscott coach Richard Changadzo thought last week was a fair result, but he has been happy with the squad’s effort in the game and preseason and first game. “I thought it was a fair result for both teams, who played some good football in patches. I respected the result and we as a squad learn from it. South Perth have recruited well and I know Richie will always be pushing his boys and they will always be a tough opponent. We prepared well in pre-season and had a few good games in the night series,” the coach explained.

“It’s a whole new squad, a mixture of youth and a few tried and tested at this level. Derek and myself are still working on getting the squad to gel and at the same time making them understand the system. We will need a few games for that to show and hopefully everyone involved in the process will be patient. It will be a very competitive league this season and a good challenge for our squad to go a step better than last season.”

Changadzo said Sunday will another stern test, against a good Jags side. “Playing Jaguar is always a tricky encounter with the pace they present in attack and resilience in defence as they demonstrated in their fixture last week in their comeback. The game has been moved to Frye Park due the unavailability of Jaguar’s ground, so it will be good for our boys to have another game on home turf and hopefully come off with a win,” he said. “We have a few more players available this week, who did not take part last week due to various reasons, giving us more selection headaches. I’m sure It will be an exciting and pacey encounter with players still fresh from preseason and both teams will be urging for a win after last week’s results.”

In other games Hamersley Rovers will be buoyed by their win at Morley last week, and this week they welcome Night series winners Emerald to Carine Open Space. “I was really pleased with the Morley result we looked strong in all areas and it was a great start to our season,” Hamersley coach Nigel Smith said. “Sunday will be another challenge, but if we match Emerald, physically and mentally this could be a great game to watch. I’m looking forward to the game these are the games you want to play in and prove yourself as a player and as a coach. So hopefully we don’t get the backlash of Emerald after their loss last week, but the lads have trained well this week and we’re ready for the challenge.”

Maccabi will look to bounce back after their loss in the opening round, when they visit Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside. The host let a 3-0 slip to draw against Jags, and will also look to get their season kick started. “It was certainly hard to take the draw after the position we were in at half time. We played some great football in the first half and we just need to work on our mentality around closing games out,’ Kingsley coach Sam Ellis said.

“There were still plenty of positives to take away and we learnt a lot as a group. We’ll aim to put that right this week. We’ve worked hard at training this week and come into the game well prepared. I’ll be looking for a response from last week and a couple of injuries give lads coming in the chance to impress and keep their spots. We know this is going to be a tough league and there are no easy games this season. We just have to focus on ourselves and our process and that will hopefully get us the result. Maccabi will be a test but I’m confident in the lads to come away with three points.”

Maccabi coach Jesse Berelowitz said last week has been forgotten, and all the focus is Sunday game. “We were pretty disappointed with the result and performance last week where we basically lost the game in the first 25 minutes. They are a strong side, probably the strongest I’ve seen them, so well just pick ourselves up and go again this week,” he said. “It’s a great league where every single week is tough, and Kingsley are always a tough challenge but the response at training this week has been phenomenal so I’m confident we can put on a better showing this week.’

In the final game Peel United welcome Morley Windmills to Bortolo Park. Both sides lost their opening games by the odd goal, Morley losing at home to Hamersley, while Peel lost at North Beach. Peel coach John Thornley thought they deserved something from the game. “In the first half we were probably on top with four good chances, but in the second half North Beach played really well and scored two before we woke up and dominated last 15 mins but could only score one,” he said. “We’re looking forward to playing Morley after our 2-2 game in night series. The guys have prepared well for our first home game of the year, so it should be a very tight game. We have a lot of new players in the squad, and have strengthened the team from last year.”

11.4.2025

EAGLES FLY HOME WITH THE POINTS

Dianella White Eagles have moved up to second place on the State League Division One table, and kept their perfect start to the season going, after a 4-1 win against Murdoch University Melville in the week two catch-up game Thursday evening. A double from Albert Luwi, and other to Franc Gamiz Quer and Miguel Restrepo gave Ian Ferguson’s side the three points, while Declan Tanna scored the consolation goal for the hosts. Overall, as a team it was very pleasing not only to walk away with three points but also in the way we performed back to front,” Luwi said.

“We knew we still hadn’t played our best although in the first two games results went our way, our performances weren’t up to standard so was great to put on display what this team is capable of. We created loads of chances and defended really well, of course was nice to help the team with the two goals and hope to continue doing that. Also glad the game still went ahead after some major delays and we could reward our travelling fans for their commitment.”

Both sides went into this one after narrow wins on Saturday, MUMFC at Joondalup, while Dianella edged out Curtin, but it was the visitors who found the opener on ten minutes. Skipper Sasa Njegic was brought down in the penalty area, and Luwi converted the resulting spot kick. Both sides had chances for the rest of the first half, but couldn’t convert, and the Eagles led narrowly at the break.

The visitors doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half, with Gamiz Quer heading home a corner. It was 3-0 on 65 minutes, Luwi intercept the ball from a defender on the edge of our box after a MUMFC corner, and he hit on the counter attack, racing past a couple defenders, before playing the ball to Cory McNelis who the squared the ball through to Restrepo who made no mistake. The hosts pulled one back three minutes later, with substitute Tanna scoring, but that was as good as it got for Marc Anthony’s side, and 15 minutes from time the Eagles added a fourth. Njegic won possession and beat his marker, before picking out the lively McNelis, who cut the ball back to Luwi at the far post to score.

MUMFC: GK Adam Guthridge, 3 Theo Brebion, 4 Alan Carroll, 5 Adam Fields, 6 Godfrey Asimwe, 7 Adrian Ciampini, 9 Farruh Mavlonov, 10 Edward Wynne-Willson, 12 Charles Breen, 16 Joshua Macri, 18Takayuki Sone Subs not used: 2 Harry Clisby, 11 Declan Tanna, 15 Kai Jones, 19 Gustavo Giron Marulanda, 20 Laine Bathgate, 41 Jake Armstrong

Dianella White Eagles: GK Peter Pilkadaris, 4 Lachlan Collins, 5 Franc Gamiz Quer, 6 Cory McNelis, 7 George Ballah, 10 Miguel Restrepo, 12 Anthony Dolan, 14 Kieran Colwell, 15 Sasa Njegic, 16 Matt Worton, 17 Albert Luwi – Subs not used: RGK Joel Driscoll, 3 Magai Deng, 8 Kian Mcguigan, 13 Gavin Byars, 18 Francisco Caballero, 19 Kristian Despotovski

11.4.2025

HEARTBREAK FOR JOEYS AS THEY EXIT AFC U17 ASIAN CUP

The Joeys have stunned defending AFC U17 Asian Cup champions Japan 3-2 in the final Group game at the Okaz Stadium, Taif on Friday morning, but it was heartbreak for Brad Maloney’s side, exiting the competition after Vietnam and the UAE drew in the final game. So, they finished the group stage in third place, with the final standings based on points, head-to-head, goal difference and number of goals of the teams tied, and the 0-2 defeat in the second game against UAE saw them progress and the Joeys return home.

The Japanese were out of the blocks early, and it looked a daunting task for the Joeys after the Samurai Blue hit the front on seven minutes. Asuto Fujita spun away from his marker to sweep home Taito Kanda’s corner despite Jai Ajanovic managing to get a hand to the ball. Knowing a win was a must, the Joeys hit back and on 18 minutes Haine Eames low cross from the right found Amlani Tatu, but he couldn’t find the target.

The early excitement evaporated with Japan content to sit back with Australia unable to find the breakthrough despite their increased ball possession as the score remained intact going into the break. The introduction of Quinn MacNicol in the second half brought fresh attacking impetus for Australia, enabling them to draw level six minutes in, a thumping Miles Milliner header from Max Anastasio’s perfect corner delivery.

The Joeys were now on top, and Japan’s composure suffered another blow on 71 minutes, when Australia hit the front. Anastasio won the ball high up the pitch but still had lots to do with two Japanese defenders in front of him, however, the Italy-based midfielder kept his cool to place his shot into the bottom corner.

Then three minutes later it was 3-1, defender Alexander Garbowski poked home from close range after Japan failed to deal with a corner. That goal meant the Joeys were in the top two, and qualifying for the knock out stage, but four minutes from time Daichi Tan pulled one back for Japan and it meant Australia would need a Vietnam win to progress, but UAE scored an equaliser with three minutes remaining to pip them.

Australia U17: Jai Ajanovic (GK), Besian Kutleshi (Thomas Cutuk 90+1'), Charlie Parkin, Alexander Garbowski, Miles Milliner (Akol Akon 63'), Haine Eames (Quinn MacNicol 46'), Max Anastasio, Amlani Tatu, Logan Sambrook (Christian Pullella 63'), Jay Maltz (Kade Baccus 83'), Rhys Williams

Japan U17: GK Ethan Scally, 2 Asuto Fujita, 3 Haruto Tanaka, 4 Shota Fujii, 5 Kento Shinozaki (16 Kaiji Chonan 84?'), 10 Minato Yoshida, 11 Hiroto Asada (7 Kosuke Imai 78?'), 13 Fumiyoshi Kabayama (19 Makoto Himeno 78?'), 14 Taito Kanda, 15 Ryota Hariu (18 Daichi Tani 78?'?), 22 Yuito Kamo (8 Shimon Kobayashi 65?')?

11.4.2025

GLORY HOPING FOR FINAL HOME GAME LIFT

It’s been a difficult season for Perth Glory supporters, sitting bottom of the table, and staring at another wooden spoon, but with three games to go they still have the opportunity to leapfrog Brisbane Roar, and it starts on Saturday evening when they host Adelaide United at HBF Park in week 26 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (7:45pm) The supporters have backed the team through thick and thin, and head coach David Zdrilic said his players are desperate to seal a win on Saturday, to reward their members and supporters’ loyalty.

“The guys are putting in every week for themselves and for the fans,” he said. “It’s not easy in this situation where you keep hearing that you’re playing good football, but you’re not getting the results. But on the fans, you saw last week how many fans came to Melbourne and that was fantastic to see, not just for us, but for the A-League. We want that culture of fans coming and for fans to do that in the situation where we are, just shows what a loyal fan base we have.

“And we’re seeing that at home, they’re just so ready for us to take the next step and start winning games and we know that. So, we’re thankful to our fans and obviously we want to do everything to get that win. We want to win this game, we want to do it for our fans and we want to finish this season, at home, with a positive result.”

They will have a tough final game, taking on an Adelaide United side who are seventh on the table, only outside the top six on goal difference. They have hit the wall recently, this after a great start to the season, and they have failed to win since they beat Melbourne City in week 18. The club also announced this week that Head Coach Carl Veart will be departing come season’s end, and Zdrilic said that decision will have a significant impact on Saturday’s game.

“It’s probably a shock for everyone there, especially the timing of it now during the season,” he said. “It’s hard to say what the reaction is going to be and I don’t know what’s going on in the group over there. But I think he’s done a good job there and I think the players will be right behind him and will show that on the park. Adelaide this season have been a high-scoring team, they’ve scored plenty of goals and conceded plenty too. We had a 2-2 draw over there when we played them and they are a very good ball-playing team. They have a lot of dynamic players and I expect that to eventuate in this game.”

The last time the Reds travelled west was in round 23 last season, and they left with all three points after a 4-2 win at HBF Park. It’s started so well for the hosts, with Adam Taggart bagging quickfire brace, but it was downhill from there. Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki pulled one back, and Zack Clough levelled, before Stefan Mauk gave the Reds the lead in first half stoppage time. The game was put to bed early in the second half with Ibusuki added his second, and despite Glory pressing late, the Reds held firm to take home the points.

Glory’s young midfielder Jayden Pearman, whose stunning striker was voted the ‘Goal of the Round’ in the A-League, said the loss against Western United was disappointing, although the performance was good. “It’s always annoying when you don’t get the three points, but in terms of the performance I didn’t think we were off it,” the Young Socceroo explained. “But conceding early never helps, but we bounced back and got the goal after half time, but it comes down too little details on the day, but I thought we performed well.”

The youngster will league the club at the end of the season, reports that he will be joined English Championship club Queens Park Rangers, and although he was tight lipped on the move, he said it will be an emotional night, after nine years in the academy and senior set-up. “Yes, playing in front of the fans and the pitch, although I haven’t played that many games at HBF Park it will be emotional,” Pearman said. “But considering I joined the club when I was ten, and now I’m 19, it will defiantly be an emotional one for me, and hopefully we can finish it off with three points.”

In team news, defender Takuya Okamoto will again miss out through injury, while Lachie Wales has not been named, but Zdrilic said he does have a chance to play, subject to proving his fitness in Friday’s final training session, while Anas Hamzaoui and Nathanael Bliar have also been added to the extended squad. Let’s get behind the team for the last time at home, and hopefully cheer them on a win.

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Yuto MISAO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Luke AMOS, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomi MRCELA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: HAMZAOUI, BLAIR - Unavailable: 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (injured), 18 Lachie WALES (injured), 24 Andriano LEBIB (injured), 36 Takuya OKAMOTO (injured)

Adelaide United squad: GK James DELIANOV, GK Max VARTULI, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 4 Jordan ELSEY, 6 Stefan MAUK, 8 ISAÍAS, 9 Luka JOVANOVIC, 10 Zach CLOUGH, 12 Jonny YULL, 14 Jay BARNETT, 17 Ben FOLAMI, 19 Yaya DUKULY, 20 Dylan PIERIAS, 21 Javi LÓPEZ, 26 Archie GOODWIN, 42 Austin AYOUBI, 44 Ryan WHITE, 51 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 55 Ethan ALAGICH, 62 Fabian TALLADIRA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: TALLADIRA (promoted) - Unavailable: 7 Ryan KITTO (concussion protocols), 36 Panashe MADANHA (hamstring), 54 Bailey O’NEIL (individual training)

11.4.2025

SEASON NOT OVER FOR GLORY YET

Although Perth Glory’s Ninja A-League finals spot took a massive hit last time out, and their chances of a final sixth place spot is very slim, head coach Stephen Peters said his players are determined to get a result when they visit the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, to take on Sydney FC. (12:15pm WA Time) Their defeat against Canberra United a fortnight ago meant they sit five points adrift of the top six with only two games left, but Peters said there are plenty of other factors that will motivate his side. The Sky Blues sit one place ahead of Glory on the table, only ahead on goal difference, so a win here will not only keep their hopes of finals football alive, they will leapfrog Saturday’s opponents.

“The Canberra loss was a tough one to take, so to have a bit of time to reflect and refresh everybody was pretty good,” he said. “I think we had an opportunity there to put the whole [Finals] situation somewhat in our own hands and we let that slip with a first-half performance which we’re not proud of. But I thought the second half was really good and we’ve just got to build on that now. This week’s an easy one to get up for because it’s Sydney FC who have a fantastic history in the competition. We’re playing at a big stadium in Allianz, we’re on the same points as them, so there are lots of things there that we can get motivated for. We want to chase that elusive first away win of the season and it’s our last chance to do that.”

Ante Juric’s side have had a season to forget, however they have won their last three games and Peters believes they are dangerous opponent, and they will need to be at their best, and he is confident they will. “You can’t take them lightly, and I think any team that has taken them lightly probably paid the price for that,” he said, “They’ve still got a very strong team and a lot of those players have won various trophies for the club. Their recent form has been very good as well… I think there’s a bit of a renewed confidence in there. But we’re not going to help that; we’re going to go there and show what we’re capable of doing.

“I think if you look at Ante [Juric] as a player and he was a very good centre-back for Sydney Olympic, you can see that in his team. He likes to be organised and play that very pragmatic style at the back especially and I think they’ll be a tough opponent in that regard. But they’ve also got the quality to score goals. We’re looking at Mackenzie Hawkesby their top scorer and they can bring in Princess Ibini and Shea Connors and Millie Farrow off the bench, so it’s not bad.”

Glory’s last visit to Sydney was in week 15 last season, the hosts running out 3-1 winners at Leichhardt Oval. Maddie Caspers gave the home side the lead on 24 minutes, but Quinley Quezada levelled nine minutes later. But Sydney regained the lead on the hour with Matildas winger Courtney Vine scoring. Glory pressed for the equaliser, but couldn’t find one, and five minutes from time Vine added a third to seal the points. In team news the unfortunate Natalie Tathem will miss the game, after undergo knee surgery this week after tearing her ACL against Canberra. There is some good news, with midfielder Ella Abdul Massih poised to make a return from injury

Sydney FC squad: GK Jasmine BLACK, GK Beth MASON-JONES, 2 Margaux CHAUVET, 3 Faye BRYSON, 4 Tori TUMETH, 6 Shay HOLLMAN, 7 Millie FARROW, 9 Shea CONNORS, 12 Natalie TOBIN, 14 Abbey LEMON, 15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 18 Amber LUCHTMEIJER, 20 Princess IBINI, 21 Lucy JOHNSON, 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS, 24 Caley TALLON-HENNIKER, 26 Maddie CASPERS - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: CHAUVET (promoted), LUCHTMEIJER (promoted) - Unavailable: 5 Kirsty FENTON (knee), 8 Hana LOWRY (knee), 17 Kyah SIMON (calf)

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 18 Izzy FOLETTA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 23 Izzy DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: ANDERSON, ABDUL MASSIH, BROOKING - Unavailable: 9 Gabby HOLLAR (injured), 11 Natalie TATHEM (injured)

11.4.2025

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP WA – FOURTH ROUND PREVIEW

The league takes a break this weekend, with the Hahn Australia Cup WA fourth round ties taking centre stage, with some intriguing games between lower league sides and the big boys, with the NPL M teams entering the competition this round. Our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Chichester Park on Saturday evening, when FW - South West Soccer Association side, Football Margaret River take on State League Division One side Kingsley Westside. (6:00pm) Cup competition all around the world have games like this one, and Margaret River will be looking to become giant-killers, but they will face a Kingsley team in good form, after they won the recent Night Series Final, so it sets up a great cup tie.

Football Margaret River beat Ballajura in the last round, with goals from Byron Hudson and Agustin Brena securing a 2-1 win at home, and skipper Luke Johnston said the club have focused on the Cup, and made a winning start to the season last week. “We’re placing a strong emphasis on the Australia Cup this season. Our win over Ballajura was a great indicator of where we’re at—proving we can match it with quality Perth sides,” Johnston explained.

“It ended 2-1, but we felt in control for most of the game. Although we didn’t put away a third to completely kill it off, we deserved the win and showed good composure throughout. We kicked off our league campaign last weekend with a strong start, securing a 15-1 win over Collie Power in the Pioneer Cup round. It gave us a good chance to rotate the squad and rest a few key players ahead of this weekend. No injuries, plenty of momentum, and a solid hit-out all round.”

Coach Kealan Hyland’s side know it’s a huge challenge, but Johnston said they ae ready for it. “We know Kingsley will be a tough test, but we’ve shown we can compete with teams at this level. You never really know what you’re facing until kick-off, but we back ourselves,” the skipper said. “There’s real talent in this squad, and over the past few seasons, we’ve shown we can step up and deliver when it matters. It’s a long trip, but we’re motivated—progressing in the Australia Cup is a major goal for us, and we’re ready.”

Kingsley, who secured their first win for the season last weekend, a 2-1 win against Subiaco, are looking forward to Saturday’s game under lights, and head coach Richard Abrams said it’s a typical cup tie, and they will not be underestimating them. “As a club we are very much looking forward to hosting Margaret River on Saturday night at Chichester. This is a new experience playing a regional team and I am sure they are keen to impress following their travel so we won’t be taking them lightly in any way,” Abrams explained. “Our job is to do whatever we can to be in the hat for the next round and Saturday night we have an opponent who won’t make that an easy task. So far in 2025 we have been good in cup football and hope to carry that form on going into this round.”

The round starts on Friday evening when Balga make the trip to Frank Drago Reserve to take on NPL leaders Bayswater City. (7:15pm) Balga are unbeaten in Division Two this season, and defender Cian Guest said it will be good to test themselves against a quality side. “Drawing a team like Bayswater early on in the cup isn’t ideal, but it gives us a great opportunity to test ourselves without the pressure or expectations,” he said. “Going into the game, a majority of people will have already written us off. For us we’ll go into the game like any other, and coming off a good win at Forrestfield on Saturday should give all of us boys the confidence to stick to what we’ve been working on. We’ve got a strong team this season, and hopefully Friday gives us a chance a prove this and we can come away with a win.”

In Saturday’s game (All games kick off at 2:30pm unless stated), we have two all NPL ties, with current holders Olympic Kingsway hosting the 2018 Cup winners Armadale at Kingsway Reserve (3:00pm), while last season’s runners up Perth RedStar welcome nine times cup winners Floreat Athena to the RedStar Arena in Joondalup. There are a number of NPL sides who will meet lower opposition, unbeaten Perth SC welcoming Perth AFC to Dorrien Gardens (3:00pm). Super excited to be playing another NPL side, this being the fourth time we’ve made this stage and the third time we’ve drawn a NPL side,” AFC coach Nathan Thorp explained. “Perth being the most successful club in WA history and one of if not the best places to play in the state, it’s going to be a great day for our club and our lads to experience, with a hope of a cupset on the cards.” New state league side Wembley Downs face Balcatta Etna at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium (3:00pm) Wembley coach Luke Thompson said it will be a great experience for his side. “As when you play any team from a higher league, you know it will be a tough challenge. They have some very experienced and dangerous players and as always, they are very organised,” he explained. “We will have to be at the top of our game, but are excited to compete against a top side.”

East Perth also hit the road to take on Fremantle City at Hilton Park. East Perth striker Andy Keogh was in the Perth Glory side that were beaten in the first-ever FFA Cup Final against Adelaide United in 2014, and he returns to the squad after injury. Meanwhile East Perth coach Colm Costello has also had success in this round before when he was in charge at Wembley (2017), and he hopes that’s a good omen for Saturday’s trip. “Yes, the last time I was in this round with Wembley we beat Stirling Lions at our place 2-0, so I know anything can happen on the day,” he explained. “We’re really looking forward to the away tie at Fremantle. I watched them in night series and they are well coached excellent attacking side. It’s a great chance for the lads to test themselves against players at the highest level and they are really looking forward to the challenge. It’s a different test than the league games, but a great occasion for the club going up against NPL side.”

In other games involving NPL sides, Sorrento host Subiaco at Percy Doyle Reserve (3:00pm), Western Knights entertain Wanneroo City at Nash Field, while Forrestfield United make the trip to Macedonia Park to meet Stirling Macedonia. In other ties Gwelup Croatia entertain Inglewood United at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street, Quinns host Gosnells City at Stylish Park, UWA Nedlands welcome Canning City to the UWA Sports Park (3:00pm), South Perth United host Kalamunda City at Challenger Reserve, while Port Kennedy travel to the Besteam Stadium to take on Murdoch University Melville. (3:00pm)

Port Kennedy won the Peel Derby in the last round against Peel, and coach Aaron Rigby said another performance like that would be nice. “The boys played fantastically well in the last round against Peel, and we have proven once already that we can rise to the occasion and beat higher placed teams,” he explained. “We are really excited about the cup draw, although we would have loved it to be at home but we are looking forward to testing ourselves against quality opposition. We understand it will be tough but we aren’t going there just to make up the numbers, we are going to compete and aim to pull off another cup shock.”

There will also be a cracking tie at Woodville Reserve on Sunday, when North Perth United host Curtin University. (1:00pm) The host have beaten Stirling Panthers and Cracovia to reach this stage, and kicked off their league campaign in style with 4-1 win at Maccabi. United head coach Jason Winter said it’s a challenge they are relishing. “We are really looking forward to it, I’ve watched Curtin last year a couple of times they are a very good side, but we have nothing to lose really, as no one expects us to get anything from the game,” he said. “We are also missing a few lads from last Sunday’s squad but we will try to play our way and give a good account of ourselves.”

11.4.2025

PEARMAN PREPARING FOR FINAL GLORY OUTING BEFORE OVERSEAS ADVENTURE

Attacking midfielder Jaylan Pearman has spent almost a decade with Perth Glory and has risen from young academy prospect to burgeoning star. With the talented teenager preparing to play what might be his final game in a purple shirt on Saturday night, the Young Socceroo admitted it would be an emotional goodbye to Perth Oval.

Pearman is set to depart in the off-season and is expected to join fellow ex-Glory young gun Daniel Bennie at Queens Park Rangers in England’s Championship. “Considering I joined the club and I was 10, now I’m turning 19 soon, it’ll definitely be an emotional one, and hopefully, we can finish it off with three points,” Pearman said ahead of the weekend clash with Adelaide United.

Pearman has been a bright spark in an otherwise bleak season for Glory, scoring two classy goals in his nine starts - the first of which handed the team their only home win of the season. With a move to London appearing imminent, Pearman said he was eager to gain experience at as high a level possible.

“Any young player just needs experience. You’re going to take different things from different players, you’re going to learn new things; in the end, it’s about the pathway that you get and how your career pans out,” he said. “But I want to play as many minutes as possible and just keep playing my football.”

While Pearman conceded it had been a tough season, he said he had learnt some valuable lessons which would hold him in good stead in the future. “It’s been a really good experience in terms of playing, different results, different players, Zdrilla (coach David Zdrilic) telling me different things, helping me with different things, but all around I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” he said.

Earlier this year Pearman was part of the Australian side which triumphed in the Under-20 Asian Cup, and has hopes of being part of their under-20 World Cup campaign in Chile later this year. “It was an unreal experience, different boys from all around Australia, even Aussie boys who’ve been playing in Europe, just meeting new people, seeing boys that I’ve met before as well,” he said.

“You become a family that whole month; you experience different people’s personalities, you take on different things they like, even off the pitch. But on the pitch, it was an unreal experience in terms of winning games against big Asian teams and winning the competition was even better.”

8.4.2025

ANASMO LEAVES GLORY FOR KOREA

Perth Glory young striker Joel Anasmo is another player to leave the embattled A-League club, after he signed for K-League giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC on loan for the rest of the season. The 20-year-old starred in the clubs NPL M side last season, helping them avoid relegation, and he took his opportunity when given a game in the A-League, making 11 appearance and scoring his maiden goal, in his first start in the 4-2 win against Melbourne City last season.

Ther transfer was delayed, the club completed his registration with the league in March, but the announcement of his signing was delayed because it was only possible after completing administrative procedures related to immigration, such as issuing the player's visa. The K-League club have been impressed with Anasmo, saying he is a player with excellent ability to break through the flanks with his quick feet, and is expected to bring speed and destructive power to the club’s attacks on both flanks, and to be able to sufficiently fill the gap after Jeon Byeong-gwan left the club recently.

Anasmo said he is looking forward to the challenge. “I am excited and thrilled to be challenging the K-League. I want to enjoy the new challenge and achieve success, and as a player worthy of the status of Jeonbuk Hyundai, a prestigious K-League team,” the speedy winger said. “I will repay you with good performances on the field. I want to play exciting football by playing creatively with fast speed and confident dribbling, and to be remembered as a player who is good in scoring and assists.” Good luck with the move Joel, form everyone at Footballwa.

8.4.2025

FOWLER SHINES AS MATILDAS BEAT SOUTH KOREA

The Matildas made it back-to-back wins against South Korea, after 2-0 win at a packed McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Monday evening. A record crowd of 28,019 saw Mary Fowler open the scoring just before half time, before Kaitlyn Torpey goalbound shot was turned into her own net by Lim Seon-joo, midway through the second half. The result means that the Matildas have finished the window with two wins and two clean sheets, something that impressed skipper Steph Catley.

“It was an improvement on the last game,” she explained post-match. “There were patches where we could still improve a lot. Our first phase of building up, we were getting into the midfield and then maybe rushing and losing it a bit, and then we were quite open to the counter, so there are a few things we can work on. But we created a lot. We were energetic – there were a lot of positives. We're missing a lot of players and that meant that people needed to come into unfamiliar roles and a lot of young players had to step in, so it was amazing to come away with two wins and two clean sheets.”

Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni said it was a good performance overall, and was pleased with the performance of striker Mary Fowler. “She played wider but we also tried to get her involved a little bit infield, to get her on the ball as much as possible," he said. I thought tonight was the most involved I’ve seen her since I’ve been coach, and you see how valuable a player is when she actually gets on the ball. We’ve had a couple of conversations about where we and she think she’s best fitted. She’s playing predominantly for Manchester City on either the left or right side, and at the moment she feels more comfortable there.

“I was really, really delighted with the performance tonight. I thought we played some really incisive, dynamic football at times, particularly in the second half. We’d have liked to have scored another goal, but I thought we kept the ball well, made a lot of good decisions in possession. We still need to do a little better in taking care in possession at times. But other than that, the way we played tonight, and considering we’re backing up from three days ago, I thought was excellent.”

Sermanni made three changes to the team that lined up on Friday evening in Sydney. Courtney Nevin came in at left-back for Jamilla Rankin, Fowler replaced Caitlin Foord up top, and Clare Wheeler started in midfield at the expense of Winonah Heatley. The hosts had the ball in the net early, Van Egmond was denied a goal in front of her home fans, by a foul in the lead-up. The visitors were dangerous on the counter attack, but the Matildas held firm to keep them at bay.

There was a long stoppage on the half hour mark, after a head clash between Tameka Yallop and Alanna Kennedy. Both required several minutes of medical attention – but were both okay to re-enter play. Clear cut chances were few and far between in a tight first half, but that all changed in the shadows of half time. Nevin found space on the left, and found van Egmond on the edge of the area, her perfectly weighted through sent Fowler into the box, and the Manchester City striker cut past her marker and finished clinically past Kim Min-jung, to send the crowd into raptures

Australia made a change at half-time, with Foord coming on for Holly McNamara, the Arsenal and former Perth Glory striker recovered from her smack on the nose in the first meeting, and she came close to making an instant impact. She latched onto a Nevin through ball, but fired straight at the South Korean keeper. Clare Hunt and Torpey were introduced, replacing Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop respectively on the hour, and three minutes later Torpey was involved in the second goal.

Fowler picked out Foord in the penalty area, her first shot was tipped onto the bar by the alert Min-jung, and the striker had two more attempts blocked, before the ball fell to Torpey, and her goalbound shot deflected in off the foot of Seon-joo. Foord should have added a third moments later, but she failed to find the target when well placed. The visitors thought that they had a goal back four minutes from time, debutant Ko Yoojin scoring, but it was ruled out for offside. Australia was able to hold firm to see out the game, and an all-important clean sheet. Players will now return to their clubs as attention now turns to the next international window, a two-match home series against Argentina.

Australia Line Up: GK Teagan MICAH, 2 Courtney NEVIN (5 Natasha PRIOR 70’), 6 Clare WHEELER, 7 Steph CATLEY, 10 Emily van EGMOND (24 Leah DAVIDSON 82’), 11 Mary FOWLER, 13 Tameka YALLOP (8 Kaitlyn TORPEY 60’), 14 Alanna KENNEDY (4 Clare HUNT 60’), 17 Holly MCNAMARA (9 Caitlin FOORD 46’), 22 Charli GRANT, 23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS - Subs not used: RGK Chloe LINCOLN, RGK Sally JAMES, 3 Winonah HEATLEY, 27 Jamilla RANKIN, 32 Michelle HEYMAN

Korea Republic: GK Kim Minjung, 6 Lim Seon-joo (4 Yoo Ko-jin 66’), 7 Shin Nayeong, 8 Shin-ji Kim (25 Kim Myeong-Jin 83’), 9 Choi Yoo-jung (19 Lee Geum-min 46’), 10 Ji So-yun (14 Chol Da-kyeong 46’), 13 Mun Eu-Ju (26 Da-Bin Jung 61’), 17 Lee Young-ju, 20 Kim Hyeri, 22 Choo Hyojoo, 23 Kang Chae-rim (15 Lee Eun-young 61’) - Subs not used: RGK Kim Kyeong-hee, 2 Jeong Yu-jin, 3 Bae Yebin, 12 Lee Deok-ju, 16 Jung Min-young, 24 Casey Phair - Attendance: 28,019

8.4.2025

JOEYS BEATEN BY UAE IN AFC U17 ASIAN CUP

United Arab Emirates turned on the power to secure a 2-0 win against Australia in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Group B clash at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Monday. The result is a blow for Brad Maloney’s sides qualification chances, but not a fatal one. The team will now have to defeat Japan in the third group stage game and hope results go their way, in order to advance from the group and qualify for the World Cup. Meanwhile UAE, who were beaten by Japan in their opener, meet Vietnam in the final game.

Australia fashioned the first opportunity of the match after only three minutes, Max Anastasio’s in swinging freekick was flicked onto the bar by captain Quinn Macnicol. Moments later, the Joeys threatened again through Amlani Tatu’s 30-yard free-kick that was tipped over by the alert UAE goalkeeper Mohammed Nasser Albastaki. But it was UAE who hit the front on nine minutes. A quick counter attack by Mohammed Gamal down, ended with cross to the unmarked Mayed Adel, who headed home.

Australia tried to respond through another Tatu set-piece, but found Nasser’s fingertips an obstacle yet again. UAE almost made it 2-0 just before the half hour, but keeper Jai Ajanovic came to Australia’s rescue by smothering Mohammad Ahmad Alfalasi’s close range effort. Nasser preserved UAE’s lead two minutes into the restart when he dived full-stretch to tip Anastasio’s effort onto the post as Australia looked to take the game to their opponents.

It was UAE, however, who doubled their advantage on 53 minutes, Mohamed Buti Almarar stunning strike from distance found the top corner, after being picked out by Gamal’s diagonal pass. Australia had a good chance to reduce the deficit on 68 minutes, but Anthony Didulica could only fire straight at Nasser from four yards. Tatu squandered an even better opportunity ten minutes from time, missing the target with the goal at his mercy after Nasser tipped Macnicol’s drive onto the post, with UAE closing out the game, with the Joeys having it all to do in the final group game against Japan on Thursday.

Australia U17: GK Jai Ajanovic, 2 Besian Kutleshi, 3 Charlie Parkin (17 Kade Baccus 88'), 4 Alexander Garbowski, 6 Haine Eames (7 Nickolas Alfaro 70'), 8 Max Anastasio, 10 Quinn MacNicol, 11 Amlani Tatu, 13 Logan Sambrook (20 Akol Akon 46'), 21 Rhys Williams (9 Anthony Didulica 63'), 22 Christian Pullella (5 Miles Milliner 63')

UAE U17: GK Mohammed Nasser, 4 Obaid Omran, 5 Suhail Al Noubi, 6 Ibrahim Yusuf, 7 Mohamed Gamal (15 Jayden Adetiba 74?'?), 8 Abdulla Rashed, 9 Mayed Adel Khamis, 11 Mohamed Buti (21 Abdallah Hatem 85?'), 12 Fahad Khalil, 13 Salem Esam (?14 Humaid Ibrahim ?65?'), 17 Mohammed Nasser, 19 Mohammad Ahmad (18 Ali Hassan 85?')?

7.4.2025

BURGESS LINKED WITH LA LIGA MOVE

Girona are in advanced talks regarding the signing of Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess, according to reports in Spain. The 29-year old Ipswich Town player is out of contract at the end of the season and is being targeted by Girona, who are 15th in La Liga having reached the Champions League last season.

Burgess, who is said to be receptive to a move to Spain, joined Ipswich in mid-2021 from Accrington Stanley. A key figure in the Blues’ climb from League One to the Premier League, making a total of 122 appearances, Burgess has been in and out of the side this season but has still tallied up 13 league outings.

6.4.2025

NPL W – ROUND THREE REVIEW

The Hyundai FW Academy have continued their perfect start to the NPL W, beating Fremantle City 3-1 at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. Skipper Klaudia Houlis opened the scoring, before Isabella Wainwright scored a brace, either side Leyna Wood’s goal for the visitors, to seal the third straight win for Stephen Walmsley’s side. “I’m very proud of how well the girls played and the results really reflected that,” Houlis said. “Our defensive block was tight and connected, as well as our desire to win the ball back which made it difficult for Fremantle to progress through the pitch. Their goal was definitely a result of a moment where our shape wasn’t as tight and aggressive as it should’ve been and a good ball from Niamh Healy.

“They (Fremantle) are definitely not an easy team to play against, they are quite creative especially in the midfield but our persistence and efforts to win our individual duels till the very last second of the match won us the game as well as our goals which were a reflection of our teamwork and sharp press.” It was a tight game, between two good football sides, but all the action came midway through the second half. Just after the hour the hosts found the opener, Fremantle were caught in possession, and Houlis punished them, curling home from the edge of the box.

They doubled their lead moments later, Lacey Heys’ free kick crashed back off the crossbar, but Wainwright was quickest to the rebound to hook home from close-range. Fremantle found a lifeline 19 minutes from time, Wood racing clear of the off-side trap and racing one-on-one with keeper Sofia Borg to score. It was game on, with Fremantle pressing for the equaliser, but it was the Academy youngsters who sealed the three points in stoppage time. Theodora Mouithys raced down the left, and cut the ball back to Wainwright who made no mistake for her second of the game.

Perth SC have moved to the top of the table on goal difference, after a 4-0 win against UWA Nedlands at the UWA Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. “The game was a little bit scrappy at times but I thought we controlled the majority game and had many good passages of play, which led to some great team goals,” Perth’s Violet Longmore explained. “UWA did put the pressure on us at times, but we handled it well as a team. It was nice to have some of the u23s girls come and play with us and they did a great job as well. Obviously, it’s still very early on in the season, but feels really good to be at top of the table and hopefully we can keep that spot up there.”

The hosts, were still looking for their first victory of the season, opened brightly, but it was the Azzurri who hit the front on 17 minutes, pouncing on a wayward pass out of defence, and Maja Archibald fired home. The visitors added a second eight minutes later, Tamsyn Hannan scoring, after UWA had failed to deal with a cross. Perth sealed the points just after the hour mark when they scored a third. Hannah Insch made space down the left, and found Epril Nossent, who’s looping effort beat Janina Sauer. The icing was put on the cake 12 minutes from time, Sam Mathers cross found Daisy McAllister who made no mistake.

“I’m really proud of the group for the performance against UWA. The players showed great discipline, effort, and togetherness throughout the game, and full credit goes to them for executing the plan so well. It was a strong team performance and an important result, but we know there’s still a lot of football to be played and plenty for us to improve on,” Perth SC head coach Tom Glavovic explained. “We’ll keep working hard and stay focused on our process week to week. Overall, I’m really happy with the progress the team is making.”

Perth RedStar have bounced back after last week’s last gasp defeat by the FW Academy, beating Subiaco AFC 6-0 at the RedStar Arena in Joondalup on Sunday afternoon, with former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Doeglas the star grabbing a first half hat-trick. “We’re pleased with the win over Subiaco on the weekend, and while the attacking performance and quality of finishing were outstanding, the most impressive aspect of the match was maintaining a clean sheet,” RedStar head coach Chris Atturo explained. “Subiaco is a team capable of scoring goals and applying pressure in dangerous areas, so for our group to remain disciplined, organised, and committed defensively across 90 minutes is a real credit to the players. It's a strong step forward, and we’ll continue to build from here.”

The hosts made a perfect start and were ahead on two minutes, Carla Bennett’s low cross was palmed away by Subiaco keeper Monique Todd, but skipper Jay Coleman was on hand to score from close range. Two goals in the space of five minutes from Doeglas gave the hosts a 3-0 lead, first she was sent clear by Grace Monteiro and her shot on the run beat Todd, before Renee Leota found the striker moments later, her low shot beat Todd. Doeglas completed her hat-trick from the spot in first half stoppage time, after Emily Dunn was brought down in the penalty area. They completed the scoring after the break, Leota adding the fifth, after being picked out by Quyen Doan’s header across goal. It was 6-0 six minutes from time, Lauren Continibali pass finding fellow substitute Kaitlyn Bellanca to calmly finish.

Balcatta Etna have secured their first win of the season, beating Murdoch University Melville 5-0 at the Besteam Stadium on Sunday afternoon. "It was definitely a controlled performance from our girls and a win that was well deserved. Our aim was to slow things down a little and really dictate possession, something that has been heavily driven in the past, and it showed today that we were able to dominate all areas of the game because of it,” Balcatta head coach Peter Rakic explained. “I think it's important to adapt to certain match conditions and how our opponents set up defensively so it's a credit to the girls for executing everything perfectly on the day."

The visitors were ahead on eight minutes, Jamie-Lee Gale’s corner to the back post was turned home by Jaime Duncanson. They added a second on 20 minutes, Abbey Meakins corner was headed home Frankie Murray-Hocking. Then in the shadows of half time it was 3-0, Gale’s corner beat everyone and found the net, despite the goal line clearance. Gale made it 4-0 on the hour mark, Meakins finding the former Fremantle defender, who swept the ball home. They added a fifth 19 minutes from time, Murray-Hocking adding her second, bundling home Zoee Spadano’s free kick.

6.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ONE REVIEW

The two newly-promoted teams in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division have got off to a winning start to the new season, both Hamersley Rovers and Olympic Kingsway securing three points on the road. First up in our ‘Match of the Round’ last season’s Division One champions Hamersley travelled to Wotton Reserve to take on Morley Windmills, and came home with a hard fought 1-0 win. “Overall, it was a tough game, and we had to work hard, especially in the second half, when it was a stop start encounter,” Hamersley head coach Nigel Smith said.

“We created some good chances which was pleasing, and their keeper made 3-4 good saves to keep them in the game, so a great way to start the season, a good three points for us which we deserved.” The only goal of the game came in the first half, good build up play down the right saw Jack Mahon cut inside his marker, before drilling the ball across the face of goal which was put in his own net by a Morley defender. The visitors thought they had a second before the break, Jack Wilson shot was deflected on to the post by a Morley defender, the ball then landed back to Wilson who fired home, but the lineman’s flag was up for offside.

Meanwhile Olympic, who gained promotion after finishing second in Division One last season, got some revenge from last week’s defeat in the Night Series Final against Emerald, beaten them 2-1 at Fraser Park. “Extremely happy with the reaction after the disappointment of the Night Series final, Olympic head coach Jason Stern said. “It was always going to be another tough battle but I think we were good value for the points and we’re happy to get our first three in the Premier League against a team that will be in the mix for the title this season. Our supporters copped a bit of banter on socials from the Emerald lads after the Final, so we’re glad to get the win for them.”

It was a tight first half, with chances few and far between, but it was a competitive game. All the goal action came after the break, the visitors finding the opener when Jack Hailstones corner was headed clear by Emerald, but it fell to Scott Bushby just outside the box, his shot was parried by the keeper, and Lynton Pearson reacted first to finish from close range. It was 2-0 when Hailstones flighted in a dangerous freekick, that was turned into the net by and Emerald defender under pressure from Pearson. The hosts found a lifeline in the final minute, with Shane Young converting from the spot, despite keeper Daniel Higgins getting a hand to it. It set up a thrilling finish, but they couldn’t find the equaliser, Olympic holding firm to take home the points.

North Beach have bucked the trend, winning at home, after a 2-1 win against Peel United at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. “Good to get the first win under our belts for season 2025. Peel looked a totally different outfit from last season and the first half we struggled to kick into gear, both teams battling the heat and not creating many chances going forward,” North Beach head coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We stepped up in the second half and created some clear-cut chances leading to some nice goals. Peel pushed us to the end, so overall were very happy with the win.”

The hosts found the opener after some nice link up play down the left, ended with Patrick Morrison, and his low cross was turned home by Alex Kretowicz from six meters. They doubled their lead when Domenico Paris managed to get behind the defence deep in the corner of the pitch, and his cross found Luke Jones who finished with a volley across his body at the front post. Peel reduced the margin, Xavian Nell capitalizing on a mistake in midfield, racing in on goal and finished well into top corner, but it was just a consolation.

North Perth United have begun their season with an impressive 4-1 win against Maccabi at Maccabean Memorial Oval. “A good start to the season, and the lads where brilliant in the first half, and did what me and Kev had asked,” North Perth head coach Jason Winter said. “Overall, the boys were brilliant all 16 lads that played contributed on the day.” The visitors hit the front, with skipper Eoghan Rea heading home. It was 2-0 with a superb finish from Niall Kennedy after some great work from Cian O’Dwyer. They added a third before the break, Rea heading home his second. Maccabi reduced the margin early in the second half, Michael Kaye followed up a shot from Dion Berman, that was pushed onto the post by the keeper. North Perth secured the points late, with Raido Reinsalu on target.

There was an eight-goal thriller at Chichester Park, with visitors Jaguar coming from three goals down to earn a 4-4 draw and Kingsley Westside. “Definitely an entertaining game to say the least,” new Jaguar coach Syakir Shariff said. “After being 3-0 down at halftime, the boys showed great character to come back to earn a point.” The hosts looked in control in the first half, and were ahead when Cameron Bishop combining with Carson Cardoso, his cross picked out Bishop, who had continued his run, and his looping header found the net. It was 2-0 when a ball over the top from Jamie Kane played Nathan Griffiths in who squared for Bishop, who sidefooted home his second. They added a third before the break, Kane with another through ball to Bailey Salmon who squared the ball into the box, and a neat dummy by Nathan Griffiths let Bishop complete his hat-trick.

Jags were out of the blocks after the break, and Sameer Hourani reduced the margin, before substitute Bilal Sall made it 3-2, and it was game on. But the hosts regained their two-goal advantage after good work from Kai Main-Nyckowski, who squared the ball to Bishop for simple finish in the box for his fourth. But Jags weren’t finished and Bilal added another to make it 4-3 to set up a grandstand finish. Then a stunning save, from Jags keeper Michael Dudek denied the hosts a fifth, and it was Jags who restored parity late with a cracking finish from Connor Driscoll, to give both sides a share of the spoils.

“Bitterly disappointed to draw the game in injury time when we had chances to put it to bed. The game was a tale of two halves, great in the first, much room for improvement in the second, but credit to jags for not giving up,” Kingsley head coach Sam Ellis explained. “We know where we are, we know we can play, we just need to be more consistent and be a bit more resilient. The league is going to be tough this year, there is no easy games based on the first lot of results.”

In the final game Kelmscott Roos and South Perth United have also played a draw, the hosts coming from behind to securing a 2-2 draw at Fyre Park. “It was disappointing to not get more than a point out of this game as I felt we were dominating for most of it, but there were some positives to take from it after going 1-0 down early on, but we reacted well to take the lead going into half time,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “With a new look team and some players out with injury and suspension, we will take some time to show our full potential, onto Jags next week.”

Bladen Trigg gave the visitors the lead, heading home at the back post, but Kelmscott levelled when a well worked free kick by Ishmael Greywood found Chad Samuels free in on goal and he finished well. The hosts hit the front before the break, good work down the right by Isaac Koomson, his cross picking out Samuels at the back post, and his first time volley found the roof of the net. But South Perth would find an equaliser after the break, Trigg added his second, converting from the spot to give both side a point.

5.4.2025

JACOBSZ AT THE DOUBLE FOR ARMADALE

Armadale have made it back-to-back wins for the week, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Balcatta Etna, in our week four Match of the Round at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. A second half brace from top goalscorer Pieter Jacobsz had the hosts in front, but Balcatta pulled one back 16 minutes from time with an own goal from Jacobsz, and the visitors pressed for the equaliser and Luke Hudson went within inches in the final minute of stoppage time, but his effort failed to find the target.

“Today was a tough win, Balcatta held their shape well in a defensive block and was hard to break down, we found the net early in the first half and momentum swung with us, we were cruising until an error lead into an own goal late in the second half,” Armadale skipper Luke Collions explained post-match. “But nonetheless the boys held their own defensively and stayed strong, and back-to-back home wins gives us confidence, onto next week.”

Both sides went into this one, on the back of their first wins of the season, and a tight first half showed both were desperate to continue their respective winning runs. It was Balcatta who opened the brighter, and Liam Hudson was sent down the right by James Fanelli on seven minutes, he raced into the penalty area, but his shot was saved low by Seb Medica. Armadale were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply, and they were almost punished 17 minutes later, the turned the ball over in the middle of the park and it fell to Declan Hargreaves, and his long-range was saved low by the alert Medica.

It was Armadale who ended the half the better, Daniel Robinson’s long-range shot just after the half hour was straight at Stefan Sotirovski, before skipper Luke Collins’ cross-shot curled just over the top. The pitch was causing problems for both sides, cut up from the games before, and the grass was quite high and bouncy. The hosts had the final chance before the break, Amir Ajan’s free kick was only inches away from Jacobsz in the box, but at the break it was all level.

Whatever Armadale coach Alun Vernals said half time worked, the hosts finding the opener in the first minute. Callum Dobbs ball down the right found Ajan, he crossed to Robinson, who laid it back for Jacobsz who finished low past Sotirovski. They went close to a second moments later, Robinson in on goal, he rounded the keeper but ran out of room, and the chance was gone. Armadale were on top, and after good work on the left by Igor Cvijanovic found Jacobsz, his header flashed wide of the target. Their good start was rewarded with a second on 65 minutes, Collins’ cross struck the arm of Rostyn Griffiths and referee Liam Barclay pointed to the spot.

Jacobsz stepped up take the resulting penalty, and found the bottom corner of the net to double their advantage, and the Army boys were in full voice in the stand. Balcatta coach Glen Grostate went to his bench, bringing on Blamo Qua Qua and Dimitris Theodorou, replacing Luke Alessandrino and Griffiths, and it had an immediate impact, with them reducing the margin moments later. Matthew Tomassone’s cross from the left was headed clear by Collins, but it hit the unfortunate Jacobsz and the ball beat Medica for an own goal.

The game was open now, with chances at both ends, Robinson sent Joshua Willis in, but his shot was saved by Sotirovski, while at the other end Hargreaves free kick flew over the top. Balcatta ended the game the better, as they searched for the equaliser, and seven minutes from time Liam Hudson fired over the top. The Armadale supporters were getting restless, as Balcatta pushed forward, and they went agonisingly close to levelling in the fourth minutes of stoppage time.

A long ball from Jesse Fuller wasn’t dealt with by the Armadale defence, and Liam Huson nipped in and his shot from the edge of the box whistled inches past the post, Armadale held firm to take the points, and maintain their fifth place on the ladder. Both sides are in Hahn Australia Cup fourth round action next week, Armadale travelling to take on Olympic Kingsway, while Balcatta welcome Wembley Downs, if the clubhouse refurbishment is finished.

“First half we had six or seven clear cut moments, but it was just that final ball that let us down, but the pitch doesn’t real help us, it was really spongy today, but you don’t want to make excuses,” Armadale head coach Alun Vernals said post-match. “We scored two goals after the break and looked in control, but we conceded a scrappy goal and right at the end they could have got them a point, but last year we would have probably drawn that game, so we’re pretty happy.”

GK Seb Medica, 2 Charlie Fleming, 3 Luke Collins, 5 Yannick Dao, 6 Purvish Appadoo, 7 Amir Ajan, 10 Daniel Robinson (22 Emerson Alexis 76’), 11 Joshua Willis (9 Masatoshi Takeshita 87’), 13 Igor Cvijanovic, 14 Callum Dobbs, 17 Pieter Jacobsz – Subs not used: RGK Sam Hocking, 4 Nathan Costello, 15 Ali Nazary, 18 Joseph Moss, 19 Kyle Vincent

GK Stefan Sotirovski, 4 Luke Alessandrino (21 Blamo Qua Qua 66’), 5 Rostyn Griffiths (17 Dimitris Theodorou 73’), 6 Declan Hargreaves, 7 Liam Hudson, 8 Jesse Fuller, 10 Jonathan Stynes, 11 Declan Hudson, 12 Ben Hinshelwood (3 Matthew Tomassone 64’), 14 Kurt Harris, 22 James Fanelli – Subs not used: RGK Chase Manning, 33 Leon Giglia – Referee: Liam Barclay

5.4.2025

NPL-WA ROUND FOUR - REVIEW

League leaders Olympic Kingsway have suffered their first defeat of the season, after a 3-1 loss against Perth RedStar at the RedStar Arena in Joondalup. It was the first win of the new season for Callum Salmon’s side, and he said they took their chances well. “Really enjoyed the game, Kingsway have some great players like Aryn, Mitch and Tyler who are always hard to play against,’ the coach explained. “I thought we played well and took our chance, and we’ve played well every week and just haven’t put teams away, so happy to get the three points.”

It was a perfect start for the hosts, ahead on three minutes. Sam Pollard’s dink from the left picked out Theo Leeming who headed past Adrian Sinagra. They doubled their advantage on 34 minutes, Daryl Nicol’s long-range free kick beat the Olympic custodian, despite him getting a hand to it. It looked like that would be the final score, but there was plenty of late action. First on 85 minutes, referee David Bruce pointed to the spot after spotting a handball by Theo Leeming from Luke Hewings’ goal bound shot and sent him off. Mitch Oxborrow stepped up and sent Liam Reddy the wrong way from the resulting penalty. It was game on, as Olympic pushed for the equaliser, but sixty seconds later the hosts sealed the points. Andrew Palmer’s ball was nodded on by Sonny O’Shea, and Nicol raced into goal and finished clinically to seal the three points.

Bayswater City have jumped to the top of the table, after a 3-0 win against Western Knights at Nash Field in Mosman Park. “Buzzing to come away with the three points after a hard-fought game. We knew it would be a hard game going down there, they have a good record at home,” City’s Sean McManus said. “But I got the goal early doors, and I’m really pleased to have three goals in the past three games, but even better the team winning getting the win and sitting top of the table. We know there’s still plenty of football to play so we will take it week by week and keep working hard on the training pitch but you can start to see the team gel now which is a massive positive.”

The visitors made the best possible start, scoring the opener in the first minute, McManus pouncing on a nod down by Cameron Teece and lobbing the keeper. They were given a helping hand for the second just after the half hour, a back pass by Asher Hwight was missed by keeper Sam Reilly the ball rolling in for an own goal. Clear cut chances were few and far between in the first half, and the hosts also struggled in the second half, and their hopes of getting back into the game ended five minutes from time when skipper Jesse Lazzaro was sent off for a lunging tackle on Gyles Davies. Bayswater added a third deep into stoppage time to make four wins to start the season, Luke Palmateer heading home Pat Loughrey’s corner.

Perth Glory have also started the season unbeaten, and sit second after a 4-0 win against Floreat Athena at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, Queens Park. “We’re really pleased with the win today, and our start to the season, but we know it’s still early days,” Glory midfielder Giovanni De Abreu said. “To be fair, I don’t think it was our best performance of the season, but we stayed focused and dug deep when required to get the result, and keep our unbeaten start to the season going.” It was a tight first half, with chances limited for both sides, but it was the hosts who made the breakthrough four minutes into the second half.

Seb Despotovski’s corner from the left wasn’t dealt with, and Max Argent powered home from close-range. They doubled their advantage moments later, the Glory high press forced a turnover, and De Abreu curled home superbly from just outside the penalty area. Floreat’s chances of a comeback were halted on 77 minutes when referee Steven Gregory sent off Ali Mohamed for a last man tackle on Mark Cin Zah, sixty seconds after coming off the bench. To make matter worse, Despotovski curled home the resulting free kick to make it 3-0. They added a fourth late with Despotovski converting from the spot after the referee had spotted a handball by Noah Kanzi.

The other side unbeaten this season is Kenny Lowe’s Perth SC, who travelled to Percy Doyle Reserve in Duncraig, and came home with all three points after a 3-0 win. “It was very good and comfortable team performance away from home, we prepared well during the week and focus on doing the right things right, from the first minute,” Sami Riak explained. “And be in control by being discipline in the way we play because how strong Sorrento are at home which they shown in certain moments during the game. So, it’s great to get another win and our first clean sheet on the board.”

The Gulls were still searching for their first win since promotion, and they found themselves behind on seven minutes, Michael Scafetta volleying home after Sorrento failed to clear a cross. They doubled their advantage just after the half hour, Scafetta finishing from close-range, after good work down the right by Gordon Perkins. They sealed the points in second half stoppage time, Sorrento lost possession and substitute David Ninkovich pounced and cross to Riak, who made no mistake.

In the final game Striling Macedonia and Fremantle City have played out a 2-2 draw at Macedonia Pak, Balcatta. “We knew going to Macedonia Park is always a challenge but one we were up for,” Fremantle skipper Hayden Stevens said. “I feel like for large parts of that game we were in control and just unable to be really ruthless to put it to bed. We had plenty of chances but we just couldn’t take them. We give a cheap goal away first half and then late in the second we concede another set piece to share the points. With a point on the board now we keep moving forward and look to build on this performance.”

It was the host in front on 11 minutes, Aston Montgomery getting to the by-line on the right and squaring the ball to Asher Nelson who swept the ball home. But their lead only lasted three minutes, Fremantle midfielder Cameron Edwards won possession in the middle of the park and found Shubham Mokala, whose long-range shot beat James Bosdet. The port side hit the front on 33 minutes, Riley Woodcock’s corner from the right was flicked on by Sam Cook, and Geroge Festo bundled the ball home at the back post.

It looked like that would secure Fremantle’s first win of the season, but four minutes from time Stirling restored parity. Kade Fearnall corner found substitute Bayley Brown-Montgomery, who lost his marker to head home. “It was a tough game, as Fremantle are a good side and well organised and caused us a few issues,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet. “It was a really open game with both teams having a lot of chances. In the second half we made changes at half time which helped change the game.”

5.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND THREE REVIEW

Gwelup Croatia have maintained their spot at the top of the State League Division One table, after a 4-2 win against UWA Nedlands, in our week three ‘Match of the Round’ at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street on Saturday afternoon. “A great result with hard work being the foundation of our win,” Gwelup head coach Basil Lenzo said. “The players toiled all day and ultimately, we put our chances away when it counted. We welcomed Mba and Henry back after long layoffs and they were real rocks for the team. We stay focused in the now and look forward to the Cup round.”

Both teams went into this one with two wins, and it was the visitors who hit the front on 27 minutes, Roberto Soares sending Joseph McInnes clear, and he finished low past Rocco Liberti. Gwelup found the equaliser in first half stoppage time, Ferrante heading home from close-range. Kris Donnell’s side regained the lead on the hour, Jordan Pokler’s free kick was turned home at the near post by McInnes. But ten minutes later the hosts restored parity, Jeremie Mba firing home from the tightest of angles.

It was game on, nine minutes from time the home side hit the front for the first time in the game. Miki Imre was left unmarked to head home Jack Bardsley’s in-swinging corner. The visitors were then reduced to ten men, after Jack Hilaire was sent off after dragging down Mbe, who was heading to goal, and the striker picked himself up to convert the resulting penalty to make it 4-2. It went from bad to worse for UWA, with substitute Geroge Cooper shown a red card in stoppage time, the win takes Gwelup two points clear at the top of the table. “It was a difficult game, we struggled to make the most of our chances early on,” Gwelup’s Robert Ferrante said. “We knew if we kept playing our style we would break through.”

Kalamunda City are up to second after a 1-0 win against Inglewood United at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. “I thought we played a very smart game, we have a strong football identity, we always try to play good football, but today we showed we can also battle when the game becomes difficult,” Kalamunda head coach Maxi Van Ravensteyn explained. “As I was telling Cameron Lord after the game, most of our players were in Amateurs league three years ago, there is no higher motivation than playing a club like Inglewood on their ground. We don’t forget where we come from, and we are certain of where we want to go. We prepared for it like it was a final, we got a good result, but this has just started, we will celebrate and quickly start planning our next final.” The only goal of the game came on 15 minutes, good work down the right by Carl Dias ended with a cross to the unmarked Gaston Bazet who made no mistake past Conor Hogan.

Murdoch University Melville are up to fourth, after winning their second game of the season, 3-2 against Joondalup City at the Iluka District Open Space. “Happy with the three points, it’s a tough place to travel too, and I think their home record by the end of the season will reflect,” MUMFC skipper Pat Sara explained. “They make it hard to play, and are effective with what they do. Proud of the performance we put in today, we showed we can win scrappy games and these types of results usually are the difference at the business end of the year.”

MUMFC were ahead on 23 minutes, Charlie Breen racing clear and finishing low past Joe Smith. They added a second in first half stoppage time, Breen the supplier this time, slipping a through ball for Farruh Mavlonov who finished clinically. Joondalup reduced the deficit four minutes into the second half, Callum Stocks finding the top corner from a free kick. But Marc Anthony’s side regained their two-goal advantage just after the hour, Joshua Macri and Breen combined to send Sara clear, and he made no mistake. Joondalup did pull one back 13 minutes from time, Cameron Stratton’s free kick found Liam Peacock, and the skippers looping header beat Jake Armstrong, to set up a grandstand finish, but MUMFC held firm to take home the points.

Gosnells City have won their first game of the season, with an impressive 1-0 win against Mandurah City at the Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade. “Over the moon for the lads we’ve had a tough start to the season with three away games against tough opposition, but we felt last week we let ourselves down in second half against Gwelup but we didn’t panic and had a really good week on the track,” Gosnells head coach Peter Allan explained. “The fighting spirit of Gossy was there today, we rode our luck at times and weathered the storm especially going down to ten men, but the three points was the objective and we achieved that thanks to the lads hard work.” The only goal of the game came on 67 minutes, Moses Macauley sending substitute Dami Afolabi racing clear, and he held of his marker and finished low past Alfie Brincat. They were under the pump from then on, and Thang Sangpichung was sent off 12 minutes from time for a second yellow card, but they held on to seal their first three points of the season.

Kingsley Westside have also won their first game of the season, a tight 2-1 win against Subiaco AFC at Chichester Park. “Delighted with the attitude and application of the lads in a hard-fought game. To draw the second half with 10 men the entire half is a huge credit to the boys and reserve team coaches Ben Andrews, Joe Joyce and Ollie Galpin who took the team for the day.,” Head Coach Richard Abrams said. “To have 11 players away/unavailable along with Simon and myself shows the depth in numbers we have. The work rate from the off was fantastic today and whilst we had luck on our side with Subi hitting the woodwork three times the result was very deserved. With it being our sponsors day, a good result and performance was crucial and the lads provided just that. Although Eliott Tattersall and Ryder Leasor got the goals it without a doubt a huge team effort.”

The home side were ahead on 19 minutes, a long ball was flicked on by Luke Salmon and Ryder Leasor raced clear and finished low past Tando Velaphi. They were reduced to ten men in first half stoppage time, when a lunging tackle by Lachlan Fay on Ben Bathgate saw him shown a straight red card. The ten men held firm, and doubled their advantage 18 minutes from time, great work down the right by Raeez Pandor saw him pick out Elliot Tattersall who found the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box. Subiaco found a lifeline five minutes from time, with Oscar Barry curling home a free kick, but it was too little too late, and despite having 20 shots, Subiaco left empty handed.

In the late game Dianella White Eagles scored seven minutes from time, to beat Curtin University 2-1 at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. The Eagles were ahead on 26 minutes, after the referee spotted a handball by Nathan Smith, and pointed straight to the spot, and Albert Luwi sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty. Curtin equalised three minutes into the second half, Likhwa Tshabangu ball over the top sent Kieran Witt clear, and he lobbed the ball over the top of the on-coming Peter Pilkadaris. But it was Ian Ferguson’s side who won it, Sasa Njegic’s corner from the left found Magai Deng who headed home from close-range.

5.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE REVIEW

Quinns are the only side in the State League Division Two who have won all their games this season, after a 2-1 win against Cockburn City, in our week three ‘Match of the Round’ at Stylish Park. “An excellent team victory against a very good young Cockburn team,” Quinns head coach Nick Jennings said. “In recent weeks with cup forfeits and the cancellation of last week’s fixture at Forrestfield, we’ve struggled with a lack of continuity and even after the benefit of a well worked opening goal we didn’t really get to grips with the game in the first half. But after some restructuring and a good open chat at half time, I felt we changed the direction of the game and were good value for the victory for our overall domination of the second period.” 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 Jennings’ side who won it just after the hour mark. Elliot Ireland won possession after Cockburn turned the ball over form 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. “It was a very tough game, Cockburn have been flying in the night series and have had a great start to the season so we knew it was going to be big test,” Ireland explained. “To give them credit I thought they played some really nice stuff, we had to suffer for parts of the game but I thought we showed great character and stuck together to get the result. A great result for us to take into the cup round this week.”

East Perth remains top of the table, after 5-1 win against Ashfield at Hudson Park. “An excellent performance and three points, the boys did exactly what was asked of them today. It was a big improvement in both boxes and a very dominant performance from them,” East Perth head coach Colm Costello said. “The only negative was probably conceding in the last kick of game after some sloppy play, but we were a lot better, especially in the final third, and it was great to see Ryan (McGready) get his hat-trick.” The hosts raced to a two-goal lead early. First on nine minutes great work down the right by Kealan McDermott, saw him slid the ball into Adam McCarron, who played the ball back to McGready who finished from ten meters. They doubled their lead five minutes later Ciaran Burnett’s corner was headed home by McGready.

Ashfield then missed a penalty, with Peter Stewart saving Nathan Scully spot kick, and eight minutes before the break the Gavin Dillon headed home a third for the hosts. They added a fourth on the hour, Ashfield keeper Kaan Kadi made a great save to deny Ronan O Kelly, but McGready was quickest to the rebound to complete his hat-trick. It 5-1 on 70 minutes, with substitute Daragh Kavanagh finishing well. Ashfield scored a late consolation goal, with Luca Macri scoring. “A good win today against a good Ashfield side,” East Perth skipper Chris Smith said. “I thought we played really well and managed the game and it keeps the momentum going and now we can focus on a tough game against Fremantle next weekend.”

Balga have secured their first win of the season, beating Forrestfield United 4-2 at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park. “It was an important and convincing victory. In the first half, we did not take our chances and Forrestfield was always in the game. It only became a one-sided game after the red card against the goalkeeper of Forrestfield who rightly was sent off after he lost the ball and took out Christian Vest,” Balga head coach Gerhard Janssen explained. “It was important for us to get our first victory and do it convincingly after we had played substandard in Canning. We are now looking forward to a massive challenge against the top of the table in the NPL Bayswater to give them a run for their money to stay in the cup.”

A tight first half saw them go into the break 0-0, but the hosts were down to ten men five minutes into the second half, with keeper Charlie Bayliss sent off and he was replaced in goal by Lucas Carter. Balga were ahead two minutes later, when Martin Gorang’s header was volleyed home by Silver Kelder. They doubled their lead on 77 minutes, Nick Pike rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net. Forrestfield pulled one back six minutes from time, with Brian Patterson scoring from the spot, but Balga made it 3-1 with substitute Rommie Benda’s solo run ending with a smart finish. It was 4-1 in the final minute, great work from Luke Christie down the left ended with a low cross to Benda at the back post to score. Forrestfield scored a late consolation goal, with Sam Platten scoring, but it was too little too late.

Carramar Shamrock Rovers have won for the second time this season, beating Wembley Downs 2-0 at Grandis Park. “Myself, Walshy and Leigh are delighted with the attitude shown by the players. They could easily have felt sorry for themselves after the loss at Cockburn, but apart from a couple of bad mistakes in that game they were very good,” Rovers’ coach Ronnie Martin explained. “We knew Wembley would be very difficult, they have had some great results since stepping out the amateur leagues, and in Sam Mattock have one of the league's best players, but I felt we controlled the game for the majority and on another day, we could have scored a couple more. But most pleasing was the clean sheet as the defence have worked tirelessly in training and gameday so it was good that they got rewarded today.” Rovers scored a goal in each half, first Giffin Sture was found in the penalty area and he finished neatly across the keeper. Sture added his second and the sealer after the break, when a corner wasn’t cleared and he powered his shot home from eight meters.

In the final game Wanneroo City have come from two goals down to beat a nine-man Swan United 3-2 at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. It was an explosive start to this one, with three players sent off, Nicholas Burmej and Marcus Puia for the hosts, and Juma Awaka for the Roos. Swan then hit the front, with skipper Liam Merigan on target, before Conner Boland doubled their advantage in the shadows of half time. But Wanneroo hit back, with goals from Boas Mtwale and Daniel Stefoski and another to seal the win. The visitors ended with nine men also after Joshua Allum sent off after picking up his second yellow card.

5.4.2025

PEARMAN STUNNER IN VAIN AS GLORY LOSS TO UNITED

Perth Glory run without a win has reached ten, after they were beaten by second placed Western United in their week 25 Isuzu Ute A-League clash Ironbark Fields on Saturday afternoon. Watched by a big away support, with the Glory Shed Supporters on their Tour of Duty, Glory succumb to the inform United, with the win consolidating second spot on the table, while Glory continues to languish at the foot. Rhys Bozinovski gave the hosts an early lead before young Socceroo Jaylan Pearman restored parity with a superb strike ten minutes into the second half. But an own goal from Taras Gomulka, saw United take the lead and a late goal from Ramy Najjarine sealed the points for John Aloisi’s side.

Head Coach David Zdrilic made just the one change to the starting line up from their loss at Central Coast, with youngster Will Freney coming in for Patrick Wood, who dropped to the bench. It wasn’t the start Glory were looking for, going behind after only three minutes. Angus Thurgate’s corner from the left found Bozinovski, his first effort was parried by the alert Oli Sail, but the midfielder was quickest to react to score. Glory looked for an immediate response, and five minutes later they thought they had found it. Trent Ostler’s cross was headed home by Freney, but the flag was raised for offside, denying the youngster his first A-League goal.

It was the best spell of the game for Glory, and Freney went close again on 23 minutes, his shot from the edge of the box fizzed just over the top, and ten minutes later the 19-year-old was inches away from Adam Taggart’s cross. The hosts lifted late in the half and Sail had to be alert moments later, out bravely to save at the feet of Matt Grimaldi, and stood tall when Japanese striker Hiro Ibusuki tried to chip him, and at the break the hosts led narrowly

Glory was on the front foot after the break, with Ostler denied by Matt Sutton, after some good approach work, but ten minutes in they were level, and what a goal it was. Pearman, who looks to be heading to the EFL in the UK next season, found space in the middle of the park, eased past Dylan Leonard and then picked out the top corner of the net with a stunning strike. The Glory supporters were in full voice, but on 65 minutes they found themselves behind again in bazaar circumstances.

Bozinovski’s cross from the right was deflected towards goal by substitute Taras Gomulka and Ibusuki tried to force the ball past Sail and Yuto Misao, it ended up bypassing everyone and into the net for an unfortunate own goal. Glory pushed men forward looking for the equaliser, and holes appeared at the back, and Sail saved well to thwart substitute Luke Vickery. The hosts made sure of the points four minutes from time, substitute Michael Ruhs made a quick counter-attack, before squaring for Najjarine who made no mistake.

Western United squad: GK Matt SUTTON, 6 Tomoki IMAI, 9 Hiroshi IBUSUKI (24 Michael RUHS 78'), 10 Matthew GRIMALDI (7 Ramy NAJJARINE 78'), 13 Tate RUSSELL, 17 Ben GARUCCIO (4 James DONACHIE 90+1'), 19 Noah BOTIC, 23 Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 30 Dylan LEONARD (29 Charbel SHAMOON, 90+1'), 32 Angus THURGATE, 77 Riku DANZAKI (37 Luke VICKERY 68') – Subs not used: RGK Michael VONJA, 44 Jordan LAUTON

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (16 Adam BUGARIJA 71'), 17 Yuto MISAO, 20 Trent OSTLER (26 Khoa NGO 88'), 21 Luke AMOS (12 Taras GOMULKA 64'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (23 Patrick WOOD 88'), 27 Will FRENEY (19 Josh RISDON 46'), 29 Tomi MRCELA – Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI – Attendance: 3,781 - Referee: Shane Skinner

4.4.2025

INTO THE LOOKING GLASS: AMATEUR LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

This week we take a look at what might lie ahead in the Amateur League Premier Division this season, plus we also predict what might unfold in all the lower leagues.

Emerald FC, along with Olympic Kingsway Amateurs, Morley-Windmills and Kelmscott Roos will be among the favourites for the title this season, while there will be a host of clubs that will look to upset them. footballwa.net has a brief preview of the 2025 competition, with "The Insider", Murray Stevens, from "The World Football Programme Radio" radio show, Kelechi Osunwa from the "Perth Football Podcast", and footballwa.net founder Jacob Aufdemkampe, in offering their thoughts on how season 2025 will pan out...

4.4.2025

MATILDAS BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE

The Matildas have ended a three-game losing run with a 1-0 victory over the Korea Republic in Sydney. Played in front of another bumper Matildas crowd of 37,199 at Allianz Stadium, Australia controlled large periods of the game despite missing a host of star names to end a barren run of recent form. They scored the all-important goal ten minutes into the second half. An excellent counter attack was led by Caitlin Foord, who while sporting a bloody nose after a first half head knock, opted to play in Emily Van Egmond down the left-hand side. The midfield veteran’s cross put the Koreans under pressure and was flicked inside the visitors own back post by for an own goal by Lim Seon-Joo.

Former Perth Glory striker Cailtin Foord stressed how unhappy the side were with their SheBelieves performance and how much they needed this win, and told of the embarrassment of her broken nose being shown on the big screens in the ground. “We really, wanted to make a statement. Obviously with the Asian Cup coming up as well," she said. "They'll be one of our opponents. So, it was really important to get the win. On her nose, she said it's 'definitely broken' but thinks she'll avoid surgery. Of course, the injury was projected on the big screen multiple times for everyone to see, so I was pretty embarrassed, to be honest, but I'm just happy it's not out of line.”

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was pleased with the result, and praised Holly McNamara's performance in that win. "I thought she did really well. It's a challenge when you play A-League women then come out at this level," he said. "She's a real threat, a real handful, it's great to have that old fashioned centre-forward that keeps making runs in behind. Critical to win, and to win in a clean sheet makes it even better. Our attitude from the start was very good. We talked about trying to get some momentum back... that changes the mood, that changes the confidence."

Sermanni made five changes from the team's last international against Colombia at the SheBelieves Cup in February. Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter and Katrina Gorry were all unavailable due to injury, while Michelle Heyman and Clare Hunt were dropped to the bench. McNamara, Winonah Heatley, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy and first-time starter Jamilla Rankin replaced them.

Australia flew out of the blocks early and went close on 14 minutes when Tameka Yallop shot from distance was well saved Kim Minjung. There was a lengthy stoppage six minutes later, when Foord required treatment for a facial injury following a strong collision. However, she was able to play on, and she linked with McNamara just before the break, the midfielder releasing Foord but Minjung made a smart save to deny her. At the break it was scoreless, with the hosts in control.

Like the first half, the Matildas were on the front foot early after the break, and they went close straight form the kick off. Kyra Cooney-Cross shrugged off two or three Korea Republic defenders, in a great solo run that and just as she was about to pull the trigger, she was unended by a Korea Republic defender. And from the resulting free kick, Alanna Kennedy couldn’t beat the defensive wall. Moments later the McNamara, low ball across the face of goal only narrowly evaded the onrushing Foord. But their early pressure was rewarded with the lead on 54 minutes. Emily van Egmond found space on the edge of the penalty area, her cross into the box, was flicked on by Seon-Joo, who could only watch helplessly as it deflected over Minjung and into the back of their own net for an own goal.

After the goal Sermanni went to the bench, making a number of changes, with Monday’s second game in mind. The substitutes were immediately involved in the action. A great ball over the top found Michelle Heyman, who played it central towards Mary Fowler, and the Manchester City striker cut inside, and her shot from the edge of the penalty area whistled inches past the far post. The visitors pressed for the equaliser late, and keeper Teagan Micah was forced into two smarts, the best getting down well to thwart Shin Na-Yeong’s header, that looked destined for the bottom corner. However, Australia hold firm for the clean sheet and the win. The teams will meet again on Monday evening in Newcastle as they look to carry on their momentum from this victory.

Australia: GK Teagan Micah, 3 Winonah Heatley (6 Claire Wheeler 63’), 7 Steph Catley, 9 Caitlin Foord (32 Nichelle Heyman 72’), 10 Emily van Egmond (4 Claire Hunt 89’), 13 Tameka Yallop (11 Mary Fowler 72’), 14 Alanna Kennedy, 17 Holly McNamara (8 Kaitlyn Torpey 63’), 22 Charlotte Grant, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross,27 Jamilla Rankin (2 Courtney Nevin 63’) – Subs not used: RGK Chloe Lincoln, RGK Sally James, Natasha Prior, Leah Davidson

Korea Republic: GK Kim Minjung, 6 Lim Seonjoo, 7 Shin Nayeong, 8 Kim Shinji (15 Lee Eun-young 90’), 10 Ji Soyun, 11 Choe Yuri (14 Chol Da-kyeong 75’), 17 Lee Youngju, Lee Geummin (23 Kang Chae-rim 75’), 20 Kim Hyeri, 22 Choo Hyojoo, 24 Casey Phair (13 Mun Eu-Ju 56’) – Subs not used: GK Kim Kyeong-hee, 2 Jeong Yu-jin, 3 Bae Yebin, 4 Ko Yoo-jin, 9 Choi Yoo-jung, 12 Lee Deok-ju, 16 Jung Min-young, 25 Kim Myeong-Jin

4.4.2025

JOEYS OPEN AFC U17 ASIAN CUP WITH A DRAW

The Joeys have opened their Group B AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia with a 1-1 draw against Vietnam at the Okaz Stadium in Taif. Brisbane Roar midfielder Quinn MacNicol scored the Joeys goal late in the first half before Vietnam were able to equalise in the second with Hoang Trong Duy Kang on target. Brad Maloney's boys agonisingly hit the woodwork on three occasions but were not able to collect all three points.

Perth Glory duo Christian Pullella and Alex Bolton were among the substitutes, and it was Australia who were on the front foot from the opening whistle, Amlani Tatu linking up well with Max Anastasio before dragging his shot from distance wide. Vietnam also carried a threat on the counter, with Nguyen Viet Long a constant threat. But it was Australia should have taken the lead on 26 minutes, Amlani Tatu brought down in the box by Dau Hong Phong with referee Kim Yu Jeong pointing to the spot, however, MacNicol smashed the resulting penalty against the crossbar.

But skipper MacNicol redeemed himself four minutes before the break, as the Joeys hit the front. He picked up a loose ball in the middle of the park, shrugged off the challenge of Dau before dispatching a low shot into the bottom corner to give Australia the lead. Vietnam finally called Jai Ajanovic into action in first half added time, with the Australia custodian having to go full stretch to stop a curling low shot from Nguyen Van Khanh.

The second half started at blistering pace with Tatu producing another mazy run before laying the ball for Anastasio to smack a long-range attempt against the bar. That miss cost Australia dearly as parity was restored shortly after with Vietnam finding the equaliser on 49 minutes. Viet Long flicked on a long throw for Hoang to squeeze home a shot between Ajanovic and the near post.

MacNicol continued to be in the thick of the action, exchanging passes with Logan Sambrook inside the box just after the hour, but he scuffed his shot wide as Australia looked to retake the lead. Glory defender Pullella replaced Miles Milliner on 64 minutes, and both sides pushed hard for the winner. The Joey’s went closest, Anastasio firing wide, Logan Sambrook hitting the crossbar again, but to no avail as they had to settle for a draw. Next up for Australia are the United Arab Emirates with Vietnam taking on Japan, both matches to be played on Monday.

Australia U17: GK Jai Ajanovic, 2 Besian Kutleshi, 3 Charlie Parkin, 4 Alexander Garbowski, 5 Miles Milliner (22 Christian Pullella 64'), 6 Haine Eames (19 Jay Maltz 76'), 8 Max Anastasio, 10 Quinn MacNicol, 11 Amlani Tatu, 20 Akol Akon (9 Anthony Didulica 76'), 21 Rhys Williams (13 Logan Sambrook 64') Subs not used: RGK Jonty Benfield, RGK Jared Williams, 7 Nickolas Alfaro, 14 Zane Stevenson, 15 Alex Bolton, 17 Kade Baccus, 23 Thomas Cutuk

Vietnam U17: GK Hoa Xuân Tín, 3 Lê Huy Vi?t Anh, 4 Nguy?n H?ng Quang, 5 Lê T?n Dung (16 Nguy?n Van Quân 87?'?), 7 Hoàng Tr?ng Duy Khang (10 Tr?n Gia B?o ?60?'), 8 Ð?u H?ng Phong, 9 Nguy?n Vi?t Long (21 Bùi Duy Ðang 80?'), 12 Chu Ng?c Nguy?n L?c, 14 Ph?m Ð?c Duy, 17 Nguy?n Van Khánh (6 Nguy?n Ð?c Nh?t 59?'?), 19 Nguy?n Thiên Phú (11 Nguy?n Van Bách 46?'?) – Subs not used: RGK Tr?n Van Ð?t, RGK Nguy?n Van Thang Long, 2 Lê Quang Tru?ng, 13 Tr?n Van Ð?t, 15 B?ch Tr?ng Duong, 18 Ð?ng Công Anh Ki?t, 20 Nguy?n Van Duong, 22 Tr?n Ðông Th?c - Referee Kim Yu Jeong

4.4.2025

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ONE PREVIEW

After a thrilling night series, the Belt Up Premier Division kicks off on Sunday, and it looks like being another entertaining season. Our week one ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Wotton Reserve, where Morley Windmills entertain newly-promoted Hamersley Rovers. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Rovers won the Division One title last season to earn promotion for the first time since 2021, while Morley will be pushing for a place back in the state league, a spot they lost in 2023. The last time they played each other in Premier Division, was in 2000, finishing fourth (Rovers) and fifth (Morley) respectively that season.

It's a new challenge for Hamersley, and coach Nigel Smith said they have prepared well, and are ready for the opener against Morley. “Preseason was steady, and in our last friendly we beat Cracovia 4-2, but we had a lot of players overseas, coming and going on trips and we’ve only just got the full squad back, including four or five new faces this week,” Simith explained. “Morley Windmills are a big club and finished third last year and no doubt they have strengthened to push for promotion. We also have a full squad back to pick from which we haven’t had all preseason. It’s going be a tough game for both teams, and a close call to pick a winner, hopefully we can get the result and start the season off strong.”

After a slow start to last season, Morley finished well, and coach John O’Reilly said they have revamped the squad and are ready for a big season, but he’s well aware Rovers will be up for the opener, after promotion last season. “Our preseason has been really good, the team has settled in a lot faster this year and we feel prepared for the start of the season,” O’Reilly explained. “Hamersley will come into the game on a high from their promotion into the premier division. We see them as a strong challenge and we will set ourselves up the best way we can to make sure we perform on the opening day.”

In the other games on Sunday there is a replay of last week’s Night Series Final, when Emerald welcomes the other newly-promoted side Olympic Kingsway to Fraser Park. Emerald was impressive last week, but Olympic showed they will be tough opposition this season, so it should be another exciting game. In other games Kelmscott Roos entertain South Perth United at Frye Park, North Beach host Peel United at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve, while Jaguar travel to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside.

In the final game North Perth United travels to the Maccabean Memorial Oval to take on Maccabi. Both sides missed out on a place in the knock-out stage of the night series, winning only one game each in Group A and B respectively. Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said they can’t wait for the season to start. “We’re super excited to get the season under way, it’s been a long preseason and it’s great to finally be here,” Berelowitz said. “Excited at the prospect of what I’m sure will be a very tough game against North Perth. We know what to expect when they visit, so we’ll have to be up for the fight and challenge, hopefully we can get the season underway with a positive result.”

North Perth coach Jason Winter said it’s a new look side in 2025, and Sunday is a tough first up test. “I don’t know much about Maccabi to be honest, but from what Kevin Flavin has told me there young and fit and want to play good attacking football, so it’s going to be a tough test for us away to them in the first round,” Winter explained. “From the team that played Maccabi last season we only have two guys left in the squad, so we have had a massive turn over and we are still trying to gel as a squad. But we are looking forward to getting going and see how competitive we can be this season.”

4.4.2025

NPL W WEEK ROUND THREE – PREVIEW

After two games into the NPL W season, the Hyundai FW Academy are leading the way, ahead of Perth SC at the top of the table, and in week three, they entertain Fremantle City at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. (1:00pm) Last week the youngsters beat last season's champions Perth RedStar, this after a win against the night series winners Balcatta in the opening round. Fremantle earned their first point of the season last week, with a brace from Janice Kiama earning them a 2-2 draw against Balcatta, so it should be a great game.

FW Academy teenage keeper Sofia Borg, made her first team debut last week in the win at RedStar, and she said it was a special moment for herself and her family. “Making my debut in the NPLW, and doing it in such a big game made it even more memorable,” Borg said. “My parents were proud of me stepping out for my debut (and slightly nervous). I’m lucky to have my family’s support, and I’m seriously grateful for all the running around they do so I can keep chasing my football dreams. Last year my whole family travelled to Malta, when I was called up for the Maltese FA Under 19's camp. So, they were definitely all with me when I stepped onto the pitch on Sunday.”

The win against the champions showed how far the youngster have come under new coach Stephen Walmsley, and Borg said to come from a goal behind showed the character within the squad. “It was an incredible team effort, and beating the reigning champions made it even more special. Going down a goal was tough, but we showed resilience and fought back to score twice in injury time,” the keeper explained. “When we scored, it was an unbelievable rush of excitement and relief. The game had been intense, and it was amazing effort from the team to pick themself back up and keep going and fighting until the very end. We knew it would be a tough challenge, but we stuck to our game plan, worked hard for one another, and got the result we were aiming for. It's been a very positive start and we’re all driven to keep pushing for the next win.”

The two teams have played each other already this season, with Fremantle running out 3-2 winner in the night series, and Borg said it will be another stern test. “Fremantle City is a strong team, and we know they’ll bring intensity to this match. The Night Series game was tough, but we learned a lot from that game and have been working hard to prepare for this rematch,” she said. “Coach (Stephen Walmsley) has been a very positive influence on the team, especially with such a young squad—the average age is just 16 years old. His ability to be clear with instructions and fill the team with confidence, lots of support and push us to our very best, has been crucial for our preparation. We’re expecting another challenging match, but we’re confident in our ability as a team to perform well and get the result we’re after. It should be an exciting game.”

In the other game on Saturday, Perth SC will look to continue their winning start, when they travel to the UWA Sports Park to take on UWA Nedlands. (3:00pm). On Sunday Perth RedStar will be aiming to bounce back from their first defeat last week, when they welcome Subiaco AFC to the RedStar Arena, in Joondalup (3:00pm), and Subiaco will go into the game buoyed by their first win of the season at UWA last week. In the final game Murdoch University entertain Balcatta Etna at the Besteam Stadium. (3:00pm)

Balcatta will go in search of their first win of the season, after a draw last week at Fremantle, and skipper Abbey Meakins said it was a very tough game. “It was definitely a challenging game in extreme conditions, but credit to both teams for pushing through and finishing out the game, however it’s hard to take away much else from a game which was so impacted by the conditions,” the midfielder explained. “MUMFC have had quite a few changes to their side, adding quite a bit of experience so we are expecting a tough game. We have had a really good week at training, so we are looking forward to getting out there on Sunday and implementing everything we have been working on, hopefully in cooler conditions.’

Despite their loss last week to Perth SC, MUMFC coach Steve Atkins said there were plenty of positives to take out of the game and build on for the visit of Balcatta. “Although a loss against a good quality side in Perth, we felt that we did match them quite well in periods of the game and to go in at halftime one nil down we were very positive for the second half and believed that we could push for a result,” Atkins explained. “However, losing one player to concussion and another to a red card early in the second half meant a significant reshuffle to which we consolidated and protected as much as we possibly could.

“I was extremely proud of how the girls stuck together, they remained positive and determined but unfortunately a very warm day and a player less made it difficult. Lots of positives though and we are very keen for the game this weekend. It’s another great challenge against Balcatta who as we know had a very strong night series and demonstrated their capabilities extremely well. We do believe however based on last weekend’s performance and a good week at training we can take that momentum and belief into this game and do well. It will prove to be an entertaining game as both sides look for that first win.”

4.4.2025

GLORY LOOKING TO UNIT FOR TOUR OF DUTY

Perth Glory’s fight to prevent the Isuzu Ute A-League wooden spoon returning west, continues on Saturday when they travel to the Ironbark Field in Tarneit, Victoria to take on second placed Western United in the week 25 clash. (kick off 3:00pm WA Time) They are in a difficult position, bottom of the table, level on points with Brisbane, but the Roar do have two games in hand, so with four games to go, they need to start winning games sooner rather than later to keep the pressure on Ruban Zadkovich’s side.

They will be backed by the Glory Shed Supporters Club on Saturday, with President David Winkless and 62 fans who are on their annual 22nd Tour of Duty. A great effort from them all, and let’s hope the players give them something to cheer. Glory goes into the game without a win in their last nine games, the last win was against leaders Auckland FC at HBF Park in round 13, while their last away win was in round nine against Brisbane. Western United on the other hand are in a rich vein of form, and have won 10 of their last 14 games to surge up the table, so it’s going to be tough.

Head Coach David Zdrilic said they match up well with Saturday’s opponents and he is bullish on their chances of causing an upset. “If you remember the last game we played against them here [in Perth], we certainly matched them and we were winning in injury-time and ended up losing that game, so we know we have to physically match them,” he said. “They’re a very strong side, they can score goals from anywhere, they’ve got good transition and they press well.

“We know we have to match them and we’ve done it twice. Even in Sydney [in United Round] we were 1-0 up until the 60th minute. So, we have to keep playing the way we’ve been playing, but manage the moments better. If we keep creating chances, at some point, the goals are going to start going in. The lads have been training well and we’re ready to go.”

Last week in Gosford, Glory went down 3-1, and Zdrilic thought the scoreline didn’t reflect the game, but they didn’t take their chances. “I haven’t really spoken a lot about statistics, but in that game, it was clear that we had more of the ball, created the better chances and more chances and didn’t convert,” he said. “The flow of the game went against us because even though they had minimal chances, they were clinical. Apart from that, the guys approached the game in the right way. Even at half-time, they came in and it was all positive. The reaction after the last game was what you wanted to see and the performance was there, but the result wasn’t… and that’s what makes it frustrating for myself and for the boys.”

The last time Glory played Western United in Victoria was in round 19 last season when the hosts won 1-0 at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, the only goal coming eight minutes into the second half by Noah Botic. After Saturday’s game they will have just three games left to play and the coach knows it’s been a tough year for their loyal supporters, but it’s been tough for everyone involved at the club. The knives are out for the coach, but it’s all about the big picture and he knows they are heading in the right direction. “It’s not a nice thing to be in this position and as a coach, the pressure is always there, especially in a situation like this, and so it should be,” Zdrilic explained.

“That’s the game that we’re in, fans want to see a winning team and they express their frustration. I’m not saying I’m immune to it, but I look at the bigger picture… and the number of things that have changed is not evident right now because of the results, but it will be. In the A-League, you have teams that have years like this and the next year they end up being [really strong]. Melbourne Victory has had it, Western United have done it this year and Macarthur are the same. It’s the way it goes, especially when you’re transitioning. I understand the frustration of the fans, it’s normal and the way it is all around the world, but I just cope with it by focusing on the next game.” In team news, former United midfielder Lachie Wales will miss again with injury, along with Zach Lisolajski and Takuya Okamoto. Luke Amos looks like he will be fit, after coming off at half time last week, and Zdrilic has added Anas Hamzaoui and Kaelan Majekodunmi to the extended squad.

Western United squad: GK Matt SUTTON, GK Michael VONJA, 4 James DONACHIE, 6 Tomoki IMAI, 7 Ramy NAJJARINE, 9 Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10 Matthew GRIMALDI, 13 Tate RUSSELL, 14 Jake NAJDOVSKI, 17 Ben GARUCCIO, 19 Noah BOTIC, 21 Sebastian PASQUALI, 23 Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24 Michael RUHS, 29 Charbel SHAMOON, 30 Dylan LEONARD, 32 Angus THURGATE, 37 Luke VICKERY, 44 Jordan LAUTON, 77 Riku DANZAKI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: GARUCCIO (returns from injury), PASQUALI - Unavailable: 20 Abel WALATEE (injured)

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Yuto MISAO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Luke AMOS, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomi MRCELA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: HAMZAOUI, MAJEKODUNMI - Unavailable: 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (injured), 18 Lachie WALES (injured), 24 Andriano LEBIB (injured), 36 Takuya OKAMOTO (injured) – Referee: Shane Skinner

4.4.2025

NPL-WA ROUND FOUR - PREVIEW

Balcatta Etna secured their first win of the NPLWA Men’s season last week at Fremantle, and they will go in search of back-to-back victories, when they travel to Alfred Skeet Reserve in Forrestdale, to take on Armadale, in our week four ‘Match of the Round’. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) The game was scheduled at Balcatta, but they are yet to play at home this season, due to renovations on the clubrooms at their ground, so the game was switched to Armadale. The hosts also won their first game of the season in midweek, beating Western Knights at home in the rescheduled game from Saturday, so both will want to continue their winning run, so it should be a cracking game.

The last time Balcatta visited the venue, was in week 20 last season, and they came home with the three points after a 3-1 win. The hosts made the best possible start and were ahead on seven minutes, Amir Ajan’s shot was parried by Connor Campbell and Pieter Jacobsz nipped into score from the rebound. But the visitors were level on 57 minutes, with Ben Hinshelwood scoring from the spot, despite Joel Driscoll getting a hand to it. Then seven minutes from time Balcatta hit the front, Declan Hargreaves corner was headed home by Rostyn Griffiths. The visitors sealed the points three minutes later, Jon Corness’ ball sent Hinshelwood clear, his shot was parried by Driscoll, but Liam Hudson was on hand to fire home the rebound.

The loss of some experienced players was a blow for Balcatta this season, but the club acted quickly to fill the void, and assistant coach Malcolm Tshuma said their younger players have also stepped up. “We have a cohort of players now who might be young in age but are entering their third and fourth years of NPL football. The objective now is to bring a level of consistency to their game to add to their talent,” he explained. “The additions of Jesse (Fuller), Jon (Stynes) and Anthony (Skorich) will be crucial for us in this process. Keeper Stef Sotirovski is progressing quite nicely and has done well in his first two games but he needs time and we will help him with that.”

Tshuma said the win at Fremantle was important, and they will look to continue with it against Armadale. “It was a good win for us after a disrupted preseason where we had to manage certain players. I think we found our rhythm against Fremantle and I was really pleased with how organised we were. We are far from playing our best football but we definitely made good strides towards that with our performance,” he said. “Armadale are always a tough opponent. AV has them playing some tidy stuff but we have a lot of match winners in our team so it should make for a good game.”

It's been a tough 12 months for Armadale midfielder Igor Cvijanovic, after a serious knee injury saw him miss last season, but he is happy to be back. “For sure it has been a tough 12 months for me and most definitely a grind. I injured my knee in round three of the night series so I set myself up to get back fit and ready for round one of the following season, in which I have managed to do so,” he explained. “There were a lot of challenges along the way, and days where it felt like I was going backwards. I couldn’t have done it without all the support around me both from the club and others outside of football. I am so happy to be back playing and fortunate enough to be able to play with such a good bunch of boys.”

Cvijanovic, who scored in midweek, said they hope to kick on from Tuesday’s win, against a strong Balcatta side. “Yes, it was a well-deserved win and we were happy to get the three points. In the last couple games, we hadn’t been able to convert our chances so being able to put away four is exactly what we needed. It felt great to get on the score sheet but I was also delighted to see all different players amongst the score sheet,” the midfielder said. “Saturday’s match against Balcatta is a big one, they're a strong side. But we're heading into it with a lot more confidence this time. With the support of our amazing fans, we're determined to get the three points for them.”

David Tough returns to his former club, as Perth RedStar welcomes Olympic Kingsway to the RedStar Arena in Joondalup. Tough was part of the ECU Joondalup coaching staff when they won the NPL title in 2020, before heading to the Green Machine a year later. Olympic have won all three games to start the season, and sit top of the table on goal difference, while RedStar sit eighth, still searching for their first win of the season. Bayswater City are the other team in the league with a perfect start to the season, and they make the trip to Nash Field, Mosman Park, to meet Western Knights, who are unbeaten at home.

In other games on Saturday, Perth Glory, who sit third after a draw at Sorrento last week, will look to bounce back when they host Floreat Athena at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, Queens Park, while fourth placed Perth SC head north to meet Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve, Duncraig. The final game is at Macedonia Park, where Fremantle City are the visitors to take on Stirling Macedonia. Both sides are still searching for a first win of the season.

4.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND THREE PREVIEW

It’s been a fantastic start to the new State League Division One season for Gwelup Croatia and UWA Nedlands, both winning their opening two games, and they meet on Saturday afternoon, in the top of the table clash, in our week three ‘Match of the Round’ at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated). Gwelup sit top on goal difference, after a 4-0 win against Gosnells last week, while UWA also made it back-to-back wins to start the season, with a late goal from Nicolas Falco saw them beat Joondalup City. It’s been a perfect start for the respective clubs’ new coaches, Basil Lenzo at Gwelup, with Kris Donnell at UWA, and both will be hoping to continue it on Saturday.

The last time the two sides met at the venue was in week five last season when the hosts won a five-goal thriller. The visitors raced to a two-goal lead early, when Luke Salas put through Jed Afenyo to curl high into the net. Afenyo doubled the lead three minutes later when cashing in on a mistake from Gwelup’s defence. The hosts pulled one back before half time when Robert Ferrante’s deflected shot looped up nicely for James Harmer to hook in from six yards despite appeals for offside. They levelled midway through the second half thanks to a brilliant header from Emmanuel Langoya and then won it with ten minutes remaining when Jeremie Mba curled a free kick low into the corner to compete the comeback.

Gwelup defender Matthew Lenzo has joined his father at the club this season after spells at Subiaco and Saturday’s opponents UWA, but he did miss a lot of football with a long-term injury. That’s behind him now and he said everyone at the club has been really welcoming. “It’s been really easy to settle in. The playing group is competitive and full of quality. Each player wants to improve and we push each other for great sessions, while the coaching staff are supportive and want to get the best out of us each week,’ Lenzo exp0lained. “There are also great people behind the scenes who care about building a strong culture. It’s a great place to be, and I’m excited to be part of it all.”

Lenzo said last week’s win against Gosnells was outstanding, especially with a few players missing, and they will need another strong performance against his former club to keep their winning start to the season going. “Proud of the boys for grinding out the win in pretty intense weather conditions. It was good to score four goals but also keeping a clean sheet was just as important. With a few red cards the week prior, a few boys step up when given the opportunity and put in a great shift,” the defender said. “Although it’s still early in the season, it’s an important game for us to keep building momentum and pushing in the right direction. UWA has some quality players, so we’re expecting a tough contest, but we know it will be an exciting game of football.”

UWA Nedlands midfielder Luke Salas said it’s been a huge start to the season under new coach Kris Donnell, winning both opening games against two good teams. “Yes, it’s been great start to the season for us two wins from two to start the season unbeaten is great but I definitely think lads know we can do even better in both of games,” the English midfielder said. “It’s been hard out there especially with how hot the weather has been for both games. Joondalup United was very tough game they well organised team who also had their chances but We kept to the game plan and got the goal we deserved. ?Kris and Nigel (Burke) have been great for us ever since they’ve come into managing the team they’ve bonded very well with lads. I think we’re all taking it a game at time, but we hope to prove a lot of people wrong this year.”

Salas, who played his junior football in the UK at the Hull City and Leeds United Academies, and also played for Adelaide Croatia before joining UWA, knows Saturday’s opponents have also been in good form, so he is expecting a tough challenge, but one they are looking forward too. “Gwelup have started in fantastic form winning both games like us, so credit to them for their start and also getting to semifinals of night series,” he explained. “We as team are looking forward to testing ourselves against them these are the games you love to be a part of, and the lads are looking forward to it.”

In other games on Saturday Inglewood United host Kalamunda City at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. The hosts are still searching for their first win after two draws, meanwhile City, who sit third on the table, have made a good start under new coach Maxi Van Ravensteyn, and are also unbeaten. In the late game Dianella White Eagles welcome Curtin University to Dianella Reserve (5:00pm), the visitors chasing a first win of the season, while bottom of the table Gosnells City hit the road again, due to their pitch being refurbished, and they head up the Kwinana Free way to take on Mandurah City, with both sides also looking for a first win. Joondalup City welcome Murdoch University Melville to the Iluka District Open Space, while Kinglsey Westside host Subiaco AFC at Chichester Park.

4.4.2025

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE PREVIEW

We also have a top of the table clash in State League Division Two, with leaders Cockburn City making the trip to Stylish Park, Gumblossom Reserve, to take on second placed Quinns. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) The Cockerels have won both their games this season, including a come from behind win against Carramar last week. Quinns game Forrestfield was postponed due to the hot weather last week, but they will look to build on their opening day win at Ashfield. Both sides have new head coaches in the dugout, with Nick Jennings at Quinns and Kenny Palmer at Cockburn, and both will want to keep their good run going in Saturday’s encounter.

Cockburn have been on a downward spiral in recent seasons, with consecutive relegations, but the new coach is pleased the way his side have started the season, with the experienced players leading from the front. “At the start of the season, we looked to retain some of the experienced players we thought could add value as well as provide guidance to a younger group of players who had not had much exposure to a first team environment,” Palmer explained. “This then enabled us to bring in a lot of talented younger players who had not been getting opportunities to break into first team football at clubs further up the WA football pyramid. They have quickly created a positive environment with a real competition for places across every position on the pitch.”

Back-to-back wins is pleasing, but Palmer knows there is improvement in his side, starting at Quinns on Saturday. “The results have been more pleasing than the actual performances in the two games so far. We've not made it easy for ourselves in either game but have managed to respond positively as a collective to get ourselves over the line. We will need to learn quickly, particularly with a run of away games now without our loyal home supporters in the stands cheering the players on,” he said. “We'll be expecting another tough game this weekend against a team with a lot of experience on and off the field. We look forward to the challenge as we look to build on the positive start made so far.”

There is also a spring in the step at Quinns this season, with Nick Jennings galvanising the squad, after a disappointing season last year. Assistant coach Ben Fairbairn, has also joined the clubs coaching staff with Steve Flint, after their time together at Joondalup United, and he said the club, and the player group have big ambitions this season. “Absolutely, we have high expectations and standards as a group and know every game is going to be a hard one,” Fairbairn said. “We have of course set targets and goals for the season and know that we need to work hard and put in good performances consistently, that’s our aim.”.

Their trip to Forrestfield was called off last week due to the heat, but a good start to the season saw them beat Ashfield on the road, and Fairbairn and the players are looking forward to playing in front of their supporters on Saturday. “Yes, good to get three points to start the season especially in the hot conditions against a young Ashfield side who are always up and about. But there is still plenty more to give from our perspective,” he explained. “We’re really looking forward to playing our first home game, and it should be a great crowd. We know Cockburn are going to be challenging for the league/promotion this season and are going to be a really tough opponent. They have some real quality in their team but so do we. It should be a really entertaining game.”

In other games on Saturday, third placed Swan United welcome Wanneroo City, the hosts looking to build on their big win against East Perth in the opening round, while the visitors are looking to bounce back from defeat last week. Forrestfield United entertain Balga at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park, with both sides looking for their first wins of the season, likewise Rockingham City and Canning City, who meet at the Larkhill Sportsplex. Buoyed by their first ever State League win last weekend, Wembley Downs makes the trip to Grandis Park to meet Carramar Shamrock Rovers, while in the final game East Perth welcome Ashfield to Hudson Park.