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AZZURRI TAKE LAST TOP FOUR FINALS SPOT, WHILE ARMADALE SLIP INTO THE RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS – WEEK 22 REVIEW

The home-and-away games have come to an end in the New Balance NPLWA, with Perth Azzurri securing the final spot in the Top Four Finals after a 3-1 win against Sorrento, while Armadale have dropped into the relegation play-off spot after being well beaten by Perth RedStar. They will now play Joondalup City over two legs. The Azzurri knew a win would be enough, and they found the opener early in the second half, with Jackson Morgan’s powerful shot from the edge of the box. It was 2-0 just after the hour, Pieter Jacobsz finishing into the bottom corner. He added a third six minutes from time, the striker converting David Ninkovich’s pass to make it 19 goals for the season and earn him a third consecutive Golden Boot title. Sorrento scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, with Ryan Inman scoring from Will Richards’ corner.

Armadale needed a win against Perth RedStar at Alfred Skeet Reserve to continue their 21-season stay in the top flight of WA football, but they found themselves 1-0 down on 19 minutes. Sonny O’Shea’s through ball sent Jacob Evans clear to finish past Alfie Brincat. RedStar doubled their advantage just before half time when Riley Warland’s corner was headed back across goal by Blair Govan, and Gordon Smith made no mistake. Armadale’s hopes of a comeback ended eight minutes into the second half when Yannick Dao was sent off for a last-man challenge on Evans, and Smith scored from the resulting penalty. Callum Salmon’s side added a fourth ten minutes from time, with Finn Wensley on target, and they head into the Top Four Finals with a bit of momentum, while Armadale will need to refocus.

It meant Dianella White Eagles needed a win against Balcatta Etna at Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, to move clear of the drop zone, and they did just that, winning 2-0. “Relieved, proud are just a few words to describe yesterday, just glad we could secure safety and look forward to a much-needed break as it has been a very stressful season for us,” Dianella’s Albert Luwi explained. “Yesterday we knew it would be a very back-and-forth game, given what the game meant for us and Balcatta’s position, so getting the first goal was very important. Both teams created chances in the game, but credit to us, we worked hard and defended well until the end.”

The visitors were denied early by Balcatta keeper Seb Medica, but he could do little when Dianella found the opener, Asher Nelson heading home at the back post from Luwi’s corner. Balcatta hit back after the break, with the closest they came being when Teppei Iida’s free-kick hit the bar. But in stoppage time, the Eagles sealed the points and their NPL status when a loose ball in the box broke for Daniel Zivkovic, who powered home to spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch. The hosts finished the game with ten men, with Adrian Pini shown a straight red card in the aftermath. “Very happy that the boys managed to get the three points and keep the club’s NPL status,” Dianella coach John Lavery said. “It was a nervy game, but the boys got there in the end, and I’m delighted for them, the club and the supporters.”

Perth Glory have also avoided relegation, despite a 2-0 defeat against champions Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve. The hosts found the opener just before the half-hour mark. Brent Quick’s cross was met by Chris Jackson, whose header looped up for Pat Loughrey to finish neatly on the volley. Bayswater added a second on 67 minutes. Declan Hughes’ cross was nodded down by Ollie La Galia for Chris Jackson, who bagged his 16th goal of the season from close range. The hosts were presented with the NPL title trophy after the match, and now they prepare for the State League Cup Final against Fremantle City next week.

In the other games, Fremantle City missed out on a playoff spot but also warmed up for the cup final with a 1-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at the Madman Arena, Kingsway Reserve. The only goal of the game came on 28 minutes, Charlie Chechlacz pouncing on a mistake in the Kingsway defence to score into an empty net. Meanwhile, Stirling Macedonia ended their season with a 3-1 win against Western Knights at Macedonia Park. Calvin Whitney gave the home side the lead early in the second half with a stunning strike from distance. Whitney was the supplier for the second, finding Callum McKenzie, who made no mistake, before Alex Tanevski finished neatly after being found by Daniel Faichney. The Knights did pull one back in stoppage time, Harry O’Brien scoring after a scramble in the box.

DOLPHINS STAY AFLOAT IN PLAYOFFS WHILE QUINNS MISS OUT – WEEK 22 REVIEW

The final week of the State League Division One has been completed, and it was Mandurah City who secured the final place in the promotion play-offs after a 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville on Saturday evening. Quinns missed out on a spot despite defeating Kingsley Westside 3-1 earlier in the day. Mandurah knew only a win would guarantee their place in the top four, and the Dolphins delivered.

It means Floreat Athena are Division One champions and will return to the NPL-WA, while the promotion/relegation play-offs will start in two weeks with two-legged semi-finals. Armadale will take on Joondalup City, while UWA-Nedlands are up against Mandurah City. The winners will meet at the Sam Kerr Football Centre for a place in next season's NPL-WA. At the other end of the table, Subiaco AFC must now get through the play-offs to stay in Division One. They will take on either Balga or Kalamunda City in the semi-finals, which will be played over two legs.

Quinns needed a win to have any hopes of getting into the top four, and they made a perfect start, going ahead on 11 minutes at Stylish Park, Gumblossom Reserve. A cross from the right by Jordan Allen-Rana found Christos Vaenas, who beat the offside trap to score. They added a second seven minutes later. Elliot Ireland sent in a free kick, which was only cleared as far as Vaenas, who volleyed home. The points were sealed 20 minutes from time when they added a third. A cross into the box from Chad Samuels found Vaenas, who was on a hat-trick, but he unselfishly fed substitute Leonard Gama, who made no mistake. The visitors found a consolation goal late on, with Finlay Park scoring.

“It was a dominant performance by the boys, and we were always in control of the game. The final scoreline on chances created alone flattered Kingsley, but the lack of a real cutting edge summarised our real issue over the season,” Quinns coach Nick Jennings said. “Obviously, the bigger picture was the play-offs, and to miss out to the two teams above on goal difference is disappointing. But as a coach, I couldn’t be any prouder of the playing group, and the club as a whole will be better for this season, and we’ll be back stronger.”

In the evening game, Mandurah City needed a win to take their place in the play-offs, and they made no mistake with a 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. The Dolphins found the opener in first-half stoppage time. Good work by Joe O’Brien saw him cross to Hamza Hina, whose neat turn gave him time to finish past Austin Cooper. But MUMFC, who secured their place in the league with a win last week, levelled on 65 minutes. Adrian Ciampini’s corner wasn’t cleared, and it fell to Matt Worton, who swept the ball home. But they were only level for two minutes, with Mandurah regaining the lead. O’Brien’s shot was saved by Cooper, but Hina fired home the rebound.

The points, and a spot in the play-offs, were secured three minutes from time. With MUMFC pushing men forward looking for the equaliser, they were left short at the back, with Jordan Callaghan racing clear and finishing clinically before setting off to celebrate with the bench and his teammates. “Firstly, I'm incredibly proud of the lads for digging in. It was never going to be an easy game with all the pressure on us, but for such a young side we showed real resilience and fought hard to secure our place in the play-offs,” Mandurah’s Hamza Hina explained. “On a personal level, joining Mandurah FC has been an absolute joy.

“It's played a huge part in helping me rediscover my love for football after an unstable start to the season at Armadale, as well as a few other setbacks that prevented me from kicking on to a great start. Being able to share it with my best mates, Joseph O'Brien and Charlie Breen, has been the cherry on top. I'm buzzing for what's ahead and can't wait to help this great club – and the amazing people who've welcomed me from day one – push for promotion back to where they belong. It would also mean a lot personally to be part of a third club earning promotion to the NPL.”

Joondalup City will also play in the play-offs, but slipped to fourth after a 1-0 defeat to runners-up UWA-Nedlands at Iluka Park. The only goal of the game came deep into stoppage time at the end of the match. Lewis Nohar crossed from the right, and the league’s top goalscorer, Joseph McInnes, pounced to score his 26th goal of the season. "It was a good all-round performance. I thought we controlled a lot of the game and played some really nice football. It was also pleasing to get a clean sheet away at one of the harder places to go in the league," UWA coach Kris Donnell said. "We are looking forward to now focusing on the play-offs and making sure we have the squad all fresh and ready going into the first leg."

In the other games, champions Floreat Athena also scored a goal deep into stoppage time to draw 4-4 with Gwelup Croatia at the Croatian Sporting Complex on Wishart Street. The home side raced into a 2-0 lead, with Jack Bardsley bagging a brace in the opening half hour. But Floreat hit back and took the lead into the break with goals from Tom Wassholm and a brace from Joshua Willis. The game took another twist after the break, with Nicolas Echeverria and Alex Nicolaidis giving Gwelup a 4-3 lead. It looked like they would take the points, but deep into stoppage time Rhys Davies levelled to give both sides a share of the spoils.

Subiaco AFC head into the relegation play-offs on the back of a strong finish to the regular season following a 2-0 victory over Cockburn City. The hosts were ahead on 18 minutes. Neat build-up play ended with Tomas Despotovski finding Kaleb Morrison, who finished well. They sealed the points in stoppage time. Ben Bathgate’s cross from the right was helped on by Robert Petkov, and fellow substitute Ivan Skorich finished low past Ben Radonich.

In the final game, Inglewood United ended their season on a high with a convincing 4-0 victory over already relegated Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval. Jake Nicholson gave them the lead ten minutes before the break, and they doubled their advantage 20 minutes from time, with Gavin Byars scoring after Nicholson’s effort was saved. They added a third ten minutes later, with Nicholson bagging his second, and they rounded out the scoring late, with Rostyn Griffiths scoring.

It was the final game for Curtin coach Troy Reid, and he thanked everyone who had been part of the journey. “It's hard to put six years into one post, but getting Curtin promoted to Division One and competing at that level was something I desperately wanted to achieve, and getting to share that moment with Emma after everything that had gone into it will always be pretty special. I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved during my time at the club and grateful to all the players, coaches, volunteers and people behind the scenes who were part of it.

“Obviously, this season didn't finish the way any of us wanted. But that doesn't change how proud I am of the journey, or how much Curtin has given me over the past six years. For the first time in a long time, I don't know exactly where I'll be coaching next season. There's nothing lined up, but I'm definitely not finished coaching. I'm excited to see what opportunities come along and hopefully find the right challenge for the next chapter. - For now, thank you to everyone who's been part of the last six years.” - From everyone at Football West, thanks for your time, Troy, during your time at the club.

TOP TWO STAY THE SAME, BUT TOP FOUR AND RELEGATION HEATS UP – WEEK 21 REVIEW

It’s as you were at the top of the State League Division Two table, with both Wembley Downs and Carramar Shamrock Rovers securing wins in week twenty-one on Saturday afternoon, while Gosnells City slipped into the relegation playoff spot after Canning City and North Beach played out a 2-2 draw. It sets up a dramatic finish to the season, with the championship, the final promotion play-off place, and both the automatic and play-off relegation positions all still to be decided on the final day.

Wembley Downs remain top of the table, but only on goal difference after a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. “The game won't go down as a classic, that's for sure, but pleased with the discipline shown to get us across the line with three points,” Wembley coach Luke Thompson said. “You could see how much Gosnells had to play for and put us under a lot of pressure and made things very difficult for us, but at this stage of the season we will take points over performance.”

The visitors hit the front early when a short corner from Luke Coltman caught Gosnells napping, and Joshua Waldock’s ball into the box was turned home by Josh Chalmers. Gosnells pressed for the equaliser, but couldn’t find a way past a well-organised Wembley defence, and it was the visitors who wrapped up the points 11 minutes from time. Chalmers made no mistake from the spot after the referee had spotted a handball in the penalty area.

Carramar Shamrock Rovers kept pace with the leaders thanks to a convincing 3-0 away win over Morley-Windmills, leaving the two sides level on points heading into the final round. Harry Bissett gave them the lead midway through the first half, getting on the end of a ball from Jackson Dongray and heading it into the top corner, before Ravi Singh headed home to double their advantage in first-half stoppage time. The points were sealed just after the hour, with Nathan Diaz converting from the spot after the referee spotted a handball. “I thought we started really well and got the lead, but Morley gave us some problems and we had to work ourselves back into the game, and managed to get a second at half-time,” Rovers’ coach Adam Walsh explained.

“After the break it was a little scrappy, we gave the ball away in dangerous areas. Thankfully, the defence was on top form and kept us honest. We added a third and saw out the game, and once again we finished the game with four young lads coming off the bench, who all did really well, so very pleased with the performance overall. The game next week is a cup final, but so are the games around us, so we just have to try to do our job and pray other teams drop points. But it’s been a brilliant season for us; it would just be the icing on the cake to achieve promotion.”

Rockingham City remain in the title race, sitting just two points behind after a dominant 4-0 victory over Ashfield at Ashfield Arena. “It was a really solid performance and an important result for us. We knew we needed to take care of our own job and I thought the boys did that professionally,” Rockingham coach Matthew Brook said. “To score four and keep a clean sheet away from home gives us some good momentum heading into the final round. Our promotion hopes are still alive, so now it’s about preparing well, putting everything into the last game and seeing where it takes us.”

They opened the scoring just before the half-hour, when Ryan Kennedy delivered a corner to the back post, where Joe Moss rose well and headed home. They doubled their lead just before the break when Tom Kinane did really well to roll his defender coming in from the left before being brought down in the box, and he picked himself up to convert the resulting penalty straight down the middle. It was 3-0 when a misplaced back pass beat Ashfield keeper Preston Gilling. The points were sealed late with a fourth, as Raphael Gomba beat his man down the right and drove into the box before being brought down. He took the resulting penalty himself and finished into the bottom-right corner.

The battle for the final promotion play-off spot also took another twist, with Balga climbing into fourth after a 3-1 victory over Forrestfield United at Princess Road Reserve. “It was a really important win for us, especially with only one round left and our promotion hopes still alive, and overall, I thought we deserved the win,” Balga skipper Cristian Zuluaga explained. “I thought we started really well, scored early, dominated the first half and created a few good chances. Forrestfield made it difficult for us at times, especially in the second half after they scored and put us under a bit of pressure, but I think we stayed composed and did a good job of controlling the game and seeing it out.

“It’s great to still have the promotion race going into the final round of the regular season. Now it’s about focusing on our own game. We face the league leaders, Wembley Downs, in the final round, which will be a huge opportunity for us. It’s a definite game for us, and we know we’ll have to be at our best to get the result we need.” The hosts were ahead early, with Betab Tsagay on target after a goalmouth scramble. They took control and scored two more before the break, with Finn Wilson Pidgeon producing a brilliant finish to double their advantage, before Ivwananji Simbile added the third from a corner.

Forrestfield pulled one back early in the second half, with Lucas Reid scoring, but it was just a consolation goal. The drama wasn’t over there, though, with three red cards shown late, Lal Cung for the hosts, and Ibrahim Bilal and Callum Shepherd for the visitors. “We are extremely proud of this group. The commitment, workload, and attitude they continue to show in training and their willingness to answer every demand we put in front of them has been outstanding,” Balga coach Amir Dzamastagic said. “We need to win our final game against Wembley and then hope the other results go our way to give us a chance of earning a play-off spot. For us, considering where we came from, simply being in this position is a huge achievement. We are embracing the opportunity, we will prepare properly, and next Saturday, we will give everything we have once again. One more game. One more opportunity.”

In the other games, Kalamunda City have slipped outside the top four on goal difference after being held to a 0-0 draw by East Perth at Aero Ranger Maida Vale Reserve, while at the foot of the table, the survival battle became even tighter. Canning City looked on course to secure their safety after racing to a 2-0 lead, but North Beach fought back in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. “It was literally a game of two halves for us. We completely dominated the first half and looked very comfortable, but in the second half we lost one of our key players to injury and it completely disrupted our game,” Canning coach Lee Hayward said.

“North Beach punished a mistake and then just kept coming at us. Very disappointing to throw a 2-0 lead away and now go into next week potentially needing to get a result at Rockingham.” Canning looked in control after Brian Mashingaidze was played in and scored the opener early, and Will Roscoe scored from a corner to make it 2-0 just before half-time. But North Beach hit back and pulled one back on the hour, with Luke Jones having a shot from distance which was saved by Paul Leask. Jones squared the rebound, which was finished from close range by Meng Chroek. The visitors levelled four minutes later, with Jayden Rowles playing a smart short pass to Ayden Dragun from a free-kick. Dragun’s shot from distance took a slight deflection and found the bottom corner. Both sides looked for the winner, but had to settle for a point.

“It was a game of two halves without a doubt. We entered half-time two goals down with our season on the line, and managed to respond in the second half and had many chances to go on and win it,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “I thought Canning were clinical in the first half, but we really muscled momentum back after the break. Luck went our way with other results and we have the same equation of needing a win next week to have a chance of staying alive, which the boys will be up for after a big second-half performance.” The result means both clubs must wait until next weekend before their fate is decided.

Next weekend’s fixtures have produced a remarkable ending to the season, with the two title contenders facing clubs chasing the final play-off position. Balga host Wembley Downs, while Kalamunda City welcome Carramar Shamrock Rovers in matches that could decide both the championship and the play-off race. Rockingham City must beat Canning City to keep their title hopes alive, while a Canning draw would almost certainly guarantee their State League survival.

Gosnells City will need at least a draw against Forrestfield United at Walter Padbury Reserve to avoid the risk of automatic relegation. A victory could lift them to safety if Canning lose. North Beach must defeat Ashfield and hope Gosnells lose to keep their State League status alive. The only fixture with no bearing on the championship, play-offs or relegation battle is East Perth’s meeting with Morley-Windmills. With every major position still undecided, Division Two is set for one of its most dramatic final days in recent memory.

BACK-TO-BACK TITLES A PROUD MOMENT FOR BAYSWATER PRESIDENT

Bayswater City secured back-to-back NPLWA Men’s titles last week, recording a record fifth success, and club president Oriano Colli has spoken of his pride in the achievement. The club will celebrate after their final New Balance NPLWA fixture against Perth Glory at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon, when they will receive the title trophy on the pitch after the full-time whistle.

“Super proud,” Colli told Football West, reflecting on the club’s fifth title since the NPL began in 2014. “When I came to the club in 2013, if you’d told me we were going to win one title I’d have chewed your hand off. To be here with six titles [including one in the pre-NPL era] – four before 2020 with another coach and another group of lads and now creating a similar type of momentum … yeah, very proud for everyone at the club.”

Bayswater started the season in the Australian Championship and hosted A-League side Sydney FC in the Hahn Australia Cup. They finished the season in style, with only one defeat in their last 11 games, scoring the most goals, 58, and conceding the fewest, 27. Colli said all the hard work put in by the coaches and players had been rewarded. “We started the season well with a 7-0 win against Balcatta, and the last four or five rounds, we’ve probably got all our strike force back, and we’re on song. We’ve got a lot of options at the moment, and they’re all in form,” Colli said.

“But it’s not been straightforward. We played the Australian Championships last year, and I think we suffered a little bit because of that this year. And we had a few big bodies that weren’t playing early on. Paddy (Loughrey) didn’t play the first few games, Stynesy (Jon Stynes) got injured, we were missing Cameron Teece until Round 12. We lost Seany Mac (Sean McManus) for the second half of the season, so we’ve suffered a little bit and had to play a bit of catch-up. But we’ve only lost one game since 28 March, so it’s not a bad run.”

Colli said the season is not over yet, with the club now preparing for the Top Four Finals and State League Cup Final against Fremantle. However, they face a tough game on Saturday, with Perth Glory needing a win to secure their NPL status. “Last year when we’d already won the league, we sort of mucked around with the line-up a little bit. It was a funny game against Perth which we lost. That’s not the case this year. We want to finish the season off properly and take momentum into the State Cup final against Fremantle next week,” he said.

“We’re really pleased to be in the State Cup final. We haven’t won it since 2014, so it’s good to be back there, and it’s another trophy that we’d dearly love to put in the cabinet. But it’ll be a tough game against Freo. Then the Top Four Cup, which we won last year, and then the Australian Championships, which I missed out on last year as I was away at my daughter’s wedding, so I’m really excited to be part of it. But right now, it’s all about tomorrow. It’s going to be a great day. We want to win the game, we want to finish the season off properly, then have a good party on Saturday and look after the boys.”

WANNEROO LOOK TO MAINTAIN THEIR LEAD AT THE TOP WHEN KELMSCOTT COME A-CALLING – WEEK NINETEEN PREVIEW

After increasing their lead at the top of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division to three points last week, Wanneroo City will look to maintain it on Sunday when they host Kelmscott Roos at Players Place, Madeley, in our Week Nineteen ‘Match of the Round’. (All games kick off at 3:00pm.) A goal from Erin Moloney secured a 1-0 win at Maccabi last week to put them in pole position with four rounds remaining. Meanwhile, Kelmscott have slipped off the pace in recent weeks but have regained their form, with a big win at Wanneroo in the cup semi-final and a league win against Jaguar last week.

In their league meeting earlier this season, Kelmscott scored a 3-2 win at Frye Park. Gerard McGahey gave the hosts the lead on the half-hour, but Alan Reidy levelled for Wanneroo on the hour. Kelmscott took control with Amos Junior Doegolia and McGahey making it 3-1, and although Charlie Read pulled one back late for the visitors, it was Kelmscott taking the points. In the cup semi-final, McGahey’s brace saw Kelmscott win 2-0 and take their place in the final against Noranda Emerald.

Wanneroo City coach Kevin Flavin said they had to work hard for the points at Maccabi last week, and that it showed how tight the league is this season. “It was a tight game on Sunday against Maccabi, as they set up very defensively, but we were patient and broke them down,” Flavin said. “We could have easily had another couple, but overall, it was a great performance by the lads. We move on to Kelmscott this week and we have prepared like we do for every week. We’ve put the hard work in at training and the lads are ready to go again, looking forward to it.”

It's been a tough few weeks for Kelmscott, with injuries and players unavailable, but keeper Taylor Warwick said the hunger is still there and they will look to end the season well. “The season has been a very interesting one for us. We started off well and found ourselves sitting at the top, but injuries and poor performances have let us down significantly and seen us out of the title race,” Warwick explained. “The injuries we have faced this season have had a major influence on our position this season. It’s unfortunately something that can’t be avoided, and a lot of credit goes out to the whole squad as we’ve never given up and given it our all despite missing so many important players throughout the season.”

The keeper said a visit to the league leaders is a challenge, but one they are relishing. “We are excited for the challenge this weekend, playing top-of-the-table Wanneroo. We’ve obviously played them fairly recently and know that if we stick to our game plan and play the way we know we can, we can come away with a good result,” he said. “We know promotion isn’t a possibility this season, so it’s up to us to just finish as high as possible in the league and prepare for the cup final.”

Noranda Emerald dropped points last week at Hamersley, and skipper Jamie McLaughlin said they are looking to bounce back this week when they welcome Kwinana United to the Noranda Sporting Complex. “The Hamersley game was disappointing for us, especially in the first half. I think we were the much better team and we created plenty of chances to put the game to bed, hitting the crossbar a couple of times along with a few other chances, but it just wasn’t to be,” McLaughlin explained. “In fairness to Hamersley, they kept digging away and were rewarded with probably a deserved goal. We have a few wrongs to right and are hoping we can do this this weekend against Kwinana. They are a good side and well set up, and they aren’t a team we will be taking lightly. But we have a job to do and hopefully, us as players can step up and deliver on Sunday.”

In other games, third-placed North Perth United welcome bottom-of-the-table Jaguar to Woodville Reserve, Ballajura AFC entertain Hamersley Rovers at Kingfisher Park, while Olympic Kingsway will look to build on their win at Ballajura last week when they make the trip to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside. In the final game, Swan United welcome Maccabi to the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. The hosts sit seven points behind leaders Wanneroo but returned to the winner’s circle last week, and coach Lee Taylor is looking for more of the same on Sunday.

“I thought we started really well last week but then lost a little momentum, which allowed Kingsley back into the game. We weren’t at our best overall, but we showed good resilience after going behind and then conceding early in the second half to come back and win the game,” Taylor explained. “Kingsley have some quality in their side and have been involved in some very close games against the better teams in the league, so it was an important three points for us.

“When we played Maccabi last time, we found ourselves on the back foot early after conceding at the start of the game. We responded well in the second half and scored some really good goals, so we know there are areas we can take confidence from, but also things we need to improve on. There are no easy games at this stage of the season. With only a few games remaining, every point is important, so we know we’ll need to produce an improved performance this weekend if we’re going to get the three points we need.”

GLORY HEAD TO NEWCASTLE IN SEASON OPENER

The 2026/27 Ninja A-League fixtures have been released today, and Perth Glory will start their campaign with a trip to Newcastle Jets on Saturday October 17. They will look for a repeat of their last meeting at the venue in week 18 last season, when Stephen Peters’ side came home with a 3-2 win, with goals from Gabby Hollar, Clancy Westaway and Tijan McKenna, which was one of only two wins on the road for the season. It’s a third season for Peters, as he looks to lead the club to the end of season finals for the first time 2018–19, the season they lost to Sydney FC in the Grand Final.

The nineteenth season of the league will be played over 22 Match-weeks – a full home-and-away season with each team having two byes. They will observe all FIFA international windows, including the November, February and April breaks ahead of the 2027 FIFA Womens World Cup in Brazil starting at the end of June. The fixture focuses even more on families and making matches more accessible for the core fanbase of the Ninja A-League; limiting midweek matches outside of the festive summer period, reducing the number of Friday night fixtures and securing more family-friendly kick off times.

“We have created a draw that has brought together feedback from all of our stakeholders to make our game more accessible, and to build upon the success of last season to provide a competition that continues to be the best in Asia,” said APL CEO, Steve Rosich. “Families are the heartbeat of the Ninja A-League, and this season we have limited midweek matches, reduced the number of Friday night fixtures and we have more matches at family friendly kick off times. We look forward to another action-packed season and a thrilling race to the Final Series, ahead of an exciting 12 months for the women’s game globally.”

After the opening game, Glory will be on the road again in week two, with a trip to Adelaide United, then in November they have back-to-back home games against Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United at HBF Park, in double-headers with the men’s side. Ahead of the first FIFA International break of the season, Glory will head to Central Coast Mariners (Saturday 14 November) and Melbourne Victory (Sunday 22 November) and then make a welcome return to Sam Kerr Football Centre to host reigning Premiers and Champions Melbourne City (Saturday 12 December) and Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday 19 December).

An away ALW/ALM double-header against Brisbane Roar (Wednesday 30 December) will bring the curtain down on 2026 and after a bye week, Peters’ side are set to play five of their next seven games at home. Sydney FC are first up on Sunday 10 January and following a long trip to Wellington Phoenix on Saturday 16 January, it will be back to Sam Kerr Football Centre to face Adelaide United (Saturday 23 January) and Newcastle Jets (Saturday 30 January). February starts with a visit to Melbourne City (Sunday 7 February) ahead of another two consecutive home games, this time against Brisbane Roar (Saturday 13 February) and Central Coast Mariners (Sunday 21 February).

Following the second FIFA International Break and a bye week, the season’s final push will start with Glory facing both Sydney sides away from home in the space of a week (Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday 20 March) and Sydney FC (Saturday 27 March). Then it’s back for the final home game of the regular campaign against Melbourne Victory (Sunday 4 April) before rounding things off by heading to McKellar Park for a showdown with old rivals Canberra United on Saturday 10 April. Get your memberships here - https://membership.perthglory.com.au//products/membership/a-league-women-1363

MAYNARD-BREWER EXTENDS LOAN DEAL AT GILLINGHAM

WA keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer will continue his emergency loan deal at Gillingham, after his initial seven-day loan ended last week. The Gills were waiting on the fitness of Southampton loanee keeper Ollie Wright but decided against risking him in their Sky Bet League Two opener with Walsall on Saturday, and Maynard-Brewer went straight into the starting XI in the 0-3 defeat. The 27-year-old, who had a loan spell with the Gills in the 2022/23 from Charlton Athletic, but never made a first-team appearance after dislocating his shoulder in a pre-season friendly at Dover.

The keeper crisis came to a head in pre-season, with Gillingham fielding Owen Mason on an emergency loan from Mansfield in the Carabao Cup defeat to Luton last weekend, but Mason has since joined Bromley on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. Now the keeper’s emergency loan spell at MEMS Priestfield Stadium from Sheffield Wednesday has been extended, meaning the former ECU Joondalup goalkeeper will be eligible for Saturday's game at Fleetwood Town in League Two.

PLENTY TO PLAY FOR IN FINAL NPL GAMES OF THE SEASON

We head into the final week of the New Balance NPLWA Men’s competition, and with Bayswater City sealing the title last week, and Olympic Kingsway and Perth RedStar securing Top Four Final spots, the final place will go down to the last game, with Perth Azzurri and Fremantle City looking to join them. Meanwhile at the other end of the table Balcatta Etna are relegated, but the relegation play-off place is between three teams, with Perth Glory, Armadale and Dianella White Eagles all fighting to stay in the league. (All games kick off at 3:00pm)

We start in the relegation battle, and first up Armadale, who are tenth, and level on points with Perth Glory, welcome Perth RedStar to Alfred Skeet Reserve, and like Glory a win would secure their NPL status for next season. Armadale coach John Baird returns to the dugout this week and knows the challenge they face. “Saturday was a little different with myself suspended and our team manager unavailable due to a private matter. A massive thank you to Pete Taylor and Alfie Brincat, who stepped up in the dugout and made sure everything was organised and ran as smoothly as possible,” Baird explained.

“It’s moments like these that show what a club is all about. Everyone pulling together, taking responsibility and doing whatever is needed to support the team. I really appreciate both of them stepping up, and also the support from everyone at the club who helped behind the scenes to make sure Saturday went smoothly, that’s what a club is all about. This week is a game we look forward to, and rightly so. We’ve only been defeated twice in our last seven games and are in decent form, especially having gone four games unbeaten, and Red Star have had a fantastic season.

“To secure a top-four finish with a game to spare is a huge achievement in this league, and I’m sure they’ll be very much looking forward to the challenge as well. For ourselves, we’ve put ourselves in a position where it’s now in our hands. After the first seven or eight rounds, we would have bitten your hand off for that opportunity, but it’s well deserved and has come down to everyone within the club. From top to bottom, the support has been fantastic, and that all starts with the players’ attitude and the way they’ve stuck together over the 21 rounds. We’ll prepare this week as we always do, make sure we’re ready, and look to give ourselves the best possible opportunity.”

Also, on Saturday 11th placed Dianella White Eagles need the results in other games to go their way, and then they need to beat Balcatta Etna at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. Striker Albert Luwi, who was on target last week, said it’s their biggest game of the season. “Unfortunately, we’ve put ourselves in this position and have to find a way to get ourselves out come Saturday, doesn’t matter how we do it we just need to get the three points,” Luwi explained. “Unfortunately, we do have to rely on other results going our way, but we can only focus on ourselves and hope things go our way and finally get some luck this season.”

On Saturday Perth Glory, who are in the best position, sitting ninth on 21 points, and having a superior goal difference, but they face a tough task, with a trip to Frank Drago Reserve, to take on Champions, Bayswater City. Meanwhile in the Top Four race, Perth Azzurri welcome Sorrento to La Viva Homes, Dorrien Gardens, and they just need a point to take fourth place, while Fremantle City head to the Madman Arena, and need three points, and hope Sorrento can do them a favour to play finals football.

“It’s always difficult going to Kingsway as they’re one of the top sides consistently, but hoping that with a win we can sneak into the top four,” Fremantle skipper Charlie Chechlacz explained. “It will give us a huge incentive to get the result and with that hoping that Sorrento can get a result against Perth but it’s out of hands so we can only focus on our result. In other game on Saturday, Stirling Macedonia welcome Western Knights to Macedonia Park, and a win for either side will see them finish sixth.” The Golden Boot will also go down to the wire, with Perth Azzurri’s Pieter Jacobsz hat trick last week taking him to 17 goals, two clear of Bayswater City’s Chris Jackson and Stirling Macedonia’s Callum McKenzie, with Olympic Kingsway’s Liam Boland, one further back

TOP FOUR SPOT UP FOR GRABS IN FINAL GAME

With Floreat Athena sealing the State League Division One title last week, and UWA Nedlands and Joondalup City all but sure of Top Four place, the last spot is up for grabs on Saturday, with Mandurah City and Quinns, battling it out, and both sides have home ground advantage in the final week’s fixtures. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Firstly Quinns welcome Kingsley Westside to Chichester Park, and they need a win and hope Mandurah slip up, with them having a superior goal difference. Quinns have been in great form recently, and are coming off a 2-0 win against Gwelup Croatia, and go into the game with just one defeat in their last six games, but in their meeting in week eleven, a brace from Sam Willis helped Kingsley to a 7-0 win.

Quinns assistant coach Steve Flint said all they can do concentrate on their self. “Yes, all we can do is keep our current form going, worry about the controllables in front of us on Saturday and seal three points,” Flint said. “We have had a massive turn around in results in the last two months, credit to all the players, and we need to keep achieving the standards we have set.”

Mandurah City welcome Murdoch University Melville to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. With it being the final game of the season, and so much on the line in the top four, one would have thought all games would kick off at the same time, but this one kicks off at 5:00pm. The Dolphins have stuttered in recent weeks, and haven’t won their last five games, including last week’s defeat at Floreat, but they are in pole position, and a win would seal their top four spot. They last met in week eleven, when a Sam Lovell double saw Mandurah runout 2-1 winners.

The relegation spots have been decided, with Curtin University relegated, and Subiaco AFC in the relegation play-off spot. Curtin coach Troy Reid will coach his last game for the club, when they host Inglewood United at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval, while Subiaco welcome Cockburn City to Rosalie Park. Champions Floreat Athena head to the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street to meet Gwelup Croatia, while its second v third at Iluka Park, where Joondalup City entertain UWA Nedlands, with both sides building up for the NPL prometon/relegation games. The Division One Golden Boot has already been sewn up, with UWA Nedlands striker Joe McInness having a stellar season, bagging 25 goals.

RELEGATION BATTLE IN DIVISION TWO

With two rounds remaining, both the State League Division Two, promotion and relegation spots are still in the mix, and our week 21 “Matches of the Round’ is at the foot of the table. We have a real six-pointer, with bottom of the table North Beach welcoming tenth placed Canning City to Charles Riley Memorial Reserve, while 11th placed Gosnells City entertain league leaders Wembley Downs at the Colleen Egan MLA Grounds, Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) First Gosnells City know a win would be massive in their relegation fight, but they take on a Wembley side, who are on top on goal difference, and are two wins away from promotion to Division One for the first time, so it’s a must win game for both.

Wembley won the first meeting with Gosnells 2-1 in week ten. Gosnells were ahead just after the half hour, Tony Chandler on target. But the hosts levelled just before the break, Hayden Boffey picked up a clearance and drove inside and finished clinically from distance. They scored the winner eight minutes into the second half, Mella Loding was slipped in down the left inside channel, and he slotted it home across the Gosnells keeper Lachlan Devine.

Gosnells City sit in the relegation play-off spot at the moment, three points ahead of North Beach, and one point behind Canning City, and it’s between those three. Gosnells coach Peter Allen said conceding early last week at Rockingham wasn’t ideal, but he pleased how his side fought out the game, and he knows they will need to bring the same on Saturday. “Yes, a tough loss last week, and conceding early didn’t really help, but credit to the lads they didn’t let it get them down and fought hard but we couldn’t get that goal. All credit to Rocky though, they made life hard for us there a very experienced team and deserved the win overall,” Allen explained. “This week is another challenge against Wembley, but we’re under no illusions we know we’re in a fight to stay up, and it’s simple we need points we have two games left both at home and will give it everything, both myself and the lads are up for the fight.”

Wembley will look to bounce back from their loss at Kalamunda, a game coach Luke Thompson said mistakes cost them. “I thought we played quite well with the right ideas, but our quality of execution let us down and credit to Kalamunda because their transition was dangerous all game and made us pay for our mistakes,” Thompson said. “Every game is difficult in this league and the weekend against Gosnells will be no difference. Their season is on the line and I’m sure they will be desperate for three points as much as us. Most likely whoever deals with the pressure of the situation on the day will come out on top and we will be doing everything we can to make sure it will be us.” Also, congratulations to Wembley’s Toby Robertson who has won the Division Two Golden Boot with 18 goals

It's a real six-pointer for both North Beach and Canning, with Canning looking to build on their win at Forrestfield last week, while North Beach know three points are a must, or they will be all but relegated. The host will be looking for a repeat of their first meeting at Canning in week ten, when they returned with a 1-0 win. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time. A ball was sent in from a long throw which got cleared out to Ayden Dragun, who swung a ball in from just outside the box, which evaded everyone and found itself in the bottom corner.

North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said this weekends game is a cup final, and three points are a must. “We go into this weekend knowing we just must focus on what we can control on the pitch, and how we plan to get the necessary three points to give us any hope of a final weekend showdown for our State League status.,” De Carlo explained. “We’ve obviously played Canning this season and walked away with a tight win away from home, but we are under no illusion that since then they have had some very good results and recruitment, so will treat this like no other game against a team in good form. We’ve let ourselves down the last few weeks but were also finding some form in the month prior, which will be our main drive heading into Saturday. It’s a cup final for North Beach this weekend and I have full confidence the guys will rise to the occasion.”

Canning will know a win will see them safe, and coach Lee Hayward said they have built some confidence in recent performances. “We will go into the game confident of picking up the points, but we know we have to play. The win at Forrestfield was good, but that means nothing if we fail to show up this weekend,” Hayward said. “It’s a must win game for North Beach and they are playing for survival as well, so it should be an entertaining game with two teams looking to attack and win the game. Hopefully we can get it done and avoid going to Rockingham needing to get a result.”

In other games on Saturday, Carramar Shamrock Rovers will look to keep level with Wembley at the top of the table, when they visit Wotton Reserve to take on Morley Windmills who will look to continue their four-game unbeaten run. Rockingham City returned to the winners’ circle last week, and they will look to keep the pressure on the top two when they visit Ashfield Arean to take on Ashfield. The other games involve teams fighting for a top four spot, Balga entertain Forrestfield United at Princess Road Reserve, while in the late game Kalamunda City host East Perth at the Aero Ranger Maida Vale Reserve. (5:00pm)

GLORY AND OLYMPIC WIN NPLWA 23’S AND 18’S TITLE

We go into the last regular games of the season on Saturday, but the NPLWA 23’s and 18’s titles have already been decided. In the NPL Under 23’s Perth Glory are Champions, having only lost once this season, a 3-4 loss against Perth Azzurri in week 14, so congratulations to Diego Marín Dupre and his side for their success.

Olympic Kingsway, who currently sit second, and third placed Fremantle City have qualified for the Top Four Finals, while the final place will go down to the final game. Perth RedStar sits fourth, one point ahead of Stirling Macedonia, with Perth Azzurri and Bayswater City still in with a chance. The golden boot race will also go down to the final day, with Azzurri’s Evan Moorhouse on top with 15 goals, closely followed by Dianella’s Blake Ferguson on 14, with RedStar’s Jack Connolly and Stirling Macedonia’s Zak Efthymiou on 13.

In the under 18’s Olympic Kingsway are the champions, congratulations to Dale McCulloch and his side. They sealed the title after a hat-trick from Lucas Sinkora, a brace from Joel Petrillo and others to Sean Doyle, Enzo Rancatore, Corey Smith and Bastian Rubina sealed a 9-0 win against Dianella White Eagles in their catch-up game on Wednesday evening.

They will be joined in the top four finals by runners up Stirling Macedonia, Perth Glory and Perth Azzurri. It looks like Olympic Kingsway’s Enzo Rancatore will secure the 18’s Golden Boot, after Wednesday’s goal taking his tally to 21 goals, Fremantle City’s Felix Leonard-Moran is second with 15, with Sorrento’s Alex Jovanovic and Armadale’s David Magorwa on 12.

IS THE A-LEAGUE HEADING INTO TURMOIL?

The new A-League season is only two months away, but the uncertainty within the game is hanging over the competition, and with Western United’s misfortune widely reported on, and player payments at clubs, including Perth Glory have made front page headlines around the country, is the competition heading into turmoil? It was reported this week by the Australian Associated Press, that Socceroos and Matildas contracted to A-Leagues clubs could soon exercise their right to industrial action after the football players’ union rejected the latest pay deal proposed by league bosses.

This undoubtedly makes the future of the league’s future uncertain. The previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the A-League Men and A-League Women players and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) expired on June 30. Despite the agreement lapsing last month, the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), and the APL were confident a deal would get over the line in the early part of July after beginning talks late last year.

But the latest proposal was unanimously rejected by players at a meeting last week, plunging the leagues’ outlook into uncertainty. “The result of the vote was clear – an overwhelming majority of players elected to reject the APL proposal, believing that it did not advance the players’ and the game’s collective interests,” PFA chief executive Beau Busch wrote in a memo sent to players, and seen by AAP. “The A-Leagues delegates have now formally ratified this position. As such, we have informed APL that their proposal has been rejected and that the CBA negotiation process has been exhausted.”

What does this outcome mean to Australia’s top-flight football leagues are the only major competitions in the country without a CBA. Players were prohibited from taking industrial action under the CBA, but with no agreement currently in place the competition is potentially entering uncharted territory. Relations between the PFA and the APL have been frosty for the best part of a year since APL chair Stephen Conroy signalled his intention to introduce a hard salary cap of $3million.

The APL has since shifted its position under new chief executive Steve Rosich and offered players a voice at the table to shape the leagues’ direction. But that wasn’t enough to swing players to vote for last week’s proposal. The offer, that was rejected by PFA members, included a $100,000 increase to the $2.6million A-League Men salary cap and the limiting of marquee contracts – the value of which sits outside the cap – to just one per club. The APL also wanted to raise the $640,000 salary cap to $775,000 for the ALW, while boosting the minimum wage of female players by 27 per cent to close to $35,000 per season.

Rosich said the APL would consider its next steps over the coming weeks, with fixtures for the 2026-27 season expected to be released later this week. “We have been negotiating in good faith with the PFA for the past eight months to agree a new CBA to ensure the sustainable growth of the A-Leagues for our clubs and players, and are looking to continue to do so,” Rosich said in a statement. “We have had collaborative discussions through to Wednesday, and we have sought an explanation on the PFA’s position, before further engagement.”

Furthermore, players also want greater checks and balances over the direction of the A-League. The APL has previously agreed to establish a strategic committee group to revitalise the domestic game, with players given a seat at the table through an advisory committee. But players will not agree to a salary cap for the 2027-28 season and beyond if they feel sufficient progress hasn't been made. "At APL's invitation we have put forward a proposal that provides a pathway to address shared reform objectives but importantly ensures accountability," PFA chief executive Beau Busch said.

"These relate to contract security, non-payment protections and sanctions, maternity coverage and, crucially, strengthened game reform commitments to give the players the necessary confidence that the APL are genuine. "Ultimately, we will find out if they are fair dinkum about reform and rebuilding the game. If they are, reaching an agreement should be straightforward." I’m sure the fans will have their say, and some already have, but it’s a position clubs do not need as they prepare for a new season, but it’s one that needs fixing, sooner rather than later.

CIRCATI HEADS TO ESTADIO DA LUZ

After staring at the recent FIFA World Cup, Socceroo defender Alessandro Circati has joined Portuguese powerhouse Benfica from Italian club Parma, for a reported 20 million euros ($33 million). The former Perth Azzurri and Perth Glory junior, who was linked with a move to Italian clubs Juventus and Milan recently, has become the latest Australian international to move in the transfer window, just days after Socceroos teammate Nestory Irankunda’s move from English Championship outfit Watford to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Sporting CP.

The 22-year-old, speaking on the club’s website, said the move was a privilege, and he can’t wait to get started. "To all the Benfiquistas, yeah, I can't wait to play in front of you all, and win as many titles as we can. It's a huge honour. It's a privilege. I'm over the moon, couldn't be happier," Circati said. “I think it's a reward for many years of hard work. I'm so happy to be here, and I can't wait to play for Benfica.

The talented defender said he can’t wait to play in the club’s stadium, which is also called the Stadium of Light. “I can't wait. I've just had a look at it now, it's amazing, and I'm very, very excited to play,” the defender said. “I think I'm very adaptable, and I think you can play me in either role of the centre-back, in a back-four or a back-three. I'm sure it's going to take a bit of time to adapt, but I'll try and make it as fast as possible with the help of my teammates and staff. But I'm sure I'll fit in just fine."

Circati made 31 Serie A appearances for Parma last season and played every minute of the Socceroos’ four matches at the recent FIFA World Cup and he joins a side who have just kicked off their league campaign with a win and a draw, thrashing Casa Pia 7-0 earlier this week. They are also involved in European football, and they host Danish side AGF at home in the first leg of a playoff to qualify for the Europa League on Friday morning Australian time.

His former club Parma paid tribute to his time at the club in a statement, saying: "Alessandro made a total of 96 appearances for Parma, including 37 in Serie A, scoring two goals and playing a key role not only in the club's 2023/24 Serie B title triumph but also in securing survival over the following two seasons. President Kyle J. Krause, CEO Federico Cherubini and the entire Parma Calcio family would like to sincerely thank Alessandro and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."

The defender who has played 17 times for Australia, and became the Socceroos' fourth youngest captain in 2025, will be in line for his debut in the Liga on September 1 when they host Estoril, before a trip to Maritimo the week after. Meanwhile, the Socceroos will return to action in September when they play a two-game series against Brazil in Queensland, and will enter next January's Asian Cup as one of the tournament's favourites.

FORRESTFIELD UNITED UNDER 18S ON THE VERGE OF CREATING HISTORY

Special mention must go to Forrestfield United's Under 18s, who are on the verge of producing one of the greatest youth seasons in WA football history.

With just two rounds remaining, Forrestfield have played 20 league games, won all 20, scored 88 goals and conceded just eight. Their defensive record has been just as remarkable as their attacking firepower. They did not concede their first league goal until Round 9, when they defeated Canning City 11-1, with the only goal against coming from the penalty spot. Their first goal conceded from open play did not arrive until the following week.

As expected, Forrestfield are well represented in the Golden Boot race. Thandolwami Tshuma and Jordan Salim have both scored 18 goals, putting them level with North Beach's Tyler Pires at the top of the scoring charts.

Footballwa.net has gone back through the archives, which date to 1975, when youth football was first played as an Under 16's competition on Saturday afternoons before the Reserves and First Team in the professional leagues. Division One (as it is now known) also featured an Under 17's/18's competition from 1981 to 1985, before it returned in 1995, while Division Two has had an Under 18's competition since the league was reformed in 2012.

The records show that only once across the top three divisions has an Under 18 side completed a perfect league season. Remarkably, that team was also Forrestfield United, who achieved the feat in the 2007 State League Division One season, winning all 20 matches while scoring 108 goals and conceding just 12.

What makes this year's team even more intriguing is that no club has ever completed a perfect 22-game Under 18 season. Several teams have come agonisingly close. Perth Glory finished with 21 wins and one draw in the 2023 NPL-WA season, while Wanneroo matched that record in Division One in 2013. The Division Two benchmark belongs to Murdoch University Melville, who also finished with 21 wins and one draw in 2019.

The record for the fewest goals conceded over a 22-game Under 18 season still belongs to Queens Park, who let in just six goals during the 1998 State League First Division campaign.

Despite their incredible season, Forrestfield have not yet secured the title.

Victory over Balga on Saturday will crown them champions. They would then head into the final round against Gosnells City - currently the only side within touching distance, sitting five points behind - with the opportunity to complete the first-ever perfect 22-game Under 18 season in WA football history.

Good luck to Forrestfield United's Under 18s over the final two weeks of the season. History is within reach.

DOYLE AT THE DOUBLE AS KINGSLEY BEAT GWELUP

A brace from Luke Doyle, has helped Kingsley Westside beat Gwelup Croatia 4-2 in the week 20 State League Division One catchup game at Chichester Park on Tuesday evening. The win leaves Kingsley in seventh position on the table, while Gwelup remain eighth. “Happy with the performance over all against Gwelup, and the three points. First half was a bit a low on quality from both teams but for two teams they weren’t playing for much, the game was played with real intensity,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews said post-match

“I thought we were excellent in the second half, handled the pitch a lot better, played with real purpose and created a number of high-quality opportunities. I’m delighted for the lads to get the win. We’ve been battling with 10-12 players out with long term injuries for eight weeks now, but the atmosphere within the squad hasn’t changed. Lots of players from the 18’s and 23’s, have been given some exposure which is only going to set us up well for the long term.”

Only two points separated the sides at kick off, and both sides had chances early, but it was the hosts who found the opener on 23 minutes, Doyle’s goalbound shot was deflected off Shaun McDermott, which beat Gwelup keeper Nicholas Milosevic. Gwelup hit back and levelled in the shadows of half time, Roberto Soares pounced on an errant pass, and he cut across the edge of the box before firing low past Isaac Driessen.

The home side regained the lead three minutes into the second half, Xavier Medica slipping Paul Stewart into the box and he fired low past Milosevic. But Taki Nicolaidis’ side were level again on 53 minutes, Soares free kick was turned home by McDermott. It was game on, and both sides looked for another goal, and it went the way of Ben Andrews’ side ten minutes later. Ryder Leasor was brought down in the box by Soares, and referee Josh Mannella pointed straight to the spot.

Doyle stepped up and sent Milosevic the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Kingsley added a fourth to seal the points on 71 minutes. A long clearance from Isaac Driessen was superbly controlled out on the left by Medica, and he squared the ball to Ben Wyeth, who made no mistake, despite Milosevic getting a boot to it. Both sides are back in action on Saturday in the final game of the season, Kingsley travelling to Quinns, while Gwelup welcome Champions Floreat Athena.