footballwa.net — Western Australian Football News

DE ABREU EXTENDS GLORY CONTRACT

After a stellar first season in the A-League, Perth Glory midfielder Gio De Abreu has signed a new deal which extends his contract with the club until June 2028. The 19-year-old penned a scholarship deal last year having played his junior football with Sorrento FC, Perth RedStar, the Glory Academy, and played in the Bayern Munich World Academy in 2024-25. He went on to make his A-League debut in December’s Round Nine clash with Adelaide United at HBF Park, and he’s never looked back, showing grit, determination and a great deal of skill.

The former Australia Under-17 and current Under-20 representative went on to become a regular starter in Coach Adam Griffiths’ side, making 17 appearances over the course of an outstanding campaign which culminated in him taking out the club’s DT38 Young Player of the Season Award. He said it wasn’t the end to the season they were after, but he’s determined to make emends next season after signing a new contract.

“I’m very happy to be staying at Perth Glory for the foreseeable future and extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue with the club under Griff and alongside my teammates, and I thank God for his guidance and strength throughout this journey,” the midfielder said. “Although we didn’t meet the targets we had set for ourselves this past season. I really enjoyed my first season at Glory and loved playing every minute of every game, and I’m very excited for what’s ahead this next season.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis has been hugely impressed by the way De Abreu has adapted to the demands of senior football. “Gio has looked very comfortable at ALM level ever since making his debut,” he said. “He has been a standout performer in what is a vital role which carries a lot of responsibility, showing great maturity and a fantastic attitude and work ethic. We have already seen glimpses of Gio’s huge potential and are really looking forward to watching him continue to develop as a player over the next two seasons. As a club, we are committed to providing a clear pathway for young WA players to represent their home-state club and Gio is yet another example of that commitment being fulfilled.”

BALCATTA HOST KNIGHT IN NPLWA WEEK ELEVEN - PREVIEW

After the midweek cup ties we are back in league action this weekend, and our Week Eleven New Balance NPLWA - Men’s ’Match of the Round’ takes us to the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, where Balcatta Etna entertain Western Knights. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Both teams are coming off wins last week, the hosts coming home from Dianella with a 3-2 win, which moved them off the bottom of the table, while the Knights came from behind to beat Stirling Macedonia at Nash Field, to consolidate fourth place, so with both looking to continue their winning run going, this should be a cracker.

The last time the two sides met at the venue was in Week 13 last season, when the visitors secured a 2-0 win. In the final game Western Knights have won for the second time on the road this season, coming home from Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve with all three points after a 2-0 win. It was a great start for the visitors, opening the scoring in the first minute. Jessie Lazzaro found a pocket of space just outside the penalty area, and his deft chip found Harry O’Brien and he finished past Riley Stephenson. They sealed the points on 69 minutes. Konstantinos Sparta picked out Dylan White, his through ball released Kristian Santich, who raced clear of his defender and finished with aplomb.

Last week’s win at Dianella, moved Balcatta off the bottom of the table and defender James Fanelli said it was a huge boost, especially after the disappointing result the week before at Armadale. “Yes, a huge win, especially after a poor result at Armadale,” he said. “I thought we showed a lot of character to bounce back and get the win away from home, at a difficult ground to get a result. It was a tough game against a good Dianella side, and we will look to build on it.”

It's been difficult for the Balcatta players, with a change of coach mid-season. Fanelli said it wasn’t ideal, but the players have responded well, and they will look for back-to-back wins for the first time this season on Saturday. “Basil (Lenzo) has got us playing some really good football, and I think we potentially could have had a couple more good results with some of the performances we’ve put in against strong teams,” the former Olympic Kingsway defender explained. “The feeling around the team is really good at the moment and we’re absolutely going to try and build on last week’s performance and gain more confidence and momentum this weekend against Knights. But we know they’re a quality team, so we need to make sure we’re ready to match them in all areas.”

After back-to-back defeats, Western Knights returned to the winner’s circle against Stirling, and coach Adam Kostrencic was pleased with the response of his players. “Last week was a very good performance against a good Stirling side, and defensively we were outstanding to really limit their opportunities,” the coach explained. “If anything, we probably should have killed the game off sooner with good chances we created, but it was a well-deserved and important win after a few disappointing results in recent weeks.”

The win consolidated fourth place for the Nash Field club, but Kostrencic knows this the NPL is so tight this season, and they will have to be at their best to get a result at Balcatta. “It is a very tight league and it’s important for us to stay in touch with the leading group. As we experienced a few weeks ago you can slide down very quickly when things don’t go your way,” he said. “Balcatta have been playing very well and are coming off a good win away against Dianella, and I know Basil will have them well prepared, so we will need to be at our very best to take something away from this game.”

In other games this weekend, league leaders Perth RedStar welcome Perth Azzurri to the RedStar Arena on Friday evening (7:00pm) The hosts will be looking to keep their five-game unbeaten run going, while the Azzurri will hope to build on their win at Sorrento last time out. Olympic Kingsway head to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Sorrento, while Perth Glory travel to Hilton Park to meet Fremantle City. Stirling Macedonia will lo0ok to get back in the winner’s circle, after two defeats, when they welcome third placed Bayswater City to Macedonia Park. The visitors will be without winger Sean McManus, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Everyone at Footballwa wishes him a speedy recovery, while in the final game Dianella White Eagles entertain Armadale at Dianella Reserve.

QUINNS AND MANDURAH LOOK TO BUILD ON BIG WINS LAST WEEK

Quinns and Mandurah City are coming off big wins last week, and they meet in our State League Division One Week Nine ‘Match of the Round’ at Stylish Park, Grindleford Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Quinns win at Inglewood moved them to fifth on the ladder, a good start after promotion last season, while Mandurah snapped a seven-game run without a win with a victory against second placed UWA Nedlands, so both sides will look to build on the wins in this one. The last time they met at the venue in the league, was back in Week 18 in 2022, and it’s a game the hosts will want to forget, the Dolphins winning 8-1. The visitors were ahead on seven minutes, skipper Harry Collins’ ball sent Hamish van Dieken clear, and he finished clinically.

They doubled their lead 14 minutes later, a great ball over the top by John Baird found Joe O’Brien, who chested it down and finished with aplomb. But Quinns found a lifeline in stoppage time, with Jackson Dongray firing home from eight meters. Mandurah regained their two-goal advantage early in the second half, Baird firing home superbly from long-range, and it was 4-1 shortly after, Murray Mackintosh finding O’Brien who finished well. It was 5-1 when Quinns failed to clear a free kick, and Afian Giyanto crossed to Charlie Breento score. They added another on 76 minutes, Graham Tough crossing to O’Brien who completed his hat-trick. It was 7-1 moments later, Mackintosh cross from the right was turned home again by O’Brien. The striker added his fifth late, firing home on the turn, to seal a comfortable win.

Quinns have been impressive since their return to Division One, and the never say die attitude was clear to see at Inglewood last week, with two late goals securing the win, and assistant coach Steven Flint said the players have worked really hard and it was good to see them rewarded last week. “This group we have had for a few years now, and they just don’t know how to give up. We have had so many late wins and it’s a testament to the players belief and hard work,” Flint explained. “Inglewood set up to be very hard to break down and to get into their final third. They managed to sneak a goal, but a couple of red cards opened the game up and the lads took their chances when they came along. I thought it was a well-deserved result in the end.”

Flint said it still early in the season, but a fifth-place position is a good reward, but there is a long way to go, and Saturday’s visitors will be a tough opponent. “Yes, were sitting fifth in a very tight league, and that is pleasing to be in this position especially as newcomers to the division, but Nick (Jennings) and I are under no illusions how difficult and unstable this season will be with results. We will focus game by game, work hard and keep having the ambition and expectation of a high finish,” he said. “We welcome Mandurah to Stylish, and the challenge they will bring. It will be physical and high tempo for sure, and it will be a good game to get down and watch.”

After a blistering start to the season for Mandurah, winning their opening two games, but they went on to lose the next five. They hit back last week with the huge win against UWA, and defender Harry Collins, said they took the chances on the day. “To be honest, we didn’t start the game as well as we would have liked and were fortunate enough to only go in at 1-0 down at the break,” Collins said. “We changed a few things and came out in the second half on the front foot and created a lot of chances and took them which we’ve been struggling to do in the previous couple of weeks.”

Collins said they are looking forward to the game on Saturday at Quinns, and he has been pleased how the players have stuck together during their lean spell. “It was a great start to the season, but were unlucky with a couple of red cards and injuries, and just not sticking the ball in the back of the net. But the team stuck together and eventually we secured the win against a well organised UWA side,” he explained. “We’re looking forward to building on our win, and a strong second half performance last week, and hopefully going on another winning streak. With a few key players coming back into the squad, we can’t wait for the long journey up there.”

In other games, league leaders Floreat Athena, who sit six points clear, hit the road to visit Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City, the hosts will be buoyed after their big win against Joondalup last week, while UWA Nedlands will look to bounce back from their defeat at Mandurah, when they welcome Murdoch University Melville to the UWA Sports Park. Joondalup City, who moved to third with a win at MUMFC in midweek, entertain Inglewood United at Iluka Park, Gwelup Croatia and Kingsley Westside will both look to bounce back after defeats last week, when they meet at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street. In the final game it’s a real six pointer when the bottom two teams, Subiaco AFC and Curtin University meet at Rosalie Park.

MORLEY HOST BALGA IN THE ‘JOHN AUFDEMKAMPE TROPHY’

After their Hahn Australia Cup tie against NPL side Olympic Kingsway, Morley Windmills are back in league action on Saturday, when they welcome Balga AFC to Wotton Reserve, in our Week Eight State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ as the teams play for the ‘John Aufdemkampe Trophy’. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Balga hit back late to draw against the in-form Kalamunda last week, while Morley were big winners at Gosnells, and with only one point separating the two teams on the table, three points will be massive in this one. The last time these teams met in the league at the venue was back in Week Four in 2023, the year Morley were relegated to the Amateur league, but on the day the hosts won 6-2.

Morley hit the front ten minutes before the break, Christian Vest’s long-range shot giving Balga keeper Peter Pilkadaris no chance. But five minutes later the visitors levelled, a corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Kevin Gallo made no mistake. Morley regained the lead 11 minutes into the second half, when Connor Kavanagh’s long-range shot flew into the top corner. From then on it was the hosts who took control, first on the hour Ismael Dawson headed home from close-range, before Dawson added his second eight minutes later. Dawson completed his hat-trick from the spot 15 minutes from time, before Taban Lado pulled one back for Balga. Then in the final minute Morley made it 6-2, a ball over the top sent substitute Cedric Mezieres on goal, and he rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.

The draw against Kalamunda, made it only one defeat in their last five games for Balga, and midfielder Karl Maluga said it was hard fought point, but another game that they had the chances to win. “Yes, I thought the draw was a fair result, they had the better of the first half, but we had the better of the second, so it was a game of two halves,” he explained. “At the end of the day, both teams didn’t take their clear-cut chances, but it was a well contested, good game of football.”

Maluga said it’s a huge game on Saturday, and they have created a good rivalry with Morley, and he knows if they can take their chances, they can come home with the points. “Like I said if you take your chances, it will go a long way to winning the game, and when looking at the games this season, you can see that we have created and continue to create more chances than the other team in every game we have played. We believe in the system and results will follow,” he said. “We are very excited to take on Morley, and have missed them in the league, it is a good club that deserves to be playing state league football. It’s a shame in the manner they went down last time, but even though there’s a strong rivalry between the clubs, we’re excited to play for the John Aufdemkampe Trophy, it should be a good one.”

Morley bounced back from the heavy defeat against Wembley in Week Six, with the big win at Gosnells, and they pushed Olympic in the cup, and assistant coach Jesse Bridgeman said they are getting stronger. “Yes, Friday night was very important that we came away with the three points, and we knew not to look past that game before the cup, because we have dropped too many points in the league already,” he said. “The performance against Kingsway showed the ability of the squad and the fact we were still in the game until the 88-minute mark, hopefully drives the group on now.”

The club have added a couple of new faces to their squad, and Bridgeman said it’s given the squad a boost, and they are looking forward to clash against their local rivals. “Last week’s win took us to eighth, so we need to keep working hard now and focus on climbing the table to achieve our goals that John (O’Reilly) and I have set for the group, we have a few new faces now and the energy and standard has lifted already,” he explained. “Balga are always well organised and always put in 100%, so we know that it will be a very tough game on Saturday, and one the players and coaches are looking forward too.”

In other games on Saturday, league leaders Rockingham City, who were also in cup action in midweek, will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, when they welcome North Beach to the Endeavour Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex, while third placed Carramar Shamrock Rovers host Gosnells City at Grandis Park. It’s fourth v fifth at the Ashfield Arena, as Kalamunda City take on Ashfield, while on Sunday, second placed Wembley Downs make the trip to Burrendah Park to take on Canning City.

In the final game, Forrestfield United will look to maintain their three-game unbeaten run, when they host East Perth at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. It’s a special day at the club – ‘Scarlett’s Memorial Day’. They will be raising funds for the WA not for profit charity Kids Cancer Support Group with proceeds going towards supporting kids and families affected by cancer. They would love everyone to wear something pink to show support and help fill the stand with Scarlett’s favourite colour.

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK SEVEN PREVIEW

Swan United have started life in the Belt-Up Amateur Division well, sitting second on the table and they are the only unbeaten team in the competition. On Sunday they are involved in our Week Seven ‘Match of the Round’ when they make the trip to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) It will be first time the clubs have played in the Amateur competition, and last time out Kingsley pushed league leaders Wanneroo all the way, narrowly beaten 1-2 at the same time venue, and with home ground advantage they will fancy their chances in this one. The Black and Whites are coming off their fourth straight win, with a brace from John Monterosso helping them to a 4-0 win against Olympic, which kept them only one point behind Wanneroo.

Kingsley coach Simone Sichel said they deserved something from the game last week, and they took a great deal of encouragement from the performance going into Sunday’s clash. “Obviously we were disappointed, because we felt we deserved something from the game, but at the same time we were very proud of the performance against a very strong Wanneroo City side. The boys showed great character, intensity and discipline for the full 90 minutes and pushed the league leaders all the way. Small details decided the match, but overall, it gave us confidence that we can compete with the top teams in the league,” the coach explained.

“At the same time, we also understand that we are on a journey and these things are not built in one day. Since taking over this year, one of our biggest focuses has been re-establishing a strong Kingsley culture throughout the squad. We want to build an environment with high standards, commitment and a real connection to the club. We’re also very focused on developing young players and giving them opportunities to grow within senior football. We see this as a long-term project and hopefully something that can continue strengthening the amateur side of the club and its reputation within the WA football community.

“Don’t get me wrong, our goal is always to win every game we play, but after being involved in football for close to 35 years, I also understand that strong culture, winning mentality, hard work and commitment are what really build success in the long term. This week against Swan United will be another massive challenge for us. They’re a very well organised side with quality all over the pitch and their position on the ladder reflects that. For our players, these are the games you want to be involved in, big matches against top opposition. We’re looking forward to testing ourselves again at home and hopefully putting in another strong performance.”

Swan coach Lee Taylor said last week’s second half performance was good, but they need to put a 90 minutes performance in each week, as you can come unstuck in this league, and they need to be on their game on Sunday. “I was pleased to come away with the win in the end after a slow first half, we adjusted some aspects of our game at half time and we created a lot more opportunities in the second half and it ended up being a good professional performance, another clean sheet was also pleasing,” he explained.

“Our early cup exit showed us we have to make sure we approach each game with the right mindset as it’s very easy to be on the end of a bad defeat, and credit to the players since then they have been excellent each week. We need to make sure we perform at our highest level to win this weekend. It’s going to be a tough game, when you look at the majority of their results, they have been close games, usually only a single goal in it and we know how good Kingsley are, so they will be very competitive.”

The round kicks off tonight, with Wanneroo City looking to maintain their lead on the ladder, when they entertain Maccabi at Wanneroo Reserve. (7:00pm) in the other games on Sunday, third placed North Perth United host Kwinana United at Woodville Reserve, Noranda Emerald welcome Hamersley Rovers to the Noranda Sporting Complex, while Jaguar will look to build on their first points of the of the season, when they host Kelmscott Roos at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. In final game, Olympic Kingsway and Ballajura AFC will both look to bounce back from big defeats last week, when they meet at the Madman Arena, Kingsway Reserve.

Olympic coach Richard Turvill said it’s been a good week on track, as they look to bounce back on home soil. “We’ve been working really hard this week at training on certain things we think will help us this weekend. It’s a big game for us to try get our season back on track and we need to put it altogether for 90 minutes,” he explained. “You can see from the results in this league every week you have to constantly adapt and change to give yourself the best chance of winning. We’ve had some real battles with Ballajura over the years, and I’m sure Sunday won’t be any different.”

Ballajura coach Shane Fitzpatrick said young team are learning on the job, but he is confident they can turn things around. “I give credit to our boys, we have a young team that's gathering the experience as we go and they haven't dropped their heads once, I feel if we can be more clinical in front of goal our season will turn around quick,” he said. “We know Sunday is going to be a tough battle, as it always is with Kingsway over the years. Both of us need nothing less than three points, so it should be a great game – I can’t wait for Sunday.”

COLAKOVSKI SIGNS ON FOR MORE GLORY

Stefan Colakovski has signed a new one-year contract at Perth Glory, and the striker will hope to put an injury plagued season behind him, after only playing 13 games in 2025-26. The 26-year-old, who is in his second season at the club has become a fan favourite, and after first joining the club in 2022, where he played 24 games, scoring six goals, one of them taking out the club’s 2023-24 Goal of the Season Award.

Colakovski joined Glory from Melbourne City, and was part of the side that won two Premierships and one Championship and he also represented Wellington Phoenix after parting company with Glory in 2024, after his move to Europe didn't come into fruition, and he will be an important part of the squad. Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that Colakovski can be a major contributor to Glory’s attack once again in the upcoming season.

“Cola proved just how dangerous he can be on a regular basis last season and we’re excited to see more of that from him again next year,” he said. “He’s a player whose level of output is outstanding and someone that our supporters relate to and love watching, plus his own passion for the club is there for all to see. Cola’s style of play really fits with the approach Head Coach Adam Griffiths is looking to take in terms of playing high-tempo, attacking football and we’re delighted that he’ll be a Perth Glory player once again next season.”

GLORY HAMPERED BY SALARY CAP

Many believe Perth Glory have turned a corner, and the appointment of coach Adam Griffiths, and some good performances late in the season, there is a great deal of optimism they can challenge for finals football next season. Glory Director of Football Stan Lazaridis spoke to Ben Smith from the West Australian, and told him they are targeting a foreign winger among a handful of off-season transfer targets, but their planning for next season has been hindered with no salary cap yet set in stone by the A-League governing body, Australian Professional Leagues.

Lazaridis said the bulk of the squad would return, and reports Welshman Tom Lawrence will be extending his stay at the club is great news, and they had a rough idea of the cap parameters. While negotiations are ongoing, is yet to finalise the specifics and finer details of next season’s salary cap. The governing body’s current broadcast deal with Paramount+ will expire after this season, while the players’ collective bargaining agreement is also being re-negotiated with union Professional Footballers Australia. Both have an impact on the salary cap.

Last May, APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy announced they would introduce a ‘trial’ $3.5m soft cap for the 2025-26 season, which would then drop to a $3m hard cap for the looming 2026-27 season, although the latter is yet to be officially confirmed. Lazaridis said there were some off-contract players they wanted to retain, but were waiting to understand the details of cap. “We’ve got an idea of where the cap is, and we have worked to that model. Where it’s tricky is they’re stipulating rules around scholarships, players under the age of 23,” Lazaridis said. “Whilst we’ve earmarked certain players in that area, until they say this is a deal, we cannot prep one or two players, because if they don’t grant that, then it means that those players go in the cap, which then means that we’re over and we get fined.”

Lazaridis said he and re-signed coach Adam Griffiths were eager to target two attackers who could play out wide, with one of them a foreigner to fill one of Perth’s available international spots. “A winger, a 10, a dribbler. I want to bring pace, I want a combination of that and so does Griff. In fact, to be honest, that’s been Griff’s main request,” he said. “He wants to bring flair. He wants to bring excitement. We need to bring in those profiles. We’re looking at two, but the other one has to be an Aussie.”

Lazaridis added they were targeting depth in the form of two players per position and the squad would likely be limited to 26-28 players. “We’ve got to refine the squad down. Griff doesn’t want more than 26-28 players. That’ll be capped, including academy players,” he said. “You’ve got a few goalkeepers in there and probably four or five scholars, so that would that would leave you around 20 players: two in each spot. One thing we’re aligning moving forward is, what do we have in our academy waiting in the wings. The under-20s, the under-18s, who are the best players, who do we think is going to come through - If we don’t see anyone in those areas, then we’ve got to go out and get them.”

STATE RESERVES AND 18’S CUP REVIEW

We had two surprises in the State League Reserves Cup quarter-finals this week, with Quinns beating Fremantle City 5-0 at Stylish Park, Grindleford Reserve, while Joondalup City beat Stirling Macedonia on penalties at Macedonia Park. Quinns coach Brian Flanigan said all their hard work at training paid off. “We had a nervy first few minutes, but soon settled and went on to control the game from start to finish,” he said. “It was a very strong result, and I couldn’t be prouder of the group for getting the win over Fremantle. All the hard work and commitment in training really paid off.”

Gavin Walker opened the scoring with a looping header over the keeper, before Enoch Mbafumoja won the ball and rifled a low shot into the corner. Andrew Flint then stepped up to convert a penalty to extend the lead just before half time. They carried that momentum into the second half, and Enoch Mbafumoja added his second of the game with a brilliant run, skipping past three defenders before finishing into the top corner, before Bevan Latham rounded off the scoring with a well-worked corner, heading past the keeper.

In the other games, Finley Paterson gave Stirling the lead early, but they had Zak Efthymiou sent off before the break. Joondalup levelled late with Edward Amor scoring, and they went on to win the shootout 4-2. Olympic Kingsway beat Perth Glory 2-0 at Sam Kerr Football Centre, with goals from Luka Harvey and Roberto Salas, while in the other game, a brace from Teddy Curran has helped Perth RedStar a 4-1 win against Forrestfield United at the RedStar Arena. In the semi-final Quinns will play Olympic Kingsway, while Joondalup City take on Perth RedStar.

In the 18’s Cup, we had a six-goal thriller at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, with Perth Glory drawing 3-3 with Perth Azzurri, with Glory winning the tie 4-2 on penalties. Glory coach Gianluca Murray said it was a great game. “It was a great game, and a great result from our lads to bounce back from going 2-1 down,” he explained. “It was a performance of real character and quality against a well drilled and physical side in Azzurri.”

Glory hit the front on the half hour, with a brilliant solo effort from Rian Harris, but moments later Marcel Piotroski levelled from the spot. The Azzurri took the lead early in the second half, Jaydon Boyes on target, but Glory dug in, reset and began to create chances throughout the second half. They restored parity on the hour, Leandro Jesus’ initially penalty was saved, but he was first to the rebound to score. Leandro continued his goal scoring form, firing home into the top corner from the edge of the box to put Glory 3-2 up. But Azzurri hit back and levelled, with Boyes added his second, but late on Azzurri keeper Anthony Donatelli was sent off after bringing down Gideon Ndambira just outside the box. In the penalty shootout Glory keeper Aaron Black was the hero, saving two, and Ndambira fired home the final penalty to seal the win.

In the other games, goals from James Franey and Louie Martin, gave Carramar Shamrock Rovers a 2-1 win against Quinns at Stylish Park, Grindleford Reserve. A brace from Cruz Willson has helped Stirling Macedonia a 6-1 win against Joondalup City at Macedonia Park, while Munaf Alrumayid bagged a double to help Perth RedStar to a 3-1 win against Forrestfield United at the RedStar Arena. In the semi-finals, Carramar Shamrock Rovers will meet Perth Glory, while Stirling Macedonia will take on Perth RedStar.

ITALIANO NAMED IN SOCCEROOS’ TOURNAMENT PRE-CAMP

Jacob Italiano is one step closer to realising a World Cup dream which looked like a long shot just nine months ago after joining the Socceroos’ pre-tournament training camp. Italiano joins a swathe of big-name Australians in arriving in Sarasota, Florida, joining a 12-strong group of fresh additions which includes veteran Jackson Irvine and star wing-back Jordan Bos.

The dozen of arrivals compliment the 18 players who have already assembled in the United States, with preparations for the Socceroos’ opening game of the tournament against Turkiye already well underway under the watchful eye of coach Tony Popovic.

Italiano only made his national team debut last October against Canada but, after a strong season in Austria with Grazer AK, he has begun to firm as Australia’s first choice right wing-back. An Achilles injury has ruled out Lewis Miller and after three steady performances against Canada, the United States and Cameroon, Italiano appears the favourite for the role.

Italiano, who made his Perth Glory debut at 16 years old and within a year was signed by German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, is the third West Australian in camp alongside Cameron Burgess and Daniel Bennie. They will be joined by another in Parma centre-back Alessandro Circati upon the conclusion of the Serie A season next week.

BENNIE VOWS TO TO WORK IN PURSUIT OF SOCCEROOS DREAMS

Socceroos hopeful Daniel Bennie is determined to put his best foot forward as the 20-year old seeks a surprise FIFA World Cup call-up. The uncapped Bennie was one of two yet-to-debut youngsters, alongside Raphael Borges Rodrigues, called into Australia coach Tony Popovic’s pre-tournament camp in Sarasota, Florida.

In his second year in England with Championship side Queens Park Rangers, Bennie cemented himself as a key rotational piece and scored a superb maiden league goal in a win over promotion contenders Hull City. And while he may face an uphill battle to make Popovic’s final 26-man squad when it is announced on May 31, the attacker is up for the challenge.

“It’s been a really good first couple of days, everyone’s made me feel really welcome. I’ve really enjoyed it, we’ve had a few training sessions in the heat, so that’s helped adapt to what it’s going to be like in the tournament,” he said. “Every step up you go, the intensity steps up and the quality steps up, it’s just about working hard and getting to match that.”

“We want to work hard and get practising on the game style, so that we’re ready for the upcoming tournament — in the heat as well, you want to prepare and get ready. It’s been really tough, but it’s worth it in the end. I’ve just got to do my best and work as hard as possible. I back myself, but it’s just all about working as hard as I can, and proving myself.”

Bennie scored his first Rangers goal in their League Cup early in the season, but otherwise struggled to get a look in during the first half of the campaign. However, he scored twice in three games for Australia at the Under-20 World Cup last year and, upon his return to England, cemented his place in Rangers’ squad.

Bennie played 17 league games in the back-half of the season and started five of those games as a forward. “The first half of the season was tough; I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted to. I just had to keep working hard, and I knew my chance would come,” Bennie said. “Second half of the season, I got my chance, and really enjoyed it.”

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW

The Hahn Australia Cup semi-finalists have been decided after four exciting quarter final ties on Tuesday evening. All the state league teams bowed out, but all gave good account of themselves, pushing their NPL opponents all the way. In the first game, Olympic Kingsway needed two late goals to beat Division Two side Morley Windmills 3-1 at Wotton Reserve. “It was a difficult game, credit to Morley as they came to play and gave us issues in the first half,” Olympic striker Liam Boland said. “I managed to score early, but our lead didn’t last long with Morley equalising. It took longer than we would have liked to regain the lead after half time, but we started to play some good football and managed to get the goals to see us through.”

The visitors were ahead after only four minutes, Robert Harker’s header crashed off the crossbar, and Boland fired home the rebound. But Morley levelled twenty minutes later, Amir Ajan pouncing on an error at the back, and finishing clinically past Adrian Sinagra from the edge of the box. It looked like the tie would head to extra time, but two minutes from time Olympic hit the front with a great strike from skipper Mitch Oxborrow. It was a huge blow for Morley, and they pressed for an equaliser, but let in a third in stoppage time, Harker with a nice finish. “We set up to stifle Olympic in the midfield, keep it congested and aggressive on counter, and this is how we got our equaliser,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “Overall, the performance was outstanding, every player gave it their all and the fans really got behind us. Good luck to Olympic in the next round.”

NPL leaders Perth RedStar were also made to work hard to beat Division One side Curtin University, running out 3-1 winners at the RedStar Arena. “Great to get the win and progress into the semifinals,” RedStar’s Gordon Smith said. “We are on a solid run of form and continued that with a professional performance, and it was also great to see Jack Baker make his starting debut and get a couple of goals.” The home side found the opener on 24 minutes, a neat through ball from Matthew Goerge sent Baker in behind, and he cut across the top of the box to finish through the legs of Jeffrey Ledwith and past keeper Alec Radonich. But Curtin hit back, and equalised in the shadows of half time. A quick counter through Declan Tanna down the right, before playing Jude Baillie through into the box to finish past the Liam Reddy from the angle.

RedStar hit the front again on the hour, and it was Baker again on target. Jacob Evans Got in behind down the left, before crossing into the box, where Baker got across his marker to score from close range. Curtin looked for the equaliser late, but it was RedStar who make sure of the win, with Riley Warland scoring from distance in stoppage time. “I'm proud of the boys of how they pushed a very good team and I don't think the scoreline reflects how close the game was,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “But credit to RedStar, they took their chances and we didn't. I wish Callum and the boys all the best in the next round.”

Fremantle City also moved through after a hard fought 2-1 win against Division Two side Rockingham City at the Endeavor Home Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex. “The cup is really just about getting through to the next round, so pleased to get the win at Rockingham,” Fremantle’s Nick Ambrogio said. “We had some good moments during the game, but the goal is to produce that level consistently for the full 90 minutes in our next match.” The port side were ahead 37 minutes, Shubham Mokala heading home Riley Woodcock’s inch perfect cross. They doubled their advantage just before half time, Rockingham keeper Kurtis Goodwin made two good saves to deny Woodcock’s lob and Iljas Ahmedov’s shot, but he couldn’t keep Mokala low shot out. Rockingham pulled one back two minutes from time, with a cross from the right finding Shaun Mukwevho, who headed against the keeper and followed in and put the rebound away. It set up a frantic finish, but Scott Miller’s side held firm.

“Very proud of the performance from the team, to stand up against a side two divisions above and push them all the way is a credit to the group of players,” Rockingham coach Matthew Brook explained. “I thought for large parts of the game we had considerable control which is something we have been working on so that was particularly pleasing. To concede the goals early and in the manner, we did was frustrating as it meant we were playing catch up. In the second half we pushed and put a lot of pressure on, hit the bar, pulled one back and pushed Fremantle all the way. A credit to Freo, they were clinical in taking their early chances and we wish them well for the rest of the competition.”

The all NPL game was also a tight affair, with Bayswater City running out 2-1 winners against Dianella White Eagles at Dianella Reserve. “Dianella away is always a tough fixture, they are a physical side that play with a lot of intensity,” Bayswater defender Brent Quick said. “So, it’s really pleasing to be in the semi-finals and to be putting some form together at a crucial part of our season. The team is building momentum and we are hoping to carry that into the remaining competitions.”

It was a typical cup tie in the first half with both sides creating chances. But it was Bayswater who hit the front on 56 minutes, Pat Loughrey finishing neatly with a free kick from the edge of the box. Dianella levelled just after the hour, Bayswater failed to clear a corner and Franc Gamiz Quer headed home at the back post. It looked like going to extra time, but it was Bayswater who won it 18 minutes from time. Declan Hughes’ free kick picked out Luke Palmateer at the back post, who headed back across goal to Quick, who volleyed it home. The semi-finals are now set – Fremantle City will host Olympic Kingsway, while Bayswater City welcome Perth RedStar – both ties will be played next month.

JOONDALUP BEAT MUMFC IN A SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

We had a State League Division One week six catch up game on Tuesday evening, with Joondalup City moving to third on the table after beating Murdoch University Melville 4-3 in a thriller at Len Shearer Reserve. “The game felt like a proper cup tie, absolute chaos from start to finish,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “It was a strange night where it genuinely had everything. I still don’t know whether to be happy or frustrated with the boys because we went through every emotion possible. What I do know is this group are fighters. To come back and win after being 3-2 down and then playing with ten men for the last half hour says everything about the character in that dressing room.

“Six away games from our first eight and sitting third is a brilliant little achievement so far. Plenty to improve, but massive credit to the lads for the spirit they showed last night.” The visitors made the perfect start and were ahead in the first minute, Louis Hadfield’s cross from the right found Luke Steer at the back post, his shot was saved by Duncan Lennon-Black but Harry Edwards was quickest to the rebound to head home. They doubled their lead eight minutes later, when Taiga Kobayashi’s corner was headed back across goal by Liam Peacock and Phoenix Lee headed home from close range.

The hosts were back in the game on 19 minutes, with Gustavo Giron- Marulanda superbly curling home a free kick from the edge of the box. Marc Anthony’s side drew level four minutes later, Daniel Delic’s cross from the left was headed home by Seagh Harris, and it was all square at the break. It was the hosts who started the second half the better and hit the front four minutes in, Marulanda slipping in Harris who raced into the box and finished nearly past Joe Smith. It was a cracking game, and Joondalup hit back and restored parity on 63 minutes, Jaxon Temata shot from the edge of the box, going in via the post.

Joondalup were then reduced to ten men three minutes later, when Reece Kral was shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Takayuki Some. But the drama wasn’t over there, and two minutes from time Joondalup won it. Temata made space down the left and his cross found the unmarked Hadfield who fired home, to seal the points in a seven-goal thriller. “I thought we controlled large parts of the game, but didn’t make it easy for ourselves at times,” Joondalup skipper Liam Peacock explained. “The lads showed great character and fight to get the win in the end, especially going down to ten men. Plenty of positives to take out of it and proud of the effort from the boys.”

MUMFC: GK Duncan Lennon-Black, 2 Daniel Delic, 3 Matt Worton, 6 Godfrey Asimwe (8 Laine Bathgate 77’), 7 Adrian Ciampini (20 Jack Rycroft 68’), 9 Gustavo Giron Marulanda, 10 Eddie Wynne-Willson, 11 Seagh Harris, 15 Sam Gallagher (14 Sam Hannah 60’), 16 Joshua Macri (12 Charlie Neil 77’), 18 Takayuki Sone - Subs not used: RGK Austin Cooper, 17 Brodie Langan

Joondalup City: GK Joe Smith, 2 Cameron Stratton, 3 Alfie Wheeler, 6 Liam Peacock, 7 Louis Hadfield, 9 Phoenix Lee (4 Theo Gilsenan 57’), 10 Harry Edwards (5 Jaxon Temata 57’), 11 Luke Steer (8 Reece Kral 57’), 13 Taiga Kobayashi (15 Miklos Imre 90’), 14 Sam McKearnen, 20 Brad McDonald – Subs not used: RGK Brett Corey, 18 Jordan Baker, 27 Leonard Gama – Red Card: Kral 65’

JOEY’S MISS OUT ON AFC 17S ASIAN CUP FINAL

The Australian Joey’s AFC U17 Asian Cup has come to an end, after China PR turned on the power in the second half to seal a 2-0 in their semi-final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Tuesday. China PR, are through to the final for the first time since 2004, will face Japan in the decider on Friday. Australia head coach Carl Veart was left to rue the missed chances after seeing his side hold China PR for the opening period before conceding twice in the second half. “It is a very disappointed group of boys in the dressing room. They have worked extremely hard tonight, given their best effort and unfortunately, we just weren’t good enough to get the win,” said Veart.

“But I’m very proud of the effort they have shown throughout the tournament. We have learned a lot from it and we will go away and review how the players have performed and what we need to improve. We now have a World Cup to prepare for and the boys have earned the right to be there. I’m really looking forward to the next six months to get them ready for a strong World Cup campaign.” China PR started brightly with Zhao Songyuan forcing Australia goalkeeper Charlie Wilson-Papps to turn his glancing header across the face of goal, and Besian Kutleshi to clear the danger in the opening minute.

The East Asian side continued to apply pressure with Kuang Zhaolei shot from distance on nine minute was saved by the busy Wilson-Papps, before Shuai Weihao headed over the bar following Wan Xiang’s cross ten minutes later. Weihao was a constant threat, he fired over the top from outside the box, before forcing Wilson-Papps into an acrobatic save from a tight angle shortly after. Australia’s first look at goal came on 37 minutes, when Oliver O'Carroll set up Georgio Hassarati, whose shot from distance was easily saved by China PR custodian Qin Ziniu.

With their fans cheering them on, China PR broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Zhou Yunuo won possession off Oliver O'Carroll and threaded the ball to Weihao, who made no mistake. Australia tried to respond with Miles Milliner shot from an acute angle on 53 minutes flashing wide, before Hassarati saw his effort from inside the box drift just wide of the left post. Akeem Gerald saw another chance go to waste on 74 minutes, his shot from just inside the box was saved by Qin Ziniu. While at the other end, Shuai Weihao was denied his second five minutes later from close range. But in stoppage time China PR added a second to seal the tie. Substitute Xie Jin, sent the China PR fans into raptures after he pounced on a loose ball inside the box before slotting past Wilson-Papps

China PR: GK Qin Ziniu, 2 Jin Yucheng (22 Liu Zhicheng 85‎'), 3 Nan Zixun, 4 Li Junpeng, 5 Zhang Xuyao, 6 Zhou Yunuo, 7 He Sifan, 8 Kuang Zhaolei (‎13 Wang Heyi 71‎'), 10 Wan Xiang (17 Xu Zhengpeng 85‎'), 11 Shuai Weihao (‎9 Xie Jin 85‎'), 14 Zhao Songyuan (20 Zhang Bolin 62‎'‎) – Subs not used: RGK Jiang Cheng'en, RGK Zhu Yuxuan, 16 Wang Xiuhao, 18 Bian Weihao, 19 Peng Xianchen, 21 Kong Xinuo

Joeys: GK Charlie Wilson-Papps, 3 Besian Kutleshi, 5 Miles Milliner, 6 Sajjad Nasiri, 8 Oliver O'Carroll (7 Aston Reid 85’), 11 Max Court, 13 Arnie Mitchell (4 Marcus Savic 77’), 15 Emile Katrib, 17 Henrique Oliveira (10 Paul Lombardi 77’), 20 Georgio Hassarati (9 Luke Becvinovski 85’), 23 Corey Da Cruz (16 Akeem Gerald 69’) – Subs not used: RGK Lachlan Allen, RGK H. Yien-Li Ng, 2 Winston Ashburner, 14 Fraser Brown, 18 Stevan Rujak, 21 Luka Demuth, 22 Harrison Bond

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP WA - QUARTER FINAL PREVIEW

We have the Hahn Australia Cup (WA) quarter finals on Tuesday evening, with three State League and five NPL sides looking to reach the Semifinals and hopefully reach the national stage of the competition. (All games kick off at 7:00am unless stated) All the state league sides face NPL opponents and first up Division One side Curtin University, who knocked out NPL side Western Knights in the last round, face a tough trip to NPL leaders Perth RedStar at the RedStar Arena. The hosts have progressed with comprehensive wins against Armadale and Inglewood United, and will look to add to their two cup final successes, while Curtin beat Forrestfield United before the big win at the Knights. Curtin coach Troy Reid said it’s a game the group are looking forward too. “These are the cup games you want to be involved in playing against the NPL leaders,” he said. “They are a quality side who play some very good football - but opportunities will be there for us if we get things right.”

Division Two side Morley Windmills will host Olympic Kingsway at Wotton Reserve. Morley beat Canning City before upsetting Gwelup Croatia and Cockburn City, while Olympic, who won the cup for the first time in 2024, and were runners up last season, have beaten Perth Azzurri and Balcatta Etna. The host, who have won the cup twice, returned to the state league last season, and coach John O’Reilly said they have probably been written off already, but the players are ready for the challenge. “Two years ago, this club was relegated to the Amateurs, and this is our first season back in state league football, after a two-year absence, but here we are in the quarter-finals of the cup against Olympic, a top NPL side, who would have thought that a couple of seasons ago,” he explained. “Olympic have built a squad that many clubs would envy. They host a glut of ex A-League talent, including the new coach. I’m sure we have been written off already and that’s fine with me. But my lads are excited for this game, they will give it their best efforts and maybe, with a bit of luck, we can cause an upset today. Fingers crossed.”

Division Two side Rockingham City also have home ground advantage, when they entertain Fremantle City at Endeavour Home Stadium, Lark Hill Sportsplex. (7:15pm) Fremantle have won the cup on eight occasions, the last in 1979, and they moved into this tie after wins against Carramar Shamrock Rovers and Wembley Downs, while Rockingham have been runners up in the cup on two occasions, beat Spearwood Dalmatinac, Ellenbrook United and Ashfield to progress. “It’s great for the club to reach this stage of the competition and a fantastic opportunity for our group to test ourselves against a strong Fremantle City side from two leagues above,” Rockingham coach Matthew Brooks said. “We’re looking forward to what should be a great night at the club and another exciting challenge for the players and supporters alike.”

The only all NPL tie takes us to Dianella Reserve, where Bayswater City make the trip to take on Dianella White Eagles, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats in the league on Saturday. The hosts, who are searching for a first cup win, beat UWA Nedlands and giant killers East Perth, who knocked out defending cup winners Stirling Macedonia in round four, and skipper Sasa Njegic said it will be a tough game, but they will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat. “I think tonight will be a tough game against a very good side. We are well aware of what to expect and what we need to work on in regards to a few select things from the weekend gone,” the midfielder explained. “We will go out onto the pitch and put the Balcatta result behind us knowing we are capable of pulling out a result here if we played to our strengths.”

Bayswater, who were beaten by Perth Glory in Albany on Saturday, have won the cup on two occasions, the last in 2014. They have beaten Murdoch University Melville, before a tight win in the last round at Joondalup City. Coach Matthew Sparrow said it’s a big game, and these are the sort of games you want to be involved in. “We’re really looking forward to tonight’s quarter final. Cup football always brings a different type of pressure and excitement, and we know we’re coming up against a Dianella side that will be desperate to make their mark as well,” he said. “For us it’s about responding the right way after the weekend, sticking to the standards we’ve set ourselves and embracing the challenge of a big night game away from home. The group has prepared well, the players are focused and there’s a real determination within the squad to put in a strong performance and give ourselves an opportunity to move one step closer to a final. We know it won’t be easy, but these are the occasions you want to be involved in.”

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK SIX REVIEW

Our Week Six Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division ’Match of the Round’ didn’t disappoint, with North Perth United securing a hard fought 3-1 win against Hamersley Rovers at Carine Open Space on Sunday afternoon. “I felt we started well, but were dealt a big blow when Mickey Brennan was injured in the warm up and we had to start Connor Butler in at left back. Credit to Connor though as we felt he was outstanding during the game,” North Perth coach Chris Batten said. “Luke O’Brien our keeper made some outstanding saves at big moments of the game and he was awarded man of the match for his performance. Another win for us which we are happy about as we are slowly improving every week.”

The visitors started well and on the front foot, and they went ahead on nine minutes, a defence splitting pass from Tom Fowler found the feet of Connor Hartley who held off two defenders to score past the on-rushing keeper from the edge of the box. But the hosts leveled ten minutes before half time, with Ryan Charles on target. Both sides had chances after the break, but it was North Perth who regained the lead nine minutes into the second half. Some good play across the middle from the midfielder, and the ball fell to Shayne Wyse who drilled the ball across the box for Yanich Jordan to finish from a tight angle. Hamersley pressed for the equaliser but found keeper O’Brien in fine form. Then 14 minutes from time North Perth sealed the points. A clumsy challenge from a defender resulting in the award of a penalty, and skipper Niall Kennedy stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, his sixth goal in six games.

League leaders Wanneroo City have bounced back from their first defeat of the season last weekend, with an entertaining 2-1 win against Kingsley Westside at Chichester Park. “It was a great performance by the lads especially after the loss last week we wanted to respond with a win, Wanneroo coach Kevin Flavin explained. “It’s always a tough place to come to against Kingsley and it was the typical tough close game that happens at Chichester but we played some great football and deserved the win. The lads stuck to the plan and got a well-deserved three points.” A goal in the shadow of half time from striker Alan Reidy, finishing powerfully past Thomas Bull. The hosts were level early in the second half, with Jacob Lambert scoring, but the points were sealed on 68 minutes, Jack Wilson’s free kick from outside eluded everyone and nestled in the net.

Swan United backed up their win at the leaders last weekend, with a 4-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. It was tight first half, but the hosts made the breakthrough six minutes into the second half. A deep cross from the right picked out Mehrab Rahimi and his first time shot went in off the post. They added a second on 70 minutes, Liam Merrigan through ball played John Monterosso through and he finished at the near post. They secured the points with a third three minutes from time, Merrigan’s free kick was fumbled by Kingsway goal keeper, but he recovered to save Monterosso’s effort, but Cameron Anderson finished the follow up. The icing was added to the cake sixty seconds later with a fourth, Jed Romeril cut in from the right and long-range shot was parried by the keeper and Monterosso was quickest to the rebound and finished followed for his second. “It was a slow start from us with Kingsway defending quite well,” Monterosso said. “But we felt in control the whole game and once the first went in we knew the rest would follow.”

Jaguar have secured their first points of the season after a 2-2 draw against Maccabi at Maccabean Memorial Oval. “It’s been a tough couple weeks for us, but it was great having most of the squad available and to fight at the ground that we haven't had much luck with over five years or so was pleasing,” Jaguar manager Lam Gai said. “We take the draw and hopefully build on it for the comings weeks.” It was the home team who started well and took the lead on 13 minutes, Dion Berman was played in behind after a clever flick from Langdon Heath, and he rounded the keeper to score. But Jags pushed and were rewarded with the equaliser five minutes later, Andrew Kirr raced past two defenders and finished well.

Jaguar were ahead before the break, Paul Sopp won the ball in the middle of the park and sent winger Tharbok Nienkel through on goal, he rounded the keeper, before slotting the ball home. After the break Jags keeper Michael Dudek pulled off a couple off great saves to maintain their lead, but he was beaten on 71 minutes when Maccabi leveled. Heath’s first time shot from just outside the box found the bottom corner. Both teams pushed for the winner, with Maccabi looking likely to score, but Dudek refused to be beaten. Jags almost won it late, Sopp intercept the ball and made a great solo run into the box, cutting the ball to the back post, and with the goal at his mercy Nienkel skyed the ball over the top from close-range. e crossbar.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t come away with the three points today, they’ve clearly picked up some players as they had a lot of quality around the pitch, which is great for Jags as a club but unfortunate not for us today,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said. “I don’t think we were good enough first half but we were much better in the second half, we had a few boys make their return from injury and they made an impact from the bench which was pleasing. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the winner in what was a cracking second half, very entertaining. I thought we were unfortunate with a goal being ruled for offside when their own Lino didn’t flag, but also got lucky with them missing a great chance to win it at the end so have to take the point and move onto next week.”

We had a five-goal thriller at Kelly Park, with Kelmscott Roos taking the points after a 3-2 win against Kwinana United. “It was a fantastic game to be a part of, Kwinana brought a lot of energy from the kick off and they were rewarded early with a goal that caught us sleeping, but we responded well and got back level quickly,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “The game was real back and forth after that, and we constantly matched their energy which was pleasing. Second half we were under a lot of pressure for most of it, but found an important goal at a good time and managed to hold on. Fair play to Kwinana as they made us work for every ball and every tackle, but happy to have come out on top.”

It was end-to-end in the first half, and it was the hosts who found the opener early with Thomas Walsh on target. But Kelmscott levelled shortly after, a ball from Callum Husain out wide to Kingsley Nteng, who took one touch and smashed it home. Kwinana regained the lead on 36 minutes, with Madison Holman scoring, but five minutes later, Kelmscott restored parity. Husain played a defence splitting ball through to Nteng who beat the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball and finished in an open net. Both sides pressed for the winner after the break, and it was Kelmscott who found it. Isaac Koomson picked the ball up on the left wing, beating his defender and shooting from the touch line, his shot hit both posts before going into the net.

In the final game, Noranda Emerald remain in fourth, after a comprehensive 5-0 win against Ballajura AFC at Kingfisher Park. “Yes, it was a strong away performance from our lads. Delighted to come away with another win and clean sheet against a spirited Ballajura side,” Noranda Emerald coach Ger Gaughan said. “Ballajura showed they had some very tidy footballers, but the lads matched them with intensity all day and were clinical when the chances came. Credit to them, they never dropped their heads despite the scoreline and kept competing right until the final whistle.” The visitors made a perfect start, and were ahead after just 90 seconds, Andrew Wood capitalised on a poor header back towards the Ballajura keeper and calmly finished.

They doubled their lead eight minutes later, excellent work down the left from Connor Jordon, who cut the ball back for Connor Gormley, who finished neatly from the edge of the box, before Wood grabbed his second just before the break to put Noranda firmly in control at half-time. The second half continued in the same fashion. A long ball from Gormley forced the keeper off his line, and Jack McClelland bravely challenged before tapping into an empty net. The goal of the day belonged to Jordon two minutes from time, dancing through the heart of the Ballajura defence with a brilliant jinking run before calmly slotting home.

SIX GOAL THRILLER HIGHLIGHTS NPLWA – WOMEN’S WEEK EIGHT - REVIEW

It was top against third in round eight of the New Balance NPLWA – Women’s competition on Friday evening at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, and Balcatta Etna and Fremantle City played out an entertaining 3-3 draw. “It’s always a challenging game against Balcatta. I felt we were clinical in front of goal and did very well to get ourselves ahead during the first half. Having said that, we struggled to get our foot on the ball and control possession, gifting them too many shots around our box,” Fremantle defender Annabelle Leek explained. “We have a few things to refine but to take points off the league leaders in what was a very open and transitional game is a big positive we can carry into this week.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring on ten minutes, a misplaced pass out of defence went straight to Leyna Wood, and she took one touch before firing over Rebecca Bennett from distance. They added a second four minutes later, the ball fell to Wood on the edge of the box, and her shot found the net, despite Bennett getting a hand to it. Balcatta were back in the game eight minutes later, Jamie-Lee Gale found Jaime Duncanson, whose first time ball sent Caitlin Doeglas into the box, who got to the byline and pulled it back to Duncanson, who fired home.

But Fremantle hit back, and added a third shortly after, Annabelle Leek’s ball sent Abbey Green clear, with the Balcatta defenders looking for the offside flag, that never came, the striker rounded Bennett and finished well. The hosts weren’t finished and reduced the margin four minutes before the break. A poor clearance from Catherine Adams went straight to Doeglas, who played a neat give and go with skipper Abbey Meakins, and the former Perth Glory striker finished low past Cassia Souza. But despite having plenty of chances in the first half, the host trailed at the break.

Balcatta were level just after the hour, Lacey Heys back pass to Souza, but the keeper was quickly closed down by Doeglas, who stole the ball and fired into an empty net. Both sides had chances to win it. Hey’s sending substitute Erin Siah in on goal on 72 minutes, but Bennett stood tall to her, and two minutes later Doeglas’ free kick flew wide of the post. It was end to end, and nine minutes from time Green found Wood at the back post, but the Fremantle striker couldn’t find the target, before Doeglas’ shot from the edge of the box beat Souza, but hit the post and away to safety, so both sides had to settle for a point.

"Disappointed to not get the three points despite going down by two early in the first half. The girls did well to keep their heads and stay in the contest, and continued to pile on the pressure throughout the entirety of the game,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “A lot of missed chances that we may regret later in the season, but it was a good indication of how aggressive we're able to play on the front foot, sometimes football can be a frustrating game, we just need to ensure we convert more of our shots in future."

In the other games Perth Azzurri have beaten the Hyundai FW Academy 1-0 in the annual Belt Up Regional Festival of Football fixture on Saturday afternoon at the Retravision Stadium in Albany. Perth had the majority of possession and territory in the first half, but were largely restricted to long-range efforts and set pieces thanks to a solid defensive display from the Academy youngsters. In fact, it was Andy Ord’s side who had the best chance of the half when Ella Lange released Cate McAuliffe, who was denied one-on-one by Dayle Schroeder.

The Academy lifted after the break, and McAuliffe saw her long-range effort hit the post, while Savanna Glavovic forced a save from Schroeder as the Academy looked for the opener. The Azzurri were always dangerous, and on the hour, Charli Wainwright released Maja Archibald, whose shot was turned around the post by the alert Daisy McGreadie-Cole. But on 66 minutes it was the Azzurri who broke the deadlock, Ruby Marshall ghosted behind the opposition defence to head home Kim McCartney’s free-kick.

On Sunday, Perth RedStar returned to the top four after a 1-0 victory over Subiaco at RedStar Arena. The only goal of the game came just after the hour, Toko Satsuma releasing Abbey Woolley, who finished clinically past Briana O'Dell into the bottom corner. Ana Denona came close to levelling for the visitors, when she forced Gabby Dal Busco into a smart save from range, but it was RedStar taking the points. “Really proud of the girls after that one. Coming in as interim coach, you're conscious of not disrupting too much, and you're asking players to make adjustments without turning everything on its head, and that's a fine line to walk. But the response from the group has been really positive,” RedStar Interim coach Conrad McKelvie explained. “They've been focused, bought into what we're working on, and that's shown in the performances and results in the last two games

“We went into the Subiaco game with injuries and illness through the squad, so to come away with a clean sheet and a strong performance says a lot about the character in this group. What stood out most was how well we connected — the shape, the movement, the combinations. The adjustments we've been working on really came through on the day. On top of that, some of our U21s came in, played significant minutes and made a real positive impact. That's a great sign for the depth we're building and gives everyone something to be pleased about.”

In the final game, Sorrento have won for the second time this season, after a 3-1 win against UWA Nedlands at the UWA Sports Park. “We’re really happy to come away with a good result against UWA Nedlands. I thought the group performed well across the game and showed a lot of maturity in the way we managed key moments. We transitioned well, stayed organised defensively, and didn’t give away too many clear-cut chances,” Sorrento coach Annie Leyland said. “It’s pleasing to see the continued hard work from the group paying off as we continue to build through our first season as an NPLW club.

“There’s still plenty for us to improve on, but the players should be proud of the performance and the way they approached the game.” The Gulls found the opener on 14 minutes, Daisy Snowden nicked the ball off UWA goalkeeper Janina Sauer, and rolled it into an empty net. Farrell’s side were given a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot just before half-time, after Sophia Papalia was brought down in the box. Elllie-Jay Silver made no mistake from the resulting spot kick. Lucy Hope’s hand-ball gave UWA a lifeline just after the hour, and Samara Riches made no mistake with her spot kick. But Sorrento sealed the points with a third late, when Ruby Walsh’s cross picked out Nikayla Hughes who finished neatly.

CHINA PR NEXT UP FOR JOEYS IN AFC U17 ASIAN CUP SEMI-FINAL

Australia have produced a dominant performance to defeat Vietnam 3-0 in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia quarter-final, and know Carl Veart’s side will aim for a first final appearance when they take on China PR on Tuesday. The Joey’s went in search of an early goal as Max Court’s header from Sajjad Nasiri’s corner on four minutes grazed the top of the crossbar, before Georgio Hassarati’s shot from inside the box was well saved by Vietnam keeper Ly Xuan Hoa.

Vietnam gradually grew into the game with the dangerous Nguyen Van Duong creating an opportunity on 23 minutes, picking out Le Sy Bach, only for Miles Milliner to make a great recovery challenge to block the attempt. Ly then pulled off a stunning save on the half hour mark, diving full stretch to his left to palm away a fierce Hassarati strike from the edge of the box.

The deadlock was finally broken with four first half minutes to play, Vietnam failed to clear an Australia long throw, allowing Henrique Oliveira to head the ball to Oliver O’Carroll, who just couldn’t miss from close range. Vietnam probed for the equaliser after the interval with Nguyen Minh Thuy stinging the palms of Australian custodian Charlie Wilson-Papps, before Le’s mazy run into the box was thwarted by another fantastic Milliner block.

Those misses came back to haunt the Southeast Asian side on the hour mark when Court’s long ball forward was expertly controlled by Hassarati, before squeezing home past Ly from an acute angle. Australia confirmed the win in the 75th minute when substitute Akeem Gerald cut in from the right flank, exchanged passes with Court before slotting home to seal a first semi-final appearance since 2018.

Vietnam: GK Lý Xuân Hòa, 3 Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, 4 Nguyễn Huỳnh Đăng Khoa, 5 Trần Hoàng Việt, 6 Đào Quý Vương (17 Trương Nguyễn Duy Khang 68’), 8 Nguyễn Minh Thủy, 9 Lê Trọng Đại Nhân (19 Trần Mạnh Quân 46‎'), 10 Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực, 11 Nguyễn Văn Dương (18 Triệu Đình Vỹ 68‎')‎, 13 Nguyễn Ngọc Anh Hào, 20 Lê Sỹ Bách (22 Đậu Quang Hưng 60‎')‎- Subs not used: RGK Chu Bá Huấn, RGK Nguyễn Tuấn Vũ, 2 Phạm Minh Cương, 7 Nguyễn Hiệp Đại Việt Nam, 14 Quán Thành Công, 15 Nguyễn Khắc Minh Đức, 16 Trần Ngọc Sơn, , 21 Trần Trí Dũng, 22 Đậu Quang Hưng

Australia Joeys: GK Charlie Wilson-Papps, 3 Besian Kutleshi, 5 Miles Milliner (4 Marcus Savic 80’), 6 Sajjad Nasiri (21 Luka Demuth 80’), 8 Oliver O'Carroll, 11 Max Court, 13 Arnie Mitchell (18 Stevan Rujak 87’), 15 Emile Katrib, 17 Henrique Oliveira, 20 Georgio Hassarati (9 Luke Becvinovski 80’), 23 Corey Da Cruz (16 Akeem Gerald 63’) - Subs not used: RGK Lachlan Allen, RGK H. Yien-Li Ng, 2 Winston Ashburner, , 7 Aston Reid, , 10 Paul Lombardi, 14 Fraser Brown, 22 Harrison Bond

CHELSEA RENAME HOME GROUND IN HONOUR OF KERR

Samantha Kerr is determined to end her glittering reign at Chelsea with the goals that would enable her to leave, fittingly, as the Blues’ all-time top scorer. It'll be an emotional farewell at Stamford Bridge - or Samford Bridge as it will be known as today - when the 32-year old plays her 158th and final game against Manchester United, before embarking on what's expected to be her next adventure in the United States.

Yet to cap a record-breaking career at the London giants, where she’s won 11 trophies and twice been fitted with the Golden Boot as the Women's Super League's top scorer, Kerr has her eyes set on one final crowning landmark. With 115 goals under her belt, she's just one short of matching Chelsea's all-time record scorer Fran Kirby - and that milestone is definitely in her sights.

"That's what I love doing - breaking records and scoring goals," Kerr told the club's website on the eve of the match. "So of course, I have my eye on the record. To be a part of Chelsea's history is something that I'll be forever proud of and it means a lot. It's kind of fitting playing Man United too. They're a team that we've had so many great memories together against, and hopefully we can continue to do that and have a win at the weekend to send me off."

"For me, it’s just about having fun one last time. I don’t want to make it sad. We’ve shared so many great memories together, and I just want to remember the good times ... I've worked tirelessly during my whole career for things like this and sacrificed so much, given up so much to achieve as much as I can in my life and my career. I think it's pretty special, especially to do it at a club I love so much."

SOLLITT GIVES GLORY THE POINTS IN ALBANY

Perth Glory have moved up to eighth place on the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s table, after a hard fought 1-0 win in our Week ten ‘Match of the Week’ against the in-form Bayswater City in the Belt Up Regional Festival of Football at the Retravision Stadium in Albany on Saturday afternoon. A late Louis Sollitt goal secured the points for Joe Heath’s side, on a day Football West spread the NPL to the country, and football was the winner, with a good crowd on hand to watch it. “I have to give our lads credit this week. They put in a disciplined performance against a strong Bayswater side, and I thought they matched them toe to toe and competed physically,” Glory coach Joe Heath explained post-match.

“We were under pressure for a good 20 minutes in the second half but the lads dug in and produced a moment of quality in the last ten minutes, with another Louis Sollitt goal. (His seventh of season) Difficult this week as the whole team put in some top performances, even the lads who came off the bench, I thought Max Uvarov and Ollie Evans were outstanding, and are forming a nice partnership in the middle of the pitch and cover some distance between them in games.”

It was Bayswater who started the brighter, on the back of three straight wins, and Chris Jackson went close early, getting on the end of a Sam Mitchinson cross, but he headed wide of the target. Moments later Luke Palmateer’s shot was well blocked by the alert Riley Foxe, but Glory settled, and went close themselves on 12 minutes. A ball over the top saw Lewis Italiano come racing out to head clear, but it only fell to Louis Sollitt, whose shot was cleared off the line by Brent Quick.

The best chance of the game went Glory’s way moments later, the lively Oliver Evans’ snap shot from the edge of the box stung the palms of Italiano, then on 17 minutes Jackson’s glancing header was saved by Ryan Warner. Bayswater suffered a blow three minutes later, with Sean McManus, who was playing his 50th game for the club, injured his knee and was replaced by Ollie La Galia. The quick start to the game slowed down for the rest of the half, the best opportunity fell to Jackson Syephens, whose header was cleared off the line by Glory skipper Daniel Jankuloski, and at half time it was 0-0.

It was a typical day in Albany, wind, rain and sunshine, but it was Bayswater looking for find the opener early in the second half, La Galia headed wide, and on 56 minutes he went even closer. Mitchinson’s ball into the box was headed on by Stephens, and La Galia’s flick beat Warner, but the post came to the rescue of the Glory custodian. Glory hit back after that let off, and Santiago Flores’ shot from distance was saved low by Italiano, before Evans’ shot from the edge of the box flashed just wide.

The chances kept coming, and Bayswater should have taken the lead on 66 minutes, Quick’s cross from the right found the unmarked Daniel Stynes at the back post, but with the goal at his mercy he didn’t time his shot and it was easily saved by Warner. Jackson header was deflected wide moments later, and from the resulting corner Palmateer’s header was cleared off the line, as they searched for the opener. It’s liked being one of those days, with chances coming and not being taken.

Anthony Didulica was next to go close, after a quick counter attack by Glory, but Hughes got back to block his shot, before Pat Loughrey was sent in on goal by Jackson, but he couldn’t keep his shot down. But the deadlock was finally broken eight minutes from time, Tadiwanashe Kuzamba’s cross to the back post found Sollitt, and clubs top goalscorer finished clinically past Italiano. Bayswater pushed players forward looking for the equaliser, Mitchinson fired straight at the keeper, before Warner got down smartly to deny Jackson, Glory holding firm to seal the three points. Footballwa – Man of the Match – Oliver Evans (Perth Glory)

In the other week ten games on Saturday, Perth RedStar have moved five points clear at the top of the table, after a 1-0 win against Armadale at the RedStar Arena. “We’re really happy to get all three points in that one, it was a really tough game, and Armadale where better than us most of the game to be honest,” RedStar skipper Blair Govan explained. “But the work rate from everyone was brilliant we soaked up a lot pressure and defended really well. It wasn’t a pretty win but three points is all that matters.” The only goal of the game came on 14 minutes, after Riley Warland sent Gordon Smith into the box, and he was brought down by Craig Barker, the referee pointing straight to the spot. Smith picked himself up, and the Scottish striker beat Alfie Brincat from the resulting penalty.

A ten-man Fremantle City have scored a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw with Olympic Kingsway at Hilton Park. It’s been a tough week for the visitors, after the departure of coach David Tough, and defender Ollie Annis said it was a tough blow to concede so late. “I thought we dominated the first half and could have been very comfortable at half time but didn’t take our chances. I thought they had the better of the ball in the second half and created some dangerous opportunities,” Annis said. “Them going to ten men actually worked in their favour which led to the goal. Always tough to take a stoppage time goal as it feels like a loss but we need to bounce back with a win on Tuesday night in the Cup quarter final.”

The visitors were ahead on six minutes, Annis’ free kick from the left was headed back across goal by Aryn Wilolimas, and Liam Boland turned the ball home from close-range. But Fremantle were level on 23 minutes, Chad Nilson was bundled over in the box by Williams, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Olympic were convinced the ball had gone out before the challenge, but their protests fell on deaf ears, and Fremantle skipper Charlie Chechlacz sent Adrian Sinagra the wrong way from the spot.

Olympic regained the lead seven minutes later. Fremantle lost possession in the middle of the park, and Noah Ieraci raced into the box, and his cross found Rob Hawker, the ball falling to Joe Hobson on the edge of the box and his shot deflected past Luke Radonich. Fremantle hopes of comeback were dented when John Chalmers was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Reegan Mimnaugh. It looked like interim coach Richard Garcia was heading for his first win, but Fremantle had other ideas and levelled in the second minute of stoppage time. Josh Risdon burst into the box on the right, his cross deflected to Nick Ambrogio, who dinked a cross to the back post and Nilson was unmarked at the back post to head home. “It was always going to be a tough game going up against Kingsway who are always a top side,” Fremantle skipper Chechlacz said. “They definitely had chances but second half we grew in confidence and did well to pick up a point after going down to ten men.”

Western Knights are up to fourth, after coming from behind to beat Stirling Macedonia 2-1 at Nash Field. The visitors found the opener on 22 minutes, Callum McKenzie was given far too much space, and the league top scorer fired home from distance. But the home side were level 12 minutes later, Jack Sprigg finding Lazzaro, whose first shot was well saved by Liam Hattersley, but the skipper made no mistake with the rebound. It would be hosts who sealed the points seven minutes into the second half. Woonsub Sim’s corner was only cleared as far as Leo Stolikas, who shot was deflected back to Sprigg, who finished well past Hamersley.

Perth Azzurri have moved up to fifth, after stoppage time goal from Gordon Perkins has given them a 2-1 win against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. “It was definitely far from our best performance, but Gordon did what he’s been doing all season and we were able to come away with three points,” Perth’s Michael Scafetta said. “It keeps us in a strong position, which is the most important thing so we take it and look to work on things for a really important few weeks ahead.”

The Azzurri were ahead on 15 minutes, Sean O’Connor’s ball into the box found Perkins, who got in between two Sorrento defenders to head home. Sorrento, who were looking to bounce back from their loss at RedStar last week, levelled 20 minutes from time. Tim Hill’s searching pass sent substitute Rene Kisesa racing down the right, and his shot on the run flew past Liam Driscoll. It looked like the points would be shared, but two minutes into stoppage time Kenny Lowe’s side won it. O’Connor’s ball into the box was flicked on by Jamie McNelis, and Perkins beat keeper Ben Ratajczak to the ball to score.

In the late game, Balcatta Etna have moved off the bottom of the table after a 3-2 win against Dianella White Eagles at Dianella reserve on Saturday evening. “A game won with complete character and heart,” a delighted Balcatta coach Basil Lenzo said. “We know that we have this within us and every player came and executed on the game plan. Dianella don’t stop coming at you with their direct style and knowing that we had to have the mettle to be strong and grab the opportunities when they came, which we did. Super proud of the team.”

It was Dianella who made the breakthrough five minutes from half time. Albert Luwi finding the overlapping Sasa Njegic on the left, and his cross was headed home by former Balcatta striker Ben Hinshelwood. But in first half stoppage time, the visitors levelled. 2b long ball down the line found Charlie Betts, who went on a mazy run, before firing low past Peter Pilkadaris. Balcatta hit the front seven minutes into the second half, Dianella lost possession in the middle of the park and Jared Flavel raced in on goal and fired past Pilkadaris. They added a third goal, five minutes later, Flavel racing down the right and finding Betts, who made no mistake. Dianella found a late consolation goal, with substitute Miguel Restrepo scoring, but it was too little too late.

FLOREAT TOO STRONG FOR KINGSLEY AND MOVE SEVEN POINTS CLEAR

Floreat Athena have continued their good start to the State League Division One season, and moving seven points clear at the top of the table, after a comprehensive 4-0 win in our Week Eight ‘Match of the Round’ against Kingsley Westside, in the top of the table clash at Chichester Park on Saturday evening. “I thought we started the game very brightly with two early goals then never let Kingsley a chance to build any momentum, which is very pleasing,” Floreat coach Alun Vernals said. “It was another professional performance at a very tough ground to get points, and we face another stern test next week at Cockburn, who picked up a good win today against Joondalup.” Floreat made a perfect start, and were ahead on two minutes, Tom Wassholm out-muscled his marker, before slipping the ball to Harry Lewis who made no mistake past Mason Stickels.

They doubled their advantage ten minutes later, Linus Persson finding Joshua Willis on the edge of the box, and he curled home superbly. It was 3-0 just after the hour mark, a corner to the back post was headed back by Persson, and Jordan Langley’s shot was deflected into the net off Nick Kefler. The hosts were reduced to ten men on 72 minutes when Xavier Medica was shown a straight red card for an off the ball incident. They wrapped the points up five minutes later with a fourth. A neat give and go between Willis and Wassholm, saw the latter race into the box, his shot was pushed out by Stickels, and Langley fired home the rebound.

UWA Nedlands have lost ground on leaders, after a 3-1 loss against Mandurah City at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. UWA made the better start, and hit the front on 13 minutes. Anthony Dolan sending Joe McInnes clear and he beat Mandurah keeper Josiah Godfrey to the ball and rolled the ball into an empty net. The Dolphins, who went into the game on the back of five straight defeats, hit back and levelled on the hour. A back pass was picked up by keeper Jim Collins, and the referee awarded an indirect free kick in the box, and

Kristers Zaluzinskis fired home the resulting set-piece. That goal lifted the hosts, and they were ahead on 83 minutes. A quick counter attack saw Jordan Callaghan break down the left, and his shot on the run flew past Collins. They sealed the points four minutes later, Sam Lovell sending Zander Basile clear, and he kept his composure and finished with aplomb past Collins.

Quinns are up to fourth, after two stoppage time goals gave them a 2-1 win against Inglewood United at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. “What a finish to what had been a very cagey hard-fought game,” Quinns coach Nick Jennings explained. “Credit to the players who kept believing — the work ethic, mentality, and togetherness were outstanding. These are the kind of wins that can build momentum, but we’ll stay grounded, recover well, and focus on the next challenge a big home game against Mandurah City.” Inglewood found the opener on 17 minutes, Rostyn Griffiths finding Gavin Byars in the box, and he laid the ball back to the former Perth Glory’ midfielder, and he found the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.

It was a tight game, but the hosts were reduced to ten men on 74 minutes, with Martin Coughlan receiving a second yellow card for kicking the ball way. The visitors were also down to ten moments later, with Elliot Ireland given a second yellow card, after block on Byars. It looked like Inglewood would hold on for the win, but in the second minute of stoppage time, Quinns found the equaliser. Christos Vaenas was brought down on edge of the box, but after consulting with his assistant the referee deemed it was inside the box and awarded a penalty. Chad Samuels stepped up and sent Jordan Barbas the wrong way from the spot. Then two minutes later Quinns won it. Vaenas’ crossfield ball found Andrew Flint on the right, and his cross to the back post found Samuels’ who head home.

It's been a tough week at Cockburn City, with coach Ken Palmer leaving the club, but they put that behind them to seal a 3-1 win against the in-form Joondalup City at Dalmatinac Park. “Yes, it was an important response from the group after a difficult week. Credit to the players for the character they showed against a very strong Joondalup City side,” coach Paulo Basto explained. “I thought the team approached the match with great intensity and discipline, and we were clinical in key moments. To come away with a 3-1 result against quality opposition was pleasing, but just as importantly, it showed the togetherness and resilience within the squad.

“There are still areas we want to improve, but overall, it was a positive performance and hopefully something we can continue to build on in the coming weeks.” The home side hit the front after only four minutes, Danish Amran racing into the box on the right, and his cut back found Alex Guzman who drilled his low shot past Joe Smith. But Joondalup were level 14 minutes later, Taiga Kobayashi free kick was powerfully headed home at the back post by skipper Liam Peacock. But the host weren’t finished and regained the lead on 25 minutes. Daniel Robinson’s first shot was blocked, but his second was a low shot that flew past Smith from the edge of the box. Then on 66 minutes the Cockerels sealed the points, a ball in from the right by Sebastian Da Silva found Matthew Bowen, who made no mistake.

In the final game a hat-trick from Tomas Despotovski has helped Subiaco AFC to a 5-1 win against Gwelup Croatia, and moving them off the bottom of the table. “We knew it would only be a matter of time before our strong performances started translating into points,” Despotovski said. “It’s never enjoyable sitting at the bottom of the table, but we’ve used that as extra motivation to keep pushing for results and we did that against Gwelup.” Subiaco opened the scoring on the half hour mark, with Jack Steele drilling a shot home from the edge of the box after Gwelup failed to clear a corner. It was 2-0 shortly after, Kelb Morrison crossing to George Wishart, who turned the ball home at the back post.

Gwelup were reduced to ten early in the second half, when Léandre De Oliveira was shown a second yellow card. It was 3-0 on 53 minutes, Steele found Ivan Skorich, who played the ball to Despotovski, and he finished clinically. Gwelup pulled one back nine minutes later, Robert Ferrante sent Jeremie Mba down the left and his low cross was finished well by Sam Wilkinson, but that was as good as it got. Despotovski added his second three minutes later, sent in on goal by Phil Arnold, and he completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, heading home Chris Harradine’s cross.

ROVERS WIN TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Carramar Shamrock Rovers have closed the gap on league leaders Rockingham City, and handed them their first defeat of the season, after a 3-2 win in our Week Seven State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ at the Endeavour Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex on Saturday afternoon. “A fantastic result against a good solid Rockingham team. I felt we were in control for the first 20 minutes and Rockingham got a goal from an error from us,” Rovers’ coach Adam Walsh explained. “That changed the game for them and grabbed a second not long after. We never gave up battling hard, and in the second half was all about the lad’s desire and will to win they worked so hard defensively and allowed us to create chances to get the results we felt we deserved.”

Rockingham striker Shaun Mukevsho gave the hosts the lead on 22 minutes, and they found a second nine minutes before the break, with Ryan Kennedy on target. But on the stroke of half time Rovers found a lifeline, after Alex Connelly was brought down in the box, and Nathan Diaz scored the penalty to give them a real boost heading into the sheds. Rovers levelled just after the hour, Diaz’s effort deflecting off a Rockingham defender. It looked like the points would be shared, but in the second minute of stoppage time it was Rovers who won it, with substitute Cameron Dalling getting on the end of ball into the box.

Ashfield have moved to fourth after a 3-1 win against Canning City at the Ashfield Arena. “A good performance deserving of three points, and after going a goal down, I thought our reaction was top class,” Ashfield coach Malcom Tshuma explained. “For us it’s another three points and a continued step in the right direction.” The visitors opened the scoring on seven minutes, with Hanani Ndebele on target. But Ashfield levelled three minutes later, Joe Aiken drilled a low cross across goal and Mike Mwangiri tapped home from close range. The hosts were ahead just after the half hour, neat build up play ended with Dougal Kindness, and his lofted pass found Mwangiri who volleyed home. They sealed the points nine minutes into the second half, a mazy run down the left from Hasen Asadi resulted in his deflected cross finding the net off a Canning defender.

Balga and Kalamunda City have shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at Princess Road Reserve. “Myself and Kris thought we started the match really well. Our pressure, and intensity in the first half was excellent, and the players worked extremely hard for each other,” Kalamunda coach Kyle Robertson said. “Both teams defended really well throughout the game and there were not many clear chances for either side. We were of course a little bit unlucky that clear handball in the second half was not given as penalty in our advantage, but at one stage we hope it will level over the season. Losing Jake (Marly-Orr) early in the second half after a heavy blow to the kidney was also a big moment for us, especially after we had already used a substitute shortly before, so we had to manage the game carefully from there. The players continued to work hard right until the final whistle and away from home against quality opposition it is another important point for us in what is shaping up to be a very tight competition.”

Kalamunda were rewarded with the lead on the half hour, when Alexandre Coelho showed great fight to win the ball, before delivering a dangerous ball into the box for Angel Andres, and his shot deflected off a Balga defender and into the net. Balga came out on the front foot after the break, and it was a real battle with both sides not taking a backward step, and both creating chances. Then ten minutes from time Balga found the equaliser. Bleron Mamudi volleying home, after a clearance out of defence went straight to him, and he fired home from 20 meters, which dipped just under the crossbar to give both sides a share of the spoils. “Again, we went behind, after we lost unnecessary the ball on the right, but managed to find the equaliser,” Balga coach Gerhard Janssen said. “During the first half Kalamunda created a lot of pressure and had more of the game without scoring and creating good chances. In the second half we turned the game around and it was a question of time when we were scoring. The draw is a fair result and we are looking forward to get three points at Morley.”

In the final game Forrestfield have made it three games without defeat, after a 3-0 win against North Beach at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. “The team played really well sticking to the task in securing the three points, but more importantly with a clean sheet,” Forrestfield’s Luqman Sayyed said. “It was a very positive performance with lots of improvements. We have been working on the press from the front, and it was good to see us score our first goal from it. Overall, really happy with the clean sheet and performance, also in a good position to keep building and moving forward from as we take it one game at a time and prepare for our next big challenge this Saturday where we host East Perth, in our main event for Scarlett’s memorial game, where all proceeds will be donated to not for profit, Kids Cancer support group.”

The hosts were ahead on eight minutes, Austin Reynolds pressed the goalkeeper forcing an error, and he found the net. Thay set the tone for the hosts, as they searched for a second, but North Beach also had their chances, but it was 1-0 at the break. The hosts did find a second eight minutes into the second half, Nathan Costello picked up a loose ball from a corner just inside edge of the box, and he fired home. Forrestfield put the game to bed ten minutes from time, Lucas Reid on target after Matt Evans had challenged the keeper on the edge of the box, and the ball fell to him to score.

STATE LEAGUE FRIDAY REVIEW

We had three State League games on Friday evening, and in Division One, Murdoch University Melville have won the ‘University Challenge’ after a 3-2 win against Curtin University at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval. “We are pleased with the win, but it definitely could have been more comfortable. Curtin battled well, but both teams and the game suffered from some very poor officiating. Some really bizarre decisions that spoiled the game in my opinion,” MUM Fc coach Gavin Brown said. “I thought Marc (Anthony) made really good substitutions and they all had a positive impact, some very good decision making in game.

“We have had a frustrating start dropping too many points through draws and not putting teams away, so we are pleased to pick up a win and hope to start climbing the table. “The visitors were ahead on 22 minutes, Takayuki Sone’s corner from the left was powerful headed home by Alan Carroll. But there lead only lasted eight minutes, Jason Stewart finding Gaspar Becerra, who slid the ball to Jude Baillie, his shot was blocked and the ball deflected for Becerra who finished low past Duncan Lennon-Black. The hosts had chances to take the lead before the break, but failed to take them, and at half time it was all to play for.

It was also a tight affair after the break, but it was visitors who hit the front just after the hour mark, when James Oliver brought down Gustavo Giron-Marulanda and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Skipper Edward Wynne-Willson stepped and beat Alec Radonich from the resulting penalty. But Curtin’s hopes of a comeback were dented 12 minutes from time, when Stewart was shown a second yellow card and sent off. It would be MUM FC who sealed the points in stoppage time, with a third, a stunning curling effort from Sone, who picked out the bottom corner. Curtin weren’t finished and pulled one back moments later, Becerra long-range strike beating Lennon-Black, but it proved to be just a consolation.

We had two games in Division Two on Friday evening, and in the first, Wembley Downs moved into second place, after a 4-2 win against East Perth at Butlers Reserve. Toby Robertson was the hero for the hosts, bagging all four goals, and coach Luke Thompson was delighted with his sides battling performance. “Very proud of the resilience shown by the lads tonight. To be able to come back after letting East Perth back in the game was very pleasing,” Thompson explained. “East Perth is very good side, and really make you earn everything. We had five minutes of madness that could have really let us down, but just really proud of the desire to fight to the end and get a result.”

The hosts found the opener on 26 minutes, when a long clearance from keeper Casey Robertson was misjudged by East Perth, and Toby Robertson nipped in between two defenders and lobbed the East Perth keeper Azarl Tanveer from the edge of the box. But the visitors were level just after the hour, when Ryan McCready latched onto a misplaced back pass to score. East Perth hit the front on 72 minutes, when they received a penalty, after a foul on McCready by Nick Burmej, and Owen Patterson converting the resulting spot kick.

But Wembley hit back, and restored parity ten minutes from time, when Takudzwa Chisunga and Luke Coltman combined, the latter slipping a great through ball to Robertson, who raced into the box and fired low past the on-coming keeper. Wembley regained the lead four minutes later, Luke Coltman shot from outside the box was blocked on the line by Adam McCarron, the rebound fell to Josh Waldock who’s shot was also blocked, and Robertson scored with an acrobatic kick to complete his hat-trick. The points were sealed late in stoppage time, when Rory Hannon’s ball over the top sent Waldock clear, and he squared the ball to Robertson, who rolled the ball home.

In the other game Morley Windmills have beaten Gosnells City 4-1 at Walter Padbury Reserve, with Noel Disha scoring a hat-trick. “It was good to bounce back after last week’s result at Wembley, John had a really clear plan for the game and the players executed it well,” Morley’s Daniel Dols said. “I thought our boys worked hard for each other and it helps when you’ve got midfielders who can get on the scoresheet. It was enjoyable to sit back and watch Noel do what he does best.”

It was a tight first half, but it was Morley who found the opener seven minutes from half time. A well worked move down the left between Gabriel Vasquez and Isaac Ntow, the latter crossing the ball across the box to Brennan Borzecki, who fed Vasquez who finished neatly. They added a second in stoppage time, Isaac Ntow was brought down in the box, and Disha made no mistake with the resulting penalty. It was 3-0 early in the second half, with a powerful shot from outside the by Disha finding the top corner. Discha completed his hattrick just after the hour mark, with another long distance which went in via the crossbar. Gosnells scored a consolation goal five minutes from time, with substitute Armeyas Dejene-Teklu on target.

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK SIX PREVIEW

North Perth United will go in search of their first win on the road in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division on Sunday, when they visit Carine Open Space to take on Hamersley Rovers in our Week Six ‘Match of the Round’. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) North Perth were convincing winners last week against Ballajura, while Hamersley game at Kelmscott Roos was postponed after Kelmscott’s Edward Chisopa, who had also played for Hamersley, broke his leg, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

The last time the two sides met at the venue, was in week 15 last season, with North Perth prevailing 3-2 under lights. North Perth hit the front on 13 minutes. A long throw from Dean O’Meara picked out Eoghan Rea and his glancing header beat the Rovers’ keeper Ahmad Bakhtyar Rahimi. But the hosts levelled on 37 minutes, with Loris Tommolini on target. But the visitors regained the lead three minutes later, Caolin Coyle cut the ball back to Cian O’Dwyer made no mistake.

They added a third just before the hour, O’Dwyer was fouled off the ball, and the referee spotted it and pointed to the spot. O’Meara stepped up and converted the resulting penalty. It looked like they would take the points easily, but Rovers had other ideas and a stunning long-range strike from Hunter Murphy on 70 minutes, flew into the top corner past Cian Flynn to bring it back to 3-2. It set up a tense last 20 minutes, with Rovers pressing for the equaliser, but United held firm to take all three points.

North Perth defender Eoin Haverty said last week was a good win, and good to continue their winning run at home, and added it’s always nice as a defender to keep a clean sheet. “Credit to Ballajura it took up until the end of the first half to break them down,” he said. “We managed to settle into the game and capitalise on our chances in the second half, as well as coming away with a well-earned clean sheet. We’re happy with another win and to keep the momentum going into this weekend.”

They will be looking for their first three points on the road, after a draw at Noranda Emerald and a defeat at Maccabi on the opening day. Haverty said all games are tough in this league, especially away from home, but they have prepared well and are looking for all three points on Sunday. “We’ve faced Hamersley in night series already this season and came away with the win, but we won’t be complacent coming into Sunday’s fixture,” the defender explained. “Away games are difficult in this league so it’s important we take the game to them to come away with all three points. Another win will help keep the pressure on the teams above and reduce the gap on the leaders.”

Rovers coach Antony Benetti said the incident at Kelmscott was tough for everyone, and he was proud how both teams supported the player. “Last weekend’s game was a very humbling experience. The seriousness was evident straight away and in moments like this football becomes a very distant priority,” he explained. “Being that Eddie was a former Hamersley player also meant there was strong personal connections to both groups so that needed to be managed also. I must say it was great to see two teams come together to support Eddie and each other and I think that shows the strong culture within football.”

Rovers sit seventh on the table, three points behind United, and Benetti said it will be a tough test on Sunday, but a challenge they are looking forward to. “We are definitely looking forward to this weekend’s game. We know North Perth have significant qualities and can hurt you if you have lapses in concentration. As I've said before the league is a competitive one and wrestling momentum at any stage is important,” Benetti said. “A positive performance and maintaining consistency is something we are all driving towards, and so it’s a huge test this weekend to continue that. The boys have worked hard this week as they do every week and we will be looking to have that translate to rewards.”

In other games on Sunday, league leaders Wanneroo City will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against Swan, when they travel to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside, while second placed Swan United welcome Olympic Kingsway to the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. Noranda Emerald make the trip to Kingfisher Park to take on Ballajura AFC, and Maccabi entertain Jaguar at the Maccabean Memorial Oval. In the final game fourth placed Kwinana United host Kelmscott Roos at Kelly Park.

It’s been a good start for the hosts after promotion last season, and they edged out Maccabi last week, and coach George Mann is expecting another tough test on Sunday against Kelmscott. “Yes, your right It's going to be a tough contest but we are excited for the challenge,” he said. “Being a newly promoted team, every week is a battle. We faced Kelmscott in the Night Series and lost 2-1 so we understand how good they are, so we will roll the dice and aim to come out on top.”

Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said the unfortunate Edward Chisopa has had surgery on his broken leg on Wednesday and is going well, which is good news. Warwick said they have worked hard this week at training and are ready for the challenge. “Kwinana is always a tough assignment, we’ve had an interesting week coming into this game, but with some important players returning from injury and work commitments, it will give us a good chance of leaving with three points,” he explained. “The table up top is so tight, and if we want to be up there come the end of the season, every game needs to be treated with huge importance. Kwinana are a great club with great facilities so it’s always enjoyable playing there and we are looking forward to the challenge on Sunday.”

OLYMPIC SHOW TOUGH THE DOOR

With Olympic Kingsway third on the NPL ladder and three points of the top, and in the last eight of the Hahn Australia Cup, it looked like the club were in a great space, but obviously not with President Steve Nelkovski sacking Head Coach David Tough and his assistant Ross Edwards on Wednesday morning. The decision came as a shock for players and supporters alike, but for whatever reason the club decided to part ways.

Tough and Edwards have had great success at the club, leading them out of Division One in his first full season at the club, and went on to win the NPL Night Series in 2023, NPL WA title in 2024 and the State League Cup in the same season. They went a great run in the Australia Cup, the Green Machine beating A-League side Melbourne Victory, and becoming the second WA side to reach the round of 16, eventually losing on penalties against Brisbane City and becoming the first WA club to reach the round of 32 for two years running.

Tough said the decision is still raw and doesn’t want to make a comment, but he did say injuries have hit them hard this season, but they were still in contention for the league and cup competitions this season. “I’m totally gutted and I never saw it coming, but I can hold my head up high, and say I’ve given everything for this club,” Tough said.

“Our squad has been heavily depleted all season on average missing five to six first team players a week but we were still in contention for the league and the cup. When Ross and I took over at the club they were fourth bottom of the state league, and to gain promotion to the NPL and win numerous trophies is something I’m really proud of, and I would like to thank the players and supporters who have been on the journey with us.”

Tough, who also lead Wanneroo City to the Division One title in 2013, and was part of the ECU Joondalup coaching team that won the NPL in 2020, will be back and he said the support of his family and the football family had been overwhelming. “Firstly, to my wife Kirsty she has been my rock, and has always been by my side, and the message’s Ross and I have received this week from the football community has been overwhelming, and we’d like to thank you all. My time at Olympic has ended but I’ll be back and I’ll be back stronger than ever.”

The rumour mill went into overdrive on Wednesday, with who the club were bringing in, and it looks like current Australia under 23’s assistant coach Richard Garcia will head to the Madman Arena, when his commitments end with the national team. The club are yet to announce the departure of Tough and Edwards, but it’s been reported that Willy McNally has left as well, ending his 50-year affiliation with the club, but Simon Madaschi will be staying on at the club.

KERR LEAVES THE BLUES AND WHERE TO NEXT?

Striker Sam Kerr - Chelsea's all-time top scorer in the Women's Super League - will leave the club when her contract expires this summer.

Kerr, 32, has scored 115 times in 157 appearances for the Blues and her final game will be at home against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Australian, who joined Chelsea in November 2019, has helped the club win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield.

"When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time [against Manchester United this Saturday], I just feel happy," said Kerr. "Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could."

Kerr has twice won the Golden Boot and was the WSL Player of the Season in 2022 and the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award winner in 2021 and 2022.

However, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at a Chelsea training camp in January 2024 and spent 20 months on the sidelines.

Kerr, who signed a two-year contract extension in June 2024, returned to action after 637 days when she scored in a 3-1 win against Aston Villa in September 2025.

She has scored 16 goals in 29 appearances this season, with her goal against Leicester City taking her WSL tally to a record 64 for Chelsea.

Going into the game against Manchester United, Kerr is one behind equalling Fran Kirby's all-time record of 116 goals for Chelsea.

"We thank Sam for her incredible contribution to our success on the pitch and sustained growth off it," said the Stamford Bridge club.

"We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career."

When Kerr joined Chelsea, it was the biggest transfer an English club had made.

She was a global superstar who had broken goalscoring records in each league she had played in, and was an icon back in Australia.

Her stock has only increased during her time in England as she helped Chelsea become the most dominant club of the past decade.

Known for her backflip celebrations, Kerr has scored some of Chelsea's biggest goals in FA Cups finals and Champions League knockout games.

Under former manager Emma Hayes, she was the star player in the team, and built a formidable partnership with playmaker Kirby during Chelsea's six-year stranglehold of the WSL.

Her two-year absence more recently, following an ACL injury, forced Chelsea to look elsewhere for attacking options and current manager Sonia Bompastor has not been able to call on Kerr for much of her time in charge.

However, Kerr's return to full fitness for the second half of this season - and six goals in her past six games in all competitions - showed what she is still capable of and why she remains one of the world's best strikers.

She is irreplaceable at Chelsea but Bompastor has already confirmed buying a number nine is high on the club's priority list for the summer.

Manchester City's top-scorer Khadija Shaw is top of Chelsea's wish list but whoever they sign to replace Kerr will have enormous boots to fill.

Kerr's future is unknown though sources close to the player have suggested a return to the National Women's Soccer League in the United States is on the cards.

Australian broadcaster 10 News reported in April that Kerr had agreed a move to Denver Summit but the striker quickly dismissed it on social media.

GLORY HOST BAYSWATER IN THE FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL IN ALBANY

It’s week ten of the New Balance NPLWA Men’s competition, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us down south to Albany, where Perth Glory hosts Bayswater City in Football West’s 2026 Belt Up Regional Festival of Football at Retravision Stadium on Saturday afternoon. (4:00pm) It will be part of a double header at the venue, with the Hyundai FW Academy taking on Perth Azzurri in the NPL Women’s competition in the early game. (2:00pm) The festival takes place in the Great Southern region between 11-16 May, with free activities.

There will be a club Development and Safeguarding Workshop, with FW Club Development Lead Mo Syafiq and Integrity and Governance Manager Jamie English. A Coach Education Workshop, with FW Coach Development Officer Cris Ola, Regional Girls Day Out Carnival, with FW Female Football & Advocacy Manager and ex-Perth Glory A-League player Sarah Carroll, a woman in Football Networking Breakfast, with FW CEO Jamie Harnwell and Female Football & Advocacy Manager Sarah Carroll and a number of school clinics, it should be a great week of football in Albany.

Both sides go into this one after wins in week nine, Glory beating Western Knights 3-1, while Bayswater knocked Olympic Kingsway off the top of the table, after a 3-2 win. The last time Glory hosted Bayswater was in Week Eight last season at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, when a stoppage time equaliser from Seb Despotovski gave both teams share the spoils. Bayswater who found the opener on the half hour, a ball from Sam Mitchinson found Oli La Galia, who held off his marker and finished clinically. It looked like that would be the winner, but in the fourth minute of stoppage time Joe Heath’s side levelled, Despotovski firing home from the edge of the box.

Bayswater City skipper Luke Palmateer, said last week’s win against Olympic was important, and he was delighted with the performance. “Friday was a really important three points for us, and it helped in maintaining the winning momentum we have had in previous weeks,” the defender explained. “It provided the perfect challenge against a Kingsway side who will be right up there for silverware come the end of the season, and I thought we showed great character to come back from going down early and then resilience to go ahead 3-2.”

Palmateer said a trip away is great bonding for the player group, and he said it will be another stern test against the young Glory side. “Away trips with team mates are always fantastic. We had the opportunity during the Australian championships to travel with the team and I felt it really galvanised and created great memories for the boys,” he said “This trip to Albany would be great to create some more memories, with the importance of another three points at the front of focus.

“Glory are always a tough side, and unpredictable in the squad that they put out. The league is so tight this year, particularly in the top position and anyone can take points off one another. We need to make sure we guard against complacency, and although it is a great trip away as a club and a squad, we need to remain aware that this is still another league game and it is vital to get the three points, and there’s nothing worse than being on a coach for several hours without a win under your belt.”

Glory’s win last week was their second of the season, and coach Joe Heath said it was a battling performance and happy to get the three points. “Yes, last week was an important win for us as a team,” he said. “It was a competitive game but we managed to score at the right times to cause maximum impact I felt. We were under pressure towards the end, but the lads battled hard for three points, which was pleasing.”

Heath said it’s a great weekend away for his players and it’s always fantastic to spread the NPL into the other parts of the state, and a game against one of the best teams in the league will be a huge challenge for them, but one he’s looking forward to. “It is very important we integrate with the regions, promoting the NPL and inspiring the next generation of talent. It would be great to discover the next Josh Risdon,” Heath said. “The game will be another challenge, Bayswater are a strong team, they showed that last season by winning the league.

“However, our lads will be raring to go having taken a lot of confidence from our last two games. We will approach this game as we have the first nine rounds, wanting to take all three points. We are capable of competing with any team in the league and we have shown we can score goals. We will be mentally ready for the battle come Saturday.”

In other games on Saturday, league leaders Perth RedStar welcome Armadale to the RedStar Arena, hoping to maintain their three-point lead at the summit, while the visitors will be looking to build on last week’s first win of the season. Olympic Kingsway will hope to put a turbulent week behind, after the departure of coach David Tough, and will aim to bounce back from their loss at Bayswater, when they head to Hilton Park to meet Fremantle City, with new signing Josh Risdon to make his home league debut, while Stirling Macedonia travel to Nash Field to take on Western Knights, hoping to bounce back from their defeat against Dianella last week. Meanwhile in the late game Dianella White Eagles entertain Balcatta Etna at Dianella Reserve. (5:00pm)