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29.4.2019
CASTRO WINS ALEX TOBIN MEDAL
Perth Glory playmaker Diego Castro has scored the Alex Tobin Medal in the final game of the 2018/19 A-League. A man-of-the-match display in Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Wellington Phoenix saw the Spaniard finish the regular season with 28 points to pip Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC) and Roy Krishna (Wellington) for the award.
Castro, who won the Johnny Warren Medal in 2015/16, made 20 appearances and scored seven goals this season. Following an impressive campaign pulling the strings in attack, he signed a two-year contract extension with Glory earlier this week.
28.4.2019
GLORY PUT ON A FIVE STAR SHOW TO BEAT THE NIX
Perth Glory have ended the Hyundai A-League regular season with a resounding 5-0 win against Wellington Phoenix at HBF Park on Sunday afternoon. A brace from top goalscorer Andy Keogh, with others to skipper Diego Castro, Chris Ikonomidis and Brendon Santalab saw Tony Popovic's side home and into a home Semi-Final in two weeks’ time. "Overall, it was a wonderful result and a very good performance for the most part, “Popovic said. "We sensed that the performance would be good all week. The players' attitude has been excellent, they've been pushing each other and they all wanted to play and put on a good performance. They did.
"We started well and could have had a couple of goals. I felt then, after that, that we fell away a little bit and weren't very good for the next 15 and could have conceded. That was maybe a bit of a wake-up call for the boys and we recovered very well towards the end of the first half and then just continued on in the second half which was really pleasing. The regular season is over and now we're preparing for one game. We will prepare diligently and do everything we can as a staff and I'm sure the players will continue with the great attitude they have shown since winning the Premiers' Plate."
Popovic made six changes from the side that were beaten in Sydney last time out. In came Diego Castro, Andy Keogh, Matthew Spiranovic, Chris Ikonomidis, Dino Djulbic and Jason Davidson, while Joel Chianese, Brendon Santalab and Tomislva Mrcela dropped to the bench and Shane Lowry, Jacob Italiano and Fabio Ferreira weren’t in the match day squad. Glory opened brightly and Phoenix custodian Oliver Sail was very busy early, making good saves from Keogh and Davidson. But there was nothing Sail could do when the Glory opened the scoring on 24 minutes. Ikonomidis was sent down the left and his cross picked out Castro, his effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Sail, but Keogh was quickest to react to head home. It was 2-0 eight minutes later, as Glory continued to dominate. Ikonomidis and Castro combined again, this time they sent Davidson away down the left and his cross was headed home by Keogh.
Phoenix went close to a goal moments later, when Ben Waine raced at the Glory defensive, but his shot on the run fizzed over the top. Keogh should have had his hat-trick before the break, sent clear with just Sail to beat, but the striker fired straight at the keeper. It was more of the same after the break and six minutes in Glory added a third. Keogh sent Ivan Franjic down the right and he cut the ball back to Castro who made no mistake in front of the Shed. Sail was keeping the score line respectable for the visitors and he produced two more good saves Keogh, who was desperate for his hat-trick.
Glory added a fourth just after the hour, Castro finding Ikonomidis, who fired home, and after checking with VAR Stephen Lucas awarded the goal. The icing was put on the cake eight minutes from time, Chianese raced down the right and whipped in a low cross and Santalab finished from close-range to seal a comprehensive win. The victory took Glory's points tally for the campaign to 60, a club record in the Hyundai A-League era and there were also personal accolades for Keogh, who became Glory's highest goalscorer in a single A-League campaign, while Castro received three votes for his performance and he took out Fox Sports' 'Alex Tobin Medal', becoming the first player in A-League history to win the award twice. Glory will now enjoy a weekend off ahead of a semi-final clash with an opponent yet to be confirmed at HBF Park on Friday 10 May.
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 9 Andy KEOGH (11 Brendon SANTALAB 70'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (7 Joel CHIANESE 67'), 20 Jake BRIMMER, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 88 Neil KILKENNY (29 Kristian POPOVIC 83') - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 16 Tomislav MRCELA
Wellington Phoenix: GK Oliver SAIL, 4 Mandi SOSA (23 Max BURGESS 69'), 5 Ryan LOWRY, 7 Cillian SHERIDAN (21 Roy KRISHNA 61'), 11 David WILLIAMS (15 Michal KOPZCYNSKI 61'), 12 Antony GOLEC, 13 Liberato CACACE, 18 Sarpreet SINGH, 27 Steven TAYLOR, 31 Ben WAINE, 32 Gianni STENSNESS - Subs not used: RGK Filip KURTO, 17 Callan ELLIOT - Referee: Stephen Lucas
28.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND THREE REVIEW
The top of the table clash between Jaguars and Kingsley in the Sunday Amateur Premier Division didn't disappoint, after a they fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Herb graham Recreation Centre. The host opened brightly but failed to chances, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring on the half hour. The ball fell to Lewis Flatt on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder's volley flew into the top corner of the net. But in the shadows of half time the Jags levelled, Gopjang Monyrach long-range effort flew home. Kingsley opened the second half well and Jags keeper Makuei Mapooth made some fine saves to keep them at bay. But Kingsley had a perfect opportunity to regain the lead after the referee spotted a push in the box from a corner and pointed to the spot. Sean Johnson stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but his shot crashed off the crossbar and away to safety. But that miss was forgotten moments later when Kingsley made it 2-1, when the Jags failed to clear a corner and Jesse Higgins fired home from close-range.
Jags pressed for the equaliser and they found it 10 minutes from time. A quick one-two between Laurance Gam and Goran Nyuon sent him in on goal but he was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot. Nyuon picked himself up and sent the keeper the wrong way to give both sides a share of the spoils. "Before the game we would’ve been happy with a point away to Jags, but after the game we felt like we deserved more," Kingsley winger Jayden Drummond said. "I thought the game was played majority on our terms, once we found out their direct style we adapted well, and we kept the ball and played through them, we hit the post and the cross bar numerous times with 6-7 goal mouth scrambles it just wouldn’t go in for us. Not many teams will take points off Jags on their pitch during the season so we’ll take it and push onto another big game against Joondalup on Saturday night."
North Perth United moved into second spot after a 4-2 win against Hamersley Rovers at Carine Open Space. The visitors dominated the first half and were ahead when Paul Gabel curled home from the edge of the box. It was 2-0 when Oscar Kelly was brought down on the edge of the box and Ago Mujic stepped up a curled his free kick into the top corner of the net. It was 3-0 before half time, Gabel eased past two Rovers' players before his shot flew into the net with a stunning strike. The hosts hit back after half time Mark Bailey scoring early, and Bailey fired home a penalty to make it 3-2 and it was game on. Rovers were pushing men forward looking for the equaliser and they were caught out at the back with United sealing the win. A quick counter attack saw Kelly race one-on-one with the Rovers keeper and he finished clinically. "In the first half we played with a very highly tempo with quick forward passes, great link up play and very good individual skill, and we probably could have had a few more on the board at half time," North Perth Coach Alex Carter said. "But after half time I think the intensity at which we played at up till then started to affect us especially in the middle of the park where we gave away a number of un pressured passes in a small space of time. We let Hamersley back into the game through a set piece and a penalty. But all in all, it was a very solid performance and we look forward to preparing this week for another enjoyable game."
There was an eleven-goal thriller at Gerry Archer Sports Complex, when Kwinana United beat Belmont Villa 6-5. The visitors raced to a two-goal lead early, with Lee Bates and Greg Derbyshire on target. But Villa hit back and scored three goals in six minutes, before Glen Smith's long-range levelled things up at the break. Belmont then hit the front again just after half time, before Bates made it 4-4 and Derbyshire added his second to give Kwinana 5-4 lead. But Belmont weren’t finished and they levelled again, but ten minutes from time Kwinana won it, with Bates completing his hat-trick to seal the win. "We started really well, and through the whole game I thought we attacked as good as I've seen us at any time," Kwinana coach Kris Donnell said. "But defensively we fell into Belmont's plan of the long ball over the top to their striker who was very good and caused us a lot of problems. It was a very happy changing room to get the points on the board and we look forward to next weekend's contest with Wembley." Villa coach Tom Moderval said he was pleased with his side’s performance despite the defeat. “We know that we (Belmont) will be involved in a relegation battle this year so every point is vital for us, but there is no disgrace in losing to one of the top teams,” he said. “Kwinana are a fast-skilful side with a big future behind them and it is a pleasure to play against them really.”
Leeming Strikers moved up to third after a 4-1 win against UWA Nedlands at UWA Sports Park. The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, with Aydan Evans' shot on the turn. But UWA levelled with Amir Khasanov on target, but Leeming were ahead at half time with Evans' volleying home from 12 meters. The visitors made it 3-1 on the hour, Ben Greaves climbing highest at the back post to head home a free kick. The points were made save 15 minutes from time when Greaves raced in on goal, but unselfishly squared the ball to Evans for a tap in to complete his hat-trick. "We couldn’t be happier with the result, especially after the late start and playing on a small pitch," Leeming Coach David Palin said. "But full credit to our players they stuck to their jobs and were able to get the result. We knew UWA weren’t a side that like to get physical so we made sure we were first to every ball and that was the tone for the match, so to walk away with three points all be it after 515pm was very pleasing and we will now set our sights on getting ready for Quinns next week"
In other games Quinns and Wembley Downs drew 1-1 at Gumblossom Park on Saturday. Liam Hunt gave the hosts the lead on 70 minutes, but Jay McDonald levelled for Wembley. "Very frustrating game as I thought we should have been 2-0 up by half time," Quinns coach Darren Kay said. "However, we didn’t finish our chances and we paid for it with Wembley grabbing a draw late on." Joondalup United won for the first time this season after a 5-0 win against bottom of the table Ellenbrook United at Beldon Park. Goals from Dale Watson, Sam Davis, Kyall Osborne, Adam Gianassi and Adam Taylor saw them home, and coach Ben Williams was happy for their first win. "A much better performance than previous weeks and glad to get off the mark as we have some tough games coming up.”
27.4.2019
PERTH TAKE OUT THE ITALIAN DERBY
Perth Soccer Club have maintained their lead at the top of the NPL WA table after a 2-1 win against Bayswater City, in the Italian Derby at Frank Drago Reserve. Former Bayswater striker Gustavo Catarcione gave Perth the lead on 21 minutes, but Gordon Smith restored parity for the hosts before half time. But Perth striker Michael Domfeh won it for the visitors just after the hour to move them four points clear at the top of the table. The hosts opened up well and Perth keeper Dejan Aleksic produced a great double save after only three minutes to deny his former club. They went close again moments later, Adam Tong’s ball was turned home by Kenny Keogh, but the flag was up for offside. But it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 21 minutes, Catarcione’s shot took a deflection and beat Devon Spence. But the home side hit back and Giordano Colli’s free kick picked out Smith, but the Scottish strikers’ header was superbly saved by Aleksic. But five minutes before half time Bayswater did level, Smith finishing well from a tight angle.
Perth opened the second half well and Catarcione raced away on a counter attack, before send Matthew Milenkovic down the flank, his cross found Domfeh, but the former Perth Glory striker headed over the top. But that miss was forgot on 68 minutes when Perth regained the lead, with Domfeh scoring from close-range. Bayswater pressed and Smith fired over the op when well placed, as they went in search of the equaliser. Tensions boiled over on 77 minutes when the referee Steven Gregory turned down penalty appeals from Bayswater, which incensed Coach Chris Coyne, and he was sent to the stands, but his side couldn’t find the equaliser. Next week Bayswater host Stirling Lions at Frank Drago Reserve, while Perth have another Italian derby when they travel to Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta.
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 5 Adam HARRIS, 10 Jason MIRCO (23 Brian WOODALL 67’), 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 20 Giordano COLLI (9 Gustavo MARULANDA 76’), 21 Kenny KEOGH (26 Paul LLOYD 58’), 27 Ross MILLARD, 30 Adam TONG - Subs not used: 13 Trent KAY, 24 Jake SARDELIC
Perth SC: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Alex SILLA, 5 Niccolò SABATINI, 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE (3 Andreas THEODOSIADES 79’), 11 Matthew MILENKOVIC, 12 Jordan DE LEO, 13 Rocco PIZZATA, 14 Kristan SANTICH, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVICH (16 Kieran COLWELL 82’), 20 Paul ZIMARINO - Subs not used: RGK Adrian SINAGRA, 7 Aleks JOVIC, 17 Frank FURFARO - Referee: Steven Gregory
27.4.2019
AMPHLETT RETURNS WITH A HAT-TRICK
ECU Joondalup striker Tommy Amphlett has but a season of injury behind him to bag a hat-trick on his first game of the season to seal a 4-3 win against Rockingham City, in a seven-goal NPL WA thriller at ECU Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was the visitors in front early through James Harmer, but Jakub Sklenar levelled from the penalty spot. Amphlett gave the Jacks the lead with his first touch on 36 minutes, and added a third just before half time. Harmer pulled on back for the visitors just after the break and the talent Riley Van Dieken restored parity for them just after the hour. Jacks skipper Johnny Perkins then came to the rescue saving Harmer’s penalty, before Amphlett sealed the points in stoppage time.
It was open start to the game with good chances at both ends. First a ball over the top sent Harmer in on goal, but Perkins stood tall to save. Moments later Andy Higgins’ free kick picked out Shane Cassidy, but the big defender’s header was saved by Michael Farmer. But on 12 minutes it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Another ball over the top sent Hamer in down the left, and the Welsh striker finished clinically past Perkins. Rockingham were causing all sorts of problems with the Jacks defensive working overtime to keep them at bay, but the Jacks still looked dangerous going forward and from Annis’ cross Kian McGuigan volleyed over the top. Then on 28 minutes the Jacks levelled, after Bayley Brown-Montgomery was brought down in the box by Blake Sokolowski, and referee Peter Kaiser pointed straight to the spot, and Jakub Sklenar made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Brown-Montgomery picked up an injury and was replaced by Amphlett on 35 minutes, and the former Perth Glory striker had an immediate impact. A ball into the box by youngster Ewan Fawcett wasn’t dealt with by the Rockingham defence and the ball fell to Amphlett and his volley gave Michael Farmer no chance in the Rockingham goal. He was at it again in the shadows of half time. Annis played a great through ball to Higgins on the left, whose low cross found Amphlett, his first touch took him away from his marker and his shot on the turn flew into the bottom corner of the net to give the Jacks a 3-1 lead at the break.
Rockingham opened the second half well and they pulled one back four minutes in. Great work down the left by Van Dieken ended with a low cross to Harmer, who fired home from close-range. The visitors were well on top and Sokolowski long-range shot fizzed over the top, before Harmer’s shot on the road flashed over the top. Then just after the hour the visitors restored parity. Harmer’s diagonal ball found Van Dieken on the left, and he finished with aplomb past Perkins. Then on 66 minutes Rockingham were awarded a penalty when Van Dieken was brought down by Perkins and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Harmer stepped up and drilled the ball down the centre of the goal, but Perkins managed to get a foot to it and save.
Both sides had chances with the game opening up. First James Millard raced down the left and crossed to the back post and Harmer’s effort went just wide, before Amphlett raced into the box at the other end, his shot beat Farmer, but it went agonizingly wide of the target. Van Dieken was in again in the final minute of the game, but again Perkins stood tall to deny him. It looked like the points would be shared but in the second minute of stoppage time it was the Jacks who won it. Amphlett picked up the ball on the left, and cut across the top of the penalty area and raced past three Rockingham defenders before his shot on the run flew into the net, and set of wild celebrations both on and off the pitch. The drama wasn’t over there, Amphlett was booked for removing his shirt after scoring and he picked up a second yellow two minutes later and was sent off. Rockingham pushed everyone forward, including the keeper, and thoughts went back to Monday when the Sorrento keeper scored in the last minute, but this time the ten-men defended stoutly and claimed the win.
ECU Joondalup: GK Johnny PERKINS, 4 Henry DURR, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 6 Ollie ANNIS (7 Lukas DE LIMA 64’), 8 Kian MCGUIGAN, 9 Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY (13 Tommy AMPHLETT 35’), 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR, 12 Ryan MCDARBY 15 Tom HOUGH (3 Ronald RIXER 84’), 16 Ewen FAWCETT - Subs not used: RGK Scott WALLIS, 16 Nicholas KOFLER
Rockingham City: GK Michael FARMER, 2 Jason CONSTABLE, 3 Justis BRADLEY, 5 Harry COLLINS, 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI (8 Jason POTTIER 79’), 7 James MILLARD, 9 Sam MCKEARNAN (14 Ryan KENNEDY 79’), 10 James HARMER, 11 Riley van DIEKEN, 13 Jarrad MORT, 23 Victor BRAUNER - Subs not used: RGK James GREAHAN - Referee: Peter Kaiser
27.4.2019
GLORY BRING DOWN THE GULLS
Perth Glory have bounced back from last week’s loss to Perth SC with a big 5-2 win against Sorrento in Saturday’s at Barnard Park in Busselton. Gabriel Popovic gave the youngsters the lead early, but Steven McDonald levelled for the Gulls moments later. Henry Hore gave Glory back the lead at the break from penalty spot, but Cameron Teece levelled things up mid-way through the second half. But three goals in six minutes, a brace from Gomo Dukuly and another to Daniel Stynes, secured a comprehensive win. “It was an excellent all-round performance in my opinion, and really happy to bounce back from last week,” Stynes said. “We had a 15 minute period in the second half when they were on top and they subsequently scored, but apart from that I felt we dominated the game, we created a lot of chances and probably should’ve scored more, but from the back to front I felt we produced a very good performance.”
It was a tight opening with both sides looking for the opener and it was the Glory who found it on 20 minutes. Stynes won the ball in the middle of the park, and his through ball found Ciaran Bramwell who sent Gabriel Popovic in on goal, his shot took a slight deflection to beat James Morgan in the Sorrento goal. But Sorrento levelled four minutes later, Jordan Roberts’ corner picked out Cameron Teece, who rose highest to head home from five meters. But Glory were ahead at the break after a quick free kick from Hore caught Sorrento napping and Popovic raced into the area and was brought down by James Morgan and referee David Bruce pointed straight to the spot. Hore stepped up to take the resulting penalty, and despite the keeper getting a hand to it, the ball nestled in the back of the net to send the youngsters into the break with the lead.
Sorrento opened up brightly and went close to the equaliser early, with Scott Witschge cross picked out Roberts, whose header was well saved by Nic Speca. Moments later Stynes slipped a ball into Popovic, but his shot on the run was well saved by James Morgan. Then on 70 minutes Sorrento restored parity. Witschge raced down the right his deep cross was headed down by Roberts to Teece, the Glory defenders looked for the offside flag that never came, and the Sorrento striker finished low past Speca. But seven minutes later Glory regained their lead. Stynes played a one-two with Dukuly, and the striker strode forward and unleashed a long-range shot that flew into the bottom corner of the net. Glory were now on top and it was 4-2 eight minutes from time. Dukuly started the move with a cross field ball to Trent Ostler on the right, his low cross found Popovic whose shot was well saved by James Morgan, but Stynes was quickest to react to fire home the rebound from close-range. The youngsters added fifth straight from the kick off, Dukuly pounced on a wayward pass and raced into the box and his powerful shot beat James Morgan at his near post to seal the win.
Perth Glory: GK Nicholas SPECA, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Nick WALSH, 5 Daniel WALSH, (13 Jacob MUIR 43’), 6 Josh SAMSON, 7 Ethan BROOKS, (16 Gomo DUKULY 61’), 8 Henry HORE, 9 Gabriel POPOVIC, 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Ciaran BRAMWELL, (14 Trent OSTLER 66’) - Subs not used: RGK Jackson LEE, 17 Jack LEECH
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, (12 Tristan STEVENS 89’), 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN, (21 Elliott TATTERSALL 80’), 8 Scott WITSCHGE, 10 Jordan ROBERTS, 13 Steven MCDONALD, 19 Jack SALTER, 23 Cameron TEECE, 25 Sam FAULKNER (22 Danny JONES 66’) - Subs not used: RGK Matt GJUDICATTA, 20 Jaxon TEMATA - Referee: David Bruce
27.4.2019
INGLEWOOD HOLD OFF A FAST FINISHING REDS
Inglewood United won for the second time this season, and moved to sixth on the NPL WA table after holding off a fast finishing Armadale 4-3 at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The visitors raced to four goal lead at half time with Anthony Bafobusha scoring a brace, with others to Chok Dau and Brian Farrell, but the home side hit back after the break with Harry Evans, Sam Garces and Billy Quinncroft cutting the deficit to just one, but Inglewood held them off to secure three valuable points, but they did have midfielder Jason Barrera sent off in stoppage time. “Armadale is always a tough game, it was a game of two halves, I thought we dominated the first half as we were 4-0, should have been 8-0,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira said. “We knew they will come at us in the second half and credit to Armadale they did. But at the end the most important thing was the three points which we deserved.”
The hosts did open the game well but it was Inglewood who opened the scoring on 21 minutes with Anthony Bafobusha scoring, before Chok Dau added a second on the half hour racing clear and finishing well past Sam Hutchings. Brian Farrell added a third seven minutes later, firing home from close-range after Armadale failed to clear their lines. Bafobusha added his second to make it 4-0 five minutes before half time, getting on the end of Dau’s cross and volleying home.
Whatever Armadale coach John O’Reilly said at the break worked and they pulled one back five minutes in, when Harry Evans cut in from the flank and finished clinically at the near post. Roared on by the Army faithful they added a second on the hour, Garces’ free kick was curled up and around the wall, giving Alex Dunn no chance. It 4-3 six minutes later with Quinncroft heading home powerfully to set up a grandstand finish, but Inglewood held on to take the points. The only downside in the game was the sending off of midfielder Jason Barrera in stoppage time. Armadale are back home next week, when they host Cockburn City at Alfred Skeet Reserve, while Inglewood host ECU Joondalup at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium.
Armadale: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KUSER, 3 James HARAN, 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 6 Joel SANDERSON (10 Sam GARCES 58’), 7 Joshua CORTES (22 Ryan HASLETT 84’), 8 Michael LAWSON, 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 19 Harry EVANS, 23 Friday ZICO - Subs not used: 13 Blake ADAMS, 14 Connor ATKINSON, 30 Brennan BARK
Inglewood United: GK Alexander DUNN, 3 David CYRUS, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 5 Samuel RIAK (6 Miki VUJACIC 69’), 7 Hamza HINA (23 Zdenek BEZDEK 82’), 8 Jason BARRERA, 9 Chok DAU, 10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA, 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY, 17 Mark BARNETT - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 13 Ryan MORAN, 12 Jack MURRAY - Red card: Barrera 90+4’ - Referee: Shane Skinner
27.4.2019
COCKERELS BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Cockburn City are back in the NPL WA winners circle after a dominate 5-1 win against bottom of the table Stirling Lions at Dalmatinac Park. The hosts, who hadn't won since the first week opened the scoring through Ryan Platt, but Ben Wantee levelled for the Lions on the half hour. But the Cockerels regained the lead moments later Daniel Robinson and they never looked back, and further goals from Robinson, Hasani Sinclair, on his debut for the club and Adam Anfuso in the second half gave them the points.
The hosts were ahead after 15 minutes, when Pratt’s cross went in off the hand of Lions keeper Ryan Montgomery, but the visitors were level on 26 minutes, with Ben Wantee on target. But sixty seconds later Cockburn regained their lead, Robinson was given far too much time on the edge of the penalty area and his half volley flew past Montgomery. Cockburn added a third, four minutes into the second half when second half substitute Sinclair headed home Cameron Edwards free kick to open his account at this new club after his transfer from Forrestfield United.
They added a fourth on the hour, when referee Julian Serra pointed to the spot after Riley Woodcock was brought down in the penalty area, and Robinson scored from the resulting penalty. They added a fifth in the final minute, substitutes Luccas Melo and Anfuso combining, the latter scoring low past Montgomery. The Cockerels will hope to build on the result next week as they travel to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take on Armadale, whilst Stirling face a tough test on the road, when they visit Frank Dargo Reserve to play Bayswater City.
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 5 Julian TELES, 6 Ruben TRISTAO, 8 Cameron EDWARDS (18 Adam ANFUSO 71’), 10 David ARAYA (19 Hasani SINCLAIR 46’), 12 Ryan PRATT (7 Luccas MELLO 59’), 15 Daniel SANTICH, 16 Daniel ROBINSON, 21 Jesse LAZZARO, 23 Riley WOODCOCK - Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 14 Hayden STEVENS
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 3 Nelson TSHONGO, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris MCLAUGHLIN (2 Mile PETKOVSKI 31), 6 Dhhors CHOL, 7 Sean MCMANUS 8 Finn GRAHAM, 9 Ben WANTEE (15 Elijah HAAS 65’), 10 Kristian DESPOTOVSKI, 12 Joseph PERKINS (11 Michael WANTEE 65’), 14 Michael GAMA - Sub not used: RGK Daniel MARQUES, 16 Chad REYNOLDS - Referee: Julian Serra
27.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FIVE – REVIEW
Ashfield maintained their lead at the top of the State League First Division, but only just, after scoring two late goals to draw 2-2 with UWA Nedlands at Ashfield Arena. It was a tight first half with both sides having chances, but all the action came late in this one. The visitors took the lead fifteen minutes from time, Alex Kretowicz scoring from Conor Devlin's cross. It looked like UWA would go home with all three points when Tim Robertson headed home Devlin's free kick seven minutes later. But Matt Wardle's side had other ideas and they pulled one back with three minutes remaining, Gary Hill heading home. It set up a grandstand finish and the home side found the equaliser moments later, when a corner wasn’t cleared and in the goal mouth scramble Kurt Herman bundled the ball over the line to give both sides a share of the spoils. "It's disappointing the late two goals cost us two points we definitely deserved," UWA Head coach Michael Janssen said. "I thought the first half was quite even and defensively we did well, and second half we came out and controlled the game. We got the goals, but in this league, you are not allowed to stop playing and Ashfield battled hard to the end and earned themselves a point."
Olympic Kingsway moved to within one point of the leaders after a 3-1 win against Morley Windmills at Kingsway Reserve. The home side were ahead on three minutes, Gyles Davies won possession in the middle of the park and sent a great through ball into the path of Ajak Riak whose shot first time went into the far corner of the net. Morley levelled before the break, and it was all to play for after half time. But it was the home side who regained the lead on 70 minutes. Jordan Pokler received the ball in his own half and found Riak, the striker beat the last defender and then rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net. The points were made safe five minutes later when Olympic added a third, and Riak was the supplier this time, he found Eraste Vymunga in the box who beat eased past his marker and fired home. "Morley gave us a real test in the first half and probably should have been leading," Olympic coach Gary Williams said. "I felt we controlled the second half and played with a little more intensity, and we were rewarded for upping our work rate with a well-deserved victory in the end."
Gwelup Croatia moved up to third after a 3-1 win against Forrestfield United at Wishart Street. The home side opened up well in their first home league game of the season were ahead on the half hour mark, Ellis Healing curling home a sublime free-kick into the top corner, giving Forrestfield keeper Luke Martino no chance. They doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half, David Heagney's low cross from the right picked out Healing, and the midfielder smashed it home from close-range. Forrestfield found a lifeline ten minutes from time, when Dan Corbett was brought down in the box and Rhys Loxley dispatched the resulting spot kick. But the home side made sure of the points five minutes later, Danny Hodgson was found on the edge of the penalty area, and the striker fired home, despite Martino getting a hand to the powerful strike. “Another great win at home in a replay of the Night Series Final, the win is massive for the boys but more importantly the club,” Gwelup defender Ciaran Salinger said. “I felt as though we were in control for the majority of the game. We were more clinical in front of goal, and defended better than we have in recent weeks. I think the hunger and desire was there to ensure the three points and put pressure on the other clubs above us. Forrestfield are obviously a very injury affected squad at the moment, but they still played some decent football. They are always going to be a physical and intense team. But credit to our lads, we showed composure and patience in possession and were rewarded with three great goals.”
Subiaco moved up to seventh after a come-from-behind 4-2 win against Joondalup United at Rosalie Park. The visitors were ahead when Scott Hoyle finished from close-range from a free kick. But the home side levelled on 20 minutes when Antonio Naglieri fired home from a corner. Joondalup regained the lead when former Subiaco player/coach Ian McMurray fired home from close-range after a goal mouth scramble. But the home side restored parity on the hour when a cross from Antoni Delesio found Shay Donovan in the box, and he was taken down and Mark Pritchard scored from the resulting penalty. The home side then hit the front on 70 minutes, when a quick counter attack by Shay Donovan ended with a ball into Adam Carlino to score. The points were made safe six minutes later, a great through ball from Ben Campbell sent Donovan clear to score. "Today’s results was an exceptional all-round team performance which we thoroughly deserved," Subiaco Coach Basil Lenzo said. "The league is about challenging ourselves weekly and the young lads have shown a tremendous appetite to learn and push themselves, so we look forward to next week’s challenge." In the final game a ten-man Fremantle City have beaten Mandurah City 2-1 at Hilton Park. The home side were reduced to ten men with Jairo Guzman sent off as the teams were leaving the pitch at half time. The visitors made their numerical advantage count on the hour, when a short corner was crossed to the near post and Joe O'Brien volleyed home. But the home side hit back and Nicola Gazzola levelled things up, before Adrian Manno gave them the win. Western Knights had the bye this weekend.
27.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOUR – REVIEW
Quinns jumped to the top of the State League Division Two after a 6-0 win against Canning City at Gumblossom Park. The home side were reduced to ten men on 25 minutes when keeper James Bosdet was sent off, but the home side got to the break at 0-0. But after half time the ten men scored a quick fire four goals to take control with Richard Howles, Matt Blake, Mike Kenny and Scott Newland. The Canning keeper Eric Cutri was then sent off, and further goals from Newland, and Josh Booysen gave the home side a comfortable win. “It was a good result, especially after a scrappy first half,” Booysen said. “We went a man down after Boz got sent off, and we had to lift in the second half which we did and took our chances. Need to keep the momentum going and fight hard for what will be a competitive league.”
Gosnells City continued their unbeaten start to the season after a hard fought 2-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at Walter Padbury Reserve. The home side opened the scoring when Wade Farmer raced into the box and MUM keeper was out bravely to block his shot, but the loose ball fell Edward Wynne Wilson who calmly tapped it in. They wrapped up the points when Scott Pereira was the quickest to react to a ball in to the penalty area. “I thought it was a good win for us, and we played some great football in the first half and could have been further ahead,” Gosnells coach Marc Anthony said. “They came at us a bit in the second half but we managed the game well, and I thought we deserved the win, and with a clean sheet which was most pleasing.”
Dianella White Eagles have come home from Princess Road Reserve with a 2-0 win against Balga. Two first half goals won it for Howard Tweats side, Joe Tweats pass sent Declan Hudson in on goal, who finished clinically. They doubled their lead when Keylun Pollard was released down the flank, and he cut the ball back to Yagoub Mustafa who finished from six meters. “After being quite cavalier in our last fixture the group set out to be more patient in possession which did not diminish the amount of chances we made,” Eagles coach Howard Tweats said. “We worked through the week on denying a good Balga team opportunity to settle, play and make chances to which was the most pleasing on the day restricting creativity and achieving a clean sheet.” Swan United scored late to beat Kelmscott Roos 1-0 at Francis Street. The black and whites thought they would end the game with a share of the spoils, but Brian Patterson pounced in a goal mouth scramble to fire home the winner. “It was a tight game with both sides having chances to score but we defended very well it was just the final ball going forward that let us down,” Swan striker John Monterosso said. “But we dug deep and it wasn’t pretty but we got the win in the end which was well-deserved.”
Wanneroo City have won a hard fought 2-1 win against Shamrock Rovers at Wanneroo Reserve. They opened the scoring after some clever movement out wide and the ball found Gareth Lloyd, whose long-range shot was saved by the Rovers’ keeper but the rebound fell to Kye Murray who slotted it home from close-range. The visitors levelled early in the second half though Peter Smith, but the hosts won it when a pin point cross from Lloyd found Jack Hailstones whose glancing header beat the keeper. The home side ended the game with only ten men with injuries taking their toll, but they hung on for the points. “After being hit with an extraordinary amount of injuries in the first few weeks of the season, so it was backs to the wall yesterday against a much-improved Shamrock side,” Wanneroo coach Tim Kantor said. “I thought we controlled the game but couldn’t fashion a second goal and we went into half time a goal to the good. They levelled but to the lads they continued to create chances but couldn’t put the game to bed and in the last 10 minutes we were down to 10 fit players and the boys dug in to hold Shamrock out.”
In the final game on Sunday Joondalup City leapfrogged Curtin University with a 3-1 win at Edinburgh Oval. Liam McGurk opened the scoring for the visitors after only four minutes, with a good strike from just inside the penalty area. Joondalup should have put the game to bed in the first half but they squandered several opportunities, while the Curtin keeper made a number of fine saves. But Joondalup did add a second on 70 minutes, when good combination play, down the right ended with Sam Rawlings, whose cross picked out Luke Doyle to smash home a superb half volley into the top corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. It was 3-0 late when Doyle repeated his effort, firing home from long-range. Curtin pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too little too late. “Again I was pleased with the result, and I thought we dominated the first half and should of had the game in the bag,” Joondalup coach Nigel Smith said. “Curtin came out for the second half and had a good go at us, and were unlucky not to have scored earlier, but we stayed strong and defended well, and I think it was a fair result at the final whistle, a good game of football played with some great goals been scored.”
27.4.2019
GLORY’S INTENSITY RISES AS IKONOMIDIS RETURNS
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic says player energy levels have intensified since they won the Premiers’ Plate as they enter the last game of the regular season against Wellington Phoenix. With the trophy tucked away and Phoenix’s top-four hopes dashed, the match could be a dress rehearsal for a 10 May semi-final.
Popovic is treating Sunday’s home game like any other by selecting the strongest squad possible after making six changes against Sydney FC last week. “We have not taken any game lightly this year,” Popovic said. “The best indicator for us is the way the players perform day-in, day-out at training.
“What we’ve seen since winning the Premiers’ Plate ... we sense the intensity has lifted. The focus has lifted. They know there are some big games coming up and Sunday is one of them. They all want to be a part of it and make a difference.”
Among the changes is the return of key striker Chris Ikonomidis, who dislocated his right shoulder three weeks ago. “Playing Chris is logical. The boy is fit, he has been training,” Popovic said. “There is no risk attached to the injury. If there was he wouldn’t be playing and we’d save him for a couple of weeks time.”
“There’s a risk of injury every single time you play, every time they train. We can’t think of it that way. Some players who played many minutes had an opportunity to rest (against Sydney). This will be a good game for them. This is an important match for both teams for different reasons.”
“Their (Wellington’s) focus is next week and what they need to get out of the game. The most important aspect for us is the performance and that will give us momentum. We’ve shown this year that whenever we’ve done that we’ve come out on top.”
“We respect the opponent who have had a fantastic season. They are very dangerous, they play good football. Early in the year I mentioned that us and Wellington would surprise many.” Glory have lost only two of their past 10 meetings with Phoenix and posted a 3-0 win in February.
26.4.2019
NPL-WA ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
It's week seven of the NPL WA and this week’s Footballwa.net 'Match of the Round' takes us to Frank Drago Reserve where Bayswater City host Perth SC in the Italian derby. (3.00pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, Bayswater coming from two goals down to beat Armadale 5-2, while Perth moved clear at the top of the table with a 4-1 win against Perth Glory. Bayswater's Daryl Nicol scored in the win against Armadale, and also bagged a brace in midweek when City beat Gosnells City in the FFA Cup, and last season's Football West Gold Medallist said the side are starting to hit their straps. "The boys showed some unbelievable character to come back from two goals down, especially after coming off the back of a heavy defeat against Sorrento and a disappointing draw at ECU," Nicol explained. "It would have been easy for the heads to drop at 2-0, but we kept playing and kept believing we'd win the game and going in level at the break was a real blow for Armadale and a huge boost for us. Then in the second half there was only going to one winner." Nicol is looking forward to the derby, and he said the game is massive for both sets of supporters. "It's a massive game for us as they are already a few points ahead of us on the table, and Saturday is a chance to claw some of those points back," he said. "We feel like we've started to find some consistency with our performances and as long we keep getting better every week, I think it could spell danger for the rest of the league. We all know Saturday's game should be an absolute cracker and hopefully there are plenty of spectators there to witness it."
It's a return to Frank Drago for Perth keeper Dejan Aleksic, who spent last season with the Blue and Blacks. The 27-year-old has been in sparkling form for Perth, and he said the win against the Glory was a huge performance from the side. "It was a great win for us and I thought the team performance was brilliant," he said. "Our strikers were clinical in front of goal, whilst the whole team worked their socks off the entire game." Aleksic has replaced the injured Francis Soale at Dorrien Gardens, and he said the young keepers the club have has kept him on his toes, and a lot of that is to do with keeper coach Simon Madaschi. "The competition for places at the club in all positions is good for all, and keepers Franny and Malek both hit another gear in the past couple of seasons," he said. "It's a testament to all the work Dash (Madaschi) puts in and we all keep each other on our toes at training." Perth lead the table by three points and Aleksic said Saturday's opponents are starting to hit their straps so it should be a cracking game. "These are the sort of games everybody wants to play in, and your right it should be a cracker," the keeper said. "Two talented teams, hopefully a capacity crowd, and the sight of Jason Mirco doing doggies all game, what more do you want on a Saturday afternoon.'
Rockingham City are on a three-game winning streak in the league, and this week they hit the road to take on ECU Joondalup at the ECU Football Stadium. Last week City beat Sorrento with a goal from Kody Millard, the win moved them to fifth place on the table and Cameron Lord's side are showing the form they showed in the Night Series. They will go into this one with keeper Cyril Sharrock who was sent off against Sorrento, but it's the form of Riley Van Dieken that has been impressive, the youngster bagging two in their FFA Cup win at Ashfield on Monday. On the other hand, it's not been the best of starts for ECU, and last week they were beaten by Stirling Lions, and were also bundled out of the FFA Cup by Sorrento. Injuries have the club hard with skipper Johnny Perkins one of the ten first team players unavailable last week. They welcome back top goalscorer Joe Knowles this weekend, but will have to be their best to get their first win of the season.
Balcatta sit second on the table, but they let two points slip last week at Inglewood, and they will be hoping to put that behind them when they host Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve. They were very disappointed with the late goal and many thought the ball didn't cross the line but that’s in the past. Goran Stajic's side are hard to beat this season, and the form of defender John Kearney has a had a great deal to do with that, but it's been a team effort. Shubham Mokala has been on fire in front of goal, while skipper Calum Connell and Jon Corness have been outstanding. Floreat won for the first time in five games last week against Cockburn, and will be looking to get on a run of form to move up the table, and Jon Stynes, Jason Saldaris and Dean Evans will be vital if they are to do that.
It's been a horrendous week for both Armadale and Inglewood United, both knocked out of the FFA Cup by lower league opposition and both will be looking for the three points when they meet at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Armadale also let a two-goal lead slip at Bayswater last week, and coach John O'Reilly is still looking for consistency from his chargers. Inglewood will also be looking to bounce back from their loss against Balga in the cup, but prior to that their form under new coach Andres Oliveira has been encouraging, and they will be hoping that result was just a blip.
Stirling Lions will be on a high when they visit Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City, after back to back wins in league and cup. the win against ECU last week was their first of the season and they fully deserved it. Interim coach Terry Nicolaou has got the side playing good football, and striker Bleron Mamudi and defender Chris McLaughlin both scored last week in the win but were both outstanding on the day, and they will be hoping skipper Dean Cummings returns this week from injury. Cockburn have been on a poor run of form and haven't won since the opening round of the season. Scot Miller's side need to change that, and he will look to the experience of Cameron Edwards, Euen Grant and Devon Gibson to see them home in this one.
The final game takes us to Barnard Park in Busselton when Perth Glory host Sorrento in the annual County NPL game on Saturday afternoon. It's a big weekend for country football with training and coaching camps for the locals, and it will be topped off with an NPL game. Glory played well last week but errors and good finishing from Perth SC cost them, and Richard Garcia will be looking for a reaction from his players this week. Glory won this game last season and they will be hoping for a similar result on Saturday. Sorrento lost last week at Rockingham, which was their first defeat in four games and Jamie Harnwell will be looking for his side to bounce back and get one over his former club.
26.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FIVE – PREVIEW
It's week five of the Football West State League Division One and this week’s Footballwa.net 'Match of the Round' takes us to Wishart Street where Gwelup Croatia entertain Forrestfield United. (3.00pm) Gwelup came home from Joondalup United with a hard fought three points last week, while they also beat NPL WA side Armadale in the FFA Cup. Forrestfield scored late to draw with Fremantle City last week, which made it three games without a win, so this is a huge game for both sides. This will be the first time the two sides will meet in the league at the venue, and it should be a cracker.
New Gwelup striker Danny Hodgson has fitted in well at the club and he said last week was tough with two games in three day but two wins made it better. "It was a hard weekend with two tough games, and I thought we showed a lot of character to win in the cup game,” he said. “It was a big game for the club as Armadale beat us in the final last year so it was nice to get through to the next round.” Hodgson joined Gwelup from Olympic Kingsway this season after winning the Division Two Golden Boot, and he said Saturday's game will be another tough one against Forrestfield who were in the NPL last season. "I’ve settled in well the lads are great and the club has high ambitions for this season,” he said. “Saturday should be a hard game, a few of my friends play for them and Graham Normanton is there coach so I know what he expects from his teams. We are looking to keep the win streak going, I don’t see any reason why we can’t come away with all three points.”
In other games on the weekend Fremantle City entertain Mandurah City at Hilton Park. Olympic Kingsway have started life in the First Division well and this week they host Morley Windmills at Kingsway Reserve, while Subiaco won last time, they were on home soil and they will be looking for the same when they host Joondalup United a Rosalie Park. In the final game it's a top of the table clash with league leaders Ashfield entertain second placed UWA-Nedlands at Ashfield Arena. Ashfield sit top thanks to three wins, the latest at Mandurah last week, while UWA sit three points behind, and they are coming off a hard-fought draw with Olympic Kingsway last week.
New Ashfield signing Pat Sara said the win on the road at Mandurah was great. “Is always hard to go down to Mandurah and play, they are hard to break down with the style of football they play,” he said. “We had to weather the first 35 minutes of the game, until it opened up and we could play, so it was nice to get the equaliser just before half time, and we carried that momentum into the second half, and eventually got the winner late in the game. On Saturday we need to be at our best and I’m sure to should be a good game. But we are ready for it and I have full faith in in the side to get the right result.” – Western Knights have the bye this weekend.
26.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOUR – PREVIEW
After pushing NPL WA side Bayswater City all the way in the FFA Cup last week, State League Division Two leaders Gosnells City are back in league action on Saturday when they host third placed Murdoch University Melville at Walter Padbury Reserve. MUM lost for the first time this season last week at home to Swan, while Gosnells continued their 100% start to the season with a big win against Shamrock Rovers. Gosnells keeper Tom Allen said the win against Shamrock was a hard fought. Last week’s game could have easily been a slip up for us with going behind so early and maybe underestimating them,” Allen said. “But we maintained our discipline and our quality shone through to win 5-1, but more pleasingly was to have so much possession and dominate the game.”
Allen was outstanding against Bayswater, making some vital saves, and he said the performance will give them confidence moving forward. “To take Bayswater right to the end and knowing we had chances to take the win, is very frustrating,” he said. “At the same time, we use it as a gauge to know where we are at, as we will not play many teams in Division One or Two that have the same quality as Bayswater. We need to take that performance in to this week at home against Murdoch and we predict will be a different game all together, but as usual we remain focused on our objective and staying professional.”
Murdoch University Melville’s Broden Brown said last week’s defeat was disappointing, but one they need to learn from. “To be honest, after hearing they hadn’t scored this season and us keeping two clean sheets, I don’t think we were mentally prepared for their strong first 10 minutes in which they scored their two goals,” he explained. “After that we fought our way into the game and on another day the two that hit the woodwork would have gone in but it just wasn’t to be, I guess.” Brown said a trip to the league leaders is one they are looking forward too. “We are still in a positive and confident place heading to Gosnells and we’re aware that on our day, we’re capable of beating anyone,” he said. “We know they have had a really good start and will be strong but if we are to reach our goal of promotion, we have to get points off the best teams, so we’re all really up for the weekend.”
In other games Quinns have also started the season well, winning all three games, and this week they host Canning City at Gumblossom Park. New signing Richard Howles made an immediate impact after his move from ECU Joondalup, and was instrumental in the 3-1 win at Dianella last week. Meanwhile Canning continue to look for their first win of the season and John Drewett will be hoping for a positive result in this one. Swan United will go in search of their first home win of the season when they host Kelmscott Roos at Francis Street. Paul Dundo's side did win their first game of 2019, with a hard fought three points at MUM last week, and he will be looking for more of the same this week, while Kelmscott will hope to build on a hard-fought point against Balga last week. Wanneroo City lost for the first time this season at Curtin last week, and on Saturday they entertain Shamrock Rovers at Wanneroo Reserve, the visitors are still in search of their first points of the season, while on Sunday Curtin University host Joondalup City at Edinburgh Oval.
The final game of the round sees Balga host Dianella White Eagles at Princess Road Reserve. Balga were held to a draw at Kelmscott last week, but Aleks Vrteski's side stunned Inglewood in the FFA Cup om Monday and I'm sure the coach will be looking for a similar performance on Saturday. Defender Danny Cain scored the third goal in the win at Inglewood, and he said that win put the disappointment of the draw at Kelmscott behind them. “I thought we were average at Kelmscott, but fair play they did well and we weren’t good enough on the day,” he said. “On Monday it was a massive win for the club, the boys have a massive buzz and hopefully we will take that into the game this weekend.” Cain knows three points are vital on Saturday and he said they will be doing all they can to get the job done. “This game is a must win for us, especially after two draws,” he said. “We haven’t had the ideal start however we are a quality side with a lot of ambition and we will throw everything at Dianella on the weekend to take home the three points.”
26.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND THREE PREVIEW
It may only be Week three of the Belt Up Sunday Amateur Premier League but Sunday's clash between league leaders Jaguars FC and Kingsley at Herb Graham Recreation Centre could be the game of the season. Both sides are unbeaten in 2019, but it's Jags leading the way and are the only side in the league with a perfect start, but Kingsley are hot on their heels, so this one should be a belter. The Jags are scoring goals for fun this season, and they have scored 23 goals in three league and cup games this season and conceded none.
With Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich away, assistant Stuart Montgomery has taken charge of the side and he was pleased with the 4-2 win against Hamersley, and happy with the goals in the big win in the cup. "The Hamersley game was a hard-fought game, and they had made a few changes to their team since we beat them in the Night Series," he explained. "We played well and scored some good goals but gave away a few silly goals which gave the Hammers a sniff, but in the end, we were happy with the result. In the cup game it was a good for us to give some game time to all thee squad, and we were really impressed with the boys’ attitude, as cup games against lower opposition are always tricky, but the whole side carried out the instructions and played some good football."
Montgomery, who won the State League Premier League with Sorrento and Western Knights as a player, is well aware the threat Jags have and he said both sides will go for it so it should be an entertaining game, especially how Jags started the season. "We know a game at Jaguars will be tough, and they gave us a touch up at their place early in the season last season, but had two good wins against them later in the season, the cup win was one of the best games I have been involved in," he said. "They are a very good footballing side and have decent players all over the park, who also like the physical side, but in saying that that we have strengthened this year and pride ourselves on playing good attractive football, so I'm predicting a very tight but entertaining game. The whole club can't wait for Sunday, it should be a cracker.
Jaguars jumped onto the scene last season with a third placed finish, and they have gone on with it this season and Coach Chol Kong has been delighted the way his chargers are going about their business, especially the big win against Ellenbrook. "The win against Ellenbrook was a great one for us, and we were dominate in areas of the pitch, and to be fair the score line could have been more than 11," he said. "I've been really pleased with the performances the boys have put in so far, they've worked hard for it at training and it's now paying off." Kong said Saturday is their biggest test of the season, but he said they are looking forward to the challenge. "Kingsley are a great side, and you can expect them to come to us with their A-Game and nothing less," he explained. "Last season they showed us what they are all about and I expect the same on Sunday. This will be a tough game for the boys, but it's one we are all looking forward too."
In other games this weekend Ellenbrook United and Joondalup United will go in search of their first points of the season, when they meet at Beldon Park. Ellenbrook felt the might of Jags last week, going down 0-11, and the only way up for them is up, while Joondalup put in a good performance but at Leeming but were beaten by the odd goal. Kwinana United are also searching for their first points of the season and they make the trip to Gerry Archer Sports Complex to take on Belmont Villa. United were beaten at home by Quinns last week, and coach Kris Connell will be looking for an improved performance on Sunday, while Villa will look to bounce back from defeat against North Perth. It's fifth v seventh at Gumblossom Park when Quinns host Wembley Downs. The visitors are unbeaten this season and new coach Mike Ford will be hoping his side can continue that on Sunday.
In the final game Hamersley Rovers entertain last season Champions North Perth United at Carine Open Space. United edged out Belmont last week, while Hamersley put on a gallant performance against Kingsley, but went down 2-4. Hamersley coach Glynn Shaw said his side played some good football but need it for 90 minutes. "I thought we played well in parts of the game, but now we just need to put it together for a full 90 minutes," he said. "In my opinion Kingsley are the benchmark to work off and I look forward to playing them again in the second half of the season."
Shaw said there has been a lot of positives this season and hopes it continues. "We have had an Ok start to the season, but we have plenty of work to do, to be the team I know we can be," he explained. "The lads are working hard in training and I'm always keeping an eye out to try and add to the squad if I feel it will benefit the team." Next up is the Champions and Shaw said his side are looking forward to the challenge. "We are looking forward to playing North Perth and seeing what we can do," he said. "I said to the lads it's a free hit for them, as no one is really giving us a chance. It's been a difficult draw for us, getting Kingsley and North Perth in the first three weeks but I think it's good to get them out of the way and we get a guide of where we are and what we have to work on as we settle into how we want to play."
25.4.2019
GLORY RESIST URGE TO REST STARS
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic has turned his back on the opportunity to rest players in Sunday's A-League clash with Wellington Phoenix. With the Premiers' Plate already in the Glory trophy cabinet Popovic could have rotated his squad again after making six changes in last week's to Sydney FC.
Popovic had rested players like defenders Dino Djulbic, Mathew Spriranovic and striker Andy Keogh while forward Chris Ikonomidis, (dislocated shoulder), midfielder Juande (groin) and defender Jason Davidson (knee) were given time to recover from their injuries.
But after the final game of the season Glory have the weekend off and Popovic has brought back his big guns to give them game time ahead of the break. One sour note is the loss of defender Alex Grant who has not recovered from a virus he first picked up in Sydney.
23.4.2019
EDWARDS BACK IN THE MIX AT HEARTS
Heart of Midlothian manager Craig Levein says Ryan Edwards is likely to feature during the remaining four league games of the Scottish season. The 25-year old midfielder was a surprise inclusion among the substitutes for Saturday’s 3-1 home loss to Rangers.
Edwards, who was loaned to St Mirren in January, was on the Hearts bench for the first time since the Betfred Cup game against Raith Rovers in July. “Ryan’s been doing quite well for the reserves,” Levein explained. “You might see Ryan involved as we try to manage the squad between now and the cup final.”
23.4.2019
SOCCEROOS FINALLY COME CALLING FOR WALES TARGET WILLIAMS
Ryan Williams is set to win his first Socceroos cap against Korea Republic in June to all but end Wales’ hopes of luring the Perth-born attacker into their fold. The 25-year old was recently watched by Dragons coach Ryan Giggs along with teammate Will Vaulks, with the Euro 2020 qualifiers in mind.
Vaulks was subsequently called up for his Wales debut, whilst Williams was not officially sounded out. Whilst overlooked by Giggs for now, the Young Socceroo and Olyroo - who is eligible for Wales through his lineage - has been on the radar of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold for some time.
And it’s understood that, after nine years in England - with Portsmouth, Fulham, Oxford, Barnsley and now Rotherham United - Williams’ chance to stake a senior squad claim is finally close to fruition. He has always expressed his preference for the green and gold, and has quietly been waiting in the wings for the chance to come.
23.4.2019
CASTRO SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH GLORY
Perth Glory have taken a big step into the future by re-signing Spanish star Diego Castro for another two seasons. The former Johnny Warren Medal winner, who was expected to be making a decision on his future at the end of the season, has made 90 A-League appearances and scored 38 goals since arriving in 2015.
Castro, 36, said he was determined to build on the success of the already crowned premiers as they head towards the finals series. "I have had a fantastic emotional relationship with the members and fans since the first day I arrived here," Castro said. "I want to keep that love story with the fans going."
"I'd like to thank everyone at the club, the owner, the staff and all my teammates. Now I want to help the club add another trophy to the Premiers' Plate. With Tony Popovic here, the future of the club is in the best hands possible and I'm so grateful for all the help that he has provided me with this year."
Glory football director Jacob Burns is thrilled Castro has inked the new deal. “Diego has been one of the greatest players that this club and the A-League has seen,” Burns said of Castro, who played professionally in Spain for the likes of Sporting Gijón and Getafe.
“His legacy is already assured, but we all hope that he can further embellish that legacy by helping the club complete the championship-premiership double this season and secure more silverware in the seasons to come. This signing is another clear indication of the club's ambition to achieve sustained success."
22.4.2019
AMATEUR CUP - ROUND ONE – REVIEW
There were a few surprises in the Amateur League Cup first round, with two Premier League sides bowing out to lower opposition. First Mandurah City overcame UWA Nedlands 2-0 at Securitas Protect Stadium. Oriel Fernandez gave the hosts the lead after good work from Joe Lovell. Fernandez added his second to seal the game, finishing well from Jacob Ford's pass. "As a group we're extremely pleased with the result, and I thought we got it tactically right on the day and the players executed the game plan to perfection," Mandurah Coach Pete Taylor said. "We worked incredibly hard throughout the 90 minutes and the result was just reward. A big thanks to UWA and we wish them luck for the rest of the season."
Joondalup United also bowed out losing 3-1 to Peel United at Beldon Park. A brace from Mitch Kelman and another to Matt Strang was enough for Peel to move through to the next round. "The boys prepared well leading into the game with consecutive wins in the league," Peel Coach Clint Brown said. "Joondalup had some experienced players, but the boys played exceptional in the defensive third with skipper Scott Bradley leading the way. Transition into the final third was great and we created several goal scoring opportunities and the goals we scored were good finishes."
Two more Premier League sides were taken to extra time before advancing. North Perth United beat Perth Royals 3-1, with Dan Conway, Niall Murray and Paul Gabel scoring. "I thought we controlled the game in possession for the majority of the game, but we found it difficult to break down a team that sat deep in their box. The boys got a bit of a rev up at half time and responded very well after the break," United coach Alex Carter said. "When they scored their goal, we went into our shell a bit, but the pleasing thing for me was how the boys played in extra time. We know we have a lot of gears to go through and probably haven't been out of second gear yet this year, but in extra time I think we showed what we can do."
Kwinana United were made to work hard before edged out Perth AFC 3-1 at Kelly Park. Lee Bates scored a brace, with Shane Boyle adding the other for United. "We've had a bit of a nightmare start to the league, and to be fair I felt we carried on from that and we never got going until 70 minutes," Kwinana coach Kris Donnell said. "Our controlled possession in the middle third wasn't great and we invited Perth with some sloppy passing. The boys showed glimpse of what I know they are capable of in extra time, so although there were some negatives, there were a lot of positives late on."
Quinns beat South Perth United 3-0 with Liam McManus scoring a hat-trick at Gumblossom Park. But Quinns coach Darren Kay was less than pleased with the performance. "It wasn't a game that I was overly happy with, as i thought we never got out of second gear. But we'll take it and look forward to the next round." In other game Kalamunda United beat Gosnells City 3-2 at Maida Vale Reserve on Thursday evening, while Canning City beat Woodvale 8-1 at Willetton Reserve. Kingsley eased through after 14-0 win against Baldivis at Chichester Park, Leeming Strikers beat Noranda City 4-2at John Connell Reserve, while Jaguars beat Brozzy 6-0 at Collier Reserve.
Perth Hills beat Swan Valley 5-1 at Harry Riseborough Ground, Maccabi beat Curtin University on penalties at Maccabean Memorial Oval, after the game ended 4-4 at full time. East Perth beat Stirling Panthers 2-1 after extra time at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. Forrestfield United beat Maddington White Eagles Results 4-3, with Owen Curtis bagging a brace, with others to Jason Feather and Chris Perrott, while in the final game North Beach beat Murdoch University 5-0. Games between Hamersley Rovers v Carramar, Westnam United v Port Kennedy and Bassendean Caledonian v Queens Park will be played at a later date.
22.4.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND FOUR – REVIEW
The drama of the FFA Cup was there for all to see on Monday, with 16 intriguing ties and the biggest shock on the day was Division Two side Balga beat NPL WA side Inglewood United 3-1 at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. The visitors were ahead on 26 minutes when Hermon Michael made a darting run towards the Inglewood goal, his shot rebounded to Kris Spaseski who made no mistake from close-range. It was 2-0 two minutes later, Dejan Andric received the ball from midfield, and raced towards goal and calmly finished into the bottom right hand corner. Inglewood had to dig deep and they reduced the margin on 37 minutes, a free kick picked out defender Mark Barnett who headed home. Balga kept up the pressure on Inglewood in the second half, and scored the winner when a corner found defender Danny Cain, who headed into an empty net. Balga winning 3-1 with a major upset, as Inglewood last lost to lower league opposition in the knockout cup in 1985, when Kalamunda from the old Fourth Division caused one of the biggest upsets in cup history. “It’s a huge day for the club,” Balga coach Aleks Vrteski said. “We went into the game with no fear, but we had a respect for Inglewood they are a big club in WA and have been a heavy hitter lately. So this result is a testament to the players giving me a total buy in into the change in system we have been working on over the last month, and this has impacted results in our first couple of games however is starting to bare the fruits.”
There was another shock at Wanneroo Reserve, where Amateur Division One side Warnbro Strikers beat state league side Wanneroo City 3-1. The visitors were up for the fight and took the lead early thanks to a long-range strike from Evano De Pontes. The host levelled moments later through Craig Tooley, but the Strikers regained the lead through a Steve Dunn penalty. The second half was tense with Warnbro defending doggedly and with five minutes to go Neal Beverage scored the decisive third goal to seal a memorable 3-1 win. Division Two side Gosnells City also put in a great performance, pushing NPL WA side Bayswater City all the way, before going down 2-1 in a tight contest. Daryl Nicol gave Bayswater the lead on the hour, but Edward Wilson levelled for Gosnells sixty seconds later. But the NPL side won it when Nicol converted a penalty on 67 minutes, but they had to withstand a gallant Gosnells side, who went close on a number of occasions late in the game. “Long live the FFA Cup, Bayswater coach Chris Coyne said. “It’s got the romance and prove was in the pudding today and Gosnells were fantastic for 95 minutes, and really pushed us to the hilt and credit must go to Marc, his team was great value today.” Gosnells coach Marc Anthony was delighted with his side’s performance. “We’re happy with the performance and the lads gave it their all today,” he said. “I think we surprised them a bit, and we like to get the ball down a play a bit, and I thought the lads gave a good account of themselves.”
Last season’s winners Armadale crashed out at the first hurdle, beaten on penalties by Gwelup Croatia. It was scoreless at full time and all the action came in extra time. On 96 minutes, Sam Wynne driving run led to a shot that was saved by Armadale keeper Sam Hutchings, but the rebound fell to David Heagney who tapped home to put Gwelup 1-0 up. Heagney almost made it 2-0 two minutes later when Hutchings weak pass out was intercepted, but the cheeky lob from distance could only hit the woodwork before bouncing away. It was 2-0 five minutes into the second half of extra time when some excellent work from substitute Lawrence Shuruma down the right led to a cross being deflected past Hutchings and into the net by an Armadale defender. But less than sixty seconds later it was 2-1 when Ali Nazary’s long-range effort was wickedly deflected past Riley Stephenson in the Gwelup goal. The drama wasn’t over - and in the third minute of extra-time stoppage time, Hutchings was felled by Gwelup midfielder Matt Sparrow after coming up for a late corner and referee Tom Glavovic pointed to the spot. Michael Lawson put away the spot-kick with ease to take the tie into a penalty shootout. Ellis Healing put Gwelup 1-0 up with a confident penalty, before Stephenson saved Harry Evans’ tame effort for Armadale. Steve Purton then smashed Gwelup 2-0 in front, despite Hutchings guessing the right way. Joel Sanderson then smashed his spot-kick on to the cross bar to give Gwelup a huge advantage. After Sparrow nailed the third for Gwelup, it was all down to Lawson to keep Armadale in it, but he swung his left-footed effort wide of the right post to send Gwelup through and knock the 2018 State Cup holders out 3-0 on penalties.
There was stoppage time drama for ECU Joondalup again when Sorrento keeper James Morgan headed the equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time, to cancel out Bayley Brown-Montgomery's first half goal. It went to penalties and Sorrento prevailed 5-4. Rockingham City were also pushed all the way by Division One league leaders Ashfield before running out 2-1 winners. Riley Van Dieken scored both goals for Rockingham either side of half time, Gary Hill pulled one back 19 minutes from time, but they couldn’t find the equaliser. “Like everyone this weekend it was a tough ask with a 48-hour turnaround,” Rockingham Coach Cameron Lord said. “But it was another great performance against a strong Ashfield side, and we’re happy to get the win and happy to progress through.” Second Division Curtin University also caused an upset by beating First Division side Mandurah city at Edinburgh Oval on Monday evening. Cohen Aitken gave Mandurah the lead, but a quick-fire double from Malek Domkoc and Farruh Manlonov put Curtin in control but a late Joe O’Brien goal sent the game to extra time, but O’Brien scored a penalty four minutes into the first period to give Mandurah the lead. But Curtin restored parity on 104 minutes, and in the shoot-out Jnana Purcell scored the winner to send Curtin through.
In other games involving NPL clubs, Perth SC beat Morley Windmills 3-1 at Dorrien Gardens with Frank Furfaro, Michael Domfeh and own goal. Cockburn City eased past Joondalup United 4-0 at Dalmatinac Park, with doubles to Daniel Robinson and Lucas Mello, while Balcatta came from behind to beat Shamrock Rovers 3-1 at Grindleford Reserve, with a double from Dutch import Niels Willems ad another from Gavin Knight, while Floreat Athena beat Kelmscott Roos 4-0 at Frye Park. A hat trick from Salvatore Ruffo and a brace from Angel Andres gave Fremantle City a 5-1 win against a gallant Queens Park at Hilton Park, with Trevor Laure scoring their consolation goal. Stirling Lions were pushed hard before beating Western Knights 5-3 at Nash Field. Ben Wantee was brought down in the box, allowing Sean McManus to convert from the penalty spot on the half hour. But the Knights hit back with Callum Roberts scoring. But on the stroke of half time the home side regained the lead Bleron Mamudi scored a wonderful volley from outside the box. After the break further goals from Finn Graham, Sean McManus and Kristian Despotovski put the Knights in control. But the Knights weren’t finished and late goals from Andrew Cartwright and Andria Jukic made the final minutes tense. “Overall I was really pleased with the result, and the way in which the boys have bonded in recent weeks,” Lions Interim coach Terry Nicolaou said. “The players have adapted to a more creative and exciting style of football, which is pleasing.” Canning City had to fight hard to beat Amateur side Port Kennedy 3-2 at Burrendah Reserve, with goals Mohammed Al Bunjamin, Ante Jukic and Jakeb Vucic. Olympic Kingsway eased through with a 8-2 win against Joondalup City, with goals Ajak Riak bagging four goals, while Charlie Breen scored a double, with others to Eraste Vyamunga and an own goal. UWA Nedlands have also moved through with a 3-1 win against Swan United at the UWA Sports Park. Alex Kretowicz goals either side of half time, and another from Nikolas Theodorou put them through.
20.4.2019
NEVILLE CERTAIN SYDNEY LOSS LEAVES NO SCARS
Perth Glory defender Scott Neville has dismissed suggestions Sydney FC landed a psychological blow by ending the club’s unbeaten away record in the penultimate A-League game of the season. An Adam Le Fondre goal split the sides on Thursday night, four days after Glory clinched the premiership with victory over Newcastle Jets.
It was Sydney’s second win over Glory in three games but Neville says that record will have little meeting when the sides next meet in the finals. “No, definitely not a psychological win for them. It’s pretty hard to say that’s an entree for the next time we play them,” commented Neville post-game.
“It was a sign of respect that we were playing in Sydney and they dropped off deep, bunkered in and let us have the ball. In the past, in my experience, in Sydney you might scrap a result but to go there and have their respect is a sign of the way we have gone this year.”
“It’s always a disappointment when you lose but the performance was there and you didn’t have players like Matt Spiranovic, Davo (Jason Davidson), Juande, Andy Keogh, Chris Ikonomidis and Diego (Castro) was on the bench. Put them in the mix and things look different.”
20.4.2019
PERTH TOO STRONG FOR GLORY
Perth Soccer Club moved three points clear at the top of the NPL WA table after a 4-1win against Perth Glory at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. The visitors led 2-0 at the break with goals from Gustavo Catarcione and former Glory striker Michael Domfeh, before an own goal on the hour from Jackson Lee gave Perth a third. Daniel Stynes pulled on back for Glory from the penalty spot two minutes later, but Niccolò Sabatini adding Perth’s fourth to seal the points.
It was top v bottom going into this one and Glory made a good start and had plenty of possession and went close to the opener on 10 minutes. Gomo Dukuly whipped in a cross from out wide, but the ball just eluded Luke Salmon with the goal at his mercy. But five minutes later the visitors opened the scoring. A quick break saw the ball played into Catarcione, and the Brazilian striker finished well past Lee. They doubled their lead on the half hour in similar circumstances, a ball was played into Domfeh who raced into goal and slide the ball past Lee.
After half time the Glory started to create some good chances of their own. First Stynes and Salmon combined out wide, and Stynes’ low cross picked out Dukuly, but his shot was straight at Perth keeper Dejan Aleksic. Moments later a quick free kick sent Stynes out wide, and his dangerous cross was only inches away from Dukuly in the six-yard box. But against the run of play Perth added a third on the hour. An attempted clearance from Glory custodian Lee, ended with him unfortunately slicing the ball into his own net.
Despite that set back Glory continued to take the game to Perth and they were rewarded two minutes later, when referee Julian Serra pointed to the penalty spot after Dukuly was brought down in the box. Stynes stepped up and converted the resulting penalty to give Glory hope. But that ended two minutes later when Perth added a fourth, Italian winger Sabatini finishing well to complete the win. Perth SC travel to Frank Drago Reserve next week to take Bayswater City, while the Glory head south to take on Sorrento at Barnard Park in Busselton.
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Jacob MUIR, 5 Nick WALSH, 6 Kristian POPOVIC, 7 Ethan BROOKS, 8 Henry HORE (C), 9 Luke SALMON (17 Jack LEECH 71’), 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Gomo DUKULY – Subs not used: RGK Nicolas SPECA, 15 Cam MURRAY, 16 Josh SAMSON
Perth SC: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Alex SILLA, 5 Niccolò SABATINI, 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE (7 Alek JOVIC 87’), 11 Matthew MILENKOVIC, 12 Jordan DE LEO (C), 14 Kristian SANTICH, 16 Kieran COLWELL, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC, 20 Paul ZIMARINO - Subs not used: RGK Benjamin RATAJCZAK, 3 Andrea THEODOSIADES, 13 Rocco PIZZATA, 15 Leigh MORGAN - Yellow cards: Catarcione Referee: Julian Serra
20.4.2019
LIONS BITE BACK TO BEAT THE JACKS
Stirling Lions have won for the first time in the NPL WA this season after a 2-0 win against ECU Joondalup at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon. A first half strike from Chris McLaughlin put the Lions on their way, before a great finish on the run by Bleron Mamudi wrapped up the points and set of wild celebrations in the crowd. “Without injured key players including skipper Dean Cummings, Mile Petkovski and Noah Shamaki we fielded five 19-year old’s and two 16-year-old who performed with the enthusiasm and maturity of seasoned players,” Lions interim coach Terry Nicolaou said.
“I thought we played with freedom and creatively in the attacking third, creating multiple chances and went very close to making it four of five, while defensively we were hard to break down. With intensity and commitment throughout the training week, were more organised and prepared than in previous weeks and hoping this was the performance we need to turn our fortunes around.”
It was a tight opening with both sides having good chances. Henry Durr’s shot fizzed over the top, before Tom Hough’s effort flashed wide for the visitors. While Dhhors Chol’s shot was saved by Scott Wallis and Sean McManus fired over the top with the goal at his mercy for the Lions. But it was the Lions who hit the front two minutes from half time. A corner wasn’t dealt with by the ECU defence and it fell to McLaughlin on the edge of the box and the defender buried it low into the corner of the net.
The Lions were on the front foot after half time and Mamudi’s shot crashed off the crossbar, before McManus’ shot was well saved by Wallis. But their pressure was reward with the second, just before the hour. A long ball over the top sent Mamudi racing clear, he held off the challenge of Cian Hirrell before finishing with aplomb past Wallis to seal the win, much to the delight of the home faithful. The Lions travel to Dalmatinac Park next week to take on Cockburn City, while ECU Joondalup entertain Rockingham City at the ECU Football Stadium.
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Michael GAMA, 3 Darren O’RIORDAN (14 Filip MILIC 84’), 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris McLAUGHLIN (12 Andrew MARANTA 80’), 6 Dhhors CHOL, 7 Sean MCMANUS, 8 Finn GRAHAM (16 Joseph PERKINS 90+2’), 9 Ben WANTEE, 10 Bleron MAMUDI, 11 Kristian DESPOTOVSKI - Subs not used: RGK Daniel MARQUES, 15 Nenbrim CHARMING
ECU Joondalup: GK Scott WALLIS, 2 Cian HIRRELL (12 Ryan MCDARBY 62’), 3 Ronald RIXER (9 Ben HINSHELWOOD 52’), 4 Henry DURR, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 7 Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY, 8 Josh WHITMORE (14 Kian MCGUIGAN 14’), 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR, 15 Tom HOUGH, 16 Ewen FAWCETT - Subs not used: RGK George JACKSON, 6 Harry EDWARDS - Referee: Shane Skinner
20.4.2019
BAYSWATER HIT BACK TO BEAT ARMADALE
Bayswater City fought back from two goals down after only nine minutes to beat Armadale 5-2 at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Harry Evans and Josh Kuser had given the visitors the lead, but late goals from Giordano Colli and Kenny Keogh levelled things up at half time. Keogh added a second on the hour, before goals from Daryl Nicol and former Reds defender Jake Sardelic wrapped up a comprehensive win. “Again, we have given a side ahead start and gave ourselves a mountain to climb,” Bayswater striker Gordon Smith said. “But we showed a lot of character and guts to get back into the game and completely controlled the second half and worthy of our three points and on another day would’ve scored more.”
It was a perfect start for the visitors and they were ahead on five minutes. Kuser’s free kick flicked off the head of Colli, and it fell to Evans who made no mistake, firing past Devon Spence. It was 2-0 four minutes later, Friday Zico raced down the left, his cross was headed against the bar by Joshua Cortes, and Kuser was on hand to fire home the rebound. It was the worst possible start for the home side but they pulled one back in first half stoppage time. Adam Harris through ball sent Smith down the right, the Armadale defenders looked for the offside flag that never came and Scottish striker cross to Colli at the back post to score. They levelled sixty seconds later, Adam Tong’s long throw wasn’t dealt with by the Armadale defenders and Keogh bundled the ball over the line to send the sides to the break all-square.
It was a tight tussle after the break, but it was the home side who went ahead on the hour. Smith fed Keogh on the left of the penalty area, and he cut inside his marker and finished low past Sam Hutchings. It was 4-2 six minutes later, Smith sent Colli in on goal, his shot was saved by Hutchings, but the rebound fell to Nicol who rolled the ball into an empty net. The scoring was rounded off in the final minute, a long ball from Jack Allen picked out second half substitute Sardelic, and he held off his marking and fired low past Hutchings to complete a great comeback. Next week Bayswater host Perth SC at Frank Drago Reserve in the Italian Derby, while Armadale host Inglewood United at Alfred Skeet Reserve.
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 5 Adam HARRIS, 10 Jason MIRCO, 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH (23 Brian WOODALL 69’), 20 Giordano COLLI (26 Paul LLOYD 73’), 21 Kenney KEOGH (24 Jake SARDELIC 87’), 27 Ross MILLARD, 30 Adam TONG - Subs not used: RGK Nemanja JANKOVIC, 13 Trent KAY
Armadale: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KUSER, 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 7 Joshua CORTES, 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 10 Sam GARCES, 12 Dannie RICHMAN (6 Joel SANDERSON 36’), 13 Blake ADAMS, 16 Harry EVANS, 23 Friday ZICO (3 James HARAN 73’) - Subs not used: RGK Blake HANSHELL, 14 Connor ATKINSON, 22 Ryan HASLETT - Referee - Matthew Southern
20.4.2019
MILLARD BRINGS DOWN THE GULLS
A goal two minutes from half time from American midfielder Koty Millard has given Rockingham City a hard fought 1-0 win against Sorrento at SafeRad Stadium, Lark Hill on Saturday afternoon. The win the third on the bounce for City, moves them into fifth on the NPL WA table. “It was another great win and fantastic clean sheet,” Rockingham coach Cameron Lord said. “I thought we were excellent in the first half in particular and then resilient in the second half with Sorrento chasing the game and throwing some big bodies forward.”
In front of another big crowd the hosts opened brightly and Jason Pottier stung the palms of Sorrento keeper James Morgan. Jason Constable was a constant threat for Sorrento and his overlapping runs proved a handful but the final ball in the final third was missing. But two minutes before half time they found the right ball and took the lead. Victor Brauner won the ball and played it to Sam McKearnen, who flicked it behind the Sorrento defence for Millard to finish past Morgan.
The Gulls pressed after the break and a double substitution of Alex Morgan and Jordan Roberts on the hour started to get the visitors on top. They went close when a free kick was met by big defender Steven McDonald who headed inches wide. Moments later a corner wasn’t cleared by the Rockingham defence and McDonald’s shot crashed off the crossbar. The home side were defending for their lives, but the day took a twist deep into stoppage time when keeper Cyril Sharrock was sent for violent conduct in the box. Sorrento continued to press, but Rockingham held on for the three points. The Gulls travel to Busselton next week when they take on Perth Glory at Barnard Park, while Rockingham are also on the road, the long trip to ECU Football Stadium to take on ECU Joondalup.
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 2 Jason CONSTABLE, 3 Justis BRADLEY, 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI (15 Shaz RAMLEE 89’), 7 James MILLARD, 8 Jason POTTIER (10. James HARMER 61’), 9 Sam MCKEARNAN (14. Ryan KENNEDY 93’), 11 Riley van DIEKEN, 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 13 Jarrad MORT, 23 Victor BRAUNER - Subs not used: RGK James GREAHAN 5. Harry COLLINS - Red Cards: Sharrock 96’
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKENNY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 8 Scott WITSCHGE, 13 Steven MCDONALD, 19 Jack SALTER, 23 Cameron TEECE, 21 Elliot TATTERSALL (10 Jordan ROBERTS 59’), 20 Jaxon TEMATA (7 Alex MORGAN 59’), 8 Scott WISTCHGE - Subs not used: RGK Matt GIULDICATTA, 15 Reece ABRAMS, 12 TRISTAN STEVENS - Referee: Joshua Nixon
20.4.2019
VUJACIC EARNS INGLEWOOD A POINT
A controversial goal deep into stoppage time by Miki Vujacic has given Inglewood United a 1-1 draw with Balcatta at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. It looked like Shubham Mokala’s goal on the half hour would be enough for Goran Stajic’s side, but Vujacic had the final word. “I’m super proud of the players performance but disappointed with the controversy surrounding Inglewood’s equaliser but that's football,” Stajic said. “I thought we dominated every aspect of play and had one foot in the door for three points so there is a small bit of disappointment, but we realistically gave ourselves every chance to win which is a testament to the good team we have.”
It was the hosts who started the better and went close to the opener early. Sam Riak’s through ball sent Steve Sokol in on goal, but Yousri Gharsallah stood tall and the midfielder shot was saved by the Balcatta custodian. But it was the visitor who took the lead on 30 minutes. Callum Stocks ball into the box was knocked back by Alex Wild, Jon Corness’ shot was saved low by Alex Dunn, but Mokala was quickest to react and fire home from four meters. Inglewood pushed and David Cyrus’ long-range shot crashed off the crossbar, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
Balcatta went close to a second when Jamie Murphy’s poor back pass was intercepted by Wild, but as the striker rounded Dunn he slipped over and the hosts gratefully cleared. It looked like Balcatta would hold on to the points, but deep into stoppage time the host’s found an unlikely equaliser. Vujacic’s in swinging corner was cleared off the line by John Kearney, but the assistants’ flag was up saying the ball had crossed the line, much to the anger of the Balcatta side. Next week Inglewood hit the road to take on Armadale at Alfred Skeet Reserve, while Balcatta host Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve.
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 3 David CYRUS, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 5 Sam RIAK (6 Miki VUJACIC 80’), 8 Jason BARRERA, 9 Chok DAU, 10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA (2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS 73’), 14 Steve SOKOL (7 Hamza HINA 62’), 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY, 17 Mark BARNETT - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 23 Zdenek BEZDEK
Balcatta: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 3 John KEARNEY, 4 Calum O’CONNELL, 5 Shubham MOKALA, 7 Alex WILD (9 Gavin KNIGHT 71’), 8 Niels WILLEMS (13 Carmelo GIUFFRE 85’), 10 Jonathan CORNESS (23 Adam ZIMARINO 56’), 11 Callum STOCKS, 12 Roberto DEL BORRELLO, 16 Alex CASTIELLO - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 22 Ben PELLIZZARRI - Referee: Josh Mannella
20.4.2019
ATHENA BACK ON TRACK
Floreat Athena have returned to winning ways after a 2-0 win against Cockburn City in Round 6 of the NPL WA on Saturday at E&D Litis Stadium. The hosts scored two second half goals to take the points, with Phil Arnold and Luka Ninkovic on target, the win ended their four-game run without a win. It was the hosts who were on top early but they failed to take them. Cockburn, who were also on a four-game run without a win struggled to create any clear-cut chances and at the break it was scoreless. But early in the second half the hosts hit the front. A cross to the back post found Arnold, who made no mistake firing low past Luke Radonich. It was Floreat who continued to dictate terms and Ninkovic wasted a great opportunity, before former Cockburn midfielder Calvin Whitney forced Radonich into a great save from close range.
But it would be Floreat who added a second 12 minutes from time. Ninkovic, who had replaced Jamal Reiners on 50 minutes, controlled the ball well in the penalty area and finished clinically past Radonich. Cockburn pressed late, but they couldn’t find a way back into the game, with Floreat defender Adrian Madaschi outstanding, the loss making five games with out a win for Scott Miller’s side, while the win moved Floreat up to seventh. Nest week Cockburn host Stirling Lions at Dalmatinac Park, while Floreat travel to Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta.
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALADRIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA (14 Ludovic BOI 84’), 4 Adrian MADASCHI, 6 Jesse FULLER, 9 Robert PETKOV, 10 Calvin WHITNEY, 15 Chris SALDARIS, 17 Dean EVANS, 19 Phil ARNOLD (16 Ryan MALTON 87’), 20 Jamal REINERS (12 Luka NINKOVIC 50’), 33 Nick AMBROGIO - Subs not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 11 Dennis GALAN
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 5 Julian TELES, 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 9 Anthony SKORICH, (16 Daniel ROBINSON 40’), 10 David ARAYA, (7 Luccas MELLO 65’), 12 Ryan PRATT, 17 Devon GIBSON, 18 Adam ANFUSO, 21 Jesse LAZZARO, (15 Daniel SANTICH 73’), 23 Riley WOODCOCK - Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 6 Ruben TRISTAO - Referee: Michal Jasinski
20.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR – REVIEW
Ashfield maintained their lead at the top of the State League Division One after a hard fought 2-1 win against Mandurah City in round four at Securitas Protect Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was the hosts who opened the scoring, a quickly taken corner caught Ashfield napping and Brian Crellin whipped the ball to the back post and Matty Stares headed home. But Ashfield hit back immediate with Pat Sara scoring from the spot. It was a tight tussle with both sides creating chances, but it was Ashfield who took the points with 10 minutes to go. A quick counter attack ended with Sara on the right and his cross was turned home by Josh Kotio from close-range. “In terms of the result it was a big one for us to solidify a good start to the season and show that we have improved from last season,” Ashfield midfielder Kevin Ashwood said. “Last season we would come out on the wrong end of very similar games, but this year we have a bit more experience and know-how of how to win different types of games. But saying that we also know its early days and not getting carried away, it’s now about kicking on and getting more points on the board. but will say there’s a good buzz about the place, we have kept the core from last year and the new lads that have come in have been great and improved us no end.”
UWA Nedlands and Olympic Kingsway fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the UWA Sport Park. The home side were on top early and were ahead when Conor Devlin produced a great piece of skill, superbly chipping the keeper from the edge of the penalty area. They doubled their lead in the shadows of half time, top scorer Alex Kretowicz finishing well from 10 meters. It looked like the home side would take the points but seven minutes from time Olympic pulled one back. Ajak Riak was sent one-on-one with UWA keeper Luke Stonebridge and he finished well to set up a grandstand finish. Moments later Olympic were awarded a penalty when Gyles Davies was brought down in the box, but Stonebridge guessed the right way to save Riak’s spot kick. It looked like UWA would hold on for the win, but in the fifth minute of stoppage time Davies’ shot from the edge of the box was deflected past Stonebridge to give both sides a share of the spoils. “As a group we didn’t perform well enough for the first 45 minutes however after half time we got into the game and could have won with the amount of chances we created,” Olympic coach Gary Williams said. “I thought the draw was fully deserved and I have to congratulate the player group for the grit and character they displayed in the second half.”
Western Knights maintained fourth place on the table after 4-2 win against Subiaco at Nash Field. It was the visitors who were ahead early, a ball over the top caught the Knights defence out and Ben Campbell scored. But the home side were level when former Subiaco midfielder Alex Randell raced past two defenders and found Dean Hurley, and the striker shot from the edge of the penalty area crashed off the crossbar and the post before nestling in the net. Hurley then put the Knights in front at half time, when he headed home Randell’s free kick. It was 3-1 when Callum Robert’s crossed to Andrew Cartwright to score, but Subiaco weren’t finished and ?? reduced the margin after the Knights failed to clear their lines. But the result was secured when the Knights added a fourth, Roberts cutting in from flank and finishing well from 12 meters. “It was good to get three points after a disappointing result against Gwelup last week,” Hurley said. “I thought we controlled the game and created a lot of chances and could have scored more, but overall we’re happy with the performance.”
Gwelup Croatia were made to work hard for their 3-2 win against Joondalup United at Forrest Park. The visitors were ahead on eight minutes, Sam Wynne tapping home against his former club. It was 2-0 to Gwelup ten minutes later, with Joondalup defender Liam Mooney volleying into his own net in spectacular fashion, following a Gwelup cross from the right. But four minutes before half time Joondalup were back in it, a deep corner picked out the unmarked James Oldroyd at the back post and he headed past Riley Stevenson. The should have levelled in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after a push in the box by Bobby Wilson, but Lee Jones fired the spot kick well over the bar. Gwelup restored their two-goal advantage on 68 minutes, when David Heagney was brought down in the box, and Ellis Healing made no mistake from the spot. Joondalup hit back and made it 2-3 two minutes later with Tony Taylor bundling the ball over the line. It was a tight finish and both sides had late chances, but after seven minutes of stoppage time it was Gwelup taking the points. “Obviously happy with the result especially with two games in three days this week,” Gwelup Coach Taki Nicolaidis said. “We started very strongly and should’ve put the game beyond doubt in the first 30 minutes, but we were wasteful in front of goal. But full credit to Joondalup as they came back strongly and were unlucky not to get at least a point out of it.”
It was a goal feast at Hartfield Park as Forrestfield United and Fremantle City fought out a 4-4 draw. He visitors made a flying start and goals from Angel Andres and Andrea Erbetta gave them a two-goal lead. But the home side found a way back when Michael Fletcher scored from the spot after Jordan Hart was brought down in the box. The home side levelled when Fletcher’s long-range shot was spilled in to own net by the Fremantle keeper. Forrestfield then hit the front after Rhys Loxley was brought down in the box and Fletcher completed his hat-trick from the resulting penalty. But Fremantle won a penalty of their own, with Andres converting to level things at 3-3. Fremantle then hit the front again with Erbetta scoring, but the action wasn’t over then when amazingly the referee awarded a fourth penalty on the night after Fletcher was fouled in the box, and he picked himself up to fire home the spot kick to give both sides a share of the spoils. “I thought our overall performance was a lot better than it has been over the past few weeks. We dominated possession for large periods of the match and created a lot of good scoring chances, but unfortunately we were punished for some sloppy defending,” Loxley said. “In saying that, we showed great spirit to claw our way back into the game after going 2-0 early on and on another night, we probably would’ve come away with the three points.” – Morley Windmills had the bye this weekend.
20.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE – REVIEW
Gosnells City maintained their lead at the top of the State League Division Two after a 5-1 win against Shamrock Rovers in week three at Walter Padbury Reserve on Thursday evening. It was the visitors first on the scoreboard after only five minutes, but Gosnells hit back straight from the kick off, with Dean Armstrong on target. They hit the front before half time with Ben Howe firing home a stunning long-range volley. The home side continued to dominate and were rewarded when Howe scored another to make it 3-1. With their cup game against Premier League side Bayswater Marc Anthony made a number of changes, and one of them Ollie Parry added a fourth. It was 5-1 when Eddie Watson scored to make it four goals in four games for the striker, to complete a comprehensive win. “Our main objective this year is promotion, and with it being Gosnells’s 50th season in WA football and it would be a great achievement to get it this season, but there is a long way to go,” Gosnells keeper Tom Allen said. “The cup is just an extra if we have a good run and a chance to have a shuffle with the squad and give other lads a chance to get their names out there and also more experience with playing a team with the quality that Bayswater have.”
Also, on Thursday evening Curtin University maintained their unbeaten start to the season after a 2-1 win against Wanneroo City at Edinburgh Oval. The hosts were ahead when a great diagonal ball from Oscar Billington found Jnana Purcell on the left, Billington had continued his run and he was picked out in the box and finished clinically past the keeper. Wanneroo had the perfect opportunity to level when Jon Krawec brought down a Kye Murray, but Gareth Lloyd penalty was saved. But Wanneroo did level when a ball into the box was turned into his own net by Dominik Jakszuk. But the home side won it late when Billington’s free kick was headed home by Jakszuk to give the home side the points.
Quinns also maintained their perfect start to the season after a 3-1 win against Dianella White Eagles at Dianella Reserve. New signing Richard Howles was the star early, his run was halted in the box, and Jamie Stewart fired home the resulting penalty. Howles was brought down again, this time Mike Kenny scored from the resulting penalty. Dianella pulled one back, but Kenny made sure of the points scoring his second and Quinns third wit ha neat finish. “Another great result but a really good performance from the boys,” keeper James Bosdet said. “It was also against a good side, which makes it a better result, and we hope to take or form into next week’s game at home against Canning.”
Swan United won for the first time this season after a 2-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Murdoch University on Saturday evening. The visitors were ahead early when MUM failed to clear their lines and new signing Brian Patterson fired home. Swan doubled their lead Brennan Borzecki cross picked out Aaron Colli who headed well into roof of the net. MUM hit back just before the break, Ryan Tucker finishing after some good approach work. Both sides had chances after the break but it was Swan leaving with the points. “It was pleasing result, as MUM are a good side and not too many teams will beat them at their ground this year,” Swan Coach Paul Dundo said. “We should have actually killed the game in second half as missed about three one on ones, but we’re happy for the win, now time to focus on winning at home against Kelmscott this Saturday.”
Kelmscott Roos and Balga have fought out a 1-1 draw at Frye Park. The home side hit the woodwork twice in the first half, but they were rewarded after the break with the opener. A ball into the box was only cleared to Asa Sippits on the edge of the box and he volley home. It looked like the home side would win their first game of the season but two minutes from time Balga levelled, a ball into the box was turned home by Dejan Andric, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “It was a tight game, both teams defended well all game,” Sippits said. “We hit the cross bar in the first half and second unlucky to not be 2-0 up, so it was disappointing to concede so late, but we should have taken all three points, but happy with the performance.” In the final game of the round Joondalup City won for the first time this season after a 4-1 win against Canning City at Burrendah Reserve.
20.4.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND FOUR – PREVIEW
It’s FFA Cup WA fourth round games on Easter Monday and the Footballwa.net ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Walter Padbury Reserve where Gosnells City host Bayswater City. Marc Anthony’s side have started well in Division Two and are unbeaten, while it’s been an indifferent start for Chris Coyne’s NPL side. Gosnells beat Division One side Forrestfield United in the last round, and Anthony said they playing well and are looking forward to the challenge. “Yes, it’s been good steady start which is what we wanted, we've assembled a competitive squad which hopefully can keep us at the right side of the table come season end,” he said. “Monday is a massive game in the cup and one in which the boys fully deserve giving their performance against Forrestfield in the last round, no bigger teams around than Bayswater and we will be out to give a good account of ourselves.”
Bayswater defender Jake Sardelic said it’s not been the best of starts to the NPL, but things are turning around. “Yes, I think it’s been a slow start, defiantly not the way we planned to start off the season, but the boys have been working hard and I believe two results this weekend would kick start our season,” he said. “Armadale won’t be an easy game as they have had some good results lately so we will need to be up for it, and same again, coming up against Gosnells, we won’t be treating the game any differently. The boys know what’s expected and hopefully we can build on the performance from last week.”
There is a replay of last seasons final when Gwelup Croatia entertain Armadale at Wishart Street. The Reds won their first ever cup last season with a 2-0 win, and Coach John O’Reilly said they will be doing all they can to hold on to their trophy. “I’m sure they will be hungry to get a win as losing to us in the final must have really hurt,” he said. “But we are a different team this year and feel we have more options, so as always I am looking forward to the test.” Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaidis said Monday will be another tough test, but with home ground advantage they hope to make emends for last seasons loss. “It’s certainly going to be a very tough game, as Armadale’s league form has been very good and will certainly be favourites in this game,” he said. “We both have tough games on Saturday and it’s important for us that we come out of it unscathed.”
Amateur Division One side Queens Park have played in the last two rounds, beating Perth Hills and Northern City, and in this round, they travel to Hilton Reserve to take on Fremantle City. Queens Park are a club with big ambitions and have started the new season with two wins and Coach Ricardo Fynn said they hope to take that form into Monday’s game. “We have started off very well and are free scoring at the moment and giving very little away at the back,” he said. “There is a belief in this young squad that of we play our game and focus on our individual battles on the park that we will be successful, but the challenge is to work hard and be consistent week in week out.
“The boys are excited about the prospect of playing a State league team. We have a bunch of dreamers in our set up and once the whistle blows, the team that wants it more will be successful. Our lads have aspirations of playing higher so this will be a sobering test of where we are at the moment. One of the beauties of playing successful teams is that nobody gives you a chance and that allows you to go out and play with no burdens. Having said that we know what a classy and experienced outfit Fremantle City are and we will compete, be honest and hopefully hold our heads up high after an honest 90 minutes. Whatever the outcome we expect a hard-fought battle that will be a good spectacle for all involved.”
There is also a local derby where Sorrento host ECU Joondalup at Percy Doyle Reserve. These two teams played in the league a few weeks ago and Sorrento ran out 3-2 winners, and defender Shaun Kilkelly said games against the two sides are tough, and Monday will be no different. “Another northern derby so early in the season, and games against ECU are always tough and they will be looking for revenge from the league defeat earlier in the season,” he said. “We are on a good run at moment and if we keep playing the way we are I think we will have a lot of success in cup and league this season.” ECU defender Ronald Rixer said he is looking forward to the derby. “It’s a tough draw to get in the first round of our cup, against the only team that’s beaten us and a team that’s only a point behind first place,” he said. “I can only say it will be a great game to witness, it’s two NPL rival clubs in a knockout game after a very recent fixture together. I know the boys will be ready to make amends for last time we saw Sorrento and I’m especially excited to have another crack at them.”
Balga make the trip to Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium to on Inglewood United. Aleks Vrteski’s side have started the season with two draws, but he said his players are relishing the opportunity to take on an NPL side. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our guys, and we took Floreat Athena to the last minute in last seasons competition, and with a bit of luck could have won,” Vrteski said. “We will go in with no fear and nothing to lose, and they will have come off a tough game against Balcatta, so it should be a great game.” In other games Western Knights travel to Macedonia Park to take on Stirling Lions, Canning City host amateur Division One side Port Kennedy at Burrendah Reserve, while Olympic Kingsway host Joondalup City at Kingsway Reserve.
Balcatta host Shamrock Rovers at Grindleford Reserve, and defender John Kearney said they will have to be weary of a cup upset. “It’s a game we are not underestimating the opposition,” he said. “Shamrock will be well organised and will give everything for the 90 minutes, so we need to approach the game with the right attitude and start the game on the front foot. If we do that then I would be confident of progressing to the next round.” Curtin University entertain Mandurah City at Edinburgh Oval, Morley Windmills travel to Dorrien Gardens to face Perth Soccer Club, while UWA Nedlands host Swan United at UWA Sports Park. UWA skipper Joshua Marocchi said they are looking forward to the cup. “We’re really excited to get our FFA cup campaign under way against Swan,” he said. “They will be a solid test, and it’s always difficult against a team motivated to cause an upset. But we will be prepared and hoping to sustain a substantial cup run in 2019.”
Joondalup United travel south to take on Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park, and fresh off their first win in the league will be hoping to cause a cup upset. “Hopefully last week’s victory does kickstart our season, to say we were slow out of the blocks is an understatement. The boost to the boy’s confidence was evident the longer the game went on and our true ability was shown,” Joondalup coach Nick Jennings said. “We’ll go to Cockburn and have a real go, it’s a role reversal for us from the previous round, as big underdogs everyone expects us to get hammered and I know we’ll have to have lady Luck on our side in crucial moments of the game but you never know with the magic of the Cup.” Floreat Athena hit the road to take on Kelmscott Roos at Frye Park, Amateur Division One side Warnbro Strikers travel to Wanneroo Reserve to take on Wanneroo City, while the final game sees Ashfield host Rockingham City at Ashfield Arena. Both sides are playing well in their respective leagues and Rockingham Coach Cameron Lord said they are looking forward to Monday’s cup game. “Ashfield who have started their season very well, and I’m sure they will want to be the side that knocks out a NPL team,” he said. “It is up to us to recover and do the right things after Saturday to make sure we are performing to the levels that we know we can perform too to ensure that does not happen.”
20.4.2019
AMATEUR CUP - ROUND ONE – PREVIEW
It’s the Belt-up Amateur League Cup on Monday with 15 games across the metro area. It all started on Thursday evening when Kalamunda United beat Gosnells City 3-2 at Maida Vale Reserve. The Premier League sides all have lower league opposition and all games are 3.00pm unless advised.
The holders of the cup Kingsley entertain Division Three side Baldivis at Chichester Park (12.30pm).
Coach Steven Dimitrovich said last season’s win was a great reward for everyone involved in the club. “We had a great run in the cup last year culminating in us winning it when we beat Leeming 2-1, which was the first time the club had won the cup since 1994 and it capped another great year for the club,” he said.
“This year we obviously want to defend our cup title and we won’t be taking Baldivis easy on Monday because as people know Cup games can throw up some surprising results. Not knowing much about Baldivis all I can ask of our boys is to prepare and play the game as if it’s a premier league game and stick to our way of playing and if we do hopefully the result will take care of itself.”
Last season’s beaten Finalists, Leeming Strikers start their campaign against Division Two side Noranda City at John Connell Reserve. City have started the season well and are unbeaten, while Leeming bounced back from a first up defeat to win last week.
Leeming player/Coach David Palin said last season’s cup win was good but to loss a close final was disappointing. “Last year was a good run for us in the cup, but unfortunately we weren’t able to win the final,” he said. “But it was a good achievement to make the final and I’m sure the squad would love to go one step better this year.”
Palin said they will be ready for a tough game. “We’ve never played against Noranda but based on some of the other Division Two sides we’ve played we won’t be taking them lightly,” he said. “We want to go as far as we can again this year, like in any match we will concentrate on the things we do best and hopefully that gives us a good chance of progressing. Playing sides from different divisions is always a bit of a mystery but it should be a good game Monday.”
Joondalup United host Peel United at Beldon Park, Woodvale travel to Burrendah Reserve to take on Canning City, North Beach United host Murdoch University Melville at Charles Riley Reserve, while Premier League leaders Jaguars travel to Collier Reserve to take on Brozzy SC. There is a local derby at Game Guardian Stadium when Forrestfield United entertain Maddington White Eagles, and Perth Hills United host Swan Valley at Harry Riseborough Ground. Maccabi host Curtin University at Maccabean Memorial Oval.
Curtin coach Justin McCabe said it ‘s been a good start to the season for his side and a cup run would be great. “It’s been a very positive start to the season, and we’ve had a large squad turnover and an influx of youth this year, so very pleasing to get results in our first two outings. Going off other results it’s looking to be another tough year in division two, so a vital four points for us,” he said.
“We’re expecting a tough game on Monday as when we met Maccabi last time, they had a convincing 4-2 win, we are definitely looking forward to the challenge away from home.”
Quinns take on South Perth United at Gumblossom Park. Quinns won for the first time in the league last week and Coach Darren Kay said it was an important win.
“It was a good win against Kwinana and always good to get off the mark,” he said. “We’ll take confidence from the performance and hopefully start to build some momentum.” South Perth have lost both of their games this season but Kay knows that means nothing in a cup game.
“I always look forward to cup games,” he said. “To be honest I haven’t looked at South Perth’s results, but we know them quite well and they are always competitive games when we play them.”
In other games Kwinana United and Perth AFC meet at Kelly Park, and Mandarah City entertain UWA Nedlands at Securitas Protect Stadium. It’s been an impressive start to the season for both sides ad they are both unbeaten in their respective leagues. For Mandurah coach Pete Taylor the start has been great, especially playing some good opposition.
“It’s been a fantastic start and exactly what we were hoping to achieve from a couple of difficult fixtures,” he explained. “We’re playing with such comfort and confidence at present and it’s reflective on and off the pitch. The exciting for us is that we’ve yet to really get out of second gear which bodes well considering the results. That said, it’s one game at a time and we certainly don’t intend to get carried away.”
Taylor said the cup game will be a tough one, but at home they fancy their chances of causing an upset. “It’s a really tricky tie, and they’ve had a great start to the Premier League season so we’re under no illusion as to the task we at hand,” he said. “Mandurah City is a difficult place to come and play and we’ll make sure that UWA know that they’ll have to be at their very best on the day. It’s a great opportunity for us to really send a message and one we’ll enjoy, and anything can happen.”
The games between Hamersley Rovers v Carramar FC, East Perth v Stirling Panthers, Westnam United v Port Kennedy and Bassendean Caledonian v Queens Park will be played at a later date.
19.4.2019
NPL-WA ROUND SIX PREVIEW
It's week six of the NPL WA, and the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Round' takes us to E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening, where Perth Glory entertain Perth SC in the top of the table clash. (5.00pm) Only one-point separates the two sides on the table, and both are coming off big wins last week. Glory beat Stirling Lions 2-0 with Luke Salmon and Gabriel Popovic on target, while a late Gustavo Catarcione penalty gave Perth a 2-1 win against Floreat Athena. The last time the two sides met in a regular league game was in round 14 last season with Glory running out 2-0 winners. Daniel Stynes’ thunderbolt gave the Glory lead on 76 minutes and Yacoub Mustafa made sure of the win four minutes later.
Perth SC have started 2019 like they finished 2018, and are the only unbeaten team in the league this season and Head Coach Ramon Falzon said he's been delighted the way his side have performed to date and showed great character to earn the win last week. "We were delighted to come away with the three points and to extend our run of positive results. It was a tough encounter against Floreat because the defensive line of both clubs performed exceptionally well and this led to few chances created by both teams,” he said.
“In the first half we were superior in possession but we could not find our way through again after the two early goals. In the second half it was practically the other way around, Floreat held possession for longer periods however they could not penetrate our back line. In such tight encounters, it usually comes down to one individual doing something exceptional and that’s what Gustavo did in stoppage time. Credit goes to our players who persevered till the last minute of the game and were rewarded with a late goal.”
The club have a number of injuries to start the season, but Falzon said the depth of the squad has been tested but the players coming in have all performed well. " Marc Wingell, Simon Madaschi & myself are very demanding, and we always target specific areas of improvement and we expect an immediate response from the playing group because we work very hard at training to continuously improve,” he explained. “Injuries are unfortunately a constant in football so we continually push our players to rise up to the occasion when they are required to play. Harley Orr has been outstanding over the last couple of years and we will miss him for the next few weeks. However, our expectation is that whoever comes in, does the job. It sounds simple but behind the scenes the players work very hard during the week at training and for some, it sometimes requires a dose of patience until the opportunity to play again comes.”
Falzon said they have had some great games against Glory in the past, and he is sure Saturday evening will be the same. "Perth Glory had an exceptionally good season last year and although it is still early days, they look to be on track to repeat last year’s performances,” he said. “Last year’s Top 4 Semi and Grand Final were great games to watch because of the football quality and the intensity injected by both teams, and we expect something similar this Saturday. Glory tends to be dangerous going forward and they are aggressive in their attempts to regain possession, they have had a strong start to the season so we are expecting a tough clash on Saturday, however we are keen to keep building our momentum following the win against Floreat.”
Like Saturday's opponents Glory have also started the season well, and under new coach Richard Garcia they are looking to go one better in 2019, after losing the title last season to Perth on the final day, and also losing in the Top Four Finals to them. Striker Luke Salmon has been in fine form this season and he said the win at Stirling was a good result, but knows they can play better. “Yes, it was a very good win for the boys, and I thought we played well and took our chances when they came,” he said. “We felt like it was our game for most of it, and felt like 2-0 was a good result, but maybe we could’ve scored a few more.”
Salmon, who joined the club from Bayswater this season, said the squad are looking to go one-step further than last season, when they were pipped by Perth SC. “I feel like we could go very far this season the way we are playing, and the team are bonding well and the way the season is going it could be any clubs to take home, but we’re working hard to go one step further than last season. “he said. “Saturday will be a hard game for us and Perth are playing well, but if we play like we have been playing and follow our game plan I don’t see why we can’t beat them.”
Floreat Athena and Cockburn City will both be looking to bounce back from defeats last week when they meet at E&D Litis Stadium. This will be the first part of a double header at the venue on Saturday and Garrett McDuling's side will be hoping to end a two-game run at home without a win. The last-minute defeat against Perth last week was disappointing, but they also lost defender Adrian Madaschi with injury. Dennis Galan will be in line to take the big defenders spot in this one, while former Glory winger Jamal Reiners came off the bench last week and will be pushing for a spot. Cockburn slipped to ninth with their loss against Rockingham last week, and Scott Miller will be looking for an improvement in this one. Luccas Melo returned to the side last week and had a number of chances, and his partnership with Anthony Skorich and Daniel Robinson will be vital in this one.
Balcatta scored late to beat Armadale in round five, and this week they travel to Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium to take on Inglewood United. Shubham Mokala's late strike earned Balcatta a point, the striker has been a rich vein of form along with Gavin Knight, but they should have taken all three points with Armadale playing an hour with ony ten men. Dutch midfielder Niels Willems made his debut for the club last week and will be better for the run, while John Kearney returned to pin the back four along with Alex Castiello. Inglewood lost at Sorrento last week, two late goals stopped Andres Oliveira’s side good run of form, but they had their chances. Steve Sokol continues to impress since his move from Stirling, while David Cyrus and Scott Blackmore will be vital.
Bayswater City have added some quality to their squad this season, and many have been surprised by their poor start, but they will be looking to put them behind them when they host Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve. Last week at ECU the Black and Blues had a number of chances but failed to score, and slipped to ninth on the table after the scoreless draw. Jason Mirco and Daryl Nicol were constant threats down the flanks, but the final ball was missing on the day, but with the big squad they have I'm sure they will turn it around. Armadale were three minutes away from a win last week against Balcatta, and it would have been a great result as they played with ten men for most of the game. They will be without Michael Lawson this week due to his red card but coach John O'Reilly will look to strike partners Friday Zico and Adriano Jelenovic for goals as they look to maintain their unbeaten run on the road this season.
The bottom two sides meet at Macedonia Park on Saturday, with Stirling Lions hosting ECU Joondalup. The Lions were beaten by Glory last week, but the score line doesn't reflect the chances the Lions created, but unfortunately on the day wasted. They need to tighten up at the back after conceded 13 goals in the first five games, but they also need to hit the target, after only scoring one goal this season. Coach Keegan Ashley stepped down last week and a new coach will be announced next week, but the interim coach will be hoping skipper Dean Cummings has recovered from an ankle injury that saw him replaced early last week. ECU have only lost once this season, but four draws sees them second bottom on the table. They had to defend stoutly to earn a point last week against Bayswater, with Shane Cassidy and Cian Hirrell outstanding. They do need to more clinical in front of goal and Coach Dale McCulloch will be hoping Joe Knowles can shake off his injury from last week.
The final games take us to SafeRad Stadium where Rockingham City host Sorrento. The Gulls have won back-to-back games, a stunning win at Bayswater and two late goals last week earned them the points against Inglewood, and they are yet to be beaten on the road. The form of Jordan Roberts and Cameron Teece must be pleasing for coach Jamie Harnwell, but the former defender must also be pleased with defender Shaun Kilkelly, who has been outstanding. A brace from Riley Van Dieken last week saw Rockingham come home from Cockburn with all three points. A performance Coach Cameron Lord was pleased with. " Last week was an excellent result for us, as we backed up a dominating win against Stirling in Round Four,” he said. “It was a massive team effort that won us the game, the resilience, and the willingness to play and fight for each other, will go a long way in us doing well this season.”
Lord knows they will face another huge test against the in-form Sorrento, but he said it will be another packed house at SafeRad and he said they need to start finding consistency. “The last two weeks have revitalised our season, and we have gone back to playing the way we want to play with the quality we have, while being resilient when we need to be,” he explained. “The results are testament to the hard work on the training pitch, but we face a tough challenge against Sorrento, who have made an excellent start to the season. It is important that we continue to build on our previous two weeks and continue to perform at the high levels we know we can perform too, and also the high expectations we have set ourselves this season. Consistency is key in this league, and we must continue to be consistent in how we train during the week and perform on match days.”
19.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR – PREVIEW
It's week four of the State League Division One and this week’s Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' sees league leaders Ashfield travel to Securitas Protect Stadium to take on Mandurah City. Both sides are coming off big wins last week, Ashfield beating Forrestfield United in the local derby, while Mandurah ended the unbeaten start for UWA Nedlands. The last time these two sides met was in round nine last season when Mandurah ran out 3-2 winners. The home side were ahead with Max Snelson on target, but Ashfield hit back with Kevin Ashwood scoring. But Mandurah took the lead into the break when Andy Brown’s headed home. But after half time Ashfield restored parity with Ashwood adding his second. But ten minutes from time the home side won it, Joey O’Brien finishing clinically, lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box.
It was the first home game of the season for Mandurah last week, and coach Alex Grayson was delighted how they played and the big crowd who turned up to watch. "After a fairly lacklustre start to the season, getting ourselves moving forward against UWA was exactly what we needed,” he said. “This weekend showed just how competitive the league is going to be with everyone around us winning as well so it made the result on Saturday even more important. Our home support will be a phenomenal boost for us and make it difficult for teams to travel to Securitas Stadium.”
Grayson said after the club’s dice with relegation last season, they are now looking up and promotion would be a great reward for all the hard-working people around the club, but knows there is still a great deal of hard work to be done. "At a club like Mandurah, it is important to keep looking upwards, however, we are fully aware of the challenges we face every Saturday,” he explained. “It is imperative to cement ourselves at home and find the consistency that we lacked last season. If we keep working hard and get a bit of luck here and there, I think we can be competitive all season.”
It was the first win of the season for the Dolphins, and Grayson said Saturday's opponents have started the season very well, and he's expecting another entertaining game. "Ashfield have had a fantastic start to the year and rightly so, they are always tough to play so early in the season as they always hit the ground running,” he said. “A positive result can put us right back in the mixer so we will be looking to capitalise on last week's win, and I think it has the makings to be a cracker of a game.”
Ashfield's win against Forrestfield moved Matt Wardle's side to the top of the table and the coach was pleased with the whole team on the day. "Last week was a good win for our players and club. Gavin Tait and I were pleased with the way we played the game and tactically we got it right. The lads went out and played the game in a strong, fair, and passionate way and they executed what was asked perfectly,” he said. “Forrestfield are a strong team and at the beginning of the season we looked at them as the bench mark so getting a win against them gave us a good indication of where we are as a squad. It’s still very early into the season and we although a good result we are not getting carried away with things.”
Wardle has been in charge at the club for three years with Gavin Tait, but he said the inclusion of Paul Vallerios and Gary Colliver to the coaching staff has helped him and the club are now reaping the rewards. "The off season was a busy one for me. The first thing I had to do was secure Gavin Tait to stay and continue the great work he done the season prior,” he explained. “I also had to find a reserves manager and an 18’s manager. I was lucky enough to meet Paul and Gary and instantly knew they were the right guys for the jobs. After securing the pair they introduced me to Steve Standard a goal keeper coach and “Stan” has come on board and been exceptional with all goal keepers at the club and helping Gav and I on match days. It’s really important to work with people you can trust and get along with but just as important also challenge each other and all guys bring something different to my coaching staff and it’s been great learning of each other to date.”
The Coach is looking forward to Saturday's trip to Mandurah, but knows their confidence will be sky high after their win last week against UWA. "Mandurah are a really tough side and have dramatically improved since last year. I’ve been lucky enough to see them play a couple of times this year and from what I’ve seen and heard they have been very competitive all pre-season and in their first three games,” Wardle said. “We are under no illusions of how difficult this away trip is going to be and all we can do is prepare the same way we have all year and hopefully let the football do the talking. There are no easy games this year and the league is most competitive I’ve seen it for years, so no doubt Saturday will be cracking game.”
In other games this week Joondalup United won for the first time in the league this season against Fremantle City, and this week they host Gwelup Croatia at Forrest Park. The 4-1 win surprised many last week, but not coach Nick Jennings, and I'm sure he will have his players ready for another big game on Saturday. Gwelup also won for the first time this season with a 3-2 win in the Croatian derby against Western Knights, and coach Taki Nicolaidis will be looking for more of the same in this one. Forrestfield United and Fremantle City are coming off losses last week, and the pair meet at Game Guardian Stadium on Saturday evening, while UWA Nedlands host Olympic Kingsway at the UWA Sports Complex. UWA lost for the first time at Mandurah last week, while Olympic had the bye.
Olympic coach Gary Williams said the bye is annoying, but they are ready for a big game at UWA. “Yes, it is a shame South West Phoenix dropped out as it disrupts the continuity and habits you get into week after week, but on the positive side it gave us an extra week to get things right on the training pitch and allowed extra recovery time for a couple of our injured players,” he said. “I think this week will be a great game between two attacking teams who want to score goals. UWA have a good group of players and had two great results previously against Joondalup Utd and Forrestfield. I am looking forward to the match and will use it as a benchmark for our team going forward.”
In the final game Western Knights will look to bounce back from last week’s defeat, when they entertain Subiaco at Nash Field, the visitors will be buoyed by their first win of the season against Morley. Knights coach Ivan Zuvela said despite the loss in the derby he was happy the way his players fought out the game and he’s confident they can bounce back against Subiaco on Saturday. “Last week we were really disappointed with the result, and we actually thought we played really well but it was just one of those games where we couldn’t convert our chances, and the Gwelup keeper seemed to have the game of his life, so we thought we were very unlucky not to win the game,” he said. “We go into this weekend against Subiaco extremely confident. Our brand of football this year has been improving every week and I am delighted with how our players have been applying themselves.” - Morley Windmills have the bye this week.
19.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE – PREVIEW
It’s week three of the State League Division Two and the Footballwa.net ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Edinburgh Oval tonight when Curtin University host Wanneroo City. (8.30pm) Both sides drew away from home last week, Curtin coming away from Balga with a 2-2 draw, while Wanneroo drew 0-0 at Swan United. The last time these two sides met at the venue was in round 13 last season when Wanneroo left with a 4-2 win. Curtin were ahead early through Eddie Tikoft, but Jamie Stewart levelled. Matt Franken scored a hat-trick after the break to seal the win for the visitors, while Tikoft added his second for a late consolation for the Curtin.
The draw at Swan last week maintained the unbeaten start to the season for Wanneroo, and coach Tim Kantor said it wasn’t a classic but it was a valuable point. “At Swan was one of those ugly games with both teams struggling to play football on a tough, tight pitch,” he said. “Good chances were few and far between but in a game when you don’t play well, I guess a point is a good outcome especially against quality opposition.”
It may still be early in the season but Kantor has been happy the way his side have performed, especially playing Dianella and Swan, but knows there is still room for improvement. “Yes, it’s been a good start to the season with four away points against two of the title contenders,” he said. “We have a number of new lads in the squad this season and it will take a bit of time to gel but so far we are tracking ok.”
The coach said Edinburgh Oval is never an easy place to go, especially with the them starting the season with two draws. “Curtin is always a tough place to get a result, and add to that they too have started well and have recruited a couple of real quality lads,” Kantor said. “We are certainly under no illusions tonight is going to be a tough game but one we are looking forward to.”
Curtin skipper Antony Russo said leading 2-1 with fifteen minutes to go they should have come home with all three points from last week’s trip to Balga, but said in the end it was a fair result. “Yes, we were all disappointed not to win, especially away from home and 2-1 up,” he said. “But Balga are a good side who created a lot of chances and could have won it at the end, so 2-2 was a fair result.”
Like tonight’s opponents Curtin are unbeaten this season, but Russo said they need to turn the draws into victories. “Yes, we’re unbeaten, but yet to win, we want to start winning these close games,” the skipper said. “The squad is really strong and it's building chemistry week by week. It's been really enjoyable so far with good people joining the club. Like all teams, we want to work hard but also enjoy each other’s company, but getting the balance right will hopefully result in us winning.”
It will be a sombre night on Thursday with coach Mick Philp losing a family member over the week, but Russo said they will be doing all they can to help the family and get the three points for Mick. “Being at home on a Thursday night is great for the club, and this week we will have a special focus on helping out Mick’s family, and a person who is critical to our club and influenced almost all players. They are unfortunately dealing with a difficult time at the moment, but we will do what we can, players fine money, sales from raffle tickets and the like will all be donated, and any support tonight would be great,” he explained. “On the game, Wanneroo are always a strong team. They are well structured and have a game plan that stands up at home or away, so it should be a good game and we’re looking forward to it."
In other games Gosnells City are also in action tonight, when they host Shamrock Rovers at Walter Padbury Reserve (7.30pm). Marc Anthony’s side have won both games this season, but Shamrock are still searching for their first point. Meanwhile on Saturday Canning City host Joondalup City at Burrendah Reserve, with both sides looking for their first points of the season, Dianella White Eagles entertain Quinns FC at Dianella Reserve, and Balga travel to Frye Park to take on Kelmscott Roos.
In the final game Swan United make the trip to Murdoch University on Saturday evening to take on Murdoch University Melville. (7.30pm) MUM sit top of the league after two impressive wins, while Swan are yet to taste victory this season. They drew last week against Wanneroo and keeper Joey Smith said they deserved more from the game, and had plenty of chances. “We should have won the game, we created enough chances to win the game by two or three but never really tested their keeper,” he said. “Luckily enough my back four were great and we limited them to very few opportunities to score.”
Smith knows a Saturday night game on the artificial pitch is going to be tough, but he said they are ready for the challenge. “No doubt it will be a tough game,” he said. “They are always a very organised team and hard to break down, but hopefully we can just get the ball down and play some good football on the Astroturf pitch and have a bit of magic from the strikers to get a result.”
19.4.2019
PREMIERS HEAD EAST TO TAKE ON SKY BLUES
Perth Glory are in action tonight when they travel to Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah to take on Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League (5.50pm WA Time). With the Premiers' Plate having been secured last weekend, Tony Popovic has the option to juggle his side for the fixture should he choose to do so, but a win or a draw on the east coast will see his side unbeaten away from home for the season.
But Popovic said if he did it would be no problem, because all his squad are chopping at the bit to play, especially the ones who have not featured on a regular basis in recent weeks. "We are on top because of the strength of the squad and that makes us proud as a club, having a strong squad of players that can step in," he said. "We had Jake Brimmer, a young talent, come on very early for Juande in a very important game for our football club on Sunday and the boy was outstanding. Now, if he wasn't training as well as he can and not at the level required, he couldn't do that.
“There are many like Jake here at the club that are waiting for their opportunity and we just want to have them prepared and ready so that if the chance comes, they can showcase their talent. We are playing a big club [on Thursday], a big opponent and we want to put in a good performance. We are just concentrating on that. Some players that haven't had a lot of minutes will possibly get a chance to travel. Everyone wants to be a part of it and the whole squad has participated so far, some with more minutes than others, obviously. But they've all contributed to our success and I'm sure they will continue to do so moving forward."
In team news for the game Jason Davidson (knee) and Juande (groin) will miss the trip, while Chris Ikonomidis will miss another week after his shoulder injury. Popovic has added Alex Grant, Chris Harold, Brandon Wilson, Tomislav Mrcela, Jacob Italiano and his son Kristian, who has been in good form for the clubs NPL WA side. Sydney FC, meanwhile, will head into the game eight points behind Glory in second spot and requiring a win to keep third-placed Melbourne Victory at arm's length. The Sky Blues have won eight of their 12 home games thus far this term and lost just one of their last seven games.
Sydney FC squad: GK Andrew REDMAYNE, RGK Alex CISAK, 2 Aaron CALVER, 4 Alex WILKINSON, 5 Jop van der LINDEN, 6 Josh BRILLANTE, 8 Paulo RETRE, 9 Adam LE FONDRE, 10 Milos NINKOVIC, 11 Danny DE SILVA, 13 Brandon O’NEILL, 14 Alex BROSQUE, 16 Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD, 17 Anthony CACERES, 18 Jacob TRATT, 21 Mitch AUSTIN, 22 Siem DE JONG, 23 Rhyan GRANT - *two to be omitted* - Ins: 5 Der LINDEN (promoted), AUSTIN (promoted) - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 3 Ben WARLAND (ACL - indefinite), 7 Michael ZULLO (hamstring – 1 week), 12 Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 19 Chris ZUVELA (ACL – indefinite)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 14 Chris HAROLD, 15 Brandon WILSON, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 29 Kristian POPOVIC, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted*- Ins: GRANT (promoted), HAROLD (promoted), WILSON (promoted), MRCELA (promoted), ITALIANO (promoted), POPOVIC (promoted) - Outs: 3 Jason DAVIDSON (knee injury – 1 week), 6 Dino DJULBIC (not selected), 9 Andy KEOGH (not selected), 27 JUANDE (groin injury – 1 week) - Unavailable: 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (shoulder injury – 1 week)
17.4.2019
GLORY FINALS MOMENTUM AT STAKE
Perth Glory's players are physically weary but mentally up for the fight against Sydney FC in a game they believe holds serious A-League finals bragging rights. With the Premiers Plate tucked away, Glory want to lift for Thursday's table-topping fixture against the Sky Blues.
Striker Joel Chianese concedes the four-day turnaround is a hurdle, particularly given the celebrations that followed Sunday's home win over Newcastle Jets, a result that clinched Glory's first piece of A-League silverware.
"We enjoyed the celebrations and it does take its toll. We put a lot of effort into that game the other day to make sure the fans got what they wanted," he said. "But at the same time you want to keep that momentum going and keep performing well."
Chianese said if the Glory ease off against Sydney it may not be easy to "flick the switch" for bigger games ahead. One more regular season game at home to Wellington Phoenix would follow and then a week off awaits before their knockout home semi-final.
"We know we've been the best team all year but, at the same time, if they (Sydney) beat us now then we lose a bit of momentum and they get the upper hand," Chianese said. "You don't know what happens from there."
16.4.2019
WILLIAMS: I WANT TO STAY IN ENGLAND
Rotherham United winger Ryan Williams is nearing the end of his contract with the Championship club but has signalled his desire to keep playing in England next season. The 25-year old has been based in the UK since he left Perth as a teenager to join Portsmouth in 2010.
Williams has spent the past two years with Rotherham, helping the Millers achieve promotion out of League One last season. But now the club is battling hard to avoid relegation straight back to the third tier with just five games of the season left.
Williams is off-contract at Rotherham and has yet to re-sign with the South Yorkshire outfit, despite being offered a new deal. "I want to stay in England," he said. "Being a free agent, it just depends on what happens with the club. The club has offered me a couple of contracts, but we haven't really negotiated anything yet."
"Whether we can negotiate something or we can't, whether we stay in this league or go down will probably be a big factor in what I decide to do. With all due respect I want to play in the Championship so well just have to wait and see."
Williams has made 36 appearances for the Millers in all competitions in 2018/2019, scoring one goal and recording three assists. "I think I'm in a strong position now because I've done well this season, I've done well last season, I'm at a good age, I've got no real injury issues anymore," Williams said.
"But look I'd love to stay at Rotherham. Whether we can negotiate that, or whether we stay in this league or not remains to be seen." Williams, an Australia youth international, is settled in England and last month he and his partner had their first child.
16.4.2019
SAGE SAYS PREMIERS’ PLATE SUCCESS CAME EARLIER THAN EXPECTED
Perth Glory’s Premiers’ Plate success did not happen overnight. Plans were already quietly being hatched midway through last season at a series of lunches and meetings between owner Tony Sage, former chief executive Peter Filopoulos, football manager Jacob Burns and a couple of hand-picked players including Neil Kilkenny.
With the A-League finals drifting away there was a need for change, a different strategy, a new coach, retention of players and Sage loosening the recruitment purse strings. It all came together when a 15-year silverware drought was broken on Sunday night as captain Diego Castro lifted the Premiers’ Plate after the 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
“The vision has been fulfilled a year earlier than we expected,” Sage said. “We had to make a decision on which direction we were going to go. “There were several coaching candidates available and Jacob pushed and pushed for Popa (Tony Popovic).”
Sage - who admitted dropping the Premiers’ Plate on the pitch - said the job was not finished with the finals series ahead and then planning for the Asian Champions League. “Nobody’s counting their chickens,” he said. “We’re up for the challenge. It’s only going to be a feather in everyone’s cap if we can do it. Asia has been a dream of mine from day one. It’s going to be huge.”
Sage has poured nearly $30 million into Glory in more than a decade and is seeking an investor to ensure further success. “For us to succeed we need to find a partner,” he said. “We have to be realistic. In this day and age one individual can’t support an A-League franchise.”
The club has come a long way since the 2015 salary cap scandal that saw them booted from the finals and handed a $269,000 fine. “I copped a lot of criticism. I took it personally but I didn’t give up,” Sage said. “It was a relief to be able to do this for the fans that we disappointed. To actually win something means a lot to me. I shed a few tears.”
15.4.2019
POPOVIC HAS UNFINISHED BUSINESS AT GLORY
Perth Glory's 15-year silverware drought is over, but coach Tony Popovic says his team still has unfinished business as they attempt to cap a fairytale season. Glory's 1-0 win over Newcastle last night saw them claim the A-League Premiers Plate with two rounds to spare.
The win secured Glory's first piece of silverware since their 2004 National Soccer League title triumph, as well as a spot in next year's Asian Champions League. Popovic allowed himself and his players to enjoy the moment on Sunday night but with an A-League Championship still up for grabs, it'll be business as usual when Glory front for training on Monday.
"They're the best team in the league, that's a fact. The club goes into Asia, that's also a fact," Popovic said. "Now we need to get ourselves right for that major semi-final here." Glory will take on second-placed Sydney FC on Thursday night, before rounding out the regular season ten days later at home to Wellington Phoenix.
Popovic won the Premiers Plate in his first season at Western Sydney Wanderers in 2012/13, but said he would allow himself to enjoy his one at Glory even more. "I probably didn't know how to enjoy that at that time," Popovic said.
"It happened so quickly and unexpectedly (when I was at the Wanderers). Now I think you get more experience and you want to savour and enjoy the moment. That's probably me evolving and improving as a coach. I've tried to enjoy it with the players along the way, I think that's something I've improved."
14.4.2019
GLORY ARE PREMIERS
Perth Glory are the 2018-19 Hyundai A-League Premiers after a 1-0 win against Newcastle Jets at HBF Park on Sunday afternoon. With Sydney only drawing in the Sydney Derby against the Wanderers on Saturday a win in this one would seal the title, and Ivan Franjic’s goal on 65 minutes was the sealer, to set off wild celebrations on and off the park. “They’ve won a special trophy, the job has been done, they are the best team in the league. That’s a fact. We are in a wonderful position,” Glory coach Tony Popovic said. “The hunger was there prior to the game. Now we need to get ourselves right for the major semi-final. That’s our clear focus. We’ll give it our best, that’s for sure.”
Popovic said he was proud of the title, but particularly happy for the club staff, owner and fans. “Just proud, really proud, to see the joy on the players’ faces, the staff, the owner, the fans, he said. “They’ve been wanting success for a long time. The club has had some fantastic times, some tough times and this is actually a special time. A fantastic night and I appreciate and understand how special it is for them. It’s special for me and I’ve only been here a short time. I’m a proud coach, proud to lead this group of players. I saw Tony Sage shed a tear tonight — he’s put a lot of money into the club and it’s for a lot of people who have supported the club over a number of years. It’s well deserved for this club, the most pleasing part is they’ve performed week after week, you can’t fault their performances. We’ve played very well and thoroughly deserved this.”
It was a nervous start for the Glory, but urged on by a vocal home support, they started to create some good chances. Dino Djulbic headed a Neil Kilkenny corner narrowly over the bar after only four minutes. But the Jets responded, and stunned the crowd when Roy O'Donovan fired a long-range volley against the crossbar and the Irishman was then denied by the VAR after straying fractionally offside before firing home Ivan Vujica's low cross.
The VAR was again in the action moments later after Joel Chianese was brought down in the box by John Koutroumbis, but referee Kurt Ams' waved away the decision after looking at the screen on the sidelines. Kilkenny then stung Glen Moss' palms with a fierce drive from outside the box as Glory continued to threaten and only a timely intervention from Nikolai Topor-Stanley prevented Andy Keogh from latching on to a neat cut-back from Diego Castro. Five minutes before the break, Keogh's close-range effort cannoned against the bar and there was still time for Chianese to be foiled by a fine, sprawling save from Moss before the half-time whistle sounded.
There was no respite for the Newcastle defence at the start of the second half, Jason Davidson drawing a fingertip save from Moss with a fierce, angled shot, before two efforts from Chianese and Castro that were both ruled out for offside, before the latter forced Moss into yet another save with a left-foot shot from just inside the box. But finally, on 65 minutes, Glory found the goal. A superb through ball by Castro sent Franjic in on goal and finished clinically under Moss.
The Jets, to their credit, responded immediately through two O'Donovan headers, the first of which was tipped over by Liam Reddy, while the second landed on the top of the net. Ernie Merrick's side continued to press in the latter stages, with five minutes of additional time stretching the nerves of the home supporters who were baying for the final whistle. But when it eventually sounded, the celebrations started.
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON (22 Fabio FERREIRA 89'), 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (23 Scott NEVILLE, 73'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 27 JUANDE (20 Jake BRIMMER 31'), 88 Neil KILKENNY – Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 11 Brendon SANTALAB
Newcastle Jets: GK Glen MOSS, 4 Nigel BOOGAARD, 5 Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Dimi PETRATOS, 9 Roy O¹DONOVAN, 13 Ivan VUJICA (22 Lachlan JACKSON 70'), 18 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 23 Matt RIDENTON (10 Ronald VARGAS 57'), 24 Joe CHAMPNESS (14 Kaine SHEPPARD 65'), 44 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY - Subs not used: RGK Lewis ITALIANO, 32 Angus THURGATE - Referee: Kurt Ams
14.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND TWO REVIEW
Jaguar FC produced a great attack performance to thrash Ellenbrook United 11-0 at Herb Graham Recreation Centre in week two of the Belt-up Sunday Premier League. The home side were ahead on three minutes, with Ibrahim Hamid volleying home from the edge of the penalty area. It was 2-0 mid-way through the first half when Akuei Guot pounced on a keeper error. Skipper Juma Wade then played in Hamad to score his second, before Paul Sopp cut the ball back to Gojam Nyuon to score. Nyuon scored his second to make it 5-1, before further goals to Sopp and Nyuon, to complete his hat-trick to make it 7-1 at half time. It was more of the same after the break and further goals to Guot, a penalty to Nyuon, Laurence Gama and another to Hamad completed the rout.
North Perth travelled to Gerry Archer Sports Complex and beat Belmont Villa 3-0 to earn their first win of the season. The visitors opened the scoring when Ago Mujic curled a great free kick around the wall from long-range. It was 2-0 when some good lead up play ended with Edin Nalic, who fired home with aplomb. It was 3-0 when a cross from Daniel Conway was met by Raido Rensalu, his glancing header flew into the net. “We were in complete control for probably 89 minutes of the game, and we could probably have been a bit more creative and efficient around the edge of the box especially in the first half,” North Perth Coach Alex Carter said. “But the lads kept chipping away and eventually the game was out of reach for Belmont.”
Kingsley also won for the first time for the season after 4-2 win against Hamersley Rovers at Chichester Park. The home side were ahead on six minutes, when Aaron Lickiss fired home after a scramble in the box from a corner. Rovers levelled five minutes before half time, when a cross from Callum Wells Murphy slipped under the keepers’ body. But two minutes later Kingsley regained the lead when Lewis Flatt played in Josh Waldock and he finished well. Rovers restored parity three minutes after the break, with Jesse Kosseh on target. Kingsley weren’t finished and, on the hour, Sean Johnson made it 3-2, beating the keeper at his near post. Johnson added his second to wrap up the points on 75 minutes, with a shot which flew into the top corner of the net. “I was very happy with our response to Wednesday nights draw and to get all three points in the manner in which we played the game was very pleasing,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “And I thought we controlled the game for the majority of the 90 minutes.”
Leeming bounced back from last week’s defeat at Jaguars to beat Joondalup United 2-1 at John Connell Reserve. It was the visitors who opened the scoring in the opening minute, when Kyall Osborne pounced on a mistake from the home keeper. But the Strikers levelled before the break, Scott McDowell played a ball into David Palin who flicked onto Lucas Pickering who controlled and hit into the top corner from 16 meters. The second half was a tight affair, but it was the home side that won it, when Michael Maratea received ball on the right side and whipped a cross into the box that was met by Pickering who headed home. “We basically started the game 1-0 down our keeper has made a mistake after a minute and that really put us back in our game plan for the first 20minutes,” Palin said. “After we found our feet again, we started to create some good chances and deserved to be on level terms by Half time. Second half was a bit of a midfield battle but eventually we found that little bit of quality needed to get the second so to fight back and win is very pleasing. There wasn't a lot in the game if I’m honest and the difference was 2 bits of real quality especially the second goal that won it for us. It wasn’t pretty at times but were happy to get the three points on the board and get the season going especially after last week’s result.”
Quinns opened their account for the season with a 4-0 win against Kwinana United at Kelly Park. They were ahead when Liam McManus pinched the ball off the defender and raced into goal and finished well. It was 2-0 moments later, David Long’s acrobatic bicycle kick was well saved by the keeper, and McManus fired home the rebound from close-range. After the break Wayne Carter scored the third, with a stunning 20-meter curling shot, and Carter added his second and Quinns fourth from the penalty spot to seal a comprehensive win. “I was over the moon with the reaction from the lads following a poor performance the week before and everything we discussed was implemented,” Quinns coach Darren Kay said. “The first half was littered with late tackles from Kwinana, but we stuck to our game and were reward with two goals in each half.” In the final game Wembley Downs and UWA Nedlands fought out a 2-2 draw at Butlers Reserve. Juraj Galba scored a brace for the home side, while for UWA Mitch Barrington scored penalty and an own goal.
13.4.2019
VAN DIEKEN BRACE DOWNS THE COCKERELS
Rockingham City good form continued after they travelled to Dalmatinac Park and came home with all three points after a 2-0 win against Cockburn City. It was the clubs first ever NPL WA win on the road, and former Cockburn player Riley van Dieken was the hero, scoring both goals to move them to sixth on the table. "It was very good to get the win, especially to back up the performance against Stirling,” Van Dieken said. “It was a good feeling to get the two goals for the game, and it was a must win game for us and I was happy to contribute for the win, and hopefully we can continue this winning streak against Sorrento in next week’s game
Fresh off a big win last weekend Stirling Lions last week Rockingham were out of the blocks early and opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Good approach work from James Harmer and James Millard ended with Van Dieken on the edge of the box, he dropped his shoulder to ease past his marker before finishing clinically into the corner of the net giving keeper Luke Radonich no chance. They doubled their lead on the half hour when Millard raced clear and was brought down in the penalty area by keeper Radonich and referee Steven Gregory pointed straight to the spot. Van Dieken stepped and sent the keeper the wrong way from the resulting penalty to put the visitors in total control.
Cockburn pressed to get back into the game but found Rockingham keeper and his defence determined to keep them at bay, and at the final whistle it was the green and gold supporters celebrating the victory, while Cockburn have some soul searching to do, as they prepare to take on Floreat Athena next week at E&D Litis Stadium, while Rockingham entertain Sorrento at SafeRad Stadium
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 6 Ruben TRISTAO (18 Adam ANFUSO 66’), 7 Luccas MELLO, 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 9 Anthony SKORICH (12 Ryan PRATT 66’), 14 Hayden STEVENS, 15 Daniel SANTICH, 16 Daniel ROBINSON, 17 Devon GIBSON, 21 Jesse LAZZARO (10 David ARAYA 71’) - Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 2 Christopher THACKRAY
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 2 Jason CONSTABLE, 3 Justis BRADLEY, 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI (15 Shaz RAMLEE 68’), 7 James MILLAD (5 Harry COLLINS 81’), 8 Jason POTTIER (14 Ryan KENNEDY 76’), 9 Sam MCKEARNAN, 11 Riley van DIEKEN, 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 13 Jarrad MORT, 23 Victor BRAUNER – Subs not used: RGK James GREAHAN - Referee: Steven Gregory
13.4.2019
CATARCIONE EARNS PERTH THE POINTS
Perth Soccer Club have maintained their lead at the top of the NPL WA on Saturday after a stoppage time goal from striker Gustavo Catarcione gave them a 2-1 win against Floreat Athena at Dorrien Gardens. They had to come from behind to seal the win, after Robert Petkov gave Floreat the lead after only six minutes. Matthew Milenkovic levelled for Ramon Falzon’s side seven minutes later, and it looked like the points would be shared but five minutes into stoppage time Catarcione popped up with the winner. “The win against Floreat was a really important win for us, and going into the game we knew that the three points would start to make a gap between us and some of the other teams that were competing for a spot in the top four last year,” Milenkovic said.
“We knew it was always going to be a hard game because of the historic rivalry between the two clubs so in these types of games you have to forget about form. We conceded early but a huge credit to the boys for bouncing back and controlling the majority of the rest of the game. We pushed hard to the end and got our reward through an incredible individual effort from Gus. It capped off a strong performance and I think everyone was happy with the mental strength we showed having gone down so early.”
It was the hosts who hit the front early, Calvin Whitney’s effort hit the crossbar, but Petkov was on hand to fire home the rebound from close-range. But Perth hit back on 13 minutes, when Milenkovic, who has only just returned from injury in the opening game against ECU Joondalup, profited on a poor clearance and finished clinically past Jason Saldaris. Both sides were struggling in the final third with Petkov missing a number of chances but at the break it was 1-1.
The second half was like the first with both sides finding openings, but failing to score. The best chance fell to Floreat on 84 minutes, Dean Evans’ long-range free kick looked destined for the bottom corner, but new Perth keeper Dejan Aleksic produced a great save to touch the ball onto the post and away to safety. It looked like the points would be shared but on 95 minutes Perth found the winner.
A long clearance from Aleksic was well controlled by Michael Domfeh, and he played the ball in the path of Catarcione who held off three Floreat defenders and fired home to seal victory and set off wild celebrations on and off the pitch. “Obviously beating Floreat was very important to us specially because how well they play and they are probably one of the strongest team in the league,” Catarcione said. “But we kept our discipline even going 1-0 down we kept playing our football to the end and really happy that the hard work paid off.” Next weekend Perth travel to E&D Litis Stadium in a top of the table clash with Perth Glory at 5.00pm, while Floreat Athena are also in action at the same venue when they host Cockburn City at 3.00pm
Perth SC: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Alex SILLA, 4 Tom SOUTHGATE,5 Niccolò SABATINI, 6 Harley ORR (20 Paul ZIMARINO 60’), 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE, 11 Matthew MILENKOVIC 12 Jordan DE LEO, 14 Kristian SANTICH, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC - Subs not used: 10 Luke GARAS, 13 Rocco PIZZATA, 16 Kieran COLWELL, 23 Benjamin RATAJCZAK
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA, 4 Adrian MADASCHI (11 Dennis GALAN 90+1’) , 6 Jesse FULLER, 9 Robert PETKOV, 10 Calvin WHITNEY, 13 Nick AMBROGIO, 15 Chris SALDARIS 16Ryan MALTON (20 Jamal REINERS 70’), 17 Dean EVANS, 18 Phillip ARNOLD (5 Thomas JEBB 90+6’) - Subs not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 3Tristan COLLI - Referee: Shane Skinner
13.4.2019
GULLS FLY HOME WITH THE POINTS
Sorrento moved into third place after a 2-0 win against Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve. Alex Morgan gave the Gulls the lead on 77 minutes, before Jordan Roberts sealed the points five minutes from time as the Gulls secured their first win at home for the season. “I thought we played very well and deserved the three points,” Sorrento midfielder Tim Hill said. “We started well and they couldn't really handle us going forward, but they're always good on the break with their boys up front but we managed to defend well and we were glad the goal came when it did and, in the end, it should have been three or four.”
It was a slow start to the game, but it was the home side who looked the stronger side in the early exchanges but they failed to create any clear-cut chances. But it was Inglewood who thought they had the lead against the run of play, with Steve Sokol bundling the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble, but referee Michal Jasinski spotted a foul and disallowed the goal.
The home side were convinced they had a penalty when a shot hit the arm of Inglewood defender, but the referee waved away their protests. But it was the home side who hit the front on 77 minutes, with Alex Morgan’s shot beating Alex Dunn and going in via the crossbar. They made sure of the win five minutes from time, Cameron Teece sent second half substitute Jack Salter in on goal, but the New Zealand striker unselfishly finding Roberts to score. Next week the Gulls make the trip to SafeRad Stadium to take on Rockingham City, while Inglewood United host Balcatta at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKENNY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN, 8 Scott WITSCHGE, 10 Jordan ROBERTS, 11 Tim HILL (13 Steven MCDONALD 54’), 18 Jordan BROWN (19 Jack SALTER 73’), 23 Cameron TEECE (21 Elliot TATTERSALL 81’) - Subs not used: 60 Matt GIUDICATTI, 12 Jaxon TEMATA,
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 3 David CYRUS, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 5 Sam RIAK, 8 Jason BARRERA, 9 Chok DAU, 10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA, 14 Steve SOKOL (2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS 84’), 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY (6 Miki VUJAJCIC 78’), 23 Zdenek BEZDEK (17 Mark BARNETT 53’) - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 13 Nelson TSHONGO - Referee: Michal Jasinski
13.4.2019
REDS AND BALCATTA SHARE THE SPOLIS
Balcatta scored late to draw 1-1 with Armadale at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Josh Kuser had given Armadale the lead, this after they were reduced to ten men when Mike Lawson was sent off. But five minutes from time Shubham Mokala levelled things up. “After being down to 10 men so early I thought we played well against a strong Balcatta team,” Kuser said. “We were all disappointed to concede late, but I thought we were unfortunate not to take the three points.”
It was a tight opening to the game with Armadale looking good early, but that came to a halt on 34 minutes when defender Lawson was shown two quick yellow cards by Peter Kaiser and was sent off. Balcatta, who were without head coach Goran Stajic, who was on international duty with the Pararoos, lifted the tempo and Mokala was a constant threat, but the Reds defended well and it was scoreless at the break.
But it was the ten men who broke the deadlock on 76 minutes. Ali Nazary’s deep corner picked out Kuser at the back post and he volleyed home, much to the delight of the Armadale supporters. It looked like Armadale would hold out to take the points, but three minutes from time Balcatta equaliser. Adam Zimarino crossed to Mokala at the far post, whose volley flew past Sam Hutchings to set up a grandstand finish. The best late chance fell to Armadale, with John Kearney and Calum O’Connell both making goal line clearance. Next week Armadale travel to Frank Drago Reserve to take on Bayswater City, while Balcatta take on Inglewood United at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium.
Armadale SC: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KUSER, 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 8 Michael LAWSON, 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 10 Sam GARCES, 11 Adriano JELENOVIC (21 Ismael BANGURA 90+1’), 12 Dannie RICHMAN, 13 Blake ADAMS, 23 Friday ZICO (7 Joshua CORTES 67’) – Subs not used: RGK Blake HANSHELL, 14 Connor ATKINSON, 19 Harry EVANS - Red cards: Lawson 32’
Balcatta: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 3 John KEARNEY, 4 Calum O’CONNELL, 5 Shubham MOKALA, 8. Niels WILLEMS (20 Anthony TOPINI 64’), 9 Gavin KNIGHT, 10 Jonathan CORNESS, 23. Adam ZIMARINO (11 Callum STOCKS 60’), 13 Carmelo GIUFFRE (7 Alex WILD 76’), 16 Alex CASTIELLO - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 12 Roberto DEL BORELLO - Referee: Peter Kaiser
13.4.2019
ALL SQUARE AT THE CAMPUS
ECU Joondalup and Bayswater City have fought out a scoreless draw in week five of the NPL WA at the ECU Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The visitors had the better chances on the day but ECU held firm to secure the point, with defender Shane Cassidy outstanding at the heart of their back four. This was a big game for both sides and it was the visitors on the front foot early. Jason Mirco made space down the right and he found Gordon Smith in the box, but his shot was well blocked by the alert Ewan Fawcett. It was a tight contest with both sides pressing, but it was Bayswater who went close again on 22 minutes. Daryl Nicol was found on the left of the penalty area his shot was saved low by Scott Wallis. The Jacks went close themselves five minutes later, Andy Higgins’ free kick was helped on by Knowles, and Jakub Sklenar’s flick dropped just over the top. Bayswater ended the half the better and the Jacks had Wallis to thank three minutes before the break. Millard’s cross found Smith at the back post, but his shot was superbly saved low by the Jacks custodian, to send the sides in at the break all-square.
Bayswater were out of the blocks early after the break and they thought they had a penalty when Smith raced into the box and fell under a challenge from Ronald Rixer, but referee Julian Serra was well-paced and waved away their protests, much to the frustration of the Bayswater bench and players. The visitors were on top, and the Jacks were working overtime to keep them at bay. A long ball over the top sent Giordano Colli in on goal, he held off his marker but his shot well saved by Wallis. Moments later Smith shot on the run flashed inches over the top, before good work from Ross Millard and Smith set up Nicol, but the former Jacks skipper shot was saved by Wallis.
It was still anyone’s game and both sides went close as the game opened up. First on 70 minutes Higgins’ corner picked out Rixer but the big defender’s header was just over the top, before Mirco headed over the top at the other end. We entered stoppage time, and after the last two weeks the Jacks bench looked nervous, but they almost grabbed a late goal this week. Tom Hough sent Howles down the right, and his low cross was cleared by Tong, inches past his own goal. From the resulting corner from Higgins, Sklenar lost his marker his header was cleared off the line by Paul Lloyd. But at the final whistle the points were shared. Next weekend ECU travel to Macedonia Park in a bottom of the table clash against Stirling Lions, while Bayswater host Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve.
ECU Joondalup: GK Scott WALLIS, 2 Cian HIRRELL, 3 Ronald RIXER, 4 Henry DURR, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 7 Joe KNOWLES (9 Richard HOWLES 46’), 8 Josh WHITMORE, 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR, 15 Tom HOUGH, 16 Ewen FAWCETT (6 Paddy DOYLE 85’) - Subs not used: RGK George JACKSON, 12 Ryan MCDARBY, 14 Cian MCGUIGAN
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 5 Adam HARRIS, 10 Jason MIRCO, 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 20 Giordano COLLI (26 Paul LLOYD 68’), 21 Kenny KEOGH (23 Brian WOODALL 65’), 27 Ross MILLARD (24 Jake SARDELIC 82’), 30 Adam TONG - Subs not used: RGK Nemanja JANKOVIC, 13 Trent KAY - Referee: Julian Serra
13.4.2019
GLORY TAME THE LIONS
Perth Glory have maintained second spot on the NPL WA table after a 2-0 win against Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon. Luke Salmon opening the scoring mid-way through the first half and Gabriel Popovic secured the points just after the hour. The day was spoilt late when Daniel Walsh was shown a second yellow card and sent off. “We weren’t at our best today but we took our chances and they didn’t,” Head Coach Richard Garcia said. “Things didn’t go the way we wanted at times, but credit to the lads they stuck to the game plan, and although we didn’t play the way we know we can, we leave with the three points.
The Glory opened brightly and went close after only five minutes, some patient build-up ended with Walter Scott down the left, but his shot on the run was off target. Stirling, who were bottom of the league at start of play, went close themselves five minutes later, Noah Shamaki’s shot on the turn was straight at Jackson Lee. he Lions striker was in again on the quarter hour, but he failed to find the target, and moments later a ball over the top sent Sean McManus clear, but he failed to trouble Lee.
Glory lifted the tempo and Ethan Brooks found Salmon in the penalty area, his shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Daniel Stynes, whose shot was well saved by Ryan Montgomery. But on 32 minutes the Glory hit the front. Kristian Popovic slid the ball to Salmon on the right of the penalty area his shot beat Montgomery and crashed off the crossbar and down on the line, and the referee’s assistant awarded the goal, much to the displeasure of the home faithful.
Glory made a change at the break bring on Daniel Walsh for Jacob Muir, but it was the Lions who had the first opportunity, Dhhor Chol’s free kick was saved by Lee at the second attempt. The Lions were in again on the hour, Shamaki racing clear, but Daniel Walsh got back with a superb last-ditch tackle. The game was opening up and there were chances at both ends. First Daniel Walsh’s header was well saved by Montgomery, before Lee stood tall to deny second half substitute Ben Wantee after the striker was sent clear.
But on 67 minutes it was Glory who doubled their advantage. Scott’s ball down the line sent Salmon racing clear down the left, he cut inside the box and crossed to Gabriel Popovic who made no mistake from close-range. Glory went close to a third late on, but Salmon’s shot whistled over the top. The day was spoilt somewhat on 85 minutes when Daniel Walsh was shown a second yellow card by referee Tom Glavovic and was sent off. The Lions pressed late but Glory held firm to take the points. The Glory host Perth SC at E&D Litis Stadium next week, while Stirling host ECU Joondalup at Macedonia Park
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Darren O’RIORDAN, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris MCLAUGHLIN, 6 Dhhor CHOL, 7 Finn GRAHAM, 8 Dean CUMMINGS, 9 Noah SHAMAKI, 10 Sean MCMANUS, 11 Kristian DESPOTOVSKI, 14 Michael GAMA - Substitutes not used: RGK Daniel MARQUES, 2 Filip MILIC, 12 Andrew MARANTA, 15 Ben WANTEE, 16 Joseph PERKINS
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Jacob MUIR, 5 Nick WALSH, 6 Kristian POPOVIC, 7 Ethan BROOKS, 8 Henry HORE, 9 Luke SALMON, 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Gabriel POPOVIC Substitutes not used: RGK Nicolas SPECA, 12 Daniel WALSH, 14 Ciran BRAMWELL, 16 Gomo DUKULY, 17 Jack LEECH - Referee: Tom Glavovic
13.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND THREE – REVIEW
Ashfield moved to the top of the State League Division One table after a 2-1 win against Forrestfield United at Ashfield Arena. The hosts went ahead when Forrestfield were caught in possession in the middle of the park, and Pat Sara made them pay firing home from long-range. Forrestfield were caught out again for the second after the break, again over possessing and this time the ball was played into Albert Amankwaa, who got a toe to the ball before the keeper, who took him out to win a penalty. Dan Tait stepped up and he scored the penalty to doubled their lead. The home was then reduced to ten men when Albert Amankwaa was sent off, and Forrestfield rallied and pulled one back when Michael Fletcher converted from the spot. It set up a grandstand finish but Ashfield held on for the points. “It was a fantastic result for our group, we showed tremendous character after going down to ten men with 15 minutes to go,” Ashfield Coach Matt Wardle said. “They (Forrestfield) really pressuring us, we held on to get all three points which on the day were well deserved.”
UWA Nedlands lost top spot after they were beaten 2-0 by Mandurah City at Securitas Protect Stadium. The hosts were ahead ten minutes into the second half, Alex Grayson's through ball sent Joe O'Brien in on goal and he finished clinically past Luke Stonebridge. They sealed the points ten minutes from time, Jeff Bright's long diagonal ball picked out the run of O'Brien, who slide the ball home. "We were eager to finally kick off at home for the season and the anticipation from the fans meant the support was going to be massive," Mandurah player/coach Grayson said. "It wasn't pretty at times but we are slowly chipping away at how effective we can be. The lads worked hard, were disciplined and got what they deserved out of the game. We welcome Ashfield, another side at the top of the table next week but it is important to consolidate the effort and quality we put in against UWA. Huge credit to Joe Obrien for his quality in front of goal as well as Jamie Oakey and the back four for battling it out for the clean sheet."
Gwelup Croatia won for the first time this season after a hard fought 3-2 in the Croatian Derby against Western Knights at Nash Field. The visitors were ahead after 16 minutes, when Ellis Healing curled home a wonderful free-kick into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. It was a tight affair with both sides having chances, but it was Gwelup who doubled their lead on the hour. James Sammut is in the right place at the right time to tap home following some good build-up play on the right. But the Knights pulled one back two minutes later, with Dean Hurley poking home after Gwelup failed to clear their lines. Gwelup were then reduced to ten men when Isaac Koomson was shown a straight red card for an incident with Knights defender Andy Cartwright, right in front of the home team substitutes bench.
The home side then levelled, former Bayswater City midfielder Andrija Jukic finding room in the box to head home powerfully. It looked like the Knights would go on and win it but Taki Nicolaidis' side had other ideas and on 70 minutes they regained the lead. A quick Gwelup counter attack involving Healing and David Heagney ended with midfielder Sam Wynne in space who dinked over the outrushing Sam Stone in the Knights goal to regain the lead for Gwelup. The Knights pushed late but Gwelup held firm for the eight minutes of stoppage time to record a thrilling win. "Obviously very happy to come away with all three points," Gwelup Coach Taki Nicolaidis said. "The boys showed some great character to find a winner after going 10 men and conceding two goals in five minutes, and it was an important win for us after our disappointing loss to Morley in our opening game."
Joondalup United have also won for the first time this season after a 4-1 win at Hilton Reserve against Fremantle City. James Oldroyd opened the scoring for Joondalup, with a header at the back post. They doubled their lead after good work down the right ended with Jackson Christie, who shot from 10 meters gave the Fremantle keeper no chance. But on the stroke of half time Fremantle pulled one back with central defender Luca scoring. But it was business as usual after the break when the visitors added a third. Tony Taylor and Joshua Tumoe combined to set up Lee Jones, and the big striker finished well from a tight angle. The icing was put on the cake late when Jones pounced to add his second and complete a comprehensive win. "Every one of the boys were superb today and from the first whistle we bossed the game and were always in control," Joondalup Coach Nick Jennings said. "The hard work we are putting in on the training ground is finally starting to pay off and to see the boys today to start believe in their own ability and play good football was the highlight for me."
Subiaco also won for the first time this season after a hard fought 1-0 win against Morley Windmills at Rosalie Park. The only goal of the game came on 20 minutes, when a great through ball from left back by Oli Cheveralls found Shay Donovan and he calmly slotted it past Morley’s keeper. "I am really happy for the young players who really put in a massive shift," Subiaco Coach Basil Lenzo said. "We had an average age of 20 years old, and the young boys stood up and played with a lot of heart and belief. In the second half, Morley constantly applied the pressure and we rode our luck and should have been a few up at half time however it’s a great win for the young boys." Olympic Kingsway had the bye this week.
13.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TWO – REVIEW
Quinns FC continued their perfect start to the State League Division Two season with a 2-0 win against Shamrock Rovers at Gumblossom Park in Week two. The home side were ahead Jamie Stewart found space in the penalty area and his first time shot from a tight angle beat the keeper. They doubled their lead before the break, Rovers didn't clear their lines from a corner and Stewart pounced with a first time shot, that took a slight deflection and into the net. "The score line should have been more but the three points is the most important thing," Quinns keeper James Bosdet said. "The boys dominated for 90% of the match and were rarely troubled at the back, but a few wasteful chances and poor decisions in the final third in the second half prevented the score from being more, but it's on to next week now which is another big game at Dianella."
Dianella White Eagles bounced back from their first up defeat with a 3-1 win against Kelmscott Roos at Dianella Reserve on Saturday afternoon. They had to come from behind to do it as Deng Dut gave the Roos the lead early. But the home side hit back and levelled five minutes before half time, with Milan Vulin scoring from the penalty spot. The home side took the lead after the break with Vulin adding a second penalty, and they wrapped up the points with a third. A great switch of play released midfielder Joe Tweats who drove into the box to finish emphatically in the top corner. "After two good performances, dominating and missing hosts of chances in our first two fixtures and ending up with nothing to show, today we seemed a little flat and lacked intensity, despite creating numerous chances and not finishing allowed Kelmscott to stay in the game," Dianella Coach Howard Tweats said. "The important thing for the game was to put some points to our name and we achieved that and learned a dogged way to come through. This is only our third competitive fixture as a group, the potential is there to see and I’m sure momentum and results are to follow."
Gosnells City also made to two-from two with a 3-0 win against Joondalup City at Iluka Sports Complex. The visitors were ahead early when Feisal Zaw whipped in a teasing cross and Wade Farmer was on hand to score. With the win behind them Joondalup presses, but they couldn’t beat Tom Allen, who made some good saves to keep them at bay. After the break Gosnells pressed a high line to not let them play out from the back, and against the wind the home side struggled to get a foot hold in the game, but Gosnells created a number of chances, with Zaw wrapping up a good game by bagging a second half brace to seal the points. “Travelling up there and getting 3 points and a clean sheet is a great result. We didn’t play to the standard we know we are capable of but still had to grind out a result against a physical and well organised Joondalup team,” Gosnells keeper Tom Allen said. “It was the perfect match and result to have going into Shamrock on Thursday and Bayswater on Monday. I believe we will do well this season. We have a strong squad of lads which will be important further into the season, and we’ve strengthened the squad with Ben Howe signing from Western Knights, which adds even more power and speed.”
Balga and Curtin University have fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Princess Road Reserve. The home side were ahead early when a cross was headed home by Tyron Totte from close-range. Curtin players were incensed, they thought the ball had gone out, but the goal stood. Curtin equalised midway through the half, Oscar Billington’s shot beat the Balga keeper, even though he got a hand to it. The visitors went ahead early in the second half, when Jon Krawec found space in a packed penalty area to coolly finish. But with 15 minutes to go Balga restored parity. Kris Spaseski got the ball near the corner flag, skilfully got past a defender and played in Hermon Michael who found Dejan Andric, his shot flew into the bottom corner of the net.
Murdoch University Melville maintained their lead at the top of the State League Division Two table with a comfortable 5-0 win against Canning City at Burrendah Reserve on Sunday afternoon. The visitors were ahead at the break with Anthony Lomma on target, after good work from Scott Campbell and Sasa Slavujevic. They doubled their lead on the hour though Ryan Tucker, before Lomma grabbed his second. Scott Campbell made it 4-0 cutting in from the right before Mark Lucas added the fifth to seal a convincing win for Gavin Brown’s side. “We are really pleased to get another win to keep up with the others who had won again on Saturday,” Brown said. “It was a difficult first half on a tight pitch and in swirling conditions, but we were in control of the game and in the second half we made the score line comfortable.” In the final game Swan United and Wanneroo City fought out a 0-0 draw at Francis Street. The Swans had plenty of chances that thy failed to convert with John Monterosso going close on a number of occasions. The home faithful thought they had scored when Brennan Borzecki’s bicycle kick flew into the net, but the flag was up for offside. Wanneroo’s best chance fell to Nathan Scully midway through the first half. A well taken free kick from Kyle Murray was saved by Swan keeper Joey Smith, but he parried the ball straight to Scully who ballooned the volley over the bar from close range.
13.4.2019
POPOVIC NOT FEELING PREMIER’S PLATE PRESSURE
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic is certainly not feeling it with his ladder leaders on the verge of collecting the Premiers’ Plate, the club’s first piece of A-League silverware. Glory could be crowned minor premiers if they beat Newcastle Jets tomorrow, and if Sydney FC to lose or draw tonight against Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, Popovic is not overly perturbed at that result, rather he intends on watching the game at home, enjoying a relaxing glass of wine with his father, who is visiting from Sydney. “I really don’t care,” Popovic said. “We have been at the top since round four. We deserve to be where we are, very close to achieving something special.”
“The result doesn’t really matter. We don’t have to worry about what someone else is doing. We don’t need to rely on anyone or any results. We’ve just got to take care of business ourselves. Perform well and that gives us a better chance of getting three points and if we do that we don’t need to look over our shoulder.”
“If we keep getting the three points it won’t matter what anyone does below us. If we get the job done that will take care of itself. When you see the players respond ... there’s nothing to fear. We respect the opponent, we trust ourselves, we believe in our football.”
Popovic said Chris Ikonomidis, who dislocated his right shoulder against Central Coast Mariners, could be available for the penultimate round against Sydney FC on Thursday night. “When a player goes off in that manner, when there is no contact on the player, you always fear the worst,” he said. “Thankfully it’s nothing serious.”
Popovic would not reveal who was likely to replace Ikonomidis, but did not rule out Scott Neville, who could make his 100th Glory appearance. “There are a lot of players who have not featured much at all,” Popovic said. “Fabio (Ferreira) has always done a great job for us ... Chris Harold has not had an opportunity yet ... young Jacob Italiano ... we have some good options.”
12.4.2019
CLISBY INKS NEW TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH CENTRAL COAST
Former Inglewood United player Jack Clisby has signed a two-year contract extension with A-League club Central Coast Mariners. The deal will keep the 27-year old Perth-born defender at Central Coast until at least the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Clisby arrived on the Central Coast in mid-2018 and has appeared 19 times for the club, taking his A-League game tally to 116 appearances. “I’m buzzing to be here on the Central Coast for the next two seasons,” said Clisby, who played 25 times for Inglewood during the 2012 campaign.
“I love the club and it’s moving in the right direction after a tough season, the future is looking bright ... there are a lot of positive things happening around the club and we get to play at my favourite stadium in the league almost every second week. To be here for another two years is fantastic.”
“Over the next two years I want to improve as a player, I didn’t quite excel like I’d hoped this season so I want to really push forward and help push this club higher up the ladder. I really enjoy playing under Alen (Stajcic) who has brought in a lot of good ideas, structure, tactics – I feel like I work well with him.”
12.4.2019
GLORY HOPING TO BRING DOWN THE JETS AND BRING HOME THE TITLE
Perth Glory return home this week when they entertain Newcastle Jets at HBF Park on Sunday evening (5.00pm) The win at Central Coast Mariners last week but Glory six points clear, and with only three games to go they have one hand on the Premiers Plate, but they need three points in this one to keep Sydney FC off their tails, but if results elsewhere go their way there could be a party atmosphere inside the ground for this one, with Glory potentially securing the Premiership on the night - GET YOUR TICKETS!!!!
Glory coach Tony Popovic will have the players feet firmly on the ground until it's confirmed but they do have a good record against the Jets, having only lost two of the last 22 clashes between the clubs, while the Jets have not scored a goal against them in the last three meetings. One of the unsung heroes in Glory push for A-League title is Juande. The Spanish import has formed a a great partnership with Neil Kilkenny, the duo dominating sides all season, but he is not one to be in the spotlight. “For me the biggest compliment is to be playing every week. It means the coach has trust in me and I’m doing something well,” he said. “For me it is most important when the team wins. With our system, with three centre-backs, it is important for the two in midfield to help the defence, to hold the second ball or to close with the strikers. For me it is good, but the most important thing is what the coach needs.”
The midfielder said it was difficult to get used to the Australian way of life after so many years playing in Spain, but when his agent, former Glory player Andreu, told him about the club he made the decision to head down under. “It was difficult for me when I started because it was a new country, a new language, and I didn't come in with fitness,” he said. “Andreu said it is not the biggest club in the A-League, but working under this boss (coach Tony Popovic) it would be serious and they would go on to challenge for the title. When I met my new teammates, I felt something good in the team, and I enjoy when I play now and this is most important.” In team news Chris Ikonomidis' shoulder injury isn't as bad as first thought, but he will miss Sunday's game, while youngster Jacob Italiano, Fabio Ferreira and Tomislav Mrcela have been added to the squad.
The Jets will not make it easy, but Ernie Merrick’s side head across the country with their finals hopes already all-but-over. If they are to sneak into the top six, the Jets would need to win all three of their remaining games and hope one of Phoenix, Adelaide United or Melbourne City lose all three of theirs, which looks unlikely. Both sides head into this clash in winning form, with Glory eased past Central Coast Mariners, while the Jets beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-2. It could be an historic night for the men in purple, so get along and lets 'Fill the Ground' again.
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: ITALIANO (promoted), FERREIRA (promoted), MRCELA (promoted) - Outs: 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (shoulder injury – 1 week) - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (abdominal injury – 1 week),
Newcastle Jets squad: GK Glen MOSS, RGK Lewis ITALIANO, 4 Nigel BOOGAARD, 5 Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Dimi PETRATOS, 9 Roy O¹DONOVAN, 10 Ronald VARGAS, 11 Kwabena APPIAH, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 14 Kaine SHEPPARD, 17 Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 18 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 22 Lachlan JACKSON, 23 Matt RIDENTON, 24 Joe CHAMPNESS, 32 Angus THURGATE, 44 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: APPIAH (promoted), JACKSON (promoted) - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 3 Jason HOFFMAN (ankle ¬– TBC)
12.4.2019
NPL-WA ROUND FIVE PREVIEW
After conceding late to draw at Floreat Athena last week, Armadale return home to Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday to take on league leaders Balcatta in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week'. The Reds bounced back from a poor performance against Perth Glory in week three, and were desperately unlucky not to come home with the points from Floreat, while Goran Stajic's Balcatta have continued their good start to the season with a hard-fought win against Cockburn City last week, the three points took them to the top of the table. This should be a great game, and John O'Reilly's side will be looking for a repeat of the score line the last time the two sides met at the venue, when they ran out convincing 5-1 winners. Chris Jackson bagged a hat-trick, with others to Ryan Haslett and Michael Rizidis, while Nic Chalott scored Balcatta's goal.
Armadale will go into this one still looking for their first win at home in the NPL, but O'Reilly said he was delighted the way his chargers responded in the second half at Floreat, and he thought they were unlucky not to come away with the points. "We started very slowly, but really came into our own in the second half, we found our pace and got the goals and it was well-deserved," he said. "Dropping points from a winning position will always frustrate, but we were also 2-0 down against one of the title favourites so you also have to look at the positives from the game."
It's the coaches third season at the helm of the club, and he has overseen a gradual improvement and he said they need to build on last season's State League cup win. "Yes, we are still progressing this year," he said. "I believe this squad in my time at the club has the most depth and dynamics, so my expectations for the group this year is higher than previous seasons." O'Reilly is expecting another tough game on Saturday, and he said they (Balcatta) are the form team of the league at the moment, but he said his players are up for the challenge. "Balcatta have a good start to the season and beat us in the Night Series," he explained. "So, the pressure is on them to remain in poll position on the table and keep their distance from the other clubs chasing them."
Balcatta will be searching for their first win on the road in 2019, after a loss at Glory in week 2, but three straight wins at home sees them top of the league, and the hard-fought win against Cockburn pleased midfielder Jon Corness. “It was a tough game against Cockburn, they had a lot of the ball but our defensive shape and discipline was top draw, as was the case for our previous two games at home,” he said. “It was also very good for young Adam Zimarino to come off the bench and make an impact by scoring the winner.”
The club have brought in some quality players for 2019, and Corness said they have fitted in well at Grindleford Reserve. "We've got a good mix of exciting young players and experience here at Balcatta,” he said. “The vibe is really good around the club and even though it's early in the season we feel confident that we can keep improving.” A trip to Armadale is never easy, as they found out last season, but Corness said they will go there full of confidence and ready for the challenge. "I'm expecting a good challenge against Armadale, but we're looking for consistency now in results and performance,” he explained. “We have done well at home, so now we need to take that form away and put in a good performance, it won't be easy against Armadale but we have belief we can get a good result.”
Stirling Lions dropped to the foot of the table after defeat against Rockingham City last week, and they face another tough task this week when they host Perth Glory at Macedonia Park. Not many pundits saw the heavy defeat last week coming, especially after they put in a good performance in the draw against Sorrento the week before and should have come home with all three points. They need to put the performance behind them, and need skipper Dean Cummings, Ryan Montgomery and Moses Kalau to be at their best. Glory showed another side to their DNA last week, after battling back from 0-2 down to draw at ECU Joondalup. Richard Garcia's side have played some outstanding football this season, but last week showed great resolve to fight back to earn the point, and that will hold them in good stead for the rest of the season, because in years past they would have gone on to lose heavily.
Rockingham City earned their first points of the season with a stunning 5-0 win against Stirling, and they will be looking for more of the same this week when they travel to Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City. Skipper James Harmer was the hero last week, bagging a hat-trick, but Kodi Millard was outstanding out wide. Although they got the win, the clean sheet pleased Coach Cameron Lord the most, this after conceding 11 goals in the first three rounds, but they need to stay focused if they to get a first win on the road in the NPL. Cockburn lost for the first time this season at Balcatta last week, but they did have their chances but found keeper Yousri Gharsallah in fine form. They will be looking to bounce back this week, and will go in search of their first home win this season. Luccas Mello will be looking for a starting role after impressing off the bench last week, and with Ashley Rosindale limping off, he could come in this week.
Sorrento moved up to fourth on the table after last week’s stunning win at Bayswater, and this week they host Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve. Not many saw the 3-0 result coming last week, but Jamie Harnwell's side were outstanding on the day and fully deserved the win, with keeper James Morgan and skipper Shaun Kilkelly outstanding at the back. Cameron Teece bagged a brace, while the impressive Czech defender Jakub Prajza continues to improve. It has been back-to-back away wins for the Gulls, but they need to get their home form right, and are still searching for their first win on home soil. Inglewood are unbeaten in their last 3 games, and last week's hard-fought draw against league Champions Perth SC continued their good form under new coach Andres Oliveira. The club were in turmoil over the pre-season, but Oliveira has brought the side together, and many thought they deserved the win last week. David Cyrus pins a tight back four, while Steve Sokel has been outstanding since his move from Stirling. They will both be vital in this one, while youngsters Chok Dau and Sam Riak continue to impress.
Perth SC lost top spot after a draw at Inglewood, and on Saturday they return to Dorrien Gardens to take on Floreat Athena in the 'Town of Vincent Cup'. Ramon Falzon's side are still unbeaten this season, with youngsters Kristian Santich and Michael Domfeh both having strong performance. They will hope keeper Francis Soale can shake of his injury, that saw him replaced at Inglewood last week, if not they have Adrian Sinagra to call upon to fill the void. Niccolò Sabatini has been the catalyst for the side, while defensive midfielder Harley Orr has been outstanding this season, and he will have his work cut out this weekend against a strong Floreat side. Garret McDuling's side got out of jail last week, scoring late to snatch a point against Armadale, and he will be looking for an improvement from his side, as he returns to his former club. Another player making a return to the Gardens is defender Adrian Madaschi, and he will need to be at his best, along with Calvin Whitney and Dean Evans if they are to home with the points.
In the final game ECU Joondalup entertain Bayswater City at the ECU Football Stadium. The Jacks are still searching for their first win of the season, but have conceded late goals in the last two weeks to draw games and coach Dale McCulloch will be hoping that changes on Saturday. Keeper Johnny Perkins is again in doubt with injury, with Scott Wallis coming in. Joe Knowles and Jakub Sklenar are forming a great partnership up front, while they will be hoping injuries to Josh Whitmore, Ollie Annis and Lukas De Lima have cleared up for this week. Bayswater have lost back-to-back games, after the defeat against Sorento, and Chris Coyne will be looking for a response in this one. It's a return to the campus for four Bayswater players, and one of them is Gordon Smith, and he said last week lose was a reality check for his side. "The Sorrento game was a massive disappointment for us," he said. "The whole squad are hurting and can’t wait to get out on the pitch to put it right this weekend"
Smith said he made many friends at ECU in his three season’s there, but he is looking forward to the game on Saturday, and knows the importance of getting back in the winner’s circle. "ECU brought me over from Scotland three years ago and I’ll forever be grateful for that. I had a great three years at the club and made a lot of mates, but sometimes in football you need a change and for me personally I felt it was the correct time to move on to a new challenge and with the ambitions Bayswater have they were the correct fit," he explained. "But Saturday is a vital big game for both sides after slow starts to the season. We will be going all out to get the three points but know we will have to improve and be at our best to do so."
12.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND THREE – PREVIEW
It's week three of the State League Division One, and all roads will lead to Nash Field on Saturday when Western Knights host Gwelup Croatia in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' The Croatian Derby is always a highlight of the season for both clubs, and this one should be a cracker. The two teams had quite different results in the last round, Gwelup suffered defeat against Morley, while the Knights edged out Fremantle City in the Fremantle Derby, but both had big wins in the FFA Cup last week. The last time these two sides met in the league at the venue was the last game of the 2018 season, when they fought out a 2-2 draw. Cameron Yorke opened the scoring for Gwelup, but Domenic Sardi levelled for the Knights. Dean Hurley gave the home side the lead from the spot, but Brian Mashingaidze gave Gwelup a share of the spoils.
Knights' new coach Ivan Zuvela has been pleased with the way his new look side are performing, and the win against Fremantle in the last game was pleasing. "We were really pleased to get our first win of the season against Fremantle," he said. "For us it’s important to win at home and it was a genuine team performance, particularly the impact the subs made when they came on." Cameron Yorke scored in the last Croatian Derby for Gwelup, but his week he will lining up for the Knights, and Zuvela’s side will be doing all they can to get the right result on Saturday.
Zuvela knows what this game means to the Knights supporters, and he said they will be doing all they can to get the result on Saturday. "Yes, this week against Gwelup is a big game for everyone involved at both clubs," he explained. "We can down play it as much as we like but there’s always a level of excitement amongst both supporters and no doubt the players when we play each other. It is a home game for us and we need to perform well at our ground, but we are looking forward to the challenge."
Gwelup missed out on promotion to the NPL by one-point last season, so to start the new season with a loss at Morley was disappointing for Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaides, especially after leading 3-1, but he said that game has gone, but they need to learn from it. "It’s was a very disappointing result and second half performance against Morley," he said. "It certainly not the start to the season that we wanted, but we have to move on."
Nicolaidis said Saturday will be a huge challenge, like all derbies are, but he said he has confidence in the players and is looking forward to the contest. "Croatian Derbies are always big games and form generally goes out the window in these games as both sides are wanting to win for their respective clubs’ supporters," he explained. "For our playing group it’s important we move on from our defeat against Morley and get our season back on track and a win in the Derby would be a great boost."
In other games this weekend, there is a local Derby when Ashfield host Forrestfield United at Ashfield Arena. The home side are unbeaten after a big win at Joondalup United last week, while Forrestfield will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat at home to UWA Nedlands last week. Fremantle City host Joondalup United at Hilton Reserve, and Angel Andres has been in a rich vein of form, the Spanish striker scoring seven goals in his last three outings, including all four in their opening round win against Morley, but they need to bounce back after a defeat last week at Nash Field. Joondalup are still searching for their first point of the season, and will need to tighten up at the back after conceding ten goals in their opening two game. Subiaco will look to bounce back after their big defeat at Kingsway last week when they host Morley Windmills at Rosalie Park, Morley however will look for a repeat of last week’s big win against Gwelup.
In the final game league leaders UWA Nedlands make the trip down South to take on Mandurah City at Securitas Protect Stadium. UWA stunned Forrestfield last week to make it back-to-back wins to start the season, add players. Mandurah are still searching for their first points of the season, after a loss at Olympic Kingsway last week, a game coach Alex Grayson said was not the best. "Kingsway was a disappointing performance from ourselves, our quality has been below our expectations recently but the fight and doggedness we showed against Forrestfield was not reciprocated again Kingsway," he explained. "There have been positives to take from our two opening games but ultimately, we have to make sure we are on the other side of the score line."
Grayson has but the boots on this season, the former Liverpool trainee bagging a goal in the FFA Cup win at Subiaco, and he said that win will give them confidence going into the game, but knows it will be a tough game against a good UWA side. "I intended to play some part this year but it's difficult to manage yourself and 22 other lads, but with Sam French coming on board has played a huge in allowing the freedom to put the boots back on and hopefully it remains a positive addition for the group," he explained. "Our games against UWA embodied the high and lows of last season. We were well beaten at home but the away leg was the first win of our end of season revival. They always have great energy and pose a constant goal threat so we will have to step it up if we want to compete on Saturday. It will be our first game at home and I can already tell there will be a fantastic crowd."
12.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND TWO PREVIEW
It's round two of the Sunday Amateur Premier League and the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' takes us to Butlers Reserve where Wembley Downs host UWA Nedlands. Both sides had wins last week (add scores) - The last time these two sides met at the venue was in round 11 last season when Wembley won 2-1. UWA were ahead early with Shori Hayakawa's shot deflecting home, and it looked like they would take the points but late goals from Ryan Fish and Jay McDonald gave the home side the points.
UWA coach Arthur Hiemstra said they got off to a great start to the season, and their win against Kwinana has given them a great deal of confidence. "Good that we held our own against a physical opponent that collected a couple of red cards and a few yellows," he explained. "It was only round one but a good confidence builder and hopefully we can follow it up with results in the next two games to get off to a good start to the season."
Hiemstra said the win did takes its toll on his players, with a number of players under injury clouds, but he said Sunday should be a great game. "The game against Kwinana has left us with some injuries but we have got enough depth in the squad to accommodate for that," he explained. "We expect a tough contest and it will be interesting to see what influence their new coach has had on their style of play. We're looking forward to another opportunity for us to test ourselves and continue our development, should be a good couple of games this Sunday."
Wembley Coach Mike Ford was pleased to start the season with a win and his new look side held off a strong Joondalup side to come home with the points. "We were happy to get the three points," he said. "It was a good way to start the season and something to build on against UWA this week." Ford, who is in his first season at the club, said Sunday will be a tough game but one they are looking forward to. "We are expecting UWA to be just as challenging as Joondalup and with them scoring five goals they have a potent attack," he said. "We will need to be at our best to be competitive and I’m sure it’ll be a close and hopefully an entertaining game."
There was a game in midweek when Kingsley and North Perth United fought out a 1-1 draw at Chichester Park The home side were ahead when Lee Thomas' corner picked out Aaron Lickiss at the near posr to head home. North Perth levelled when Kingsley keeper failed to hold on to a cross and Sean Doyle was quickest to react to fire home from close-range. North Perth finished the game with ten men when Karl Goran was sent off for two yellow cards. North Perth assistant coach Kevin Flavin was in charge on the night, as coach Alex Carter was at the hospital to see his new son born - congratulations Alex!!!! - and he said it was a gutsy performance from his players. "The lads fought hard for the whole game and the spirit to come back from 1-0 down especially being down to 10men for the hole second half," Flavin said. "And we could have even snatched the win on a couple of occasions late."
In other games on Sunday Kwinana United and Quinns FC will be looking to bounce after first round defeats when they meet at Kelly Park, while league leaders Jaguars FC will look to continue their fantastic start to the season when they host Ellenbrook United at Herb Graham Recreation Centre. Leeming Strikers were stunned in the first round at Jags and they will want to bounce back when they welcome Joondalup United to John Connell Reserve, while North Perth United travel to Gerry Archer Sports Complex to take on Belmont Villa. North Perth Coach Alex Carter is back for the game and he said his players are determined to get their first win of the season. “I’m not sure playing wise what expect from Belmont this weekend as we didn’t get to see them during the night series, but all the boys are thinking of is getting our first win for the year,” he said. “The last two games we have shown a great amount of fight and grit for one and other, and that’s what makes playing football enjoyable. If we can start converting a few more chances we will put ourselves in a good position on Sunday.”
In the final game Kingsley host Hamersley Rovers at Chichester Park. Rovers started off the season with a big win last week, and will be looking to maintain that form on Sunday especially with Kingsley playing in midweek. Kingsley drew 1-1 against North Perth on Wednesday and midfielder Jayden Drummond said it was two points dropped. "Wednesday game was a frustrating result for us, especially after dominating for most of the game going forward," he said. "Once they went down to 10 men, we seemed to of taken our foot off the pedal and let them back in it, but we missed the opportunity to take all 3 points." Drummond said Rovers had a big win in their opening game, and he's expecting it be a tight game on Sunday. "It should be a good game they seem to have got a few players back, so we won’t be taking them lightly," he said. "We just need to play our game get the ball moving around and kick on with this season with hopefully three points."
12.4.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TWO – PREVIEW
The State League Division Two round two Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' takes us to Burrendah Reserve where Canning City entertain Murdoch University Melville on Sunday afternoon. Canning started their season with defeat at Gosnells last week, while MUM stated well, beating Shamrock Rovers. The last time these two sides met was in round 16 last season when MUM ran out 3-2 winners in an entertaining game.
MUM coach Gavin Brown was happy with the first up win against Shamrock and said it's something to build on. "We didn't really hit top gear, but did enough to get the points," Brown said. "But it's all about results, so to get the three points to open the season we are happy about." MUM finished fifth last season and the coach is looking to improve that in 2019. "We are looking to build the momentum we developed in the second half of last season," Brown said. "But we must try and find consistency earlier this year, and that’s what we are focused on." Brown said Canning improved late last season and he is expecting a tough game on Sunday in the local Derby. "We will be looking to build on last week’s performance and the lads are looking forward to the Derby," he said. "Hopefully the weather is better than we had at their place last season."
A first up loss for John Drewett's side, but he said the performance was good, but errors cost them, but they are looking to bounce back this season after a disappointing tenth finish in 2018. "I thought against Gosnells we competed very well apart from a 15-minute spell in the first half and we created enough goal scoring opportunities to have maybe taken something from the game," he said. "We are much improved from last year with our younger players having benefited greatly from their experience stepping up to senior football, sticking it out and then having a good finish to the season. We have also added some more senior players with quality and experience too." Drewett said Sunday is their first home game of the season and he's looking to start it was three points. "We are looking forward to our first home game of the season, but we know Melville will be a tough opponent," he said. "But we are confident and very eager to get our season up and running."
In other games Quinns will look to continue their good start to the season when they host Shamrock Rovers at Gumblossom Park. Quinns came home from Swan with all three points last week, while Rovers were beaten at MUM. Joondalup City and Balga will play their first games of the season, Joondalup will host Gosnells City at the Iluka Sports Complex, and Balga host Curtin University at Princess Road Reserve, while Dianella White Eagles entertain Kelmscott Roos at Dianella Reserve.
In the final game Swan United host Wanneroo United at Francis Street. Wanneroo opened their season with a win at Dianella, while Swan lost their opener at home against Quinns FC. Swan striker John Monterosso said it was a disappointing opening to the season. "Going down 0-3 at home in the first game of the season was very disappointing, although the chances were there to take something from the game," he said. "In the end of the day if you miss easy chances and give a way sloppy goals it's going to cost you. But it's no need to hit the panic button as we are creating chances." Monterosso, who was top scorer at the club last season, said Wanneroo have a good side and Saturday will be another challenge, but one they are looking forward too. "We'll be looking to bounce back on Saturday against a tough Wanneroo side," he said. "They seem to have recruited well after the Night Series, but I'm sure it will be a great game.'
7.4.2019
GLORY MOVE SIX POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP
Perth Glory moved six points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder after a 3-0 win against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday. Joel Chianese opened the scoring before Dino Djulbic headed home a second, before Neil Kilkenny added a third from the spot to seal a comprehensive win. "Overall, it was an excellent display," Glory Coach Tony Popovic said. “We started so well and I felt that we should have had a few more goals early on which would have made it more comfortable than it was.
"It's tough coming away from home. The conditions were humid and it was a heavy pitch, but I thought the players played with real confidence and belief. If you look at the score line, you might say that it was comfortable, but we had to work really hard for everything. We defended as a team, we attacked as a team and we looked very fluent with the ball. Straight from the first whistle, the players were very dominant and very proactive and thoroughly deserved the win. We've taken another step towards being able to achieve something very special."
Popovic made two changes to the side that lost against Melbourne Victory last week, with Andy Keogh coming in for Diego Castro and Matthew Spiranovic came in for Scott Neville, both who dropped to the bench. Glory started brightly and went close to the opener after only three minutes, Ivan Franjic got to the bye-line and cut it back to Keogh, whose shot was saved by the foot of Mariners keeper Ben Kennedy. But Glory weren’t to be denied and they hit the front on 12 minutes. A great passing movement ended with Chianese, who cut back on Jack Clisby and finished into the corner of the net.
It was a one-way traffic and Chris Ikonomidis almost added a second, after Kilkenny slipped in Franjic down the right again and he whipped in a low cross which the Socceroos midfielder was inches away from the cross. The Mariners first opportunity came mid-way through the half, the lively Jordan Murray raced into the penalty area, but his shot was wide of the target. But it was Glory who were still in charge and it wasn’t a surprise when they did add a second on the half hour. It was reported that Popovic had told Djulbic he hadn’t scored all season and it’s about time he did, and when Kilkenny swung in a corner the big defender rose highest to head home, and pointed straight at the coach’s bench.
Glory had an injury scare just before half time when Ikonomidis fell on his shoulder and it looked like he dislocated it, and left the field. He was replaced at half time, not a bad replacement, with Castro coming on. The Spanish maestro was in the thick of the action and he played a key role in the third on 57 minutes. He picked the ball up on the edge of the box and darted inside and was brought down by Jacob Melling and referee Daniel Elder pointed straight to the spot. Kilkenny stepped up and made it five-from-five from the spot, sending Kennedy the wrong way. It was nearly four when Kilkenny’s corner found Juande at the back post, but his shot was touched onto the post by Kennedy. The Mariners went close to a consolation goal late, as Andrew Hoole’s deflected free kick crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Central Coast Mariners: GK Ben KENNEDY, 2 Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, 3 Jack CLISBY, 6 Tom HIARIEJ, 13 Aiden O’NEILL, 15 Kye ROWLES, 18 Matt MILLAR, 19 Matt SIMON, (8 Michael McGLINCHEY 82'), 22 Jacob MELLING, 25 Jordan MURRAY (7 Andrew HOOLE 67'), 29 Stephen MALLON (11 Connor PAIN 46') - Subs not used: RGK Adam PEARCE, 28 Sam GRAHAM
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON (23 Scott NEVILLE 82'), 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE (11 Brendon SANTALAB 73'), 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS (17 Diego CASTRO 46'), 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 20 Jake BRIMMER - Referee: Daniel Elder
7.4.2019
QUEENS PARK PUSH TO BE NEW HOME OF FOOTBALL
Queens Park has emerged as a surprise choice to become the home of soccer in Western Australia, with politicians of both persuasions pledging support to build a state football centre at little-used Maniana Park. The football centre would serve as the administrative base for Football West, could be a training ground for Perth Glory’s men’s and women’s teams and would be capable of hosting touring international sides.
It would additionally act as a home for a new National Indigenous Football Centre of Excellence and Football West’s inclusive and Para football programs. Swan MHR Steve Irons and his Liberal Party colleague Senator Linda Reynolds started an online petition last week calling for the centre to be built in Queens Park. The petition has currently been signed by more than 2200 people.
“This is about making sure the football community gets the facility it’s been wanting for 120 years,” Football West chief executive James Curtis said. “We’re very pleased the support has come through, it’s about getting this done and doing the right thing. We want to make sure we’ve got a facility able to support the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United, but also have a local community be able to access the facility.”
“For the last two years, we’ve focused on making sure we’ve got a facility that is going to fit, going to work with the local community and make sure it meets our needs. Queens Park came up as the strongest case. It is still very central when it comes to the Perth metropolitan area and it’s also got a great football following within the community.
The long-desired Football Centre of Excellence became something of a political football during the State election in 2017, with then Premier Colin Barnett pledging to build it in Ashfield if he were re-elected. That plan was consigned to the scrapheap when Labor won government. Football remains the top participation sport in WA with more than 230,000 registered players.
7.4.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND THREE – REVIEW
There were some great games over the weekend with FFA Cup WA third round games taking place around WA, and in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' Joondalup United scored two late goals to beat North Perth United 2-0 at Forrest Park. It was a tense affair with chances at both ends but three minutes from time the home side found the opener. A well worked move down the left ended with a cross to James Oldroyd who headed home at the back post. They sealed the tie sixty seconds later, Jake Cherrie forced a defensive mistake which was pounced on by Scott Hoyle, who finished clinically. "A well organised and physical North Perth team gave us a real challenge," Joondalup United coach Nick Jennings said. "I told the boys it would be a game of few chances and we had to remain patient and not become frustrated. To our credit we kept going despite suffering a number of injuries and were rewarded with the two late goals. A win and a clean sheet in a real team effort is pleasing."
The biggest shock in the round came at Walter Padbury Reserve where Gosnells City beat Forrestfield United 5-3 on penalties, after the game had ended 2-2 at normal time. The visitors missed a penalty early, but it looked business as usual for Forrestfield after Jordan Hart put them ahead. But Scott Pereira levelled for the home side, before Mitchell Fletcher regained the lead for the visitors and it looked like they had won it. But in the final minute Gosnells won a corner and even keeper Tom Allen went up for it, and when the corner came over the keeper header crashed off the crossbar, but he managed to fire home the rebound to send the game to penalties. In the shoot-out Gosnells held their nerve to progress to the next round. “A great result but more importantly the performance second half was fantastic not allowing Forrestfield any shots on our goal,” Gosnells Coach Marc Anthony said. “I’m very happy to be in the draw for the next round.”
Mandurah City eased through to the next round with a 5-2 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. The visitors dominated the first half and were ahead when Joe O’Brien raced through to finish well. It was 2-0 when Reece Allan’s corner was headed home by player/coach Alex Grayson. It was soon 3-0 O’Brien squaring the ball to Lee Stewart who finished from close-range, and Stewart added the fourth before the break. Subiaco pulled one back after the break through Ben Campbell, but Mandurah regained their four goal advantage moments later with O’Brien capping off a great game with his second. Antonio Naglieri pulled one back for Subiaco, but it was too little too late. “It was a good performance overall but the goals we conceded were sloppy,” Grayson said. “It was positive to see a more attacking threat that we haven't had in previous weeks so hopefully it can be the kick start we need for our game against UWA Nedlands next week.”
In other games on Saturday Morley Windmills beat Albany Caledonian 7-0 at Wotton Reserve, with goals from Morad Idris, Boas Mtwale, Deng Mawien, Darren Francis, Paul Murray, and Dhamon Kalamaras. “We started very poorly and could have been a couple down in the first 10 minutes,” Morley Coach John Castrilli said. “But once we settled and started to play, everything fell into place from there. It would be great to get one of the bigger teams in the next round.” Shamrock Rovers also moved through after a hard fought 3-2 win against Maccabi at Harold Rossiter Reserve, while Olympic Kingsway beat Quinns 3-1 at Gumblossom Park. The home side were ahead in this one, with Jamie Stewart on target after only 12 minutes, but Olympic hit back on the half hour when Chris Rizidis played the ball out to his brother Michael on the left, he cut inside and curled his shot into the far corner to level.
Olympic hit the front seven minutes later Jordan Pokler got fouled 20 meters from goal, and Pokler curled the resulting free kick into the top corner of the net. Olympic sealed the win just before the hour, Chris Rizidis played a great through ball to Ajak Riak who drew and rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home. Gary Williams – “I thought the players showed great determination after going one down early on,” Olympic coach Gary Williams said. “I thought we controlled most of the match thereafter however Quinns had a couple of chances, striking our bar twice. We are a young side but showed a lot of maturity with our approach to the game. Quinns are a good side who I am sure will do well in their league this year. All in all, I’m delighted to progress into the next round and look forward to the draw.”.
Gwelup Croatia moved comfortably through with a 12-0 win against Polonia at Centennial Park in Albany. Gwelup were ahead on six minutes, with Ellis Healing converting from the spot after Danny Hodgson was fouled in the box. They doubled their lead on 12 minutes, with Hodgson heading in Isaac Koomson’s curling cross from close range. It was soon 3-0 new signing Lawrence Shuruma punishes a Polonia mistake to fire home from inside the box. Hodson made it 4-0, before Healing doubled his tally from close range. It was 6-0 just before half time, Shuruma firing into the far corner from inside the box. It was more after the break with Healing completing his hat-trick, before an own goal from Polonia defender Phil Udecz made it 8-0. Hodgson then completed his hat-trick with a tap-in, before Healing added the tenth with a stunning free kick. Hodgson added another, before Issac Koomson completed the scoring in the final minute.
Queens Park also moved through with a 4-1 win against Northern City at Dryandra Pendula Reserve. Queens Park opened the scoring, with Byron Goodwin finishing clinically. Goodwin then missed a penalty, but he made emends moments later threading a though ball to Wesley Britz to score. City pulled one back with Ismail Mohamed on target, but Britz regained their two-goal advantage, latching on to another Goodwin through ball. The tie was wrapped up on a quick counter attack, with Leigh Bridger finishing well. “Much respect to Shak and Northern City who gave us issues all day and played some scintillating football at times,” Queens Park Coach Ricardo Fynn said. “The score flatters us really, and on another day, they could have won it, so credit to Northern City who created a great atmosphere today.” Fremantle City striker Angel Andres retuned to haunt his former club Dianella White Eagle to score a first half trick in their 3-2 win at Dianella Reserve. The home side pulled two goals back in the second half with Matt Izzo and James Owen on target.
On Sunday Swan United travelled to Bunbury Dynamos and had a scare, before winning 5-4 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 after normal time. John Monterosso gave Swan the lead but Dynamos levelled. Jonathan Cole regained the lead for United by Dynamos levelled again to take it to penalties. Joey Smith saved the second Dynamos penalty in the shoot-out and James Burn scored the winning spot kick to send them through – just. In other games Western Knights eased past North Beach 7-0 at Charles Riley Reserve, with goals from Jack Rycroft, Scott Johnstone (2), Brian x2, Patterson, Adam Blewett, Tom Kennedy and Andrew Cartwright. Warnbro Strikers go through to the next round after Mindarie forfeited, Curtin University beat Yanchep United 7-0 at St Andrews Park, Ashfield beat Murdoch University Melville 2-0 at Ashfield Arena, Port Kennedy beat Brozzy on Penalties after the game ended 2-2 at Koorana Reserve, Wanneroo City beat Westnam United 7-3 at Shelvock Reserve, while Balga beat East Perth 5-0 at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. It was 0-0 at half time but Balga dominated after the break with Kris Spaseski scoring a hat-trick, with others to Hermon Michael and Josh Conti. Joondalup City, Canning City, Kelmscott Roos and UWA-Nedlands had the bye.
7.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND ONE REVIEW
The new Belt-up Sunday Premier League kicked off this weekend and the big winner was Jaguars FC who beat Night Series winners Leeming Strikers 6-0 at Herb Graham Recreation Centre. The hosts were ahead when Juma Manassah Wade lobbed the ball over the defence and Akuei Guot calmly finished. The Jags doubled their lead before the break, Gojam Nyuon played in Guot, who eased past two defenders and finished well. The hosts added a third early in the second half, when pacey winger Paul Sopp raced clear and was brought down in the box and Nyoun fired home the resulting penalty. Leeming were struggling, but Jags continued to press and they added a fourth when James Wour’s lobbed the Leeming keeper. It was 5-0 when Sopp played in Ibrahim Hamad to finish, and it was 6-0 when Hussein Naser sent Sopp clear and he rounded the keeper to role the ball into an empty net to seal a great win for Chol Kong’s side.
UWA Nedlands also made a great start to the season after a 5-1 win against Kwinana United at the UWA Sports Park. The home side made a perfect start and they were ahead in the opening minute. Jack Retallack was sent down the right by Tope Olasanoye, and he squared the ball to Amir Khasanov who scored with a low shot. Kwinana hit back and restored parity when Lee Bates scored from the penalty spot to send the sides into the break all-square. But like the first half UWA scored early in the second, Robert Nurmi received the ball wide on the left flank and cut in and fired home from the edge of the box. It was 3-1 when Tope Olasanoye’s free kick was turned home by Mitch Barrington. They added a fourth when Kwinana turned over the ball in midfield and Chris Papalia picked the ball up and picked out Retallack, whose half volley crashed off the crossbar and Barrington was quickest to react to head home. Kwinana pulled one back with Christian Hooge scoring, but UWA weren’t finished and Olasanoye’s corner was headed home by Barrington to complete his hat-trick. “This win is a good confidence builder following a pre-season in which we lost all our friendlies,” UWA Coach Arthur Hiemstra said. “Also, I was very happy that we didn’t allow the physical approach by Kwinana to be a deciding factor.”
Newly promoted Joondalup United began life in the Premier League with a 0-2 loss at home to Wembley Downs at Beldon Park. The home side opened brightly and striker Kyall Osbourne fired wide, before Wembley’s Jay McDonald header was well saved by Luke Green. But just before the break it was Wembley who broke the deadlock, when Gary McCarthy was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Stephen Geoghegan stepped up to score from the resulting penalty. Wembley continued to dictate terms after the break and they doubled their lead ten minutes from time. A ball into the box found second half substitute Zac Robinson whose looping header beat Green. “A very competitive game with both sides having chances, so we were very happy to come away from Joondalup with three points from a very good side,” Wembley Coach Mike Ford said. “I think it’s going to be a very competitive and tough season for all the Premier League clubs.”
Hamersley Rovers also hit six, after a 6-1 win against Ellenbrook United at Carine Open Space. It was the visitors who opened the scoring, after Hammers keeper Drew Jenke brought down the striker, and Liam Hurley buried the spot kick. But the home side hit back, and after good work down the left by Ben James, ended with a cross to Mark Hunt, who outjumped his marker to head home. Rovers hit the front when Callum Wells-Murphy went one-on-one with the keeper, who saved well but the rebound fell to Cosimo Figliomeni who lobbed into the unguarded net. It was 3-1 early in the second half when veteran striker Jon Greenwood found the bottom corner, and it was soon 4-1 with Wells-Murphy playing a neat one-two with Mark Bailey, his shot was well saved by the keeper but Figliomeni was on hand to fire home. They added a fifth with Bailey raced clear and finished clinically past the keeper. The icing was put on the cake with a sixth late on, Jesse Kosseh, who was causing Ellenbrook’s defence all sorts of problems after coming off the bench, and he got his reward with a smart finish. “We started slowly as the team are finding their feet still after gaining new players in the past couple of weeks, and coupled with a few suspensions from the night Series and coach Glynn Shaw recently taking over,” Joe Wright said. “However, we looked dangerous going forward and missed a host of chances especially in the second half, on another day it could’ve been 8 or 9. So it was a really pleasing result to kick off the season. But there are a lot of tough games to come starting with Kingsley and North Perth and we’ll have to play much better to match them.” In the other games in the first round Belmont Villa beat Quinns FC 1-0 at Gumblossom Park, while the round is completed on Wednesday night when Kingsley host North Perth United at Chichester Park.
6.4.2019
POINTS SHARED AT INGLEWOOD
Perth SC and Inglewood United have shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The visitors hit the front with Michael Domfeh scoring in the final minute of the first half, but a penalty on the hour by Anthony Bafobusha levelled things up and the points were shared, the draw meant Perth lost top spot on the table, while the draw continued the good start by new coach Andres Oliveira.
“It was another end to end game, Perth SC are great team so we knew we needed to be 100% focus,” Oliveira said. “We all felt we could challenge them and credit to the players they did, I personally thought we deserved a win, but we didn’t take our opportunities and settle for the draw. We are all very pleased of the players performance and attitude, which they are creating great atmosphere at the club.”
It was a tight first half, with both sides creating chances in an end-to-end game, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring on the stroke of half time. Former Perth Glory striker Michael Domfeh lost his marker in the box and finished off a deep cross at the back post to send them into the break with the lead. Inglewood lifted after the break, and created a number of chances, and their pressure was rewarded with the equaliser on the hour. Steve Sokol was fouled in the penalty area by Niccolò Sabatini, and referee Matthew Southern had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Bafobusha took the resulting penalty, and he made no mistake beating Alex Dunn to draw the sides level. The home side smelt victory and pressed for the winner, and Chok Dau fired inches over the top, and the former Glory midfielder went close again moments later, but again he couldn't find the target. Perth lost keeper Francis Soale to injury on 70 minutes, with 16-year-old Adrian Sinagra coming on for his NPL WA senior debut. Inglewood looked for the winner but Sinagra wasn't to be beaten on his first start, and to be fair Inglewood didn't really test the young keeper and the game petered out and both sides shared the spoils. Next week Inglewood head to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Sorrento, while Perth SC host Floreat Athena at Dorrien Gardens in the Town of Vincent Cup.
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 3 David CYRUS, 4 Scott BLACKMORE (6 Miki VUJACIC 75'), 5 Sam RIAK, 7 Hamza HINA (23 Zdenek BEZDEK 46'), 8 Jason BARRERA, 9 Chok DAU,10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA (2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS 87'), 14 STEVE SOKOL, 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 17 Mark BARNETT
Perth SC: GK Francis SOALE, (RGK Adrian SINAGRA 70'), 2 Alex SILLA, 4 Tom SOUTHGATE, 6 Harley ORR, 7 Niccolo SABATINI (11 Matthew MILENKOVIC 75'), 12 Jordan DE LEO, 14 Kristian SANTICH, 17 Frank FURFARO, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC, 20 Paul ZIMARINO - Subs not used: 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE, 13 Rocco PIZZATA, 16 Kieran COLWELL - Referee: Matthew Southern
6.4.2019
TEECE AT THE DOUBLE FOR GULLS
Sorrento moved to fourth on the NPL WA table after stunning Bayswater City 3-0 at Frank Drago Reserve. All the damage was done in the first half, Cameron Teece opened the scoring, before Czech defender Jakub Prajza added a second. Teece gave the Gulls a 3-0 lead at the break, and Jamie Harnwell’s side held firm after the break to take home the points and give Bayswater back-to-back defeats.
"I thought it was an outstanding response from last week’s disappointing performance," Sorrento skipper Shaun Kilkelly said. "Everyone played well, and you could not pick a player who stood out. We all did our jobs and played the way we know we can, we just need to take that into every game and if we do, we will be up there at end of season."
The home side suffered their first defeat of the season at Balcatta last week and they found themselves behind early in this one. A quick throw by Scott Witschge was flicked on by Alex Morgan and Teece lost his marker to head home. Sorrento stunned the home crowd again on the half hour, some great build up ended with Prajza, whose long-range shot flew into the net giving Devon Spence no chance. Bayswater were shell-shocked, and things got worse six minutes later when the Gulls added a third. A ball into the box found Teece, and the young striker cleverly back heeled the ball int the net. The home side almost found a lifeline in the final minute of the first half, but James Morgan produced a smart save to deny Kenny Keogh's effort.
Bayswater needed an early goal to get back in the game but Sorrento were strong at the back, and when the home got behind them James Morgan produced great saves to deny Gordon Smith. Daryl Nicol did beat the keeper from long-range but the Scotsman shot flew over the top. A huge win for the Gulls and next week they host Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve, while Bayswater will look to bounce back when they make the trip up the Mitchell Freeway to take on ECU Joondalup at the ECU Football Stadium.
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 10 Jason MIRCO, 12 Steve HESKETH, 13 Trent KAY, (5 Adam HARRIS 55'), 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 21 Kenny KEOGH, 23 Brian WOODALL (20 Giordano COLLI 63'), 27 Ross MILLARD, 29 Logan RINDELL, (26 Paul LLOYD 50') - Subs not used: 24 Jake SARDELIC, 30 Adam TONG
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN (19 Jack SALTER 78'), 8 Scott WITSCHGE (13 Steven MCDONALD 90'), 10 Jordan ROBERTS (21 Elliot TATTERSALL 89'), 11 Tim HILL, 18 Jordan BROWN, 23 Cameron TEECE - Subs not used: RGK Matt Guidicatta, 20 Jaxon TEMATA - Referee: Steven Gregory
6.4.2019
ZIMARINO SENDS BALCATTA TOP OF THE TABLE
Balcatta moved the top of the National Premier WA table after a hard fought 1-0 win against Cockburn City at Grindleford Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The only goal of the game came from second-half substitute Adam Zimarino, but it was Balcatta keeper Yousri Gharsallah who was man of the match making a number of fine saves to keep Goran Stajic’s side the points. "Overall another well executed game plan from all involved," Stajic said. "And the clean sheet is a testament to the hard work we put in each week."
The visitors lost influential striker Ashley Rosindale early with injury, and he was replaced by Adam Anfuso. Both sides had chances in a frantic first half, with both keepers in the thick of the action, the best chance fell to the visitors Daniel Robinson was denied by Gharsallah, but it was scoreless at the break. Zimarino came on at half time for Callum Stocks, and the second half was end-to-end football and Gharsallah again denied Robinson, before Luke Radonich thwarted the home side. But on 64 minutes it was the home side that opened the scoring.
Some quick ball movement ended with Zimarino, and the 18-year-old finished clinically across Radonich. The Cockburn custodian then produced a great double save to prevent Balcatta doubling their lead, the second from Alex Wild was outstanding. Former Balcatta striker Luccas Mello came on after the hour and he went close moments later, but Gharsallah was out bravely to save at the striker's feet. Mello also went close late in the game, but his curling free kick flashed narrowly wide. Balcatta make the trip to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take on Armadale next week, while Cockburn City return home to Dalmatinac Park to take on Rockingham City.
Balcatta: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 5 Shubham MOKALA, 7 Alex WILD (20 Anthony Topini 62'), 9 Gavin KNIGHT, 10 Jonathan CORNESS, 11 Callum STOCKS (Adam Zimarino 46'), 12 Roberto DEL BORELLO, 13 Carmelo GIUFFRE, 16 Alex CASTIELLO, 22 Ben PELLIZZARI (4 Calum O’CONNELL 73') - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 3 John KEARNEY
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 6 Ruben TRISTAO (12 Ryan PRATT 67'), 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 14 Hayden STEVENS, 15 Daniel SANTICH ( 7 Luccas MELLO 67'), 16 Daniel ROBINSON, 17 Devon GIBSON, 20 Ashley ROSINDALE (18 Adam ANFUSO 12'), 21 Jesse LAZZARO, 23 Riley WOODCOCK - Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 10 David ARAYA - Referee: David Bruce
6.4.2019
REDS LET IT SLIP LATE AT FLOREAT
A goal in stoppage time from Floreat Athena defender Chris Saldaris has snatched a 3-3 draw against Armadale at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The hosts led 2-0 at the break with Robert Petkov and Calvin Whitney scoring, but the Red were level come the hour, with Adriano Jelenovic scoring a brace. When second half substitute Joshua Cortes put Armadale ahead two minutes from time it looked like they would take home all three points, but Saldaris had the final word. "I thought our second half performance was a significant improvement on the first," Armadale Coach John O'Reilly said. "We thoroughly deserved to pull level and take the lead and ended up unlucky to not take the three points."
The hosts looked on track for the points after scoring early with Petkov scoring, and in first half stoppage time they doubled their advantage with Whitney on target. But whatever O’Reilly said at half time had the desired effect, with Armadale pulling one back four minutes in, with Jelenovic sweeping the ball home from a corner. The Reds were level when Jelenovic converted from the spot on the hour, even though he had to retake it for encroachment.
Both sides pressed for the winner and it was Armadale how found a third. Jelenovic feeding Cortes down the right, who cut inside his marker and finished clinically past Jason Saldaris. Floreat, who were beaten for the first-time last week, looked like they were going to lose this one too, but second half substitute Chris Saldaris restored parity, and a point for Garret McDuling’s side in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Floreat travel to Dorrien Gardens next week to take on Champions Perth SC, while Armadale entertain new league leaders Balcatta at Alfred Skeet Reserve.
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA, 4 Adrian MADASCHI, 6 Jesse FULLER, 8 Jonathon STYNES, 9 Robert PETKOV, 10 Calvin WHITNEY, 11 Dennis GALAN (7 Ludovic BOI 62’), 17 Dean EVANS (5 Thomas JEBB 78’), 18 Phillip ARNOLD, 20 Nicholas AMBROGIO (15 Chris SALDARIS 74’) – Subs not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 16 Ryan MALTON,
Armadale SC: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KUSER, 5 Ali NAZARY, 6 Joel SANDERSON (8 Michael LAWSON 63’), 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 10 Sam GARCES (19 Harry EVANS 85’), 11 Adriano JELENOVIC, 12 Dannie RICHMAN, 13 Blake ADAMS, 14 Connor ATKINSON, 23 Friday ZICO (7 Joshua CORTES 77’) – Subs not used: 22 Ryan HASLETT, 30 Blake HANSHELL - Referee: Joshua Nixon
6.4.2019
SALMON SWOOPS FOR GLORY
A late brace from Perth Glory striker Luke Salmon has secured a hard fought 2-2 draw with ECU Joondalup in Week Four of the NPL WA at the ECU Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jakub Sklenar and Joe Knowles had given the host a two-goal buffer, but Salmon came off the bench to score three minutes from time, and he found the equaliser deep into stoppage time to seal a remarkable comeback.
“It was a great performance from the boys showed great resilience from the team, I think it was what we deserved however,” midfielder Daniel Stynes told the Glory website. “ECU are always a good, strong competitive team and they limited us a lot of the time with the way they set up so it was a tough game, but we didn’t give up and got our just reward in the end.”
It was the hosts who made the perfect start, opening the scoring after only five minutes. Knowles was sent down the right and the strikers’ ball into the box was turned home by Czech striker Sklenar. Glory looked to hit back immediately and Walter Scott’s curing effort flashed wide of the post, and moments later Ethan Brooks shot was well saved by Scott Wallis, who was in the side after skipper Johnny Perkins injured a knee. Kristian Popovic then tried his luck from long-range which whistled over the top, before Brooks cut inside from the right and find Jacob Italiano, whose goal bound shot was well blocked by ECU defender Cian Hirrell. Brooks then stung the palms of Wallis just before half time, before Italiano picked out Gabriel Popovic at the back post, but the big striker headed over the top.
But despite dominating the first half Glory found themselves two down five minutes into the second half. Sklenar slipped a neat through ball into Knowles, who raced into the box and was brought down by Jackson Lee, and referee Josh Mannella pointed to the spot. Knowles picked himself to score the resulting penalty. Glory looked down and out, but they continued to press and almost got caught out again just after the hour, Ronald Rixers’ cross was fumbled by Lee and Howles follow up shot was cleared off the line by the alert Zayd Farah.
But Glory started to get on top and laid siege on the ECU goal. and three minutes from time they found a lifeline. Stynes played a ball over the top to substitute Gomo Dukuly, who crossed to Salmon to score from close-range. It was game on, and Salmon dragged a shot wide, moments later as Glory pushed everything forward, and on 94 minutes they were rewarded with the equaliser. Farah sent Brooks down the right and he eased past his marker and picked out Salmon who volleyed home at the near post to earn a point.
ECU Joondalup: GK Scott WALLIS, 2 Cian HIRRELL, 3 Ronald RIXER, 4 Henry DURR, 6 Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY (14 Kian MCGUIGAN 59’), 7 Joe KNOWLES, 9 Richard HOWLES (17 Ben HINSLEWOOD 71’), 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR (12 Ryan MCDARBY 80’), 15 Tom HOUGH, 16 Ewen FAWCETT - Subs not used: RGK George JACKSON, 8 Harry EDWARDS
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Jacob MUIR, 5 Nick WALSH (13 Daniel WALSH 53’), 6 Kristian POPOVIC, 7 Ethan BROOKS, 8 Henry HORE, 9 Gabriel POPOVIC (14 Luke SALMON 53’), 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Jacob ITALIANO (16 Gomo DUKULY 71’) - Subs not used: RGK Nicholas SPECCA, 12 Aiden EDWARDS, 13 Jack LEECH - Referee: Josh Mannella
6.4.2019
HARMER HAT-TRICK SINKS LIONS
Rockingham City have won their first points ever in the NPL WA, and skipper James Harmer was a catalyst as they trashed Stirling Lions 5-0 at SafeRad Stadium. Sam McKearnan gave the hosts an early lead, before Harmer doubled their advantage at the break. The Welsh striker bagged two more after the break, to complete his hat-trick, before American import Kodi Millard added a fifth. “It was performance and the result that we feel has been coming,” Rockingham City Coach Cameron Lord said. “We know we have this kind of quality in our group, but it is now important that we start to show some consistency in our performances.’
City were coming off a big loss at Perth SC last week, while the Lions looked impressive and should have beaten Sorrento. But it was the home side who were on the front foot early, and Harmer was denied by Ryan Montgomery in the opening minute. But on the quarter hour it was City who opened the scoring, Harmer and Millard combined on the right, and Millard cut the ball back to McKearnan, who finished well. The hosts doubled their lead on the half hour, when Harmer was brought down in the box and referee Julian Serra pointed to the spot. Harmer stepped up to take the resulting penalty and beat Montgomery.
Stirling needed a good start to the second half to get back in the game, but nine minutes it was Rockingham who added a third. Harmer racing clear of a static Lions backline and finishing clinically past Montgomery. Things went from bad to worse for the Lions and Harmer completed his trick just after the hour, Millard send Harmer clear and he finished with aplomb. The icing was put on the cake on 77 minutes when Rockingham added a fifth, and Millard topped a great performance finishing well from outside the box. The win moved Rockingham off the bottom of the table, and they have been replaced by Stirling, who will want to bounce back when they host Perth Glory next week at Macedonia Park, while Rockingham make the trip to Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 2 Jason CONSTABLE, 3 Justis BRADLEY, 4 Mitch COLLINS (11 Riley VAN DIEKEN 19’), 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI, 7 Kodi MILLARD, 9 Sam MCKEARNAN (8 Jason POTTER 68’), 10 James HARMER (14 Ryan KENNEDY 78’), 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 13 Jarrad MORT, 23 Victor BRAUNER - Subs not used: 5 Harry COLLINS, 15 Shaz RAMLEE
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2. Joseph PERKINS, 3 Darren O’RIORDAN, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris McLAUGHLIN, 6 Dhors Chol, 7 Ben WANTEE, 8 Dean CUMMINGS, 9 Noah SHAMAKI, 10. Andrew MARANTA (12 Finn GRAHAM 55’), 11 Sean McMANUS (15 Kristian DESPOTOVSKI 53’) - Subs not used: 20 Daniel MARQUES, 12 Luke SERRA - Referee: Julian Serra
5.4.2019
NPL-WA ROUND FOUR PREVIEW
We enter Week Four of the NPL WA and last season's Champions, Perth Soccer Club, hit the top of the table last week and they are involved in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Round' when they make the trip to Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium to take on Inglewood United on Saturday afternoon. Both sides were coming off big wins in Week Three, Perth easing past Rockingham City, while Inglewood ended Floreat's unbeaten run in a seven-goal thriller. Last time the two sides met at the venue (add!!!)
Perth were up and about early last week against Rockingham, and led 3-0 after only 11 minutes, and Head Coach Ramon Falzon was happy with the start and how his side maintained it throughout the game. "We were very pleased with the intensity we injected into the Rockingham game, and we were looking for a strong start and it paid off because we were already 3-0 up after 15 minutes," he said. "Maintaining that type of intensity for the entire game is hard to achieve, however our players did their best to keep the pressure on our opponent. Credit to Rockingham who did not give up after 15 minutes and they kept persisting to sneak a goal to get them back in the game. Our players handled the situation well to keep another clean sheet and capitalise with a fourth goal on the counter."
Falzon has once again integrated youngsters from the club’s fertile youth development, and he said they have given his side a real boost. "Marc Wingell, Simon Madaschi and myself always keep an eye on the youngsters pushing through our system at Perth SC, and the majority of the first team players have a history at the club, either because they played juniors football at Perth SC or because they have been at the club for numerous years since joining," he explained. "As coaches, we would like to keep promoting and rewarding our own juniors moving forward, thus we are always keen to support such youngsters because we know how difficult it can be to break into our first team."
This week will be another huge test for Falzon's side, and the coach said under former Perth Sc striker Andreas Oliveira Inglewood have improved. "A change of coach always makes it hard for the club and players to adapt, especially when it happens just before the league starts," he said. "Inglewood had to adapt very quickly because they had very tough opponents to face in the initial NPL games. I think Andres Oliveira has made a great impact at Inglewood and definitely the players are responding well to him because they managed to score four goals in both of their last two encounters against Cockburn and Floreat. I think Inglewood sent a strong signal that they will be very competitive once again this season. We are expecting a tough clash on Saturday however we are keen to keep building our momentum following our recent performances."
Inglewood struggled early in the season with a defeat against Bayswater, but showed signs of improvement at Cockburn, and last week put on a great performance to beat Floreat, and new coach Oliveira said it was a great all-round performance and one they can build on. "Really pleased for the lads, they have worked really hard, and both performances at it was great performance in both Cockburn and Floreat games, but there is still a lot more room to improve," he said. "The main thing there is a foundation and progress, which the players are enjoying. We are focused and we are just doing our own thing, and we'll leave the public to have their own opinions, all the talk hasn't affected us at all."
Oliveira has been delighted the way his players have reacted to his appointment and believes they can get better as they get used to the way he wants them to play. On Saturday he comes up against Perth SC, a club he played for with distinction, winning five titles, and he said it will be a tough game but they head into it with a great deal of confidence. "I was involved with Perth for over 15 years, and they gave me my debut when I was 16, and I'll always have good memories and friends forever with Perth SC," he explained.
"But that is the past and those people are not involved with the club anymore, to me it's like a whole new club, so this week that past won't mean anything, we are going to take it like any other game. We know it will be a tough game, but it is a challenge we are looking forward too. I know they are good team, that just won the title last year on the back of Perth Glory losing the last game, and winning the top Four Finals, but we only focusing on us and us only, and the challenge to my players is to get better, and I'm confident they can do that."
Floreat Athena lost for the first time under the tutelage of coach Garret McDuling last week in a seven-goal thriller against Inglewood, and this week they host Armadale at E&D Litis Stadium, who also lost for the first time this season, dismantled by Perth Glory. McDuling has made great strides at the club since his appointment last season, and he will be looking to bounce back on Saturday. New signing Jamel Reiners and Dean Evans came off the bench last week, and will be pushing for a spot in the starting eleven, but they need to tighten up at the back after conceded seven goals in their opening three games. Armadale were brought back down to earth last week with their defeat against Glory, but Coach John O'Reilly will be focused on bouncing back. He will be hoping it was only a blip, after opening with two straight wins, but he will go into Saturday's game without influential defender Nathan Costello, who was sent off last week.
Balcatta moved up to fourth on the table after last week’s win against Bayswater, and on Saturday they host Cockburn City at Grindleford Reserve, who scored an equaliser with the final action of their game against ECU Joondalup last week. This should be a cracker with both teams who like to play attacking football, and Goran Stajic's side will be hoping to continue their 100% home record. Gavin Knight's late winner gave them the win last week, but new signing Callum Stocks, Adam Zimarino and Alex Castiello all impressed, and they will also have John Kearney available after missing the win against his former club. Cockburn left it late to draw with ECU, making it back-to-back draws for Scott Miller's side. Ashley Rosindale returns to his former club in this one and his partnership with Daniel Robertson is bearing fruit for the Cockerels, and Miller will be delighted to Devon Gibson available after missing last week.
Bayswater City will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against Balcatta, when they host Sorrento at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The Gulls were held to a draw by the Lions last week, and after taking the lead early, they were hanging on at the end to secure a point. Skipper Reece Vittiglia will miss again due to injury, but they do welcome back keeper James Morgan. Jamie Harnwell's side have some good memories of Frank Drago, but he will need a better performance this week, and will look to Shaun Kilkelly, Scott Robertson and former Bayswater defender David Stokoe to have big games if they are to leave with the points. Bayswater coach Chris Coyne has a talented squad to choose from, and I'm sure he won’t tinker too much on Saturday. Club Skipper Trent Kay returned last week and scored, and new signing Gordon Smith and Daryl Nicol are working well together, but after dominating possession last week, they didn't turn into goals, and the coach will be looking for a response from his players this week.
ECU Joondalup return to the ECU Football Stadium on Saturday when they host Perth Glory. The Jacks were left frustrated last week, dropping two points with the last kick of the game at Cockburn, while Glory thrashed Armadale to move to second on the table. It's been a disappointing start to the season for Dale McCulloch's side, and they are still looking for their first win of the season, and they go into this game without defender Shane Cassidy, who was sent off last week. Tom Hough made his first start of the season at Cockburn and scored their goal, while Bayley Brown-Montgomery and Henry Durr were also in for the first time and all will be looking to help the Jacks get off the mark in 2019. However, Glory were very impressive at Armadale last week, beating the then league leaders convincingly, and Richard Garcia's young side have started this season as they left off in 2018. Jacob Italiano was outstanding last week, while Gabriel Popovic, son of A-League Coach Tony, bagged two in another good performance, and they will fancy their chances of coming home with the points.
In the final game Rockingham City will go in search of their first NPL points on Saturday when they host Stirling Lions at the SafeRad Stadium at Lark Hill Sporting Complex. Both sides have struggled this season with the Lions picking up their first point at Sorrento last week, so even though we are only in week four this is a real six pointer. Cameron Lord's side impressed in the Night Series, but they have struggled to come to terms in the league, but the coach is confidant his side will improve. "The game last week was over after 11 minutes, which is unacceptable," Lord said. "We did then show we can play football and get in behind them, but it's no good waiting until you are 0-3 down." Lord said they are all looking to playing at home for the first time this season, and hopes it can turn their season around. "We're looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd," he said. "We know they (Stirling) are still looking for their first win, but are a good side and we will need to be at our best, so it should be a great occasion and hopefully we get back to the quality of football that we know we are capable of." Stirling looked really impressive at Sorrento last week, with skipper Dean Cummings impressive, while front duo Moses Kalau and Noah Shamaki caused problems all afternoon. They should have come home with the points, but they never took their chances, and Keegan Ashley will be hoping they can put that right on Saturday.
5.4.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND THREE – PREVIEW
It's the FFA Cup WA third round this weekend with 17 ties across WA. The State League sides enter at this stage and our 'Match of the Round' is the tie at Forrest Park where Sunday Amateur Champions North Perth United take on State League Division One Joondalup United. The last time these sides meet in the league was in 2013 with Joondalup running out 4-1 winners, the season Joondalup were promoted to the State League, but North Perth did win the league that season. North Perth Coach Alex Carter said the club are looking forward to a good cup run and he said the competition is fantastic. "I mentioned to a few friends 20 years ago that it would be great if Australia had a national cup competition, so it’s fantastic that this is now a real thing," he said. "I think over years to come it will build a greater profile and will go from strength to strength, but it’s great for a club like us to be able to test ourselves against teams in higher leagues."
Carter said a trip to Joondalup is tough, but they head there with their league season in the back of their minds. "An away trip to Joondalup on Saturday will have its challenges, and we will need to rotate our squad carefully as we have our round one league fixture the following Wednesday against Kingsley," he said. "Saying that, we still want to go out and put on a much-improved performance from that of the one against Woodvale in the last round. Unfortunately, our two exciting imports international clearance hasn’t arrived in time for Saturday’s game, but that will have them nice and fresh for the midweek game."
Joondalup haven't started the league season well, but Coach Nick Jennings said mistakes have cost them and a good cup run could be good for the club. "Mistakes at either end of the pitch have killed us in the first two league games and ended up in heavy defeats,” he said. “Any victory will be a boost to our confidence and it’s imperative we start winning and that starts this weekend in a must win game of knockout football.”
Jennings said North Perth are a good side and he expects a tight game on Saturday. "For the last five years North Perth United have been the benchmark for Sunday League Football in WA and they come to our home ground with nothing to lose,” he explained. “I’m aware that if my boys are not up for the battle we will be rolled over. I believe it will come down to the players attitude on the day, and as always, we will have prepared correctly and I’m confident, if we apply ourselves properly the quality of my boys will see us through to the next round.”
Swan United hit the road for their tie, a trip to Hay Park Pavilion to take on Bunbury Dynamos on Sunday (1.00pm) United won the state league cup in 2003 and 2004, but face a tricky tie against the South West Soccer Premier League side. Dynamos coach Mark Axisa said it’s great for the region to play in these games. “The competition is great for providing exposure to the different levels of competition in WA, and a great way for many of the young players to gain an appreciation of what is required to make the next step up, and we have a fair few young players who will be looking to do that soon, we hope,” he said. “In Bunbury we don't often get to play teams outside the SW and the FFA Cup has really opened up avenues for the club to experience playing against teams across the different levels in Perth. Last season we played an NPL team, which was a first and it was a good lesson for the players and me, as a coach.”
Axisa’s side are preparing for the new season and after Manning City forfeited the first round, their preparation has been good. They were runners-up in the Margaret River Carnival, reached the Semi-Finals of the Pioneer Cup, and had a convincing win in last weekend’s Charity Shield. The coach is looking to taking on Swan and hopes his side can put on a good performance. “It will be a great challenge for the team and me to get it tactically right. I don't really think there will be much home ground advantage, but we want to put on a good show for our home fans and will be heading out with nothing but a win on our mind,” Axisa explained. “Swan United pushed for promotion last season, and we know the level of State League sides, so we are expecting a talented team that will provide us with a real tough ask. All our players will have to bring their A game to come away with a win.”
In the last round Northern City produced the biggest upset, beating Wembley Downs on the road, and in this round, they host Queens Park at Dryandra Pendula Reserve in Mirrabooka on Saturday afternoon (4.00pm). City’s coach Shak Shariff said the win against Wembley was well-deserved and his looking forward another tough test against a good Queens Park side. “The Wembley win good and great start to the season for us but that’s in the past now, we’ve got two games this weekend so all focus has switched to this Saturday’s game against Queens Park,” he said. “It’s been great to welcome three new additions into the team which missed out on the game against Wembley, and will be good seeing new signing Zuhair Gabose fresh off his trials in Sweden, as well as new addition Ibu Mustafa. Saturday should be a good game, Queens Park had a good result in round two and so we’re not looking past them and they’re a well organised team, I think you can see that in results after Ricardo has taken the job there. We’ll be looking to continue our run on and seeing where a team from the metro league will end up, will also be interesting so how our boys go up against another amateur side as well.”
There is a local derby at Walter Padbury Reserve, when Second Division Gosnells City host First Division Forrestfield United. City opened their season with a win at Canning last week, while Forrestfield were beaten by UWA Nedlands. Speedy winger Feisal Zaw was on target in their win last week and he said it was good to start the season with a win. “Yes, it was a good win for us, but we were a bit complacent towards the end of the game and definitely have more to show to the league,” he said. “I’m happy to get off to a good start though and to chip in on the scoresheet as well is pleasing.” Zaw, who joined City from Inglewood United, said Saturday’s game is one the players are looking forward to. “We’re really looking forward to facing Forrestfield in the cup, and it’s a local derby too,” he said. “Some might see it as a bad draw but to be honest as the cup goes on, we're bound to face teams in higher divisions. So, Saturday will give us a good idea of where we stand amongst the higher divisions.”
In other Saturday ties, Gwelup Croatia make the long trip to Albany, when they meet Polonia Fc at Centennial Park, while Quinns FC host Olympic Kingsway at Gumblossom Park. Shamrock Rovers face a tricky tie against Amateur Division One side Maccabi at Harold Rossiter Reserve, while there are all State league ties between Subiaco and Mandurah City at Rosalie Park, while Dianella White Eagles and Fremantle City at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. On Sunday East Perth host Balga at Perth Plasterboard Stadium, Port Kennedy take on Brozzy at Koorana Reserve, while Yanchep United entertain Curtin University at St Andrews Park. North Beach United, welcomes Western Knights to Charles Riley Reserve, Westham United take on Wanneroo City at Shelvock Reserve, while in the final game Ashfield host Murdoch University Melville at Ashfield Arena. The following teams have a bye in to the next round - Joondalup City, Canning City, Kelmscott Roos and UWA-Nedlands.
5.4.2019
BELT UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - ROUND ONE PREVIEW
It’s the opening round of the Belt Up Amateur Premier Division and the Footballwa.net ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Herb Graham Recreation Centre where Jaguars FC host Night Series winners Leeming Strikers. The Jags impressed in their first season in the top flight, and finished third, and coach Chol Kong said it was a good season for his side. “The boys did exceptionally well during the 2018 campaign even though it was their first run at amateur prems,” he said. “I’m really proud of the effort we have put in and am hoping for the same if not a better outcome this season.”
The coach said they have prepared well and are looking forward to the opener against Leeming. “The squad is looking well with a couple of new faces fitting in well, and everyone’s enjoying and putting in effort at training,” Kong said. “Leeming are a tough squad we hadn’t had the best of luck against them. Last season we were defeated twice by them home and away, so we know it’ll be a tough competition which the boys are looking forward to.”
The Strikers are coming off a Night Series Final win, and Coach David Palin said it was a great achievement to go back-to-back. “It was a really good achievement from the squad to go back to back, it’s one thing to say you want to do it but to actually go out there execute game plans so early on into the season is really pleasing,” he said. “We feel ready as a squad to hit the ground running this week but we know there is still a lot of work to be done and we see winning the Night Series as a stepping stone to hopefully improving on last year’s league and cup performances.”
Leeming were in the State League in 2014, and the coach said they would like to get back there, but know it’s going to take hard work. “For the moment state league couldn't be further from our minds, I’m sure the club has ambitions to one day get there again but for us as a squad the only way you can get that chance is by winning the league,” Palin said. “That is our ambition to win the league, and we know we have the quality to do that and over the last couple of seasons have shown some really good performances and results, what we haven't shown is the consistency required to win a league so that is our main focus as a squad, to make sure we produce consistent performances week in week out to give ourselves a chance. We’ve shown it in the night series and hope to continue that into the season this week by continuing on from the night series success.”
Palin said Sunday’s game is going to be tough one against a good Jaguars side, who showed last season they have quality across the board. “Jaguars away first game of the year, is as tough as they come, they have a really good side with some real quality across the pitch and deservedly finished third in their maiden season in Premier League,” he explained. “We had a really positive result there last year and we will hope for similar this week, but we know it won’t be easy and have to be even better in our performances from night series. It’s great to say the league season is finally here and come 5pm hopefully we will be starting on a positive note.”
Kwinana United start their campaign with a trip to the UWA Sports Park to take on UWA Nedlands. Both sides finished in the bottom half of the table but Kwinana coach Kris Donnell said they are determined to improve this season. “We are happy with how pre-season as what was needed with the progression of the group, “A lot of players have been brought in this season to bolster the squad, so it’s been a big turnaround for us,” he said. “If I’m honest I don’t know a lot about UWA, apart from what I saw last season and that was that they were very fit and the wide men caused us problems. Our squad is looking forward to the challenge and we will take it a game at a time.”
In other games this weekend newly promoted Quinns FC host Belmont Villa at Gumblossom Park, while Hamersley Rovers entertain Ellenbrook United at Carine Open Space. In the final game on Sunday Wembley Downs make the trip to Beldon Park to take on the other new side Joondalup United. Wembley Coach Mike Ford said they have a new look side for the season but are hoping to get off to a good start on Sunday. “Squad is still a work in progress with injuries and players being away we are still a few weeks off from settling on a regular squad,” he said. “Joondalup will be a real challenge, they will be quite focussed on wanting to start the season in the new league on a winning note.” The round is completed on Wednesday evening when Kingsley host North Perth United at Chichester Park.
5.4.2019
GLORY TAKE ON CENTRAL COAST
Perth Glory will be looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat against Melbourne Victory when they take on Central Coast Mariners in Gosford in week 24 of the Hyundai A-League on Saturday afternoon. (5.00pm WA Time) The performance from Tony Popovic's side last week was good, and they will play worse this season and win, but missed opportunities cost them. They still sit six points clear at the top of the table, while the Mariners are bottom, having endured a difficult season, but have shown clear signs of improvement since Alen Stajcic took over the coaching reins last month.
Popovic believes that Sunday's game is another difficult game, like all the games are in the competition, and stressed that his side will need to be at their best in order to down the hosts. "Every game is a dangerous game, and we've always respected our opponents and we will certainly respect Central Coast during our preparations," he said. "We're playing away from home, which is never easy and you have to play well to get a result. But we feel that we are playing well and we'll go there with the confidence and belief that we can come away with three points."
The loss last week, although disappointing, the coach said they will learn from it. "We've reviewed the game and there are always things we can do better and they get highlighted a bit more if there's a defeat," he said. "There were also a lot of good things. We lost a game of football in front of a fantastic crowd. We hadn't lost one in a long time and we never said that we'd go through [the season] without losing.
"All along we wanted to create a possibility to challenge the big boys and we're doing that.
"Melbourne Victory showed us the ultimate respect in the way they played and they got the result, but that also shows how far we've come and how we've evolved this season. That can only help us in the next big game we have at home. If we can get a little improvement in a few areas from the Victory game, that puts us in a good position to get the result we want [on Sunday]."
The last time we played the Mariners in Gosford was on New Year's Eve, defender Tomislav Mrcela broke the goalpost, with Glory came home with a 4-1 win, and they also beat them at HBF Park in round five. For this one Matthew Spiranovic and Fabio Ferreira have been added to the squad, but Alex Grant is out again with his abdominal injury, but he has started light training which is a good sign for the big defender. Popovic has hinted he may make a few changes for Sundays game, as they look to continue their unbeaten run on the road. "We'll look at all the players and they all want to play," he said "They are a group of players that are pushing each other every day and everyone wants to be involved and make an impact. There is a possibility that we could bring in a few different faces for this game."
It's been a season to forget for the Mariners, but they had some good news last week with midfielder Tom Hiariej completed his first 90-minute shift in two months after returning from injury. The Dutchman said they will be doing all they can to get a win against Glory for their loyal supporters. “The most important thing right now is the fans. They are always there, even when we lose a few games in a row they are still in the stands so it’s important to give something back to them and that’s what we’re playing for, in these last four games," he said. "We showed in the last game that we can be competitive, this Sunday we want to give a little bit more and claim the three points.
"We need to be competitive against Perth Glory. Our aim is to get that win for the fans, the players and the staff. It would be a great achievement. They are the best team in the league, they are very structured and they play good football. They lost last week against Victory, so there are opportunities for us to score but we will need to be at our best to make it a tough game for them and hopefully we get the win. They would be saying in the dressing rooms ‘against the Mariners we need to win’, but we want to finish the season with a few wins so it’s going to be a nice battle."
Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Ben KENNEDY, RGK Adam PEARCE, 2 Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, 3 Jack CLISBY, 6 Tom HIARIEJ, 7 Andrew HOOLE, 8 Michael McGLINCHEY,11 Connor PAIN, 18 Matt MILLAR, 13 Aiden O’NEILL, 15 Kye ROWLES, 19 Matt SIMON, 22 Jacob MELLING, 23 Mario SHABOW 25 Jordan MURRAY, 28 Sam GRAHAM, 29 Stephen MALLON - *one to be omitted* - Ins: SHABOW (promoted), GRAHAM (promoted) - Outs: 68 Jem KARACAN (suspended – 1 week) - Unavailable: 10 Tommy OAR (knee injury – indefinite)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SPIRANOVIC, FERREIRA - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (abdominal injury – 2 weeks)
4.4.2019
WILSON BEAMING AFTER YOUNG SOCCEROOS TRIP
Brandon Wilson has struggled to get in the star-studded Perth Glory side this season but after helping Australia to qualify for next year’s U-23 AFC Championship in Thailand, the midfielder was beaming when he spoke to the Glory website. He told about his new role for the 23's and his honour of being name one of three Captains of the squad, and bagging a goal as well against Cambodia. “I said to myself before the trip that I have to get at least one goal in the qualifiers,” he recounted. “The ‘keeper cleaned me up, but I was able to get my head on it first from the corner and when it hit the back of the net I was absolutely buzzing. For me that moment was huge. I love representing my country; it’s one of the greatest honours and to score was massive. As you could probably tell by my celebration, it was a bit of relief to be honest.”
The 22-year-old said Graham Arnold's squad was a close-knit group on and off the park, and it reflected in their performances. "We’ve had a few camps together before, but I think this trip really brought everyone together,” he said. "We’re all a very tight knit bunch and I think our closeness really showed on the pitch with the results we produced. We knew we had a point to prove and I think we really did that, and we had two big wins and a draw against one of the top teams in Asia after only playing three times together beforehand is great.”
Arnold and former Manchester United Assistant Rene Meulensteen were at the helm of the side in the tournament, and Wilson said the pair were great to work with. "Having them there presents a huge opportunity for everyone each time we’re on camp,” he explained. “It’s an honour to work under Arny and Rene. They’re top coaches who have put trust in myself and the squad. Everyone sees the pathway to the Socceroos clearly with them being with us. We see that it’s possible to make it into the senior setup. You’ve just got to go in and learn as much as possible around coaches of that calibre. They’ve experienced football at the highest level; Rene has worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson at United and coached Fulham in the Premier League, while we’ve all seen first-hand what Arny has achieved in the A-League.”
Wilson and the rest of the squad, which includes fellow-Glory midfielder Jake Brimmer, certainly aren’t resting on their laurels, with the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan looking as their next major target. “We’ve got to take this momentum and make the Olympics to show that we are a quality age group capable of making that step up to the next level on the global stage,” he said. “The dream is to get into the senior setup. Just getting involved in a camp with the Socceroos is what I’m working towards, but first and foremost I’ve got to focus on getting more game-time for Glory in the business end of the season with our finals campaign coming up.”
4.4.2019
SANTALAB TO RETIRE AT SEASON’S END
Perth Glory striker Brendon Santalab is looking for one last shot at A-League silverware after announcing he will retire at the end of the year. Santalab will end a 20-year career that included spells in Belgium, Hungary, China and five years at Western Sydney Wanderers.
But Santalab, 36, still has business to finish before leaving Glory, starting with Sunday’s clash with bottom-placed Central Coast Mariners. “I’ve waited 20 years to win a premiership and a grand final and it would mean a lot to me to lift a couple of trophies at this stage of my career,” Santalab said.
“To go out on a high is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I feel it is the right time. It’s been a fantastic year and the best part is that I have the biggest six weeks of my career coming up right now. There have been many top memories along the way, but this next six weeks could see another that would be right up there with my Asian Champions League winners’ medal.”
“I’m fortunate enough to be in what is an incredible squad, not only as footballers but also as people. It’s a privilege to play in this team and within the culture that has been created at the club this year. It will be an honour to end my career as part of this group. There are many people that I’d like to thank, one of whom is Tony Popovic, who has been such an influence on the latter part of my career.”
“The belief and confidence that Popa instilled in me enabled me to achieve many great things while working together with him. He is not only a fantastic coach, but an incredible motivator and mentor. It’s been an amazing journey, especially over the last five years when I’ve been constantly learning and improving every day.”
Popovic praised Santalab, who has made 13 appearances for Glory in a career tally of 133 A-League games where he has scored 39 goals. “On the field he’s always been fiery, a winner and someone who plays on the edge,” Popovic said. He has that fire in his belly and I’m sure many a defender has found it very tough to mark Brendon over the years.”
“I’ve always felt that he’s someone I can rely on, someone who will put the team first and he always walks off having given everything that he’s got. Off the field, he’ll do anything for anyone. He does so much charity work and all the kids love him. When we were at Wanderers, even my own boys would look up to him and loved him. That’s the kind of character Brendon is.”
1.4.2019
‘ONE OF THOSE DAYS’ FOR GLORY
When it’s not your night, it’s just not your night. Even stoical Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic had to concede that Saturday night’s 2-0 loss to Melbourne Victory was not his night. His side completely dominated every aspect of the game in front of an A-League record crowd of 17,856 at Perth Oval - except on the scoreboard.
Glory enjoyed 61% of possession and had 22 shots, but just six were on target, with another eight blocked. They sent 56 balls into the opposition box, forced 16 corners to a solitary Victory effort, made 542 passes, almost 200 more than Victory, and only had to make three tackles in the back line compared to the visitors’ 43.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose, but it’s one of those days,” Popovic said. “It’s just a day where the ball wouldn’t fall for us, it just wouldn’t go in and the keeper made some great saves. They were very desperate in their defending and we couldn’t get through.”
Even the second half penalty awarded by the VAR for a Scott Neville handball was indicative of Glory’s night. “Maybe it sums up the game,” Popovic said. “I’m not sure why it was given. First thought ... it’s not a penalty. Maybe it’s one of those that can go either way. Tonight it didn't go for us.”
It was only’s Glory’s second loss of the season. They still sit on top of the ladder, six points ahead of Sydney FC, with Victory a further point behind in third with four rounds remaining. The loss may have slightly loosened Glory’s grip on the Premiers’ Plate, but they should still claim the title.
“Even with this result we deserve to be on top,” Popovic said. “If we can keep backing up those type of performances we will be where we need to be, where we want to be ... we’re in this position for a reason. If anyone told us, with four to go, we’d be six in front, we would have signed off on that.”
31.3.2019
STRIKERS GO BACK-TO-BACK IN AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES
Leeming Strikers have retained their Amateur Night Series crown after a 4-2 win against Quinns FC in Sunday evening’s final at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. Player/Coach David Palin gave Leeming the lead early, before Liam Hunt levelled for Quinns. Michael Maratea restored Leeming’s advantage before the break and Palin added his second early in the second half. Quinns weren’t going down without a fight and Liam McManus reduced the deficit just before the hour, but Paulo Coelho’s long-range stunner put the icing on the cake for the Strikers.
There was a minute’s silence prior to kick off as mark of respect for Quinns coach Darren Kay’s wife who tragically passed away during the night – Everyone from Footballwa.net send their deepest sympathies to the Kay family. On the pitch it was a perfect start for Leeming and they were ahead on five minutes. Scott McDowell’s cross found player/coach Palin, who finished expertly from the edge of the box. Leeming were dominating early and Quinns keeper Robert Kelly had to be alert to tip over Michael Maratea’s volley, before Palin hit the base of the post after good work from Aydan Evans.
But Quinns fought back and levelled on 27 minutes. Liam Hunt’s free kick, catching Lemming’s keeper Greig Christie out on his near post, the ball squirming under the keepers’ body to equalise. It was Quinns who were now on top and seven minutes later Wayne Carter picked out Andrew Pandeli’s who shot on the run flashed inches wide of the target. Leeming ended the half the better and Danny McKenzie’s long-range shot whistled over the top, and two minutes before the break they restored their lead. Palins’ deep corner to the back post was headed home powerfully by Maratea to send the holders in with the lead at the break.
Quinns went close to levelling just after the break, but Mark Hynes couldn’t keep his volley down, but on 55 minutes it was Leeming who added a third. Ben Greaves’ cross from the left found Palin, who made no mistake volleying home from close-range. But four minutes later Quinns found themselves a life line when second half substitute Liam McManus was brought down by keeper Christie and referee Alex Best pointed straight to the spot. Carter stepped to score from the resulting penalty.
It was game on with both sides pushing forward, and Leeming thought they had a fourth on the hour, but Danny McKenzie’s celebrations were cut short with the flag up for offside. But Leeming did regain their two-goal advantage on 68 minutes, and what a goal it was. Coelho long-range shot flew into the top corner of the net giving Robert Kelly no chance. Late on Quinns keeper Kelly produced a stunning reaction save to deny Maratea, but at the whistle it was Leeming celebrating back-to-back Amateur Night Series Final wins.
Leeming Strikers: GK Greig CHRISTIE, 2 Michael MARATEA, 3 Liam MONTGOMERY (9 Jay DOST 79’), 6 Mackenzie BORGOYNE, 7 Ben GREAVES, 8 Danny MCKENZIE, 9 Jay DOST, 12 Paulo COELHO (85’), 10 Jack HERMAN, 15 Matt BENNION, 16 Scott MCDOWELL, 17 Aydan EVANS (11 Lucas PICKERING 71’), 19 David PALIN – Subs not used: 18 Brian GAFFNEY, 23 Josh BLACKMAN
Quinns FC: GK Robert KELLY, 2 Andrew PANDELI (10 Liam MCMANUS 46’), 3 Kevin WESTNEAT, 4 Tom ASHWORTH, 5 Craig TAYLOR, 6 Lee BARLOW (15 Michael MASON 46’), 7 Ross KIRRAGE, 8 Mark SADOR KOLTS, 9 Liam HUNT, 11 Mark HYNES (12 Aaron TAYLOR 77’, 14 Wayne CARTER - Subs not used: 16 Will OLDFIELD, 71 Luke WESTNEAT - Referee: Alex Best
30.3.2019
ALL SQUARE BETWEEN THE GULLS AND THE LIONS
Stirling Lions earned their first point of the NPL WA season after a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday afternoon. They had to come from behind to do it, after Alex Morgan had given the hosts the lead early, but Noah Shamaki levelled before the break, and both sides had chances to win it, the best falling to Shamaki whose shot crashed off the woodwork. “Two points lost for us, especially after last week’s good win at Joondalup,” Sorrento skipper Shaun Kilkelly said. “We started well and took the lead with a good goal, but disappointed to conceded, but in the end, they could have nicked all three points, so it was probably a fair result. I was pleased for Matt Giudicatti, who was making his starting debut for the club, making a couple of critical saves to keeps us level.”
The home side, who were without keeper James Morgan and the influential Reece Vittiglia, were on the back foot early, but on eight minutes they hit the front. Czech defender Jakub Parjza found space on the left, and his deep cross picked out Morgan, who headed the ball back across goal and into the net. Stirling looked to hit back immediately and Dean Cummings’ shot was saved low by debutant keeper Matthew Giudicatti, but on 20 minutes they did find the equaliser. A ball into the box by Cummings found Shamaki, who lost his marker and finished well past Giudicatti.
The Lions went close again on the half hour, Moses Kalau's curling effort flashed wide, before Shamaki fired straight at the keeper when well placed. Both sides had late chances in an end to end game, first Dean Cummings shot from the edge of the penalty drifted wide, before Jordan Roberts' free kick was headed over the top by central defender Scott Robertson. Sorrento were out of the blocks early in the second half and Lions keeper Ryan Montgomery produced a fingertip save to deny Morgan in the opening minute, and the Lions custodian produced an even better save to thwart Jordan Roberts’ long-range shot moments later.
It continued to be an entertaining game and Cameron Teece failed to find the target after good work from Alex Morgan, before Giudicatti had to be alert to save Kalau’s shot on the hour as the visitors started to get on top. The visitors went close again 12 minutes later, after some great approach work ended with Shamaki, who raced into the box, but his shot on the run crashed off the post and away to safety. Second half substitute Ben Wantee went close on the hour, his shot on the run was well saved by Giudicatti. Both sides pressed late looking for the winner, Roberts’ shot was saved low by Montgomery, before Kalau was denied by Giudicatti, but at the final whistle the points were shared.
Sorrento: GK Matt GIUDICATTI, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN (19 Jack SALTER 80’), 10 Jordan ROBERTS (21 Elliot TATTERSALL 90’), 11 Tim HILL, 18 Jordan BROWN, 22 Danny JONES (8 Scott WITSCHGE 72’), 23 Cameron TEECE - Subs not used: RGK Noah BLOCH, 13 Steven MCDONALD
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Mile PETKOVSKI (15 David MOLINARI 47’), 3 Darren O’RIORDAN, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris MCLAUGHLIN, 6 Dhors Chol, 7 Joseph PERKINS, 8 Dean CUMMINGS, 9 Andrew MARANTA (16 Ben WANTEE 60’), 10 Noah SHAMAKI (12 Finn GRAHAM 85’), 11 Moses KALAU - Subs not used: 17 Jayden DODS, 20 Daniel MARQUES - Referee: David Bruce
30.3.2019
GLORY PUT ON A FIVE STAR SHOW
Perth Glory produced a stunning performance to beat league leaders Armadale 5-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. First half goals to Gabriel Popovic and Jacob Italiano set up the win, and Popovic added his second after the break, before Henry Hore and Nick Walsh added the others, to move Glory up to second on the table. “A good all-round team performance today, and one we must build on,” a delighted Richard Garcia told the Glory website. “We were on the front foot from the first whistle and we were clinical in front of goal, against a side who had won their first two games without conceding a goal. “Some of our lead up play today was really good, and the work rate of all the players, even those who came off the bench was pleasing, but we need to maintain that standard, and we now focus on a trip to ECU Joondalup next week.”
Coming off their first win of the season against Balcatta last week, Glory were on the front foot early, and Armadale keeper Sam Hutchings produced a number of saves to deny them. But their early pressure was rewarded with the lead on 27 minutes. Daniel Stynes made space out wide, and his deep cross was dropped by Hutchings, and Gabriel Popovic was on hand to score from close-range. The visitors were dictating terms and it wasn’t a surprise when they doubled their lead just before half time with a great team goal. Italiano started the move playing Stynes in behind the Armadale defence, who picked out Walter Scott, who squared the ball to Italiano who finished clinically.
The home side opened the second half well, and South Sudan international Friday Zico asked questions off the bench, but Glory defended well, and after soaking up the early pressure, Glory started to take control again and just before the hour they added a third. Italiano, who was a constant threat all afternoon, beat his marker out wide and crossed to the back post and Gabriel Popovic headed home. It was soon 4-0, with skipper Henry Hore picking the ball in the middle of the park and running at an overworked Armadale defence, before finishing with aplomb under the on-coming Hutchings.
The home side went close moments later when Adriano Jelenovic raced clear on-on-one with Glory keeper Jackson Lee, but Lee stood tall to deny the striker. Armadale’s day went from bad to worse when former Glory defender Nathan Costello was shown a straight red card by referee Shane Skinner after bringing down Italiano. Glory made them pay from the resulting free kick, Stynes set piece was turned home by Nick Walsh to wrap up a fantastic performance.
Armadale: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KUSER, 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 6 Joel SANDERSON (10 Sam GARCES 58), 7 Joshua CORTES (23 Friday ZICO 45), 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 11 Adriano JELENOVIC, 12 Dannie RICHMAN, 13 Blake ADAMS, 19 Harry EVANS (8 Michael LAWSON 72’) - Subs not used: RGK Blake HENSHELL, 22 Ryan HASLETT - Red cards: Nathan Costello 70’
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Jacob MUIR (14 Gomo DUKULY 76), 5 Nick WALSH, 6 Kristian POPOVIC (15 Jack LEECH 76), 7 Ethan BROOKS (13 Daniel WALSH 72), 8 Henry HORE, 9 Gabriel POPOVIC, 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Jacob ITALIANO - Subs not used: RGK Nicholas SPECCA, 12 Aiden EDWARDS - Referee: Shane Skinner
30.3.2019
SANTICH LATE SHOW EARNS COCKERELS A POINT
ECU Joondalup conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 against Cockburn City in Week Three of the NPL WA at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon. Tom Hough had given Dale McCulloch’s side the lead on the hour, but they were then reduced to ten men when defender Shane Cassidy was sent off with twelve minutes to go. It looked they had secured the three points but five minutes into stoppage time Daniel Santich snatched the equaliser with the last action of the match. “I thought the boys put a really good shift in, and we had some needed changes in the team as our performance last week just wasn’t good enough,” ECU defender Andy Higgins said. “We all felt really hard done by in the end to come away with the draw, but it feels like we have a bit more hunger in the squad which is good going on to next week.”
It was an even start to the game with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing results last week and it was the home side who went close first. A ball into the box picked out new striker Ashley Rosindale, but the former Inglewood United man saw his shot well blocked by some desperate Jacks defending. The Jacks went close themselves moments later, the lively Bayley Brown-Montgomery played in Joe Knowles, and his shot on the run was pushed around the post by City keeper Luke Radonich. The Jacks then won a free kick on the edge of the box, in a great position for free kick specialist Andy Higgins, but the wall did their job to deny him. ECU started to get on top and went close to the opener just before the break. Hough found space on the edge of the penalty area, his shot beat Radonich but the post came to the rescue of the Cockburn custodian.
Cockburn had a great opportunity to take the lead early in the second half, Rosindale eased past his marker and crossed into the penalty area, and Ryan Pratt lost his marker, but blazed wide with the goal at his mercy. But it was ECU who should have taken the lead on 58 minutes, Knowles raced down the flank and picked out second half substitute Richard Howles, but his shot flew over the top. That miss was forgotten four minutes later when the visitors opened the scoring. Again, it was Knowles, who was having a great game, who was the supplier, feeding Howles who found Hough, and the midfielder made no mistake from close-range, much to the delight of the travelling Jacks supporters.
But the game took a twist on 78 minutes when Jacks defender Cassidy was sent off by referee Michal Jasinski, when he was deemed to be the last man after a foul. The Jacks coaching staff were furious, as there were three other defenders around the Irishman, but it meant they had to play the last period of the game with ten men. Cockburn pushed for the equaliser but found Jacks keeper Johnny Perkins in fine form, the best a world class save low to his left. It was backs to the wall stuff for the Jacks and they thought they had held on for a massive three points but in the fifth minute of stoppage time Cockburn found the equaliser. Second half substitute Luccas Mello cross was headed home by Santich, to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 5 Julian TELES (14 Hayden STEVENS 45'), 6 Ruben TRISTAO (18 Adam ANFUSO 70'), 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 12 Ryan PRATT (7 Luccas MELLO 70'), 15 Daniel SANTICH, 16 Daniel ROBINSON, 20 Ashley ROSINDALE, 21 Jesse LAZZARO, 23 Riley WOODCOCK - Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONICH, 10. David ARAYA
ECU Joondalup: GK Johnny PERKINS, 2 Cian HIRRELL, 3 Ronald RIXER, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 6 Bayley BROWN-MONTGOMERY (9 Richard HOWLES 54'), 7 Joe KNOWLES, 8 Josh WHITMORE, 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR (1. Ben HINSLEWOOD 90+2'), 15 Tom HOUGH, 16 Henry DURR - Subs not used: RGK Scott WALLIS, 4 Brad McDONALD, 14 Kian MCBULGAN - Red cards: Cassidy 78' - Referee: Michal Jasinski
30.3.2019
KNIGHT SPOT ON FOR BALCATTA
Balcatta produced the shock of the round, handing Bayswater City their first loss of the season after a 2-1 win at Grindleford Reserve. After disappointing result last week against the Glory, Balcatta found themselves behind when Bayswater skipper Trent Kay headed home just after half time, but Balcatta hit back Carmello Giuffre levelled before striker Gavin Knight sealed the win from the penalty spot. "Overall I was extremely pleased with the win and ultimately for the club,” Balcatta coach Goran Stajic said. “The players continue to display their true character and trust for each other, especially when you are one nil down with 20-25minutes to go, it’s easy to lose your way when you are chasing a result. This is another indicator for all involved with the climb.”
It was a cagey first half with both sides creating half chances but it was the visitors who had the majority of possession but they couldn't find a way past Yousri Gharsallah and a tight Balcatta defence well marshalled by Alex Castiello. That all changed ten minutes into the second half when Bayswater found the opener. A corner from Daryl Nicol was flicked on by Adam Tong, and deflected off Knight and Gharsallah missed his punch and Kay headed home from close-range. It was a huge blow for Stajic's side, but he has built a strong side this season and they hit back on 70 minutes.
A short corner caught Bayswater napping and Shubham Mokala’s cross found Giuffree, whose deflected shot beat Devon Spence. It was game on and both sides pushed for the winner in an entertaining Italian derby, but it was the home side who won it nine minutes later. They won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and Knight's set piece struck the arm of Bayswater defender Tong and referee Matthew Southern pointed to the spot. Knight took the responsibility and finished low into the bottom corner, much to the delight of the home supporters. Bayswater pressed late, but Balcatta dug in and worked hard to keep them at bay and at the final whistle it was the home side celebrating a huge three points.
Balcatta: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 5 Shubham MOKALA, 7 Alex WILD (22 Ben PELLIZZARI 59'), 9 Gavin KNIGHT, 10 Jonathan CORNESS, 11 Callum STOCKS (20 Anthony TOPINI 66'), 12 Roberto DEL BORRELLO, 13 Carmelo GIUFFRE, 16 Alex CASTIELLO, 23 Adam ZIMARINO (19 Michael ZIMMARINO 90+3') - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 8 Adam FALCONE
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 10 Jason MIRCO, 12 Steve HESKETH, 13 Trent KAY, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 21 Kenny KEOGH (23 Brian WOODALL 64'), 26 Paul LLOYD, 27 Ross MILLARD (24 Jake SARDELIC 73'), 30 Adam TONG (11 Ryan PEARSON 84') - Subs not used: 5 Adam HARRIS, 20 Giordano COLLI - Referee: Matthew Southern
30.3.2019
EARLY ONSLAUGHT SEALS PERTH WIN
Perth SC maintained their unbeaten start to the season after a 4-0 win against Rockingham City side at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday afternoon. The game was over after only 11 minutes with a Michael Domfeh double and another to Harley Orr giving them a 3-0 lead, and a late Frank Furfaro strike gave them the points and moved them to the top of the table. "It was probably the best start to a game we've had for a few years scoring three goals in the opening 11 minutes but it was disappointing that we didn't keep up that same intensity in the second half and add a few more goals to that total,” Perth defender Alex Silla said. “But a real positive for us was that we grabbed another three points, created lots of chances and kept our second consecutive clean sheet.”
City arrived at the Gardens without a point in their opening two games and they found themselves behind after only two minutes. Silla made space down the flank and crossed to Domfeh, and the former Perth Glory Youth striker finished well. They added a second sixty seconds later Domfeh was given too much space in the penalty area and he finished past a shell-shocked Cyril Sharrock. Rockingham were on the back foot and Perth went for the kill and they added another on 11 minutes. Young midfielder Kristan Santich was fouled in the penalty area by Sharrock and referee Tom Glavovic pointed to the spot.
Orr took the responsibility and found the bottom corner, this despite Sharrock getting a hand to it. It was backs to the wall for Cameron Lord's side but they tightened up for the rest of the half but they had Sharrock to thank for not conceding another before the break, the Rockingham custodian standing tall to deny Domfeh his hat-trick, but at the break they trialled 0-3. After all the goalmouth action of the first half, the second was a tame affair with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances, but it was Perth who added their fourth six minutes from time. A error from Rockingham defender Blake Sokolowski let in substitute Furfaro, who raced clear to score clinically past Sharrock.
Perth SC: GK Francis SOALE, 2 Alex SILLA, 4 Thomas SOUTHGATE, 5 Niccolò SABATINI, 6 Harley ORR (12 Jordan DE LEO 55’), 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE (17 Frank FURFARO 70’), 14 Kristan SANTICH, 16 Kieran COLWELL, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC, 20 Paul ZIMARINO (22 Declan COLLINS 85’) - Subs not used: RGK Malek KUC, 13 Rocco PIZZATA
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 5 Harry COLLINS, 7 James MILLARD, 8 Jason POTTIER (16 Axel RICHARDSON 65’), 9 Sam MCKEARNAN (6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI 65’), 10 James HARMER, 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 13 Jarrad MORT, 15 Shaz RAMLEE (14 Ryan KENNEDY 65’), 18 Michael FARMER, 23 Victor BAUNER - Subs not used: RGK James GREAHAN - Referee: Tom Glavovic
30.3.2019
BLACKMORE SEALS WIN FOR INGLEWOOD
Inglewood United have put the turmoil off the pitch behind them to beat the inform Floreat Athena 4-3 at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was an entertaining game with Floreat opening the scoring early with an own goal from Jamie Murphy, but Hamza Hina levelled sixty seconds later. Robert Petkov restored Floreat's lead, but Sam Riak levelled before half time, and Steve Sokol just after to give United the lead. But Calvin Whitney levelled seven minutes from time, but Scott Blackmore had the final say for Andres Oliveira's side netting in the third minute of stoppage time to seal a fantastic win.
"It was a tough game, both wanted to attack which made it an entertaining game. They are very good side with great individuals as you can see with the goals, they scored against us,” Inglewood Coach Andres Oliveira said. “But I am very happy with the team performance, we had a game plan and we stuck with it. The players deserved the win they worked hard for the whole 90 minutes in both attacking and defending, we knew if we concentrate on our own structure, the rest will show because of the quality of players we have, and just like Floreat, each of our goals had proven that. So happy for Blacky, as he doesn't score many and that was a cracker, the same with Steve as he scored his first goal of the season.”
Floreat went into the game unbeaten under coach Garrett McDuling, and they found themselves ahead on seven minutes, when Nicholas Ambrogio's cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Murphy. But Inglewood hit back immediately, when Hina found space on the edge of the penalty area, and he finished with aplomb past Jason Saldaris. It was the home side who regained the lead on half hour, Petkov curling a shot past Alex Dunn. But four minutes before half time Inglewood restored parity, Chok Dau's corner picked out the unmarked Riak who volleyed home from close-range.
Inglewood made a perfect start to the second half and hit the front two minutes in. Midfield general Jason Barrera sent a great through ball to Sokel to run on to and he finished clinically past Saldaris. The home side brought on ex Perth Glory players Dean Evans and Jamel Reiners to get back into the game and it had the desired effect as they found the equaliser on 83 minutes, Whitney with a good finish. It set up a grandstand finish and in the third minute of stoppage time Inglewood won it. Blackmore spotted Saldaris off his line and the defenders lob went over the standard keeper to seal the win, much to the delight of players, coaches and supporters alike.
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA, 5 Thomas JEBB (14 Ludovic BOI 58’), 6 Jesse FULLER, 8 Jonathan STYNES, 9 Robert PETKOV, 10 Calvin WHITNEY, 11 Dennis GALAN, 16 Ryan MALTON, 18 Phillip ARNOLD (20 Jamal REINERS 75’), 19 Nicholas AMBROGIO (17. Dean EVANS 46’) - Subs not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 3 Tristan COLLI
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 5 Samuel RIAK, 7 Hamza HINA, 8 Jason BARRERA (6 Miki VUJACIC 75’), 9 Chok DAU, 10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA, 14 Steve SOKOL, 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY (2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS 62’), 17 Mark BARNETT (3 David CYRUS 62’) - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 23 Zdenek BEZDEK - Referee: Steven Gregory
30.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TWO – REVIEW
It was Week Two of the State League Division One and in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' Ashfield travelled to Forrest Park on Saturday afternoon, and came home with the three points after a 4-0 win against Joondalup United. It was a tight first half with both sides having chances, but the best fell to the home team when they were awarded a penalty, but Tony Taylor missed from the spot. Ashfield made them pay after the break and hit the front when Albert Amakwanaa flicked the ball over the keeper. They doubled their lead when Alan Carroll lost his marker to head home from a corner. Amakwanaa added third, before Abdul Abdella rounded off the scoring, with a neat finish from a tough angle. "It was a professional win from our guys against a good Joondalup side who were unlucky not to score first after missing a penalty," Ashfield Coach Matt Wardle said. "We adjusted a few things at half time and it worked for us getting the couple of goals needed to kill the game. I'm really pleased that our players played as a team and all worked hard for the win, but although we scored four goals, I was more impressed with our clean sheet."
UWA Nedlands moved to the top of the table after a good a 3-0 win against Night Series winners Forrestfield United at Hartfield Park. Both these sides won their opening game, but it was the visitors who opened the brighter and went close early. Ivwa Simbile eased past a couple of defenders before cutting inside, but his shot was tipped over the top by Forrestfield keeper Ben Parry. But they did take the lead when Alex Kretowicz was brought down on the edge of the box, and Simbile's free kick played in Connor Devlin whose effort wasn't cleared and Thomas Moroney was on hand to score from close-range. Forrestfield had a goal disallowed for offside from a well worked short corner was finished by Dan Corbett, before the Forrestfield striker fired inches wide moments later. The home side ended the half well and Jordan Hart’s effort was straight at Luke Stonebridge. The visitors went close to a second early, Tristian Taylor's header from Devlin's corner flashed over the top. But it wasn't a surprise when they did add the second, Devlin's free kick picked out Tim Robertson, who made mistake, heading home. Forrestfield pressed to get back in the game and Ryan Francis’ volley was tipped on to the bar by Stonebridge, but with them pushing players forward they conceded a third. A ball over the top sent Kretowicz clear and he finished with aplomb over the on-rushing Parry to seal a great victory. It wasn’t the home sides day and Liam Merigan’s effort was disallowed late. “Really pleased with the result and the aptitude the whole team showed throughout the 90 minutes," UWA skipper Joshua Marocchi said. "It was definitely a matured performance from previous seasons and to win at Forrestfield like that was pretty special."
Olympic Kingsway's good start to the season continued with a hard fought 2-1 win against Mandurah City at Kingsway Reserve. It was a tight encounter with two good sides looking for the win, but it was the home side who broke the deadlock on the hour. They won a free kick deep in the Mandurah half, and the ball wasn't cleared by the Mandurah defence and Eraste Vyamunga struck a shot through a crowd of players to open the scoring. Vyamunga was involved again in the second goal, his great through ball sent Ajak Riak in a one on one with the Mandurah keeper, and he finished clinically. Mandurah weren’t finished and pulled one back five minutes from time, when the referee spotted a handball in the box and Joe O'Brien converted the resulting penalty. It set up a tense finale, but Olympic held on to make it two wins to open the season. "It was really pleasing to follow up last week’s victory against Subiaco with another win against a good Mandurah side," Olympic coach Gary Williams said. "We have made a promising start with a new team and look forward to next week’s FFA Cup match away at Quinns."
Western Knights remain undefeated for the season after coming from behind to beat Fremantle City at Nash Field. The home side fell behind when Sasa Ruffo scored for Fremantle, but the Knights hit back immediately. Alex Randall's free kick picked out Dean Hurley, whose glancing header beat the Fremantle keeper. The home side hit the front when a good run down right by Jack Rycroft ended with a cross to the back post to Brian Paterson who made no mistake. They wrapped up the points when Rycroft added his second, firing into the top corner of the net from a free kick. "It was really important for us to get a win at home especially after the draw last week," Knights' coach Ivan Zuvela said. "There were no individual standouts in the game, as I thought it was a complete team performance, including our subs who all made an impact, which is pleasing."
In the final game Morley Windmills staged a great comeback to beat Gwelup Croatia 4-3 at Wotton Reserve on Saturday evening. In an end-to-end State League Division One encounter at Wotton Reserve, Gwelup went ahead on 12 minutes after striker Danny Hodgson pounced on a keeper error to slot the ball into an empty net. But the host levelled almost instantly through Faustin Machochi with a neat header, but Gwelup then went back in front through Sam Wynne, making it three goals in as many minutes. Gwelup then extended their lead with an own goal from Deng Mawieri, and it looked game over at the break, but John Castrilli’s side had other ideas. Damien Kalamaris pulled one back on 67 minutes, and six minutes later, substitute Sakik Musa lobbed the goalkeeper with his first touch to level proceedings. Then in stoppage time the home side won it, Machochi was in the right place at the right time to stab home the winner to complete the comeback. “I thought we still played pretty well in the first half. We gave away two very soft goals, actually gifts,” Castrilli said. “The boys gathered together at half time and produced something that the club and myself are very proud of at the moment, considering we have only been together for two weeks. Producing something like this is a good sign for the future.”
30.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND ONE – REVIEW
The new State League Division Two season started over the weekend, and in the Footballwa.net 'Match of the Week' Quinns started the season with a well-deserved 3-0 win against Swan United at Francis Street. There was a sombre moment prior to kick off when a minute’s silence was held in memory of Swan's long-time gateman Des Sundo who passed away three weeks ago. Both these teams were in good form heading into the season, and it was almost Quinns who took the lead when defender Alex Sallery's powerful shot in the 17th minute from outside the box was superbly saved by Swan keeper Joey Smith. It was Quinns who opened the scoring soon after. A corner into the box found Greg Pellow, but he was pushed in the penalty area and referee Brendan Skinner pointed straight to the spot. Jamie Stewart stepped up, and despite Smith going the right way, he scored from the resulting penalty. The visitors doubled their lead after the break, with Kye Douglas heading powerfully home from a corner. The home side were convinced they had pulled one back when John Monterosso fired home, but to the amazement of the Swan faithful the goal was disallowed for offside. But Ian Ferguson's side made sure of the points late on, with the goal of the game. Scott Newland picked the ball up in the middle of the park and unleashed a long-range shot that flew into the bottom corner of the net giving Smith no chance. "We've got a great team this season, and it was a fantastic performance today, and exciting things are happening at Quinns this year," winger Jake Benson-Cooper said. "I thought we deserved the win, and we've worked so hard in pre-season, so now on to a challenge next week against leaders Kingsway.”
The round started on Friday evening when Curtin University hosted Kelmscott Roos at Edinburgh Oval, and the sides fought out a 1-1 draw. It was an even game that could have of gone either way, but it was the home side who hit the front just after the hour, with Malek Domkok on target. They went close to a second on 80 minutes with Shak lali dragged his shot wide of the target. But Kelmscott made them pay in the final minute with the equaliser. Some good approach work from Bobby Walker saw him feed Asa Sippits, who was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Ibrahima Soumah stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to secure a point for Richard Changadzo's side. "I think it was more or less a balanced game which lacked goals to top off the entertaining display from both sides, and it was a good midfield battle,” Kelmscott coach Richard Changadzo said. “We had chances which we could not finish so did Curtin, but it was a good performance on the whole from our boys and a good sign of things to build on and get better at. Curtin are a good side and for us to get a point at their home is a good result though a win would have been great to kick start for the season. We will go back and work towards the next game against Dianella which I’m sure our boys are looking forward to.”
Wanneroo City travelled to Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening and came home with the three points after a 3-1 win against Dianella White Eagles. It was a tight opening with the home side having the better of the chances, but against the run of play it was Wanneroo who hit the front. Some great hold up play, from Gary Hamilton created the goal, and he threaded a great through ball to youngster Kye Murray, who made no mistake from the edge of the box. They doubled their lead before the break, when Murray's curling free kick found the top corner. The home side were back in the game early in the second half Josef Tweats won the ball who combined with Morgan and Mustafa, before the ball was played into Keylan Pollard who finished clinically from 10 meters. The game was in balance but it was the visitors who added the third to seal the win. A quick counter attack ended with Nathan Scully, who finish clinically after being sent one-on-one with the Eagles keeper. "A massive result for us against quality opposition, who I’m sure will be in the conversation come seasons end," Wanneroo Coach Tim Kantor said. "Our lads were up for the fight tonight and showed that their hunger for success still burns bright. It gets no easier though, next League outing is away to Swan in two weeks."
In other games Murdoch University Melville opened their season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Shamrock Rovers at Murdoch University Synthetic Stadium. They opened the scoring when Christian Long tapped home from close-range after good work from Daniel Davey and Anthony Lomma. It was 2-0 when Ryan Tucker, who was excellent throughout, finished well, before Daniel Davey added a third to seal the points. "I'm pleased with the three points and the performance today," MUM Coach Gavin Brown said. "Also, a clean sheet for the first game of the season is also pleasing." Gosnells City have also started the season with three points, after a 3-1 win against Canning City in the 'Frank Longstaff Trophy' game at Walter Padbury Reserve. The hosts were ahead when former Inglewood United winger Feisal Zaw finished clinically, before a stunning volley from long-range from Hanafi Ghazali doubled their advantage, and they added a third when Edward Wilson headed home. Canning hit back late when Jakeb Vucic drifted past two defenders before setting up Joe Kelly to score. Canning went close again before the final whistle, with Kelly's effort crashing off the woodwork. "It's good to start the season with a win, but it wasn't our best performance by a Longshot," Gosnells Coach Marc Anthony said. "But it's always important to get off to a winning start." - The game between Joondalup City and Balga was postponed.
30.3.2019
GLORY CROWDED OUT BY GALLANT VICTORY
Perth Glory's lead at the top of table was cut to six points after a 0-2 defeat at the hands of a well-organised Melbourne Victory at a packed HBF Park on Saturday evening. A club-record Hyundai A-League crowd of 17,856 were on hand for this top of the table clash, but an Ola Toivonen's free-kick and Keizuke Honda's penalty steered the visitors to Victory, to hand Glory only their second loss of the season.
"It was just one of those days, but we have to congratulate Victory; they came and got what they wanted and go home with the points tonight," Glory coach Tony Popovic said. "But I thought overall the performance was very good. We created numerous opportunities and it was just a day when the ball wouldn't fall for us. It just wouldn't go in and their 'keeper made some great saves.
"Tonight, we couldn't get through. We've had many good days here and in terms of performance, today was not a bad day. I'm sure that the fans will have gone home pleased and very proud of their team, the way they are playing at home, but unfortunately, they don't go home happy with three points. We know if we can keep backing up those type of performances we will be where we need to be and want to be. When we reflect, we'll see that there were a lot of good things tonight."
Popovic went into this one unchanged from the side that beat Adelaide United on the road two weeks ago, so the clubs top goalscorer Andy Keogh had to be contempt with a spot on the bench. It was a great atmosphere at kick off, and Victory almost handed Glory the lead early. His errant back pass was pounced upon by Joel Chianese but Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas was out bravely to save at his feet. Glory should have opened the scoring on 18 minutes, a ball over the top by Shane Lowry found Chris Ikonomidis, who out-muscled his marker and went one-on-one with Thomas, but his shot flew over the top and into the Shed.
But on 25 minutes Victory found the opener, after Diego Castro was deemed to have fouled Terry Antonis, on the edge of the box. The Spaniard was booked for the tackle, but replays showed he didn't make contact with the midfielder, but whatever the decision the free kick was outstanding, Toivonen curling the ball up and over the wall into the bottom corner of the net. Glory continued to find holes in the Victory backline and Chianese's effort was tipped onto the bar by the alert Thomas. It was one-way traffic as Glory looked for the equaliser and Dino Djublic headed over the top before Castro's shot was saved by Thomas.
Glory were in again in the opening minute of the second half, Chianese finding room in the box, but Thomas was down quick to deny him, the Victory keeper was keeping Victory in the game. Then on hour Glory won a free kick in the same spot as Toivonen's in the first half, and Castro's effort beat Thomas, and looked like it was heading into the corner, but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Victory custodian. But six minutes later Victory added the second, with the help of VAR. Referee Shaun Evans looked at the VAR screeen on the side line and pointed to the spot after he decided Scott Neville had handled the ball.
Another tough decision, but Honda sent Liam Reddy the wrong way from the resulting penalty to double Victory's lead. Glory supporters thought they had a penalty three minutes later when Ikonomidis was checked in the box, but VAR gave the all clear, much to the annoyance of the big crowd. Glory kept pressing but Victory had got their game plan right and despite Ikonomidis, Brandon Santalab and Castro having late chances they couldn't beat Man of the Match Thomas, with Victory taking home the three points.
It wasn’t our best footballing game, but I think after speaking to the boys, we have to win the games we don’t play in as well,” Victory defender Donachie said. “We came away with a good result last night and one we really needed going into the next couple of games. It was a big result last night. It was a good grind out, it wasn’t the prettiest football game and sometimes the games at the top of the table aren’t the prettiest football. To go there and to get a result was a main thing.”
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (9 Andy KEOGH 60'), 6 Dino DJULBIC (11 Brendon SANTALAB 81'), 7 Joel CHIANESE, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE (20 Jake BRIMMER 72'), 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPH, 16 Tomislav MRCELA
Melbourne Victory: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 2 Storm ROUX, 4 Keisuke HONDA, 5 Georg NIEDERMEIER (14 Thomas DENG 88'), 6 Leigh BROXHAM, 8 Terry ANTONIS (3 Corey BROWN 76'), 9 Kosta BARBAROUSES (24 Elvis KAMSOBA 86'), 10 James TROISI, 11 Ola TOIVONEN, 17 James DONACHIE, 21 Carl VALERI - Subs not used: RGK Matthew ACTON, 16 Josh HOPE - Referee: Shaun Evans
29.3.2019
INTO THE LOOKING GLASS: STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO PREVIEW
The State League Divison Two season preview is now updated with a full run down on the teams, see how season 2019 will pan out...
29.3.2019
NPL-WA ROUND THREE PREVIEW
It’s round three of the NPL WA and this week’s Footballwa ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Alfred Skeet Reserve where Armadale hosts Perth Glory. (3.00pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, the Reds beating Rockingham 3-0 to remain the only team with a 100% start to the season, while the Glory beat Balcatta by the same score line. The last time the two sides met at the venue was in round 11 last season when they fought out a 1-1 draw. Joe Knowles gave the visitors the lead, only for Chris Jackson to head the hosts back on to level terms six minutes later, while Jake Brimmer missed a late penalty.
Many pundits had Glory to struggle this season but Richard Garcia’s youngsters have started the season well, with a narrow defeat against Floreat, and a well-deserved win against Balcatta last weekend. Keeper Jackson Lee made some crucial saves in the win last week, but he said it was a good all-round team performance. “Last weekend's game was well rounded performance, and good to get on the board for the season," he said. "We've struggled to see out games in the past, so it's good to see that we held strong until the final whistle. It was a physical game but we held our own and didn't get bullied, so still have things to improve on but it was definitely a very positive performance."
Lee said a good Foxtel Youth League campaign helped the side, but they have lost a few players, but the youngsters who have come in are performing well. “The new lads into the squad have done a great job and our team gelled right from the first session," he said. "They're all really quality individual players, but the main part is that we work well as a team, so it should be a good season ahead." A trip to Armadale is never easy and Lee said they are playing well at the moment, so they are expecting a tough game, but are looking forward to the challenge. “We are aware Armadale is always a hard place to go and they will be physical as always, but we're looking forward to the challenge," he said. "A lot of the boys haven't faced a really physical team like Armadale so it will be interesting to see how we cope. They are top of the league for a reason, so it won't be an easy game at all. But we trust ourselves and our game plan so we'll be looking to win the game and come out with a positive result."
Like the Glory, many had Armadale to struggle this season, but back-to-back wins sees them top of the table, and their new English midfielder James Haran said last week’s win against Rockingham was well-deserved. “Delighted to start our home games with a win, and a well-deserved one," he said. "I thought we controlled the game and everyone played their part in the win, and most of all we took our chances." Haran, who was at Championship club Queens Park Rangers for four years as a youngster, before spells at Havant Waterloo, Kettering and Eastbourne in the UK before heading to WA, has settled in well at the club and is enjoying his football, and is looking forward to Saturday's game against Glory, and he knows the quality they have at their disposal, and he is expecting a tough game. “Yes, I've settled in well at Armadale, they've got a good bunch of lads and the staff are brilliant too," he said. "I feel confident in our team and we believe we can beat anyone on our day. I've always said it, we had a rough pre-season but I knew our potential, and on Saturday we will show Glory that and we are confident we can continue our good start to the season."
In other games Cockburn City host ECU Joondalup at Dalmatinac Park, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing results. The Jacks were beaten at home by Sorrento, while the Cockerels conceded a late penalty to draw at home against Inglewood. Cockburn will go into this one as favourites, and Daniel Robinson has started well in 2019, but ECU look dangerous going forward with Joe Knowles on fire so far. Rockingham City go in search of their first points of the season when they travel to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth SC. City have struggled early, but did beat Perth in the Night Series, but they need to take their chances when they come. Perth seem to be hitting good form, after a big win against Stirling last week, with Gustavo Catarcione and Niccolò Sabatini on top form, and they will go into this game as strong favourites.
Sorrento will be looking for back-to-back wins when they host Stirling Lions at Percy Doyle Reserve. The Gulls beat local rivals ECU Joondalup last week, while the Lions slipped to a second defeat against Perth. Jordan Roberts was outstanding last week in the Gulls win at ECU, while Cameron Teece produced a goal of the season contender for the winner. The Lions were beaten at home for the second week running by Perth, but the pace of Moses Kalau caused Perth problems and he will be one Sorrento will want to keep an eye on. Another interesting game sees Floreat Athena host Inglewood United at E&D Litis Stadium. Both sides are coming off draws last week, with both scoring late goals to secure the point. Hamza Hina scored for United to secure a point in a high scoring draw at Cockburn, with former Glory youth duo Chok Dau and Sam Riak both impressing. Floreat have continued on where they left off last season, and will go into this one as favourites, and will welcome skipper Dean Evans back to their squad after suspension, while new striker Robert Petkov continues to impress.
In the final game it’s the Italian Derby when Balcatta entertain Bayswater City at Grindleford Reserve. City were left to rue a late equaliser against Floreat last week, but new signing Daryl Nicol was once again outstanding bagging a brace. City skipper Jack Allen said it was a blow to let the two points slip late. “It was a massive blow to concede so late on in the game after going 2-1 up ourselves after a late push. But we are a strong team and are focusing on the next games ahead full of confidence,” he said. “We have had quite a lot of new additions this year, all quality players that will certainly strengthen the squad! We have all gelled very well, and playing some good football but I still don’t think we have hit anywhere near our full stride yet. It’s just the beginning of the season and we are only gelling better and getting better with every game.” Allen said Saturday’s Italian derby is always a tough game and he is expecting more of the same this time around. “It will certainly be an entertaining game this week against Balcatta, always is against our Italian Rivals,” he said. “They are a good team with a few new additions themselves and hope we can continue with our strong start to the season with a win on Saturday.”
Meanwhile after a good start to the season Balcatta went down to Glory, and they will be wanting to bounce back this weekend, but defender Alex Castiello said they did have their chances against the Glory “It was very disappointing coming from a god win against Rockingham, but we did have chances," he said. "But I believe we sat off them too much, but credit to them they played well and found open spaces and moved the ball around well." Castiello, who joined the club from Subiaco this season said it’s a huge challenge against Bayswater, but it’s one they are looking forward too. “I love the club it is nice to be around lots of passionate people, and there's a lot of good young talent at the club and the coaching staff are really great they are organised and really invest a lot of time in to us," the defender explained. "This week is a big game, but I definitely believe we are more than capable of coming away with three points. They (Bayswater) do have some quality no doubt, but we know how to deal with it and we have some quality that I'm sure will surprise them."
29.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TWO – PREVIEW
It’s round two of the State League Division One and this week’s Footballwa ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Forrest Park where Joondalup United host Ashfield. Last week United started life in the league with a disappointing loss against UWA Nedlands, while Ashfield fought out a draw against Western Knights. The last time these two sides met at the venue was in round 19 in 2016, when Joondalup striker Lee Jones bagged a hat-trick in a 3-1 win, with Jamie Burns scoring for Ashfield. Joondalup Coach Nick Jennings said it was a disappointing start to the season, but he said he has a whole new squad and it showed. “No excuses," he said. "On the day we didn’t match the work ethic of a well drilled and physical UWA side, who deserved the three points. Though I thought the score line was a bit flattering due to individual errors at crucial stages of the game."
Jennings, who has been at the helm of the club for four years, said they are ready for the challenge this season, and he is expecting a tough game against an experienced Ashfield side on Saturday. “The message on Saturday will be to cut out basic errors, and in such a tight competition as the state league, they are inexcusable and will not be tolerated. We've worked hard again in training and I will be looking for a real team performance on Saturday," the coach explained. "Games against Ashfield are always a battle, they are a strong team and take no prisoners. My boys must stand up and be counted and earn the right to play our football. They will come to our place full of confidence, but we'll be looking to get our season up and running and pick up our first points."
New Ashfield defender Alan Carroll said last week’s draw against the Knights was a scrappy game, but he thought they deserved more. “I thought last week was a very scrappy game, which to be fair never got going," he said. 'I don’t think we played anywhere near as good as we can, but still got a point and probably should have taken all three, especially with the chances we had." Carroll, who joined the club from Cockburn City this season, said Joondalup will be hurting from last week’s heavy defeat, but he knows they have some good players and he is expecting a tough test. “I'm really enjoying me time at the club, we have a good squad this season and Matt and Gav and the boys are determined to win the league this year," he said. “The training sessions are good, because everyone is battling to get into the starting the 11. I think Joondalup will be wanting to bounce back as quick as possible so we can't be complacent. We need to lift our performance from last week and if we do, I'm sure we can take the three points, but we are expecting another hard-fought game."
In other games Gwelup Croatia start their campaign after the bye with a visit to Wotton Reserve to take on Morley Windmills. There has been a great deal of up evil at Morley this season, and they are coming off a big loss at Fremantle, and they could do without this one. Gwelup on the other hand have a new look side, but will be favourites in this one, but they did lose their last season. It’s a local derby at Nash Field when Western Knights host Fremantle City. The Knights were held at Ashfield last week, but have a talented squad this season and will fancy their chances in this one. Fremantle on the other easily beat Morley, in Mauro Marchione’s first game in charge, and the Knights will need to keep an eye on Angel Andreas who bagged four goals last week.
Olympic Kingsway started life in the league with an impressive win against Subiaco last week, and new Coach Gary Williams’ side will be looking to make it back-to-back when they host Mandurah City at Kingsway Reserve. City conceded a late goal to lose at Forrestfield in the opener, and Coach Alex Grayson will be looking for a similar performance this week, but with a different result. In the final game we head to the Game Guardian Stadium at Hartfield Park where Forrestfield United entertain UWA-Nedlands. Forrestfield scored late to beat Mandurah last week, while UWA put on a great attacking display to beat Joondalup. UWA skipper Joshua Marocchi said last week’s win was a clinical. "We set our sights on winning the first game, and to come away with a 6-2 win against Joondalup was a perfect way to start,” he said.
“We were tested early and Joondalup took a deserved lead, but credit to the boys we got on top and showed a bit more polish. However, it’s only the start of the season so we have been mindful of not reading much into it.” Marocchi knows Saturday will be a huge challenge against one of the favourites for the title, but they are ready for it. "Forrestfield is a massive test for us, he said. “We have played them once this season already in the Night Series, and they are a well drilled unit and have a number of quality players. Saturday has the potential to shape our season, so we are determined to put a full 90 minutes together and prove UWA is serious in 2019." – Subiaco have the bye this week.
29.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND ONE – PREVIEW
The 2019 State League Division Two season kicks off this weekend and the Footballwa ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to Francis Street, where Swan United host Quinns FC. (3.00pm) Both sides will be looking to kick off with a win, this after both bowed out in the group stage of the Night Series. The last time these two sides met at the venue was in round one last season when the home side ran out 4-1 winners. The visitors opened the scoring early through Ross Edwards, before the home side hit back with a brace from James Shamin, and others to Rory Mouttet and John Monterosso to seal the win.
Quinns have added some quality to their squad this season, one of them is former Joondalup United keeper James Bosdet, and he said they have worked hard in the off season, and despite not winning a game in the Night Series, all three games were close affairs. "Yes, we had a tough group and looking at every game there was probably a case to argue we could have won every game,” the keeper explained. “But it was still promising considering we had no friendlies beforehand so the team were still learning about each other.” Bosdet said Swan were unlucky not get promoted last season, and he knows they are hard to beat at home, but they are up for the challenge. "It’s a tough start and from speaking with some of the boys who played them last season they are one of the teams that will be fighting for promotion,” he said. “It will be a big game and one we are looking forward to. The boys are buzzing and raring to go and we have had a couple of good wins over the last few weeks so we want to take this into the season and start of the campaign with a positive result.”
Swan midfielder Jay Lang was outstanding in the club's play-off run last season, and he said they are determined to go one better this season. "Obviously it was disappointing to lose out in the play offs on penalties last year, but the coaching staff have told us that last year is gone and it’s all about what we do this year,” he explained. “We’re under no illusions as to how hard this season will be and just because we were challenging last year doesn’t automatically mean that will be the case again, however, the boys have worked hard during preseason and we’re confident going into the season ahead.” Lang said Quinns will be a tough test, but he is confident they can get the job done. "It’s a really tough opening game against Quinn’s who have recruited well in the off season and are probably favourites for the league this year,” he said. “Both games against Quinn’s were tough encounters last year and we’re fully expecting Saturday to be no different. Paul and the other coaches will have us set up with a game plan and we’ll do our best to execute that and hopefully it’ll be enough to see us start the season with a win.”
In other games the season starts on Friday with Curtin University host Kelmscott Roos at Edinburgh Oval. (8.30pm). Both sides finished in the bottom three last season, so it's important they start with three points in the opener. In the 3.00pm games Murdoch University Melville entertain Shamrock Rovers, while Marc Anthony's reign at Walter Padbury Reserve starts with the visit of local rivals Canning City, in the first leg of the 'Frank Longstaff Memorial Cup'.
In the final game Wanneroo City make the trip to Dianella Reserve to take on Dianella White Eagles (7.00pm). The home side also have a new coach, with former Floreat coach Howard Tweets taking over from Graham Normanton. Wanneroo were outstanding last season, and despite only two defeats they missed out on promotion in the playoffs. Wanneroo Coach Tim Kantor said that’s behind them and they are focused on 2019.
"The disappointment of losing the league on goal difference last season is well and truly behind us now,” he said. “We’ve had a very good pre-season and we have signed a few quality lads to strengthen our squad. The entire group are really looking forward to round One on Saturday night.” Kantor said it's a tough first up game for his side, but they are ready. "Dianella are a bit of an unknown with a new coach and essentially a whole new team,” he said. “Their pre-season form has been very good and are obviously going to be very difficult to beat on their home track. Both teams I’m sure are aware how important it is to get off to a good start, and it’s been an extremely long pre-season and Saturday can’t come around quick enough.”
The Joondalup City vs Balga game has been postponed due to the Illuka Sports Complex being unavailable.
29.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - FINAL - REVIEW
Sunday will see the first silverware of the Amateur League in 2019, as holders Leeming Strikers take on newly promoted Quinns FC in the Night Series Final at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. (7.00pm) Both sides had big wins in last week’s semi-finals, Quinns stunning Kingsley 2-0, while Leeming beat Joondalup United 4-1, to set up an enthralling final. Quinns finished top of Pool Two in the group stage, while Leeming did likewise in Pool One, but it was Quinns how impressed in their first season in the Premier League and Coach Darren Kay said they enjoying the ride, but priority is preparation for the league season. “Absolutely, we're definitely enjoying the ride but it's been a tough pre-season for us,” he said. “We had to rely on the depth of our squad but that's only going to benefit us heading into the start of the season which has always been our priority.”
Kay, who guided the club to the Premier League after finishing runners-up to Joondalup in the first division, said his squad has adapted well to their new surroundings, but knows there are some huge challenges ahead. "We're well and truly aware that the season hasn't even started yet and our start to the year is only going to make the league games harder,” he explained. “But while the results demand respect from our opposition it also fills my group with great confidence and the whole club is proud to be playing the best amateur teams in WA on a weekly basis.” It will be the clubs first chance of major honours in the competition, and he said they are prepared well and will give it everything. "Another tough game but again we're just focused on progression from the week before and finishing our preparation towards next week,” he said. “I know very little about Leeming, so we'll continue to focus on ourselves and as always we'll have a real good crack, but I know the lads are very keen to win a trophy and it would mean a lot to the club.”
Leeming will go into the game as favourites in this one, and Coach David Palin said they have worked extremely hard in the pre-season. “Overall, we've been happy with our pre-season so far, in the off season we kept hold of key players while also bringing in new players that have really complimented the squad as whole,” he said. “The boys have come back with a real hunger to do well and that has reflected not only in training but also throughout the night series. It’s the first time in five years we've had a proper training facility available for pre-season so having access to all the equipment has help improve sessions and also allowed us to work more on how we want to play and approach the 2019 season.”
Palin said the new sides in the Premier League next season (Quinns and Joondalup United) have played well in the Night Series, and they will strengthen the league in 2019. “We have seen in previous seasons that new teams normally hit the ground running in the Premier League, Jaguars a prime example of that finishing third last year,” he explained. “I don’t know much about the current squads of Joondalup and Quinns, but both clubs have Saturday setups so I guess that can only help them with attracting and recruiting players and both have strong junior setups as well so I'm sure both teams can boast good depth and player pools to draw on heading into new season.”
Leeming will meet one of the new faces on Sunday, and Palin said it should be a good game, but they happy to be in the final again. “We've made no secret of wanting to go back to back in the night series and that has been shown in our team selections each week, always looking to field the strongest side available,” he said. “We have a lot of respect for the competition and the teams involved in it, so we have tried to make a good account of ourselves and overall we have managed to do that so far. We got to watch Quinns last week and they looked very good, people were maybe surprised they beat Kingsley but I thought they really deserved the win and showed good quality across the pitch. When silverware is up for grabs you have to be at your best to have any chance of taking it home, the level of performance we have shown so far has been very good but will have to be better against Quinns. The players are excited to have the opportunity to play in a final so early on in the season and hopefully we can get the win Sunday night.”
29.3.2019
GLORY HAVE ANOTHER VICTORY IN THEIR SIGHTS
Perth Glory return to Hyundai A-League action on Saturday evening when they host third placed Melbourne Victory at HBF Park. (7.00pm) It could be a defining moment in the club’s history, with a win and results elsewhere going their way they could be crowned league winners, and three points would also see them win their 16th game of the season, which would be the most victories for a season in their history.
This will be the biggest test of Tony Popovic's side this season, with Victory desperate to close the gap, but the home fans have been starved of football in recent weeks, in fact Saturday will be the first home game in 43 days. Glory sit ten points ahead of Kevin Muscat’s team, and nine in front of their nearest challenges Sydney FC but with only four games to go many believe they have one hand on the trophy and defender Shane Lowry said they are ready to go.
"We're pretty confident, we're on a decent run, we're at home and we haven't played at home for a while, so hopefully we'll get a big crowd as well," he said. "We've trained hard and we're ready to go this week. It's been billed as a massive game, but every game is big in this league, so we're looking forward to it. This season we've played some fantastic football and obviously we're top of the league at the moment, so hopefully even some people who haven't been to a football game before will get down [to HBF Park] and experience a different type of atmosphere. It'll be great for the boys to have their support as well as that of our loyal, die-hard members and fans."
Lowry knows Victory will be looking to come over and take the points, and he was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by Kevin Muscat's side. "They (Victory) have some dangerous attacking players who can score goals, so we'll have to be on our toes," he said. "We'll do our homework on them as we do with every team and show them respect, but we'll mainly focus on ourselves. We're at home, so it's for us to take the game to them and come out with the three points."
“This time of the year form comes into it. Teams come from nowhere, hit a bit of a run, win a few games on the trot and confidence breeds through the team. The boss (coach Tony Popovic) will not let us think too far ahead. We’ve got a big game this week, once it’s done, we’ll focus on the next one.” Fellow defender Alex Grant will miss again with an abdominal injury, but Matthew Spiranovic, Jake Brimmer and Jacob Italiano have been added to the squad.
Victory captain Carl Valeri is in line to start after recovering from a hamstring strain. He came from the bench in their past two games against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Brisbane Roar. They also welcome back James Donachie from suspension, Terry Antonis and Elvis Kamsoba from injury and Thomas Deng from Olyroos duty. Donachie said Saturday’s game is their toughest test of the season. "Tony Popovic has come in and sorted them out as a really strong team," he said. "Glory have quality players. Diego Castro is difficult because he has a free role. You have to keep him quiet by following him around the pitch, and he will go left wing to right wing. Andy Keogh is another top player up front. You try to keep them quiet for as long as you can and you come out with a result."
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SPIRANOVIC (promoted), BRIMMER (promoted), ITALIANO (promoted) - Outs: 29 Kristian POPOVIC (not selected) Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (thigh – 2 weeks)
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Lawrence THOMAS, RGK Matthew ACTON, 2 Storm ROUX, 3 Corey BROWN, 4 Keisuke HONDA, 5 Georg NIEDERMEIER, 6 Leigh BROXHAM, 7 Kenny ATHIU, 8 Terry ANTONIS, 9 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10 James TROISI, 11 Ola TOIVONEN, 14 Thomas DENG, 15 Raul BAENA, 16 Josh HOPE, 17 James DONACHIE, 21 Carl VALERI, 24 Elvis KAMSOBA - *two to be omitted* - Ins: ANTONIS (return from injury), DENG (return from International duty), DONACHIE (return from suspension), KAMSOBA (return from injury) - Outs: 25 Anthony LESIOTIS (not selected), 19 Rahmat AKBARI (not selected) - Unavailable: Nil
26.3.2019
FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR GLORY, DESPITE INTERNATIONAL BREAK
Perth Glory have not kicked a ball in anger in two weeks but there has been no relaxing for the A-League leaders. Some clubs have taken time to recharge the batteries during the international break but Glory have maintained the tough training schedule that has seen them build a nine-point lead over Sydney FC with five rounds remaining.
A win in Saturday night’s anticipated home clash against last year’s champions Melbourne Victory, currently 10 points behind in third, could see them all but secure the Premiers’ Plate. Defender Shane Lowry said that with the side on a 13-game unbeaten run they would have preferred to play week in, week out.
“We had a couple of days’ recovery after the last game but when we train we train with intensity and intent,” Lowry said. “We train hard whether we have a game or don’t have a game. Ideally we want to keep playing but it was a good opportunity to get minutes into legs for lads that have come back from injury and those who have not played many minutes.”
Lowry has been a mainstay in the tightest defence in the league that has let in just 20 goals, missing just two games. “We are in the final push now, in a very good position top of the league,” he said. “We want to stay there. This is a massive game. It’s for us to take the game to them. It’s always a difficult game against them but we are very confident.
“They have dangerous players, especially their attacking players, so we’ll have to be on top of our game. This time of the year form comes into it. Teams come from nowhere, hit a bit of a run, win a few games on the trot and confidence breeds through the team. The boss (coach Tony Popovic) will not let us think too far ahead … we’ll let other people talk about winning the plate.”
26.3.2019
GIGGS EYEING WILLIAMS FOR WALES
Wales are considering a swoop to lure West Australian winger Ryan Williams into swapping his international allegiance. Earlier this month Wales boss Ryan Giggs was at a Rotherham United game to watch Englishman Will Vaulks and Perth-born Williams, as he prepares his squad for Euro 2020.
Williams has played 15 times for the Young Socceroos and the Olyroos, but has never earned a cap for the senior national team. The 25-year-old, who has spent the past nine years playing in England, has been on the radar for the Socceroos for a while but missed out on selection for the 2019 Asian Cup.
Williams’ preference is to represent Australia, but admits Wales’ interest has piqued his attention. “It was strange that,” Williams told theworldgame.sbs.com.au “Giggs was at the game the other day watching one of the other boys Will (Vaulks), who played last week for Wales. And it kind of popped up (about me playing for Wales) and I thought oh... I kind of don’t know how I’d feel about that.
“But if it made Australia get into gear and give me a shout then I don’t know... But I don’t think I’d ever play for Wales to be honest. It would be awesome, but it’s just not Australia. Australia is where I was brought up. The green and gold, I’ve always dreamed of playing for Australia.
“I think if I was to play for Wales it would just be because Bale and Ramsay are there, it would just feel like another team... but the good thing would be you don’t have to travel as far as well, which can hinder you (with your club) sometimes. Obviously the dream was to play international football. We’ll just have to wait and see with who that is with.”
Williams has carved out a successful career in England after debuting at the age of 17 for Portsmouth. He spent three years with Fulham, which included loans to Oxford United and Barnsley, before a permanent move to the latter in 2015. Two years later Williams switched to Rotherham where he has thrived under Paul Warne.
26.3.2019
SAGE SEARCHING FOR INVESTOR AT PERTH GLORY
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage is looking for an investor to help achieve further success as the club charges towards its first piece of A-League silverware. But Sage, who who has poured more than $27.5 million into Glory over 10 years of ownership, will not sell out purely for business or financial reasons nor does he intend to relinquish control.
“It has become very expensive,” Sage said. “You have to look at the owners of the other clubs who have huge backers. I’m doing it all by myself. It is sometimes a struggle to keep it all going, but I don’t want to relinquish control of the club, let’s get that clear, and this year proves that a single Australian owner can do well.”
Sage went close to bringing in a Malaysian syndicate last year and says he’s had interest from Australia and overseas. “Bringing in an investor will help pay the bills and give you that courage to go forward and sign people like Bruno Fornaroli,” Sage said. “A minority investor, let’s make that clear, is an essential part of going forward.”
Glory have one hand on the Premiers’ Plate, sitting on top of the A-League with a nine-point lead and five rounds remaining. They host Melbourne Victory on Saturday night. “The club is in a good place and I’ve had a couple of offers but they have got the wrong reasons for wanting to be involved,” Sage said.
“The ones that have made me unsolicited offers just want to help themselves improve their business. That’s not want you want … you want someone who is passionate about football, so in the bad times they stick with you. You don’t want a transaction to promote a product or name. I won’t go for someone like that.”
Sage said a major target had always been to get Glory into the Asian Champions League, a goal they look like reaching. “Once you go into Asia you get that name recognition for investor attraction,” he said. “But I’m not in any hurry. I’ve spoken about this for seven months now. I’ll keep going as best I can until the right partner comes along.”
24.3.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND TWO – REVIEW
It was FFA Cup WA second round games this weekend and Northern City caused the upset of the round, after the Metro North Premier league side beat Sunday Amateur Premier League side Wembley Downs 4-0 at Curtin Stadium. All four goals were scored in the second half, and City were ahead when Shak Shariff played it through to Abdulahi Farah, who finished clinically. They added a second on a quick counter attack from a Wembley corner, with Ammur Ibrahim cutting the ball back to Shariff, and the player/coach made no mistake, picking out the top corner. It was 3-0 when Ismail Mohamed out jumped the goal keeper to head home, and they put the icing on the cake late with a fourth goal. Mubashir Awabdi picking out Ammur Ibrahim who finished into the top corner on his debut for the side, and seal a great win.
City player/coach Shariff said they are delighted to be in the next round and he said it’s great for the lower teams to get in the limelight. “It is, think that’s why us “lower clubs” are up for it, we’ve got nothing to lose, only something to prove,” he said. “We have the talent mixed with experience, great team spirit to go up against any club I believe. We are a club built from the community, and we have teams from the age of six to 18’s, and all our players are from the community and think we wear it on our sleeve every time we play with pride knowing we’ve got a community and club behind us.”
“We’re looking forward to the cup draw and to be completely honest, I’ll take anyone, and I think if you asked my players, they’d tell you the same thing. We play with no fear, we play for the love of the game. only reason we’re a metro team is our clubs only in its third year, my second year as coach, so we’ve got to stick it out in the metros which will hopefully be our last year, before we go through amateurs, we are ready.” Wembley Coach Mike Ford said it was a disappointing performance from his side. “Good luck to City, but for us it was one of those games that if it could go wrong it did,” he explained. “A missed penalty, and a few open goal type opportunities, and with us chasing the game late they scored three goals in the last 10 minutes, but all in all a really disappointing result.”
Woodvale almost caused another upset, before eventually going 2-1 to Amateur Premier League Champions North Perth United at Timberlane Park. The home side were ahead on 20 minutes, some good build up down Woodvale’s right between Calum Street and Shane Doran ended with the ball being played through to Glen Atkinson who beat the keeper Luke Thompson with a cross shot from the edge of the 18-yard box. North Perth levelled when Dan Conway beat his marker out wide and squared the ball back to Ago Mujic who fed Edin Nalic who fired home into the top corner. Both sides had chances to win it but it Alex Carter’s North Perth who won it five minutes from time, striker Niall Murray finishing calmly into the bottom corner, that’s now five in two competitive games for the Derry striker. “We were absent a few lads for the game but that should have presented a massive opportunity for other boys to put their names up in lights for a potential starting birth come the league start, but I’m not sure I can remember such a lacklustre low spirited performance from a North Perth Team since we got rolled in the league 8-2 by BB United 4 years ago,” Carter explained. “Saying that a hell of a lot of credit has to go to Woodvale, they were out warming up one hour before the game and were well and truly in the mindset that we should have been in. We showed glimpses around the box of how we want to play this year and the time we put it all together it proved fruitful, but we are into the next round of the cup.” Woodvale coach Martyn Day was proud of his players. “We felt that we more than matched North Perth in every department in fact for long periods of the game we were the better side,” he said. “Before North Perth scored their winning goal with 5minutes left we had two very good opportunities to go in front.”
In the other games on Sunday East Perth FC beat Perth AFC 2-1 at Len Packham Park on Sunday, while Queens Park ran out convincing 5-0 winners against Perth Hills United at Harry Riseborough Oval. The visitors were on top early and had the ball in the net four times in the opening 15 minutes, with two ruled offside. They were ahead when a through ball sending Tubiso Ncube in on goal and finishing smartly. It was 2-0 when Wesley Britz eased past two United defenders before squaring to Ncube, who added his second from five meters. It was 3-0 when defender Papa fired home an unstoppable long-range rocket into the top corner, before Lance Louve curled home the fourth, and Britz capped off a good performance after a mazy run and finish to make it 5-0.
“I thought we played very well and played the ball patiently from back to front without losing the ball or forcing the play,” Queens Park Coach Ricardo Fynn said. “Tribute to Perth Hills who were honest and worked tirelessly but were undone by good movement and quick passing. We could have scored a few more goals but the sting and urgency were taken out of the game after the fifth goal There were moments in the second half where Perth Hills had an opportunity or two but it wasn’t their day, but overall it was a very good start in the Cup and the lads are all buzzing for the next round.”
The draw for round three was made today at the Football West Headquarters and here are the fixtures: To be played on the 6th/7th April - Joondalup United vs North Perth United, Ashfield vs Murdoch University Melville, Gosnells City vs Forrestfield United, Bunbury Dynamos vs Swan United, Dianella White Eagles vs Fremantle City, Mindarie vs Warnbro Strikers, Yanchep United vs Curtin University, Subiaco AFC vs Mandurah City, Northern City vs Queens Park, Shamrock Rovers vs Maccabi, Port Kennedy vs Brozzy, Westnam United vs Wanneroo City, Morley-Windmills vs Albany Caledonian, Quinns FC vs Olympic Kingsway, East Perth vs Balga, North Beach vs Western Knights, Polonia vs Gwelup Croatia - Byes: Joondalup City, Canning City, Kelmscott Roos, UWA-Nedlands FC
24.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - SEMI FINAL - REVIEW
The 2019 Amateur Night Series Final sees holders Leeming Strikers take on newly promoted Quinns Fc after both won in the Semi-Finals on Sunday at Wanneroo Reserve. In the early game Leeming were too good for Joondalup United running out 5-1 winners. Leeming were ahead when David Palin’s long-range free kick was parried by the keeper, the ball falling kindly to Ben Greaves who scored from the rebound. It was 2-0 when Palin picked out Ayden Evans, who was given far too much room in the middle of the park and his shot flew into the net.
They added a third before half time, a quick throw in by Greaves found Palin, who squared the ball past the keeper to Michael Maratea, who rolled the ball into an empty net. Joondalup where back in the game when Adam Gianessi scored from the penalty spot early in the second half, but Leeming restored their three-goal lead when Evans ran onto a ball over the top, rounded the keeper and finished from the angle. They made it 5-1 late, Greaves tapping home at the back post to seal a comprehensive win.
"We've worked hard throughout preseason so to make it to the final again we couldn’t be happier,” Strikers Coach David Palin said. “Joondalup asked questions at times, but I thought we dealt with the long ball well and especially first half we were very clinical when we went forward. We've put out strong sides throughout the night series and have really wanted to win it again, so to have an opportunity to do that next week we are really looking forward to it.”
In the late game at Wanneroo Reserve, Quinns caused an upset by beating Kingsley 2-0. Quinns were ahead when Liam McManus produced a fantastic finish, and they wrapped up the game when Mark Hynes tapped after Kingsley failed to deal wit ha corner. “A really great night for us as a team, we’ve been working on several aspects of our game heading towards the start of the season and against Kingsley it all came together nicely,” Quinns Coach Darren Kay said. “It’s been a tough week having played three games in nine days and I’m very happy for the lads after all the hard work. I think Leeming will be another tough challenge in the final but we’ll continue to focus on our game and give it all we’ve got next week.”
23.3.2019
PERTH TAKE OUT THE ‘DYLAN TOMBIDES TRIBUTE’ GAME
Defending champions Perth SC claimed their first win of the 2019 NPL WA season, downing Stirling Lions 3-0 in the ‘Dylan Tombides Tribute’ game at Macedonia Park on Saturday. Gustavo Catarcione opened the scoring early, before Niccolò Sabatini bagged a second before the break. Sabatini added his second to wrap up the points just after half time and earn their first win of the season. “Obviously it was an important win, especially after sharing points last week,” Catarcione said. “We knew that it would be a hard game away against Stirling so getting that early goal gave us a bit more confidence to play our game and secure the three points and get close to the top.”
After being held to a 2-2 draw at home by ECU Joondalup in their season opener last week, the Champions were out of the blocks early and Paul Zimarino fired just wide in the opening minute. But on seven minutes they did find the target, a ball over the top sent Catarcione in on goal after he beat the Lions’ offside trap, and he rounded Lions keeper Ryan Montgomery and rolled the ball into an empty net. They doubled their lead on 23 minutes, Sabatini’s powerful free kick flew past Montgomery and into the net. On 38 minutes the crowd all stood and took part in a minute’s applause for Tombides, his shirt number when he was at West Ham United, and the DT38 foundation Australia were on hand at the game to help raise awareness of testicular cancer.
Perth added a third to seal the points six minutes into the second half, Catarcione was brought down in the penalty area and referee Michal Jasinski pointed to the spot, and Orr converted. The Lions had the opportunity to pull one back when Jasinski pointed to the spot at the other end, but Francis Soale guessed the right way to save Dean Cummings spot kick. The home side ended the game well and went close to a consolation goal on 75 minutes, but Moses Kalau’s curling shot crashed off the crossbar, with the Lions suffering their second home loss of the season.
Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Luke SERRA, 3 Darren O’RIORDAN, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris MCLAUGHLIN, 6 Dhors Chol, 7 Dean CUMMINGS, 8 Finn GRAHAM (14 Kristian DESPOTOVSKI 55’), 9 Moses KALAU, 10 David MOLINARI (15 Sean MCMANUS 70’), 11 Joseph PERKINS - Subs not used: 12 Noah SHAMAKI, 16 Andrew MARANTA, 20 Daniel MARQUES
Perth SC: GK Francis SOALE, 2 Alex SILLA (12 Jordan DE LEO 64’), 4 Thomas SOUTHGATE, 5 Niccolò SABATINI (17 Frank FURFARO 70’), 6 Harley ORR, 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE, 14 Kristan SANTICH (13 Rocco PIZZATA 80’), 16 Kieran COLWELL, 18 Michael DOMFEH, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC, 20 Paul ZIMARINO - Subs not used: RGK Malek KUC, 10 Luke GARAS - Referee: Michal Jasinski
23.3.2019
ARMADALE TOO STRONG FOR ROCKY TO MOVE TOP
Armadale moved to the top of the table and became the opening side with a 100% record after a 3-0 win against Rockingham City at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Sam Garces gave the host the lead at the break, before a double from Adriano Jelenovic in the second sealed the win. “A real team effort today, and I felt our lads matured as a team,” Armadale Coach John O’Reilly said. “I thought we were patient without the ball and we kept to our game plan, and I thought we nullified Rockingham’s strengths and took our opportunities well.”
After last week’s defeat at Balcatta, Rockingham arrived determined to pick up their first points of the season, but they found themselves behind on the half hour. A ball into the box picked out Garces, and the former Murdoch University Melville midfielder volleyed home. Rockingham had the perfect opportunity to equalise just before the break, when referee Matthew Southern pointed to the spot after James Harmer was brought down in the box by Armadale keeper Sam Hutchings. Harmer stepped up to take the resulting penalty but Hutchings made emends saving the spot kick, and the Welsh strikers follow up shot.
Rockingham continued to dictate terms after the break but they couldn’t find a way past a tight Armadale defence well marshalled by Billy Quinncroft and Nathan Costello, and with the visitors pushing forward looking for the equaliser Armadale broke away and added a second. Dannie Richman won the ball in the middle of the park and played in Jelenovic, who kept his composure and slotted past ex-Armadale keeper Cyril Sharrock. Rockingham continued to press and substitute Victor Brauner went close, while Harmer hit the woodwork. But Jelenovic put the game beyond doubt four minutes from time when he raced clear, rounded Sharrock and fired home to the delight of the home faithful.
Armadale: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KAISER, 3 James HARAN (6 Joel SANDERSON 73’), 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 7 Joshua CORTES (19 Harry EVANS 71’), 9 Billy QUINNCROFT, 10 Sam GARCES (14 Connor ATKINSON 80’), 11. Adriano JELENOVIC, 12 Dannie RICHMAN, 13 Blake ADAMS - Subs not used: RGK Blake HENSHELL, 21 Ismael BANGURA,
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 2 Mitch FIRTH (9 Sam MACKERNAN 14’), 5 Harry COLLIN, 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI, 7 James MILLARD, 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 14 Ryan KENNEDY (4 Jason CONSTABLE 65’), 15 Jason POTTIER (23 Victor BRAUNER 65’), 18 Michael FARMER, 30 James HARMER, 33 Jarrad MORT - Subs not used: 31 James GREHAN - Referee: Matthew Southern
23.3.2019
HINA LATE PENALTY IN AN EIGHT GOAL THRILLER
A penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time from Inglewood United winger Hamza Hina has given them a thrilling 4-4 draw against Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday in Round Two of the NPL WA. Hina had given United the lead early, but Daniel Robinson scored twice to give the Cockerels the lead at the break. Ryan Pratt put the home side in control early in the second half, but goals to Sam Riak and Chok Dau levelled things up. Cockburn thought they had won it when Robinson completed his hat-trick from the spot in the final minute, but Hina had other ideas keeping his nerve to level with the final kick of the match.
Playing Cockburn is always a tough challenge and a good game of football for they are well structured and organized but nevertheless I felt we deserved more than just a point but the most important thing is that we showed that we got upstanding quality and character to come back from being down 3-1,” Hina explained. “I felt massive joy when scoring that final equalizing goal for I just wanted to reward me teammates' efforts and hard work with at least a point and to show all the doubters that Inglewood is still just as strong despite change of managerial staff one week prior to season and we are definitely aiming for the silverware.”
Inglewood, who were looking for their first win of the season after a loss against Bayswater last week, started well and were ahead on five minutes. Hina was allowed too much space on the edge of the box and he made Cockburn pay with a clean strike past keeper Luke Radonich. But the home side responded two minutes later, with Robinson scoring from the spot after referee David Bruce spotted a foul by Jamie Murphy inside the box. The Cockburn striker was in again on 23 minutes, finishing from close-range from a corner.
The home side made a perfect start to the second half when they added a third two minutes in. A clearance from keeper Alex Dunn went straight to Pratt, who made him pay by rolling to ball home. Inglewood weren’t finished and they pulled one back on the hour, Riak tapping home from close-range. Hina went close to levelling moments later, but his header hit the woodwork. But the equaliser did arrive seven minutes from time, the lively Dau was played in on goal and he rounded Radonich and rolled the ball home into an empty net.
Both sides pressed for the winner and it looked like Cockburn had found it when Robinson was brought down in the box by Scott Blackmore, and Bruce pointed to the spot again. Robinson picked himself up to score and complete his hat-trick. The action wasn’t finished there and in the seventh minute of stoppage time Inglewood found the equaliser, Hina finishing superbly, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 5 Julien TELES, 6 Ruben TRISTAO, 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 11 Harry O’BRIEN, (7 Luccas MELLO 71’), 12 Ryan PRATT, 15 Daniel SANTICH, 16. Daniel ROBINSON, (14 Hayden STEVENS 90’), 20 Ashley ROSINDALE, (10 David ARAYA 85’), 21 Jesse LAZZARO. Subs not used: RGK Ben RADONIC, 18 Adam ANFUSO Yellow cards: Mello 76, Teles 95
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 5 Sam RIAK, 7 Hamza HINA, 8 Jason BARRERA, 9 Chok DAU, 10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA (23 Zdenek BEZDEK 86’), 14 Steve SOKOL (6 Miki VUJACIC 81’), 15 Brian FARRELL, 16 Jamie MURPHY, 17 Mark BARNETT - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 12 John GUYA, 13 Nelson TSHONGO - Referee: David Bruce
23.3.2019
TEECE STUNNER WINS IT FOR SORRENTO
Sorrento striker Cameron Teece scored a stunning long-range free kick to give them all three points in the ‘Joondalup City Derby’ against ECU Joondalup in week two of the NPL WA at the ECU Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The visitors had raced to a two-goal lead after only 30 minutes, with David Stokoe and Jordan Roberts on target, but a brace from Joe Knowles late had it all square at the break. Knowles missed the opportunity to complete his hat-trick after he saw his penalty saved by James Morgan, but it was Teece who had the final word. “I thought we played really well in the first half, and could have been 4-5 up if we had taken our chances,” Teece explained. “But we conceded two sloppy goals before half time and let them back into it, but happy with the goal that I scored and more important it got us three points and got us off the mark for the season.”
The former Perth Glory striker raced down the right, cut inside, picked his spot and buried it into the far corner of the net. Then in stoppage time the home side levelled, Andy Higgins finding Knowles and his low shot gave James Morgan no chance. It was end to end in the second half but it was ECU who had the perfect opportunity to take the lead when Richard Howles was brought down in the box by Stokoe, and referee Tom Glavovic pointed straight to the spot. Knowles stepped up to take the resulting penalty but Morgan guessed the right way to make a great low save to his right. But it was Sorrento who found the winner 14 minutes from time, and what a goal it was, Teece picking out the top corner of the net via the crossbar from 20-meters.
ECU Joondalup: GK Johnny PERKINS, 2 Cian HIRRELL, 3 Ronald RIXER, 4 Brad MCDONALD, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 6 Ollie ANNIS (16 Henry DURR 65’), 7 Joe KNOWLES, 8 Josh WHITMORE (14 Lukas DE LIMA 83’), 9 Richard HOWLES, 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SKLENAR – Subs not used: RGK Scott WALLIS, 12 Ryan MCDARBY, 15 Tom HOUGH
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN (19 Jack SALTER 71’), 10 Jordan ROBERTS (22 Danny JONES 84’), 11 Tim HILL, 17 Reece VITTIGL IA, 18 Jordan BROWN, 23 Cameron TEECE - Sub not used: RGK Matt GIUDICATTI, 13 Steven MCDONALD, 21 Elliot TATTERSALL - Referee: Tom Glavovic
23.3.2019
GLORY YOUNGSTERS BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Perth Glory produced a great all-round team performance to beat Balcatta 3-0 to secure their first win of the NPL WA season at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday afternoon. First half goals from Daniel Stynes and Jacob Italiano put the Glory in control, before a late own goal from Balcatta’s Joseph Marino gave Glory the points and moved them to sixth place on the table. Head Coach Richard Garcia said it was good performance from his side and he was also delighted with the clean sheet. “Delighted to get the win, and it topped a good performance from the team,” he said. “We were better in front of goal this week, and defended better as a team. The lads at the back kept us on track in the second half and were outstanding. “I thought some of our approach work today was much improved, and it’s great reward for the lads, who also played well against Floreat last week, but came away with nothing.”
It was the visitors who opened the brighter and went close early, Adam Zimarino played the ball into Carmelo Giuffre in the penalty area, but Glory keeper Jackson Lee stood tall to deny him. They went close again moments later a quick counter attack led to skipper Calum O’Connell shot from the angle which was well claimed by Lee. Glory settled and began to dictate terms and they were rewarded with the lead on 17 minutes. Henry Hore’s pinpoint cross picked out Stynes who made no mistake heading past Balcatta keeper Yousri Gharsallah.
Hore was having a great game and he was instrumental in Glory’s next opportunity, a ball into Gabriel Popovic who slide the ball home, but the flag was up for offside. But just after the half hour they did double their lead, Italiano was picked out in the penalty area, and he finished clinically past Gharsallah. Balcatta began the second half well and had Glory under pressure, but led by skipper Zayd Farah the youngsters held firm. They did close when Shubham Mokala went through on goal, but Lee produced a great save to deny him.
With Balcatta pushing men forward Glory began to find holes in their defence and after great interplay between Stynes and Hore ended up with Gabriel Popovic, but he skied the chance over the bar. But the points were wrapped up two minutes from time when Glory added a third, Aiden Edwards’ cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Marino. Stynes said they deserved the win but had to defender in the second half to take the points. “It was a very good performance from the boys today and good to get the season off and running,” he said. “We were a bit sloppy in the second half however we weathered the storm and came out on top.”
Perth Glory: GK Jackson LEE, 2 Zayd FARAH, 3 Walter SCOTT, 4 Jacob MUIR, 5 Daniel WALSH (14 Jaiden SELDEN 45), 6 Kristian POPOVIC, 7 Ethan BROOKS (16 Gomo DUKULY 67), 8 Henry HORE, 9 Gabriel POPOVIC, 10 Daniel STYNES, 11 Jacob Italiano (13 Aiden EDWARDS) – Subs not used: RGK Nicholas SPECCA, 17 Jack LEECH
Balcatta: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 3 John KEARNEY, 4 Calum O”CONNELL, 5 Shubham MOKALA, 10 Jonathan CORNESS, 12 Roberto DEL BORRELLO (11 Callum STOCKS 58), 13 Carmelo GIUFFRE, 16 Alex CASTIELLO, 22 Ben PELLIZZARI (9 Gavin KNIGHT 45), 23 Adam ZIMARINO (20 Anthony TOPINI 72) - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 19 Michael ZIMARINO - Referee: Steven Gregory
23.3.2019
BAYSWATER LET IT SLIP LATE
Bayswater City have conceded an equaliser deep into stoppage time to draw 2-2 with Floreat Athena at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening. It was the first NPL WA game under the club’s new flood lights, but they found themselves behind at half time, with Robert Petkov on target. Daryl Nicol levelled for the home side on the hour, before slotting home a penalty five minutes from time to give them the lead. But deep into stoppage time the unfortunate Adam Tong turned a cross into his own net, and the points were shared.
“It's always a tight game between the two clubs and one which we knew would be physical, which the boys were up for,” Floreat defender Jesse Fuller said. “It started off quite physical and we managed to get a goal ahead, which was great to settle the game down a bit. They (Bayswater) didn't really create too many clear-cut chances in the game, but managed to score two, which forced us to press forward and push hard and got a deserved equaliser just before full time. Overall, I feel we had the better chances on the night and could have won the game, but getting the draw right at the death keeps us moving forward.”
It was all Floreat early, and they were rewarded with the lead after 11 minutes Petkov pounced on a loose ball inside the box for his second goal in as many matches. City hit back and Tong saw his header flash just wide of the post for Bayswater but overall both teams struggled to create chances in the first half. However, the second half was a different story and a diving header at the back post from Nicol put the home side on level terms on the hour. The game became a little testy, and referee Josh Mannella was forced to produce his yellow card as the push-and-shove that this fixture promised came to the fore.
But just as both sides looked to have run out of time Dennis Galan handed Bayswater a lifeline in the 85th minute when he fouled Jason Mirco inside the box and Mannella pointed straight to the spot. Nicol stepped up and took penalty duties for the second week in a row and he confidently slid his shot straight down the middle and past Jason Saldaris. But Floreat weren’t giving up, however, and they got their reward in the 93rd minute when the ball was squared goalward and bundled over the line via the unlucky Tong.
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, (13 Trent KAY, 86’), 5 Adam HARRIS, 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 22 Shaydon PASSALCQUA, 24 Jake SARDELIC, (10 Jason MIRCO 54’), 26 Paul LLOYD, (23 Brian WOODALL 59’), 27 Ross MILLARD, 30 Adam Tong - Subs not used: 20 Giordano COLLI, 25 Nemanja JANKMO
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA, 3 Tristan COLLI, (14 Ludovic BOI 70’), 6 Jesse FULLER, 8 Jonathon STYNS, 9. Robert PETKOV, 11 Dennis GALAN, 15. Chris SALDARIS (5. Thomas JEBB 50’), 16. Ryan MALTON, 18. Phillip ARNOLD, 20. Nicholas AMBROGIO – Subs not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 12 Jack ANDREWS, 13. George FESTA - Referee: Josh Mannella
23.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND ONE – REVIEW
The 2019 State League Division One kicked off this weekend and in the Footballwa ‘Match of the Week’ saw newly promoted Olympic Kingsway beat Subiaco 5-1 at Kingsway Reserve on Saturday. The home side were ahead ten minutes before half time, Chris Rizidis played the ball around the corner to Ajak Riak who finished well Teophile Brown. But Subiaco were level on 68 minutes, with Nathan Smith on target. But the home side regained the lead six minutes later, Michael Rizidis’ cross was finished at the back post by Kris Gate.
They added a third two minutes later, Gyles Davies cut in from the right before finishing past Brown from the edge of the penalty area. Michael Rizidis made it 4-1 six minutes from time with a low shot, before Gate added the fifth with the goal of the game, catching Brown off his line and lobbing the keeper from 35 meters, to give Coach Gary Williams a perfect start to his time at the club. “I was delighted with the performance, and the players deserved the victory which is testimony to their hard work over the last few weeks in training,” Williams said. “We will work hard again this week and take that into the home fixture against Mandurah next week.”
Forrestfield United begun life under Graham Normanton with a hard fought 3-2 win against Mandurah City at The Game Guardian Stadium at Hartfield Park. The home side were ahead when Daniel Corbett’s shot deflected to Jordan Hart, who whipped in a cross and the unfortunate Andy Brown sent the ball into his own net. But Mandurah were level on the hour, a quick counter attack ended with Lee Stewart’s long-range shot was parried by Ben Parry, but Joe O’Brien fired home the rebound. The home side regained the Kaan Karakan played in Colbert who found Josh Pereira to find the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Alex Grayson’s side weren’t finished and levelled ten minutes from time, a long-throw was flicked on by Brown, and Abraham Taona fired home from close-range. It looked like the points would be shared but Forrestfield won it late. Jarrad McNally’s cross to the back post found Ben Rogers, who had only been on the pitch a minute, and the striker made no mistake, much to the delight of the home supporters. “It was great determination shown by the boys tonight, “Corbett said. “I thought we dominated the first half and really dug in when things got tough in the second half, so proud of the boys and it’s great to start the season with three points.”
In the other games Fremantle City striker Angel Andres scored all four goals as they beat Morley Windmills 4-1 at Hilton Reserve, while Ashfield and Western Knights fought out a 1-1 draw at the Ashfield Arena. The visitors took the lead when Dean Hurley was brought down in the box, and he picked himself up to score from the resulting penalty. The Knights were then reduced to ten-men when Graham Tough was shown a straight card, and Ashfield levelled after some consistent pressure ended with a mistake from keeper Sam Stone, the ball falling to Albert Amankwaa who finished well under pressure. The home side had the perfect opportunity to win it on 91 minutes, when Evans Miranga was brought down in the box by Brian Patterson and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Abdul Abdella stepped up to take the penalty but Stone made up for his early error to save his spot kick.
In the final game UWA Nedlands came from behind to beat Joondalup United 6-2 at Forrest Park. The hosts were ahead after only five minutes, when Tony Taylor scored from the spot, but UWA levelled with Alex Kretowicz turning home Conor Devlin ball. UWA hit the front when Kretowicz was brought down in the box, and he converted the spot kick. It was 3-1 at half time with Lloyd Prout scoring after good work from Joshua Marocchi. Lee Jones pulled one back for the hosts early in the second half but Kretowicz completed his hat-trick to make it 4-1. Further goals from Ivwa Simbile and Riaz Kelly made it a convincing win, to move UWA to the top of the table.
“It was a good game for us away from home and we expected them up for the task after their relegation from NPL and that Nick would recruit well to be ready for the league,” Michael Janssen said. “The start wasn’t ideal conceding a penalty but we followed our game plan and the boys were confident and worked and played their way back on top of them within 30 minutes creating plenty of chances. The second half was starting same way as we started the game conceding a quick goal, but we adjusted well and our substitution worked well. Tim Robertson coming on after 55 minutes and Riaz Kelly later in our forward line had instant impact. Overall, we are happy with most of our performance and the result displayed the 90 minutes of football. Now we need to work on a few things through the coming week to be ready and well prepared for the next away game at Forrestfield.”
23.3.2019
GLORY CONFIRM SIGNING OF FORNAROLI
The worst kept secret in the A-League has been confirmed - Perth Glory have signed star striker Bruno Fornaroli for the next two seasons. The Uruguayan marksman will join Tony Popovic's side for the start of the 2019/20 campaign and may make his Glory debut in July's high-profile friendly with Manchester United.
Fornaroli, scorer of 57 goals in 83 appearances for Melbourne City, will add to Glory's already impressive line-up of firepower. The striker said he had belief in what Popovic was creating at Glory, and was pleased to move on from months of speculation about his playing future.
“Tony said that there is a project here at Glory and that they want to play better than now and do better next season,” Fornaroli said. “I believe in the project and I believe in the coach and that’s why I’m here. I’m where I want to be and this is the most important thing for me. I’m very happy to be here.”
A two-time Uruguayan Primera Division winner, 31-year old Fornaroli began his professional career at Nacional. He spent four seasons with Italian club Sampdoria during which he was loaned to San Lorenzo (Argentina), Recreativo Huelva (Spain) and Nacional. Single season at Panathinaikos (Greece) and Danubio (Uruguay) followed.
Fornaroli joined City for the 2015/16 season and became the quickest player to register 30 A-League goals, which he achieved in just 35 games. He turned in a Mark Viduka Medal-winning display in City's 2016 FFA Cup Final win over Sydney FC, and collected the A-League Golden Boot award at the end of 2015/16.
Fornaroli fell out with City coach Warren Joyce in the off-season, when he was denied a move to Sydney FC. He was then frozen out of the starting side because Joyce was unhappy with his fitness, citing a lack of commitment for his continued absence. His time with the club ended late last month with the termination of his contract by mutual agreement.
22.3.2019
INTO THE LOOKING GLASS: STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE PREVIEW
The State League Divison One season preview is now updated with a full run down on the teams, see how season 2019 will pan out...
22.3.2019
NPL-WA ROUND TWO PREVIEW
It's week two of the NPL WA and the Footballwa 'Match of the Week' takes us to Alfred Skeet Reserve, where Armadale host newly promoted Rockingham City. (3.00pm) The Reds opened their season with a solid 2-0 win on the road against Stirling Lions, while Rockingham began life in the NPL with 4-0 loss at Balcatta. The last time these two sides met in the league at the venue was back in 2004 when the Reds won 4-0, the season they were promoted to the Premier League, with goals from Paul Caulkin, Gary Murdoch, Greg Newcombe and Michael Bushby. The win at Stirling was a great confidence boost for John O'Reilly's side after a disappointing night series, and midfielder Dannie Richman said they deserved the win, but did ride their luck in the first half. "We started off slow and their wingers were dangerous but Sam (Hutchings) kept us in it to be fair he made 3-4 great saves in the first half," he explained. "But second half I felt we grew in confidence and managed to put a few of our chances away while they just didn’t have any luck. Once we went the two goals up it felt like we just controlled the game and saw it out as a team. While we rode our luck this week, we can’t afford to do that every week and we will need to start this week how we finished the last match."
Richman, who missed a number of games with injury last season is looking forward to an injury free 2019, and he said the new look side will only get better. "There is a lot of new faces at the club and it has brought a whole new level of competition for places which can only be a good thing. Obviously losing Jackson our top scorer is a big loss but I feel like any team in the league would feel a departure as big as his, so Adriano certainly has big shoes to fill but we’re confident he can get the job done for us," he said. "But I think with the additions to the squad we have a few more players that are comfortable with the ball at their feet and hopefully we can play some decent football an get the results we are chasing. On a personal note this is my first proper pre-seasons for a few years now an I’m hopeful it will set me up for a successful injury-free season. I’ve unfortunately had more than a few serious injuries over the years I’m not sure how many more I can come back from."
The midfielder said Saturday’s opponents were impressive in the recent Night Series, and he's expecting a tough game, but he is confident they can get their home games off with a win. “I actually haven’t seen much of them but I’ve heard plenty of good things about their side so we are looking forward to the challenge," Richman said. "Obviously most people think that we will both be down the lower end of the table come the end of the season so this is a good chance for us to lay an early marker and try stick it up our critics. They will come out firing to get their first win in the NPL, so I think it’s going to be a real battle. Hopefully we can do enough to make it two out of two to start the season, and what better way than in front of our home crowd which as always should be packed full and loud."
Rockingham were given a stark reality check of life in the NPL last week, but conceding three goals either side of half time killed them, and midfielder Lydon Hodgkiss said they have to learn from their mistakes. "It wasn’t a good start to are season, but it was a massive wake up call for the lads if we thought it was going to be easy," he explained. "We tried to play are style of football but Balcatta were well drilled and knew how to play against us. The little things let us down on the day, like losing possession in key areas and on the day, we got punished for it." Hodgkiss, who joined City from UK side Kendall Town, after stints at Manchester United, Liverpool, Blackburn and Preston North End as a junior, believes they have a talented squad and they are looking forward to the challenge of NPL football. "We performed well in the Night Series, but we know it doesn't mean anything now, it's a new challenge in the NPL," he said. "With us doing well we shocked a few teams, so now they are taking us serious and that was shown on the weekend. We have a very young side so it's a great experience for them and the club to be in the top league in WA football. The big difference in 2019 will be the lads have to be on top of their game every week, last season we could get away with it, but this season it won't happen."
A trip to Armadale is next for Hodgkiss and his team mates, a tough challenge but one he believes they can get a positive result. "This will be a very tough game, especially with them getting their season off with a win in week one, so they will be going into the game full of confidence," he said. "We've worked extremely hard this week at training and we have the belief if we stick to the game plan the gaffer puts in place for us we always believe we can win any game no matter who we are playing." There are a number of important match up's in this one, the big one will be Rockingham's skipper James Harmer and Armadale defender Nathan Costello. Both are talented players, and whoever wins that battle will go a long way to deciding where the points end up. Rocky missed Riley van Dieken last week, but the lively winger is hoping to be back this week, while Armadale will also be without their South Sudan international striker Friday Zico, who is away with his national team. Former Reds keeper Cyril Sharrock returns to Alfred Skeet, and I'm sure the Army faithful will welcome him back in their own way.
The round starts on Friday night with a repeat of the Night Series Final, when Bayswater City host Floreat Athena at Frank Drago Reserve. (7.30pm) Both sides opened their season's with wins last week, City travelling to Inglewood and coming home with a 3-0 win, while Floreat held on to beat Perth Glory 2-1. City striker Gordon Smith was an unused substitute last week after struggling with an ankle injury, and he is hoping to return for this one, but Floreat will be without skipper Dean Evans, who is suspended after being sent off last week. Smith, who along with Daryl Nicol, Adam Tong and Ross Millard, joined the club from ECU Joondalup this season, said their performance last week, especially in the first half was good. "I got a bad knock on my foot in the Night Series final, so it was really disappointing to be watching from the sidelines, but it was a great start to the season with three points, " he said. "I thought we dominated the first half and controlled the game, but after the break Inglewood came out and made it difficult for us which we expected them to do, but we managed to make the last 15 minutes more comfortable with a third goal." Smith said Floreat are a good side and they have been in good form, but he said they are determined to reverse the result from two weeks ago, in their first home NPL game at home under lights. "They (Floreat) have obviously been the inform team in the Night Series and looked to have continued that into the league season," the Scottish striker said. "It's an important game for both sides, but we are focused on ourselves and go into the game motivated and full of confidence."
It’s a huge day at Macedonia Park on Saturday when Perth SC hit the road to take on Stirling Lions in the ‘Dylan Tombides Tribute game’. (3.00pm) Both sides will go into this one looking for their first wins of the season, Perth were held to a draw by ECU Joondalup last week, while the Lions were beaten at home by Armadale. Perth lost Matthew Milenkovic with an ankle injury last week, and the talent winger will miss this week, while defender Tom King was replaced at half time with a hamstring injury and is doubt for this one. Lions Coach Keegan Ashley said they had enough opportunities to win last week, but didn’t convert. ‘Fair play to Armadale as there hung in there in the first half and I'd certainly be giving their keeper man of the match,” he said. “However, in the second half we dropped off a bit and need to focus in on our principles a bit better.” Ashley said Saturday is huge both on and off the park, with the game a tribute to Dylan Tombides who passed a way through testicular cancer. The DT38 Foundation is raising awareness of this condition and their work is helping save lives. “Being pretty close to both clubs it’s a game that’s held in high regard not only in memory of Dylan but also to raise awareness for all men,” Ashley said.
“Dylan was a star who developed his talents on the field at Perth SC and Stirling Lions SC before elevating his craft in the EPL with West Ham. Dylan's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer on tour with the Australian National Team. Dylan put up a fight for three years even returning to play a handful of games for West Hams first team but tragically passed away aged 20 in April 2014. There are a lot of fantastic people who do a lot behind the scenes for the cause and we hope a lot of the football public turn up to support the cause and the game.” On the game the coach said it’s a big game for his team to bounce back from last week’s defeat. “It’s going to be a tough game and Perth are a solid outfit, being champions last season certainly shows the quality they possess,” he said. “It should be a good game and our performance last week was fairly good in the first half but that’s gone and it will be an entirely different game and one we need be focused on for 90 minutes.”
It's a local derby at the ECU Football Stadium on Saturday when ECU Joondalup host Sorrento. (3.00pm) The Gulls lost first up against Cockburn last week, while the Jacks came home from Perth with a well-deserved point. These games are always tight affair, and Saturday will be no different and ECU skipper Johnny Perkins said they have taken a great deal of confidence from the draw at the Champions last week. "We were disappointed with how we started. The first half performance was nowhere near the levels we should be at,” he said. “The boys showed great character to turn it around and I felt we controlled the game in the second half and we came away rueing not having taken three points.
“With said it’s a point more than we took their last year and they are a great team who will be thereabouts at the end of the season so we take the positives and move onto this week. Perkins, who joined the Jacks from Stirling Lions two-years ago, said the City of Joondalup Derby is always a tough game, and Saturday will be no different, but they are confident they can get the right result. "Absolutely, this game is always an intense encounter and it means a lot to both clubs,” he explained. “We are expecting a physical and fast paced game and they have good players that can hurt you but we know our qualities and will be looking for three points.”
Cockburn City will be looking to continue their good start to the season when they host Inglewood United at Dalmatinac Park (3.00pm) City came home from Sorrento with all three points last week, with new signings Riley Woodcock and Ashley Rosindale on target, but Inglewood started the season with defeat at home against Bayswater. It wasn't the best of starts for new coach Andres Oliveira, but he only took over four days before the opener, and he will be looking for an improved performance on Saturday. The win at Sorrento was a great start for Rosindale, who joined from Inglewood this season, and he said it's always good to start a new season with a win. "Overall I thought we deserved the win, we had the better chances and we were the better team across the 90 minutes," he said. "They (Sorrento) had some good spells and made it nervy for us at the end, but it’s a difficult place to go and get three points so we are happy with the end result."
Rosindale said he had a great three seasons at Inglewood, but on Saturday he will be doing all he can to get three points for the Cockerels. "Inglewood are a great club, with fantastic, genuine people involved throughout. I loved my time there and still have good friends involved and I’d still like to see them do well again this season," the striker explained. "Having said that we are focused on getting three points every time we go out on the pitch and Saturday will be no different for me. It will be lots of fun to come up against my old teammates and I’ll be looking forward to the battle against David Cyrus in particular. We know it will be a tough game but if we can use last week’s result as a platform to build on and continue to improve then there should be no reason why we can’t get another three points."
In the final game Perth Glory host Balcatta at E&D Litis Stadium. (3.00pm) The Glory went down narrowly to the inform Floreat Athena in round one, while Balcatta jumped to the top of the table with a big win against Rockingham. It's a new look Glory side in 2019, but Head coach Richard Garcia was happy the way his players played last week, and knows they will have to produce the same against Balcatta this week. Balcatta opened with a bang and Head Coach Goran Stajic was delighted with the performance and that he had four different goal scorers. "It was good to get the win against a very good opposition especially one that was in scintillating form," he said. "The other pleasing components of the win was the goals that we managed to create along with keeping a credible clean sheet.
"It’s always pleasing when anyone scores but this is something that doesn’t surprise me as it’s one of our pillars. We know we don’t have the funds to go out and get the reputation players to deliver the results so in return the by-product of our approach is different scorers. If you go back to last season this occurred on occasions so it’s to be expected." Stajic is well aware of the talent the Glory have at their disposal and is expecting another tight affair. "The focus for us has not changed. We revisited on how we beat Glory a few weeks ago in the pre-season so the team know what to expect and have prepared for various scenarios that may or may not happen," he explained. "I’d imagine Glory’s focus will be on getting their first win of the season, add the bonus of us yet to concede a goal, so if you put all that together you will have two teams going all out to win."
22.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND ONE – PREVIEW
The 2019 Football West State League Division One season kicks off this weekend, but the league has been rocked in the past week with the withdrawal of South West Phoenix. The team based in Bunbury were supposed to play Gwelup Croatia in the opening round, but they will have a bye. Gwelup Coach Taki Nicolaidis said it isn't ideal. "For our club it's extremely disappointing to see Phoenix withdraw just one week before the start of the season, as we've had to readjust our preparation for the season which isn't ideal," he said. "The other disappointing thing for me is that we now only have 11 sides in the league, which could have been filled by a Wanneroo City, Swan United or Dianella White Eagles had it been addressed earlier."
Back to the football and the Footballwa 'Match of the Week' takes us to Kingsway Reserve where newly promoted Olympic Kingsway host Subiaco. (3.00pm) Both clubs have new coaches for the season, Subiaco, who were relegated from the NPL WA last season, have appointed Basil Lenzo, while Olympic have appointed Gary Williams. Both clubs had good Night Series campaigns, both qualifying for the quarter-finals and both will be looking for a win in the opener, and the last time these two sides met in the league at the venue was in round nine 2013, when Subiaco ran out 5-1 winners. Doubles from Alan Biletic and Jon Baily and another to Ger Fitzgerald gave Subiaco a comfortable win, while a Josh Rolls scored from the spot for Olympic.
Williams has a new look squad in 2019, and topped their group in the Night Series, before losing to Western Knights in the Quarter-finals, and he said they have worked hard in pre-season and he is looking forward to the new challenge. "I am in my seventh week at the club and there have been a number of changes to the squad, but I believe we are far stronger now than when I joined, however there is still room for improvement,” he said. “The attitude of the players since I came in has been tremendous. There is great positivity around the club, we are young but the enthusiasm generated as a result has had an impact on all the players at the club.”
First up for Williams is a visit of Subiaco, and he said it will be good to see where his team are at, but he is confident they can get the result. "There is always that thought process of ‘how do we compare with others’ as a number of clubs go through change during pre-season and from my own perspective, I am still learning about the State League,” he explained. “There are the obvious candidates of Forrestfield, Western Knights and Gwelup who all have good budgets and have invested well in their player group. We will look to consolidate and be competitive and we will see where that takes us. It goes without saying we want to start the season with a win however Subiaco will also have the same mindset.”
Like Olympic, Subiaco have a new look squad, and they were edged out in the Quarter finals of the Night series 2-1 by UWA Nedlands, but Lenzo said they have recruited well and can't wait for the season to begin. “What a competition it is with many historical clubs whom are very much focused on promotion. Every game will be tough,” he said. “Ultimately to win promotion you have to win big games and give yourself a chance all season. We have had to focus on bringing in a blend of players with experience, youth and over the last six weeks a few of last year’s players have come back to training, which has been great. We feel that we can compete against everyone however ultimately, we just need to focus on ourselves, have a strong belief system and ensure we bring our best game every week."
Lenzo said it's a good challenge first up against the newly promoted Olympic, and they are ready for it. “Kingsway is a club steep in history and Steve and the committee have been very focused on doing things right to get the club back into NPL. They have bought in Gary Williams who is extremely good coach with excellent experience,” he said. “We have had a good preseason and we have been absolutely focused on round one and we all want to start the season with three points and its really about the players going out and grabbing the opportunities with both hands when it strikes. We have to turn up and show that we want to win away from home and we believe we have the team to do that.”
In the other games this weekend at 3.00pm on Saturday Joondalup United entertain UWA-Nedlands at Forrest Park, Ashfield host Western Knights at Ashfield Reserve, while there should be plenty of fireworks when Fremantle City new coach Mauro Marchione hosts his former club Morley Windmills at Hilton Park. The final game is another blockbuster where Forrestfield United entertain Mandurah City at Hartfield Park on Saturday evening. (7.00pm) Forrestfield were relegated from the NPL last season, but are looking to bounce back, and they made a great start winning the recent State League Night Series.
New head coach Graham Normanton has brought in some new players, and they are looking strong, and striker Dan Corbett said the players have gradually got used to the coach’s style of play and they are getting better each week. "Yes, winning the night series was a brilliant achievement for the boys, I think as a team we progressed a lot as the night series went on," he said. "Normo worked us very hard in the off season and I think the team has really bought into his ethos and how he expects the game to be played." Forrestfield beat Mandurah narrowly in the Night Series, and Corbett said it will be another tight game but he is hoping to start the season well. "The game against Mandurah in the night series was a real battle, as they played a very direct style of football, but we will go into the weekends game with the plan to play the game on our terms," he explained. "This is the most important game of the season for us to get ourselves off to a good start and I know all the boys can’t wait for 7pm on Saturday at Hartfield Park."
22.3.2019
FFA CUP - ROUND TWO – PREVIEW
It's the second round of the 2019 FFA Cup this weekend, with four ties across the metropolitan area. The first round was held two weeks ago with Albany Caledonian, Bunbury Dynamos and Polonia FC all progressing to the next stage and they have all been rewarded with a bye in the third round along with Warnbro Strikers, Mindarie, Maccabi, Westnam United, North Beach, Yanchep United, Brozzy and Port Kennedy.
In Saturday's game Third Division amateur side Woodvale host Premier League side North Perth United at Timberlane Park (3.00pm). The FFA Cup has really given the small clubs exposure on the National scene and Woodvale first step starts this weekend, and Coach Martyn Day said it's a tough first up game against the Premier League Champions, but one they are looking forward. "Yes, as a small Sunday amateur club the competition has given us great exposure to a wider audience, the team looks forward to the competition every season, in a cliché it is really a David and Goliath competition but the experience we gain from the competition gives us great belief going into our league season," he explained. "All the lads are buzzing at the moment, so hopefully we rise to the occasion on the day and give a good account of ourselves."
In other games Premier League Wembley Downs take on Northern City at Curtin Stadium, while Perth AFC entertain East Perth at Len Packham Park both on Sunday. (3.00pm) The final tie sees Perth Hills host Queens Park at Harry Riseborough Oval on Sunday. (1.00pm). Queens Park are one of the oldest clubs in WA football, formed in 1931 the Coker Park club have played a number of years in the State League, but have played amateur football since 2011, and currently play in Division One, while Sunday's opponents play in Division Two. Queens Park coach Ricardo Fynn said the cup is great to raise the profile of the smaller clubs. "It’s great that Amateur clubs get to play in the FFA Cup and test themselves on the National scene with the bigger and more established football clubs," he said. “Every football player dream about being involved in big cups and the FFA cup is certainly the platform for players to measure themselves.”
Fynn said they have a good pre-season with a camp in Geraldton as preparation, and he's looking forward to Sunday game. "Geraldton was a great trip to get the group to gel and also trust each other. We have a unique situation with 55 players turning up to training every week for the past three months, it means we have been spoilt for choice and can afford to swap players in and out the first team without dropping the quality, which is a testament to the management of the club that so many lads want to play for them - Great club with great ambition," he explained.
"On Sunday we are expecting a tight game with solid organisation and a set of well drilled players. Perth Hills are a proud club with great history and there’s bound to be a great environment with Queens Park travelling supporters. My boys are ready for the game and the coaching staff will be tested as well with great coaches in the opposite dugout. Hopefully the boys can settle down early and play the type of football that keeps supporters coming back week after week."
22.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - SEMI FINAL - PREVIEW
The Amateur Night Series Semi-Finals take place on Sunday at Wanneroo Reserve and the two new Premier League clubs, Quinns and Joondalup United, have both made the final four. In the early game Joondalup take on current Night Series holders Leeming Strikers. (4.00pm) Joondalup qualified for the Semi-Finals as the best runner-up, finishing second in Pool 3 and Coach Ben Williams said they are tracking along nicely. "It’s only pre-season but we are happy with how things are going,” he said. “We’ve played a number of games, which is important so the new players could get use to one another ahead of the league.”
Williams said he is delighted to reach the Semi-Finals but the league season is their priority, but he said they will give it a good crack. "It’s going to be another tough test on Sunday against Leeming, but that's what the premier league is tough games every week,” he said. “The lad’s reaction to the Kingsley loss Tuesday was positive at training, and we look to bounce back this week we will need to be at our best as Leeming are very strong.”
The Strikers went through the group stage winning all their games in Pool One, and Coach David Palin said he is pleased with the way they are going about their business. "The players have worked hard throughout preseason so it’s nice to get some early rewards with some wins and a semi-final,” he said. “We are happy with the start that we have made but also know there is still a lot of work to be done moving into the season. It was important for us to hit the ground running again, we have good depth and good competition within the squad so it has allowed us to put out strong sides and work on our structure and how we want to approach games this year and playing Joondalup this week will only help us improve.”
Palin said Joondalup have looked good so far in the competition and he's expecting a tough game. “Joondalup like other newly promoted teams in recent years have hit the ground running, it’s clear their already adapting to life in the premier league with some strong results in the group stage, so we have no doubt they will be strong opposition this week and that should make for a good game,” he explained. “It’s a semi-final we know even though its early on we will have to be at our best to give ourselves a chance at making the final. The players are looking forward to the game and if we execute the game plan come 6pm we will be hopefully looking forward to the final.”
In the late game Kingsley take on Quinns. (6.00pm) Kingsley topped Pool Two, and like Leeming, won all their games and Coach Steven Dimitrovich said it's great preparation for the league season ahead. "Yes, I’s been a good start to 2019 for sure, myself and Stuart Montgomery put a pre-season programme together that was going to test the players,” he explained. “It allowed us to get them to a level where we could finish out games strong which we’ve been able to do and it’s allowed us to build some momentum during the night series which we hope continues on Sunday.”
Dimitrovich said he's not seen much of Sunday's opponents but he said they will be up for the challenge and it should be a good game. "Quinn’s is going to be a very tough game and one the lads are looking forward to as having never played them before,” he said. “I’ve not seen Quinn’s play, but if their results are anything to go by I’m expecting a very competitive game and one that may only be decided by the odd goal.”
Quinns were the last team to qualify for the Semi-finals after edging out Ellenbrook United 3-2 in the catch-up game on Wednesday evening, with goals from Jack Knowles, Liam Hunt and Andy Pandeli. Coach Darren Kay said good to get the win, but they made hard work of it. "It was a game that we made very hard for ourselves by not putting our chances away," he explained. "But saying that credit to Ellenbrook as they kept coming and I was really happy to see our lads find the winner towards the end."
Kay said his players will be ready for the tie, despite the lack of preparation. "Now that we've here in the Semi-Finals, it's a shame under the circumstances that we don't get any preparation time following the replay of the Ellenbrook game," he said. "They (Kingsley) are the measure in this league and a club that I have a massive respect for, but we can't wait to have a real good crack at them."
21.3.2019
ITALIANO COMMITS TO NEWCASTLE
Lewis Italiano says a settled family life and the chance to repay Newcastle Jets’ faith in him was behind his re-signing with the Hunter club. The 28-year old goalkeeper committed to a one-year contract extension with Newcastle today, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2019/20 A-League season.
“Ernie (coach Ernie Merrick) and Lawrie (McKinna) gave me a chance at the start of this season and it’s an opportunity I was determined to grab with both hands,” Italiano told the Jets’ official website.
“Working with (goalkeeper coach) Chris (Bowling) and the team has been great for my development and I’m excited to continue that next season. My wife and I are expecting our first child in June and we’re really enjoying our time in Newcastle, so securing my future was important for both of us.”
Perth-born Italiano played locally for Inglewood United and Balcatta before getting his A-League break at Wellington Phoenix, making 19 appearances for the Kiwi club over two separate stints. A short spell at Stirling lead him to join Newcastle for the start of the current campaign.
Italiano has spent the majority of this season deputising for Glen Moss, making just four appearances for his club. Nonetheless, coach Merrick rates his well-travelled shot-stopper highly. “Lewis possesses some great attributes as a goalkeeper,” Merrick said.
“He’s come a long way since I coached him last (at Wellington), maturing as player and bringing consistency to his performance in training and during games. I’m really glad to have someone of Lewis’ character around the group for another season, he’s been a great addition to our squad.”
With no games this weekend due to the international break, Newcastle are next in action on Saturday 30 March when they head to Wellington. With a five-point gap between themselves and sixth-placed Adelaide United, it’s a match the Jets must win to keep their finals hopes alive.
19.3.2019
GLORY RE-SIGNS DAVIDSON AFTER COMPETITION FOR SIGNATURE
Perth Glory have beaten off intense competition from rival A-League clubs for the second time to re-sign Jason Davidson for next season. The 27-year old defender has played a key role in Glory's charge to the Premiers Plate, appearing in all 22 games, 21 of them as a starter, and scoring twice.
Davidson has made 22 Socceroo appearances, played in all three games at the 2014 World Cup, and was a member of Australia’s Asian Cup-winning side a year later. “I want to continue to be a part of something special,” Davidson said of re-signing with Glory.
“The success that the club is striving for is something that I want to help achieve and I feel fortunate to be a part of a team unit that is so strong on and off the pitch. It’s great to have come back to play in Australia and hit the ground running with a team that is playing so well.”
Davidson came to Glory from Croatian side Rijeka, from where he was loaned out to Olimpija Ljublijana (Slovenia). He had spells with Paços de Ferreira (Portugal), Heracles Almelo, FC Groningen (the Netherlands) and English clubs West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town.
Glory football director Jacob Burns said Davidson had made a significant contribution this season. “Jason has been in great form and is clearly thriving under the guidance of (coach) Tony Popovic and his coaching staff,” Burns said. “He has made a significant contribution to the team’s success and we look forward to his continued performances as we build for the future.”
19.3.2019
DAVIES BACK IN THE FOLD FOR MALAYSIA
Defender Matthew Davies is hoping that the Airmarine Cup hosts can perform well in the upcoming invitational tournament. Malaysia open their campaign against Singapore on March 20, with the winner meeting either Oman or Afghanistan in the final three days later.
"It's good to get back into the team with the boys, the confidence is high following their amazing run in the AFF Championship. It's good to come back in this environment again," said Davies, who missed last years' AFF Championship through injnury.
"It's important that we up our ranking (through the cup matches) in order to avoid the (2022 World Cup) play-off round. The game against Singapore is important, as is the following encounter. We stand a good chance of getting good results."
18.3.2019
INJURED GRANT’S FRUSTRATION MOUNTS AS GLORY SURGES
Perth Glory defender Alex Grant is battling though the darkest and most frustrating season of his career. Glory edged closer towards the A-League Premiers Plate with a 2-0 win at Adelaide United on Friday night, but Grant was absent for the sixth consecutive game.
A mystery abdominal injury has prevented Grant playing since the home win over Newcastle Jets in late January, and he missed four matches earlier in the season with foot damage. “Without a doubt it’s the most frustrating season I’ve ever had,” Grant said.
“I was feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my career and then for three weeks I couldn’t even kick a ball. You go over it in your head. There are times when you’re pulling your hair out thinking ‘why me?’ But I’m not feeling sorry for myself.”
Grant had imposed himself on the back line and was a key figure in coach Tony Popovic’s new-look side when, five games into the season in the 3-2 win against Central Coast Mariners, he ruptured the plantar ligament on the sole of a foot. After a month on the sidelines he went straight back into the starting line-up only to be struck down again six games later.
“I had a bit of pain but every game it was getting worse. I was getting local anaesthetic to numb the pain to get me through,” he said. “Towards the end of the warm-up for the Newcastle Jets I felt a ripping pain in my stomach. It felt like someone had stabbed me in the gut.”
The pain of the injury was made worse by not knowing what was causing it. “I had an ultrasound, a CT scan, two MRIs and they came up with nothing. We were all left scratching our heads,” he said. “We’ve now come to the conclusion that I’m getting grief from scar tissue from a hernia operation I had a couple of seasons ago.”
Grant took a big step in his recovery on Wednesday night, playing 45 minutes against a visiting Indonesian side. And with five games left in the regular season he is desperate to add to the 65 appearances he has made since signing for Glory in 2015. “I felt comfortable. I’m playing with pain but I just want to have some more involvement. I want to punch a bit more.”
17.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - WEEK THREE REVIEW
Three of the four Amateur Night Series Semi-Finals spots have been decided, Leeming Strikers winning Pool One, Kingsley Pool Three, while Joondalup United finished as the highest runners-up. The final spot will be decided on Wednesday evening when Quinns meet Ellenbrook United, and a win for Quinns will see them through, but if they are beaten Jaguars will go through. In Pool One Leeming Strikers topped the table after a hard fought 3-1 win against Kwinana at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Leeming were ahead when Lucas Pickering put a first time cross in which was controlled on edge of box by player-coach David Palin, and he side footed past the keeper. It was 2-0 when a ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by Kwinana defence and David Palin beat keeper to ball went around him and finished into an empty net. Palin completed his hat-trick when Scott McDowell crossed and the striker volleyed home from five meters. Kwinana pulled one back with Christian Hogg converting a penalty, but it’s Leeming heading into next week’s Semi-Final.
“First half we were really slow going, we just didn’t move or use the ball well enough and got caught hitting long balls which will always favour a side like Kwinana who are organised and deal with that type of play very well,” Palin said. “But second half we moved the ball well in better areas and created numerous chances to win it and in the end the better side definitely won. We're really happy to come out of a tough group with three wins and top the group. It’s a really good reward for the players to play in another semi-final and competitive games is definitely what we want this time of year so we couldn’t be happier to get another week in the Night Series.” In the other game in the Pool, North Perth United beat Subiaco 5-0, with goals from Michael English, James McDaid, Alfa Sherif, Edin Nalic and Karl Gorman.
In Pool Three Kingsley won 5-1 in the top of the table clash against Joondalup United at Hartfield Park on Sunday evening. Kingsley were ahead when some build up play by Sean Johnson, who then laid it back to Simone Sichel to score. They doubled their lead when Lewis Flatt played a great through ball to Jayden Drummond, who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home. Joondalup were back in the game just after half time when Curtis Wreglesworth scored. But Kingsley regained their two-goal lead when Drummond’s corner was finished well by Flatt. It was 4-1 when Andy O’Neill headed home Drummond’s corner and they added a fifth when Josh Waldock pounced on a poor back pass to score. “I thought first half we dominated with Joondalup not having much of the ball at all, but second half they started well,” Drummond said. “But we had to slow it down and get it back to our pace, and it was good to over run them in the last 20 minutes with three quick goals. In the other game in the Pool Hamersley Rovers beat UWA Nedlands 2-1.
In Pool two the league winners is still up in the air, but Jaguars kept their chances of a Semi-Final spot with a 3-2 win against Quinns at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday evening. Jags goals came from Gojam Nyuon, Laurance Gama and Gojam Nyuon, while Andy Pandeli and Liam Hunt were on target for Quinns. In the other games Wembley beat Ellenbrook 2-0. Wembley were ahead before half time, Ryan Morris’ free kick picked out Jay McDonald who scored in a crowded penalty area. The added a second after the break Juraj Galba curling home a free kick from the edge of the penalty area. “It was a very entertaining game with both sides having periods of domination,” Wembley Coach Mike Ford said, “Wembley defence stood up really well and with a few new players in the team I was more than pleased with the outcome. Ellenbrook made us work for the result and at no stage could we relax and credit to all the Wembley players everyone worked really hard.”
16.3.2019
TEN MAN ATHENA BEAT GLORY
Floreat Athena got their season off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Perth Glory at E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday night. The result made it 10 NPL games without defeat for Athena, who also went through their successful Night Series campaign without losing. Goals to Jonathon Stynes and Robert Petkov either side of a strike from Gomo Dukuly ensured Floreat kept the winning feeling alive, despite a red card to skipper Dean Evans. “It was a really good win in a tough situation, especially considering we played more than half the game with one man less against a team who keep the ball very well,” Petkov said. “But we showed good team spirit to get the win.”
Phillip Arnold and Jesse Fuller both hit the woodwork for Floreat which looked to be the only action of a quiet first half. But just before the break Evans was given his marching orders following a deliberate handball to prevent a Glory free-kick going past the wall. The first goal didn’t take long to come in the second half when in the 50th minute Petkov chipped a cross to the back post for Stynes to head home from close range. However, 12 minutes later Glory fired back. Dukuly came off the bench and made an immediate impact as he found space on the left and put a ball across the face of goal which somehow eluded everyone before finding the back of the net. But Floreat were improving as the game went on and they won it on 72 minute with a classy finish from Petkov as he slid the ball under the onrushing Jackson Lee.
Floreat Athena: GK Jason Saldaris, 2 Marco Santalucia, 5 Thomas Jebb, 6 Jesse Fuller, 8 Jonathon Stynes, 9 Robert Petkov, 11 Dennis Galan, 16 Ryan Malton (3 Tristan Colli 74’), 17 Dean Evans, 18 Phillip Arnold (13 George Festa 90’), 19 Nicholas Ambrogio (33 Jack Andrews 84’) - Subs not used: RGK Jordan Barbas, 12 Jacob Stubberfield - Red cards: Evans 45+2
Perth Glory: GK Jackson Lee, 2 Zayd Farah, 3 Walter Scott (14 Jaiden Selden 73’), 4 Jacob Muir, 5 Daniel Walsh, 6 Jack Leech, 7 Ethan Brooks, 8 Henry Hore, 9 Gabriel Popovic (12 Nicholas Speca 55’), 10 Aiden Edwards (15 Gomo Dukuly 61’), 11 Daniel Stynes - Subs not used: 13 Kristian Popovic, 16 Nick Walsh - Referee: Matthew Southern Yellow cards: Farah 28, Stynes 45+3, Leech 52 Red cards: Nil
16.3.2019
ALL SQUARE AT THE GARDENS
Reigning NPL WA Champions Perth Soccer Club have started their defence with a hard fought 2-2 draw with ECU Joondalup at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday afternoon. The home side were ahead early, with Harley Orr profiting from a poor back pass, but new Czech striker Jakub Sklenar levelled on the half hour. But Perth led at the break with Paul Zimarino finishing clinically. Sklenar restored parity with 14 minutes remaining and both sides had chances to win it but a draw was a fair result. "I thought we could have gone and won it today," ECU Coach Dale McCulloch said. "We were sloppy early but fought back, and I questioned some of the players in the week, but they showed great commitment today and came from behind twice to earn a good point."
It was a disastrous start for Dale McCulloch’s side with Perth opening the scoring on four minutes. A poor back pass was intercepted by Niccolò Sabatini and he sent Harley Orr clear and he finished low past Johnny Perkins. The Jacks looked to hit back and Andy Higgins’ free kick was well saved by Francis Soale, before a great run from Cian Hirrell ended with a ball into Sklenar, but his shot was saved low by Soale. But on 26 minutes the Jacks did find the equaliser. Richard Howles picked the ball up in the middle of the park, and the former Perth SC striker sent Joe Knowles down the left, he cut inside his marker but his shot was well saved by Soale, but the rebound fell to Sklenar who made mistake from close-range.
Perth suffered a blow on the half hour with the lively Matthew Milenkovic limping off with ankle ligament damage, but it didn’t affect them, as five minutes later they regained the lead. Kristan Santich’s ball over the top sent Paul Zimarino in on goal, but the Jack defenders were convinced he was offside, but the flag stayed down and he finished low past Perkins. The home side went close again moments later, Zimarino found Sabatini, whose cross found Gustavo Catarcione, whose shot on the turn was well saved by Perkins. ECU went close themselves as the game opened up, Howles shot beat Soale, but it was cleared off the line.
It was Perth who ended the half the better and Zimarino should have done better when sent clear on 40 minutes, but his shot flashed wide of the target, before Perkins produced a great low save to deny Sabatini. The visitors were hanging on and Catarcione wasted another golden opportunity, fired wide after being sent clear, and in the final minute Frank Furfaro’s corner was headed wide by Sabatini, but at the break it was 2-1 to the hosts. Perkins had to be alert again two minutes in to the second half, saving well to deny Catarcione. After that the Jacks settled and had Perth on the back foot, and from Knowles’ corner Shane Cassidy’s shot was well saved by Soale. Then Higgins’ tested the Perth custodian, but again he saved well, but on the hour the keeper was beaten, when Higgins’ in-swinging corner was cleared off the line by some desperate Perth defending.
ECU were pressing for the equaliser and Knowles’ curling shot was saved well by Soale at the second attempt, but their pressure was rewarded when they restored parity on 76 minutes. Ronald Rixer, who was out outstanding at the heart of the back four, surged forward and picked out Sklenar on the edge of the penalty area, the striker lost his marker and finished with aplomb past Soale. It was a tense last 15 minutes with both sides pressing for the winner, the best chance fell to Perth when Furfaro sent second half substitute Michael Domfeh in on goal, but Perkins was out bravely to save at the feet of the former Perth Glory youngsters. A good opening performance from the Jacks and well-deserved point, but they could have taken all three.
Perth Soccer Club: GK Francis SOALE (C), 5 Niccolò SABATINI, 6 Harley ORR, 8 Tom KING (4 Thomas SOUTHGATE 46’), 9 Gustavo CATARCIONE (18 Michael DOMFEH 67’), 11 Matthew MILENKOVIC (17 Frank FURFARO 31’), 12 Jordan DE LEO, 14 Kristan SANTICH, 16 Kieran COLWELL, 19 Bojan RADINOVIC, 20 Paul ZIMARINO - Subs not used: RGK Malek KUC, 13 Rocco PIZZATA - Yellow Cards: Nil
ECU Joondalup: GK Johnny PERKINS (C), 2 Cian HIRRELL, 3 Ronald RIXER, 4 Brad MCDONALD, 5 Shane CASSIDY, 6 Ollie ANNIS, 7 Joe KNOWLES, 8 Josh WHITMORE (16 Henry DURR 75’), 9 Richard HOWLES (14 Lukas DE LIMA 90+3’), 10 Andy HIGGINS, 11 Jakub SLENAR - Subs not used: RGK Scott WALLIS, 12 Ryan MCDARBY, 15 Tom HOUGH - Yellow Cards: Annis 22’, Cassidy 28’, Hirrell 44’, Knowles, 79’ - Referee: David Bruce
16.3.2019
BALCATTA OFF TO A FLYING START TO NEW SEASON
Balcatta got their new season off to a flying start after a 4-0 win against newly promoted Rockingham City at Grindleford Reserve on Saturday afternoon. They took a two-goal lead into the break after late goals from Gavin Knight and Jon Corness, before Adam Zimarino and Shubham Mokala wrapped up the scoring to put a dampener on Rockingham's first ever game in the NPL. "We're extremely happy with the win, and great to start the season with three points," new Balcatta midfielder John Kearney said. "We had spoken all week about the need to start the season with three points, and thankfully we were able to do that. I thought it was a cagey opening form both sides but the quick goals late in the first half helped us settle and we controlled large parts of the second half."
Rockingham came into this week on the back of a fantastic Night Series, where they were beaten in the Semi-Final by eventual winners Floreat Athena, and they looked good early. They were without talented midfielder Riley van Dieken, but still they produced the best early chance of a tight first half. Skipper James Harmer found space in the box, but his effort flew the wrong side of the upright.
But three minutes from half time it was the home side who opened the scoring. Kearney's corner was turned home by new signing Knight. The striker was then the provider when Balcatta doubled their lead in the shadows of half time. The former Swan United talisman received a cross field pass before feeding Corness, who raced into the penalty area and finished clinically past Cyril Sharrock.
It got even better four minutes after the break, when Balcatta added third. Another one of Goran Static's new signings, Zimmarino, cut in from the right and curled his shot wide of Sharrock and into the bottom corner of the net. Rockingham continued to play their game and created a number of half chances, but it wasn't their day and sixteen minutes from time Balcatta added a fourth. The speedy Mokala raced at the Rockingham defence before placing his shot into the bottom corner of the net. The visitors did go close to a consolation goal late but James Millard's shot was pushed around the post by Yousri Gharsallah.
Balcatta SC: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Joseph MARINO, 3 John KEARNEY, 4 Calum O'CONNELL (20 Anthony TOPINI 80'), 5 Shubham MOKALA, 7 Alex WILD, 9 Gavin KNIGHT (11 Callum STOCKS 63'), 10 Jon CORNESS, 12 Robert DEL BORRELLO, 16 Alex CASTIELLO, 23 Adam ZIMARINO (22 Ben PELLIZZARI 73') - Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 14 Tom PELLIZZARI
Rockingham City: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 2 Jason CONSTABLE, 3 Justis BRADLEY, 4 Mitch FIRTH (9 Sam MACKERNAN 56'), 6 Blake SOKOLOWSKI, 7 James MILLARD, 8 Jason POTTIER, 10 James HARMER, 12 Lydon HODGKISS, 14 Ryan KENNEDY, 18 Michael FARMER - Subs not used: RGK James GREHAN, 5 Harry COLLINS, 13 Jarrad MORT, 17 Jonathan ARAYA
16.3.2019
REDS LEAVE THE DEN WITH POINTS
Armadale put a disappointing NPL Night series behind them to open their season with a good 2-0 win on the road against Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon. It was a tight first half with both sides having chances, but the visitors tore the game open with two goals in the space of three minutes midway through the second half. New signing Sam Garces came off the bench to open the scoring, before English import James Harran bagged his first goal for the club to seal the win three minutes later. "Obviously we're very happy with the win, especially with the pre-season not being great for us, but three points and clean sheet makes that irrelevant now," defender Nathan Costello said. "To be fair we rode our luck in the first half, but we dominated the second, creating plenty of chances which is pleasing and gives us positive signs for the season ahead."
Both these sides had struggled in the pre-season, but it was the home side who were on top early and they created a number of chances but failed to beat Reds custodian Sam Hutchings. The pace of Moses Kalau was causing problems but the Reds made it to the break all square. After half time the Reds lifted and created some good chances and on 65 minutes, they broke the deadlock. Garces, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes, lost his marker in the box to guide Josh Kaiser cross past Daniel Marques to open the scoring, much to the delight of the travelling Armadale supporters.
They were cheering again three minutes later when Armadale doubled their lead. Ali Nazary's free kick into the penalty area wasn't dealt with, and Harran bundled the ball home, but it looked like the goal wouldn't stand with the flag was up for offside. But after consulting with his assistant, referee Julian Serra allowed the goal to stand, which didn't impress the locals.
Armadale were now well on top and Connor Atkinson, who has come through the club’s junior ranks to make his first senior appearance, saw an effort flash inches wide after good work from the lively Kuser. Atkinson went close again moments, after he cut in from the left and raced into the penalty area, his shot beat Marques, but the ball rolled agonizingly wide of the target. Another new signing Adriano Jelenovic went close to added a third late, when he was sent one-on-one with Marques, but the Lions custodian stood tall to deny him.
Stirling Lions: GK Daniel MARQUES, 2 Michael GAMA, 3 Dhhors CHOL, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris MCLAUGHLIN, 6 Finn GRAHAM, 7 Joseph PERKINS (12 Michael RIZIDIS 46'), 8 Dean CUMMINGS, 9 Ben WANTEE (16 Damien DAMJANOSKI 77'), 10 Noah SHAMAKI (14 David MOLINARI 87'), 11 Moses KALAU - Subs not used: 15 Luke SERRA, 20 Sean MCMANUS
Armadale: GK Sam HUTCHINGS, 2 Josh KAISER (16 Connor ATKINSON 74'), 3 James HARRAN, 4 Nathan COSTELLO, 5 Ali NAZARY, 7 Joshua CORTES (21 Ismael BANGURA 81'), 8 Michael LAWSON, 11 Adriano JELENOVIC, 12 Dannie RICHMAN, 13 Blake ADAMS, 22 Ryan HASLETT (10 Sam Garces 56') - Subs not used: 6 Jason PEPPIN, 25 Blake HENSHELL - Referee: Julian Serra
16.3.2019
COCKERELS WIN THE BATTLE OF THE BIRDS
Cockburn City have started the news season in style, beating Sorrento 3-2 in the battle of the birds at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Former Perth Glory and Sydney FC wide man Riley Woodcock opened the scoring early before new striker Ashley Rosindale doubled their lead on the half hour. Cameron Teece pulled back for the home side before half time, but Woodcock made it 3-1 on the hour. Reece Vittiglia pulled one back late to make it a exciting finish, but the visitors held on to take the points.
Despite playing away from home, Cockburn dominated all the early possession and took the lead after just 12 minutes. Sorrento goalkeeper James Morgan could only parry Ashley Rosindale’s shot as far as the alert Woodcock who tapped home from close range. Woodcock was again involved just 10 minutes later and almost had his second when his glancing header from Devon Gibson’s inviting cross skimmed the post. The visitors did get their second just before the half-hour mark after Rosindale controlled the ball beautifully in the six-yard box before chipping it over Morgan to make it 2-0.
Sorrento pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time when Cameron Teece pounced on Luke Radonich’s clever ball to set up a thrilling second half. The hosts jumped out of the blocks after the break but despite controlling much of the early tempo, it was Cockburn who reclaimed their two-goal cushion – Woodcock drilling home his second of the afternoon after a darting run. Sorrento skipper Reece Vittiglia gave his side a fighting chance after finding the back of the net with a well-taken strike seven minutes from time, but Cockburn held on to secure all three points.
Sorrento: GK James MORGAN, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN (19 Jack SALTER 76’), 10 Jordan ROBERTS, 11 Tim HILL, 17 Reece VITTIGLIA, 18 Jordan BROWN (8 Scott WITSCHGE 70’), 23 Cameron TEECE – Subs not used: 13 Steven MCDONALD, 22 Danny JONES, 60 Matthew GIUDICATTI
Cockburn City SC: GK Luke RADONICH, 3 Daniel SANTICH, 4 Euen GRANT, 5 Julian TELES, 6 Rueben TRISTAO, 7 Jesse LAZZARO, 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 10 Riley WOODCOCK (18 Adam ANFUSO 76), 11 Harry O’BRIEN, 17 Devon GIBSON (16 Daniel ROBINSON 76), 20 Ashley ROSINDALE (12 Ryan PRATT 84) - Subs not used: 14 Hayden STEVENS, 23 Ben RADONICH - Referee: Stephen Gregory
15.3.2019
MILLARD AT THE DOUBLE FOR BAYSWATER
Bayswater City opened their 2019 NPLWA season with a 3-0 win against Inglewood United at the Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Friday evening. New signings Ross Millard and Daryl Nicol were on target, with Millard scoring a double as Chris Coyne’s side started the season with a bang. "It was a good performance after a disappointing result in the Night Series Final," Millard said.
"I thought we did well to bounce back and start our season with a good solid win that will help set us up for the year. Also, to keep a clean sheet was also pleasing for us, but for me personally to get a couple of goals was really pleasing. I played a bit higher up the pitch which allowed me to have a little bit more freedom which I really enjoyed."
With Inglewood new Coach Andres Oliveira in charge of his first game, it wasn't the best of starts as Bayswater opened the scoring on eight minutes. Nicol raced down the right and his cross was turned home by the alert Millard at the far post. It was 2-0 ten minutes later, when former Inglewood winger Kenny Keogh was fouled in the box by Inglewood defender Mark Barnett, and referee Michal Jasinski pointed to the spot and booked Barnett.
Nicol stepped up to take the resulting penalty, and despite keeper Alex Dunn guessing the right way the Scottish winger made no mistake. The home side should have pulled one back before the break, Steve Sokol was well placed but delayed his shot and was disposed. It was an improved performance from the home side after the break, and they caused problems down the flanks, but couldn't find the right ball in the final third. Miki Vujacic's free kick whistled wide of the upright, before Barnett's shot on the run flashed wide.
But with Inglewood chasing the game they were caught out again 19 minutes from time when Bayswater added a third. It was the pace of Nicol that created the opportunity, before he crossed to Millard who made no mistake. Inglewood had the opportunity to pull one back late, when Hamza Hina was brought down in the box by Shaydon Passalacqua, but Sam Riak fired the resulting penalty straight down the middle and keeper Devon Spence was able to keep it out with his boot, to give Bayswater a clean sheet and the three points.
Inglewood United: GK Alex DUNN, 2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 3 David CYRUS, 4 Scott BLACKMORE, 7 Hamza HINA, 8 Jason BARRERA (6 Miki VUJACIC 84'), 14 Steve SOKOL, 15 Brian FARRELL (10 Anthony BAFOBUSHA 76'), 16 Jamie MURPHY, 17 Mark BARNETT, 23 Zdenek BEZDEK (5 Sam RIAK 59) - Subs not used: RGK Josiah GODFREY, 13. Nelson TSHONGO
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3. Jack ALLEN, 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 20 Giordano COLLI (23 Brian WOODALL 74'), 21 Kenny KEOGH, 22 Shaydon PASSALACQUA, 24 Jake SARDELIC, 26 Paul LLOYD (5 Adam HARRIS 77), 27 Ross MILLARD, 30 Adam TONG - Subs not used: RGK Logan RINDELL, 13 Trent KAY, 19 Gordon SMITH – Referee Michal Jasinski
15.3.2019
GLORY EXTEND THEIR LEAD AFTER WIN IN ADELAIDE
Perth Glory moved nine points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League table after a 2-0 win against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday evening. The win sealed the clubs highest-ever number of points in the competition and we still have five games remaining. They hit the front ten minutes before half time with a deflected Diego Castro shot, before second half substitute Andy Keogh finished clinically midway through the second half. The win was their 15th of the season and seventh on the road, and Tony Popovic's side have one hand on the league title. The coach said the players deserve a great of credit and to win it would be a just reward for everyone at the club. “I did mention during the week that I’d love to reward the club, the owner and everyone involved and be part of something special as a football club, Perth Glory in the Champions League,” Popovic said post-match.
“We have an owner that’s put a lot of money into the club and this could be a great reward for him and all the other people that have gone through years and years of supporting and backing Perth Glory. This could be something special for them. We look forward to every match and this group, as I said earlier, the consistency is there so there is no thought in my mind about complacency. When I see them train every day there’s no reason to even suggest it to the players, to search for it, because it’s not there. We go out and we train hard, we want to keep playing well and at the moment that’s clearly what we’re doing.”
The home side were on the front foot early in the game, but it was Glory with the first real opening with Joel Chianese shot palmed around the post by Paul Izzo. Moments later it was Glory custodian Liam Reddy in the action, saving low from Scott Gallaway's shot. Chianese was in again on the quarter hour, he lost his marker in the box, but could only head Jason Davidson's cross wide of the target. Adelaide's Jordy Thomassen's long-range shot was comfortable held by Reddy, before Glory had the best chance of the game on the half hour. Chris Ikonomidis races into the box on the right and his curling shot is heading for the corner of the net, but Izzo produced a great save to deny him, the rebound falling to Castro, and with the goal at his mercy the Spanish maestro steered his shot wide of the target.
But that miss was forgotten moments later when Castro gave Glory the lead. He wriggled his way into the penalty area, his shot took a deflection off Gallaway, which wrong-footed Izzo, and the ball rolled into the net, his sixth goal of the season. Both sides had late chances in an entertaining game. First Gallaway's long-range shot flashed wide, but it had Reddy scampering after the goal. Then Ivan Franjic's teasing cross found Chianese, whose header was well blocked by Izzo, before Davidson's long-range shot whistled just wide.
Ikonomidis headed wide early in the second half, as Glory continued to dictate terms, although Reddy had to be alert to thwart Craig Goodwin moments later. Glory brought on Keogh for Franjic on 65 minutes, and four minutes later he doubled their lead. A poor pass from Reds skipper Isaias was intercepted by the Irishman, who raced clear and finished clinically past Izzo, and celebrated with the Glory faithful behind the goal. Chianese went close to a third ten minutes from time, but Izzo was down smartly to save his shot. Adelaide pressed late and Reddy secure a clean sheet in the final minute, producing a great one handed save to deny Goodwin's header. It sets up a blockbuster in two weeks against the current Champions Melbourne Victory at HBF Park on Saturday evening - Get you tickets early!!!
Neil Kilkenny had another great game and he believes coach Tony Popovic has brought the best out of everyone at the club. "I'm a winner and that's why I enjoy working with this manager," he said. "He's come in and he demands the very top every day, which I do as a player. He's helped me as well as lot of the other lads and we're reaping the rewards. Every day we train he drums into us what he wants. He's very, very demanding of the group and of individuals, as I am as a player. He does it for me now and helps me out and the lads have responded well. It's fantastic to see. We're top of the league and hopefully we can stay there."
Adelaide United: GK Paul IZZO, 2 Michael MARRONE, 3 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Ryan STRAIN, 7 Ryan KITTO, 8 ISAIAS, 11 Craig GOODWIN, 16 Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS (17 Nikola MILEUSNIC 46’), 19 Jordy THOMASSEN (10 Ken ILSO 62’), 22 Michael JAKOBSEN, 31 Mirko BOLAND - Subs not used: RGK Isaac RICHARDS, 6 Vincent LIA, 32 Carlo ARMIENTO
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (9 Andy KEOGH 65’), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 17 Diego CASTRO (22 Fabio FERREIRA 87’), 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 29 Kristian POPOVIC - Referee: Peter Green
15.3.2019
INTO THE LOOKING GLASS: THE NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON-WA PREVIEW
The NPL-WA season kicks off this weekend, with the league going back to twelve teams. Reigning State champions Perth SC are looking to make it back to back titles, however they will be strongly challenged by Bayswater City and recent Night Series winners Floreat Athena. A host of clubs will be waiting in the wings if Bayswater, Perth or Athena slip up, with Cockburn City, ECU Joondalup and Sorrento looking good to challenge for the title.
The battle at the other end of the table is likely to be hard fought. It is expected that newcomers Rockingham City, Balcatta and Armadale will be fighting it out to avoid relegation.
The team which finishes top of the regular season table will once again be champions and represent Western Australia in the national NPL play-off series. This week the footballwa.net team takes a look at the twelve clubs, and are joined by former Stirling Lions president Don Evans and Eamon Duffy, host of "Let's talk Football", in offering their thoughts on how season 2019 will pan out...
15.3.2019
GLORY TAKE ON ADELAIDE UNITED
Perth Glory are back in action after the bye round when they travel to Coopers Stadium to take on Adelaide United on Friday evening, in Week 22 of the Hyundai A-League. (Kick off 4.50pm WST) Coming off back-to-back away draws their gap at the top of the table has been cut to six points, although the 2-2 draw against Melbourne City last time out saw them qualify for the finals with six games remaining. In team news central defenders Alex Grant and Tomislav Mrcela return from injury, while youngster Jacob Italiano and Fabio Ferreira have also been added to the squad, with Brandon Wilson missing due to international duty, while Brendon Santalab and Jake Brimmer have been omitted.
Head coach Tony Popovic said his players will need to keep improving as the run-in to the end of the regular season continues, and he is expecting a tough clash against the Reds, and said his players need to maintain the standard they have set. "Our players are happy and confident going into the game, but they know that our level has to keep getting better because the opponents are improving," he said. "You always want to improve in every aspect and that's what's so enjoyable about coaching this group; they are trying to improve every game, they want to get better. "We'll keep working and trying to get those little details better and better. It's normal in any code that when you play the top team, you always want to lift and give a little bit more, so we have to be prepared for that and we should also enjoy that fact that that is how we're viewed by our opponents. Content would be the wrong word [for how I'm feeling]. I'm very happy with the last two away performances, in particular for the whole game versus the Wanderers. And then against Melbourne City, a very strong outfit in tough conditions, to dominate as we did in the second half speaks volumes for the players' character and quality."
Popovic said the break has rejuvenated his side, and he believes Friday night’s game should be a cracker. "You can always draw on positives from a week off, and we've had time to reflect on what's happened so far," he explained. "It's an opportunity to rest some players and give some extra training to others. So, it's really been a combination of rest and good work which is difficult to do when you play so many games in a short period. "They [Adelaide] are a good team. I enjoy watching them play and how they work. You can see that their coach has been there for a second season and they understand clearly what he wants. They have some very talented players and it should be an entertaining match."
Glory have lost on just one of their last four visits to Coopers Stadium and are yet to concede a goal against the Reds this term having secured a 2-0 win over them in Round 4 and then battled out a 0-0 draw in Round 15. Midfielder Neil Kilkenny, who will be sporting a new hair-do for Friday's game after participating in the World's Greatest Shave to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation, has noticed teams are happy to sit back and play for a draw, even on their home ground, and he said it makes it harder for his team to secure wins. "Every game now is becoming harder," Kilkenny said. "We've found that over the past four, five, six games that teams are happy with a draw against us. Even when we go away from home now teams are happy with draws. They look to stop us from playing, instead of actually looking to play themselves. That's what we have to deal with at the top of the league."
Adelaide are on a four-match winless run, but sit just goal difference adrift of fourth-placed Wellington Phoenix, and winger Craig Goodwin is well aware Friday night’s clash against Perth Glory will be an extremely hard-fought contest, and he hopes the inclusions in the side can help them topple the league leaders. "Obviously we’ve had a few injuries and in key areas as well so in the last game (against Sydney) we had no centre-backs and had to readjust," he explained. "But Niko (Nikola Mileusnic) and Jako (Michael Jakobsen) will be back and a few other boys are close to returning.
“So, at home against Perth it’s a great chance for us to stop that run of no wins, but it’s going to be a tough game. I think scoring first will certainly help, and I think the games where they’ve conceded first, it’s opened them up a bit. I think they’re a team that’s defensively very well structured, so if we can score first against them and force them to have to come further up the pitch it’ll work well in our favour.” In other team news the Reds have lost striker George Blackwood to international duty.
Adelaide United squad: GK Paul IZZO, RGK Isaac RICHARDS, 2 Michael MARRONE, 3 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Ryan STRAIN, 6 Vince LIA, 7 Ryan KITTO, 8 Isaías SÁNCHEZ, 10 Ken ILSØ, 11 Craig GOODWIN, 16 Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 19 Jordy THOMASSEN, 22 Michael JAKOBSEN, 27 Louis D’ARRIGO, 31 Mirko BOLAND, 32 Carlo ARMIENTO, 33 Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS - *two to be omitted* - Ins: MILEUSNIC (returns from injury), JAKOBSEN (returns from injury), RICHARDS (promoted), STAMATELOPOULOS (promoted) - Outs: 1 Daniel MARGUŠ (international duty), 14 George BLACKWOOD (international duty) - Unavailable: 9 Baba DIAWARA (knee), 18 Lachlan BROOK (knee), 23 Jordan ELSEY (foot), 26 Ben HALLORAN (ankle)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY, RGK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Alex GRANT, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16 Tomislav MRCELA, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: GRANT (returns from injury), MRCELA (returns from injury), ITALIANO (promoted), FERREIRA (promoted) - Outs: 11 Brendon SANTALAB (not selected), 20 Jake BRIMMER (not selected) - Unavailable: 15.Brandon WILSON (international duty) - Referee Peter Green
15.3.2019
NPL-WA ROUND ONE PREVIEW
The 2019 NPLWA season kicks off this weekend, and it all starts on Friday evening when Inglewood United host neighbours Bayswater City at the Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium (8.30pm) in the Footballwa 'Match of the Week'. It's been contrasting pre-season for both sides with Bayswater reaching the Night Series Final, before losing to Floreat Athena, but it's been a tumultuous period for Inglewood, after new Head coach Trim Morgan left the club a week from the start of the season, and they have appointed Andrea Oliveira to guide them through this difficult time. The last time these two-side met at the venue was in round 17 last season when Jason Barrera scored the only goal in 1-0 win for Inglewood. Bayswater new signing Daryl Nicol will play his first game for the club in this one, the 2018 Football West Gold Medal winner can’t wait to get started at his new club, and he said the squad is gelling nicely. “Settling into the club hasn’t been difficult at all as everyone at the club is very welcoming and can’t do enough for you,” the Scottish winger said. “We’ve got a fantastic squad and everyone has gelled brilliantly in the changing rooms and we’re working hard to get it right on the pitch. With so many new faces and a few yet to play it’s going to take time for it to click but when it does, we’re going to be very hard to beat.”
They go into the first league game after defeat in the Night Series Final against Floreat Athena last week, but Nicol said the competition gave them some much needed game time. “The end result in the night series final was obviously disappointing but looking at the bigger picture we’ve now had a good few games under our belt and learned a lot from them,” he explained. “We made it all the way to penalties in the final of the competition and probably haven’t even reached 60% of what we’re capable of so there’s positives to take from that moving forward.” Nicol knows a trip to Inglewood in the opening game is a difficult one, especially with their off-field problems, but he said it’s important to start the season well. “Any game away to Inglewood is never going to be an easy game, regardless of what they’ve got going on in the background,” he said. “We just need to focus on ourselves and make sure we learn from our night series games and improve on those performances. This is where it matters now, and I expect us to come flying out the traps on Friday and get our league campaign off to a winning start.”
Inglewood new defender Mark Barnett said the players can't get involved with the coaching situation, and believes the new look squad has made some good strides in the Night Series, and with Oliveira being around the club the transition should be fine. "We all know what’s happened in the past week is not ideal heading in to the season, however the lads have reacted well and we have hit the training track hard with the new boss Andres,” he explained. “What happened was not in our control and as players we need to be bigger than the situation and stand together especially with Bayswater heading here on Friday night. The night series gave us a good platform for the season ahead, with some good performances, however some results didn’t go our way, but the majority of the lads got game time and our fitness is at a very good level heading into round one.”
The 22-year-old is back in the NPLWA after joining from relegated Forrestfield United in the off-season, and he said there are a number of new faces at the club and the squad looks strong heading into the new season. “For me personally it’s good to be back in the NPL, and I can’t wait to get started,” Barnett said. “We have a young squad this season, but still have experience around the park. Yes, the departures of some players, wasn’t ideal for us, but we've recruited well in their positions, so there are no real concerns there.” Barnett said it's a tough first up game against a strong Bayswater side, but he said they are looking forward to the challenge. "Bayswater, no doubt has the strongest set up in the league, but like all teams there are always weaknesses and we'll be looking to exploit that come Friday.” He said. “I’m sure off the back of their night series final loss they will be up for it and we need to be prepared fully to ensure we start of campaign off the way we intend.”
There are some great match-up’s in this one. In the middle of the park Jason Barrera and Chok Dau will go up against Jack Allen and Paul Lloyd, while Barnett and Scott Blackmore will have their hands full with Nicol and Jason Mirco. New defensive partnership Adam Tong and Steve Hesketh will need to be on their toes with the lively Sam Riak and new Czech striker Zdenek Bezdek. There will be two of the best keepers in the league in opposite goals on Saturday, Devon Spence and Alex Dunn have both played a number of seasons in WA Premier League, and both have been outstanding. It sets up an enthralling encounter and it should be a big crowd under lights at Inglewood, as we open the 2019 NPLWA season. Referee - Michal Jasinski
In Saturday's games the Champions Perth SC start their defence of the title with a home game against ECU Joondalup at Dorrien Gardens. Perth were beaten in the Semi-Finals of the night series by Bayswater, while ECU failed to get out of the group stage. Perth have had the wood on ECU at the Gardens, with the Jacks having won only one of their past five encounters and the new look ECU side will need to play better than they did in the pre-season if they are to leave with the points this time around. Ramon Falzon has added some pace to their final third bringing in Perth Glory Youth duo Michael Domfeh and Yacoub Mustafa, and both have made a good start to life at the club scoring in the pre-season. Likewise, ECU new strikers Joe Knowles and Jakub Sklenar have both been in good goalscoring form in the pre-season, but for Sklenar the loss in the final Night series game was disappointing. “It was a shame that we didn’t make the knockout stage of the Night series,” said. “I wouldn’t say it was just about the game against Rockingham, there were games when we should have taken three points, especially against Perth SC and Sorrento, but it is mainly about good competitive matches, to get some game time in our legs before the season starts, and we got that.”
The Czech striker is enjoying his time at the club and he is also coaching in the club’s academy, and he said he is also looking forward to his NPLWA debut against the Champions. “All the people around the club have been welcoming and supportive that means everything has been easier for me, also being involved in the club junior coaching is something what I really enjoy, and working along the talented players, and helping them to be as good as they can be, it’s very enjoyable,” he said. “I’m really looking to my first game over here in the NPLWA, but all the players are excited about this game. Both teams have a quality sides, so I believe we will get prepared and head there and hopefully bring home the points.” - Referee David Bruce
It's an NPLWA debut on Saturday for Rockingham City when they make the trip to Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta. (3.00pm) The newcomers performed well in the Night Series, losing to eventual winners Floreat Athena on penalties in the Semi-Final, this after wins against Perth SC, ECU Joondalup and Stirling Lions in the group stage. Balcatta failed to get out of the group stage, but Goran Stajic has built a strong looking squad, with the latest addition, John Kearney from Bayswater City last week. City have been hampered by injury to skipper James Harmer, but the Welsh striker is fit for the opener and Coach Cameron Lord said it's a game the whole club are looking forward to and he said they are looking forward to the challenge.
"We have big belief in our abilities and the way we want to play football, and we believe that we will compete in the NPL,” he said. “There were lots of positives to take from the Night Series. One positive, while a negative at the same time, is that we were never able to field a full-strength team even with Harmer available. With players to come back in we believe we will get stronger and stronger as the season progresses." Lord said all the talk is over now, it’s time to let their football do the talking. “Saturday is all about how we perform for 90 minutes against Balcatta, nothing else matters for 90 minutes,” he said. “We believe that if we perform to the ability we can perform too, we are more than capable of taking three points. But we need to be aware of the quality and organisation of Balcatta, one thing for sure is we can't wait to get started.” – Referee Shane Skinner
It's not been a good Night Series campaign for either Stirling Lions or Armadale, both finishing bottom of their respective pool, but the pair are looking to start the new league season with a bang when they meet at Macedonia Park on Saturday. (3.00pm) The loss of the league’s top goalscorer Chris Jackson is going to hurt the Reds, likewise for the Lions, after Robert Petkov joined Floreat Athena. New Lions import Finn Graham has looked impressive in the Night Series and they finished the Night Series off well, and Coach Keegan Ashley will be hoping they take that form into his one. Armadale Coach John O'Reilly will be looking for a good start and he will look to skipper Billy Quinncroft to lead the young side, and the big defender said they are improving with each game and the tight tussle with Bayswater in the final Night Series game showed they can match it with the best.
"Yes, it wasn’t the best of starts but we didn’t have a full squad until the Bayswater game, and I thought we showed what we are capable of when we have a full-strength side out, and we have some new faces in the squad and it takes time to gel,” he said. “It’s always good to add new faces to a team, with the additions that we are bringing it creates more competition for the lads, so that should up the standard and make us stronger.” Quinncroft said the NPL is a tough league and he is expecting a tight game on Saturday at Balcatta. “There are no easy games in this league, so it’s going to be another tough game, but one we’re looking forward too,” he explained. “I’m sure Stirling will come out firing to make amends for their night series, so we will have to make sure we are ready to match them and put in a solid performance to get us over the line.” - Referee Julian Serra
Sorrento have home ground advantage in the opening round when they entertain Scott Miller's Cockburn City at Percy Doyle Reserve. (3.00pm) Sorrento struggled early in the Night Series but found form late, with big wins against Rockingham City and a narrow loss against the Lions. The Gulls will be looking for a good start to the season, and Jamie Harnwell will be hoping his new look back four, including David Stokoe and Scott Robertson, can improve on last season, where they conceded 49 goals. Cockburn have also been active in the off season adding some quality, and defensive midfielder Jamie Gibson has settled in well and is looking forward to the new challenge at the Cockerels. "I’m loving being back at Cockburn, I was always going to end up back here, a few years ago, Cockburn City were building a squad and I wanted to win trophies, hence the move, now I feel Scott (Miller) has got the right squad for the job,” he explained. “With Cockburn almost taking out the title last year, they just needed some depth in the squad which we now have, as injuries got the better of them then.
"We defiantly took a lot of positives from the night series, would have been nice to make the finals and be up for a trophy, but with a few players out and trialling out a few young boys we couldn’t quite match a strong Floreat side.” Gibson has played many times at Sorrento and knows how difficult it can be, but he said they go there full of confidence. “I’ve been a few times and you never have an easy game up at Sorrento, AKA Windy Hill, but glad to get it out the way early, as good teams lose results there, due to bad weather,” he said. “Scotty has got the boys well prepared, it's going to be tough decision for him to make a starting 11, as we have a full squad training for week one, which is brilliant, let's hope the boys have a great start to the season, looking forward to it” - Referee Steven Gregory
The final game of the weekend takes us to E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening when Floreat Athena host Perth Glory. (7.00am) Floreat have started the season well, winning the Night Series Final last week, and under coach Garrett McDuling they have been in imperious form and go into the season as title contenders. They have kept most of last season's squad but have added some quality which has increased their squad depth. On the other hand, Glory have a completely new squad and a new coach, with Richard Garcia taking over from John Gibson. Garcia has lost most of last season's squad which saw them go within one point of taking out the title, but these new crops of youngsters looked impressive in the night series. Daniel Stynes will be one of the more experienced players in the Glory side, and he said the young group can't wait for the season to start. “Yes, the team is very different to the one last season, but the objectives still remain the same," he said. “We've got some good youngsters coming through, so I've no doubt it will be another competitive season."
The Glory warmed up for Saturday’s clash with a friendly against the Indonesian National team, Henry Hore scoring the Glory goal in a 3-1 defeat. Stynes missed the game but is fit and ready to go and knows they face a tough challenge against a good Floreat side, which includes his brother Jonathan, and he said it's about time he took out the bragging rights with his older sibling. "It's always good to come up against my brother, and to be fair he's had the better of the games in recent times," he explained. "Hopefully that can change Saturday evening. They are a good side and have some talented players so we'll need to be at our best to stop them. They are also coming off a big night series win, so will be confident, but so are we, so it should be an interesting game." - Referee - Matthew Southern
15.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - WEEK THREE PREVIEW
It's the final week of the Amateur Night Series and Semi-Finals spots are up for grabs in all pools. The winners of the three pools go straight through, while the best runner-up will also advance, so it's all to play for. It all starts on Friday evening at Kingsway Reserve (Please note this has changed from Ellenbrook Sports Hub), when Ellenbrook United host Wembley Downs. (6.30pm) This group is tight, and it will not be decided this weekend, as Quinns and Ellenbrook will be play their abandoned game next Wednesday. Wembley kick started their campaign with a hard-fought win against Jaguars last week, while Ellenbrook are still searching for their first win, so this one should be a tight game. In the late game Quinns take on Jaguars FC. (8.30pm) Both sides won their opening games, but the Jags were beaten last week against Wembley. Quinns player Sam Vencat received a nasty injury in the abandoned game, and Coach Darren Kay said it was shock for at the club. “It was heart breaking to see Sam go down with a dislocated knee as he had made a long come back from injury of his other knee and was playing with great confidence,” he said. “He doesn’t have any fractures and we should know by next week if there are any ligament damage.” Kay said Friday’s game is another pre-season game and he said they are enjoying the competition. “I’ll let others get caught up in the excitement of the competition, but it’s still just another preparation game for us to head towards the start of the season,” he said. “All we are focused on is the players and processes, if we win games along the way then happy days.”
In Pool One at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Sunday, North Perth United takes on Subiaco in the early game. (5.00pm) North Perth can still make the runners-up spot but need three points in this one, while Subiaco will be playing for pride, but new Coach Dee was happy the way his side played last week. "I thought we played better than the preview week and showed signs of improvement," he said. "The team needs more time to become more consistent, but there were a lot of promising signs from our perspective, despite the defeat." Leeming Strikers are in the box seat after back to back wins, and this week they meet second placed Kwinana United. A draw will see the Strikers progress, while a win for Kwinana could see them go through as best runner-up, but a six-goal win would see them go through as leaders. United Coach Kris Donnell said last week’s performance was good, but knows they need to bring it again against the group leaders. "Every week the squad has improved that’s the most important thing for us just now. The night series is still pre-season for us and we are rotating the team so the performance is more important than the result just now,” he said. “Leeming are a very good team who can cause big problems on set pieces and they like a physical game like we do so it will be a cracker to watch. We are frustrated at not being able to play several players due to them being cup tied to the Saturday night series so the guys on the pitch can give myself and Paul a big headache with another good performance.”
Finally the Pool Three games are on Sunday, and at time of this preview they will be played at the Ellenbrook Sports Hub. In the early game the top two sides, Joondalup United and Kingsley meet in the Match of the Round. (5.00pm) Both sides have won both their games, but Joondalup top the group on goal difference, so they only need a point, while Kingsley need a win to top the group, but both sides could go through if results elsewhere go their way. Kingsley ran out big winners against Hamersley and Coach Steven Dimitrovich said it was an improved performance. "Last week’s win was just that a win whilst we dominated in possession, I thought at times we just didn’t move the ball quick enough so we’ve worked on that all week at training,” he explained. “Sundays game against a very good Joondalup side will be a great test as the winner will top the group. We are expecting a high tempo game from them so we need to be focused for the full 90 mins as they have players that can change a game quite quickly and add to the game that it’s a local derby adds I bit extra spice to the game.
Joondalup beat UWA last week to make it a perfect start in their first season in the Premier League, and Coach Ben Williams said it was a hard-fought game, but there is room for improvement, especially against a good Kingsley side. “I thought last week we scored early and looked a little flat at times, I was happy we kept a clean sheet, but that was owed to some great goalkeeping, but we weren't at our best against UWA and this week that will need to change everyone needs to turn up and perform against the best amateur side around. Kingsley have talent all over the pitch so it will definitely be a huge test we are looking forward too.”
14.3.2019
CITY CAN LEARN FROM MELBOURNE RIVALS SAYS GRIFFITHS
It's not often that Melbourne City will look to take its cues from Melbourne Victory. But where finals are concerned midfielder Rostyn Griffiths says City can learn from Victory's example when they became the first club from outside the top three to win a Grand Final last season.
City's chances of making the top two or three are slim but, says Griffiths, with the champions by a knockout finals series, City are still in with a shout. "Finals are one-off games. It's about getting it right on the day and we have shown in recent games against the top sides that we can match them on any given day," says Griffiths.
That might sound odd seeing as City have only won one of their last eight matches and taken just seven points out of a possible 24. But Griffiths believes that it is City's form in two matches, which many will count as disappointing results, that should give them self belief.
"I know we didn't win them, but we recently played the top two teams in the league (Glory and at the time Victory) and drew with them when we should have beaten them," he said. "That does give us a reason to believe that if we play them in finals we shouldn't have anything to fear."
City let slip a one-goal lead when they played 10-man Victory in February, drawing 1-1, but much more galling, Griffiths admits, was their draw with Glory. "We had done the hard work and got 2-0 up and there were less than 10 minutes to go," Griffiths said. "It was very disappointing to concede two and draw 2-2."
"But if you look back at it we could take plenty from the fact that we were winning for most of the game against the team that has set the standard all season long. When you haven't won for a while it does affect your mentality and it changes."
"When we sat back their confidence started to climb and when we conceded one goal they got more confident. It's a lesson to learn. But looking back to those two matches, on any other day we would have taken six points, not two, beaten the top teams and everyone would be saying we were going very well. Sometimes it's just about how things are looked at."
There has been plenty of speculation about the future of coach Warren Joyce, whose contract expires at the end of the season. there is provision for an extension, but the consensus seems to be that the Englishman would have to get his side qualified for the Asian Champions League to stand much chance of that being exercised.
City sit sixth and are no certainties to even make the finals if they continue to stutter, and seventh-placed Newcastle keep winning games. "Everyone on the training ground is preparing and training hard as if he is going to be the manager going forward and he is taking training and acting as if he will be in charge next season so we are all focusing on what's needed now, not in six months' time," Griffiths said.
"Players have to perform at their best whoever is in charge anyway. Sometimes you have to play for a new contract, or to win the league, or to avoid relegation or because you like the manager. we are four points ahead of Newcastle and I feel we are ready to turn things round and hit form. I would rather be in our position, with the points on the board, than in Newcastle's, where you are continually chasing."
13.3.2019
OLIVEIRA CONFIRMED AS NEW INGLEWOOD COACH (courtesy inglewoodunitedfc.com.au)
Inglewood United is delighted to confirm the appointment of Andres Oliveira as the Club’s new first team coach. A six-time league championship winner and former State team representative, Oliveira takes up the reigns following last week’s departure of Trim Morgan.
Oliveira, 37, is no stranger to Inglewood after spending the past two seasons as part of the coaching team as an assistant. “I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new first team coach, Andres Oliveira,” commented Inglewood president Cesare Colli.
“Andres is a young, energetic and modern coach whose dedication and approach will help us move forward in a confident, purposeful way. He is a winner who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven by success. We are looking forward to seeing where Andres can take our Club.”
Oliveira was a key member of the domineering Perth SC side of the 2000s, playing nine seasons and winning five league championships with Azzurri. That time was interrupted by two seasons at Floreat Athena and a winter in Victoria, where he helped South Melbourne to the 2006 league title.
Oliveira hung his playing boots up for the last time in 2012 and three years later turned his hand to coaching with Perth’s Under-18s. He joined Inglewood for the 2017 season as an assistant to Taki Nicolaides, a role is continued last year under Andy Keogh.
12.3.2019
CASTRO SCOOPS PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD
Perth Glory captain Diego Castro has been named the Professional Footballers Australia Player of the Month for February. The Spaniard beat off stiff competition from Isaiss (Adelaide United) and Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC) as well as teammate Chris Ikonomidis to secure the award which is voted upon by PFA members.
Castro, 36, endured an injury-ravaged start to the season but has featured in every game since Round 11, contributing five goals and three assists. He was particularly influential during February, scoring in vital victories over Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory while also adding two assists.
Castro was quick to acknowledge the role played by his teammates after winning the award. "It's a big honour just to be nominated for this award, so to win it is very special," Castro said. "It is also a recommendation for our whole playing group and the success that we have enjoyed this season."
"On a personal note, my season didn't start well due to injury, but thanks to the care of our medical and coaching staff, I'm now back to the level I need to be at both mentally and physically. I'm really looking forward to us performing strongly in the final rounds of the regular season and then in the finals.”
12.3.2019
BRIMMER SIGNS TWO-YEAR EXTENSION AT GLORY
Perth Glory have beaten interest from rival A-League clubs to retain exciting young midfielder Jake Brimmer for the next two seasons. The 20-year old first signed with Glory in 2017 following a three-year spell at the Liverpool academy.
With 33 Glory appearances to his name, Brimmer said it had been an easy decision to stay. “I’ve improved under the manager (Tony Popovic) and am really looking forward to another two seasons with Glory," Brimmer said. “The club has taken major steps forward this year and the future looks extremely bright.”
Glory football director Jacob Burns said Brimmer was a talent to watch. “Jake is an exciting young player with a very bright future in the game,” Burns said. “He is continuing to grow and improve under the guidance of Tony Popovic and the rest of our coaching staff and being given opportunities in terms of game minutes.
Brimmer and teammate Brandon Wilson are currently in camp with the Australian squad in Kuala Lumpur ahead of three AFC Under-23 Championship qualification games in Phnom Penh, where they have been grouped with Cambodia, Chinese Taipei and Korea Republic.
9.3.2019
TWO-YEAR EXTENSION FOR GLORY VETERAN REDDY
Perth Glory’s retention plan continues to gather pace with veteran goalkeeper Liam Reddy committing to the club for two more seasons. Glory is the 37-year old's seventh A-League club and next season will be his fourth in Perth, where he has made 75 appearances.
Reddy, who joins attacking pair Andy Keogh and Joel Chianese in re-signing with Glory this week, is thrilled to commit his future to the club. “I’m very happy to have re-signed. I’m determined to win some silverware with Glory,” he said. “The club has a very bright future and it will be great to be a part of that.”
Glory football director Jacob Burns said Reddy had an important role within the squad. “Liam brings tremendous experience and leadership to the playing group and is enjoying an outstanding season,” he said. “He has worked really hard to adapt to the new structure and the way we want to play.”
Reddy played in the inaugural A-League game, for Newcastle Jets against Adelaide United in August 2005. He is sitting high on all-time A-League records; sixth on the most A-League appearance list with 271 games while his 71 clean sheets are the third best on the list.
9.3.2019
ATHENA GO BACK-TO-BACK IN NIGHT SERIES
Floreat Athena have won the 2019 NPL Night Series Grand Final after a 6-5 penalty shoot-out win against Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve, after the game ended 1-1 after normal time. Jon Stynes had given Floreat the lead on 71 minutes, before both sides were reduced to ten men, with Calvin Whitney and Ryan Pearson sent off. It looked like Floreat would hold on but in stoppage time Bayswater skipper Jack Allen fired home stunner to level. But in the shoot-out Floreat keeper Jason Saldaris saved Allen’s penalty to see Floreat home. “I thought it was a fantastic game of football, two honest teams going at it for the 90 minutes,” Floreat skipper Dean Evans said. “Penalties are never a nice way to decide a game but we were confident and credit must be given to all the boys for standing tall in the shootout as well as Jason for making the vital save that won us the trophy and to go back to back. We've set high targets this year and hopefully this is the start of some more silverware to come.”
Floreat opened brightly and Whitney’s cross flicked off the crossbar early, and moments later Robert Pekvoc shot was straight at Devon Spence. Floreat lost former Bayswater striker Luka Ninkovic early with a foot injury, he was replaced by new signing Nick Ambrosio. City lifted and went close to the lead on the half hour, Adam Tong’s racking ball out to the left sent Gordon Smith racing clear, he cut inside his marker but his shot was well saved by Jason Saldaris. Smith went close again on 40 minutes, the Scottish striker found space on the edge of the box and his low shot was saved low at his near post by Saldaris. In the final minutes of the half both sides had chances. First Dean Evans long-range shot flew over the top, before Daryl Nicol cross on the run was claimed by Saldaris, with Smith ready to pounce, and Jon Stynes acrobatic volley was deflected wide by Ryan Pearson. But at half time it was scoreless but both sides had plenty of half chances.
City were on the front foot early and on 51 minutes Nicol slide Smith in on goal, but Saldaris was out bravely to save at his feet, the keeper was caught by the striker and was given medical attention on the pitch before resuming. Floreat went close to the opener on the hour, Whitney’s corner found Petkov, but his header was blocked on the line and cleared. Moments later Evans’ free kick was touched over the top by the alert Spence. From the resulting corner Petkov shot was blocked by Spence, before Whitney and Stynes’ shots were blocked by Tong and Steven Hesketh respectively before Evans fired over.
Floreat were convinced they had a penalty when Petkov was brought down by Hesketh, but referee Steven Gregory waved away their protests, but on 71 minutes Floreat did take the lead. Marco SantaLucia was sent down the left and his deep cross was headed home by Stynes at the back post. The game turned nasty on 78 minutes when Whitney and Pearson clashed in the middle of the park, and referee sent both players off. Bayswater pressed for the equaliser and Millard’s volley whistled inches over the top, then in first of five minutes of stoppage time they found it.
Tong’s long throw was only cleared to Allen 20 meters from goal and his volley flew into the corner of the net giving Saldaris no chance. So, it was off to penalties and Petkov, Evans, Denis Galen, Nick Andrews and Jesse Fuller all scored their penalties for Floreat, with Nicol, Smith, Paul Lloyd and Trent Kay scoring for Bayswater, but the hero on the night was Floreat keeper Saldaris who kept out Bayswater’s Jack Allen’s sixth spot kick to win it. It made it back-to-back Night Series wins for Floreat.
Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 3 Jack ALLEN, 5 Adam HARRIS (13 Trent KAY 80’), 10 Jason MIRCO (20. Giordano COLLI 86’), 11 Ryan PEARSON, 12 Steve HESKETH, 17 Daryl NICOL, 19 Gordon SMITH, 26 Paul LLOYD, 27 Ross MILLARD, 30 Adam TONG - Subs not used: RGK Luke HUTCHINSON, 22 Shaydon PASSALACQUA, 24 Jake SARDELIC – Red Card: Pearson 79’
Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Marco SANTALUCIA, 3 Denis GALAN, 5 Tom JEBB, 6 Jesse FULLER, 8 Jon STYNES, 9 Robert PETKOV, 10 Calvin WHITNEY, 12 Luka NINKOVIC (20 Nick AMBROGIO 11’), 17 Dean EVANS, 18 Philip ARNOLD (33 Jack ANDREWS 90’) - Sub not used: RGK Jordan BARBAS, 16 Ryan MALTON, 13 George FESTA – Red Card: Whitney 79’ – Referee: Steven Gregory
Floreat Athena celebrate winning the 2019 NPL-WA Night Series (photo courtesy Fotoenzo)
FORRESTFIELD HIT BACK TO WIN NIGHT SERIES FINAL
Forrestfield United have come from behind at half time to beat Gwelup Croatia 3-1 to win the 2019 State League Night Series Cup Final at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Ellis Healing had given Gwelup the lead at the break, but whatever Coach Graham Normanton said at half time worked with Jarred McNally levelling, before Dan Corbett and skipper Rhys Loxley put the icing on the cake. “It was a tough game against a very good footballing side in Gwelup,” Corbett said “They dominated the first half and where pretty unlucky to go in only 1-0 up, however we reset at half time. Everyone started to win their individual battles and we got over the line 3-1 with three great team goals.”
Gwelup opened brightly and Sam Wynne’s long-range shot flashed over the top on ten minutes, but two minutes later they found the opening goal. Lawrence Shuruma found Healing 18-meters from goal, and the former Inglewood United midfielder rifled home low into the corner of the net. Gwelup continued to dictate terms and on 21 minutes Healing slipped the ball through to Shuruma who raced into goal, but Forrestfield keeper Ben Parry saved well to deny him.
Moments later the lively Wynne raced down the left and cut the ball back to Shuruma, but he couldn’t keep his shot down and his effort flew over the top. Despite dominating possession, Gwelup hadn’t put the game to bed and Forrestfield ended the half well, and after good approach work from Mitch Crocker and Jordan Hart, ended with a cross to Corbett, whose effort was saved by Riley Stevenson. Then on the stroke of half time they had their best chance of the half, Hart found space in the penalty area, but his shot went inches past the far post.
Forrestfield were on the front foot again after the break and Hart headed just over the top after meeting a Loxley free kick on 53 minutes, and five minutes later their pressure was rewarded with the equaliser. Crocker found McNally in the middle of the park, and he strode forward and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Stevenson via the far post. Both sides pressed as the rain fell, making the pitch slippery, but it was Forrestfield who made their next chance count on 75 minutes.
Hart was sent down the right, and his cross on the run picked out Corbett in the box, who headed powerfully past Stevenson to give Forrestfield the lead, much to the delight of their supporters. They were out of their seats again four minutes later when Forrestfield added a third. Ryan Francis was fouled in the middle of the park, but a great advantage was played by referee Stewart Beattie which allowed Loxley to race clear and finish clinically from the edge of the box. Gwelup kept pressing forward and David Heagney fired over the top, before Bobby Wilson’s shot on the top whistled just wide. Gwelup defender Ciaran Salinger then saw his header crash off the crossbar, before Parry got down well to deny Isaac Koomson, but it was Forrestfield celebrating their first ever night series win at the final whistle.
Gwelup Croatia: GK Riley STEPHENSON, 2 Lawrence SHURUMA (3 Isaac KOOMSON 75’), 4 Sam WYNNE, 5 Hayden LOWE, 6 Brodie MARTIN, 8 Matthew SPARROW, 10 Luke RANDAZZO (7 James SAMMUT 65’), 11 Ellis HEALING, 13 Jason RUBIDGE (9 David HEAGNEY 59’), 14 Ciaran SALINGER, 20 Bobby WILSON - Subs not used: RGK Mitchell PAPAS, 19 Tyler UGLOW
Forrestfield United: GK Benjamin PARRY, 4 Stephen O’LEARY, 6 Josh APPLEBY, 7 Mitchel CROCKER (17 Ryan Francis 70’), 9 Jarred MCNALLY (14 Ben Rodgers 89’), 10 Josh PEREIRA, 12 Dan CORBETT, 13 Jordan HART, 15 Michael FLETCHER, 16 Jake PEN, 23 Rhys LOXLEY - Subs not used: 21 Albert LUWI, 8 Josh KOTIO, 19 Liam MERIGAN - Referee: Stewart Beattie
Forrestfield United have taken out the State League Night Series (photo courtesy Fotoenzo)
8.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - WEEK TWO REVIEW
It was week two of the Amateur Night Series and it all started on Friday night at Ellenbrook Sports Hub and in the opening game Kingsley ran out 6-2 winners against Hamersley Rovers in Pool Three. It’s been a tough week for Rovers after Head Coach Brad Brooks stepped down, and Kingsley were ahead early through Josh Waldock. but Rovers hit back with Jesse Kosseh levelling. Kingsley regained the lead when Waldock added his second and Ryan Fish made it 3-1 at the break. Callum Wells-Murphy made it 3-2 early in the second half for Rovers', but further goals from Lewis Flatt and a brace from Lee Thomas gave Kingsley the big win. "It was a pretty scrappy game," Kingsley Coach Steven Dimitrovich said. "From my point of view, it’s a win and we move onto Joondalup this week." In the late game Joondalup United continued their good start to the competition with a hard fought 3-0 win against UWA Nedlands, with goals from Adam Taylor, Adam Giannasi and Liam Ryan.
In Pool Two at Ellenbrook Sports Hub on Sunday Wembley Downs bounced back from defeat last week to beat Jaguar FC 1-0 in the early game. The only goal of the game came from Dave Morris, and Wembley Coach Mike Ford was delighted with his side’s performance. "It was a very tight game against a very good side," he said. "We probably had the edge in the first half with Jags fighting hard in the second and finished strongly. I thought our defence played really well and the team as a whole defended superbly in the later stages of the game, so there is a lot of good signs to build on for the coming season." In the late game Quinns were leading 1-0 with a goals from Wayne Carter, but on 18 minutes Quinns player Sam Vencat received a serious knee injury and the game was abandoned - We wish Sam a speedy recover.
In Pool One at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium Kwinana United also bounced back from a first-round loss with a 6-3 win against Subiaco in the early game. Glen Smith was the hero bagging a hat trick through great build up play and nice finishes to match. Christian Hogg got a double the first being a solo effort then getting on the end of a lovely cross to finish low by the keeper. Leo Peters scored the last of the night with a superb little flick over the keeper. Subiaco scored early on with a goal from Luke Thistlethwaite, before Matt Byrd scored twice, both from penalties in the second half. "I was very pleased with the overall performance especially the young lads who came in to the side," Kwinana Coach Kris Donnell said. "The lads are all playing with a smile on their face and there is a good atmosphere in the changing room at the moment so were just trying to better ourselves each week before the season starts."
The late game of the Pool was the match of the round and defending Night Series winners Leeming Strikers produced a great performance to beat Champions North Perth United 4-1. Leeming led 1-0 at the break after a corner from the right was met by Scott McDowell who volleyed in from ten meters. Leeming went on with it after the break and doubled their lead when Michael Maratea raced down the wing and put a cross to the back post where Aydan Evans volleyed home. It was 3-0 when David Palin header was cleared off the line, but he finished from close-range from the rebound. It was 4-0 when Maratea cross wasn't dealt with and Palin controlled and finished clinically from six meters. North Perth pulled one back late with Sean Lahert on target, but it was too little too late.
"To put in that level of performance so early on in the season was really pleasing, after the first 10mins we found our feet and started playing and created some really good chances," Leeming Coach David Palin said. "The first goal was exactly what we practiced on the training ground so for the boys to execute was great to see. The next three goals came from Michael Maratea and some really good crossing, but I don’t think I could ask for anymore from any player it was a really good team performance, we executed the game plan and got a well-deserved result. We had 4-5 out but the boys that have played have definitely given me some food for thought heading into season. It’s now given us an opportunity to progress to semi-final but we must get past a tough Kwinana who have looked good so far in preseason."
8.3.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – FINAL PREVIEW
The first piece of silverware in the NPLWA is up for grabs this weekend when Bayswater City host Floreat Athena at Frank Drago Reserve in the NPL Night Series Final on Saturday evening. (7.00pm) Both sides made it through to the pre-season competition with hard fought wins, Bayswater edging out NPLWA Champions Perth SC 1-0, while Floreat needed penalties to see of newly promoted Rockingham City after the game ended 2-2 at normal time. The pair met in the Pool stage, with Floreat winning convincingly 4-0 with goals from Jon Stynes, new signings Nick Ambrogio and Luka Ninkovic, against his former club, Marco Santa Lucia and Calvin Whitney, but Saturday should be a tighter affair and should be an entertaining game. Last season’s winners Floreat will go in search of their seventh Night Series title, while Bayswater will be looking for their fifth, but both sides will be hoping for the win to go in to next week’s NPLWA season opener on a high.
The loss in the opening round was Bayswater's only defeat in the Pool stage and Head coach Chris Coyne said they have moved on from that and are looking to get another chance to reverse that score line, and he has been relatively happy with his side’s performances, but knows there is still room for improvement. “Yes, we were not happy with the result, but we learnt a lot from the performance and the way that we went about it. We were very poor on the night and we are looking forward to the chance to rectify that game,” he explained. “In that being said, it was a massive learning experience that game and we took a lot out of that game on how and where we needed to improve. We have been creating plenty of chances and most importantly we have been very solid at the back after that game and I think that will stand us in good stead.”
The former Glory defender said the win against Perth was a tough game, but he said it was a Semi-Final and both sides desperately wanted the win, so to come out on top was a great result for the club especially with them hosting the Grand Final. "I thought it was a good game, not the prettiest to watch but two honest teams that went at it for 90 minutes and didn’t take a backward step,” Coyne said. “I don’t think that it merited the amount of bookings that were thrown around in the first half but all with the final at Frank Drago for the first time in the club’s history it was great to get to the final.” Coyne has been impressed the way Floreat have gone about their business and said they have a talented squad and Saturday should be a good game under lights at Frank Drago, and he's hoping for a big crowd to turn up and watch the game. "Floreat are a good side on a great run that they finished with at the end of last season,” he said. “They have recruited well again and will be a very tough opponent not only on Saturday night but during the season and we look forward to the test against them on Saturday as they really enjoyed the result at the start of the night series and will be up for the game on Saturday again, I am sure.”
Floreat were the form team of the league late last season, and their turnaround came after the appointment of Head coach Garrett McDuling, and they just missed out on the Top Four Finals. McDuling, who joined the club from Perth SC, said he has been delighted the way the players have worked on the game style he has implemented at the club, and they have brought in some talented individuals to help them off the pitch. "I am very pleased with my players and their desire to win football matches. We still have a long way to go however and I keep reminding the players since I have come in that although we have not lost a match, we have not won anything yet either,” he said. “This weekend is our first chance to win something together and we are all thoroughly looking forward to the test ahead. Whilst we have brought some new players in, we have kept the majority of the squad from last season because there is an enormous amount of talent in which the club were not getting the best out of them in the months after they won the night series last year.
“Whilst the changes we have made are minimal we pride ourselves on fitness, intensity and work rate ensuring the players are all accountable for their performance. I have personally purchased GPS systems and also provide in-depth video analysis where no player can now hide. If players don't get on the pitch on the weekend or play a full match you will see them run post game with our sports scientists to ensure their work load is topped up should we need them the following week. We have brought in a Soccer medicine Physio who has worked in Brazil with professional teams so the players are in good hands in all departments. We are taking this season very seriously along with my two assistants Jim Dean and Tim Cash who work full time in Football ensuring no stone is unturned to help Athena challenge for silverware. Finally, we have brought in an advisor Dr Black who provides in-depth analytics for us who spends hours each week watching and coding our games and back feeding my staff and I data and trend analysis that we can also take into account when doing our opposition analysis as well as checking if we are meeting our own targets we have set for the team. The players can see we have increased the expectation of them and they have responded well.”
The Semi-final win went down to the wire, but McDuling said Rockingham keeper Cyril Sharrock was outstanding, but they should have wrapped up the game way before the final whistle, but he praised Rockingham on their battling performance. "We knew Rockingham would be a tough team to break down as we have seen during their previous night series games at Litis Stadium. We had a game plan and our players stuck to it, and yes, we were unlucky not to win it in normal time,” he explained. “Not that luck had anything to do with the quality of Rockingham's keeper Cyril Sharrock, who made not only a number of top draw saves but also double saves to keep his side in the contest.
“Luck also had nothing to do with the quality our side displayed in the final third of the park providing once again exciting football for the spectators which included two spectacular bicycles and a number of chances in both halves of the game. Perhaps this brand of football also allows space in between the lines which is a concern and something we have addressed this week. In saying that we have only conceded four goals during the night series to date however scoring 23 in the six games we have played. So averaging just under four goals a game perhaps indicates the system we are playing is working however we are mindful of Bayswater's quality and can't allow them the time and space we gave to Rockingham in the middle third of the pitch or we know they will hurt us.
McDuling said the win in the opening game is in the past, and he has watched Bayswater improve over the tournament and is expecting a tight encounter on Saturday. "I think there is a terrific vibe amongst the football community looking forward to this weekend’s test encounter between Bayswater and Athena,” he said. “We are looking forward to playing at Bayswater's ground under their new lights, and this is why we go through the tough times we do as a coach and also as players, it's for these occasions where two in form teams meet head to head in a grand final leaving nothing behind. I can't possibly think of anywhere else I would rather be on Saturday night than in the dugout watching some of the best, most talented players in WA perform in front of what should be a big crowd.”
8.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES FINAL PREVIEW
The 2019 Football West State League Night Series Final comes to a finale on Saturday afternoon when Gwelup Croatia takes on Forrestfield United at Frank Drago Reserve. (5.00pm) Both these sides topped their relevant groups in the Pool stage, and both have had to fight hard to move through to the Grand Final, and with both sides having attacking players, this should be a great game. After topping their group Gwelup met Gosnells City in the Quarter-Finals and won on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at full time, that set up a Croatian Derby against Western Knights in the Semi-Final. In a pulsating game Gwelup prevailed 5-3 on penalties.
Head coach Taki Nicolaidis said they have played some good football so far in the competition but he believes there is more to come from his chargers. "The Night Series has been a very good platform for the upcoming season and there’s nothing better to be playing proper competitive games instead of looking for friendlies every week,” he explained. “We are looking forward to Saturday’s game and we have some players coming back and should be at peak fitness, come week one in the First Division.”
On the Semi-final victory Nicolaidis said it showed the great character of his side, who came back from behind three times to win the contest against a good Knights side. "They (Western Knights) are a very good side and have been in red hot form throughout the Night Series,” he said. “So, to come back three times during the 90 minutes and come out on top at the end of the penalty shootout was very encouraging and showed the strong character that this group has.”
Nicolaidis said Saturday's game will be another tough test against a good Forrestfield side, and he looking forward to catching up with their new coach Graham Normanton. "It’s a Grand Final and regardless of who were up against we will need to be at our best if we are going win the final,” he said. “Forrestfield have been in great form and know that Normo will have them cherry ripe physically and mentally for the encounter. I’m guessing that the team that wants it more on the night and are more ruthless will be the team that takes home the trophy.”
Forrestfield produced a great performance in the Quarter-Final, beating Mandurah City convincingly 3-0, before racing to a 4-1 lead against UWA Nedlands in the Semi-Final, and despite conceding two late goals they held on and Head Coach Graham Normanton said they have improved with every game. "The night series is always just preparation for the business part of the season, and that’s the league,” he explained. “The results are never that important and they can’t cloud your assessment of where your team is and what needs to be done. These games are great because the games are very competitive and it allows you to foster good habits in games that mean something rather than in friendlies where the game means nothing.”
Normanton said the win against UWA was a great effort from his players, and he said it was good to hold on and reach the clubs second Night Series Final, but he said they should have put the game to bed earlier. “The last 15 minutes, somewhat spoilt the first 75,” he said. “We were comfortably in control it 4-1 and made the fatal mistake of thinking the job was done. I was, and I am, very pleased with the progress that the boys have made since my arrival at the club. However, I think that we are still a long way off the level that I think we can attain, we’ve scored some excellent goals but conceded some very soft ones.”
The coach knows what to expect on Saturday, with Gwelup having some talent in their line-up, but all his focus is on his team and he said they are prepared well and it should be a great game for both sets of supporters and the neutrals. "Gwelup are a good side with good players. We know they’ll be a contender for the league title so it will be a good barometer for us,” Normanton said. “It should and will be a great game and hopefully we can show the footballing public that life in the first division is worth watching. There are some very good teams in it and it will be a tough league title to win.
“I fully respect Taki and his team, I always have. He’s got them playing well and I never underestimate the difficulty of playing against his teams. I think we have a healthy rivalry on the pitch but I’m sure we’ll still have a beer afterwards regardless of the result. It will be tough game for us and a challenge which I think the players are looking forward to. I hope the game is an entertaining one and it showcases the first division on a day when the focus is on four teams.”
8.3.2019
AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES - WEEK TWO PREVIEW
It's week two of the Amateur Night Series and in Pool One the games will be held at the Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Saturday evening. In the early game at 5.00pm Kwinana United take on Subiaco, with both sides looking for their first win after both were defeated last week. Kwinana put in a good performance before losing to Sunday Premier League Champions North Perth, while Subiaco were beaten 4-1 by Night series holders Leeming Strikers. Kwinana Coach Kris Donnell said it was an encouraging first half performance against the Champions. “I thought our boys were terrific in the first half and we tried to play football the whole game coming out from the back,” he said. “The two goals in the second half were obviously not what we had planned but it’s still pre-season and we made changes to give lads a run so we are happy with the progress. North Perth showed their qualities and deserved the points in the end." Donnell said Saturday will be another tough test, but one he said they are looking forward too. "Subiaco gives us another chance to build on last week's performance, and the lads have trained really well and are ready for the game,” he explained. “We’ve made a massive change in the squad bringing in several new players so it's just about building and gelling the squad for the new season. We respect Subiaco as a young fit side and look forward to the challenge." In the late game at the venue the two winning sides from the opening round, Leeming Strikers and North Perth United meet. (7.00pm)
In Pool Two on Sunday night at Ellenbrook Sports Hub, the opening game sees Jaguars Fc meeting Wembley Downs. (5.00pm) The Jags beat hosts Ellenbrook United in the opening round, and will be looking to make it two, but will face a Wembley side looking for their first win in tournament. Mike Ford’s side were beaten by newly promoted Quinns last week, with Az Gray scoring their only goal in 1-4 defeat. Ford said it wasn't the best of starts but praised the opposition. "We were beaten by a well organised Quinn’s team,” he said. “They played really well and played to their strengths." The coach said Jags were the surprise package last season, and looked impressive last week, so he knows it will be a tough game. "Sunday will be another good test for us against another good side,” Ford said. “From what I remember a couple of years ago they are very talented and work really hard, so were looking forward to the challenge. " In the late game at the venue hosts Ellenbrook United take on Quinns, who were impressive in their win last week.
The Round starts on Friday night at Ellenbrook Sports Hub when Hamersley Rovers meet Kingsley. (6.30pm) Rovers were well beaten by Joondalup United last week and will be looking to bounce back, while Kingsley opened up with a solid win against UWA. In the late game at the venue UWA Nedlands take on Joondalup United, who bagged eight in the opening round. UWA where beaten 1-6 by Kingsley, with Aamon Zothner scoring their goal, but Coach Arthur Hiemstra said it was good workout despite the score line. "I was very happy that we had the opportunity to test some of the new guys against a top opponent, and I was pleased with their individual performances," he said. "The result was expected as seven of the players hadn't played together to this point and hardly knew each other’s names." Hiemstra said he has been impressed with the way Joondalup are going and is expecting another tough game on Friday. "I rate Ben (Williams) and his squad highly, and we've had some great clashes over the years in Division One and Two," he explained. "The squad will have a few more regulars from last season in comparison with the game against Kingsley so I expect us to be more competitive on Friday."
7.3.2019
FOOTBALL WEST WELCOMES LABOR’S $10 MILLION PLEDGE
Football West welcomes today’s announcement from the Federal Opposition that the Labor Party will commit $10 million to a State Football Centre. Shadow Minister for Sport and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Don Farrell confirmed this afternoon that a Shorten Government would put $10m towards a State Football Centre to be built at Maniana Reserve in Queens Park.
“This is great news and should be celebrated by all of the football community in Western Australia,” said Football West chief executive James Curtis. “The commitment announced by Senator Farrell is a tremendous boost in our bid to have a State Football Centre in keeping with being the number one participation team sport in WA.”
“Football West is striving to provide the best facilities and opportunities for all of our 230,000 players as well as our coaches, referees and administrators and this pledge brings it a step nearer. For too long football has been left behind when it has come to investment and it is great to see the balance being redressed.”
“A State Football Centre will directly support Football West’s Asian Engagement Program and provide a suitable football training facility for international powerhouses such as Manchester United and Chelsea. This will develop significant economic benefits to our WA community and football clubs.”
Labor Candidate for Swan Hannah Beazley said a new home for football in her prospective electorate would support continued growth in the sport, both locally and across Western Australia. “I’m delighted that Labor has committed to help build the State Football Centre here in Swan, which will be a fantastic community asset for many years to come,” Beazley said.
“There has been an unprecedented growth in the number of people playing soccer, both in our local community in Swan and across the State. Western Australia has been lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to soccer facilities for many years. This Centre will mean that WA can host State League and National Premier League matches, as well as international games.”
The Centre will be a hub for female football in Western Australia, the home of a new national Indigenous Football Centre of Excellence and will provide training and game facilities for both grassroots and elite players. Football West is the only major state sporting association in Western Australia without a training and administration centre.
Senator Farrell said: “Labor’s decision to invest in the State Football Centre for WA reflects our strong and ongoing commitment to the world game: from funding to help grassroots community football clubs continue to grow participation, to our early support for Australia's bid to host the FIFA 2013 Women's World Cup.”
The State Football Centre will also a dedicated training venue for more than 1200 regional development participants, including regional State teams, Country Week and Country Camp participants and will provide a high-class hub for female competitions and programs across the metropolitan area.
7.3.2019
CHIANESE SIGNS ONE-YEAR EXTENSION AT GLORY
Perth Glory striker Joel Chianese will return for another season as the A-League pace setters begin building for next year with one eye on the Asian Champions League. The 29-year old is the second player to re-sign following yesterday’s announcement that fellow forward Andy Keogh has been retained for another season.
Chianese has gone from fringe player 12 months ago, missing much of the season with a chipped collarbone and groin injury, to being an integral part of this year’s side. He has featured in 20 of Glory’s 21 games and gave them a lifeline after coming from the bench in the second half of Sunday’s draw with Melbourne City to score his fourth goal of the campaign.
Chianese was released by Sydney FC in 2014 after 40 games and had five different clubs in two years before resurrecting his career in 2016 with Glory. “I’m really excited to be staying on board with a club I’ve warmed to year after year in a fantastic city,” he said.
“I have learned so much working under Tony Popovic and the coaching staff and with the great players we’ve got together. I have grown a lot as a player and am probably in the best form of my career, so when the opportunity came up to stay on board, I had to jump at it. With this squad I think we can achieve a lot.”
Glory football director Jacob Burns said Chianese was having a fantastic season. “He has taken his game to another level with his performances, contribution and the threat that he poses with his pace,” Burns said. “He has established himself as a regular amidst stiff competition and really matured as a player.”
Midfield pair Jake Brimmer and Brandon Wilson will miss Glory’s next game, against Adelaide United on 15 March, after being selected in the Australian Under-23 squad. The Olyroos play AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers against Cambodia (22 March), Chinese Taipei (24 March) and Korea Republic (26 March).
6.3.2019
KEOGH SET FOR MORE GLORY
Perth Glory's all-time leading A-League scorer Andy Keogh has re-signed with the club for another year. The Republic of Ireland striker has signed as an international player but is close to finalising his Australian citizenship. If that happens it would change his squad status and free another international spot in Glory's recruitment.
Keogh, scorer of 12 goals this season, was being chased by a number of other clubs and talk of a swap between Keogh and Melbourne City's Bruno Fornaroli earlier this year was quickly squashed by Glory. The pair are likely to form a formidable partnership with Fornaroli expected to sign for Glory next season.
Keogh said he had never entertained thoughts of moving. “I never had any thoughts about leaving the club and it’s fantastic to be a part of this team and what is an exciting time for the club," he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to score goals and hopefully helping the club to secure some silverware.”
Glory football director Jacob Burns said Keogh has a major part to play in Glory’s future. “Andy’s goalscoring record speaks for itself and he is rightly regarded as one of the very best strikers in the competition,'" Burns said of Keogh, who has 52 goals in 115 appearances for Glory.
“Proven goal scorers are a rare commodity, so it’s no surprise that plenty of other clubs were competing for his signature. His goal scoring form this year has been outstanding and we look forward to seeing him continue that over the next year as part of what we are confident will be a strong and successful Glory side.”
Keogh played for a number of English clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Millwall. He initially joined Glory in 2014 but left after a season when he was caught up in the club's salary cap scandal, before returning in 2016 after a short spell with Thai Premier League side Ratchaburi.
4.3.2019
BABALJ IN THE HUNT FOR BRISBANE DEAL
One-time Socceroo Eli Babalj has impressed during a trial with A-League club Brisbane Roar, but interim coach Darren Davies says no decision has been made on the striker's future. The 27-year old continued his trial with Brisbane today, training with the team as they prepare for Friday's home clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.
Babalj has been on the lookout for a new club after leaving Indian Super League team Atletico de Kolkata in November. Capped twice by Australia, he has struggled to find form across several clubs after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament against Brisbane in early 2016.
Brisbane are on the hunt for an experienced striker following Adam Taggart's departure to South Korean powerhouse Suwon Bluewings last month. Babalj has been trialling over the past week along with Victorian National Premier League left-back Jacob Alexander. Davies said both players had impressed but there were no plans as yet to offer either a deal.
3.3.2019
DE VANNA FIGHTING PHYSICAL, MENTAL BATTLE
For a forward, 25 games without a goal is a long time. For Lisa De Vanna, it's an eternity. The all-time Matildas record scorer had endured one of the leanest streaks of her career until Australia's 4-1 win over South Korea in Brisbane.
De Vanna broke through for her first goal at club or national team level since last March last night, tapping in at the back post after Tameka Butt's blazing run and shot wriggled free. It might have been one of the easiest finishes of De Vanna's career but it was one of the most important.
De Vanna went through the latest W-League campaign at champions Sydney FC goalless, struggling for game time with injury and the Sky Blues' plethora of stars. She was lucky to feature in the Grand Final win after a nasty injury in the final round clash with Melbourne City.
"That took a step back because I didn't touch a ball for two weeks," 34-year old De Vanna said. "Then I had to play the New Zealand game (for) 30 minutes and I was lacking a bit of confidence. I didn't really want to get on the ball."
"When you haven't scored a goal, or you're not confident in front of goal, it makes it harder to do everything else ... when Ante came up to me and was like, 'you just be you', I thought 'OK the pressure is off'."
De Vanna responded with a power of work in the Cup of Nations victory. The Western Australian resembled a steam train on Australia's left flank, working up and down the line and making one memorable sprint back to make a last-ditch tackle on a South Korean winger. She also needed to make a huge run to arrive for her goal.
More than the physical battle, De Vanna said she's been struggling mentally in recent weeks. The mercurial talent showed her emotions to former coach Alen Stajcic's sacking, posting a note to social media which read "lies lies lies".
De Vanna was close to Stajcic but said she'd been renewed by Milicic's leadership and the battle to board the plane for June's World Cup in France. "A new coach coming in ... being injured and then you doubt yourself," she said. "You think, 'I'm at a certain age, can I push, can I push?' That's been more of a mental battle."
3.3.2019
EUROPE CALLING, BUT IKONOMIDIS’ FOCUS IS ON GLORY
Perth Glory striker Chris Ikonomidis is one of the hottest properties in the A-League. He has been in stunning form with eight goals in 13 games for Glory and was a stand-out for the Socceroos in the Asian Cup on his recall to the international stage.
Ikonomidis has signed for two more seasons with Glory and not surprisingly has come to the notice of a number of European clubs. But the 24-year-old, who was brought back to Australia by Glory after three years with Serie A side Lazio, is taking all the fuss in his stride.
“I’m honestly enjoying it. It’s a season where I’m really enjoying my football,” Ikonomidis said. “If people are talking about me in that light I get excited because it means I must be doing the right thing on the pitch. I don’t feel it adds extra pressure.”
“I just try and focus on the game, do what the boss wants me to do and make a difference when I’m out there. My manager (former Australian international Vince Grella) and I have a relationship where we don’t talk about those kind of things until the end of the season.”
“He knows how important it is for a footballer to focus on where he is at the time and to focus game by game. I’m more than happy with that because when you start thinking too much about those sort of things you can get distracted from what you are doing well.”
Ikonomidis will be looking to add to his goal tally when he lines up at Melbourne City this afternoon. Glory are looking to make amends for letting victory slip away last Sunday when Western Sydney Wanderers scored with the last kick of the game to steal a 1-1 draw.
“We are really driving expectations of ourselves through the roof,” Ikonomidis said. “We draw, a last-minute goal in a game away from home, and that’s a disappointment for us ... We motivate ourselves internally within the group because we know what we want to achieve.”
Ikonomidis is mentally strong after his early days learning his trade in the tough world of Italian football. As a 16-year old in Sydney he received an invitation to join the youth system at Atalanta and moved to Lazio 18 months later, but could not break into the first team.
He was sent out on loan to Salernitana in Italy, Danish side AGF and then on short term to Wanderers before Glory coach Tony Popovic came calling. Ikonomidis acknowledges that the time spent in Italy was the biggest influence on his career — with Popovic.
“He has been fantastic, working with him can only bring positive outcomes,” he said. “We work within a system but it also gives us freedom to express ourselves. It really suits my game well and I think it gets the best out of me.”
3.3.2019
CASTRO STUNNER GIVE GLORY A SHARE OF THE SPOILS
Perth Glory maintained their unbeaten run on the road this season after a stunning stoppage time goal from skipper Diego Castro secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Melbourne City in Sunday's Round 21 Hyundai A-League clash at AAMI Park. A first-half brace from former Glory striker Jamie Maclaren looked like it was enough for City, but roared on by a large vocal away support, Joel Chianese headed Glory back in the game six minutes from time, before Castro sent those visiting supporters into raptures with the late equaliser. Glory Head coach Tony Popovic praised the determination his players showed to fight back and earn a point. "In the first half, Jamie [Maclaren] did what Jamie does," he said. "They got early balls into him and he scored a great goal and the second one was from us trying to play and giving away a penalty."
"We weren't at our fluent best in the first half, they contained us well and we looked a little bit flat which I'm sure was partly from the travel and partly from the heat. So, we didn't play at our best, but we still created chances and that always gives you confidence with this team. Then in the second half we totally dominated and I believe it was just reward for the players to do that away from home, to show that character and desire. We were never under threat in the second half against a team away from home and that's really positive for us moving forward. and with Diego [Castro], anything's possible. He's a special player and he certainly led the way in our recovery in the second half." Glory went into this one unchanged from the side that drew at Western Sydney Wanderers last week, but it was City who were on the front foot early and Liam Reddy had to be alert twice in the opening three minutes of the game, firstly clearing and poor back pass from Dino Djulbic, before parrying a low cross from Shayon Harrison. But it was the home side who opened the scoring on 26 minutes, former Glory defender Scott Jamison made space down the left and whipped in a teasing cross and Maclaren lost his marker and headed home.
Things got worse for the Glory nine minutes later when Florin Berenguer-Bohrer’s cross was cleared by the Glory, but referee Alex King pointed to the spot for handball on Shane Lowry from the initial cross. VAR looked at the incident and upheld the decision, but it did look harsh on the Glory defender. Maclaren stepped up sent Reddy the wrong way from the resulting penalty to double City’s lead. Glory pressed late in the half Chris Ikonomidis raced forward and slid in Castro, only for the Spaniard's toe-poke finish to drift wide of the far post, but he was caught late by Eugene Galekovic and Glory were sure it was a penalty and anywhere else on the park it would have, but King waved away their protests. Glory went close again in the shadows of half time, Neil Kilkenny’s free kick was nodded back across goal by Djulbic, and Ikonomidis’ diving header was superbly saved by Galekovic from close-range.
Glory looked lively after the break and went close to reducing the arrears six minutes in, Castro’s defence splitting pass sent Andy Keogh in on goal, but again Galekovic spread himself well to deny the Irish striker. Glory were doing all the attacking but couldn’t find the right ball to get through a six-man City defence, but six minutes from time they found a lifeline. Ikonomidis sent Jason Davidson down the left and his inch perfect cross found second half substitute Chianese who headed home. It was game on and roared on by the pocket of purple of Glory fans in the far corner of AAMI Park they pushed for the equaliser. They went close four minutes later Davidson pulling the ball back to Castro, but Jamison got back with a great last-ditch tackle.
But Glory weren’t finished and in the second minute of stoppage time they restored parity. Castro was given far too much space in the middle of the park and he made City pay firing home from 22 meters to send the Glory supporters into raptures. They could have nicked all three points late on but Brendan Santalab couldn’t keep his effort down, but it was a remarkable comeback from Tony Popovic’s side, and all the players and coaches celebrated long and hard with the travelling supporters after the game.
Melbourne City: GK Eugene GALEKOVIC, 3 Scott JAMIESON, 7 Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9 Shayon HARRISON (8 Riley MCGREE 64'), 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15 Kearyn BACCUS, 22 Curtis GOOD, 25 Iacopo LA ROCCA, 26 Luke BRATTAN (36 Dylan PIERIAS 85'), 27 Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER (19 Lachlan WALES 70'), 29 Jamie MACLAREN - Subs not used: RGK Mark BIRIGHITTI, 10 Dario VIDOSIC
Perth Glory: GK Liam REDDY, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC (7 Joel CHIANESE 63'), 6 Dino DJULBIC, 9 Andy KEOGH (11 Brendon SANTALAB 63'), 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY (20 Jake BRIMMER 75') - Subs not used: RGK Tando VELAPHI, 23 Scott NEVILLE - Referee: Alex King
2.3.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – SEMI-FINALS REVIEW
The 2019 NPL Night Series Final will see Bayswater City take on Floreat Athena next weekend after two entertaining Semi-Finals at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening. In the early game Bayswater overcame last season's NPLWA Champions Perth SC 1-0. The only goal of the game came on 53 minutes, when Paul Lloyd played in Gordon Smith, and the Scottish striker finished clinically from the edge of the box. Both sides had chances to add to the scoring, but Smith's effort turned out to be the winner. "It's great to get into the cup final especially with the final being at our home ground, Frank Drago next week," Smith said. "Credit to Perth they are a good side and it was a pretty even contest with both teams having a go. We know next week will be another tough game as Floreat are unbeaten, so we will have to be at our best, but we have plenty of confidence going into the final too so it should be an exciting game."
In the late game Floreat Athena and Rockingham City produced one of the games of the tournament, with Floreat prevailing 7-6 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 after normal time. It was Floreat who made a perfect start hitting the front after only two minutes, Robert Petkov's half volley beating Cyril Sharrock. The Rockingham keeper then produced a stunning double save to first deny a spectacular bicycle kick from Jon Stynes, and he got down to save Petkov’s follow up shot. But Rockingham hit back in the first minute of the second half, Koty Millard made space down the left and his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Marco Santa Lucia. Floreat lifted the tempo and went close to the lead again when Luka Ninkovic’s cross was met by Petkov, but his bicycle kick crashed off the inside of the post and away to safety. But on the hour Floreat did regain their lead, Chris Saldaris headed home and it looked like that would be the winner.
But the newly promoted Rockingham had other ideas and in the final minute Riley van Dieken whipped in a free kick that was cleared by the Floreat defence and Michael Farmer was first to the bouncing ball to fire home to send the tie to a penalty shootout. Both teams were perfect with the first twelve penalties, but the unfortunate Jarred Mort saw his 13th penalty saved by Floreat keeper Jason Saldaris and defender Jesse Fuller stepped up to seal the win. "It should never have gone to penalties as we had a lot of chances, but credit to Rockingham they kept on coming at us," Floreat midfielder Jon Stynes said. "We have a winning mentality at the moment and we will carry that into the Grand Final next week against Bayswater."
2.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - SEMI-FINALS REVIEW
Like the NPL, the State League Night Series Semi-Finals produced two pulsating games at Hartfield Park, and it will be Gwelup Croatia taking on Forrestfield United in next week’s Grand Final at Frank Drago Reserve. In the opening game Gwelup Croatia came from behind to beat Western Knights 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 3-3 after normal time. It was the Knights who opened the scoring after only 82 seconds, Brian Patterson found space and acrobatically volleyed home. But Gwelup hit back and levelled on 24 minutes, Sam Wynne's cross from the right found Jason Rubidge, who made no mistake from close-range. But on the stroke of half time the Knights regained their lead after a foul in the box by Hayden Lowe gave them a penalty and Dean Hurley fired home the resulting spot kick. But Gwelup restored parity again eight minutes into the second half, Rubidge bagging his second after pouncing on a loose ball from a free kick.
But with fifteen minutes remaining the Knights hit the front for the third time, new signing Scott Johnston's shot on the turn beating Riley Stephenson. But Gwelup weren’t finished and Rubidge went close to his hat trick, but the striker failed to convert, but two minutes from time they did level. Second half substitute Isaac Koomson was picked out at the near post and he fired past Sam Stone to take it to a penalty shootout. Gwelup keeper Stephenson was the hero saving the Knights' fourth penalty, allowing Gwelup new signing Luke Randazzo to squeeze home his spot kick to seal a 5-3 win for Gwelup. “I couldn’t have been prouder of our group and its strong character to come back three times during the game and forcing it to penalties," Gwelup Head Coach Taki Nicolaidis said. "It set up a tense finale, but we were able to hold our nerve and win the penalty shootout lottery.”
In the late game hosts Forrestfield United edged out the fast finishing UWA Nedlands 4-3. It was UWA who made the better start and they were ahead early, Riaz Kelly intercepted a pass out of the Forrestfield defence and he sent Alex Kretowicz in on goal and he finished clinically past Ben Parry. But Forrestfield hit back and levelled when Rhys Loxley's cross from the left was met by Dan Corbett who finished well from five meters. Forrestfield hit the front before half time, when Jordan Hart was sent clear and he lobbed the oncoming UWA keeper Luke Stonebridge. The home side added a third when a deep cross from Michael Fletcher found Corbett who scored his second of the night. It looked game over when Mitchell Crocker sent Jarrad McNally in one-on-one with Stonebridge and finished with aplomb to make it 4-1.
But UWA weren't finished and after good work from Tom Moroney and Lloyd Prout, it ended with a cross into the box and Kretowicz produced a stunning bicycle kick which flew into the top corner. It was UWA now who were on top and it wasn't a surprise when they pulled another one back and Sam Carrello's cross was headed home by Prout to make it 4-3. UWA pressed late and thought they had levelled two minutes from time but Bryce Conway's angled shot was tipped onto the post by the alert Parry to seal the win for Graham Normanton's side. "It turned out to be a closer game than we would have liked, but we didn’t panic when we went behind and started to play the brand of football we've been working on,” Forrestfield midfielder Mitch Crocker said. “From 20 minutes mark to about the 80th minute, it felt like we controlled the game and that was really pleasing, but credit to UWA though, they gave us a fight but we're looking forward to Saturday now and that will be a big test for us.”
2.3.2019
AMATEUR LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK ONE REVIEW
It was the first week of the Amateur Night Series and both the newly promoted teams Joondalup United and Quinns FC started well in the competition. First up in Pool One holders Leeming Strikers opened their account with a 4-1 win against Subiaco in the late game at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium. Leeming opened the scoring when Lucas Pickering followed up on a scramble in box to score from five meters. It was 2-0 when Ben Greaves ran onto a cleared ball and flicked over on rushing keeper and finished into an empty net. It was 3-0 when Jack Herman was played through from 40 yards out dribbled into box and placed past the keeper. They added a fourth when Danny McKenzie controlled on edge of box before volleying home. In the other Pool One game goals from Oscar Kelly and Paddy Montgomery gave North Perth United a 2-0 win against Kwinana United.
In the early game in Pool B at the Ellenbrook Sports Hub on Friday night, Jaguars beat Ellenbrook United 2-0 with goals from Gojam Nyuon and Julius Bosco. In the other game in the Pool newly promoted Quinns beat Wembley Downs 4-1, with goals from Liam Hunt, Sam Vencat and penalties from Wayne Carter and Michael Mason. Quinns coach Darren Kay was happy with their first up performance. “It was a big first up win for us, but more importantly it was a fantastic first up performance,” he said. “Like I said before the game it's great that we get the opportunity to work on our processes in a competitive environment and I thought we executed them very well on Friday night. While it was great to get our first win at this level there where aspects that I wasn't happy with and I don't think we quite ran out 90 minutes so I'm expecting improvement over the coming weeks. On a side note after all the build-up about the venue leading into the game, I thought the pitch was great and Ellenbrook ran things very well.”
In Pool Three at Ellenbrook Sports Hub on Friday afternoon Joondalup United started life as a Premier League club with a bang, thrashing Hamersley Rovers 8-0. Adam Gianassi and Adam Taylor were the hero’s both bagging hat-trick’s while Ethan Culff scored braces. Joondalup Coach Ben Williams said it was a slow start but they ended the game well. “After a cagey first half we knew there was room for improvement, and the message to the lads was to quicken up the passing and be better in the final third, we were only in second gear and needed to rise through the gears,” he explained. “I thought we were much better second half and very clinical in front of goal, so I was really pleased the lads performed to their potential.” In the other game in Pool One last season's beaten finalist Kingsley opened up with 6-1 win against UWA Nedlands. Ryan Fish bagged a brace, with others from Josh Waldock, Lee Thomas, Luke Coltman and Sean Johnson.
1.3.2019
NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – SEMI-FINALS PREVIEW
We've reached the Semi-Finals of the NPL Night Series, and both games will be played at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening. First up Pool One winners Perth SC take on Pool Two runners-up and traditional Italian rivals Bayswater City (5.00pm) Perth looked impressive in the Pool stage with new signings Yagoub Mustafa and Michael Domfeh both showing good signs, and the former Perth Glory Youth duo have settled in nicely at the Gardens. At the back former Dianella White Eagles defender Bojan Radinovic has formed a good partnership with former Forrestfield's Tom Southgate, and behind them is keeper Francis Soale.
The keeper was a rock in last season’s title win, and he said the team has improved with each game and their big win against Inglewood last week showed that. "Our performances have been steadily improving with each pool game, and against Inglewood it was another positive step towards the level we want to be atm but there is still a lot more to come from us,” he said. “We’ve added a few more strings to our bow this year with our style and obviously the new guys we’ve added have all brought different strengths to what we already had.” Soale is well aware of the treat Bayswater have in their team, but he said they have some of their own as well. "It is always a bigger game playing Bayswater, preseason or not but that’s what we want,” he said. “We’ll come out ready to fight for that spot in the Grand Final, so I’m sure there will be a good crowd and it will be a good game of football.”
After defeat in their opening game Bayswater have won the rest of the games to finish just behind Floreat. New signings Daryl Nicol, Gordon Smith and Steve Hesketh all impressed, but they had to fight all the way to beat Armadale in the last round, a game Nicol said they got away with it. "I thought we deserved the win but the circumstances with us already being through to the semi’s before we kicked off probably didn’t help," he explained. "We had hoped that with the pressure being off we could play some free-flowing football but I think that lack of pressure actually took the edge of our game and it turned into a very sloppy performance."
Nicol, who is the current Football West Gold Medal winner, joined the club from ECU Joondalup in the close-season and he said the team is gelling nicely, but knows there is more to come from the group. "The squad we’ve got at Bayswater is phenomenal in terms of quality and depth," the striker said. "The manager has had to shuffle the pack during the night series which has maybe meant we’re taking a bit longer to gel but training has been razor sharp and come the first round of the NPL I expect us to be flying." Saturday's game is huge for both clubs and Nicol said they are looking forward to the challenge in the Italian derby. "Perth are always in and around the later stages of any competition they play in and to win silverware you’re probably going to have to beat them along the way," he said. "It’s a fantastic opportunity at this stage of pre-season to go up against last season’s champions and see where we’re at as a group. With the chance to get into a final I expect both teams to be going for it which should make for a cracking game for the spectators."
In the late game Pool Two winners Floreat Athena take on Pool One runners-up Rockingham City (7.00pm) Floreat have continued their good form at the end of last season, led by experienced players Dean Evans, Calvin Whitney and Jesse Fuller. They went through the group stage unbeaten and are coming off an impressive 5-0 win against Cockburn City, and keeper Jason Saldaris said it was another good performance, and continued their good night series campaign. "I thought it was a great team performance with a number of changes in keys positions against what I think will be a tough opponent in the season," he said. "We were solid defensively and fantastic going forward which was shown on the score sheet, so all in all a good performance."
Floreat have added some quality to their squad for next season and the likes of Nick Ambrogio, Thomas Jebb and Robert Petkov have performed well, and Saldaris said spots in the starting eleven are up for grabs and that bodes well for the season ahead. "Yes, Garret has added a lot of depth to the squad, with quality signings in the roster this season and as the last three games has shown no one position is safe, with three different starting 11's which would give him a bit of a headache on his best 11," the keeper explained. "But to be honest it isn't a bad problem to have, and this squad cannot wait for the upcoming season, and to be a challenger this year." Saturday's opponents have made a good start to life in the NPL and Saldaris said it will be another tough game. "For sure, Rockingham has been one of the surprise packets in this year’s night series having big wins, against Perth Sc and ECU Joondalup," he said. "But we are looking forward to the tie, but they won’t be taken lightly there is a Grand Final up for grabs."
Rockingham City have surprised many with their performances in the competition to date, and skipper James Harmer, Lydon Hodgkiss, Cyril Sharrock and youngster Riley van Dieken have all impressed and shown they deserve to be in the NPL, and coach Cameron Lord said they are enjoying the challenge, and many believe they haven't looked out of place. "I'm really proud of how the players have took on the new challenges so far," he said. "We want to enjoy our football and the challenges associated with the NPL, and I believe you can see that enjoyment come out in the games that we have played so far. It is up to us to show everyone that we belong in the NPL, and that is something that we have been working extremely hard to make sure happens."
The big win against ECU Joondalup in the final group game showed how far the group have come on under the guidance of Lord, and he said it was a great team performance on the night. "It was more importantly an excellent performance to go with an excellent win against a very good ECU side," the Coach explained. "We have already learnt a lot in a short space of time during the Night Series which has allowed us to identify what we need to be better at as individuals and collectively. We are eager to keep improving and keep getting better as we get ready for Round one." Lord knows a win on Saturday will see them reach the Grand Final, but he is aware the quality Floreat have at their disposal, but he said they are ready for the challenge as they prepare for their debut in the NPLWA. "We are looking forward to a new challenge in facing Floreat, who have a very talented group," he said. "It will be another great test for us, and it would be great for our club to reach a Grand Final of the Night Series, and that will help us in our preparations for Round one of the NPL."
1.3.2019
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - SEMI-FINALS PREVIEW
It's also the Semi-Finals of the Football West State League Night Series this weekend with games at Hartfield Park on Saturday evening. First up we have a cracker when traditional rivals Western Knights take on Gwelup Croatia in the 'Croatian Derby'. (5.00pm) The Knights booked a spot in the game with a 3-0 win against Olympic Kingsway, but Gwelup had to do it the hard way, defeating Gosnells City in a marathon penalty-shoot out. Knights new coach Ivan Zuvela has seen his side win all their games in the competition so far, and he has added some quality to his squad for next season, with Andrija Jukic, former Gwelup defender Cameron Yorke and Francisco Jorquera to name a few, and he has been happy the way they have been going, but knows there is room for improvement.
"We are into our eighth week of pre-season and at this stage are happy with our progress. We are still a similar side from last year and we were successful in retaining the majority of our squad. In addition, there were certain players we targeted to strengthen our squad and they have been very good for us," he explained. "More importantly their personal character fits into the club culture we have at the Knights. The purpose of our pre-season is to improve every week and we feel we have certainly done that. We are now looking for further improvement this week against Gwelup. Everything we have been doing throughout January and February is to prepare for our Round One game against Ashfield on March 23."
The big win against Olympic was another good performance, and another clean sheet which pleased the coach. "Our quarter final game against Olympic was a good sign of where we were at," he said. "They (Olympic) were a very good side and certainly made it difficult for us. However, we continually persisted to play our own game and it was pleasing to get the 3-0 win and keep another clean sheet." Zuvela is looking forward to the derby, a game both clubs look forward to, and he said it should be a great game. "I have a huge amount of respect for Gwelup. The club as a whole and the people behind it such as Jure and Laura, but also those who work tirelessly behind the scenes such as Dejan and Ilija," he explained. "They are a community club like us and they share very similar values. In addition to that Taki is someone I know well and I have a lot of time and respect for him. This game presents our next challenge as part of our season preparation for Round One, and we are looking forward to it."
Gwelup also went through the competition unbeaten, and Head Coach Taki Nicolaidis has added some experience to his side, with Ellis Healing, Matthew Sparrow and Ciaran Salinger to name a few. Defender Salinger, who joined the club from ECU Joondalup this season, said the new look squad are getting better each week. "The boys are looking solid in training, very competitive as a squad, especially for a team that's been together not even three months, we are looking very cohesive as a group," he said. "It’s a quality environment to be in and I’ve settled in very well at the club. All players and management have made me feel very welcome, and it’s a really family atmosphere down here and I’m really looking forward to playing and performing for the club each week."
Salinger said last week was a tough game and praised Gosnells for their performance, but they held their nerve in the shoot-out. "It wasn’t the prettiest of wins and Gosnells put it up to us, but we were happy to come away with the win and they’ll do well under Marc and Cathal this year," he explained. "It's those types of games and results that really test the character of the squad. We are really looking forward to going out again this week, and putting on a more improved performance." Like the Knights, Gwelup and their supporters can't wait for the game, and Salinger said it should be a great game. "Yes, it's a massive game for the club obviously, but so is every game for us," the defender said. "The Knights have had some decent results, but a semi-final is a semi-final and there’s no second chances. The club and the lads are prepared and looking forward to the match this Saturday."
In the late game hosts Forrestfield United take on UWA Nedlands. (7.00pm) UWA edged out local rivals Subiaco in the quarter-finals, while Forrestfield scored two late goals to see off Mandurah City. Forrestfield, who were relegated from the NPLWA last season, are looking to bounce back and new Head Coach Graham Normanton has brought in some quality, with Jarrad McNally, Josh Pereira and Dan Corbett to name a few. New midfielder Pereira said things are going well at the club and the new look squad is improving with each game. "The whole squad has quickly bought in to Normo’s philosophy and the application and intensity from the boys has been really good at training from the very beginning," he said. "So, it’s good to see our game improve with each week that goes by."
Pereira, who followed his former coach to Hartfield Park, said they had to work hard for last week’s win against Mandurah, but thought they deserved it. "Mandurah managed to break our lines a little too easy for the first 20 minutes or so but I feel we pulled ourselves back into the game well," he explained. "We created plenty after that but our final ball was letting us down. Credit to the team, we carried the effort through and got our rewards late on." The midfielder said UWA have some talented players and Saturday's game should be a tight contest, but he hopes the home supporters can help them get over the line. "I’m really enjoying the atmosphere at Forrestfield so far and would love an early chance at some silverware with the club," he said. "We’ll show UWA the respect they deserve as they’re in the semis for a reason, they are a good side, but if we execute our game and bring the intensity, we’ve shown so far I’m confident that we’ll book a spot in the final."
UWA have continued to play attractive football under the tutelage of Michael Janssen, and he has some talented players in his squad, with striker Alex Kretowicz, Bryce Conway and skipper Joshua Marocchi. The skipper said they have worked hard in pre-season, including games against International opposition and they are getting the rewards. "The season has been fairly solid, we have added a few nice additions and maintained the majority of our squad," he said. "We have had some good hit outs, tried out the new players and various formations, but we still have some work to do regarding our overall shape and balance. The games against DRB-Hicom F.C was a great opportunity for our club, and now may lead into a greater opportunity for us across Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur."
It was another hard-fought win against local rivals Subiaco last week and Marocchi said you never know what can happen in a local derby, but he thought they deserved the win. "Subiaco presented us a difficult challenge, especially playing them only two weeks early. I thought we deserved our victory, we created a number of opportunities and need to start finishing better," he said. "It was probably our best performance so far, so it’s promising to see us improving with a few players still to come back into our side, and some of the younger players have really made positive strides forward in 2019."
Saturday's game will be another huge challenge for UWA, but Marocchi said they head into the game full of confidence and are looking forward to the challenge. "Forrestfield have been an extremely strong side over the past four years, and we have experienced that first hand with a few defeats previously," he explained. "Normo is well known amongst the football community and is a strong character, he is sure to have their boys well drilled and prepared for the challenge ahead. For us at UWANFC this will be another step up, we will need to keep our structure and play to our strengths. The squad depth is ensuring people are pushing harder at training and really improving their game. Saturday will be a tough battle, we will need to be at our best and finish opportunities better to come out on top, so expect us to not leave any page unturned come Saturday."
1.3.2019
AMATEUR LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES - WEEK ONE PREVIEW
The 2019 Amateur League Night Series kicks off this weekend with the competition split over three Pools with games at Inglewood United’s Plasterboard Stadium, and Ellenbrook Sports Hub on Friday and Sunday evening. First in Pool One at Inglewood on Friday evening it’s a replay of the 2017 Amateur Cup Final when league Champions North Perth United meet Kwinana United. (6.30pm) On that occasion Kwinana ran out 1-0 winners and I’m sure coach Kris Donnell would like a repeat in the pre-season opener. In the late game at Inglewood last season Night Series winners Leeming Strikers take on Subiaco. Leeming coach David Palin said things are going well in pre-season. “So far so good for preseason, all the players have been giving their best efforts and have really taken on board a new approach we have tried this year on making sure there on time and ready to go,” he said. “It’s the first time in five years we’ve had full size goals to work with as well so that has improved the sessions a lot, and I think as whole boys are really enjoying it. It helped we have retained the core players we wanted and added some new additions that I think will push us on in 2019.”
Palin said they are looking forward to the Night Series and will be doing all they can to regain the title. “It was a good achievement to win the Night Series last year, it put us on the right track for the league season and we think overall it was a good foundation to what we thought was a very good year and one we would like to improve on this year by trying to retain the Night Series,” he said. “Subiaco will be a good first test, they are a hard-working side that has always caused us problems so we will be making sure our players will be switched on for the game and ready. It’s a good way to start a long weekend and were looking forward to getting into some competitive games and hopefully start with three points on Friday night.”
In Pool Two at Ellenbrook on Friday the opening game sees Jaguars take on hosts Ellenbrook United. (6.30pm) The Jags were the big improvers in the league last season, and reached the Semi-Finals last season, and will be looking to one better this time around. In the late game Wembley Downs take on newly promoted Quinns FC. (8.30pm) Quinns Coach Darren Kay said they are looking forward to the new challenge of Premier League football. “Joining the club and taking over the amateurs 18 months ago I was aware of the club’s history of quickly gaining promotion up the leagues to Division One,” he said. “But then we have been stuck there for a long-time, so to finally get to the Premier League is very exciting for the club and the players and we can’t wait to have a crack at the top level of amateur football. I know there is a decent step up from div one to prem and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this squad measures up.”
Kay said it’s a tough first up challenge, but one they are looking forward too. “Any team in the Premier League is going to be a challenge this year, I really haven’t put any thought into Wembley at all if I’m honest,” he said. “At this time of the year it’s about us and it’s brilliant that we can have competitive games to prepare for our priority which is week one of the season. This game and all the Night Series games will be about me looking at players and working on our processes so we’re ready for the start of the season. Win, lose or draw we will benefit from every game we play in the competition.”
In Pool Three the games will also be played at Ellenbrook Sports Hub on Sunday, and in the early game the other promoted side Joondalup United take on Hamersley Rovers. (5.00pm) Rovers finished mid-table last season and will be looking to improve in 2019, while for Joondalup it’s a huge challenge, but one coach Ben Williams is looking forward too. “Firstly it’s great to put Joondalup back into top league of amateur football, and it was great for the first and reserves to win the leagues especially with the club struggling with NPL relegation,” he said. “We have a new look side this year, and we’ve kept all but two players who stepped up to our State League set up. We have brought in five new players and the return of two lads who had been at club previously.”
Williams said Kingsley is a massive challenge but it’s good to take on one of the best teams in the league first up. “We’re all looking forward to kicking off the night series and seeing where we are at against the top-level Sunday teams,” he said. “We will not underestimate any of our opponents, but also I personally think with the players we have added we can take it to most in the league and look forward to the year ahead.”
1.3.2019
GLORY READY FOR CITY CHALLENGE
Perth Glory will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday, when they travel to AAMI Park to take on Melbourne City in Week 21 of the Hyundai A-League. (2.00pm WA time) They dropped points for the first time in five weeks last week, when a late goal by Western Sydney Wanderers defender Tarek Elrich shared the spoils, but the point was enough to seal a finals spot of the Glory with seven games remaining.
Glory sit eight points clear at the top, and on course for the clubs first silverware in the A-League, and have only lost once this season and are currently on a 11-game unbeaten run, which is a club record. For many seasons Glory had trouble on their travels, but this season for Tony Popovic's side it is totally different and they are yet to lose on road, picking up six wins and three draws on their travels, and this weekend they will be will have a large number of fans backing them, as the Shed Supporters hit the road for their 'Tour of Duty'.
Popovic said his players are ready for the challenge. "We actually defended very well against the Wanderers, and if you look at the whole game, we restricted them to maybe the odd off-chance and the goal they did score was a soft goal,” he said. “We conceded late and we accept it. We had a good performance, got an away point and were so close to getting three and we'll be doing what we can to get that [three points] against Melbourne City.
"We've had two tough battles against Melbourne City thus far. We had a very good performance in our last encounter - a 0-0 draw - and we know it will be a difficult game. We thought we did a good job against Wanderers and now we have another tough challenge. We're prepared for it and confident that we can cause them problems with the football that we play. We respect the fact that they're dangerous and that we need to defend well. It's another great and exciting challenge and one that I know the group is really looking forward to." In team news Alex Grant and Tomislav Mecela are still unavailable with injury, while Brendon Santalab and Jacob Italiano have been added to the squad.
For City the knives have been out for Head Coach Warren Joyce, after star striker Bruno Fornaroli left the club this week after a fall out with the coach. It's another high-profile player that has left the club under the same circumstances and many City fans are turning on Joyce. They have struggled in recent weeks, but are coming off a 1-1 draw against a ten-man Melbourne Victory last week. City haven't scored against Glory this season, and need the three points and goals to keep them in the finals. Former Glory striker Jamie Maclaren has come in and scored in his first three games, but many believe the quality in their squad they should be higher up the table, so a loss in this one, along with this week out-going, it will put more pressure on the under-fire Joyce. In team new for City, former Leicester City defender Ritchie De Laet and Bert Schenkeveld are both suspended, while Harrison Delbridge is injured. They have brought in Nathaniel Atkinson, Connor Metcalfe and Dyaln Pierias to their squad.
Melbourne City FC squad: GK Eugene GALEKOVIC, RGK Mark BIRIGHITTI, 3 Scott JAMIESON, 7 Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 8 Riley MCGREE, 9 Shayon HARRISON, 10 Dario VIDOSIC, 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15 Kearyn BACCUS, 19 Lachlan WALES, 21 Ramy NAJJARINE, 22 Curtis GOOD, 25 Iacopo LA ROCCA, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 27 Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER, 29 Jamie MACLAREN, 34 Connor METCALFE, 36 Dylan PIERIAS - *two to be omitted* - Ins: ATKINSON (promoted), NAJJARINE (promoted), METCALFE (promoted), PIERIAS (promoted) - Outs: 2 Ritchie DE LAET (suspended – 1 week), 5 Bart SCHENKEVELD (suspended – 1 week) - Unavailable: 4 Harrison DELBRIDGE (hamstring)
Perth Glory squad: GK Liam REDDY. RGK Tando VELAPHI, 3 Jason DAVIDSON, 4 Shane LOWRY, 5 Ivan FRANJIC, 6 Dino DJULBIC, 7 Joel CHIANESE, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Brendon SANTALAB, 13 Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17 Diego CASTRO, 19 Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20 Jake BRIMMER, 21 Jacob ITALIANO, 22 Fabio FERREIRA, 23 Scott NEVILLE, 27 JUANDE, 88 Neil KILKENNY - *two to be omitted* - Ins: SANTALAB (promoted), ITALIANO (promoted) - Outs: Nil - Unavailable: 2 Alex GRANT (thigh – 1 week), 16 Tomislav MRCELA (thigh – 1 week)
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This page was last updated on the 28th February, 2019