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19.6.2023
KERR AND WILLIAMS NAMED IN MATILDAS PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Australia have announced their provisional squad for the Women’s World Cup, with a handful of players under injury clouds named in the extended group. With just over a month to go until their World Cup on home soil begins, Australia have revealed the 29 players on the shortlist to represent the nation.
Captain Samantha Kerr headlines the squad while, as expected, fellow stars Caitlin Foord, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley and Katrina Gorry are also named. Katanning-born and Kalgoorlie-raised Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Lydia Williams is also included in the squad.
Also included are the injury hampered quartet of Alanna Kennedy, Kyah Simon, Chloe Logarzo and Emily Gielnik. "From the first day of our first training session in 2021, we said it would take 23 in 23 for the Women's World Cup and everyone would have a role to play in that journey," coach Tony Gustavsson said.
"What we have seen is that it has actually taken more than 23 players to bring us to this moment and for that reason I am thrilled to work with the players named in this provisional squad during the final phase of our preparation... now we have the chance to fine tune and solidify our gameplan ahead of a phenomenally exciting couple of weeks."
The provisional squad will head to the Gold Coast for a training camp before the squad will be cut to 23. The Matildas take on France in a warm-up game in Melbourne on July 14, before World Cup group outings against the Republic of Ireland (July 20), Nigeria (July 27) and Canada (July 31).
Australia's provisional Women's World Cup squad is Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Chloe Logarzo, Amy Sayer, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Emily Gielnik, Samantha Kerr, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen, Kyah Simon and Courtnee Vine.
18.6.2023
SORRENTO AND OLYMPIC READY TO HOST WORLD CUP TEAMS
Playing an active role as a home base in the upcoming Women’s World Cup will result in an extraordinary amount of upheaval for some of Perth’s clubs. But it is a decision National Premier Leagues outfits Sorrento and Olympic Kingsway have zero qualms about, and a sacrifice they would make again in a heartbeat.
Denmark, who play two games in Perth against China and first-time entrants Haiti, will call Kingsway Reserve their home training site during the tournament. Haiti meanwhile, will also be based in Perth, and will make use of Sorrento’s Percy Doyle Reserve as their main training site during the tournament.
Football West’s State Football Centre - nearing completion ahead of the tournament - and Dorrien Gardens, the long-time home of Perth SC, will also be utilised for training purposes in the lead-up to matchdays, but Sorrento and Kingsway will serve as the official home base for the teams.
However, the honour comes at a cost - FIFA rules stipulate the venues must be free of non-World Cup activities for nine weeks, encompassing the period between now and the completion of the tournament. For all the extensive preparation the clubs have undergone there is a different challenge awaiting them during the tournament.
Without access to Percy Doyle Reserve, several Sorrento teams have had to move games away from the venue. “We’ve been heavily inundated with re-fixturing. After June 17 essentially, we can’t use our main pitch or that facility, so we’ve had to re-fixture games,” said Sorrento president Nico Hoyle.
“We’re working with other clubs, working with the council through all that, and essentially, we have to rehouse ourselves. It’s an enormous challenge from a club point of view, because you’ve also got to make sure that when we’re re-fixturing, other clubs are happy, Football West are happy, the City of Joondalup are happy.”
But Hoyle said there were absolutely no regrets. “It’s going to be great for the community, great for for female football, and obviously great for the football club as well,” he said. “Long-term, this is going to leave a huge blueprint on what we’re all about, and what we’re about moving forward.”
For Olympic president Steve Nelkovski, it is a similar challenge, but it was impossible to walk away from a World Cup. “As a club, has there been a lot of work behind the scenes? I would say a ridiculous amount. We lose our facility completely for four and a bit weeks, so we won’t have access to the clubrooms, we’ve had to move all our recreational activities to new venues,” he said.
“The whole season, in terms of first team football has been disrupted, our training program for four weeks will be heavily compromised. There’s been a lot of willingness from the club to make this happen, it’s certainly had its challenges, but it’s a challenge we’ve known about and embraced, because the bigger picture is the world’s second biggest sporting event is coming to Olympic Kingsway.”
“Denmark are a big European nation, they’ve got players from AC Milan, Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG, so the opportunity to host a European powerhouse is something that we’re all embracing. I heard some parents speaking about it, they’re looking forward to the possibility of watching an open training session, people are talking about it and there is certainly a great awareness about the event.”
Hoyle said they could not wait to host Haiti at their historic-first World Cup and it would be inspiring for their members. “We’re so proud of it, because it’s a great pathway for our young girls who are playing this game, they can clearly see that if Haiti of all countries - given what they’ve been through what their history - can do it, then anyone can really do it,” he said.
18.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND EIGHT REVIEW
Our week eight Belt-Up Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ saw Emerald maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a dominate 6-0 win against North Beach at Fraser Park. “Great result, but delighted with the performance more so. From the first minute to the 90th minute, we didn’t leave our standards drop, we played with great intensity the whole game through,” Emarald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “At the back we felt comfortable and going forward we were relentless. The bench made a big difference as well, it just shows the depth in squad we have. Big thing now is to keep those standards in every game and hopefully we are in the run in towards the end of the season.” They hit the front on the half hour, Shane Young’s corner headed in at the back post by Dan Wentworth. They added a second four minutes before the break, Ger Doran ball over the defence, sent Conor Hogan clear, and he won a brave header on the edge of the box, with the North Beach keeper coming out, and found the net. It was 3-0 on 53 minutes, Andrew Wood raced clear to finish low past the keeper. It was soon four, Stephen Pollock’s low cross found Hogan in the box to score. It was 5-0 when Pollock added his second, and Dean McAuliffe was on hand to fire home a sixth five minutes from time.
South West Phoenix and Kelmscott Roos have fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Onside Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon. “It was a day of what ifs, we struggled to finish off any great chances that we created,” Roos keeper Taylor Warwick said. “I thought we played some great football, but it just wasn’t meant to be, and they (South West Phoenix) seemed to want a result more and it showed in the second half. Onto the next for us, we will not dwell on the result to much as we know there is a massive amount of football still to play.” The visitors hit the front on 19 minutes, a quick counter attack ended with Ishmael Greenwood, who’s good first touch sent Alex Ekeze clear and he finished clinically. But the hosts levelled on the half hour, a free kick from the edge of the box by Corey Barclay, took a deflection and beat Warwick. But Kelmscott regained the lead on the hour, Jonah Kuman sending lemeo Wordu in on goal, and he was brought down and Greywood dispatched the penalty calmly. But in stoppage time Phoenix levelled, a free kick picked out William Curtis, who lost his marker at the back post to head home.
Leaders North Perth United continued their good form, with a 6-0 win against Joondalup United at Beldon Park. North Perth coach said it was a great win. “I thought we controlled the tempo of the game from the start, and we didn’t try to force the game along which was good to see,” he said. “Even though it was still only 1-0 at half time I was confident with a couple of tweaks to the setup we would continue to break them down, and it’s nice to see the way the squad has been applying themselves from training ground to match day.” Brian Woodall bicycle kick gave the visitors the lead on 12 minutes, but they had to wait till after half time to doubled their advantage, Nick Bailey volleying home at the back post. It was 3-0 on the hour, Medhi Gholami scoring, before a brace from Patrick (Rattlesnake) Montgomery put the game to bed. They found the sixth late, with Kyle Jackson bursting through the middle of the park and firing low past the keeper from the edge of the box.
East Perth returned to the winner’s circle after a 3-1 win against Peel United at Cabrini Park. “Really happy to get the win after a disappointing few week's,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “The depth of the squad really showed today and I thought the four subs made a huge impact which is great to see. Peel is a good side and didn’t make it easy for us, but overall, a very good win and hopefully we get two good sessions in this week and set us up for Joondalup next week.’ The hosts found the opener on 26 minutes, a corner was floated in by Deane McFeeley and Wayne Carter got the final touch to score. But Peel hit back and levelled in the shadows of half time. A quick break found Mitch Kelman, who raced into goal and finished clinically. But just after the hour East Perth restored their lead, a throw by Thierry Benard was flicked on by Ryan Murray, and Carter headed home for his second. Both sides had chances late, but it was the hosts who sealed the points late. Good work by Ryan McGready found Dean Wall who played a perfect pass into the path of Ryan Coombes who finished with a plomb to secure the points.
Jaguar are up to third after a 4-2 win against South Perth United at Graham Herb Recreation Centre. “Happy with our performance against a tough South Perth side. They had set up very deep in the first half and kept us contained to 1-0,” Jags keeper Michael Dudek explained. “In the second half they were chasing the game and had to press higher, which led to them scoring a few but also opened up the game for us to finish it off. We had been struggling to score for a few weeks, but coaches Josam and Andrew tinkered with our attacking shape a few weeks ago and it seems to be working well.” Magai Deng gave Jags the lead on 36 minutes, cutting in from the left and finished powerfully past the keeper. But the visitors levelled early in the second half, G Stephens on target. The game was up for grabs, and Deng added his second five minutes later, heading home John Thor’s cross, but I Wilson restored parity for the visitors on the hour. But five minutes later Joseph Juma getting on the end of a cheeky flick by Mathew Sesay. They sealed the three ponts in the final minute, a long ball found Deng, who raced clear and finished low past the keeper to complete his hat-trick.
Kwinana United have won for the first time this season beating Wembley Downs 4-2 at Butlers Reserve. “It’s been a long time coming this win and with six forced changes it was going to be a tough test but the boys were amazing,” Kwinana coach Mark Purvis explained. “We have had a really tough start to the year and especially the last couple of weeks but the determination and grit that the lads showed was really impressive. I couldn’t be prouder of their performance.” The visitors were ahead after a neat finish from Neal Beveridge, but Wembley levelled moments later. But Kwinana took control and Hama Kamal headed them back in front, before Reece Travers added a third with a towering header. Wembley pulled one back, but Beveridge sealed the points, with a contender for goal of the season with a goal from the halfway line.
18.6.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND ELEVEN REVIEW
Our ‘Match of the Round’ in the NPLWA – Women’s competition didn’t disappoint, with Murdoch University Melville and Perth SC fighting out a 3-3 draw at Besteam Stadium on Friday evening. “Disappointing to see our character drop in the second half and perhaps come out complacent as if the game was already won,” Perth coach Peter Rakic said. “MUM FC are a frustrating team to play against, so a 1-0 lead is never enough. You have to give credit to the younger players who came on and scored the much-needed goals that rescued a point for us, but we should have never been in that position in the first place. It's more dropped points and we've left ourselves an uphill battle going into the back end of the season.” After a tight first half, it was the visitors who found the opener six minutes before the break, Cameron Barreiro corner was headed powerfully home by Poppie Hooks. Perth pressed for a second but found home keeper Stacey Cavill in fine form, and at the break it was Perth holding the narrow lead.
But eight minutes into the second half the hosts found the equaliser, Sophie Meaden shot from the angle went through the legs of Perth keeper Rebecca Bennett. Then five minutes later MUM FC hit the front, Clara Hoarau first time pass found Sam Mathers, who finished clinically from the edge of the box. But Perth wasn’t finished and 18 minutes from time they restored parity, a ball across the top of the penalty area found substitute Stella Zampogna, who finished with aplomb. The hosts were involved in a six-goal thriller last week, scoring late to do so, and two minutes from time they thought they had found the winner. Meaden sent Sam Mathers down the left, she cut inside her marker, and her long-range shot found the bottom corner. But once again Perth hit back, and five minutes into stoppage time Peter Rakic’s side levelled. Ella Lincoln made space down the right, her cross picked out substitute Iona Mitchell, who finished low past Cavill, to give both sides a share of the spoils.
League leaders Perth RedStar sits seven points clear at the top of the table after a 11-0 win against bottom of the table Curtin University at the RedStar Arena on Sunday. “Our objective going into round 11 was to continue playing our style of football and to maintain our level on the pitch, and I wanted the girls to play good football with as many combinations as possible,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega-Mena explained. “It was good to see them creating opportunities, the build-up and finishing of these opportunities. It also gave us the opportunity to give some of the younger U21 players time on the pitch, and I’m happy with the three points and the performance of the team. We are now looking forward to next week’s game at Balcatta, and are expecting to have to work hard to bring home the three points.
The hosts lead by six at half time, with Quyen Doan firing home early, before Renee Leota, Jay Colman and Olivia Wood made it 4-0 in the opening 17 minutes. Chiori Ikeda add a fifth firing home unmarked, while Leota added her second four minutes before half time, scoring from Ikeda’s cross. It was 7-0 early in the second half with Leota and Sarah Carroll combined to send Reina Kagami in on goal to score, and Oliva Wood added the eighth, finishing after the lively Leota’s shot had come back off the post. Further goals to Abbey Wooley, and another to Leota, to complete her hattrick, and a late Katie Richie goal gave them a comprehensive win.
Fremantle City are second after a later Laura Waltman goal gave them a 3-2 win over Balcatta Etna at Hilton Park on Sunday. “After going down to 10 women in the last 10 minutes of the game then conceding, you tend to park the bus and try come away with the draw,” Waltman explained. “So, to get that last goal in the 89th minute just shows the fight and resilience Fremantle are all about. As usual, Balcatta did not make it easy and did well to come back each time we went ahead but fortunately we were able to keep our winning streak alive.” It was an open game with chances at both ends early, Carys Hawkins’ header flashed wide for the hosts, while Epril Nossent saw her shot beaten away by Fremantle custodian Dayle Schroeder. City’s Olivia Trueman’s looping header from Jamie-Lee Gale’s cross hit the bar, while Sadie Lawrence’s curler cannoned back off the woodwork at the other end, but it was goalless at the break. But it was Faye Chambers’ side who made the breakthrough just before the hour mark, Waltman’s shot from the edge of the box beat Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco.
The Balcatta custodian then made a terrific double save to deny Mikayla Lyons, and that saved proved crucial, and moments later Balcatta levelled, Monique Prinsloo beating Schroeder to a long ball and headed into a vacant net. But Fremantle’s hit straight back, Gale racing into the box and rounding Dal Busco to score. But eight minutes from time Gale was shown a second yellow card for a pull on Epril Nossent, and sent off. It looked a little harsh, but moments later Balcatta restored parity, Tia Stonehill played a neat one-two with Lauren Continibali and ran in to find the bottom corner. It looked like they would share the spoils but in stoppage time Fremantle won it, Waltman picked the ball up in the middle of the park and went on a mazy run, skipping past four Balcatta defenders before finishing low across Dal Busco to seal three big points for the port side.
In the final game the Hyundai NTC have beaten Subiaco 3-1 at E&D Litis Stadium on Sunday. The NTC were looking to end a three-game run without a win, and they made the perfect start with Grace Johnston curling home from distance on 17 minutes. But the visitors hit back and levelled six minutes later, Savannah Oolsthorn’s cross was volleyed home by Marianna Tabain, and it was all-square at the break. But just after the hour NTC regained the lead, Ischia Brooking scoring. Subiaco pressed for the equaliser, but the NTC should have put the game to bed when they were awarded a penalty but Tanika Lala fired wide of the target. But the NTC did seal the win in stoppage time, Johnston’s cross was superbly brought down Lala, and the young striker made emends for the penalty miss, finishing clinically int the bottom corner of the net.
“The game for some reason was played at very low intensity which definitely doesn’t suit us as we like to start fast and aggressive with our pressure on and off the ball. We really struggled for any sort of rhythm and fluency. Having said that we certainly grew into the game and eventually we could string some passes together and our build up play was a lot better as the half concluded,” NTC assistant coach Fernando Barreiro explained. “Second half we made a few tactical and personal changes just to give the team a more aggressive approach in attack and put a lot more pressure on Subiaco. The game was evenly balanced until a moment of magic from the one and only Tanika Lalla who gave the defenders no time on the ball and harassed them the whole half. Despite a missed penalty by her. She never allows herself to dwell on missed opportunities and killed the game for us in the end. So, all in all happy with the result but our performance was well below par. Ben and I will have a week now to get the team ready for a massive challenge in Perth next week.”
18.6.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND NINE REVIEW
Fremantle City have become the first team to take points off Hunyadi Women’s Division One leaders Hamersley Rovers, after the teams fought out a 2-2 draw at Hilton Park on Sunday afternoon. Fremantle coach Robin Chilcott thought they did enough to take all three points. “It was the proverbial game of two halves, we were the stronger side in the first half and went 2-0 up by half time,” the coach explained. “Second half we became too passive and Hamersley had more control of the game, we held out till about 15 minutes from the end when they broke down our left and scored a good goal. Things became frantic as we were unable to hold on to the ball for any amount of time, then in the dying minutes we conceded a very dubious penalty which was easily converted. On paper it looks like a good point against an unbeaten side, but on reflection it felt like a loss.”
The hosts were ahead midway through the first half, a poor clearance was pounced on by Isia Dunne, who rounded the keeper to score. They doubled their advantage in the shadow of half time, Ashlee Byrne firing home after a free kick wasn’t dealt with. Rovers found a lifeline16 minutes from time, Jemma Flis’ first shot found the net. Rovers levelled eight later, referee spotting a push in the box, and Christiane Astorp scoring the resulting penalty, to give both sies a share of the spoils. Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said his side showed great character to fight back to earn a point late. “Overall, the first half was the worst we have played all season, unfortunately had 3-4 starting players out due to injury and such and only two subs on the bench which didn't help,” he explained. “Fremantle played well, although their goals came from our mistakes rather than good build up play. We had good mentality to come back from 2-0 to make it 2-2, and it was a physical game and Fremantle are a good team. Although I reckon if there was 5-10 more minutes, we would have found a winner.”
UWA Nedlands closed the gap on Rovers’ but had to work hard for their 3-2 win against Port Kennedy at Koorana Reserve. “We knew that they had a high scoring win against Fremantle last week and expected them to come at us from the get go and that’s exactly what they did, scoring early,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said. “However, we got back into the game right before the half and then changed some things at halftime to go searching for that winning goal. Some great individual performances today pushed the rest of the girls to find those goals, which was great to see.” The hosts opened the scoring with Jemma Martin heading home a corner, but UWA levelled in the final minute of the half, Emily Dinsdale beat her marker out wide, her cross to the near post was stabbed home Ashley Harling. The visitors hit the front, after a quick breakaway from Dinsdale, saw her cross to Harling again, who finished clinically. It was soon 3-1, Tiahna Atkins cutback found Dinsdale who made no mistake. Port scored a consolation goal late, with Taylor Olson’s corner was turned into her own net by a UWA defender, but UWA left with the points.
In the other games, Perth AFC remain third after a 4-0 win against Subiaco at Len Packham Park. “It was a great performance from my team especially with a lot of changes due to injury and holidays, but everyone who was called up stepped up and got the job done,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso explained. “Once again solid at the back with another clean sheet which is pleasing.” The hosts blow the game wide open, with three goals in the first half hour. First Daisy Spill scored after only two minutes, before Kate Whiteside and another from Spill gave them a 3-0 lead at half time, before Whiteside added her second on the hour to complete the scoring. Sorrento are up to fourth after a hard fought 2-1 win against Mandurah City at Percy Doyle Reserve.
It was Mandurah who found the opener early in the second half, with C Murray converting from the spot. But the Gulls levelled on 56 minutes, A Parker scoring from a free kick. Then 12 minutes later they scored the winner, Parker’s corner was headed home by Jodie Brough. “We never really got going in the first half and were a bit flat, and going a goal down early in the second half wasn't ideal,” Sorrento coach Grant O’Connell said. “We were down players and having a couple more playing through injury and illness, so we had to be adaptable with players playing unconventional roles and playing out of position. However, our intensity and energy lifted massively after going a goal down and we were able to get on the front foot for most the half and our resilience and determination to battle back from a difficult situation was really pleasing for me.”
17.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND THIRTEEN - REVIEW
League leaders Perth RedStar have had their lead cut to just one point, after a 2-0 defeat against Stirling Macedonia in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon. First half goals from Calvin Whitney and Kade Fearnall secured the win for Ian Ferguson’s side, the win moving them up to third, one point behind RedStar, but they do have a game in hand. “It was an important win and big three points for the boys,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet said. “On a personal note, I’m glad to be back playing after missing the defeat to Inglewood with injury, and the boys showed up today when it mattered. We were comfortable throughout the game limiting them to only a few half chances. Another clean sheet which is always pleasing but the boys were fantastic today especially the second half.”
Both sides had chances early, Stirling defender James McGowan heading inches wide, before RedStar midfielder Andy Higgins’ shot flashed over the top. But it was the hosts who opened the scoring on 28 minutes, Luke Palmateer’s ball sent Daniel Faichney down the left, who outmuscled Ryan Finnie and cut the ball back across the box and Whitney finished low past Liam Reddy. The visitors looked for a quick response, but Bosdet got down well to save Daryl Nicol’s close-range header seven minutes later, before Gomo Dukuly’s cross was headed inches over the top by Chok Dau moments later. But it was Stirling who doubled their lead six minutes before the break, Sam Wynne raced down the right, and he pulled the ball back to Fearnall, who took a touch and fired low past Reddy.
RedStar keeper Reddy saved low from Gyles Davies early in the second half, before the former Glory keeper made a smart save to deny Fearnall moments late. It was Stirling creating the better chances, and Asher Nelson’s shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Lowry. The visitors were struggling in the final third, with top goalscorer Nicol well held, and they had no shots on target in the second half, and Stirling went close to a third five minutes from time, substitute Kingsley Eshun shot pushed around the post by the alert Reddy. “The game went well, all the boys were really happy to get the win and bounce back from last week,” Stirling’s Kade Fearnall. “We thought we played well and took our chances well. We are all looking forward to next week and to be keeping up on our winning form and hopefully getting back to top of the league soon.”
Balcatta Etna also moved to within one point of RedStar, after a 4-2 win against Inglewood United at Grindleford Reserve. “The boys were brilliant today, we were well organised in and out of possession and were delighted to have got our first win at home and give our supporters four goals to enjoy,” Balcatta assistant coach Malcom Tshuma explained. “Going down to ten men at 3-1, it was pleasing to see the boys keep their composure and push on to score another. We’ve done well to get into the position we are but we still have plenty of improvement to make in certain areas of our game in order to keep this momentum. Everyone is working hard on and off the pitch and while we enjoyed today, our focus now turns to a good week on the track next week in preparation for a very tough game against Kingsway next week.”
The hosts found the opener after only six minutes, Liam Hudson made space down the right, and his deep cross found Kotarto Yamamoto who made no mistake. But Inglewood levelled four minutes later, Michael Domfeh pouncing on a defensive mix-up to roll the ball home. Then the hosts burst the game wide open with two goals in as many minutes. First on 31 minutes Jon Corness’ corner wasn’t dealt with and Kian Thompson swept the ball home from close-range. Then moments later Adam Tong’s long-throw was flicked goalward by Ben Hinshelwood, Alex Dunn made the save, but Yamamoto was on hand to fire home the rebound. But ten minutes into the second half the hosts were reduced to ten men, a long clearance from Dunn sent Domfeh down the left, and he was brought down outside the box by keeper Domenic Savoldelli, and referee Shane Skinner sent him off.
It didn’t deter the hosts and they added a fourth 12 minutes later, Corness’ long ball into the box was dropped by Dunn, and Yamamoto pounced to score, and complete his hat-trick. Inglewood reduced the margin ten minutes later, Chris Tilson firing home from the edge of the box, but that was as good as it got for them, and it went from bad to worse in stoppage time, when defender Ciaran Salinger was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Tshuma said the performance and hat-trick from Japanese import Yamamoto was outstanding. “He is such an important player for us. He’s had a spell where he wasn’t at his best, but the last couple of weeks he’s found some a rhythm to his game,” he said. “And today was just reward for a young player in a new league who is only going to get better. The lads have been exceptional in helping him get through a tough spell and that just exemplifies the unity of our squad.”
Armadale remain fourth after a Chris Jackson hat-trick helped them to a 4-0 win against Perth Glory at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “Really pleased with the professional performance today, against a talented Glory side,” Armadale coach John O’Reilly told the clubs social media post-match. “We made a perfect start with a stunner from George (Ballah), and it was important to make it 2-0 when we were on top, and after some great work from Amir (Ajan), Chris (Jackson) did just that. I was delighted that we went on with it after the break, and well done to Jacko on his hat-trick, also his work off the ball was good, so he deserves all the plaudits today. That’s eight goals in two games, and most important for me was two clean sheets, so it was a good day all-round for us, and happy to send our loyal supporter’s home with something to cheers about.”
The host made the best possible start and were ahead after only three minutes. Amir Ajan cross from the right was only cleared to George Ballah, whose long-range shot flashed past Robert Cook and found the bottom corner of the net. They doubled their advantage on 15 minutes, Ali Gholami found Amir down the right, and his quick feet took him clear of two Glory defenders, and his cross was headed home by Jackson, and we lead 2-0 at the break. But John O’Reilly’s side weren’t finished and added a third on the hour. A long free kick from Lachlan Collins was misjudged by a Glory defender, the ball falling to Jackson, who swept the ball home first time. They wrapped up the scoring 13 minutes from time, Purvishna Appadoo found Jackson on the half way line, and he played Emerson Alexis down the right, Jackson continued his run into the box and Alexis’ cross picked out the striker who stroked the ball home to complete his hat trick and seal a comprehensive win.
Perth SC are up to fifth after beating Sorrento in a five-goal thriller at the RedStar Arena, the visitors leaving it late to seal the 3-2 win. “It was another strong performance from the boys and good to bounce back after the result last week,” Perth’s Michael Scafetta said. “We have trained really well during the last couple weeks especially and I’m just glad that we translated that onto the pitch against Sorrento and come home with all three points.” Danny Hay’s side made the prefect start and opened the scoring on seven minutes, Ethan Banks firing past Patrick Hughes. But the Gulls were level on 23 minutes, Dean Cummings corner was headed goalward by Scott Robertson, and Luke Radonich couldn’t keep it out, the assistant’s flag up to say the ball had just crossed the line. It was tight game from there, but the rest of the goal action came late. First nine minutes from time, substitute Alex Da Rocha was brought down by Hugo Snowden and the referee pointed to the spot and Sam Cook scored from the resulting penalty. The hosts hit back six minutes later, substitute Scott Witschge crossing to Snowden to fire home and restore parity. But two minutes later it was Perth who won it, substitute Jeremie Mba long-range shot was touched onto the crossbar by Hughes, but Banks’ follow up shot was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Mark Barnett.
Olympic Kingsway moved up to sixth after a 3-0 win against Floreat Athena at E&D Litis Stadium. “Today was a convincing controlled performance from the boys against the reigning champions at arguably the toughest place to come away and achieve three points,” Olympics Guy McDonald explained. “We know the ability of our squad, and it has the potential to roll out when they understand that week in week out you have to turn up and give 100% effort at this level in this league that is so even with every team having the ability to beat anyone. I thought the boys were superb particularly in the first half and we knew once we got the second goal the game would open up with the third goal following close after due to spaces in behind their defence opening up. The focus moving forward is next week and next week only becoming consistent and winning two games on the bounce.” David Tough’s side found the opener on the half hour, former Floreat winger Liam Murray getting on the end of Ciaran Byrne’s cross at the near post to poke home. Floreat struggled to breakdown a tight Olympic defence well marshalled by skipper Shane Cassidy, and it was the visitors who doubled their lead ten minutes from time. Byrne pounced on a mix up at the back, and raced into goal, his first shot was well saved by Jason Saldaris, but the big striker made no mistake with the rebound. The points were made safe two minutes later, Tyler Garner sending substitute James Fanelli clear, and he finished low past Saldaris.
In the final game Cockburn City and Bayswater City have fought out a 1-1 draw at Frank Drago Reserve. “It’s was a tough game and both teams definitely had chances to win it, but a draw was probably a fare result in the end,” Bayswater defender Steve Hesketh explained. “We have plenty to work on but it was a good effort from our lads on the back of last week. We can take some big positives and keep building for next week.” It was Cockburn who found the opener on 26 minutes, Jesse Lazzaro’s free kick was headed home by Anthony Skorich. But Bayswater found the equaliser just before half time, Gordon Smith heading home. Both sides had chances after the break, but both had to settle for a point. “Today we were looking to bounce back from after a poor game against Armadale last week, we fought hard to try and get a win today, we had a last kick of the game opportunity to win the game but Jesse Lazaro shot just went past the post,” Cockburn defender Friday Zico said. “It would have been a good game to watch for the neutral because it was end to end, but it was nice to get a few boys back from injuries and suspension and a draw was a fair result. Now we just go back to drawing board and prepare for Australia Cup semifinal on Wednesday against Floreat Athena.”
17.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TWELVE REVIEW
Western Knights lead at the top of the State League Division One has been cut to just two points, after they were held to a scoreless draw against Croatian rivals Western Knights in our ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday afternoon. In front of empty ground at the Croatian Sports Complex, Wishart Street, both sides had chances to take the points, the hosts having a goal disallowed for offside and a penalty claim turned down late, but had to settled for a draw, the point leaving the hosts in sixth place on the table, three points off the top four. “It was a good battle, both teams had chances but in the end a draw was probably a fair result,” Gwelup defender Cameron Yorke said. “Knights are a strong team and we stood up well to keep a clean sheet, we had a couple of chances and a penalty claim at the death, but ultimately we took a lot of positives from the performance.”
Fremantle City lost ground on the leaders, after being held to a 0-0 draw by UWA Nedlands at UWA Sports Park. The point moved UWA up to tenth, but Coach Richard Abrams thought they deserved more. “Credit to our lads for arguably being the better side on the day, and to match one of the proven top sides in the league was very pleasing,” he explained. “We had a goal ruled out, hit the crossbar and missed a one on one whilst restricting Fremantle to efforts from distance, so we could have taken all the points on another day.” It was two-points dropped according to Fremantle coach Matthew Sparrow, but he said UWA made it hard for them. “Yes, disappointed with the result because it’s a game on paper we should be winning but credit to UWA they worked hard and made it very difficult for us to find any rhythm to our game,” he explained. “We started the game brightly and could have been one or two up in the first 15 minutes, but we let them grow into the game on difficult pitch conditions neither side could find the break through before the interval. The Second half was very similar both teams cancelling out each other and we lacked that cutting edge we’ve had in recent weeks. I’ve always said we will score no matter what but it wasn’t our day so we take the clean sheet and point and we go again next weekend when we face a tough away day at Subiaco.”
That draw meant Mandurah City moved up to second after a 4-2 win against Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. “Excellent three points today, on a difficult pitch and our performance with the ability was excellent especially first half,” Mandurah player/coach John Baird explained. “Second half obviously with a two-goal lead, Gosnells had nothing to lose and go for it, which we had to show character which we did, and I thought we deserved the three points.” The last time this sides met in round one, Mandurah won 8-0, and it liked more of the same as they led 2-0 after only 32 minutes with a brace from Joe O’Brien. But Peter Allen’s side stayed in the game and hit back 18 minutes from time, with Aaron Coslani converting from the penalty spot. Then four minutes later they levelled, substitute Jordan Junco heading and it was game on. But the hosts weren’t level long, Leigh Griffiths’ spot kick making it 3-2 three minutes later, and they sealed the points on 84 minutes, Craig Barker heading home at the back post. “I thought we dominated the first half, but Gosnells showed a lot of fighting to spirit to get back into the game,” Mandurah striker O’Brien said. “Very happy with the way we reacted to get another two goals straight away, a very important win.”
Dianella White Eagles continued their impressive run of form under new coach Angel Andres, with a 4-3 win against Joondalup United at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. “We are playing well at the moment, and the team has great momentum, and when we were challenged in the game, we responded well which is something I want my players to do,” the coach explained. “We are focused on improving each week, and to sit fifth at the half way point of the season, is a great achievement, but we know there is still room for improvement.” The visitors, who sat fourth prior to the game, hit the front with Joel Sollitt’s close-range finish, after Dianella failed to clear a long-throw. But the hosts levelled on 17 minutes, Andres’ firing home low from a free kick. Dianella, who are on five game unbeaten run, burst the game open with two late goals. First Andres pounced on a defensive error to roll the ball into an empty net, and in stoppage time Jonty Pearson added a third, and at the break the home faithful were happy. But Nick Jennings’ side pulled one back after the break, when Elliot Tattersal’s shot on the tun flew home, and they tied it up at 3-3 Vlad Naumovski headed home Jay Langs’ cross. It needed something special to win it, and it was the Andres who provided it, the Spanish striker firing home a stunning free kick 18 minutes from time to seal the points.
Rockingham City made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Forrestfield United at Lark Hill Sportsplex. “It was an industrious performance, we played at a good tempo and got our reward with two early goals,” City coach Kris Donnell explained. “In the second half it was just about finding the third goal to seal the game, which we achieved. The team are in good spirits and we believe there's a lot more to come in the second half of the season from this young squad.” Harry Geeves opened the scoring on 24 minutes, before Josh Mackinder doubled their advantage seven minutes later. The visitors had Oliver Naughton sent off ten minutes from time after a reckless challenge, and Rory McGrath sealed the win five minutes later.
In the final game, Murdoch University Melville are back in the winners’ circle, to secure their first win in seven games, but they had to come from behind twice to beat Subiaco 3-2 at Rosalie Park. The hosts were ahead early, Gavin Knight beating the offside trap to finish well. But six minutes before the break the visitors levelled, with Christos Vaenas’ powerful shot. Things looked bad for MUM FC just after the hour, when Francisco Caballero was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, and to make matters worse Adam McGurk gave the hosts the lead on 72 minutes. But the ten men hit back, with substitute Feisal Zaw restoring parity six minutes later, and moments later they hit the front, Vaenas headed past Conor Hogan to seal the win.
17.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TWELVE REVIEW
Morley Windmills have bounce back from back-to-back defeats, and kept the pressure on the leaders, after a narrow 1-0 win against Ashfield, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Wotton Reserve. Morley coach Marc Anthony said it was a vital win after two indifferent weeks for the club. “I’m really delighted to get the three points after last couple of weeks,” he said. “We know we can play a lot better, but it gives us something to build on in the second half of the season, starting with Maddington next week.” The only goal of the game came on the half hour, Morley pressed the Ashfield defence into a mistake, and the ball fell to Christian Vest, who finished well into the bottom corner. “Disappointing loss today, I don’t think we deserved to come away with nothing from the 90 minutes but that’s football,” Ashfield player/coach James Sammut explained. “A mistake cost us in the first half and unfortunately, we weren’t able to put the ball in the back of the net ourselves. I thought second half after changing a couple of things, we were the much better side but couldn’t take advantage of the possession and chances we created. Another opportunity missed but we need to move on pretty quick and start planning for another tough game this weekend against Swan.”
Morley defender Kevin Ashwood said it’s good to get the here points and keep the pressure on the leaders. “Ultimately the game against Ashfield was about getting back to winning ways and getting the points tally ticking again, and I felt we started really well and controlled the first half,” he explained. “We got our goal and was looking for us to kick on in the second half, however you have to give credit to Ashfield they game out and gave it a right go. Overall, I think they will probably be disappointed they didn’t get a point and we were really backs to the wall last 15, but at the end of the day happy with a clean sheet, three points and we go again next weekend.”
League leaders Kingsley Westside’s home game against Wanneroo City at Chichester Park was postponed due to the pitch. But the teams below them have moved closer, and Maddington-Kalamunda White City are up to third after a 1-0 win against Balga at Maida Vale Reserve. The only goal in this one came early in the second half, with Nicolas Pardo scoring, the win seeing them leapfrog Swan United, after they were beaten 2-0 by a rejuvenated Joondalup City at the Iluka District Open Space. “Personally, I thought we defended very well throughout and limited Swan to half chances at best,” Joondalup coach Ryan Cantello explained. “We could have been 3-0 up at half time but we're thankful to put the game to bed late on, so overall I think we were good value for the win.” The visitors, who were in action on Tuesday evening in the Australia Cup, were slow out of the blocks with City finding the opener on 16 minutes, a delivery from the right by Nathan Rhodes, was finished well at an awkward height by Jason Petrie. Swan pressed for the equaliser, but couldn’t find one, and nine minutes from time Joondalup sealed the points, a neat finish from the edge of the box from by Sam McCracken.
Carramar Shamrock Rovers are up to sixth after a 6-1 win against bottom of the table Canning City at Burrendah Reserve. “It was a great win today, and delighted to have scored six,” Rovers’ Ger Fitzgerald said. “We knew if we finished our chances, we were capable of a result like this, so its onwards and upwards towards next week and hopefully get a good result away to Quinns.” The visitors were a head on 17 minutes, Alan Reidy flicked a ball over the top and Nathan Diaz skipped past the defender, who took him down and Reidy scored the resulting penalty. Reidy was in again ten minutes later, a ball over the top sent him clear, and he lobbed the on-coming keeper who was coming out. The hosts pulled one back before the break, with Rowan Steed scoring, but that was as good as it got for Canning. Wayne Guest fired home early in the second half to make it 3-1, before they found a fourth on 72 minutes. Great work from Drew Palmer and Reidy ended with Dylan McCann who found the bottom corner. Sam Lawless added a fifth with a great lob from distance, before Callum Traynor headed home the sixth eight minutes from time. It should have been 7-1 late after Karar Al-Asadi was sent off for a foul in the box, but Reidy’s penalty was saved by Alec Radonich.
Curtin University have bounced back from two straight defeats, after a 3-0 win against Quinns at Gumblossom Park. “I thought we played well and controlled the game for 90 minutes,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “So, all in all a good start to the second half of the season.” Todd Nyawayi was constant threat down the right, and he got the crucial assist for the opener on 51 minutes, bringing the ball down and cutting back for Nathan Smith to finish. The hosts looked to get back into the game, but didn’t take their chances, and seven minutes from time Curtin doubled their lead, with Kiran Witt scoring. Oscar Wright added a third in the final minute, and both sides ended the game with ten men after Wright, and Quinns’ Finley McDonald were sent off in stoppage time.
16.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW
It’s week eight of the Belt-Up Premier Division, and it’s another competitive season, with only ten points separating the top nine teams. North Perth United and Kelmscott Roos lead the way on 16 points, but like we’ve seen this season, anyone can beat anyone on the day, and both leaders are on the road this week, with trips to Joondalup United and South West Phoenix respectively. But first our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Fraser Park where third placed Emerald host sixth placed North Beach (1.00pm).
The visitors were held to a 2-2 draw last week by Wembley, and coach Nick Di Carlo said they will look to bounce back on Sunday, but he knows it will be a tough assignment. “It’s a massive test for us this weekend against the only undefeated team in the league. We fully expect a well organised and physical opponent this week who will make it difficult to create chances as well as be dangerous going forward,” Di Carlo explained. “We felt our energy was below our usual standards last weekend and will look to bounce back. We have some key players across all lines of the pitch returning to our match day squad this week which is exciting. We're looking forward to the challenge ahead as we have three games in seven days starting Sunday.”
Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan said Sunday is a game they are looking forward to, and there has been belters between the teams over the years. “Yes, we have had a few good battles down through the years with North Beach and will expect nothing different this Sunday,” he explained. “They are a young fit team that like to play ball, nonetheless, we will like any other game, back ourselves and the way we play. We have been on good form and will be looking to keep that going this Sunday. As I’ve said before, consistency is key in doing well in this league, it’s a tight league and I believe it will be tight to the very end.”
The round starts on Saturday evening, when Kelmscott Roos make the trip to Bunbury to take on South West Phoenix at the Onside Sports Stadium. (5pm) The Roos edged out East Perth last week, while the Phoenix lost against Emerald, and Phoenix’s Jeremy Stevens said they are looking forward to playing at home this week, only their third of the season. “Yes, the boys are looking forward to a home game under the lights after a tough week away. We have been putting in the hard work at training and we are feeling confident and ready to face Kelmscott Roos,” he explained. “We know they are a strong side, so we have been trying new methods during the week and plan to bring that into the game this weekend.”
In other games this weekend, East Perth welcomes the Peel United to Cabrini Park (1.00pm), looking to bounce back from their defeat last week, while with the visitors will be aiming to build on last week’s win against Joondalup. North Perth United visit Beldon Park to meet Joondalup United, while Kwinana United will go in search of their first win of the season, when they visit Butlers Reserve to take on Wembley Downs (Both games kick off at 3.00pm) The final game sees Jaguar hosting South Perth United at Graham Herb Recreation Centre (3.00pm)
The Jags won convincingly at Kwinana last week, while South Perth were beaten at North Perth, and coach Lee Hayward said it’s a huge challenge, especially with injuries, but his players are looking to bounce back. “It’s going to be a tough game, we are still struggling with the same injuries as last week, plus we lost Ben Godfrey to a hamstring also,” the coach explained. “I’ve heard Jags pitch is the biggest in the state, so we have had to set up slightly differently as we look for a plan b to keep us in touch with the leaders. The lads were a little deflated after last week’s result and will be looking to bounce back this week.”
16.6.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND ELEVEN PREVIEW
Perth SC fought back to earn a point at league leaders RedStar last week, and this week they are on the road again, when they visit Besteam Stadium to meet Murdoch University Melville in our ‘Match of the Round’ on Friday evening. (7.30pm) The hosts fought back from 3-1 down to earn a point against the NTC last week, the point leaving them fourth on the table. Perth coach Peter Rakic said they took a lot of positives out of the draw at RedStar, but knows they can play better. “At the end of the day, it was dropped points but we have to take the positives out of it, I don't think we were anywhere near our standards and to come away with a draw is somewhat a relief, to think that even on our worst days we can still grab points from the top teams,” Rakic explained.
“It was a little disappointing though especially after beating RedStar in the cup only a week prior, but it goes to show the level of quality we have to put out if we are to maintain these results on a week-to-week basis.” Rakic said Friday’s game is another stern test for his players, but knows if they play at their best, they can beat anyone in the league. “We know how tough this match is going to be, after analysing recent patterns in their behaviour and the way they set up defensively, I'm well aware that this will be a very stern test for our girls,” he said. “The most important thing is to stay patient and trust our football, and to be confident in our approach, the rest will take care of itself.”
MUMFC’s Danielle Brown said last week was a good result, especially coming from 3-1 down. “The NTC was a great challenge for us especially with their returning players, however I thought our discipline and spirit through all three lines helped us level up to gain the 3-3 result,” he explained. “Since coming to Murdoch this year, I have experienced the professionalism and coaching quality that’s noticeably helped surprise a few pundits with respect to early season predictions for MUMFC. I definitely think we are much more than just a ‘young team full of energy’ however we still have much to prove with half of the season remaining. We know we have real battle ahead of us coming up against Perth SC, however, we are determined to turn the tables from our last game with Perth and we are confident we can pose a real threat against them.”
All the other games are on Sunday, league leaders Perth RedStar welcome bottom of the table Curtin University to the RedStar Arena (3.00pm), while second placed Fremantle City host Balcatta Etna at Hilton Reserve. (1.00pm) Balcatta coach Tim Cash said Fremantle have some dangerous players, but they also have them in their side, so he is looking to a good game. “We are ready for the game and cannot wait for the contest. I love the challenge of playing against Tash Rigby and Jamie Lee Gale and teammates, it is a test of how far we have come,” the coach explained. “We welcome back Lauren Continibali and Lucy Bricklebank to the squad whilst Alanah Veroni and Ange Alberts remain sidelined. The 21s team under Nigel Comito are progressing and that game could be a cracker as well, so I’m hoping you all have a great weekend of WA football and see you Sunday.”
The final game sees Hyundai NTC welcome Subiaco to E&D Litis Stadium. Both sides are coming off 3-3 draws against MUMFC and Balcatta respectively. Subiaco coach Greg Farrell said it was an eventful game at Balcatta, with three lead changes. “We feel like we controlled the balance of play and managed to stifle the many threats that Balcatta have, Kim McCartney, Sadie Lawrence, Monique Prinsloo and Tia Stonehill amongst others, but you’re never going to stop players of that level from doing one or two spectacular things,” he explained. “We still contributed too much through our own errors to assist Balcatta, whether it be not getting enough pressure on a cross or being calm and passing accurately to the correct foot of a player. We will go to Litis to play NTC this week though with a little more confidence having scored some good goals ourselves. We are looking forward to the chance to redeem ourselves after the league and cup games against them, where we were not up to scratch defensively.”
16.6.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND NINE PREVIEW
It’s week nine of the Hyundai Women’s Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Koorana Reserve, where Port Kennedy host UWA Nedlands. (All games kick off at 1.00pm unless stated) Port overcame new club Fremantle City in a seven-goal thriller last week, while UWA beat Sorrento. UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said last week’s win against Sorrento was hard, especially with the weather conditions being so bad. “Yes, the conditions were pretty dire for both teams, with it being so windy, the ball could barely get to where it needed to go, so was quite scrappy in the first half,” he explained.
“We managed to score our goals late into the first half which gave us the drive to command the game and see it out until the end.” Lewis said It's been a few years since they have travelled down to Port Kennedy to play against them back when they were in the original State Womens league. “We know that they always put up a big fight at their home ground and get decent support there, so we will have to start strong to get some momentum going,” the coach said. “We are looking to continue our recent good form after our last couple of wins away at Subiaco and at home against Sorrento.”
Port Kennedy go into Sunday’s game unbeaten at home this season, and coach Kevin Cole said they hope to continue on from last week’s home win against Fremantle. “I was pleased how we played last week against a strong Fremantle side, and I thought we deserved the points,” the coach explained. “We welcome UWA on Sunday, who sit second on the table, so it will be a tough game, but we will be doing all we can to continue our perfect home record this season.”
League leaders Hamersley Rovers head to Hilton Park to take on Fremantle City. It will be Fremantle’s first home game in the league, and Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said it will be a good test for them. “We are excited to take on Fremantle, as we played them last season in the amateurs, and I thought they deserved to be in this league from day one,” he explained. “It will be a good test on our versatility and how we can react to a new Fremantle team in our league. We are looking to continue our winning streak, and hope to gain another three points this weekend, it should be a great game.”
Fremantle City coach Robin Chilcott said his side are looking to build on last weeks good performance at Port Kennedy, and test themselves against the league leaders. “Yes, I was pleased with the way we started against Port, good combinations and creating several chances, and going 2-0 up approaching half time, then a bit of a lapse in concentration and they got a goal back just before the break which seemed to encourage them in the second half and they played better,” the coach explained.
“We had a couple of dire mistakes early on in the second half and found ourselves 3-2 behind, but we managed got back on level terms and felt we did enough to go on and win but another defensive error gifted them the winner, the girls are adjusting to my style of play so there's likely to be a period of adjustment. We move on to Hamersley on Sunday, and we're really looking forward to it, testing ourselves against the runaway leaders of the competition, so it will be a good challenge.
In other games Sorrento host Mandurah City at Percy Doyle Reserve. The Dolphins won at Subiaco last week, while the hosts lost narrowly at UWA, and Gulls coach Grant O’Connell said they will look to bounce back this week. “After a tough result last week, our defence was good as was our effort, but we struggled for any fluency going forward and got pinned back for long periods, so that's something we'll aim to get right this week,” he explained. “Mandurah are a tough physical side, so we'll be in for a challenging game and we need to be prepared to match them physically if we are going to pick up a result.”
In the final game Subiaco AFC will look for their second win of the season, when they make the trip to Len Packham Park to meet Perth AFC. The hosts were beaten by league leaders Hamersley last week, while Subiaco were edged out by Mandurah in a close game. “I thought last weeks game was a close match, and despite going 1-0 up with Maddie Bogust scoring, we were pegged back before half time,” Subiaco coach Judd Bogest explained. “They found the winner late in the game, but we had our chances, but Mandurah keeper Melissa Spillman made a number of excellent saves to preserve the win. We luck forward to the trip to Perth AFC this week, and continue our progress.”
16.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND THIRTEEN - PREVIEW
The league is so tight going in to Week 13 of NPLWA – Men’s competition, with only nine points separating the whole table and it makes the rest of the season highly competitive, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Macedonia Park, where league leaders Perth RedStar travel to take on third placed Stirling Macedonia. (All games kick off at 3pm) The hosts were well beaten by Inglewood last time they played in week 11, and last week’s game at Olympic was postponed, which has allowed Saturday’s opponents to build a four-point gap, this after a win at home against Perth last week. The last time the sides met at the venue was in round 16 last season when the hosts won 2-1. Calvin Whitney’s stunning strike gave the host the lead, before Asher Nelson doubled it for them moments later. James Bosdet saved a Daryl Nicol penalty mid-way through the second half, but Nicol made emends two minutes from time to reduce the margin, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
The visitors look like the team to beat for the title, and defender Blair Govan said they are improving with every game, but taking it one game at a time, with teams looking to knock them off their perch, like Perth last week. “We were really happy with the win last week, as they made us work really hard and grind out the win,” he explained. “Even with a couple of players out, we still played really well against a well organised team. We had to stay patient to break them down, and when we did get clear chances, we took them.”
Govan said they are unbeaten in their last five games, but he knows Saturday visit to Macedonia Park will be one of the toughest they’ve faced this season, with the hosts beating them in the last three leagues they have played, since their return to the NPL. “Yes, we’re on a nice little run of a form at the minute but Stirling has probably been one of our toughest tests over the last couple of years so we know it’s going to be a difficult game on Saturday,” the defender said. “They’ve had a week off to rest and prepare themselves for this game. But if we keep doing what we have been for the last month or so, hopefully we can get one over them finally in a game, which come the end of the year could prove to be a big one.”
Stirling defender Brent Quick said the players can’t wait for Saturday’s game, as they look to put the poor performance against Inglewood to bed. “The loss against Inglewood was incredibly disappointing especially because it was against the grain of how we have been playing recently, so we see this weekend as an incredibly important game,” he explained. “We know how dangerous RedStar can be and how important winning is to keeping our league hopes alive. With first against second this will hold a lot of swing as to how the league will play out, and we look forward to being a part of it.”
In other games on Saturday, Floreat Athena will look to keep their good form going when they host Olympic Kingsway at E&D Litis Stadium, likewise second placed Balcatta Etna, who welcome Inglewood United to Grindleford Reserve. Armadale sit fourth, and they entertain Perth Glory at Alfred Skeet Reserve, the visitors looking to get back into the winner’s circle. Bayswater City’s form dip of three straight defeats, has seen them drop down to fifth, so three points will be massive for both side when they host Cockburn City at Frank Drago Reserve.
In the final game Sorrento entertain Perth SC at RedStar Arena. Perth started life under new head coach Danny Hay, with a 3-1 loss against RedStar at the same venue, while Sorrento made it three wins in ten days, with league wins at Armadale and at home to Bayswater, as well as a cup win against Swan. Gulls’ defender Mark Barnett said it has been a tough schedule but they are taking it one game at a time. “We managed to rest a few lads on Tuesday in the cup to rest a few bodies for the weekend, where we are focusing on going three unbeaten in the league and slowly creeping up the ladder,” he explained. “We are playing some good football and creating an abundance of chances, so we need to carry that through to Perth on Saturday. We lost 1-0 last time we played them in a game we should’ve won, so to take three points away from them this weekend will give us the confidence boost we have been searching for in recent weeks.”
16.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TWELVE PREVIEW
The Croatian Derby between Gwelup Croatia and Western Knights are traditional exciting affairs, and Saturday will be no different, the clash at the Croatia Sporting Complex, Wishart Street is our Week 12 ‘Match of the Round”. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways in this one, the Knights had their lead at the top cut to three points after a 2-0 loss at Joondalup, while Gwelup were held to a 2-2 draw by Forrestfield, so with bragging rights on the line, this one should be a cracker.
The last time they met at the venue was in round 14 in 2019, when the Knights left with a 2-0 win. Gwelup led the table going into the game but they found themselves behind on 78 minutes. Former Gwelup winger Noah Shamaki eased past his marker on the right and finished clinically past the keeper. Gwelup pressed but couldn’t find the equaliser, and things became harder for them when Matthew Sparrow was sent off in the first minute of stoppage time. Then five minutes later the Knights wrapped up the points, Josh Kamasz got the ball just inside the box and put the ball in the top corner.
Knights coach Adam Kostrencic, although disappointed with the loss at Joondalup, he said they have moved on to the derby, which will be another tough challenge. “We were disappointed with the result and our performance last week in what were difficult conditions at Forrest Park. It was a game of few chances for both sides but we allowed Joondalup in and they took their opportunity and then defended well,” he explained. “But we learn from that and move on to what will be another tough contest against Gwelup. Our focus is on getting back to our playing style which has brought us positive results for the majority of our matches in the first half of the season.”
Gwelup’s Paul Grant said even after last week’s draw against, they took plenty of positives from the game, and they will be taking them in to Saturday’s big clash against the Knights. “Going into the game we understood what three points could do for us in our push into top four, however we didn’t want to get carried away with ourselves as we know this leagues results can be unpredictable at times,” he explained. “During the game we soon realised it was battle of the scraps as we tried to play our style of football against a hardworking opposition.
“Although we had our chances in front of goal, unfortunately for us we gave Forrestfield too many chances which they countered on. Despite the draw we always look for positives from our games and build on them during the week. We look forward to being back on our home pitch on Saturday, and controlling games with our style of football. Three points is crucial for each team this weekend as both teams are looking for that promotion push, and the boys are buzzing for this fixture as it’s a great opportunity to prove ourselves in this league.”
It wasn’t just the leaders who struggled last week, with second placed Fremantle City also slipping up, with a home loss against Rockingham, and they hit the road this week looking to bounce back when they take on UWA Nedlands at UWA Sports Park. The two form teams of the league meet at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening (5pm), with Dianella White Eagles, who are unbeaten in their last five games, entertain Joondalup United, who have gone four games without defeat, while Subiaco AFC and Murdoch University Melville meet at Rosalie Reserve.
Another important match is at Lark Hill Sportsplex, where Rockingham City will take on Forrestfield United. In the final game Mandurah City head north to Walter Padbury Reserve to take on Gosnells City. The hosts will be buoyed by the win against Subiaco last week, while Mandurah’s game at Dianella was postponed. But they were beaten last time out by the Knights, and head into this one with the hosts smarting on their 8-0 loss in the opening game of the season.
Mandurah player/coach John Baird said any defeat is disappointing, but this one would have taken them top, but he said that’s in the past, they have trained well this week, and are now focused on Gosnells and getting back to winning ways. “Yes, the Knights result was disappointing with obviously the opportunity getting on top of the league,” he explained. “But these things happen in football, and it’s important we stick to the process and continue what we’re doing and I believe we will. I know Gosnells will be right up for the game on Saturday, after what happened at our place, but so are we, and head there looking to get another three points on the board.”
16.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TWELVE PREVIEW
Morley Windmills have slipped off the pace in recent weeks, with back-to-back defeats in the State League Division Two, and they will look to return to winning ways when they host Ashfield at Wotton Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts, who lost to Wanneroo City, and at Joondalup City last week, sit six points adrift of the leaders, and after a good start they need to regain that form to keep tabs on them. Ashfield meanwhile were pegged back late at Balga to lose 3-2, the loss leaving them ninth on the table, but only six points off the top four, so three points are massive for both sides.
The last time the sides met at the venue in the league was in round 14 last season, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. It was a good start for the hosts and they found the opener on 16 minutes, skipper David Heagney on target. But on 75 minutes the visitors found the equaliser, Sam Faulkner made a good run down the right, and cut inside and played a neat one-two with Stephen Barnard on the edge of the box, and raced into the area and slid the ball past Jake Maley-Orr, with both sides sharing the spoils.
Morley’s Kevin Ashwood said the last two weeks were disappointing, but they have no excuses. “Yes, it was a really disappointing few weeks for us, there’s no denying that or trying to put a spin on it. We simply have not been good enough and as a group we know that,” he said. “The first half against Joondalup was our worse performance of the season by a long shot, and the loss against Wanneroo the week before should have been our wakeup call if we still needed one this year in that that teams aren’t going to lie down for us and we have a target on our backs.
“Although we gave the second half a good go, and if the penalty goes in to get back to 3-3 with 15 to go, I think we go on and win it. That said we have to give credit to Joondalup they simply wanted it more in the first half and ultimately done enough to win the game when we weren’t at it and gave us a harsh lesson, so credit to them. We’re back on home soil this week and we know we need to get back to winning ways quickly but equally as important we owe the coaching staff and the club a performance full of heart and desire. If we get that the quality then the quality in our side will hopefully come through to get us the three points, but again Ashfield will be no push overs, so I’m expecting a tough game.”
Ashfield let three points slip from their grasp late at Balga last week, and player/coach James Sammut said it was one that got away, but he is looking for a response from his chargers on Saturday at Morley. “Yes, it was a disappointing loss on the weekend, I thought we created a number of opportunities in the game to put it to bed, but didn’t take them, and at the end of the day Balga made the most of theirs and got a late winner,” he explained. “We’ve spoken about last week, and the players are eager to make emends, but it doesn’t get any easier this weekend against Morley. They are a very good side who I’m sure will be keen to bounce back from last weekend’s result. We will have a good week on the training track and prepare for another tough game.”
In other games, Swan United was eliminated from the Australia Cup in midweek by Sorrento, and they travel to Iluka District Open Space to take on Joondalup City, who will be buoyed by the big win against Morley last week. Fourth-placed Maddington-Kalamunda White City welcome Balga to Maida Vale Reserve, looking to build on three consecutive wins, while Quinns entertain Curtin University, buoyed by their win at Canning City last week. In the final game Carramar Shamrock Rovers will look to end a three-game losing streak when they visit Burrendah Reserve. Canning stunned the unbeaten Kingsley in round ten, but are coming off a loss at home last week. Rovers’ coach Gerry McEwan said they had their opportunities against Kingsley, but didn’t take them, something they need to improve, and that starts at Canning. “Obviously disappointed to suffer yet another narrow defeat, but if you don't score goals, you don't win football matches,” he explained.
“We even assisted Kingsley with their match winning goal, firstly losing possession too easily, then allowing their player to run through on goal unchallenged and just when it seemed he may have overrun the ball, he still managed to poke the ball under our keeper who has now suffered a hand injury in the process that will see him out for 8-10 weeks. We had enough of the game to get a result, yet Kingsley looked more threatening when they countered than we did when we were camped in their half. This is something we have to improve on if we are to improve our league position, so Saturday against Canning is a big game for us, and everyone has to contribute their best effort if we are to turn our season around.”
The game between Kingsley Westside and Wanneroo City has been postponed.
14.6.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW
The Australia Cup (WA) semi-finals have been decided after the final two quarter-finals were played in midweek. First on Tuesday evening, Sorrento moved through after a 6-0 win against State League Division Two side Swan United at Percy Doyle Reserve, the win sees them travel to Inglewood United in the next round. “Tuesday night football is always tough for both teams and full credit to Swan who came out and left everything on the pitch,” Sorrento defender Mark Barnett explained. “I thought for the first 20 minutes the game was pretty sharp and the battle was there, but we got on top of them not long after that and scored four in very quick succession which pretty much closed the game out.
“The game understandably lost its sharpness and we cruised to the win scoring a couple more in the second half. We are focusing on the next round now against Inglewood who we know, always bring a tough battle.” The Gulls flew out of the blocks and Clay Gibbs gave them the lead on 12 minutes, before skipper Dean Cummings added a second eight minutes later. It was 3-0 moments later after an own goal from keeper Ben Parry, and Hugo Snowden made it four on the half hour to but Steven McGarry’s side in total control at the break. Snowden added his second just before the hour to make it 5-0, before Joe Tweats wrapped up the scoring with a sixth nine minutes from time.
The other quarter-final took us to Frank Drago Reserve on Wednesday evening, where Floreat Athena booked their place in the semi-final after a 1-0 win against Balcatta Etna. The only goal of the game came early, some neat build-up play saw the ball find debutant Jesse Roberts on the edge of the penalty area, and the youngster curled home superbly into the top corner to seal it. Balcatta pressed late, but Floreat held firm to take their place in the semi-final against holders Cockburn City. Floreat’s striker Nick Ambrogio said they are looking forward to the semi-final against Cockburn. “A great win, and we’re onto the semi-final against Cockburn who are always a tough game,” he explained. “Both teams know what it takes to play semi-finals football, so it’ll come down to who wants it more, it’ll be one to watch for sure.”
11.6.2023
CIRCATI REVEALS WHY HE OPTED FOR AUSTRALIA OVER ITALY
It took time to crystallise but once cogs in his had mind clicked into place, Alessandro Circati was straight on the phone to Graham Arnold to betroth his future to Australia. The defender’s brief flirtation with Italy over, the 19-year old took Arnold by surprise with his impromptu call, rewarding the Socceroos mentor for many months of behind the scenes contact with the Parma youngster.
Now in camp in Beijing, there is every chance Circati will make his debut in Thursday’s reunion with world champions Argentina in what shapes as a dream scenario for a player getting over the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion to Serie A this season. The Perth-raised teenager has revealed why he walked away from the Azzurri, for whom he had played twice at Under-20 level.
“I did give it a lot of thought because they’re both great countries but at the end of the day my heart is with Australia’s, it’s where I grew up and where I fell in love with football and developed as a young player,” Circati said. “Once my mind was made up I gave Graham Arnold a call to let him know. I think it was a bit out of the blue for him to hear from me because at that point things were still up in the air a bit from his side.”
“But he was very welcoming and encouraging and I’m so pleased to be a part of this squad preparing to take on the World Cup winners. I didn’t want to rush into making a call on whether to stick with Italy or go with Australia - it was something there in the back of your mind. A couple of weeks back I just decided to follow my heart and I know it’s the right decision for me.”
With just two Socceroos training sessions behind him, Circati already feels at home in the national team’s inner sanctum as he embarks on what promises to be a long international career. “The boys have been really welcoming and I feel at home already after only a couple of training sessions and I’m excited over what lies ahead,” he added.
“There’s a lot of competition in my position but that’s what you want - it’s friendly competition and you can all push each other to get better. If I get to play - and that’s down to the boss - I’ll be proud to step out onto the pitch and possibly facing Lionel Messi would be amazing.”
“He’s the best player in the world and has achieved so much throughout his career. You always want to test yourself against the best. We’ll see if I can get some game time but it’s definitely something to get excited about. It’s not every week you get the chance to play the World Cup winners.”
A symbol of Arnold’s ongoing regeneration of a squad which reached the knockout stages in Qatar, Circati brings immediate competition for the likes of Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, Milos Degenek and Bailey Wright. “The boss has shown in the past he isn’t afraid to pick youngsters if he thinks they’re ready, and it’s up to me to put my best foot forward,” he said.
Recently rewarded with a new four-year contact by Parma, Circati - who made 13 Serie B appearances last season - believes he’s at the right club and the right time. “I’ve signed the new deal at Parma and couldn’t be happier there,” he said. “It was disappointing not go up this year (losing to Cagliari in the play offs) but we’ve got a lot to build on and will come back bigger and stronger next season.”
11.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
Our Week Seven Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ was a tight affair, with Kelmscott Roos edging out East Perth 1-0 at Frye Park on Sunday afternoon. “It was a dogged win by the boys, we knew we were going to be up against a strong, hard tackling side in East Perth, but we showed up in great fashion,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained, “I thought we controlled the possession in the first half and caused all sorts of problems for East Perth, and second half we sat back a bit and absorbed a lot of pressure, the red card didn’t help us, but we defended really well and stopped and sort of promising chances on goal. “East Perth is a good side with great players, our matches with them have always been entertaining and Sunday was no different, so overall a great win and great performance, so proud of the boys.”
The only goal of the game came on the half hour, Lemeo Wordu made space out wide, took on his marker and cut the ball back to Jonah Kuman on the edge of the box, his shot looped up off a defender and found Alex Ekeze, who finished clinically. The host were reduced to ten men on the hour, after Isacc Koomson was shown a second yellow card and sent off, but Kelmscott held firm to secure the three points. “Disappointed with the result we started really well and conceded a pretty soft goal which unsettled us for remaining mins of the half,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “I thought in the second half we had some good chances but their keeper made some great saves and they defended well for the points. Proud of the lad’s effort and performance and we all know we need to start converting our chances to get results.”
Kelmscott coach Alan Armstrong it was a tough game, and he was delighted to get the three points. “As a team we always knew that the game against East Perth would be a physical contest and with Benn Lewis going down with a heavy knock to the head in less than three minutes it set the tempo that we stood up to as a team,” Armstrong said. “For a good part of the game it was a free following contest with both team’s counter attacking consistently. It was from one of these counter attacks that we were able to capitalise. The second half was fast and furious with East Perth throwing everything into securing an equaliser, and this was further amplified with Isaac (Koomson) receiving a second yellow card mid-way through. But we responded magnificently with Taylor Warwick and Jordan Armstrong being very influential in helping the team secure the win.”
North Perth United moved to the top of the table on goal difference after 4-0 win against South Perth United at Woodville Reserve. “We started off sloppy in possession in the first ten minutes, but the goal settled us and from there we started to work through the gears,” North Perth coach Alex Carter said. “We set up completely differently second half to control the game and credit to the squad they executed the plan to perfection. We still have a lot of players out injured or on holidays, so it’s pleasing to keep the winning run going.” It was the visitors who opened the brighter, but they couldn’t turn it into goals, and on 11minutes it was North Perth who found the opener against the run of play. A back heel from Nickolas Bailey found Kelechi Osunwa in space down the right, and his low cross was finished neatly by Mehdi Gholami. They added a second four minutes later, Brett Cutting heading back across goal to pick out the unmarked Kyle Jackson who headed home. It was 3-0 before the break, Brian Woodall converting from the spot, and sending the hosts into the break well in control. They added a fourth on 71 minutes, some neat build up play ended with a cross to Bailey at the back post, who volleyed home.
The round started on Saturday afternoon with Emerald beating South West Phoenix 4-0 at Fraser Park. “Delighted with the win, we weren’t at the races in the first half, and were trying to force the ball forward to much but we played much better in the second, bided our time and took our chances when they came,” Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “We are reaping the benefits of a good squad this year, we make changes and whoever steps in does a great job, long may it continue.” The home side found the opener midway through the second half, Andrew Wood pouncing to score after Phoenix keeper parried a shot. They made it 2-0 moments later, Conor Hogan found space on the edge of the box, held off his marker before finishing clinically. James Criag added a third from spot three minutes from time, before Steve Pollock rounded off the scored in the final minute, racing clear and finding the bottom corner.
Peel United have won for the second time this season, beating Joondalup United 4-0 at Bortolo Park. “The game was massive for us, we've been playing some top football lately but have made crucial mistakes when it matters and now, we are cleaning out those mistakes and still developing our brand of football we have really started to come to life and are looking to keep the momentum when we travel to East Perth,” Peel keeper Daryl Willmont explained. “Scorelines haven't reflected our ability very well as we are a much better side than the goal difference suggests and we all feel we are having the chance to prove that now with a little wind in our sail.” The host made the breakthrough on the half hour, Douggie Meyer managed to get free in the box off a corner to poke it into the bottom corner of the net. After the break Peel started to get on top, and added a second three minutes in, Sean Semmler got onto a great delivery to slide it home. It was 3-0 just after the hour, Mitch Kelman’s ball found Scott Field, who’s superb first time shot from 18 meters found the corner of the net. They added a fourth late, Tristian Sullivan, who was dangerous all game, found space in the box to get his name on the scoresheet and seal a comprehensive win.
A goal nine minutes from time has secured a 2-2 for North Beach against Wembley Downs at Vasto Reserve. “It was a bit of a frustrating result on the weekend against Wembley for us personally, given our recent run of form,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We didn’t start the game how we would have liked, but it was a point gained, and we did create a lot of chances, but our keeper Aaron Persse played a brilliant solo game to keep us in it. Full credit to the boys for not giving up and snatching a point. We will be aiming to recapture the intensity and form we know we can produce entering a very tough game against undefeated Emerald next weekend.” It was the visitors who found the opener mid-way through the first half, Luke Thistlethwaite breaking the line and squaring to Josh Chalmers to score. But the hosts levelled before the break, Ash Darley sent a cross into the back post which was brought to ground and finished with aplomb by Chris Judge. Wembley regained the eight minutes into the second half, Ben Swinnerton finding himself free at the back post from a David Marshall corner. North Beach found the equaliser late, Ben Reynolds pounced on a ball into the box which was flicked forward by James Di Carlo, before Reynold’s rounded the keeper for the finish. “We were on the front foot early and deservedly took the lead,” Wembley’s Jack Mellor said. “I thought we did enough to take all three points, but a controversial late equaliser meant we shared the spoils, but I thought we were the better side on the day, but failed to capitalise on our good chances.”
In the final game Jaguar were the big winners on the day, thrashing Kwinana United 7-0 at Kelly Park. The game was put to bed in the first half, with a brace from Magai Deng, and others to Ngunar Ngunar, Conor O’Driscoll and Oluwadamilare Hamzat, giving the visitors a 5-0 lead. Mathew Sesay added two more after the break, to secure a comprehensive win and move them up to fourth on the table. “It was a great weekend of football for us, especially that last weekend our hopes for the Amateur cup were shattered from a defeat, so it wasn't easy for the entire team to adjust emotionally,” Jags coach Josam Muwowo explained. “However, we all had to accept and moved forward in putting in the hard work in training in preparation for Kwinana. It was a game I would say the boys responded well via scoring a lot beautiful of goals. We knew Kwinana wasn't going to be easy but we went there to compete against a good side. We used our chances very well at least it gave us the momentum to move forward. I'm impressed with the response from the boy’s yesterday's game and we will continue to improve in other areas where attention is needed. We are taking one step at a time through our process.”
11.6.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND TEN REVIEW
The top of the table clash in our NPLWA – Women’s ‘Match of the Round’ didn’t disappoint, with Perth SC scoring late to draw 1-1 with league leaders Perth RedStar at the RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon. “We are disappointed about not getting the three points to close the gap at the top,” Perth striker Ella Lincoln said. “In the first half we did not play our best and we couldn’t get our game going, but I thought the second half was an improvement. We just left it too late to get the better of them, they are a good team and it was difficult playing them back-to-back.” The visitors were on the front foot early, after last week’s win in the cup against the same opponents, and Lincoln stung the palms of Shivani Battaglia, before the keeper did well to save Abbey Meakins shot moments later. But it was Carlos Vega Mena’s team who opened the scoring on 28 minutes, Chiori Ikeda curling past Rebecca Bennett from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts should have doubled their lead after the break, when referee Michael Jasinski spotted a foul by Sophia Papalia on Emily Dunn, but Kim Carroll’s penalty crashed off the crossbar and away to safety. It was thrilling game with chances at both ends, first Ikeda volley flashed wide, before Gemma Craine was thwarted by Shivana Battaglia after a mazy run. The RedStar custodian then got down well to keep out Jess Flannery’s header, and going into injury time it looked like the hosts would hold on for three points, but two minutes into stoppage time Perth levelled. Flannery’s cross was met by Craine, who squared to the unmarked Monique Godding who made no mistake. “Our recent match against Perth SC was a high-intensity affair that showcased the determination and skill of both teams, and despite it ending in a draw, the match was filled with many thrilling moments and plenty of positives for our team,” RedStar’s Oliva Wood explained.
“We displayed a high intensity throughout the game. We showed great energy and commitment, constantly pressuring the opposition and creating opportunities for ourselves. Our team's relentless pursuit of goals was commendable. Speaking of chances, we had several clear-cut opportunities that could've easily put us ahead by two or three goals. It was unfortunate that we couldn't convert those chances into goals. However, the fact that we created those opportunities is a testament to our team's offensive capabilities. Another crucial factor that played a significant role in our performance was the exceptional display by our goalkeeper, Shivana. She made some incredible saves throughout the game, denying Perth SC multiple times and ensuring that we stayed in the contest. Her outstanding efforts between the posts were crucial in securing the draw for our team.”
The round started on Friday evening, with Murdoch University Melville scoring two late goals to draw 3-3 with Hyundai NTC at Besteam Stadium. “It was an exciting game, as I said in the preview, it was a showcase of most of the best young talent we have in the competition,” MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said. “I was disappointed we had to fight back from 3-1 down, however, proud of the players that they never gave up and came away with the draw.” All the action came after the break, with the NTC youngsters finding the opener on 62 minutes, a long clearance from Mischa Anderson was misjudged by Lucy Hope and Tanika Lala raced towards goal and finished clinically from the edge of the box. But the hosts levelled seven minutes later, Kathryn Schubert ball into the box was flicked goalwards by substitute Andrea Preiato and the ball rolled into the net off the post. The NTC took control of the game with two quick goals, first Daisy Groenewald-Shield sent Lala down the left, and she cut inside her marker and finished low past Stacey Cavill.
Then two minutes later it was 3-1, Lala was the provider this time, her flick found Klaudia Houlis, whose long-range shot was misjudged by Cavill, the ball bouncing over the keeper, and it looked like the points were secure, but MUMFC had other ideas. First on 81 minutes a foul in the box by Natasha Tanner on Preiato saw referee David Bruce point to the spot, and Clara Hoarau fired home the resulting penalty. Then three minutes later the hosts restored parity, Sam Mathers shot hit the arm of Tanner, and the referee pointed to the spot again, and Hoarau stepped up again, but Megan Phillips guessed the right way to save, but Hoarau was quickest to the rebound to score. “I thought the game was played at a frantic pace and two teams really trying to edge each other out tactically and perhaps waiting for a mistake,” NTC assistant coach Fernanda Barreiro said. “Again, happy with our patience on the ball as Murdoch sat and waited before engaging us. What more is there to say about Tanika Lalla really, she definitely has that X factor that we look for in players and again proved the difference. In the second half we were forced into some substitutions which kind of threw the rhythm and intensity out for us a bit. Giving up two penalties in the last few minutes is disappointing but that’s the way football goes sometimes. So overall happy with the performance but definitely feels like two points dropped.”
Also on Sunday, Balcatta Etna and Subiaco have fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Grindleford Reserve. “Frustrating because we led three times and we were sloppy which led to goals conceded, and we had gilt edged chances to score more and missed,” Balcatta coach Tim Cash explained. “Subiaco had good moments and it was an end-to-end contest, but we expect more quality to achieve what we all want. Great strike by Tia followed by a close-range header for Mon Prinsloo and Sadie Lawrence grabbed her first goal for our third. Disappointing but we are in the running but we need to play so much better.” Tia Stonehill found the opener for the hosts after only five minutes, her shot from outside the box gave Subiaco keeper Marissa Pidgeon no chance. But the visitors hit back and levelled on 19 minutes, Marianna Tabain swept Keziah Burgis’ cross into the bottom corner, and seven minutes later Greg Farrell’s side were ahead, with Danielle Suckling volleying home. Balcatta restored parity seven minutes before the break, with Monique Prinsloo finished from close range. It looked like Balcatta would take the points, when 15 minutes from time Sadie Lawrence headed home from corner, for her first goal in Balcatta colours after signing from Perth Glory. But their lead only lasted three minutes, with Subiaco scoring to share the spoils, Tabian converting from the spot.
In the final game Fremantle City moved up to second, after they thrashed Curtin University 12-0 at Edinburgh Oval. The visitors dominated from the outset, and led 7-0 at the break, with Abbey Green bagging a hat-trick, with Laura Waltman and Jamie-Lee Gale scoring doubles. Faye Chambers side went on with it after the break, Gale completing her hat-trick, while Matilda Boyle and Tash Rigby made it double figures. Kayla McCulloch headed home the next, before Annabelle Leek converted from the spot to complete the dozen, and move the port-side to within four points of leaders RedStar.
11.6.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND EIGHT REVIEW
After last week’s cup round, we were back to league action in the Women’s Division One, and league leaders Hamersley Rovers continued their unbeaten start to the season, beating Perth AFC 3-1 at Carine Open Space. “Overall, it was a competitive game, Perth AFC came out with great intensity, and both teams had chances throughout the game,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said. “We unfortunately had a knee injury occur in the first half, with Hannah Staddon taken off. But we picked up our tempo in the second half to secure the much-needed win against a good side. Being able to win important games like this are important, and these next rounds of games will be crucial and we will work game by game to ensure we get the best possible results.” The hosts made the breakthrough early in the second half, a cross into the box from Christiane Astorp found Brianna Patrick, who took one touch and slotted home. But Perth levelled four minutes later, a ball was whipped into the back post and Daisy Spill made no mistake. Rovers hit the front again 15 minutes from time, Astorp received the ball down the line and crossed into the box for Royan Norman to head home. They sealed the win ten minutes later, Brianna Patrick was brought down in the penalty area, and Astorp slotted home the resulting penalty.
Port Kennedy are up to fourth after a 4-3 win against new side Fremantle City at Koorana Reserve. “The game was a very entertaining game if you were a neutral fan, but not as a coach,” Port coach Kevin Cole said. “The game was pretty evenly matched, and Fremantle were a good competitive side and should've been in this league from the start.” It was Fremantle who scored first, Jessica Mitchell scoring from the spot on 20 minutes, and they doubled their lead two minutes later Lauren Giovannangelo long-range shot flew into the net. The hosts steadied and reduced the margin on the half hour, with a screamer from Kaitlyn Paraha. After half time the hosts piled on the pressure and levelled on 52 minutes, with Rebecca Fall scoring from the spot. Port Kennedy then hit the front on 70 minutes, with Laura Paeaekkoenen pouncing on a defensive error to score. But Fremantle weren’t finished and Mitchell added her second to bring them level nine minutes from time, but Port had the final say finding the winner moments later, K Turner firing home after Tessa Cliff spilled a shot.
Mandurah City are up to fifth after a hard fought 2-1 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “It was a scrappy game that was heavily influenced by a strong wind, and they used it to take the lead early,” Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said. “But we managed to level before the break, and I thought we dominated the second half and got the winner to take home the points, but it was competitive but fairly fought contest.” Subiaco were chasing their second win of the season, and were ahead on 11 minutes with Madeline Bogust scoring. The hosts continued to dominate with the visitors struggling to get into the game, but in the shadows of half time Mandurah did fine the equaliser, Suria Varatharaja converting from the spot after the referee spotted a handball. Mandurah used the wind to their advantage after the break, and began to dominate, and Katrina Breen saw her shot well saved by Subiaco keeper Liah McLean, but on 77 minutes Breen did find the net, racing on to a through ball and finishing clinically past Mclean. The hosts almost levelled late but Mandurah keeper Melissa Spillman produced a great save, before Sam Viney got in a last-ditch tackle to keep Subiaco at bay. In the final game UWA Nedlands remain second after first half goals from Erin Armstrong and Charlotte Swan gave them a 2-0 win against Sorrento at UWA Sports Park.
10.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND TWELVE - REVIEW
Floreat Athena have won back-to-back league games to move up to eighth on the NPLWA – Men’s table, after beating Inglewood United 1-0 in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Inglewood Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The current champions went into the game sitting second bottom of the table, but Vas Vujacic’s side held firm, and he was delighted with the resolve of his side, after finding the winner two minutes from time. “It was a very hard game and I’m so pleased that we came away with the three points,” Vujicic said. “The boys were extremely disciplined for the whole match, which limited Inglewood to very few chances, while at the other end I felt we created many good opportunities and were rewarded with the late penalty.” The visitors suffered a blow on 25 minutes when Chris Saldaris landed awkwardly after a challenge, and the defender was carried off on a stretcher. Both sides had their chances in a tight game, with Inglewood having the better chances in the first half, but two minutes from time, Floreat won it.
Noah Shamaki raced into the box and was brought down by Chris Tilson, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Ludovic Boi stepped up and beat Alex Dunn low to his left to seal the points. “It was a tough game with both teams having good looks at the goal in the first half, but still a deadlock at the break,” Floreat skipper Jason Saldaris said. “We lost Chris (Saldaris) early in the piece to a back injury, after an awkward landing that must have shaken his body up a fair bit, he's still in a bit of pain but he's a tough cookie, in which we had to adapt fast to keep our momentum in the game. At half time Vas stressed that because both teams were very organised and not taking risks that there is only a single goal in the game. Second half was fast paced and end to end when late on Noah was taken down, credit to Ludovic Boi for slotting the penalty and helped us secure three points on a tough afternoon. Also, credit to the squad for keeping our discipline defensively and working as a unit which helps us climb the ladder and gaining momentum to our cup clash with Balcatta.”
League leaders Perth RedStar moved three points clear at the top of the table after a 3-1 win against Perth SC at the RedStar Arena. “It was a great win by the boys, Perth came with a game plan to sit deep and limit us with chances,” RedStar’s Chok Dau explained. “We stuck to our style of play and manage to open the game up on the second half which allowed the strikers more opportunities. We are pleased with the win and really looking forward to the upcoming games, as the team is in great form right now.” The hosts hit the front seven minutes before half time, Daniel Walsh sent Dau down the left, and he cut the ball back to an unmarked Andy Higgins who made no mistake from eight meters. But Perth hit back on the hour mark, Michael Scafetta was brought down by Ryan Finnie, and referee Tom Glavovic pointed to the spot. Sam Cook stepped up and sent Liam Reddy the wrong way from the resulting penalty to level. But 12 minutes from time the hosts regained the lead, Daryl Nicol’s flick sent Theodore Leeming down the right, he cut inside the box and the ball found Oscar Malfiore, who played the ball out wide to Dau, who curled home superbly from the edge of the box. They wrapped the points up four minutes later with a third, Higgins’ corner finding Nicol at the back post who fired home from close-range.
Balcatta Etna moved up to second, after a 3-1 win against Perth Glory at Lark Hill Sportsplex. “A solid performance all over the pitch against Glory,” Balcatta’s Jon Corness said. “Our shape and work rate made it tough for Glory to play in dangerous areas and we were clinical up top. The league is very tight, so it was an important three points for us.” The hosts were looking to bounce back their loss against Floreat last week, and the visitors thought they had the lead on 14 minutes, Jon Corness’ shot from the edge of the box was parried by Luca Iovene and Ben Hinshelwood fired home the rebound, but after consulting with his assistant, referee Michal Jasinski disallowed the goal for a foul in the box. But three minutes before the break they did hit the front. Liam Hudson raced down the left, his cross was dummied by Kotarto Yamamoto and Ben Ford finished well. Balcatta added a second on 61 minutes, a quick break by Tamamoto, ended with a shot which was misjudged by Iovene, the ball finding its way into the net. It was 3-0 twenty minutes later, Trent Kay sent substitute Nathan Hales away down the left, he cut the ball back to Hinshelwood, whose effort deflected off Lucas Cook and wrong footing Iovene. The hosts did score a consolation goal in the final minute, Aiki Tsukamoto’s stunning long-range effort found the top corner giving Balcatta keeper Domenic Savoldelli no chance, but it was too little too late.
Armadale moved up to fourth, and bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Cockburn City 4-0 in the local derby at Dalmatinac Park. Head Coach John O’Reilly was pleased with his side’s performance. “Really pleased with the performance today, we worked hard at training in the week, and it was good to see some of the things we had worked on resulting in goals today,” O’Reilly explained. “Cockburn had been in some good form going into today’s game, but we were determined to hit back after back-to-back defeats, and we did, and played some good football, and a clean sheet also, which makes the win even more pleasing.” It was tight first half, but it was the visitors who found the opener four minutes before the break. Chris Jackson sending Peter Jacobsz in on goal and he was brought down by keeper Zayde Free, and referee Josh Mannella pointed straight to the spot and booked the keeper. Jacobsz picked himself up and found the bottom corner from the resulting penalty. Armadale doubled their lead two minutes into the second half, Jacobsz won the ball in the middle of the park and found Jackson, and the striker slipped in Tim Berger, who finished well across Free. It was 3-0 just after the hour, Jacobsz headed on a Conor Walsh throw, sending Jackson racing down the left, and his cross to the back post found Amir Ajan who volleyed home from five meters. The points were sealed 17 minutes from time with a fourth. Former Cockburn midfielder Ali Gholami’s shot from the edge of the box was parried by Free, the rebound falling to Berger, and the German import made no mistake.
Sorrento moved off the bottom of the table after a 5-2 win against Bayswater City at Percy Doyle Reserve. “We were always well aware of the quality Bayswater have in the final third and how they can punish you for switching off., and it was equally as important, we knew we’d be able to hurt them on the counter at times like we did in Round One,” Sorrento defender Scott Robertson explained, “Fair to say Bayswater had a grip on possession for most of the first half and both teams conceded some sloppy goals so to go in at half time 2-2 wasn’t great although it wasn’t the end of the world either. The conditions played a big part in the opening 45 minutes. The gaffer got his message across at half time for what he believed would win us the game and it worked. We looked after the ball a lot better and the defensive structure was really good for the most part. Our squad is light at the moment so we are relying on everyone to dig deep, which is what I think got us over the line for the win, Bayswater are a top side but I think we wanted it more in the end.”
The visitors made the best possible start to the game, with Gordon Smith heading home Cameron Edwards corner at the back post in the first minute. But the hosts levelled seven minutes later, Joe Tweats sent Clay Gibbs racing down the left, and his cross was fired home by Hugo Snowden. It was a hectic end to the half, first the hosts hit the front in the final minute, Tweats free kick from the left was dropped by Tyler Wilkie under a challenge from Mark Barnett, and former Bayswater striker Gustavo Giron-Marulanda fired home the rebound. But the drama of the first half wasn’t over, and in the third minute of stoppage time Declan Hargreaves’ in swinging corner was missed by Connor Campbell and the ball went into the net. Sorrento regained the lead five minutes into the second half, when Wilkie brought down Marulanda and Dean Cumming converted from the spot. It was 4-2 five minutes later, Giron-Marulanda added a second, before Tweats added the fifth, to seal a comprehensive win for the Gulls, and great preparation for the Australia Cup game against Swan United on Tuesday evening. The game between Olympic Kingsway and Stirling Macedonia was postponed, and will be played on August 5.
10.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND ELEVEN REVIEW
Our ‘Match of the Round’ in State League Division One, saw league leaders Western Knights suffer their second defeat of the season, beaten 2-0 by Joondalup United at Forrest Park. Joondalup skipper Ben Johns said it was hard fought, but deserved win. “A massive win for us and one that could become really important come the seasons end, it puts us right up there in the mix for not only top four but to win promotion too,” the defender explained. “It was a cagey game in difficult weather, neither team creating too many chances. Ultimately, we were able to capitalise on one of the very few chances in the game and defended well to see the game out. Can’t ask for much more than a clean sheet against a team that has been scoring for fun.” The hosts found the opener three minutes into the second half, a long ball from Jay Lang sent James Harmer racing clear, and he held off his marker before finishing low pat Devon Lindemann. They sealed the three points in stoppage time, Lang’s ball into box found Harmer, who was bundled over by Adam Harris, and referee Adrien Liechti pointed to the spot, and Lang found the bottom corner of the net to win it for Nick Jennings’ side. “We went into Saturday knowing we were facing a top side and we’d need to be switched on for 90 minutes, and we took a little bit to settle into the game, but once we did and started executing our game plan, we found a comfortable rhythm and we were rewarded,” Joondalup’s Jackson Dongray explained. “It was a game where the boys were all willing to put their bodies on the line for each other. We’ve made a statement taking three points from the top of the table, that’s Saturdays job done and now we roll onto next week.
Second placed Fremantle City missed the opportunity to go level with the Knights at the top of the table, after they were beaten 3-2 by Rockingham City at Hilton Park. “Delighted for the lads today, they committed to the game plan, executed it perfectly and deservedly went in 1-0 at half time,” Rockingham coach Darren Donnachie said. “They (Fremantle) came flying out the blocks in the second half and the boys showed a lot of character to weather the storm and get back in the game after going behind 2-1. They got their just rewards for their hard work today and fully deserved the 3-2 win. We know we can mix it with any team in this league on our day, so the challenge for the group going into the second half of the season is to find a level of consistency in our performances.” Rockingham hit the front six minutes before the break, Bradley Vlachy’s corner was headed home by Dylan Urquhart. But Fremantle levelled on the hour, Patrick Loughrey getting to the bye-line and crossing to Roberto Soares, who made no mistake. The hosts hit the front four minutes later, Alex McLean cutting the ball back to Ollie La Galia who finished clinically. But Rockingham weren’t finished and they restored parity moments later Vlachy free kick bouncing in front of Jordan Barbas and going through his hands. Then 14 minutes from time Rockingham won it, Vlachy’s corner was headed powerfully home by Ollie McGee, the win continuing their unbeaten run on the road this season.
Gosnells City moved five points clear of the relegation zone, after a 1-0 win against Subiaco at Walter Padbury Reserve. The only goal of the game came on 61 minutes, Tony Chandler’s corner from the right was headed home by Adam Barker. Subiaco pressed for the equaliser, but the hosts held firm, and Gosnells interim coach Peter Allen said his side are working for each other, and he was proud of them in a gutsy win. “I thought it was a scrappy first half with both teams struggling to get going as conditions and a bumpy pitch didn’t help, but in the second half we lifted our game and got the deserved breakthrough,” he explained. “They throw everything at us late on, but the lads held firm for important win. I was so proud of the lads and how they dug in, and that’s two clean sheets in a row, and the team spirit has been amazing since Dunners, Andrew and I have taken over, and the lads are proving there up for the fight, onto next week.”
UWA Nedlands travelled to Besteam Stadium and came home with all three points, after a 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville. “Very happy with the boys today, we all put in a shift,” UWA skipper Adam Falcone said. “I thought we created great passages of play and took our chances. We knew we needed a result, and our performances over the past couple of weeks has been a building block for us. We deserved the three points today, and looking forward to Fremantle next week.” Daniel Iuliano gave the visitors the lead on 10 minutes, but Sebastian Hooshangian levelled eight minutes later, heading home a Christos Vaenas’ cross. But two goals in the final 20 minutes won it for the UWA, Luke Salas converting from the spot 20 minutes from time, before Sam Moffatt fired home from the edge of the box to cap the win six minutes later.
In the final game, Gwelup Croatia missed the opportunity to close the gap on the leaders, after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Forrestfield United at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. Mohamed Rezai gave the hosts the lead on 20 minutes, but Gwelup equalised 16 minutes later, with Charles Chechlacz crossing to Jacob Williamson, who made no mistake. But Forrestfield regained the lead early in the second half, Ali Nazary pouncing after an error from Josiah Godfrey. But Trim Morgan’s side restored parity to earn a point 14 minutes from time, Chechlacz earnt the penalty, and scored it, to give both sides a share of the spoils. The game between Dianella White Eagles and Mandurah City was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
10.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND ELEVEN REVIEW
Swan United remains third on the State League Division Two table, after a 2-1 win against Wanneroo City in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Wanneroo Reserve. “It wasn’t our best performance of the season. We controlled an awful lot of the ball first half but in the final third we were poor and we failed to create anything of substance. I felt they scored against the run of play, but it’s a great finish by Ben Wantee and we knew that was always a danger with the quality they have up top,” Swan coach Niall Hughes explained. “Second half Wanneroo started to control and create more and we have to thank Ben Parry for two great stops to keep us in it. We made a few changes to things and the lads then started to create a bit more and put them on the back foot, finally we got the late equaliser and then a winner at the death through some good play. It was great to see the team spirit and fight there to keep going. Now we move on the cup game against Sorrento which will be a really hard test.”
Both sides went into this one in good form, but it was the hosts who found the opener on 22 minutes, Ben Wantee finding the net, and it looked like that goal would seal the game, but Swan hit back and levelled eight minutes from time, Jake Fritchley was found out wide on the left by Liam Merigan, and he beat his man and pulled the ball back to Cameron Anderson, who found the top corner. Then two minutes from time the Black and Whites won it, a long clearance from Parry found Anderson, who sent Jake Fritchley down the left, who delivered a ball across the box, to find Rhys Loxley at the back post to calmly slot it home, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. “The boys put in a massive shift today, and showed heart until the very end with an important three points,” Swan keeper Ben Parry said. “This puts a bit of distance between us and fourth, while breathing down the neck of Morley.”
League leaders Kingsley Westside have bounced back from last week’s first defeat of the season against Canning, after a narrow 1-0 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Grandis Park. The only goal of the game came on the half hour mark, Luke Salmon dispossessed a Rovers player on the half way line and it fell to Jayden Drummond, who raced forward, easing past two defenders, before sliding the ball under the Rovers keeper Teophile Brown. “It’s always a battle against Rovers, and I thought we started off the better but just our ball selection in the final third probably let us down,” Drummond explained. “Then second half we didn’t really get the ball down and play as much as we would’ve liked, and it was backs against the wall in the last 20 minutes when they were just popping it into the box. But the boys all defended well, probably could’ve got another two at the end on the counter attack, but wasn’t meant to be, but it is a tough place to go, so it was a big three points.”
Morley Windmills lost ground on the leaders, suffering back-to-back defeats, after a 5-2 loss against Joondalup City at the Iluka District Open Space. “It’s a massive win and a big confidence boost,” Joondalup’s Liam Peacock said. “We know what we are capable of, and we showed that again a top team in the league.” The hosts started the game in the relegation spot on the table, but a great individual goal by Jason Petrie gave them the lead on 11 minutes, and Petrie added his second 13 minutes later. It was 3-0 at the break, with Emilio Chacon finishing with an outside of the boot shot. But Morley hit back after the break, with Otto van Der Poel and Christian Vest pulling it back to 3-2. They had the chance to level, but Joondalup keeper Brett Corey produced a great penalty save, and moments later Joondalup added a fourth, with Peacock firing home from the spot. They added a fifth to complete a good performance in the final minute, Sam Rawling’s cool finish, to give the hosts only their second win of the season.
Quinns moved off the bottom of the table after a 2-0 win against Canning City at Coker Park. “I felt we dominated the game and dealt with the conditions very well, and as a group we recognised we made it tougher on ourselves by not being as clinical as we would have liked in front of goal,” Quinns coach Antony Benetti said. “I was really pleased with our defensive effort over the 90 minutes, and the way the boys showed real integrity, it is an important three points away from home and to round out the first half of the season.” The visitors found the opener on 18 minutes, Robbie McNeill long-range free kick giving Canning keeper Alec Radonich no chance. They sealed the points on the hour, Harry Edwards scoring from close-range after a scramble in the penalty area.
In the other games this weekend Balga beat Ashfield 3-2 at Princess Road Reserve. “Fair play to Ashfield, we knew it was going to be a battle due to the weather conditions and they put us on the back foot by scoring early,” Balga’s Nathan Scully said. “In the end, it was very pleasing to see the effort the lads gave to score three goals in the second half and just shows you can never count us out.” The visitors were ahead early, with Gareth Hamilton scoring, but Balga levelled on the hour, half time substitute Marko Savic scoring from a cross from the left. But Hamilton added his second to regain the lead for Ashfield, and they looked like taking the points home with them, but seven minutes from time Jordan Rowe’s shot fell to Lucas Goebel, who pressured the keeper, the ball ending with Scully who made no mistake. Then in the final minute, Balga won it, a long clearance from Aidan Holloway sent Rowe on a counter attack, and he slipped the ball into Scully, who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home to seal the three points.
In the final game, a Samir Ramos hat-trick has moved Maddington -Kalamunda White City up to fourth, and back in the promotion race, after 4-2 win against Curtin University at Maida Vale Reserve. “It was a very tough game against a well organised Curtin side,” Farruh Mavlonov said. We went 2-0 up in the first half, thanks to a screamer and a penalty from Samir, but Curtin came back strong in the second half to tie the game. We absorbed their pressure and dug deep to win the game 4-2 after Curtin conceded two more penalties. Samir Ramos bagged a brace in the first half, but two quick goals from Jordan Valentini and a Simone Sichel penalty levelled things up. But Ramos completed his hat-trick five minutes from time to give Maddington back the lead, and a Jose Zuniga’s last-minute penalty wrapped up City’s sixth win in seven.
9.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
After last week's Amateur Cup action, we’re back into league action, and our Week Seven, ‘Match of the Round’ sees top of the table Kelmscott Roos hosting East Perth at Frye Park. (3pm) The visitors bowed out of the cup last week, going down 3-0 to Division One side Kingsley Westside, while the hosts will need to replay their game against Belmont villa, after the game was called off due to lighting, when the score was 3-3. Kelmscott moved to the top of the table after a big win at Joondalup last week, while East Perth fought out a 0-0 draw with Emerald, leaving them eighth on the table, but with only four points separating one to eighth on the table, three points are massive in this one.
The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 19 last season, when the hosts won 3-0. Kelmscott found the opener seven minutes from half time, Phatehate Kiazolu finding Ishmael Greywood who turned his marker and finished clinically. The hosts doubled their lead nine minutes from time, Bradley Kazich raced on to a long goal kick from Taylor Warwick, and raced into goal and finished low. They wrapped up the points eight minutes later, Greywood finding space down the right, before crossing to Lemeob Wordu, who made mistake.
Kelmscott win at Joondalup was well-deserved, and keeper Taylor Warwick said they will need to bring that sort of performance against a good East Perth side on Sunday. “Every game is a big game for us this season and East Perth will be no different. We have had some intense battles with them last season and I expect nothing less on Sunday,” he explained. “We’ve had a good run of form since our loss against Jaguar and we will look to continue that on Sunday. The club is moving in the right direction this season, morale his very high around the squad and everything is ticking along nicely.”
East Perth had keeper Luke Green sent off last week in the cup, and he will miss Sunday’s game, and coach Colm Costello said the Roos are on form at the moment, and it will be a tough challenge. “Very tough away game for us this week, they (Kelmscott) are flying and will be fully confident of turning us over especially at home,” he said. “For us we need to regroup after a really disappointing cup game last week. Although losing keeper early on made it struggle the performance was below levels expected and everyone agreed, so Sunday is a great chance for us to make things right. We have a full squad available this weekend for first time all season so looking forward to the game.”
The round begins on Saturday afternoon when fourth placed Emerald welcome South West Phoenix to Fraser Park. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts moved into the quarter final of the cup last week, and will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the league, while the Phoenix will be in search of their first points on the road. In other games, Joondalup United makes the trip to Bortolo Park to meet Peel United, North Beach welcome Wembley Downs to the Vasto Reserve, while Kwinana United entertain Jaguar at Kelly Park. In the final game it’s second v third, when North Perth United host South Perth United at Woodville Reserve. (1pm)
The sides had indifferent results in the cup, holders South Perth bowing out to North Beach, while North Perth beat Jaguar. They are separated by only one point on the table, and South Perth coach Lee Hayward said it will be a tight affair, but on he is looking forward too. “It’s going to be another tough away game made harder with the injuries we are still carrying. Beau Rahim will return to the squad and there’s a 50/50 chance striker George Stephens plays, but one thing is for sure, we need to get on the front foot early against North Perth and if we do, I’m confident we can pick up some points,” he explained. “The goals we have conceded recently have been from errors so it’s important we are switched on from the start, otherwise North Perth will have the fire power to punish us.”
9.6.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND TEN PREVIEW
It’s back to league action in the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and our Week Ten ‘Match of the Round’ is the top of the table clash between Perth RedStar and Perth SC at the RedStar Arena on Sunday. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The pair met last week in the cup, with Perth runout winners, but in the league last time out, both were made to work hard for the three points, RedStar edging out the NTC, to move six points clear at the top, while Perth did likewise against Subiaco to move them to second, so both coaches know the importance of this game.
The Azzurri are the league's top goal scorers, bagging 32 goals in their nine games, and coach Peter Rakic said last week’s win against Sunday’s opponents has put a spring in their step. “We’re looking forward to this match as it always provides us the challenge that we all collectively desire, and I think after the weekends cup result, there's a little more belief within the changerooms,” he explained. “We'll go into this match with our nothing to lose mentality again and hope it gives us the energy we need to overcome an opponent like RedStar.”
RedStar have the best defence in the league, conceding only five goals this season, and coach Carlos Vega-Mena said his chargers are looking to bounce back from their loss in the cup, and keep their position at the top of the table. “It’s an important game this week, and we are expecting a tough battle on the pitch,” he said. “This is a must win for us if we are to keep the point difference, and the girls have trained well during the week and are looking forward to Sunday’s game.”
In other games this weekend, Balcatta Etna welcomes Subiaco to Grindleford Reserve, while Curtin University’s improved performances will be tested, when they host Fremantle City at Edinburgh Oval. The round starts on Friday evening, when Murdoch University Melville entertain Hyundai NTC at Besteam Stadium. (7.30pm). Both sides moved into the semi-final of the cup last week, with wins against Hamersley Rovers and Subiaco respectively, but both need to bounce back from defeats last time in the league.
MUM FC coach David Biancuzzo said the NTC youngsters are a talented team, but he has been pleased with his young side recently, and hopes Friday will be an entertaining game. “As in most games we have played this season, it is going to be another tough one. NTC have a lot of talented players and we have to be at our best to win the game,” he explained. “I’m excited that the game will feature a lot of the best young teenage footballers we have in this competition, so I’m hoping it’s a great game worthy of the talent that’s on show.”
9.6.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW
We head into Week Eight of the Women’s Division One, and we have a new team in the league starting this round, with Fremantle City replacing Armadale, who have dropped out due to injuries and player unavailability. Fremantle start their time in the league with a trip to Koorana Reserve to take on Port Kennedy. (All games kick off at 1pm) Meanwhile, league leaders Hamersley Rovers will look to consolidate top spot when they welcome Perth AFC to Carine Open Space. The hosts edged past Mandurah City last round, while Perth AFC won easily at Armadale, in their final game.
Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said Sunday’s visitors have impressed this season, but his side are determined to keep their unbeaten start to the season going. “Our game against Perth AFC will be tough, they have a good coach and a good team, and they have a really good defensive record and are doing well being third only on goal difference to UWA, so it should be a competitive game,” he explained. “We got good experience playing MUM FC in the cup and are now looking to bring it back into the league and gain another win. We want to keep our good form in the league going and hopefully look to extend our lead further within the next week games.”
For the visitors, coach Rob Caruso said they are ready for a big game, against the side who have taken all before them this season. “Looking forward to the clash against the league leaders this weekend, they have been fantastic so far this season and have a wealth of experience,” he explained. “We are in some good form at the moment and are looking to continue our run. Our main focus this season has been to take each game as it comes and just concentrate on the challenge ahead, so it should be a great game of football this weekend.”
In the final game Subiaco AFC welcome Mandurah City to Rosalie Park. The hosts were beaten by UWA last round, while Mandurah lost narrowly to the unbeaten Hamersley, so both will look to get back into the winner’s circle on Sunday. Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said it is two evenly matched teams in action, and she hopes they can get there third win of the season. “This weekend we find ourselves away to Subiaco in a battle of sixth place vs seventh place,” she said. “We want to see our performances begin to translate into points, but we are taking nothing for granted against a young energetic Subiaco side, but we are hoping for another good performance.”
9.6.2023
HIGHS AND LOWS FOR NEW SOCCEROO
It’s been a week of highs and lows for former Perth Glory defender Alessandro Circati. On the positive side the 19-year-old was selected for the first time in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad for the friendly against Argentina this month, but the negative was a Serie B promotion play-off defeat for his Italian club Parma. Born in Italy but raised in Perth, Circati has made 14 appearances in a breakout season for Yellow and Blues, and started in Sunday’s vital second leg of the play off, the hosts trailing 3-2 from the first leg, but they couldn’t get the win to move into the Play-off final, the game ending 0-0, but the defender said they will be back bigger and stronger next season.
“Everyone in the squad really put their all as it was an obvious goal of ours to get promotion, we are all very devastated and disappointed in the final outcome, which didn’t allow us to move into the final, because of a defeat in the first leg away from home 3-2,” he said. “But I’m sure all the boys have learnt and will be back next year even hungrier to reach our objective.”
The news of his selection in the Socceroos took some of the pain of the play-off defeat away, and he said the call from coach Graham Arnold was pleasing. “It’s a great honour to represent Australia on an international level. Australia is my family’s home and I am sure I have made the correct decision I have been speaking with the Boss (Graham Arnold) for some time now and I just had to tell him when I was ready,” he explained. “I did so not long ago and he has been following me and keeping up with my games and he thought I was ready to be called up to represent the Socceroos.”
Speaking last week to FTBL, his father, Gianfranco Circati, who had a 14-year professional career in Italy’s lower leagues, and a stint at Perth Glory, confirmed his sons “heart lies with Australia” and he is looking forward to potentially making his mark with the Olyroos and Socceroos. “I know that Graham Arnold is keen to have him involved for the Argentina game but I’m not sure how that will go. It might depend on the playoff situation,” he said.
“The door was never closed by there was a point where he clarified where his heart really lies, and it’s with Australia. He called the family a couple of weeks ago and said his decision was to play for Australia. I asked him ‘do you think you’re Italian or Australian’? He replied: ‘Dad I’m Australian and I want to play for Australia. He moved to Australia when he was one and lived most of his life here and you have to respect that. He’s made that decision and as a family we support it fully. It really didn’t have anything to do with perhaps having more chance of being selected by Australia at senior level than Italy. It was really something in his heart, and who he is. When you choose with your heart you can’t be wrong.”
9.6.2023
JELACIC DREAM MOVE TO EUROPE
Perth Glory midfielder Keegan Jelacic has completed a move to Belgian Pro League title contenders K.A.A. Gent for an undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old travelled to Belgium earlier this month to undergo his medical and complete the additional formalities with his new club. Jelacic enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in purple having joined Glory in July 2022 after a series of standout displays for Olympic FC in the NPL Queensland.
He made 20 A-League starts, scored his maiden A-League goal and added four assists, with his stellar performances earning him a call-up to the Australia Under-23s squad. The midfielder said he was grateful to Glory for giving him the opportunity to play in the A-League. “I think for my first season I achieved what I wanted which was just consistent game time and Ruben gave me that so I’m very grateful,” he said. “On top of that also receiving the u23 player of the year award is a bonus and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club.”
His new club, Gent, claimed the league title in 2015, finished as runners-up in 2020 and lifted the Belgian Cup last season, and the midfielder is looking forward to play football in Europe. “The move to Gent is massive for me as it’s always been a dream of mine to go play in Europe,” he said. “Pretty surreal that I’m living my dream now and being able to play in the UEFA Conference League, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Glory Head of Recruitment, Andy Keogh, believes that they represent an ideal destination for Jelacic as he looks to take the next step in his fledgling career. “Keegan has done exactly what we knew he could,” he said. “His dedication to hard work and his craft has given him this tremendous opportunity and Perth Glory will also benefit from this immensely. “A lot of credit must go to [Head Coach] Ruben Zadkovich and the coaching staff for the hard work they put into developing Keegan’s game, especially his defensive work for the team. We are very proud to execute this deal and hope it’s the first of many in this new structure within the club.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich, meanwhile, backed Jelacic to make his mark with his new club. “Keegan deserves this opportunity and we’re sure he will take it with both hands,” he said. “His contribution to our club last season was illustrated by him taking out the DT38 Under-23 Player of the Year Award and I’m confident he will rise to the new challenges that he will face in Belgium. On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to thank him for his service and wish him all the very best as he embarks upon the next chapter in his career.”
9.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND TWELVE - PREVIEW
We head into the second half of the NPLWA – Men's competition, and the league is tight, with only seven points separating all the teams, the closest table we’ve had for years. In our week 12 ‘Match of the Round’ we head to the Inglewood Stadium, where Inglewood United welcome Floreat Athena. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless otherwise stated) It’s been a busy week for Andres Oliveira’s side, a 4-0 win at Stirling last week in the league, before a 3-2 win against Fremantle City in the Australia Cup, and they will face a rejuvenated Floreat Athena, who won for the first time in six games last week against the Glory, and with both sides sitting in 10th and 11th respectively on the table, and separated by only one point, a win will be huge in this one. The last time the two sides met at the venue was in round 19 last season, when Floreat left with the points after a 1-0 win. The only goal of the game came on the half hour, Andrew Palmer picked out Laat Mathiang on the edge of the penalty area, and he slid the ball superbly into the path of Robert Petkov, who finished clinically.
Floreat, who headed into the season as Champions, rebounded from a poor run of results, and are unbeaten in their last two games, and skipper Jason Saldaris said it was good to get back to winning ways against Glory, a game they had to come from behind to take the points. “It was a great result for the squad Friday night against a tidy Perth Glory side away from home,” the keeper said. “We conceded early, but I thought we showed character to get ahead at the break, and finish the job at full time.” Saldaris said the league is so tight at the moment, a few wins can push you right up the table, and that’s their aim, starting at Inglewood on Saturday. “Yes, with the table being so tight I feel like the league is up for grabs, but we are just taking one game at a time and ultimately trying to be the most consistent team in the second half of the season,” he explained. “Inglewood Is finding some form and scoring goals, so it’s an important three points up for grabs, and both teams coming off a win and still being at the tail end of the ladder a win would help either team.”
Inglewood bounced back in the league at Stirling last week, and won in the cup in midweek, and skipper Alex Dunn said he was pleased how the side rebounded after the heavy loss against Perth. “Everyone was disappointed by the result at Perth, so it was fantastic reaction to that result and to win 4-0 against a strong Stirling team we take away a lot of positives from it,” the keeper explained. “Then in the cup, it was a real cup tie, both teams fighting for a result. We started very well, going 1-0 up but Fremantle responded well and scored two quickly. We always had belief we could score a couple more, and that translated in the second half. Shub’s goal for the was definitely worthy of it, his skill to bring it down, turn his marker and put into top corner was brilliant.” Dunn, who has been outstanding between the sticks this season, said their league position, like Floreat, isn’t what they were looking forward to, but he knows on their day they can compete with any team in the league. “We have spoken amongst ourselves, and it’s clear to see any team can beat anyone on their day, and the table reflects this,” he said. “We won’t get carried away with the results we have had as we know “form” can be snatched away in an instance. Floreat are champions and will be looking for a resurgence in second half of season, so we will keep focusing on what’s been working for us and hopefully that will be enough to take the points on Saturday.”
In the other games this round, league leaders Perth RedStar welcome Perth SC to the RedStar Arena. Both sides scored six last week, the hosts moved two points clear at the top after beating Olympic, while the visitors beat Bayswater, and they will have new Head Coach Danny Hay in charge for this one. Bayswater City will look to bounce back after their heavy loss last week, when they make the trip to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Sorrento, who despite a 3-2 win at Armadale last week, remain at the foot of the table. Perth Glory welcome Balcatta Etna to Lark Hill Sportsplex, the visitors letting a two-goal lead slip at Cockburn last week, while the Glory were edged out by Floreat, and with both sides separated by one point on the table and a win will be vital for either side.
It's been a busy week for Cockburn City, fighting back to earn a point in the league against Balcatta, before a dramatic late goal saw them beat Gwelup in the Australia Cup in midweek. This weekend they welcome Armadale to Dalmatinac Park, who will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back defeat. Cockburn defender Daniel Dols said games against Armadale are always tough, and he’s expecting more of the same on Saturday. “We are looking forward to the match on Saturday, we’ve shown over recent weeks that we’ve got good depth and have put forward some good performances with different personnel, so we expect this weekend will be no different,” he explained. “We got off to a bit of a false start in round one, so we will be looking to right that wrong at home, where we’ve been tough to beat this season.” The other game of the round between second placed Stirling Macedonia and Olympic Kingsway has been postponed and will be played on August 5 at Kingsway Reserve.
9.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND ELEVEN PREVIEW
We head into Week 11 of the State League Division One, and Western Knights lead the way, sitting three points clear at the top of the table, and they are involved in our ‘Match of the Round’ when they make the trip to Forrest Park to take on a rejuvenated Joondalup United. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Joondalup sit fourth, and have only lost once in their last six games, the latest a hard fought 2-1 win against Forrestfield United, while the Knights are coming off a top of the table win against Mandurah City. Saturday will be a great game, as both sides go in search for a return to the NPL, Joondalup last season was in 2018, while the Knights was in 2012. The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round two last season, when the Knights ran out 2-1 winners. United’s Matthew Corrigan was sent off by referee Albert Muyembe after only four minutes, and the Knights made their numerical advantage count 16 minutes later, with Dylan White scoring. They doubled their advantage just after the half hour mark, Noah Shamaki on target, and it looked like they would cruise to the points. But on 72 minutes Adam Harris was also sent off and the hosts looked to find a foot hold on the game. They did score a consolation goal late, substitute Andrew Flint setting up a frantic couple of minutes but the Knights held firm to leave with the points.
Last week’s big win at Mandurah has given the Knights a huge boost, and defender Callum Mellowship said it was a great game to be involved in. “It was a really important win for us to extend our lead on top of the table and set a marker for what we want to achieve this year. Mandurah are a very strong team who pushed us right until the end, but it’s important that we build on this and carry the momentum into the second half of the season,” he explained. “I thought we kept our concentration for the entirety of the game, which was pleasing to see, and everyone showed up with the right mindset and ultimately it paid off. It’s never an easy fixture against a team who we expect to challenge us right until the end, but it’s important we take each game week-by-week, so all credit to the boys who came in and performed excellently.” Mellowship said a trip to Joondalup is always tough, but they are head their confident, but they are not getting carried away. “We’re looking forward to the journey up to Joondalup United this weekend, and we know they’ll be up for it and it will prove to be another tough test for us, but it’s important that we take each game week-by-week and keep building our momentum,” he said. “They have some dangerous players who have the ability to hurt us, but if we perform to our usual standard then I’m sure we can come away with the three points. I look forward to another good game this week and hope to put on a performance for our travelling knights’ fans.”
Joondalup defender Ben Johns said they are starting to get their game together, and the results are showing that, but they were made to earn the three points last week against Forrestfield. “We always knew the improving Forrestfield was going to be a tough challenge, and to be fair, there’s no easy games in this league,” he said. “We weren’t at the races in the first half and they came out with a lot of pace and energy to their credit, but we regrouped at half time and in the end the quality we have in our squad was enough to come out strong in the second half despite not being our best performance.” Johns said it’s been tough season, off the park, but they are getting stronger each week, and he know it’s a huge challenge taking on the red-hot Knights on Saturday, but one they are looking forward to. “Our goal this season is a top four finish, and we’re there or there about at the halfway point of the season which is pleasing, but we know how tight the table is and a couple of poor results will see us slide right down,” the defender explained. “Considering the pre-season, we had and the issues we’ve had off the field, we’ll definitely take the position we’re in as we’ll only get stronger heading into the second half of the season. We head into Saturday’s game confident, and we know that we can beat any team in this league, if we play at our best, so Saturday is a good opportunity for us to test ourselves and really see where we’re at coming into the halfway point against the pace setters. These are big games, and games you want to play in so I know the boys will be right up for it and I’m confident we can get a positive result.”
In other games this weekend second placed Fremantle City, who were edged out of the Australia Cup on Tuesday by Inglewood United, welcome Rockingham City to Hilton Park, looking to keep the pressure on the leaders, while Rockingham will look to maintain their unbeaten away record this season. Murdoch University Melville will look to end a five-game run without a win when they host UWA Nedlands at Besteam Stadium, while Gosnells City entertain Subiaco AFC at Walter Padbury Reserve. Gwelup Croatia were also edged out of the Australia Cup at Cockburn in midweek, and they hit the road to take on Forrestfield United at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park, looking to build on their big win at Rockingham last week in the league. In the final game third-placed Mandurah City make the trip north, to take on fifth-placed Dianella White Eagles at Dianella Reserve, where there will be no spectators at the game, as Dianella serve their final game ban.
Mandurah dropped four points behind the leaders after their loss last week, while Dianella continued their improvement under new coach Angel Andres, and are unbeaten in their last five games with a big win at Subiaco. Dianella assistant coach Cristian Cortes said the players have responded well to the process the coaching staff have implemented, and last week’s result showed that. “It was a great win last week, the team played well, stuck to the game plan and we’re disciplined, very proud of the work ethic the team put on,” he explained. “We have implemented a process to get to where we want to be, the team has responded very positively to the process and working every session to implement the process, this has elevated our team to be a competitive team on the day.” Cortes said they have the best supporters in the league, and it will be strange not having them at the game, but they are determined to keep their form going. “We prepare each week for each game, we trust the process and the outcome will come, having no supporters there is tough, as the team plays for the club,” he explained. “But we will play with our processes as normal to make our supporters proud.”
9.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND ELEVEN PREVIEW
Last weekend saw the State League Division Two leaders drop points, with Kingsley Westside and Morley Windmills both losing, but they still have a small gap on the teams below them and they will look to bounce back in round 11, as we reach the half way point of the season. Two teams in the chasing pack are fourth placed Wanneroo City and third placed Swan United, and the pair meet in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides made ground on the leaders with 2-1 wins last week, Wanneroo beating Morley on the road, while Swan beat Carramar Shamrock Rovers at home, and with both sides level on points, three points in this one is massive. The last time the two sides met at the venue was in round 21 last season, when Swan left with a 3-0 win. Swan made a perfect start and found the opener on three minutes, Michael Maratea’s cross found Jake Fritchley who headed home. It was two moments later, Liam Merigan turned he’s marker, and finished in the top corner from outside the box. The hosts chances of a comeback suffered a set-back five minutes into the second half, when Daniel Coletta was sent off, and Swan wrapped up the points on the hour, Brennan Borzecki broke the line and finished clinically after racing one on one with the keeper.
Rhys Loxley bagged both goals in the win last week, and he said it was an important three points, especially with the teams around them dropping points. “Last week’s win was really important, and we know that they have a clear and effective playing style, but we were able to deal with things reasonably well. I thought we deserved the win and were probably unfortunate not to score a few more goals and win a bit more comfortably,” he explained. “The results really went in our favour last weekend which was great and helped with our push for a place in the top four. Results so far have probably shown that we aren’t quite ready to compete with the top two as they are both excellent sides, but with a good run and a few extra bodies on the park I’d back us to finish off the season really well.” Loxley said Wanneroo have surprised many this season, and after coming off a big win at Morley last week, they will need to be at their bet on Saturday, and he is confident they will. “Yes, Wanneroo have probably been the surprise package of the league so far this season. They have shown that they can beat anyone on their day and we know that we will need to be at our best to get the points,” he said. “It is a real top four clash and one that we are really looking forward to, and it gives us a great chance to cement ourselves at the top end of the table.”
A brace from Ben Wantee gave Wanneroo the win at Morley last week, and striker Dion Berman said it was a pleasing performance and something to build on going forward. “Yes, it was a massive win for the playing group, coaches and the club, and well-deserved,” he said. “It was a great way to bounce back from the disappointing loss at Balga, but we’re definitely not getting carried away and know how hard it is to win a game of football in this division, but it’s something to build on.” Berman said Saturday will be another challenge, against a good Swan side, but they want to make their home ground a fortress, and they are looking for a positive result. “Swan have added new faces this season on top of the quality they had last season, which is reflected in their league position, so we know another tough challenge lies ahead for us,” he explained. “However, we ourselves have built a little bit of momentum, especially at home this season and look to continue that form with a positive result this weekend.”
In other games this weekend leaders Kingsley Westside travel to Grandis Park to meet Carramar Shamrock Rovers, both sides looking to get back into the winner’s circle, likewise Morley Windmills who head north to take on Joondalup City at Iluka District Open Space. Ashfield will look to build on last week’s win at Curtin when they make the trip to Princess Road Reserve to meet Balga, likewise Canning City, who stunned leaders Kingsley last week, and this week they host Quinns. In the final game Curtin University will aim to bounce back from their loss against Ashfield last week when they make the trip to Maida Vale Reserve to take on Maddington-Kalamunda White City. The hosts moved up to sixth after a brace from Jose Zuniga helped them to a 3-1 win at Quinns last week, and Nicolas Pardo said they are starting to hit their straps.
“We are a strong team that comes from less to more, every game for us is a football final,” he said. “We are reaching the end of the first round where we have all our players recovered after injuries and some solid reinforcements too, we return home happy and prepared to assume our last matches of this first round.” Pardo said they have prepared well for Saturday’s home game, despite the inclement weather, and hope to end the first half of the season with a win. “We have been preparing our last match of round one despite the adversities of the weather,” he said. “We have organized collective and personalized work to be able to be at our best level and thus achieve our goal of being in the top five before the end of the round. It has been a difficult league with very good rivals, that's why we prepare hard to be at our highest level.”
7.6.2023
BEADLING RE-SIGNS WITH WESTERN SYDNEY
Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the re-signing of versatile defender Tom Beadling for the next two A-League seasons. The 27-year old featured in 10 matches across the recent summer after an unfortunate injury during pre-season lead to a disrupted start.
Beadling, who played locally for the National Training Centre prior to entering Sunderlands's academy system, is now set to continue A-League journey with Western Sydney until the end of the 2025/26 season. “I enjoyed being here, I met a lot of people and good people. I enjoyed being on the pitch,” said Beadling.
“I’m re-signing because I feel like there’s unfinished business especially with the way the season ended for us. I really enjoyed my time here last year and I want that to continue. I want to win something here and to end it how we did last season was an underachievement.”
Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan is delighted to retain Beadling’s services. “Tom is a fantastic character to have at the club and has shown both at training and in matches his versatility and passion for the club,” said Rudan. “We are very excited to continue to work with Tom over the next two seasons.”
6.6.2023
ARNOLD BUOYED AS CIRCATI OPTS FOR SOCCEROOS OVER ITALY
Graham Arnold says Alessandro Circati's decision to reject the advances of Italy and commit his international allegiance to the Socceroos is an indication of Australia's rising status in world football. The 19-year old Parma defender is one of two uncapped players in Arnold's squad for the June 15 friendly against Argentina in Beijing.
Circati, who was raised in Perth, has played for Italy's youth teams in the past and spent the past year mulling his long-term international future. But like dual-eligible Manchester City youngster Alex Robertson did earlier this year, Circati recently phoned Arnold to say he was ready to go all-in with the Socceroos.
"It's been 12 months of communication with the kid and he had two big decisions to make," Arnold said. "He said he wants to play for Australia, his heart has told him he wants to play for Australia and his passion to come in straight away was great. "After the World Cup there's a lot of hype around football in Australia."
6.6.2023
CIRCATI NAMED IN ARNOLD’S SOCCEROOS SQUAD
The Socceroos have won the international tug-of-war for Perth-raised Alessandro Circati, with the teenager earning a call-up to the Australian squad. Socceroos coach Graham Arnold included the Parma centre back in his 23-player squad for the friendly with reigning World Cup winners and round-of-16 adversaries Argentina in Beijing on June 15.
Circati is a former Perth SC and Perth Glory junior who has played 19 games in Serie B for storied Italian club Parma captained by legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The 19-year old was eligible to represent Italy and had been part of the Azzurri’s youth set-up, having made one appearance for their under-20 team.
Circati is one of several reinforcements called into Arnold’s squad, with World Cup players Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin, Aziz Behich, Jason Cummings, Milos Degenek and Bailey Wright all unavailable. Towering Leicester City defender Harry Souttar is one of the big names included, along with captain Mat Ryan and World Cup hero Mathew Leckie.
Six A-League players have been included in the squad in the form of Leckie, his Melbourne City teammates Jamie Maclaren, Jordan Bos, Thomas Glover and Aiden O’Neill, as well as Adelaide goalkeeper Joe Gauci and Western Sydney forward Brandon Borrello. However, there was no place for Perth-born defender Alex Grant, despite his strong form in Korea for Pohang Steelers.
Australia’s squad to meet Argentina on June 15 is Mat Ryan, Tom Glover, Joe Gauci, Nathaniel Atkinson, Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Joel King, Kye Rowles, Gianni Stensness, Harry Souttar, Ryan Strain, Keanu Baccus, Cammy Devlin, Denis Genreau, Ajdin Hrustic, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Alex Robertson, Brandon Borrello, Mitch Duke, Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie.
6.6.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP – QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW
The weather took its toll on the midweek Australia Cup quarter-finals, with the games between Sorrento and Swan United, and Balcatta Etna and Floreat Athena postponed due to waterlogged pitches. But the other ties went ahead, and in the first game holders Cockburn City scored late to beat a ten-man Gwelup Croatia 1-0 at Dalmatinac Park. “They (Gwelup) were a very tough nut to crack, we could see why they had beaten Armadale the round before, and we had to respect their front three which maybe did not allow us to be as open as we usually would like,” Cockburn keeper Michael Craggs explained.
“We had a few players out due to injury, but the lads that came in did a great job, including Konrad Sollorin on his debut, who didn't put a foot wrong at the back. Once they went down to ten it made it a little easier but still found it hard to crack but ended up finding a way through late.” In wet conditions both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances, but the visitors moved the ball well, but couldn’t find a way past a tight Cockburn defence. After the break the game opened up, and on the hour, Gwelup were reduced to ten men after James Rushton-Woods was shown a second yellow card after a clip of the heels of Friday Zico.
It looked like we would be heading to extra time but three minutes from time the hosts found the winner. A ball over the top sent Jesse Grese in on goal, and he slid the ball past Josiah Godfrey. But Gwelup weren’t finished and in stoppage time substitute Shane Hulgraine’s volley flashed inches wide. Then in the final minute of stoppage Gwelup were convinced they had a penalty, after Emmanuel Langoya raced into goal, and was taken down by Craggs, but referee David Bruce waved away their protests.
“Recently our squad has been depleted a bit with players injured and suspension, but I was delighted for Konrad, who stepped in from the u20s and played a really impressive game in defence and Jesse Grese came off the bench and scored for the second time in space of three day,” former Gwelup defender Friday Zico said. “We came into the game knowing that it wasn’t going to be an easy match, Gwelup Croatia just like us had to beat good teams to this far and they were not going to be a pushover, our aim was to progress to the next round and obviously at the end of the day our main objective is to get into the final and win it.”
The other tie at Alfred Skeet Reserve also had late drama, with Inglewood United scoring in stoppage time to beat Fremantle City 3-2. “Well-deserved to my players, they had control of the game and kept playing football,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira said. “We got caught out from a long direct counterattack and free kick, but in the second half, we handled their direct play and kept penetrating them with build-up plays, which created two great goals, and we had more chances to score more. In the end, it was a great game to watch.
“I would like to thank Armadale for the hospitality, the pitch was in great condition, and the changerooms were excellent. I had a personal matter to attend after the game, but our President, club members, coaching staff, and players went back to the club room after the match, and enjoyed the hospitality.” It was United who opened the scoring on nine minutes, Dylan White outpaced his marker on the right and cut the ball to the back post where Rene Kisesa tapped home from close-range. But Fremantle, who had beaten NPL sides Perth SC and Olympic Kingsway to reach this stage, hit back on 26 minutes, Oliver La Galia sent Dean Hurley in on goal, and he chipped the on-coming Alex Dunn.
Fremantle hit the front six minutes later, a free kick into the box was volleyed home by skipper Hyden Stevens, and they led at the break. But Inglewood restored parity on the hour, after some nice link up play in the middle between Michael Domfeh and Shubham Mokala, ended with White, who fired across Jordan Barbas into the bottom corner. It looked like extra time was going to be needed, but in the first minute of stoppage time Inglewood won it. Matt Ntoumenopoulos diagonal ball found Mokala, who took the ball down on his chest and spun the defender and then fired home into the top corner, much to the delight of his team mates and supporters.
“Great win last night in some tough conditions, but I thought we controlled most of the game, but Fremantle came back at us with some direct football and took their chances. The second half was a little stretched and was a little cagey at times,” Inglewood defender Ciaran Salinger said. “There was plenty of half chances for both sides, but we always looked as though we were going to score, thankfully Shub showed up and scored late.”
Fremantle winger Hamza Hina said it was a great game, and thought they deserved more. “Football is cruel sometimes and last night was a good display of that, losing a game where we played beautiful football where the neutral fans of Armadale said the better team lost, tonight truly hurt,” he said. “We will let it hurt and then make sure all that is channelled towards winning the league now.” The other ties will be played next week, Tuesday evening 7pm at Percy Doyle Reserve between Sorrento and Swan, and on Wednesday evening 7pm at Frank Drago Reserve between Balcatta and Floreat.
5.6.2023
IREDALE ON BOLTON PROJECT
Jack Iredale is relishing a return to action next season and admits playing for Bolton Wanderers comes with a sense of “disbelief”. The 27-year old had been a regular starter during the first half of the campaign before requiring surgery on a knee injury suffered in January's draw with Derby County.
During his time on the sidelines, Iredale missed the memorable 4-0 win against Plymouth Argyle in the Papa Johns Trophy final at Wembley. The versatile defender had was an outside chance of returning for the play-off semi-final against Barnsley, along with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, but Ian Evatt decided against throwing the pair back into the thick of the action.
Iredale is excited about what is happening at Bolton and hopes he can push on next term. “It is really weird to be honest. Bolton should not have been in League Two at the same time as me and we shouldn’t be in League One now, but we are in a rebuild phase,” he said. “There is a little bit of disbelief, seeing how far I’ve come and the journey I had to get to a club as big as this.”
4.6.2023
CIRCATI SNUBS ITALY FOR AUSTRALIA
Parma’s dual nationality defender Alessandro Circati will be named in Graham Arnold’s squad for this month’s friendly against Argentina after pledging his international future to Australia. Nailing down the gifted 19-year old is a significant coup for the Socceroos coach, with Circati previously a part of Italy’s Under-20 set-up.
Born in Italy but raised in Perth, the former Glory junior has made 16 appearances in a breakout season for Parma. His father, former Perth Glory defender Gianfranco Circati, confirmed his son’s “heart lies with Australia” and he is looking forward to potentially making his mark with the Olyroos and Socceroos.
“I know that Graham Arnold is keen to have him involved for the Argentina game but I’m not sure how that will go. It might depend on the playoff situation,” Circati senior said. “The door was never closed by there was a point where he clarified where his heart really lies, and it’s with Australia.”
“He called the family a couple of weeks ago and said his decision was to play for Australia. I asked him ‘do you think you’re Italian or Australian’? He replied: ‘Dad I’m Australian and I want to play for Australia’. He moved to Australia when he was one and lived most of his life here and you have to respect that.”
“He’s made that decision and as a family we support it fully. It really didn’t have anything to do with perhaps having more chance of being selected by Australia at senior level than Italy. It was really something in his heart, and who he is. When you choose with your heart you can’t be wrong.”
3.6.2023
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE CUP – QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW
Perth SC have bundled out the Women’s State Cup holders Perth RedStar, after beating them 3-1 in the quarter-final at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday afternoon. Perth coach Peter Rakic was delighted with his side’s performance and work ethic on the day. “I'm incredibly proud of the girl’s attitude and determination today, which was evident in their desire from the very first whistle, and perhaps something we've struggled with in recent weeks,” he explained. “While I recognise that we went ahead with a stroke of luck, it was our intent and direction in the game that earned us that lead. Redstar are such a tough side to break down and equally dangerous going forward so we had to be aware in every single second of the match.
“I thought our two centre halves Poppie Hooks and Matilda Böhm were massive today, particularly in the absence of our captain Alyssa Van Heurck. Gemma Craine's energy going forward is simply unmatched as well and she always proves to be such a handful for defenders. We must keep this hunger in our hearts moving forward and take the same energy into our next match, which also sees us face off against RedStar again in the league.”
The rain clouds where hovering at kick off, but the hosts made the perfect start and where ahead on seven minutes, a corner from the right by Cameron Barreiro was parried by Shivani Battaglia and it fell into the path of Ella Lincoln who made no mistake from close-range. It was 2-0 on the half hour, Abbey Meakins raced into the final third, and she wasn’t closed down, and shot from distance, the ball bounced in front of Battaglia, and with the wet surface the ball slipped underneath her and into the net. They sealed the tie on the hour with a third, Gemma Craine was released over the top and she raced into goal, held off her marker and finished at the near post. The RedStar scored a consolation goal late, with substitute Abbey Woolley scoring, but it was too little too late.
The Hyundai NTC also moved into the semi-finals after a 4-2 win against Subiaco at E&D Litis Stadium. The host were out of the blocks fast, racing to a two-goal lead in the opening ten minutes, with Georgia Cassidy and Daisy Groenewald-Shield scoring. They added two more before the break with Cassidy adding her second and Maja Archibald, and they went into the break well in command. Subiaco pulled one back early in the second half with Dakota Van-Vugt on target, and added a second just after the hour through Siena Crevacore, but the damage had already been done.
“I thought first half we started the game with fantastic intensity and what we wanted from the girls was a positive start to the game and to put Subiaco under pressure from the first whistle. Our ball retention was excellent and very pleasing to see us move the ball the way we know we can. Georgia Cassidy and Daisy G were superb for us in the middle of the park,” NTC assistant coach Fernando Barreiro explained.
“Second half Subiaco came out with a bit more endeavour and put us under pressure and we really struggled to get any sort of rhythm and fluency back in the game. We decided to make a few personal changes and brought Tanika Lalla on just to drop in and give us a bit more control again which definitely helped. So again, happy to get back to winning ways and make it through to the semis, but there is still lots to work on, and not much time between games to get ready for the next fixture which is Friday against Murdoch.”
In the other game on Sunday Fremantle City booked their place in the semi-finals, after 3-1 win against Balcatta Etna at Grindleford Reserve. “The girls and I were extra determined to get the win over Balcatta, because the last time we played them we drew 1-1, when we believe we should have won convincingly,” Fremantle’s Laura Waltman explained. “Balcatta is a team we often find difficult to beat so to come away with a 3-1 win in the cup game was very exciting for everyone.”
The visitors opened the scoring early in the second half, the ball was crossed in and fumbled out to the top of the box for Nina Boorman whose shot hit the crossbar. It then fell to Tash Rigby whose shot was blocked by Gabby Dal Bosco, then to Kayla Mcculloch which was blocked again, then finally to Olivia Trueman who found the top corner. But Balcatta levelled 15 minutes from time, with Tia Stonehill scoring.
But it was the visitors who would go on and win it, first on 88 minutes, Balcatta failed to clear their lines, and Carys Hawkins found the bottom corner from just inside the box. Then in stoppage time Fremantle sealed their progress to the next round with a third, Abbey Green ran the ball down the left and cut inside, her first shot was blocked by Dal Bosco, but the rebound fell back to Green, who finished low across the Dal Bosco.
The final tie was today, WA Day, with Murdoch University Melville beating Division One side Hamersley Rovers 3-0 at Carine Open Space. “I thought we played well in terrible conditions, and we were able to create opportunities but weren’t able to capitalise on our good build up play,” MUM FC coach David Biancuzzo explained. “Very happy for Izzy’s first goal in the first team, and we’re looking forward to the semis with some very good teams still left in the competition.”
It was a wet and windy day in the northern suburbs, and Rovers were flying the flag for Division One, but they found themselves behind at the break, with Jessica Johnson scoring. Both sides struggling in the difficult conditions, but both had chances, although it was the visitors who sealed the game, with Isabella Wainwright, scoring her first senior goal for the club, before Sophie Meaden added a third to send them into the next round.
It was the first defeat of the season for Rovers, but coach Betim Ziba was proud of his players’ performance. “Despite the weather it was a great game and a great learning experience for us. We had chances in the game to score but unfortunately it wasn't our day,” he explained. “MUM moved the ball well and we're clinical with their chances, they are a great team. Our goal was to test ourselves against an NPLW side and I think we did well for our first time. Overall, we defended well and created chances against a good side and we will only get better from playing them, but credit to MUM for the win.”
3.6.2023
ZADKOVICH LEAVES THE GLORY
With Perth Glory’s A-League having wrapped up a few weeks ago, they should have been starting to be put into place plans ready for next season with recruitments etc, but that has been thrown into turmoil after the club accepted the resignation of Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich, so he can pursue opportunities elsewhere. The storm clouds had been circling after the Glory missed out on the finals, and after a bust up on the training track between Zadkovich and a player, which was one of a few reported dressing room bust-ups.
Zadkovich played in the UK with Notts County and Derby County, and stints in Australia with Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Glory. He also made three appearances for the Socceroos, making his debut in 2010 against China, before managing Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW, and Hills United in the NSW League One, and then on to Perth Glory as the clubs NPL coach, then taking over the A-League Head Coach duties on an interim basis in March 2022.
Zadkovich spoke to the Glory website, and thanked the club, and their loyal supporters for their trust in his time at the club. “Firstly, I’d like to thank the Chairman, Mr. Tony Sage, for entrusting me with the role of Head Coach of Perth Glory,” he said. “To be given the responsibility of rebuilding the club’s football department into a competitive side again has been a very rewarding process.
“This has undoubtedly been a very challenging time for the club, but we have shown a huge improvement over the last twelve months in many facets of the club’s operations and I believe that key foundations for the club’s future success have been laid. I’d also like to thank the club for granting me an early release to pursue opportunities elsewhere, this was a difficult decision for me to make.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with a wonderful group of players who have given their all to this rebuild. It has been an absolute privilege to have mentored and developed so many young, Perth-based players, to give them their debuts at professional level, helping them grow into A-League players and achieve selection in youth-level national teams. I’d like to thank the very dedicated group of staff members for their constant support and their amazing work ethic during my time in charge.
“Most importantly, I’d like to thank the heartbeat of the club; the Members and fans. Perth Glory has some of the best supporters in the country in my eyes, to wear the purple shirt as a player in past times and then to coach and manage the club has been an honour and one that I’ll always cherish. I wish the club and everyone involved all the very best in the future.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich said that Zadkovich had taken charge amidst difficult circumstances at the club, and made a valuable contribution. “On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to sincerely thank Ruben for all of his hard work, commitment and professionalism, both in the Academy and First Team space, during what has been a very challenging couple of years for everyone involved at the club,” he said.
“We accept and support his decision to explore and pursue new career opportunities and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours. Coming out of what has been an extremely tough period for the club, we are now on the cusp of entering a transitional phase. Whilst this will come with its own unique challenges, it is something that all Perth Glory supporters should look forward to and feel very optimistic about in the long term.
“The prospect of being able to reinvigorate the brand and strategically invest into the foundations that we have all worked so hard to rebuild this year, will help to propel the club forward and unlock its huge potential both on and off the field.” “Looking forward, the recruitment of a new, well-credentialled Head Coach is an exciting opportunity and a key component in our steadfast commitment to delivering the success that our members and fans crave and so richly deserve.”
4.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP – ROUND THREE REVIEW
Kingsley Westside have caused the biggest upset in the Belt-Up Amateur Cup round three, after beating a ten-man East Perth 3-0 at Chichester Park on Sunday afternoon. The visitors were reduced to ten men on 27 minutes, keeper Luke Green raced out his box and handled the ball and was shown a straight red card. With East Perth reserve keeper out injured, outfield player Niall Murray went into goal to replace him. They held firm till half time, but five minutes after the break the hosts found the breakthrough.
A long ball from Kingsley goalkeeper Ben Partridge found Bailee Yeomans on the right, he combined well with Cameron Bishop, who’s cross found Yeomans unmarked at the back post to head back across Murray and into the net. They doubled their lead on the hour, Yeomans this time turning provider. A square ball across the box from inside the area for Bishop to finish high to the keepers left. The tie was sealed six minutes from time, with a third, substitute Joe Goulding finished well from the edge of the area. “Very proud of our performance against East Perth. As mentioned in the pre-game comments we knew how tough and demanding the game was going to be and credit to the lads who really rose the occasion,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews explained.
“We had a game plan which was a bit different to what we have done in previous weeks to counter specific threats and I thought the lads executed it perfectly and stopped East Perth from causing us too many problems in their final third. Massive credit to East Perth who pushed us all day despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the game. We are now looking forward to recovering and getting back into our league season with more tough games coming up, starting with Hamersley on Sunday.”
Cup holders South Perth United have bowed out of this year’s competition, after a narrow extra time 1-0 loss against North Beach at Vasto Reserve. “It was another hard-fought win against South Perth with both teams gunning for progression into the quarter finals,” North Beach coach Nick Di Caro said. “The first half was tight with some half chances created but neither team able to break the deadlock, but we managed to score our second penalty to move into the next round.”
It was a tight encounter in the first half, but it was the hosts who should have taken the lead in the second half, after Stan Kindness was brought down in the box after some neat link up play, but South Perth keeper Brian Burke guessed the right way to save Andy Keogh’s penalty. But the visitors were reduced to ten men late with Ross Carter sent off, but the game went into extra time. There were heavy legs on both sides with the heavy pitch, but it was North Beach who won it, after Daniel Yelland was brought down in the box, and the referee awarded another penalty. This time Keogh found the net past Burke, and the hosts managed to dig deep until full time to hold on for the win.
North Perth United has won the Premier Division tie at Woodville Reserve, beating Jaguar 4-0. “Super proud of our boys with that performance, and I can't remember a better 90 minutes of football the boys have played with each player contributing since our cup final a couple seasons ago,” North Perth skipper Kelechi Osunwa said. “We are in a good moment right now and need to keep it going with players coming back from injuries.” The hosts raced to a two lead in the first 22 minutes. First Nick Bailey opened the scoring after terrific combination play with Javier Pineres Barrera, leaving Bailey to score into an open net.
Bailey added his second, after he won't the ball high in the box and scored from a tight angle. The tie was but to bed after the break, first Brian Woodall scored from the spot, after Medhi Golami was brought down in the box, before Woodall then played provider for Jeremiah Markson who came off the bench and continued his fine form with the fourth. North Perth keeper Jamie Serra produced a great penalty save late, to ensure they finished the game with a clean sheet.
There was no upset at Butlers Reserve, with Wembley Downs beating Fremantle City 4-2. “All in all, a good workout and the players that stepped up today were excellent,” Wembley coach Andrew Whalley said. “Always a potential banana skin, but the lads moved the ball well and kept their shape in a disciplined manner.” It was 0-0 at half time, but the hosts found the opener early in the second half, a great through ball from Matt Devereaux which Luke Thistlethwaite finished coolly. But four minutes later Fremantle levelled, with Michael Peden on target.
But that was as good as it got for the visitors, and Wembley regained the lead three minutes later, a nice through ball leaving Thistlethwaite in again to slide past the keeper. It was 3-1 on the hour, a free kick from Tom Bish was spilled by the keeper and followed up by Ben Swinnerton. Fremantle’s Sascha Buttgereit did add a second late, but Wembley had the final say, scoring a fourth. Josh Chalmers brought the ball down from a goal kick and rounded his opponent in the same move before dribbling past two more and finishing clinically into the corner of the net.
Cracovia edged through to the next round, beating Canning City in a tense penalty shoot-out. “We were lucky to get the edge on a strong opponent and progress to the next round,” Cracovia coach John Sabetta said. “Both teams had some great opportunities as Cracovia were fighting hard to hold off a strong opposition. The Cracovia boys would like to thank their fantastic supporters who helped give them the edge during a tense penalty shootout.”
The hosts found the opener on 71 minutes, against the run of play, Leigh Morgan racing clear to score. It looked like that goal would send them through, but canning had other ideas and deep into stoppage time they levelled through Tom Gibbins. We were off to extra time, and Canning dominated and hit the woodwork on two occasions, and they should have won it late, but Greg Sharland saw his penalty well saved by Callum Westwood, in the shoot-out the hosts held their nerve to move though 4-1.
In other ties Premier Division leaders Emerald moved through after goals from Shane Young, Dean McAuliffe and Jarred McConnell gave them a 3-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at Kingsway Reserve. “A very professional performance today in a tricky tie, we were solid at the back and held the ball well in midfield, and three different scorers as well which is always good,” Emarald coach Shane O’Donovan said. “We are on a good run of form as of late and we are glad we could continue that form in the cup, looking forward to see who we get in the next round.” The visitors hit the front seven minutes before half time, Shane Young volleying home from just outside the box. They doubled their lead on the hour, Dean McAuliffe tapped home from a superb low cross from Stephen Pollock. They sealed the tie ten minutes later, when Young’s corner was headed home by Jarred McConnell.
Perth AFC have beaten Maccabi 4-2 at Len Packham Park. The hosts had led 4-0, with goals from Kevin Higgins, Daniel Barton and a Sandro Digirolamo brace. Maccabi’s Jacob Wemyss scored two late goals for the visitors, but the damage had already been done. “Over the moon to go through to the next round of the cup in some of the worst weather conditions I’ve seen. We came out with a game plan and full credit to our lads and the way they carried those instructions out for the whole game was a super performance,” Perth AFC coach Nathan Thorp explained. “We came in at halftime 2-0 up and second half we went 3-0 up and from there due to the weather and the pitch eventually flooding it was just a pure battle to the end and we came out on top. We went out at this stage last year to Maccabi and we weren’t happy with the way we played that day so a real sense of accomplishment and now we wait for the quarter final draw.’
Finally, the Kelmscott Roos and Belmont Villa game will have to replayed, after lightning caused their game at Frye Park to be abandoned. It was a great game for the supporters who braved the weather, Bakr Al-Qaraghuli giving the visitors the lead, before Alex Ekeze and Isaac Koomson gave the hosts the lead at the break. But Brandon Pillay and Ali Milhem gave Villa back the lead, before Koomson levelled again 12 minutes from time. The weather closed in just as the teams were going into extra time, and the referee made the right choice to call the game off.
3.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND ELEVEN, MATCH OF THE ROUND – TOUGH ON OLYMPIC AS REDSTAR HIT SIX
Perth RedStar moved two points clear at the top of the NPLWA – Men’s ladder after beating a ten-man Olympic Kingsway 6-1 in our ‘Match of the Round’ at RedStar Arena on Saturday afternoon. RedStar coach Callum Salmon said it was a great game, and the scoreline didn’t reflect how competitive the game was. “One of the best footballing games I’ve seen all year, I think both teams like to play football, like to play quickly, press and rotate players in different positions, so full credit to Toughy and Kingsway who competed all game, never gave up, played great football and the majority of the game with ten men,” he explained.
“I’m proud of our players, everyone on the field was first class, in every position and we gave some more debuts to young players which is always nice to do. Mark (Scanlan) and Robbie (Anderson) doing great work with the 20s and it shows when they step up first team level. We move on, and looking forward to working hard on the training ground and going again against the improving Perth SC next week.”
It wasn’t the return to his old stomping ground that Olympic coach David Tough was looking for, with the hosts scoring on eight minutes, Ryan Finnie’s cross was controlled well by Daryl Nicol, and his shot on the turn flew into the top corner of the net. Things got worse for the visitors on the half hour mark when Sonny O’Shea was bundled over by Calum O’Connell and referee Arvin Shanmuganathan sent the defender off and awarded a penalty.
Nicol stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but former RedStar keeper Joe Pollard guessed the right way to save, and Nicol’s follow up shot flew over the top. But the Scottish striker made emends nine minutes later, Chok Dau squaring the ball to Nicol to fire home, the hosts leading 2-0 at the break. Then five minutes into the second half the visitors reduced the margin, James Fanelli’s cross struck the arm of Ryan Lowry, and the referee pointed to the spot, and Ciaran Byrne sent Liam Reddy the wrong way from the spot.
But four minutes later the hosts regained their two-goal advantage, a neat give and go between Dau and Andy Higgins, saw the former race into goal and finish low across Pollard. They added a fourth on 74 minutes, Riley Warland picking out Dau, who curled home from the edge of the box. It was 5-1 when Nicol headed home Declan Hughes cross six minutes later. Salmon gave first team debuts to Callum Piper and Josh Kingston late, and the RedStar’s added a sixth in the final minute, Blair Govan finishing at the back post from a corner.
RedStar striker Daryl Nicol said it was a good performance, but knows there is still more to come. “Another very strong performance from us against a really well drilled Olympic Kingsway,” he said. “We started the game excellently and looked likely to dominate and the sending off for them really killed off any chance of them getting themselves back into the game. They are clearly coached very well and even with ten men made it difficult for us, but we are really starting to gain momentum in this league now with our best performances still to come.”
Perth RedStar – GK Liam REDDY, 2 Nick WALSH, 3 Blair GOVAN, 4 Declan HUGHES, 6 Riley WARLAND (75’)18 Gomo DUKULY, 9 Daryl NICOL, (15 Josh KINGSTON 80’), 10 Andy HIGGINS, 13 Ryan LOWRY (16 Tyrell CHISUNGA 80’), 14 Chok DAU, 17 Sonny O’SHEA (11 Oscar MALFIORE 70’), 19 Ryan FINNIE (5 Callum PIPER 80’) – Subs: RGK Marino GOJAK, 12 Oliver LEEMING
Olympic Kingsway – GK Joe POLLARD, 4 Cian HIRRELL (3 Daniel WALSH 78’), 5 Calum O’CONNELL, 9 Ciaran BYRNE (2 Oscar BARRY 78’), 10 Tyler GARNER, 12 James FANELLI, 13 Sasa NJEGIC, 14 Liam MURRAY (20 Lebib LEBIB 65’), 15 Shane CASSIDY, 16 David PERICH (8 Ollie ANNIS 29’), 17 Joshua SAMSON – Subs: RGK David KEENAN, 19 Joe HOBSON – Referee: Arvin Shanmuganathan
3.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND ELEVEN - REVIEW
The round started on Friday evening, with Floreat Athena moving off the bottom of the table and ended a six-game run without a win, after beating Perth Glory 3-1 at Lark Hill Sportsplex on Friday evening. “Really happy with the win against a really good young Glory team,” Floreat coach Vas Vujacic said. “After the recent results and going down 1-0, it we showed great character to get back in the game and take the lead. We were able to manage their threats in the second half and create some good chances which we were rewarded with a third goal to seal the points.”
It was the hosts who found the opener on 13 minutes, Joshua Anasmo knocking the ball back across goal for Jayden Gorman to score from close-range. They went close to a second six minutes before the break, Laat Mathiang’s cross picked out Daniel Bennie, but his header was well saved by Jason Saldaris. But Floreat broke moments later to level, Phil Arnold sent Sean McManus down the right, and his cross on the run was turned home by Noah Shamaki. Then two minutes later Floreat hit the front, Nick Ambrogio’s corner was recycled by Chris Saldaris on the right, and he fed McManus, whose cross was turned home by Ben Steele, the visitors heading to the sheds with a 2-1 lead.
It was end-to-end after the break, but it wasn’t until the final minute the result was sealed. Glory went close to levelling first, Kaelan Majeks found Gorman in the middle of the park, whose back heel sent substitute Joel Anasmo racing clear, but Jason Saldaris raced out of his penalty area, and stood tall to deny him. The loose ball was picked up by Andrew Palmer, who picked out substitute Ethan Mum, who played a neat give and go with Ambrogio and raced into goal, Glory keeper Luca Iovene raced out his goal to block his shot, but the rebound fell to Ambrogio, who lobbed the ball into the net from distance to seal the win and move them off the bottom of the table.
“It was a good game, and it was back and forth with both teams going for it. They went up early on but I felt it was undeserved with how the first half was panning out, they kept the ball and passed it around, but I thought we set up well against them and pressed at the right times,” Floreat’s Sean McManus explained. “I’m buzzing for Noah Shamaki getting on the score sheet with my assist, we’ve been working hard to build that chemistry and it’s been so close the past few weeks but just not quite there, but last night was a testament to the hard work we’ve put it in finally paying off. Every one of us put in the hard work, and it felt good to get a win in the league again, we kick on from now.”
The best performance on Saturday came from Inglewood United, who stunned league leaders Stirling Macedonia 4-0 at Macedonia Park. “It was a really good performance, similar to our 4-0 win the other week against Kingsway, especially being so shorthanded at the moment,” Inglewood winger Chad Nilson explained. “We only had 11 players available from the first team squad, so it was a great effort from everyone. We defended well, Dunners (Alex Dunn) made some epic saves especially early in the game, and we grew in confidence from that, and were able to score some really nice goals to take the points.”
It was tight first half with the hosts creating a number of chances, but failing to convert them, and keeper Alex Dunn making some great saves, but it was the visitors who made the breakthrough three minutes before the break. Nilson raced down the left, his low cross was fumbled by keeper Liam Price and Shubham Mokala pounced on the rebound to score from close-range. Then in stoppage time United doubled their advantage, Mokala was the provider this time, slipping Nilson down the right channel, and he drove into the box and found the bottom corner.
The hosts needed a good start to the second half to get back into the game, but they couldn’t find a way past Dunn, who was inspired. Then on 65 minutes, United added a third, a long ball from Alex Ishida-Livings caused problems in the Stirling defence, with the keeper coming for the ball it was headed clear by James McGowan, but it went straight to Rene Kisesa, who spotted the keeper off his line and his first-time lob found the net. They wrapped up the points 11 minutes from time with a fourth, Mokala sent Dylan White racing in on goal and he finished clinically past Price to seal the win.
“I thought it was a great game from both sides, Stirling had a chance to make 1-0, but Alex Dunn pulled off one of the best save I've seen in football, and that set the tone for us,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira said. “We created two great goals in the first half, and we knew they would come at us after the break, and we defended well and scored another two on the counter. Well done to the guys, it was well deserved, but we also knew Stirling didn't have their strongest team out there, so we take a win, but there still a lot of work to do.”
Perth SC produced a stunning display to beat Bayswater City 6-1 in the Italian derby at Dorrien Gardens. Perth custodian Luke Radonich said the win gives them good momentum ahead of next week’s game against league leaders RedStar. “It was a good performance from the boys today, we were clinical in front of goal and took our chances which was great and solid at the back,” he explained. “It’s a big game this weekend (against RedStar) so we will take a lot of confidence from the past two weeks and hopefully we can keep this run going.”
With new coach Danny Hay to join the club on Monday, interim coaches Basil Lenzo and Stuart Banks’ side were two up inside the first 17 minutes. First on 11 minutes Michael Scafetta raced down the left, and cut the ball back from the by-line and Ethan Banks fired home, then six minutes later they doubled their advantage, Banks’ corner was turned home by the unmarked Julian Teles. It got worse for Bayswater when the hosts added a third in first half stoppage time, Banks’ corner from the right was headed home by Gordon Perkins, to send the Azzurri into the break well in command
Bayswater had started the day one point of the leaders, but the return to his former club for Gareth Naven was proving to be a nightmare, as Perth added a fourth on the hour. Another corner caused problems in the box, and Perkins stabbed the ball home from close-range at the back post. The hosts added a fifth 14 minutes later, Zayd Farah finding Sam Cook on the edge of the box and he finished clinically. Bayswater scored a consolation goal late, substitute Scotlan Morrison capitalising on a defensive error to score, but it was Perth who had the final say with a sixth in stoppage time, Abdul Osman sending Phoenix Lee clear and he finished low past Casey Robertson, the win moving them up to fifth on the table.
Sorrento have bounced back from two straight defeats, to beat Armadale 3-2 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “I felt we deserved the three points, much so despite letting them back in the game very late on, as we closed the game out scoring three early on, and we looked very sharp,” Sorrento defender Mark Barnett explained. “We knew Armadale never quit and will always fight to the end, and we defended well to hold them off in the last few moments. We needed three points to kick start a run of form, and we did that.”
The visitors made the best possible start and were ahead after only 20 seconds, a low cross from the left wasn’t dealt with and skipper Dean Cummings fired low past Joel Driscoll. They doubled their advantage on 26 minutes, a quick break ended with Cummings, who sent Zach Dabbs down the left, he cut inside his marker and beat Driscoll at his near post. It got worse for the hosts two minutes later, when the visitors added a third, Matt Worton was caught in possession by Hugo Snowden, who raced into goal and finished clinically from the edge of the box.
The hosts, who were thrashed at home last week, hit back after the break, and reduced the deficit on 65 minutes. Tim Berger’s powerful shot was parried by Connor Campbell, and Angel Andres Jnr was on hand to fire home the rebound. Moments later half-time substitute Amir Ajan fired inches wide, as the hosts continued to press. Campbell got down well to save Andres Jnr’s glancing header from Conor Walsh’s cross seven minutes from time, before Berger’s volley flashed wide.
The German import went close again moments later, after he was found on the edge of the box by a neat back heel from Peter Jacobsz, but he couldn’t keep his shot down. They did reduce the margin in the first minute of stoppage time, Adriano Jelenovic finding Ajan, whose shot deflected off Sorrento defender Mark Barnett, which set up a tense last couple of minutes, but Sorrento held firm to take the points.
“Error’s cost us in the first half, but we were really pleased the way the lads fought it out after half time, and we had chances to win it in the end,” Armadale coach John O’Reilly said. “We know we had a number of players missing, but that is no excuse, we put a team out we thought could get three points, and we fell just short. But you can’t give teams three goal starts and expect to win, we gave it a real good go but couldn’t find the equaliser, we move on and prepare for another tough game at Cockburn next weekend.”
In the final game a ten-man Cockburn City have fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Balcatta Etna at Dalmatinac Park. “Obviously unhappy at giving away a two-goal lead and thought we deserved more out of the game especially when we hit the bar and post as well during the first 45 minutes,” Balcatta’s Adam Tong said. “But Cockburn never say attitude started to create more chances and got their goals which is a credit to them as they were a man down at this time. We have learnt a lesson today and that should keep us in check for next time in games going forward.”
Both sides had chances in a see-sawing game, David Araya headed over from close range for the hosts after good work on the left by John Guya, before Adam Tong’s free kick hit the base of the post for visitors. But three minutes before half time it was Balcatta who found the opener. A quick free kick from Trent Kay caught the hosts napping, and Liam Hudson raced into goal and lobbed the oncoming Michael Craggs. Balcatta doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half, Tong’s free kick found an unmarked Kay, who swept the ball home.
Things went from bad to worse five minutes later for the hosts, after defender Chris Thackray was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Declan Hudson and sent off. But 12 minutes from time Steven McDonald’s side found a lifeline, skipper Jesse Lazzaro’s ball down the right sent substitute Jess Grease into the box, and his lob beat Domenic Savoldelli. Then two minutes from time they found the equaliser, Lazzaro’s free kick was headed back across goal by Anthony Skorich, and Daniel Dols fired home. The action wasn’t over there, as the hosts were reduced to nine-men after Luqman Sayyed was sent off in stoppage time, but Cockburn almost won in it late, with Charlie Garnham’s long-range shot saved low by Savoldelli.
“A very frustrating day to be honest, we never came out to play in the first half against a very organised Balcatta team,” Cockburn coach Steven McDonald said. “We knew their strengths of being able to hit teams on the counter and set pieces, but we were asleep at wrong times and were punished by that. As soon as we went down to ten men, we started to play and really take the game to Balcatta. Credit to the boys for the character that we showed, led by Jesse Lazzaro who was outstanding for us in the middle of the park. He was everywhere to really roll up the sleeves and get stuck in, and earn a much-deserved point in the end, but the frustration is if we started the way we finished the outcome could have been much better.”
3.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TEN REVIEW
Western Knights moved three points clear at the top of the State League Division One after a 3-2 win against Mandurah City, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Genesiscare Stadium on Saturday afternoon. “The boys were well up for it on Saturday, and I didn't think there was one particular stand-out performer, instead, the starters, plus the boys who came on, all dropped solid performances across the board,” Knights’ Shay Donovan explained.
“It was an incredible atmosphere down in Mandurah, big credit to our opponents who put on a fantastic day, and a big shout out to all the Knights fans that made the hour journey down. We knew this was a must-win game not only for the title race but because we had lost our last two to Mandurah and we couldn't let them go three-for-three. We are buzzing with where we are, but there is still plenty of work to do, and the first bit of that work is this Saturday against a solid Joondalup United side.”
The top of the table clash didn’t disappoint and it was the visitors who scored the opener on 18 minutes, Owen Goodliffe’s low shot was well saved by Alfie Brincat at his post, but Shay Donovan was quickest to the rebound to score from close-range. But their lead only lasted three minutes, Lydon Hodgkiss got to the by-line on the left, and his cross to the back post was headed home by Murray Mackintosh.
The visitors regained the lead on the half hour, Graham Tough brought down Goodliffe, and referee Tom Glavovic pointed to the spot, and striker Albert Luwi stepped and sent Brincat the wrong way from the resulting penalty. The Knights increased their lead on 56 minutes, Goodliffe’s corner was headed home by Jake Sardelic, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. It looked game over, but the hosts found a lifeline seven minutes from time, when Leigh Griffiths corner was powerfully headed home by James Paylor.
The Dolphins pressed for the equaliser, and when Mackintosh sent Griffiths in on goal it looked like it had arrived, but Sardelic got back with a last-ditch tackle, before Adam Harris cleared Tough’s effort of the line moments later. The Knights could have sealed the points in stoppage time but Ben Campbell’s shot from the edge of the box flashed wide. But the Knights held firm, after ten minutes off stoppage time the whistle sounded, and the they take the points back down the freeway.
“Matches against Mandurah are always tough encounters and this one proved to be no different. I thought we deserved to be leading at half time and we did well to extend that lead midway through the second half. But they are a very good side and mounted some pressure on us late in the second half to get themselves back in it,” Knights coach Adam Kostrencic explained. “We also had some really good moments to seal it but, in the end, we managed to see out the game until the final whistle. Not many teams come away from Mandurah with three points so we were really pleased with our overall collective team performance to achieve a very good win.”
Fremantle City kept in touch with the leaders after a 4-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at Hilton Park. The host opened the scoring on 25 minutes, Martim Galvao playing Alex McLean in on goal, and he found the corner of the net from the edge of the box. They added a second two minutes later, Ollie La Galia finding Galvao, who cut past two MUM FC defenders before finishing clinically past Preston Gilling.
The hosts added a third 18 minutes from time, second half substitute Dean Hurley’s in-swinging corner finding the back of the net. They added the icing to the cake late with a fourth, La Galia was brought down in the box by Aiden Formston and referee Michal Jasinski pointed straight to the spot. La Galia stepped up and converted the penalty with aplomb, to seal a comprehensive win, and give them confidence heading into their Australia Cup quarter-final with Inglewood United on Tuesday at Alfred Skeet Reserve.
Joondalup United remained fourth, after a come from behind 3-1 win against Forrestfield United at Forrest Park. In the week, where the club have hopefully found a new home, defender Shaun Kilkelly said it was good to get the points against an improving Forrestfield side. “It was good result, against a team that has improved a lot over the last few weeks,” he said. “They had the better of the first half, but second half we rolled up our sleeves and played some good football resulting in us scoring three goals and could have had more.”
The visitors were ahead on 21 minutes, a corner for the hosts was cleared by Moses Macauley, and there looked little danger when Joshua Allum headed back to his own keeper Todd Hoyle, but it went out of the reach of the Joondalup custodian and into the net, and they led by that goal at the break. But Joondalup levelled eight minutes into the second half, Elliot Tattersall’s cross from the left was chested down by James Harmer, and Vlad Naumovski fired home from four meters.
Joondalup were ahead moments later, Allum’s long-range shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Naumovski, who squared the ball to Kilkelly to score from close-range. Nick Jennings’ side sealed the points on 73 minutes, Harmer burst into the box and was brought down by Owen Yamungu, and referee Josh Mannella awarded a penalty, and Jay Lang converted from the spot to give the hosts the three points.
The improving Dianella White Eagles made it five games without defeat, after a 5-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “It was a very good game, in which we dominated from the beginning to the end,” UWA player coach Angel Andres said. “We started very strong and we were able to score two goals early and then they got a Red Card and after that the game was almost over. We scored three more goals, but it could have been a few more, but the best thing in my opinion is that they didn't create any clear chances.”
Dianella were ahead after only seven minutes, Kian McGuigan finding Andres, whose shot on the turn from the edge of the box found the bottom corner. It was 2-0 on the half hour, a free kick picked out Andres at the back post, and he held off his marker before finding Uniss Kargbo who scored from close-range. It went from bad to worse for the hosts two minutes later, when Maxime Bentley was sent off after lunging tackle on McGuigan, and it was the Eagles holding the lead at the break. Then five minutes into the second half they added a third, with Igor Cvijanovic on target, before further goals from Lawrence Shuruma and Kane Fitch sealed a comfortable win.
Gwelup Croatia have returned from Lark Hill Sportsplex with the three points, after a 4-0 win against Rockingham City. “It was a great win for us, we were a bit wasteful in front of goals in the first half and could have been three or four up at half time, but we composed ourselves at half time and came out more clinical in the second half and put the game out of sight,” Gwelup new signing Jamie Burns explained. “It’s always nice to score especially on a debut it just eases the pressure, and hopefully can keep continuing scoring. But it’s more important we go on a run of wins and start building momentum and put pressure on the teams above us.”
The visitors were ahead on 17 minutes, Burns finding Jacob Williamson in the penalty area, and he finished well. They doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half, Burns winning a 50/50 challenge in the middle of the park, the ball fell to Williamson, who curled home superbly from distance. It was 3-0 on 74 minutes, Charles Chechlacz’s corner was headed home by Burns, and it was four in the final minute, Williamson finding Robert MacDonald on the right, who cut inside his marker and finished clinically.
In the final game UWA Nedlands and Gosnells City have fought out a 0-0 draw at UWA Sports Park. Both sides had chances, but both keepers George Jackson (UWA) and Jack Adams (Gosnells) made some good saves, the draw leaving the sides tenth and eleventh respectively on the table. “We started the game strong and had the better chances inside the first half and should have been a couple of goals up at halftime,” Gosnells skipper Scott Pereira explained. “In the second half it was pretty even and both teams had chances to win the game but couldn’t take them, so in the end a draw isn’t a bad result, but we need to start changing some of these draws into wins.”
UWA skipper Adam Falcone said missed chances cost them. “I thought it was a pretty entertaining game on both ends, happy with the boy’s effort,” he said. “Credit to Gosnells and George (Jackson) our keeper, who pulled off some top saves today in the second half. The past three weeks has been a building block for us with our performances, today we knew we needed a result. We created chances but just weren’t clinical Infront of goal. We got a good bunch of boys here and we know we deserve more out of our games recently. Happy to get a point today and looking forward to Melville next week.”
3.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TEN REVIEW
In our ‘Match of the Round in State League Division Two, Ashfield have won on the road for the first time this season, after a 1-0 win against third placed Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval on Saturday afternoon. “We are all very happy about the win, our first away win of the season, and something we need to build on,” Ashfield coach Nathan Grostate said. “The lads dug in for one another and fought out a result in a tough game against a side who have been in good form this season, so we move on and our thoughts turn to next weekend’s game at Balga.”
The only goal of the game came on 20 minutes, Lucas Reid cut the ball back to Gareth Hamilton on the edge of the box, he took a touch and calmly chipped the keeper. “I thought the result was a well-deserved three points,” goalscorer Hamilton said. “We knew we had to put in a massive shift after last weekend’s performance, and I thought we did that and we’ll take full confidence from this and push on to this weekend’s game against Balga.”
It was a round of upsets, with league leaders Kingsley Westside losing for the first time this season against Canning City at Chichester Park, and in doing the visitors moving off the bottom of the table. “It was huge result of us, we were building to this and it was well deserved,” Canning keeper Alec Radonich said. “The game looked closer that it was with us letting in two late goals, but the boys played well and deserved the win, and hopefully we can keep moving forward and build on this performance.”
Canning found the opener in first half stoppage time, with Rowan Steed on target. The hosts couldn’t find a way past Radonich and a hard-working Canning defence after the break, and it was Steed who doubled their advantage on the hour. Then seven minutes later the home faithful were shell-shocked when Canning found a third, Will Jacobsz scoring. Kingsley pulled on back in the final minute, with Luke Salmon converting from the spot, and he added a second in stoppage time, but Canning held firm to take home the points. Canning coach Jude Peppin said his players played the perfect game. “We have been building on our performances over the last few games,” he said. “And it was very pleasing to see that we stuck to our game plan throughout the game and took our chances. It was a great effort from all players involved and we will look to build on this result."
Second placed Morley Windmills missed the opportunity to cut the lead of Kingsley, after they conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 against Wanneroo City at Wotton Reserve. “After an unacceptable performance against Balga, the game was more about pushing the reset and making sure our energy, application and belief were displayed,” Wanneroo coach Howard Tweats explained. “We were disappointed to concede from a route one goal from our loss of possession, but I thought we matched a strong organised Morley side and to come away with the victory, which was reward for the resilience and collective effort on the day.”
It looked business as usual for the hosts, when Otto Van Der Poel gave them the lead on the hour, but Wanneroo had other ideas. They levelled eight minutes from time, Morley turned over possession in our last third and a quick release found Ben Wantee in behind a Morley high line, and he raced away and finish clinically. Then in the final minute Wanneroo won it, a switch out to Montee Benjamin, who intelligently placed a deft header into the path of Wantee, who held of defenders to run in behind and his composed finish gave keeper no chance, to seal the win and move them up to fourth on the table.
The other side in the top four to gain three points was Swan United, who edged out Carramar Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at the Swan Italian Cub, Francis Street. “We are really pleased to get the three points in what was a really hard-fought game,” Swan coach Niall Hughes said. “I thought we probably should have put the game to bed at 2-0 with us missing one or two well worked chances. Shamrock punished us not long after and kept pushing and pushing for an equaliser, but we managed to hold on which was good to see.”
The hosts hit the front on 25 minutes, a through ball from James Owen sent John Monterosso in on goal, and he was bundled over, and Rhys Loxley stepped up and slotted home the penalty. It was 2-0 ten minutes into the second half, good play down the right, with John Monterosso whipping in a cross which struck a Shamrock defender on the arm attempting to clear the ball, and Loxley stepped up again and converted. Rovers found a lifeline 15 minutes from time, a deep cross was headed back across goal by substitute Wayne Guest, the ball looping over Swan keeper Ben Parry. Rovers pressed for the equaliser late, but Swan held on to take the points.
Balga and Joondalup City have fought out a 1-1 draw at Princess Road Reserve. The visitors hit the front on 17 minutes, with Emilio Chacon scoring, and they took the lead into the break. But eight minutes after the break Balga found the equaliser, a quick counter attack, saw the ball played over the top to Bleron Mamudi, who finished well from the edge of the box. “Joondalup started the game well and stuck to their plan,” Balga skipper Bleron Mamudi said. “We came out better for majority of the game, but couldn't take our chances when we needed to.”
In the final game, Quinns dropped to the bottom of the table after a 1-3 loss against Maddington-Kalamunda White City at Gumblossom Park. It was the hosts who hit the front when Taylor Holden scored early, but City levelled just after the hour, Jose Zuniga's cross found Samir Ramos at the back post who scored. The visitors hit the front when Gaston Bazet cross to the back post was headed home by Nicolas Roca. The points were wrapped up five minutes from time, Farruh Mavlonov eased past his marker and crossed to Zuniga who made no mistake. “Happy with the win, but the referee spoilt the game for both sides,” Mavlonov said. “We did well to not let the decisions affect our game to come back from behind and win the game, and we can't wait to play Curtin next week, where a win will place us third or fourth on the ladder.”
2.6.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP – ROUND THREE PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Amateur Cup third round takes centre stage this weekend with eight ties across the metropolitan area, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Chichester Park where Division One side Kingsley Westside entertain East Perth. (1.45pm) Kingsley produced one of the shocks in the last round, beating Premier Division side Kwinana United, while East Perth had to fight all the way against Joondanna Blues. Kingsley coach Ben Andrews said they are looking forward to the game, and believes after their last round win at Kwinana, it kick-started their season, so he is looking to continue that on Sunday.
“The game against East Perth is one we are really looking forward to. We are aware of the quality of their squad and Colm has been one of the best coaches in the Amateur leagues for a long time, so it’ll be a massive challenge but one we are excited for,” Andrews said. “After the good result against Kwinana, it really kick-started our league season, so even though East Perth are massive favourites, we are looking to making a good account for ourselves and keep our positive momentum going.”
East Perth coach Colm Costello said Sunday’s opponents will be up for the game, especially on their home ground, but he is looking for his side to continue their improvement, which they have shown in the last few weeks. “We’re looking forward to Sunday against a very good Kingsley side. Ben is a brilliant coach and always does his homework on his opponents, and we are expecting a huge battle especially at Chichester,” Costello explained.
“The last few games we have had steady improvement so we will be looking for some big performances this week from the lads. We’ll need to be mindful of Kingsley especially the top three who can always cause problems, but we’ve had two good sessions this week so we are prepared and really looking forward to this cup tie.”
Holders South Perth United travel to fellow Premier Division side North Beach at Vasto Reserve. (All other games kick off at 2.30pm) Both sides were made to work hard in the last round, South Perth edging out Alkimos, while North Beach did likewise against Southern Spirit. South Perth coach Lee Hayward said back-to-back cup final appearances have been great for the club, and is hoping for a third, but is expecting a tough game at North Beach.
“Making the finals for the past two seasons has been good and it would be great to make the final again, however it’s going to be a tough game, against a very good side,” he explained. “It has been made harder after losing a couple more players for the game, with Beau Rahim and potentially George Stephens joining Jack Dalla Via and Brayden Burton on the side lines. But I’m confident the lads that step in will do a job and make it a competitive game. Squad depth is something that’s improved at Souths this year, and that’s crucial if you want to challenge at the higher levels.”
North Beach coach Nick Del Carlo said it’s a huge test, but knows his players are ready for the challenge. “We’re looking forward to our biggest challenge so far in the Amateur Cup against the reigning champions in South Perth. We met at the same venue only a fortnight ago in the league, but we know come Sunday previous history will be forgotten,” he explained. “We’re coming off a tough league fixture against Jaguar on the weekend and we’ll be able to use some rotation in the squad to give some guys a chance to play against a quality team. It’s been great to be able to try guys in new roles throughout the season within different competitions, and it only builds healthy competition within the squad. The boys will be pumped up for kick off and we hope we can continue our cup run.”
There is another all-Premier Division tie at Woodville Reserve, where North Perth United entertain Jaguar. The Jags reached the quarter-finals last season, and keeper Michael Dudek said they face a tough test at North Perth, but are looking for a good cup run. “The team is looking forward to the game this week, knowing it will be quite a hard test. We've got a couple of injuries we're carrying into the game, but also a few players returning from injury,” he explained. “We've got a consistent record of drawing against North Perth at their home, so considering that's not possible in the cup, it will be interesting to see which way this one goes.”
In other games, Kelmscott Roos welcome Belmont Villa to Frye Park, Cracovia entertain Canning City at the Cracovia Club, Wembley Downs host Fremantle City at Butlers Reserve, while Premier Division Emarald make the trip to Kingsway Reserve to take on Olympic Kingsway. In the final game Maccabi, who knocked out South West Phoenix in the last round, head to Len Packham Park to take on Perth AFC. The hosts edged through on penalties in the last round, and coach Nathan Thorp said Maccabi are flying in Division One, so they know it will a difficult game, but one they are looking forward too.
“We know it’s going to be a great test for us this week in the cup against Maccabi, who are flying in division one at the moment. We played them in the cup last year and I was really impressed with the way they played the game, quick ball movement and very dangerous in behind our back line,” he explained. “We started slow and came in 4-1 down at half time, and against any opponent that makes it so tough to come back and get the result, but second half after a few choice words from Jake and I, I thought we matched them. Consistency and individual mistakes have really hurt us this season and we are confident if we can minimise mistakes in key areas of the pitch, we will cause issues on the top of half of the pitch for any team.”
Maccabi coach Ricky Berlowitz said any cup tie is hard to predict, and Perth AFC will be up for the game at their place, but they hope to progress to the quarter-finals. “We’re looking forward to it as always, and it’s exciting when both teams have a chance to progress in the cup,” he said. “We’re expecting a tough game, especially on their home ground, and we played them last season in the cup as well and will have to be at our best to go through.”
2.6.2023
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE CUP – QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW
The league campaign takes a break in the Women’s competitions too, with the quarter-finals of the State League Cup taking place this weekend. We only have one Division One side still in the competition, and that’s league leaders Hamersley Rovers, who welcome Murdoch University Melville to Carine Open Space on Monday afternoon. (3pm) Rovers eased into this round, after thrashing Armadale 8-0, while MUMFC beat Subiaco Division One side 4-0.
Hamersley are yet to be beaten this season, winning all seven games, only conceding two goals, and coach Betim Ziba said they will look to continue their form in the cup. “Yes, we have enjoyed a great start to the season, and I was pleased that in our first big test was against UWA where we won convincingly, but our next big test is against MUM FC,” he explained.
“We are preparing well for the game to try and set ourselves up for the way they like to play. We are coming in as underdogs so we are just looking to do the best we can against an NPL team, as we will only improve from playing them. Our goal is to show we can do well against a NPL team, and even if we lose, but show our quality, we will be happy, and I’m sure the wet weather will make for an interesting game also.”
MUM FC coach David Biancuzzo said Rovers are dominating Division One, and knows they will ready to step up against an NPL side, but he is looking for his side to more consistent. “Hamersley have been in top form this season so far, and they have a number of players with NPLW experience and play a very good brand of football,” he explained. “As a team we have been improving each week, we need to be more consistent during games and that is the challenge we face this weekend.”
The ties begin on Sunday when holders Perth RedStar travel to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth SC. (All others games kick off at 3pm) The hosts beat the RedStar in this season’s Night Series Final, and coach Peter Rakic knows they have improved since them, and will be looking to go back-to-back, but they are well prepared and looking to progress into the semi-finals.
“We know this will be our toughest game yet this season, RedStar are in top form which is no surprise and we understand the level it's going to take in order to push them for 90 minutes, and keeping Reina Kagami and Jay Coleman quiet in the middle of the park will be a task in itself,” the coach explained. “Our last few weeks have been quite frustrating though, given our bright start to the campaign, so we'll absolutely be going out there and throwing everything we have at them.”
RedStar coach Carlos Vega-Mena said his side are determined to hold on to their crown, but knows Perth are a very good side and at home will be looking to knock the holders out. “The players are keen to earn a place in the semi-finals and are very motivated going into this weekend,” he explained. “We are expecting an intense game against a very difficult rival, and I’m sure it won’t be an easy match, but we are determined to keep fighting until the end. At the end of the day, the team which makes the least mistakes and shows the stronger desire to win will make it through and earn a spot in the semi-finals.”
Hyundai NTC were beaten in last season’s Final, host Subiaco at E&D Litis Stadium. The NTC youngsters were beaten in the final last season, and assistant coach Fernando Barreiro said they will continue to play their game, and stick to their process and look for a win and move through to the next round. “As always with us as a group we set high standards for ourselves. Looking at our last few results we’re looking for a positive result this weekend and a desperate to get back to winning ways,” he explained.
“We know Subiaco are going to throw up some different challenges for us, so we will take this week to prepare the team and make sure we leave no stone unturned. Ben and I have looked over the footage of our last few games, and we’re happy that just because of the results we’re not going to abandon our principles and identity as a team. We’ll stick to the process and are confident results will come.”
Subiaco coach Greg Farrell was pleased with sides performance last week against Perth, and he will look to build on that on Sunday in the cup. “The Cup will provide an opportunity for us to build on the momentum and positivity from the match last weekend against Perth. We defended well and probably should’ve had a few goals,” he said. “But playing the NTC this weekend will hopefully give us the chance to go a step further, capitalise on some chances and then look to take that back into the league the following week.”
In the final game Fremantle City will look to take their recent good league form into the cup, when they visit Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta Etna. The visitors league form has been exceptional with only one defeat in the last seven games, and coach Faye Chambers said they will be looking to continue that on Sunday in the cup. “We are continuing to build momentum in our performances in the league and the results are backing that,” Chambers said. “Balcatta have also been on a good run in the league, so it should be a good contest for the Cup on Sunday, and one we’re looking forward too.”
Balcatta were made to work in the last round at Perth AFC, but coach Tim Cash said Sunday will be another tough game, especially with both sides being in good form recently. “We are really excited to be challenging for a place in the semi-final against a quality opposition,” he said. “Both teams are on a run of positive results and we know we have to be at our best to win the game, so we look forward to hosting Fremantle, and may our great form continue.”
2.6.2023
NPL-WA ROUND ELEVEN - PREVIEW
It's busy week for some NPLWA – Men’s teams, starting at the weekend in the league, before Australia Cup games in midweek. But firstly, to league matters and our ‘Match of the Round’ sees Perth RedStar hosting Olympic Kingsway at the Redstar Arena in Joondalup. (All games kick off at 3pm unless stated) Both sides are not involved in the Cup round, but with the league so tight three points will be vital in this one. Both sides are coming of high scoring wins, Daryl Nicol scoring a hat-trick as the hosts beat Cockburn 5-1 to move to second, while Ciaran Byrne bagged a brace as Olympic moved up to seventh after a 4-3 win against Bayswater. The last time the two sides met at the venue in the league was back in May 1999, when the then ECU Joondalup beat Olympic 4-0 in round five, on the way to their first Premier League title under Paul Simmons, while Olympic were relegated that season.
It will be a first return for Olympic Kingsway coach David Tough, who spent many seasons at the Campus as assistant coach, and was part of the coaching team under Kenny Lowe when ECU Joondalup won the Premier League title in 2020, he said they were great times at the Jacks. “I had the privilege of being part of ECU for over 12 years, an incredible time that I really enjoyed and made lifelong friendships,” he explained. “I was fortunate enough to work with some exceptional coaches who have greatly influenced my coaching style today, and in my last full season being part of the coaching staff that won the NPL title was a memorable way to depart.”
Tough said the win against Bayswater was important for his side, bouncing back from the disappointing result against Inglewood the week before, but they left it late. “The victory was fantastic, although we secured the win in the final moments, I firmly believe that we deserved the three points based on our overall performance,” he said. “Our first-half display was the best we've played all season, and we’ve discussed the importance of improving our consistency as our performance the week before against Inglewood was very disappointing, as we just failed to show up. Although credit must be given to Inglewood, as they were hunger and fully deserved their victory.”
The Scotsman, who is in second season at Olympic, knows Saturday is a tough game, against a side who are scoring freely, but his side, which includes a number of former ECU Joondalup/RedStar players, have also been finding the net in recent games, so he is expecting a good game, and it’s one he is looking forward to. “We are faced with a huge challenge this weekend, going up against what I consider to be the favourites for the title, and I’m aware of the owner's determination to claim titles from my time at the club,” Tough explained. “Callum has been able to assemble a squad full of talented players that are more than capable of doing so, and I’ve also been told they have a lad up front who’s meant to be pretty good which always helps. The club has changed a lot since the rebranding, but it will be good to hopefully see some familiar faces.”
RedStar moved to second with a big win against Cockburn, their first home win of the season, and coach Callum Salmon missed the game as he was interstate, but after reviewing the game he was delighted with the result and the performance, especially with the league being so tight this season. “Very happy with the performance and even happier with the boys taking their opportunities in front of goals which has been missing lately,” the coach explained. “We’ve been dominating games and not getting our rewards, so I was very pleased we could execute on the weekend. I think we’ve said all season how tight and competitive the league will be so no surprises there, and I’d say this will continue all year and will be an exciting ride for the neutrals.”
Salmon said Olympic have been great in the first season back in the top flight of WA football since 1999, and knows there is a big connection between a number of Olympic coaches and players with ECU/RedStar, but that will be all forgotten at kick off and he is expecting a good game, and looking to continue where they left off last week. “Excited for the game and aiming to keep our winning run going,” he said. “Kingsway have had a great season so far and no different to any game we’ll need to be on top of our game to play well and win, looking forward to an entertaining game.”
In other games this weekend Cockburn City entertain Balcatta Etna at Dalmatinac Park. Both sides are in cup action in the week, holders Cockburn hosting Gwelup Croatia, while Balcatta host Floreat Athena, but first they need to bounce back to the winner’s circle in the league, Balcatta after drawing with Floreat, while Cockburn lost heavily at RedStar. Sorrento, who are also in cup action on Tuesday, hosting Swan United, make the trip to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take on Armadale. The Gulls were edged out in Albany by Glory last week, while the hosts were well beaten by Stirling, and will be without former Gulls striker Chris Jackson, who was sent off last week.
The round begins on Friday evening, when Perth Glory host Floreat Athena at Lark Hill, Sportsplex. (7.00pm) Floreat ended a five-game losing streak with a draw at Balcatta last week, while Glory will be buoyed by their late win against Sorrento in Albany. New Perth SC coach Danny Hay will be watching from the sidelines as they entertain Bayswater City in the Italian Derby at Dorrien Gardens. The former New Zealand national coach will take the reins on Monday, so interim coaches Basil Lenzo and Stuart Banks will look to build on their win against Inglewood last week, while Bayswater, who welcome back Gordon Smith and Kosta Sparta, will look to end a two-game run without a win.
In the final game Inglewood United, who take on Fremantle City at Alfred Skeet Reserve in the cup on Tuesday, travel to Macedonia Park to take on league leaders Stirling Macedonia. The hosts, who will be without influential midfielder Calvin Whitney through suspension, thrashed Armadale last week to move two points clear at the top, while Inglewood lost at Perth, a result that dropped them to tenth on the ladder. The loss at Dorrien Gardens was a disappointment for United, especially after the big win at Olympic the week before, and defender Ciaran Salinger said it was just one of those days. “It was defiantly one of those days, they sat off us and let us have a lot of the ball and just capitalised on our mistakes from set pieces, which was disappointing,” he explained. “I thought it was a very questionable sending off, which essentially determined the outcome of the game. Playing at Dorrien Gardens with 10 men down 2-0, isn’t the best situation to be in.”
United will be without Antony Bafobusha who was sent off last week, and Salinger knows they need to be at their best to get the three points, but he is confident they can. “We need to react and get back to stringing good performances and results together and I am confident we can get that started this Saturday against Stirling,” the defender said. “We need to concreate on that game first, before we think about the cup game against Fremantle on Tuesday. It is without a doubt going to be a good game, they are flying at the moment in Division One, and will sure be up for it.”
2.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TEN PREVIEW
We head into Week Ten of the State League Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is the top of the table clash between Mandurah City and Western Knights at Genesiscare Stadium on Saturday (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The Knights sit one point clear at the top of the table, and are coming off a big win against Subiaco, while Mandurah scored two second half goals to beat Forrestfield. Both sides have scored 28 goals this season the second best in the league, and have only conceded eight and nine goal respectively, so this one should be a great game, and three points are huge for both.
The last time the two sides met at the venue in the league was in round 21 last season, when the hosts won 3-0. Craig Barker gave the hosts the lead early, before debutant Leigh Griffiths added a second just before half time. They sealed the points eight minutes from time with a third, James Paylor’s cross from the left was bundled home by Barker from close-range.
Knights’ striker Albert Luwi said the win last week was for their supporters, who they let down in their last home game against Fremantle, and it showed that day, you can’t take your foot of the pedal in any game, if you do you will get beat. “It was nice to give our supporters a good performance and get a win at home based on our recent bad form at home, everyone performed well and definitely could have added a few more goals to the score sheet but overall, a good performance, happy to continue our momentum with back-to-back wins,” he explained.
“We know we have a big target on our backs and every team is looking to take us off the top, we personally feel we have let that gap become to close due to our own doings, but that’s football at the end of the day. The pressure to perform and win every week is obviously there, but we are embracing it as it provides that extra motivation every game. Our target is to be in the NPL next season and I’m confident if we stay hungry and not get complacent, we can achieve it.”
Luwi said Saturday is a huge clash, against a good Mandurah side, and he said a win would put down a marker for the rest of the season, and that’s what they are aiming for. “Mandurah will be a big game for us not just table standing wise but also for bragging rights,” he said. “They have beaten us twice, one in the night series which went to penalties and the other in the cup which was another close one, so we are excited to break that streak and stop them doing a three-peat on us especially when the points matter this time. It will definitely be another electrifying game, but I’m confident we will prepare well during the week and come Saturday get a result.”
Mandurah had to stay patient last week to beat Forrestfield, but second half goals saw them come home with the three points, and player/coach John Baird said they had to fight hard after the break against a well organised side. “In the first half I felt we were the better team without creating any clear-cut chances, which isn’t like us,” he said. “But fair play to Forrestfield, they took the game to us after the break, before we scored our first goal arguably against the run of play. Joey then produced a bit of magic to get the second which secured the win and keeps us a point behind the leaders.”
Baird, who returns to the side this week, said Saturday is a huge game, and he has been pleased with his side this season in the big games, and is hoping for more of the same on Saturday. “I think the way we have played over the last year has showed we play well under so called pressure, and winning back-to-back cup finals proves that, so we’re expecting performances week in week out, and the players have delivered,” the coach explained. “Games against Western Knights have been excellent so far and good adverts for WA football. I think it will be more of the same on Saturday, and there will be a good crowd for what should be a good game.”
In other games third placed Fremantle City host fifth placed Murdoch University Melville at Hilton Park. The portside are in Australia Cup action in midweek, looking to make it three NPLWA scalps, when they take on Inglewood United at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Tuesday. But first they have to overcome a MUMFC side looking to get back into the winner’s circle, after no wins in their last four games, while City had to come from two goals down to beat Gosnells last week. The other side who has cup commitments on Tuesday is Gwelup Croatia, who make the trip to Dalmatinac Park to meet Cockburn City. But first they travel to Lark Hill, Sportsplex to take on Rockingham City on Saturday evening. (5pm) Gwelup throw away two points last week, conceding two late goals to draw with Joondalup, while City will look to build on their win at MUMFC last time out.
Joondalup United comeback draw at Gwelup saw them lose ground on the top three, but it will give them confidence heading into their home clash against bottom of the table Forrestfield United, who showed last week in the narrow loss against Mandurah, they are improving. Meanwhile the improving Dianella White Eagles make the trip to Rosalie Park to take on Subiaco. Only point separates the two sides on the leader, the Eagles jumping to sixth after their win against UWA last week, while Subiaco slipped to eighth after their loss at the Knights.
In the final game we head to the UWA Sports Park where UWA Nedlands welcome Gosnells City. We know it’s only round ten, but this is a real six-pointer for both teams. The hosts are in 11th placed on the table, after Richard Abrams side lost narrowly at Dianella, while the visitors, who parted-company with coach Ross Greer last week, with Peter Allen becoming interim coach, with Alan Dunlop and Andy Pomfret as his assistants, sit tenth, but they really took it Fremantle last week, before eventually losing 2-4, so three points in this one will be huge.
Interim coach Peter Allen said its disappointing that Greer resigned, but he was pleased the way the lads gave a strong performance against Fremantle. “Ross has done a great job since he arrived at the club, but we have to move on, and when the club approached me to take over as the interim coach, it was the furthest thing on my mind, but the club means a lot to me, and I was happy to help out,” Allen explained. “I sat down with the clubs committee, and agreed to take over, but asked for former Gosnells players Dunners and Andy to assist me, as I’ve got a broken ankle at the moment, and we’ve been working hard ever since.”
The trip to Subiaco is a huge challenge, but Allen said his side have been playing well in recent weeks, and not getting the results, and he hopes to change that on Saturday. “The lads have been outstanding this season, especially after the heavy defeat at Mandurah in the opening game,” he said. “But we have many leaders on the pitch, skipper Scott Pereira, Tom Kennedy, Aiden Hoody and Blake Adams, to name a few and their experience has been great for the rest of the squad. We head into Saturday’s game in a confident mood and will be looking for a positive result.”
2.6.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TEN PREVIEW
Curtin University will be looking for back-to-back wins, in the State League Division Two, and keep tabs on the top two, when they welcome Ashfield to Edinburgh Oval in our ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday evening. (6pm) The hosts sit third, eight points off the leaders, and will look to build on last week’s win against Joondalup, when a Simone Sichel brace saw them runout 3-0 winners, while Ashfield sit eighth after a loss at Maddington.
The last time the sides met at the venue was in the final round last season, with the hosts running out 4-1 winners. Kieran Witt gave them a perfect start, scoring twice in the opening 23 minutes. Stephen Barnard scored for Ashfield from the spot 15 minutes from time, but an own goal from Kurtiss Allen-Nash and another from skipper Jeffrey Ledwith late secured the win.
Ashfield player/coach James Sammut said their form had been on the improve, but the loss at Maddington was disappointing. “Our form had been on the up, and the coaches and I had been really pleased, but the loss to Maddington was very disappointing,” he explained. “First half we had a lot of possession in our attacking half and dominated play, but unfortunately, we didn’t take our chances and that ended up costing us. They were clinical in the second half, and the quality they had up top took their chances on the night.”
Sammut said they have prepared well this week for a huge game, against a side who have continued to impress this season, but he believes they can bounce back from last week’s defeat. “Saturday evening is a massive game for us, but we have trained well this week and it’s a game where we need to bounce back from the loss at Maddington,” he said. “From all reports they are a good side, and play good football, but we are looking forward to the challenge. We will have to make a few changes to the side this week through suspension, illness and injury, but this gives opportunities to the lads who have been waiting for a chance.”
In other games this week, league leaders Kingsley Westside host Canning City at Chichester Park. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Kingsley sit three points clear at the top of the table, and unbeaten this season, so bottom of the table Canning, who are still searching for their first win, face a tough test. Second placed Morley Windmills welcome Wanneroo City to Wotton Reserve. Marc Anthony’s side sit two points behind the leaders, and face a Wanneroo side who will be looking to bounce back from defeat at Balga last week.
Quinns will go in search of their first home win of the season, when they host Maddington-Kalamunda White City at Gumblossom Park. The hosts pushed the leaders all the way last week, before eventually losing to a late goal, while Maddington beat Ashfield, and will be looking to build on that result. Balga will be buoyed by their win against Wanneroo last week, when they host Joondalup City at Princess Road Reserve, while the host will be looking for their first win on the road this season
It’s a big week for Swan United, who take on Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Swan Italian Club, Francis Street on Saturday, before a meeting away with Sorrento in the Australia Cup quarter-final on Tuesday. Rovers were edged out by Morley last week, while Swan were held by Canning, and coach Colin Morgan said it was a disappointing result. “Last week was a really frustrating day for us. We didn't play anywhere near our best, but I believe we were still the better side,” he explained. “But a late mistake at the back cost us the three points I thought we deserved, but that's football, it's cruel sometimes.”
Morgan said they need to take it one game at a time, with the games coming thick and fast, but their sole thought is Saturday’s clash against Rovers. “Your right, a massive week coming up for us, but we can’t look past Rovers at the moments,” he said. “They are a good side, and one we've come up against and beaten in the cup earlier this season. Unfortunately, it seems the injury stick has taken a big swoop at Swan, so our depth is being tested every week at the moment. So, with three games in a week coming up, it's definitely going to be pushed this week, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
1.6.2023
ITALIANO READY TO TAKE OLYROOS OPPORTUNITY
Olyroos attacker Jacob Italiano is enjoying life in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach as he looks ahead to the upcoming Tournoi Maurice Revello and beyond. The 21 year-old is currently in camp in Italy with the national Under-23 squad ahead of the tournament in France, which Australia kick-off against Qatar on Tuesday, 6 June.
“I'm very excited,” said Italiano. “It's a big opportunity for all of us as individuals, and obviously as a group, as a team to push Australian football to the next level, because I feel like our development is definitely going up. And there's a lot of young players that have the potential coming through now to break through in Europe and really, you know, make an impact in Europe as well as. So this is a big opportunity for all of us.”
Italiano is no stranger to national team camps, having represented Australia at every youth level and was a part of the squads which helped the Olyroos secure qualification to the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 AFC Under-23 Asian Cup. The attacking midfielder is relishing the opportunity to reunite with some familiar faces and believes morale within the squad is in a good place.
“Whenever these camps come around, when you see it coming, you see it on the calendar, these windows and stuff and you always look forward to it,” he said. “You’re always training a bit harder to make sure you're picked for these. When you're here you love it, you see boys that you maybe haven't seen for a long time and catch up and you see everyone doing so well.”
Italiano burst onto the scene as a 16-year old with Perth Glory in 2017, becoming the second-youngest Glory player to debut at the time. He was quickly signed by the German heavyweights in December of that year but could not transfer to the club until he turned 18 due to FIFA regulations.
Since moving abroad in 2019, Italiano has amassed close to 80 appearances for his clubs' reserve team, Borussia Monchengladbach II. He started last pre-season with the senior outfit but a combination of injury and illness hindered his efforts to really mount a genuine case for new manager Daniel Farke.
“I had like, five, six days of intense training, I was doing pretty well and then got an injury on my hamstring,” he recalled. “And that kind of took a toll, was a couple of weeks. And then I got hit with glandular fever, right at the end of that injury. So that was like another two, three months.”
It was far from ideal and a test of character, but his perseverance kept him going and finished the season with the second team strongly. “I haven't looked back and I didn't plan playing games and feeling good again,” he added. “So it's definitely finished stronger than it started.”
Italiano revealed he has had conversations with Gladbach about his future, admitting things remain somewhat up in the air about his exact role heading into the 2023/24 campaign. Nonetheless, he remains motivated, intimating he has unfinished business with the team that has shown faith in him, by securing his services to begin with.
“They've informed me that they're still squad planning in terms of the second team with the first team, I think at the moment, I'm kind of in that middle ground where I'm hoping for opportunities,” he admitted. "Like if there were to come opportunities, and there is a chance that I could take it and do well and the club believe in me that I'm still a player that they can push on and see the potential in.
“So obviously, it could definitely be worse and obviously, I'm still very motivated and excited that that opportunity does come because it's been a little while now. I have had some injuries and stuff that have come at bad times and stuff like that. But there's still definitely hope within the club, and hopefully you see a lot of hope within me that I can push on and take that step.”
Should he get to that next step, he will follow the path of several recent Australians to have played in the German top-flight, including Mathew Leckie, who commenced his European adventure at Monchengladbach in 2011. Other Socceroos to have played for the North Rhine-Westphalia club include Damian Mori and Craig Moore.
1.6.2023
ZIMARINO PENS NEW TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH GLORY
Perth Glory have retained the services of young gun Adam Zimarino, the attacker inking a new two-year deal. The 22-year old attacker played 16 games last season and scored goals in back-to-back outings with Sydney FC and Adelaide United late in the season.
Glory head of recruitment Andy Keogh said he was confident Zimarino would continue his development in coming seasons. “Zimmers has done exceptionally well since the turn of the year, contributing to the team and he was unlucky not to have scored more goals,” Keogh said said.
“I feel he is now ready to challenge the starting players and I’m confident he will score goals for Glory. This extension is a just reward for him.” Zimarino started out with Perth SC before impressing for Glory in the National Premier Leagues, where he was named the 2021 Dylan Tombides Male Young Player of the Year.
31.5.2023
LOCAL TRIO CALLED UP FOR JUNIOR MATILDAS
Goalkeeper Jessica Skinner, defender Ruby Cuthbert and midfielder Ischia Brooking have been named in Australia’s Under-17 squad for the upcoming Women's Asian Cup qualifying series against Korea Republic. The local trio will travel with the squad to Paju, north of Seoul, for games on June 6 and 9 at the Korea Football Association’s National Football Centre.
“Korea Republic are one of the strongest nations in this age group and we are looking forward to challenging ourselves against one of the best in Asia in this series,” Young Matildas coach Rae Dower said. “These types of matches are vital to continue to build cohesion as a national team. There will be some debutants amongst the group, whilst the bulk has been together now since October.”
“On the back of increased investment and several camps together over the past six months, we aim to maximise the periods when we do come together. This series will give us a chance to try some different combinations, present first-time opportunities to new players and to see how the players individually and collectively as a team deal with the travel and complexities of playing in Asia.”
Australia have been drawn into Group B, alongside Bangladesh, Vietnam and Philippines for the 2024 AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup Round 2 taking place between 16 and 24 September 2023. The top two sides from each group will join host nation to join Indonesia, Japan, DPR Korea, and China in the finals.
29.5.2023
CIRCATI NAMED MVP IN ITALY
Alessandro Circati is continuing to make waves in Italy while Socceroos boss Graham Arnold watches from afar. The former Perth SC junior has gone from strength to strength with Parma, named Serie B’s Most valuable Player for the 38th and final round of the regular season.
Circati, 19, started in front of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and helped keep Venezia star Joel Pohjanpalo - who has 61 caps for Finland and is the division’s second top scorer - quiet in a 2-1 win as Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari await in a two-legged semi-final play-off after finishing 4th on the ladder.
For Circati, it has been another season of growth with 14 appearances – 10 of those starts - and international honours at youth level for Italy. “We are following Alessandro Circati, yes,” said Italy Under-21 coach Paolo Nicolato. “We know him, he has done some internships with us and has shown that he can handle it.”
Circati was born in Italy but grew up in Perth, playing juniors for Perth before transitioning to the academy system at Perth Glory. Several National Premier Leagues seasons were capped by the 2020 Most Glorious Youth Player Award. Circati joined Parma in March 2021 and has chalked up 20 outings for the club.
29.5.2023
KERR WINS SECOND CONSECUTIVE FWA FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR
Samantha Kerr is one of sport's serial winners, but Australia's record-breaking footballer never takes it for granted. Overnight, the Matildas captain became the first female to collect England's Football Writers' Association's prestigious Footballer of the Year trophy in two consecutive seasons.
But picking up the award just a couple of days before she aims to shoot Chelsea to a fourth consecutive Women's Super League title in England, thus completing another FA Cup-WSL double, Kerr explained how hard she felt it was to stay at the top.
"I think to some people it might look easy, but every year it gets harder and harder to win the league," said Kerr. "Anyone that's involved in football knows how hard it is to come back year after year and to stay at the top. So we're doing everything to win on Saturday."
29.5.2023
SAGE REVEALS GLORY SALE PROGRESSING
Perth Glory could have a new, local owner within the next month as chairman Tony Sage’s sale of the club progresses. Representatives from the Australian Professional Leagues - the governing body of the A-Leagues competitions - are currently in Perth and plan to meet with interested buyers.
it is understood there are at least two local parties interested in acquiring a stake, while current owner Sage plans to meet with a third, overseas-based party next week. Sage told attendees at the club’s Most Glorious Player Awards on the weekend it was unlikely he would be in charge in the near future.
Sage also rubbished rumours the APL were paying player’s wages and denied he had been stripped of the club licence. He did confirm the Glory needed to pay back a loan the APL had provided during COVID which extended through last season as they dealt with moving home games from the 22,000-capacity Perth Oval to Macedonia Park, which holds 4000.
“It wasn’t an easy ride through COVID and especially us now having to extend that through the stadium issue that we had,” said Sage, who took ownership of Glory in 2007. “There is a loan outstanding, but that’s easily paid back once I sell the club or part of the club.”
Sage first revealed in April he had spoken to the APL about the process required in order to sell his club licence. At the time, he said he wanted to retain a stake in the club if possible and has previously spoken about his desire to see any new owners retain the Glory moniker and purple colours.
29.5.2023
AZZURRI NAME HAY AS NEW NPLWA – MENS COACH
Perth SC have appointed former New Zealand national team manager, and Perth Glory defender, Danny Hay as their new NPLM – Men’s Head Coach. The club parted company with Marc and Dale Wingell two weeks ago, despite the club sitting top of the table earlier in the season, but results dropped in recent weeks and the club decided a change was required, with Basil Lenzo taking control in the interim, and was at the helm in their 4-0 win against Inglewood United on Saturday, there first win in five games.
Hay is a former professional and a New Zealand international defender, capped 31 ties for the All Whites, and also played two seasons at Perth Glory, winning the prestigious Perth Glory Most Glorious Player award in 1999, jointly with Scott Miller, before heading to the UK with Leeds United and Walsall. The 48-year-old started his coaching career at Auckland-based high school Sacred Heart College, where he led the school to national championships in 2011, 2014 and 2016. In 2019, Hay led Eastern Suburbs AFC to its first national title in New Zealand in 48 years. He then coached New Zealand’s U17s and was coach of the New Zealand national team from 2019-2022.
Perth SC President Jason Marocchi is delighted to have Hay at Dorrien Gardens, as the club look for the their first NPL title since 2021. “Danny has a track record of coaching success, with a key focus on the development of young footballers,” Marocchi explained. “Danny shares our values and his approach to football is totally aligned with what we are trying to achieve at Perth SC - success, while providing opportunities for talented and serious footballers. We welcome Danny to the Perth SC family and cannot wait to start working with him.”
Hay said he is looking forward to the challenge at one of the biggest clubs in WA. “I am really excited to join a club with such prestige and history in the local game in Western Australia,” he said. “I can’t wait to get working with all at Perth SC to bring the club’s vision to life.” The New Zealander will take on the role on Monday June 5, and in the meantime interim coach Basil Lenzo and assistant Stuart Banks will manage the team one last time for this weekend’s clash against Bayswater City. “On behalf of the club, I want to sincerely thank Basil and Stuart for stepping up and working with the team over the past few weeks,” Marocchi said. “Further announcements on Hay’s support staff will be made in due course.”
28.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SIX REVIEW
Our Belt Up Amateur Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ was an entertaining 0-0 draw between East Perth and Emerald at Cabrini Park. “First half, I thought we played well in patches and had some great opportunities to score. In the second half, the game got scrappy and we lost our composure a little bit but still had some chances but couldn’t convert’ Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “I thought it was a very exciting game, always a tough battle against East Perth but for some brilliant saves from their keeper I think we would have come away with all three points, but we will take the point and keep building on our good form of late.”
The hosts were on the front foot early and Andrew Wood found space in the box, but his shot was superbly saved by Luke Green. The East Perth custodian was in for a busy afternoon, getting down well to deny James Craig’s free kick after the break, before doing likewise to thwart Wood’s long-range shot. East Perth created chances late with Oscar Kelly almost winning it, racing clear on goal, but his shot flew over the top, but at full time the points were shared. “Very good game today against a very good Emerald side,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said.
“We knew they would start very fast and they did exactly that, and for the first 25 minutes they we’re excellent and we just never started. Our keeper was called upon a lot in first half and thankfully was in great form, and for me half time came at good time for us and we had a good chat and reset. I thought we grew into the game and created some great chances especially near the end but just couldn’t capitalise and overall draw fair enough result. Emerald is flying and can see why they are up top of the league, and you are never getting anything for free off them lads so overall happy with result.”
We have a new league leader, with Kelmscott Roos leapfrogging Emerald to the summit after a 4-1 win against Joondalup United at Beldon Park. “It was a tough start to the game for us, we created some really good chances but failed to put any of them away which was frustrating, and we missed a penalty as well, before conceded a sloppy lazy goal and was not a good half,” Kelmscott’s Taylor Warwick explained. “After a few slight changes and quicker ball movement in the second half, we took control of the game and put it to bed quickly. Was a good fight back in the second half and we’re happy with the win overall.”
It was the hosts who opened the scoring on 21 minutes, Dom-Breard Elliott on target. Kelmscott should have levelled before the break, but Alex Ekeze failed to convert from the spot. But three minutes into the second half the did find the equaliser, Miguel Oliveria cross was turned into his own net by Shane Doran. Joondalup were then reduced to ten men two minutes later, after Elliott was sent off, and the visitors hit the front just before the hour mark. Isaac Koomson sending Ekeze down the flank, he whipped in a cross in which was turned into his own net by a Joondalup defender. Kelmscott made it 3-1 on 66 minutes, Lemeo Wordu pinpoint cross found Amos Doegolia who took a great touch and finished clinically. They sealed the points ten minutes later, Doegolia finishing off a great move with a tidy finish in the box.
North Perth sits second on goal difference after a 4-2 win against Peel United at Bortolo Park on Saturday evening. “We had to dig very deep player wise for this game having seven first team players away, and I was so pleased how the players given a starting spot stood up for the battle against a very enthusiastic Peel,” North Perth coach Alex Carter explained. “We weren’t anywhere near our best but we found a way to get the points.” The visitors were out of the blocks early and found the opening goal on three minutes, a free flowing counter attack led to Medhi Gholami, who cut in from the left and firing low past their keeper.
It was 2-0 three minutes later, Peel failed to clear the lines, and in the goalmouth scramble Gholami fired home his second. But Peel hit back with a quickfire brace from Mitchell Kelman levelling the scores on the half hour. But just before the break North Perth regained the lead, Brian Woodall held the ball up well, before crossing to the back post where Jeremiah Markson rose above a pack of players to head home. The game was open and end to end for most the second half, but on 66 minutes North Perth sealed the points, Woodall finishing clinically past Daryl Willmott.
South Perth United moved up to third after a comfortable 5-0 win against Kwinana United at Challenger Reserve. “We got off to the perfect start scoring in the third minute and I thought we dominated the game after scoring so early,” South Perth coach lee Hayward said. “I thought we probably deserved more last week up at North Beach but didn't take our chances and ended up losing, so it was good to see the lads be a lot more clinical than previous weeks.”
The home side were ahead after only three minutes, Ben Greaves broke from midfield, playing a ball into George Stephens who fired home clinically. It was 2-0 on 21 minutes, South Perth skipper Alex Godfrey converting from the spot, to send the hosts into the break in control. A Kwinana comeback was quashed in the opening minute of the second half, with Greaves scoring straight from the restart, before Stephens grabbed a quickfire brace just after the hour mark to seal the game and complete his hat-trick.
Jaguar and North Beach have shared the spoils after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Sunday afternoon. “In my time at North Beach, I've probably not experienced a more entertaining end to end game, despite the full-time result finishing 1-1,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We entered the break down 1-0, but really felt like we could go on and win the game, we weren't short of chances and knew we just had to keep pushing. So, a draw seemed fair on the balance of play and we take a lot of positives away from this tough fixture moving forward.”
The hosts hit the front early, after they were awarded a penalty, after the referee spotted a handball. Conor O’Driscoll stepped up but North Beach keeper Aaron Persse guessed the right way to save, but O’Driscoll fired home the rebound. But the visitors found the equaliser after the break, Ben Reynolds made space out wide, and his perfectly weighted cross found Andy Keogh, who finished clinically. Both sides had chances to win it, the hosts hitting the woodwork, while North Beach had a penalty shout waved away late, so both sides had to share the spoils.
“Unlucky to ourselves we missed a lot of chances and I feel it was a game that would have gone our way, and I thought we dominated the entire first half, and took the lead into the break,” Jags coach Josam Muwowo explained. “But North Beach came back strong and organised in the second half after introducing Andy Keogh who brought stability in their attacking phase. We persisted in missing opportunities which we would have sealed the game, but overall, it was a good game full of flair against a good team. I feel we as a team are slowly improving in certain areas and I believe with time in the season we will get there it's just a matter of taking one game at a time.”
In the final game Wembley Downs won for the third time this season after a 5-1 win against South West Phoenix at Butlers Reserve. “It was a good result for us, after a disappointing loss last week against East Perth, and we look forward to the cup this weekend against Fremantle,” Wembley coach Andrew Whalley said. “Again, much respect to SWP who come so far, every fortnight and they looked dangerous the first ten before we took control. They will score goals, so happy with the three points.”
A late start to this one, after the Football West referee didn’t show, but it was Wembley were ahead when Ben Swinnerton’s corner caused havoc, and was headed into his own net by a Phoenix defender. They doubled their lead in similar circumstances, Swinnerton’s corner headed home by Luke Thistlethwaite. It was 3-0 when Thistlethwaite side footed past the keeper after a mazy run. Halil Russo on debut got the last two goals with a header (his first touch) from a Ryan Morris throw and then a tap in after great work from Dave Brownless. Jayden Browner scored a consolation goal for Phoenix late.
28.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND NINE REVIEW
The NPLWA – Women’s competition headed to the regions in round nine, with the Football West’s Great Southern Regional Festival of Football game between Hyundai NTC and Perth RedStar taking place at Retravision Stadium in Albany, and it was RedStar who extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after a 2-0 win. RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena said the trip was a great experience for both sides, and he was delighted to come home with the three points. “Regional Festival of Football is a great initiative from Football West and we were honoured and privileged to be involved, and I would like to thank Football West for giving us this opportunity,” he said.
“NTC are always a challenge, they are a spirited and well-coached side full of youthful energy. We were able to control the game and maintain possession of the ball which saw us bring home the three points along with the Regional Cup. I am very proud of team’s performance both on and off the pitch this weekend. They represented the club with composure, maturity and professionalism at all times.” NTC had beaten the RedStar in the first round this season, but Vega-Mena’s were on the front foot with Jayna Ridley a constant threat.
Down the other end, Grace Johnston tried her luck from long-range, but it was RedStar who found the opener midway through the half. Japanese midfielder Reina Kagami continuing her hot streak in front of goal, capitalised on an error by NTC, before easing past her marker and finding the corner of the net. RedStar made sure of the points with a second goal from Kagami, she played a nice give and go with Sophia Neal on the edge of the area before curling into the bottom corner, her ninth goal of the season.
Perth SC are up to second on the ladder after a narrow 1-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park on Sunday afternoon. “It was an important three points for us, as we were hit with a number of disappointing results, but the girls have been great despite the struggles in recent weeks, and their character on Sunday showed their ability to bounce back from adversity,” Perth coach Peter Rakic said. “Even with our current long injury list we are hopeful that this can breathe new life and determination into the squad, and carry on our resilient performances moving forward.”
It was a tight first half with both sides having opportunities, although it was Rakic’s side who took control after the break, but they found Subiaco keeper Ash Riddle in fine form. She denied Abbey Meakins and Stella Zampogna, before she injured herself thwarting Judy Connolly. Substitute keeper Jemma Skinner came on, and was soon in the action saving well from another Meakins effort. But 15 minutes from time the Azzurri found the opener, Gemma Craine’s cross picked out Monique Goodding, and she scored on the second attempt. Skinner denied them a second late, after Flannery was sent clear by Craine, but the Subiaco keeper stood tall to deny her.
In other games this weekend, Fremantle City are third on goal difference after a 2-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium on Saturday night. They had to earn to come from behind to take the points, after Jessica Johnson had given the hosts the lead on 20 minutes. Then in the shadows of halftime the visitors levelled, Abbey Green’s cross was headed home by Katarina Jukic. Fremantle should have hit the front early in the second half, but Annabelle Leek saw her penalty saved by Stacey Cavill. But moments later Fremantle won it, Jamie-Lee Gale’s cross from the left was met by Olivia Trueman who made no mistake.
“With most teams being so close in points, Saturday’s game was crucial for us to jump several places on the ladder,” Fremantle’s Laura Waltman said. “Like every week, the girls have been playing with such heart and determination and it is showing on the pitch and now on the scoreboard. It was a very tough game and MUMFC have some really talented girls who made us fight to the last second to get the win.”
On Friday night, Balcatta Etna beat Curtin University 4-0 at Edinburgh Ovql, which kept them in the mix of the top four. “We are really pleased with the win against an improved Curtin team,” Balcatta coach Tim Cash said. “We mixed up the team and tactics resulting in four goals and humbly we would have liked to have scored more. Every goal was well taken with some nice creativity in the build-up, we have a close group and the new players fitted in really well. Special mentions to the goal scorers and notably to Opal Zainurrafiq who scored her first senior goal. Best wishes to Curtin and we look forward to the cup round next week.”
The visitors were ahead on 17 minutes, Tia Stonehill rolled her marker on the edge of the box, before finding the bottom corner. She added a second just before half time, getting on the end of a Andrea Bulgaru cross, to glance a header home. Monique D’Opera added a third after the break, with long-range shot, before they wrapped up the scoring on 73 minutes. Substitute Zainurrafiq turning home at the back post, after good work from Stonehill for here first goal in the NPL.
28.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
Hamersley Rovers have continued their unbeaten start to the season after a narrow 2-1 against Mandurah City at Genesiscare Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Despite the win Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said they need to improve in certain aspects of their play. “Overall, it was not our best game, we were missing key players and we did well to adapt to a very small pitch which suited Mandurah’s long ball style,” he explained. “But Mandurah did play well, the fact we got the result despite not playing well shows the mentality of our team. It has given us useful information on what we need to improve on, which will only make us better.”
Rovers were ahead in this one, when a ball was played down the line by Jessica Smith to Royan Norman who took it through the defence and finished clinically into the bottom corner. But Mandurah levelled before the break, with Georgia Aiesi sent into the box from a throw in, and finished low past the keeper at the near post. But Rovers took all three points back down the freeway when a throw in from Lauren Nicholson found Ella Kerman, who took it onto her right foot and superbly chipped the keeper.
Sorrento are up to fourth after a hard fought 1-0 win against Port Kennedy at Percy Doyle Reserve. The only goal of the game came 11 minutes from time, a ball was lifted over the top of the defence for Bolton Yang, whose shot on the turn found the net across the keeper from about eight meters. Gulls coach Grant O’Connell said they had to work for the win, but thought they deserved it. “For most the first half both teams cancelled each other out, but we managed to take control towards the end of the half, and control the game for most the second half,” he explained. “Port Kennedy were difficult to break down but our effort and perseverance deserved a goal and I think overall we deserved to win the game.”
In other games UWA Nedlands have bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a 4-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “We were keen to get back to our ways after the disappointing performance against Hamersley last week and I believe we are making our way there,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said. “Key focus was on using the ball wisely and building our attacks to suit u, and the players did a fantastic job against a Subiaco side that is full of energy and youth who kept the pressure on us all over the pitch.” The visitors found the opener when a ball was intercepted by Hannah Seeley, who then played a crossfield ball into Rebecca Saccoccio, who finished calmly past the oncoming keeper.
They doubled their lead when a long ball from Maria Iparraguirre found Jasmin Kennett, who sent a pass over top of the Subiaco defence into the path of Ashley Harling, who took one touch and volleyed home from the edge of the box. It was 3-0 when a corner from Alexandra Lyons was flicked on by Harling, and Saccoccio’s shot was cleared off the line by a Subiaco defender, but referee deemed the ball had crossed the line. They wrapped up the scoring late with a fourth, Tiahna Atkins cross from the right picked out Chloe Rodrigo who made no mistake, given the visitors a comfortable win.
In the final game Perth AFC maintained third spot, after a comfortable 7-0 win against bottom of the table Armadale at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Daisy Spill bagged four on the day, while Jess Moreschini grabbed a hat-trick, as the visitors ran riot. “It was great to finally put a few goals in the back of the net, some really nice finishes and even hitting the post a few times,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said. “The first half we put together some great one touch football, knocking the ball around and linking up really well which was great to see.”
It been a huge week for Caruso, who was named Female Week Football West Male Champion, and he said the club have been tremendous and also deserve credit. “It's an amazing feeling getting named, but I couldn't do it without the amazing group of people we have at the club. They make everything we do so much easier and enjoyable,” he explained. “It's amazing to see where the club and the Female game is headed and I'm excited for what the future holds for the game.”
27.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND TEN, MATCH OF THE ROUND – OLYMPIC WIN A SEVEN GOAL THRILLER
Our ‘Match of the Round’ at Kingsway Reserve on Saturday evening didn’t disappoint, with Olympic Kingsway and Bayswater City playing out a seven-goal thriller, with the hosts prevailing 4-3. “We are really happy with the result, I thought we showed great character after losing the lead three times. We still continued to play our football and believe we could get a result right until the end,” Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson explained.
“First half I thought we were excellent, controlled the ball really well and created numerous goal scoring opportunities, and we’re unlucky not to come in at half time with a lead. They started to grow into the game in the second half. We showed great discipline in our defending to ride out the storm and take the once lead again. We continued to work really hard and made it difficult for them to create chances, so overall we take a lot of confidence from the result and look to take this into next week’s game.”
The host hit the front on 13 minutes, skipper Shane Cassidy’s pass found David Perich in acres of space in the middle of the park, he raced forward, his shot from the edge of the box was blocked, but he regained possession and finished low past Casey Robertson. But in the shadows of half time Bayswater found the equaliser, referee Josh Nixon spotting a handball from Cassidy, and Ndumba Makeche converted from the spot.
Olympic regained the lead on the hour, a long ball from Cassidy found Robertson in no man’s land, looking for the ball to roll out of play, and Sasa Njegic nicked the ball off him and squared the ball to Ciaran Byrne, who made no mistake. But City restored parity two minutes later, Makeche got to Declan Hargreaves pass, before keeper Joe Pollard, and when the ball bounced, the striker back heeled the ball home from five meters.
The hosts, who were coming off a big loss against Inglewood last weekend, hit the front again eight minutes from time, Ollie Annis’ corner was headed home by Byrne. But in the final minute it looked like City had earned a point, after the referee pointed to the spot after a high boot on Sam Mitchinson from Cian Hirrell, and Jon Stynes finished low past Pollard from the resulting penalty. But deep into stoppage time David Tough’s side found the winner. Annis’ corner was nodded down by Hirrell, and Calum O’Connell blasted the ball home from close-range, much to the delight of the home faithful.
“Obviously a great win and to bounce back after the defeat last week. But the more pleasing aspect was the performance. We were really poor against Inglewood, so we put it to the boys and today we got a reaction, everything lifted from training during the week and our mental strength,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards explained. “It was a good night for Olympic Kingsway to showcase the facilities and new lights. The crowd came down and the game didn’t disappoint, obviously we came away with the three points so it was a happy camp.
“Bayswater are a big club a great team and credit to them. They just wouldn’t go away and that shows the team ethic and the experience they have. Gareth (Naven) and his group have been on a good run and you could see the confidence and structure of their play was very efficient. We know that when we work and play like we did we are a challenge for any team. I thought it was an entertaining game which both teams played their part and a good advert for WA NPL football.”
OLYMPIC KINGSWAY - GK Joe POLLARD, 4 Cian HIRRELL, 5 Calum O’CONNELL, 9 Ciaran BYRNE, 10 Tyler GARNER, 12 James FANELLI, 13 Sasa NJEGIC (19 Joe HOBSON 76’), 14 Liam MURRAY (20 Lebib LEBIB 90’), 15 Shane CASSIDY, 16 David PERICH (8 Ollie ANNIS 61’), 17 Joshua SAMSON – Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 2 Oscar BARRY, 3 Daniel WALSH
BAYSWATER CITY - GK Casey ROBERTSON, 6 Declan HARGREAVES, 7 Jon STYNES, 9 Ndumba MAKECHE (17 Teeboy KAMARA 76’), 10 Jason MIRCO, 13 Jordan ABRAHAMS, 14 Samuel DWEH, 15 Jackson STEPHENS (12 Steven HESKETH 85’), 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 23 Cameron EDWARDS, 27 Andrew MARANTA (11 Gustavo CATARCIONE 72’) – Subs not used: 18 Aryan YAZARLOU
27.3.2023
NPL-WA ROUND TEN - REVIEW
Stirling Macedonia moved to the top of the table after a thrashing a ten-man Armadale 5-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “A very good win and well deserved,” keeper James Bosdet said. “We knew it would be tough with their direct play and physical side of the game but the boys rose to the challenge and then once we started to control the game, we created a number of chances and restricted Armadale to only a couple. Great to get our fourth clean sheet in the row and another big three points which took us top of the league.”
The visitors arrived one point ahead of the hosts on the table, with Armadale squad stretched due to injury and suspension, and it was Stirling who found the opener on 17 minutes, a ball over the top sent Kingsley Eshun in on goal, his shot was saved by Joel Driscoll, but Asher Nelson was quickest to the rebound and lobbed the keeper. Armadale pressed but couldn’t find a way past a tight Stirling defence, and at the break they had it all to do.
Jackson went close early in the second half, but James Bosdet stood tall to deny, but any chances of mounting a comeback became even harder on 65 minutes after Jackson was sent off. Tim Berger played the striker in on goal and Stirling keeper Bosdet was out bravely to save at his feet, but the referee deemed it to be late tackle and showed him a red card. To make matters worse Calvin Whitney doubled Stirling’s lead six minutes later, Nelson sent Eshun down the right, and he raced past his marker and pulled the ball back to the unmarked Stirling midfielder who made no mistake.
With Armadale chasing the game, the visitors added a third eight minutes later, Scottish defender James McGowan heading home from close-range. The scoreline blew out in stoppage time, with substitute Samim Fattahi racing clear and rounding Driscoll to score, before Daniel Faichney pounced on a poor back pass and beat Driscoll to the ball before rolling it home, to give Ian Ferguson’s side a 5-0 win.
“I think that this win is a reflection of what we have been capable of all along, and we have started taking our chances and it makes us quite tough to beat,” Brent Quick said. “Armadale have scored the most goals in the league which we saw as a good test for our defence. Even though they looked dangerous at times we were calm at the back and handled it well. It’s also awesome to see our attackers go ahead and capitalise on their opportunities. All around it was a great team performance that we hope continues into our next games.”
Perth SC are back in the winner’s circle and gave interim coach Basil Lenzo his first win in charge after a 4-0 win against Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens. “A great result for the club, and it was a much-needed win,” Perth defender Julian Teles said. “I thought the team played well and as a unit it we were very solid, so it was a great performance to build on for next week’s game Bayswater.”
The hosts made a great start and were ahead on 12 minutes, Julian Teles losing his marker from a corner to head home at the back post. The big defender doubled the Azzurri’s eight minutes before the break, Ethan Banks free kick was headed home by the former Cockburn defender.
Inglewood’s chances of a comeback were halted ten minutes into the second half when Anthony Bafobusha was shown a second yellow card and sent off, after a strong challenge on Sam Cook. The hosts kept the pressure on and added a third on 68 minutes, Banks good run down the left saw him cut inside the penalty area, he got a lucky deflection to take him clear, but he finished with low past Alex Dunn.
They wrapped up the points two minutes from time, Teles sent Zayd Farah down the right, his cross found Banks, whose shot hit one of his own players, the rebound falling to substitute Jeremie Mba on the edge of the box who made no mistake. To move them up to ninth on the table.
Perth Glory have snatched a dramatic stoppage time goal to secure a 3-2 win against Sorrento in the Football West’s Great Southern Regional Festival of Football in Albany. “A good performance from us and we deserved the result,” Glory coach John Walmsley said. “We had chances to put the game to bed earlier with a penalty miss and hitting the crossbar twice, but lacked that end product in front of goal. We showed great character to bounce back from the late Sorrento equaliser and get the win.”
Walmsley said the journey to the regions was great for his young side, and it was a productive trip on and off the pitch. “The trip down here has been superb we always try to be exciting to watch and create a lot of chances and we did that in the match,” he explained. “After the game it was great to see the local fans and youngsters interacting with the players on the pitch. We have enjoyed our time down here and have been looked after really well, so a big thank you to everyone involved with hosting and organising the event.”
It was a thriller from the first whistle, with Laat Mathiang giving the Glory youngsters the lead on ten minutes, Joseph Forde long ball found the midfielder down the right, he raced into goal and finished low past Patrick Hughes at his near post. But their lead only lasted nine minutes, when a foul by Danny Douglas on Joe Tweats saw referee Tom Glavovic point to the spot, and Gulls skipper Dean Cummings sent Luca Iovene the wrong way from the resulting penalty.
Glory regained the lead on the half hour, Jayden Gorman’s cross from the left wasn’t dealt with and Joshua Anasmo shot was blocked and then turned into own net by the unfortunate Mark Barnett. They had the perfect opportunity to make it three moments later after Jaylan Pearman sent James Overy into the penalty area and he was brought down by Jordan Brown, and the referee again pointed to the spot. Gorman stepped up, but his penalty was well saved by Hughes, a way to his left.
The second half had chances at both ends, but it looked Glory would travel home with the points, but in the final minute Sorrento levelled. Hugo Snowden slipped Clay Gibbs into the penalty area, and he pulled the ball back to Cummings, who made no mistake. But the drama wasn’t over there and in the second minute of stoppage time Glory won it. A long clearance from Iovene was flicked on by Joel Anasmo, with fellow substitute Khoa Ngo receiving the ball and his shot from the edge of the penalty area curled into the bottom corner to seal the three points and move them up to fourth on the table.
“It was a great win, really strong and mature performance from the boys, and going into the game we had a good feeling and the trip had a good feel to it,” Glory defender Kaelan Majeks said. “Sorrento are always a tough game as they know how to score and they are a smart side, which made it a fight until the last seconds of the game. We were able to control the game and work together throughout the whole game, which is why we ended up scoring the winner in the last stages of the game. It was a great trip to Albany as a group and it was a great way to spread the NPLWA in our regions, it looked like the fans had a great time and I’m sure the NPLWA will now continue in increasing its viewers and fans across Australia.”
Perth RedStar have won at home for the first time this season, after a 5-1 win against Cockburn City at the RedStar Arena, with Daryl Nicol the star bagging another hat-trick. “I thought it was another very dominant display from us against a Cockburn side that didn’t really show any ambition in trying to go forward,” Nicol explained. “It’s important to get the first goal against teams like that and once we got that first goal it was an easy enough victory for us. I was delighted with my hat trick and the way the team played, and we look forward to going again next week against Olympic.”
Both sides had chances in the first half, but it was the league’s top goalscorer Daryl Nicol who opened the scoring on 35 minutes. A quick break down the right ended with a neat back heel by Chok Dau, and Riley Warland squared the ball to Nicol, and the striker finished low past Michael Craggs. The Scottish striker added another five minutes later, Warland and Oscar Malfiore combined down the right, the latter finding Nicol, who skipped past his marker and found the bottom corner of the net.
It was 3-0 on the hour, Declan Hughes free kick was swept home by Dau at the near post. Nicol then completed his hat trick four minutes later. He started the move, sending Dau down the left, and he continued his run and was picked out by Dau, and his quick feet took him clear of three Cockburn defenders, before poking the ball home from six meters.
The Cockerels pulled one back 12 minutes from time, Jesse Lazzaro sent substitute Justin Tang down the right, he cut inside his marker and curled home superbly past Liam Reddy and into the top corner of the net. But it was just a consolation, and the hosts rounded off the scoring with a fifth moments later, Andy Higgins’ corner picked out Hughes at the back post, his header was blocked, but he fired home the rebound, the win moving the hosts to second on the table.
Coach David Butterfield said the players were outstanding, in a well-deserved victory. “Great result for the boys on Saturday, the effort and togetherness of the group was outstanding,” he said. “I thought we created the better of the chances in the first half and deserved to be two nil up. Second half we defended the lead well and managed to create a few more decent opportunities which we took well. It was also good that we managed to get a few younger players on after the fourth goal which was great.”
In the final game, Floreat Athena remain at the foot of the table, but they have stopped their five-game losing streak, after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Balcatta at Grindleford Reserve. “I felt we were the more dominant side and even though we didn’t get the win,” Floreat’s Nick Ambrogio said. “There were improvements in our game which we can hopefully build on for our upcoming fixtures.”
Balcatta’s Adam Buckingham said they had their chances, but a draw was a fair result. “I thought the game was fairly even throughout, but I thought we had the better chances in the first half to score and looked quite dangerous when going forward,” he said. “The second half was a much more open game and they started strong but we were solid defensively. All things considered a draw was probably a fair result.” The visitors went close early, good work down the right saw the ball crossed to Noah Shamaki, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.
Down the other end Trent Kay was picked out from a corner, but he headed straight at Jason Saldaris. The Floreat keeper then saved well, tipping Declan Hudson shot over the top. After the break the game opened up, but both defences were on top, and Ambrogio shot from the edge of the box was tipped over by Domenic Savoldelli. Sean McManus then went close after being picked out, but his volley flew over the top.
The hosts thought they had a penalty late in the game, Ben Hinshelwood’s shot looked to hit the arm of a Floreat player, but the referee waved away the home sides protests. “Today was a hard-fought draw against a hard-working Balcatta side, where either team had chances to take the points,” Ludovic Boi said. “Happy for us not to concede as we have lost our five league games so it’s a positive, we can look at. But it’s back to basics for us now and make sure we get more points.”
27.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND NINE REVIEW
Fremantle City have kept the pressure on leaders Western Knights after a come from behind 4-2 win in our State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ against Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “We knew it was a tough place to come as they’ve been on a good run losing one in six games along the way,” Fremantle coach Matthew Sparrow said. “We started slowly and found ourselves two goals down, and we needed a reaction and we found one just before the break. A big second half was needed and we kept the pressure on them and we were rewarded with three goals, the last a brilliant solo goal from Roberto Soares. That put the game to bed and give us a vital three points to keep us in touch with the league leaders.”
The hosts were on the front foot early and were ahead on two minutes, Tom Kennedy’s free kick was headed home by Aaron Coslani. Gosnells doubled their advantage on 24 minutes, Joshua Spencer’s corner from the left wasn’t dealt with and Jamie Burns fired home from close-range. Fremantle needed a reaction and they found it three minutes later, Hamza Hina raced to the bye-line and cut the ball across goal and Alex McLean found the bottom corner.
Fremantle levelled early in the second half, Hina again raced into the box and pulled the ball back to Martim Galvoa who finished well. Fremantle had the momentum and the game got heated on the hour, when a stray elbow caused a melee, but after it died down it was the visitors who hit the front for the first time in the match 20 minutes from time, Patrick Loughrey’s corner headed home Roberto Soares. Gosnells pressed late but they couldn’t find the equaliser and five minutes from time Fremantle added a fourth. Soares received the ball just inside the Gosnells half and raced forward before his shot flew into the top corner of the net giving Dane McBride no chance.
Western Knights maintained their lead at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Subiaco at Nash Field. “I was really happy to get a convincing win at home, the Knights fans deserved to see a victory at home for the first time since round two, which was mainly due to fixturing, but still it’s been long overdue,” Knights Sean Donovan explained. “I thought everyone showed up yesterday to win their one v one battles across the park, and were strong in all departments.
“Subiaco presented a tough challenge with their direct play, and you always have to be wary when Gavin Knight is lurking because we all know he can find the back of the net out of nowhere. But a very strong performance gives us good confidence at the top. All eyes turn to the big game against Mandurah next Saturday now, so this week will be crucial in our preparation for that clash.” The Knights were ahead on six minutes, Owen Goodliffe won possession in the middle of the park and sent Donovan in on goal, and he finished low past Conor Hogan.
They doubled their lead ten minutes before half time, a solo run by Goodliffe ended with low shot with the outside of foot that found the bottom corner. Subiaco looked for a quick response after the break and Gavin Knight’s free kick smacked off the crossbar early. But it was the hosts who secured the points with a third two minutes from time, substitute Paul Lloyd racing into the penalty area and finishing well.
Mandurah City remain second after taking out the ‘Ben Novak Trophy’ after a 2-0 win against Forrestfield United at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. “Saturday was an important win for us going into the top of table clash and the upcoming weeks,” Mandurah’s Murray Mackintosh said. “It’s an exciting league at both ends currently, and Forrestfield played well but we knew that we could eventually break them down by persisting in the second half and two quick fire goals were just what we needed.”
It was a tight first half, with both sides creating chances, but it was the Dolphins who found the opener on 67 minutes, Robbie Galvin’s free kick from the left found Shaun Mukwevho who headed home at the back post. They added a second moments later, new recruit Brian Patterson ball down the middle was picked up Joe O’Brien, who controlled the ball superbly, before dinking the ball over Nick Stone.
Joondalup United produced a stunning late comeback, with two goals in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw against Gwelup Croatia at the Croatian Sporting Club, Wishart Street. “It was pleasing to get something out of the game considering the position we were in. The boys never stop and we deserved to get at least a point in the game,” Joondalup defender Ben Johns said. “We definitely wanted all three points to cement our place in the top four, but we’ll take the point and look to improve with Forrestfield next week.”
The hosts hit the front early in the second half, Charlie Chechlacz scoring his first goal for the club, curling in a free-kick past Todd Hoyle. It looked like the points were safe as the hosts doubled their lead three minutes from time, Matthew Henry burst into the penalty area and finished with aplomb. But sixty seconds later Joondalup found a lifeline, after referee Stewart Beattie spotted a trip on Callum Stocks by Andrew Scaldaferro, and Jay Lang scored the resulting penalty.
It was game on, then in the sixth minute of stoppage time, the visitors levelled. A long clearance was flicked on by Shaun Kilkelly, and James Harmer raced clear and finished clinically past Josiah Godfrey. “Obviously nice to get my first goal for the club, but really disappointed with how we finished the game, no excuse for not taking all three three from the position we got ourselves into,” Henry said. “Game management is something we have to improve on going forwards, we played some nice football and created some chances which is positive but the whole squad feel disappointed with how we finished the game.”
Rockingham City have won for the third time this season, after beating Murdoch University Melville 4-3 in a thriller at Besteam Stadium. “Happy to come away from a tough away ground with the three points,” Rockingham coach Kris Donnell said. “We started off really well with lots of energy and a lot of possession, but we had to be patient throughout the game with MUMFC block, but the boys were excellent and scored some great goals today. I couldn't ask any more of the whole squad today they all put maximum effort in.”
It was an exciting first half, with goals aplenty, and it was Taylor Carter who opened the scoring for the visitors on three minutes, before Sebastian Hooshangian levelled on 25 minutes. Rockingham regained the lead six minutes later with Rory McGrath scoring, but Hooshangian restored parity from the spot two minutes later, and that was the score at the break. Jayden Leader added a third for Rockingham on the hour, and the points looked safe when Josh Mackinder made it 4-2 in the final minute. Christos Vaenas did pull one back for MUMFC in stoppage time, but it was too little too late.
In the final game Dianella White Eagles recent improvement has continued with a 2-0 win against UWA Nedlands at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. An early goal from Igor Cvijanovic gave the hosts the lead early, before the points were wrapped up six minutes from time with Jonty Pearson on target. “Delighted to get the win, and our first clean sheet of the season,” Dianella coach Angel Andres said. “We are playing well as a team at the moment and we’re being rewarded for the effort, long may it continue.”
27.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND NINE REVIEW
Our State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ was a tight affair, with Morley Windmills coming from behind to beat Carramar Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at Wotton Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “It was a hard-fought win, Shamrock made it difficult for us and we had to regroup at half time as we were nowhere near good enough,” Morley coach Marc Anthony explained. “But in the second half we showed more urgency and quality and we’re happy to get the three points.”
It was the visitors who made the better start, and made it 1-0 after only six minutes. A throw from the right found its way to Chris Pugh on the edge of the box, and his half volley beat Duncan Lennon-Black. The hosts hit back early in the second half, Steve Purton’s free kick from the left was headed home by Ishmael Dawson. The home side won it 20 minutes from time, new signing Darren Francis’ cross picked out Dawson, who headed home his second of the game and seal the three points.
“From our point of view this was a game of two halves, and I don’t think we have played as poorly as we did in the first half this season and to be honest, we were very lucky to only go in 1-0 down at half time,” Morley’s Kevin Ashwood explained. “Rightly so the coaching staff told us a few home truths at the break and we came out a completely different side, and the goal straight after the break helped us settle. Then we were able to get the second and ride out some late pressure to get an important win, against one of our rivals and keep our run going.”
League leaders Kingsley Westside remained top, but also had to come behind at the break, to beat Quinns 3-2 at Gumblossom Park on Saturday evening. “It was a game of two halves by us very average first half and giving away possession to easy which I wasn’t pleased with and probably found ourselves lucky that it was only 2-1 at half time.” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich explained. “Some very harsh words at the break seemed to do the trick, and I felt we controlled second half and probably deserved the win in the end. We now prepare for Canning.’
The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Paul Stewart finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box. But the hosts hit back moments later with Tyler Holden scoring, and he gave them the lead soon after, to send Quinns into the break with the lead. Kingsley, who were the only unbeaten side in the league going into the round, restored parity four minutes in the second half, Luke Salmon’s dipping free kick from distance found the bottom corner of the net. Then 17 minutes from time Kingsley won it, Jonny Hulme’s free kick wasn’t cleared, and Luke Doyle was on hand to force the ball home.
The round kicked off on Friday evening, with Curtin University moving up to third on the table after a 3-0 win against Joondalup City at Edinburgh Oval. “Really pleased with three points, they lifted their intensity in the second half and we didn't raise ours to where it needs to be to control the game so that's something we will work on,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith explained. “Overall, three goals, three points and a clean sheet we will take and move onto next week against Ashfield.”
The hosts broke the game open with two in two minutes. First on 25 minutes a Curtin set-piece wasn’t dealt with, and in the goal mouth scramble Simone Sichel fired home. He was in again moments later, Janno Saks sending Sichel in on goal and he finished clinically. Joondalup pressed after half time, but couldn’t find a way back into the game and in stoppage time Curtin sealed the points, Daniel Davey cutting in from the left and finding the top corner from range.
Maddington-Kalamunda White City moved up to seventh on the table after a 3-0 win against Ashfield at Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening. “It was a very intense game in the first half we started with a strong mentality after losing against the bottom of the table last Saturday,” Maddington skipper Nicolas Pardo explained. “In the second half, we knew that we could get the points to continue in the fight to reach the league promotion. Now our goal is to try to win the next two games to finish the first round in a favourable position and continue to make a dream debut in our first year in the state league.”
It was City who hit the front, five minutes into the second half, a quick counter attack saw Jose Zuniga and Andres Gonzalez combined, his cross was turned into his own net by Jake Melia. It was 2-0 on the hour, Zuniga finding Farruh Mavlonov, who made no mistake. The pair combined again five minutes later, with the same result, Mavlonov making it 3-0, and sealing the points. Ashfield finishing the game with ten men, with Jared Flavel given a straight red card.
Swan United and Canning City have fought out a 1-1 draw at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. “The boys performed really well yesterday, I thought we deserved more at the end of it all,” Canning keeper Alec Radonich said. “We created plenty of chances and just couldn’t finish them, hitting the woodwork on multiple occasions. Hopefully this performance is something we can build on and push forward.”
All the goals came late in this one, and it was Swan who opened the scoring six minutes from time, Rhys Loxley pressed a Canning centre back and won the ball on by-line, before cutting the ball back to John Monterosso, who finished into the bottom corner. But five minutes later Canning levelled, with William Jacobsz scoring, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “The draw felt like a loss especially after going 1-0 up, on a day where we weren’t at our best,” Swan striker John Monterosso said. “But getting a lead so late in the game should have been enough to secure three points at home.”
In the final game Balga scored late to beat Wanneroo City 3-2 at Princess Road Reserve. “Firstly, condolences to Edin Nalic and his family, such a big player missing for the Wanneroo lads,” Balga’s Nathan Scully explained. “Both sides played in good spirits, and was a hard-fought game. Both had chances, but we managed to get on top in the second half, and our pressure was rewarded in the end.”
It was a sombre start to the game with a minute’s silence for Edin Nalic and his family, after the passing of his mother. The game had a frantic start and the hosts opened the scoring on five minutes, Jordan Rowe finding space at the back post to head home a free kick. But Wanneroo levelled four minutes later, with Dion Berman on target. Then on the half hour Greg Greenwood gave the visitors the lead, and they lead 2-1 at the break.
It was a closely-fought second half, with both sides having their chances, but on 71 minutes Balga equalised. Good work through the midfield, the ball was cut back by Nichola Pikes to Henry Wilkinson-Derums, who headed home at the front post. Then ten minutes from time Gerhard Janssen’s side won it, Rowe stepped in from centre back, got past two players and his stunning shot found the top corner.
26.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SIX PREVIEW
We head into week six of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division and our “Match of the Round’ sees league leaders Emerald FC taking on East Perth FC at Cabrini Park. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated). Emerald are coming off a big win against Joondalup last week, while East Perth edged out Wembley to move up to seventh on the table, but this fixture produced some thrilling football last season, and I’m sure it will be more of the same on Sunday.
Emerald sits on top of the table, one point ahead of Jaguar, North Perth United and Kelmscott Roos, and are the only unbeaten side in the competition, and last week’s dominate performance against Joondalup, was pleasing, and central defender Shane Wentworth said things clicked in front of goal, something they have been threatening to do for a while. “Last week was pleasing as we’d started slow, but once we got the ball down, we created a number of chances and we were able to be clinical and finish off our chances,” he explained. “It was great to continue the momentum we’ve been building so far this season.”
Wentworth said Sunday will be another challenging game against an improving East Perth side, and they are ready for another tough game and keeping their unbeaten run going. “It is always a tough game against East Perth with it being a rival game for two Irish clubs,” he said. “However, we want to keep focusing on ourselves and what we’ve done well so far this season. If we’re able to keep executing our game plans, then hopefully we’ll be able to come away on the right side of the result.”
East Perth sits in seventh place, but only two points behind Sunday’s opponents, and defender David Long said they are starting to hit their straps, and last week's win at Wembley was important, to keep their run of form going. “We knew going to Wembley is never an easy game, they’re always up for a battle, a team we couldn’t seem to beat last year so the 2-1 win is a step forward,” he said. “We started the game well, dominating the from the start and were rewarded with the lead.
“But I felt like we stopped playing football after the first half and hour, and went a bit flat, trying to force the ball and they caught us sleeping to level the game. Luck was probably on our side with Luke Green making a good save from the penalty but the boys never gave up, and we kept pressing them and thankfully got the winner late.”
Long said Emerald have started well, but with only two points separating the two sides, so a win in this one is very important. “It’s a bit of an Irish derby you could say, and it’s was a good game between the two sides last year,” he said. “I have full confidence in the squad this year that if we show up on the day, we can beat any team in front of us. Yes, getting a few boys back is good, as well as a few new boys joining the club is always a bonus. We just take each week as it comes, and each week we are just getting better and better with the boys coming together well.”
Jaguar missed the opportunity to leap above Emerald in midweek, losing 1-2 against Peel United at Bortolo Park in a round two catch up game. Mitchell Kelman gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half, before Tristan Sullivan doubled their advantage early in the second half. Ayella Joseph gave Jags a lifeline ten minutes from time, but Peel hung on to secure their first win of the season, and Alec Smith said it was a great team performance.
“We were aware that Jags would be tough competition and we went into the game with a focused mindset. We’ve played some really good football the past few weeks and we knew a win was not far away. It was a tough 90 minutes but we stood tall and overcame challenges that came our way. It was great to see Mitch Kelman back amongst the goals, his presence in the team makes a significant impact and boosts us as a team. However, it’s just about one player, every single member from the team put in 100% and need to take that into game to comes.”
Peel host North Perth United on Saturday evening (7pm), and Smith said they are one of the favourites for the title, but they are ready for another tough game, and Wednesday win has given them some much needed confidence. “We are excited to welcome North Perth. It will be a tough game and are fully aware of the challenges they pose,” he said. “We are determined to carry on this momentum from our win against Jags and will use this to our advantage. Key for us to stay disciplined, stick to our game plan and exploit any opportunities that come our way. We’re heading into this game full on confidence and determination to secure another three points.”
In other games this weekend Wembley Downs host South West Phoenix at Butlers Reserve (1pm), Kelmscott Roos make the trip to Beldon Park to take on Joondalup United, while South Perth United and Kwinana United meet at Challenger Reserve. In the final game Jaguar will look to bounced back from their first loss of the season at Peel in midweek, when they entertain North Beach at Herb Graham Recreation Centre (3pm) North Beach moved up to sixth after their win against South Perth last week, and coach Nick Di Carlo said it was another tough game, and he’s expecting another one on Sunday.
“It's never a dull fixture between the both of us last week, and we played really well to earn the three points. We made some big substitutions when we were pegged back to 1-1 and it was great to see Andy (Keogh) come on and get us the winner we felt we deserved,” he explained. “Jaguar's midweek result was a bit unexpected in some regards but also just shows that every team in this league can earn three points on any given day. We won't be reading into this coming into Sunday as we continue to focus on our internal structures heading into the weekend. We haven't played at Herb Graham before and understand it’s a large pitch, so we'll setup accordingly and work hard to hopefully walk away with another win.”
26.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND NINE PREVIEW
The NPLWA – Women’s competition, like the Mens, are in Albany this weekend, with leaders Perth RedStar taking on the Hyundai NTC at the Retravision Stadium on Saturday afternoon. (2pm) It’s a repeat of the Round One fixtures, when the NTC became the first team to beat RedStar in a league game since their formation, but the NTC youngsters have lost two out of their last three games to slip from top spot, the latest a 3-0 loss at Balcatta, while RedStar continue to march on, and last week edged out MUMFC in a tight encounter.
RedStar striker Renee Leota said the game against MUMFC was a tough one, and they took it to them, and it was a hard-fought win. “Yes, MUM definitely brought it to us - which we expected, they had some great results in the lead up and were in form, but I thought we fought hard last week, and it was a physical game,” she explained. “I thought we deserved the win for sure, we kept the ball well and made sure to spread them and picked moments to mix it up and be a bit more direct as well - bit unfortunate not to finish a couple more.”
Leota said the girls are buzzing to get down to Albany and spread the NPLWA football word in the regions, and is expecting the NTC to be up for a big game, especially after they beat them at home in round one. “It’s a fantastic initiative from Football West and we’re super honoured to be a part of it, yes we’re all very excited,” We haven’t been away as a team for a while, so that’s an added element, and I think considering the result of the last game against NTC we have some work to do down there, but we’re up for it more than ever. We’ve come together quite nicely as a team, got some momentum behind us now and feeling good, so we’re looking to take that in to this match and get the three points.”
NTC assistant coach Fernando Barreiro is hopeful the game against the leaders can spark them back to their early season form, but knows it will be challenge. “When you start losing games it’s easy to just throw your plans out of the window and start all over again, but that’s something myself and Ben (Anderton) will never do,” he told the Football West website.
“We’re true to the plan, sticking to the process, staying focused and we’re confident the results will come. Yes, we’ve had players missing, but it’s also an opportunity for other players in the squad to step up, show their skills, and remind other players when they come back that they’re going to have to fight to get back into this team.
“RedStar are a quality outfit who are disciplined and well organised and I think it will be a cagey affair and a tactical battle against a team riding high. We want to be playing in these games against the top teams though, because it’s good for our group of girls and we’re absolutely looking forward to it. The league is wide open and if you can string two or three wins together it’s a case of ‘look where we are on the table’. We’re only in round eight and there’s still a long way to go.”
Fremantle City will look to build on their win at Perth SC last week, when they visit Besteam Stadium on Saturday, to take on Murdoch University Melville. (5pm) The hosts lost narrowly at RedStar, a result that left them four points behind the leaders, while the win at Perth moved City up to fifth, hot on the heels of MUMFC. Fremantle defender Jamie-Lee Gale said the win at Dorrien Gardens was terrific, but they need to bring the same intensity into this week’s game.
“I thought our game against Perth was our best performance as a squad this year, especially in the second half,” she said. “The first half both sides were struggling to keep possession and although it was a high intensity game, we conceded early into the game. However, we know how close the league is this year so it was a must win game for us and the girls didn’t drop their heads and we continued to break lines and create changes. We will be looking to take that energy and hunger to win into our game against Murdoch this week.”
The round kicks off on Friday evening when Curtin University, who will buoyed by a better performance last week, host Balcatta Etna. (6.30pm) It’s a double-header on the night, with the Curtin Division One Mens side hosting Joondalup City in the late game. Balcatta stunned the NTC last week, and will look to keep the pressure on the teams above them with a win here, but Curtin will be hoping to win their first points of the season. In the final game Subiaco AFC welcome Perth SC to Rosalie Park on Sunday. (3.45pm)
The Azzurri slipped up at home last week, while Subiaco beat Curtin, with striker Frankie Murray bagging a brace. The striker said Curtin were well organised and gave them a good game, which is pleasing to see for the league. “It was definitely a different game to last time we played them, I think we worked well in a different formation and put pressure on their back line,” she explained. “It was a good win and has given us some momentum again, going into Saturday’s game against Perth. They are always a tough side to play, they move the ball quickly through the middle, but we are looking to play to our advantages and have put a lot of work in to it at training, and hopefully we can get a good result.”
26.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
Mandurah City were edged out at Perth AFC last week in the Women’s League Division One leaving them sixth on the table, and this week they face the daunting challenge of taking on the league leaders and unbeaten Hamersley Rovers at Genesiscare Stadium on Sunday afternoon. (3pm) Rovers have taken all before them this season, winning all six games, the latest in the top of the table clash with UWA, and Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said the unbeaten Rovers will be a tough challenge, but they can’t wait to test themselves against the best.
“Rovers arrive after winning all their games, and only and having conceded only one goal in six games, a daunting task, but one we are looking forward to undertaking,” Loreto explained. “We look forward to the challenge, and again measuring where our team is at compared with the best. All we can promise is that we will give it our best, try to play good football, and enjoy ourselves in the process, bring on Sunday.”
Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said they will look to keep their momentum going, but knows Mandurah will be difficult on their home ground. “After the deserve win against UWA, we are looking to take all three points in Mandurah,” he said. “We know they are a good side and the game will be a battle, but we are working well to keep our momentum going but to not become competent. We want good momentum going into our cup game against MUMFC.”
Second placed UWA Nedlands will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season at Hamersley, when they make the trip to Rosalie Park to meet Subiaco AFC (1pm) The hosts were beaten at Port Kennedy last week, while UWA loss at Rovers was disappointing for coach Lawrence Lewis, and he will be looking for a response from his side on Sunday. “Not the way we wanted it to go, of course and was by far our worst performance of the season,” he explained.
“We started of the game strong with shots on goal and tested the Hamersley defence well, but then started to slip away from us. It was definitely a wakeup call for us, so we have got back to training hard and prepare for the trip to Subiaco. They are a team we have not come up against in our division before, so it will be an interesting encounter. We know they are a very young side with full of energy and will be looking to try to unsettle us from the beginning. It is important for us to get back into the way we like to play and come away with the three points.”
In the other games this weekend Sorrento will look to build on their big win against Armadale last week when they host Port Kennedy, who are also coming off a big win, at Percy Doyle Reserve (3pm) In the final game bottom of the table Armadale welcome third placed Perth AFC to Alfred Skeet Reserve. (1pm) The visitors earned a narrow win against Mandurah last week, while Armadale suffered a sixth straight defeat, but Armadale midfielder Kirsty Woods returns to the side this week after missing the last four games, which will bolster their side, and she said it’s good to be back.
“Delighted to be back playing, it’s been really frustrating getting the rehab done, but to get a good session in this week at training, I’m really looking forward to the game, and playing some familiar faces and old team mates from AFC,” she explained. “Our season hasn’t gone to plan, but injuries have taken their toll, but we’re slowly getting players back and although Sunday will be a challenging game, we’re looking forward to it, and we’ll be doing our best to get some points on the board.”
26.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND TEN - PREVIEW
We head into week ten in the NPLWA – Men’s competition, and Football West will hold the 2023 Great Southern Regional Festival of Football in Albany, with Sorrento taking on Perth Glory at Retravision Stadium on Saturday afternoon. They have a number of coaching and educational course over the week, with a Level 4 referee course and school clinics over the region, with representatives from Football West and Perth Glory will visit the Albany Junior Soccer Association on Saturday morning to watch the junior games.
The first match of the NPLWA double header on the day is the women’s clash between Hyundai NTC and Perth RedStar (2pm), followed by the men’s game between Perth Glory and Sorrento (4pm). These games will be preceded by a local fixture involving two teams from the Great Southern Soccer Association, good luck to all involved and let’s hope it a huge success for all involved.
Glory coach John Walmsley said the trip south provides a great opportunity for his squad. “We’re really looking forward to it, especially from a team-building perspective,” he told the Glory website. “This will give us a good opportunity to bond on the way down, eat together and do things in the evening. So, we’re looking forward to the things that it will bring not only on the pitch, but off it as well for us as a collective.
“Sorrento will give us another good test, and the league is so tight that any team can beat anyone on the day, Bayswater are at the top, but then on the first day of the season, Sorrento beat them 4-1. We know they’ve got some good players, like Gustavo [Giron Marulanda] up front who will score if you give him half a chance, so it’s going to be a tough test for us and we need to be on top form to make sure we get the result we want out of the game.”
Our ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday takes us to Kingsway Reserve, where league leaders Bayswater City make the trip to take on Olympic Kingsway. (6pm) Both sides will look to get back to winning ways this week, City coming off a draw against RedStar, while Olympic were well beaten at home by Inglewood, so both will want the points in this one. Olympic beat City in the recent Australia Cup game at home, but it will be first time the clubs have played each other at the venue since round four in 2003, when the pair met in the Division One with Olympic running out 5-3 winners.
The visitors were ahead with Boima Karpeh scoring after 20 minutes, but they then Filipe Xavier sent off, and Olympic levelled the score on 27 minutes through Sota Iwasaki, and hit the front with a superb Ryan Lickers free-kick. It was 3-1 at the break after an own goal, but City came out firing after the interval and Karpeh set-up Sal Marrapodi who made no mistake in the first minute. Moments later midfielder Kevin Henderson connected sweetly with a corner to put Bayswater on level terms. But two goals from Bretti ensured maximum points for Olympic.
New Olympic defender Daniel Walsh said last week was tough for the players, after a loss in the cup and the league, but he said the club are heading in the right direction and he’s enjoying his time there. “The cup loss was a tough one to take, conceding a late goal against the run of play and on the weekend, we simply weren’t good enough. We’ve shown this season that we can beat anyone in this league if we’re at our best, so I think we really need to find some consistency in our form and that will take us to the next level,” the big defender explained. “I couldn’t ask for a better set up at the club. everything from the intensity at training to the standards of the facilities have really impressed me. Along with the strong squad we have I think it gives us the perfect platform to be successful as a club.”
Walsh, who had stints at Perth Glory, Gwelup Croatia and Perth RedStar, also starred at international level for the Joeys and was named in the Australia squad for the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil, said Saturday’s game against Bayswater is a great opportunity to bounce back to winning ways, but he knows it will be a tough game. “Bayswater are a dangerous side with a lot of quality, so it shapes as the perfect game for us to bounce back and we’re confident if we turn up, we can get the job done,” he said. “Taking confidence from when we beat them in the cup at home not long ago, I think Saturday night will be the perfect opportunity against the league leaders to get an important result and establish ourselves as genuine contenders this year.”
Bayswater skipper Jason Mirco said last week's game was a tough, and probably a draw was a fair result in the end, and it continued the good start to the season. “Last week was a very hard-fought draw, RedStar keep the ball so well and we had to be solid in our defence approach. Daryl only needs half a chance up top and he can punish you, but I thoughts we adapted to the match and come away with a valued point,” he said.
“Yes, we are at the top of ladder, and it’s been good so far for us, however you don’t get any trophies for sitting top of the table at the halfway point. We are taking it one game at a time and trying to implement Gareth’s values and style of football. We have an experienced group of lads who know each other well and it’s starting to show on the pitch.”
Mirco, who has dropped back to the heart of the defence in recent weeks for the blue and black, knows the importance of Saturday’s game, especially with the visitor’s heavy loss last week. “It’s a massive game for both teams, and we know Toughy (David Tough) has got the boys up there playing well and they’ve produced some great results,” he explained. “But nothing changes for us, we are fully focused on the match and want to keep doing what we’ve been working on for quite a while now.”
In other games this weekend Inglewood United make the trip to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth SC. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Andres Oliveira’s side are coming off their best result of the season, a 4-0 win at Olympic, while Perth lost a seven-goal thriller at home to Armadale, and interim coach Basil Lenzo will look for his first win in charge. Floreat Athena find themselves bottom of the table, something they are not used to, and they hit the road on Saturday with a trip to Grindleford Reserve to take on fourth placed Balcatta Etna.
Perth RedStar welcome Cockburn City to the RedStar Arena, with both sides level on points on the table. The Cockerels will be looking to build on their win at Floreat last week, while RedStar will go in search of their first home win of the season. The final game sees second v third, with Stirling Macedonia travelling to Alfred Skeet Reserve to meet Armadale. The hosts beat Perth with nine players, and will be without the suspended Ethan Levitt and Matt Wotton, who were sent off last week.
Stirling have only lost in their last five games, and the form of new Scottish defender James McGowan has added some steel to their backline, and the former Clyde, Queen of the South, Elgin City and Albion Rovers player is enjoying his football down under. “I was looking to come out here to WA for quite some time but obviously corona virus hit,” he explained.
“My old Albion Rovers gaffer Brian Reid played with Fergie (Ian Ferguson) for Rangers back in the day so I believe they had a conversation over the phone about me, and I came over and signed for Stirling. I’ve really enjoyed working with Fergie so far, he demands high standard at all times and I’m used to that with my previous gaffers, so it’s been an easy transition, and obviously he is Scottish same as me so that’s half the battle.”
The German-born 30-year-old, said last week’s win against Glory was a good performance, and he was pleased to bounce back from the scoreless draw against Cockburn the week before. “Last week was a massive win for us, and it takes us up closer to where we want to be,” McGowan said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game as they have a lot of good young players but we’ve been defensively solid over the last few weeks and we knew we would always create chances so I’m glad we managed to put three away and finish the game with a comfortable win.”
He is expecting another tough challenge at Armadale on Saturday, especially with only one point separating the two sides on the table. “Armadale will be a tough game for us this weekend, but I believe we’re in a good place at the minute with clean sheets and creating opportunities in front of goal,” the defender said. “So, we know if we follow the game plan the gaffer has for us, I am confident we will walk away with the three points and keep the pressure on the leaders.”
26.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND NINE PREVIEW
Its tight at the top of the State League Division One, with only seven points separating the top seven sides, and our week nine ‘Match of the Round’ sees third placed Fremantle City make the trip to Walter Padbury Reserve, to take on the improving Gosnells City. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts are coming off a hard-fought draw at MUMFC last week, which made it only one defeat in their last six games, including a draw against the league leaders Western Knights among them. Fremantle beat NPL side Olympic Kingsway in the cup, but were held to a 3-3 draw by Dianella last week, so both will be searching to get back to winning ways in this one.
The last time they met in the league at the venue, was in round five in 2017, when Fremantle left with the three points after 2-1 win. The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Will Pender’s shot, was well saved by Adriano D’Alo, but Ben Reynolds fired home the rebound. Gosnells had the perfect opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty, but Tom Allen saved Dean Aplegren’s penalty. But the home side weren’t to be out done and they levelled, with Jordan Parfitt scoring. Then with ten minutes remaining Fremantle won it, substitute Anthony Lomma got around a couple of defenders and curled in a great winner from the edge of the box.
It's been a good start for former Subiaco midfielder Elliot Ireland at the Hilton Park club, and he said the new group are starting to gel, and the club are aiming for promotion this season, and he’s happy to be part of it. “I think both Matty and Lenzo have been doing a great job with the group, especially as we had quite a few new lads, myself included,” he explained. “I think they’ve created a great togetherness within the group to help what the club is hoping to achieve which is promotion. I think we are more than capable of doing that, especially after beating two NPL teams in our cup games.”
Ireland said it was a tough week with the cup tie and backing up against Dianella in the league, and he said it took its toll in the draw against Dianella, but the visitors played well. “I think all clubs find backing up after a mid-week game is tough, not just physically but mentally as well, and it was obviously disappointing not to get the win as we go into every game wanting to win,” he explained. “But some credit has to go to Dianella they played well, so a point is still a point and for what we want to achieve every point is going to count.”
A trip to Gosnells on Saturday, a side who have picked up some good results recently, and Ireland said they have really bounced back from the heavy loss in the opening game at Mandurah, but Ireland said they will not be taking them lightly. “Of course, another tough game ahead this Saturday with Gosnells away, and to be fair I don’t think there are any easy games in this league,” he said. “We look forward to the challenge, I know after not quite getting the win last week the lads can’t wait to get back out there to get back to winning ways, so we look forward to it.”
Gosnells defender James Sharp said they have taken a lot of confidence from the draw at MUMFC, a side who they have formed a great rivalry with, and he thought they had chances to leave with all three points. “It was good to get a result against Melville at the weekend, there was always a big rivalry between us back in Division Two, and we’ve had some hard-fought encounters against them, and this was no different,” Sharp explained. “We thought we had found the winner late in the second half, but the goal was scratched off due to a soft foul the referee saw in the build-up. But that’s football at the end of the day, but all in all taking points away from any game is always positive.”
Ross Greer’s side sit ninth on the table, this after promotion last season, and Sharp said Saturday’s visitors have shown the quality they have in their side, with wins against two NPL sides in the Cup, but he knows they are only worried about themselves, and what they can do to get a positive result, come 5pm. “We know Fremantle are a good team, but we don’t worry about their previous results, we are just focusing on our own game plan,” he said. “Football is a funny sport and anything can happen on the day, if we just focus on defending strong and taking our chances when they come, we will get a result.”
League leaders Western Knights host Subiaco at Nash Field. The Knights returned to the winner’s circle with a win at UWA last week, the win keeping them clear at the summit, while Subiaco conceded a late goal to draw at home to Forrestfield to keep them sixth. Gwelup Croatia host Joondalup United at the Croatian Sporting Club. United moved up to fourth with their win at Rockingham last week, while Gwelup will look to break a two-goal losing streak, the latest a 0-2 loss at Mandurah.
In other games this weekend, Murdoch University Melville host Rockingham City at Besteam Stadium, while second placed Mandurah City make the trip to Crazy Domain’s Stadium, Hartfield Park to take on Forrestfield United. The final game takes us to Dianella Reserve, where UWA Nedlands travel to take on Dianella White Eagles. (5pm) The Eagles drew at Fremantle last week, while UWA conceded a late goal to lose for the second week running, and coach Richard Abrams said despite this there were some positives to take in to Saturday’s game.
“We proved this week lightening can strike twice, conceding in the 90+ minute two-week running is a bitter pill to swallow, but the lads, whilst understandably upset, must take a lot of positives from the performance,” he explained. “We expect another tough one this week and need to back up last week’s performance not just this week but in the remaining three first round games. We are gradually getting players back from Injury and Dianella have made some quality signings, so this one should be a cracker.”
26.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND NINE PREVIEW
We have a top of the table clash as our ‘Match of the Round’ in State League Division Two, with second placed Morley Windmills hosting third place Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Wotton Reserve. (All games kick off a 3pm, unless stated) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, the hosts coming home from Burrendah Reserve with a 4-0 win against Canning, while Rovers beat Balga at home, and with only three points separating the two sides, this one should be a great game.
The last time the sides met at the venue in the league was in round seven last season, when the visitors left with all three points after a convincing 4-0 win. Rovers were ahead early, Ger Fitzgerald heading the ball on for Chris Williams to volley home. They added a second in the shadows of half time, Alan Reidy’s header rebounded off the crossbar and Jamie Gibson was first to react to head home. Rovers added a third on 77 minutes, Kieran Harrison’s cross from the right picked out the unmarked Callum Trayner who rose highest to head home, and they wrapped up the scoring three minutes from time, a short pass back was latched on to by Jamie Gibson, who lobbed the stranded Morley keeper into the empty net.
Marc Anthony’s side have started the season well, with only one defeat, and defender Kevin Ashwood said the win last week was good, especially after the draw against Kingsley the week before. “Last week was an important win, although I don’t think it’s the best, we have played this season we were professional enough to get the job done and get back to winning ways,” he explained. “Credit to Canning they made it hard for us and the late couple of goals probably put a bit of gloss on the result.”
The former Armadale defender said Rovers are also having a good season, so it should be a good game, but they are determined to keep the pressure on the league leaders. “Going into the game on Saturday, it’s a chance for us on home soil, to get another three points and continue our recent good form. The games against the teams in and around you so often determine where you finish come the end of the season,” he explained.
“So, while it won’t define our season, it does have a bit of added importance and is a chance for us to put a game in between us and Shamrock, who are a team I expect to be up there at the end. They will no doubt want to get one over on us, and we will have to be at our best to get the win. I expect a close game but one that will also serve as a good advert to the quality that’s in the league.”
Rovers bounced back last week to get back to winning ways against Balga, after their loss at Curtin, and coach Gerry McEwan said they should have won more comfortably, and need to start take their chances. “I thought our performance against Balga was decent, but our finishing could have been better,” he said. To be fair the score didn't reflect our dominance, and our keeper didn't really have a save to make as our defence was solid. We could and should have scored another five in the last 10 minutes, but missed them all, so we'll be looking to address that issue ASAP.”
McEwan said Saturday is a game he is looking forward too against a side he believes will be there or there about come the end of the season. “Morley were always going to be one of the main challengers for the title this year with the squad they have, so we're under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead,” the coach explained. “Hopefully our lads will build on last week's performance, and we know we'll need to if we want to come away with the three points.”
League leaders Kingsley Westside travel to Gumblossom Park on Saturday evening, for the northern derby against Quinns. (6pm) Steven Dimitrovich’s side hold a three-point lead at the top, after a 4-2 win against Swan last week, while Quinns lost narrowly at Ashfield, leaving them second bottom on the table. The round starts on Friday evening when Curtin University welcome Joondalup City to Edinburgh Oval (8.30pm) Both sides are coming off indifferent results, the Uni boys slipped up last week at Wanneroo, while City won for the first time against Maddington.
In other games this weekend, Swan United, who moved into the last eight of the Australia Cup in midweek, after Stirling made a breach of the Match Documentation competition rules, are back in league action when they host Canning City at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. The visitors sit at the foot of the table, after a loss against Morley last week, while Swan were also beaten by the league leaders. Wanneroo City will hope to continue their good form when they travel to Princess Road Reserve to take on Balga, while in the final game Ashfield will look to build on back-to-back wins when they travel to Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening, to meet Maddington-Kalamunda White City. (6pm)
25.5.2023
FOOTBALL WEST WELCOMES THREE NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Perth Glory founder Nick Tana, World Cup referee Eddie Lennie and grassroots football advocate Phil Kelly were granted Life Membership of Football West at the peak’s bodies recent Annual General Meeting.
Football West chairman Sherif Andrawes paid tribute to the three for their contribution to the local game. “It is always exciting for us to welcome new Life Members and the calibre of the three candidates for 2023 was again exceptional,” he said.
“Nick is a giant in WA football, a key figure in the starting up of Perth Glory in the new professional era of the game in WA. Our paths cross regularly through his work with the Football Futures Foundation charitable organisation and his drive for excellence is an example for all.
“Eddie is the benchmark for WA match officials. A World Cup, an Olympic Games, Australian referee of the year three times … he is out on his own for his achievements. And it is to his credit that he has always been willing to pass on his experiences to the next generation of referees coming through.
“Phil is a real grassroots football person and people like him are vital if we are to have a thriving game. He puts in the time to represent the interests of his club, the league and the game in general and it should not go unnoticed.”
25.5.2023
MATILDAS ARE COMING HOME
The Matildas are returning to Perth for the first time since 2018, so put these dates in your diary. Sam Kerr and her teammates will play three games in seven days at Perth’s HBF Park as part of their qualifying campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics. They will face Iran on 26 October, the Philippines on 29 October and Chinese Taipei on 1 November, and this will be the first time the Matildas have played a competitive fixture in WA.
Matildas captain Kerr said she can’t wait to play in front of family and friends. “Everyone knows how proud I am to be from Perth and WA so to be able to come home again with my teammates will be a really special moment,” the Chelsea striker said at the announcement. “West Aussies are big sports lovers and some of the best fans in the world, they bring amazing support for the teams that they love, and I know they will give us that same energy as we start our Olympic qualification.”
Deputy Premier Roger Cook and Football Australia CEO James Johnson announced the games at the venue this morning. Also in attendance was former Matilda and current Perth SC director of women's football Danielle Brogan, ex-Australia internationals Thea Slater and Judy Pettit, as well as WA’s Junior Matildas Ischia Brooking, Ruby Cuthbert and Jessica Skinner plus ParaMatildas keeper Katelyn Smith were in attendance.
Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell said WA are delighted to have the Matildas in town for the games. “This is tremendous news for WA to have the Matildas in town for three matches and right on the back of the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” he said. “The whole football world knows of the exploits of Sam Kerr and for her to come back to her home town will be thrilling for all of the youngsters who want to see their heroes in the flesh. “It will also be great to host the Matildas at the new State Football Centre in Queens Park. Hopefully the team will be able to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy with them!”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said it will be a huge occasion for the WA Football community to get behind the side. “This is an important competition for the Matildas. It’s a qualifying campaign and we need to win these matches in order to play in Paris in 2024,” he said. “Western Australia has a very proud, strong tradition of developing football players. From Judy Pettitt here today, to current squad members Sam Kerr and Lydia Williams, and Ischia, Ruby and Jessica here as well - the future of the Matildas. The Asian qualifiers will be a great opportunity for the WA sports community, the community at large, and importantly the football community to come together and watch the Matildas on their journey to Paris.”
Brogan, who coached the Azzurri last season, before taking up the role as Director of Women's Football at the club, said it’s a huge opportunity to for the young girls to play alongside their hero’s. “We’ve just heard the Minister and ‘JJ’ mention the word opportunity, I think it’s important as female footballers to experience these kinds of things. Never before have we had a competitive Matildas game here in Perth,” she explained. “Fortunately for myself, I was able to be a teammate of Sam’s … unfortunately I have been on the other side of her a few times which I don’t miss at all.
“But it’s an opportunity for us to see her return home as captain and also one of the world’s most exiting athletes and footballers, both male and female. It’s an opportunity to see what in my opinion is the best Matildas team we have had. I love the fact we can say these girls are playing for Arsenal and for Chelsea … some of the clubs that I aspired to as a child but they were always men’s teams. So how fantastic is it that we get the opportunity to see these players here live. It’s also an opportunity for these girls standing alongside me that they can look to aspire to these players and one say, ‘I want to be that’ and see that in the flesh.”
The Paris 2024™ Women’s Olympic Football Tournament will be held from 24 July to 10 August 2024 across France featuring 12 nations competing for the coveted Olympic Gold Medal. Ticketing information, kick-off times and broadcast details will be confirmed in the coming weeks, The CommBank Matildas’ three matches will be broadcast on Network 10 and streamed live on Paramount+.
Ticketing information will be made available from the official CommBank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au as well as www.ticketmaster.com.au. Fans can register for priority ticketing access by creating a Football Account and enabling 'Priority Ticketing' in their communication preferences to ensure you don't miss out on the pre-sale. COMMBANK MATILDAS | GROUP A | MATCH SCHEDULE – Venue: HBF Park - MATCH DAY 1 - Australia v IR Iran - Date: Thurs, 26 October 2023 - Kick-off: TBC - MATCH DAY 2 - Philippines v Australia - Date: Sun, 29 October 2023 - Kick-off: TBC - MATCH DAY 3 - Australia v Chinese Taipei - Date: Wed, 1 November 2023 - Kick-off: TBC
24.5.2023
FORMER SOCCEROOS GOALKEEPER JONES RETIRES
The professional career of former Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones has come to a low-key end after the 41-year-old announced his retirement today. Jones gained six caps for Australia in a professional career that spanned 367 first team appearances across 22 seasons.
Part of the Socceroos' squad at the 2018 World Cup, Jones won three trophies apiece in England, Holland and Saudi Arabia while featuring for the likes of Middlesbrough, Liverpool, NEC, Feyenoord and Al-Nassr. His final two season at Perth Glory were hampered by a knee problem.
"I feel proud to have achieved close to every dream I had as a young boy," Jones said. "From getting to play in the Premier League, to joining the team I supported as a boy in Liverpool, going to a World Cup, playing in the Champions League; it's all been incredible."
"The path came with plenty of highs and lows but if someone told me as an eight-year-old growing up in Huntingdale that I would have the career I did, I would've taken that in a heartbeat."
Jones started out locally with Bayswater City before entering the youth system at English Premier League club Middlesbrough. After making his first team debut in 2004, he went on to make 74 appearances for the club and picked up a League Cup winners medal in 2003/04.
While at Middlesbrough Jones was loaned to Shelbourne, Stockport County, Rotherham United, Blackpool - where he won the 2003/04 League Trophy - and Sheffield Wednesday, tallying up 39 games in total. His Socceroos debut arrived against Uruguay in mid-2007.
Jones signed with Liverpool in mid-2010, gaining 27 outings during five seasons highlighted by a second League Cup winners medal in 2011/12. He was selected for, but withdrew from the Socceroos squad for the 2010 World Cup after his son was diagnosed with leukemia.
After a season with Dutch side NEC, Jones joined Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord, who he played for on 84 occasions. He was instrumental in Feyenoord being crowned league champions in 2016/17 and also collecting Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup winners medals.
Further silverware followed during a trio of seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where Jones played 11 games and won the Saudi Professional League and back-to-back Saudi Super Cups. He joined Glory in mid-2021 but was limited to just 5 appearances across two campaigns.
24.5.2023
IT WAS REALLY NO BRAINER: GRIFFITHS ON EXTENDING MUMBAI STAY
Mumbai City defender Rostyn Griffiths said he didn’t think twice when presented with the opportunity to extend his contract with the Islanders. The versatile West Australian recently signed a one-year extension with Mumbai which will run through to the end of the 2023/24 season.
Griffiths featured 17 time for Mumbai during the 2022/23 Indian Super League season. His presence at the heart of the backline was vital as the club claimed the League Shield in dominant fashion. "Honestly, I'm really happy," Griffiths said of remaining with Mumbai.
"As soon as this club said that they were keen to keep me here, it was really a no-brainer for me. My family's taken to Mumbai and I've taken to Mumbai. The club has been good to me, the fans have been good to me. Obviously, (we have had) positive results on the pitch. And I'm excited to see if we can go again next year."
Griffiths, who has played professionally in England, China, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan and now India, hopes to bring more cheer to the Mumbai supporters next season. "It's been pretty overwhelming to be honest (on the relation with the fans)," he said
"I've never had so much positivity with the fans, even if I've had a good game, in every other country there's someone that always says something negative. There's always something. But here it just seems to be constantly positive, which has been really nice."
"There's been some good moments and interactions with the fans. I'd like to do more of it, to be honest. There's something, hopefully next season, (where) there can be even more interactions with the fans. Like every (other) club, there's a 12th man and I'm glad we have brought them success as well."
21.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FIVE REVIEW
The Belt-up Amateur Premier Division kicked off on Saturday afternoon, with Jaguar keeping the pressure on league leaders Emerald, after a 3-2 win against South West Phoenix in our ‘Match of the Round’ at the Onside Sports Stadium in Bunbury. “Really happy with three points down south, and I thought we controlled the game for the large majority and held a 3-0 lead throughout,” Jags keeper Michael Dudek explained. “They got two quick goals toward the end that made the final few minutes very nervous, especially as Jaguars have struggled there in past years so getting the win is the main thing. Now we focus on a mid-week trip to Peel and a big game next weekend against North Beach, where Andy Keogh can do his best to outrun our defenders.”
Jags were ahead on 15 minutes, Magai Deng on target, and Ayella Joseph added a second three minutes later. It looked game over when Joseph added his second just before half time, and the hosts went to the sheds leading 3-0. The Phoenix pulled one back just the hour mark, with Jeremy Stevens scoring, and they were on the front foot and in stoppage time they added a second, with Stevens adding his second, but it was too little too late, Jags held firm to take the points back down the freeway.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult match playing South West Phoenix at their home ground, and they were very organised, solid and compact. We applied a lot of pressure on them in main moments of the first half and luckily, we found the back of the net three times before the break,” Jags coach Josam Muwowo explained. “It was a high tempo game from the start till the end and Phoenix boys were composed and playing with a high line in the second half which resulted them creating more opportunities leading up to two vital goals to bring them closer to equalising.
“However, time wasn't on their side as we maintained discipline in our structure to avoid unnecessary errors. Overall, what a great game it was with full of flair on both sides. Otherwise, on our side we continue to trust the process and take one step at a time. These still a lot we need to work on to maintain the quality of play and standard, but on behalf of Jaguar FC, I would to say massive thanks to South West Phoenix FC for hosting us and their good hospitality.”
League leaders Emerald continued their unbeaten start to the season with an 8-1 win against Joondalup United at Fraser Park. It was the visitors who opened the scoring after only five minutes, Matthew Chapman on target, but that’s as good as it got for Joondalup, the hosts bagging five goals before half time. Ronan Flaherty scoring a brace, with others to Conor Hogan, Shane Young and Stephen Kinsella. They added a sixth on the hour, with Kinsella scoring his second, before Andrew Wood came off the bench to bag a brace late, to seal a comprehensive win for the hosts. “Overall happy with the performance, we strayed from keeping the ball on the ground in the first 30 minutes and gave them opportunities,” Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan said. “But once we got the ball down, we created more chances and controlled the game.”
North Perth United sit third after a hard fought 2-1 win against Kwinana United at Woodville Reserve. The hosts started brightly but couldn’t find the opener, and it was Kwinana who opened the scoring on the half hour, with Jake Marshall scoring. The hosts couldn’t find a way past a tight visiting defence, and they held the lead at the break. But six minutes into the second half the hosts levelled, Mehdi Gholami cut in from the left, eased past his marker and rounded the keeper to score a great individual goal. Kwinana thought they had a penalty on 76 minutes, after a foul at the back post, and to make matters worse North Perth broke and Brian Woodall’s cross picked out Dan Bulman whose header crashed off the post, but Kyle Jackson was quickest to react to score from the rebound. Kwinana pressed late and North Perth keeper Jamie Serra produced a stunning save to deny Sean Troup’s free kick in the final minute, to seal the three points for Alex Carter’s side.
“I thought we controlled the tempo of the game and had some good possession in attacking areas. But we came unstuck again for their first goal when we switched of anticipating a throw in to be rewarded to us however it was overturned. We were out of shape and Kwinana got the reward,” Carter explained. “Second half the game got stretched for 10-15 minutes and got a bit scrappy, but we changed our shape and got two goals to seal the game.”
Kelmscott Roos are up to fourth after a 3-0 win against Peel United at Frye Park. The hosts opened the scoring early, a great whipped free kick by Jonah Kuman found Jordan Armstrong in the penalty area to tap home. They added a second on 23 minutes, a great press by Brodie McCrae saw him win the ball and found Isaac Koomson who beat his man and squared the ball back to Alex Ekeze who finished low into the corner. It was 3-0 before the break, some great work by Kuman down the right, easing past three defenders before bursting into the box and crossing to McCrae who made no mistake.
“It was a solid win for us, the first half we played some of our best football of the season and got some good rewards for it,” Roos keeper Taylor Warwick said. “Unfortunately, the second half we took our foot off the pedal and allowed Peel back into it, but we stood strong and defended well and got another clean sheet. That makes it three wins in a row and three clean sheets as well. It’s pleasing to see that we are still not at our best and winning games, there is lots more to come from us.”
North Beach have edged out South Perth United 2-1 in an entertaining game at Vasto Reserve. It was a tight first half, with both sides having chances, but it was the hosts who made the breakthrough on the hour, Ashley Darley sent a long ball from just inside their attacking half which floated over the keeper’s head just under crossbar. The visitors hit back and levelled eight minutes later, a low cross was turned into his own net by Mason Langham. But after the introduction of new signing Andy Keogh, the hosts found the winner 15 minutes from time. The ball was played over their full back to Ross Westwood who drove to the box and cut the ball back to Keogh, and the former Perth Glory striker converted calmly. South Perth had some late chances from set pieces but the hosts held firm.
“The win against South Perth was a very big result for us and the game was played at such a great intensity from start to finish. We faced South Perth three times last season across league and Cup competitions and know how good of an outfit they are,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “The first half had plenty of fluid football from both sides without a final product coming to fruition. We felt we were well in the game at the half and didn't change our plan too much as we were moving the ball well and with confidence which pleased us on the touchline. We look forward to lining up against South Perth in a fortnight for the cup fixture.”
In the final game East Perth have continued their four-game unbeaten streak after a had fought 2-1 win against Wembley Downs at Butlers Reserve. The visitors were ahead on seven minutes, and a quick counter attack ended with Dean Wall racing one-on-one with Jeff Cornez, and he lobbed the on-coming keeper. The hosts levelled just before half time, a first-time volley from Luke Thistlethwaite sending the teams in to the break all-square. The hosts had the perfect opportunity to take the lead ten minutes into the second half when they were awarded, but Luke Green guessed the right way to save Thistlethwaite’s spot kick.
But it was Colm Costello’s side who won it ten minutes from time, a good interception from Deane McFeeley, and he found Stephen Henry, he crossed to Wayne Carter, whose cross shot was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Daniel D’Avoine. “Overall, a massive three points on the road and hugely proud of everyone in squad today in a very difficult game,” Costello said. “Although everyone has us down as favourites, we are work in progress and a new squad so to keep improving and keep our levels up is important and to far we did that.”
21.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND EIGHT REVIEW
It was week eight in the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and in our ‘Match of the Round’ Perth RedStar have won the top of the table clash, edging out Murdoch University Melville 1-0 at the RedStar Arena. “We are continuing to focus on teamwork every week. Our attention is on one game at a time and I am happy with the result and team performance this week,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena explained. “After MUMFC beat NTC we were expecting a tough game, and it was. First half was pretty equal, but second half the girls came out fighting, dominating and creating opportunities. The MUMFC goalkeeper made some good saves which kept the game intense for the duration of the second half. The players showed their maturity and composure on the pitch to get the three points.” The only goal of the game came just after the hour, an in-swinging corner from Reina Kagami beat everyone and found the net. MUMFC keeper Stacey Cavill kept her side in the game with a number of fine saves, and they pressed for the equaliser late, but the hosts held firm to take the points.
“We went into the game confident we could get a positive result, and I thought the first half was tight with both teams not producing many clear opportunities,” MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said. “In the second half, Redstar were able to build pressure and break into key areas that we struggled to contain. We conceded the goal from a set piece and tried to get back into the game but in the end were unsuccessful. I cannot fault the team’s effort and determination. We know we have some tough games coming up, and we need to be at our best.”
Balcatta have continued their good form, after a 3-0 win against the Hyundai NTC at Grindleford Reserve. The hosts hit the front on four minutes, Monique Prinsloo cross from the right wasn’t dealt with and Tia Stonehill ball found Epril Nossent who fired home from close-range. They doubled their lead on the hour, a free kick from the left by Lauren Continibali found the unmarked Prinsloo who headed home. They sealed the points nine minutes from time, Prinsloo’s ball into the box found Stonehill at the back post and she squared the ball to Nossent who made no mistake from close-range. “We followed up on our performance against Perth with another strong display,” Balcatta coach Tim Cash said. “I thought we combatted the NTC possession and speed and used our own speed to score three quality goals to make it a good day. A positive display and progress.”
There was a five-goal thriller at Dorrien Gardens, with Fremantle City leaving with the points after a 3-2 win against Perth SC. It was the Azzurri who found the opener on 17 minutes, Monique Godding firing home from the edge of the box. But Fremantle levelled five minutes before half time, Abbey Green’s cross from the left picked out Natasha Rigby, and the Perth Glory skipper lost her marker to head home. Fremantle were ahead on the hour, Perth gave the ball away and Green found half time substitute Katarina Jukic on the edge of the box, who finished past Rebecca Bennett, and the Perth custodian was beaten again 12 minutes later, with substitute Jamie-Lee Gale scoring. Perth found a lifeline late with substitute Judy Connolly scoring, but it was too little too late.
In the final game Subiaco have won their second game of the season, beating bottom of the table Curtin University 3-1 at Rosalie Park. The home side were ahead on 17 minutes, a shot was fumbled by the keeper and Frankie Murray fired home the rebound. Murray was in again eight minutes later, scoring from close-range after good work down the right by Dakota Van-Vugt. It was 3-0 just after the half hour, Van-Vugt sending Shelby Cochran in on goal, and she held off her marker before finishing low past the keeper. Curtin grabbed a consolation goal 12 minutes from time Tiana Boths sending Pavitra Kumar in on goal and she finished clinically.
“Curtin had some new signings which made a big difference to their side, and they worked very hard defensively all across the pitch,” Subiaco coach Greg Farrell said. “I thought we moved the ball around well and created some good chances that we finished off. We were trying to rush too much throughout the game and their keeper, Manon Gebauer, was very good in goals, and helped to keep them organised. We got to work on certain things as well during the game so it was a positive overall despite conceding a goal late on.”
21.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
It was round six in the Hyundai Women’s Division One and in our ‘Match of the Round’ Hamersley Rovers moved five points clear at the top, after a 4-0 win against second placed UWA Nedlands in the top of the table clash at Carine Open space on Sunday. “The win was a good feeling. We prepared for the way UWA play and adjusted it within the game to the things the changed,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba. “We came out to make a statement and we have, this game helped us build on fundamentals that we have been working on. Regardless it was a great win and the girls are definitely buzzing.”
The hosts found the opener on 11 minutes, Christiane Astorp cross found Rebecca Dudek, who brought the ball down well and found the bottom corner. They doubled their lead ten minutes later, Astorp eased past her marker, and raced into the box and finished low past the keeper. It was 3-0 just after the hour, Jordy Henderson ball over the top found Royan Norman, who cut inside her marker and fired low across the keeper. They found a fourth late, Brianna Patrick slipped in Norman who went one-on-one with the keeper, before cooly finishing into the bottom corner.
The round began on Friday evening, with Perth AFC consolidating third place after a narrow 1-0 win against Mandurah City at Len Packham Reserve. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time, with Katarina Visic converting from the penalty spot, the win making it five games unbeaten for Rob Caruso’s side, and he was happy with sides performance, but knows there is more to come from his chargers.
“I thought it was a good game for the neutrals, Mandurah pushed us the whole game, but our defence was very solid once again shutting down there attack every time they tried to push forward,” the coach explained. “But a lot of credit to my team who once again didn't give up and ground out another win, and it kept our unbeaten run going.”
In other games this weekend, Port Kennedy are up to fifth after a 5-0 win against Subiaco at Koorana Reserve. First half goal from Keira Turner, Vanessa Baker, Jemma Martin and Lucy Jones, put Kevin Cole’s side in control, and Jones added her second to round of the scoring on the hour. “The girls did very well, and dominated the game and put Subiaco under lots of pressure, which I asked for the ladies to do,” Cole explained. “Subiaco are a very young team, but the goals were very good and well worked team goals. So, it was a great win well pleased with the performance.”
In the final game Sorrento have beaten bottom of the table Armadale 5-0 at Percy Doyle Reserve. It was tight first half, and scoreless at the break, but the Gulls found the opener two minutes into the second half, with Jessica Lindquist scoring. Lindquist was in again on 53 minutes, before Isabella Asphar added a third on the hour. Lindquist completed her hat-trick ten minutes later, before Bolton Yangi rounded out the scoring eight minutes from time.
“Overall I was pleased with our performance,” Gulls coach Grant O’Connell said. “It took us a while to get going, but we looked in control from the start and our ball movement was very good, although we were a bit wasteful with our end product in the first half. But it was good to see us put that right in the second half and pick up a result that our performance deserved.”
21.5.2023
BEEVERS AND HINTZEN WIN MOST GLORIOUS PLAYER AWARDS
Towering defender Mark Beevers and American forward Cyera Hintzen have joined Perth Glory’s illustrious honour roll after winning the club’s Most Glorious Player awards. The pair were honoured for their impressive seasons in purple at the club’s end of season awards at Novotel Perth Langley last night.
Beevers started 24 games for the men’s team, scoring twice, and was a formidable presence in the heart of defence in his first season in Western Australia following a lengthy career in England. Meanwhile, Hintzen found the net six times and had seven assists in 14 appearances in her second season with Glory.
Beevers and Hintzen both missed the award’s night as they are currently overseas. Beevers, who became the club’s first English MGP since Andy Todd in 2010, was also named Men’s Player’s Player of the Year, while Hintzen won the Women’s Players’ Player and the Golden Boot award for the second season in a row.
Both Members’ Player of the Year awards were won by local talents in Ryan Williams and Hana Lowry. Keegan Jelacic was rewarded for his breakout A-League season with the DT38 Under-23 Player of the Year award, while and the men’s Golden Boot was shared between Adam Taggart and David Williams.
Taggart also took home the Men’s Goal of the Year for his stunning, injury-time strike against Adelaide United, while Hannah Blake’s spectacular long-range lob against Melbourne City secured her the women’s award.
20.5.2023
NPL-WA MATCH OF THE ROUND – STIRLING TAKE THE GLORY
Stirling Macedonia jumped to second on the NPLWA – Mens table after a 3-0 win against Perth Glory, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Macedonia Park. Daniel Faichney gave the hosts the lead early, but both sides had chances in an entertaining encounter. But it was Stirling who sealed the points late, Samim Fattahi scoring from a free kick, before Calvin Whitney added a third late, finishing after his initial spot kick was saved. “It was great to secure a much-needed win off the back of the draw with Cockburn the following week,” Stirling skipper Luke Palmateer said.
“First half was fairly even with both sides having chances, thankfully for us we were able to take ours and had James Bosdet save us on several occasions. The second was a different story. We continued to create but secured our backline and didn't allow for the game to be so open. Samim came on and scored his first goal for the club with a fantastic free kick which not only secured the win but breathed confidence into a new player for our squad.”
It was Glory who had the first big chance in this on 11 minutes, Jayden Gorman making space down the right and his cross picked out the unmarked Jamie Overy, but his point-blank header was well saved by James Bosdet. The hosts hit back and Asher Nelson’s long-range shot was turned around the post by the alert Robert Cook, before Calvin Whitney’s stinging shot crashed off the crossbar. But Stirling, who eased through to the Australia Cup quarter-final in midweek, were ahead on 18 minutes. Calvin Whitney found Kade Fearnall, and his first-time ball sent Daniel Faichney clear, and he finished low past the Glory custodian.
They went close again moments later, Whitney’s free kick on the edge of the box was saved low by Cook, before down the other end Gorman’s shot on the turn flashed over the top. Bosdet then stood tall to deny Joel Anasmo, and was up smart to save Gorman’s follow up shot, as Glory searched for the equaliser. But Stirling almost doubled their lead on the half hour, Nelson’s flick was heading for the net, but Andriano Lebib got back to clear the ball off the line, and moments later Corey Sutherland’s shot on the run whistled past the post.
Glory wasn’t going away and Bosdet produced a stunning one handed save at full stretch to turn Gorman’s long range shot around the post. It was more of the same after the break, Cook got down well to save Gyles Davies’ volley, and held on to Fearnall’s long-range strike moments later. Glory hit back and Daniel Bennie’s low cross was saved by Bosdet, the rebound falling to Gorman, but a great last-ditch tackle from Brent Quick denied him.
The game was still there for both teams, and Faichney hit the base of the post 12 minutes from time, and seven minutes later the hosts found a second, substitute Fattahi firing a free kick over the wall and into the net, despite slipping on impact. They sealed the points in stoppage time, after referee David Bruce pointed to the spot for handball. Whitney saw his penalty saved by Cook, but he fired home the rebound to seal a hard fought three points for the hosts.
“It’s very good to get the result against a tough glory side. Our defence was strong and dealt with their attacks and press very well,” defender Brent Quick said. “We were pleased to be the first team to keep a clean sheet against them which can heavily be attributed to our solid back four and some very good saves by James Bosdet. Our midfielders worked very well in distributing and controlling the game. Calvin Whitney, Kade Fearnall, and Gyles Davies were outstanding.
“Going forward it was good to score first with Daniel Faichney making his mark again and good for our substitutes like Samim Fattahi to come on and make impacts like he did with his free kick. I think the whole narrative is clear and that is when we start scoring it’s going to be hard to stop us winning games and that’s what we hope to keep doing going forward.”
Stirling Macedonia: GK James BOSDET, 2 Brent QUICK, 5 Luke PALMATEER, 7 Asher NELSON (16 Samim FATTAHI 75’), 8 Gyles DAVIES, 9 Kade FEARNALL, 12 Taiga MATOBA, 13 Calvin WHITNEY, 14 Kingsley ESHUN (10 Sam WYNNE 75’), 15 James MCGOWEN, 18 Daniel FAICHNEY – Subs not used: RGK Liam PRICE, 4 Luke PASSERETTO, 6 Kai MATTHEWS, 11 Daniel ZIVKOVIC
Perth Glory: GK Robert COOK, 2 Aiki TSUKAMOTO, 3 Shade STEWART, 4 Andriano LEBIB 12 Danny DOUGLAS 60’), 5 Joseph FORDE, 6 Laat MATHIANG, 7 Joel ANASMO (15 Joshua ANASMO 60’), 8 Corey SUTHERLAND (14 Jaylan PEARMAN 60’), 9 Jayden GORMAN, 10 James OVERY, 11 Daniel BENNIE – Subs not used: RGK Luca LOVENE
20.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND NINE - REVIEW
League leaders Bayswater City and second placed Perth RedStar have fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Frank Drago Reserve. “Very happy and proud of the football we’ve been playing lately, but just unfortunate in front of goals. It’s been total domination at times, midweek against Cockburn and today’s game,” RedStar coach Callum Salmon said. “I can’t ask anything more of the players football, we just need to be patient, trust our methods and we’ll click in front of goal very soon. The players are working hard to turn our possession into goals. Looking forward to some home games to get the winning run going again.”
Bayswater made the perfect start and were ahead on nine minutes, RedStar’s lost possession in the middle of the park and were punished, Sam Dawh racing clear, before squaring the ball to Ndumba Makeche who finished low past debutant keeper Sonny Inzalaco. But the visitors levelled on 23 minutes, Andy Higgins’ cross from the left was deemed to have hit an arm of Cameron Edwards, and referee Josh Mannella pointed straight to the spot.
Daryl Nicol stepped up and sent Casey Robertson the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Both keepers kept their sides in the game with good saves, while Chok Dau hit the bar late, and Nicol struck the base of the post, but they couldn’t find a way past the inform Robertson. But the hosts lost Gordon Smith five minutes from time after a tackle on Ryan Finnie, but it was the ten men almost won it in stoppage time, substitute Gustavo Catarcione burst into the box down the left, and picked out Jon Stynes, his shot was superbly saved, one handed by debutant keeper Sonny Inzalaco, to earn his side a hard-fought point.
“I thought it was an even game up until Gordon got a red card, we then had to sit back and absorb the pressure which we did very well, and we were unlucky not to snatch the win at the end of the game,” the Bayswater custodian explained. “But I think this draw shows what we are about this season, as we are able to deal with high amounts of pressure and still perform well and stay in the game when things aren’t going our way.”
Debutant RedStar keeper Sonny Inzalaco said he was happy to help the side to a point but thought they deserved more. “When I got the call from Callum Salmon that I would be playing first team I was buzzing and couldn’t wait to play. I knew it was going to be a tough game as Bayswater were top of the ladder but I knew I’d be ready as I’ve been training all season in and around the first team. I’ve had great feedback from Callum at training as well as great GK coaching from Tony Franken and Liam Reddy and it made me confident that I would be able to compete at that level,” he explained.
“Even though we went 1-0 down I thought we had the upper hand for the majority of the game, from the backline to the attack we were strong and resilient and we worked their defence all game. I didn’t have much to do throughout the game until the 90th minute when I made a save to keep the game level. I enjoyed the experience of first team football and being around the first team on match day and I’m so thankful for the opportunity, and for the trust Redstar have in me and hopefully can get more minutes in future.”
A nine-man Armadale moved up to third after a thrilling a seven-goal thriller against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. The 4-3 win had everything, and Armadale defender Emerson Alexis said they had to fight to seal the points. “A huge game for us today and for me personally, playing against my old club,” he said. “It was good to see some familiar faces at Dorrien, but at the end of the day we had a job to do and that was to get a vital three points. Going two men down was tough and it definitely stacked the odds against us but we kept battling and came out on top, it was a great fought win. I was also very happy to walk away with an assist for Pete’s third goal.”
It had been a tough week for the Azzurri, after the departure of Marc Wingell in midweek, but interim coach Basil Lenzo’s side made the perfect start on 16 minutes, American striker Hasani Sinclair heading home at the back post. But Armadale levelled on 33 minutes, Tom Berger’s corner found Jacobsz at the near post, and his glancing header beat Luke Radonich. Jacobsz added his second moments later, getting on the end of Jackson’s cross to give the visitors the lead, and remarkably he completed his hat-trick four minutes later, losing his marker to head home Emerson Alexis’ teasing cross.
But in final minute of the half Levitt was sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on Federico Achilli, and in stoppage time former Armadale midfielder Abdul Osman combined with Sam Cook, the latter crossing to Whitfield, who scored via the post. The visitors reset at the break, but it was Perth who were on front foot, and they found the equaliser on 71 minutes, Sinclair heading past Yousri Gharsallah, and it looked like they would go on with it, but Armadale had other ideas, and two minutes later they regained the lead.
Lachlan Collins’ ball into the box was headed goalwards by Jacobsz and Jackson bundled the ball over the line much to the delight of the travelling supporters. But ten minutes from time Armadale were reduced to nine, with Worton shown a second yellow card, and it was backs to the wall for the visitors, but they held firm to get back into the winner’s circle. “I’m very proud of all the players on their performance and commitment and they deserved the win today,” Armadale coach Salv Todaro said post-match. “We played some very good football in the first half, some excellent passages of play resulted in good goals. But the sending off just before halftime, hit us a little but we regrouped at halftime and we came out with a new game plan. The second half was pure resilience and commitment to each other and the club, every player gave their all and I am extremely proud of them all, I couldn’t have asked anymore from the players.”
Inglewood United moved off the bottom of the table after a stunning 4-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at Kingsway Reserve. “It's been a tough couple of months for all of us and we've been working hard to improve ourselves from back to front,” Inglewood defender Alex Ishida-Livings said. “To see it all finally come together and to control the game in the way that we did was a massive and deserved confidence boost.” The visitors, who also moved into the last eight of the Australia Cup in midweek, hit the front on 34 minutes. Anthony Bafobusha sent Rene Kisesa down the right, he cut the ball back to Bafobusha, who laid the ball to Dhuors Chol who finished low past David Keenan.
They doubled their lead four minutes into the second half, Shubham Mokala raced into the left side of the penalty area, he cut the ball back, which was dummied by Bafobusha and Chol finished low past Keenan. With the hosts chasing the game, Inglewood added a third late. Mokala won the ball in the middle of the park, and slipped the ball to substitute Dylan White, who lobbed the on-coming keeper. There was still time for a fourth from Andres Oliveira’s side in stoppage time, Mokala curling home from the edge of the box, to seal their third win of the season. “The first 20 minutes Kingsway had chances to take the lead, but from then on, we had control of the game,” Oliveira explained. “A 2-0 scoreline is difficult to handle as Kingsway could sneak in one and grow from there, so I'm very happy for my players handling the situation and then adding another two.”
Balcatta Etna made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Sorrento against Percy Doyle Reserve. “It was a hard-fought game at Percy Doyle today, we knew Sorrento would be up for a battle and McGarry would have them well organised,” Balcatta’s Trent Kay explained. “For us going three up was a massive positive and held us in good stead for the rest of the match in which Sorrento pegged one back. I was lucky enough to get onto the end of a couple of headers with Tongy and Corness making it easy for me from set pieces. We’re back in the top four now so boys were absolutely wrapped after the game but we still realise that it can quickly change if results don’t go our way. We’re looking forward to our next challenge with Floreat next week.”
Both sides progressed in the Australia Cup in midweek, and it was a tight first half with chances at both ends, but it was Balcatta who hit the front on 37 minutes, Adam Tong’s free kick to the back post picked out Trent Kay, and his diving header beat Patrick Hughes. It was 2-0 on the hour, Liam Hudson raced down the left, and his deep cross to the back post was turned home by Kotarto Yamamoto from the angle. The points were made safe nine minutes later, Jon Corness’ corner was headed home by Kay at the near post. The Gulls pulled one back five minutes later, Gustavo Giron-Marulanda sent Thomas Hunt down the left, his cross was headed home by Mark Withers, but it was too little too late.
Last season’s champions Floreat Athena slipped to the bottom of the table after a 2-1 loss against Cockburn City at E&D Litis Stadium. “It’s always tough coming off a mid-week game, but I thought we kept our discipline and managed the game well in key moments,” Cockburn’s Daniel Dols said. “Floreat are a great side and have players that can be very dangerous, but I thought that we set up well and took our opportunities when they came, so we are happy to get the win and look forward to keep the momentum going.”
The visitors found the opener on 28 minutes, Friday Zico stunning shot from distance flew into the top corner, giving Jason Saldaris no chance. The hosts thought they had the equaliser just before half time, Chris Saldaris found Ludovic Boi, who played in Nick Ambrogio, his low cross was turned home by Ethan Mom at the back post, but the assistants’ flag was up for offside on Boi in the build-up.
To make matters worse the Cockerels doubled their advantage in stoppage time, Charlie Garnham’s corner from the left was cleared by Floreat, but the ball was sent back into the box and Anthony Skorich poked the ball home from close-range. Floreat found a lifeline just before the hour, Ludovic Boi sending Ambrogio in on goal, and he found the bottom corner of the net past Michael Craggs.
19.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND EIGHT REVIEW
Our ‘Match of the Round in the State League Division One didn’t disappoint, with Forrestfield United scoring in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “We started well into the game and controlled it for a long time, unfortunately we couldn’t convert our chances in the first half to already have a comfortable lead,” Subiaco coach Michael Janssen explained. “We finally scored after dominating the second half from the start, but unfortunately after this we started to sit off too much and invited them back into the game.
“Even after our late second goal we again allowed Forrestfield to grab another chance as they are not a team that gives up till the very end. The second goal was allowed even when in the build-up the officials overlooked a yellow card tackle against our player, who had to come off injured after the foul. Overall, it was ourselves who kept them in the game and we have to look after our own tasks to finish on top after 90+ minutes. Now we are looking forward to prepare the team to play at Nash Field next week against the league leader Western Knights.”
The game came to life after the break, and it was the hosts who opened the scoring on the hour, Mark Bauersachs found Gavin Knight in the penalty area, he held off his marker and laid the ball into the path of Aaron McGuirk who finished clinically past Nick Stone. But Forrestfield levelled six minutes from time, Ali Naary’s free kick from distance beat Conor Hogan at his near post. But the action was far from over, and two minutes later Subiaco regained the lead.
Maurice Vermeulen sent Matthew Allen down the left, his ball sent Dominic Manno in on goal, and the second half substitute finished clinically from a tight angle. It looked like Subiaco were to win their first home game of the season, but in the first minute of stoppage time Forrestfield restored parity to earn a point. Mohammad Rezai cut inside his marker on the left of the penalty area and fired home via the crossbar, much to the delight of the away supporters.
“I thought we had more possession during the game and had the better chances, but didn't take them,” Forrestfield’s Jason Pottier said. “We have been showing some real character last couple weeks by never giving up and scoring late goals, and hopefully we can continue that against a very good Mandurah side next weekend.”
League leaders Western Knights have bounced back from defeat last week against Fremantle, but they left it late, securing the winner in the second minute of stoppage time to beat UWA Nedlands 2-1 in the local derby at the UWA Sports Park. “As other teams have found UWA is never an easy place to come and play,” Knights coach Adam Kostrencic said. “But it was pleasing to see the persistence of the playing group to maintain the pressure until the end and eventually find the winning goal.”
The Knights were on the back foot early, and on 20 minutes UWA found the opener. Skipper Adam Falcone’s free kick from the left picked out David Molinari, who lost his marker to head past Devon Lindemann. But the visitors levelled seven minutes later, Jack Bardsley was given far too much room and his shot from distance, flew past the keeper and into the corner of the net.
They almost found a second moments later, Jay Sheridan’s free kick deflected into the path of Albert Luwi, but his close range-range was well saved by the keeper. Both sides had their chances after the break, but it was the Knights who found the winner late, Jay Sheridan swept the ball into the box, and it was headed back across goal by Bardsley, the ball deflecting off Adam Harris and going in off the unfortunate Darran Quinncroft.
Fremantle City also left it late to earn a 3-3 draw with Dianella White Eagles at Hilton Park. “We got off to a decent start and scored early but that didn’t last long and then that set the tone for the rest of the day,” Fremantle skipper Hayden Stevens said. “We were second best all over the park, particularly at set pieces we were very poor. Looking back, we were probably lucky to get a point out of it, so full credit to Dianella who made things difficult and took their chances when they had them.”
The home side, who beat NPL side Olympic Kingsway in the Australia Cup in midweek, were ahead on ten minutes, Patrick Loughrey’s corner was met by skipper Hayden Stevens, who powered his header past Peter Pikadaris. But sixty seconds later the Eagles were level, Chris Rizidis sent player/coach Angel Andres into the box, he beat keeper Ryan Barker to the ball and fired home from a tight angle. But the game continued to ebb and flow, and it was Fremantle regained the lead eight minutes later, Oliver La Galia heading home a free kick.
But Dianella weren’t finished and hit back ten minutes later, Mitchell Byrne’s glancing home a header from a corner, before Josh Kuser swept the ball home from close-range after Fremantle failed to clear a free kick, to send the visitors in the sheds with the lead. It looked like the Eagles would leave with three valuable points, but four minutes from time Fremantle levelled. A ball over the top sent Hamza Hina in on goal, his first shot was saved by Pilkadaris, but the striker was on hand to fire home the rebound.
“In my opinion we deserve the three points at the home of one of the favourites to go to NPL,” new Dianella Head coach Angel Andres explained. “I thought we dominated the first half and in the second half we could score the fourth a couple of times before they scored the third, but if you don't take your opportunities against a team as good as Fremantle with the quality they got in front, they punish you.”
Mandurah City moved to second on the table after a 2-0 win against Gwelup Croatia at Genesiscare Stadium. City defender said it was good to keep their good run going, but it wasn’t their best performance of the season. “To be fair, we weren't at our best today but it was a solid professional performance against a well organised Gwelup side,” he explained. “But it’s another clean sheet and a hard-earned win in a game we knew was going to be tough.”
It was a tight first half with the visitors keeping Mandurah at bay, but five minutes into the second half the Dolphins broke through, Joe O’Brien was quickest to react from corner to score. Gwelup looked for the equaliser but the hosts were in no mood to concede, and twenty minutes from time they doubled their advantage, substitute Sam Byrne looping effort beat Josiah Godfrey, who had kept his side in the game with a number of fine saves.
Both Murdoch University Melville and Gosnells City were both backing up from Australia Cup ties in midweek, and they have fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Besteam Stadium. Christos Vaenas gave the hosts the lead early, but in the shadows of half time Scott Pereira levelled, from a training ground free kick routine. Then ten minutes into the second half Ross Greer’s side hit the front, Aiden Hoody scoring, but two minutes later Declan Tanna levelled to give both sides a share of the spoils.
“We were really looking forward to this weekend and playing against some familiar faces we knew, and it was going to be a tough game,” Gosnells skippet Scott Pereira explained. “We started the game slow and gave them an early goal, but we then settled into the game and got a well-earned goal before half time. We then went 2-1 up but was quickly hit back when they scored to make it 2-2. We had a chance to win it at the end but the goal was cancelled out controversially, but in the end, we were happy to take a point but could have easily been three at the same time.”
In the final game of the round, Joondalup United are up to fourth after a 3-1 win against Rockingham City at Lark Hill Sportsplex on Saturday evening. United defender Ben Johns said it was important to get a positive result after last week’s disappointing defeat. “Yes, it was important for us to bounce back after last week’s disappointing result, and not many teams go down to Rockingham and come away with all three points so it was a really pleasing result,” he said. “We had to work hard for it and Rockingham put us under a lot of pressure to their credit, but the quality of the boys we have here which was shown through the goals we scored, really was the difference.”
Nick Jennings’ side found the opener on 23 minutes, Joshua Allum on target, and nine minutes later they doubled their advantage with Elliot Tattersall scoring. The hosts pulled one back four minutes from the break, with Jayden Leader finding the net, but the result was secured nine minutes from time. The hosts had Joseph Moss sent off after receiving a second yellow card on 80 minutes, and moments later a cross into the box was headed against the bar by Joel Sollitt, but the rebound was headed back across goal by Andrew Flint, and it was turned home by substitute Callum Stocks to seal the points.
20.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND EIGHT REVIEW
Wanneroo City returned to the winner’s circle, after a 2-1 win against Curtin University at Wanneroo Reserve in our State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round ’s on Saturday afternoon. “In the first half we didn’t take our chances and was disappointing to go in level at the break,” Wanneroo striker Dion Berman said. “We came out sluggish in the second half and went 1-0 down early, but just like we’ve done several times this year, we showed heart and fought till the end and came out with the three points. Today we had that extra motivation to play for Jayden Licastro, a popular team mate, who sadly had a family member pass away during the week.”
It was the visitors who were ahead early in the second half, with Nathan Smith scoring. But the hosts levelled, youngster Kayleb Money-Elder, who was making his first start of the season, raced down the wing, and he whipped in a cross, and Dion Berman’s diving header found the bottom corner. They hit the front when a corner was met by Licastro, and after a tough week for the Wanneroo player, he jumped the highest at the back post to head home, and was swamped by his teammates. “A good response from the team after the little blip that we had with Maddington last week,” assistant coach Cosimo Figliomeni said. “Delighted for Jayden for him to get his goal, we all know it meant a lot to him. We now already focused for next week and get fixed what didn’t work properly on Saturday.”
Kingsley Westside maintained their three-point lead at the top of the table after a 4-2 win against Swan United at Chichester Park. “I felt we were a bit nervous in the first half in possession and allowed Swan too much time and space on the ball,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “A little tweak at half time made a difference and we knew that our fitness level would be a big factor in the game and it was in the end just really proud of the lads for sticking at the process even after going behind twice in the game. We know get ready for a big game against Quinns on Saturday night.”
The visitors, who were in Australia Cup action midweek, started brightly and Cameron Anderson scored after only two minutes. But Kingsley levelled 14 minutes later, Luke Salmon getting on the end of a Paul Stewart cross to head home. Swan regained the lead on the hour, with Rhys Loxley scoring past Peter Stewart, but their lead only lasted 12 minutes. Swan failed to clear their lines and Paul Stewart brought the ball down smartly, cut inside his marker and buried it inside the near post.
Then three minutes later Kingsley hit the front, Salmon received the ball from Warren Wadawu on the edge of the box, and outpaced his marker before finding the top corner. Swan pressed for the equaliser, but they couldn’t find it, and six minutes into stoppage time, Kingsley found a fourth. Substitute Jayden Drummond was brought down in the penalty area, and Paul Stewart converted the resulting spot kick.
Morley Windmills have kept pace with the leaders after a comfortable 4-0 win against Canning City at Burrendah Reserve. “It was another good win away from home, and to get a clean sheet was another win for us too,” Morley’s Steve Purton said. “We scored very early on which helped, although we couldn’t finish the game off as early as we would have liked. We had two debutants which slotted in and had great games, also Musonda scored off the bench, which shows the depth and competitiveness of the squad.” They opened the scoring on 13 minutes, Michael Rizidis on target, but they had to wait for the hour mark to add a second, Purton the scorer. Stephen Musonda came off the bench to make it 3-0 two minutes from time, before Ishmael Dawson completed the scoring in the final minute.
Ashfield closed the gap on the top four after scoring two late goals to seal a 2-1 win against Quinns at the Ashfield Sports Park. “I don’t think we were at our best today, although there have been games this season where we have played teams off the park and come away with nothing,” Ashfield player/coach James Sammut explained. “Our preparation going into the game wasn’t ideal with a number of players out through injury and illness, but it was pleasing to see the lads not give up and fight for the 90+ minutes. We take the three points and start planning for another tough game next week against Maddington.”
It was Quinns in front early in the second half, with Harry Edwards scoring, and it looked like they would get their second win of the season, but five minutes from time Ashfield levelled, Gareth Hamilton long-range shot took a deflection and lobbed up over the standard keeper. Then in the first minute of stoppage time Ashfield won it, Jared Favel raced into the box past a couple of Quinns defenders, before beating the keeper from a tight angle.
Carramar Shamrock Rovers are back in the winner’s circle, after a 3-0 win against Balga at Grandis Park. “After three disappointing results in a row it was good to get a win against Balga, and we know it’s always a tough game against them but we defended very well and took our chances,” Rovers’ Ger Fitzgerald said. “We also missed a lot of chances too which we need to work on. Very tough game away to Morley next week so training will be intense this week and look forward to Saturday’s game.” They opened the scoring after only two minutes, the referee spotted a push by Jordan Rowe on Drew Palmer, and Chris Pugh scored the resulting penalty. It was 2-0 when Kieran Harrison corner was met by a bullet header by captain Callum Traynor, to send the hosts into the break with a two-goal lead. They sealed the points 18 minutes from time, when Alan Reidy crossed a perfect ball and Drew Palmer scored from close range.
In the final game of the round, Joondalup City have moved off the bottom of the table after their first win of the season, a 2-1 win against Maddington-Kalamunda White City at the Iluka District Open Space. “I thought it was a well-deserved win for the boys,” City’s Liam Peacock said. “It’s been a slow start to the season but a great win against a well organised and good footballing side.” The hosts were ahead at the break, after Sam Rawlings scored on the half hour, and they doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half with Marcel Dzwonik on target. Farruh Mavlonov pulled one back for the visitors twenty minutes from time, but the host held firm to take the points.
“The players have never stopped working, so very pleased that they finally got over the line this week and also to the supporters who have been there in good numbers every week,” coach Paul Welch explained. “It’s a platform for us to build on and we won’t get carried away with one win, just take each game as it comes, especially with this weeks game at Curtin on a Friday night. I’ll leave you with my partner in crime Ryan’s comment before the match Saturday “some players legacy will read 6 losses 1 draw, yours is yet to be written“ they started with a well earned win.”
19.5.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP WA DRAW DELAYED
The Australia Cup draw was supposed to be made today for the next round of the WA games, but the draw has been delayed, after a player irregularity in one of the fifth-round games played this week. Football West sent out the following statement. “After consultation with Football Australia, Football West has taken the decision to delay the draw for the WA Preliminary Round Six of the Australia Cup. Football West will advise of the new date and time of the draw. Watch this space…
19.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FIVE PREVIEW
After relegation from the State League, it’s not been the start South West Phoenix were looking for in their return to the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, but they will be looking for home comforts on Saturday afternoon in our ‘Match of the Round’ when they welcome Jaguar to the Onside Sports Stadium in Bunbury, in the opening game of week five. (5.00pm) Their only win this season came at home in round three against Kwinana, but last week they were well beaten on the road by league leaders South Perth leaving them ninth on the table. Jaguar sit third, and are unbeaten this season, but they dropped their first points of the season last weekend, drawing at home to East Perth, so both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways this week.
The last time they met at the venue was in round 13 in 2021, with the hosts winning 4-0. Phoenix was ahead when Corey Barclay cut the ball back to Lee Stewart to score. It was 2-0 when Andy Blunden crossed to the back post and Stewart headed it back across goal and Barclay volleyed home. It was 3-0 before the break Barclay cross was headed home by Stewart from five meters. They wrapped up the points late when Stewart was brought down in the box and Kieran Quinn made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Jags coach Josam Muwowo will be hoping to celebrate his birthday with three points, but he knows it will be a tough game. “We know Saturday will be a tough trip to Bunbury to play against a good formidable side which we know will be very competitive and difficult to crack especially playing them in their own backyard,” Muwowo said. “We as Jags believe that anything is possible to collect maximum points there, but we will have to do our best first to compete and utilise our chances. The boys look ready to take on the task and we will see how they will respond after a short space of recovery time from travelling. It's not easy but we have to adjust and adapt.”
Phoenix’s Corey Barclay said last week defeat was tough to take, with the club struggling for numbers on the day. “Yes, it was a rough week, in terms of personnel available for the game with a few of the league boys having to play both reserves and league,” he explained. “I can’t fault any of them and we were playing well for the first half managing to go 1-0 up, but then unfortunately conceding just before half time. The tired legs started to show in the second half as we had a few players go down with cramp and a suspected hamstring injury. We conceded three goals in 10 minutes and unfortunately went down 5-1, but credit to South Perth there were a very good team and deserved the win.”
Barclay said they hope to get some players back this weekend, as they look to keep their winning home form intake. “This weekend will again be another tough weekend against Jaguar it’s always difficult coming up against them,” he said. “Our home ground is very similar to theirs in terms of size, so it should be a good hit out with both teams playing better on larger pitches, hopefully we will be able to get the job done and keep our 100% home record this year.”
In other games this weekend (all games kick off at 3pm, unless stated), league leaders South Perth United hit the road, with a trip to Vasto Reserve to take on North Beach, for the first home league game for Nick Di Carlo’s side. Second placed Emerald host Joondalup United at Fraser Park (1.00pm), looking to keep their unbeaten run going, while the visitors go in search of their first win on the road. Kwinana United will look for their first win of the season when they make the trip to Woodville Reserve to take on North Perth United (1.00pm), who have won both their home games this season.
Peel United have struggled so far this season, losing their opening three games, and they face a tough test on Sunday when they visit Frye Park to take on Kelmscott Roos, who have won both their home games this season. In the final game Wembley Downs entertain East Perth at Butlers Reserve. East Perth goes into this one after a scoreless draw at Jaguar, while Wembley secured back-to-back wins after a 2-0 win at Joondalup, a result which pleased keeper Jeff Cornez, and he said they are starting to hit their straps.
“The win at Joondalup was a great game to win plus another shutout, after two very comfortable wins prior, it was a good reminder that this league is so tough and we need to be prepared to grind out wins,” he explained. “We are looking forward to the game on Sunday, and we all agree East Perth are one of the favourites for the league, but I think we’re ready to add our name to the conversation. We’re starting to get into our rhythm and we look forward to the challenge and opportunity for another three points on Sunday at Butlers.”
19.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW
We head into week eight of the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is the top of the table clash between league leaders Perth RedStar and Murdoch University Melville at the RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3.00pm, unless stated) MUMFC moved level at the top of the table after a 5-1 win in their round three catch up game against Hyundai NTC at E&D Litis Stadium on Wednesday evening.
It started so well for the NTC youngsters, with Klaudia Houlis turning her marker and finished well past Stacey Cavill. But that was as good as it got for Ben Anderton’s side, and four minutes into the second half the visitors levelled, Sam Mathers headed in a corner from the right. MUMFC keeper Cavill then produced two great saves to deny Houlis and Mia Britton, and those saves proved crucial and MUMFC hit the front just after the hour mark, with Charli Wainwright’s finishing well from the edge of the box.
The NTC were then reduced to ten, when Georgia Cassidy was sent off, and MUMFC capitalised with three goals in the final 11 minutes to seal the win. Jessica Johnson’s long-range shot beat Megan Phillips to make it 3-1, before Mathers was sent clear by Nikita Strickling’s header to make it four. Mathers then completed her hat-trick two minutes from time, to seal a comprehensive win, and move them level on the table with Sunday’s opponents RedStar. with a strike from downtown, which continued MUM FC’s terrific recent run of form and set up an enticing clash with leaders RedStar.
MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said he was delighted with the performance of his side, and said the players have earned a prize for the win, but knows Sunday’s game at the RedStar Arena will be another tough one. “Delighted with the win against a good win against NTC, and it gives the team confidence moving forward,” he said. “It gives them belief and most importantly it gets them a pasta dinner courtesy of my assistant coach Chef Dom. We move on to another tough game against RedStar, and we know we have to be at our best to defeat them, but we know our best is good enough.”
Last season’s champions RedStar moved ominously to the top of the table last week with a hard-fought win against Fremantle City, and Andreia Teixeira said it was a good three points. “We knew the Fremantle game would be tough after their win against the NTC the week before, but on the day, we played well and took our chances at important parts of the game,” she explained.
“We have played well in recent weeks, and having a number of players pushing for a first team place, it has given everyone a lift and competition for spot in the starting side is intense, and it’s brought the best out of us. On Saturday we host another team who will be high on confidence after beating the NTC in midweek to continue their unbeaten run, so it will be another tough test for us, but one we’re looking forward too”
In other games this weekend Balcatta Etna will look to build on their win at Perth SC last week when they host Hyundai NTC at Grindleford Reserve, while Subiaco entertain Curtin University at Rosalie Park (3.45pm). In the final game Perth SC welcome Fremantle City to Dorrien Gardens. (4.00pm) Both sides are coming off narrow defeats, Fremantle at RedStar, while the Azzurri were beaten at home by Balcatta.
Perth striker Jaime Duncanson was on target in their loss, and she hopes to bounce back on Sunday. “We were obviously disappointed to lose points last week, however it gives us some good focus points early in the scheme of the season to work on for the next round and beyond,” she explained. “We are excited to make up for last week in our next game, and Fremantle are always a good opposition, so we know it’s always a 90+ minute battle, and we are ready for it. “
19.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
We have a top of the table clash in the Hyundai Women’s Division One with leaders Hamersley Rovers hosting second placed UWA Nedlands at Carine Open Space on Sunday afternoon. (All games kick off at 1.00pm, unless stated) Rovers maintained their perfect start to the season after a big win against Port Kennedy, while UWA dropped their first points of the season, being held to a 1-1 draw by Perth AFC, so this one should be a great game.
Hamersley coach Betim Ziba said UWA will be looking to bounce back from their draw last week, and his side are determined to keep their good start to the season going, so it should be a great game. “So far both teams have not lost, so this game will be a pivotal one, and we know UWA are a dangerous team who have a good system going,” Ziba explained.
“We have been working hard to ensure our style of play can withstand what UWA do on the day, and I’m sure the game will be exciting and I am curious to see what happens. We can only benefit from this game, if we win, we learn from our mistakes and become better. If we win then we know that what we are doing is working, but one thing is for sure, we’re excited and ready to play and are wanting to leave with all three points.”
Hamersley coach Lawrence Lewis said last weeks draw was a tough game, but that game has gone and they are ready for the challenge of taking on the league leaders.
“The game will be different for us this weekend as we are coming up against a new side in Hamersley. They have started the season well and seem to be getting good results along the way. After our blip last week against Perth AFC, we are looking to get back to winnings ways, the coach explained.
“Good fortunes have brought a couple of our players back from injury for this weekend and will look to feature throughout the game. No doubt it will be a tightly contested game as it will set the early season stride from either team. It’s a long season with plenty of games to go but a win here would set us in good stead for the next round of games.”
In other games this weekend, Sorrento host Armadale at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday afternoon, the hosts looking to build on last week’s win against Subiaco, while Armadale go in search of their first point of the season. Port Kennedy have home ground advantage when they welcome Subiaco to Koorana Reserve. Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeats last week, the hosts were beaten at the league leaders last week, while Subiaco lost at home to Sorrento.
“We’ve always found Armadale a tough side to come up against and I’m not expecting any different this week,” Sorrento coach Grant O’Connell said. “For us we want to build on last week’s game and aim for a more consistent performance over the 90 minutes. We’ve worked on a couple of new ideas at training, so If we get our processes right and play with the right intensity I’m confident we can put in a good performance and get another positive result.”
The round kicks off on Friday evening when Perth AFC welcome Mandurah to Len Packham Park. (7.30pm) The hosts fought out a draw at UWA last week to move to third, while Mandurah hit eight, to beat Armadale. Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said they are expecting another game against Mandurah, and his side will look to get back to winning ways after their draw at UWA.
“Coming off a draw last week we are looking to get back into the winners circle but it’s not going to be easy,” he said. “Mandurah are coming off a big win and have been playing well the last couple of weeks, so it won't be a game we take lightly. We have continued to work on key elements of our game and keep pushing forward taking it one game at a time.”
Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said Friday is going to be and exciting challenge, and one they are looking forward too. “Yes, we are looking forward to tonight’s game, and taking on the team third on the table, and hoping leapfrogging them with a win,” the coach explained. “As a young and developing team we aspire to be able to compete with the top sides in our division, and tonight gives us the opportunity to measure our progress. Perth do not concede many goals, so this could be a tough assignment. Watch this space…”
19.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND NINE - PREVIEW
After the midweek Australia Cup round, we’re back in the NPLWA – Men’s action, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Macedonia Park, where third placed Stirling Macedonia host fourth placed Perth Glory. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways in round nine, Stirling were held to a scoreless draw by Cockburn, while Glory were narrowly beaten by Olympic Kingsway. The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round four last season when Glory left with all three points after a 3-0 win. First half goals from Lucas Cook and Joshua Anasmo the visitors in control, and Lucas Rossi added a third after the break to seal the win.
It's been a tough week for the hosts with two games in four days, but midfielder Gyles Davies, who was on target in the 5-1 win against Swan United in the cup, said it was good to get into the next round and give some of the younger players some game time. “Overall, it was a good performance by the group, as sometimes these midweek games can be somewhat of a hurdle if you arrive with the wrong attitude but we put in a focused and tidy performance. I thought we got off to a bit of a tardy start conceding early on as Swan United started quickly, and we knew they would be physical and dangerous from set pieces and they took advantage of that early on,” he explained.
“We soon settled into our rhythm, retaining a lot of the ball and we were soon able to capitalise on a few good opportunities which we created. Ultimately, we controlled the game for the majority and it was pleasing to cash in with some goals which we haven’t consistently achieved this year. As a playing and coaching group, we still recognise there are improvements to take from our performance in both the attacking and final third but overall, we are pleased to progress to the next round in the cup as we shift our focus to a big game on Saturday again Perth Glory.”
Davies said they are expecting a tough game against the Glory youngsters on Saturday, but they need to recover well from their midweek game, because they are a fit side. “We are anticipating a tough contest against Perth Glory, and are aware of the style of play they often try and bring and the 'run' they bring through their intensity and fitness. Collectively as a group we are confident we will be able to get a result if we trust our style of play and take our opportunities,” he explained.
“While we have had somewhat of a stop start beginning to the season, we see this as an important fixture to begin to regain some momentum in a league which is extremely close and competitive. Coming off a disappointing and frustrating result against Cockburn we have addressed some areas as a playing and coaching group which we see as areas of improvement. The weekend is bound to be a competitive fixture however, we are very confident in our ability to get a win to maintain pressure on the top placed team whoever that may be come Saturday evening.”
Glory slipped to their third defeat of the season at Olympic last week, but coach John Walmsley said the performance was good, but he thought the red card changed the game. “To be fair it was a decent performance from us against Kingsway on the weekend, however a few contentious decisions made by the referee resulted in the game being swung in their favour,” he explained. “However, we need to be mindful of certain aspects of senior football to ensure we manage matches effectively.”
In midweek Daniel Bennie, Robert Cook, Giovanni De Abreu, Andriano Lebib, Jonathon Leithead and Corey Sutherland were all selected in the Joeys AFC u17 Asian Cup squad, and Walmsley said the development of these players, and the rest of the squad has been down to their hard work at training. “We are delighted for the boys who have been selected for the National Team for the U17 Asian Cup. To represent your country is a huge honour, and this achievement is reward for all their hard work and dedication each day,” he said. “As a program our focus is developing players, so we hope that there is more to come from these lads as well as others within the squad.”
Glory sits level on points with Saturday’s opponents, and Walmsley said Saturday is another test for his young squad, but like all games this season, they will meet the challenge head on. “Yes, this week will be another good test for us against a strong Stirling side,” he said. “We need to continue to develop our approach to get better at all aspects of controlling the match. If we are consistent with our approach, we will give ourselves a good opportunity to win the game.”
In other games, league leaders Bayswater City welcome second placed Perth RedStar to Frank Drago Reserve, in the top of the table clash. City moved three points clear at the top last week after a narrow 2-1 win against Armadale, while Callum Salmon’s side were also narrow winners, coming home from Inglewood with the same scoreline, and with the league so tight, three points would be massive in this one. Perth SC begin life without coach Marc Wingell, who departed the club after last week’s loss to Balcatta, when they host Armadale at Dorrien Gardens, with Basil Lenzo as the interim coach.
Current champions Floreat Athena are sitting a disappointing 11th on the table, and coming off four straight league defeats, the latest a 3-1 loss at Sorrento, and they will be desperate for the points when they welcome Cockburn City to E&D Litis Stadium. Olympic Kingsway and Inglewood United were both in cup action this week, Olympic knocked out Fremantle City, while Inglewood beat Gosnells City, and the pair will both back up on Saturday when they meet at Kingsway Reserve. Likewise, Balcatta Etna and Sorrento, who beat MUMFC and Mandurah City respectively in the cup, and they go head-to-head at Percy Doyle Reserve
Balcatta assistant coach Malcom Tshuma said the back-to-back wins has given them much needed confident. “The Perth game we were the better side over the ninety minutes, we worked extremely hard, in and out of possession, and we had a game plan and it worked well, and on another day, we could have scored a couple more, but in the context of the season, coming away from Dorrien with three points, we were very happy about,” he explained. “On Tuesday in the cup we managed to rotate the squad, and gave some of our younger players the opportunity, which the club haven’t been able to do recently, and they never let us down, and it bodes well for the club going forward.”
Tshuma said they need to be strong on Saturday, and it’s been the same for both teams, with two games in a short period of time, but he is confident they get a positive result. “We’re looking forward to the Sorrento game, the wins at Perth and Murdoch are done and dusted, but we understand Sorrento are a quality side and well coached, so we will have to be at our best for the 90 plus minutes to get the result,” he said. “The league is tight at the moment, and on any day, anyone can beat anyone else, so we look forward to the challenge and our focus is on the Sorrento game. We will go down there and look to bring home the three points, and we are confident of the quality and ability of our squad to do that.”
19.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW
We head into week eight of the State League Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Rosalie Park where Subiaco host Forrestfield United. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides are coming off wins last week, Subiaco coming home from Gwelup with a 4-2 win, while Forrestfield secured their first win of the season, with a 2-1 win against UWA Nedlands.
The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 21 last season, when Subiaco fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw. The visitors found the opener on 24 minutes, Oliver La Galia cross was headed home by Alex Mclean. They doubled their lead five minutes later, La Galia was the supplier again, his cross was turned home by Andy Harold. But five minutes into the second half Subiaco pulled one back, Emmanuel Langoya scoring, and they were level two minutes later, Boas Mtwale’s ball into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with and Mark Bauersachs pounced to fire home to share the spoils
The win against UWA was a huge plus for Forrestfield, this after the departure of coach Eric Williams two weeks ago. With new coaches Paul Vallerius and Daryl Platten in charge the club looked to have turned the corner, and keeper Nick Stone said last week's win was a great way to start, and they hope to continue it on Saturday at Subiaco.
“Yes, it was a great win last Saturday, the boys have been working hard as a group and we believe we are good side that plays good football, but haven’t had the luck to turn good performances into a win,” he explained. “Daryl and the gaffer have done a great job encouraging the group and it’s paying off hopefully we can keep the ball moving forward on Saturday.”
Subiaco were coming off back-to-back defeats in the league, and striker Gavin Knight said it was huge to get back to winning ways. “Last week game against Gwelup was a very good win for us, especially after our loss the week earlier against Joondalup and Mandurah,” he said. “I thought we played very well against Gwelup, and deserved it, so that gives us confidence into next game.”
The win last week kept Subiaco in touch with the top four, and Knight said it will be nice to get a first home win of the season. “It’s good to be back at home again on Saturday, and we’re looking for a better result than our first home game against Joondalup,” he said. “But we know our game against Forrestfield will be tough, as they won their first game and have new manager, but I think if we play the way we did last week we can get the three points.”
League leaders Western Knights welcome UWA Nedlands to Nash Field for the local derby. Adam Kostrencic’s side will be looking to bounce from their first defeat of the season last week against Fremantle, while UWA will hope to end a three-game losing streak. Both Mandurah City and Gwelup Croatia were in cup action in midweek, and they meet at Genesiscare Stadium on Saturday. The hosts were beaten by Sorrento, but will look to continue their excellent league form which has seen them move up to second on the table, while Gwelup won in extra time against Maddington in the cup, and will be aiming to bounce back from defeat against Subiaco last week.
Fremantle City are also back to league action when they host Dianella White Eagles at Hilton Park. Matthew Sparrow’s side are the form team of the league at the moments, stunning Olympic Kingsway in the cup in midweek, and coming off a massive win at league leaders Western Knights last week, but Dianella head into the game after a confidence boosting win against MUMFC last week. Joondalup United head south to take on Rockingham City at Lark Hill Sportsplex (5pm), the hosts are coming off a win against Gosnells, while United were well-beaten by Mandurah, and will be looking to bounce back.
In the final game Murdoch University Melville entertain Gosnells City at Besteam Stadium. The visitors suffered their first league defeat in five games, edged out at Rockingham, while hosts were beaten at Dianella and in the cup in midweek by Balcatta, but the game was up for grabs until late. “Yes, a couple of disappointing results the last two games and we feel we should have got more out of them but sometimes it just doesn’t fall for you,” MUMFC keeper Tom Allan said. “But saying that and given the number of injuries we have at the minute, but the lads have stepped up and put in some great shifts. This week, as most weeks are in this league, it will be another tough game against Gosnells. We are looking for a big reaction from the squad and three points to keep us in that top four mix.”
19.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW
Our ‘Match of the Round’ in week eight of the State League Division Two, sees fourth placed Curtin University make the trip to Wanneroo Reserve to meet sixth placed Wanneroo City. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts lost for the first time in four games last week at Maddington, while the visitors, who lost in the cup in midweek to Floreat, won for the first time in four games, after a 3-2 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers, and with only two points separating the two sides this one should be a close encounter.
The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 14 last season, when the hosts ran out 2-1 winners. The visitors opened the scoring early, with Theodore Chapota scoring from the spot, but the hosts levelled, when Aaron Louttit headed home Daragh Kavanagh’s cross. Wanneroo added a second, Will Woodhall getting on the end of a Conor Dolan pass to seal the points.
Curtin skipper Jeffrey Ledwith said it has been a tough week for the club, with league and Australia Cup games, but he said the players gave it their all in all the game. “Yes, it's a big week for the team having three games in seven days. The game against Rovers was a hard-fought win considering we hadn’t won in three games so it was great to bounce back and start winning again,” he explained. “The cup game against Floreat was always going to be a challenge and was a great way to see how we mange against team a few leagues above us, I was super proud of the boys for their efforts within the game.”
Ledwith said Saturday is another challenge, and with only two points separating the two sides on the table, the win will be important. “We’ve trained well on Thursday, and we now move on, and move our attention to the league facing Wanneroo away weekend,” the skipper said. “We know every game is difficult in this league and Wanneroo will be a strong contest considering how close we are on the ladder, but I know the boys will be keen to get a win this weekend.”
It will be a huge game at Chichester Park when league leaders Kingsley Westside host third placed Swan United. The hosts drew at Morley last week, to drop their first points of the season, while Swan bounced back from defeat against Morley the week before, with a big win at Quinns, before a cup defeat at Stirling in midweek. Second placed Morley Windmills head to Burrendah Park to take on Canning City, looking to maintain the pressure on the leaders, while Canning will go in search of their first win of the season.
In the other games this weekend Carramar Shamrock Rovers will look to get back to winning ways when they host Balga at Grandis Park, while the visitors will be buoyed by a first win in five games against Canning last week. Maddington-Kalamunda White City make the trip to the Iluka District Open Space to meet Joondalup City. City ended Wanneroo City’s winning run last week, before an extra time loss in the cup against Gwelup in midweek, while Joondalup sit bottom of the table, and will be searching for their first win of the season.
Ashfield welcome Quinns to the Ashfield Sports Club, and will go in search of back-to-back home wins, after their win against Joondalup last week, while Quinns will look to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Swan. Ashfield’s Gareth Hamilton was happy to get one over his former club last week, but knows they need more of the same on Saturday against a Quinns side battling to move away from the foot of the table.
“It's always nice to get a win against your old club I thought we thoroughly deserved the three points, and we go into this weekend full of confidence,” he said. “This weekend is another massive game, we know Quinn's will be raring to go after last weekend’s defeat, but if we stick to the game plan set out by the coaching staff, we know we can come away with all three points.”
17.5.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - WEDNESDAY REVIEW
Defending Australia Cup (WA) holders Cockburn City still have a grip on the trophy, after a narrow 1-0 win against Perth RedStar at Dalmatinac Park on Wednesday evening. “It was a massive win for us obviously, and everyone played their part in an excellent performance,” Cockburn keeper Michael Craggs explained. “We limited their chances as much as we could, and didn't give them any good one on one chances at all, and it shows that on our day we can beat anyone so hopefully that mentality bleeds into the league.” The only goal of the game came just after half time, Luqman Sayyed found Friday Zico down the right, who laid it into Danny Dols. Luqman made a great overlapping run and he got down the line and cut the ball back to Jesse Lazzaro on the edge of the box, and he finished past Liam Reddy.
“We knew RedStar was going to be a tough game, because they have quality players all over the pitch, they played really good football, but you know never know what will happen in cup games,” Zico explained. “We had very few chances in the match, but Jesse scored the decisive goal, and according to him his got the best left foot at the club then me, but if he continues to score with it then I have no problem with that for now. We are just happy to get through to the next round and hope to continue our cup adventure.”
Sorrento also progressed to the next round after a 3-0 win against Mandurah City at Genesiscare Stadium. “Overall, I thought we started the first half pretty poor but managed to stay in the game which was encouraging,” Sorrento defender David Stokoe said. “Then in the second half we got to grips with the game more and dominated the possession and chance creation, so overall always good to get through to the next round of a cup.”
It was a tight contest in the first half with both sides having their chances, but it was the Gulls, who last won the cup in 2015, that found the opener early in the second half, after an in-swinging corner from Dean Cummings, flicked on and Scott Robertson headed home unmarked at the back post. They doubled their advantage on 72 minutes, Zach Dabbs picked up the ball on the left and dribbled at pace past a number of Mandurah players, before his shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net past Alfie Brincat.
They wrapped up the tie deep into stoppage time, with Mandurah committing numbers forward, they broke on the counter, Hugo Snowden was sent in on goal, and he lobbed the on-coming keeper to seal the tie. “We knew in the lead up to this game it was going to be really difficult, and we were well aware of the quality they’ve got, and they put us on the back foot for the majority of the first half and made it difficult for us to get the ball down and play our game,” Robertson explained,
“I thought we defended the crucial moments really well and we rode our luck at times to keep them scoreless going into half time. We were far from our best in the first half so the second half required a reaction and that’s exactly what happened. It was a huge effort from everyone and a it was a gutsy performance, Mandurah pushed us all the way. We wish them well for their push for promotion, but we’re happy to be in the hat for the next round, the Australia Cup has always been important for the club.”
Floreat Athena have put a difficult league run behind them to progress to the last eight, but they were made to work for their 1-0 win against Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval. “It was good to get back to winning ways after some disappointing results recently,” Floreat’s Nick Ambrogio said. “We can use this result to kick start our season again with a tough game against Cockburn this weekend.” The only goal of the game came on two minutes, some good build up play, out on the left ended with a cut back to Ambrogio on the edge of the box, and his half volley went in off the post.
The hosts went close to levelling in the second half, when Janno Saks found himself in space on the right of the penalty area, but his shot was well saved by Jason Saldaris. “I'm proud of how the boys played and felt we were unlucky not to take the game to extra time,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “We conceded a soft goal in the opening minutes when they got behind us on the left, but we had a number of good half chances in the second half but couldn’t find the equaliser.”
In the final tie, Gwelup Croatia have come from two goals behind, for the second game running, to beat Maddington-Kalamunda White City 3-2 after extra time at Maida Vale Reserve. The hosts were ahead on six minutes, Jose Zuniga on target. It looked game over on the hour when City doubled their advantage, with substitute Nicolas Serrano scoring, but nine minutes later Gwelup found a lifeline, Jacob Williamson heading home a corner. Then seven minutes from time they levelled, Rob McDonald was brought down in the box, and Charlie Breen scored the resulting penalty. So, it was off to extra time, with both sides having chances, but it was Gwelup who won it, with McDonald scoring his first goal for the club in the first period of extra time.
“It was a tough fought out match, and Maddington performed cohesively throughout the game, scoring two poor goals from our perspective, leaving us on the back foot for most of the match,” Gwelup keeper Josiah Godfrey said. “To be fair, I thought we were fortunate to equalise in the 80th minute, sending the game into extra time where we scored the decisive third goal. From there we held on till the end of the game with a 3 -2 win, and it gives us a huge lift as we head down to Mandurah this Saturday with an optimistic but positive mindset.”
16.5.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - TUESDAY REVIEW
State league Division One Fremantle City caused the biggest upset in Tuesday evenings Australia Cup (WA) fifth round games, beating NPLWA Olympic Kingsway 2-1 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Matthew Sparrow’s side stunned Perth SC in the last round and they were ahead in this one midway through the first half. Pat Loughrey’s corner picked out Hayden Stevens, and the former Perth Glory Youth defender saw his glancing header beat Joseph Pollard.
Olympic were on the front foot after the break and levelled on 54 minutes, Ollie Annis’ set piece found the unmarked Daniel Walsh, who fired home from five meters. It looked we were going to extra time, but Fremantle won it four minutes from time. Roberto Soares had only been on the pitch for two minutes, but his run from deep saw him set his sights on goal, and his shot flew into the bottom corner of the net, much to the delight of players and supporters alike.
Sparrow said it was a great game, and his players were outstanding all night. “Firstly, what a fantastic cup game, the intensity of the match for a Tuesday night game, especially after both teams playing Saturday was a credit to the players,” the Fremantle coach said. “So proud of my players tonight, they gave it everything from start to finish, the last couple of weeks I’ve seen another side to them which I really like, the determination grit and togetherness is growing more and more each game. We’ll prepare right again Thursday to get ourselves ready for another huge game against Dianella on Saturday.”
Balcatta Etna moved into the next round, after a hard fought 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium. “We had a young team out and considering that we played some good football tonight,” Balcatta midfielder Ryan Pearson said. “I thought we controlled most of the game, and found two early goals to steady the ship. We had a bit of a scare early second half where they had a good ten-minute spell, but we calmed our nerves again to get back on top, and then sealed the game with a third goal late on, and I thought overall we showed our quality to move into the next round.”
The visitors found the opener on ten minutes, good work down the right by Declan Hudson, saw him take on his marker and deliver a pin-point cross to Ben Hinshelwood, and the big striker headed home superbly past Tom Allan. They doubled their advantage eight minutes later, a free kick to the back post was headed back across goal by Adam Buckingham, and Ben Ford headed home from close-range.
The hosts came out on the front foot after the break and reduced the margin five minutes in after Pat Sara was brought down by Balcatta keeper Caelan Cooper, and Declan Tanna made no mistake from the resulting penalty. They went close again, Cooper making emends for the penalty, getting down well to save from Sebastian Hooshangian’s shot, before denying Christos Vaenas moments later. But 15 minutes from time Balcatta sealed the tie. Adam Tong turned his marker and his low cross was turned home by Hinshelwood to send Glen Grostate’s side into the final eight.
Inglewood United moved through after a 3-0 win against Gosnells City at Inglewood Stadium. “Gosnells came out firing in the first 20 minutes, but from then on, I thought we controlled the game,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira explained. “I thought it was a good game, and full credit to Gosnells as they never gave a backward step, but delighted to move into the next round.” It was the visitors who had the best early chance, Jaihon Sedgley won possession and pulled the ball back to skipper Scott Pereira, but he fired inches wide.
After the early let-off, Inglewood settled and went ahead on 36 minutes. Matt Ntoumenopoulos’ corner led to a goalmouth scramble, and Chris Tilson bundled the ball over the line. They added a second sixty seconds later, a counter attack by Chad Nilson, saw him play a neat one-two with Anthony Bafobusha, and he raced into the box and finished past Jordan Jones. Gosnells looked to get back into the game after the break, and they went close when substitute Ben Davies’ snapshot was well saved by Alex Dunn. But it was the hosts who would seal the tie on 65 minutes, Nilson’s pressure forced the error and he found Shubham Mokala, who made no mistake.
In the final game Stirling Macedonia came from behind to beat Swan United 5-1 at Macedonia Park. “Good win in the end, but we had a bit of a scare early on, but thankfully the boys didn’t panic and got the job done,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet said. “It was good for a few of the younger players to get some minutes too and they all stepped up which was great to see, especially young Luke Passeretto at centre half.” It was a great start for the visitors, after Brennan Borzecki gave them the lead on nine minutes.
But Stirling hit back five minutes later with Daniel Zivkovic scoring, and they hit the front on the half hour, Asher Nelson beating the keeper at his near post. Daniel Faichney made it 3-1 early in the second half, cutting inside and finishing well. Gyles Davies made it 4-1, his looping header beat the keeper, before substitute Samim Fattaahi rounded off the scoring late, to give Ian Ferguson’s side a comfortable win. “It was a slow start but once we settled down and played football we really capitalised and were able to showcase our level and ability,” Stirling’s Brent Quick said. “It was good to score goals and control the game, we look forward to progressing forward in the cup.’
16.5.2023
AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - PREVIEW
The fifth round of the Australia Cup (WA) takes place in midweek, with eight intriguing ties and it kicks off on Tuesday with the NPLWA clubs taking on lower opposition. It should be a cracking game when Fremantle City take on Olympic Kingsway at Alfred Skeet Reserve, this as the Hilton Park lights were not up to recommendations. (7.30pm) Fremantle upset Perth SC in a nine-goal thriller in the last round while Olympic beat fellow NPL side Bayswater, and have gone on a four-game winning streak since. Former Olympic winger Hamza Hana said to take on an NPL club is a huge challenge, but confidence is high after their big win at Division One league leaders Western Knights last week. “This game comes with double importance for us at Fremantle,” he said. “Not only are we trying to reach the quarter finals of Australia cup but once again we're proving our quality against a top NPL side which is what we've set the standard for ourselves this season.”
Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson said Fremantle are eyeing a spot in the NPL next season, so Tuesday should be a tight contest. “We know it will be a tough game, Fremantle are always a difficult team to face and off the back of their result on the weekend they will be full of confidence. They were a great team last season and they have strengthened the squad and look like even more of a force this season,” he explained. “We have had a good run of results as well, and the group are starting to work well together and are being efficient in the attack and solid in defence. We will have to continue this good run of form to get a result from this match and progress to the next round, we look forward to the challenge.”
Olympic coach David Tough said Fremantle are the form team in Division One, and knows they will be a huge challenge, but he said the club are determined to have a good cup run. “We are fully aware of the tough challenge ahead of us in this match. I’m a big supporter of the State league, I have always believed in the quality of several clubs who would do well in the NPL, and Fremantle is one of them,” Tough explained. “Matt has done an excellent job with recruitment, and his team has been playing some impressive attacking football and scoring plenty goals. They are coming off a big win against Western Knights so the confidence in their camp will undoubtedly be high. Our squad understand that we must be at our best to get through to the next round.”
There is another game where the venue has changed, when Division Two Swan United, who were drawn at home to Stirling Macedonia, but due to the floodlights at Francis Street not meeting the standards for a Football Australia event, the game was switched to Macedonia Park. (7.15pm) The black and whites won the State League Cup back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, and were beaten by Stirling in the 2006 Final. Swan striker John Monterosso said they go into the game in good form and looking forward to the challenge. “After coming off a solid win away at Quinns, we’re looking to continue that form and hopefully go on another Swan United cup run like the old days,” he explained. “But we know how much of a task Stirling are going to be, having improved year on year since getting into NPL, but we’re looking forward to the game.”
Also on Tuesday evening, Gosnells City make the trip to Inglewood Stadium, to take on Inglewood United. (7.00pm) Inglewood sit bottom of the NPL, and coming off a loss against RedStar on Saturday, while Gosnells have only been beaten once in their last six cup and Division One league games, and defender James Sharp said they head into the game with nothing to lose and everything to gain. “No doubt the game against Inglewood is going to be a tough game, especially with them being the league above they will be hard to beat,” he said. “But we have nothing to lose at the end of the day, so we will be going into the game with confidence and making sure we are hard to beat.”
In the final game on Tuesday, Murdoch University Melville welcome Balcatta Etna to Besteam Stadium looking to cause an upset. (7.30pm) The visitors returned to winning ways in the league on Saturday at Perth, while MUMFC lost ground on the leaders, after back-to-back defeats, the latest at Dianella. Both sides eased through the last round with wins against South Perth United and Joondalup City respectively. MUMFC midfield Pat Sara said they are up for the game and he’s looking forward to putting their wits against NPL opposition. “We are a club with high aspirations, and our aim is to be playing teams like this week in week out, so it’s a good opportunity for us to prove ourselves,” he explained. “That being said, we have been hit by the injury bug lately, and we are missing key players. Taki and the club have done a good job over the summer to sign and deepen the squad so we aren’t to disheartened, and we go into the game knowing we can beat them if we play our best.”
On Wednesday evening the tie of the night is at Genesiscare Stadium, where Division One Mandurah City host Sorrento (7.30pm). It will be a game between friends, with Mandurah coach John Baird and his Sorrento counterpart Steven McGarry going a long way back in Scotland, and Baird said he’s looking forward to catching up with his mate, but his side are determined to get a win to move into the last eight. “It’s an interesting cup tie, obviously both teams coming of good weekend results as well, it’s a very good opportunity for us to play an NPL team and see where we’re at,” Baird said. “It will be good to catch up with Steven, I’ve known him for 20 years and played against each other plenty of times, so it will be good to head-to-head as coaches.”
McGarry, who side returned to the winner’s circle in the league on Saturday against Floreat, said they are determined to progress into the next road, but knows it will be a tough test. “As a club we are all looking forward to the cup game on Wednesday, especially after a good win and performance in the league on the weekend,” he explained. “There is no doubt It will be a tough test, and I think league form and league status goes out the window and it’s about who can perform well on the night. John Baird’s doing a great job and has assembled a good squad down there and we will go into the game full of respect for them, but at the same time our lads will be focused and determined to progress in the cup.”
Curtin University have started Division Two well, currently sitting in fourth place, and they entertain NPL champions Floreat Athena at Edinburgh Oval. (7.15pm) The visitors have struggled in the league to date, and their 3-1 defeat at Sorrento on Saturday made it four losses on the trot. They were also tested in the last round, before beating Amateur Premier Division side Jaguar, while Curtin eased past Balga, and coach Troy Reid said the whole club is excited to host the champions. “Everyone around the club is looking forward to hosting last season's NPL champions Floreat Athena, and we're well aware that it is a mammoth task to knock them off,” Reid said. “But we know we can be difficult to play against, and all the boys will definitely be up for the fight come Wednesday night.”
There is an all NPL tie, with cup holders Cockburn City hosting Perth RedStar at Dalmatinac Park. (7.00pm) Both sides moved through to this round with hard fought wins at Rockingham City and Kingsley Westside, while both are performing well in the league, and only two points separate them on the table. Cockburn keeper Michael Craggs said everyone wants to repeat last seasons cup final win, but knows RedStar are going to be tough to beat. “We’re all looking forward to the big challenge that is RedStar, they are in great form at the moment in the league and know they will take that into the Cup game as well,” he said. “With us being the current holders, we know that we have a target on our back, but the team is ready to defend it all the way, it should be a great game.”
In the final game, Maddington-Kalamunda White City have made a good start to life in the state league, and are coming off three straight wins, and they welcome Division One Gwelup Croatia to Maida Vale Reserve. (7.00pm) Gwelup stunned Armadale in the last round, coming from 0-2 down at half time to win in extra time, while City eased past Quinns. Both sides go into this one in good form, so it should be an entertaining game. City striker Farrau Mavlonov said the club is buzzing after their first appearance in the fifth round of the cup. “It's the first time the club have made it to the last 16 of the Australia Cup, and we are very thrilled to be hosting a former NPL club,” he said. “We have dominated and won our last four games, so we are coming into this game high in confidence. It will be the toughest game of the season so far, but we have nothing to lose and will play our attractive brand of football.”
Gwelup defender Cameron Yorke said they are focused on the cup tie, and looking to bounce back from a disappointing result in the league on Saturday. “We're focussed on making sure we bounce back from the weekend's performance and getting through to the next round,” he said. “We're disappointed with the result and it just goes to show you can't let any complacency creep in, and tomorrow night's game won't be any different. We'll have to be up for it and make sure we give it everything to get the result we want.”
16.5.2023
LOCAL SEXTET CALLED UP FOR NATIONAL DUTY
Six West Australians have been named in an extended Australia squad for next months Under-17 Asian Cup in Thailand. Goalkeeper Robert Cook, defensive duo Andriano Lebib and Jonathon Leithead, midfielders Giovanni De Abreu and Corey Sutherland and forward Daniel Bennie, who all play for Perth Glory, make up the sextet.
Australia Under-17 coach Brad Maloney is looking forward to seeing how his team performs in tournament conditions. “The Under-17s Asian Cup will be the first major test for of our country’s brightest young talent and presents a platform for each to showcase themselves against the finest in Asia,” he said.
“However, as a collective we head to Thailand with one goal in mind and that’s to reach at least the semi-finals to secure qualification for this year’s FIFA Under-17s World Cup. The quality and strength across Asian nations, particularly at the youth level, continues to increase exponentially and we know we will have to be at our best to achieve our ambitions.”
The Joeys have been drawn in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia (16 June), China PR (19 June) and Tajikistan (22 June). They will need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which is currently scheduled to run 10 November to 2 December. The venue for that tournament is still to be confirmed following Peru’s withdrawal as host.
15.5.2023
HARD WORK PAYING OFF FOR BURGESS
As if winning promotion wasn’t sweet enough already, Ipswich Town’s elevation to the Championship is extra poignant for West Australian defender Cameron Burgess. When the centre-back departed Fulham in 2016, it appeared his four appearances for the Cottagers in England’s second tier might be his last at that level.
But battling away on the books of lower tier Bury, Scunthorpe United, Salford City and Accrington Stanley never dampened an inner belief that he could perform closer to the summit. Two years on from joining the Tractor Boys, Burgess has reaped a rich harvest by helping his team win automatic promotion as League One runner-up to Plymouth Argyle.
For Burgess, it was a case of stepping back to move forward again. “In terms of my career coming to Ipswich (to work under coach Kieran McKenna) has been a really good fit and has brought out the best in me,” said Burgess, who has talied up 65 league and cup appearances for Ipswich since joining the club in mid-2021.
“As you get older you realise if you play in a team that suits your style, with a coach who encourages that, then you’re going to improve and that’s something I’m thankful for in coming to this club. Ipswich play the way I’m used to growing up (in Perth) and that’s what got me across to the UK in the first place.”
With his inside knowledge of the Championship, Burgess believes the Suffolk club is well equipped to not only survive but thrive after four years marooned in League One. “From my point of view I think we have a pretty strong squad for that level,” he said. “I imagine there might be a few changes here and there player-wise and also tactically. But overall we’re in good shape for what lies ahead.”
“You get reminded what it means to the people of Ipswich every time you walk the dog and see and hear how things have changed from previous years, and that’s nice to see. Ipswich is a one club town and when you’re doing well there’s a great feeling about the place … you’re everyone’s hero!”
Burgess remains uncapped by Australia at senior level, and has rarely been talked of in terms of a call-up. That, though, might be about to change. “The Socceroos are doing really well at the moment and enjoyed a pretty special World Cup,” he said. “I like to think I can contribute in that side and hopefully one day the call will come. If it does I’d be honoured to accept it.”
“Of course if I’m playing in the Championship everybody knows how competitive it is, and there are boys at that level (Riley McGree and Bailey Wright) who are involved with the Socceroos. It can give you a boost reputation-wise and a bit more exposure. It’s a step up for sure and if I can get a little bit more recognition maybe that can help me break into the Australia squad.”
14.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Hamersley Rovers have moved clear at the top of the Hyundai Women’s Division One table, after beating Port Kennedy 7-1 at Carine Open Space on Sunday afternoon. “We were well prepared for the game, as we know they are a good team and have the ability to do well,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba explained. “We are still in a stage where we are perfecting our system but the game showed a lot of positive signs. The girls played well and were composed in front of goal, but a player of the Match performance from Rebecca Dudek was outstanding, and we need to take this goal scoring to next week's top of the table clash.
The hosts started brightly and were ahead early, Christiane Astorp, saw her initial shot saved by Anita Abel, but she was first to the rebound, heading the ball in from close range. It was 2-0 when Rebecca Dudek, turned well in the box to beat her marker and find the bottom corner. She then added another, moments later, Astorp’s shot was saved by the Port keeper, but Dudek nipped in to fire home the rebound. The visitors pulled one back on the half hour, with Jemma Martin on target. But Dudek was putting on a show and she completed her hat-trick soon after.
A ball through was deflected into her path, sending her one-on-one with Abel and she finished clinically. Astorp added a fifth early in the second half, driving into the box and beating her marker before finding the bottom corner, before Jessica Smith was picked out by a superb Nadia Harvey pass to score at the far post. Dudek rounded off the scoring late to complete a comprehensive win. “Overall, the game was a very good experience,” Ziba added. “It showed our resilience as we finally conceded to an error on our part but we kept our heads high and responded instantly.”
UWA Nedlands dropped their first points of the season, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Perth AFC, in an entertaining game at the UWA Sports Park, the draw moving Perth up to third on table. “A disappointing result in my eyes as we were there for the win, having quite a bit of the attack in the second half we were unable to capitalise,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said. “Our defence was once again very solid only conceding a great long-range finish which we failed to shut down. Our focus now moves on to Mandurah this Friday night at Len Packham.”
The hosts found the opener early, Emily Dinsdale received a pass on the right, before cutting in and hitting a powerfully shot which flew past Danielle Caruso and into the top corner of the net. But the visitors levelled on the half hour, a quick counter attack saw Jess Moreschini break through with a left foot shot from the edge of the box, which was fumbled into the net by the unfortunate Anna Watkins. Both sides had chances to win the game, but the points were shared. “Not our finest game, but AFC pressed us really well and unfortunately we were not able to get into our normal swing of things,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said. “Both teams had chances, but the ball was mainly being contested in the centre of the field. We look ahead to next Sunday’s game against Hamersley, looking to come out firing again.”
Sorrento won for the first time this season, after a 4-2 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “I thought in the first half we were constantly dangerous going forward, we created a lot of chances and deserved to be in front at half time,” Sorrento coach grant O’Connell explained. “In the second half we struggled to get into any sort of rhythm with our passing and struggled to create any sort of momentum going forward, and Subiaco were able to put us under pressure for long periods of time, but the girls worked really hard and I was pleased with how we dug in defensively and ground out a win.”
The Gulls were ahead early, Alex Parker’s corner was headed home by Jess Lindquist. They doubled their lead moments later, Jodie Brough turned her marker on the edge of the box before racing in one-on-one with the keeper to score. Subiaco pulled one back with Lucy George scoring, but Sorrento regained their two-goal advantage when Brough drove unchallenged from the half way line and finished from the edge of the area. It was 4-1 when Alex Parker found the top corner from just outside the box, before Tahlia Curham reduced the margin for the hosts, but that was as good as it got for Subiaco.
In the final game Mandurah City moved up to fourth on the table after thrashing Armadale 8-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “As I mentioned last week, we have been playing very good football and creating chances, but we were not scoring and so the results were not reflecting our performances,” Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto explained.
“On Sunday, things came together. We tweaked a few positions, and the results were immediately evident, and we were dominant from the off, creating several good chances, and scored some good goals.” Katrina Breen was the hero bagging four goals, while Georgia Aiesi, Jessica May, Suria Varatharaja and Amy Terell scoring the others, to round off a comprehensive win and performance from the Dolphins.
14.5.2023
KERR LEADS CHELSEA TO FA CUP FINAL WIN
Perth’s own Sam Kerr has scored the only goal to give Chelsea the 2023 English FA Cup Final trophy, in their 1-0 win against Manchester United at a packed Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening. The former Perth Glory skipper had been quite for most of the game, with United dominating, but you can’t keep a champion down and on 68 minutes she popped up with the winner, firing home Pernille Harder’s low cross at the back post, and she celebrated with her trademark backflip.
“We didn’t have our best game today, but that’s a sign of a great team when you just push through,” said Kerr said post-match. “Everyone did their part, and we stuck with it and won.” The Matildas striker was named player of the match, but she praised her teammates. “I don’t deserve this, there are people way more deserving than me today,” she said. “But I will take it on behalf of the team.”
Chelsea Head Coach Emma Hayes, who has worked with some of the world’s greatest, including Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Kelly Smith, said Kerr, who had scored a fifth goal in three FA Cup finals and 10th in six domestic finals, is one of the best. “I’ve never coached a player like Sam Kerr,” she said post-match. “She has such conviction, courage, the way she attacks everything. I love that she’s willing to take responsibility at the top end of the pitch.”
At kick off the crowd of 77,390, which was a record for a women’s domestic game, was on hand, with Aston Villa fan Prince William also in attendance. But it was the Red Devils who opened the brighter, and they had the ball in the net in the opening minute, Leah Galton finishing well, but Ella Toone had run offside as she broke down the right before delivering the cross into the penalty area.
United, were dominating in their first appearance at Wembley, and they went on to control the first half while Chelsea struggled to provide Kerr with any service. Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger had to claw away a deflected shot by Millie Turner. Nikita Parris has fouled fractions outside the box, and both Galton and Alessia Russo had chances. Yet the Blues went close to the lead four minutes from the break, Mary Earps touching Lauren James header onto the post.
Kerr started to get service after the break, and she was sent clear by substitute Sophie Ingle’s through ball, held off her marker and crossed to Harder, but the Dane couldn’t find the target. Nine minutes later, the roles were reversed. Harder’s cross was perfect, and so was Kerr’s finish, and Chelsea was on their way to their third FA Cup triumph in succession. United forced a few goalmouths scrambles as they searched for a leveller but had no one with the finishing touch of Kerr.
14.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FOUR REVIEW
South Perth United have moved to the top of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, after a 5-1 win against South West Phoenix at Challenge Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The kick off was delayed in this one, with the allocated referee not turning up, and fortunately a replacement referee was found and the game kicked off 15 minutes late. didn’t rock up, but SWP wanted to play and asked if anyone would do it. The guy stepped in we kicked off 15 late. It was the visitors who opened the scoring midway through the first half, with Jack Menzies on target. But the hosts found the equaliser on the half hour, with Ben Godfrey scoring. It was level at the break, but the hosts were on the front foot after half time and hit the front on 52 minutes, with Cedric Chauveau scoring. They added a third moments later, with George Stephens finding the net, before Godfrey added his second to make it 4-1 on the hour. Beau Rahim wrapped up the scoring nine minutes later, with his first goal for the club.
“The match had been put through as a Saturday game for a while now, so to see a referee for the reserves and then not have the allocated official rock up for the main game was a bit unfair, South West Phoenix travelled a long way to come up and play and with limit resources so well done to them,” South Perth coach Lee Hayward explained. “We knew South West Phoenix would be up for it, especially after changing the fixture to a Saturday and the game was a bit of an arm wrestle for the majority of the first half. But in the second half when we moved the ball around at a tempo, we are much more use to, we scored three goals in nine minutes which basically killed them off, but to their credit they never stopped and kept coming at us every chance they had.”
Our ‘Match of the Round’ saw Jaguar and East Perth play out a tight 0-0 draw at Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Sunday. “It was a very tough game away to jags as expected, but overall, defensively we were spot on and won the battles needed to get the result,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “The Jags lads are quickest around and the use the pitch perfectly, but our back four were brilliant today and done exactly what was asked. In possession we all agreed after it we weren’t good enough and didn’t look after the ball as well as expected.
“Both sides had chances and could have scored, but The Jags defend as good as they attack and were hard to break down so draw fair result. Also, a mention for referee Matthew Southern, who was brilliant, and although always physical battle, he was brilliant for both sides and let the game flow. All eyes on Wembley next week with another tough away fixture.” Jags had several chances but East Perth stood firm, then Nathan O’Brien went close for the visitors, after being played in by Stephen Henry, but his shot narrowly missed the top corner. They went closer when Ryan McGready found space on the edge of the box, but his shot crashed off the bar and away to safety.
Emerald moved up to second after securing a 3-1 win against Peel United at Bortolo Park. The visitors were ahead early, Ronan Flaherty headed on a throw in and Dean Mcauliffe reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close-range. But Peel levelled before the break, With Tristian Sullivan finding the net. Emerald regained the lead early in the second half, Mikey Bourke inch-perfect cross to the back post found McAuliffe, who rifled home his second into the roof of the net.
They sealed the points two minutes from time, Conor Hogan did great to keep the ball in down the flank, and picked out Flaherty in the box, who made no mistake. “I thought we started great and went a goal up early but we let them get control of the rest of the first half by taking our foot off the pedal and letting our standards drop,” Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “Second half we took back control of the game and the quality coming off the bench made a real difference for us, but definitely still room for improvement but we got the three points and that’s what matters.”
Kelmscott Roos are back in the winner’s circle, and maintained their perfect home start to the season after a narrow 1-0 win against North Perth United at Frye Park. The only goal of the game came early, after some great play at the back between Jonah Kuman and Benn Lewis, saw the latter race down the right, before cutting a beautiful ball back to Miguel Oliviera on the edge of the box, who found Brodie Mcrae who finished first time low into the bottom corner. Both sides had chances in an entertaining game, but it was Kelmscott taking the points.
“I thought we dominated the game early on which is something we haven’t done this season so far, and it was really promising. The early goal set the tone and we found a lot of time on the ball,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said. “North Perth we’re working more on the counter attack which suited our defence nicely. The second half was a different contest and we sat back maybe a little too much and allowed them back into the game, but we held strong for what was a memorable win. We are now on track and getting closer to where we want to be as a team.”
Wembley Downs have made it back-to-back wins after a 2-0 win against Joondalup United at Beldon Park. “It was a tough game against a well organised JUFC side, but we took our chances with the most pleasing aspect being a clean sheet,” Wembley coach Andrew Whalley said. “The lads are starting to click now and are ready to play one of the leagues favourites in East Perth next week.” The visitors found the opener after good build up play sent Matt Devereaux through who finished with aplomb. The second was another good team goal finished by the marauding full back Kev Punselie, and it sealed the three points.
In the final game North Beach are back in the winner’s circle, securing a 2-0 win against Kwinana United at Kelly Park. “Sunday was a hard-fought game and we were made to work hard for the three points against Kwinana. We are thrilled to have made the trip south and walk away with the win and get back on the board in the league,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Kwinana made it difficult for us to retain possession in the first half with both teams not creating clear cut chances.
“We shuffled a few things at half time and made some substitutions which ultimately made an impact.” They found the opener just after the hour, Keiran Moores played a well-timed through ball to Luke Jones who finished calmly past the Kwinana keeper. They doubled their advantage ten minutes later, Moores’ played a similar ball through to Ben Reynolds who finished well, which ultimately sealed the game. Kwinana pushed to grab something from the game late, but went down to 10 men late on with Max Vlachy sent off.
14.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
We have a new leader at the top of the NPLWA - Women’s table after an exciting round seven. Last season’s champions Perth RedStar have leapfrogged Perth SC, who were beaten 2-1 by Balcatta Etna in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. It was a massive day at the ground, with both clubs in a double header with the men as they fought for the ‘Ferrari Cup’ and a brace from Tia Stonehill secured the win for Tim Cash’s side to boost their top four hopes, and the coach was delighted with his side’s performance.
“All the hard work came together as the team gave everything in all moments, we fought hard in the contest, never gave up and scored two excellent goals,” Cash explained. “We are grateful to have an amazing group of players and staff and it is nice to see their effort be rewarded. The winner by Tia is why we play football, a top bin curler, but we know we have more to give, but we celebrate the progress.”
The visitors hit the front midway through the first half, Monique Prinsloo headed the ball on for Stonehill to race into goal, finish clinically past the on-rushing Rebecca Bennett. Perth looked for an immediate response, but Balcatta custodian Gabby Dal Busco got down well to deny Matilda Bohm’s snapshot, while Abbey Meakins’ header was cleared, but at the break Balcatta held the advantage. But Perth were level on the hour, period, Jaime Duncanson cut inside her marker, and curled home superbly, for her eighth goal of the season.
Perth pressed for the winner, and Faye Phillips shot was saved by Dal Busco, but Balcatta also had their chances, Stonehill volleying over the top, after being picked out by Prinsloo’s cross. But eight minutes from time Balcatta found the winner. Epril Nossent did well to pick out Prinsloo, who found Stonehill, and her first time shot curing effort beat Bennett and found the top corner of the net to set off wild celebrations on and off the pitch, to give Cash’s side their first away win of the season.
The RedStar’s capitalised on the Azzurri’s defeat, but we’re made to work for their 3-2 win against Fremantle City at the RedStar Arena on Sunday. “We were expecting a tough game against strong opposition this week, and that was what was delivered on the pitch,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena said. “Fremantle is a well-organised team with some high calibre players, which made for a very intense game. We had to work hard for the three points, but the girls were determined to convert their opportunities. We scored three fantastic goals in the first half and I’m very happy with the team’s performance.” It was a lightning start for the hosts, and they were ahead on two minutes, Reina Kagami firing home from long-range to make it six goals in three games. Fresh off a big win against the NTC last week, Fremantle were shell-shocked when the hosts added a second 15 minutes later. Sophia Neal intercepted a pass and raced into goal to score.
But Fremantle weren’t finished and reduced the margin on the half hour, Tash Rigby’s effort went in via a deflection off Kim Carroll. Then five minutes before the break RedStar regained their two-goal advantage, Quyen Doan long-range shot sailed over the stranded Dayle Schroeder, who had come out to clear her lines. But the goalscoring action wasn’t over, and in the shadows of the break Fremantle added a second. Abbey Green’s cross was fumbled by RedStar keeper Shivani Battaglia, and Rigby was on hand to head home her second. Both sides had their chances after the break, Katie Ritchie fired wide for the hosts, before substitute Jamie-Lee Gale hit the bar as RedStar held firm to take all three points, and return to the top of the table. to lead the division by a point.
The round started on Friday evening with Murdoch University Melville edging out Subiaco 2-1 at the Besteam Stadium. “It was a tough win against a well-organized opponent,” MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said. “I thought we played well in the first half without scoreboard reward, but in the second half Subiaco pushed for an equalizer, we kept on creating chances and the winner from a Clara wonder strike gave us an important win. Very proud with how the players are continuing to play attractive football and we look forward to the next challenge.”
The hosts found the opener on 34 minutes, Kathryn Schubert’s free kick found Vanessa Miller at the back post, and found the net at the second attempt. Subiaco levelled six minutes into the second half, Frankie Murray’s corner from the left found Stephanie Waycott at the back post, her shot was well saved by Stacey Cavill, but Phoenix Brownlie pounced on the rebound to score from close-range. But it was MUMFC who found the winner 11 minutes later, Charlotte Meaden cut the ball back from the bye-line, finding Clara Hoarau on the edge of the box, she turned her marker and fired into the top corner giving Ashleigh Riddle no chance.
The Hyundai NTC continued Curtin University’s poor season, thrashing them 8-1 at E&D Litis Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring after only six minutes, Mia Britton’s cross was turned home by Louise Tana. But Curtin hit back and registered their first goal of the campaign, Mischa Anderson’s clearance hit Tiana Botha and ricocheted past Megan Phillips from distance. But the NTC added two quick goals to take control of the game, Violet Longmore crossing for Klaudia Houlis to head in, before Tana found the striker again to score seven minutes before the break. Houlis completed her hat-trick nine minutes into the second half, before substitute Grace Johnston added a fifth from close range. Houlis added her fourth on the hour, before further goals from Anna Powell and Britton’s cross was helped across the line by the Curtin keeper to seal a comprehensive win for Ben Anderton’s side.
13.5.2023
IREDALE IN RACE AGAINST TIME TO GET FIT
Jack Iredale hopes that he can defy the odds and make his long-awaited comeback from a meniscus injury to help Bolton Wanderers win promotion to the Championship. The 27-year old defender says the fear of missing out on the chance to walk out at Wembley twice in one season has been the driving factor to get through a gruelling road to recovery.
Iredale has gone from strength to strength since leaving Scottish club Greenock Morton in 2019, having gone on to play for Carlisle United and Cambridge United before penning a three-year deal at former Premier League outfit Wanderers. But after a promising start, he tore his lateral Meniscus, forcing him to go under the knife in January and subsequently miss his team's Papa John's Trophy success.
Bolton are about to embark on a play-off journey in which they'll face Barnsley in their semi-final first leg. Iredale hopes he can return to training by next week, help his side return to Wembley and regain the chance to claim the opportunity that was snatched from him earlier in the season.
"I was really enjoying my first six months here. I was playing nearly every game in the league and the cups and I felt that I was just beginning to find my feet," Iredale said. "Then I got injured and it put everything on hold for me, which was incredibly frustrating. I had surgery in the middle of January to repair it."
"That means a longer rehab in the short term but it means you have a longer-term fix, so we went with that. The injury couldn't have happened at a worse time. Bolton got into the Papa John's Trophy Final at Wembley and I'd played every game in it up until that point so to miss out on that opportunity was hard to take, you don't get many moments like that."
"I still got the chance to go down and experience watching it, but it doesn't compare to playing there and being involved in the match day squad. I was sat there thinking it should've been me out there, but the club did everything to make the injured lads feel as part of it. It was one of the toughest days in my career despite the success."
"Most players don't get that opportunity, so to have played a part in getting there and then miss out like I did was tough, but to share that moment with 40,000 Bolton fans was huge. "But we might get there again in the playoffs, the first leg of the semi-final is this weekend against Barnsley."
"It's a really exciting opportunity for the club and I'll be supporting the boys to go out and get the job done and hopefully get to Wembley twice in one season. I'll be doing everything I can to be available, whether that's too soon remains to be seen, but I'm on the pitch and in the gym everyday trying to make that possible."
"I'd love to be involved, even if I'm just available for selection it would be an achievement in itself. Feeling more part of it would be special, if the boys manage to get back to Wembley it would be amazing. If I end up missing out on the chance to do that twice it would be extremely tough to take."
13.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND EIGHT - ‘MATCH OF THE ROUND’
Bayswater City moved three points clear at the top of the NPLWA – Men's table, after a come from behind win against Armadale in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Frank Drago Reserve. “It was an important win for us, we’ve slowly improved on our performances each week and Armadale was one of the toughest tests to date,” Bayswater skipper Jason Mirco explained. “I thought we showed some great character coming from 1-0 down to win the match, so very delighted. We’ll enjoy this win and then focus on our match against RedStar next week.”
It was a bright opening, with both sides having chances. First on ten minutes Jon Stynes’ shot was saved low by Yousri Gharsallah, before George Ballah shot from the edge of the box was deflected wide. The Armadale defender was in again on the quarter hour, his shot on the run was saved low by Casey Robertson. Sam Dweh was then denied by a great block by Connor Walsh, but it was the visitors who ended the half the better. Tim Berger’s headed over the top from Ethan Levitt free kick, before Emerson Alexis’ cross shot was tipped over the top by the alert Robertson. From the resulting corner Walsh headed inches over the top, but at the break it was all square.
The hosts were on the front foot after the break Jackson Stephens shot deflected off Jason Mirco and lobbed just over the top. Jon Stynes went close moments later, his shot from the edge of the box flashed wide of the target. Robertson then got down well to deny Armadale striker Chris Jackson, but on the hour, it was Armadale who found the opener, Berger rolled the defender at the top of the box and finished clinically into the bottom corner. But Bayswater levelled seven minutes later, Ndumba Makeche raced into the box and was brought down by Gharsallah and referee Steven Gregory pointed to the spot, and Stynes stepped up and made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Both sides looked for the winner, but it was Bayswater who sealed the points seven minutes from time. Gordon Smith started the move sending Makeche down the right channel, and the Scotsman continued his run and when Makeche cut the ball back, to him, he finished well. “Really good to get three points after falling behind to a tough opponent,” Smith said post-match. “We showed a different side to us today in terms of not being at our best but rolling up the sleeves and getting the job done, and it’s great to keep the run going in the league as well.”
Bayswater City: GK Casey ROBERTSON, 6 Declan HARGREAVES, 7 Jon STYNES, 8 Gordon SMITH, 9 Ndumba MAKECHE, 10 Jason MIRCO (c), 13 Jordan ABRAHAMS, 14 Sam DWEH, 15 Jackson STEPHENS, 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 23 Cameron EDWARDS – Subs not Used: RGK Tyler WILKIE, 11 Gustavo CATARCIONE, 12 Steven HESKETH, 27 Andrew MARANTA, 28 Kosta SPARTA
Armadale: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Lachlan COLLINS, 4 Nathan COSTELLO (c), 5 Connor WALSH, 6 Ethan LEVITT (13 Ali GHOLAMI 45’), 9 Tim BERGER, 10 Chris JACKSON, 16 Matt WORTON, 19 Angel ANDRES JNR (17 Pieter JACOBSZ 63’), 20 Emerson ALEXIS, 77 George BALLAH (14 Chad SAMUELS 79’) – Referee: Steven GREGORY
13.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND EIGHT - REVIEW
Olympic Kingsway has continued their good form, making it three straight victories, after coming from behind to beat a ten-man Perth Glory 2-1 at Kingsway Reserve and move up to ninth on the table. “I thought the game was an excellent advert for the NPL, and it could have easily been 5-4,” Olympic coach David Tough said. “The game had everything from a great individual goal, the wood work getting hit multiple times from both teams, a missed penalty and a sending off. With both teams playing an attacking passing style the spectators defiantly got their money’s worth.”
Jaydan Gorman continued his goalscoring touch, finding the opener for Glory on 32 minutes, Daniel Bennie’s shot was fumbled by David Keenan, and Gorman bundled the ball home from close-range. The hosts had a perfect opportunity to level in first half stoppage time, after the referee spotted a handball by Joseph Forde and pointed to the spot. Joe Hobson stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Robert Cook guessed the right way to save.
But Olympic did level just after the hour mark, James Fanelli’s cross from the right found Liam Murray, who skipped past his marker and finished powerfully past Cook at his near post. Glory was then reduced to ten men 16 minutes from time with Kaelan Majeks was sent off after dragging back Ciaran Byrne. Olympic made their numerical advantage count finding the winner three minutes from time. Tyler Garner’s corner wasn’t cleared, the ball sent back into the mixer by Sasa Njegic, and fellow substitute Ollie Annis swept the ball home from ten meters.
Sorrento are back in the winner’s circle after three games without a win, securing a 3-1 win against Floreat Athena at Percy Doyle Reserve. “Delighted with the result and performance against a good experienced side. It was really pleasing to see the players get some rewards for our good play over the last few weeks and was a real team effort including the subs who made a positive impact,” Sorrento coach Steven McGarry explained. “Even though we lost last week to Olympic, I thought we played some really good football and created some excellent chances only for their keeper to come up with some big saves. I think that gave us a continued belief going into the game and even when we went a goal behind the boys showed fantastic character and continued to take the game to Athena.”
It was the visitors who found the opener on 14 minutes. Andrew Palmer found Alex Christodoulakis down the left, his cross was met by Chris Saldaris at the back post, whose effort was cleared off the line by Jaxon Temata, but Nick Ambrogio swept home the rebound from close-range. But the Gulls hit back seven minutes later, Zach Dabbs cutting inside his marker before firing past Jason Saldaris. Then on 38 minutes Sorrento hit the front, some neat build up play ended with Joe Tweats, who fired home from the edge of the box.
Both sides pressed after the break, but in stoppage time it was Sorrento who secured the points with a third. Substitute Clay Gibbs cross from the by-line was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Tweats brought the ball back onto his left foot before drilling it low past Saldaris, much to the delight of the home faithful. “We looked dangerous more often than not when we were in the opposition half, I think we had something like 15 shots on goal and the three goals we scored were of real quality,” McGarry added. “It sets the week up nice as we have a big seven days ahead with a tough fixture against Mandurah in the Australia Cup who are doing really well under John Baird, and we have to back that up again on the weekend against Balcatta but something we’re all looking forward to.”
Perth RedStar moved up to second on the table after a hard fought 2-1 win against Inglewood United at the Inglewood Stadium. “After getting off to a very quick start in the game it looked as if we would go on to score more goals and win the game comfortably,” RedStar striker Daryl Nicol said. “But credit to Inglewood they hung in there and made it difficult for us, but it’s another three points on the road again and we move on to next week.” The visitors made the perfect start, and were ahead on three minutes, Riley Warland sent Nick Walsh down the left, he took on his marker and whipped in a teasing cross into the box, and Nicol got in front of his marker to fire home. They doubled their lead eight minutes later, the hosts gave the ball way and Tom Hough played the ball up to Nicol, who laid the ball back to Andy Higgins, his pass sent Chok Dau racing clear, and he finished clinically low past Alex Dunn. Inglewood found a lifeline midway through the second half, Chad Nilson raced past Ryan Lowry and finished past Liam Reddy to reduce the arrears, but RedStar held firm to take the points.
Balcatta Etna have bounced back from last week defeat at Armadale, taking out the ‘Ferrari Cup’ after a 2-1 win against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. “Great to get a win after three straight losses for us, especially it being a derby game,” Balcatta midfielder Jon Corness said. “It was a tight game overall and a battle, and a game we needed to get something out of with the league being so unpredictable.” It was the hosts who found the opener on 21 minutes, Sam Cook’s ball into the area squirmed past Caelan Cooper and into the net. But nine minutes before half time Balcatta levelled, with referee David Bruce pointing to the spot, Kotaro Yamamoto saw his penalty saved by Luke Radonich, but Yamamoto was quickest to the rebound to score. The second half saw both sides have their chances, but it was Glenn Grostate’s side that won it on 79 minutes. Yamamoto made space down the left, he found Ryan Pearson on the edge of the box, who rolled the ball into the path of Jack Allen who found the bottom corner of the net. To make matters worse for the hosts Michael Scafetta was sent off deep into stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for simulation.
In the final game the points were shared at Macedonia Park, with Stirling Macedonia and Cockburn City fighting out a 0-0 draw. “A disappointing result in the end, I thought we started the game really well and was on top for the first 15 minutes, but a few lapses of concentration allowed them to have the two clearest chances of the game,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet explained. “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t break them down, but credit to their defence. Although we dominated most of the ball, we didn’t create any clear-cut chances so extremely disappointing to come away with a point at home and it definitely feels like two points dropped rather than a point gained.” Both sides created chances, but keepers Michael Craggs and Bosdet refused to be beaten, both pulling off fine saves. The hosted started brightly but Cockburn settled and pressed themselves, with Bosdet making a number of fines saves, while the Cockburn custodian Craggs got down well to save Kingsley Eshun’s header from Asher Nelson’s pin-point cross early in the second half. Bosdet was beaten late, when Jesse Lazzaro’s lob hit the post, but both sides had to settle for a point.
Cockburn coach Steven McDonald said it was a hard-fought point. “A very tough affair against a very solid outfit in Stirling Macedonia. They came out flying in the first 20 minutes, and really took the game to us, but I thought we done extremely well to weather the storm, and as the half went on, we started to get some chances of our own that I thought we were unlucky not to go in front, if it weren’t from two good saves from their keeper. Second half was much of the same, just a pure arm wrestle to see who was going to get the upper hand. We had a great chance to take the lead when Jesse hit the post when he was through on goal, but at the end of day I was pleased the way we stood up when it counted and really tested a team that we know is going to be there and there abouts at the end of the season.”
13.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
Mandurah City closed the gap on the leaders in our State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ after a convincing 5-0 win against Joondalup United at Forrest Park on Saturday afternoon. “Very impressive performance and attitude, standard of goals was outstanding and I think that shows the individual ability we have in the squad but as a team and squad we’re showing signs of how strong we are,” Mandurah player/coach John Baird explained. “Delighted for Robbie and Shaun to get there first goals in the league as the team are as well, while back-to-back clean sheets is also very pleasing.”
It was a bright opening from the visitors and they hit the front on ten minutes, Joe O’Brien won possession on the right, he played the ball into the path of Baird, whose low drive from 18 meters flew past Joondalup keeper James Morgan. They added a second on 23 minutes, Leigh Griffiths flick sent Murray Mackintosh racing down the right, his cross to the back post was turned home by Joe O’Brien. It was 3-0 before the break, with a great individual goal, Griffiths cutting in from the right and firing home superbly from the edge of the box. They added a fourth on 72 minutes, a quick break saw Sam Byrne race forward and his inch-perfect pass sent fellow substitute Shaun Mukwevho clear and he calmly finished past Morgan.
They added the icing to the cake in stoppage time, Aaron McCready was brought down on the edge of the box, and Robbie Galvin curling home the resulting free kick. “Saturday could’ve easily been a tricky tie for us but we were very professional in our patient build up play and going into half time well up set us up nicely to enjoy the game and play good football, and we scored some great goals too,” Mandurah’s Murray Mackintosh said. “The league table is looking exciting now and to go a point off top makes the next few weeks very important.”
Fremantle City produced a stunning performance to thrash league leaders Western Knights 5-1 at Nash Field. “A great game and result for us, Knights away is always a tough game, especially with the form they’ve been in. So, coming into the game I think we knew we’d have to suffer a bit before we properly get ourselves into the game,” Fremantle’s Elliot Ireland explained. “It probably wasn’t the best game to watch, a bit scrappy but I think it came down to who wanted it more and I thought the lads showed great character to get the job done.”
The Knights went into this one in fine form, and they were ahead on 14 minutes, Jake Bardsley shot on the turn was deflected past Ryan Barker. But Fremantle hit back in the shadows of half time, Alex McClean finding the corner of the net from on the edge of the box. It got better for Matthew Sparrow’s side and they hit the front in stoppage time, Patrick Loughrey crossed from the left and Roberto Soares headed over Devon Lindeman to send the visitors into the break in front. The Knights were on the front foot after the break, but Fremantle were solid at the back to thwart them, and on 55 minutes it was the visitors who added a third. Soares through ball sent Ollie La Galia in on goal, and Lindeman was in no-man’s-land, and the striker fired home from distance.
Not long after it was 4-1, another break centrally from McClean, this time setting up Hamza Hina, who’s exquisite first-time finish from outside the box found the top corner. Fremantle didn’t stop there and added a fifth late on La Galia was brought down by Adam Harris, and he picked himself up to score from the resulting penalty. “The effort and character the boys showed was first class,” coach Matthew Sparrow said. “But that’s the standards we have to maintain each week if we want to be there or thereabouts at the end of season.”
Skipper Hayden Stevens said they were up for this one, but he knows, like his coach said, they need to maintain their consistency. “We knew going to the Knights, top of the league on their home deck was going to be a tough ask, however after the first 30 minutes of the game I felt we settled into the game nicely,” he said. “We copped a cheap goal in the first half and I thought they deserved that goal, but then a flick switched and things started to click especially in the second half where I think we played some of the best football we have played this year. To go in at half time 2-1 up really gave everyone a sense of belief and that was evident in the second half. So overall it’s a step in the right direction to where we want to be, come the end of the year and we look forward to our cup game on Tuesday night.”
Subiaco have rebounded from two straight defeats to beat Gwelup Croatia 4-2 at the Croatian Sporting Complex. “Going into the game we knew what to expect at Gwelup, unbeaten at home and two inform strikers on the scoreboard in recent games. We had to make some changes and setup to be compact and wait for our chances,” Subiaco coach Michael Janssen said. “The boys did a good job over large parts of the game, but we know, the next game is always the hardest so we have to prepare now for Forrestfield who will ask us again questions we need to have answers for.”
The visitors were ahead on seven minutes, Mark Bauersachs scoring clinically from the edge of the box. That early goal gave them the momentum, and former Gwelup striker Gavin Knight doubled their lead on 34 minutes, and five minutes later it was 3-0, with Jordan Allen-Rana scoring on his first start this season. The hosts need the first after half time to get back into the game, and they found it on 71 minutes, Jacob Williamson pouncing on a loose ball to fire home. But six minutes later Subiaco regained their three-goal advantage, Brendan Griffiths played in Knight who made no mistake in scoring his second of the game. The hosts pulled one back late with substitute Shane Hulgraine scoring, but it was too little too late.
Rockingham City have won at home for the first time this season, after coming from behind to beat Gosnells City 2-1 at the Lark Hill Sportsplex. Rockingham coach Kris Donnell was happy with sides fighting performance. “I thought the young lads showed great resilience to go from one down to come back and win the game,” he said. “It was a mature performance and were proud of them all today.” It was the visitors who found the opener on seven minutes, Scott Pereira’s shot was deflected around the post, and from Tony Chandler’s resulting corner from the right, James Burns headed home at the back post. Rockingham levelled on 78 minutes, a corner from the right was cleared to the edge of the box to Bradley Vlachy whose long-range shot found the bottom corner, but the flag was up, but after consultation with his assistant, the referee awarded the goal. The host won it four minutes later, Joe Moss through ball sent substitute Jayden Leader clear and he beat keeper Jack Adams to the ball and rolled the ball home.
Dianella White Eagles have also won their first home game of the season, after a 2-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. “We’ve been unlucky the past couple of weeks with red cards and not coming away with what we feel like should have been wins,” Dianella defender Josh Kuser said. “So, to beat a well drilled Murdoch side was the boost we needed for our season.” The visitors opened the scoring on the half hour, Sebastian Stenqvist won possession in the middle of the park and sent Ilijas Ahmedov racing clear and he finished low past Peter Pilkadaris. But in the shadows of half time the hosts levelled, Kevin Gallo’s deep cross was nodded back across goal by player/coach Angel Andres, and Uniss Kargbo volleyed home. Dianella won the points on the hour, Andres received the ball in the middle of the park, and raced at the MUMFC defence, before the former Armadale striker found the top corner from the angle. But the win was spoilt somewhat in stoppage time, when Gallo was sent off for a second yellow card.
In the final game, Forrestfield United have won for the first time this season, after scoring two late goals to beat UWA Nedlands 2-1 at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hatfield Park. It was a tight game with both sides desperate for the points, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 51 minutes, Forrestfield failed to clear their lines and Cody Tana low shot was blocked, but Jordan Pokler fired home from close-range, but the assistants’ flag was up for offside, but after a chat to his assistant, referee Josh Nixon awarded the goal. But three minutes from time the hosts levelled, Ali Nazary’s corner was turned home by Faiz Nasiri. It looked like the points would be shared, but three minutes later the hosts won it. A run down the left by substitute Freeman Nyatsambo saw him cross to Noah Appleby who made no mistake and was mobbed by his teammates.
13.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
Our Week Seven ‘Match of the Round’ in the State League Division Two didn’t disappoint, with Morley Windmills and Kingsley Westside fighting out a 2-2 draw in the top of the table clash at Wotton Reserve. “A very competitive high tempo game on Saturday played by both sides,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “I felt we we’re probably the better side on the day, but Morley have quality all over the park and make you pay in front of goal. A draw was probably the right result in the end, but I was really pleased with how my lads responded to going behind twice in the game and the resilience they showed for the whole 90 minutes, we now get ready for another big game against Swan.”
It was Morley who found the opener on 19 minutes, Conor Kavanagh won possession in the middle of the park, and sent Ishmael Dawson in on goal, and he finished low past Peter Stewart. But on the half hour Kingsley levelled, Luke Doyle played Jonny Hulme through who then played the ball across the box to an unmarked Luke Salmon to tap into an empty net. The hosts regained the lead seven minutes into the second half, a corner to the back post found Kevin Ashwood, who scored, despite being dragged down.
But 15 minutes from time Kingsley restored parity, Hulme was played in by Paul Stewart on the left, and he cut the ball across goal and Salmon made no mistake, for his second goal of the game. Both sides pressed for the winner, but couldn’t find one, and had to share the spoils. “Really disappointed we weren’t able to hold onto two leads throughout the 90 minutes,” Morley defender Kevin Ashwood said. “I thought Kingsley started a lot better than us but after we weathered that storm, and I felt we grew into the contest and do feel we edged it slightly over the 90.
“We got into some really good positions but all too often our final ball or finishing let us down. But when that happens the defensive unit needs to step up and keep it tight especially when we hit the front and to concede two very similar goals the way we did in a big game is poor from us. Credit to Kingsley as expected in a top of the table clash, they kept going and they probably feel they were good value for a point but from us it feels like an opportunity missed. That said there’s a long way to go, many more twists and turns and we will get back on the track and go again next week.”
Swan United moved up to third, and bounced back from last week’s loss against Morley after a 4-0 win against Quinns at Gumblossom Park. “It was a great to bounce back from the previous week’s loss, and we knew that our second half against them wasn’t good enough, and it was important that we responded with a good result,” Swan winger Rhys Loxley said. “Quinn’s is never an easy place to go and get three points, but we came with a game plan and I thought we executed it pretty well. We were able to get three first half goals which set us up in the second half to play the half on our terms and see the game out which we did well. We were also able to welcome back a few lads from injury which is very timely with two big games coming up next week against Stirling Macedonia and Kingsley-Westside.”
The black and whites were ahead on 17 minutes, Marco Trimboli was brought down on the box, and Loxley fired home the resulting penalty. They doubled their advantage four minutes later, 2-0 Liam Merigan played a defence splitting pass through to Loxley, who raced one-on-one with the keeper and finished with aplomb. It was 3-0 in the shadows of half time, a good run down the left from Merigan, his ball into the box was only half cleared by the Quinn’s defender and the ball fell to Cameron Anderson on the edge of the box, and he finished into the bottom corner through a crowded box. They found a fourth five minutes from time, Jake Fritchley raced into the box, his shot crashed off the post, the rebound falling to John Monterosso five meters out and he finished into an empty net.
Curtin University moved into fourth spot, after a hard fought 3-2 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Edinburgh Oval. “This was a really important three points for us, and our first half our intensity was good and our execution was good,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith said. “The second half was disappointing and we didn't adjust to the pressure Carramar piled on and ended up making that game much more difficult than it needed to be. It was a game of two halves, but we've got the three points and now prepare for our Australia cup tie with Floreat Athena.”
The home side found opener on 14 minutes, Ali Akbarzadeh won possession in the middle of the park, and raced forward before finding the top corner of the net. It was 2-0 on the half hour mark, Kieran Witt’s free kick was blocked and fell to Simone Sichel, who fired low past the keeper from five meters. It was three moments later Akbarzadeh getting on the end of Oscar Wright’s corner to head home. Rovers found a lifeline after the break with Dylan McCann pouncing on a defence mistake to score from ten meters. They added a second on 70 minutes, when Phil O’Callaghan headed home a set-piece, and it was game on, but Curtin held firm to take the points.
Balga are back in the winner’s circle, after a 2-0 win against Canning City at Princess Road Reserve. “I thought it was a dominant performance from the lads for the full 90 minutes,” Balga’s Nathan Scully said. “We have had patches all year but being able to do it for the full 90 was pleasing. There is still plenty to improve on and we are only going to get better from here.” Balga were one up just after the half hour, their high press caused a turnover, with Bleron Mamudi winning possession, and he squared the ball to Scully who finished well. They wrapped up the points on the hour, a cross from the left by Amos Gama was saved low by the Canning keeper, but the ball fell to Karl Maluga who scored from close-range.
Ashfield have won their second game of the season, after a narrow 2-1 win against Joondalup City at the Ashfield Sports Park. “A much-needed win for the club, although I don’t think we were at our best on the weekend but the fight and effort from the lads was pleasing to see,” Ashfield player/coach James Sammut explained. “The challenge for us now is finding that consistency as we got into next weekend.” Ashfield found the opener after only seven minutes, when Dougal Kindness’ corner was turned into his own net by Joondalup keeper Brett Corey. But Joondalup levelled midway through the half, with Liam Peacock converting from the penalty spot. But the decisive second goal went to the hosts two minutes later, Jared Flavel beating his marker and finding the net from the edge of the box.
In the final game on Saturday evening, Maddington-Kalamunda White City have made it three wins on the bounce after a 2-0 win against Wanneroo City, under lights at Maida Vale Reserve. “It was another great performance from everyone on the team,” Farruh Mavlonov said. “After a shaky start to the season, the team confidence and morale is up after four straight wins in league and cup games, and we’re all excited to play Gwelup in the cup, and hopefully we can continue our winning streak.” Maddington were ahead on 22 minutes, Victor Pimentel cross found Jose Zuniga, who finished clinically. It was 2-0 five minutes before half time, Zuniga adding his second from the spot. The visitors finished the game with ten men with Juma Awaka sent off after receiving a second yellow card, seven minutes from time.
12.5.2023
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FOUR PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division continues this week, after the cup round, and in our Week Four ‘Match of the Round’ we head to Herb Graham Recreation Centre, where third placed Jaguar entertain fifth placed East Perth. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides moved comfortably into the third round of the cup, and both were in winners circle in the last league game, Jags beating Joondalup, while East Perth edged out South Perth, and with only two points separating the two sides a win is massive in this one.
The last time the sides meet at the venue was in round nine last season, the hosts winning 2-1. Jags found the opener on the half hour, Amin Salem on target. They doubled their lead eight minutes later, Magai Deng scoring and they went to the break with a 2-0 lead. East Perth pulled one back on 71 minutes, Niall Murray found Deane McFeeley who crossed to Liam McManus who took a touch and blasted into the top corner. It was game on, and East Perth pressed for the equaliser, but Jags held firm to seal the win.
The hosts will be playing their third consecutive home game of the season, and have won both their previous, and coach Josam Muwowo said it’s another challenge, that they are looking forward too. “Sunday's game against East Perth, as usual it will be an interesting match as we are expecting it to be a difficult game for us,” he said. “But saying that, no game is easy this season, but we will try our best to compete and see how our boys will respond.”
East Perth kick started their season in the last round with a win against South Perth, and coach Colm Costello, they will try and back it up against Jags on Sunday. “Huge game on a huge pitch this weekend for us, but we’re all buzzing,” Costello said. “Jags have been brilliant last couple seasons, and Josam is a great coach and their home form is not far from perfect so we know we will be up against. The atmosphere at Herb Graham is always brilliant, and I’m sure there will be a good crowd there.
“Last year we lost there and if I’m honest we were probably too cautious of them, until it was 2 0 at half time. The second half of that game and our home fixture also we changed things up and it worked so we will approach the same way, but we also are aware of the pace and power they have all over the park. The last few games we have seen steady progress and we have added couple new lads that are doing very well so hopefully we continue the improvement. These away games are always tough and we know we need to be all at 100% for 90 minutes to earn a result so hopefully we step up to the challenge ahead.”
In other games this weekend, Peel United will go on search of their first points of the season, when they host Emerald at Bortolo Park, while South West Phoenix, who will look to build on last week’s win, head north to meet South Perth United at Challenger Reserve. Joondalup United host Wembley Downs at Beldon Park, while leaders North Perth United make the trip to Frye Park to take on Kelmscott Roos. In the final game Kwinana United, who are still searching for their first win of the season, and we’re beaten on the cup by Division One Maccabi, will look to kick start their season when they host North Beach at Kelly Park.
Kwinana coach Mark Purvis said they have worked hard on the track this week, and he hopes they get a positive result this weekend. “Yes, not a brilliant start for us that’s for sure and there’s a few reasons for that and the recruitment is certainly one,” he said. “It’s been so difficult to be able to bring players in but I have to say the lads have just rolled their socks up and got on with it. We trained well this week and hopefully we can have some positive in the weeks ahead.
“I can’t wait for Sunday’s game North Beach were good last year and have carried that on. They Have good players and are well coached. They have won the night series which was impressive and they have started really well. We are up for the challenge, yes, we are in a difficult moment as a team, but we will fight to try and change that this week.”
12.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
It will be a huge day at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday, with the ‘Ferrari Cup’ taking place between all Perth Sc and Balcatta Etna senior sides, and the NPLWA – Women’s clash between the two sides in Week Seven, is our ‘Match of the Round’. (7pm) The hosts were big winners last week, thrashing bottom of the table Curtin 11-0 to move to the top of the table, while Balcatta were edged out 3-2 by MUMFC, leaving them sixth, and they will aim to get back to winners’ ways in this one. The last time they played in the league at the venue was in round 15 last season, when the Azzurri ran out narrow 1-0 winners. The only goal of the game came on four minutes, Liana Cook made space out wide, and Abbey Meakins finished clinically, volleying past Balcatta custodian Gabby Dal Busco.
Perth coach Peter Rakic said Saturday is a great day for both clubs, and to play after the NPLWA – Men’s clash is great exposer for the players and the league. “It's always a good day playing back-to-back with the men's teams as it gives us the extra exposure and numbers in the crowd, I think it's important for the club to put both teams on display and get as many supporters down as possible,” he explained. “We come into this game well prepared and aware that Balcatta are a disciplined team and tough to break down, so I'm expecting a contest that's going to require a lot of patience, but I always have belief in my playing group that we have the tools to overcome every challenge.”
Balcatta had their chances to take something from their loss last week, but coach Tim Cash said they are ready for another big game on Saturday against their Italian rivals. “There has long been a healthy rivalry between Balcatta and Perth, and we do have a good relationship with the club but both teams want to win this one,” he explained. “We love the ‘Super Saturday’ format as it brings the crowd and showcases WA NPL football. Both men’s teams are on a poor run, so will want to correct that with less goals conceded. The Perth women have a quality team, but so do Balcatta so both games will be interesting, we hope it’s a great day and the red and blue flag is flying high.”
In other games this weekend Perth RedStar welcome Fremantle City to the RedStar Arena on Sunday. (3pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, RedStar beat Subiaco, while Fremantle stunned NTC, winning 2-1 and knocking the youngster off the top of the table. The Hyundai NTC side host Curtin University at E&D Litis Stadium, also at 3pm, while the round kicks off tonight when Murdoch University Melville entertain Subiaco at Besteam Stadium. (7.30pm)
MUMFC’s Sam Mathers was on target in the 3-2 win at Balcatta last week, and she said it was a great team performance. “I thought the girls worked really hard for our 3-2 win over Balcatta, and getting the three points in an important game has helped to push us closer to our goals as a team and I think is a really positive turn around to some of our results beforehand,” Mathers explained. “I couldn’t fault anyone’s effort in the game and having such a young team come together to play football in such a cohesive way is something I think we should be proud of, and we’re keen to keep the momentum going.”
“I think the game against Subiaco on Friday is going to be a challenge that we will have to step up to. It will be a good opportunity for us to demonstrate that although we are young, we are a competitive team that won’t go down easy. I’m confident if we play the same way we have been recently, we can get another three points to our name. “
12.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
It’s been a tough start for Armadale in the Hyundai Women’s League Division One, and they sit bottom of the table after four defeats. But injuries and players unavailability has really affected them, but they will look to turn their season around on Sunday when they welcome Mandurah City at Alfred Skeet Reserve in week five. (All games kick off at 1pm, unless stated) Armadale coach Eddie Garrido said the players have been working really hard, and now they are starting to get some players back, and thought there were some good signs in the loss at Subiaco last week.
“Building the team back to strength slowly with players coming back from injury and also trying to get the new players to link with the existing squad from last year, so we’re a job in progress,” Garrido said. “I thought the Subiaco game was a good opportunity to get a win and confidence, and it definitely looked that way in the first 15 minutes, but a couple of moments that we switched off and we were punished.”
Garrido, who goes into his second season as coach at the club, said Sunday’s game will be another tough one, but if they can apply themselves for 90 minutes, he believes they can get a positive result. “Mandurah is always a hard and physical game for us, and I’m sure Sunday will be no different,” he said. “So, we hope to be prepared better and fix the mistakes from the last game.”
Mandurah started the season with a win, but results haven’t gone their way since, but new coach Melanie Loreto said the performances have been pleasing. “We had a very good start to the season with a well-deserved victory in our first game, but unfortunately the results haven’t gone our way since,” Loreto explained. “But if you look at our performances, including against UWA in a 0-4 loss, we played good football and created numerous chances, but bluntly speaking, we have not taken our chances, and as you know, goals change games. As important as our performances is our togetherness, and we feel that as a group we have grown very close. You will not hear our ladies criticize each other, instead we encourage and nurture.”
“Against UWA we made a mistake to go 1-0 down early, and then they scored a screamer soon after to go two up, at which point we panicked and relied too heavily on the long ball. At half time 3-0 down, we made adjustments, calmed down, and came out with a great attitude. In fact, I think we played them off the park for much of the second half, which is not an easy feat against an excellent opponent. But we did not take our chances, and their goalkeeper made some great saves. We had three or four one-on-one chances, so there is much positivity to take from that defeat.”
Loreto said games against Armadale have been tough in the past, and Sunday will be no different. “Armadale this week, against whom we have had some titanic battles in the past. We are really looking forward to the game, to trying out some new ideas, but we will not be taking them lightly based purely on results,” the coach said. “It is an exciting time for our club, and we can’t wait to get back out on the pitch and let our football do the talking, and we want to set a good example for our younger girls to aspire too.”
In other games this weekend Subiaco host Sorrento at Rosalie Park. The hosts are coming off their first win of the season against Armadale, while Sorrento were beaten by Hamersley, while Perth AFC makes the trip to UWA Sports Park to take on league leaders UWA Nedlands. The hosts have won all four games and are coming off a big win against Mandurah, while AFC edged out Port Kennedy, and coach Rob Caruso said Sunday is a huge game, and one they are looking forward too.
“Yes, we’re looking forward to the clash, it's always a great game between UWA and us,” he said. “We have been stepping up our training the last few weeks and it's shown in our results. Our team is up to the challenge and ready to take aim at getting the three points this weekend.”
Port Kennedy hit the road again, this time to take on joint league leaders Hamersley Rover. The hosts were too strong for Sorrento last week, while Port were edged out at Perth AFC. Port Kennedy coach Kevin Cole said he has been pleased with his teams start to the season, and thought they deserved more from the narrow loss at Perth AFC last week.
“Sitting fourth on ladder is very good for me, as we have come into this league as underdogs. But we definitely proved we are good enough to be here after a successful Night Series,” Cole explained. “The loss against Perth AFC was very disappointing as I thought we were the better team we were unlucky as we hit post first few minutes of game.
“They got a goal against run of play, and we played well, but just couldn't find the net. Perth’s defence were pretty well-structured and made it harder to get through. This week’s game is going to be a very tough game especially as Hamersley have a very strong team. I have injuries at the moment and also players on holiday so will be tough for my girls as we will have a light bench this week. But the girls are very resilient and know to go there and make it as hard as possible for them.”
12.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND EIGHT - PREVIEW
We have new leaders at the top of the NPLWA - Men’s table heading into Week Eight, with Bayswater City leapfrogging Perth RedStar at the summit, and they feature in our ‘Match of the Round’ when they host third placed Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve. (All games kick off at 3pm unless stated). City made it five games without defeat, and their fourth straight win, this after a hard fought 2-0 win against Floreat, while Armadale made it back-to-back wins after 5-3 win against Balcatta, with Chris Jackson moving to joint top scorer in the league after bagging four. This one should be an entertaining game with only point separating the two sides, and both will be eyeing top spot.
Last time they met at the venue was in round nine last season, when they drew 1-1. It was Armadale who opened the scoring on the hour mark, Angel Andres was brought down in the penalty area by Jack Allen, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. The Spanish striker picked himself up and sent Nic Speca the wrong way from the resulting penalty. But six minutes from time Bayswater levelled, Gordon Smith’s header found Ndumba Makeche, and the former Perth Glory striker finished low past Yousri Gharsallah from close-range. Both sides had chances to win it late, but Speca and Gharsallah pulled off some fine saves, and they had to share the spoils.
Armadale have begun the season well, and Head Coach John O’Reilly said it’s been a big effort from everyone in and around the club. “It’s been a good start to the season for us, and the hard work put in by everyone at the club, on and off the pitch is paying dividends, but we know there is a long way to go,” O’Reilly explained. “Our squad has depth, which has been a massive plus this season, and I know we recruited well with some experience coming in, but our younger players have really been a huge boost for us, and they continue to push for a spot in the starting line-up which is pleasing.”
The win against Balcatta showed another side to O’Reilly’s chargers, coming from behind twice to claim the 5-3 win, something the coach was delighted with. “We had a great start to the game, but found ourselves behind, and the lads showed some real character to hit back just before half,” he said. “To then concede in the first minute of the second half, we could have let our heads drop, but this group never, they scored moments later and went on to win comfortably. The group are close-knit, and work extremely hard with and without the ball, and that’s something that my coaching staff and I are delighted with.”
O’Reilly is looking forward to the trip to Bayswater, a side he has a great deal of respect for, and he is expecting another tough challenge. “Gareth (Naven) has them playing well and playing some good football, and to win four on the bounce takes some doing in this league, but we will be looking for our third on the bounce on Saturday,” he explained. “We’ve had some great games against them in my time at Armadale, and I’m sure Saturday will be no different, we head there in a confident mood and looking for a positive result.”
Bayswater are the form team of the competition, but after missing the finals in the last two seasons, some pundits questioned coach Gareth Naven who took over from Chris Coyne, but defender Sam Mitchinson said the club and players never had any doubts and were right behind him, and now they are showing he was the right man for the job. “Gareth is a great coach and the boys are working hard each week to get the business done on the pitch,” he explained. “It’s nice to see things clicking and hopefully we can continue the good form.”
Last week’s win against Floreat was the fourth in the bounce and took them to the top of the ladder, and Mitchinson said it was tough game, like they all are against their local rivals, and he knows Saturday will be the same against Armadale side who are also in good form. “Floreat are always hard to play against and we knew we had to be at the top of our game to beat them. I thought we created a lot of chances which is good and a clean sheet is always nice,” the defender said. “We are looking forward to the game on Saturday, the boys are full of confidence and Armadale are always up for it so hopefully it’s a good game and we can get the job done again.”
In other games this weekend second placed Perth Glory travel to Kingsway Reserve to take on the resurgent Olympic Kingsway. David Tough’s side have won three out of their last four games, the latest at Sorrento last week which moved them off the bottom of the table and up to eighth place, while Glory’s Jayden Gorman scored late to seal a big win against the RedStar’s to continue their good start to the season.
Perth SC and Balcatta Etna will look to get back in the winner’s circle, when they meet in the ‘Ferrari Cup’ clash at Dorrien Gardens. Both sides suffered heavy defeats last week to slip down the table, but they did start the season well, and will look to find that form again in the Italian Derby. There will be another tight encounter when Stirling Macedonia welcome Cockburn City to Macedonia Park. The hosts bounced back from defeat in round six against Bayswater, to stun Perth last week, while Cockburn, who only sit two points them, shared the spoils with Inglewood.
Floreat Athena will look to get their season back on track after three straight defeats, when they travel to Percy Doyle Reserve to meet Sorrento, who dropped to the bottom of the table, after a home defeat against Olympic. The final game sees Perth RedStar making the trip to Inglewood Stadium to take on Inglewood United. The visitors lost top spot last week after a loss at home to Glory, while United fought out a draw at Cockburn.
Inglewood defender Ciaran Salinger said it was a pretty even affair, but they had chances to win it, but they took the wrong decision in the final third. “We scored very early in the game and controlled majority of the game from there on in,” he said. “I thought we were unfortunate to concede the way we did, but on the day our decision making with the ball going forward let us down in the second half.”
The defender, who joined United from Gwelup Croatia, also played at the campus for ECU Joondalup before the change of name, said Callum Salmon’s side are playing well, but they are confident they can match them, and continue their unbeaten run. “Obviously we’d love to go another week unbeaten, and no better way to test ourselves than a very inform RedStar side,” he said. “We know that games against Glory are unpredictable and I don’t think the loss will be too harmful for them, but when we played them in the Night Series it was a pretty even affair, so we should be in for a decent game.”
12.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
It’s another big weekend in the State League Division One, and our Week Seven ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Forrest Park, where the inform Joondalup United welcome second placed Mandurah City. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Joondalup have won back-to-back games to move up to fifth, the latest a big win at Subiaco last week with Ben John’s bagging a brace against his former club. Meanwhile Mandurah, who had struggled on the road so far this season, changed all that by winning the local derby at Rockingham, with strikers Leigh Griffiths and Joey O’Brien on the scoresheet, so there should be plenty of goals in this one.
The last time they met at the venue was in round eight last season when Nick Jennings’ side run out 3-0 winners. The hosts found the opener on ten minutes, referee Michael Nguyen pointing to the spot after a push in the penalty area, and Ben Johns’ made no mistake from the resulting penalty. They won another penalty on the half hour, a mistimed tackle saw Nguyen again point to the spot, and Johns added his second. They sealed the points early in the second half, a quick counter attack saw the ball fall to Matt Corrigan on the edge of the box and his shot deflected past Alfie Brincat.
The win last week at Subiaco was Joondalup’s best performance of the season, and defender Shaun Kilkelly, who joined the club this season after many years in the NPL with Sorrento, said their squad is improving with every game. “I have settled in well at the club, they are a great bunch of good lads, and I’m really enjoying playing for Joondalup,” he said. “Our season did start a bit slow, and we didn’t have the best pre-season with injuries and people away, so that didn’t help. But now we are at pretty much full strength and it is starting to show in our performances. Last week against I thought we played some good football and on another it could have been more.”
Kilkelly will have his hands full on Saturday, with Mandurah strikers Joey O’Brien and Leigh Griffiths scoring goals for fun, but he said they are ready for it. “We know this week will be another big test, we played them in the cup at the start of the season, and I thought we did well against them,” he explained. “Yes, they are coming off a big win against Rockingham, but the way we are playing at moment we will give anyone a good run for their money. Ben (Johns) and I have got a good partnership going and I think it has showed over the week couple of weeks, so we will be up for anything they throw at us.”
Mandurah won on the road in the league for the first time this season at Rockingham, and Murray Mackintosh their squad is getting stronger each week with players returning, and he said it makes training intense. “Yes, our squad is very strong as a whole this year, and we have players just back or still to come back from injury which is exciting with the challenge for spaces in the starting side,” he explained. “It’s funny because we often mention that our training can sometimes be a lot more intense than matches at times, so it’s definitely high tempo and aggressive like our playing style.”
The win at Rockingham was played in front of big crowd with a great atmosphere and Mackintosh said it was a dominate performance, and good to get that first win in the league on the road. “It was an excellent occasion and fair play to both sets of fans, all games should have those numbers,” he said. “We had a great travelling support and we put on a very professional performance, dominating for most of the game. It was pleasing that we didn’t let the occasion affect our game.”
The Dolphins go in search of another win on the road on Saturday when they head down the Kwinana Freeway to Joondalup, and the Scotsman said they have improved in recent weeks, but they travel there looking for the three points. “This week’s game will be tough, as you say they have been on good form, but we have faced a number of clubs in recent times in good form too,” he said. “They will set up to frustrate us, but as long as we play to our usual standards, I’m sure we will come away happy.”
There is another massive game at Nash Field, where league leaders Western Knights welcome third placed Fremantle City. The Knights flexed their muscles last week in the top of the table clash, coming home from MUMFC with a 5-0 win, while Fremantle were made to work for their narrow 1-0 win against Forrestfield, this one should be a cracker. In the other games Murdoch University Melville will look to bounce back from last weeks heavy defeat, when they take on Dianella White Eagles at Dianella Reserve (5pm), while the hosts will look for their first home win of the season.
Gwelup Croatia moved to fifth after a win at UWA in round five, and this week they welcome Subiaco to the Croatian Sporting Complex on Wishart Street. The visitors who started the season well have slipped to back-to-back defeats, while Forrestfield United will go in search of their first win of the season when they host former coach Richard Abrams’ UWA Nedlands at Crazy Domains Stadium, at Hartfield Park. In the final game Rockingham City take on Gosnells City at Lark Hill Sportsplex on Saturday. (3pm)
The hosts were beaten in the local derby by Mandurah, while Gosnells continued their four-game unbeaten run, after a last-ditch goal from Tyron Pottier secured a draw at home against Dianella. Gosnells skipper Scott Pereira said they deserved to take something from the game. “Last week was a big game for us as both teams have had mixed results in previous weeks,” he said. “We didn’t play our best football, and in the end a draw was probably a fair result.”
Pereira said Rockingham is a tough place to play, but they head their full of confidence they can continue their good run. “The boys are looking forward to this weekend as we face another big game against Rockingham,” the midfielder said. “Although they lost last week, they had a good win against Dianella the week before, so we know we are going to have to be at our best to make sure we come away with the three points.”
12.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW
The top of the table clash between State League Division Two leaders Kingsley Westside and second placed Morley Windmills at Wotton Reserve is our Week Six ‘Match of the Round’ (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The visitors are the only team in the league to win all their games to start the season, and are coming off a big win against Balga last week, while Morley sit three points behind them and had a good win at Swan United last time out, so this one will be huge game.
The last time they met at the venue was in round eight last season when Kingsley came from 3-0 down to win 4-3. Early goals from Tyler Holden and Callum Speed put Morley in control, and it looked game over when David Heagney added a third on the half hour. But in first half stoppage time Kingsley found a lifeline, Paul Stewart heading home a Jonny Hulme cross. They added a second on the hour, Stewart heading home again, this time from a Joel Gillespie corner. Then ten minutes from time Kingsley restored parity, Josh Waldock’s cross headed home by Darren O’Riordan. Then in stoppage time the visitors won it. Waldock intercepted a throw out from the Morley keeper, before playing a one two with Stewart and finding the bottom far corner of the net.
Morley’s Ismael Dawson was on target in the big win at Swan last week, and he said it was a good team performance, with four different scorers on the day. “It was great to get on the scoresheet, and four different goalscorers shows that we are a team. We push each other to get on the scoresheet and we clearly demonstrated last week away at Swan,” he explained. “The lads are all confident and excited for our top of the league clash on Saturday, and the winner sits at the top of the league, so that’s are motivation.”
English import Dawson said Saturday is a huge game for the club, both sides are in good form, so it should be a great game. “We’re all looking forward to the game, we have previously played Kingsley at the start of the season, however we’re a different team now in terms of togetherness and work rate,” he said. “We work hard together and we will all show that on Saturday to get the points.”
Kingsley are coming off a 6-0 win against Balga, and Jonny Hulme was amongst the scorers, and he said it continued their good start to the season. “It’s been a great start and confidence is definitely high in the squad, but we know there’s still a long season ahead and we’re going to have to be playing our best week in and week out,” he explained. “Last week was a good performance, I felt we dominated the game from the very first minute.
“We kept our foot on the pedal the whole way through the game to keep the pressure on them and keep the goals coming, we could have easily scored another three or four goals if we took all our chances. But to still go out and win 6-0 and keep the clean sheet was great, and shoutout to Peter Stewart in goal, who’s been quality the last few weeks making important saves when required.”
Hulme said the players are confident they can get the job done, and knows the importance of the next couple of games. “We knew going into this season that Morley was going to be up there at the top, with us, as they made some decent signings and are normally one of the top teams in the league,” he explained. “We’ll go into this game the same as every other week confident we can win. We spoke about how important these next couple games are, as we can separate ourselves from the rest of the teams below us. So, it will be great to go out and put on a good performance and get the win.”
In other games this weekend, Ashfield host Joondalup City at the Ashfield Sports Club, with both sides hoping to bounce back from defeats last week, while City still search for their first win of the new campaign. Quinns won for the first time this season at Joondalup, and this week they welcome Swan United to Gumblossom Park, while Balga and Canning City meet at Princess Road Reserve, both looking for three points to move away from the foot of the table.
The inform Wanneroo City travel to Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening to take on Maddington-Kalamunda White City. (6pm) The visitors have won their three games to move up to fourth on the table, while the hosts have also picked up form, winning their last two games. In the final game, third placed Carramar Shamrock Rovers make the trip to Edinburgh Oval to meet fifth placed Curtin University. Both sides dropped points last week, Curtin drawing at Canning, while Rovers had a day to forget, well beaten by Maddington.
Rovers’ defender Ger Fitzgerald said it was a poor performance, and they will be looking to bounce back on Saturday. “Yes, it was a bad day at the office for us, but credit to Maddington they played very well and deserved to win. We learn from our mistakes and what went wrong and improve on Saturday,” he explained. “Curtin is always a very tough place to go to, and they are a good team who are always up for the game which is good as it brings out the best in us knowing it will be a tough game. Hopefully we can get a result and forget about last week.”
11.5.2023
BOLTON WITHOUT JONES FOR PLAY-OFFS
Gethin Jones will miss Bolton Wanderers’ play-off challenge with the Whites looking to soften the blow by delivering on promotion. The Perth-born defender has been ruled out of Bolton’s two-legged semi-final tie with Barnsley and potentially a final appearance at Wembley at the end of the month due to a hamstring injury.
Evatt confirmed his vice-captain will be out of action until reporting back for pre-season training at the end of June. “We’re gutted for Geth. He’s been fantastic this season and been part of this journey with me from day one, really,” said Bolton boss. “He’s one of the first players that was signed. He’s grown with us and developed as a footballer, but also as a man.”
“I’m extremely proud of him and what’s he achieved. He’s not going to be with us on the pitch, but he’ll certainly be with us, making sure the players are supported and ready for the game. And the best way we can repay his support is by getting promoted and we’re going to do all we can to try and make that happen.”
Jones has made 46 appearances for Bolton this season and scored one of the goals that helped seal the Whites’ Wembley triumph in the Papa Johns Trophy. Evatt’s men have proved they can do it on the big stage and will be looking to rise to the occasion again and keep alive hopes of a repeat visit to the national stadium via the play-offs.
11.5.2023
COCKBURN MISS THE CUT FOR NATIONAL SECOND DIVISION
There will be no Western Australian presence in Football Australia’s inaugural national second division after Cockburn City failed to make the cut. The national body has announced 26 clubs have been approved to proceed to their request for proposal phase, with Cockburn one of six teams on the initial 32-team shortlist to not make next stage.
Cockburn officially submitted an expression of interest to Football Australia, but were one of two clubs listed on the initial shortlist whose place was subject to the submission fee payment being confirmed. Of the 26 teams on the shortlist, one is from Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT have two clubs each, six are from Queensland, seven are from Victoria and eight are from New South Wales.
The national second division will sit below the A-League and while promotion and relegation will not occur immediately, it is envisioned it will be the long-term goal of the new league. It is expected to begin in March 2024 and will involve 10-16 teams, likely in a home and away league structure and finals, featuring 24 to 36 games.
9.5.2023
GRIFFITHS EXTINDS MUMBAI STAY
Mumbai City have renewed Rostyn Griffiths' contract for another season. The versatile 35-year old was one of three players confirmed as remaining with the Indian Super League club, the other being Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera.
All three players were key figures in Mumbai’s stunning 2022 season which was highlighted by an 18-game unbeaten run to win the League Shield. The club was also runner-up in the Durand Cup and qualified for the semi-finals of the play-offs.
8.5.2023
'DIABOLICAL STRAITS': TANA'S DAMNING VERDICT ON UP-FOR-GRABS GLORY
Former Perth Glory owner Nick Tana has expressed his dismay at the “diabolical” state of the up-for-sale A-League club, pledging to step in with a rescue package if there is a threat of Glory going under. Against the backdrop of incumbent owner Tony Sage and the Australian Professional Leagues searching for a buyer, Tana has become increasingly concerned by the plight of the club he exited in 2006.
It’s been asserted that the APL has been paying player wages in recent weeks, and whilst Sage denies those claims, it’s clear that unless he is able to inject fresh funds, his 15-year tenure at the helm is nearing its nadir. There are rumours of two potential buyers waiting in the wings, but with Glory valued at around $20 million there has been no rush by any entity to put pen to paper.
Tana hasn’t been approached directly to throw his hat back in the ring, however, he has been sounded out by intermediaries. “I’ve made it clear previously I’m not in the market to buy it back,” Tana said. “What I will say is that when I handed the licence back in 2006 the club was in a much better condition than what it is now.”
“I still have a passion for the game but that would only now stretch to the extent of not allowing the club to fold, certainly not to the extent of building it for others. I’ve said publicly before I’d never let it go to the wall and I wouldn’t go back on that statement. I will spend money on the game but I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for something that’s basically in diabolical straits at the moment.”
“Nor would I put a penny in Tony Sage’s pockets. At the end of the day you want to build the game yet they (Sage and the APL) still want money for it, and expect somebody to splash out. Well, good luck. Go and find somebody. They may well do so but whoever it is is going to need really deep pockets.”
Tana believes an over emphasis on the fortunes of the Socceroos during the Frank Lowy era - at the expense of the A-League - has come back to haunt the competition. With the current mood among large swathes of fans oscillating between apathy and anger, Tana looks back on what he sees as wasted years and several wrong turns by the game’s rulers.
“It’s not a basket case but the league as a whole has big issues, whether that be in attendances, sponsorships or media rights,” he said. “Every aspect of it has gone backwards over the last 10 years, so what are you actually buying (in respect of Perth Glory)? There are very few instances where you can say ‘wow things are stepping up a notch here’.”
“I feel sad to the extent that I saw so much potential previously - and while you can’t blame Frank Lowy, who did well for the game, I said all along that prioritising the national team over the A-League was always going to be problematic. The green and gold looks after itself - there will always be a Socceroos and they’ll always have a following.”
“But if you don’t have a strong national club competition full of home-based talent then it’s difficult for the game to move forward, and I don’t believe it has. My understanding was that Glory had a potential buyer from the eastern states but that’s all gone cold. Whatever happens they need somebody with deep pockets. Unless they’re prepared to pump in between $25-35 million, and know that’s what it will cost before they may break even, then good luck. It’s not going to happen.”
“My gut tells me they can’t undervalue the club because that diminishes the value of the existing licenses, and others have paid quite substantial sums. It’s going to need someone who looks at $20-30 million as petty cash, and there aren’t too many of them around. I don’t think the APL will be in a mad rush - they’ll mark time with the club before finding a new buyer, and that wouldn’t be good for Perth Glory.”
Now in his 70s, and removed from the day to day running of the businesses he created, Tana would much prefer to remain nothing more than a Glory supporter, free from the pressure of running a football club. “These days I feel like Marlon Brando in the Godfather, wearing my berretto and tending my little gardening patch," he added. “I’m more than happy to keep on doing that and spending quality time with my grandkids.”
7.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND FOUR REVIEW
It's as you were at the top of the Hyundai Women’s League Division One table after week four, with joint leaders UWA Nedlands and Hamersley Rovers continuing their unbeaten start to the season with wins on the road. First leaders UWA travelled to Genesiscare Stadium to take on Mandurah City, and came home with a 4-0 win.
“Travelling to Mandurah is always a tough gig, they are a strong physical side and have added some quality in this season as well, so we were not taking them for granted,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis explained. “Going a couple of goals up early on helped settle the game down quickly and we were able to play our game. A couple of first half injuries meant that we had to rotate things to compensate as well but we finished off the half with a third goal.”
Lewis was pleased how his side stayed strong after the break when the hosts came out on the front foot. “Mandurah definitely came out fighting in the second half and gave us a challenge with their central midfielders pressing high, however we were able to hold firm and keep a clean sheet for the game plus add a fourth five minutes before the end,” he said.
“Going away to teams in our division will always be tough, as there are some good quality players in this league. However, we will need to go on the road and keep getting results like this if we wish to be promoted into the NPL (after they added in promotion/relegation this season). We know there are one or two other teams looking to get promoted also, so it should make for an interesting season.”
UWA where ahead after only two minutes, a back pass to Mandurah keeper Melissa Spillman caused problems, and her clearance was charged down by Ashley Harling, and she quickly regain possession of the ball, and her curling shot on the turn found the top corner. Then four minutes later it was 2-0, good build up play down the left ended with Harling who cut the ball back to Alexandra Lyons, who shot from 25 meters flew into the corner of the net giving Spillman no chance.
It was 3-0 on the half hour, Erin Armstrong made space out wide, a deft touch took her clear of the defender and feed Harling, who raced clear one-on-one with the keeper, and finishing calmly it into the bottom corner. They wrapped up the points five minutes from time, Cassidy Quantrill played a ball over the Mandurah defence to winger Emily Dinsdale, who raced to the by-line, her crossed was saved by Spillman, but Serena Lin was quickest to the rebound who scored into an empty net.
Hamersley Rovers, who sit behind UWA on goal difference travelled to Percy Doyle Reserve to meet Sorrento, and they ran out 3-0 winners. “It was an intense game, but a great game to be involved in,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said. “Playing Sorrento was always going to be a hard task as there are a good team and we did well to win 3-0 in the end. The intensity Sorrento played with was a good learning curve for our girls on how to deal with constant pressure. It helps get us really for the top of the table clash against UWA in two weeks.”
It was a cagy start to the game, but it was Hamersley who found the opener on 23 minutes, Christiane Astorp pouncing after the Sorrento keeper had only parried Jordy Henderson’s powerful shot. They doubled their advantage four minutes later, they won possession in the attacking half, the ball finding Henderson, and she spotted the keeper off her line and her lob found the net. They wrapped up the points eight minutes before the break, when they added a third, Ella Kerman cutting the ball back to Astorp, who made mistake, finding the bottom corner.
In the other games this weekend, Perth AFC and Subiaco were winners. The round started on Friday evening with Perth AFC keeping the pressure on the top two, after Aaliyah Jorquera goal, gave them a 1-0 win against Port Kennedy under lights at Len Packham Park. “It was a good game against Port Kennedy, they are a very handy team that knock the ball around well and pushed us to the final minute,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said. “We had some good chances in the first half and didn't make the most of them.”
Meanwhile Subiaco secured their first win of the season, with a 3-0 win against Armadale, who dropped to the foot of the table, still searching for their first points of the season. The hosts found the opener on 20 minutes, with a beautiful strike from Tamzyn Aisbett, and they added another five minutes later Lucy George firing low past the Armadale keeper. The hosts sealed the points 20 minutes from time, Aisbett added her second after a great run from her own half.
Subiaco coach Judd Bogust said it was a good three points. “The match features two teams anxious to show improvement, with Armadale fielded an experienced line-up while our roster averages just 15 years old,” he said. “Stand out performances were also turned in by midfielder Sienna Howard, central defender Paige Pickford and a clean sheet from keeper Liah McLean.”
7.5.2023
AMATEUR CUP ROUND TWO - REVIEW
The Amateur Cup second round brought a few surprises on Sunday, and one of them was in our ‘Match of the Round’ when Division One leaders Maccabi beat Premier Division South West Phoenix 1-0 at Maccabean Memorial Oval. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time, Jacob Wemyss got on the end of a cross from Jared Dimbleby to head across the keeper. “It was a really tight and competitive game, if I’m honest I felt we probably could’ve scored a couple more if not for some great saves from their keeper,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz explained. “But we kept pushing and kept things tight at the back and eventually got the goal to get us through. So, very happy that both sides got wins and clean sheets with reserves winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Ilan Marshall and Michael Shaffer.”
Another Premier Division club were knocked out by lower opposition, with Division One Kingsley Westside beating Kwinana United 1-0 at Kelly Park. The only goal in this one came 32 minutes, good work by Bailee Yeomans on the right, and his cross to the back post found Cameron Bishop, who lost his marker and headed into the empty net. “We knew heading into the game Mark (Purvis) and his lads are very flexible with their formations so we had to be prepared for multiple different scenarios and credit to our lads who adjusted well all game,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews explained. “The game for large parts was full of quality from both teams so it was enjoyable to be a part of. Kwinana is always a tough place to travel to so we are delighted to get a positive result and we will look to use that performance to kick start our season.”
North Beach was made to earn their spot in the next round after a narrow 2-1 win against Division One Southern Spirit at Vasto Reserve. “Sunday was a really positive result and it was great to get back to winning ways,” North Perth Nick di Carlo said. “We had some late withdrawals in the squad this week due to injury and illness, so to have guys come in and produce what they did against a tough opponent was pleasing and built a lot of confidence within the squad.”
The hosts found the opener when Jack Tozawa received a ball across the 18-yard box from midfield, before taking one touch and finishing clinically. The Spirit levelled after half time with Taylor Starkey pouncing on an error from the North Perth keeper. But the hosts won it, when Callum Ferguson received a ball in the box from some good build up play, and his first time shot gave the Spirit keeper no chance. “A bit disappointed from the loss, but the boys performed well and kept to the game plan for the 90 minutes,” Spirit coach Edmondo Monaco said. “It was good to see where we are at and hopefully can keep to build from that performance, North Beach are a quality outfit, and one we would like to emulate.”
Cup holders South Perth United also had to work hard to move into the third round, after a tight 3-2 weeks n against Division Three Alkimos at Halesworth Park. The home side were ahead early, but Lewis Jones equalised with his first touch off the bench. Mason Langham made it 2-1 with a header, but Alkimos restored parity. The tie was sealed late, with Ben Godfrey scoring a third. “It was a tough battle against a very good team and you can see why they are going so well since joining the leagues a few years,” South Perth coach Lee Hayward said. “We were a little slow out of the blocks, and I guess that was somewhat expected with a much-changed starting line-up, but credit to the boys though they came out second half and showed some character.”
In the all-Premier Division tie at Frye Park, Kelmscott Roos edged our Peel United 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by striker Amos Doegolia, while East Perth had to come from behind to beat Division Three Joondanna Blues at Cabrini Park. The visitors made the perfect start, scoring in the first minute, breaking down the left, and a low cross was turned home by Nick Archer. East Perth slowly grew into the game and on 27 minutes a corner by Thierry Benard was met with a bullet header by Ryan McGready to get his first goal of the season.
Then eight minutes later the hosts took the lead, Wayne Carter’s free kick flew into the corner of the net. East Perth found a third on the hour, good work by Carter and his cross was headed home by Aaron Doyle. The Blues continued to press and Archer was a constant threat, and he saw a penalty crash off the post late. “A good result for us, against a very good side. We knew Joondanna would be difficult challenge and they played very well, and if the penalty goes in it’s a different last 20 minutes for us,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “Besides the early goal we are generally happy with the overall performance and to be in the next round of the cup.”
North Perth United eased into the third round with a 7-0 win against Quinns at Gumblossom Park. Doubles from Darby Gaffney and Brian Woodall, and others to Nick Bailey, Kyle Jackson and Nico Riveros secured the comfortable win. “Outstanding second half from our boys,” Kelechi Osunwa said. “We took the lead early in the first through Nick, but Quinns grew into the game and made it into a tight battle and nearly equalised through Liam Hunt, whose shot hit the crossbar from a freekick. But we made changes, which they couldn't with limited numbers, and that proved to be the difference. All the subs came on and had a huge impact with five goals off the bench.”
Jaguar sealed their spot in the next round after a 4-1 win against Hamersley Rovers at Herb Graham Recreation Centre, Emerald also eased through after a 9-1 win against Stirling Panthers at Fraser Park, while Wembley Downs beat UWA Nedlands 6-0 at the UWA Sports Park. In other results on Sunday, Forrestfield United beat Canning City 6-0 at Hartfield Park, Perth AFC beat Port Kennedy 7-6 on penalties after the game finished 2-2, Olympic Kingsway beat Ballajura AFC 2-1 at Kingsway Reserve. Belmont Villa beat Stirling Macedonia on penalties at Gerry Archer Sports Complex, while Fremantle City beat Westnam United at Hilton Park.
7.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND SIX REVIEW
We have a new leader at the top of the NPLWA - Women’s table after the Hyundai NTC we’re beaten for the first time this season, going down 2-1 to Fremantle City at Hilton Park on Sunday afternoon. Laura Waltman gave the hosts the lead early, but Ischia Brooking levelled for Ben Anderton’s side on 74 minutes, before Mikayla Lyons won it for Faye Chambers’ side moments later. The result makes the top of the table tight, with only five points separating the top five teams. “We were super excited to get the win against NTC yesterday, especially with them having been undefeated so far this season,” Waltman said. “Our girls have been stepping up week after week and with the addition of Abbey Green and Tash Rigby, we hope to continue on this upward trajectory.”
It was a cold day in the port city, but it didn’t stop the hosts making the perfect start after only four minutes. Waltman pouncing on a pass from NTC keeper Lily Bailey, the midfielder nipping in and finished clinically past her. The hosts held their lead until 16 minutes from time, when Daisy Groenewald-Shield sent Brooking in on goal, and she made no mistake to level with her first of the season. But Fremantle weren’t to be denied and they restored their lead a minute later. New signing Green burst down the left and cut the ball back for Lyons to side foot home to seal a fantastic win.
Our ‘Match of the Round’ was a five-goal thriller, with Murdoch University Melville beating hosts Balcatta Etna 3-2 at Grindleford Reserve. MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said the win showed how far his side has come this season. “What is most pleasing is the football we are playing at the moment,” he said. “The players have been working very hard at training and I was very happy for them that they got the reward and came away with the win against a team that is also challenging for a top four spot this season.”
It was Balcatta who opened the scoring in the shadows of half time, Monique Prinsloo and Tia Stonehill played a neat give and go, with the former crossing for Andrea Bulgaru to score at the back post. MUMFC levelled on the hour, Samantha Mathers raced to the by-line, and crossed to Sophie Meaden, her shot was blocked, but she fired home at the second attempt.
But two minutes later Balcatta regained the lead, and Prinsloo was again involved in the build-up, finding Bulgaru, who fired home her second of the day. The visitors hit back on 65 minutes, Mathers firing home a curling shot beyond Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco from the edge of the box, and the hard-working Mathers capped a fine performance, with an assist for the winner, crossing from the left to Jessica Johnson at the back post.
Perth RedStar jumped up to second on the table after a 4-1 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “It was a tough game against a well organised team, but I thought we controlled most of the game and had most of the possession which allowed us to create a lot of opportunities,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega-Mena said. “We should have sealed the game in the first half, but failed to convert those early opportunities. Subiaco were quick to take advantage of any mistakes which resulted in a goal for them in the first half. This made for a suspenseful match until the very end, but I’m happy with the result and performance of the team.”
The visitors were on top early, and found the opening goal on six minutes, Sophia Neal crossing for Olivia Wood to score. They added a second 11 minutes later, Reina Kagami capitalised on an error to double the RedStar’s lead. But the hosts hit back and reduced the margin on 23 minutes, Phoenix Brownlie outmuscled her marker, and finished with aplomb. The RedStar should have put the game to bed before half time, but they missed a number of chances, including a Andreia Teixeira penalty, which crashed off the post. Subiaco were on the front foot after the break and Maya Diederichsen stood tall to save from Dakota van Vugt, who raced one-on-one with the RedStar custodian. But five minutes from time the RedStar found a third, Japanese import Kagami getting on the end of a Jayna Ridley pass, before sealing the points after pouncing on a mistake at the back, to score from close-range.
Perth SC moved to the top of the table, after thrashing Curtin University 11-0 at Dorrien Gardens. “Happy to take the result as a comfortable three points and another clean sheet,” Perth coach Peter Rakic said. “But I was particularly pleased with some of the tidy build up play around the edge of the 18-yard box and a few of the team goals that were the end product of this. Glad to say we are back to winning ways and we'll hope to break into another solid run of form heading into the weekend.”
They found the opener on 10 minutes, Abbey Meakins finding Jaime Duncanson to score. Matilda Bohm added a second three minutes later, before Ella Lincoln made it 3-0 two minutes later. It was one-way traffic, Meakins added a fourth, and it was 5-0 when Duncanson found the top corner. Ellie La Monte’s shot deflected to Duncanson who headed home to complete her hat-trick and it was seven at half-time when La Monte headed in Duncanson’s cross.
Meakins was in again early in the second half, firing home a volley, before the midfielder received Monique Godding’s pass to finish low for her hat-trick. Duncanson wasn’t finished and added her fourth to make it 10-0, before Godding finished well from Duncanson near-post cross. It was a great way for the Azzurri to bounce back from their loss against the NTC last time out, while Curtin remain without a point this season.
Perth Coach Peter Rakic said he feels sorry for the Curtin girls, but he knows these sorts of results aren’t good for the league. “You can't blame the girls at Curtin and I think we all know where the finger needs to be pointed. They're only doing their best at showing up each week and unfortunately at NPL level it's much more than showing up and having to compete with the quality of the league,” he explained. “It’s definitely bringing down the overall standard of the league, especially when you have to fluctuate from a really intense opponent to the next, and to think now as well we are going to see very high and unrealistic goal differences between each team which isn't a good reflection of the competition.”
6.5.2023
STYNES AT THE DOUBLE TO HAUNT FLOREAT
Bayswater City moved to the top of the NPLWA – Men’s table after a 2-0 win against last season’s champions Floreat Athena, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Former Floreat midfield Jon Stynes came back to haunt his former club, bagging a second half brace off the bench, the win was City’s fourth on the trot, takes them clear of Perth Glory at the top of the table on goal difference. “Great to get a win and keep the run going in the league,” Bayswater’s Gordon Smith explained. “It’s such a tight league that a run of five or six games will see you at the top and we hope to continue our good form. Floreat are always a tough team to play, but we did enough in the end to get two goals in the later stages and get the win.”
It was a tight first half with clear-cut chances few and far between. The hosted suffered a blow on 36 minutes defender Thomas Southgate limped off, he was replaced by Jason Mirco. Then moments later Bayswater striker Ndumba Makeche raced clear, but Jason Saldaris was out quick to save at his feet. Then just before half time Noah Shamaki pass found Sean McManus, but the Floreat winger’s shot on the run flew over the top, and at the break it was all to play for.
Stynes came off the bench on 59 minutes, and the former Floreat midfielder found the opener four minutes later. Makeche eased past his marker down the left, and cut the ball back to Stynes, whose shot found the bottom corner. They went close to a second moments later, Smith shot was cleared off the line by Chris Saldaris, and the Floreat defender blocked Makeche’s follow up shot as well. Jackson Stephens then got on the end of Declan Hargreaves free kick, but his diving header flashed wide of the target.
Smith had a golden opportunity to add a second on 79 minutes, but his shot on run flashed wide of an open goal. Floreat were starting to create some chances of their own and Alex Christodoulakis’ cross shot was palmed away by Casey Roberts, before the Bayswater custodian then got a strong hand to push McManus’ shot over the top moments later. But on 82 minutes the hosts sealed the points with a second.
Hargreaves won possession in the middle of the park, and his ball over the top sent Stynes in on goal, his first touch took him past Saldaris, and with his second he rolled the ball into an empty net. Floreat looked for a way back into the contest, and substitute Ludovic Boi volleyed over the top, but they had struggled in the final third all afternoon. Bayswater went close to a third in stoppage time, Saldaris making a smart save to deny substitute Konstantinos Sparta’s free kick, but it was the Bayswater celebrating the win at the final whistle. “Always good to get a win against your close competitors in the league,” Stynes said. “The win puts us on top of the league now, so it’s now up to us to do our best to stay there.”
6.5.2023
JACKSON BAGS FOUR AS ARMADALE WINS AN EIGHT GOAL THRILLER
Armadale SC moved up to third place on the NPLWA – Men’s table after beating Balcatta Etna in an eight-goal thriller at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon, with Chris Jackson scoring four in the 5-3 win, which took the striker joint top of the leagues goalscoring chart. Chris Jackson opened the scoring early, but the visitors hit back, with Jon Corness and Jack Allen giving them the lead, but Jackson levelled from the spot just before half time. It was more of the same after the break, Corness added his second in the first minute, but sixty seconds later Tim Berger restored parity for the hosts. Jackson then missed a penalty, but made up for it firing home another from the spot on the hour, and the striker rounded off the scoring five minutes from time, four his fourth and giving John O’Reilly’s side a 5-3 win.
“The win was great for us, disappointing to have conceded three, but Balcatta have started the season well so credit where credits due,” Jackson said post-match. “We didn’t take them for granted but started off quick with a goal and also one disallowed before they replied but we stuck together and ended up with the important three point. Now hopefully we can kick on keep the consistency and keep winning games.”
It was a perfect start for the hosts and they were ahead on seven minutes, they won the ball in the middle of the park, and Tim Berger sent Jackson racing clear of his marker, and he slid the ball low past Domenic Savoldelli. Jackson was in again two minutes later, but the Balcatta keeper denied him, then moments later the home faithful thought they had a second.
Ethan Levitt’s deep cross from the left was headed back across goal by Angel Andres Jnr and Jackson finished from close-range, but referee Josh Mannella spotted a foul on Savoldelli. Both sides went close, Kian Thompson firing just wide of the far post for Balcatta, before Berger’s flick went inches over the top. But on 18 minutes the visitors levelled, Declan Hudson found space down the left, and his cross to the back post was headed home by the unmarked Jon Corness. Then three minutes later Balcatta hit the front, Corness’ corner fell to Jack Allen, and his lob found the top corner, despite Ethan Levitt’s effort to clear. But in the shadows of half time Armadale levelled, Emerson Alexis was brought down by Trent Kay, and the referee pointed straight to the spot, Jackson stepping up and finding the corner of the net, to send the sides in level at the break.
It was an explosive start to the second half, and in the opening 30 seconds Balcatta regained the lead, Allen’s free kick was headed on by Adam Tong, and Corness made no mistake from close-range. But Armadale hit back sixty seconds later, Nathan Costello’s ball sent Alexis down the right, his ball into the penalty area found Berger, who shot on the turn found the top corner. Armadale received another penalty on 57 minutes, after Luke Alessandrino brought down Jackson, but the striker’s spot kick crashed off the base of the post and away to safety. But he had another opportunity three minutes later when the referee pointed to the spot again after Angel Andres Jnr was brought down by Allen, but this time Jackson fired down the middle to make it 4-3.
It was almost five on 82 minutes, but Chad Samuels couldn’t keep his header down, but two minutes later it was 5-3. An attempt clearance from Savoldelli hit Allen in the back, and Jackson pounced on the rebound and lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box. Both sides had chances late, Balcatta substitute Jack Frew’s snap shot crashed off the crossbar, before Savoldelli denied Samuels and Jackson in the final minute. Head coach John O’Reilly was delighted the way his side played in front of the Army faithful. “Really pleased for the lads today, it was a real battle out there, but they were determined to win in front of our supporters, and they did, fighting and winning their individual battles for 90 plus minutes to get those three points, and they totally deserved them,” O’Reilly said post-match. “Chris (Jackson) will take all the plaudits today for bagging four goals, and so he should, but I thought it was a team performance, and all my player left it all out there today, and a few are feeling it after the match. But we will get them in next week to recover and prepare for another tough game at the league leaders Bayswater next week.”
6.5.2023
STIRLING BOUNCE BACK TO BEAT AZZURRI
Stirling Macedonia have bounced back from defeat at home to Bayswater last week, and moved to fourth on the ladder, after a 3-0 win against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens, in the annual DT38 match, which is held in honour of the late Dylan Tombides who played for both sides as a junior. English import Kingsley Eshun gave the visitors the lead midway through the second half, before Asher Nelson doubled their advantage 16 minutes from time. Perth then had Jordan De Leo sent off seven minutes later, and Stirling went on with it after that, Daniel Faichney added a third two minutes later, and he made it 4-0 late on, to seal a comprehensive win for Ian Ferguson’s side.
“I thought we dominated them in the early part of the game, and took a deserved lead,” Stirling midfielder Asher Nelson explained. “I thought we stopped Perth playing their game for the whole 90 minutes, and their chances came from long-range shots. Then when they had a player sent off, we finished the game off, with a couple of good goals, and Daniel (Faichney) was the pick of the bunch.”
The visitors found the opener on 22 minutes, Luke Palmateer ball out of defence sent Faichney racing down the left, his low cross was knocked back across goal by Asher Nelson, and Eshun bundled the ball home from close-range. Both sides created chances but failed to take them, the best falling to the hosts, but Ethan Banks was denied by a superb James Bosdet save. But it was the visitors who doubled their lead on 74 minutes.
Perth lost possession and Faichney’s pass went Eshun into the box, his shot was saved by Luke Radonich, but Nelson was quickest to the rebound to fire home. The game took another twist nine minutes from time, when De Leo was shown a second yellow card and was sent off, and Macedonia made their numerical advantage count two minutes later. Calvin Whitney raced forward and crossed to the back post, and the unmarked Faichney volley home. The icing was put on the cake three minutes later, when they added a fourth, substitute Samim Fattahi’s through ball sent Faichney down the left, and he raced into goal and finished low past the keeper, to seal the big win.
6.5.2023
POINTS SHARED AT DALMATINAC PARK
Cockburn City and Inglewood United have fought out a 1-1 draw at Dalmatinac Park. Dhours Chol had given the visitors the lead from the spot early, but Jesse Lazzaro levelled midway through the first half, and despite both sides creating chances, they had to settle for a draw. “It was one of those games, if either team scored the second goal, they would have won the game,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira said. “Pleased with our play, we were not happy with the draw because we created enough chances to win the game, and our defence was very good.”
It was the hosts who found the opener after only two minutes, a ball into the box found Anthony Bafobusha, who fell under a challenge from Daniel Santich, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Dhours Chol stepped up and sent Michael Craggs the wrong way from the resulting penalty. But the hosts levelled on 25 minutes, great work down the right by Levi Peterson, added with a cross into the box and Jesse Lazzaro bundled the ball home at the second attempt.
Inglewood should have regained the lead two minutes later, Rene Kisesa’s cross from the right found the unmarked Dylan White, but he put his header wide of the target with the goal gaping. Cockburn went close themselves before the break, Lazzaro’s snap shot at the back post deflected into the side netting, before Josh Pereira’s driving run ended with a shot just over the top. Lazzaro’s free kick was punched clear by Alex Dunn, as the host finished the half well, but at the break it was all-square.
White stung the palms of Craggs early in the second half, before Pereira was denied by a smart save from Dunn on the hour mark. Dunn then got down late to save Lazzaro’s curling effort at his near post, as both sides pressed for the winner. Substitute Chad Nilson then flashed a shot just wide of the post, before Craggs got a strong hand to Nilson’s low cross shot. Cherno Bah fired straight at Dunn from the edge of the box late, but both sides had to settle for a point.
6.5.2023
OLYMPIC TOO STRONG FOR SORRENTO
Olympic Kingsway moved off the bottom of the table, after a goal in each half from Joe Hobson and Ciaran Byrne secured the ‘Green Machine’s third win of the season and move them up to eighth on the table. “It was a very tough game and we were fortunate to go in at halftime 1-0,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards said. “We thought Sorrento did very well and have some good experienced players, but the pleasing aspects for us was the obvious outcomes of keeping a clean sheet and both our main forwards getting on the score sheet.
“We have played better this season and come away from games with nothing to show for it, so now we are showing the cutting edge and game management required in the NPL. I thought both goals we very well worked and finished, while Davie Kennan pulled off a couple of excellent saves.” It was a tight opening with clear cut chances few and far between, and the first effort on goal came on 19 minutes from Olympic, and it opened the scoring. Cian Hirrell found Tyler Garner in the middle of the park, and he slid in Hobson, who finished clinically from the edge of the box.
Sorrento looked for an immediate response, but Keenan got down well to save Jaxon Temata’s low shot two minutes later. Keenan then spread himself well to thwart Scott Witschge as the hosts lifted the tempo. Ryan Mclaughlin glancing header on the half hour flashed inches wide of the post, as Sorrento pressed for the equaliser. Moments later Zach Dabbs sent Clay Gibbs in down the right channel, but his shot on the run flew wide, and at the break the visitors held a narrow lead.
The hosts forced a number of corners early in the second half, but couldn’t find the equaliser, while at the other end a quick break saw Hobson wriggling into the box, but his shot from the angle was wide of the target. But on 56 minutes the hosts were reduced to ten men, Oscar Barry’s ball down the right saw Hobson race past Barnett, but the defender mistimed his tackle and brought him down, and referee Matthew Southern showed him second yellow card and sent him off.
Sorrento went close to the equaliser on 69 minutes, Keenan punched Joe Tweats corner clear, but it fell to McLaughlin, whose shot was cleared off the line by Garner, and moments later Substitute David Stokoe’s header was pushed around the post by Kennan at full stretch. At the other end Josh Samson stung the palms of Sorrento keeper Patrick Hughes. But 12 minutes from time the visitors sealed the points with a second goal, Liam Murray found Calum O’Connell down the left, and neat interchange of passes between Byrne, Murray and Connell, saw Byrne race clear and finish with aplomb past Hughes.
6.5.2023
PERTH TAKE THE GLORY AT REDSTAR ARENA
Perth Glory have scored a late goal at the RedStar Arena, to seal a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Perth RedStar and overtake them on the table. It looked business as usual for the league leaders early with Chock Dau scoring, but the Glory youngsters hit back and levelled just after the hour mark, with Josh Anasmo on target, and in the final minute it was Jayden Gorman who scored the winner.
Glory coach John Walmsley was delighted with sides professional performance against a good RedStar side. “I thought it was really mature performance from our group. RedStar are a strong side with some talented players, but we knew we could hurt them and we got our rewards at the end,” he explained. “We know we have quality to beat anyone on our day, so the challenge for us as always is consistency with our approach. We are looking forward to another good test next week against Olympic Kingsway.”
The host made the perfect start, and they were ahead on nine minutes. Glory lost position in the middle of the park, Tom Hough challenge sent the ball to Oscar Malifiore, who found Daryl Nicol, and the Scottish strikers first time through ball sent Dau clear and he finished clinically past Robert Cook. The Glory were lucky not to conceded a second with Declan Hughes finding the woodwork, but at half time the hosts were one to the good.
Callum Salmon’s side thought they had a second on 57 minutes, Hughes free kick picked out Dau at the back post and he headed back across goal for Nicol to tap home, but their celebrations were cut short with the flag up for offside, but it looked tight. But six minutes later the visitors found the equaliser, Corey Sutherland’s ball over the top was misjudged by Ryan Finnie, and substitute Joel Anasmo pounced and raced into goal and finish low past former Glory custodian Liam Reddy. Both sides looked for the winner, but it was Glory who found it on 89 minutes. Kaelan Majeks sent Daniel Bennie down the right, he got to the by-line and pulled the ball back to Gorman, who found the bottom corner.
6.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND SIX REVIEW
Our Week Six ‘Match of the Round’ in the State League Division One has seen Western Knights maintain their unbeaten start to the season after a 5-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium, and end the unbeaten start for the hosts. “Coming off our recent run of games we knew we had to respond in a big way especially coming up against a team like MUMFC who we know have some technical players and collectively are a very good team, so we knew this would be a good test for us and I’m glad we responded the way we did,” Knights striker Albert Luwi explained. “We did start the game a bit shaky but once we adjusted, we started playing our brand of football and were rewarded with three goals.
“Definitely was great to get back to winning ways and playing well again especially with our next opponent being Fremantle, we know that will also be another great test for us and a good opportunity for us to create some more separation from the rest of the pack.” The visitors took control and found the opener with Shay Donovan on target, but the visitors had the opportunity to level but Deven Lindemann saved Christos Vaenas’ penalty. Then in the shadows of half time Albert Luwi doubled their advantage with a good finish. They added a third early in the second half, Alex Kretowicz scoring his fifth goal of the season from the spot, and ten minutes later he added his sixth, also from the penalty spot. Substitute Paul Llyod added a fifth nine minutes from time, to seal the comprehensive win.
“The early parts of the match, was a tight contest with neither team really getting the better of the other, but midway through the first half we started to find our rhythm and created some opportunities,” Knights’ coach Adam Kostrencic explained. “Some very good lead up work setup our first two goals and Devon’s penalty save was also a key moment during the first half. We came out strong after the break and were rewarded with an early goal to extend our lead, and from then on, we were in control and we added a couple more to round off what was a very solid performance by the whole group against a tough opponent.”
Gwelup Croatia have continued their good run of form after a 2-1 win against UWA Nedlands at the UWA Sports Park. “A good performance today, but plenty to improve on,” Gwelup coach Trim Morgan said post-match. “Pleased with the many chances we created, the work rate and spirit of this team and of course the victory. The team are starting to develop some consistency in their football. UWA worked hard and made it difficult to play, especially in midfield.
“Their wingers were always a threat but credit to Andrew Scaldaferro and Loic Anga who worked hard to combat them. Charlie Breen was the difference with another two goals, one of them a contender for goal of the season, while Josiah Godfrey was excellent in goal, making some outstanding saves and really commanded his box.” It was the hosts who found the opener on 26 minutes, Alfred Moore scoring. But the visitors levelled two minutes from half time, a short corner caught UWA napping, and Loic Anga’s cross was headed home by Charlie Breen at the back post. But it was Gwelup who won it on 67 minutes, a ball over the top from Jacob Williamson found Breen, whose first-time volley flew into the top corner of the net.
It’s been a tough week for Forrestfield United, after parting company with coach Eric Williams, but they put in a battling performance in this one, but went down 1-0 to Fremantle City ay Hilton Park. The only goal of the game came on 76 minutes. Substitute Hamza Hina was found on the right, and his slide rule pass sent Oliver La Galia in on goal, and he finished clinically. “The game against Forrestfield had a few positives that we took from it, culminating in getting our first clean sheet since round one, as well as showing the mental fortitude to be able to break down a stubborn defensive team and grab all three points,” Hina explained. “It also proves that not every win has to be a pretty one and that "ugly wins" are crucial if you want to withstand a long battle to win the league.”
Joondalup United made it back-to-back wins after a 4-0 victory against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “A pretty complete game from us from start to finish. We’ve been threatening to do this to teams all season and probably haven’t been clinical enough in key areas,” Joondalup defender Ben Johns explained. “The last two weeks it’s really come together for us, boys coming back from injuries and new boys getting to know the system we play. We’re climbing the table now and getting closer to that top four spot that we deserve to be in and amongst. The boys will be full of confidence for a big game at home to Mandurah next week.”
The visitors found the opening goal on the half hour, a long throw from Jackson Dongray was headed against the post by Ben Johns, and Jay Lang fired home the rebound from close-range. It was 2-0 in first half stoppage time, Johns won a tackle in his own half and found Elliot Tattersall who sent Vladimir Naumovski down the right, his cross into the penalty found Johns, who had continued his run and the big defender headed home. Joondalup added a third on the hour, Joel Prout’s cross to the back post found Andrew Flint, who played the ball back to Naumovski, who finished well. They sealed the points twenty minutes from time, Johns raced through the Subiaco defence and was brought down by keeper Conor Hogan, and Lang converted the resulting penalty to seal a comfortable win for Nick Jennings’ side. “I thought the boys were superb today and outclassed a hard-working Subiaco side,” Jennings said.
Gosnells City and Dianella White Eagles have fought out a 2-2 draw at Walter Padbury Reserve. “It was a weird result to be happy about, of course the point was important and continues our unbeaten run, but being 1-0 up at halftime and having a man advantage we are disappointed in ourselves for getting into the position we found ourselves in by giving away two goals, by our own fault,” Gosnells striker James Burns explained. “But credit to the lads we never gave up and grabbed the equaliser in the last few minutes.” The hosts found the opening on 13 minutes, skipper Scott Pereira won possession in the middle of the park and found James Burns, who took on his marker, before beating the keeper low to his left.
The visitors were then reduced to ten men in the shadows of half time, after the linesman spotted a stray elbow by Asa Sippits on Pereira, and consulting with his assistant referee Julian Serra sent him off. But the ten men levelled early in the second half, Igor Cvijanovic’s curling free kick beat Jack Adams. It looked like Dianella had snatched all three points when substitute Dami Afolabi was brought in the box and player/coach Angel Andres found the bottom corner from the resulting penalty, despite Adams going the right way. But in the fifth minute of stoppage time Gosnells found the equaliser, Josh Perira’s corner was headed home by Tyron Pottier to give both sides a share of the spoils.
In the final game on Saturday evening, Mandurah City have taken bragging rights, beating Rockingham City 3-0 in the Peel Derby at Lark Hill, Sportsplex. “The squad was outstanding, attitude, professionalism, mentality, which is everything we’ve looked for with our squad,” Mandurah coach John Baird said. “Everything that was going on we showed what level we are at and what level we can get to.” The hosts found the opener three minutes from half time, Leigh Griffiths was brought down 18 meters from goal, and the former Celtic striker curled home the free kick superbly past Cyril Sharrock. The visitors found the crucial second goal late, with substitute Sam Byrne on target, and they sealed the points in in the final minute, substitute Shaun Mukwevho shot was well saved by Sharrock, but the rebound fell to O’Brien who swept the ball home, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. “I thought it was a disciplined, dominant, well managed game from us,” O’Brien said. “It was a pleasure to play in a game with such an incredible atmosphere.”
6.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND SIX REVIEW
The week six ‘Match of the Round’ was the top of the table clash in the State League Division Two at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street, and it was the visitors Morley Windmills who took all three points after a 4-1 win. “I was a really good result, and as I said last week we are really starting to gel as a team and work for each other,” Morley’s Kevin Ashwood explained. “If ever there’s a game where you need to have that togetherness and will to win in this division it’s Swan away, so pleasing to get a deserved three points especially after going 1-0 down. The forward players really stepped up when we needed them and the young lads coming off the bench helped us put a bit of gloss on the game as Swan chased an equaliser.”
The hosts found the opener on the half hour, Rhys Loxley beat his marker and squared the ball to Cameron Anderson who finished past Duncan Lennon-Black. But five minutes before half time the visitors levelled, Otto van der Poel was brought down in the box, and Steve Purton scored from the resulting penalty. Marc Anthony’s side hit the front on the hour, a corner wasn’t cleared and Ashwood headed it back across goal and Cedric Mezieres flicked the ball home. It was 3-1 two minutes from time, substitute Michael Rizidis finishing well from a quick counter attack. They completed the scoring in stoppage time, Ishmael Dawson cutting in from the left and curling home superbly to move the Windmills up to second on the table.
League leaders Kingsley Westside continued their winning a start to the season, after a 6-0 win against Balga at Chichester Park. “It was a very good performance from us on Saturday, we spoke about Balga and how they like to keep the ball and our aim was to press them high and win the ball back which we did very well and got our rewards from it,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich explained. “We now move on to a big game next week against second placed Morley away, and prepare for them.” The hosts were ahead on seven minutes, Paul Stewart headed home a Luke Doyle corner. Hayden Lowe headed home the second, after the Balga keeper misjudged the flight of the ball, and Jonny Hulme’s corner was turned into his own net by a Balga defender to make it 3-0. It was 4-0 on the half hour, Stewart pressed their defence and the ball found Luke Salmon, who played the ball back to Stewart to fire home. Alex Galipo added the fifth just after the hour mark, getting on the end of a Doyle corner to head home. They wrapped up the scoring in the final minute, Salmon racing from the halfway line, and finishing clinically. The win leaves the hosts three points clear at the top, while it’s been a tough three weeks for Balga, conceded six in their last three games, and the loss leaves them tenth on the table.
Carramar Shamrock Rovers have lost ground on the leaders, and lost for the first time this season, after they were well beaten by Maddington-Kalamunda White City at Grandis Park. “We were coming into the game confident on the back of two big wins,” Maddington striker Farruh Mavlonov explained. “We knew Shamrock were undefeated in the league and needed to play our best game to win, and I thought we played the ball on the ground and dominated the game for the whole 90 minutes, which is very pleasing.” They hit the front on 20 minutes, Gaston Bazet going one-on-one with keeper to score. It was 2-0 on 35 minutes, Jose Zuniga’s long-range shot giving the home keeper no chance. They added a third just after the hour mark, Samir Ramos pouncing on a deflection to score, and the points were wrapped up late, with substitute Christian Zuluaga added the fourth.
Quinns have won for the first time this season, after a 1-0 win in the northern derby at Iluka District Open space. The only goal of the game came midway through the first half, with Robbie McNeil converting from the spot, after a handball in the box. Quinns coach Antony Benetti was happy with the win, but he knows they need to take their chances. “I thought we were largely in control and probably made it harder on ourselves with our execution at times and could have put the game to bed a bit earlier,” he explained. “But in the end, we were pleased with our defensive cover and look ahead to next week.”
There was a seven-goal thriller at Wanneroo Reserve, with Wanneroo City running out 4-3 winners against Ashfield. “It was a good win for us, but we are aware it wasn’t our best performance, especially in the first half, but changing a few things between first and second half we’ve been able to change the result and brought home three points,” Wanneroo assistant coach Cosimo Figliomeni said. “What I want to highlight from game was that I saw a team, 11 players plus the subs who have made their job properly that didn’t want to lose and as a really team we’ve made it. The season is still long and a lot work to do and I believe we’re going to play a big role for this season.”
It was the visitors who found the opener early, with Yanis Hamadi scoring, but Wanneroo levelled on 33 minutes, Jayden Licastro was fouled in the penalty area and Dion Berman scored from the resulting spot kick. But Ashfield regained the lead two minutes later, Ben Entwistle scoring and they led 2-1 at the break. But the hosts restored parity on the hour, Berman was brought down by the Ashfield keeper, and he picked himself up to score his second penalty. They hit the front for the first time in the match on 72 minutes, Ben Wantee beat the offside trap to race away to score, and two minutes later Wantee added the fourth, racing clear to finish well. Gareth Hamilton pulled one back for Ashfield late, but Wanneroo held firm to secure the points and move them up to fourth on the table.
In the final game Canning City and Curtin University have fought out a 1-1 draw at Burrendah Reserve. “Disappointed with the result and the performance. We had a goal that was flagged offside that replays show was clearly on side and Canning keeper Alec Radonich pulled off some phenomenal saves,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “All in all, we didn’t play to our standard and weren’t clinical enough which meant we dropped two points, but I’m confident the boys will bounce back in a big way next week.”
Joel Ledwith had given the visitors the lead on the half hour, before Rob Steed levelled for the hosts just before half time. “We knew we had a tough game on our hands with the form that Curtin were in, but the team prepared well during the week and I was pleased with the way we executed the game plan,” Canning coach Jude Peppin explained. “We take away a lot of positives from the game and look forward to build on this performance for our next game.”
5.5.2023
NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND SIX PREVIEW
We head into week six of the NPLWA - Women’s competition, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is at Rosalie Park on Sunday afternoon, when Subiaco AFC entertain Perth RedStar. (3.45pm) The hosts sit seventh on the ladder and are coming off a narrow loss against MUMFC last week, while the visitors are third and made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Balcatta, and Subiaco will be looking for their first win against the RedStar’s.
Last time they met at the venue was in round 11 last season, with RedStar leaving with a 1-0 win. Subiaco keeper Zara Board was in outstanding form, but she was finally beaten on the hour, Jay Coleman and Carla Bennett combined, to find Larissa Walsh, who squared for Sarah Carroll to side foot home.
Subiaco coach Greg Farrell thought they deserved more from the trip to Fremantle, but they didn’t take their chances. “We were disappointed not to get at least a point against Fremantle on Sunday, but we didn’t keep possession up front well enough or finish the 3-4 good chances that we created,” he explained. “While we are still gelling and developing, we need to be more clinical in those moments if we want to be considered competitive in the league. More desperation and effort are required in some moments to get us across the line.”
Farrell, who used to coach at RedStar, said despite their loss in the opening game, it’s been business as usual for them, but he is looking forward to challenge and getting their first win against them. “They’ve certainly recruited a few high-level players, but they’ve also still got a core of players who have been at the club for years, and know what it takes to play good football and win games consistently,” he said. “We are improving week on week, and despite having a few absentees through illness/injury or work-related things this weekend, we’ll be aiming to break the duck against RedStar, but regardless of the result we’ll have dinner after the game in the clubhouse with them too.”
RedStar’s Renee Leota said the win against Balcatta was well deserved, but they had to work for it. “Balcatta are always a tough team to come across for us. They came out as we expected - It was a really physical game, and it was evident their game plan was fairly direct and to use their speed up front to counter us, and it caught us out a couple of times,” she said. “We went out in the second half with the game plan of pressing higher and not giving them so much time on the ball and also trying to force them to actually play through their midfield. It worked in our favour, and I definitely thought we deserved the win - happy to get the three points.”
Leota said Subiaco like to get the ball down and play, and on the small pitch at their place, it will be a challenge, but one she is looking forward too. “Subiaco are a team that will actually try and play, and Greg’s done well with the squad there to continually develop and move them forward,” she explained. “Subiaco away presents some challenges for us always, their field is a lot smaller, provides less room for our style of game. But we’re focusing on ourselves, keeping possession, moving the ball quickly and finishing our chances when they come.”
In other games on Sunday, league leaders Hyundai NTC head to Hilton Park to take on Fremantle City. (3pm) Ben Anderton’s side will be looking to build on their big win against Perth last week, likewise Fremantle who edged out Subiaco, while Perth SC take on bottom of the table Curtin University at Dorrien Gardens (4pm).
In the final game Balcatta Etna host Murdoch University Melville at Grindleford Reserve. (3pm) MUMFC we’re the big winners last week against Curtin, while Balcatta lost at the RedStar Arena. Despite the loss, Balcatta coach Tim Cash said they had their moments, but couldn’t capitalize on them. “I thought we played well in patches against RedStar and created some good chances,” he said. “I thought we made some progress and an opportunity to improve our game in key moments, so grateful for the effort and determination against a good team.”
They head into Sunday’s game with the inclusion of Perth Glory midfielder Sadie Lawrence, who signed for the club for the rest of the season, and Cash said she will play an important part at the club on and off the pitch. “Sadie is a great and welcome addition for us and will add to the squad both on and off the pitch. We like players who help our younger and developing players improve and Sadie can do that,” he explained. “On the pitch, Sadie is a great technician, so we’re excited to have her at the club.”
Cash said MUMFC will be a huge challenge on Sunday, and he’s expecting an entertain game. “I’m a big admirer of MUMFC as they play good quality combination football and have speed in key attacking areas. They appear to be well coached and dominated possession in the game against Perth for periods,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the game, as it is two teams that try to play football and hopefully it will be a great advert for the women’s game.”
5.5.2023
HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND FOUR PREVIEW
It’s week four of the Hyundai Women’s League and the top two sides are unbeaten this season, and they both hit the road on Sunday. UWA Nedlands head to Genesiscare Stadium to take on Mandurah City (1pm), while Hamersley Rovers visit Perth Doyle Reserve to take on Sorrento (3pm)
Like UWA, Hamersley have won their opening three games, and they are coming off a big win against Subiaco, and coach Betim Ziba said it has continued their good start to the season. “It has been a great start to the season for us, and moving up from Amateurs we knew we had to work harder to win games and our efforts have shown,” he explained. “The 4-0 win against Subiaco was earned well, they are a young team with a lot of potential. They made us work for it but the experience we had got us the comfortable win, but Subiaco are definitely a team to look out for.”
Ziba said Sorrento away will be a difficult game, and they need to be switched on for the whole 90 minutes. “Despite the scoreline Sorrento had last week, we know they are a good side. We are preparing well to play a Sorrento team that we know can win if we aren't switched on,” he said.
“We’ve prepared to play as if every team can beat us, as the last thing we want to be is complacent. I think it will be a great competitive game, despite Sorrento's previous shorelines.”
In other games this weekend, Perth AFC and Port Kennedy start the round on Friday evening when they meet at Len Packham Park (7pm), while Subiaco entertain Armadale at Rosalie Park (3pm), with both sides still searching for their first points of the season.
5.5.2023
NPL-WA ROUND SEVEN - PREVIEW
We head into week seven of the NPLWA - Men’s competition, and it’s turning out to be one of the closest starts to the season for many years, with only four separating all the teams, and in our ‘Match of the Round’ second placed Bayswater City welcome Floreat Athena to Frank Drago Reserve. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) After losing their first two games, Gareth Naven’s side are on an unbeaten four game streak, winning their last three, including last week at Stirling. On the other hand, Floreat are coming off back-to-back defeats, the latest against Armadale, so the champions will be looking to bounce back and get their season back on track.
The last time the two sides played at the venue in the league was in round seven last season, when the hosts won 6-1. Gordon Smith opened the scoring early, but Floreat were level when Riley Woodcock’s free kick deflected in off Jason Mirco. That was as good as it got for Floreat, Ndumba Makeche converting from the spot before half time, before second half goals from Jon Stynes 2, Smith and Makeche sealed the comprehensive win.
The win at Stirling last week was a great reward for Bayswater, and winger Sam Dweh said it was a great game to be involved in. “Playing Stirling is never an easy match, and the last two years I’ve played against them they’ve had a very strong squad and have a great coach, so we knew what we were up against,” he explained. “The game was a great contest, and I felt it was one of our best performances as a team, coming out with the ball in a lot of challenges and taking our chances, although we could have a few more, so all in all it was a great game to be involved.”
The performance of midfielder Declan Hargreaves was outstanding, especially after the passing of his grandmother last week, and Dweh said the team rallied around him. “Dec a huge part of Bayswater, a great guy on and off the field,” he said. “Losing a family member is never easy, and he’s come out and played a great game, and played a big part in our win against Stirling, it just shows you the character he is, hats off to him 100%.”
Dweh, who has played at Stirling Lions, Inglewood United and Gwelup Croatia, before heading over to the FC Malaga City Academy in Spain in 2020. He spent a year there before heading back to Australia and signed for Adelaide Olympic, before returning to Perth with Gwelup, and he is now a big part of Bayswater’s resurgence, and he is looking forward to Saturday’s game. “Definitely looking to continue the form, but with Floreat being last year’s champions it’s not going to be an easy game,” he said. “But no game this season is an easy game, as they’ve only lost two games, so they’ll be coming out hungry, but we just have to keep doing what we doing, I think it will be a good game.”
Floreat midfielder Nick Ambrogio said the league is tight, and you need to be on your game for 90 plus minutes, and he said that didn’t happen last week. “Credit to Armadale in executing their game plan, we didn’t match their energy and intensity in the first half and after it was 2-0 it was always going to be tough to get back into the game,” he explained. “We were a lot better in the second half with our ball movement. A couple decisions didn’t go our way which would’ve made the last 20 minutes interesting and in this league lots of things can happen in 20 minutes. The boys know what we lacked last weekend, we move on and focus on a big game with Bayswater.
Ambrogio said he’s never known a table like it, only four points separating the sides, and he knows they need to be at their best to get a positive result at the inform Bayswater. “Yes, the table is so tight, but the old cliche of taking it one game at a time has never been truer. You drop points you can move half way down the table, you get a result and you can end up top of the tree,” he said. “It’s an exciting league for sure and if it stays this tight the games are only going to get more tense and emotional with each game having so much on the line. Saturday is a game we’re looking forward too, and Floreat vs Bayswater is always intense. They’re a good technical side as are we, and we’ve had some good battles in the past few seasons and I’m sure this weekend will be no different.”
New league leaders Perth RedStar head back to the RedStar Arena after three weeks on the road, when they entertain Perth Glory. The win at Balcatta last week saw Callum Salmon’s side leap to the top, while Glory won a nine-goal thriller against Cockburn, but they go into this game without the suspended Luke Cook, who was sent off last week. Both sides have players in superb form, with Daniel Bennie and Jayden Gorman for the visitors and Daryl Nicol and Chok Dau for the hosts, so this one should be a cracker.
In other games this weekend, Armadale will aim to build on last week’s win at Floreat, when they host Balcatta at Alfred Skeet Reserve, while the visitors are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats. Perth SC and Stirling Macedonia will also look to rebound after defeats last week, when they meet at Dorrien Gardens. Perth lost top spot after a heavy loss at Olympic, while Stirling lost at home to Bayswater, and will be without midfielder Gyles Davies, who was sent off in the 1-3 defeat.
Cockburn City scored four goals on the road last week against Glory, but still came home empty handed, and this week they entertain Inglewood United at Dalmatinac Park, and United will go on search of a second win away from home. In the final game Sorrento return to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Olympic Kingsway. They have played their last two home games at E&D Litis Stadium, with their home ground under renovation in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, when they will be hosting Haiti, as the countries training ground.
The Gulls came home from Inglewood with a hard-fought point last week, while Olympic stunned Perth 5-0, so friends Steven McGarry and David Tough, who were on the ECU Joondalup coaching panel together for three years, will be looking for the points. Sorrento defender Mark Barnett returned to his former club last week, and said the draw was a fair result. “It’s always familiar territory when I play Inglewood away and it’s always a tough competitive game against them,” Barnett explained.
“I felt we dominated the first half and should’ve probably been two up at half time but we didn’t take our chances. They crept back into the game second half and caused us some issues and created chances, but I felt I was hard-done by, with the penalty on Domfeh as we battled hard all game, but they took their chance and a point in the end was a fair result.”
The defender said all the players are happy to be returning to their home ground, and it will be a tough home coming, with Olympic buoyed by their big win last week. “It’ll be good to get back to the Doyle this weekend, the pitch is in immaculate condition so we will be looking to play our football and break down Olympic,” Barnett said. “They are on a high off the back of their Perth game, so they will be full of confidence. It’s the tightest I’ve seen the NPL in years six rounds in, so every result is important to ensure we can get ourselves up into the top four.”
5.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND SIX PREVIEW
The State League Division One has reached week six, and its Western Knights leading the way, two points clear of Murdoch University Melville at the top of the table, and the unbeaten pair meet this week in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University Campus. (All games kick off at 3pm unless stated) The Knights dropped their first points of the season last week, after a draw at Gosnells, while MUMFC thrashed Forrestfield United, so both sides look to continue their good starts to the season, so this one will be a tight game, and one of the best games of the season.
The last time the two sides played at the venue in the league was in round 15 last season, when the Knights left with all three points after a 1-0 win. The only goal of a tight game, came on 81 minutes, John Chalmers’ cross was turned home by Lucas Triglavcanin at the back post.
Knights’ winger Shay Donovan levelled last week in the draw at Gosnells, and he said it was a tough game, but continued the good start for the new look side, and he has fitted in well at Nash Field. “I’ve felt really comfortable starting this season off in this new Knights side. I could really feel when we began to click in pre-season and since then we haven’t looked back. Everyone is focussed on the same goal, and I truly believe we’re all on board in the mission to get Knights back into the top flight,” he explained.
“Gosnells was a tough place to go, with a short bobbly pitch, a side who are going to sit behind the ball, the last thing you want to give away is an early goal, and unfortunately, we did just that. Gosnells did what they aimed to do, and did it well. They were a tough opponent to break down, but we also caused our own downfall by not taking our chances. I was happy to get my second goal of the season, even though it was a scrappy one, but they all count. There keeper had a great game to be fair to him, but ultimately, we should’ve come out on top, it was a wakeup call for us, still plenty of things to work on.”
Donovan said Saturday is a chance to bounce back, and he’s looking forward to the challenge. “I don’t mind the artificial pitch in all honesty, we played on Ellenbrook’s artificial grass in the night series and it was quite good for us. We moved the ball nicely, and I know MUMFC have a reasonably sized ground as well,” he said. “They’ve been flying recently and I’ve been keeping a close eye on them, and we all know Taki can get a disciplined team playing good football and that’s how they’re looking right now. However, we’re preparing well and I believe we can fix our errors of last week and come away with the three points.”
MUMFC keeper Tom Allan said they have taken their good form at the end of last season into this one, and remain unbeaten, and he said they are getting stronger with every game. “We have started where we left off from last season and carried momentum into this season which is pleasing to see, especially with so many new players,” he said. “We seem to get stronger and more confident every week, but we it’s a long season ahead with many tough games so we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves. Last week at Forrestfield we controlled the game from start to finish even with 10 men for 45 minutes, and never looked like conceding until two dubious decisions from the officials gifted them two goals.”
Allan said the squad is tight-knit, and everyone is pulling in the right direction, and they need to continue their high standards if they are to get the result against the league leaders. “This week will be the complete opposite to last week, and we all know this is a must win. Knights are well organised and have goals in them so we have to be at our best,” the MUMFC custodian explained. “We have set the standard high this year and a strong performance and three points is a must. The goal is to finish top and get automatic promotion which is very realistic with the squad we have, but we all know it will not be easy and we take it 90 minutes at a time.”
In other games this weekend, Fremantle City will look to bounce back from defeat at Gwelup last week, when they host bottom of the table Forrestfield United at Hilton Park. The visitors will have it all to do, as they search for their first win of the season, and they will have a new coach in the dugout, after Eric Williams stepped aside after last week. Gosnells City are on a four-game unbeaten run, and Ross Greer’s side welcome Dianella White Eagles to Walter Padbury Reserve, with Dianella interim coach Angel Andres, looking for his first win in charge.
Subiaco’s good run of results came to an end after a narrow defeat at Mandurah last week, and they will look to get back to winning ways when they host Joondalup United at Rosalie Park, the visitors hoping to build on their win against UWA last week. Gwelup Croatia, buoyed by a big win against Fremantle last week, make the trip to the UWA Sports Park to meet UWA Nedlands, while in the final game it’s the ‘Peel Derby’, with Rockingham City welcoming Mandurah City to Lark Hill Sportsplex on Saturday evening. (5pm).
Mandurah got back to winning ways last week against Subiaco, but John Baird’s side have struggled on the road, and are still searching for their first win away from home, and it’s the opposite for Rockingham, who will be searching for their first home win of the campaign, so something has to give. Rockingham Coach Kris Donnell was pleased with sides battling performance at Dianella, but knows they will need to be at their best against his former club.
“Really pleased with the result on Saturday we had a lot of pressure on us going into that result still searching for our first win, the group have been excellent and fully deserved the result so we were delighted for everyone involved,” Donnell explained. “We have to concentrate on ourselves, every game in this league is as important as the last. We have full belief that if the 11 go out on the park and show the desire and commitment we know they have, then the upset can happen.”
5.5.2023
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND SIX PREVIEW
Our week six ‘Mach of the round’ in the State League Division Two takes us to the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street, where fourth placed Swan United host third placed Morley Windmills. (All games kick off at 3pm unless stated) Both sides are coming off big wins last week on the road, Swan thrashing Balga 6-0, while Morley beat Quinns 3-0, and with only one point separating the two sides this one should be a great game.
Last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 20 last season, when Swan ran out 3-0 winners. The hosts found the opener early, Ismail Bangura crossed to the back post and John Monterosso headed home. They found a second on the hour, Michael Maratea cutting the ball back to Monterosso who made no mistake, his 18th goal of the season. They wrapped up the points with a third, ten minutes from time, Jake Fritchley on target.
Morley’s Ishmael Dawson has settled in well in Australia, the Birmingham-born winger, who played for Bedworth United, Frickley Athletic, Brighouse Town, Sheffield FC and Tamworth in the UK, said the club have made his move to Perth go smoothly. “I think it’s been good for me, as it’s my first season in Australia. The season is going well, we will continue on pushing and trying to get to the top,” he explained. “Also, thanks to the supporters and background staff who help and push this club forward.”
Dawson said the win at Quinns was important, and he hopes they can continue the good start to the season at Swan on Saturday. “Last week was a good game, and all the lads played well, first half was really good and we managed to score three,” he said. “We worked hard and battled throughout the second half and kept a clean sheet, it was a good Saturday afternoon. I think the lads are ready for another battle and three more points. I haven’t got much knowledge on Swan to be honest but good luck to them, it should be good game.”
Swan coach Colin Morgan was delighted with the win at Balga, and said the squad has been tested, but the players coming in have done the job, “Niall and I are both really happy with our start to the season. We've had our fair share of injuries to start the season so it's pleasing to see the squad working hard and testing the depth we've got,” he explained. “With players starting to return from injury, it's created a really competitive environment for positions and that's really good to see, and last week it all clicked, and now we want to carry that on.”
Morgan knows the quality Morley have in their side, but he is looking forward to carrying on where they left off at Balga, “We were very pleased with both the result and the team performance last week, and it was another clean sheet and goals being scored freely is exactly what we want to be seeing now,” he said. “We all know Morley aren't here to mess about. They want to get out of Division Two, just like we do, and we expect Mark and Cathal to put out a very good side hungry to win. It’s a huge game in terms of two of the pace setters looking to get points off each other.”
League leaders Kingsley Westside will look for a sixth win of the season when they host Balga at Chichester Park. Steven Dimitrovich’s side continue to impress as they look for a spot in Division One for the first time in their history, after Jonny Hulme’s goal secured a win at Curtin, while Balga had a day to forget against Swan, and coach Gerhard Janssen will look for a response from his players in this one. Carramar Shamrock Rovers dropped their first points of the season after a draw at Ashfield last week, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they host Maddington-Kalamunda White City at Grandis Park, although the visitors will be buoyed by their first win of the season last week against Canning.
In other games Curtin University, who lost for the first-time last week against Kingsley, make the trip to Burrendah Reserve to meet bottom of the table Canning City, who are still searching for their first win of the season, likewise, Joondalup City and Quinns, who meet at Iluka District Open Space. In the final game sixth placed Wanneroo City welcome seventh placed Ashfield to Wanneroo Reserve. The visitors held the unbeaten Shamrock to a draw last week, while the hosts continued their good season, with a 3-2 win at Joondalup
Wanneroo striker Dion Berman, who was on target in the win, said they let Joondalup back into the game late which was disappointing, and he said they can’t let that happen this week against Ashfield. “I thought we were very good for 60 minutes but as soon as we scored the second goal, we went defensive and invited unnecessary pressure. I think we were lucky to get the three points in the end, but on a positive note, those were the games where we would drop points in the past,” Berman said. “Ashfield is always a tough challenge, and for as long as I can remember, they have always been a difficult side to beat. We’ve started well at home though and want to make it a difficult place to come this season, and this week is no different.”
5.5.2023
AMATEUR CUP ROUND TWO - PREVIEW
The second round of the Amateur Cup takes place this weekend, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Maccabean Memorial Oval, where Division One League leaders Maccabi hosts Premier Division South West Phoenix. (All games kick off at 2.30pm unless stated) The hosts reached the semi-finals last season, and they have started the season well and are unbeaten, while the Phoenix won for the first time this season after relegation from the State league, beating Kwinana last week at home, so they will be looking for a first on the road, but it will be a tough game.
Maccabi beat Northern City 10-0 to move through to Sunday’s game, Robert Pattison scoring five goals, with Louis Papalia bagging a brace, with others to Mitch Furness, Langdon Heath and Abel Thomas-Ly, and it continued their unbeaten start to the season. “Yes, 10-0 was a great way to start the season, we had very tough pre-season games against quality Premier Division opposition in the night series,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz explained.
“I think that has prepared us nicely for the start of the season, and the boys put in a great performance in tough conditions. We couldn’t have asked for a better start with both firsts and reserves winning their first three games and progressing in the cup. Obviously, there’s a long way to go, and a lot can change over the course of the season, so we're just trying to take things one week at a time and enjoy the fresh challenge each week.”
Berelowitz said the Phoenix will be determined to bounce back after relegation last season, and he knows they will be up for it on Sunday. “Yes, very excited for the game, we love testing ourselves against teams in the leagues above us and are looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “We know it will be a very tough game and we'll need to be at our best, concentrate for the full 90+ minutes and keep things tight at the back to give ourselves a chance of going through.”
Phoenix edged out Mandurah City 3-1 in the last round, with goals from Jack Menzies 2 and another to Chris Norminton and skipper Corey Barclay said it was a real battle in poor weather conditions. “The last game against Mandurah was a tough hit out in shocking conditions, but the boys fought hard to come back down from 1-0 down at half time to win 3-1,” he said. “Jack brought us level, before scoring a cracking second goal, and Chris came off the bench to seal it with the third.”
Barclay said Sunday is another challenge, but they are buoyed by their first win of the season last week. “The next round against Maccabi will be a hard game, they’re currently sitting top of Division One, which shows they shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said. “We are coming off the back of a good 4-2 win against Kwinana and will be going into this game with some confidence behind us and hope to carry on our form.”
Last season’s runners up Joondanna Blues make the trip to Cabrini Park to take on Premier Division East Perth. The Division Three club had a great run in the competition last season, eventually losing in the final to South Perth, and they come up against a new look East Perth side in this one. The Blues beat Premier Division Joondalup United in the last round, and coach Jon McGinty said it was a great performance, and he will be looking for more of the same on Sunday.
“It was a good win for the boys, we started pre-season really well then have lost 6 or 7 players to injury so to still pull off the result was huge achievement,” he said. “Joondalup were a well organised side and we were the ones lucky enough to steal a goal in very tight match. Last season we did have a good cup run, which was fantastic, we really enjoyed it. Even playing in the final was huge achievement, but personally I’m looking forward to the game Sunday, we haven’t met East Perth yet so be nice to go up against them and hopefully pull of another shock result.”
East Perth, beat Swan Valley 4-1 in the last round, with Wayne Carter, Joe Dooley, Cianan Toland and Dean Wall on target, and they are coming off their first league win against South Perth last week, and coach Colm Costello said it was good to get the win in their first home game of the season. “The South Perth game was very close and entertaining game, and both teams had great chances and thankfully Conor Convery took our chance late on to get us a huge win against an excellent side,” he said.
“After going down to ten-men we rode our luck for 20 minutes, but we were delighted with our reaction and desire for the win. I do think footballing wise we are work in progress and still gears to go through as it’s a relatively new side from last year, so we will be looking to improve on last week and hopefully starts on Sunday. That was our first game in our new grounds Cabrini Park, and the atmosphere was brilliant and hopefully will be the same this week in the cup. The lads at the club have put a serious amount of work in behind the scenes and deserve the rewards with new set up.”
Costello, who has recently returned from a trip to Ireland, said Sunday will be a test for them against a team who have a good record in the competition. “Joondanna have a brilliant record against teams in the Premier Division, as they proved last year so we go into this game knowing any complacency and if we don’t fully prepare, we will lose, simple as that,” he explained. “I’m really looking forward to the game, it should be a great game.”
New Premier Division club, North Beach also gave lower opposition, when they welcome Southern Spirit to Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. The Spirit beat Baldivis 5-1 in the last round, and have only lost once this season and Coach Edmondo Monaco said they are improving with each game. “Happy to get through the last round obviously, but it was in treacherous conditions, but the lads got the job done early before the weather came in,” he explained. “All credit to Baldivis, as they never stopped and started to create chances as the game went along.
“As far as the league, looking at the results as a whole happy enough with our start. But we were given a proper wakeup call against Ellenbrook, out coached and out played. But the lads have responded well with the next two performances. So, we are building slowly into season, and hopefully we can continue advance, and challenge the better teams of the competition.”
Edmondo said they played Sunday’s opponents twice in the league last season, and he knows it will be another challenge. “We are pretty familiar with North Beach as they beat us twice last year, and they are always well organized and we know we are in for a tough 90 minutes,” he said. “As a group we are looking forward to the tie, good measuring stick to see where we are at this stage of the season, and hopefully we can perform a “cupset”.”
North Beach was beaten for the first time this season against North Perth last week, and coach Nick Di Carlo said it was a disappointing loss. “Our result on the weekend against North Perth was a tough one to take as we weren't happy with certain aspects of how we setup and performed,” he said. “Full credit to North Perth who are very well drilled and will be up there this season no doubt. We've addressed what needs to be improved on the track this week and will look to bounce back this weekend in the cup.”
Di Carlo said the two games against Spirit last season were tough games, and Sunday will be no different. “Southern Spirit will be a challenge heading into our first cup fixture and we can see they've started well so far in the league,” he explained. “They pushed us twice in the league last season in both match ups and only narrowly missed promotion. We look forward to the challenge and being able to play our first home game of the year against a tough opponent.”
In other games on Sunday, holders South Perth United travel to Halesworth Park, to take on Alkimos, while there is an all-Premier Division clash at Frye Park, as Kelmscott Roos welcome Peel United (3pm). Jaguar entertain Hamersley United at Herb Graham Recreation Centre, Emerald host Stirling Panthers at Fraser Park, while Wembley Downs make the trip to the UWA Sports Park to take on UWA Nedlands.
Canning City host Forrestfield United at Burrendah Reserve, Cracovia welcome Wanneroo City to the Cracovia Club, Fremantle City take on Westnam United at Hilton Park, Perth AFC entertain Port Kennedy at Len Packham Park, Ballajura AFC travel to Kingsway Reserve to meet Olympic Kingsway, while Belmont Villa meet Stirling Macedonia at Gerry Archer Sports Complex.
In the final game Quinns host Premier Division North Perth United a Gumblossom Park. Quinns were relegated from the Premier Division last season, and Darren Kay has returned as coach, and he said the win in the last round against Subiaco was good, and his side are improving each week and he is looking forward to taking on a Premier Division side.
“Yes, the 5-1 win was a great start to the season, with Liam Hunt scoring four, the other from Tom Ashworth, it was a great win but it was against lower league opposition,” he said. “To be honest, it’s been a really tough start to the year due to low numbers, but we have a good group of guys that have worked hard to get some good results so far. We always look forward to any game, but once again we are struggling again for numbers this weekend so another tough ask, but we’ll have a crack as always.”
North Perth coach Alex Carter said Gumblossom Park is a difficult ground to play at, and he doesn’t think that will change on Sunday. “Always had very tough trips up there,” he said. “This year I personally don’t know an awful lot about their team, so it’s important we focus on ourselves and prepare as best we can.” North Perth skipper Kelechi Osunwa echoed his coach’s words, and said they also have a few injuries going into the game. “Gumblossom Park is always a tough place to go and Quinns are a side that we are familiar with having had many encounters there over the years,” he said.
“They might be in Division One, but we know they quality they have and know the likes of Liam Hunt will be gunning for us. We are the walking wounded at the moment following a very intense game on the weekend but we hope that our good run at Gumblossom continues - the last time we played Quinns there in the cup we ended up making it to the final, so hopefully we get a bit of luck and can make a decent run at the cup this season too.”
5.5.2023
GLORY YOUNGSTER EYES EXIT TO EUROPE
Perth Glory’s Isuzu Ute A-League – Men’s season only came to end last week, and one of the shining lights of the disappointing campaign was the form of youngster Keegan Jelacic, but reports this week says he is on the verge of sealing a move to a European club. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder only joined the club last year, but after a bright A-League campaign, looks set to head to Belgium.
The West Australian newspaper announced on Wednesday that the Glory had accepted an undisclosed offer for Jelacic, who played 22 games after joining from Queensland last season. It is understood the Young Socceroo will sign for a team in the Belgian Pro League, subject to him passing a medical. The youngster is eligible for both New Zealand and Australia at international level, but was involved in a Young Socceroos camp in March.
Jelacic was pivotal as Glory pressed for a finals spot, this after starring for Olympic FC in the NPL Queensland, and he started 21 games in a row for Ruben Zadkovich’s side. He only made two senior A-League Men appearances for Brisbane Roar prior to heading west, but he was outstanding for the Glory this season, scoring twice and providing four assists.
After initially signing a two-year deal with the club, Jelacic extended his contract by another year mid-season after a strong of run form, and Zadkovich spoke highly of the midfielder throughout the season, calling him one of the best young talents in the country. But it looks like one of the brightest young players in the competition will leave, they will get a transfer fee, but it will be sad to see him go.
4.5.2023
KERR WINS IT FOR CHELSEA LATE AGAINST LIVERPOOL
Sam Kerr has come to the rescue again for Chelsea in the English Women’s Super League, scoring the winner four minutes from time to secure a crucial 2-1 win against Liverpool at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday evening. It looked like they would drop two points, and give Manchester United the advantage in the title race, but Kerr, who had been quiet all night, popped up to fire home Jessie Fleming’s shot that had rebounded off the crossbar, to move the Blues to within four points of United, but they do have two games in hand.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said it’s what she does, the Matildas captain adding her ninth goal of the league season. “It was critical - Sam did what she’s done so many, many times for this team and popped up with the winner,” she said, and it keeps the title destiny in her players’ hands. “I know we can produce better performances than we have done but when you get to this stage of this season, you’ve got to dig out the results - and that’s what we did.”
It looked like being an awkward night for Chelsea, after Emma Koivisto had shocked the champions by volleying home after just two minutes. Kerr looked to hit back for the hosts, but she was thwarted twice by some excellent defending, while debutant goalkeeper Faye Kirby palmed away Kerr’s glancing header midway through the first half.
Chelsea did equalise four minutes before the break, with Niamh Charles on target, but the Reds had the chances to, but the hosts took control after the introduction of Pernille Harder and Jelena Cankovic after halftime, and there was something inevitable about Kerr eventually pouncing for her 26th goal in all competitions for Chelsea this season and sealing the three points, much to the delight of the Chelsea faithful.
3.5.2023
RISDON WINS WESTERN UNITED PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Western United vice-captain Josh Risdon has been named his club’s A-League Men Player of the Season. The 30-year right-back won the award in a landslide, finishing well ahead of runner-up Tongo Doumbia and third place getter Connor Pain, when weekly votes submitted by a panel of football department staff were tallied up.
Risdon started the season in outstanding form, scoring against Sydney FC (Round 2) and providing an assist for Lachie Wales against Macarthur FC (Round 3). The solid beginning a consistent run of fitness enabled Risdon to kick on and continue to lead the way. His winning margin might well have been even bigger but for two matches that he missed due to suspension.
“It feels great,” Risdon said of his trophy win. “It’s an honour to be named player of the season. Individual awards are a really great thing, (but I’m) disappointed with the season we had. I would have loved to be playing in the finals right now. I’m extremely grateful for this award and thankful to all my teammates helping me out.”
Risdon considers a strong club culture to be a big part of United’s success. “Culture you create in the dressing room is huge and we’ve done that the last couple of years,” he said. “Things didn’t go our way this year, but the dressing room culture was still there... it has been a pleasure to play with these boys all season and coming in every day, it’s really great.”
Risdon said the group was already looking ahead to next season. “To be back in finals is important,” he said. “It’s disappointing we didn’t make them this year, obviously after winning last year. We’ll focus on making finals, getting back in pre-season and working hard, taking it day by day and see how we go.”
Risdon was also awarded the fan’s Player of the Season and the male Club Person of the Year. The ever-reliable defender has been a key player for United since its inaugural 2019/20 season and a vital part of successful Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers sides prior to that.
2.5.2023
GLORY FACING CRUCIAL OFF-SEASON
From the start of this season, Perth Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich repeatedly stressed the club was in a rebuild and would need a few transfer windows to right the ship. The coming off-season promises to be the most intriguing for Glory in some time and the clock is ticking for a course to safer seas.
Finals should be the bare minimum next season and given Zadkovich’s two-year deal expires at the end of next season, his seat will be feeling warm. There were positives this season, highlighted by just two losses at home in 13 games, the unearthing young star Keegan Jelacic and bringing home striker Adam Taggart for his third stint at the club.
The bulk of the squad from this season are under contract not just for next season, but beyond - including Jelacic, Mustafa Amini, Aaron McEneff, Salim Khelifi, Ryan Williams and Taggart. Jack Clisby and David Williams are the biggest names off contract, while youngsters Adam Zimarino and Jacob Muir should be retained.
Zadkovich has been vocal throughout the season about the need for more depth and will likely be as active as the company bank account allows him to be in the transfer market. Glory were in the finals hunt up until the final game, but finished closer to the bottom of the table than the top six.
Glory’s miserable away form ultimately cost them a top-six berth as they won just once on the road. They finished with the equal third-worst defensive record in the league and were just two goals off the worst, a figure which ballooned out thanks to conceding back-to-back four goal games with their season on the line.
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This page was last updated on the 8th May, 2023