30.8.2002

FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Suns vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Armadale vs Queens Park by Michael Di Pietro; Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Wanneroo City vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)

Stirling Lions won a classic derby encounter with Stirling Suns 1-0 to stay top of the First Division, ahead of Armadale on goal difference. Witness by a crowd in excess of 1,200 at Macedonia Park, the Suns came out with all guns ablaze but it was Adam Rains who came closest to an early goal when his 12th minute header went narrowly wide. The Lions had first use of a gale force breeze that kept most of the action at their end of the ground as the visitors defence stood firm to the challenge with club stalwart Steven Klimoski leading by example. The Lions best opportunities of the first half came courtesy of some unselfish work from Danny Carlino as Adam Rains and Toby Wright saw their shots kept out by goalkeeper Jason Razmoski. As news filtered through that Armadale were 3-1 up against Queens Park after 45 minutes, the Lions needed something in order to stay in first place. That came in the way of an inspired man-of-the-match performance from defender Riste Stefoski who broke the deadlock after 52 minutes with a brilliant free-kick from 25-metres which burst through the defensive wall and into the bottom corner of the net. Not content with a one-goal lead, the Lions pressed for another to secure all three points. Like a true underdog, the Suns would not lie down and in the 82nd minute came a shot from a goalmouth scramble which was miraculously saved by the cat-like Rob Pucovski. In a drama-filled close there were further near misses by Rob Milevski and Rains as the home side held on for victory. Both the Lions reserves and Under-18 sides also recorded wins, 1-0 and 4-3 respectively.

It was another top-of-the-table clash for third-placed Armadale when they hosted a Queens Park side hovering just a single point them on the table. The visitors opened the scoring with former Armadale player Steve Sauzier netting after 8 minutes, but after that it was pretty much one way traffic for most of the afternoon. Gary Murdoch levelled the scores with a nice volley from just outside the 18-yard box in the 32nd minute, and Dennis Lee put the home side in front a minute from the interval. Right on the stroke of half-time Lee could have given the Reds a two-goal buffer but he became the second player in the space of as many weeks to miss from the penalty spot. Lee made up for the penalty miss by putting the result beyond any doubt in the 65th minute. There was a comfortable 3-1 win for Armadale's reserves with goals from Steve Tsalis and a Chris Woodrow double. The Under-18 game was awarded to Armadale on a 3-0 forfeit.

Mandurah City failed to make the most of their dominance over Morley Windmills at Peelwood Parade Reserve in a match that ended with the points shared. In blustery conditions that did nothing to help the quality of the game, Mandurah got off to the perfect start when, after 16 minutes, Neil Patten-Williams' excellent free-kick caught the Windmills defence napping as the ball sailed into the top corner of the goal. The home side could have doubled their lead three minutes later but striker Andrew Rennie missed the target from 7-metres. Chances flowed freely for Mandurah who seemed to be permanently camped in the opposition half but were unable to get the much-needed second goal. The new half continued in the same vane with the Windmills goalkeeper making a couple of fine saves to keep Mandurah at bay. In the 63rd minute Damian Condo conceded possession which allowed a visiting player to dribble past the home defence and slot past goalkeeper Mike Green to level the scores. Mandurah continued to stream forward in search of a winner only to be thwarted by a stubborn visiting backline. The reserve fixture was taken out by Mandurah 3-0 after their opponents failed to field a team, while Mandurah's Under-18 side continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory through goals by Matt Maiolo and Jake Loreto.

It was very much a second-string Bayswater City line-up which met Dianella White Eagles on Saturday. Despite this, Bayswater dominated the early play and even went a player up when Dianella defender Davorin Svirac was dismissed for his second yellow card offense after 20 minutes. After a scoreless first half, the deadlock was broken two minutes after the break by home striker Zelko Savic who found himself free inside the area to calmly slot in the opening goal of the match. Bouyed at being a goal up, Dianella seized control of the game and could have killed off their opponents in the 56th minute when the ball came to the unmarked Zelko Savic whose first time shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Joe Princi. Shortly after Princi again came to his sides rescue, this time conjuring up a fantastic flying save to keep out Petar Mrdja's bullet-like free-kick from 28-metres. The game really came to life in the final twelve minutes as Bayswater levelled the scores via Dario Pellicciotti after a great run down the right by Gareth Healy. The home side restored their lead after 83 minutes when another blistering shot from Mrdja gave the Bayswater 'keeper no chance. Bayswater went down to ten men with the sending off of Healy before substitute Boima Karpeh added Dianella's third two minutes into stoppage time. With time fast running out, Bayswater surged forward and bagged a consolation goal through Daniel Naumovski which made the final score 3-2 in favour of Dianella. Bayswater took out the reserves meeting 6-2 courtesy of goals by Antonio Triscari (2), Ivy Ndrich (2), Warren Haayanayama and Anatoli Haienko. The Under-18's was also won by Bayswater with Joe Mesiti scoring the games two goals.

Canning City made the trip to Kingsway Sporting Complex on Saturday for their clash with Wanneroo City. In wet and windy conditions, the home side got off to a bad start when goalkeeper Aidan Hayes failed to hold a Peter Murphy free-kick which trickled over the line after 5 minutes. With few scoring chances at either end, Canning doubled their lead three minutes from half-time when Mick Van Dongen made the most of a defensive error and drove the ball inside the far post. Two minutes later the visitors were reduced to ten men when Paul Van Dongen was shown the red card for retaliating after a clumsy tackle from behind. It was a more composed Wanneroo that emerged for the second half to have Canning under pressure, and the home team came to pulling a goal back in the 53rd minute when the ball came back into playoff the underside of the crossbar. The home side were reduced to ten men after Stuart Corr was dismissed for his second yellow card offence and Canning once again established control of the game. A good run down the right by Gerald O'Brien lead to Mick Van Dongen making it 3-0. As has often been the case this season, Canning finished strongly and in the final three minutes Murphy completed his hat-trick with two further goals against a dispirited Wanneroo outfit..

Other weekend First Division games saw Perth City held to a 2-2 home draw by Kingsway Olympic. Honours were also shared between Leeming Strikers and South West Phoenix where the score was aslo 2-2, while Rockingham City defeated Southside United 2-1. Balcatta had the bye.

30.8.2002

ROBERTSON SIGNS FOR RAITH

Scottish Second Division club Raith Rovers have signed former E.C.U. Joondalup and State player Sandy Robertson on a short-term deal. The midfielder, who played professionally in Scotland for Glasgow Rangers before linking up with Joondalup, has signed initially for one month in an attempt to win himself a full-time contract.

30.8.2002

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

A single point separates Perth S.C. from Floreat Athena at the top of the Premier League leaderboard going into Round Eighteen of competition. Play-off contenders E.C.U. Joondalup have the difficult task of taking on Perth in the northern suburbs, while at the National Stadium Inglewood United have home ground advantage against Athena. Sorrento have strung together two wins on the run but will find the going tough against the visiting Bassendean Caledonian side, and Fremantle City host Ashfield in the other Saturday fixture. On Sunday Swan I.C. are home to Future Glory, and Western Knights play Cockburn City at Nash Field.

There are some big games in the First Division also as their season goes right down to the wire. Armadale (2nd) play Queens Park (3rd) at Alfred Skeet Oval in a match that both sides will be desperate to collect maximum points from in order to keep alive their title aspirations. At Macedonia Park there's the local derby between Stirling Suns and leaders Stirling Lions. The other top eight games pit Mandurah City against Morley Windmills, while Dianella White Eagles have the home ground advantage over Bayswater City. In the bottom nine series, Perth City take on Kingsway Olympic, and Canning City's youngsters meet a Wanneroo City side bouyed by a four-goal win last weekend. In Bunbury, South West Phoenix play Leeming Strikers, and Rockingham City host Southside United at Dowling Street Reserve. Balcatta have the bye.

30.8.2002

STATE TEAM AIM FOR GLORY

The West Australian State team will take on National Soccer League outfit Perth Glory in the annual Charity Shield clash at Litis Stadium on Wednesday, 11th September. The friendly, which kicks-off at 6.15pm, will be the first of a double-header that will also see northern suburbs rivals Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup go head-to-head in the semi-final of this years' Boral Cup. Coached by former Australian international Gary Marocchi, the provisional State squad is Branimir Mikulic (Cockburn City), James Afkos, Troy Bernard, Adrian Sutton (Floreat Athena), Shaun Kilkelly, Miki Vujacic (Future Glory), Scott Campbell, Oliver Taseski (Inglewood United), Aaron Cole, Jamie Coyne, Todd Howarth, Andreas Oliveira (Perth S.C.), Corey Hugo (Swan I.C.), Carl Medica, Stuart Montgomery and Ivan Zuvela (Western Knights).

30.8.2002

FREMANTLE GO MUSICIAL

Premier League club Fremantle City are holding a Musical Quiz Night on Saturday 7th September at the West Australian Portuguese Club (Strang Street, Hamilton Hill) from 7.00pm. Tables of ten are available at a cost of $10.00 per person with complimentary coffee and cake supplied. For more information telephone the club on 9331 7878.

In other club news, Fremantle have appointed Andrew Danskin to the position of Football Director. Danskin, who spent time on the books of Leeds United in his playing days, will be responsible for player-coach liaison, scouting and identifying career opportunities for players with the port club. His son, Matt, heads to Germany next week to link up with Werder Bremen.

29.8.2002

MOTHERWELL CONSIDER DEAL FOR BULLOCH (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)

Motherwell boss Terry Butcher is considering making an offer to young West Australian midfielder Scott Bulloch. Butcher has confirmed he plans to sign at least two new players before Saturday's deadline and young Bulloch has been training with the club for the past week. The E.C.U. Joondalup wing-back moved north to Scotland after earlier trials with Charlton Athletic and Preston.

29.8.2002

UNDER-23 CALL-UP FOR MADASCHI

Former Perth S.C. junior Adrian Madaschi has been called up for the Australian Under-23 team that goes into camp shortly in Europe. Madaschi, who has spent the past few seasons in the youth ranks of top flight Italian club Atalanta, has been named in the Australian squad which also includes fellow West Australians Clint Davies (Birmingham City) and Richard Garcia (West Ham United). The side will play friendlies early next month against German club side Bayer Leverkusen and the national team from Cameroon in Gremany.

29.8.2002

TRIALLIST MURPHY FEATURES FOR BLADES RESERVES

Sorrento defender Kevin Murphy has had his trial period with English club Sheffield United extended. The 21-year old was invited to spent a month trying out with the First Division club but has apparently impressed the coaching staff to the extent that he's twice featured for the Blades reserves side in the new Avon Insurance League season. After making six appearances for the club in pre-season, including a couple off the bench for the first team, Murphy made his official reserves debut in last week's 1-1 draw with Tramnere Rovers. Unfortunately the Sorrento captain didn't last the full 90 minutes, ooked twice in as many minutes to earn himself an early shower a few minutes before half-time. Murphy was back in action on Wednesday evening, playing a full game for the reserves when they defeated Walsall 3-0 at home.

28.8.2002

FREMANTLE TOP YOUTH LEAGUE

In the northern suburbs on Tuesday evening, the Under-18 teams from E.C.U. Joondalup and Fremantle City met in their Round Fourteen catch-up fixture. The clash lived up to pre-match expectations with some great football played in an electric opening which produced good goalscoring opportunities at both ends of the ground. But the only goal of the first half came via Fremantle captain Paul Oliver whose stunning volley from 35-metres gave his side the lead after 45 minutes. In a tightly contested second half that saw some fantastic saves from both goalkeepers, Fremantle doubled their lead when Marc Sim found the net after 70 minutes. Three players were red carded in a frenetic final ten minutes as Joondalup pulled a goal back, but the home side were unable to bag a second and the port side held on for a 2-1 victory. The win sends Fremantle back to the top of the competition table, level on points but with a far superior goal difference over Perth S.C.

28.8.2002

PETTERSON HOPING FOR POMPEY CLASH (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)

Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Andy Petterson hopes to be between the posts tonight against former club, Portsmouth. Petterson made his Seagulls debut on the weekend in the 2-0 defeat by Walsall and said, "The First Division has been something of a rude awakening for some and maybe a little inexperience is playing a part. It's a much tougher league, but we'll get stronger and results will come. If I get the chance to play at Portsmouth that would be something I would relish. They have started well and it will be the first big club Brighton have played so far. I would like to think I could help some of the younger lads build in confidence."

27.8.2002

NUGUS A COMMITTED REFEREE! (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Who would be a referee? That's a comment you hear at grounds week in and week out. Well, Michael Nugus loves being a referee so much that he travels nearly 800km each weekend to feed his passion! The 29-year old lives in Southern Cross, where he is a mine geologist, and travels the 380km to Perth to meet his refereeing responsibilities. He was in charge of last weekend's Premier League clash between Floreat Athena and Western Knights - and immediately afterwards jumped into his car to travel back the 380kms as he was starting work at 6.00am the next day.

"I just love it," said Nugus, who was born in Queensland and has been in Western Australia for six years. "I played back in Queensland, but I've been refereeing since I was thirteen and decided to concentrate on having a whistle in my hand as my job as a geologist wouldn't allow much time to train if I were still playing." Nugus has also made an impact at national level, being promoted to be a National Soccer League linesman (or referee's assistant) two seasons ago.

27.8.2002

KAMASZ OFFERED TERMS IN ENGLAND (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Fremantle City's teenage hot-shot striker Josh Kamasz, who has been on trial with Manchester City for the past few weeks, has been offered terms by another English club - Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls were impressed with the 16-year old during a series of games as a guest player for the E.C.U. Joondalup Academy's touring side that recently won two prestige tournaments in Britain. Kamasz - and his parents - are apparently thinking long and hard over the Wednesday offer. His father is former Spearwood and State team winger Dave Kamasz.

27.8.2002

GASPAR ON-HOLD IN BRUNEI (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Perth S.C. are looking for a hefty loan fee - believed to be more than $10,000 - before they will agree to release Robbie Gaspar to play for Malaysian League side Brunei in the up-coming Kings Cup in Brunei. The classy midfielder took off to Brunei last week but hasn't been able to play, or train, with the club because of the hold-up in his clearance. "I believe we are entitled to seek compensation for Robbie who is one of the best players in the league and is very valuable to us," said Perth coach Graham Normanton. The Kings Cup, which will also feature E.C.U. Joondalup, is due to start on 18th September.

27.8.2002

STATE TEAM AIM FOR GLORY (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Subject to confirmation, the West Australian State Under-23 team will take on Perth Glory in the traditional Charity Shield clash at Litis Stadium on Wednesday, 11th September. It should be a night to remember for the charity game will feature in an exciting double-header that will also involve the Boral Cup semi-final meeting between northern suburbs rivals Sorrento and E.C.U. Joondalup. With part proceeds going to charity, a night of what promises to be top class entertainment gets underway from 6.15pm.

26.8.2002

PETKOVIC UNDER THREAT AT TRABZONSPOR (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)

Michael Petkovic has found his status at Trabzonspor under threat. The Australia international goalkeeper turned in a five-star display against Altay last week and had the watching press gallery singing his praises. An incredible double-save late in the second-half earned a 0-0 draw for his team and man-of-the-match status for the Aussie. But that wasn't enough for the Trabzon president, who has announced the club is looking for a new No1. His comments have been blasted in the Turkish media, with one local daily describing it as 'madness'.

25.8.2002

AMATEURS ROUND-UP

The University of W.A. secured three valuable points away to Shamrock Rovers at Harold Rossiter Park with 2-1 victory in the W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League on Sunday. The game started brightly for University who look the lead after 5 minutes when Matt Hill threaded his pass to Robert Benkovic who side footed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. The visitors continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Josh Davenport's cross found Hill whose first time shot hit the net to double the margin. The second half saw Rovers throw everything at their opponents only to be thwarted time and time again by University custodian Shayam Young busy. But eventually the visiting defence gave way, a Rovers' forward hitting a great shot from the top of the 18-yard box which flew into the top corner. The remainder of the half saw a solid defensive performance from University as Rovers sought an equaliser which didn't arrive. The win put University into third place on the table, level on points with Forrestfield United, as the season comes to what is shaping up to be an exciting finish. "The second half was the greatest test of character we have had this season defensively and our goalkeeper Shayam Young turned in another accomplished performance," said University coach Kevin Burton after the game. "Shamrock have a miserly defence having only conceded fourteen goals in seventeen games, so to score two here was a real credit to the team." Rovers took out a very tight reserves match 1-0. Last Wednesday University's reserves wrapped up a spot in the last four of the Mitre Cup with a 3-1 win over Ballajura, David Berg and Dave Holley (2) the scorers.

Hamersley Rovers' 4-0 away win over Kwinana United keeps them at the head of the amateur competition, four points ahead of Shamock Rovers in second place. Forrestfield United stay level on points with University after a 5-0 thrashing of Balga. Spearwood Dalmatinac were comfortable winners over E.C.U. Joondalup 6-2, Murdoch University had to dig deep to overcome Subiaco United 3-2, and Perth Azzurri accounted for Fremantle United 2-1.

25.8.2002

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Goals by Jamie Coyne, Mark Pottier, Andreas Oliveira, and Rob Giorgi has resulted in Perth S.C. re-claiming top spot on the Premier League table with 4-1 home win over Inglewood United on Sunday. Previous leaders Floreat Athena had to rely on a late goal from Ryan Newhill to steal a point from their home clash with Western Knights that ended two-all. Bassendean Caledonian strengthened their hold on fifth place with a 2-0 home win over E.C.U. Joondalup, Graeme Matthews and Ramon Westerberger the scorers. Branimir Mikulic took his season tally to 19 goals in Cocknurn City's 3-2 win over Future Glory. Ashfield went down 0-3 at home to Sorrento, and Fremantle City recorded a 1-0 away win at Swan I.C.

The First Division leaderboard has become very congested indeed with three games remaining. A one-all draw at Macedonia Park between Stirling Lions and Queens Park, coupled with Armadale's 2-0 home win over Mandurah City, means that a single point separates the top three clubs - the Lions (45 points), Armadale (45) and Queens Park (44). An early goal from Sal Marrapodi gave Bayswater City maximum points from their home clash with Stirling Suns.

25.8.2002

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Floreat Athena vs Western Knights by Christian Galapolous; Bassendean Caledonian vs E.C.U. Joondalup by Bill MacAllister; Cockburn City vs Future Glory by Lennie Bavich; Ashfield vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater; Perth S.C. vs Inglewood United by Mike Hennessey)

The race for the Premier League title has again opened up after leaders Floreat Athena were held to a 2-2 draw by Western Knights in windy conditions at Litis Stadium. Athena were unlucky not to have opened their account after only 6 minutes when Robin Dyers had his effort cleared off the line and from the rebound James Afkos hit the up-right. Eugene Singeorzan made the home side pay for the early miss when he opened the scoring in the 13th minute by lashing home the loose ball from 18-yards and giving Athena goalkeeper John Xigas no chance. Athena were dealt a further blow when sweeper Troy Bernard was forced off with an ankle injury as the blustery conditions towards the end of the half made it difficult for both sides to play their natural attacking game. Both sides picked up the tempo after the interval to produce a an entertaining, see-sawing battle. Athena midfielder James Afkos leveled the scores with a magnificent solo effort, weaving through the visiting defence with ease then clinically finishing to bring his side back in to the match. Just as soon as Athena gained the upper hand, the Knights struck back on the counter attack, Singeorzan cutting back the ball to strike partner Stuart Montgomery who made no mistake from close range. With Athena's hold on top spot in fear of slipping, Dyers fought off the opposing defence to send a dangerous cross to the near post which goalkeeper Tommi Tomich failed to hold and Ryan Newhill was on hand to score his fourteenth of the winter. With the home fans cheering them on, Athena pressed hard for a winner as Jamie Trandos curled his shot inches over the bar, Newhill's strike forced a flying save from Tomich, and substitute Peter Coci's strong run earned a corner. But despite the slew of late chances Athena failed to get the vital break and will have little room for error in their remaining four home-and-away fixtures.

Bassendean Caledonians followed up last weeks' win by out-playing E.C.U. Joondalup at Jubilee Reserve and staying on target to contest the top-five play-off series. Both Alan Dunlop (Caledonian) and Peter Stewart (Joondalup) made some spectacular saves in the opening half to keep the match scoreless at the break. The home side started the second half strongly and, after missing an early opportunity, opened the scoring in the 50th minute when Ramon Westerburger cut a ball back form the touchline for Graeme Matthews who shot past Stewart. Joondalup's Richard Watson, Jamie Kuzmanovich and Andrew Mason worked hard to find an equaliser, continually pressuring the home defence which had Kevin Smith and Craig Naven at it's heart. The Matthews-Westerberger combination has been producing the goods of late for Caledonian, and they again teamed up with Westerberger bagging the sides second goal fifteen minutes from the end of regulation time. Frustrations were beginning to set in for the visitors and when Mason received his marching orders for a second yellow card offence the match was effectively over the Joondalup. In a fine team performance, Naven, Matthews and Raph Mahony were the key contributors in the 2-0 win which elevates Caledonian to fifth on the table with four games remaining in the regular season.

Cockburn City moved a step closer to the top five with a 3-2 win over Future Glory at Dalmatinac Park. Future did all the attacking in the opening minutes when Mileta Miletic was twice denied by Dino Pacella in Cockburn's goal. The home side took the lead from the penalty spot after Shaun Kilkelly handled the ball inside the box and Branimir Mikulic increased his season tally to nineteen goal. Miki Vujacic equalised for Future early in the second half, Pacella saving his initial shot but unable to keep out the midfielder's second attempt. The 73rd minute introduction of Denis Stojanovic freshened up Cockburn's attacking options, and shortly after a long ball from captain Steve Adam put Jeff Bright through, the teenager chesting the ball down before sending it past Future goalkeeper Michael Basilio. A constant danger down the left flank, Bright won his side a penalty seven minutes from full-time, Basilio blocked the spot-kick taken by Mikulic only to see Domenic De Felice to bury the rebound and make it 3-1. Future substitute Ali Abbas broke down the right wing and drew Pacella out of position before hitting a low shot which pulled the deficit back to 3-2, which is how things were at the final whistle.

Sorrento made it back to back wins with a comfortable 3-0 result at Ashfield. The Seagulls dominated the early exchanges and could have taken the lead in the 2nd minute, however, Shane Crampton's header form a Ryan Jeans cross went over the bar. Two minutes Crampton was again at the centre of the action, this time nodding wide a cross from the right by Peter Butler. On 8 minutes Ross Greer beat Phil Jackson from a very tight angle only to see Ashfield defender Mark Donnelly clear from on the goalline. A clumsy challenge by Ben Kelly on Glen Thomas in the 19th minute resulted in a free-kick to the visitors, Stuart Banks' strike blocked by the defensive wall. Sorrento's persistence was rewarded two minutes later when Banks advanced into space, played a neat one-two with Crampton then struck a sweet left-footer under the body of Jackson. It wasn't until the 25th minute that the home side had their first shot on goal, Steve Gillibrand's throw-in reaching Scott Bailey who forced Gareth Deeg to dive full stretch to tip wide his attempt. Jared Love used his pace in the 33rd minute to leave his marker and spear a low shot pass the struggling Jackson to double Sorrento's lead. Seven minutes into the second half the visitors killed off the game as a contest when Greer headed Peter Butler's long throw-in and Jeans tappe it on at the far post. Ashfield went down to ten men in the 58th minute as Nathan Salisbury was red carded for an off the ball incident. Despite having the player advantage, Sorrento couldn't add to their tally with Jackson denying Love in their best chances of the final half hour. To their credit, Ashfield displayed some dogged determination to hold out the visitors over the closing stages.

It was another bad day at the office for Swan I.C. who went down 0-1 at home to Fremantle City. In a scrappy match in which neither side was able to take control, the port side snatched the lead midway through the first half when a defensive error allow young striker Cisco Jorquiera in to score what would be the only goal of the afternoon. The second period saw a more composed performance from Swan without really threatening visiting goalkeeper Robert Zabica. The win, Fremantle's sixth of the season, puts them in a good position to finish much higher up the table than their current position of tenth.

In the Sunday game, Perth S.C. reclaimed top spot when they cruised to a 4-1 win over local rivals Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens. The home Perth were on top right from the start and only two quality saves by Inglewood goalkeeper Oliver Taseski, both to deny Albert Osei-Tutu in the 25th and 28th minutes, kept them scoreless. Inglewood's lone chance of the opening half came when Elton Holmes outjumped Robert Scarporolo but his header flew just over the bar. Perth's retaliation was swift and lethal - a fine move down the right saw Adam Bunce cut the ball back for Jamie Coyne to fire hard and low into the net to give his side the lead. Inglewood defended well but then proceeded to repeatedly give the ball away and simply had too many passengers on the day. Surprisingly, it remained 1-0 at half-time. The pattern of the first half continued in the second. Perth attacked with fluent ease. Andreas Oliveira went through the centre only to shoot wide. It was not until the 67th minute that Scarporolo had to make a good save following a corner. Perth again retaliated immediately. Mark Pottier went through only to be brought down in the area. He was up quickly to take the penalty giving Perth a 2-0 lead. Coyne might have had a third but he shot into the sidenetting. A defensive mix-up presented Oliveira with a simple tap-in to make the score 3-0 and it was all too easy for Perth. Oliveira missed another chance after a fine move then Rob Giorgi ended another quality move slotting home a fourth goal for Perth. It was not until the 86th minute that Inglewood produced their best move that gave Paul Lincoln a simple tap-in to reduce the arrears to 4-1 but it was little more than a consolation goal.

25.8.2002

RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP

Ashfield reserves recorded just their third win of the 2002 winter when they accounted for Sorrento 1-0 at Ashfield Reserve. The only goal of the 90 minutes came after 5 minutes when Daniel Dawson's shot was deflected away by goalkeeper Robert Pedri as far as Wayne Culverwell who fired the ball into an unguarded net. With the home side on the defensive, Sorrento had numerous chances to level the scores but a combination of good goalkeeping by Eldin Iserinuvich and poor finishing by the visiting forwards made sure that never happened.

E.C.U. Joondalup stay at the top of the reserves table after a 3-1 away win over Bassendean Caledonian. A hat-trick by Vlad Milasinovic and further strikes from Damien Catalano and Daniel Milevski saw second-placed Perth S.C. down Inglewood United to stay four points behind the leaders. Level on points with Perth are while Fremantle City who recorded a 3-1 win at Swan I.C. courtesy of goals to John Mirco, John Migas and Joe Liguan, Paul Dundo the scorer for the black and whites. Floreat Athena accounted for Western Knights 2-1, and it was a scoreless draw in the match between Cockburn City and Future Glory.

Cosi Calavaro and Zlatko Babac were on target for Perth S.C. while Ryan Thomas scored for Inglewood United when their sides met at the National Stadium, the 2-1 win keeping Perth on top of the Under-18 table after Round Eighteen. There were hat-tricks to Chris Zarricueta and Mo Atak as Fremantle City whalloped Swan I.C. 7-0, Mark Sim also getting his name on the scorecard. Daniel DeFazio and Steve Worthy scored two apiece for E.C.U. Joondalup who also big winners, 4-0 away to Bassendean Caledonian. Floreat Athena accounted for Western Knights 3-0 with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre, Chistopher Gakis and Filippos Pakioufakis. Omar Lemzouris' goal for Cockburn City was countered by strikes from State youth trio Ben Rogers, Wesley Ryder and Sebastian Trim as Future Glory ran out 3-1 victors at Dalmatinac Park. The clash between Ashfield and Sorrento was postponed.

24.8.2002

FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Lions vs Queens Park by Don Evans; Armadale vs Mandurah City by Michael Di Pietro; Bayswater City vs Stirling Suns by Adam Rucci; Canning City vs Perth City by Phil Unsworth)

The head of the First Division table has become a three-way log-jam - a single point separates three teams with just three games remaining in the 2002 season. Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between Stirling Lions and Queens Park at Macedonia Park saw the home side come out firing on all cylinders with Toby Wright, Leo Harman, Tony Paolino and Keegan Ashley creating a series of early chances for their team. Toby Wright came close after 11minutes with an in-swinging corner that, with the aid of the breeze, hit the cross bar. It was all one-way traffic as the Lions poured on the pressure only to be foiled by the clever defensive tactics of a young, well-drilled Queens Park outfit. The visitors lost their goalkeeper to a leg injury midway through the half and his replacement instantly found himself under siege as Harman, Ashley, Toby Wright and Adam Rains all went close to breaking the deadlock. Queens Park slowly clawed their way back into the game after the break but it was the home side with the majority of play. After near-misses by Toby Wright and Rains, the Lions fans were finally given something to cheer about when Bobbi Klenkovski made a brilliant solo run that left three opponents in his wake before cutting the ball back into the path of Toby Wright who converted from close-range after 67 minutes. With that Queens Park stirred into life, the Lions almost secured maximum points when Keegan Ashley cut through the middle only to see his effort saved, and five minutes later Andy Wright's drive whistled over the bar. A soft free-kick awarded to Queens Park after 86 minutes saw the visitors salvage a point from the game when Lions custodian Steven Grant mid-judged the flight of the ball and the resulting from Jodi Henderson header flew into an empty net to level the scores. A darting run from Gus Pafumi saw Rob Milevski unable to get the decisive touch, and in the final minute Milevski should have won it for the home side when he met an Ashley cross only to put it the wrong side of the post. Both the reserves and Under-18 games were taken out by the Lions, 5-1 and 6-0 respectively.

With three games remaining, Armadale still need a favour from either the Lions or Queens Park in order to clinch the title, but on Saturday they inched level on points with the leaders. Mandurah City travelled to the Alfred Skeet Oval for what turned out to be a tight affair. The Reds should have opened the scoring in the 25th minute after Steve Adams fouled Greg Newcombe inside the area, but Aaron Beattie's spot kick was well saved by Mandurah custodian Mike Green. The home anxious crowd were forced to wait until the 70th minute for the opener, Jason Goodwin sent clear from the half-way line before rounding Green to give the home side the lead. Dennis Lee made certain of the three points five minutes from full-time when he headed Gary Murdoch's free-kick into the back of the net. In the reserves it was another hard-fought clash in which Mandurah took the lead through Carlos Almieda only for the home side to level the scores via an own goal after 78 minutes. Mandurah's Under-18's continued their ten game unbeaten run with a 2-2 draw. Adam Boone and Jake Loreto scored for the visitors, while Armadale's goals came from Oliver Crockford and Dave Forsythe.

Bayswater City went into their clash with Stirling Suns fighting for fifth place at Frank Drago Reserve. Fielding a young side due to the absence of several first team regulars, Bayswater started on a bright note with Sal Marrapodi scoring his tenth goal of the season with 10 minutes elapsed on the clock. The visitors clawed their way back into the match and had several good opportunities to level the scores but were unable to find a way past 19-year old goalkeeper Joe Prinici, who would prove to be a constant stumbling block for the Suns . The second half saw the Suns have the home side on the back foot as they searched for the goal that would bring them back into the game. But it was Bayswater that created the best chance of the half but Marrapodi squandered the opportunity to secure maximum points in the 75th minute. With the job seemingly done, Bayswater closed up shop and went on the defensive to old on for a 1-0 victory. Bayswater won the reserves meeting 2-1, while the Under-18 match also went the way of the home side after Ben Melia (2) and Sam DiLatte found the net for a final 3-2 scoreline.

Canning City hosted Perth City at John Connell Reserve on Saturday in what shaped up to be an entertaining First Division clash. Perth started the more aggressive side with Canning's goalkeeper Darren Williams being called on to twice prevent Scott Evans from scoring in the opening 20 minutes. The home team gradually began to settle and find their rhythm and in the 40th minute Craig Dochesne lobbed over stranded Perth goalkeeper John Bosch only to see his shot cleared of the goal line by Jamie Dalby. On the stroke of half time Perth took the lead through Jamie Herkes who seized upon a poor clearance before hitting a fierce right-footer beyond the reach of Williams. The second half saw Canning press forward in search of an equalising goal only to be caught offside time and time again by a well organised Perth defence. 16-year old Gerald O'Brien came close to levelling the scores on two occasions as the match came to a close, but it was Perth that went home with the points on an afternoon in which Canning would feel a little unlucky not to have drawn what was an even contest.

Dianella White Eagles hit form with a smashing 5-1 win over Morley Windmills. Davorin Svirac and Zeljko Tesic both netted twice in the victory before Goran Bolta completed the home side's tally in the 68th minute. Ben Hedley was the scorer for Windmills scorer. Wanneroo City recorded their second win of the winter with a 4-0 hammering of Leeming Strikers. Kingsway Olympic downed Southside United 2-1 with goals from Kalon Tenakov and Shaun Fitazpatrick, Mark Edwards netting for Southside. Anthony Toutountzis and David Moschill were on target for Balcatta when they defeated Rockingham City 2-1 at home, Marko Aleksic scoring for the visitors. South West Phoenix had the bye.

23.8.2002

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

Premier League leaders Floreat Athena will be eager to make up for last weekend's lost points when they host an in-form Western Knights side in Round Eighteen of the season. At Jubilee Reserve, both Bassendean Caledonian and E.C.U. Joondalup will have their sights set on maximum points to assist with their top five ambitions. Ashfield are to home to Sorrento, Swan I.C. welcome Fremantle City, and Cockburn City meet Future Glory in the other Saturday fixtures. The following day at Dorrien Gardens Perth S.C. face an Inglewood United side struggling for consistency.

It's first verses second in the First Division promotion play-offs when Stirling Lions meet Queens Park at Macedonia Park. A draw between the top two would benefit third-placed Armadale should they defeat Mandurah City at Alfred Skeet Oval. Bayswater City take on Stirling Suns, and Dianella White Eagles play Morley Windmills in other top eight fixtures. In the bottom nine series, Balcatta have home ground advantage against Rockingham City, while Canning City go head-to-head with Perth City. In the northern suburbs, Wanneroo City play Leeming Strikers and Kingsway Olympic host Southside United with both fixtures being played at Kingsway Sporting Complex. South West Phoenix have the bye.

23.8.2002

CHARLTON LAND A 'REAL GUN' IN SHARLAND (reproduced with permission from www.tribalfootball.com)

Charlton Athletic have a real 'gun' on their hands in young West Australian Greg Sharland, says the player's former Wollongong teammate David Cervinski. Cervinski, who has won four National Soccer League titles during his career, told www.tribalfootball.com last night: "Greg's a terrific talent and someone who was always pushing himself at training. The boy's got good pace, an eye for goal and very good feet. Charlton definitely have a real gun on their hands. I'm sure Charlton will get him on a weights program to build him up. Once he's filled out, he'll be very difficult to knock off the ball." Cervinski wasn't surprised that the former Inglewood United attacker won a contract with the Addicks. "It didn't surprise me to hear young Greg had won a deal at Charlton. He came over to us last year from Perth and really had to battle to establish himself. He's obviously taken that same attitude into his trials at The Valley and shown he has the attitude and spirit to compete at the top of the English game.

23.8.2002

IN CONVERSATION WITH ... MATT DANSKIN

Fremantle City midfielder Matt Danskin has finally been given the go-ahead to head to Germany to take up a four-year contract with top club Werder Bremen. The 17-year old was offered terms with the Bundesliga club in January, but a hold-up with his international clearance put his professional career in limbo. After a seven month delay, Danskin's clearance came through last week - just 24-hours before the registration cut-off for Germany's Under-19 competition. This week the former Forrestfield United junior discussed the events of the past twelve months in which he's represented the State, travelled twice to Europe for trials, and make most recently make his first team debut for Fremantle ...

"Last October I played for the State Under-16's, with Ron Tindall as coach, at the National Talent Identification Championships in Sydney," said the Valsport-sponsored teenager. "We really played well and made it to the Grand Final where we were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Northern New South Wales - I hit the bar with a header after about 15 minutes, if that had gone in we may well have got the lift we were looking for. But it was our seventh game in eight days and we were all totally knackered having come through a much harder qualifying group than our opponents. After the third game of the tournament Ron Tindall introduced my parents and I to a scout from Germany - Mr Wolf Werner from S.V. Werder Bremen. He'd already approached Soccer Australia for permission to speak to us and told us a little bit about his club before inviting me to go to Germany in January for trials - all expenses paid."

"In November, dad and I went to a couple of clubs in the United Kingdom to see what would turn up. I had invites from Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley and, as my dad had connections at Wednesday and Rotherham from his days playing and scouting for Leeds United, I spent two weeks at both Rotherham and Wednesday. Rotherham liked the look of me but said they were not prepared to take a risk on a lad from Australia. Wednesday, with Jimmy Shoulder as their Academy Director, were very keen and immediately lodged an International Registration Transfer Certificate (IRTC ) with the English F.A. This of course was going to be a problem because of the then-new F.I.F.A. ruling about players under the age of 18 and, as a result, the application was knocked back twice and all Wednesday could do was offer to have another look at me when I was 18."

"I spent nearly four weeks at Werder Bremen from January 11th. This was an exciting time, the whole set up was far better than I had seen in England - everything was well planned and organised. I had my own apartment which was attached to the rear of one of the stands, all of the young players have one, the dining room was down the corridor where all your meals are cooked for you. There was also a games room and internet access for everyone. The training was good, the grounds - both grass and astroturf - were immaculate, an Olympic size swimming pool, and the standard of their players was high. I went with the team to an Under-19 tournament in Hamburg which also included teams from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg. The day before I came home I was asked to go to the office to see Mr Werner and it was then that he offered me a four year deal - I thought I had done reasonably well at the tournament but you never really know in football! I spoke to my family that night but did not tell them about the contract offer, I waited until I landed at Perth and then told them - we were all pretty pleased."

With a contract on the table that Danskin was more than willing to take up, things slowly ground down to walking pace as his transfer got tied up in red tape. "We knew that getting an international clearance would be difficult because of the F.I.F.A. ruling, however, Mr Werner said that the Players Status Committee at F.I.F.A. look at each case on it's merit and so it proved. Whilst it has taken from February until last week for F.I.F.A. to say yes, we also had the backing from Soccer Australia. They have had previous experience with Werder Bremen and know what a good education and welfare programme they have in place. The endorsement of Soccer Australia, and the fact that I have already been enrolled into a college in Bremen, provided enough substance for the Players Status Committee in Zurich to approve my clearance."

In the meantime, Danksin resumed his club career in the local competition with Fremantle. "When I came back from Germany in early February I was feeling very strong, as you would expect having had some good solid training at a high level for the past couple of months. I played in a number of pre-season games for Fremantle, making my senior debut in the Night Series clash with Western Knights. However, it has taken from the Night Series in April until a month ago for me to get another chance with the first team, which has been a little frustrating. But we have some excellent players at Fremantle in both the Under-18's and the reserves, so I've been patient and kept working hard. Since Greg Kazmer gave me a chance at Joondalup four weeks ago I've managed to keep my spot in the starting line-up and I think I've done well and not let anybody down. After playing against the Future Glory last weekend I decided that that game would be my last for Fremantle, I would hate to get a broken leg now with the flight booked to Germany on September 4th!"

"Before I head overseas, I'd like to publicly thank coaches Mike Tetlow, Joe Pereira, Greg Kazmer, all the players and committee at Fremantle City for the support they've given me in the past season and a half since moving from junior soccer with Forrestfield," added Danskin, whose played for the State at Under-12, 15 and 16 levels. "And to all those that I played with in the State teams - Dean Aplegren, John Migas, Liam Lilly, Damir Kudozovic, Alan Matuecci, Jordan Conti, Jeff Bright, Brian Hedges, Shaun Mooney, Gareth Philips and others - everyone one of you has a chance to make it professionally. I'm the lucky one at this stage who has been given an opportunity but I feel a lot of young players in this state will get a chance over the next couple of years."

22.8.2002

KARP IN MATILDA'S SQUAD

Young Matilda Tal Karp has been included in the Matilda's 22-player training squad ahead of the Nike U.S. Women's Cup which will be played in the United States in early October. The 20-year old midfielder is the only West Australian in the squad which will be whittled down to the final 18-player travelling party following an 18-day training camp which starts on 25th August. Karp, who spent last season playing with Canberra Eclipse in the Women's National Soccer League, has previously represented Australia at Schoolgirls and Under-19 levels.

22.8.2002

FUNDRAISER TO ASSIST WOMENS' JUNIOR AND YOUTH TEAMS

Women's Soccer Western Australia will send their Under-14 and Under-17 State teams to Coffs Harbour next month to complete at the annual Women's Soccer National Championships. With many more girls now playing soccer in this state, the association has been successful in raising the standards of playing and coaching in W.A. To help funds the trip east, W.S.W.A. will be holding a special fundraising night at the National Stadium in Inglewood this Monday - 26th August - with entry being by gold coin donation.

From 6.15pm, the State Under-14 side will play their Under-17 counterparts while a special challenge match gets underway at 7.30pm between Albert's Avengers (aka the State W.A.A.S.S.A. side) and Leo's Lions. The Lions are an invitational side consisting of players involved in the women's game and include Bobby Despotovski (Perth Glory), Justin Everley, Corey Hugo (Swan IC) Alan McKenzie, Louis Parkinson (Inglewood), John Higgins (E.C.U. Joondalup) Paul Strudwick (Bassendean Caledonian), Alistair Edwards (ex-Perth Glory) and a host of others.

State Under-14 coached Leo Kearley believes the W.A. juniors can continue on their good form over from last years Championship when they finished fifth of the ten teams competing. Half the current crop of youngsters remain from 2001with the girls now bigger, stronger and a lot more experienced according to Kearley. The 2002 Under-14 squad is Gabriella Kist, Claire Wragg (Armadale), Ashley Dogin, Kelly Jay (Joondalup), Laura Higgins (Heathridge), Elisa D'Vidio (Murdoch), Carys Hawkins, Carmen Mutton, Christine Frey (Sorrento Academy), Laura Turnbull, Alex Kearley, Linda Ostrick, Marlee Jones, Janine Haxton, Kirsty McArthy and Hannah Newton (Lynwood Academy).

Albert Nascimento, coach of the Under-17's, has seen his squad strengthened by a number of girls who've stepped up from last years' successful junior squad. The youth team coach believes that the depth and experience these girls will bring to the squad will be of great assistance to this years campaign. The Under-17 squad for the Championship is Gemma Langley (Floreat), Melissa Arief (Rockingham), Jessica Valvasori (Noranda), Stacy Woodfin, Kylie Woodfin, Catherine Gooding, Lyndsy Jobling, Nadia Poulson and Lydia Hirst (Queens Park), Elizabeth Reppion, Helen Bremer, Joanne Allan, Emily Bettela and Amy Thorpe (Lynwood Academy),

22.8.2002

JOONDALUP TO REPRESENT STATE IN BRUNEI

E.C.U. Joondalup have been given the green light by Soccer West Coast to take up an invitation to represent the state at the Kings Cup tournament being staged in Brunei from 18th September through to 2nd October. "The invitation came through Mick Lyons', who used to be part of Joondalup's youth academy, and his involvement with the Brunei national team. It was also down to the fact that we won the pre-season B.G.C. Cup," said Joondalup coach Paul Simmons this week.

"We will be taking the first team over to compete with a few guest players," Simmons added. "With the side we have assembled we are confident of doing quite well, the biggest adverse factor will be the heat and humidity. But hopefully we'll be able to adjust and put in some good performances. There is the possibility that, with it being an annual event, the winners of the W.A. Premier League will take part each year, but that's not definite yet." The club have rearranged several League and Cup fixtures in order to participate in the tournament where they'll meet club side from Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and several other Asian countries.

21.8.2002

BALGA BOW OUT OF MITRE CUP

Balga have been bundled out of this years' Mitre Cup after conceding a golden-goal to Fremantle United tonight at Litis Stadium. Fremantle took the lead in the opening minutes of the match but Balga hit back 60-seconds later through Darren McNally's shot from outside the box. Although Balga enjoyed the majority of possession, it was Fremantle that went 2-1 up mid-way through the half. After the interval Fremantle looked the more likely to score, however a great header by Willy Lyall in the 82nd minute levelled the scores and sent the match in extra-time. Balga had their chances to end the game only for Fremantle to find the all important winner with a controversial goal.

21.8.2002

NEW SEASON STARTS FOR HILTON

One-time Sorrento junior Oliver Hilton has started his second year with English side Stockport County where he's part of the First Division clubs' youth team. "The pre-season was good, we worked on our fitness a lot and reached the final in the Anglo-Sino Youth Tournament in Preston," he said this week. On the weekend Hilton was in the starting line-up for the opening match of the new Football League Youth Alliance season. "I played in the centre of midfield in our first game against Blackpool, which ended in a two-all draw. Unfortunately, I came off at half time as I felt a twinge in my groin. Last week I played for the reserves against Blackpool Mechanics who play in the Unibond League. That game ended one-all."

20.8.2002

GLORY ROLL INGLEWOOD

Perth Glory' have continued their preparation for the up-coming National Soccer League season with a 7-0 win over local Premier League side Inglewood United tonight. Playing in front of a good sized crowd with all funds raised going to the Starlight Foundation, Nick Mrdja opened the scoring after 10 minutes after being set-up by Matt Horsley. Damian Mori added to the tally, Gary Faria made it 3-0 after 26 minutes, and Mori bagged his second before the interval. The second half saw a much stronger performance from Inglewood, but when Brad Hassell headed home Michael Garcia's corner the match was well and truly over as a contest. Garcia himself converted an Adrian Caceres cross to make it 6-0, and Bobby Despotovski slotted home a last minute penalty for the seventh goal of the night.

20.8.2002

TASESKI TRANSFER LISTED (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Inglewood United goalkeeper Oliver Taseski has been placed on the transfer list following a contract re-negotiation breakdown with the club. Taseski, custodian for the State Under-19 side which went to France earlier this year, hasn't played in United's last two games and coach Steve Parkinson said there was no point in playing him as he was no longer required by the club. Adam Ashforth has taken over between the posts for the club.

20.8.2002

PERTH LOSE MIDFIELD DUO (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Perth S.C. have lost midfielders Gareth Naven and Robbie Gaspar for the remainder of the season. Naven, who joined the club mid-season after being released by Perth Glory, has been struggling with an ankle injury since the mid-July clash with Bassendean Caledonian and it's recently been confirmed that he has chipped bones in the ankle and will require an operation. "It's been a horror 18 months for me," said Naven, who had two operations for groin problems in his last season with Glory. Gaspar left the state last week to join up with the Brunei team that competes in the Malaysian League. He will guest for Brunei in a series of tournaments, including the prestigious Kings Cup, before returning to Western Australia in November.

19.8.2002

SHARLAND COMPLETES CHARLTON MOVE

After a month on trial with Charlton Athletic, 19-year old Wollongong Wolves attacker Greg Sharland has agreed terms on a one-year professional contract with the English Premier League club. Sharland, who played locally for Inglewood United and E.C.U. Joondalup, is over the moon about the move, "It is the aim of most of the best Australian players to play in England and I'm delighted to be a Charlton player."

Sharland was spotted by Addicks youth coach Mick Browne during a talent-scouting tour of Australia earlier this year. "I saw him and recommended we take a closer look at him. He has done well and has joined us on a permanent basis, Browne said. "He is likely to play for the reserves this season and we will see what he does from there." Australian coach Frank Farina, who is also in charge of Australia's Olympic side, plans to monitor Sharland's progress with the view to possibly including him in future Olyroos' teams.

18.8.2002

WOMEN'S ROUND-UP

Floreat Athena A (35 points) remain top of the Womens' Premier League after Round Sixteen of competition courtesy of a 7-0 away win over Lynwood A. A 3-0 win by Queens Park Thunder A (34) at Subiaco United A keeps them in second place, one point behind Athena. Two points behind Thunder sit Murdoch Warriors let some very valuable points slip through their hands when held to a one-all home draw by Stirling Reds. And Murdoch Lightning crashed 0-4 at home to Sorrento Breakers.

In the First Division, the University of W.A. (40) had to dig deep before overcoming Lynwood B 2-1 and stay four points clear at the top of the league table. Ballajura A (36) had a very comfortable 9-1 over Cockburn City to move two points ahead of Noranda A who drew 2-2 at Mundaring. Queens Park Thunder B (30) also had a big win, 8-0 over Shamrock Rovers, and Claremont Nedlands went down 0-4 at home to Carlisle.

18.8.2002

AMATEURS ROUND-UP

The University of W.A. defeated Subiaco 3-0 on Sunday at McGillivray Oval to go equal third on the W.A.A.S.S.A. League Premier table. The best chance of an even opening spell came the way of Robert Benkovic who forced a good save from the visiting goalkeeper after 9 minutes. Subiaco were dealt a severe blow when they had a player sent off for a second bookable offence midway through the half. A weaving run by Benkovic saw his lob over the 'keeper come back into play off the crossbar as University pressed to make the most of the player advantage. The home side finally took the lead after 28th minutes via a free-kick awarded for a pack-pass which Matt Hill rammed home. University doubled their lead on the hour when Teemu Sihvola cut in from the right and found David Berg who finished well. Five minutes from the end substitute Josh Davenport slotted to Benkovic who clipped the ball over the 'keeper to make complete the scoreline. "We had three forced changes this week but our squad depth meant that we were able to bring in more than able replacements," said coach Kevin Burton. "Only conceding one goal in three games and scoring more regularly at the other end is making a big difference for us." It was cause for double celebration by University whose reserves triumphed 3-2, Mark Adam and Mike Ford (2) netting for the home side while Tom Andrew and Neale McGuire found the net for Subiaco.

Hamersley Rovers' 1-2 home loss to Forrestfield United has cut their lead at the top of the Premier League table to just a single point after second-placed Shamrock Rovers had a 4-3 win over E.C.U. Joondalup. Elsewhere, Murdoch University went down 0-1 at home to Kwinana United, Fremantle United were to strong for Spearwood Dalmatinac 3-0, and Perth Azzurri thumped Balga 5-1.

18.8.2002

GLORY EASE PAST ROCKINGHAM

Perth Glory cruised to a 4-0 victory over First Division side Rockingham City in their first pre-season hit out at Dowling Reserve today. In front of a crowd in excess of 1,000, Rockingham competed strongly with the National Soccer League side over the opening stages of this match, only to go a goal down in the 29th minute when Damian Mori converted from the penalty spot. The second half saw a more polished display from Glory who extended their lead after 54 minutes through recent signing Adrian Caceres who lashed a loose ball into the roof following a corner. Four minutes later Antonio Naglieri set up Bobby Despotovski for Glory's third goal, and Michael Garcia and Despotovski combined for Brad Hassell to make it 4-0 in the 64th minute. The margin would have been greater if not for the superb goalkeeping of Alan Matteucci (right) who only 24-hours earlier was named in the Australian Schoolboys squad to tour the United Kingdom at the end of the year.

18.8.2002

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

A curling free-kick on the our by Sorrento captain Stuart Banks was enough to get them home in an error-riddled clash with Swan I.C. in Saturday's round of the Premier League. The day's surprise result came from Dalmatinac Park where Cockburn City hammered leaders Floreat Athena 6-2, striker Branimir Mikulic bagging four for the home side. Western Knights and Perth S.C. fought out a thrilling three-all draw, while E.C.U. Joondalup move into third place courtesy of their 3-0 home win over Ashfield. Inglewood United crashed 0-2 at home to Bassendean Caledonian in the other fixture. Fremantle City went down 0-2 at home to Future Glory on Sunday.

Stirling Lions maintain their slender lead at the top of the First Division after a confortable 5-2 away win over Mandurah City. Deeping the pressure on the Lions, Queens Park overpowered Dianella White Eagles 3-2, and Armadale recorded a 3-1 away result at Bayswater City. The race for the title - and promotion - could not be tighter with three points separating the same number of clubs with just four games remaining.

18.8.2002

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Western Knights vs Perth S.C. by Christian Galapolous; Inglewood United vs Bassendean Caledonian by Bill MacAllister; Cockburn City vs Floreat Athena by Lennie Bavich)

The opening twenty minutes of the Round Seventeen Premier League clash between Sorrento and Swan I.C. was a scrappy affair that produced little in the way of attractive football. Rather, the ball was turned over with great frequency as the two teams struggled to string together more than a few passes. As a consequence there were few genuine shots on goal although speculative long-range efforts by Tom Shepheard and Justin Hugo called Sorrento custodian Gareth Deeg into action, but in reality he wasn't troubled by either. Having been repelled by the visiting defence on several occasions, Sorrento created their first chance after 19 minutes which saw Tony Cumace's close-range effort brilliantly parried by Corey Hugo who then moved swiftly to thwart Glen Thomas with the rebound.

With both sides adopting a 'take no prisoners' approach to the game, Shane Crampton became the first player booked and Seagulls captain Stuart Banks was very fortunate not to have followed his teammate into the referee's book after a raking challenge on Justin Hugo. Swan were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 34th minute when Carlo Scali flicked the ball on for Tom Shepheard who was nudged firmly in the back by Cumace as he attempted the head over the advancing 'keeper. Seven minutes later Sorrento were reduced to ten men with the red carding of last defender Steve MacDonald who brought down Damian Scali. Swan won the games' first corner in the 45th minute but failed to trouble the home side who raced the ball to the opposite end through Crampton whose cross found Ryan Jeans but he sent a free header well wide of the target. After 45 minutes of very poor quality football, spectators Percy Doyle Reserve were left hoping that the half-time team-talks would produce a much improved second period.

Both sides emerged after the interval by playing at breakneck speed, the ball raced from one end of the pitch to the other with no thought given for accurate delivery. The end result of this was a lot of running and attacking that was easily broken down by the respective defences in the final third of the park. With panicked calls coming from both benches to slow the game down, Sorrento came closest to scoring when a Carlos Echeverria clearance ricocheted goalward off Ross Greer which Corey Hugo scrambled over the crossbar. On the hour the home side took the lead via a free-kick from 18-metres which was brilliantly curled over the wall and beyond the reach of the 'keeper by Banks. Three minutes later the visitors came very close to getting back on level terms, Carlo Scali and Robert Shepheard combining wide on the left with the latter's cross drilled goalward by Justin Hugo only for Deeg to produce a fantastic reflex save from close-range.

A goal down and running out of time, Swan now became desperate and wasted numerous good attacking opportunities by chancing their luck from long-range - none of which required a response from Deeg. The introduction of Brian Robertson added some composure to the black and whites forward line, and in the 71st minute he made a weaving run into the area only to see his shot flash wide of the up-right. Swan's downfall would be a lack of quality distribution in their attacking third - all too often they threw away possession by either over-hitting the ball to the Sorrento 'keeper, or by under-hitting their passes which were then easily intercepted by the makeshift home defence. All the while Sorrento sat back, soaked up the pressure and broke only on the counter-attack. In the 82nd minute Corey Hugo touched a blistering Crampton shot on to the bar, and three minutes later the Sorrento attacker was again denied by Hugo's sharp reflexes.

The final whistle was greeted by polite applause from the small crowd who had been witness to terribly uninspiring match. Swan would go home frustrated after creating so many chances without putting the ball in the back of the net, but the simple truth is the black and whites did themselves no favours when on the offensive. Teenager striker Tom Shepheard worked tirelessly despite lacking the sort of support needed to score goals, while down the other end Corey Hugo produced the goods when he was called upon. Playing with ten men, the home side had their backs to the wall for much of the afternoon and eased off the pace once they took the lead. After spending the first half in midfield, Burns showed his versatility by taking over as sweeper for the second, and there were also important contributions made by Banks and Crampton.

Sorrento : Gareth Deeg, Steve MacDonald, Stuart Banks, Tony Cumace, Shaun Bowyer (David Colegate 61), Shane Crampton, Glen Thomas, Lee Burns, Jared Love, Ross Greer (Jake Harman 89), Gareth Phillips (Peter Butler 45)
Swan I.C. : Corey Hugo, Christian Marocchi, Trevor Hatton, Carlos Echeverria, Robert Shepheard, Darren Blankley, Carlo Scali, Justin Hugo, Damian Scali, Steve Tierney (Brian Robertson 63), Tom Shepheard Referee : Michael Nugus
Cautions : Crampton (16), Bowyer (44), J.Hugo (59), T.Shepheard (68)
Dismissals : MacDonald (41)
Attendance : 175 (approx.)

Perth S.C. and the Western Knights played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in warm conditions at Nash Field. Jamie Coyne got Perth off to a flying start after 12 minutes when his shot from long-range flew past home goalkeeper Tommi Tomich for the match opener. But Perth's lead lasted only minutes courtesy of good work by Eugene Singeorzan who found strike partner Stuart Montgomery in space and the attacker made no mistake in equalising from close-in. The drama continued to unfold with the Knights awarded a penalty after 21 minutes following a handball by Aaron Cole, captain Carl Medica stepping up to send Perth goalkeeper Rob Scarparolo the wrong way to put his side into the lead. Soon after referee Eddie Lennie drew the wrath of the home supporters when he awarded another penalty, this time after young Perth striker Albert Osei-Tutu was brought down in the box and midfielder Mark Pottier blasted home the spot kick to tie the scores. Osei-Tutu was again in the thick of the action in the 33rd minute when he made the most of his pace to break clear of the Knights defence and shoot past Tomich. Midway through the second half Singeorzan twice forced good saves out of Scarparolo in the space of as many minutes as the Knights looked to draw level. That goal arrived in the 70th minute, Scarparolo parrying a vicious shot from Singeorzan and Claus Nielsen was on hand to shoot home the rebound from an acute angle. Singeorzan was unlucky not to give his side the lead five minutes later when his well struck free-kick hit the crossbar. Late in the match Perth winger Todd Howarth had a chance to steal the points but his long-range shot flashed just inches wide of the upright.

Cockburn City bounced back from last week's mauling by hitting the net six times in their home defeat of Floreat Athena. Ryan Newhill put the visitors ahead just 9 minutes after the start with a header that grazed the underside of the crossbar. A well taken Jeff Bright corner saw Christian Paschkewitz level the scores with a header that flew past goalkeeper John Xigas. A Peter Petkovich shot on goal saw spilled by Xigas, who appeared to have been blinded by the sun, and the ever-alert Branimir Mikulic took full advantage to put Cockburn in front. Five minutes into the second half Petkovich advanced on goal and drew the Athena 'keeper out of position before squaring the ball to Joshua Pescud whose shot crashed into the net to increase Cockburn's advantage. Andreas Panelis pulled a goal back for the visitors with a fine run which started deep in his own defence before he slotted the ball under the advancing Dino Pacella. Dusan Macura and Paschkewitz combined down the right wing with the latter's cross giving Mikulic his second of the day after 67 minutes. Cockburn's fifth was scored by Mikulic who waltzed through the opposing defence to knock it past Xigas to complete his hat-trick. The big striker completed the rout when he made the most of some poor defending to tuck away his fourth goal in a 6-2 win. The result keeps alive Cockburn's slim hopes of making the top five series at seasons' end.

E.C.U. Joondalup moved up to third place with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over bottom side Ashfield. Played in glorious sunny conditions, Joondalup went into attack from the opening kick with Garin Collins going close in the 1st minute, and shortly after John Higgins' corner was cleared off the line by Adam Kiley. With Ashfield's defence under the hammer, a superb cross-field ball by Higgins saw Kevin Griffiths slip it into the path of Jamie Kuzmanovich whose cross was belted over the line by Andy Mason in his 100th game for the club. On 17 minutes another foray down the right by Griffiths was met at the far post by Mason who edged the ball over the advancing 'keeper for his second of the day. Joondalup goalkeeper Paul Larkin, making his first team debut, made a fine save to deny Karl Atley as Ashfield mounted a rare attack. On the stroke of half time the visitors job was made all the more difficult with the dismissal of David Mayers, while coach Tom Kilkelly was sent off the bench for remonstrating with the match official. Joondalup never looked troubled after the break and fourteen minutes into the new half secured the three points when Higgins cross found Mark Ristovski free to calmly slot home his sides third goal.

It was a convincing performance by Bassendean Caledonian as they overpowered Inglewood United 2-0 at the National Stadium. The home side started the match on the attack but were held at bay by a combination of good goalkeeping from Alan Dunlop and poor finishing. A brilliant save by Dunlop after 30 minutes proved to be the catalyst for the Caledonian side to spark into life. And a few minutes before the interval the visitors opened their account with a fine move involving Jimmy Merkouris, Jason Van Rooy and Ramon Westerberger that ended with Van Rooy's shot hitting the back of the net. For long periods after the interval it was Caledonian that controlled play only to be denied a second goal by the heroics of home custodian Adam Ashworth. With fifteen minutes remaining the visitors won a corner which the ever-alert Mark Lennon slotted to Glenn McCormick, who was only just returning from a boot repair, and the teenagers cross into the area was headed home by Graeme Matthews. The 2-0 result keeps alive Caledonian's Top Five hopes as they move to level points with Inglewood in fifth place.

Future Glory survived an early penalty scare before coming good to defeat Fremantle City 2-0 in this week's Sunday fixture. Midway through the opening half the port side looked to have scored first when Anthony Pereira knocked the ball over the line after Dale Wingell's downward header, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Fremantle really should have taken the lead after 27 minutes after Future defender Chris Ritson brought down Matt Danskin inside the area but Dale Wingell's resulting shot from the spot was comfortably saved by Michael Basilio. Future started the second half brightly, a weaving run by Miki Vujacic saw him find the side netting and not long after Admir Mehic clipped his shot over the crossbar. Fremantle too carved out some good opening which saw Danskin twice thwarted by Basilio. The opening goal arrived in the 68th minute when Nick Ward's effort was parried by goalkeeper Robbie Zabica and Shaun Kilkelly pounced to blast the loose ball into the net from close-range. Any hopes the port side had of snatching a point from the match evaporated with 16 minutes to go when Mileta Miletic rounded Zabica to make it 2-0.

18.8.2002

RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP (Sorrento vs Swan I.C. by Kerry Slater)

After a scoreless first half at Percy Doyle Reserve, Sorrento took the lead against Swan I.C. in the 62nd minute through Jake Harman who turned in a low cross from the right. The final quarter hour saw the home side produce a goal avalanche with Farrell Hedges bundling the ball over the line at the third attempt, six minutes later Harman had his second, and a Michael Stefanovski header rounded out a comfortable 4-0 win for the Seagulls. The win, Sorrento's eighth of the season, elevates them to five place on the reserves table, seven points behind leaders E.C.U. Joondalup.

Goals from Gary Murray, Oliver Marshall resulted in a 2-1 home win to Joondalup over Ashfield, Daniel Dawson netting for the visitors. Inglewood United slip to second after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bassendean Caledonian, Michael Baczynski (Inglewood) and Simon Henderson (Caledonian) the scorers at the National Stadium. Cockburn City went down 1-2 at home to Floreat Athena. A Matthew Kovacevic goal for the Western Knights wasn't enough against high-flying Perth S.C. who hit three through Nick Zumaran, Daniel Delaurentis, Alen Zilic. On Sunday Future Glory defeated Fremantle City 1-0 in a tight match.

In the Under-18's Michael Stefanovski showed his composure to slot Sorrento into a 7th minute lead against the visitors from Swan I.C. There was no addition to the score until eighteen minutes into the second half as Dejan Gurovski set-up Andrew Brand for an easy tap-in after his initial shot from a very narrow angle had come back off goalkeeper Chris Ramsey. The black-and-whites put up a strong fight, showing they've come on in leaps and bounds since earlier 7-0 battering by Sorrento. Peter Noiszewski won the Seagulls a penalty after 74 minutes which Brand confidently despatched past the 'keeper for a 3-0 final score.

Floreat Athena's Christopher Gakis scored a hat-trick in his club's 4-1 win at Cockburn City, Rodrigo Aguirre also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors while Gregory Montenegro netted for Cockburn. Inglewood United drew 1-1 with Bassendean Caledonian where Ryan Thomas (Inglewood) and Danny Pogri (Bassendean) were the scorers. And Western Knights went down 0-2 at home to Perth S.C. The Round Seventeen fixture between E.C.U. Joondalup and Ashfield has been postponed until later in the season.

Sunday saw Future Glory travel to Ken Allen Reserve where they met the free-scoring youngsters of Fremantle City. Future matched the home side over the opening quarter hour then a great volley by Daniel Baker, in his first start for the port side, gave Fremantle the lead. Shortly after Baker bagged his second goal with a good header following a fine move down the right flank by the home side. The second half saw Fremantle carry on in the same vein, an unstoppable shot by Chris Zarricuetta putting them three goal up with a stunning long-range free-kick by captain Paul Oliver rounding out the final scoreline. For the tenth time in seventeen games Fremantle's Under-18 side kept a clean sheet, while down the other end their tally of goals scored rose to an amazing 73!

17.8.2002

FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Mandurah City vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Bayswater City vs Armadale with the assistance of Adam Rucci and Michael Di Pietro; Southside United vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)

Stirling Lions showed no mercy to First Division debutants Mandurah City as they blasted them with both barrels to record a 5-2 away victory on Saturday. After slow starts in their past two outings, the Lions were almost caught on the hop in the 2nd minute when Mandurah striker Andrew Rennie found himself clear but shot wide with only goalkeeper Steven Grant to beat. Two minutes later Bobbi Klenkovski's shot on the run was parried away by Mandurah custodian Michael Greene into the path of Rob Milevski who made no mistake from close range to put the visitors a goal up. Another jinxing run from Klenkovski saw him brought down outside the area, the striker blasting the resulting free-kick through the defensive wall and into the net to the cheers of the travelling fans with just 7 minutes elapsed. Changes to the Lions midfield by coaches Basil Lenzo and Wayne Thorpe saw the visitors dominate possession. The electrifying skills of Leo Harman saw the Lions go 3-1 up when he left three opponents floundering to deliver a perfect cross for Klenkovski who finished neatly in the 27th minute. Three minutes later a 40-metre strike by Toby Wright cracked the crossbar and fell to Klenkovski to complete his hat-trick. The second half saw some early chances go begging as the Lions continued to press forward at will, Adam Rains, Toby Wright and Klenkovski all going close to adding to their teams tally. The goal of the day arrived in the 70th minute when the silky skills of Harman took him past two defenders before unselfishly laying the ball back to Klenkovski to whack in his fourth of the afternoon. Down but not out, Mandurah continued to plug away and were rewarded for their persistence with fifteen minutes remaining when Mikel Sesma won the home side a penalty which teenager Jordan Rhodes confidently converted. The margin was further reduced in the 85th minute when Grant brought down Rennie for another Mandurah penalty, this one converted by Rennie for a 5-2 final score in favour of the Lions. The reserves clash also saw the Lions come away with maximum points after a 3-1 win, while in the Under-18's Mandurah continued their unbeaten run with a 3-0 result through goal by Matt Maiolo, Jack Kearns and Jake Loreto.

Armadale picked up another three valuable points from Saturday's clash with a Bayswater City side missing eight first team regulars through injury. The match started well for the visitors who put Bayswater's defence under pressure from the opening whistle and were duly rewarded in the 12th minute when Jason Hardie scored a great goal to leave goalkeeper Joe Princi with no chance. Going a goal down spurred the home side into action and nine minutes later midfielder Dario Pellicciotti produced an equaliser with a screaming shot from long range. The Reds restored their lead after 35 minutes when Hardie bagged his second of the afternoon, a fine volley from 25-metres. There was plenty more entertainment on offer after the half-time interval as both teams stroked the ball around the park and created some good scoring opportunities. It wasn't until ten minutes from full-time that Armadale secured maximum points, Dennis Lee finding the net at the second attempt after Princi kept out his initial attempt from the penalty spot. The reserves ended in a 0-3 loss to Bayswater after Darren Kingston, Lawrence Bruce and Emlyn Whetnall scored first half goals for the Reds. An entertaining Under-18's clash went the way of the home side 3-2.

Canning City overcame a goal deficit late into the second half to secure their first victory over Southside United at Walter Padbury Reserve. The first half saw Canning defend tightly while creating some good chances down the opposite end without success. The visitors came close to snatching the lead when Harin Rajes Warin lobbed Southside goalkeeper Jade Thorpe only to see his shot cleared of the line by Tony Lang. After a scoreless opening half, it too Southside just seven minutes into the new period before scoring as Scott Cooper ran onto a well-weighted pass only to be brought down inside the box with Tony Pritchard converting the resulting penalty. With quarter of an hour remaining it looked as though Southside had done enough to secure another victory over Canning. However, the Van Dongen twins had both ideas and when Paul Van Dongen chipped a ball forward from deep on the left and brother Mick headed it over the advancing 'keeper Thorpe from 12-metres the game was brought back to life. Five minutes later Canning's Jixang Loong struck a high cross from the right which was met by Paul Van Dongen who's miscued shot crept past the Thorpe and into the bottom corner of his net. Shortly after Paul Van Dongen secured Canning's win when he combined with Rajes Warin to hit a fierce right-footer which flew into the back of the net to make the final score 3-1 to the visitors.

Queens Park came from two goals down at half time to beat Dianella White Eagles 3-2 in a white-knuckle affair at Dianella Reserve. Goals from Davorin Svirac after 25 minutes and Goran Bolta on the stroke of half time put the home side in the driving seat. But Queens Park roared back after the break as Glen Noblet and Steve Sauzier scored with eight minutes of eachother to level the scores before Grant Learmont bagged the winner fifteen minutes from the end. Rhydeen Botha scored twice for Stirling Suns as they defeated Morley Windmills 4-2 at Brian Burke Reserve. Zoran Petreski and Miladin Gugoroski were the Suns other scorers, while Ben Hedley and an own goal put the Windmills on the board. Two goals from Shane Fitzpatrick helped Kingsway Olympic on their way to a 3-2 win over Balcatta. Oli Foster also got his name on the scorecard for Olympic, while Mark Gentile scored both for Balcatta. A 65th minute goal from John Wyeth ensured Perth City's 1-1 draw with Leeming Strikers, whose goal came from Ryan Hunt eight minutes before half time. South West Phoenix recorded a fine 2-1 away win over Wanneroo City, while Rockingham City had the bye.

16.8.2002

GARCIA'S GOOD PROGRESS

West Ham United manager Glenn Roeder is more than happy with the progress being made by West Australian Richard Garcia. "Richard Garcia has moved on a lot since last season and this summer he has already made a bit more progress," Roeder told the Hammers official website (www.whufc.co.uk) this week. "Now we have got confidence to use him when we have to, though maybe when all the midfielders are fit he will find it hard to get a starting position. But he certainly has improved as a player - you have to remember he was going to be given away to Orient 18 months ago on a free transfer. He has come on a long way since then and I am really pleased for him. We have worked hard with him but he has worked hard - it takes two, and he has been very good to coach. He is a good listener, he tries to put into practice what you are asking him to do, and things are starting to pay off for him."

16.8.2002

SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT UPDATE

The 2002 School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships were held over the past week at Litis Stadium and the adjoining Brittania Road Reserve in Mount Hawthorn. The tournament, which was contested by boys and girls teams from all over the nation, saw some of Australia's best young talent in action with both competitions being decided on goal difference. In the end both the boys and girls tournaments were won by New South Wales, while some solid performances from the host state resulted in no less than a dozen players from the west being named in the various Australian squads at the completion of competition.

Western Australia's Schoolboys opened the first match of the tournament strongly against South Australia by completely controlling the first half. Their first clear-cut chance came in the 7th minute when Jeff Bright drilled the ball narrowly wide, and not long after Bryan Hedges hit the base of the post with a stunning shot. The pair combined in the 19th minute to put the hosts in front as Bright's cross from the right was headed in from close range by Hedges. It wasn't until the second half that South Australia threatened but Jonathon Negus' effort was cleared by Colin Gilchrist. Peter Noiszewski and Nick Ward were denied Western Australia's second midway through the half, and with the clock ticking down their misfortune proved costly as South Australia levelled the scores close to the end. In the days other action, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory ended with honours even at 2-2, while Victoria downed Queensland 2-0.

Day Two of competition saw Western Australia come away with nothing to show for their dominance over the Australian Capital Territory. The was the Territorians that opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a speculative shot from close to the half way line which caught the West Australian goalkeeper well out of position. The hosts' then went all-out-attack in an attempt to find an equaliser but were unable to make the most of their numerous opportunities. The Australian Capital Territory killed off the match with a rare attacking foray five minutes from full-time which left the local players, and supporters, devastated. Elsewhere, New South Wales were 3-0 victors over Victoria, and South Australia and Queensland fought out a tense 3-3 draw.

After a rest on Tuesday, the Western Australian Schoolboys returned to action with an all-important clash against Queensland on Wednesday morning. Having hit the up-right and crossbar in the opening 5 minutes, Western Australia were stunned to be the ones a goal behind at the break. But their fortunes took a dramatic turn for the better in an amazing 15-minute period early in the second half which produced three goals. Sweeper Dean Apelgren put the two teams on level terms before Adam Calleja and Nick Ward game Western Australia a two-goal buffer. Queensland fought back strongly and, although they reduced the deficit, it wasn't enough as the home State collected maximum points to keep themselves in the hunt for a medal. Other Day Four games saw the Australian Capital Territory go down to Victoria by 0-1, while New South Wales defeated South Australia.

Western Australia came up against Queensland on Thursday in what turned out to be a very entertaining match. After a scrappy and scoreless opening half, things really kicked into life when Victoria took the lead shortly after the re-start. Skillful midfielder Bright put Western Australia back on level terms when the scored from a free-kick, only for Victoria to pick up the tempo and race away to a 3-1 lead with time fast running out for the hosts. But with just four minutes left on the clock big defender Gilchrist pegged a goal back, and deep in stoppage time Igor Arsovski earn his side a point by making it three-all. In the days other action, the Australian Capital Territory accounted for South Australia 3-1 and Queenland toppled New South Wales 4-2.

The previous days' results teed-up a thrilling end to the Schoolboys competition with five of the six states - New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Queensland - in with a very real mathematical chance of taking out top honours. But dreams of a hometown triumph were dashed as Western Australia crashed 0-3 to a New South Wales side which ran away with the game in its final twenty minutes. Queensland accounted for the Australian Capital Territory 3-1, while Victoria recorded a 3-2 win against South Australia. The final couldn't have been much tighter, goal difference required to separate New South Wales and Victoria after they finished level on points with the trophy going to the former.

The 2002 West Australian Schoolboys squad was Colin Gilchrist, Kris Haxton, Nick Ward, Adam Calleja, Damir Kuduzovic (Future Glory), Chris Wylie, Dean Apelgren (Fremantle City), Bryan Hedges, Peter Noiszewski (Sorrento), Dinko Ahmetanovic (Ashfield), Igor Arsovski (Perth S.C.), Chris Hart (Swan I.C.), Jeff Bright (Cockburn City), Alan Mattecucci (Rockingham City), Craig Stewart and John Freeman (clubs unknown). Tony Ratcliffe was coach and Damon Atthowe team manager.

A very stubborn Northern Territory outfit were the first round opponents for the Western Australian Schoolgirls who controlled this match from the opening kick. Ciara Conway and Ashley Kane (twice each) and Gemma Langley all went close to giving the hosts the lead in an entertaining first half only to see their shots either saved by the goalkeeper or skid wide of the target. The deadlock was finally broke minutes into the new half when Kylie Woodfin sent the ball into the back of the net. Brid Dawson, Jessica Pilcher and Conway came close to doubling the margin as Western Australia pressed to kill off the match. The margin was doubled in the 57th minute when Kylie Woodfin's low cross into the area was swept home by Conway, and two minutes later Conway bagged her second when she latched onto a long ball out from the back by Langley. Candice Townsend and Stephanie Grant went unfortunate not to add to the tally before the final whistle. The other opening day matches saw Queensland defeat South Australia 2-1, and Victoria went down to the Australian Capital Territory 0-2.

Monday's round of game was a tough test for five of the seven Schoolgirls teams who played twice in the space of a few hours. Western Australia held tournament favourites New South Wales scoreless for much of the opening half of their clash, but the powerful Blues side went into the break a goal up with a late strike. New South Wales piled on the pressure in the second half and ran away with the match 4-0. South Australia (3-1) and Queensland (7-0) also claimed maximum points from their morning fixtures with the Northern Territory and Victoria respectively.

That afternoon Kylie Woodfin put Western Australia in front against South Australia, who were back on level terms by the half-time break. In what was a superb team perfomance, Western Australia lifted their workrate in the second period to control the match. A superb free-kick by midfielder Ashley Kane put the host State in front, and when Kylie Woodfin scored her second of the match the three points were safely in the bag. New South Wales racked up 15 goals with reply against the Australian Capital Territory, while Northern Territory defeated Victoria 2-0.

The Australian Capital Territory were on the receiving end of another hiding on Day Three of competition, this time Western Australia romping their way to a 9-0 victory. The hosts' were lead by Ciara Conway and Carys Hawkins both netting twice with goals from Kylie Woodfin, Pilcher, Dawson, Ashley Kane and an own goal making up the final score. South Australia bounced back from the previous afternoon's loss with a 4-3 result against Victoria, while New South Wales were surprisingly held to a draw by Queensland.

Round Five of the Schoolgirls competition saw big wins to Queensland (10-0) and New South Wales (11-0) over the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory respectively. Western Australia settled quickly against Victoria before running out winners by 4-2 courtesy of a Townsend double and other goals from Conway and Kane. The hosts could have taken the match out by a greater margin but instead opted to ease off in the second half with the result enough to put them in contention for the silver medal.

Western Australia's hopes of taking out the runners-up position for the fourth consecutive year came to a crashing halt on Thursday afternoon when they were unlucky to go down 0-1 to a strong side from Queensland. New South Wales continued to score seemingly at will, their 6-0 win over South Australia leaving them as a sure bet to clinch their tenth successive trophy. And honours were shared in the days' other fixture which saw the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory contest a one-all draw.

The final day of Schoolgirls action saw Victoria on the receiving end of a 0-12 mauling by New South Wales. Queensland kept the pressure on their southern rivals by defeating the Northern Territory 6-0, while the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia battled out an entertaining 1-1 draw. New South Wales and Queensland finished on equal points at the top of the table after six games, New South Wales awarded the trophy because of their superior goal difference having scored 49 and conceded once over the course of the tournament. Although they had the bye on Friday, Western Australia claimed the bronze medal.

The naming of the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls squads at the closing ceremony resulted in twelve players from the home state being called up for national representation. Goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci, Ward and Apelgren were named in the Australian Schoolboys squad that will travel to the United Kingdom this December. In addition, Bright, Gilchrist and Hedges were included the shadow squad. Kane was the Schoolgirls sole representative in the Schoolgirls squad that will also play in the U.K. at the end of the year, while Stacey Woodfin, Conway, Langley and Pilcher are on stand-by in the shadow squad.

The 2002 West Australian Schoolgirls squad was Ashley Bennett, Gemma Langley (Floreat Athena), Stacey Woodfin, Kylie Woodfin, Catherine Gooding, Lydia Hirst, Laura Turnbull (Queens Park), Stephanie Grant (Albany), Carys Hawkins (Sorrento), Brid Dawson (Murdoch), Helen Bremer (Lynwood), Ciara Conway, Ashley Kane, Jessica Pilcher, Candice Townsend and Megan Jenyns (clubs unknown). Aric Forman was coach of the side with Debbie Konstanantinou the team manager.

16.8.2002

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

With the 2002 Premier League getting down to the business end of the season, Round Seventeen sees several very important match-ups. After a mid-season slump, Western Knights will be keen to take maximum points from their home clash with Perth S.C., while at the National Stadium both Inglewood United and Bassendean Caledonian will be hoping to enhance their hopes of a top five finish. Three very valuable points are also on the line at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento and Swan I.C. go face-to-face.
E.C.U. Joondalup take on Ashfield, while Floreat Athena should account for Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. The Sunday match features Fremantle City and Future Glory at Ken Allan Field.

Saturday sees another round of all-important First Division games with just two points separating the top three clubs. Mandurah City are at home to leaders Stirling Lions, Dianella White Eagles host second-placed Queens Park and Bayswater City have home ground advantage over third-placed Armadale. Stirling Suns take on Morley Windmills at Brian Burke Reserve, Southside United play Canning City, and Leeming Strikers are home against Perth City. There are two games at Kingsway Sporting Complex where Wanneroo City take on South West Phoenix, and Kingsway Olympic play Balcatta. Rockingham City have the bye.

15.8.2002

CONFIDENT BULLOCH HEADS TO SCOTLAND

Currently trying his luck in the United Kingdom is E.C.U. Joondalup's flying left wingback Scott Bulloch. The teenager, who turned eighteen this week, headed to England several weeks ago for trials with Charlton Atheltic and Preston North End and, although he made an impression at both clubs, Bulloch is yet to land a contract. But the State Under-19 representative is not about to give up on his dreams. "Playing professionally is what I have trained all my life for, and two knock-backs are not going to make me stop following my dreams," he said this week.

"I spent a week at Charlton training with the youth team. Unfortunately I was one of the older boys there so my chances of being signed were limited because clubs are always on the look-out for the younger players. Anyway, I learnt a lot from my time with Charlton such as it's all about yourself - no player will be there to help you, you have to help yourself. I played for the Under-19's against Leyton Orient which we won 2-1, our second goal resulting directly from one of my crosses, but after a week was told I wouldn't be signed."

Next on the agenda was a train trip north to Preston. "At first I trained with the Under-19's squad but, after a couple of days, was invited to train with the reserves and was feeling very confident when they asked me to stay on for a second week. We played a friendly against Dallas - a touring American team - and I came on for the second half with us already three goals down. I played the best game I've had since coming to England, putting in hard tackles and making some good runs down the line before scoring first goal with a header from a corner. But two days later I got the same news as I did at Charlton and was told I was probably better than the youth team players at the club but the reality is that only one or two of these boys will pick up professional contracts."

Despite the knock-backs, Bulloch remains optimistic about his chances in the U.K. "It is a hard business to make it in but you just have to keep working and training hard to get the benefits from it." The 2001 Rookie of the Year recently moved even further north, crossing the border into Scotland where he'll spend time with the club he's supported since birth - Motherwell. "I'm back in my country of birth, Scotland, and can't wait to start trials with the club I have always supported. I am confident going in to this as I have learnt a lot in England and believe I'm a better player for the experience I've gained."

After three weeks abroad, Bulloch said the standard of the youth players in England is nowhere as great as he'd been lead to believe. "The youth players here are not as special as everyone thinks. Some of the boys I've played against have had full-time training for three years and I'm on par or even better than these boys and I only train two nights a week at Joondalup plus my own work at home. It's in the standard of coaching that Australia gets left behind - the coaches here have great techniques and really know how to get the best out of players. And over here players are a lot better mentally prepared - if you come over from Australia with the slightest of doubts they will murder you."

"The only other difference is the pace of the game - it is so much faster in England. It's mostly two or three touches with some great movement off the ball," Bulloch added. "I had to adapt quickly to the speed of things and are now loving every minute of it. I've learnt how to use my body and strength to my advantage and know that if I had to come back to play state league in Perth I would be a much better player after this trip."

15.8.2002

DAVIES RECEIVES AUSTRALIAN CALL-UP

Young Birmingham City goalkeeper Clint Davies has been called-up for the Australian Under-23 national team. Davies, a 19-year-old product of Blues' Academy, will compete in two matches and a training camp in Germany between 2nd and 8th September. The camp is in preparation for the Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Athens in July 2003.

14.8.2002

GLORY TO FACE LOCALS

National Soccer League side Perth Glory kick-off their pre-season campaign with a friendly against First Division outfit Rockingham City at Dowling Street Reserve in Rockingham this Saturday (17th August). It is expected the club will make full use of their squad, including new signing Adrian Caceras and German-born attacker Andre Gumprecht who is currently on trial with the club. The action at Rockingham gets underway from 3.00pm. On Tuesday Glory bring their talents north of the river to the National Stadium where they'll take on Premier League side Inglewood United. This match kicks-off under lights at 7.00pm.

14.8.2002

SCOUTS EYE LOCAL TALENT

A number of Perth youngsters have been catching the eye of scouts from near and far with some sparkling recent performances. 22-year old Cockburn City striker Branimir Mikulic and classy Perth S.C. midfielder Robbie Gaspar have both been offered the opportunity to trial with Malaysian League side Brunei. Unfortunately, the pair are wanted by coach Mike Lyons, formerly with the Saints Academy at Joondalup, for the Kings Cup tournament which gets underway towards the end of September - before the local season is over. Gaspar is believed to have also attracted the interest of National Soccer League side the Melbourne Knights.

Shifting to England, Fremantle City teenager Josh Kamasz, who is currently on trial with Manchester City, has also been offered to try-out with Preston North End. Sorrento centre-half Kevin Murphy is doing well in trials with Sheffield United where he's featured in a number of pre-season friendlies for both the first and reserve teams. And State Under-19 attacker Greg Sharland has found the net on a couple of occasions in trials with Charlton Athletic and is hotly rumoured to be close to inking a deal with the Premier League club.

13.8.2002

JOONDALUP OVER-POWER SWAN ON COLD NIGHT

E.C.U. Joondalup tonight defeated home side Swan I.C. in an entertaining match played in chilly conditions at the Swan Italian Club. Starting with an attacking formation, the visitors made their intentions clear from the outset and were rewarded after 15 minutes when a mesmerizing run by teenager John Higgins saw Jamie Kuzmanovich crash the resulting cross past goalkeeper Corey Hugo. The goal woke up the black-and-whites who picked up the pace and levelled the scores when midfelder Damian Scali switched play to talented youngster Rob Shepheard on the left wing and his cross was lashed home by Justin Hugo from just inside the 18-yard box. A tight finish to half ensued with both teams defending resiliently. Swan's Damian Scali came close to giving the home side the lead but his shot was kept out by a great save from the Joondalup goalkeeper Peter Stewart (right). Five minutes from the break Joondalup re-stored their lead from close range when Abdul Kamara toe-poked Andy Mason's low cross over the line after a superb run from 17-year old Craig Cheesman.

After a brief half-time respite from the chilly night air, the second half started with the visitors continuing where they left off only to be thwarted by some fantastic goalkeeping by Corey Hugo. The home side also created some good attacking moves and drew level when after Damian Scali worked his way into the box where he was brought down, the referee pointing to the spot which Damian Scali converted himself. With the match swinging from one end to the other, Swan were prevented from going in front by some outstanding work from Stewart between the posts for the visitors. Both sides were left with ten men after 80 minutes when Kamara and Justin Everley were dismissed after a physical challenge. Five minutes later and Joondalup bagged what would be the winning goal as Kevin Griffiths' cross from the right was headed in by Cheesman at the far post. However, Swan were not to give up without one last roll of the dice, Tom Shepheard playing a great through ball to Brian Robertson who ran into the box only to push the ball wde with the 'keeper to beat. In the earlier Under-18's game, Joondalup defeated Swan 3-0.

13.8.2002

ARMADALE HAVE TOP FLIGHT AMBITIONS (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Armadale may be one of the minnows of the First Division but they have ambitions to play Premier League soccer. A new clubhouse and new floodlighting has transformed the Alfred Skeet Oval and they are pushing hard for promotion after beating league leaders Stirling Lions 3-2 in the top eight play-offs. With just a handful of games remaining in the First Division season the Reds sit in third place, just two points adrift of the Lions. Craig Anderson, who joined Armadale this season from Cockburn City, got their first goal on Saturday - by going against the set-piece plan devised by coach Billy Russell. "We had intended for Craig to run to the near post in set-pieces situations in an attempt to drag Lions centre half Andy Wright with him," said Russell. "But Craig just stood in the middle for the free kick and beat Andy in the air to score. I was going to get stuck into him after the game - but I thought better of it."

13.8.2002

INJURY THREATENS KALOGERACOS' CAREER (reproduced with permission from the West Coast Bugle)

Former Floreat Athena and Perth Glory striker Vas Kalogeracos has a career-threatening injury that just will not go away. Kalogeracos, who has been playing in the Victorian State Premier League in recent months with Whittlesea Stallions, cannot train and takes two days to recover from the nagging injury to his groin. Steve O'Connor, the Australian Institute of Sport director of coaching in Canberra, has volunteered to come to the strikers rescue and has invited him to attend the A.I.S. doctor in a bid to get to the bottom of the problem.

12.8.2002

BORO'S JONES RETURNS FROM INJURY

Former Bayswater City junior Brad Jones has overcome injury to make his first pre-season appearance for top flight English club Middlesbrough. While a very young 'Boro reserves line-up lost their friendly clash with Harrogate 1-2, Jones was pleased to have seen come through the match without a recurrence of the knee injury which kept him out on the sideslines towards the end of last season. The 20-year old suffered a set-back on his road to recovery when he suffered a calf strain recently. Jones, who last year represented Australia at Under-20 level, made several impressive performances for Middlesbrough's reserves in season 2001/02 which lead to him agreeing to a new two-year contract in March.

11.8.2002

AMATEURS ROUND-UP

The University of W.A. returned to form with a hard fought 4-1 win over Kwinana at Kelly Park in Sunday's round of W.A.A.S.S.A. Premier League fixtures. The game started well for University when, in the 5th minute, Robert Benkovic picked out David Berg at the far post whose header hit the crossbar and Mark D'Ascanio made no mistake from the rebound to put the visitors in front. Down the opposite end Kwinana won possession and Chris Atkins' fine 25-metre drive crashed into the upright before University scrambled the ball to safety. After 20 minutes University's Adam Brett sent Teemu Sihvola away down the left where he beat his opponent and crossed to Benkovic who drilled the ball home from close range. Joe Collins and Sihvola went close to extending the margin before Kwinana fought back strongly late in the half. A bullet-like shot from D'Ascanio early in the new half was blocked by Atkins, and University goalkeeper Shayam Young produced a good save after 55 minutes to keep his side two goals up. Steve Padbury teed-up Sihvola for University's third in which he confidently sidestepped the goalkeeper and calmly steered the ball into the net. Shortly after Kwinana's Andy Willars won a tackle on the edge of the box to drill the ball home and reduce the margin. The visitors responded just two minutes when Collins won the ball on the half way line and played a one-two with Matt Hill before sending the ball to the near post where Sihvola's powerful header made the final score 4-1. "This was a pleasing win in terms of the commitment everyone showed and penetration against a Kwinana side desperate for points," said University coach Kevin Burton after the game. "The passing and work off the ball were the critical success factors." University lost the reserves match with Alex Seed scoring the only goal of the 90 minutes.

It was a bad day at the office for Balga who were comfortably beaten 3-0 by a slick Spearwod Dalmatinac combination at Brian Burke Reserve. The visitors stormed out of the blocks immediately from the kick off and with barely two minutes on the clock took the lead after some neat play on the edge of the penalty area which saw Martin McShane inadvertently deflect a cross past his own goalkeeper. For the next fifteen minutes Dalmatinac peppered the home goal and were unlucky not to add to their tally on three occasions. Balga clawed their way back into the game as Willie Lyall and then Justin Jensen came close to equalising. But some sloppy passing in midfield saw Dalmatinac deliver a knock-out blow, a quick ball over the Balga defence leaving a visiting striker with a simple tap-in. The second half was all one-way traffic with Dalmatinac's dominance eventually hitting their third goal after some comical Balga defending.

Elsewhere, Hamersley Rovers' 3-1 away win over Perth Azzurri keeps them at the top of the table, four points clear of Shamrock Rovers who accounted for Subiaco United by the same score. Forrestfield United went down 0-2 at home to Murdoch University, and E.C.U. Joondalup also lost at home by the same scoreline to Fremantle United.

11.8.2002

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Perth S.C. return to the winners list with goals from Robbie Gaspar, Jamie Coyne, Andres Oliveira (2) and David Onoforo in their 5-0 mauling of Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens. Western Knights appear to have recovered from their mid-season slump after downing Bassendean Caledonian 3-0. Fremantle City and Sorrento played out a nil-all draw, while the points were also shared between Ashfield and Inglewood United where the score was one-all. The clash between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup was postponed at late notice due to a waterlogged pitch. The round concluded on Sunday when Floreat Athena defeated Future Glory 2-1.

Round Nineteen of the First Division season produced losses for the top two sides, Stirling Lions going down 2-3 at home to Armadale, while Queens Park crashed 0-3 at home to Mandurah City. Despite the results, the Lions (41 points) and Queens Park (40) retain first and second spots respectively as Armadale (39) narrow the gap. Raymond Rose bagged a late equaliser for Morley Windmills to earn a 2-2 draw with Bayswater City, and Stirling Suns defeated Dianella White Eagles by 1-0.

11.8.2002

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SIXTEEN (Fremantle City vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater)

After three consecutive draws, Perth S.C. were keen to get back on the winning track when they hosted Cockburn City in Saturday's round of Premier League fixtures. After weathering an initial onslaught from the visitors, it was Perth that settled the quick and created the better of the early opportunities. Robbie Gaspar came close to putting Perth in front after 3 minutes when the midfielder beat goalkeeper Dino Pacella with a pile-driver unleashed from 17-metres which came back into play off the base of the up-right. Six minutes later Andres Oliveira ran a short corner into the 18-yard box where he was dispossessed by a defender, the loose ball rolled to Gaspar who this time made no mistake in slamming it through a crowded area and out of reach of Pacella to make it one-nil. The visitors were lucky no to find themselves another goal behind when David Onoforo ran onto a good ball played over the defence but he was denied by the alert Pacella who was quick off his line to block the shot before Boza Erakovic swept the bouncing ball to safety.

The visitors first genuine shot on goal came after 17 minutes when Branimir Mikulic's free-kick ricocheted off the defensive wall to Domenic De Felice whose first time volley was comfortably saved by Robert Scarparolo. Slowly but surely Cockburn started to find their rhythm, stringing together some good attacking moves which started in midfield where Shane McNally and Joshua Pescud began to take control. Scarparolo prevented Mikulic from levelling the scores in the 26th minute when he dived low to his left to save the big striker's penalty that was awarded when Aaron Cole hauled down Christian Paschewitz. Shortly after Scarparolo was again at his best, this time keeping out a vicious curling shot from 18-metres by Mikulic. And when Dusan Macura went on a weaving run after 37 minutes that took him past several defenders only to find the side netting, it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors would equalise. But Perth responded immediately with a devastating counter-attacking play, Todd Howarth's low centring ball from the left finding Jamie Coyne with enough time to pick his spot and send the home side into the break with a two goal lead.

The second half was five minutes old when Oliveria manoeuvred onto a pass from Onoforo before slamming it into the net after Pacella had been caught flat-footed with his defence waiting for a non-existent offside flag. The home side continued to press forward to create a succession of scoring opportunities that saw Stephen Willey shoot wide after a fine run, some desperate defending denied Oliveira his second, and Coyne headed a corner narrowly over the crossbar. Cockburn's only chance of the period came when De Felice played the ball low into the area from the left, Mikulic scuffed his shot and Paschewitz skied it over the bar much to his disappointment. With much of the play now taking place in Perth's attacking half, it came as no surprise when the margin was extended on the hour when Howarth's low ball to the near post was skilfully flicked it into the roof of the net by Onoforo.

Four goals up, Perth now eased off the pace and Cockburn accordingly came back into the match. Paschewitz managed to evade several challenges as he raced into the area in the 66th minute but the striker was unable to get clear sight of goal before the ball was cleared from under his feet. Mikulic curled a free-kick around the wall but over the bar, and Scarparolo's reflexes were tested with an explosive rising shot from De Felice. Nine minutes from full-time Oliveira capped an eye-catching performance with is second goal, robbing Erakovic of possession to net for the sixteenth time this season. Gaspar and substitute Adam Bunce both came close to adding to Perth's tally but they'd have to be content with a 5-0 result which keeps the pressure on League leaders Floreat Athena. Gaspar proved to be the driving force behind the win with a non-stop performance in midfield and there were also telling contributions from Willey and Howarth. For Cockburn Mikulic kept the home defence on their toes while De Felice impressed on the right wing.

Perth S.C. : Robert Scarparolo, Steve Willey, Aaron Cole (Michael Icanovski 81), Dino Djulbic, Todd Howarth, Robbie Puca (Adam Bunce 63), Jamie Coyne (Rob Giorgi 63), Mark Pottier, Robbie Gaspar, David Onoforo, Andres Oliveira
Cockburn City : Dino Pacella, Dusan Macura, Boza Erakovic, Dean Wallace, Paul Wright (Roberto Colalillo 72), Domenic De Felice, Joshua Pescud, Shane McNally (Peter Petkovic 63), Peter Vukmirovic, Christian Paschewitz, Branimir Mikulic
Referee : Steve Muldoon
Cautions : Cole (79)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 200 (approx.)

Fremantle City and Sorrento managed to frustrate their fans by battling out a scoreless draw at Ken Allen Reserve on Saturday. The match had everything else fans came to see - passion, commitment and controversy - but the impotent attack forces left a lot to be desired. Sorrento started the better on the slippery surface with Lee Burns teeing up Gareth Phillips after 4 minutes but his volley was just over the bar. The home team's first opening came on 15 minutes when Anthony Pereira turned his marker and fired in one swift movement, Gareth Deeg blocked the shot and Daniel Trim sent the rebound back into the danger area where Dom Ando was unlucky not to get a decisive touch. Neither team could come to terms with the conditions, or their opposition, and a mid-field gridlock ensured. The first controversial incident arrived after 33 minutes when referee Derek Minnett red carded Cesare De Bartolo for hand ball. The resulting free-kick by Tony Cumace hit the wall and Jared Love fired the loose ball over Robert Zabica's bar. Four minutes later a Fremantle free-kick taken by Alex Cummings snuck under the wall but Deeg gathered safely. It was a much brighter start to the second half with John Mirco testing Deeg, and two minutes later Jared Love's shot from an angle skimmed the cross bar with Zabica struggling. Cisco Jorquiera was lucky to remain on the field after a late challenge on Burn's which saw him replaced by David Colegate. In the 74th minute Cumace sent Love down the right who squared the ball to the recently introduced Shane Crampton but Zabica blocked as he pulled the trigger. Sorrento's best move of the afternoon came when Cumace went down the right, Crampton headed on his near post cross into the path of Craig Wells but he blasted over. Pereira came close to breaking the deadlock nine minutes from full-time when he tried his luck from 25 metres only for his volley scrape the wrong side of the up-right. That was the last of any noteworthy action as the match petered out to very tame end.

Western Knights consolidated third place on the Premier League table with a comfortable 3-0 away win over Bassendean Caledonian. The visitors took the lead in the 5th minute when Claus Nielsen's long range free-kick eluded goalkeeper Alan Dunlop and came to rest in the back of his net. While both sides created some good opportunities over the course of the opening half, they were also wasteful in the finishing department with no additional to the score before the interval. The Knights doubled their lead through Evan Wallace who toe-poked the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble after 75 minutes. And three minutes later the match was put beyond the reach of Caledonian when Eugene Singeorzan was needlessly brought down inside the area and Carl Medica converted the resulting spot-kick for a final 3-0 scoreline.

Ashfield were just moments away from recording their second win of the home-and-away campaign when they hosted Inglewood United, who were without State Under-19 goalkeeper Oliver Taseski, at Ashfield Reserve. The home side took a surprise lead after 15 minutes via a well-rehearsed free-kick, Martin Sherwin rolling the dead ball to Karl Atley whose explosive shot rocketed in the back of the net much to the joy of coach Tom Kilkelly. With neither side able to convert their chances as the full-time whistle approached, Inglewood eventually got back on level terms with the very last play of the match. The equaliser arrived four minutes into stoppage time when Ryan Fredericks popped up inside the area with a valuable header that left the home side ruing what might have been.

Floreat Athena never looked in danger when they hosted Future Glory in the Sunday fixture. With an entertaining first half looking destined to end scoreless, Ryan Newhill broke the deadlock when he rose above a static defence to head in his twelfth goal of the campaign from James Afkos' 41st minute free-kick. Afkos again was the inspiration for Athena six minutes after the interval when his cross from wide on the right was moved on to Costas Socratous at the far post who had time to pick his spot and make it 2-0. But the two-goal lead lasted just a couple of minutes, Future's Shaun Kilkelly laying the ball off to Peter Lord who advanced on the defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 22-metres which flew past John Xigas on it's way into the top corner of his net. The home side were denied a third goal by Future custodian Michael Basilio who kept out Socratous' 65th minute strike, and four minutes from the end Anthony Jones' was unlucky to send his header over the bar after an excellent cross from Kosta Kalavrouziotis. Future pressed hard for a late equaliser and Miki Vujacic looked to have found it from long-range only for his shot to be comfortably saved by Xigas.

The match at the Swan Italian Club between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup didn't kick-off after it the playing surface was deemed waterlogged and unsuitable to play on. The fixture will be played on Tuesday evening.

11.8.2002

RESERVES AND UNDER-18'S ROUND-UP

Sorrento started their away reserves clash with Fremantle City by conceding a penalty that was successfully converted by Michael Vaz, who added another goal before the break as the port side went in with a two-goal buffer. Four minutes into the new half Michael Stefanovski got Sorrento back into the match, but shortly after Joe Woodin was dismissed for dissent following a melee after Fremantle were awarded a penalty. Vaz completed his hat-trick from the spot and Fremantle extended the margin in the 58th minute through Tyrone Fenwick. A tremendous strike by substitute Michael Mirco saw the score blow out to 5-1 after 73 minutes, and two minutes later Craig Wells produced some magic of his own with a wonder goal which rocketed into the top corner of Bobson Koroma's net.

Level on points at the top of the table with Fremantle are Inglewood United who notched up a 2-0 away win over Ashfield where Joe Capone and Adam Gangemi got on the scoresheet. Four goals in as many minutes at the start of the second half set Perth S.C. on their way to an amazing 7-3 victory over Cockburn City, Albert Osei-Tutu (2), Rob Giorgi (2), Vlad Milasinovic (2) and Damien Delaurentis the scorers for the home side. Matt Gow put Bassendean Caledonian ahead with only ten minutes remaining against Western Knights who snuck a point when Stipan Majic netted from the penalty spot with just minutes remaining. A double to Matthew Novatsis enabled Floreat Athena to knock off Future Glory by 2-1, Stjepan Beretovac Future's scorer. The clash between Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup was abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface.

Perth S.C. have gone three points clear at the top of the Under-18's Premier League table after a convincing 5-0 win over the visitors from Cockburn City. On target for the Blues were Cosi Calavaro, Nick Paone, Alen Zilic, Zlatko Babac and Oriano La Palombara. Previous leaders Fremantle City were held to a one-all draw by third-placed Sorrento, Simon Elton-Bott (Fremantle) and Joe Woodin (Sorrento) the scorers. Goals from Paul Vlachou and Rodrigo Agguirre for Floreat Athena were cancelled out as Ben Rogers and Scott Bushby netted for Future Glory in their 2-2 draw. Bassendean Caledonian recorded their first win of the season, 2-1 over Western Knights at Jubilee Reserve. The Caledonian youngsters moved from the bottom of the League table courtesy of goals by Gareth Wright and Alex Tharby, while Andrew Jennings netted for the Knights. Elsehwere, Ashfield defeated Inglewood United 4-3, and the Swan I.C.-E.C.U. Joondalup match was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

10.8.2002

FIRST DIVISION WRAP (Stirling Lions vs Armadale with the assistance of Don Evans and Michael Di Pietro; Morley Windmills vs Bayswater City by Adam Rucci; Balcatta vs Canning City by Phil Unsworth)

With five games remaining, the First Division season is really beginning to hot up after the top two sides lost on the weekend. Playing away from home and knowing that anything less than three points would end their championship hopes, Armadale closed the gap on the leaders with a 3-2 win over Stirling Lions. On a rain-sodden pitch that was more suited to a mud wrestle than a soccer contest both teams came out and gave it their all before a healthy and passionate crowd. The home settled the quicker with Bobbi Klenkovski going close after 8 minutes in an opening half that produced few genuine chances. Against the run of play, Armadale took the lead two minutes from the interval when a free-kick into the dangerzone saw Craig Anderson's near post header hit the back of the net. A Rob Milevski free-kick after 60 minutes hit the post and rebounded into the path of Klenkovski who levelled the scores with a simple tap. Ten minutes later the visitors re-claimed the lead after Lions goalkeeper Steve Grant spilled a corner and Lee Hallams scrambled the ball over the line. The home side responded eight minutes later when a corner from substitute Tomo Nishizawa somehow made it's way through a crowded goalmouth before crossing the line to tie the game up at two-all. Armadale refused to give up the fight and in the 85th minute Gary Murdoch bagged what would be the winning goal much to the delight of the travelling Red army crowd. A long-range effort from Adam Rains after 88 minutes almost snared the Lions a point but it was not to be as Armadale moved to within two points of the Lions, and just one point adrift of second-placed Queens Park. The Reds also took out the reserves meeting with goals from Darren Ingham, Emlyn Whetnall and Steve Tsallis making the final score 3-0. And in a quality Under-18's clash the Lions triumphed by 2-1.

Mandurah City made their way to Coker Park on Saturday for the clash with second placed Queens Park. The home side came out firing on all cylinders, throwing everything at their opponents over the opening twenty minutes only to be held at bay by a solid Mandurah defence which was led by veteran Neil Patten-Williams who was partnered by Steve Adams and Peter Knight. Mandurah opened their account after 23 minutes when the Leagues leading goalscorer Andrew Rennie netted with a fine finish on the turn. While their was not addition to the score before the interval, Mandurah were the more create side only to be let down by a combination of poor finishing and brave defending by the home side. The margin was doubled after 53 minutes by Bobridge, and Rennie got his sixteenth goal of the season on 70 minutes as Mandurah notched up a well-deserved 3-0 victory. In the reserves, Mandurah easily accounted for Queens Park 4-1 with Mikel Sesma scoring a superb hat-trick and Jordan Kissane getting the fourth. The Under-18's match also went the way of the visitors courtesy of Jake Loreto who scored the only goal of the game.

Bayswater City went into their away clash with Morley Windmills brimming with confidence with a spot in the top four on offer. The visitors started with a bang as Andrew O'Neill swung the ball into the area to find Dario Pelliicciotti all alone, the striker making no mistake from close-range to give Bayswater the lead after 5 minutes. Bayswater found themselves in strife when goalkeeper Mathew Saliacus came out of challenge second best, a knee injury ending his afternoon and with no substitute keeper on the bench Bayswater midfielder Willie Herd took his place between the posts. That didn't seem a problem when Gareth Healey's through saw O'Neill double the lead after 34 minutes. Windmills got back int he game two minutes from half time when striker Ray Rose found the net and brought the margin back to a single goal. The visitors dominated after the break with O'Neill then Sal Marrapodi going through one-on-one with the 'keeper who came out on top on both occasions. Bayswater continued to apply pressure to the home defence but were unable to get the finish they so desperately sought from their attacks. A few minutes from full-time and completely against the run of play the home side levelled the score through Steve Keady who made the most of an error by stand-in 'keeper Herd. The reserves match was taken out by Windmills by 4-1, while the Under-18's went to Bayswater 2-1.

Graham Burkett Reserve provided the venue for the