31.8.2005

PATERSON EARNS NATIONAL SCHOOLBOYS SELECTION (by Peter Simcox)

Armadale Soccer Club youngster Scott Paterson has been selected for the Australian Schoolboys squad for the second successive year. After a stand out performance in the recent Nationals Schoolboys Championships in Cairns, Paterson was delighted with his selection but the tournament ended in disappointment when WA missed out on the gold medal. “Yes the boy's and I were disappointed to miss out on the gold, the whole squad performed well in the tournament, but we were unlucky on the last day. We only needed a draw to win gold but lost 1-0 to NSW"

Paterson, who skippered the WA side in the tournament was also voted third best player of the tournament, after all participating states coaches voted after each game. “I was shocked when it was announced, but it’s a huge honour for me personally but it was the whole squad that won the silver medal and I was happy to play my part” Paterson added, “It’s fantastic to play for your Country and again I was shocked when I was selected in the squad. But it’s great for the state that we had five boys selected in the squad too”

The WA Schoolboys team manager Neil Alweyn was delighted for Paterson, "Scotty is an outstanding young player. He was our captain at nationals this year and to be honest was one of the players we built the side around. His aerial ability is outstanding, is strong in the challenge and his work rate is second to none. You will struggle to find a more aggressive young player in the Premier League. Being picked in the Australian Schoolboys team for a second successive year is testament to that, and I personally wish Scotty all the best for Sydney and the UK"

Paterson has become a regular in the Armadale 1st team, and he’s enjoying it at Alfred Skeet Oval. “It’s been brilliant this year, the guys have been great and Peter Murphy has done a great job. The main aim at the start of the season was to stay in the Premier League, and I believe we’ll do that”. Armadale coach Peter Murphy was pleased with Scott’s effort, but said he could do a lot better. “Scott’s a terrific lad, and he’s been consistent this season, but what I’ve seen of him I believe he has a lot more to offer than what he’s producing at the moment. He needs to realise that’s the standard he need to go to too play at the highest level in the game.”

Paterson, who went overseas for trials at Premier League side Chelsea and a number of Scottish sides has ambitions to go back and trial again, but he has goals closer to home. “I’m staying focused for the Australian School boy’s tour in January. We’re playing against England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland Schoolboys sides, and also the Chelsea and Everton academy teams”

29.8.2005

LIONS TURN SEASON AROUND (by Peter Simcox)

Stirling Lions have turned their season around and with Mike Lyons at the helm the club has gone on a run of five undefeated games out of six, and the only loss was a close 2-1 defeat at joint leaders Sorrento.“They are a great bunch of lads at Stirling who have turned things around, and they should take a great deal of credit for that” said Lyons. “A number of the players were playing reserves when I arrived and they have stepped up and we‘ve only conceded 4 goals in the last 6 games”. When asked about the clubs up turn in form Mike was quick with a response. “We had Riste Stefoski who left for Macedonian to get married and since he left we haven’t lost. Me and the guys have nicknamed him “Jinks”, but he’s back in few weeks. Lyons who had a successful spell coaching in Brunei enjoyed the experience “Yes it was great to have the opportunity to coach there. It was different culture, although there are plenty of ex-pats over there. The game in Brunei is different and the players seem to run the game, which I don’t agree with, but it was a great time and I made lots of friends and have some good memories

27.8.2005

GLORY SUNK BY SPENCER STUNNER (by Peter Simcox)

After all the razzmatazz and fanfare the Perth Glory turned in a fizzer, and they didn’t get off to the start they would have hoped for in their opening match of the Hyundai A-League when they were beaten by Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at Members Equity Stadium on Friday night in front of 11,113 supporters. The gun Glory signing Brian Dean made his club debut only a week after arriving from the UK, and started up front alongside Bobby Despotovski and surprise choice Henry Fa’arodo in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with the Mariners missing star striker Nick Mrdja. It was a quiet opening with the Glory guilty of using the long ball tactic to Dean too often, and not having other avenues of attack. The Mariners looked a very compact unit and looked dangerous on the counter attack with Andre Gumprecht pulling the strings in midfield and the lively Tom Pondeljak and Stewart Petrie causing the Glory defence problems. The Glory needed to lift and youngster Billy Celeski was involved in a number of their moves. He crossed in the 12th minute to the unmarked Fa’arodo who fired wide, his cross shot missing everyone and it only needed a touch to score. The Glory should have scored in the 18th minute when Celeski was brought down for a free kick mid way in to the Mariners half. The quick thinking Simon Colosimo fired in his free kick early to the unmarked Dean who headed back into the path of Despotovski at the far post, but some how Despotovski missed from close range with the goal open. The Mariners dominated the rest of the half and Pondeljak was in the thick of the action and was guilty of missing three chances, the best after a corner from Damien Brown found the former Glory star, and his shot was only inches over the bar. Then Matthew Osman was played by Pondeljak and was one on one with Jason Petkovic, who was out quick to block his shot and the ball deflected agonisingly past the post. The Mariners thought they had the lead late in the first half, when Petkovic was lucky to get away with a blunder at his near post when he punched the ball into his own net. However referee Ben Williams ruled Petkovic was impeded and the goal was disallowed. The Glory made a change at the break with Adrian Caceres replacing Fa’arodo and they reshufflled the side.

The second half was a more even affair with the lively Caceres causing problems down the left and Colosimo began to lift in midfield, but they couldn’t break down the Mariners defence, and the crowd was getting restless. Dean seemed to tire as the game went on but he showed he will be a great asset to the Glory. The Mariners looked more determined and battled in numbers closing down the Glory’s space on every occasion. The game looked destined for a 0-0 draw, and it looked like it would need something special to change things. Enter Noel Spencer, he cut inside on the 66th minute and from 20 meters hit a stunning long-range strike which flew back Petkovic into the top right hand corner of the net. It was what the visitors deserved but the Glory still had time to salvage something from the match if they were good enough, and the second half substitute Hiroyuki Ishida began to cause trouble down the right. In the 74th minute great work from Caceres played in Despotovski, his pull back found the unmarked Ishida who looped his shot well over the bar from close range. Glory went close again moments later but Jamie Harnwell’s follow-up effort from a rebounded Deane header was deflected over the bar. A disappointing result for the Glory, but on tonight’s performance the Mariners look very impressive, but its only early days and there’s a long season ahead.

Glory coach Steve McMahon has a lot of work to do with the team and he was disappointed after. “"We didn’t perform as a team…I was very disappointed," he said. "I was disappointed with the way we started. If you start in second gear, it’s difficult to get out of it. I was worried about our team performance and we can play a lot better." But he had some positive words for Deane. "I was pleased with Brian. It was very difficult for him ­ coming off the plane a week ago he battled on and so all credit to him. Now we can say there’s always next week." Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna was obviously delighted at the post match press conference."We were always confident after winning last week (final of Pre-Season Cup against Perth), and I thought we deserved to win tonight," McKinna said, realising the countless near-chances his team created before Spencer netting his peach of a strike. "To come here and get three points is fantastic." "It was a great, overall, team performance, everybody did their part tonight," McKinna enthused. "It could have been two or three nil and needless to say we're pleased to be coming home with three points."

27.8.2005

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY (by Peter Simcox)

It’s as you were in the Premier league after both Perth S.C. and Sorrento continued their winning ways. Perth traveled to Ken Allen Field to face Fremantle City and came away with a 4-1 victory with goals from David Onoforo 2 and Andres Oliveira 2, with Kevin Correia on target for the port side. Sorrento left Frank Drago Reserve with a 2-0 win against a determined Bayswater City, goal scorers for the Gulls were Glen Thomas and Scottish import David McGeown. Western Knights moved into third place with a hard fought 3-2 win at Nash Field against Floreat Athena. On target for the Knights were John Thornley, Claus Nielson and Daniel Trim, and for Athena Eugene Singeorzan, and Branimir Mikulic. Stirling Lions continued their good form under coach Mike Lyons with a 2-1 win against Inglewood United at Macedonia Park. On target for the Lions were Mark Donnelly and Jake Harman, and for United Michael Baczyinski. United had a chance to earn a point late on but Baczyinski missed from the penalty spot. In the relegation battle Armadale proved too good for Swan IC with a 3-0 victory at Alfred Skeet Oval, goals from Sasa Killbarda, Ben Rogers and a Danyal Bennett own goal and ECU Joondalup traveled to Dalmatinac Park and went down 2-1 to Cockburn City. On target for the home side were John Mirco and Joseph Brunetto, Tom Jones netted for Joondaluo.

It’s congratulations to Stuart Currie and Wanneroo City who, after beating South West Phoenix 4-0 in Bunbury, are crowned First Division Champions. The race for second spot took a twist with Balcatta losing 2-0 at Forrestfield, while Mandurah City beat Bassendean Caledonian 3-1. The other game in the top half of the table saw Dianella White Eagles beat Rockingham 4-1. Morley Windmills eased their relegation worries with a 1-0 win over Canning City, Ashfield earned a point in a 1-1 draw at Kingsway Olympic, while Queens Park's 5-1 loss to Stirling Suns means amateur football next season.

26.8.2005

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW (by Peter Simcox)

Joint leaders Perth S.C. and Sorrento are on their travels in Round Nineteen of Premier League fixtures. Perth are away to bottom of the table Fremantle City, while Sorrento are off to Frank Drago Reserve where they face Bayswater City. The relegation dog-fight continues at Alfred Skeet Oval as Armadale welcome Swan I.C. in a match crucial to both clubs chances of top flight survival. E.C.U. Joondalup, who parted company with coach Paul Simmons in mid-week, head to Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City. A rejuvenated Stirling Lions host association Cup finalists Inglewood United. And it's fourth verses fifth at Nash Field where Western Knights meet Floreat Athena.

An away win for Wanneroo City over South West Phoenix will give them the First Division title and a place in next years top flight. Balcatta need to take all three points in order to keep their slender title hopes alive when they visit Forrestfiled United. Mandurah City welcome Bassendean Caledonian to Peelwood Parade. Dianella White Eagles will be looking to bounce back from last week's thrashing when they host Rockingham City. The bottom two meet at Coker Park where Queens Park welcome Stirling Suns, and Kingsway Olympic will be desperate for the points at home to Ashfield. Morley Windmills are home to Canning City, and out of action due to the bye are Gosnells City.

26.8.2005

GLORY SUNK BY SPENCER STUNNER (by Peter Simcox)

Perth Glory didn't make the A-League start they would have liked after being beaten 0-1 by Central Coast Mariners at Members Equity Stadium in front of 11,113 supporters this evening. There wasn't a great deal to excite the home crowd during the opening stages in which Glory's reliance on playing the long ball game failed time and time again. The Mariners looked dangerous going forward with Andre Gumprecht pulling the strings from midfield and Tom Pondeljak and Stewart Petrie keeping the opposing defence on high alert. Bobby Despotovski squandered a golden chance to put Glory ahead in the 18th minute by heading wide from close-range. But other than that it was all one-way traffic with the Mariners dictating the flow of play. Pondeljak fired narrowly high from a corner, and shortly after was thwarted in a one-on-one with Jason Petkovic. A rare error by the Glory custodian just before the break saw him punch the ball into his own net, however, referee Ben Williams came to the rescue by ruling Petkovic had been impeded and disallowed the goal.

The home team came into the game more in the second half with Adrian Caceres causing problems down the left and Colosimo having more influence in the centre of the park. But clear cut chances still eluded Glory as the visiting defence quickly shut down their attacks. It appeared a draw would be the mostly likely outcome when Noel Spencer cut inside slammed a superb drive from 20-metres into the top corner on 66 minutes. Glory almost levelled eight minutes later as Caceres played in Despotovski who pulled the ball back to Hiroyuki Ishida but his close-range effort was disappointing high. Not long after a Brian Deane header was blocked and Jamie Harnwell's follow-up effort was deflected over the crossbar. Post-match, coach Steve McMahon admitted he still a had a lot of work to do to get Glory up to standard. "We didn't perform as a team," he said. "I was disappointed with the way we started. If you start in second gear, it's difficult to get out of it. I'm worried about our overall performance and know we can play a lot better."

26.8.2005

INJURY SETBACK FOR MRDJA

Central Coast have suffered a setback ahead of their A-League season opener against Perth Glory with key player Nick Mrdja ruled out by injury. The 16-year old striker, who starred on the local scene in spells at Bayswater City and Perth S.C., has succumbed to a knee injury sustained in his side's pre-season Cup final over Glory last weekend. Mariner's coach Lawrie McKinna admitted the loss of Mrdja was a disappointment. "Nick is obviously important to us, and it's a blow to lose him, but how often will you get what is supposed to be your perfect eleven? You just have to make do."

25.8.2005

SIMMONS SHOWN DOOR BY JOONDALUP (by Peter Simcox)

E.C.U. Joondalup has parted company with Paul Simmons just hours after the clubs 0-2 home loss to Stirling Lions. The loss was Joondalup's tenth of the season and saw the club slip to within three points of the relegation zone. "In football it has been, and always will be the same, that when a team is playing well it's the players but when a team is doing bad it's the coach," Simmons said this week. "These are the simple facts. My team performed terrible this season irrespective of the exceptional circumstances that have prevailed from probably Round Five. I was disappointed to have had my contract terminated as it came at a bad time with only four games to go. I have no doubt that the lads, no matter who steers them, will get the four points needed to stay in the top flight."

Simmons has experienced difficult times previously at Joondalup but, by his own assessment, they just don't compare with the problems thrown his way this year. "The season we have had has been the worst I have ever experienced as a player or as a coach, and I firmly believe that even the big man upstairs couldn't have done much," he commented. "For a period of six weeks we had between four and nine first team players missing, and no side in this league can counter that. I wouldn't wish this sort of season on any coach - it was unmanageable." Following Simmons' departure, former State team boss Eric Williams has been handed the coaching reigns until the end of the season.

Joondalup president Steve Wheatley thanked Simmons for all his hard work over the years. "The club would like to put on record their thanks to 'Geordie' for all his years of work and commitment to the club. Unfortunately results this season have not met the clubs expectations and we now find ourselves in a relegation battle. The club felt that with four games left to secure our Premier league status something needed to be done and as is the way with football the coach usually carries the can. I have spoken to Paul and expressed my wish for him to remain involved with Joondalup in an administrative capacity, to use his football knowledge to forward this great club that he was a catalyst in building."

Simmons bring to a close his thirteen year association with the club which he took from playing amateur football to being one of the State's top clubs. His first major trophy capture was the 1996 First Division title, and just two short years later Joondalup were crowned association Cup winners. "But the lasting memory I'll have was when we won the Premier League in 1999," he explained. "It was the last game of the season at Sorrento and we won 2-1 with Carl McDarby and Scott Halpin scoring. It was a day I will never forget." In 2002 Simmons lead the club to a second association Cup, defeating Future Glory 2-1 in the final at Dorrien Gardens.

Simmon's has no immediate plans within the game and will be heading overseas for a well-earned break. "I'm going to Malaysia to meet up with my wife who has been on holiday there for six weeks, she is my soul mate and I have been lost without her," he said. "Who knows what next season has to offer. I have a lot to offer a club and can guarantee the same determination, passion and enthusiasm I have given to Joondalup but we will have to wait and see. I'd like to give a big 'thank you' to a couple of unsung heroes at Joondalup - my assistant Graham Wilson has been a good mate who's looked after the players for as long as I have been there, and also to team manager/physio Willy Hunter."

25.8.2005

WANNEROO ON THE VERGE OF PROMOTION (by Peter Simcox)

Wanneroo City's 9-0 away thrashing of Dianella White Eagles last weekend put the club a matter of points away from claiming a spot in next seasons top flight. The club, who merged with Perth City three years ago, have gone from strength to strength under coach Stuart Currie. While an away win at South West Phoenix on the weekend will all but assure them of the championship Currie asserts that his players' feet remain firmly on the ground. "We have installed a great will to win in the squad this season and having a large squad all the boys are kept on their toes," said the coach. "I have refused to talk about winning the League until it's mathematically possible for us to win it, so perhaps this weekend might just be our day."

"Up until now we are unbeaten away from home in two seasons of First Division football so the chances are pretty good of us getting the result we require this Saturday," Currie added. During the past few seasons Currie has lured some of the state's best young talent to Wanneroo, including State representatives Scott Bulloch and Chris Currie, as well as seasoned campaigners such as Gerry McEwan and Darren Williams to form the backbone of an imposing squad. "Obviously I'm very pleased so far," he said of the season to date. "We were a little unlucky last year to finish second and we really got focused this year. We knew we were good enough but had to find the right blend of youth and experience. The attitude of the boys has been first class, and they have been a pleasure to coach."

21-year old Bulloch was appointed Wanneroo captain for his second season with the club and has repaid the faith placed in him by Currie with an outstanding season. With a handful of games to be played the left sided attacker is amongst the league's leading goalscorer and one of the frontrunners for the First Division Player of the Year award. "The boy has a great attitude and his desire to succeed is amazing for a boy so young," said Currie of his captain. "He has a wealth of experience, hence the reason he is captain when we have a few older players in the squad. Obviously he had a lot of offers other clubs but he made a commitment to Wanneroo and has stuck by his word. Nothing would please me more than to see Scott lift the league winner's trophy this season."

"We've had a number of players who have stood up this season, including Darren Williams, Chris Currie, Phil Bell, Craig Cheesman, Gerry Mcewan, Ben Yates and Phil O'Callaghan. However, this is probably a bit unfair on the rest of the boys as everybody has contributed along the way and given 100%." With promotion only a matter of time, Currie feels Wanneroo will compete strongly in the top flight next year. "The club is on the right track. We have a very healthy junior set up and our youth and reserve teams are both very young. We realise if we get promoted we will need to strengthen the senior squad but we'll worry about that when it happens. We have a great committee at the moment and everybody is really working hard so I'm sure we will have what it takes to stay in the Premier League."

25.8.2005

DESPOTOVSKI RE-ENERGISED BY BONNYRIGG EXPERIENCE (courtesy wwww.a-league.com.au)

Perth Glory should send a thank-you card to New South Wales Premier League side Bonnyrigg White Eagles. Glory's star striker Bobby Despotovski played there during the eighteen-month hiatus of domestic football and it was at Bonnyrigg where he rediscovered the desire to play for Glory once again, this time in the A-League. Following the N.S.L. Championship triumph over Parramatta Power, Despotovski called it quits on national league football. It turned out to be premature though, as Despotovski heeded the pleas from the Glory front office to strut his stuff once again on the hallowed Members Equity Stadium turf.

"When I decided to go to Bonnyrigg, it was up to me to decide (whether to return to Glory) as Glory wanted me back," Despotovski told www.a-league.com.au. "I could stay retired or play, but once I went to Bonnyrigg, that's when I decided to go play for Glory again." Despotovski said that being "match-fit" from his stint in New South Wales put him in good stead for the long pre-season that lay ahead and believes it will extend his career by a "year or two."

Ever since Glory's inaugural season back in 1996, Despotovski has had the envious knack of rattling the back of the net on a consistent basis. Despotovski has been satisfied with his form of late, which included three goals in the pre-season Cup, and again puts it down to his Bonnyrigg experience. "I never let myself go, even in the off-season. I played about seven or eight games for Bonnyrigg and we finished first or second. I was always in touch and practically match fit," Despotovski said. "(After) eighteen months off, I had the advantage on some of the players fitness-wise. (At Glory) I was given different roles than I'm used to (and now) I play more up front. (Coach Steve McMahon) wants me more in the box and on the finishing end."

Despotovski may have been close to his peak during the pre-season, but the same couldn't have been said for most of his teammates when the Glory took on local Premier League sides early on in the training campaign. "We started very slowly, we were not up to scratch fitness wise, we didn't have that many games and we started very slowly against the Premier League teams," he said. "We (also) started a bit slow in the Cup but we picked up our performances later in the tournament. It was a good indication of where we want to be."

Glory have made a couple of important signings during the close season, with central defender David Tarka, right back Jamie Coyne and goalkeeper Jason Petkovic all returning home, but one player who has stood out is left winger Naum Sekulovski. "Naum is such a fine player," said Despotovski. "I really don't understand why he's still in Australia. He's good enough to play overseas but he obviously prefers to play here. He has a good shot and cross as well as good vision. He's one player to watch and will be a good asset to the club."

Despotovski says that you have to get everything right in defence before thinking about the engine room, and he is pleased with the depth and mix of age in a midfield that includes Simon Colosimo, Nick Ward and Billy Celeski as well as Englishman Steve McMahon Jnr and Daniel Vasilevski. "The engine room has to be filled in with quality players, some young and experienced," he said. "Colosimo will run the shop and whoever else plays, will play to their best. Celeski and Ward are similar players who like scoring goals and getting in the box while McMahon and Colosimo can play the holding role. It's a good mixture of youth and experience in midfield."

Northern Ireland youth international Neil Teggart returned back to the United Kingdom just last week after feeling homesick. He was out injured and felt alone in Perth. Although Despotovski was "a little bit surprised" with his decision, he feels for the youngster. "I rate him as a player. He had some other agendas overseas and was a bit lonely, probably homesick. I don't blame him, it is such a long way to come, he was out for a long period and had no support from his family. He is such a young boy, only 20, so it was very difficult."

Finally, Despotovski cast his attention to Friday night's A-League opener against Central Coast Mariners in Perth. The Mariners beat the Glory 1-0 in Gosford last Saturday to win the pre-season Cup but Despotovski believes it will count for nothing come Friday. "They have no mental advantage over us and we now know what we have to do to stop their scoring," he said. "If anything, I think I can say we have the advantage of playing at home, but it will be a tough game and we'll know what we have to do."

24.8.2005

HIDDINK NAMES FULL STRENGTH SQUAD FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has named a full-strength squad for Australia's two-game series against the Solomon Islands next month. With a chance to progress to the next round of FIFA World Cup 2006 qualification at stake, Hiddink has taken no chances. "We have picked our strongest squad, and all the players are desperate to play, play well, and stake their claim for November and beyond," said the coach. "It is vital that we defeat the Solomon Islands because otherwise our world cup dreams will be over." The winner of the home-and away series will earn the right to face the fifth-placed South American nation in November for the final place at Germany 2006.

The Australian squad consists of John Aloisi (Alaves), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City), Brett Emerton, Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Vidmar (NAC Breda), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace), Tim Cahill (Everton), Ahmad Elrich (Fulham), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Mark Schwarzer, Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), Zeljko Kalac (AC Milan), Craig Moore (Newcastle United), Marco Bresciano, Vince Grella (Parma), Jon McKain (Politechnica AEK Timisoara), Sasho Petrovski (Sydney FC), Jason Culina (Twente Enschede) and Josip Skoko (Wigan Athletic).

23.8.2005

WA SCHOOLBOYS EARN SILVER MEDAL IN CAIRNS (by Peter Simcox)

For the second successive year the State Schoolboys have returned from the National Schools Championships with a deserved silver medal. The side went into their final match needing victory over New South Wales to claim top honours, but a 0-1 loss meant the boys from the west coast had top settle for second place. "The boys as a squad were fantastic and we genuinely got top class performances them during the tournament," said team manager Neil Alweyn. "We were in the hunt for the gold medal all week and were only overtaken on the last day. Looking back to the draw with Queensland, we were three minutes away from a gold medal. Unfortunately we couldn't get the result against them and had to face a determined New South Wales side who we needed to beat."

West Australia's strong showing at the tournament also reflected in the selection of several players for the Australian Schoolboy's squad to play New Zealand for the Trans-Tasman Cup. "We were lucky enough to have five boys make the Australian team to play New Zealand in Sydney this October, then tour the United Kingdom in next year," Alweyn added. "Goce Dilevski, Andrew Pomfret, Wesley Ryder, Brendan Ross and Scott Paterson were named in the national squad at the end of the tournament, and Paterson was voted third best player of the tournament by the coaches of participating states. We also had three boys in the Australian shadow squad, namely, Tim De Souza, Lewis Flatt and David Houston."

23.8.2005

MCMAHON BANKING ON FANS' BACKING

With the kick-off to the A-League drawing nearer, Steve McMahon is expecting a bumper home crowd will help give Perth Glory the edge in Friday's opening round fixture against Central Coast Mariners. Throughout the club's history Glory has enjoyed the biggest average attendances and loudest crowds in Australia. McMahon has been in charge for just two games at Members Equity Stadium but he is more than aware that the passionate support in Perth can be a major factor in his team's success.

"Everywhere I have been in Australia, people have spoken about how important the crowd is in Perth," McMahon commented. "We know what the crowds are going to be like here for the Glory games and The Shed in particular will give us a major boost this season. We have the best fans in the country here and the players know just how important that is."

While the opposition Glory will encounter in the new A-League is sure to be much stronger than those in the old national league, McMahon is confident his team will be in contention for the top honours in 2005/06. "Some people seem to have low expectations of us but what they base such opinions on I really don't know," he said. "Perth Glory won the last N.S.L. Championship, we have kept most of the key players from that squad, added some top class footballers and we have just been in the final of the pre-season Cup.

23.8.2005

7-A-SIDE UNDER LIGHTS AT ATHENA (by Peter Simcox)

The Floreat Athena Soccer Club has been granted approval from Football West to hold a 7-a-side soccer tournament UNDER LIGHTS inside the Litis stadium. At this stage, and this is dependant on the number of applications, they have scheduled games for Wednesday nights. They have catered for 12 teams per day but if they get a large number of applications then they would extend to 2 nights a week, probably Tues and Thurs. Playing times will be 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. The season will kick off the week beginning 26 September 2005 and run to the week ending 23 December 2005. There will be a once off registration fee of $40 per team and thereafter each game will cost $50 per team. Each team will consist of a maximum 10 players (7 playing and 3 subs) so costs per player would be $9 for the first week and $5 per player thereafter, assuming that you have 10 registered players. Costs are quite reasonable when compared to the indoor soccer code. Games will be officiated by Football West referees and will consist of 2 x 20 minute halves with a 5 minute half time break. To date the interest has been remarkably strong so they expect quite a few teams to be involved and with such great facilities augers well to a successful event. Bar and catering facilities will also be made available. Please contact the Floreat Athena Soccer Club for further details.

22.8.2005

HISTORY IS NOT A THING OF THE PAST

Western Australian football is not protecting its past, regardless of how good or bad it has been according to Perth freelance writer Richard Kreider. With the A-League hopeful of taking Australian soccer (or new football as it is now called) to greater heights, we must also be wary not to lose sight of the history of the game. "It's all very well planning a future for the game, we must also make sure we chronicle by-gone seasons," said Kreider, a committee member of the WA Football Hall of Fame. "With the increasing use of computers this is especially as associations are becoming increasingly unwilling to print seasonal publications."

"I've even heard about people throwing certain items of interest onto rubbish tips that would make any historian cringe," Kreider added. "The old adage, what is one mans trash is another mans treasure is so true when it comes to sporting artefacts like old newspapers, official correspondence, photographs, programmes and the like. Then there's the incomplete recording of significant events which come back to haunt you in later years. For example, in 1992, German champion side Werder Bremen visited Perth to play a friendly game against the Western Australian State team. Since then there have been people in Germany wanting the match statistics, but it seems they are lost forever, regardless of it happening just thirteen years ago. The printed media report was deficient in that regard."

Kreider has just released his second book, "The Soccerites", which chronicles a raw band of Western Australian footballers (soccer) experiencing an adventure of a lifetime in the winter of 1909. "Fifteen players, together with an officious tour manager and four supporters were the first to take part in a senior Western Australian tour outside of the State at a time when the only mechanical means in or out of WA was by ship," said Kreider. "Their journey took them to New South Wales, Victoria and finally South Australia."

The 256-page publication, the culmination of just under four painstaking years of research and composition, describes the tour in meticulous detail. From the frustrations the British Football Association of Western Australia endured to organise such a trip through to their exhaustive return to Fremantle - some ten games in three States over a 49-day period. "The Soccerites" will officially be launched next Thursday (27th August) at Mount Eliza House in Kings Park. Kreider's first book, "A Soccer Century", is a comprehensive history of association football in Western Australia.

22.8.2005

DEANE ARRIVES

Star striker Brian Deane was unveiled as Perth Glory's major signing this morning, just days out from their opening A-League fixture with Central Coast Mariners. The experienced forward is looking forward to a great new challenge with the Glory and should is sure to prove a massive boost for Steve McMahon's team as they look to start a new era of football in Australia with a bang. "We're pleased he is here, it gives everyone a boost straight away, just his presence alone - as he walks in people see that he is a big lad," McMahon said. "He is a big guy and he is going to cause problems, he's here to do a job, he's not here for a jolly-up, which many people might think is the case, it's not. He is a good pro and has been for many years. He's got a good reputation and he's not going to let that fall by the wayside."

Prior to his first training session at Members Equity Stadium, Deane spoke of his excitement at joining Glory for the A-League kick-off. "For me it's a new challenge, I suppose me and Dwight Yorke are quite well known in the U.K. so from that point of view it will be a good bit of profile for the new league," Deane said. "I have played a lot of high profile games but I am not really sure what to expect from the other teams here so from that point of view it is a challenge, I had other options but I wanted to sample the culture here as well." Glory wil be out to avenge the 0-1 pre-season Cup final loss suffered at the hands of the Mariners when the two sides go head-to-head on Friday.

22.8.2005

GLORY AIM FOR THE TOP (by Peter Simcox)

With the new Hyundai A-League beginning on Fridau, Perth Glory’s head coach Steve McMahon is expecting a bumper home crowd will help give his team the edge in the opening match against the Central Coast Mariners. Throughout the club’s history, the Glory has enjoyed the biggest average attendances and loudest crowds at football matches in Australia. McMahon has been in charge for just two games at Members Equity Stadium in his six months in charge of the Glory but he is more than aware that the passionate support in Perth can be a major factor in his team’s success. "In the Pre-Season Cup we played five games and four of them were away from home. We reached the final and lost by the narrowest of margins. But we will have some big players coming into the team for Friday’s game and we know we can be formidable in front of our home supporters," the former Liverpool and England midfielder said. "Everywhere I have been in Australia, people have spoken about how important the crowd is in Perth. We know what the crowds are going to be like here for the Glory games and The Shed in particular will give us a major boost this season. We have the best fans in the country here and the players know just how important that is."

While the opposition Glory will encounter in the new Hyundai A-League is sure to be much stronger than the teams they faced in the old NSL, McMahon is confident his team will be in contention for the top honours in 2005-2006. Some pundits and commentators (Mr Awaritefe) on the game have suggested that Glory will finish in the lower echelons of the Hyundai A-League but McMahon is not prepared to accept second best. "Some people seem to have low expectations of us but what they base such opinions on I really don’t know," he said. "Perth Glory won the last NSL Championship, we have kept most of the key players from that squad, added some top class footballers and we have just been in the final of the Pre-Season Cup. "After having to deal with numerous injuries in pre-season, the only player we are likely to be missing for the first A-League game is David Tarka, so we have a squad that I believe will be highly competitive this season."

Club top scorer Bobby Despotovski and midfielder Steve McMahon (jnr) will return from suspension on Friday night while club captain Jamie Harnwell has resumed training this week after illness and star striker Brian Deane has also arrived. "With Jamie returning to training and Brian Deane here now everyone is excited about the start of the season and we can’t wait for the kick off against Central Coast on Friday," McMahon added. Perth Glory’s first match in the Hyundai A-League takes place on Friday night at Members Equity Stadium (8pm kick-off). Tickets are available from Ticketmaster on 136 100 or at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

22.8.2005

PATIENCE THE KEY TO A-LEAGUE SUCCESS

Perth Glory chairman Nick Tana is eagerly anticipating the new age in Australian football which kicks-off this Friday with his club's home clash against Central Coast Mariners. Tana has been a driving force behind Glory since their acceptance into the national league in 1995, and has been instrumental in the games' reformation which resulted in the new A-League under the guidance of Football Federation Australia. "When you consider where we've come from, what we've gone through and where we're at now, to say it's exciting would be an understatement," said a clearly enthused Tana. "As Perth Glory we fought hard, and as an individual I've obviously stuck it out longer than others. I believe (the A-League) has taken longer than it should have for a number of political reasons, which I won't go into, but it's here."

Tana might even see some fresh faces in the crowd, courtesy of the A-League's funky new marketing campaign. But would the A-League be happening had it not been for Tana's unprecedented patience, generosity and thick skin? Glory entered the NSL in 1996, about the time crowds began slumping on the back of a mass European exodus of local stars such as Mark Viduka, Zeljko Kalac, Josip Simunic and Craig Foster. Soccer was entering uncharted waters and Glory's success demonstrated that all-encompassing, multicultural clubs could draw and sustain crowds. Had Tana not bankrolled the haemorrhaging Glory, it was doubtful the scattered chain of events leading to the government backed reform process would have unfolded.

"What Perth Glory had created for the previous eight years, everybody in the A-League was fully aware of an in part has either adopted, changed or developed a by-product what we've done," Tana said. "Had we not shown that it can be done, maybe we wouldn't be where we're at now." Tana belives his Glory use-by date has been and gone - and he makes no secret of a desire to sell his 75% share in the club and join the yet-to-be-formed A-League board. There has been little interest, but he is confident things will heat up once the on-field action gets underway. After years of dogfighting with national league heavy hitters, some with their fingers in that many pies it was hard to keep count, Tana does not want to be perceived as having a conflict of interest.

While confident the A-League will succeed, Tana admits to having some concerns. "I don't have concerns with any clubs because, by and large, it's geographical," he said. "Gosford is a strategic location. I think Central Coast can work, but it's probably the most difficult one. My biggest concern is that the football family responds, the football family gives it enough time to make it work. I'd like to think they would give it a season, eleven games. It's not a lot to ask of the football fraternity. At the end of that they have every right to say, 'Unless you change it, we won't return', or 'Yep, you've got us - we'll be there next season'. We've put the framework in place to have a commercially viable national competition and we've got a management structure - both at Glory and the FFA - and a process that will foster confidence. It's now time to come and support. Persevere and bear with us, and if we don't attend to the issue, fine, crucify us. But give every club a chance to get it right."

21.8.2005

FANS SHOULDN'T EXPECT TOO MUCH : TANA

Nick Tana has warned Perth Glory fans to lower their expectations with the new A-League. Tana said Glory's loyal supporters must accept a top-four finish, but promised to make changes should the team fail to make the finals in the inaugural season. "There's got to be a realistic approach to it and in my mind we picture ourselves playing finals football. That is my commitment and from there anything can happen," Tana said. "Will the fans accept anything but a first finish? I'd like to think that they would, providing we deliver quality football."

"While there will be a percentage of fans that only want wins, I believe our approach is realistic and finals football should be sufficient, but obviously we'll always be striving for first position," Tana continued. "If we fail we have to address it, simple as that. If we miss out on finals football then we as Perth Glory have failed, or the league has substantially improved because we've pitched our squad to be in there."

Glory does not have a marquee player, having put together their squad within the $1.5 million salary cap. That's well down on last season's $1.8 million and the astronomical $2.2 million wage bill of 2001/02 - Bernd Stange's last year in charge - when Glory was bundled out of the finals by Melbourne Knights. Tana said Glory might require salary-cap concessions further down the track, along the lines of those of AFL clubs Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans who are permitted to pay 10% above the $6.3 million cap.

20.8.2005

MARINERS TOO GOOD FOR GLORY IN PRE-SEASON FINAL

Central Coast Mariners have taken out the first silverware of the new age in Australian football by defeating Perth Glory 1-0 in the final of the pre-season Cup this afternoon in Gosford. The early tempo was quick with the Mariners carving out the first opportunity through Damien Brown who threaded a neat pass to Nick Mrdja only to have Jason Petkovic come quickly off his line and smother the danger after 10 minutes. Matt Horsley opened up the home side in the 28th minute with a fine run down the right but Henry Fa'arodo was unable to connect with the cross. With 37 minutes played the Mariners snatched the lead after Glory failed to deal with the danger posed by a Tom Pondeljak corner and Stewart Petrie forced the ball over the line in the ensuing scramble. Shortly after Petkovic did well to keep out a Pondeljak thunderbolt, while down the other end Nick Ward crashed a curling shot into the crossbar.

Glory piled on the pressure after the interval with Fa'arodo shooting high, then Billy Celeski and Horsley combined well to get behind the defence only to have Alex Wilkinson clear. Noel Spencer tested Petkovic with a header which was destined for the top corner before the 'keeper plucked the ball out of the air. In an effort to crack the game open Steve McMahon introduced Hiroyuki Ishida with little effect. The Mariner's continued their search for further goals Wilkinson who worked his way to the byeline but his cutback was pushed out for a corner. The game ended in little joy for Glory as Bobby Despotovski's speculative effort from 25-metres not causing concern for goalkeeper John Crawley in the closing minutes.

20.8.2005

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY (by Peter Simcox)

It’s as you were in the Premier League with the top two sides Perth S.C. and Sorrento both recording convincing victories in round 18. Perth beat traditional rivals Bayswater City 7-2 at Dorrien Gardens, Onoforo 3, Icanovski, Djulbic, Naglieri, and Puca on target for Perth and Fraser and Klenkoski for Bayswater. Sorrento kept pace with Perth with a 4-1 victory against relegation threatened Armadale at Percy Dolye Reserve, Harland 3, Harnwell on target for the Gulls and Rogers on target for Armadale. There were more twists in the battle for Premier League survival with both Swan IC and Stirling Lions earning vital victories. Swans jumped out to a 3-0 lead with goals from Scali, Catalano, and Foster, but the Knights hit back with a brace from Thornley, but the Swans hung on to take the points. Stirling Lions won the relegation “six pointer” against ECU Joondalup at the ECU Arena, with goals from Harman and Griffiths enough for the Lions to pull 4 points clear of the relegation zone. Bottom of the table Fremantle City were defeated 4-1 by Inglewood United at the Kiev Sports Ground, Broxton, Kilkelly, Osei-Tutu, Dendle on target for United and Barrera scoring Fremantle’s consolation goal. The final game saw Floreat Athena beat Cockburn City 1-0, Mikulic the scorer

First Division leader Wanneroo City thrashed Dianella White Eagles away from home 9-0 to move nine points clear, while Balcatta scored late to earn a 2-2 draw at Bassendean Caledonian. Mandurah City won in a high scoring game against Forrestfield United 4-3 at Peelwood Parade, and Rockingham City won 3-2 at home against South West Phoenix. Gosnells City left the Willeton Sportsman Club with the points after a 4-2 victory against Canning City, and Morley Windmills beat Queens Park 3-1 at Coker Park. The Stirling Suns home clash with Kingsway Olympic was postponed and Ashfield had the bye.

19.8.2005

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

It seems Perth S.C. and Sorrento will go game-for-game in the race to be crowned 2005 Premier League champion. Perth should take maximum points when traditional rival Bayswater City call by Dorrien Gardens, while Sorrento are tipped to defeat Armadale at Percy Doyle Reserve. Floreat Athena play Cockburn City at Litis Stadium in a game which has very little riding on the outcome for either club.

Kiev Sports Ground is the venue for the second meeting in seven days between Inglewood United and bottom side Fremantle City. E.C.U. Joondalup welcome Stirling Lions to the far north for a game crucial to both clubs chances of top flight survival. Swan I.C. will find it very difficult to break down the Western Knights defences when they call by the Swan Valley.

The pick of the First Division action takes place at Peelwood Parade where Mandurah City are challenged by Forrestfield United. Rockingham City have slipped off the pace over past months and on Saturday they have home round advantage over South West Phoenix. Title favourite Wanneroo City and second-placed Balcatta are expected to register victories over Dianella White Eagles and Bassendean Caledonian respectively.

Two of the First Division's in-form sides, Canning City and Gosnells City, go head-to-head at Willetton Sportsman Club. Queens Park is expected to provided little resistance for a Morley Windmills side desperately trying to crawl clear of the drop zone. Stirling Suns home clash with Kingsway Olympic has been postponed due to the Suns failure to attend a tribunal hearing during the week. Ashfield will be eagerly watching from the sidelines and hoping results go in their favour.

19.8.2005

TEGGART RELEASED BY GLORY (courtesy Perth Glory)

Former Northern Ireland youth international Neil Teggart has had his contract with Perth Glory terminated by mutual consent. Teggart, who was signed by the club in April, made two pre-season appearances against State League opposition and started in Glory’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of Sydney in May. The striker suffered a thigh injury on returning to training at the beginning of June and decided to return home for rest and recuperation the following month ahead of an expected return to Perth to start rehabilitation.

However, 20-year-old Teggart has decided to stay closer to his family rather than resume his footballing career with Perth Glory. “Neil has told the club that he does not want to return to Perth Glory, and we would not stand in the way of any player who is in that situation,” said coach Steve McMahon. “Obviously, he is a young lad and being so far away from home can be difficult. Since his arrival early this year, the club have tried to support Neil in whatever way we can but it appears that he wants to remain closer to his family and I wish him all the best for the future.” Teggart’s departure leaves the Glory with 19 players

19.8.2005

HALL OF FAME HONOUR FOR LENNIE

Western Australia's high-profile referee, Eddie Lennie, is to be included in the Football Hall of Fame. Lennie, who was the first West Australian to officiate at both the finals of the Olympic Games (1996) and the World Cup (1998), will be honoured at a lavish ceremony at the Novotel Langley Hotel on Saturday, 29th October. The 45-year old retired from refereeing at international level last year but he is still an important cog in Oceania region where he's the FIFA referees' instructor.

Lennie will be one of 26 new inductees into the Football Hall of Fame WA which will also make history at this year's function by including a Hall of Legends category for the first time. Four players who have already been inducted into the Hall of Champions will be elevated to legendary status. They will be the first anywhere in Australia to receive such an honour. This will be the third Football Hall of Fame ceremony since its creation in 1996, WA being the first State in Australia to hold such an event for the sport.

Tickets for the prestigious function, sponsored by Reinforced Concrete Pipes, will cost $100. For that attendees receive a three-course dinner, drinks, entertainment, a highly-prized programme and the chance to obtain some valuable international football memorabilia. Tickets are available be contacting Hall of Fame committee members John O'Connell on 0413 973846 or Barbara Gibson via 0429 943830.

18.8.2005

SCHOOLBOYS IN LINE FOR MEDAL (by Peter Simcox)

The West Australian Schoolboys will return home from the 2006 School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships in Cairns, Queensland, with a medal - the only question is which one? Heading into the final day of competition the State side are locked in the three-way tussle for line honours with New South Wales and Queensland. It just who takes out the gold medal is likely to do down to the wire with West Australia meeting New South Wales in tomorrow's final game of the tournament. "The lads have been great," said manager Neil Alweyn. "We've been creating chances as a team and will need to keep our discipline and focus to beat New South Wales."

West Australia got off to a bright start in the opening days' fixture with South Australia. Their sustained pressure on the opposing defence paid off when Andy Pomfret curled a superb free-kick around the wall and into the top right hand corner on the half hour. The lead was doubled in the 46th minute through Brendan Ross who netted from long-range after good work on the left by Stuart Hesketh. South Australia were back in the match two minutes later via George Paspaliaris from the penalty spot, but resolute defending ensured the west started their campaign with a 2-1 victory. In the days others games, New South Wales defeated the Australian Capital Territory 3-1, and Queensland were 3-1 too good for Victoria.

Day Two of competition pitted the boys from the west coast against the Australian Capital Territory. In hot and humid conditions both sides missed some good early chances before the Territorians punished a poor back pass and Ian Graham lobbed over the advancing goalkeeper Luke Hudson to sent his side into the break with the lead. West Australian came out for the second half with renewed enthusiasm and on the hour equalised after Goce Dilevski's cross from the left was misjudged by the 'keeper and the ball looped into the top corner of the net. Five minutes later Dilevski was dismissed for a second yellow card offence to which West Australia responded by upping their workrate. Ten minutes from the end substitute Wesley Ryder was brought down inside the area and Andy Pomfret netted the decisive goal from the spot. New South Wales and Queensland drew 2-2, and Victoria defeated South Australia 4-2 in the late game.

West Australia remained undefeated after drawing 2-2 with Queensland on Tuesday. Queensland went ahead on 20 minutes when Ramone Close slotted the ball low past Jason O'Byrne. Parity was restored fifteen minutes later as Scott Patterson laid a high ball down to Ryder whose superb volley gave the 'keeper no chance. West Australia thought they had the lead in the 39th minute when David Houston headed in only to have his effort disallowed for a foul on the 'keeper. The intensity lifted after the break and midway through the period the west went ahead after Bettella's shot was parried by the 'keeper and Ryder put away the loose ball from close-range. With three minutes left on the clock Anton Gabath snatched Queensland a share of the points with a well taken goal. In other Day Three games, New South Wales downed Victoria 2-0, and South Australia claimed victory by 2-1 over the Australian Capital Territory.

A 2-0 defeat of Victoria on Day Five put West Australia in the frame to finish the tournament with a deserved medal. The strong Victorian side settled quickly and applied the early pressure only find O'Byrne in superb form between the posts, the young 'keeper producing a string of saves to leave the opposing forwards frustrated. So it was against the run of play that the west took the lead in the 35th minute when Dilevski delivered a pinpoint cross on to the head of Houston who made the most of his opportunity. The second half was much a different story as West Australia kicked into top gear and dominated play. The reward for some excellent football arrived midway through the period when Pomfret converted from the penalty spot for his third goal of the tournament. South Australia beat New South Wales 2-0, and the Australian Capital Territory went down 0-3 to Queensland in the days other games.

18.8.2005

DEPLETED GLORY PREPARE FOR CUP FINAL

Perth Glory are down to the bare bones for this weekend's pre-season Cup final with Central Coast Mariners. Suspension, injury and illness has left coach Steve McMahon with only fifteen players available for the match in Gosford on Sunday. Bobby Despotovski and Steven McMahon junior are out through suspension, captain Jamie Harnwell has chicken pox, while injury has claimed David Tarka (hamstring) and Neil Teggart (thigh).

The trip east gives Daniel Vasilevski and Stuart Young the opportunity to come into the squad after recovering from thigh and heel problems respectively. McMahon is well aware of the task facing his side this weekend and is confident he'll field a stronger line-up when Glory face the Mariners next Friday in the opening round of the A-League season. "Although we are in the final of the pre-season cup and we want to win it the most important thing for Perth Glory is that we have everything right for our first match of the Hyundai A-League on August 26," McMahon said.

"The fact that we play the final against Central Coast Mariners and then host them here is another issue that both clubs could have done without," McMahon added. "But we are not going to be able to field our full-strength team in the final because of injuries and suspensions. We certainly won't be giving any secrets away we will have a totally different set-up when the first game comes about." Regular updates on the pre-season Cup final will be broadcast by 990 Information Radio from 3.30pm (Perth time) on Sunday.

18.8.2005

FOOTBALL RETURNS TO RADIO FREMANTLE

Radio Fremantle's World Football Programme kicks off its' new season this Saturday, 20th August, at 10.00am. The programme, which airs on 107.9fm, will run continue through the summer months and right up to the 2006 World Cup Finals next June. Presenters Penny Tanner-Hoath, Martyn Wells, Albert Nascimento and Mark Caplin share football news, views and interviews from around the globe in a one hour show covering local news and women's football as well as the European and English leagues. Special guest for the World Football Programme first show of the season is Young Matildas and Western Waves coach Alistair Edwards.

17.8.2005

RELEGATION BATTLE HEATS UP

The closing weeks of the Premier League season will decide the fate of a clutch of clubs. With a handful of games to be played five clubs - Fremantle City, Stirling Lions, E.C.U. Joondalup, Armadale and Swan I.C. - find themselves separated by just four points at the foot of the table. This sets the scene for an intense final five rounds of fixtures in which any slip-up could prove fatal as the clubs battle it out to avoid relegation.

There is little doubt the two clubs in the most precarious position are Fremantle City and Stirling Lions who each face sides currently placed in the top half of the table. Fremantle have difficult games against Inglewood United (A), Perth S.C. (H) and Sorrento (A) against whom taking even a single point would be cause for celebration. The outcome of their home meeting with Swan looms as the key to their immediate future before ending the campaign away at Floreat Athena (A).

Stirling's hopes of remaining in the top flight hinge on this weekend's away trip to Joondalup where anything less than victory could spell disaster. After that the road gets extremely bumpy for Stirling whose season ends with a run of four very difficult games against Inglewood (H), Cockburn City (A), Perth (H) and Western Knights (H). A draw from any of those should be considered a bonus with Stirling's best chance of sneaking points being the Round Twenty clash with Cockburn.

Although their schedule is comparatively easier Swan is by no means out of the woods. The black and whites will have to collect points against Armadale (A), Bayswater (H) and Fremantle (A) to remain a fighting chance for top flight football in 2006. These three games are bookended by tough home meetings with the Knights and Inglewood. It's quite probably the Round Twenty-one clash between Swan and Fremantle will go a long way to deciding who will drop down to the First Division.

Unless they have final round stutters, Joondalup and Armadale should be able to pull themselves clear of the drop zone. This weekend the side from the far north are home to Stirling in what really is a 'six pointer' for both clubs. Joondalup are then away to a Cockburn side down on luck and form before challenging the Knights on home soil. There are a few more points up for grabs from their final two games of the winter against Armadale (A) and Bayswater (H).

Armadale will find the going difficult this weekend when they travel to Sorrento but after that the run home is comparatively easier. If they can claim the points over Swan (H) then the outcome of games against Floreat (A), Joondalup (H) and Cockburn may not be so important. While there is no doubting the ability of the Reds squad the question does remain just how will such an inexperienced group of young players will respond to the pressure.

17.8.2005

LAZARIDIS WARNS OF SOCCEROO OVERHAUL

Stan Lazaridis has warned all players in the frame for national team selection need to be "on our toes" with new coach Guus Hiddink. As the Socceroos prepared for their second training session under the Dutch master, Lazaridis acknowledged the national team was on the verge of a major shift in playing style and personnel. "It is very clear what Guus is thinking," Lazaridis said from the team's training camp in the Netherlands. "There are a lot of new, younger faces in the squad. They are very keen to impress the new boss and that has increased the competition for all the players."

Hiddink invited thirty players to attend the Socceroo's training after forgoing the chance to play a friendly against Colombia. It's a move endorsed by the experienced Lazaridis. "I really think it was the best move he could make," the Birmingham City defender said. "I don't think there would have been anything to gain by playing in a friendly, to be honest. Guus and the players will get more from the camp than anything else. It has already shown some benefits. We had a good session the other day with Guus working on our defence, certain drills and patterns of play."

Lazaridis believes the more people keep writing off the Socceroos hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals tournament then the better it will be for the team. "I actually think that is not a bad thing," replying to a question that there is an air of doom and gloom about the the teams chances of qualifying for the Germany. "The reason I say that, is we may have been a little bit over confident in the last campaign, maybe we felt we just had to turn up and we would qualify. I think we play better when there is that pressure and that little bit of doubt about us."

17.8.2005

WAVES IN TRAINING

The squad for Western Waves second season in the national league is taking shape under coach Alistair Edwards. For the past three months Edwards has put twenty-four of the state's best female players through their paces four times week for the opportunity to gain selection in the Waves 18-players squad. The absence of Collette McCallum, Lisa DeVanna, Tal Karp, Hayley Crawford and Sarah Cunningham opens the door for a number of younger players to stake claim in the squad. In related news, the State team will travel to Canberra in late September for the annual National Championship where they'll be captained by Waves defender Tanya Oxtoby.

17.8.2005

ONOFORO SNATCHES LEAD

David Onoforo has come from nowhere to emerge as front-runner for the Golden Boot. Six goals in his past three outings have allowed the Perth S.C. striker to leapfrog Stuart Montgomery and teammate Andreas Oliviera in the race for the leading goalscorer award. Onoforo's golden run has made him clear favourite to take out the annual Golden Boot award. A serious ankle injury has ruled Western Knights marksman Montgomery out of contention, while Oliviera has found goals hard to come by in recent times.

With five games to be played Onoforo leads the way with sixteen goals, just one more than Montomgery and Oliveira. Sorrento attacker Todd Harnwell has eleven goals to his credit and will have to get cracking in order to catch the leaders. Branimir Mikulic (Floreat Athena) and Kevin Correia (Fremantle City) have nine goals each with Jared Love (Sorrento) one behind. A large group of players are gathered on seven goals, namely, Darren Kingston (Armadale), Andrew O'Neill (Bayswater City), Eugene Singeorzan (Floreat), Andre Sarpe (Inglewood United) and Steve McDonald (Sorrento).

The race for the First Division's leading goalscorer trophy is also tight with three players separated by only a few goals. Twenty goals has South West Phoenix striker Steve Suttie three ahead of Scott Bulloch (Wanneroo City) with Christian Paschewitz (Mandurah City) also within striking distance on fifteen goals. Rydeen Botha (Bassendean Caledonian) has so far netted on 13 occasions, David Moschilla (Balcatta) has twelve goals which is one more than teammate Adam Raines. Glenn Hallums (Rockingham City) has ten goals and is followed by Stefan Smiljanic (Dianella White Eagles) and Ryan Jeans (Bassendean) with eight apiece.

16.8.2005

LET'S ALL 'PLAY BY THE RULES' (courtesy Football West)

A fantastic new website has been launched nationally to encourage everyone involved in sport to 'Play by the Rules'. Play by the Rules is a partnership between the Australian Sports Commission and all State and Territory sport/recreation and anti-discrimination agencies. The website www.playbytherules.net.au is full of information that endorses fair and safe play. The WA Football Family recognises that the majority of people involved in sport are ethically responsible but we all need to watch out for the unacceptable behaviour of a few and this website provides a great resource to help us all support fair and safely-run football clubs and associations.

16.8.2005

GLORY SEND S.O.S. FOR DEANE

Perth Glory are hoping Brian Deane will arrive from England in time to join them for Saturday's pre-season Cup final with Central Coast Mariners. The big striker is scheduled to arrive in Perth on Saturday, but coach Steve McMahon remains hopeful Deane can get on an earlier flight and travel with the team to New South Wales. "If he can make it here 24 hours earlier, I'm hopeful, but we shall see what happens," McMahon said.

The Glory coach will be forced to re-shuffle his line-up for the final after suspension claimed two of his number. Although the absence of star striker Bobby Despotovski and midfielder Steve McMahon junior is a setback, McMahon is confident of a strong showing in the series decider. "We've been doing that all season - putting square pegs in round holes and chopping and changing because of injuries and suspensions," he said. "So it's no big deal, we'll have to deal with it."

16.8.2005

INJURY AGAIN CUTS SHORT MONTGOMERY'S SEASON

For the third successive time, Stuart Montgomery's season has come to a premature end because of injury. The Western Knights striker, a front runner for the Golden Boot award, will miss the remainder of the season after snapping ankle ligaments in his club's recent Premier League match with Perth S.C. It's the latest in a series of injuries to plague 27-year old Montgomery who missed seven weeks last year due to a groin problem while a broken leg accounted for his absence at the business end of the 2003 campaign.

"I have been told that it will take six weeks before I can run in a straight line, and another six weeks after that until I can kick a ball," Montgomery explained. "Robbie Puca was ushering the ball out for a throw-in when I jumped up to head the ball back in to play. Unfortunately, I landed in a hole that was off the pitch and rolled my ankle. I had to come off straight away as I knew I'd done some real damage." Montgomery's fifteen goals this season has him level with Andreas Oliviera and just a single goal behind the Premier League's leading scorer David Onoforo, both of Perth.

15.8.2005

SWAN JUNIORS CLAIM FOURTH AT INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Swan I.C. Under-12's finished fourth at last weekend's 3rd Royal Selangor Tiger Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Playing against an international field, Swan were recognised as one of the tournament's best teams after strong performances against two national sides, two national academy teams and a national champion. They showed themselves as being not only a quality team but also great representatives for their club and the wider West Australian football community.

The black-and-whites were unlucky to go down to Royal Selangor in the opening fixture of the tournament. Although Swan dominated the game Selangor bagged the deciding goal with their only meaningful attack for 0-1 scoreline. A Brent Korver header was the only goal in Swan win over Singapore. Requiring just a single point from their final group fixture to qualify for the second phase, Swan held Brazil to a scoreless draw.

The second day's competition kicked off with Swan triumphing 1-0 over Sri Marawa. The only goal of the game came from Nick Olsen in a goalmouth scramble. The Football Academy of Malaysia defeated the back-and-whites 1-0 in a competitive and entertaining game that same day. And a scoreless draw with Bedup, whose team included several players from the Malaysian national youth squad, earned Swan a berth in the semi-finals.

During the course of the tournament Swan's players formed strong friendships with current Malaysian Under-12 champions Bangsar and, as fate would have it, these two sides were pitted against eachother in the round of four. The match was a tough and skilful affair and rated by many as one of the tournament highlights. With the score locked at 0-0 Bangsar eventually went through to the decider courtesy of a penalty shoot-out win.

Penalties were also required in the play-off for third and fourth between Swan and RSL Hautia after neither side was able to breakthrough in regulation time. Hautia claimed third place by out-shooting their opponent from the spot. At the conclusion of the tournament Mong Joon Chung, FIFA vice-president, and Mohamed Bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation, personally congratulated Swan youngster on the quality of their play and their conduct during the tournament.

The Swan Under-12 squad that made the trip to Malaysia was Chris Ambrose, Tait Comley, Jordan Howell (captain), Aaron Kolamandsamy, Brent Korver, Chris Nolan, Nick Olssen, John Ralph and Josh Wheeler. The side was coached by Alan Wheeler with Hugh Korver as team manager. The players and coaching staff would like to thank Ganesh Kolamandsamy for organising the trip and taking on the role of tour manager.

15.8.2005

GIRLS EAR-MARKED AT NATIONALS

The emerging football talents of five West Australian girls were recognised during last month's National Youth Championships in Sydney. Katy Coghlan (Balcatta), Lorian Woolgar (Kingsley), Lillie Billson (Northern Redbacks), Leigh Kelly (Queens Park) and Alycia Panayotou (Subiaco United) were identified as potential future internationals by Football Federation Australia. The quintet were all members of the State Under-16 squad which finished the tournament in seventh place.

14.8.2005

WARD SENDS GLORY INTO CUP FINAL

Perth Glory snapped Sydney FC's eighteen-game unbeaten run to book their place in the final of the pre-season Cup. A stunning stoppage time goal from Nick Ward was all that separated the two sides in an uninspired match at Aussie Stadium this evening. Glory looked marginally the better side in the first half and on 14 minutes Adrian Caceres crossed for Bobby Despotovski who headed disappointingly wide. Three minutes later Terry McFlynn fouled Caceres just outside the box and, after an excellent variation, Hiroyuki Ishida was denied by an excellent tackle from Iain Fyfe. Sydney's only decent opening came on the half hour when Steve Corica turned Simon Colosimo but fired his shot straight at goalkeeper Jason Petkovic. But otherwise there was little for the paltry crowd of 3,423 to get excited about from a game bogged down by tactics, and blighted by sloppy passing, poor touches and a lack of creativity in attack.

This same pattern continued into the second half and it wasn't until the final twenty minutes that the game sparked into life. The introduction of Mark Rudan and David Zdrilic saw Sydney go forward with added impetus with the latter and poking the ball just wide of the post. It was then the turn of Glory substitute Henry Fa'arodo who combined with Naum Sekulovski before forcing a good low save out of Clint Bolton. The deadlock was finally broken in the 91st minute when Ward received the ball from Fa'arodo and went past one defender to drilled an unstoppable shot beyond Bolton's reach. Sydney bombarded their opponents' goal for the remaining four minutes and David Carney almost sent the game into extra time but his touch was not strong enough to beat Petkovic. Glory will meet Central Cost Mariners, who upset Melbourne Victory 3-1 in the other semi-final, in the decider of the official pre-season tournament next weekend.

14.8.2005

WOMEN'S WRAP (Balcatta vs East Fremantle courtesy Balcatta)

Balcatta are though to the final of the association Women's Cup after defeating East Fremantle 2-0 at Graham Burkett Reserve. The home side came out firing on all cylinders and with only 9 minutes played Katy Coghlan laid the ball at the feet of Kylie Chatto who made no mistake in firing it past the goalkeeper. From here on Balcatta dominated through crisp passing which lead to numerous goalscoring opportunities but no further addition to the scoreline. For their part East Fremantle held together well under pressure with their only attempt at goal being saved by the 'keeper. The second half was similar to the first with Balcatta continually threatening when going forward. However, it wasn't until close to the final whistle that their place in the decider was assured when substitute Jeneil D'Annunzio snaring Balcatta's second.

A narrow defeat of Subiaco United at Coker Park earned Queens Park their spot in the final of the association Women's Cup. The games only goal arrived four minutes from half-time when Stacey Woodfin sent the ball past the goalkeeper. Further details of this game weren't forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

14.8.2005

ASSOCIATION CUP, SEMI-FINALS (Fremantle City vs Inglewood United by Peter Simcox)

Inglewood United are through to the association Cup final after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Fremantle City at Ken Allen Field. There were nervous moments in both defences early on as Andre Sarpe went close to putting Inglewood ahead while at the opposite end Rob Colalillo fired wide of the target. Dale Wingell was pulling the strings in midfield for the port side and his superb through ball found Colalillo whose shot could only be parried by Oliver Taseski, and the goalkeeper had to be at his sharpest to keep out Jason Barrera's follow-up shot. The poor condition of the pitch made it difficult for Inglewood to play their usual passing game as moves continually broke down. Fremantle on the other hand looked dangerous going forward and when Barrera darted past a static visiting defence Taseski had to be quick off his line to smother the danger. As the half wore on Inglewood began to get more involved and in the 40th minute were denied strong claims for a penalty by referee Jeremy Oliphant after Greg Sharland was sent tumbling by 'keeper Bobson Kororma. In quick succession Sarpe and Kevin Griffiths went close before a foul on Albert Osei-Tutu did result in a penalty which Louis Parkinson unfortunately sent wide seven minutes from the break.

Fired up by the words of coach Eddy Hodgkinson, Inglewood made a positive start to the new half with Sharland's glancing header flashed narrowly the wrong side of the post. The visiting side didn't have to wait too much longer before hitting the front as a perfectly weighted through ball from Darren Broxton played in Sarpe who slotted past the advancing 'keeper. The momentum was with Inglewood and minutes later Shaun Kilkelly should have done better than fire wide when well position, then Osei-Tutu's shot was cleared off the line by the ever-vigilant Shane Nunes. The port side were presented with a great chacne to get back on level terms when Colalillo seized upon a poor back pass but having rounded Taseski the striker could only shoot in to the side netting from a narrowing angle. The decision to push Jason Godfrey into attack almost paid off immediately with the versatile defender sending a rising shot narrowly high after being sent through by Tom Straker. Fremantle's search for an equaliser was tireless as the minutes ticked down but they could find few ways past Danny Kovacevic and Danny Stoitis who were outstanding at the heart of Inglewood's defence. The final whistle was greeted with loud cheers from the Inglewood quarter who'll make their first Cup final appearance since 1999.

A superb first half performance earned Perth S.C. a 2-0 defeat of Mandurah City and their spot in the final of this year's association Cup. It was a match of contrasting halves at Dorrien Gardens where Perth dominated the opening period while after the break a re-energised Mandurah took the game up to their top flight opponent. Perth made an uneasy start but looked to be finding rhythm when David Onoforo hit the post on 10 minutes. Home nerves were settled just two minutes later as Matt Danksin's cross was flicked on by Robbie Puca to an unmarked Onoforo who picked his spot past goalkeeper Mike Green from 12-metres. Having found top gear Perth strengthened their grip on the game through Mark Pottier whose terrific pass carved open the defence and allowed Antonio Naglieri to crash his first-time shot into the roof of the net after 24 minutes. Naglieri then hit the crossbar after dancing past several challenges and chipping the 'keeper. Up until now there had been little for the large contingent of travelling supporters to get excited about but as the half came to a close Mandurah began to see more of the ball. Their best chance came about from a neat exchange which culminated in Damien Rhodes blazing well over the bar.

Victory could have been secured shortly after the re-start when Danskin won Perth a soft penalty but Onoforo shot low and wide from the spot. Mandurah gained confidence from the miss and were unlucky not to peg a goal back through Gary Attrill who was denied at close-range by Gareth Deeg. Shortly after Michael Bobridge's fierce strike was deflected wide by Michael Icanovski, and from the resultant corner Christian Paschewitz nodded over the bar. The move of the match arrived on 67 minutes when Rhodes and Jake Loreto combined down the left with the latter's brilliant through ball into the path of Bobridge who's goalbound effort was somehow pushed wide by Deeg. The momentum was very much with Mandurah and Deeg again proved the visitors foil with a stunning save which kept Bobridge's curling free-kick out of the top corner. Tempers boiled over eleven minutes from the end following an altercation between Jeff Bright and David Dawson which left referee Steven Gregory with little option but to send off both players. This took the wind out of Mandurah's sails and enabled Perth to re-establish control across the centre of the park. A fierce dipping strike from Gianfranco Circati was well held by Green, while in the final minute desperate defending thwarted Naglieri's attempt to score his side's third goal.

14.8.2005

ASSOCIATION RESERVE AND YOUTH CUP, SEMI-FINALS (Inglewood United vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater; Floreat Athena vs Western Knights courtesy Floreat Athena; Swan I.C. vs Armadale by Peter Simcox; Cockburn City vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater)

Sorrento swept into the final of the association Reserves Cup with a convincing 4-2 defeat of Inglewood United at Ken Allen Reserve. The poor condition of the pitch made life difficult for both sides with the opening stages locked in an arm wrestle for control of midfield. The opening goal arrived in the 25th minute Craig Lewis' volley found the target. Eight minutes into the second half Danny Cain headed in a Dejan Gurovski corner as Sorrento increased their lead. The game was effectively over when Farrell Hedges netted from close-range, and in the 83rd minute David Wimbridge added the Gulls fourth. Inglewood grabbed a couple of consolation goals in the 88th and 90th minutes through Thomas Ions and Morgan Dendle respectively but the result was by this stage already beyond doubt.

Floreat Athena edged Western Knights out of the association Reserves Cup 6-5 on penalties. With the game deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation time Floreat out-shot their opponent to win through the final of the knock-out competition. Floreat enjoyed the better of possession in tight opening half that saw Steven Guest rattled the crossbar from distance, but otherwise there were very few genuine opening created by either team in the opening half. Chris Socratous gave Floreat the upper hand ten minutes after the interval and it looked as his goal would be all that separated the team. But with only minutes remaining the Knights clinched an equaliser after Alex Christie's clever cut back was put away at close-range by John Thornley. The match was then sent into a shoot-out with Peter Sheahan tucking away the decisive spot kick.

Swan I.C. qualified for the final of the association Youth Cup by downing Armadale 2-1 in a tight encounter at Dorrien Gardens. Armadale may have started the day as favourite but quickly found themselves under pressure as the black and whites sought the early advantage. Swan's persistence paid off in the 49th minute when Daniel Grosso scored from the penalty spot following a foul on John Mansarey. Three minutes later Mansarey's shot deflected in off a defender and past goalkeeper Michael Johnson to seemingly booked Swan's place in the final. However, Armadale had other ideas and Tom Kelly set up a tense final few minutes by shooting past Daniel Agudelo in the 76th minute. Armadale worked hard to find a late equaliser but solid defending and the occasional piece of luck allowed Swan to hold on.

A 2-0 defeat of Cockburn City at Ken Allen Reserve booked Sorrento's place in the final of the association Youth Cup. A fired up Sorrento dominated the early exchanges in which Guy McDonald's shot crashed into both posts before being gathered by goalkeeper Tom Langley. The northerners increased possession was rewarded on the half hour when Tony Davies' launched a quick counterattack by releasing Michael Johnson who fed a pass to David Wimbridge who went past three opponents before firing into the net from 14-metres. Sorrento were quickly reminded the game was far from over as Cockburn searched for an equaliser. The new half commenced with Cockburn on the offensive and determined to get back on level terms, but with 73 minutes played the game was out beyond their reach by Tom Cann who tapped in from close-range.

13.8.2005

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Inner city neighbours Inglewood United and Perth S.C. will meet in September’s final of the association Cup. A second half goal from Andre Sarpe secured Inglewood a 1-0 win over home team Fremantle City and booked their place in the season finale. Perth defeated a determined Mandurah City outfit 2-0 at Dorrien Gardens where David Onoforo and Antonio Naglieri scored early in the first half.

As curtain raisers to the main games are the semi-finals of the reserve and Youth association Cups. Floreat Athena take on the Western Knights in the Reserves clash at Dorrien Gardens with Swan I.C. up against Armadale in the Youths. At Ken Allen Reserve, Sorrento meet Inglewood United in the Reserves while Sorrento go head-to-head with high-flying Cockburn City inthe Youths. The kick-off times for all games is First team 3.00pm; Reserves 12.30pm; and Youths 11.00am.

12.8.2005

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW (by Peter Simcox)

It's semi-final time in the 2005 association Cup this Sunday. Knock-out competitions the world wide provide an avenue for minnows to become giant killers as spectators are left riveted to their seats as the on-field drama unfolds. This weekend's encounters have all the hallmarks of classic Cup ties with both games featuring a very clear favourite and an underdog waiting to cause a 'Cupset'.

First Division outfit Mandurah City, who've already claimed the scalps of the Western Knights and Armadale, are pitted against the might of Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens. It'll require a rock solid defensive performance from the likes of Steven Rhodes, Stewart Francis and goalkeeper Mike Green for Mandurah to keep the local scene's most lethal strikeforce at bay. Jordan Rhodes will be pulling the strings from midfield with the duty of banging in the goals falling to Christian Paschewitz and Graeme Matthews, who each netted in the win over the Knights.

Perth snuck into the round of four courtesy of a stoppage time winner over First Division side Balcatta 2-1. Since struggling to victory that afternoon Perth have been in red-hot form and hit fifteen goals in the the past three weeks. The Blues boast a star-studded line-up which includes State representatives Aaron Cole, Antonio Naglieri and Andreas Oliveria, talented youngster David Micevski along with David Onforo, the Premier League's leading goalscorer. The fact Perth are the top flights highest scorers and possess the best defensive record doesn't bode well for Mandurah.

Fremantle City, who currently stump up the Premier League table, host fourth place Inglewood United at Ken Allen Field. Fremantle have shown great improvement since Mark Wingell took over the coaching reigns and booked their place in the semi-final by defeating joint Premier league leader Sorrento. Andy Pomfret, Tim De Souza and and Jason Barrera are rated as among the state's best teenage talent and form the backbone of the side along with seasoned campaigners Craig Surtees, Kevin Correia and Jason Godfrey. Fremantle surprised many by making the Cup final last year and for them to qualify for the deciding again they'll have to be on top of their game come Sunday afternoon.

Few would argue that Inglewood possess one of the league's strongest squads, and a place in the Cup final would be a fitting reward for their efforts this winter. Providing the ammunition from out wide are Kevin Griffiths and Louis Parkinson while up-front Andre Sarpe has been in sensational form of late. Goalkeeper Oliver Taseski underpins a rock solid backline which boasts the considerable talents of Daniel Kovacevic and team captain Shaun Kilkelly. Cup fixtures are a great leveller and should Inglewood let their guard down for even a moment then they expect Fremantle to make them pay.

As curtain raisers to the main games are the semi-finals of the reserve and Youth association Cups. Floreat Athena take on the Western Knights in the Reserves clash at Dorrien Gardens with Swan I.C. up against Armadale in the Youths. At Ken Allen Reserve, Sorrento meet First Division pacesetter Canning City in the Reserves while Sorrento go head-to-head with high-flying Cockburn City inthe Youths. The kick-off times for all games is First team 3.00pm; Reserves 12.30pm; and Youths 11.00am.

12.8.2005

GLORY UNCHANGED FOR SYDNEY

Perth Glory will take an unchanged squad into Sunday's pre-season Cup semi-final with Sydney FC. Coach Steve McMahon has chosen to stay with the same line-up that defeated Newcastle United Jets 2-1 last weekend. Glory will be confident when they take on Sydney who'll be without Dwight Yorke and Sasho Petrovski through international duty while striker David Zdrilic is doubtful due to a back problem. "It should help us that Sydney have a few injuries but we have had four or five injuries most of this year so far," he said. "We have had to put square pegs in round holes but the team have performed well and the win against Newcastle was important for confidence." Glory kick-off against Sydney at 5.00pm (EST) on Sunday at Aussie Stadium.

11.8.2005

RYDER ADDED TO SCHOOLBOYS

Fremantle City's Wesley Ryder has been called up to the State Schoolboys. The lively striker was added to the squad just days before they fly to Queensland and following the withdrawal of Rodrigo Aguirre due to a hamstring injury. "Wesley played for the Schoolboys last year and was a member of the Australian shadow team picked at the end of the tournament," commented team manager Neil Alweyn. "We're very lucky to pick up a player of Wesley's ability at such short notice, he's a proven goalscorer and has the ability to change a game very quickly."

Alweyn feels the current crop of players will do the State proud in Queensland. "Age and leadership are the strengths of this years squad," explained commented. "We're taking a much older team this year in comparison to the last few years, and we're lucky enough to be taking six players who played Schoolboys last year and that will give us a distinct advantage in Cairns. Many of the boys are also playing first team football with all the others regulars for their clubs reserves. Rob Milevski has brought a high level of tactical understanding to the side and there is a real feeling of camaraderie amongst the group.

The 2005 State Schoolboys travel to Cairns this weekend for the School Sport Australia Secondary Soccer Championships. The complete squad is Scott Patterson (Armadale), Jason O'Bryne (Floreat Athena), Tim de Souza, Steve Hesketh, Andrew Pomfret, Wesley Ryder (Fremantle City), Stuart Hartmann, Luke Hudston (E.C.U. Joondalup), Stephen Bettella, Brendan Ross (Perth S.C.), Lewis Flatt, Jesse Higgins, David Houston (Sorrento), Steve Bozinovski, Goce Dilevski (Stirling Lions) and Daniel Simcox (Swan I.C.). The side is coached by Rob Milevski with Neil Alweyn as team manager.

11.8.2005

PERTH AND INGLEWOOD TIPPED FOR CUP GLORY

Perth S.C. will meet Inglewood United in September's association Cup final according to the results of this week's footballwa.net polls. In a landslide result, Perth registered 78.8% of the vote cast in response to 'What will be the outcome of the Cup semi-final at Dorrien Gardens?' And it seems the win will be a comfortable one for the Blues with 66.4% of voters going for Perth to win the game by two goals or more. It was a similar result in our second website poll which asked 'What will be the outcome of the Cup semi-final at Ken Allen Field?' with Inglewood romping home with 74.6% of the count. The most popular scoreline was an Inglewood win by two goals or more which accumulated 36.5%.

10.8.2005

COERVER COACHING ARRIVES IN THE WEST

The world's premier youth coaching program, Coerver Coaching, is now available in Western Australia. Coerver is a coaching program for all levels of youth players (boys and girls) aged 6-16 years which is designed and developed to improve individual players in small-sided groups and games. Through a systematic program Coerver combines a step-by-step coaching techniques with the 'moves' of the world's greatest players to create a unique coaching experience for players and coaches involved in youth football.

Recognised by FIFA, Coerver exposes players to a wide variety of moves and encourages the individual to find those that best work for them to increase ball control and confidence. Coerver's WA coaching programs will include skills clinics and school holiday camps along with a variety of elite squads. Trials will be held in October 2006 for all Coerver programs with school holiday camps north and south of Perth commencing next month. For more information telephone Manny Camara on (08) 9414 3133 or drop an email to info@coervercoachingwa.com.au

10.8.2005

DAVIES SNAPPED UP BY WOKING (courtesy www.tribalfootball.com)

West Australian goalkeeper Clint Davies has signed a one-year deal with Conference outfit Woking. The former Birmingham City apprentice had a loan spell with the Cards in 2003 when he made two appearances. After a successful trial spell at Kingfield, the 22-year old has now agreed terms with the Conference club. Davies, who has also played for Tamworth, Nuneaton and Halifax Town, will compete with former Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper Shwan Jalal for a first-team place.

9.8.2005

LOWY URGES FANS TO EMBRACE A-LEAGUE

Football Federation of Australia chairman Frank Lowy is imploring the country's sporting public to get behind the new A-League competition. "The success of Australian football will depend on the clubs and the support of the clubs," said Lowy at yesterday's official launch of the new competition. "Because no matter what we do or what we did, without it, it just isn't going to work ... We need bumper crowds otherwise what we have done is just not going to work. It's a very crucial time for us, this first season."

FFA chief executive John O'Neill believes the ingredient mix is right for the A-League to succeed. "We were missing financial resources and capital, we've largely overcome that," he said in reference to the old national league. "We were missing the quality of football and you can see from the eight franchises, they have put together extremely good teams and good coaching. We were missing television exposure and we now have Fox Sports as an exclusive and live broadcaster. We were very keen to play in good stadia and right across the eight cities we are playing in very good quality stadia."

8.8.2005

FOXTEL BOOST GLORY JUNIOR PROGRAM

Perth Glory have announced Foxtel Digital as an executive level sponsor for the inaugural A-League season in a deal which will also help local young footballers improve their talent. The broadcaster's sponsorship will see the introduction of Glory's 2005 Foxtel Digital Super Skills Competition, a major initiative which mirrors Glory's commitment to the community.

"We are delighted to welcome Foxtel Digital as executive level sponsors for the coming season," said Glory's commercial manager, Justin Everley. "The Foxtel Digital Super Skills Competition shows that our new partners are committed to the game at grassroots level and hundreds of children in Perth will find this scheme a fun way to improve their talents."

Over the next two weeks Glory players will coach young players from all junior clubs in the Perth metropolitan area in a set of drills to enhance their game. Youngsters from six to fourteen years of age will benefit from the program and clubs will receive an information pack including a poster, scoring sheet, letter and all details needed to complete the competition.

Junior players will be required to practice five set skills - the Bobby 10 Super Shot, the Hiro Speed Juggle, the Colosimo Lofted Pass, the Horsley Speed Dribble and the Harnwell Defensive Header. After practising the skills each club will submit score sheets and five players will be invited to competition in the Grand Final at Members Equity Stadium prior to Glory's home match against Melbourne Victory on 23rd October.

8.8.2005

WIN GIVES SWAN A BOOST

Swan I.C. gave their chances of Premier League survival a major boost by claiming all three points at the expense of E.C.U. Joondalup on the weekend. The importance of the win was self-evident as news filtered through that Stirling Lions and Fremantle City, who are also in contention for the drop, also picked up maximum points. "It was a good win and a very important one as both the teams below us also had a win," said coach Carlo Scali. "That puts us in a better position as we jumped forward two places, even though we are still only four points from the bottom."

Following the 3-0 win over Joondalup the Swan coach had nothing but praise for the defensive quartet of Paul Baczynski, Jonathan Mathers, Danyal Bennett and Trevor Hatton. "Defensively we also all did our jobs and for the second week in a row kept a clean sheet which was very pleasing as this has been one of our weakest areas this year," commented Scali. "It is a shame we have a bye this week as we are playing better than we have for a while, but it does give some of the guys with niggling injuries to recover for the next five weeks. Every game is very important for us now and we must achieve good results to stay up."

It's been a torrid winter for Swan who were hopeful of a strong showing after making the final of the Night Series in pre-season. Inconsistency at both ends of the park has stifled their campaign with the clubs from the Swan Valley registering only five wins from seventeen starts. With five games remaining Fremantle City, Stirling Lions, Joondalup, Armadale and Swan find themselves separated by four points at the foot of the table and locked in a desperate scramble to stay in the top flight.

8.8.2005

ISHIDA TAKES ON AMBASSADOR ROLE (courtesy Perth Glory)

Perth Glory midfielder Hiroyuki Ishida will be helping students in Western Australia fulfil their potential, having taken up the role of Mentor and Ambassador for Murdoch College. Ishida was first involved with Murdoch College through the Glory In The Community scheme when he undertook a coaching session with around thirty students in March. Staff at Murdoch were so impressed with the Japanese star that they invited him to take up the prestigious role of Mentor and Ambassador.

"I am honoured to be asked to represent Murdoch College as a Mentor and Ambassador, " said Ishida of his appointment. "Living in a different country is often a challenge in many ways and hopefully, through my experience of living in different cultures I can help the students at Murdoch College in a variety of ways." The Murdoch Integrated Learning Experiences program is designed to develop self-esteem, confidence, initiative and leadership qualities. The college looks to promote these qualities by engaging students in tasks, activities and clubs which will allow them to develop specific skills under expert guidance.

"As Principal of Murdoch College, I am so delighted to have Hiroyuki Ishida, an outstanding international football player, as a Mentor and Ambassador for Murdoch College," Alan Meney said. "As a genuine International College, committed to enabling the growth of world citizens, it is significant that Hiroyuki and Perth Glory can be so supportive of our students and our College goals. Our students are indeed privileged to be guided by such a talented young man who is a wonderful role model of persistence, perseverance, commitment and success."

7.8.2005

WOMEN'S WRAP (Bassendean Caledonian vs Swan I.C. courtesy Swan I.C.)

A 6-3 defeat of East Fremantle has all but secured a third successive women's Premier League title for Northern Redbacks. With five rounds of fixtures remaining the Redbaks have opened up a nine point lead over second placed Balcatta. Kamilla Ambrozewics gave East Fremantle the perfect start by netting after just 2 minutes, but goals from Tanya Oxtoby, Stephanie Grant and Mickey Lawton saw the visitors go into the break with the upper hand. Within six minute of the restart East Fremantle were back on level terms after rapid-fire goals from Cait Burke and Ambrozewics. Nicola Williams restored the Redbacks lead with victory only assured late in the game after Lawton and Stephanie Grant found the target.

Subiaco United proved little match for Queens Park who ran out 4-1 winners in summery conditions at Rosalie Park. Queens Park dominated the opening exchanges but not matter how hard they tried were unable to find an avenue to goal. All that changed midway through the first half when in a devastating six minute spell they found the net on three occasions. The opener came after 24 minutes and via Stacey Woodfin, the margin was doubled by Amy Thorpe and when A.Ashton added to the scoreline the only question being asked was 'how many?'. Subiaco rallied and it wasn't until four minutes into the second half that Stacey Woodfin added her teams fourth goal. With thirteen minutes left Lauren McCreary bagged what amounted to a consolation goal for the hosts.

Balcatta collected maximum points from their away fixture with Noranda who conceded a 3-0 defeat on forfeit. Having lead the competition at one stage, Balcatta will now fight it out for the runners-up position with Queens Park who are six points behind but with two games in hand.

Mandurah City thumped a ten-player Gosnells City 6-2 when they met at Bortolo Park. It took Mandurah just ten minutes to take full advantage of the extra player as Harriet Talbert's cross was put away by Jiame Carley. The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and found the net a further three times to seemingly put the game beyond doubt before the break. However, Gosnells hit back just before the break with Melissa Spillman netting from a tight angle after going past three defenders, then Jess Sardi brought the gap back to two goals. A surging run down the flank by Talbert saw her zero in on goal and chip to goalkeeper midway through the second half, and a defensive error produced Manurah's six and final goal.

Rosalie Park played host to a 1-1 draw between Subiaco United and Murdoch University. The visiting team began what proved to be an entertaining game positively with Petrina Brewer and Mhairi Jefferies creating some good opportunities from midfield. Hilde Halvorsen and Tash Darlow hit the crossbar for Mandurah while Subiaco's best move saw their striker force an excellent save from Donna Symes. Murdoch twice hit the frame of the goal in the second half before going ahead through Jefferies who made the most of a Halvorsen corner. However, Subiaco equalised with fifteen minutes to go when E.Rose netted from close-range on the counter-attack.

Although depleted by injury, Swan I.C. still had enough in reserve to defeat Bassendean Caledonian 2-1 at Jubilee Reserve. An even opening period was punctuated by Swan going ahead on 20 minutes when Chez Murray converted from the penalty spot after a handball offence. Minutes later Jamie Blake hit the cross bar, then Mel Gardiner's header flashed narrowly high as Swan sought to increase their advantage. The visitors had more luck five minutes from the break as Tarnea Johnson found the target with a fine shot on the turn. Not to be outdone, Bassendean equalised shortly after in a goalmouth scramble. But with neither side able to break through after the break Swan ran out winners by the narrowest of margins.

Beckenham Angels stay six points behind competition leader Mandurah following their 2-0 defeat of Balga at Mills Park Sports Complex. G.Sprong and S.Ronles were Beckenham's scorers. Two goals from M.Norrish and a single by earned University of WA a 3-0 win over Northern Redbacks when they met at McGillivray Oval. And Lynwood Colts went down 1-2 to Rockingham City at Hossack Reserve. Further details of these games weren't forthcoming from any of the participating clubs.

6.8.2005

DESPOTOVSKI SENDS GLORY IN TO LAST FOUR

A goal in each half from Bobby Despotovski secured Perth Glory a 2-1 win against Newcastle United Jets this evening at Member Equity Stadium. The small crowd of 7,098 were given reason for celebration after 11 minutes when Billy Celeski was brought down inside the penalty area by Allan Picken, and Despotovski made no mistake in beating goalkeeper Liam Reddy from the spot. Newcastle went close to equalising but Guy Bates' shot was deflected wide and from the resulting corner Ned Zelic's downward header was held by Jason Petkovic. With 30 minutes played the visitors drew level as Matthew Thompson seized upon a failed clearance by Jamie Coyne which he coolly slide past the advancing 'keeper.

The game took on a more entertaining front in the second half as both sides managed to find more space in their attacking halves. Naum Sekulovski almost put Glory ahead but his dipping free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Reddy. The deciding goal arrived on 62 minutes and via a stunning Despotovski free-kick from just outside the area that gave the 'keeper no chance. Newcastle created a couple of openings late in the piece to snatch a point through Franco Parisi whose first effort was just wide, and five minutes from the end the substitute had a goalbound effort cleared off the lineby Scott Miller. Glory will meet Sydney F.C. in the semi-finals of the pre-season Cup next weekend.

6.8.2005

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Sorrento vs Cockburn City by Kery Slater; Swan I.C. vs E.C.U. Joondalup by Peter Simcox; Floreat Athena vs Stirling Lions by Elliott Leonard)

Perth S.C. took their goal tally to 15 in three games by defeating Western Knights 4-2 at Dorrien Gardens. The game very much lived up to pre-match hype with both teams turning on the style to produce another memorable showdown between two old foes. The home crowd only had to wait 10 minutes before bing given reason to celebrate as Michael Icanovski's volley crashed into the back of the net after ricocheting off the a defender. Five minutes later the margin became two goals as a quickly taken free-kick by Robbie Puca picked out an unmarked David Onoforo who had no problems in slotting past goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. The Knights threatened to get back on level terms on 18 minutes through Stuart Montgomery whose close-range effort was blocked by Gareth Deeg. A great exchange between Antonio Naglieri sends and Andreas Oliveira allowed Puca to play a low cross across the face of goal to Onoforo who neatly tucked it past the 'keeper for Perth's third goal. The match was effectively over as a contest on the half hour when David Micevski sent a high ball to Naglieri who blasted an unstoppable volley over Tomich as the margin threatened to really blow out. Although stunned, the Knights continued to plug away and just before the break Montgomery pegged back a goal by running on to a neat pass from Luka Jukic and lobbing over the advancing 'keeper. The second half was a much more even affair with both defences having to be on top of their game to keep the opposing forwards at bay. While chances were plentiful it took until the 75th minute for David Annal to breach the Perth rearguard with a blistering strike after playing a one-two with John Thornley to open up the defence. This gave the visitors a glimmer hope but despite late chances for Thornley and Andrew Jennings they were unable to further reduce the deficit.

Sorrento kept pace with Perth after a comfortable 3-1 victory over Cockburn City at Percy Doyle Reserve. With the two sides level on points Perth occupy top position courtesy of a superior goal difference over the Gulls with five games left in the regular season. Sorrento have made a habit of starting strongly and this week was no exception as Alan Dunlop was called upon to thwart Todd Harnwell, Simon Harland and Glen Thomas over the opening exchanges. However, there was little the Cockburn custodian could do on the quarter hour when Paul McMullan combined with Danny Cain whose cross from the left found the net via the head of Harnwell. This appeared to shake the complacency out of Cockburn who played themselves back into the game as Gary Faria went close to levelling twice in the space of a minute. As the half came to a close Sorrento re-asserted themselves with McMullan shooting high and Cockburn debutant Stephen Cole clearing a dangerous cross from Jared Love. The second half took some time to get going but once it did it was Sorrento that was doing all the attacking. Love volleyed wide, Harland's shot was blocked by Dunlop and Michael Ord nodded a free-kick high of the crossbar. Sorrento's persistence was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Dave McGeown showed his class with great ball control before firing it into the top corner from 14-metres. Two minutes later it was three-nil as Ord's cross from the right was tapped in by Harnwell. The margin could have been greater as Harnwell placed wide from a McMullan cross, and Harland volleyed high shortly after. With the points safe Sorrento eased off over the closing stages which allowed Liam Lilly to bag a late consolation goal with a terrific low drive from just outside the penalty area in the 87th minute.

Inglewood United defeated a spirited Armadale 5-2 in a highly entertaining match the Kiev Sports Ground. Andre Sarpe, Albert Osei-Tutu and Greg Sharland each tested the reflexes of goalkeeper Nick Stone as the home side settled quickly and went in search of goals. Armadale crafted out several promising moves over the opening exchanges, the best of which required a flying save from Oliver Taseski to keep out Ben Howe's vicious strike. The visitors patience finally paid off on 29 minutes when Ben Rogers received the ball on top of the 18-yard box and danced between two defenders before slotting past Taseski. Parity was restored nine minutes later when Shaun Kilkelly's bullet-like header flashed past the 'keeper from a Sarpe corner. Inglewood could have gone into the break with the advantage but Sharland blasted wide from the penalty spot after Matt Bennion's foul on Sarpe, and a minute from the interval Stone was at full-stretch in keeping out and explosive strike from distance by Daniel Kovacevic. A 66th minute mix-up between Stone and defender Craig Anderson resulted in the latter heading Kevin Griffiths cross into the net to put Inglewood ahead. Within four minutes the margin had increased through Osei-Tutu who edged in front of a defender to slide Griffiths' low cross into the net. And the game was ended as a contest on 77 minutes when Sarpe sent a low, hard shot beyond Stone's reach. Armadale pulled on back through Scott Blackmore who converted from the spot after Dean Apelgren was ruled to have impeded Rogers. Minutes later Blackmore crashed the ball into the post from 17-metres then Christian Alvarez was denied with the follow-up by Taseski. Griffiths snuck in between three defenders and the 'keeper in the final minute to put away Inglewood's fifth of the afternoon from a Sharland through ball.

Swan I.C. earned themselves three valuable points courtesy of a 3-0 defeat of E.C.U. Joondalup at the Swan Italian Club. The black and whites were given the perfect start when, inside the opening minute, a Rob Monterosso delivered an in-swinging cross that was headed in by Tom Shepheard. Tom Jones twice went within inches of restoring parity, initially with a header that flashed just wide and a few minutes Cory Hugo proved his foil following Scott Bushby's through ball. Good opportunities on goal were created by both teams as play flowed from one end of the park to the other. David Foster crashed the ball into the upright before Joondalup scrambled it to safety, and a powerful low strike by John Morton was kept out by Hugo. Peter Stewart produced a fantastic flying save to push Scott Campbell's explosive drive over the crossbar, and in quick succession Morton was denied by the 'keeper and Oliver Hilton blazed high. On the stroke of half-time Swan got the breakthrough they were seeking when Stewart parried Foster's close-range effort and Damian Scali netted the loose ball. Swan came out determined to kill the game off after the break. Scali hit the post and Foster's follow-up was blocked on the line by Jamie Kuzmanovich, then an error by John Morton allowed Scali in only to be thwarted by the 'keeper. The hosts persistence paid dividends on the hour as Jonathan Mathers combined with Foster who whose cross into the area was headed in at close-range by Scali. To their credit Joondalup refused to give up the chase and Anthony Jones would have pegged a goal back if not for the agility of Hugo, while close to the final whistle the Swan 'keeper had to be at his best to keep out a curling Steve Porter free-kick.

Stirling Lions picked up maximum points for the third time in four weeks by toppling Floreat Athena 2-1 at Litis Stadium. The win maintains Stirling's slender advantage over Fremantle City as the two clubs slug it out to stay in the Premier League. The match kicked off with Stirling determined to be the first on the scoreboard and although Daniel Brown found the target after 13 minutes his effort was ruled out for offside. The visitors were quick to get over this setback and minutes later Paul Dickson pumped a long free-kick into the 18-yard box where Aaron McKee flicked the ball on to the back post and Brown fired his side ahead from close-range. That lead was to last just five minutes, however, as Adam Bachiller's cross from the left was brilliantly met by Craig Simpson who volleyed past Aleksander Vrteski from 13-metres. The second half saw Stirling work hard to regain their lead and that's exactly what they did nine minutes after the restart when debutant Craig Aldridge played a long ball over the top of the defence that allowed Leo Harman to race through and power low past goalkeeper Vas Vujacic. A golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt went begging later in the half when Aldridge paid the ball on for Jake Harman whose cut back from the right picked out Brown but the big attacker could only direct his effort wide of the target. Floreat too created a number of good openings which would levelled the game but a failure to make the most of their chances allowed Stirling to claim a much needed victory.

A 2-1 defeat of Bayswater City allowed Fremantle City to keep pace with those side above them in the battle to avoid relegation. Bayswater were full of confidence as they strolled out on to the park and with just 2 minutes gone Stuart Fraser left the home crowd stunned by powering his header past the goalkeeper form a Mark Lee free-kick. The game quickly settled down and developed into an arm wrestle for control with Dom De Felice and Dale Wingell pitting their wits and skills against Francis and Lee. The hosts first clear-cut opportunity was created by Boima Karpeh who expertly shrugged off his marker to sent a dangerous cross in from the left that Bayswater managed to hack to safety. The equaliser came shortly after via a superb Shane Nune free-kick which thundered into the crossbar and midfeilder Dom De Felice was on cue to net from close-range. Fremantle went ahead in the final minute of the half through Roberto Colalillo who dispensed a neat lob over goalkeeper Francis Allen after Jason Barrera's cross took a deflection off a defender. The second half started with Bayswater taking the game up to the home side who stood tall under pressure at the back. Karpeh was heavily involved in Fremantle's most promising attacking moves and looked eager to score against his former club. The port side's best chacne resulted form a Wingell through ball which was expertly control by Karpeh whose superb shot on the turn was somehow kept out by Francis. With ten minutes to go Bayswater were reduced to ten men after Fraser was issued his second yellow card of the afternoon. It wasn't long after that the visitors should have levelled the game through Ross Barnes who amazingly failed to make the most of a simple opportunity at close-range.

6.8.2005

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND SEVENTEEN (Balcatta vs South West Phoenix by Martin Swann; Mandurah City vs Dianella White Eagles courtesy Mandurah City; Gosnells City vs Stirling Suns courtesy Gosnells City; Canning City vs Queens Park by Phil Unsworth; Morley Windmills vs Ashfield courtesy Ashfield)

Going the First Division season without loss remains a very real possibility for Wanneroo City who thumped Forrestfield United 6-1 at Kingsway Sporting Complex. The home side could not have asked for a better start as they raced to a three goals lead inside quarter of an hour. Chris Currie was allowed time and space in which to press forward down the left before unleashing a superb shot that curled into the top corner to make it one-nil. Soon after Craig Cheesman's jinxing run into the 18-yard box drew a foul from the visiting defence and from the spot Scott Bulloch made no mistake. And the margin became three goals with the very next attack in which Scott Radford paddled a Phil O'Callaghan cross into the path of Bulloch who drilled in his second of the day. Forrestfield pulled one back through Glen Noblett who volleyed a fine ball over the defence into the back of the net. But Wanneroo hit back not long after when Ben Yates helped the ball onto Stuart Collins who netted. In the 76th minute Collins set up O'Callaghan who showed great composure in beating the 'keeper for the hosts fifth. And late in the game O'Callaghan completed his sides haul with a fine individual goal.

Balcatta kept the pressure on Wanneroo by defeating a gallant South West Phoenix 3-1 at Graham Burkett Reserve. It took the home team just 5 minutes to get the go ahead goal via an indirect free-kick which Adrian Caloiero touched to Keegan Ashley whose low, hard shot skidded into the net. Phoenix responded by seizing control of the match but despite their increased possession the visitors were unable to open up a passage to goal of their own. Things swung back in Balcatta's favour after the break but they weren't fairing much better than their opponent as David Moschilla twice squandered great chances with only the 'keeper to beat. Phoenix slowly worked their way back into the game and it appeared they'd salvage a draw after Gary Mayers found the target on 73 minutes. Then, against the run of play and just six minutes later, Balcatta regained the upper hand through Toby Wright who scrambled the ball over the line following Alley Di Nuzzo's long throw-in. Phoenix suffered a devastating blow minutes later when Trent Hathway was red carded following a melee. The result was put beyond doubt by Wright who cheekily back-heeled in a pass from Joe Cinquina.

Mandurah City moved into third place by defeating Dianella White Eagles 2-0 at Peelwood Parade. The home team went into this match looking to extend their good home record and came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. Graeme Matthews almost gave them a dream start but sent the ball narrowly wide of the target with only a few minutes gone. It was a pattern that would continue throughout the half with Mandurah continually on the offensive and Dianella limited to only the occasional counter-attack. Just as it appeared the half would end scoreless up stepped Christian Paschewitz to a free-kick which he drilled through the defensive wall and beyond the flaying arms of the goalkeeper from 21-metres. Mandurah, who clearly had one eye on next weekend's Cup semi-final clash with Perth S.C., were so confident of going on with the job that Paschewitz was rested for the second half. The big striker's absence made not one iota difference as the home side continued to dictate terms to a Dianella side that has won just once in the past five weeks. Victory was assured on early in the second half by Gary Attrill who slotted in Mandurah's second of the day following neat work in the build-up by Jordan Rhodes.

A goal in the dying minutes earned Gosnells City a 4-3 win over Stirling Suns at Walter Padbury Reserve. The hosts were quick out of the blocks as debutant Francis Odong put the ball at the feet of John Cassidy who bagged the opening goal with a fine strike from the top of the 18-yard box. On the half hour Stirling drew level via B.Bozinovski, and just eight minutes later they had the lead after a neat exchange of passes sliced through the defence for Gino Comito to tap in. The second half started with Gosnells full of running and again Odong set up Cassidy to score. The game verged on farcical ten minutes in when Stirling were awarded a penalty, but before the spot kick was taken S.Velkovski was dismissed for a second yellow card after abusing a match official, then Bozinovski failed to convert from the spot. Some slick movement of the ball allowed Cassidy to complete his hat-trick with a simple header. Poor defending at a throw-in put the game back on level terms as Tony Lang sent the ball past his own 'keeper. The decider came on 88 minutes via Andy Daffin's deep cross which was poked in from close-range by Ian Maguire.

Canning City extended their late season revival by beating Queens Park 4-0 at Willetton Sports Club. In the past four weeks Canning have scored an amazing sixteen goals while conceding just once to claim maximum points all each occasion. Although by far the dominant side over the opening half, Canning were guilty of failing to capitalise on their chances and the two teams went into the break still on level terms. It wasn't until fifteen minutes after the restart that Canning finally broke through via Simon Versaico who rose highest to nod Mick Van Dongen's corner beyond the goalkeeper. Another perfectly delivered corner fifteen minutes later was laid off by Paul Oliver into the path of Versaico whose deflected shot found the target. Canning were on fire as Oliver delivered a pinpoint free-kick to Mick Van Dongen who slipped a low drive to the right of Jakub Chudy for his teams third goal. The tireless Oliver completed the scoring with a blistering free-kick from 20-metres which he bent around the defensive wall and inside the far post right on the stroke of full-time. Canning's place in next seasons First Division now looks assured with the club in tenth place and five points clear of the drop zone.

Morley Windmills and Ashfield played out a tough, physical 3-3 draw at Wotton Reserve. It was Ashfield who applied much of the early pressure with Muhamed Komaderic headed narrowly over the bar and Wayne Culverwell's goalbound shot seemingly blocked by the hand of a defender. However, Morley were the first on the scoreboard via a speedy counterattack which ended with Scott McIlroy finding the net. But the hosts lead was to be short-lived with the referee awarding a soft penalty for a shirt tug on Culverwell, and Paddy O'Boyle's spot kick ricocheted in off the upright. Shortly before the break Morley went down to ten men after Paul Dundo received his second yellow card in the space of a few minutes. Early in the second half Morley went ahead when Simon Messenger converted from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later Adam Purcell delivered a perfect corner which O'Boyle headed in to bring the side back on level terms. Ashfield looked to have found the winner when Komaderic half-volleyed past the goalkeeper. But with three minutes to go Morley snatched a point through an Adrian McBride free-kick which crashed into defender Kevin Munro and ballooned over Elhossian Etthekis and into the net.

Rockingham City played out a 0-0 draw with Bassendean Caledonian at Dowling Street Reserve. Further details of this match weren't forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

5.8.2005

DEANS GIVES NEW LEAGUE THE THUMBS UP

Former State defender Craig Deans has seen enough of Australian soccer's future to back claims the A-League will be a far superior competition to its predecessor. After many attempts to revitalise the ailing domestic game there were concerns the new eight-team competition would be little more than a rehashed National Soccer League, which had many problems before being wound up last year. But Deans has been impressed with the quality of matches during Newcastle United Jet's pre-season campaign and is inclined to agree with supporters of the A-League concept that it will be a vast improvement on the previous national competition. "Over the last couple of years, the NSL was going backwards pretty rapidly. I think the standard now is heaps better than it was," said Deans. "In the past the there were maybe five or six games that you had to play at your absolute best but I think now it's a case of having to do that every week."

5.8.2005

JOEYS UNDEFEATED IN SOUTH AMERICA

The nation's most talented young players have once again shown they're capable of matching it with South America's finest. A recent trip to Peru by the Australian youth squad produced some encouraging results ahead of the FIFA Under-17 World Championship next month. The Joeys narrowly missing out winning a four-nations tournament against Peru and Ecuador after all six games amazingly ended drawn. Keeping goal for two of the Joeys three games in Peru was West Australian Aleksander Vrteski, who plies his trade locally for Stirling Lions.

The Joeys opened their tour with a scoreless draw against Ecuador on the evening of Sunday 24th July. Although they took the field with just one full day's rest following a 30-hour flight, Australia competed strongly with David Williams and Robbie Kruse going close to scoring in the first half. Ecuador came into the game more after the break as Australia dropped off but, even so, it wasn't until the closing stages that Vrteski, who saw out the full 90 muinutes, was called into action.

Two days later Australia played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Peru, host-nation for the upcoming World Championship. Peru opened the scoring after 37 minutes through Ricardo Campos only to have the Joeys reply within five minutes when Kaz Patafta's free-kick was nodded in by Jamie Cumming. The hosts reclaimed the lead after Javier Carnero's shot from 16-metres deceived Vrteski just before the break. Fifteen minutes from the end Australia scored a deserved equaliser through Matthew Spiranovic's header.

The late withdrawal of Costa Rica from the tournament meant Australia faced Peru for a second time on Thursday, and once again there was nothing to separate the teams with the game ending at 1-1. Peru got off to a flying start as Gianfranco Espejo shot past debutant goalkeeper Daniel Ireland in just the 4th minute. Australia slowly got into rhythm and just before the break Daniel Miller equalised from close-range. Chances came Australia's way to win the game and claim the tournament in the closing stages but they were unable to turn that dominance into a deciding goal.

5.8.2005

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

There was a new twist in the battle for Premier League survival with the bottom three clubs all winning this afternoon. Roberto Colalillo and Dom De Felice earned Fremantle City a 2-1 home win over Bayswater City, while Stirling Lions defeated Floreat Athena 2-1 through goals from Daniel Brown and Leo Harman. E.C.U. Joondalup were sucked into the relegation battle after going down 0-3 at Swan I.C. for whom Damian Scali bagged a double. With five regular season games remaining, five clubs are now separated by just four points near the foot of the table.

The alarm bells are also sounding loud at Armadale who slipped into the drop zone following a 2-5 loss away to Inglewood United. At the opposite end of the table Perth S.C. and Sorrento continued to go game-for-game. David Onoforo took his season tally to sixteen goals with a double in Perth's 4-2 defeat of Western Knights. Two goals from Todd Harnwell helped Sorrento to their thirteenth