29.4.2001

CACERAS CLOSE TO SAINTS DEBUT (by Jeremy Lowe of triballfootball.com)

West Australian Adrian Caceras is expected to soon make his first team debut for Southampton. Caceras can't stop scoring for the Saints reserves team and after scoring two more goals against Coventry in front of manager Stuart Gray it cannot be too long before the Saints boss uses him in the first team. With Jay Lucas joining Southampton next season - and with Scott McDonald in the club's youth set-up - there's every possibility that the Saints' attack in the future will be Aussie lead.

29.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FOUR

Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday was the venue for the top-of-the-table showdown between Sorrento and Perth. The home side went into the game with a hat-trick of 5-2 wins under their belt, and there were more goals on the menu when the trio of Richard Turnbull, Scott McLeod and Stuart Banks passed late fitness tests to take their place in Trevor Morgan's line-up. Perth's secret in the past year and half has been an extremely stable playing roster, the only substantial change to Graham Normanton's starting eleven being 17-year old Gianni Papalia who replaced Robert Scarparolo between the posts.

On a well-manicured pitch bathed in afternoon sunlight, Sorrento came out of the blocks with a bang and threatened to take hold of the game inside the opening few minutes with some elegant passing of the ball. Todd Harnwell looked lively as an out-and-out attacker and in the 6th minute was brought down by Papalia, referee Derek Minett somewhat controversially pointing to the spot only for Ross Greer to hit the penalty hit well wide of the post. Two minutes later Jared Love made amends by beating the defence to a searching cross-field ball to hit a low drive under the body of Papalia from 14-metres which gave Sorrento the lead.

The visitors settled immediately after Love's opener and began to string together some promising attacks of their own. In the 15th minute Robbie Gasper, Robert Giorgi and Boni Botha combined to sent Vince Tana down the flank, his centring ball found Botha but the small striker appeared to have been impeded by a defender and he couldn't make the most of the opportunity. A few minutes later David Onoforo was sent through the middle but Sorrento 'keeper Neil Young proved a worthy opponent and foiled his attempt from close range. Perth's hard work paid off in the 18th minute when Gasper scored what will go down as one of the goals of the season. Onoforo pressured Young to mis-kick his clearance to Gasper who, 22-metres from goal, took a couple of steps before delicately chipping the ball over the retreating 'keeper, over the head of defender Danny Hill on the line and under the crossbar. It really was something special and a goal worthy of many a television replay.

What followed was a period in which neither side controlled play but both carved out a number of goal-scoring opportunities through some ingenious lead-up work. Love stripped Stephen Willey for pace in the 21st minute and lobbed the ball deep into the area, Greer headed it back across the face of goal towards Harnwell and Papalia scarpered off his line to cut out the danger. Two minutes later Gasper broke free to loop the ball into the box where it landed on the head of Onoforo, but his attempt flew straight to Young. The clearest chance came after 29 minutes, Harnwell found Richard Turnbull out wide and his first time cross picked out Glenn Thomas who scooped the ball over from close-range.

After half an hours' play Perth looked the more comfortable side, building their attacks slowly from the back and in no apparent rush to get forward. In the centre of the park it was Gasper and Jamie Coyne that were running the show, while Onoforo was especially dangerous when taking on the opposing defence. Sorrento's main forward thrust was coming from out wide, particularly the right where Turnbull and Love were functioning like a well-oiled machine. Harnwell was causing concern for the visiting back- three of Craig Naven, Perry Ielati and Aaron Cole, but in general they presented Sorrento with few opportunities.

As the opening 45 minutes came to a close it was the home side that picked up the pace. A Love corner was sent goalward by McLeod but somehow Papalia kept his powerful header out. Shortly after Love was involved again when he sped onto a long clearance and was squeezed off the ball by Willey and Naven inside the area, referee Minett awarding Sorrento what was a very soft penalty indeed. This time it was Michael Garcia that stepped up and confidently sent Papalia the wrong way to give the home side the lead just a minute from the interval.

The start of the second half got underway with the visitors directing traffic. Two minutes in and Young made a courageous smothering save at the feet Cole when he got forward quickly after the ball was turned over in the middle. Next Gasper found Willey out wide and his angled shot rocketed the wrong side of the post. Perth were going forward in waves and had their opponents well and truly on the back foot only to find the Sorrento players up to the task. But in the 50th minute they were caught ball-watching when Gapser's free-kick from just outside the area on the right bobbled to Onoforo who had all the time in the world to side-foot it past Young from close range. It was a momentary lapse in concentration in the heart of Sorrento's and against a side like Perth you are always going to get punished for such errors.

Perth continued to press forward and there was little their opponents could do but defend en-masse. Tana found Giorgi who skilfully turned an opponent before unleashing a blistering shot which Young parried, Onoforo pounced on the loose ball but took too long to shoot and the 'keeper scrambled back into position. Just after the hour mark Willey's cross flicked the head of a defender and landed in the path of the on-rushing Tana whose explosive from the top of the area flew narrowly over the top. Some frustrations were starting to creep into the game from players on both sides, and matters were not helped by some consistent refereeing which deteriorated the longer the game went.

All Sorrento had mustered so far was a few scattered half-chances, the best of which fell to Harnwell and Love would were both unable to capitalise. Perth's backline was simply too organised to allow their opponents much time or space, forcing Sorrento to shoot from long range. They did manage to penetrate the defence on a couple of occasions, but every time Papalia quickly came off his line to halt proceedings. Sorrento were showing signs of getting on top in the middle where Peter Butler and Glenn Thomas were stifling the creativity of their counter-parts, but there was just no way through the stubborn Perth defence.

Minett gave his third penalty of the game in the 73rd minute, this one to Perth, and just what it was awarded for is anyone's guess! In any case Mark Pottier, who had just replaced Coyne, knocked it past Young and into the bottom corner of the goal to put the visitors ahead for the first time today. Three minutes later Willey's cross was bound for Onoforo but defender Stuart Banks knocked it to safety before the Perth player could control. And not long after, Pottier released Botha with only Young to beat but his low shot from 9-metres didn't trouble the Sorrento custodian.

An all-action final 10 minutes ensured in which the referee deservedly earnt the wrath of the home crowd. With seven minutes left Minett allowed play to continue after a blatant handball by Giorgi, only to halt the game some 30 seconds later to award a free-kick after consulting both assistants. After 86 minutes Sorrento would have had a smashing equaliser if not for a fabulous save from Papalia to deny Harnwell's drive from 14-metres. The home side had by now worked out how to get behind their opponents defence and were making the most of the time remaining. Perth however stood firm to repel attack after attack despite the mounting pressure. Three minutes into added time, Love seized upon a poor clearance and hit a speculative shot from 15-metres which flew over Papalia and dropped the right side of the bar for a dramatic last-minute equaliser. Whether Love intended to shoot or cross is still up for debate, but either way he enabled Sorrento to snatch a point from a game in which they rarely had a shot after the break.

In a game that will go down as one of the best of this season, it must be said that Sorrento deserved a share of the points today. Despite finding the Perth backline a very tough nut to crack, they continually came at their opponents with enough vigour to make sure Perth could not afford to relax for even one minute. Harnwell, Love and Turnbull impressed for the home side in the first half, while after the break Young and McLeod played key roles in keeping them in the contest. Gasper was without a doubt the player of the match, he stamped his class all over this game with some superb distribution and great reading of the play. Coyne also stood out while Naven was superb in his command of the Perth defence. Despite some dreadful refereeing, the quality of these two teams shone in a game that had a little bit of everything - great skill, a liberal dose of controversy, one of the goals of the season and an equaliser right on the death knock - to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats right up to the final whistle.

Sorrento : Neil Young, Richard Turnbull, Scott McLeod, Daniel Hill, Stuart Banks (Shaun Bowyer 73), Jared Love, Micheal Garcia, Peter Butler, Glenn Thomas (Ryan Jeans 73), Ross Greer, Todd Harnwell
Perth : Gianni Papalia, Craig Naven, Perry Ielati, Aaron Cole, Stephen Willey (Michael Icanovski 78), Vince Tana, Jamie Coyne (Mark Pottier 72), Robert Giorgi, Robbie Gasper (Dino Djulbic 85), Boni Botha, David Onoforo
Referee : Derek Minett
Cautions : Butler (12), Hill (72), Greer (89)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 400 (approx.)

At the Edith Cowan University grounds, ECU Joondalup were hoping to kick-start their season against mid-table opponents Cockburn City. The game started at a frantic pace and it wasn't long before Joondalup had the City 'keeper diving to his right to save a Sandy Robertson long range effort which looked bound for the top corner. The opening 15 minutes saw the home side continually pressing their opponents defence and Joondalup's persistence paid off when Abdul Kamara pressured the City custodian into spilling Sean Fallon's cross and, with his back to goal, Joel Peacock produced a tremendous bicycle kick to make it 1-0. Less than two minutes later City were back on level terms after a rare foray into the Joondalup half. Goalkeeper Peter Stewart, making his first start of the season ahead of Gareth Deeg, played a goal-kick short to Jamie Kuzmanovich whose first-time pass inside to Gerry McEwan took a shocking bounce and Peter Petkovic drilled it back past the young 'keeper. In the 22nd minute a brilliant Dale McCulloch through ball sent Kamara on his way from the half way line, he out-muscled an opponent before slamming the ball under body of the 'keeper to restore Joondalup's advantage. Disaster struck for the home side three minutes later when Andy Mason was red carded for an altercation with an opponent.

The second period started with City laying siege on their opponents goal as wave after wave of attack was turned away by the Joondalup defence, in particular teenager 'keeper Stewart who pulled off some truly inspirational saves. Coach Paul 'Geordie' Simmons re-shuffled his line-up in an effort to rope in the effect that City midfielder Antonio Naglieri was having on the game, Kamara adopting a man-marking role to stifle his opponents effectiveness. The move worked a treat and shortly after Kamara robbed Naglieri of the ball and switched play to the opposite side where Fallon capped a great run by with a thunderous drive passed the advancing 'keeper. The goal knocked the wind out of City's sails and they were fortunate to not concede more goals as the ten men Joondalup outfit seized the initiative and stepped up their search for a fourth goal. Late in the game Joondalup lost Kuzmanovich to cramp and Peacock to exhaustion, and the introduction of the fresh legs of Steve White and Stuart Montgomery were a welcome relief to the sides fortunes. In the second minute of injury time City grabbed a late consolation when Branimir Mikulic made it 3-2.

Post-match Simmons was critical of Mason's first-half dismissal. "He chased the ball down the right and raised his foot in an attempt to control it and ran into a defender who then retaliated by punching Andy in the stomach * it was one of the most non-rational decisions I have ever seen! Andy had been cautioned earlier in the game but he had his eyes totally on the ball. Retaliation is worse that the initial offence - or so the referees keep telling us." The Joondalup coach also had some words of encouragement for the City players, "Cockburn are a young side with a lot of talent and they will be a force this season, make no doubt about it."

In Sunday's clash at the Swan Italian Club, the home side chalked up their first point of 2001 when they drew one-all with fellow strugglers Floreat Athena. Swan dominated the opening period and took the lead after 15 minutes when in, a goalmouth scramble, Damian Scali bundled the ball past John Xigas who got his hand to the ball but was unable to stop it from crossing the line. Midfielder Eddie Mura could have added a second to the hoe sides tally as half-time approached when he was unfortunate to get on the end of a low cross. Athena then had a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down when Robyn Dyers was fouled inside the area, and on the stroke of half-time Damian Scali came close to bagging his second of the afternoon only to screw his shot wide. After the break the visitors picked up the pace. State goalkeeper Corey Hugo, making his Premier League debut for 2001 after injuring his ribs in the Night Series, made an impressive save to deny Ryan Newhill. In a man of the match performance, the young 'keeper pulled off some great saves over the half to keep his side I the contest. Twice Hugo thwarted Troy Bernard with some aerobatics, but he was beaten in the 80th minute but thanked his up-right when Adrian Sutton's header struck the post. Two minutes from full-time Athena midfielder drilled a low shot through a crowded area and beyond the reach of Hugo to ensure his side didn't go home empty-handed. The visitors almost took home all three points but Dyer blazed over as the referee signalled the end of the game.

In a seven goal thriller at Nash Field, John Nicolaou bagged a double for the Western Knights who moved into second spot behind Sorrento on goal difference. Eugene Singeorzan took his season total to 5 goals while Claus Nielson also found the target for the home side, Scott Campbell, Phillip Smiljanic and Andy Cornwall scoring for Inglewood United. Fremantle City made it two wins in as many weeks when they accounted for Bassendean Caledonian at home. Goals from experienced campaigners Trim Morgan and Paul McVittie proved enough to overcome the visitors for whom Mark Cox scored.

29.4.2001

FIRST DIVISION ROUND-UP (Ashfield-Kingsway Olympic details provided by Craig Culverwell of the Ashfield website)

Ashfield were looking to consolidate their top place on top of the First Division (North) when they faced Kingsway Olympic on the road. And it only took Steve Gillibrand just three minutes to give the visitors the lead, splitting the defence before drilling the ball past the home 'keeper. Eight minutes later the margin was doubled when Shane Fuhr's cross found Matt Pochroj, his header came back off the bar but after the Olympic defence could react Steve Goff despatched it into the back of the net. In a match which at times threatened to boil over, Ashfield dominated and almost went three up when Nathan Salisbury put it in the net at the post only for the referee to award Olympic a free-kick. Not long after Salisbury dislocated his shoulder to be replaced by youngster Iavor Georgeff, and before the half was out Ashfield also lost hard-working captain Gillibrand to an ankle injury, Brad Pochroj taking his place. Olympic found a way back into the game midway through the half when an Ashfield defensive mix-up resulted in Kevin Morris netting for the home side. But a minute before the break Fuhr restored the two goal buffer by putting the ball between 'keeper and post. Both defences had the better of the opposing strikers after the re-start and no further goals troubled the scorers. Late in the game Olympic were reduced to ten men when custodian Sam Scutti who was dismissed for hauling down Matt Pochroj. In what was undoubtedly a team effort, Gene Wyllie, Steve Goff and Phil Jackson were named Ashfield's best players post-match.

Wanneroo City moved into third place when they demolished the Dianella White Eagles 4-1 for whom Dragan Njegic bagged the consolation goal. Bayswater City earnt their first point of the season in the 2-2 away draw with Stirling Suns. On Sunday at Macedonia Park, the Stirling Lions stayed second behind Ashfield on goal difference when they proved too strong for Perth City to run out 3-2 winners. Bottom side Balcatta had the bye.

Armadale made the long journey south on Saturday fresh from last weeks 4-1 thumping of Canning and eager to make it two in a row against South West Phoenix. The tall Armadale side settled the better and quickly established a pattern which would see them dictate terms for much of the opening half. The visitors dominance was rewarded after 17 minutes when Phoenix's inexperienced midfield gave up possession and conceded a corner from which Nick Tyman nodded home a free header. With Sasa Garic being paid close attention by the opposing defence, some sloppy marking saw the big striker awarded a penalty just on the half-hour which he calmly sent past the 'keeper to bring his side back into the game. Immediately after half-time Armadale's Dennis Lee went on a jinxing run to which Phoenix offered little resistence, his shot from 20-metres look a deflection and rocketed past a stranded Reece Braitwaite in the Phoenix goal. Phoenix took the game by the scruffof the neck and made better use of the ball for the remainder of the game but were unable to fund a way to goal, the visiting defence effortlessly cutting out everything that the home side pumped into the area. Close to the final whistle, Armadale broke on the counter-attack and put the game out of their opponents reach once and for all by making it 3-1.

Queens Park and Rockingham City continue to slug it out for top spot in the First Division (South) ladder. On the weekend Queens Park had a convincing 5-1 victory over Southside United, while Rockingham City had little trouble accounting for Leeming Strikers 3-0. Morley Windmills moved a point behind the pair after their 3-0 home win over cellar-dwellers Canning City.

27.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

The game of the round this weekend is undoubtedly the showdown between Sorrento-Perth at Percy Doyle Reserve. After three rounds both sides are undefeated in the Premier League and sit first and second respectively after big wins last weekend - Sorrento 5-2 over Cockburn City, while Perth thumped Swan I.C. 5-1. Sorrento's hopes rest with Ryan Jeans and Ross Greer, who have bagged over half the clubs amazing haul of 19 League and Cup goals to date, but they also have plenty of others that can find the target should they be needed. Perth proved in the Night Series that they will be the side to beat this season and with the best midfield in the League, and plenty of depth, it's not hard to see why they are favoured for the title.

The other undefeated side is the Western Knights and they should prove too much of a challenge for Inglewood United's young guns who last week recorded their first win of the new campaign. Fremantle City are at home to Bassendean Caledonian, who are struggling consistency, and on paper you'd have to nominate City to come up trumps. Cockburn City should bounce back from last week's loss to Sorrento when the travel to play ECU Joondalup. Sunday's game sees the only two sides in the competition yet to win in the Premier League face each other at the Swan Italian Club. Swan I.C. are finding form difficult to come by at the moment and it will take an all-mighty effort for them to down an injury-hit Floreat Athena.

26.4.2001

INJURY CRISIS HITS ATHENA

After a great showing in the pre-season Night Series, Floreat Athena have found it difficult to reproduce that form in the Premier League thanks to a series of injuries to key players. State midfielder Doug Ithier came off in the first half of last Saturday's home clash with Fremantle City with an ankle problem, and upon further investigation it was revealed he'd torn ankle ligaments which is expected to keep him sidelined for up to four weeks.

Long-serving forward Peter Coci, who has only recently returned from long term injury, also came off early in last week's game and did not train with the squad on Tuesday evening. State sweeper Troy Bernard also missed Tuesday's run with a lingering knee complaint that could see him facing an operation to remedy the situation.

On the plus side Robin Dyers looks to have recovered from an ankle problem after coming off the bench to replace Coci against Fremantle, and midfielders Jason Smith and Costa Socratous are said to be in the running for a spot against Swan I.C. this Sunday. Also coming back into the side this week is wing-back Adrian Spinelli who missed last weeks game due to his brothers' wedding.

25.4.2001

SCORING OUR PROBLEM SAYS SIMMONS

After a poor showing in the Night Series, it looked as though ECU Joondalup coach Paul Simmons had turned things around for the northern suburbs club when they defeated Floreat Athena in the opening round of the Premier League. "We played really well against Floreat and our 1-0 win flattered them, it could easily have been three or four," Simmons said this week. But their woes have continued in subsequent rounds, a failure to find the net letting the side down and seeing Joondalup slide to eighth place on the Premier League ladder.

"The last two games were very disappointing," said the man affectionately known as Geordie. "We always knew the game against Callies would be a hard one with them having eighteen ex-Joondalup players on the books and two former coaches. The game itself was a credit to their coach Barry Smith - he sat with six players across the back and we couldn't break them down. The first half we had at least 80% of the play but got no reward. Then in about the fifth minute of the second half, in one of a very few Callies forages into our penalty area they were awarded a soft penalty and scored. They then pulled other players behind the ball and with us pushing for a goal they hit us on two breaks and scored two goals."

"Very disappointing, but a result we got over pretty quickly as Monday was the Cup. Against Kingsway we dominated and the 2-1 result flattered them, but again we had problems scoring goals," Simmons added. "And last Saturday against the Knights we were leading 1-0 at half time and if it had been a boxing match it would of been stopped at half time, but despite all our dominance we didn't capitalise with goals. The Knights scored two quick goals on counter attacks, we still dominated and eventually equalized only to see a very poor mistake at the back give them the winner."

Simmons believes that, should they be able to start converting their chances, Joondalup will be up there at the business end of the season once again. "We are playing very good football but our big problem is scoring goals, and we're certainly missing Carl McDarby who is probably 10 to 12 weeks away yet. I am still very confident of a top five finish but we are in desperate need for someone who is going to score goals for us."

It was hoped that Southampton youngster Brian Howard, who was to play the English off-season with the club, would provide a cure to Joondalup's woes. And things were looking on the up after Howard scored in the Cup win over Kingsway Olympic, but since then the England Schoolboy international has opted to return home for personal reasons after less than a fortnight with the club. "There was nothing we could do about it," Simmons said. "It was upsetting for us and for the Southampton staff here at the time."

25.4.2001

STANGE TO JOIN SAWA?

There is a strong rumour going through the local soccer community that Perth Glory coach Bernd Stange, who looks likely to not have his contract with the club renewed beyond June, is set to join the Soccer Association of W.A. as a director of coaching. While this claim is unfounded at the current time, Stange did say on Perth radio during the week that he has made a decision on his future beyond the 2000/01 NSL season but that he is not yet willing to make that public.

24.4.2001

SOUTHAMPTON VISIT COULD LEAD TO BIGGER THNGS

The four-team Easter long weekend mini-tournament held at ECU Joondalup was a roaring success according to those involved, and could possibly lead to a bigger and better event being staged next year. This year the visiting Southampton academy team competed with local academy sides from Joondalup and Perth as well as the W.A. Under-16 team. And it is believed that English giants Liverpool have expressed an interest in send a team next year, while New Zealand are also interested in sending some of their best young players to W.A. for the series.

Speaking to the "West Australian" this week, Joondalup Saints director of coaching Mike Lyons said the idea was to attract a variety of teams to Perth in order to establish a regular youth tournament. "The Easter tournament was such a success we intend to build on it for next year," Lyons said. "It was a really good experience for our kids because they were playing against the Southampton lads who play against teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham back in England."

The event kicked-off on Good Friday with W.A. defeating Joondalup 2-0 and Southampton hammering six past Perth without reply. In a tightly fought second round match, WA came away with a 1-0 win over Southampton, while Perth found themselves on another hiding, this time 7-0 at the hands of Joondalup for whom Adam Bachelor bagged a hat-trick.

On the final day of competition - Easter Sunday - W.A. and Perth played out an entertaining game which ended 5-2 in favour of the State side. And Joondalup dominated their Southampton opponents in the last game, Darryl Platten opening the scoring before a spectacular bicycle kick by Tom Jones put the icing on a 2-0 win. The inaugural event was taken out by the older W.A. Under-16 side who won all three of their round-robin games. Joondalup were runners-up, Southampton came in third place while Perth finished without a win but having showed plenty of character.

Lyons was particularly impressed with commitment shown by the local players, especially against their more fancied opponents from the northern hemisphere. "The lads in Australia are physically strong and have a good attitude," Lyons told the "West". "I was pleasantly surprised with how much more our kids wanted to win. I think Southampton would be a bit disappointed they didn't win, but all the kids would have learnt something from the experience. They've made friendships that they'll probably keep for life."

Senior coach at ECU Joondalup, Paul Simmons, was also happy with the way the local youngsters performed and the future of the event. "The kids from Southampton had far better technical skills but our lads were a lot fitter and more aggressive," he said. "It was an excellent tournament which saw at least 4,000 people go through the venue and it opens the door for bigger and better things next year."

Joondalup have had great success with their academy set-up to date with several players moving overseas to pursue professional careers, while a number of others have represented W.A. at various levels. Lyons said the aim of the academy is to ensure that every player develops to his full potential. "The idea of the academy is for the players to reach the highest possible level they can, whether that be the State league or Europe," he said. "The facilities in W.A. are second to none. We have excellent pitches and much better weather than in England for training."

23.4.2001

STATE UNDER-19 SQUAD ANNOUNCED

State under-19 coach Eric Williams has named a preliminary squad of 22 players for next months Tournoi de Croix in France, although it is believed the door is still open for further players to be added before the final touring party of 17 is named. The bulk of the squad has not surprisingly been drawn from the ranks of the Premier League although three players from First Division Kingsway Olympic have also been included. It is not yet clear if three over-age players will also be part of the squad as tournament rules allow. The squad commenced training on Monday at Wotton Reserve.

The training squad announced this week is Derek Cook (Bassendean Caledonian, right), Gary Numan (Cockburn City), Joe Liguan, Anthony Pereira (Fremantle City), Ryan Fredericks, Jason Godfrey, Benny Pietropiccolo, Greg Sharland, Oliver Taseski, Phil Smiljanic (Inglewood United), Dale McCullough, Peter Stewart (ECU Joondalup), Todd Howarth, Andreas Oliveira (Perth), David Foster, Jared Love (Sorrento) , Anthony Jones (Swan I.C.), Michael Vaz, Ivan Zuvela (Western Knights), Paul Cummings, Kosta Kalavrouziotis and Daniel Stoitis (Kingsway Olympic).

22.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND THREE

The game between Floreat Athena and Fremantle City should have been able to pull in a decent sized crowd - both sides have tasted a fair degree of success in recent times, Athena are one of the state's longest serving clubs while City are hopeful of getting the second NSL out of Perth. But despite these facts and a perfect sunny afternoon, the managed to tempt less than 150 to Litis Stadium by the time the game got underway at 3.00pm. The home team made just one change to the line-up that defeated City in the Cup six days earlier, new-signing Peter Vukmirovic coming into the starting eleven for Adrian Spinelli who was absent through family commitments. City on the other hand utilised the same players that dominated but failed to find the net in their earlier meeting.

People were still settling into their seats when Athena took the lead inside the opening sixty seconds. Doug Ithier strolled onto the ball well outside the area and sent a trademark long-range bomb which bounced awkwardly in front of Darren Williams and flew over the 'keepers out-stretched arms and into the back of his net. Athena coach John Hunter could hardly have asked for a better start and they came very close doubling the margin a minute later. Miguel Ortin's centring ball rolled across the top of the 6-yard box and just out the reach of Peter Coci with the City defence well out of position.

A goal up after just a minute's play, Athena then opted to slow proceedings down and ease their way into this game. But City were having none of that and pressed hotly for an equaliser. In the 10th minute John Xigas came well off his line to prevent a deep Will Pryce cross from reaching Trim Morgan. Two minutes later Pryce knocked a free-kick from 18-metres into the area where Scott Clissold's crashing drive came back off the inside of Xigas' left up-right. Then Morgan burst into the area but thumped a bouncing ball wide of the far post. City were coming at their opponents in waves only to be continually held at bay by Athena's well-organised back-three of Troy Bernard, Hugh Miller and Peter Nikoloski.

Over the opening 20 minutes it was City that were doing all the attacking but they had little to show for it. Slowly Athena found their rhythm and started to create some chances of their own. Lively striker Coci latched on to a long ball but the close attention of Clissold saw his attempted lob over the 'keeper land on Williams' chest. In fact it was Coci that was causing the City backline the most trouble, so when he succumbed to injury after 28 minutes Hunter must have been mightily miffed. Two minutes later Ithier ran onto a superbly weighted pass from Bernard but Williams was quick off his line and made a courageous save at Ithier's feet. Unfortunately for Hunter his chief playmaker required extensive attention on the sidelines following the clash, and would not long after leave the field of play with suspected ankle ligament injury.

In what was developing into a scrappy contest, Athena had all the chances going to the break. Robyn Dyers' cross was cut out by Cesare De Bartolo, but he slipped before clearing the danger and could only watched Ortin rifled off a shot for which Williams replied with a stunning save from close-range. In the 38th minute Ryan Newhill's corner found Dyers at the far post but his header flew off-target. And on the stroke of half-time Newhill's persistence paid off to take him past Evan Wallace before hitting a low shot that was too hot for Williams to hold, his parry falling into the path of the on-rushing Manolis Arapis but he was thwarted by a desperate tackle by De Bartolo.

At the break both coaches made changes to their teams. Hunter re-shuffled his deck in the wake of injuries, Robyn Dyers taking up for a central midfield role with Arapis partnering Vukmirovic in attack. Scott Clissold opted not to continue after suffering an ankle injury, Stuart Kamasz bringing on young Duilio Xavier who had completed a full game for the reserves. After a minor scuffle in the members' area between an over-zealous Athena supporter and an official from City, focus returned to the pitch with the emergence of the players from the tunnel.

City started the second half with a flurry and Dale Wingell was unfortunate not to score two minutes after the re-start when he pounced upon an error by Hugh Miller to lob over a fast back-tracking Xigas but the attempt landed on the top of the net. Sixty seconds later the visitors were back in the game thanks to a well-worked goal. In a controlled move which featured some exquisite first-time passing, Morgan, Michael Mirco and Pryce combined with the latter sending Trim inside the area, the midfielder taking two steps before slamming a low shot into the bottom far corner of Xigas' goal.

The goal bought renewed confidence to the City team. Pryce was showing some good touches out wide, while Paul McVittie and Trim were in command of the centre of the park. The Morgan-Wingell combination was looking dangerous in City's final third, and if not for some very dubious off-side calls the port side would have found themselves a goal up before the hour mark. Wingell showed great skill to wriggle past two opponents, then released Morgan inside the area only for the State player to be pulled up despite being a good metre on-side when the ball was played. A couple of minutes later Wingell raced clear of the last man after the ball rebounded off an Athena player in the middle of the park and again the referee judged him to be off-side - after the ball came off a player from the other team! Bewildering stuff indeed.

As was the case in the first half neither side could control play for long periods and soon it was Athena's turn to go on the attack. In the 64th minute Bernard clipped a free-kick over the City wall from 18-metres, Dyers connected well and Williams pulled off another superb reflex save from close-range. Two minutes later Newhill's free-kick flicked the head of Arapis who sent the ball narrowly wide of the up-right. City then raced the ball to the opposite end where John Mirco found Morgan but his whip-like shot on the turn from 12-metres slammed into the side netting.

While City were making great use of the full width of the pitch, Athena preferred use route one to goal and played it through the middle. But no matter which way either side went, both defences proved they were more than capable of the job at hand. Xigas was the busier of the 'keepers, he produced a superb one-handed save to deny Pryce after 76 minutes, then twice thwarted Trim within thirty seconds to keep his side in the hunt. Sensing the game was there for the taking, McVittie and Trim stepped up a gear but the visitors were continually broken down by a well-organised opposition.

As the clock ticked down Athena picked up the pace. Bernard made a long run out of defence in the 85th minute, he rounded two opponents before slotting wide to Ortin whose high cross was put over the bar by Dyers. Newhill found George Tiniakos with a searching pass and his centring ball was just out of Arapis' reach. A minute later Sutton turned Trim on top of the box but the Athena captain scuttled his shot wide of the target. The home side were looking the goods with three chances in as many minutes, but their luck was about to run out.

With a quick counter-attacking move, City sped the ball to the other end of the park where John Mirco made it 2-1 with a fine solo effort. The young striker raced onto a long clearance and skillfully rounded Nikoloski before drilling it past Xigas from 7-metres as Bernard threw himself at the ball in an effort to prevent it from crossing the line. The goal came completely against the run of play and left Athena's players deflated. With the last roll of the dice, Newhill pumped it long only to see Bernard send an explosive shot from inside the box soaring over Williams' bar.

A minute later the final whistle signalled City's first win of the season, one which also erased last week's Cup loss. Coach Kamasz was happy with the outcome, one he hopes is a turning point for the port side. "I thought we outplayed them and that it was going to be like the week before," City coach Stuart Kamasz said after the game. "The boys showed lots of character and deserved the win. Hopefully this will kick-start our season." Pryce was the standout player today with a non-stop performance, but in a scrappy match there were too many players that made glimpsing appearances then vanished just as quickly. But Inconsistency today was summed up best by referee Steve Muldoon. He was very slow to blow the whistle on occasions, then quickly halted play to award free-kicks for soft fouls when playing the advantage would have been a better option. And while this was by no means a physical clash, some late tackles were allowed to go unpunished while others were booked for seemingly little.

Floreat Athena : John Xigas, Troy Bernard, Hugh Miller, Peter Nikoloski, George Tiniakos, Miguel Ortin, Adrian Sutton, Doug Ithier (Manuel Arapis 40), Ryan Newhill, Peter Coci (Robin Dyers 28), Peter Vukmirovic
Fremantle City : Darren Williams, Craig Surtees, Evan Wallace, Cesare De Bartolo, Scott Clissold (Dulio Xavier 46), Will Pryce (Joe Liguan 80), Michael Mirco (John Mirco 58), Paul McVittie, Daniel Trim, Dale Wingell, Trim Morgan
Referee : Steve Muldoon
Cautions : Dyers (57), Vukmirovic (90)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 137 (approx.)

With Paul Wozny still trying to sort out the on-field problems at Swan I.C, the mid-week departure of big striker Peter Vukmirovic to Floreat Athena was not the most ideal of preparations for the club who played Perth at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday. It took Perth midfielder Robert Giorgi just 38 seconds to set his side on their way to victory when he latched on to a cross from new signing Robbie Gaspar and knocked home the opening goal. It wasn't the sort of start that Wozny was hoping for and things only got worse as the half progressed. After 6 minutes Damien Scali sent the ball past his own goalkeeper, Frank Letizia, to double Perth's lead. Perth's well-oiled midfield provided Andres Oliveira and David Onoforo with plenty of chances to further extend the margin and in the 27th minute the latter calmly rounded Letizia to slot home after a great ball from Steve Willey. It was 4-0 six minutes from the break when Onoforo set-up Oliveira who dummied an opponent before sending the ball into the top corner of the net. Ilia Manolev gave Swan some hope three minutes later when he seized upon some hesitant defending to lob Gianni Papalia and make it 4-1 going into half-time. After the re-start Swan forward Scott Halpin forced Papalia into a blinding save, but generally the visitors found chances on goal hard to come by. Oliveira completed the visitors misery, and celebrated his inclusion in the WA Under-19 squad, with an easy tap-in after Letizia had done well to keep out Jamie Coyne's initial shot. "Things are not going well at all," said Swan defender Justin Everley post-match. "I do however think the new coach will be able to turn things around. A season of struggle I am sure, but not one of relegation if we have our way."

Sorrento's astonishing start to the season continued on Saturday when they were on the road to Cockburn City. For the third successive week, Sorrento recorded a 5-2 victory in which Veteran Ross Greer scored a hat-trick while Glen Thomas and Todd Harnwell were also on the mark for the side. Branimir Mikulic and Peter Petkovich found the target for the home side. Despite being a goal down at the break, the Western Knights staged great comeback to win by the odd goal in the five-goal thriller at Nash Field. A double from Eugene Singeorzan and a single by John Nicolaou cancelled out goal by Sean Fallon and Dale McCullough for the visitors. At Jubilee Reserve, goals either side of the break from Daniel Harrop and Greg Sharland saw Inglewood United record their first win of the new season.

21.4.2001

FIRST DIVISION ROUND-UP (Ashfield-Stirling Lions details provided by Craig Culverwell of the Ashfield website)

The Leeming Strikers started the stronger and more alert side on Saturday when they hosted South West Phoenix at John Connell Reserve where the experience of the home side played a big part in final outcome. After just three minutes a Strikers free-kick from 22-metres ricocheted off the defensive wall and Peter Murphy quickly lost his marker before giving visiting 'keeper Reece Braithwaite no chance to prevent it from hitting the back of the net. Three minutes later it should have been one-all when Stephen Suttie failed to convert a Sasa Garic cross to the near post. The margin was doubled in the 30th minute after Greg Newman smartly met a cross from the left and hammered another screamer past Braithwaite. Phoenix lost captain Steve Rodgers shortly after and struggled to find their rhythm over the opening half as Strikers dictated terms.

After the break a revitalised Phoenix outfit emerged and five minutes after play re-commenced Elliot Gibson put Garic through, the strongly built striker chipped over the advancing 'keeper but it fell the wrong side of the up-right. On the hour mark Jacob Fewster ran onto a long through ball and went one-on-one with the 'keeper, the ball spilled to Garic but his first time right footer slid pass the outside of the empty net. In the 66th minute Garic's near post cross saw the Strikers' custodian pull off a spectacular save from Stephen Suttie's close-range shot. Phoenix were now the side in control and had the home side firmly entrenched in their own half for the majority of the period where a combination of good defending, poor finishing and the a well-sprung offside trap denied the visitors. The game was put out of Phoenix's reach with five minutes remaining when Emelyn slipped the ball past the last man and sent it into the path of Murphy who scored his second and the Striker's third of the afternoon. The win put the Strikers on top of the Division One (South) competition after two rounds as the only site yet to drop a point.

In other south of the river action, Queens Park moved into second place thanks to the only goal of the game against Morley Windmills. Rockingham City fended off a determined Southside United second half comeback to win 2-1 and claim third place on goal difference. Armadale make up the top four after trouncing Canning 4-1 on the road.

Ashfield and the Stirling Lions battled out an entertaining nil-all draw at Ashfield Reserve in their top of the table clash. There was very little was between the two sides which saw scattered chances at both ends of the park, although Phil Jackson in the Ashfield goal was the quieter of the two 'keepers. The home midfield combination of Andy Taylor, Steve Goff and Steve Gillibrand worked hard all day and created some promising moves which resulted a great chance falling Shane Fuhr who couldn't make the most of his opportunity. The experience of Andy Wright was telling at the back for the visitors while Riste Stefovski and Tony Paolino also turned in impressive performances. Ashfield almost stole the points twice in the closing stages, Lions 'keeper Robe Pucovski making a spectacular save to deny Gareth Gorman, and with five minutes remaining, Lee McEvoy scuffed his shot when through. "It was real end to end stuff with a lot of action taking place in the midfield," Ashfield coach Tom Kilkelly said after the game. "Both sides battled hard and in the end nil-all was a fair result. It was pretty much full-on for 90 minutes, it was one of those games. At the end of the day both coaches were happy that there wasn't a winner as it would only have come from an error by the opposition."

Kingsway Olympic managed to keep Stirling Suns scoreless after 45 minutes, but three second half goals saw the Suns record their first points of the winter season. A first half goal from Wanneroo City was enough for them to down Balcatta at home and move into fourth place on the Division One (North) ladder. The game between third-place Perth City and fifth-place Dianella White Eagles was postponed, while Bayswater City had the bye.

21.4.2001

SWC UNHAPPY WITH BIDDING PROCESS

Town of Vincent chief executive John Giorgi has rejected claims that Soccer West Coast were not given enough time to prepare a tender for the lease of Leederville Oval. SWC president David Schrandt told the West Australian's Jonathan Cook that it was unable to prepare an extensive proposal because it received the tender documents only 14 days before they had to be submitted.

But Giorgi said that SWC, who are bidding for the second NSL license out of Perth under the Western Lightning banner, has been aware since August 2000 of the Town of Vincent's intention to invite tenders early this year. "All people previously expressing an interest were well aware that the town would invite tenders in early 2001 and any allegations otherwise are totally refuted," Giorgi said. It is believed that the submission of Perth Glory chairman Nick Tana was the only tender received by the council.

Schrandt admitted SWC officials had been involved in preliminary talks with the local government authority back in August but said they had been given notification to proceed with their plans only a fortnight ago. "At no stage, one way or the other, were we ever told to proceed with the bid situation," he told Jonathan Cook. "All of a sudden we received a letter on April 4 saying we had two weeks, including Easter holidays, to prepare a bid."

20.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

For the second time in less than a week Floreat Athena and Fremantle City meet at the Litis Stadium. Last Monday the home side progressed to the Third Round of the Boral Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win, but expect the port side to get their revenge by a substantial margin on Saturday. Free-scoring Sorrento will be looking for Ryan Jeans to open their away clash with third placed Cockburn City brightly. Both teams showed in the Night Series they have what it takes this season and this should be a tight clash with a single goal separating them at the end of 90 minutes.

The Western Knights and ECU Joondalup at Nash Field will be another game that could go either way. The visiting Inglewood United youngsters should prove too hot to handle for a fast-improving Bassendean Caledonian. And on Sunday at Dorrien Gardens, Perth should have no trouble in accounting for Italian rivals Swan I.C. who have conceded thirteen goals in their three League and Cup games so far this season.

19.4.2001

KNOW A LITTLE SOCCEROO?

Former Floreat Athena, Perth Italia and Inglewood United player Chris Barbas has these days switched his hand to coaching Perths' juniors via the Little Socceroo clinics. Having played at State League level for 16 years, Barbas believes the winter clinics will increase children's knowledge and skills of the game. "I have completed an accredited level three senior licence course for coaching from Soccer Australia," he said recently. The Little Socceroo clinics start on Monday 7th May, running until Friday 31st August. They will be held every Monday and Friday at Crimea Reserve in Noranda, staring around 4.30pm and lasting approximately 70 minutes. A Little Socceroo t-shirt and soccer ball is included in the GST- inclusive cost of $95.00. Further enquiries can be made by calling either 9375 3312 or 041 9967 657.

19.4.2001

YOUR RADIO FIX

The W.A. Soccer Website is always happy to bring you all the latest new (and welcomes input from clubs and fans alike), but you can also get your weekly dose of soccer from the radio. The best known of these would be the 100FM Saturday Morning Soccer Show with Martin Wells and co-hosts Dennis Gedling and Penny Tanner. The program covers all aspects of the world game with regular segments on the W.A. Premier League, the NSL and the game in Europe. It goes to air every Saturday morning from 10.00am and lasts an hour.

The NSL Show on 93.7 Heritage FM kicks-off at 12.00noon on Sunday and runs until 1.30pm. Hosted by Dennis Gedling and Mark McGavock, it’s local coverage gets underway in the last half hour when we are taken through all results from the previous days action in the metropolitan area, followed by a preview of the up-coming games from the ranks of WAASSA. Being an Armadale station, it’s focus is on those side in the South Eastern suburbs but please don’t hold that against them.

Sunday night on Information Radio 990AM is the other big one. The opening 15 minutes from 7.00pm are taken up by the Junior Soccer Review. Following that and running until 8.00pm is the WAASSA Show when the hosts run through all the results of the days games as well as discussing the issues important to the amateur clubs in W.A.

19.4.2001

NEW SOCCER FOUNDATION PROPOSED

Perth Glory chairman Nick Tana has made public his plans to set-up the W.A. Soccer Foundation whose primary aim would be to assist with the funding of soccer development in this state. In a written statement, Tana said the foundation would be funded initially by 10% of all future international transfers from the NSL club. It has been proposed that the foundation be run by a board of independent trustees with the Premier of the day as it’s chairman. The matter has been informally raised with current Premier Geoff Gallop who is said to be considering his involvement.

Tana also stated that he would eventually transfer his 75% shareholding in Glory to the Foundation. However, this was conditional on the NSL becoming a commercial viability, and the implementation of the Field Report recommendations. That report, commissioned by the State government in 1999, was a wide-ranging review soccer’s administration in W.A. and recommended a complete overhaul of the local game at all levels.

19.4.2001

STADIUM CHANGE OF PLANS

Nick Tana also set a cat amongst the pigeons this week with the announcement that Perth Glory had submitted a tender to develop and convert Leederville Oval in a 18,500 capacity facility for soccer. The decision flies in the face of the State governments’ proposed purpose-built stadium for which Multiplex won the right to construct. The projected cost of the redevelopment is $12 million with Glory and the Town of Vincent each chipping in $2 million with the balance of $8 million coming from the State government. The new set-up would serve as a home ground and training venue for Glory, and would also be “available for state league finals, amateur finals, junior clinics and friendly international games, including fixtures for the Socceroos, Olyroos and Joeys” according to a prepared statement released to the media.

18.4.2001

TARKA COMING HOME?

Former Cockburn City winger David Tarka could be heading back west later this year after impressing in a week-long training run with Perth Glory over the Easter break. Tarka is currently the captain of the Australian Institute of Sport side in the NSL Youth competition and is ready to reap the rewards of a professional contract. “I'd love to come back to Perth and play for Glory - they're the best club in Australia,” he said after a recent training session.

Glory coach Bernd Stange has given Tarka the thumbs up. “He is a good young man. Tall, quick and he is a good, strong defender. I think he can make it in the National Soccer League,” the German said. Having spent the past year and a bit in the same fertile environment that produced Ivan Ergic and current Perth Glory star Ljubo Milicevic, it comes as no surprise that the tall defender is also being courted by Northern Spirit and Sydney Olympic.

18.4.2001

KOULIZOS ON SWC BOARD

Floreat Athena team manager Peter Koulizos was recently voted on to the Board of Soccer West Coast in the capacity as a Director. Before moving to W.A, Koulizos was involved with now defunct NSL outfit West Adelaide at coaching level

17.4.2001

SAINTS DUO JOIN JOONDALUP

ECU Joondalup have recruited two rising stars - Brain Howard and Gary McManus - from English outfit Southampton for the coming winter season. The pair, who are both considered potential Premier League players, have come to W.A. to help them mature and to gain experience of other playing conditions. Wing-back Howard, an England schoolboy and youth international, is regarded as one of the best of the current Saints youth team and was one of the stars of a recent tournament in Chile. The 18-year old striker is currently 12 months into a three and a half year professional deal with the club. McManus is also highly regarded within the academy structure which he joined at the start of the 1999/2000 season. Sunderland-born, it wasn’t long before he became established as a regular feature of the Under-19’s team and has this season made the bench for the Saints reserves.

Southampton have high hopes of the Joondalup link bearing fruit with several players from W.A. having already signed with the English club. Teenager Darren Broxton joined the club mid-2000 and is a regular starter in their Under-17 side. And bright things are expected of recent triallist Andre Sarpe, who was a junior at Kingsway Olympic before joining Joondalup. There is also a third W.A. player at the Saints, former Perth striker Adrian Caceras who has been on the fringes of the first team this season. Also in the clubs junior ranks are Australians Scott McDonald and Mark Rosier who have started to force their way into the reserve team

Over the Easter long weekend the Saints sent a combined Under-14/15 team to Perth to compete in a mini-tournament against the Joondalup and Perth academy sides, as well as the W.A. Under-16 team. A Southampton club spokesperson said the visit was a relationship-building one which doubled as a scouting mission. “It is a good opportunity to maintain links with our Perth academy with a chance to pass on ideas, check on progress and make them feel part of the grand scheme … and it may also give us the chance to invite some of the more impressive Australians over to train with us at some point.”

17.4.2001

PERTH SIGN GASPAR

Perth have scored an early-season coup by securing the services of midfielder Robbie Gaspar from NSL side Sydney Olympic. Gaspar, who joined Olympic last year from Cockburn City, has returned to W.A. to revitalise his career in the local competition after experiencing limited success in Sydney.

16.4.2001

SWAN LOSE COACH

Swan I.C. coach Veselin Zmukic has resigned after just one round of the new season because, according to reports, his coaching style is not suited to the club. Zmukic, who wants to continue coaching, said he decided it was best to part company after more than three months in charge. Swan dipped out of the pre-season Night Series in the qualification stage, and were knocked out of the Boral Cup in the first round when thumped 1-5 by Bassendean Caledonian. Zmukic’s departure comes a matter of days after losing 1-3 to Cockburn City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

16.4.2001

BORAL CUP, ROUND TWO

The Premier League season hasn’t got off to a great start for either Fremantle City and Floreat Athena, both sitting in the lower half of the table with one point apiece after two rounds when they met in the second Round of the Boral Cup at the Litis Stadium. It was the third game in six days for Athena who were missing key players Robyn Dyers and Costa Socratous, while midfielder Jason Smith is still absent through injury. The visitors were close to full-strength with only experienced defender Dave Evans out, in his spot coming Evan Wallace for this first start since succumbing to injury in the Night Series.

This game got off in spectacular fashion with Athena and City trading shots on goal from the opening minute when Doug Ithier’s volley was cleared off the line after he sent the ball past ‘keeper Darren Williams following a corner. The ball was immediately raced to the other end of the park where Dale Wingell’s speculative shot from log-range bounced into the arms of John Xigas. 35-metres from goal, Paul McVittie swung a free-kick it into area where Wingell’s header landed on the top netting. A few minutes later Miguel Ortin released Peter Coci who went one-on-one with Williams, the City ‘keeper showed great agility and reflexes to pull off a spectacular one handed save low to his left. It was an all-action start and all this was in just the first ten minutes!

City settled the better to control the flow of the game through their central core of McVittie and Daniel Trim. State captain Trim Morgan held off a challenge from Peter Nikoloski in the 12th minute only to see his deep cross headed out by Adrian Spinelli. The resulting corner was played into the heart of the Athena box where a mad scramble for possession ensued, McVittie unfortunate not to whallop the ball over the line before it was hacked to safety. Two minutes later Wingell sent a blistering low shot on target which Xigas needed two grabs before taking control.

The four man midfield employed by City coach Stuart Kamasz was really playing off. McVittie was the work-horse in the centre, with Trim paying close attention to dangerman Ithier who was having little effect on the game. Out wide Michael Mirco and Pryce were turning the ball over, seemingly without effort, to throw their team back into attack. Athena’s supply line to forwards Coci and Ryan Newhill was severely disrupted, and on the few occasions they did receive the ball City’s back four were quick to respond and smother their opponents.

Craig Surtees made a break into attack where he sent a hopeful long-range effort into the arms of Xigas. A quickly taken free-kick caught out the Athena defence as Michael Mirco raced clear with only the ‘keeper to beat, but Xigas sped off his line and made a courageous save at the feet of the City midfielder. The visitors were making excellent use of the full width of the park, Michael Mirco and Will Pryce pushing forward with menace at every opportunity. McVittie scuffed a shot wide after 18 minutes, and three minutes later Wingell’s cross was nodded on by Michael Mirco but Trim was unable to get enough of a deflection to re-direct the ball under the bar. Athena just could not get the ball out of their defensive zone and midway through the half Michael Mirco drew the defence before centring to Morgan who hammered the ball past Xigas only for Troy Bernard to make a desperate goal line clearance.

Athena finally found their rhythm after around 25 minutes of play and Ortin and Adrian Sutton got stuck in to restoring the balance in the centre. Bernard should have opening the scoring in the 32nd minute after he ran the full length of the pitch unchecked to wander in behind the City defence where he meet Ithier’s cross, only to sky the ball over from just outside the 6-yard. It was by far the clearest chance of the game so far and the young sweeper was well aware of the magnitude of his miss. Athena fought hard to get back into this contest and did well to stem their opponents non-stop bombardment of Xigas’ goal, but really could muster little danger of their own

Inside the final five minutes City picked up the pace to keep the ball locked up in their attacking half. A superb Surtees long ball saw Morgan rocket off a shot which Xigas somehow knocked around his post. Two minutes later Michael Mirco found his way around Nikoloski and lobbed the ball over the advancing Xigas only to also clear the bar. The visitors were stringing together some sweeping moves to take them into attack with players working tirelessly to get into space. A minute into stoppage time came City’s best chance of the half, Pryce’s free-kick clearing a pack of players and dropped to Michael Mirco and Morgan at the far post - but, with only the ‘keeper to beat, Michael Mirco’s shot surprisingly missed the target altogether.

Athena were lucky not to be a couple of goals behind by the time the half-time whistle was blown. The shot count told the story - Athena 5, City 13 - and it would have been much greater had the home defence not been able spring a well-rehearsed off-side trap with regularity. John Hunter must have had some strong word for his players in the changerooms and his side came out after the break the livelier. George Tiniakos got the better of Michael Mirco several times, Spinelli came into the game with more frequency and Ortin took on the playmakers role. Five minutes after the re-start Tiniakos won the home side a corner which was swung in by Coci, and Newhill’s ferocious header rocketed back off the underside of the bar. It was a clear sign that Athena meant business but one their opponents failed to hear, and two minutes later they would pay the price. Spinelli’s searching cross from the left saw Newhill rise unopposed and head the ball back across Williams and inside the bottom right corner of his goal to make it 1-0.

After all their hard work over the opening 45 minutes, City were devastated to now be a goal down, and it was very nearly two when Ithier’s header flew the wrong side of the up-right after another superb Coci corner in the 56th minute. On the hour mark, Ortin cleverly got past his man wide on the left before looping the ball into the area where Coci sent his header straight at the City custodian. But the visitors were by no means out of this game. In the 62nd minute Pryce showed great skill to go between two defenders only to be denied by the fantastic reflexes of Xigas. City then won three corners in quick succession as they piled on the pressure without success. In an attempt to spark that little bit extra life into his side, Kamasz sent on the fresh legs of John Mirco and Joe Liguan with just under half an hour remaining.

The two youngsters took a little time to settle and Athena had no trouble in turning the ball over in defence before going on the attack themselves. Bernard made a lung-bursting run out of defence in the 68th minute, knocking the ball to Newhill on the half-way line who switched play to Ortin on the opposite flank. His first time volley dipped at the last moment and skimmed the wrong side of the bar to cap a great counter-attacking play. Shortly after Tiniakos’ low centring ball found Newhill who went for placement over power and chipped it to Williams from 16-metres. And Newhill had a second chance within the space of a minute when two City defenders collided inside the area, only for Williams to parry his explosive shot.

The last 15 minutes of the game were all City, the visitors desperately seeking a deserved equaliser. Liguan had by now found his feet and was creating all manner of problems for the defence, while the additional threat of Morgan and John Mirco kept Athena on their toes. The home side responded to the on-slaught by getting numbers behind the ball quickly and concentrating on playing it safety first. Soaking up the pressure, their midfield used every legal tactic available to run down the clock.

With ten minutes left Morgan opened up a path to goal with a weaving run but Bernard deflected his low shot. Evan Wallace streamed through the middle after the Athena midfield failed to respond to a lose ball only to hit it wide from 20-metres. In the 88th minute John Mirco got behind Bernard and Miller, then skewed his shot from close in when he had Liguan free in the middle. Sixty seconds later it should have been one-all after Morgan out-paced two defenders but his low shot from 10-metres was blocked by Xigas, the ball rolled to John Mirco who, with the ‘keeper well out of position, missed the open goal.

A long five minute period of stoppage time followed and Athena’s players where overjoyed when Derek Minett signalled the end of the game. At the end of the day it was through good fortune that the home side held on victory today, spending much of this game on the back foot and in the defensive half where Xigas made some telling saves. They took a surprise lead early in the second half then hung on grimly and waited for the ride to end. City’s failure to capitalise on their chances in the first half set the stage for their early exit from the Boral Cup, and continued their disappointing start to 2001. Michael Mirco ran himself into the ground, and Trim and McVittie worked tirelessly in the centre, but it was a failure to convert chances that let down the port side.

Floreat Athena : John Xigas, Troy Bernard, Hugh Miller, Peter Nikoloaski, Adrian Spinelli (Manuel Arapis 82), George Tiniakos, Adrian Sutton, Miguel Ortin, Doug Ithier, Peter Coci, Ryan Newhill
Fremantle City : Darren Williams, Craig Surtees, Evan Wallace, Cesare De Bartolo, Scott Clissold, Will Pryce (Vladimir Beretovac 75), Michael Mirco (John Mirco 65), Paul McVittie, Daniel Trim, Dale Wingell (Joe Liguan 65)), Trim Morgan
Referee : Derek Minett
Cautions : None
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 200 (approx.)

A first-half hat-trick from Cockburn City striker Peter Petkovich was the inspiration behind his side’s 6-1 win over the Western Knights at Dalmatinac Park. The 25-year old was in an unstoppable mood and had the Knights scrambling on the first of many occassions just 4 minutes into the game when he thumped a shot into the woodwork after a splendid cross from Antonio Naglieri. Midfielder Gary Numan also hit the frame of the goal as City piled on the pressure. Petkovich started the rout in the 24th minute, doubled the margin 9 minutes later and wrapped up his hat-trick after 39 minutes. Any hopes the Knights had of a second-half revival were snuffed out two minutes after the interval when midfielder Dean Gartside scored. Knights midfielder Scott Devine tried to motivate his side with a 30-metre strike which came back off the bar. Petkovich bagged his fourth in the second half, Branimir Mikulic scored City’s sixth while Eugene Singeorzan netted the Knights lone contribution. Petkovich, who has scored five in a game before but only at reserve level, was happy with his contribution. “Out here we had more width and everything went right today,” he said . “Normally I'm happy just to get one goal.”

The Dianella White Eagles hosted Sorrento and pushed their Premier League opponents all the way in their Boral Cup clash. The visitors were the more creative in the first half hour, only to fall a goal behind when substitute Zelko Savic scored with his first touch, seizing upon a poor clearance by Sorrento 'keeper Neil Young. Sorrento’s Ryan Jeans converted a penalty five minutes later to be back on level terms, and both Savic and Dragon Njegic came close to giving the White Eagles the lead going into the break. Michael Garcia became more involved after the break and proved a handful for the home backline. Sorrento were rewarded for their early second half dominance when Danny hill found the back of the net to re-store their lead. The White Eagles showed great fighting spirit to keep their chances alive and the home fans went wild when Robert Cibesku scored the equaliser. They almost snatched the lead minutes later when a great chance fell to Savic only for Young to pull off a great save. Sorrento’s experience showed as they calmly mounted their attacks and made it 3-2 when Jeans scored his second of the afternoon from the poorly defended corner. The White Eagles went down to ten men in the 85th minute with the dismissal of Mario Lucic, and Todd Harnwell’s shot shortly before the final whistle deflected off Djukan Tesic to complete the White Eagles woes.

Morley Windmills started their home clash with South West Phoenix the stronger with veteran Willie Herd at the heart of every dangerous move the home side created early on. Phoenix 'keeper Reece Braithwaite made a fantastic save in the 30th minute, holding an explosive volley at the near post when it looked a certain goal for the home side. Phoenix took the lead three minutes from half-time when Sasa Garic released Stephen Suttie who then slotted it past the ‘keeper. Windmills came out firing after the break only to go two down after 50 minutes - Steve Rodgers split the defence and Stephen Suttie again left the defence in his wake before slipping it home. Windmills pulled a goal back ten minutes later through a thundering free-kick from 28-metres by Aaron Wong. The home side dictated terms over the closing stages but were unable to find a way through the visiting defence which was well marshalled by Damien Trim.

The Stirling Suns were the only other non-Premier League club to make the quarter-final stage of the competition when they overcame a determined Bassendean Caledonian outfit 1-0 courtesy of a Bosko Klenkovski goal. Generally, it wasn’t a good day for those from the First Division. Goals from Andrew Cornwall, Philip Smiljanic (2), Elton Holmes, Gary Jamieson saw Inglewood United run riot over Armadale to the tune of five-nil. Kevin Morris’ goal for Kingsway Olympic was countered by strikes from Stuart Montgomery and Sandy Robertson as ECU Joondalup progressed to the next round thanks with a 2-1 victory. Rockingham City were always had their backs to the wall in their away clash with Perth for whom Mark Pottier, David Onoforo (2) and Andreas Oliviera were the scorers.

14.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWO

The points were shared at Ken Allen Field where Fremantle City hosted Perth. In an exciting match which saw the home side dominate proceedings opening half, it took until the 36th minute for the deadlock to be broken when Will Pryce’s speculative attempt gave the home team the lead. The midfielder let fly from 35-metres which dipped dramatically to catch Perth custodian Robert Scarparolo by surprise, the ball slipping from his grip and bouncing over the line. On the stroke of half-time Perth were back on level terms after a rare foray into attack - Vince Tana’s cross to the far post landing on the head of Andreas Oliviera who knocked it past City ‘keeper Darren Williams. Six minutes after the re-start the visitors snatched the lead - Olivieria combining well with 20-year old Rob Giorgi whose shot flew past the left glove of Willams. With Perth holding on desperately for three points, City captain Paul McVittie popped up two minutes into stoppage time to earn his side their first point of 2001. Scott Clissold’s corner was unsuccessfully cleared by the defence, and McVittie seized upon the lose ball to blast it through a sea of players to make the final score two-all.

ECU Joondalup celebrated their 10th anniversary on Saturday with the official opening of a new stand by W.A. Premier Geoff Gallop at the Edith Cowan University sports grounds. With first team proceedings against Bassendean Caledonian getting underway at 1.00pm, big things were expected from the home side who seven days ago defeated Floreat Athena 1-0, and mid-week secured the services of Brain Howard and Gary McManus from English club Southampton. Joondalup showed all the initiative in the opening half with Howard, an England youth international, showing his class in attack and linking well with Sandy Robertson in the middle of the park. But for all their creativity, the home team could not convert their chances in front of goal and scorers remained untroubled at the break. Having lost State defender Jamie Kuzmanovic to injury, Joondalup suffered a further blow five minutes after the re-start when Caledonian were awarded a penalty which Gary James coolly slotted home. Derek Cooke doubled the lead midway through the period, then killed off the game with 15 minutes remaining with is second goal of the afternoon as Caledonian recorded their first win of the Premier League season.

For the second time in as many weeks, Sorrento netted five times to maintain their 100% record and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League ladder. Playing away to Swan I.C., last week’s four-goal hero Ryan Jeans took his season tally to five, while a double from recent Perth Glory recruit Todd Harwwell and singles by Jared Love and veteran Ross Greer saw the visitors take home all three points. Scott Halpin and Damien Scali got their names on the scoresheet for the home side.

The Western Knights moved into second place on goal difference after being held 1-1 at home by Cockburn City, Tom Radic (Knights) and Joshua Pescud (City) the scorers. And Floreat Athena bounced back from last week’s shock loss to Joondlaup to earn their first point of the season when held 1-1 by Inglewood United. Athena striker Ryan Newhill punished his former club for the second time this season - he also scored the goal which knocked United out of the Night Series at the semi-final stage - only for United’s off-season recruit Elton Holmes to draw his side level.

14.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWO (IN BRIEF)

For the second time in as many weeks, Sorrento have scored five goals and extended their lead at the top of the W.A. Premier League table. Playing away to Swan I.C, last week’s four-goal hero Ryan Jeans took his season tally to five, while a double from recent Perth Glory recruit Todd Harwwell and singles by Jared Love and veteran Ross Greer saw the visitors take home all three points.

Bassendean Caledonian spoiled ECU Joondalup’s 10th birthday celebrations with a surprise 3-0 win. Joondalup dominated the opening half but were unable to find the target as Brian Howard and Sandy Robertson reeked havoc. Early in the second half Gary James converted a penalty to get the ball rolling for Callies, and Derek Cooke wrapped up the game with two goals of his own.

Saturday’s three remaining fixtures ended in the points being shared. The Western Knights moved into second on goal difference after being held 1-1 at home by Cockburn City. Fremantle City and Perth battled out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Ken Allen Field. And Floreat Athena bounced back from last week’s shock loss to draw with Inglewood United 1-1.

14.4.2001

FIRST DIVISION ROUND-UP

The Dianella White Eagles hosted Ashfield on Saturday in what was a very physical encounter. A hard-working Ashfield midfield created some good early chances only to be denied by the opposing ‘keeper, but in the 6th minute there was nothing he could do when David Mayers latched onto a loose ball to put Ashfield one up. The home team had to rely almost solely on the counter-attack while Ashfield controlled the middle of the park and extended their lead after 26 minutes after midfielder Steve Gillibrand pushed the ball passed the defence to score a good individual goal.

The White Eagles started the second period more positively and were awarded a penalty in the second minute of play when Robert Cibesku was brought down - Dragan Njegic took the spot-kick only for Phil Jackson to save. Two minutes later Gillibrand sent a spectacular volley from just outside the 18-yard box past the ’keeper to make it 3-0. However, the White Eagles weren't about to give up and Zelko Savic pulled one back after some good work down the right from Cibesku a few minutes later. The home side continued to push for a second and had their opponents on the back foot for long periods, Cibesku bringing his side back into the game with 20 minutes remaining. The goal sparked Ashfield to life and in the 85th minute Shane Fuhr netted with a superb chip that gave the ‘keeper no chance.

After two rounds the Stirling Lions are yet to concede a goal, their 2-0 win over rivals the Stirling Suns taking them into second place on the First Division (South) ladder behind Ashfield on goal difference. Perth City beat Balcatta 5-3 in a goal-feast at Kingsway Reserve, while Bayswater City’s dreadful start to the new season continued when they went down 1-3 at the hands of Kingsway Olympic.

South West Phoenix kicked-off their winter campaign with an entertaining home clash against Southside United on Saturday. The League’s new-comers should have had the game wrapped up by half time with golden opportunities missed by Sasa Garic (3), David Rodgers and Steve Suttie (2). The United ‘keeper was in tremendous form as he saved shot after shot and adapted to play as an extra sweeper for his team. Down the other end, Reece Braithwaite made two excellent first half saves but could do nothing about United taking the lead five minutes from half-time when poor marking gifted their opponents a free header inside the area.

Phoenix picked up the pace after the re-start and the visiting ‘keeper came to his sides rescue three times in as many minutes to deny Garic, Steve Suttie and David Rodgers. The home side doggedly wore the opponents down and Sasa Garic beat the offside trap and made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball past the on-rushing ‘keeper after 54 minutes. Two minutes later United could have restored their lead after a misunderstanding between Braithwaite and one of his fullbacks saw the visiting side sent the ball goalward, only to be headed off the line by Damien Trim. Phoenix searched hard for a winner and their constant pressure paid off in the 85th minute when captain Steve Rodgers hammered it past the ‘keeper from close range.

A 4-1 home win by Morley Windmills over Armadale saw at the top of the First Division (South) leader board after one round. The Leeming Strikers claimed second spot when they won a seven goal thriller against Canning City by the odd goal, and Rockingham City and Queens Park played out a scoreless draw at Dowling Street Reserve.

13.4.2001

LOTS OF LOCAL ACTION THIS LONG WEEKEND

It’s a big weekend of local action with Round Two of the W.A. Premier League taking place on Saturday, followed two days later by the Second Round of the Boral Cup. In the League, Floreat Athena will be looking to get their season back on track after last week’s 0-1 defeat at the hands of ECU Joondalup and should prove too strong for Inglewood United. The match of the round will be at Ken Allen Field where reigning champions Fremantle City take on Night Series winners Perth in a match too close to call. Joondalup should pick up the points when they host Bassendean Caledonian. Sorrento will add to their points and goal tally when the travel to play Swan I.C. And in their debut outing at Nash Field, Western Knights and Cockburn City will most likely battle out a fierce draw.

In Monday’s Boral Cup action, Floreat Athena and Fremantle City meet at Litis Stadium in what will be a tight contest. The only other all-Premier League clash sees Cockburn City and Western Knights meet for the second time in the space of three days, and this time the Knights should run out winners. Dianella White Eagles are at home to Sorrento and it’s hard to see the visitors going down there. ECU Joondalup should prove too strong for home team Kingsway Olympic. Bassendean Caledonian will have their work cut out keeping the Stirling Suns scoreless. Inglewood United should easily account for Armadale. Perth are the clear favourites against Rockingham City. And expect South West Phoenix to upset Morley Windmills.

13.4.2001

IN CONVERSATION WITH ADRIAN MADASCHI

Now in his fourth season with Atalanta and armed with the security of a professional deal running to 2004, former Perth S.C. junior Adrian Madaschi is tipped to become the latest youngster off the Atalanta production line to make it big. Tribalfootball.com caught up with the Under-20 international recently and here is what he had to say …

13.4.2001

PAPERWORK HOLDS UP CORREIA

The future of State striker Kevin Correia is in limbo following his apparent departure from Fremantle City. The 22-year old has been training with Sorrento for the past few weeks, and with that club interested in obtaining his services, paperwork has stepped in to halt proceedings. Half-way through a two-year contract with Portuguese 1st Division outfit Maritimo, Correia opted for a return to Perth last June when he linked up with City. Out of favour at the club this year, and with the possibility of a transfer to Sorrento, it has been discovered that Correia is still a registered player in Portugal. And until that, and his arrangement with City is sorted out, Correia’s career has been put on hold.

12.4.2001

LIGHTNING AT LEEDERVILLE?

Soccer West Coast have reportedly approached the Town Of Vincent with the view of using Leederville Oval as a home base for their proposed Western Lighting NSL team. The local authority are at the current time calling upon interested parties to make expressions of interest on the facility which is currently utilised by Perth Glory and East Perth Football Club as a training base.

12.4.2001

ATHENA HAMMER SOUTHSIDE

Premier League outfit Floreat Athena last night sent seven goals past Southside United without reply in their re-scheduled opening round Boral Cup fixture at the Litis Stadium. The visitors started well and looked to be in with a chance, that was until New Zealand international Adrian Sutton headed in the opening goal from point-blank range in the 15th minute to open the floodgates. Andrew Afkos made it 2-0 after 26 minutes, and Robyn Dyers killed off the game as a contest on the half-hour mark when he bared through a crowded goalmouth to net. A minute after the break Afkos bagged his second of the evening, Troy Bernard hit the goal of the game with a stunning volley in the 51st minute, captain Hugh Miller made it six and Doug Ithier completed the route late two minutes from full-time. Southside rarely troubled John Xigas between the posts for the home side, although Darren Ingham and Mark Edwards showed some flashes of skill in the middle of the park.

10.4.2001

PERTH OPEN NEW FACILITIES

It has been a busy off-season at Dorrien Gardens where Night Series winners Perth have spent to the tune of $600,000 in redeveloping their ground and up-grading near-by facilities for the juniors. “The ground will include a lift for handicapped visitors and more standing room. The main grandstand and function area has also been extended,” club secretary Neil Cole said recently. “When the work is complete I believe this building will become very important to the local community. Perth Soccer Club has always been one of the most professional clubs in the State and these facilities are proof.”

Perth’s junior sides, who play their home games at near-by Forrest Park, have also seen an improvement in their set-up. They will now have an adjoining base at Mount Lawley Bowling Club where they’ll share a kiosk and other facilities with the local croquet club. “It is fantastic for the juniors to have somewhere to meet and socialise,” Cole added.

10.4.2001

NEW REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS FOR AMATUERS

State amateur coach Dave Coward this week unveiled WAASSA’s plans to give their players more exposure at representative level with the introduction of a north-v-south game. Coward has used the Swan River to divide the metropolitan area into two areas from which two representative squads will be drawn for an annual friendly series. “At the moment it’s for clubs in Division One to Four, leaving out the Premier League because a lot of those players have already been part of the State program since April last year,” Coward said this week. “That should run until the end of August and it should give some new players an opportunity, other than those in the ‘A’ squad.”

Coward added that the series, if a success, could act as a possible feeder to the State amateur side. “I’m also looking for some young players to bring through, so we’ll be asking clubs to nominate players shortly. We’ll hold a series of trials, a couple of training sessions then a north-v-south game north of the river and another in the south,” Coward added. “I think it’s good that WAASSA have got behind the program and said they want to do something, not only for the young players but also for those with experience that want to take the next step - to represent WAASSA.”

8.4.2001

STANGE LUNCHES WITH SWC

Perth Glory coach Bernd Stange, who is tipped to be dumped by the club at the end of the current NSL season, was late last week spotted lunching with three high-ranking Soccer West Coast officals - president David Schrandt, general manager Paul Tombides and board member Siggy Kramer - at Parliament House. The local body have applied for the second NSL license in Perth and just last month Tombides said that he would do everything in his power to keep the former East German national coach in W.A. should he part company with Glory. “We will try to do something with him - and maybe even create a job for him,” Tombides said four weeks ago.

8.4.2001

VALE GEORGE PENDREIGH

Former WAASSA Board member George Pendreigh passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer, aged 58. Born in Scotland, Pendriegh served in the Australian Navy before joining the staff of the “West Australian” newspaper. After a spell as a reporter for local radio station 6NR, he was more recently editor of “British Soccer Week”.

7.4.2001

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ONE

The opening round of the 2001 Cellular One Premier League pitted local rivals Perth against Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens. Night Series winners Perth were still without captain Craig Naven for this clash, while influential midfielder Mark Pottier started on the bench after featuring in the reserves game. United on the other hand were at full strength with a fine blend of youth and experience in their starting line-up. The club have seen a lot of changes over the summer months and coach Steve Parkinson will have his work cut in making the side Top Five contenders this year.

Proceedings got underway at a frenetic pace and Perth came very close to taking a surprise lead after 5 minutes. Steven Willey’s cross was dropped by United ‘keeper Oliver Taseski and Boni Botha reacted quickly, but his shot from close range was blocked by Jason Godfrey. Other than that there wasn’t a lot to get excited about in the opening 20 minutes. The home side worked diligently to get the ball into attack only to meet strong resistance from a United outfit focused on defending. United were quick to close down their opponents but when it came to mounting attacks of their own the side was very hesitant to commit players forward, making it very easy for Perth to break them down. Out wide on the left Greg Sharland was the only United player wanting to get forward with any urgency, while his opponent Willey was the driving force behind many of Perth’s early attacks.

Mid-way through the half Lee Crosby became the first name in referee Steve Muldoon’s book for a dreadfully late tackle on Vince Tana. Willey swung the free-kick into the 18-yard box where Botha, one of the shortest players on the park, rose above the crowd and sent a strong header into the side netting. Two minutes later United had appeals for obstruction dismissed when David Onoforo held back Alex Cummings to allow Rob Giorgi to race through the middle, he rounded Drew Carruthers only to be stopped in his tracks by teenage defender Godfrey. Perth were beginning to show signs that they were wanting to take the game by the scruff of the neck, but the smothering tactics employed by United made sure the home side didn’t get out of first gear just yet.

It wasn’t until the 26th minute that United managed anything resembling a chance on goal, but Cummings’ downward header from Scott Campbell’s corner didn’t trouble Robert Scarparolo in the slightest. Part of United’s problem was that there appeared to belittle understanding between their strikers, you got the overwhelming feeling that Elton Holmes and John Bartolomei are still coming to terms with playing together. The visitors seemed content to rely on trying to catch Perth on the counter-attack, but their best chance of the half resulted from another corner. In the 37th minute Cummings volleyed a partially cleared corner back past Scarparolo, only to see his smashing shot amazingly headed off the line by Giorgi.

As the half came to a close Perth began to string some nice moves together and were finding holes in their opponents defence, mostly by playing the ball straight down the middle. Two minutes from the break a long cross-field ball from Willey exposed the frailties in United’s backline, Tana took the ball to the by-line before pulling it back to the far post when Todd Howarth’s half-volley whizzed just over the bar. A goal that close to the interval was what Perth deserved after a half which saw them do all the attacking, but have nothing to show for it after 45 minutes.

Coach Graham Normanton had some stern words for his players during the turn-around and Perth came emerged from the tunnel with fire in their belly. Seven minutes into the second half Onoforo took the direct route to goal but hesitated to shoot from 16-metres, Jamie Goodman making a perfectly-timed tackle from behind. Two minutes later Coyne sent Onoforo down the left flank, he flicked the ball into the path of Botha but his close-range shot lacked power. It was looking increasingly as though it would be only a matter of time before Perth found the back of the net, and it was. Botha ran onto a searching ball from Tana, rounded last defender Goodman before calmly slotting it beyond Taseski’s reach and into the far bottom corner of the goal to make it one-nil after 57 minutes.

United came very close to conceding a second goal within 60 seconds - Taseski’s poor clearance was pounced upon by Onoforo, he quickly found Botha who hammered his shot from 20-metres narrowly off target. And three minutes later Taseski was at fault again when he badly mis-judged a Willey corner which landed at the feet of a very surprised Mark Pottier, but before he could rattle off a shot Cummings conceded another corner. In between these came United’s only chance of the second half, Godfrey sending a deep cross to Holmes’ whose downward header put Scarparolo to the test, the ‘keeper coming up trumps with a great reflex save from close range.

The final 35 minutes was all one-way traffic. Carruthers and Goodman came close to colliding the centre of the park, Botha responded quickly and sent Pottier through the middle only for the midfielder to be twice denied by the reflexes of Taseski. Willey then had his shot from 16-metres land on the top netting. Perth came close to doubling their lead in the 76th minute when Botha made a bee-line for goal after Cummings mis-judged his clearance 25-metres out. The striker rounded one defender and his shot caught the advancing Taseski flat-footed, but Cummings never gave up the chase and got behind his ‘keeper to make a spectacular goal line clearance.

Next it was Taseski’s turn to performed aerobatics, Giorgi doing all the hard work to set-up Onoforo only to see his shot brilliantly turned around the up-right by the United ‘keeper. With six minutes left on the clock, Perth caught out United’s off-side trap when Howarth flew down the flank and slotted into the path of Botha, but dead in front and 7-metres from goal he amazingly failed to connect with the ball. Perth finally wrapped up the points in the 86th minute after Onoforo had been heavily brought down by Cummings on the edge of the penalty box. Howarth’s in-swinging free-kick was met by Onoforo and his glancing header flew past Taseski to nestle in the back of the net. It was a superbly taken goal, one obviously worked out on the training pitch and Cummings was the first to congratulate the scorer.

The 2-0 result would have been one that pleased neither coach. United were sluggish when in possession and created few opportunities for themselves over the 90 minutes. Their forwards failed to ignite, there was very little service coming from either the flanks or through the middle, while at the back it was their experienced heads that were making the simple mistakes. Campbell provided good penetration from out wide but had little support from those around him, while Godfrey is fast developing into a reliable stopper. Taseski pulled off some crucial saves after the break to over-shadow his earlier errors, but other than that were few positives for United’s coaching staff.

Perth coach Normaton was well aware the margin should have been far greater, especially the way in which his side dominated the second half. “It just goes to show that bad sides do win bad games,” he said after the game, with reference to the number of opportunities that went begging. Botha was without a doubt the stand-out player on the park, always moving into space, and capping a non-stop performance with a well-taken goal. Midfielders Giorgi and Tana gave 100% in supplying those further downfield with plenty to work with, and any threat at the back was quickly snuffed out by Perry Ielati. But while Perth should have won this game by four or five clear goals, they will be happy to have got the 2001 season off on the right foot to celebrate the opening of their new clubrooms with a first-up victory.

Inglewood United : Oliver Taseski, Alex Cummings, Jamie Goodman, Jason Godfrey, Drew Carruthers (Phillip Smiljanic 67), Greg Sharland (Andy Cornwall 46), Scott Campbell (Dom Ando 77), Daniel Harrop, Lee Crosby, John Bartolomei, Elton Holmes
Perth : Robert Scarparolo, Perry Ielati, Michael Icanovski, Aaron Cole, Stephen Willey (Adam Bunce 73), Todd Howarth, Vince Tana, Robert Giorgi (Mark Pottier 57), Jamie Coyne (Andreas Oliviera 57), Boni Botha, David Onoforo
Referee : Steve Muldoon
Cautions : Crosby (20), Cole (66), Cummings (86)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 350 (approx.)

7.4.2001

OPENING DAY HIGH FIVE (by Kerry Slater)

Sorrento fans were walking tall after they achieved an exciting 5-2 victory over Fremantle City in their opening match of the 2001 Premier League season. Two teams that struggled to produce good form in the pre-season night competition gave the 300 plus supporters a match full of skill and passion. A first half hat trick by striker Ryan Jeans set Sorrento on their path to a handsome result.

Sorrento with the assistance of a reasonable breeze started the better. City survived one early goalmouth scramble, but succumbed to Jeans' first after 9 minutes, Michael Garcia’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by Ross Greer to Jeans who, from close in, needed two stabs at the ball as his first came back off ‘keeper, Darren Williams. Former Sorrento striker Trim Morgan should have put City on level terms when he surprisingly received the ball from a very poor clearance by Neil Young, who was quick to tackle, only for the ball to spill to Morgan and his follow up shot was well held by the Sorrento ‘keeper after 16 minutes. In the 25th minute a deep cross by Danny Hill from near the half way line was chested down by Greer and into the path of the active Garcia, unfortunately his instant shot was wide of the right post. Garcia was the sparkle as two minutes later he chased a lost cause and gained possession from Evan Wallace on the by-line and cut the ball back to Glen Thomas - his effort was battered away by Williams resulting in a goalmouth scramble in which Jeans' shot was cleared. On the half hour in another chaotic scramble in the City area created by a Scott McLeod header, a hand ball by Wallace resulted in a penalty which Jeans coolly despatched high into the right corner. A foot injury forced defender Richard Turnball off for David Colegate four minutes after the goal. Two minutes later, City dangerman Morgan received a pass wide from Michael Mirco. Morgan cut inside and his curling shot was wide of Young's right post. A minute into stoppage time and Garcia was again the architect as he created space for his cross from the left to Jeans at the far post, the striker bundling the ball home to give Sorrento a three goal half time lead.

Fourteen minutes into the new half Morgan pulled one back for the visitors when he tapped in following a cross by Dale Wingell. Five minutes later a free-kick on the edge of the area following a trip on Garcia saw Jeans' shot palmed away for a corner. Sorrento were dominating and the defensive partnership of McLeod and Hill stifled and hint of attack. Substitute Jared Love, who had replaced the injured Peter Butler, had his cross from the right handled by Dave Evans, the referee left with no option but to award Sorrento their second penalty of the afternoon after 76 minutes. Jeans put his spot-kick in the same corner and sent William diving the other direction. City grabbed another goal back in the 90th minute, again through the willing Morgan as he was left unmarked to pick his spot pass Young. Three minutes into stoppage time, Love gather the ball in his own half and out-sprinted Evans to end the game in spectacular fashion, blasting the ball past the fully stretched Williams. Four-goal hero Jeans was named Sorrento’s Player of the Week after the match which left Sorrento with high hopes for the season.

The reserves match was a bewildering affair, the match official's decisions difficult to fathom by the players. Sorrento started well, but surprisingly took until the 38th minute before taking the lead when, following a comedy of mis-kicks, the ball fell to David Foster who struck home from 6-metres. In the second half, City came into the game and equalised through Joe Liguan. He was fortunate that after his initial shot was blocked by Steve Partalo, the rebound came back to him and his second attempt found the net. From this point there were three players sent off in situations that hardly seemed to even warrant a caution. First to go was City’s Tryone Fenwick who was issued a red card by Robert Moore, and he was followed later by Sorrento's Toby Wright and Leo Harman in separate incidents.

A very entertaining Under-18’s clash saw Sorrento hold the upper hand early on and they deservedly went ahead in the 9th minute when James Morgan's effort from long-range came back off the bar, and Jake Harman pounced on the rebound to smash the ball pass Michael Basilio. City had a chance to level just before the break, but Chris Zarriceta lobbed over the bar with Matt Williams stranded mid-way. Fourteen minutes into the second half Peter Steeger scored on his debut for Sorrento. City will feel they had the chances to get back into the match, but inaccurate finishing let them down.

7.4.2001

ELSEWHERE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Young Cockburn City striker Branimir Mikulic got his club’s season off to a bright start with a stunning hat-trick as City overcame being reduced to nine men against Swan I.C. Defender Stuart Weston was dismissed in the 13th minute for holding back Scott Halpin inside the area, Peter Vukmirovic giving Swan the lead when he netted from the spot. Mikulic converted a penalty of his own to equalise five minutes later, then on the hour mark put the home side 2-1 up. City went down to nine in the 65th minute when midfielder Dean Gartside was given his marching orders, but any hopes Swan had of coming back were erased just seven minutes later when Mikulic bagged his third of the afternoon. Swan finished the game with 10 men when Justin Everley was sent off after 83 minutes.

Floreat Athena went into Saturday’s home clash with ECU Joondalup without key midfielders Doug Ithier (overseas), Jason Smith (calf injury) and Costas Socratous (hamstring). After a scrappy opening half, the visitors had a great chance to take the lead shortly after the break when Scott Broadley's effort was blocked by goalkeeper John Xigas, then Steve White's follow-up was cleared off the line. With the game seemingly destined for a scoreless draw, State teammates White and Jamie Kuzmanovic combined in the 87th minute for the winner - Kuzmanovic beating Robyn Dyers to White’s corner and sending the ball past Xigas for the only goal of the game. To add to Athena’s woes, Dyers was stretchered off after the clash which left the tall striker with concussion. It’s going to be trying week for Athena who will play three games in the space of seven days and are looking likely to be without Miguel Ortin (leg injury) and Dyers (concussed) in addition to Ithier, Smith and Socratous. Their re-scheduled opening round Boral Cup game with 1st Division Southside will take place on Wednesday evening, three days later they host Inglewood United in the League, and on Easter Monday there’s the Boral Cup Second Round fixture with Fremantle City (presuming they account for Southside).

Bassendean Caledonian’s return to the top flight was not a happy one, thumped 3-0 at home by the the Western Knights. First half goals from Eugene Singeorzan (2) and John Nicolaou getting their opponents season off on the wrong foot.

7.4.2001

FIRST DIVISION ROUND-UP

Dianella White Eagles started their 2001 campaign off with the home clash against bitter rivals the Stirling Suns. In an entertaining contest played out in front of around 400 supporters, the Suns started the sharper of the two sides, dominating play over the opening 20 minutes and coming close to opening the scoring on several occasions. In 25th minute, the White Eagles punished their opponents for the missed opportunities when Dragan Njegic struck a beautiful volley in the top corner to give his side the lead. The home side introduced Pedja Jovanovic after the break to strengthen their midfield which picked up the pace over the next 45 minutes. After 60 minutes Dragisa Volarevic doubled the margin after a good lay-off by young Robert Cibesku. With 20 minutes left on the clock, Njegic made the final score 3-0 with a perfect chip over the ‘keeper. It was a great confidence builder for the White Eagles buster who play Ashfield next Saturday with a Second Round Boral Cup clash with Sorrento two days later. Earlier in the day the White Eagles reserves were beaten 0-1 by the Suns.

Elsewhere north of the river, Perth City and Wanneroo City slugged out a 2-2 draw, while the Stirling Lions opened their account for the season with a convincing 3-0 win over the Bayswater City Panthers. A revitalised Ashfield showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with then they hammered Balcatta 5-1 at home.

6.4.2001

FREMANTLE FOCUSED ON THE TASK AT HAND

It’s been hard to wipe the smile off the face of Fremantle City coach Stuart Kamasz this week, after his side defeated NSL powerhouse Perth Glory in last weeks friendly between the two sides. Kamasz this week said that was in the past and his players were now concentrating on tomorrow’s opening round Premier League clash with Sorrento. “All in all it was a great effort, but we have to forget it and think about Sorrento on Saturday,” Kamasz said late in the week. “We have a strong squad and when we are all fit and available, hopefully we can show Friday’s commitment every week.”

The club have strengthened their stocks for the up-coming season this week with the signing of one-time State representative Scott Clissold. “A great signing for us, it’s good to have him back at Fremantle,” said the City coach. The midfielder spent the 1997 and 1998 seasons with City before spells with Floreat Athena and ECU Joondalup.

Elsewhere this weekend, Bassendean Caledonian make their return to the Premier League when they play the Western Knights at Jubilee Reserve, while in the game of the round Perth is at home to Inglewood United. Floreat Athena take on ECU Joondalup, and Swan I.C. will be hoping to erase last weeks’ Boral Cup loss when they are on the road to play Cockburn City.

6.4.2001

BORAL CUP SECOND ROUND DRAW

Premier League side Floreat Athena will play their catch-up, opening round Boral Cup game with Southside United on Wednesday night at Litis Stadium. The winner will host Fremantle City in the second round on Easter Monday. The only all Premier League clash sees Cockburn City take on the Western Knights, while Dianella White Eagles verses Sorrento promises to be a tight game. Kingsway Olympic play ECU Joondalup, Bassendean Caledonian are drawn at home to the Stirling Suns, and Inglewood United travel to Armadale. Other games will see Perth play Rockingham City, and Morley Windmills against South West Phoenix.

6.4.2001

MEDIA AND REFEREES IN STALEMATE (by Richard Kreider)

Last night the local media (aka the Media Maniacs) took on a referees combination (aka Riff Reffs) under lights at Perth Oval. The first half was one to forget for Maniacs who more intent on pouring verbal acid on their own players abilities rather than providing some badly needed encouragement for those that needed it - namely ALL of them. The Reffs were rewarded for their aggressive offensive play which handed them a 2-0 lead. "Bob-Cat" Figg pulled a goal back for the media side to make it 2-1 at half-time.

The Reffs then missed a penalty by hitting an upright, but scored to make it 3-1 just moments into the second half with a close-range header. The diminutive Figg was again on hand to make it 3-2 courtesy of a bye-line push back from John O'Connell's young prodigy Calum - in fact Figg's two goals were converted from about 2-metres out and even then he did his best to shoot over the top! The Maniacs were well on top by this stage and dominated the second half after, eventually finding a way through their opponents rearguard via the flanks, with Mr Kappa, Wally Aquino, making a noted contribution on the right.

If Figg was the "Bob-Cat", Mo Kaplin was certainly the bulldozer after upsetting a number of the Reffs with some 'shady' challenges. Richard Kreider equalised to make it 3-3 - again from close-range - after a classic nutmeg pass from ring-in Bernd Stange started the move off with a mazy solo run past a number of bewildered opponents who by this time had run out of puff.

When the controlling canary, David Mortimer, blew the final whistle many of those on the park snuck off for a spell on the iron-Lung which was rented just for the night. Certainly, goalkeeper Ashley Morrison kept the Maniacs side in the game with some brave goalkeeping and was well supported by the 'very mature' O'Connell. The equally evergreen Gary Marocchi worked hard out of midfield alongside the pacey Jonathon Cook, while Penny Tanner was very busy along the flanks for the media team.

5.4.2001

TANA MEETS WITH CLUBS

Suspended Soccer Association of W.A. board member Nick Tana this week held two meetings with local officials to discuss the future of the game in this state. The Glory chairman met informally with representatives from several local clubs on Sunday, but is said to have been disappointed by the turnout which was less than half the number that attended a similar meeting recently.

On Tuesday Tana had a second go, inviting along two 'decision making' representatives from all Soccer West Coast clubs. Up for discussion were two issues that are of concern to the clubs, the first of which was the stalling tactics being employed by SAWA to not allow the Junior Soccer Association back into the controlling body. The other topic for discussion was the lack of action to implement the findings of the Feilding Report that was commissioned by the government and proposed the re-structure of the local game. The clubs are all in favour of the re-structure and have requested that it be implemented as soon as possible.

There were also a couple more meeting held this week. On Wednesday evening it was the Soccer West Coast general meeting where a new board member was elected, and the structure of the League for the 2002 season was decided. SAWA were also expected to meet on Thursday night to discuss the non-payment of administration fees to the body - the outcome of this meeting is yet to be made public.

5.4.2001

IN CONVERSATION WITH ROBBIE PUCA

Fremantle-born Robbie Puca has become established as a regular starter for NSL club Eastern Pride over the past couple of years. But the past year and a half has been a rollercoaster ride for the 21-year old midfielder - his 1999/2000 season was curtained by illness, he then trialled in Europe mid-year and more recently was smack-bang in the middle of the off-field problems which threaten to swallow his club. This week fellow Pride teammate Michael Katz agreed to interview Puca on our behalf, discussing his career to date and the turmoil surrounding their club.

5.4.2001

SUCCESS FOR MADASCHI AND DANZE

Atalanta and Australian youth international Adrian Madaschi has played an integral role in his side's Primavera Italian Cup victory after a 0-0 draw in the second leg against Bari. Following a 1-0 win in the away leg, Atalanta held on for a tight scoreless draw at home to ensure a victory. The West Australian born defender has been a star performer this season for the Atalanta youth team and is said to be close to first team selection.

And former ECU Joondalup teenager, now with NSL side Perth Glory, Anthony Danze is just ninety minutes away from representing Australia in the World Under-17 Championships in Trinidad and Tobago this September. The midfielder featured in Wednesday's 3-0 first leg win over New Zealand in the Oceania Qualifying Final, and is expected to be in the side for Sunday's return match in Auckland.

4.4.2001

INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL - THE 2001 SEASON PREVIEW

The Western Australian State League kicks-off this weekend with the first round of fixtures in the both the Premier League and First Division. Next season will see the local governing body, Soccer West Coast, re-structure their competitions and reduce the top flight to eight clubs. This week we preview what the winter season has in store in the west, who is likely to make the drop from the Premier League and which clubs are favoured to take home the silverware.

4.4.2001

FINLAY BACK HOME

Mark Finlay has returned to Perth after trialling in England with Sunderland, Notts County and Burnley. Despite not landing a contract this time around, the teenager is full of confidence for the future. With offers of further trials at a number of clubs, Finlay was advised to return to Perth and 'bulk up' over the local winter months before trying his luck in the UK later in the year.

3.4.2001

SWC REJECTS GLORY PROPOSAL

Soccer West Coast have reportedly knocked back an offer from Perth Glory which would have seen the NSL club field a junior team in the W.A. Under-18 League. Next season Glory will establish a youth development program under former Socceroo coach Frank Arok which will see co-owner Nick Tana plunge around $400,000 into bringing on the states best young talent. It is been claimed that Glory had offered the local body $9,000 for a place in the Under-18's competition.

3.4.2001

SAWA AND GLORY LOCK HORNS

Perth Glory are heading for a showdown with the Soccer Administration of W.A. and possibly Soccer Australia over unpaid fees. The state's controlling body claim they are owed some $30,000 by Glory - $20,000 in administration fees and a further $10,000 in overdue fees - and have demanded that the NSL powerhouse pay up. But Glory chairman Nick Tana, who was last week suspended from the board of SAWA over the matter, has disputed the amount and said his club would not be paying up.

When Glory was formed five years ago it chose to be just an affiliate member of SAWA, like the referees' body and women's soccer. It initially paid $400 but that later rose to $4,500, which the club felt was a fair amount. It was increased to $20,000 in 1998 without reason, but the club have continued to pay the smaller amount over that period. Tana claimed this week that Glory were charged more because of the success the club have experienced. "Just because it (Perth Glory) is perceived to be more successful that others and there is more money going into players, administration, marketing etcetera, does that arbitrarily mean we should pay 10 or 11 times more than anyone else?"

SAWA president Paul Afkos - who is also a 25% shareholder in Glory - said the fee increase was to provide funds for the development of the game in W.A. He pointed out that SAWA survived solely on the contribution of its affiliates to effectively manage the game. "The State federation employs a director of coaching, it employs staff to promote and develop the game of soccer and the only source of income is membership fees," he said. The whole issue appears to have been exacerbated by the well-reported personal feud between the Glory co-owners. "I think objections (to paying the amount) are of a personal nature and I see no commercial logic behind this stand Mr Tana has," Afkos said.

Tana said the club would consider paying up if it was ordered to do so by Soccer Australia. The national body has the power to penalise Glory through various options including banning them or stripping them of all points should they not pay their state fees. But NSL general manager Stefan Kamasz has refused to enter into the feud at this stage. "It's up to the parties to sort it out - it's not a matter for the NSL," Kamasz said on Sunday.

2.4.2001

TOMBIDES QUITS!

The seemingly never-ending feud between Nick Tana and Paul Afkos has claimed another victim - Soccer West Coast general manager Paul Tombides, who last week resigned from his post as treasurer of the Soccer Association of W.A. "I'm sick of wasting my time at SAWA meetings, listening to Afkos and Tana trying to sort out their personal battles. I just want to concentrate on Soccer West Coast instead of getting caught up in all the politics."

It has also emerged that SWC have themselves been given 21 days to pay outstanding fees which it owes to SAWA. Tombides said the states controlling body claimed it was owed around $30,000, but he believes that figure is more in the vacinity of $9000. "We don't have a problem with paying up, it's just the amount that is contentious," Tombides said.

2.4.2001

KNIGHTS OPEN NEW HOME

For the third time in as many seasons Western Knights have changed home grounds, this time to Nash Field in Mosman Park. On Saturday, a well-attended gala day was held at the new clubrooms which had previously been utilised by the local rugby side. The Knights have spent considerable time and money up-grading the facilities over the summer months and the results are well worth the out-lay - a picturesque setting flanked by rows of tall pine trees. And, although a little bumpy at the moment, the well-manicured playing surface has all the makings to be one of the best in the League.

As part of day-long celebrations, the Knights senior side played the reserves in an intra-club friendly. In a tight contest, the youngsters held their own over the opening half but fell behind four minutes from the interval when Michael Vaz was given space to turn and shoot from close range and a superb pass from John Nicolaou. Twelve minutes after the re-start, the reserves were back on level terms after Steven Sulenta weaved past the defence and found Luke Pavlos unmarked at the far post. The decider can from the unlikely boot of Leon Russell who drilled the ball through a crowded area after a corner was poorly dealt with by the reserves defence. Eugene Singeorzan and Shane McNally had good chances to extend the lead, while Eric Kuzmar came close to equalising for the reserves late in the game but his spectacular long-range effort came back off the crossbar.

In squad news, former State representative Gavin Tait is training with the Knights first team after spending the past year in Scotland. And experienced defender Alex Christie this week undergoes the knife to alleviate a cartilage problem.

1.4.2001

NIGHT SERIES FINAL, FLOREAT ATHENA vs PERTH

Floreat Athena went into the 2001 Night Series final with Perth as clear favourites. Athena were yet to lose a game in the tournament in which their defence had been superb, conceding only four goals to date. Troy Bernard and Hugh Miller have been superb at the back, Costa Socratous and Doug Ithier likewise in the middle with Robyn Dyers the chief destroyer up front. Perth coach Graham Normanton was without Craig Naven, still recovering from a recent hernia operation, and captain Mark Pottier, absent with a shoulder injury, for this clash. Their defence would have to be on top of their game to hold at bay the threat of Dyers and Ryan Newhill, while going forward they would be looking to wing-backs Todd Howarth and Stephen Willey. The fire-power up-front was provided by Boni Botha and the ever-dangerous Nick Mrdja.

The crowd was still flowing in through the Litis Stadium gates when Ithier scored a spectacular goal from Athena's first attack of the game. In the 4th minute of play, Perth's midfield failed to respond when a free-kick played deep into their defensive area was cleared, Ithier moved swiftly and sent a blistering first-time shot into the top corner of Robert Scarparolo's goal from some 35-metres. The goal left Perth and they spend the next ten minutes coming to terms with being a goal down so early in the contest. Seizing on the opportunity and playing straight through the middle, Athena created several good chances to extend their lead without success. Newhill saw his header from close-range well saved by Scarparolo, and Robyn Dyers sent a similar header wide. And a great in-swinging corner from Socratous was kept out at the back post by a desperate Scarparolo as Athena asserted their authority.

Perth slowly came back into the game through some determined runs from wide on the right by Howarth and a high work-rate from 20-year old midfielder Robert Giorgi. Howarth curled a 19th minute free-kick into the area which was cleared as far as Willey who sent a cracking volley on target but John Xigas had the shot well covered. Four minutes later and from the opposite side of the park, Willey floated the ball into the dangerzone, Xigas punched it to the top of the 18-yard box where Botha and Perry Ieltai combined with the latter's fine drive deflected wide. Perth were unlucky not to score from the resulting corner, Jamie Coyne's glancing header striking Xigas on the chest and before the 'keeper could figure out what had happened Perth were lining up another corner kick.

With Howarth and Willey working overtime on the flanks, Vince Tana and Giorgi kept a tight reign on the middle of the park where they kept Athena's regular playmakers out of the game. After 25 minutes Coyne's long-range effort was hit straight to Xigas, and a few minutes later Howarth picked out Botha whose shot on the turn curled past the 'keeper and narrowly the wrong side of the up-right. All the play was going with Perth and there was little Athena could do about it. Botha was put through one-on-one with the Athena 'keeper in the 31st minute, but Xigas snuffed out the nippy strikers' chances by diving at his feet. Then Howarth sent an explosive half-volley goalbound from 14-metres which slammed into the body of a defender before being hacked to safety.

Breaking on the counter-attack, Athena's sole chances of the period came in the 35th minute after some nimble footwork by Socratous. He laid it off to George Taniakos and the midfielders searching cross was well met by Miguel Ortin at the far post, his looping header going over Scarparolo and also the crossbar. Despite being a goal up Athena still had a lot to work on in the second 40-minutes before lifting the trophy, something coach John Hunter would no doubt would have told his troops at the break.

The second half saw Perth continue to dominate. One minute after the interval the visitors won a won a free-kick on top of the area after Botha was brought down - Mrdja chipped the ball over the wall and Xigas produced the save of the night, a spectacular one-handed effort to keep the shot from going into the top corner. A few minutes later Mrdja sent a long ball between two defenders and into the path of Coyne, only for the midfielder to put his shot into the signage. And in quick succession Coyne and Tana saw their long-range efforts sail into the arms of Xigas who was showing an uncanny ability to read where Perth's shots were headed.

Athena on the other hand found Perth's backline a hard nut to crack and very few opportunities came their way as a result. A corner was partially cleared after 54 minutes which landed at the feet of Adrian Spinelli, but his low half-volley from 25-metres crashed into the body of a defender. By and large running out of ideas, Athena dropped Newhill into a deep midfield position and resorted to playing the ball long over the midfield, but more often than not they were over-hit and gave Dyers little opportunity. The home side were getting a little frustrated at their lack of penetration which saw some nastiness creep into the game. Ithier became the first player in the referees book when he brought down Giorgi, and not long after Bernard was flattened by Mrdja after the defender beat him to the ball.

Ten minutes from full-time Perth's persistence finally paid off when Mrdja scored with another fantastic long-range strike. A free-kick played in the heart of the Athena defence was headed out of the dangerzone and the Perth forward timed his volley to perfection, sending it soaring into the roof of the net from 22-metres. Suddenly Athena came to life and the remaining time saw the ball sprinted from one end of the pitch to the other as the teams tried desperately to avoid extra-time. To their credit, both defences were calm and composed despite the knowledge that one false move could result in their side losing the trophy. A minute into injury time Athena almost stole the game when Newhill charged his way between two defenders before unleashing a thunderbolt which Scarparolo amazingly tipped over the bar.

For the second week in succession, Perth went into golden-goal extra-time. Athena started the stronger of the two sides and inside the first minute Newhill's speculative shot from the top of the area spun into the arms of Scarparolo. But they ran out of legs and it wasn't long before Perth again controlled play. Howarth spotted Xigas off his line and attempted to chip the 'keeper who back-tracked quickly and conceded a corner. David Onoforo's shot grazed the wrong side of the crossbar from a tight angle, and some lovely work by Mrdja released Coyne but Xigas was again to top of his game to make the save. With the first 15-minute period rapidly coming to a close, Bernard ran the ball out of defence and slotted it to Peter Nikoloski wide on the right, his centring pass was trapped by Dyers who shot disappointingly and didn't trouble the Perth custodian.

Play swung from end to end during the second period with twenty-two players giving their all to get their side forward. It was real edge-of-the-seat stuff with Perth and Athena attacking with flair and menace. In the 96th minute Coyne put second-half substitute Andreas Oliviera clear, his low shot flew past Xigas only to be cleared off the line by Miller. The ball was immediately taken to the other end where Phillipo Esposito got on the end of Ithier's deep ball, his header just clearing the bar. It took a long run out of defence by Howarth in the 100th minute to provide the winner - the winger caught Athena's defence all at sea on the counter-attack before slipping the ball into Coyne's path on the right, and the midfielder rifled it past the advancing 'keeper from 10-metres to make it 2-1.

It took a dramatic extra-time strike from Perth to loft the first trophy of the new season, but in reality they were the only side in this game for much of the games. Athena were comprehensively out-played all over the park by a hard-working Perth outfit which showed more ingenuity in attack and deserved the Night Series title. Mrdja was without a doubt the destroyer, always causing concern in Athena's defence and bagging a screaming equaliser. Howarth, Willey and Giorgi were also influential in the win. For Athena high praise goes to Xigas who was always well positioned and pulled off a number of vital saves. Defenders Miller and Adrian Sutton also performed admirably, but the teams downfall tonight was the fact that too many key players went missing during this game.

Floreat Athena : John Xigas, Troy Bernard, Adrian Sutton, Hugh Miller, George Taniakos (Peter Nikoloski 55), Costa Socratous (Phillipo Esposito 40), Miguel Ortin, Adrian Spinelli, Doug Ithier, Ryan Newhill, Robyn Dyers
Perth : Robert Scarparolo, Perry Ielati, Michael Icanovski, Aaron Cole, Stephen Willey (Andreas Oliviera 68), Todd Howarth, Vince Tana, Robert Giorgi, Jamie Coyne, Boni Botha (David Onoforo 59), Nick Mrdja
Referee : Wayne Oldham
Cautions : Ithier (64), Sutton (69), Cole (72), Nikoloski (80)
Dismissals : None
Attendance : 2,000 (approx.)

31.3.2001

ARMADALE CONVINCING IN VICTORY

Down at Armadale, the home side raced into the lead after two great goals from Dennis Lee and Bryon Bull, only for Perth City to get back on level terms through a couple of goalmouth scrambles. Jason Wilcox restored the home sides lead with a stunning 30-yard chip, then beautifully finished off a move with Lee to make in 4-2. City's response was another scrappy goal, Armadale substitute Steve Sauzier putting the result beyond doubt when he lobbed the opposing 'keeper in the dying minutes.

In a tight reserves contest, both teams missed chances in the closing minutes for the game to go into a penalty shoot-out. Scores were tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes - Steve Sauzier and Gavin Chipperfield netting for the home side - Armadale missed their sixth kick from the spot to send City through 5-4. City ran out convincing winners in the Under-18's clash, racing to a 5-0 lead by half-time with the