30.4.2006
WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWO (by Penny TannerHoath)
Balcatta made it two win from as many starts by coming from behind to account for Subiaco United 4-1 at Graham Burkett Reserve. Played in hot and humid conditions, it promised to be a hard-fought battle from the get go between two teams with strong aspirations to win this year's Premier League title, and those who watched from the sidelines were not disappointed.
Both teams defences were put to the test early with Balcatta enjoying the controlling share of possession. Against the run of play the visitors went ahead through midfielder Ella Semmens who shrugged off a tackle and, spotting the goalkeeper well off her line, launched a shot terrific shot from 24-metres which flew over Chloe Coghlan's head into the back of the net.
Balcatta worked hard to get back into the game and after a few well worked plays were rewarded. Speedy forward Kylie Chatto slipped between two defenders to race on to a through ball from midfield and displayed great composure to level the score in a one-on-one with the Subiaco 'keeper. The quality of Chatto's execution showed exactly why she is a Western Waves scholarship holder. With no changes at half-time the two sides picked up where they left off upon the re-start. Balcatta's second goal came about following a harsh tackle on Lisa D'Ovidio wide on the right, the resulting free-kick was floated into the area and behind the Subiaco defence where D'Ovidio pounced with a hard, low shot that gave the 'keeper no chance.
Subiaco never gave up the chase but were continually turned away by a solid defence underpinned by State custodian Coghlan. Balcatta maintained their focus and Chatto pushed through a square defence to beat the advancing 'keeper with a clever chip. The result was put out of Subiaco's reach in the final minute as D'Ovidio beat her marker and slotted past a diving 'keeper.
Queens Park maintained their perfect win record by trouncing competition newcomer Mandurah City 5-0 at Bortolo Park. And East Fremantle had to settle for a share of the points for the second successive week when held 3-3 by Northern Redbacks at Wauhop Park.
30.4.2006
MURPHY EYES A-LEAGUE GLORY COMEBACK
Former Australia international Shaun Murphy could make a comeback at Perth Glory - two years after being dumped by the A-League club. Murphy had a massive falling out with Glory management, specifically chairman Nick Tana, in 2004 after he was effectively sacked halfway through a two-year contract. "You always consider returning but someone would have to want me to pull the boots back on," Murphy told the "Sunday times" newspaper.
"The fire is still in the belly and I'd be pretty confident that after a hard pre-season I'd be up to the A-League standard," continued the one-time Sheffield United defender. "People might say I'm too old but I'm only a couple of months older than Bobby (Despotovski), so age isn't really an issue. The technical stuff you can brush up on, so it's just the fitness side of things. I've been out for two years so would need to do a hard pre-season, but I've been through it before in England."
29.4.2006
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FOUR (Bayswater City vs E.C.U. Joondalup courtesy E.C.U. Joondalup; Floreat Athena vs Wanneroo City courtesy Floreat Athena; Sorrento vs Perth S.C. by Joe D'Orazio; Stirling Lions vs Cockburn City by Don Evans; Western Knights vs Inglewood United courtesy Western Knights; Armadale vs Swan I.C. by Anton Coates)
A barnstorming second half saw E.C.U. Joondalup come from behind to defeat Bayswater City 4-2 at Frank Drago Reserve. Played in sunny conditions, the visitors threatened early through shots from Scott Blackmore and Jamie Kuzmanovich but neither caused much concern for Bobson Koroma. Bayswater were determined to end their dismal start of the season Damir Kudozovic had Peter Stewart at full-stretch as they strove for the opening goal. With 19 minutes gone the home team got the breakthrough they were after when Mark Lee's shot was parried by Stewart and in the blink of an eye Kudozovic had the follow-up in the back of the net. Midway through the half Scott Bushby was harshly dealt with by the referee who brandished a red card following the Joondalup midfielder's tackle on Kudozovic. And it really looked as though Bayswater would collect their first points of the season when Sal Marapodi latched on to a loose ball and put goal number two on the board after 32 minutes. Joondalup began the second half in devastating form and quickly tallied up three goals to take control of the game. Garin Collins got on the end of a fine cross from the left by Martin Ashworth to head in the visitors first, and three minutes late Ian McMurray brought the teams level when he finished off a good build-up involving Collins and Blackmore. Shortly after coming off the bench Oliver Hilton took on the defence and rifled narrowly past the post. Joondalup's fightback was complete when Collins gained possession wide on the right and arrowed a pass to McMurray who netted his second from a tight angle after 74 minutes. The knockout blow was delivered nine minutes from the end when Leon Russell sent the ball into the 18-yard box where McMurray skilfully laid it off to Dale McCulloch who slotted confidently past the advancing 'keeper.
Pre-match expectations of a comfortable home win proved correct as Floreat Athena steamrolled Wanneroo City 4-0 at Litis Stadium. It took Floreat just nine minutes to open the scoring through a sweeping move in which Branimir Mikulic delivered a cross from the left that was firmly headed into the net by Okwy Diamondstar. The visiting side weren't about to give up that easy as Michael Baczynski shot high when well placed, and Phil O'Callaghan shrugged off a couple of defenders only to drag the ball wide. After that Floreat upped the tempo and started to dominate proceedings. Boima Karpeh was unfortunate not to add the hosts second after beating his marker and unleashing a rasping drive that Diamondstar deflected away from goal. In the 34th minute Floreat did double their advantage when Scott Evans was judged to have handled inside the area and Karpeh made no mistake from the spot. Trailing by two goals, Wanneroo applied a no-nonsense approach in the second half that succeeded only in taking their number of bookings seven. Floreat responded with some neat football that saw a rising shot by Mikulic go high, and minutes later the same player beat Aleksander Vrteski only to have the ball cannon back off the crossbar. Karpeh's goalscoring instincts came to the fore in the 64th minute when he cleverly flicked a bouncing ball over the 'keeper and into the far corner for his second of the day. Great work on the right flank by Josip Magdic produced Floreat's fourth scored by Karpeh with a cracking drive from 8-metres. With the game well beyond their reach Wanneroo were allowed back in over the closing stages but a consolation goal was to elude them. O'Callaghan lobbed over the bar after breaking through and Will Hodges shot wide just before the final whistle.
A ten-man Perth S.C. showed great resilience by twice coming from behind to earn a draw 2-2 with Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. The game was just a couple of minutes old when controversy erupted as Gareth Deeg was show a red card by Ton Klaver following his challenge on Todd Harnwell outside the 18-yard box, but after consulting with his assistant the referee rescinded his earlier decision and instead issued Deeg a booking. In the 12th minute Jeff Bright and Scott Bulloch combined for Barry Wood whose blistering strike was deflected wide by goalkeeper Neil Young. Eight minutes later Harnwell was brought down inside the 18-yard box by Gianfranco Circati who was subsequently send off, and from the spot Stuart Young put away the opening goal. Unperturbed, Perth continued their offensive and in the 34th minute a foul on Matt Danskin resulted in a penalty converted by Robbie Puca. But the sides were on level terms for only a few minutes when Young's pin-point cross found James Morgan who nodded over the advancing goalkeeper to restore the Gulls lead. Deeg and Young were called into action early in the second half to keep out goalbound efforts from Simon Harland and Danskin respectively. Danny Hill's clumsy challenge on Bright resulted in the game's third penalty which Bulloch tucked away to equalise. With the game now in the balance Perth went for broke as Bright, Christian DeBarro and Barry Wood went close. Sorrento, too, had their chances with Hill and Harland both missing the target with headers. Play swung wildly from end to end in the closing stages with Wood's long-range bomb grazing the bar, and a goal line clearance by DeBarro prevented Young from scoring. The games' last opportunity came the way of Aaron Cole but, like those before, him the defender's header was wide.
Stirling Lions would rue wasted opportunities as Cockburn City scored late to snatch a 1-1 draw at Macedonia Park. The game was only a few minutes old when Jordan Rhodes and Steve Porter asserted their authority and gained the ascendency in midfield for the hosts. Even so, the first chance on goal came via Cockburn's Johnny Mirco whose long-range effort was wide in the 7th minute. Stirling wasted little time in hitting back and a fine shot on the turn by Andy Brown flashed just past the upright, while a desperate clearance denied Rob Miller a goal in the 22nd minute. There would be no let up for Cockburn whose defence was put under red-hot pressure. Jordan Rhodes' cross picked out Ryan Jeans but his header was just wide, a spectacular save by Alan Dunlop kept out Porter's goalbound effort, and perhaps the best chance so far was wasted as Brown lifted over the crossbar from inside the 6-yard box. The Cockburn goal was eventually breached two minutes from half-time when Jeans cleverly evaded the defence and raced through to shoot past Dunlop much to the relief of the home crowd. A half-time spray from Billy Russell had fired up Cockburn and Daniel Palermo was thwarted in his efforts to equalise by Phil Straker just a few minutes after the re-start. This sparked both teams into action with the end result being some terrific attacking football. Rhodes was unable to beat Dunlop when sent clear, Johnny Mirco's long-range effort cannoned back off the crossbar, and a Brown header was scooped up by the Stirling custodian. With the clock ticking down Dusan Macura played a free-kick to the back post where ever-alert defender Shane Nunes nodded past Straker and gain the visiting side a share of the points.
Inglewood United opened their season account with a 3-0 win over Western Knights at Nash Field. In a game of contrasting fortunes, the Knights controlled the opening period but were unable to open up find the net while Inglewood's second half dominance was rewarded by three deserved goals. Both teams took their time to settle in the warm conditions and the only real threat coming from referee Hugh Best who was dishing out cards left, right and centre. Stuart Montgomery squandered a golden opportunity to put the Knights in front by heading wide a Jon Higgins cross that Oliver Taseski mis-judged. Paul Cooke weaved his way past four opponents before squaring to Montgomery whose fierce shot was pushed around the post by Taseski. Inglewood's only opening came though Albert Osei-Tutu who forced a fine save from Tommi Tomich. With the half coming to an end Cooke should have done better than screw the ball wide from 16-metres with the goalkeeper out of position. Within four minutes of the restart Inglewood had the lead through Louis Parkinson's long ball to Daniel Neiderberger who went evaded Claus Neilsen before arrowing his shot past Tomich. The Knights went within inches of equalising ten minutes later when Cooke headed against the bar from Ivan Zuvela's cross. Kevin Griffiths turned defence into attack by immediately releasing Anthony Danze who threaded a pass to Parkinson and the lively attacker cut inside from the left before firing in Inglewood's second goal from the top edge of the penalty box. The result was put beyond doubt not long after as Osei-Tutu played through to Jason Colli whose surging run was complemented with a terrific drive that Tomich got a hand to but was unable to keep out. The Knights hopes of a consolation goal amounted to nothing as John Thornley and Montgomery each failed to hit the target when called upon.
Armadale were left heartbroken as Swan I.C. struck a last minute winner to take out their encounter at Alfred Skeet Oval 1-0. It was a quiet opening from both sides with the first meaningful chance arriving after 14 minutes when Billy Kirkpatrick's cross from the left evaded the visiting defence and Marlon Ramirez was unable to make sufficient contact to trouble goalkeeper Corey Hugo. Good approach work from Scott Campbell and Miki Vujacic saw the latter cross to David Foster whose first time effort was saved down low by Nick Stone. James Isaia sent a neat free-kick into the area where Jason Goodwin just failed to connect as Armadale threatened once again, and Damien Scali's header was superbly tipped over the bar by Stone as the sides traded attacks. The second half was three minutes old when Ramirez slid a pass to through the defence to Ben Howe whose run at goal was halted by a crude tackle by Paul Baczynski who was rightfully red carded by referee Steve Muldoon. Howe crashed the resulting free-kick through the defensive wall but Hugo reacted smartly to keep out the low shot. Armadale pressed forward but couldn't make the most of their advantage as Isaia and Goodwin fired wide. As so often happens the ten men of Swan lifted and Scali should have done better than shoot wide from Trevor Hatton's through ball. The games best chance arrived with twelve minutes to go as Isaia and Goodwin liked with the latter opening up the defence for Kodi Madeley to side foot past Hugo only to rebound off the post. It took until the final minute for the game to be settled when Dom Ando's pass caught Armadale square and Shepheard was left unchallenged to slam the ball past Stone. Armadale twice went close levelling but Darryl Platten's shot was saved and Howe shot just past the post.
29.4.2006
FIRST DIVISION, ROUND FOUR (Dianella White Eagles vs Mandurah City courtesy Mandurah City; Forrestfield United vs Morley Windmills courtesy Morley Windmills)
Fremantle Spirit registered their third win from as many starts by outscoring Balcatta 2-0 at Graham Burkett Reserve. Both teams were quick to find their rhythm and inside ten minutes Jordan Conti and Steve Grant were called upon to keep out goalbound shots. The better opportunities were coming from the visiting team and it was only through a combination of good goalkeeping and solid defensive work that the Balcatta goal went unbreached. Ten minutes from the break Conti was called upon to spectacularly tip a goalbound effort over the crossbar. Fremantle's footwork was good, their teamwork commendable and their movement sharp, but Balcatta matched it and fought to keep the game scoreless at half-time. The second half was much like the first with the exception that Fremantle made the most of their chances whereas Balcatta did not. The game's first goal came in the 71st minute when Tyrone Fenwick beat the goalkeeper. With five minutes remaining the result was put beyond doubt as Mark Darby put away Fremantle's second goal.
Mandurah City's first away campaign of the season produced a hard fought 3-2 win over Dianella White Eagles. The visitors made their intentions clear from the outset by fighting and scraping for every ball. As the half wore on Mandurah began to dictate play with Steven Rhodes and Neil Connor punishing the opposition at every opportunity. Mandurah's game plan was running to schedule when Michael Bobridge's cross was met by Christian Paschewitz whose precise header was into the bottom corner. The second half started with a bang and in quick succession Dianella piled on goals via J.Jeremie and Dejan Djukanovic to steer the game in their favour. At this stage many sides would have been disheartened with the sudden turn of events but Mandurah showed their 'never say die' attitude and Paschkewitz unleashed an unstoppable shot to restore parity. Sensing the game was their first the taking, Mandurah received a major boost in the form of a couple of timely changes by coach Malcolm Rhodes. The visitors increased desire for a third goal was rewarded when Paschkewitz completed a deserved hat-trick in the 68th minute.
Morley Windmills returned home from Hartfield Park with maximum points after accounting for Forrestfield United 2-1. The opening exchanges were fairly tame as the two sides sized each other up and were very careful not to expose themselves at the back. All that changed in the 14th minute when Phil Bell curled a cross into the area and Lucas Whitehouse's half volley flew into the net to put the hosts in charge. Within a few minutes Matt Darling had single handed prevented Forrestfield from increasing their advantage with a terrific save from Grant Williams. Morley piled on the pressure and Ray Rose, Scott McIlroy and Danny Evans all went close. Three minutes after the break Damien Todorovic dribbled past a couple of defenders before squaring to Noong Naraphongt who made it one-each. Midway through the period Kayne Gordon-Davidson received his second yellow card and the home side were down to ten men. The decisive goal was struck with ten minutes left when Rose beat the offside trap and goalkeeper Scott Radford could only palm his powerful shot into the net. A second yellow card to Simon Messenger saw Morley reduced to ten men just before the final whistle.
South West Phoenix scored their first win of the season by defeating Rockingham City 3-2 at Dowling Street Reserve. Andrew Cowley netted twice for the visitors and Tomasz Kowalczyk once while Rockingham's goals came from Steve Hardie and an own goal. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
Canning City and Ashfield played out a 1-1 draw at Willetton Sportsman Club. Luke O'Neill put Ashfield ahead midway through the second half only for Ross Posthuma to equalise five minutes later. Both teams ended the day with ten men after Adam Purcell (Ashfield) Patrick Fitzgerald (Canning) were issued red cards. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
29.4.2006
LAZARIDIS TOUTED AS GLORY SAVIOUR
Football Federation Australia has given its strongest indication that Stan Lazardis is the man to lead Perth Glory back to the top of the national league pile. FFA officially takes over the A-League licence from co-founder Nick Tana on Monday, with administration staff Eugenie Buckley and Mark Walker to start the process of reconstruction in Perth. And Matt Carroll, the governing body's head of operations, believes Lazaridis would be the perfect figure to help revive the ailing club.
Lazaridis is yet to be officially approached about joining Glory but is certainly aware of the interest. "It's a possibility - let's not rule that one out," commented Carroll. "Someone like Stan would be fantastic. It would build that connection with the western Australian community." Lazaridis, whose Birmingham City contract expires in June, is also being targeted by English club Crystal Palace and the A-League trio of New Zealand Knights, Newcastle United Jets and Adelaide United.
29.4.2006
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY (by Peter Simcox)
E.C.U. Joondalup moved to the top of the Premier League table with the completion of the fourth round of fixtures. Ian McMurray scored twice and Dale McCulloch and Garin Collins one apiece as the northern suburbs side came from behind to defeat Bayswater City 4-2. Floreat Athena claimed second place with a commanding 4-0 win over Wanneroo City through goals from Boima Karpeh (3) and Okwy Diamondstar. A late equaliser from Shane Nunes saw Cockburn City shared the points at 1-1 with Stirling Lions for whom Ryan Jeans was on target.
Sorrento were held to 2-2 draw on home soil by Perth S.C. who played much of the game with ten men after Gianfranco Circati was dismissed after 21 minutes. On target for the hosts were Stuart Young and James Morgan, while Perth's goals came via Robbie Puca and Scott Bulloch. Inglewood United collected their first win of the campaign by defeating Western Knights 3-0 through goals from Daniel Neiderberger, Louis Parkinson and Jason Colli. And Swan I.C. also earned their first win of the season when a last minute strike by Tom Shepheard saw them defeat Armadale 1-0.
Fremantle Spirit maintained their perfect win record by toppling Balcatta 2-0 to become outright leader of the First Division. South West Phoenix collected maximum points for the first time this season by defeating Rockingham City 3-2. Mandurah City came out on top 3-2 when they visited Dianella White Eagles. Morley Windmills came away from Hartfield Park with a 2-1 victory against Forrestfield United. And honours were even at Willetton Sportsman Club where Canning City held Ashfield 1-1.
28.4.2006
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
All eyes will be on Macedonia Park this Saturday afternoon when Stirling Lions square off with Cockburn City in the Premier League match of the day. Both teams are undefeated after the opening three rounds of competition and are confident of extending that run by at least another week. The key to the game will be across the middle where the likes of Steve Porter, Jordan Rhodes and Rob Miller match skills with Michael Mirco, Anthony Pereira and Jason Dos Santos.
Percy Doyle Reserve is the venue for the blockbuster between Sorrento and reigning champion Perth S.C. There won’t be much separating Western Knights and Inglewood United when they go head-to-head at Nash Field. Bayswater City showed a lot of spirit last week and will be confident of getting a result from their home clash with E.C.U. Joondalup. Floreat is expected to rack up a big score on home soil against Wanneroo City. A full 90 minute performance is what Armadale require to take so much as a point from the visiting Swan I.C.
First Division title favourite Balcatta are on home soil to an in-form Fremantle Spirit in the pick of the second tier action. An injury and suspension riddled Rockingham City welcome South West Phoenix at Dowling Street Reserve. Ashfield have started the season strongly and this week made the journey to Canning City. A tight match is expected at Dianella reserve where Dianella White Eagles take on Mandurah City. And in search of their points of the new campaign is Forrestfield United who has home ground advantage over Morley Windmills. Gosnells City has the bye.
27.4.2006
GOOD NEWS FOR GARCIA
There was good news for Richard Garcia yesterday with confirmation he will not need a major operation. The 24-year old Colchester United attacker, sidelined since early last month with a knee problem, went under the knife for a minor procedure on Wednesday morning and facing the prospect of missing up to the next months if the exploratory operation showed damage to his cruciate ligament.
"The procedure was to address the meniscus (cartilage) tear in his knee, which should see him back to full fitness and function in four to six weeks," explained Colchester physio Stuart Ayles. "This will allow him to do his off season programme and be fully fit for the start of pre-season in July. This will be his first full pre-season during his time with the U's."
"The good news was that he didn't require a reconstruction of his cruciate ligament, which the surgeon examined whilst he was doing Richard's meniscus repair," Ayles continued. "On close examination, the surgeon was pleased what he saw, was happy that no further surgery was required and felt that it is strong enough to cope with the rigours of football."
It's been a season of highs and lows for Garcia whose made 31 League and Cup appearances for a return of eight goals. A shin injury forced him to miss the pre-season and it wasn't until late September before he made a first team appearance. After playing off the bench for three months Garcia broke into the first eleven just prior to Christmas. He hit peak form in late January by scoring six times in four games, but a knee injury suffered away at Swansea in early March ended his season prematurely.
27.4.2006
CATCH WORLD CUP FEVER
A World Cup Quiz Night, to be held at Dorrien Gardens on Friday 2nd June, will give fans an early chance to get into the swing of the 2006 Finals. Apart from the knowledge testers - which will include football and general questions - there will be World Cup memorabilia up for auction, a World Cup raffle, videos highlighting some of the great moments of the FIFA championship and a prize for the best dressed in World Cup costume or colours.
A Celebrity Panel Show featuring World Cup referee Eddie Lennie and Australian internationals Shaun Murphy, Robbie Dunn and Gary Marocchi is sure to produce some lively discussion on the prospects of the Socceroo's as well as the other thirty-one competing nations. And all this for the cost of $10 per person - or get a team together with a table of 10 for $100!
Free nibbles, tea and coffee will be available on the night, while the bar will also be open. Russell Goodrick has been appointed quiz master of the function organised by the Committee of the Football Hall of Fame Western Australia. Tickets are available now from Bob Brown (9446 3338) or John O'Connell (0413 973 846).
26.4.2006
COUNTRY CAMP A SUCCESS (courtesy Football West)
The annual Football West Country Camp has received the thumbs up from players and coaches alike. Hosted at Wesley College last week, the camp brought together eighty of the top junior players identified at Country Week as potential state footballers. Referees participated in the camp for the first time and received tips from the best in the business, amongst them former FIFA whistleblower Eddie Lennie. The camp included male and female players ranging from the under 13 age group through to under 17’s. Participants, who came from as far away as Karratha, Albany and Kalgoorlie, were given the chance to test their skills against metropolitan State players.
16-year old Jessica Bennett was thrilled to be involved in the vamp. “It was just an awesome, sensational week,” she commented. “I found the coaches this year were exceptional, we gained a lot of experience from high quality coaches.” Echoing those sentiments was 17-year old Kieran Kavanagh who said the camp was a great learning experience. “The camp was pretty good because it was really full on, you got to know a few people and it was tough work. It was good to learn a lot of things.”
Referees coach Dave Brady said the inclusion of referees in the camp was a success. “Coaches were watching and observing them at all times just like they would for a player,” he said. “The coach then goes and helps them with where they should be with positioning, points of law, etcetera.” National Training Centre representative Craig Cunningham said the camp had benefited him as a coach and as a player. “Before the camp I wasn’t really sure how to coach but when I came in all the guys were helping me out. It has definitely helped me as a player because you find when you coach the kids to do certain things then you actually do those things yourself.”
Football West development manager Andrew Bettel said the Country Camp was a great success and thanked its’ sponsors. “Healthway, through their Smarter Than Smoking funding, have gone a long way to supporting the camp, particularly the referees,” he said. “I didn’t see too many people not smiling for most of the day so you can assume they have enjoyed the camp.” All participants in the camp received a playing kit, a full size football, a smaller ‘skill ball’ and two instructional DVD’s dealing with the finer points of the game.
26.4.2006
PUNISHMENT DELAYED FOR WANNEROO TRIO
The late arrival of a referee's match report allowed Wanneroo to field three Wanneroo players sent off the previous week. Derek Cooke, Dendle Morgan and Gerry McEwan were issued red cards in last weeks draw at Western Knights and, by rights, should have automatically been suspended for Saturday's game with Armadale.
But as referee Hugh Best's report on the Knights-Wanneroo game was not received by Football West until Friday, the association, in accordance with the '2006 Rules of Competition (State League)', had no option but to grant permission for the above mentioned trio to play against Armadale.
Under the '2006 Rules of Competition (State League)', "An expulsion automatically incurs suspension from the next official Football West fixture their club is participating in at the same level at which the suspension occurred" (Section 7, Disciplinary Code, Clause 2.4.3).
The rules also state that "For the avoidance of doubt a player should not play in another fixture in any competition or grade until the club has clarified eligibility with Football West or the suspension has lapsed in terms of fixture round dates served" (Section 7, Disciplinary Code, Clause 2.6.4).
As Wanneroo had not been notified of the suspension of their three players by Wednesday afternoon, the club sought clarification from Football West. And as Football West was yet to take receipt of the referee's report from the Knights-Wanneroo clash they again referred to the '2006 Rules of Competition (State League)'.
"If the referee's report has not been received by Football West by 12.00noon on the Wednesday following the fixture then Football West will not administer any penalty (including automatic penalty) for the next fixture round" (Section 5 (B) Official Referees - Duties, Clause 2.6.1).
In accordance with this Football West provided written permission to Wanneroo on the Wednesday afternoon for the three players in question - Cooke, Morgan and McEwan - to participate in the then upcoming fixture against Armadale. Had the club had not checked with Football West then the players would have been ineligible to play.
The above clauses were added to the '2006 Rules of Competition (State League)' after consultation with the clubs who requested clear guidelines as to what happened if Football West did not receive a referee's report. Football West has subsequently notified Wanneroo that Cooke, Morgan and McEwan are suspended for this week's visit to Floreat Athena.
24.4.2006
JONES BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Goalkeeper Brad Jones will stake his claim for a place in Australia's World Cup squad after Mark Schwarzer's season was cut short by injury on the weekend. Schwarzer, first choice 'keeper for both Middlesbrough and Australia, suffered a fractured cheekbone in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final loss to West Ham United. Jones is expected step into the breech and don the gloves for his clubs final four games of the English Premier League season as well as Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final return leg clash with Steaua Bucharest.
24.4.2006
ON THIS DAY … 1955
Gary Marocchi is arguably the finest player Western Australia has ever produced. Born in Subiaco on 24th April 1955, Marocchi is the youngest of four sons to Doris and Saverio Marocchi, who was a founding player of the 1948 Azzurri (now Perth S.C.) team. In a remarkable seventeen season playing career Marocchi won numerous trophies and awards for Perth, made over one hundred appearances in the national league with Adelaide City, and gained Australian youth and senior international honours. Upon hanging up his boots he successfully turned his hand to coaching at Perth, Perth Kangaroos, Perth Glory and Swan I.C.
It was as a bright eyed 16-year old that Marocchi made his senior debut for Azzurri against Swan Valley in 1971. In no time at all the talented young midfielder established himself as a starting member of the side which, over the next few seasons, would dominate the local game. Between 1971 and 1976 Marocchi featured prominently for the Blues who won three Premier League championships, two association Cups and two Night Series titles.
His representative career began at the 1975 Marah Halim tournament in Indonesia which WA won by defeating South Korea 2-0 in the final, a feat the State repeated twelve months later when they again downed South Korea in the decider. In total Marocchi was called up for State duty on twenty-two occasions which included games against touring European clubs Legia Warsaw, Middlesbrough, Glasgow Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.
After touring Indonesia with the Australian under-23 side in early 1975, Marocchi made his senior international debut that June against South Korea at the Jakarta Anniversary Cup Tournament in Indonesia. Over the next three years he’d don the green and gold on fourteen occasions and toured Israel, West Germany, England, Asia and China as Australia prepared for the 1978 World Cup. Undoubtedly the pinnacle of his playing days came in June 1978 when Marocchi captained Australia in a three-game friendly series against Greece.
Marocchi joined Adelaide City in 1977 for the inaugural season of national league football and would go on to play 117 games and score 8 goals for the club. The Zebras’ first trophy success came in 1979 when they defeated St George to claim the League Cup with Marocchi part of that side. Later that same year he lined up in an exhibition match against the touring American Cosmos side that featured stars such as Franz Beckenbaur, Carlos Alberto, Georgio Chinaglia and Dennis Tueart.
After six seasons in the national league Marocchi returned to Perth in 1983 and once again pulled on the boots for Perth. The following year he captained the State team at the DCM Tournament in India where the highlight was a 1-0 defeat of the Chinese national team. After spending 1985 with Inglewood Kiev Marocchi returned to Dorrien Gardens to see out his playing days. A trip to Singapore for the Epson Cup in 1987 saw Perth square off with the likes of Southampton and St Mirren, and the following year Marocchi brought the final curtain down on a successful seventeen-year career.
It was as coach of Perth that the next chapter in Marocchi’s career was written. In a sensational three-season spell commencing 1991 Perth captured a hat-trick of Premier League championships, two Top Four play-off titles, one association Cup and one Night Series trophy. During this same period he coached the State team on several occasions the highlights of which were memorable victories over then European Cup Winners Cup holder Werder Bremen and Greek side Iraklis.
His next port of call was with the Perth Kangaroos who took out the 1994 Singapore League championship without loss. Marocchi was the automatic choice to coach national league newcomer Perth Glory and during his two seasons at the helm the side claimed respectable mid-table finishes. After a few years out of the game Marocchi was lured back to first team coaching by Swan I.C. and in 2003 he lead them to a historic victory over traditional rival Perth S.C. in the final of the association Cup.
Along the way Marocchi has collected numerous awards and accolades. In October 1996 he became the first association football player inducted into the Western Australian Institute of Sport’s Hall of Champions. The following month Marocchi was inducted into the Western Australian Football Hall of Fame’s Hall of Champions. Marocchi gained the Award of Distinction from the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1999. And in October 2005 he was one of four inaugural inductions into the Hall of Legends category of the Western Australian Football Hall of Fame.
24.4.2006
CAMPBELL SHOULDERS RESPONSIBILTY FOR SEND OFFS
Ronnie Campbell’s pre-match address was taken a little too far by a fired-up Western Knights who had two players dismissed in Saturday’s draw at Swan I.C. The Knights long-time coach had urged his players to be more aggressive against Swan after he felt they were too ‘soft’ in previous encounters with E.C.U. Joondalup and Wanneroo City. Campbell’s rally to arms certainly stirred things up with David Annall and Paul Devlin issued their marching orders against Swan. “To finish with nine men and get a draw - I suppose you have to be happy with that,” said Campbell. “I have no complaints about them (the players). We spoke before the game about being more aggressive but I think we went a bit too far. As a coach you have to take some of the blame.”
23.4.2006
WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ONE (by Penny TannerHoath)
Balcatta outscored newly promoted Mandurah City in the game of the round between two of the hottest properties in the Women’s Premier League. The bold attacking style of Balcatta was pitted against a composed Mandurah side seeking to find their way in the top flight. Midfielder Deb Gorton lead the way as the home side peppered Mandurah's goal throughout the first half and made sure there was little respite for goalkeeper Natalie Dash who remained unbeaten at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half Balcatta went ahead through Jamie Carley who chipped a free-kick over the 'keeper. Only a few more minutes had elapsed when the margin became two goals courtesy of Kylie Chatto. Mandurah veteran Sylvia Loretto pushed her young troops forward and State junior representative Harriett Talbert slotted their first goal past Chloe Coglan. Melissa Spillman slammed a second goal in ten minutes later to tie the game up at two-all.
The deciding goal arrived just moments from the final whistle when confusion in the Mandurah defence saw the ball ricocheted to Lisa D’Ovidio who pushed it over the line. It was a good start to the season for Balcatta who have been installed as the red-hot favourite to take out the title. The result may not have been in their favour but Mandurah's young line-up gave every indication they'll be a competitive force in their first winter of Premier League football.
Queens Park made a superb start to the new season by toppling reigning Premier League champion Northern Redbacks 3-0 at Coker Park. The points were shared in the days other game at Rosalie Park where Subiaco City was held 1-1 by the visitors from East Fremantle.
23.4.2006
SHOW ME THE MONEY : DESPOTOVSKI
Bobby Despotovski has threatened to quit Perth Glory next week if his contract is not increased. The veteran striker, who earns $50,000 a season with Glory, made his position clear to Football Federation Australia official Matt Carroll during his recent trip to Perth. The average A-League salary is $80,000 with the salary cap set to increase next season with $1.6 million per club. Despotovski was the A-league’s joint top goalscorer last season while his 231 games and 110 goal are both Glory club records.
“April 30 is the last day of my contract and if it’s not improved by then, I’m going to chuck it in,” Despotovski told David Davutovic of the “Sunday Times” newspaper. “I’ve been taken advantage of for the past eight year. I told them my contract’s unacceptable. I signed it, but circumstances have changed. The whole thing stinks and I’m sick and tired of it. I think I’m worth more to the club and to the A-League than what I’ve been paid for the past four or five seasons. I was on more money ten years ago which is ridiculous.”
“Matt Carroll was supposed to call last week and let me know what’s going on and I haven’t heard from him,” Despotovski continued. “I think it’s very, very poor from FFA. I’m not asking for a huge amount, or two or three-year contract, but I wouldn’t even be a middle earner for Glory and I’m only looking for a one-year deal.” A number of Glory’s Perth-born players have reportedly become disillusioned with the club after enduring protracted contract negotiations.
22.4.2006
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND THREE (Cockburn City vs Sorrento by Lennie Bavich; Inglewood United vs Stirling Lions courtesy Stirling Lions; Swan I.C. vs Western Knights by Peter Simcox; Perth S.C. vs Bayswater City by Andy Ferguson)
A second half revival enabled Wanneroo City to take the points by 2-1 over Armadale at Kingsway Reserve. But the win was embroiled in controversy as Wanneroo fielded three players who were sent off the previous week at Western Knights. Armadale settled the better and were unlucky not to go ahead through Matt Bennion who stroked the ball past Aleksander Vrteski and could only watch on as Morgan Dendle cleared from close to the line. Craig Anderson nodded a free-kick down to Jason Goodwin who swung it just past the post. A rare Wanneroo attack almost produced the goods in the 23rd minute as Derek Cooke knocked the bouncing ball over an advancing Nick Stone that drifted over the crossbar. Nine minutes from the break Armadale deservedly went ahead via John Dixon whose mis-hit cross from wide on the right looped over Vrteski and dropped inside the far upright. The introduction of Craig Bowman breathed new life into the home side and on 52 minutes the attacker’s low ball into the area evaded all expect Ryan Townsend who slammed in the equaliser from close-range. With this the game swung in Wanneroo’s favour and Bowman skidded a shot across the face of goal after a lightning attack down the right. Townsend went down inside the area under what appeared a legitimate challenge by Clarke Killoh in the 73rd minute, referee Steven Gregory pointed straight to the spot and Phil O’Callaghan sent Stone the wrong way to hand advantage to the home team. Armadale were in no mind to concede and Bennion flashed a low shot past Vrteski which came back off the post. But just a minute later the visitors were effectively out of the game after Anderson was issued his marching orders for a needless second yellow card. Not surprisingly, the closing stages belonged to Wanneroo who did what was required to register victory.
There was drama aplenty when E.C.U. Joondalup knocked over Floreat Athena 3-2 at the Edith Cowan University campus. The visiting team would consider themselves unlucky not to have gained at least a share of the points after finding the back of the net five times only to have three of those ruled out by referee Hugh Best. Chances fell at both ends of the park during the opening spell but a combination of poor finishing and solid defensive work kept the teams level. The opening goal came midway through the half after goalkeeper Alex Dunn brought down Ian McMurray while contesting a high ball, and from the spot Dale McCulloch made no mistake in putting Joondalup ahead. The home defence were kept on high alert by their fast breaking opponents and twice Okwy Diamondstar found the net but had both efforts disallowed for offside. They eventually drew level in the 36th minute when Boima Karpeh latched on to a defence splitting pass by Josip Magdic and expertly lobbed the advancing goalkeeper. It took just six minutes for Joondalup to respond through Martin Ashworth who floated past Adrian Sutton and Costa Socratous before skilfully shooting past Dunn to make it two-one. Floreat greeted the second half by laying siege to their hosts goals but few genuine chances resulted as Joondalup’s backline, under the guidance of Jamie Kuzmanovich and Chris Currie stood, up to the challenge. That said, Diamondstar put the ball in the net a third time but was again denied by the referee. With fifteen minutes left on the clock Joondalup struck third a third time as Ashworth’s deep cross was met by McMurray who nodded past the ‘keeper. There was still plenty of life in Floreat and six minutes later they pegged one back after Currie fouled Karpeh inside the area, and Diamondstar converted the resulting penalty.
Honours were even at Dalmatinac Park where Cockburn City were held 1-1 by Sorrento. The home team was quickly into stride and NeilYoung had his reflexes tested early by a Jason Dos Santos shot that took a deflection off Richard Watson. Andrew Cormell shot high not long after followed by a rasping strike from 20-metres by Anthony Pereira which Young took at the second grab. Sorrento’s first opportunity came via a free-kick from distance which Stuart Young blasted over the crossbar. Cockburn’s dominance was rewarded at the 13 minute mark when Dos Santos clipped a pass over the defence for Pereira who looped the bouncing ball over the on-coming goalkeeper and into the net. Shane Nunes was next to threaten for the home team with a thundering strike from 40-metres which Young got a hand too the ball and an acrobatic Michael Mirco could only steer the follow-up wide. As the half came to a close the momentum swung in Sorrento’s favour and Todd Harnwell delivered a promising cross which Simon Harland headed goalward but it was too close to Alan Dunlop who saved comfortably. Sorrento picked up the second half where they left off and only desperate defending by Nunes and Paul Oliver prevented thm from breaking through. As the half progressed Cockburn reasserted themselves and Michael Mirco shot into the side netting after good lead-up work from Dos Santos and John Mirco, while Cormell went past Watson only to be denied by Young. Sorrento’s equaliser arrived in the 59th minute when Pereira had the misfortune of heading a seemingly innocent long ball into his own net to stun the home crowd into silence. The home side almost snatched victory three minutes from the end through John Mirco whose fierce strike was brilliantly pushed over the bar by Young.
It was also one point each to Inglewood United and Stirling Lions who played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Kiev Sports Ground. The travelling supporters didn’t have to wait long before celebrating as a fine exchange of passes between Michael Pugliese and Andy Brown was smashed into the net from a tight angle by Ryan Jeans after only 5 minutes. Inglewood responded through a series of attacks in which Albert Osei-Tutu skimmed the crossbar and Darren Broxton shot wide. A fine save down low by Oliver Taseski shortly before half-time denied Jeans a second from a perfect through ball by Stevie Porter. Inglewood came out from the break in full flight and Osei-Tutu again came near with a header from Louis Parkinson’s cross. The ball was quickly channelled to the opposite end where Andy Brown slotted through to Jeans whose shot was blocked by Taseski and Porter sent the follow-up wide. Stirling slowly gained the upper hand in midfield where Rob Miller, Rhodes and Porter continually sent the side forward. In the 65th minute Brown should have done much better than shoot over the bar from close-range. Going the other way Anthony Danze and Daniel Niederburger combined only to have Phil Straker thwart the latter with a a brilliant finger tip save. The introduction of Steve Worthy immediately paid off for the hosts as he burst down the left to cross for Jason Colli tuck in the equaliser at the front post after 72 minutes. The pace quickened as both teams sought desperately to get a second goal and chances presented themselves for of Stirling brothers Leo Harman and Jake Harman, while Colli and Worthy went close for the home team. But rather fittingly the game ended in a draw with Kevin Henderson outstanding for the visitors and Danze played the starring role for Inglewood.
Swan I.C. and Western Knights played a hard fought yet entertaining 2-2 draw in the Swan Valley. Less than a minute had been played when an attempt to clear by Jovo Pavlovic rebounded into the path of Stuart Montgomery who slotted the opening goal past Cory Hugo. Things went from bad to worse for the black and whites when another defensive error gave Montgomery the opportunity to put away his second goal in the space of eight minutes. To their credit Swan rallied and both Tom Shepheard and David Foster went close to pegging a goal back before a Miki Vujacic connected sweetly with a free-kick some 25-metres out that flew into Tommi Tomich’s net after 28 minutes. There were chances at both ends as the sides wrestled for control with Foster firing narrowly wide and Montgomery and Paul Devlin causing a several nervous moments for the home defence. The scores were eventually levelled by Foster who fired home from close range after good work by Shepheard. The pre-match call of Ronnie Campbell for the Knights to show more passion and commitment was taken a little too literally just before break by David Annall who was sent off after retaliating to a no-nonsense challenge by Rory Mouttet. Swan should have made their numerical advantage count but the Knights stood firm with Ivan Zuvela and Evan Wallace outstanding at the heart of the defence. Midway through the half the visitors were reduced to nine players when Devlin was issued his marching orders for a second yellow card offence after 69 minutes. Although out numbered, the Knights proceeded to take control of the game and would have added a couple more goals to their tally if not for the shot-stopping abilities of Hugo. Swan, on the other hand, struggled to break down their opponents and would be left to rue wasted opportunities.
The expected goal avalanche at Dorrien Gardens did not materialise as Perth S.C. scrapped to a 2-1 win over traditional rival Bayswater City. Perth, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred, started by confidently stroking the ball around and making good use of wide men Matt Danskin and Jeff Bright who were constantly probing the visiting defence for any weaknesses. However, Bayswater were determined to improve upon their calamitous start to the season and, lead by goalkeeper Bobson Koroma, they turned away several early chances of which the best came the way of Barry Wood. Perth were made to pay for their wastefulness on 16 minutes when Sal Marapodi was sent clear of a suspiciously square defence and drew Gareth Deeg off his line before slotting in the go-ahead goal. Much of the remainder of the half had Perth camped in the Bayswater half and not far out from the break they were rewarded when Wood found himself clear of a napping defence to level the score. It was obvious from the opening minutes of the second half that Bayswater intended to shut up shop in the hope of gaining their first point of the season. However, their plans came unstuck midway through the period when Onoforo provided a sharp finish to another Bright cross, catching out Koroma who was slow off his line. The dismissal of Peter Lord for a second yellow card in the 72nd minute gave the visitors a chance of getting back in the game, and their the ten minutes which followed they applied the pressure without ever really testing Deeg. Control was soon back with the hosts as Wood hit the crossbar, and Onoforo was denied by a smart save from Koroma. Late in the game Onoforo could have secured the points when he pounced on a defensive error and rounded the ‘keeper but had his goalbound effort blocked by Michael Kovacevic.
22.4.2006
FIRST DIVISION, ROUND THREE (Gosnells City vs Rockingham City courtesy Rockingham City; Mandurah City by Balcatta by Silke Losch; South West Phoenix vs Canning City courtesy South West Phoenix)
Rockingham City went to the top of the First Division table after defeating Gosnells City 2-1 at Walter Padbury Reserve. The opening half was marred by some ugly tackling and with 35 minutes played the visitors went down a man as Fraser Brown was issued his marching orders for a late challenge on Darren Ingham. Shortly before the break Rockingham received another blow when coach Bryon Wood was dismissed from the bench area. The signs were a lot more promising in the second half with both teams creating chances on goal. Midway through the period Rockingham claimed the lead through Steve Hardie who stroked the ball into the bottom corner. That lead last just ten minutes before the ball deflected to Brian Cairney who beat goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock in a one-on-one. A few minutes later Rockingham regained the advantage as 17-year old Glenn Smith put the ball away following a corner. The visitors were then reduced to nine players after Sharrock was shown a straight red carded for handling the ball outside his area. The closing stages were tense as Gosnells pushed forward in search of an equaliser but Rockinghm had other ideas and held on for victory.
Balcatta came home from Peelwood Parade with a deserved share of the points after holding Mandurah City to a 2-2 draw. The colourful match saw the distribution of three yellow cards, two of which went to Balcatta, putting the players on high alert. Although Balcatta started strongly it was Mandurah who bagged the opening goal when Jordan Conti was beaten by Michael Bobridge after 10 minutes. This provided the hosts just the confidence boost they needed and through slick movement took control of the game. Six minutes after going ahead Mandurah struck a second goal through Christian Paschewitz. With little option but to attack Balcatta carved out several attempts on goal only to be held at bay by in-form goalkeeper Michael Green. They eventually found a way past the home custodian as Scott Broadley put his team on the scoreboard. The sides were greeted by light rain as they returned for the second half and Balcatta, fired up by the coaching staff, were immediately on the attack. But it took until the 68th minute for David Moschilla to equalise with a neat shot past the ‘keeper. Both teams worked hard on getting a decisive third goal but resolute defending ensured a draw would be the outcome of an even match.
Canning City scored their first win of the home and away season by a 1-0 scoreline at South West Phoenix. The home team, minus captain Trent Hathaway and James Bergin, were slow to get out of first gear and not surprisingly were punished on the quarter hour when Simon Versaico headed home at the back post from Ryan Allomes’ corner. Going a goal down seemed to wake up Phoenix who began to get on top by knocking the ball around with growing confidence. Andrew Cowley had a good chance to level when sent on-on-one with Jeff Cargill but he blazed disappointingly wide. Both defences coped well with the opposition attacks and the sides went in to the break with Canning one goal the better. The second half was only minutes old when a neat one-two between Pat Quinn and Steve Suttie saw the formers powerful strike kept out by Cargill. Phoenix may have had territorial superiority but Canning were holding firm and playing some very dangerous counterattacking football. The loss of Suttie to injury midway through the half took the sting out of Phoenix’ attack as Canning continued their fine record in Bunbury where they’ve lost just once in six visits.
Ashfield stormed to a 4-1 win on home soil over Forrestfield United. Luke O’Neill bagged a double and Daniel Webb and A.Lovic also found the target for the hosts while Forrestfield’s goal came via Phil Bell. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
Fremantle Spirit picked up their second successive win by out-scoring Dianella White Eagles 2-1. Marc Wingell and Jason Barrera were the scorers for the port side with Dianella’s goal coming from J.Jeremie. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs
22.4.2006
BATISTUTA TEMPTED TO BUY INTO GLORY
One of the world’s greatest ever players, former Argentine international Gabriel Batistuta, is backing one of the consortiums chasing Perth Glory’s licence. Batistuta has settled in Perth with his family and has joined one of the local groups bidding for Glory, which also includes Asian giant World Sports Group and a Chinese businessman. FFA head of operations Matt Carroll said four groups remained interested in the Glory and that he was aware of a potential Batistuta link. “I’ve heard that he is interested in maybe being part of a local consortium,” Carroll told the Jonathon Cook of the “West Australian”. Batistuta, who wore Fiorentina colours for much of his stellar playing career and appeared at three World Cups, has the connections to help Glory’s player recruitment. Tom Galopoulos, whose business interests include the Driftwood Winery and Oceanus Restaurant, is one of the driving forces behind the bid.
22.4.2006
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
The third round of Premier League games produced its fair share of surprises. Cockburn City and Sorrento drew 1-1 at Dalmatinac Park where Anthony Periera scored at both ends of the park. E.C.U. Joondalup upset the visitors from Floreat Athena 3-with goals from Martin Ashworth, Dale McCulloch and Ian McMurray. Peter Lord was sent off when Perth S.C. came from behind to defeat Bayswater City 2-1. Barry Wood brought the teams level just before the break with David Onoforo hitting the winner midway through the second half.
The points were shared between Inglewood United and Stirling Lions at 2-2. Ryan Jeans gave Stirling the lead and Jason Colli levelled for the hosts. Stuart Montgomery took his tally to five goals in eight days by scoring both in Western Knights 2-2 draw at Swan I.C. for whom David Foster and Miki Vujacic found the net. Ryan Townsend and Phil O'Callaghan earned Wanneroo City their first ever Premier League win by a 2-1 scoreline against Armadale.
Steve Hardie and debutant Glenn Smith have sent Rockingham City on the top of the First Division table by scoring in their 2-1 defeat of Gosnells City. Jason Barrera scored the deciding goal in Fremantle Spirit's 2-1 home win over Dianella White Eagles which puts the port side second. Ashfield thumped Forrestfield United 4-1. Mandurah City threw away a two goal lead to share the points at 2-2 with Balcatta who finished the day with ten men. Canning City returned from Bunbury with their first points of the campaign courtesy of a narrow 1-0 win against South West Phoenix.
21.4.2006
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
There are some crackerjack fixtures in tomorrow’s third round of the Premier League season. Kingsway Reserve hosts the pick of the action as the top flight’s two newest sides, Wanneroo City and Armadale, who are each seeking their first win of the campaign. Phil O’Callaghan and Ryan Townsend hold the key for a Wanneroo side depleted by the absence of three key players through suspension. Armadale were unlucky not to gain at least a point from last week’s outing against E.C.U. Joondalup and with James Isaia and Jason Goodwin running the midfield they’ll be hard to stop.
Cockburn City and Sorrento are both undefeated and much is expected from their clash at Dalmatinac Park. Joondalup will need to produce something special if they are to stop a Floreat Athena for whom scoring has been no obstacle. Inglewood United’s difficult start to the season continues with a home clash against Stirling Lions. It’ll be a case of all hands on deck for Bayswater City who square off with traditional rival Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens. And Western Knights have their sights on taking all three points from their trip to Swan I.C.
The meeting of Mandurah City and Balcatta at Peelwood Parade promises to be one of the games of the First Division season. Fremantle Spirit were very impressive last weekend and are being tipped to claim victory at the expense of the visiting Dianella White Eagles. Ashfield are confident of collecting their first win when they host Forrestfield United. Nothing is going right for Canning City at the moment and they head to Bunbury to play South West Phoenix. Walter Padbury Reserve is the venue for Gosnells City against Rockingham City. Out of action due to the bye are Morley Windmills.
20.4.2006
MOTHERWELL ‘A DREAM COME TRUE’ FOR MACDONALD
Former State Youth team defender Steve MacDonald will long remember his time in Scotland as a professional footballer. Spotted by Motherwell boss Terry Butcher while playing for Sorrento last year, MacDonald jumped at the chance when offered a six-month contract to join the Premier League club. “Playing football full-time was something I’ve always dreamt about since I was wee boy kicking a ball about the park every day after school,” MacDonald commented. “And so when the chance came to join Motherwell and be coached by Terry Butcher I wasn’t about to pass it up.”
The six months he spent with Motherwell was quite simply a dream come true for MacDonald. “To be coached by Terry Butcher, one of the best centre-halves to have ever played the game, was a dream come true in itself,” the towering 26-year old explained. “I idolised Terry as a kid and took on board everything he told me. My dad used to take me to Ibrox to watch Glasgow Rangers play so you can imagine how I felt when I made the bench for the game with Rangers at Ibrox … it was a feeling I will never forget.”
MacDonald feels the time he spent in Scotland has helped take his game to the next level. “My game improved immensely while I was at Motherwell, particularly my sharpness, awareness and reading of the game,” he said. “Compared to what I’ve been used to in Australia, the game in Scotland is a lot more physical and is played at a much faster tempo. And, of course, it’s a lot colder over there but having been born in Scotland and living in Glasgow for ten years I was well prepared for that change.”
With his time up at Motherwell, MacDonald chose to link up with former Sorrento coach Trevor Morgan in Singapore. “An offer to join Sengkang Punggol came from Trevor just after I was told that I was being released by Motherwell. It’s been a tough start to the season but we’re confident we can start picking up a few points.” MacDonald has started all four games for the Dolphins who are yet to collect their first point of the season. Joining MacDaonald in the squad are former Young Socceroos striker Jon Angelucci and one-time Forfar Athletic attacker Richard Waddell.
20.4.2006
OLYROOS NARROWLY BEATEN TO SPRING CUP
The Australian Under-23's have been pipped at the post by Iran in this weeks four-nation Spring Cup tournament in Vietnam. The Olyroos finished the five-day series level on points with Iran whose superior goal difference put them on top of the table. There were plenty of positives to come out of the tournament for Australia who were undefeated in three games and didn't concede a goal. Amongst the Olyroo's 18-man squad were local pair and Perth Glory team mates David Micevski and Nick Ward.
The Olyroos began the series on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Iran. The highlight of a game of few chances was a penalty save by Australian custodian Danny Vukovic in the 32nd minute. The closest Australia came to scoring was via Micevski who shot just wide four minutes earlier and following good work by Kristian Sarkies on the left. Iran hit the crossbar early in the second half while Vince Lia headed just past the upright from Sarkies' corner. Micevski was replaced after 58 minutes by Ward.
Australia's second game, against Vietnam's senior side, also ended in a scoreless draw. The game was dominated by the Olyroos as Sarkies, Ruben Zadkovich, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Lia all went close inside the opening half hour. The defensive trio of Mark Milligan, Jacob Timpano and Adrian Leijer were outstanding with Vietnam unable to create any significant openings. Micevski, who came on for Ward in the 61st minute, appeared likely to break the deadlock in the final minutes but his goalbound effort was blocked close to the line.
The tournament ended for Australia with a lacklustre 1-0 win over Uzbekistan. The better of first half chances came from Uzbekistan while Australia showed a lot more enterprise in the second period. The deciding goal arrived with fifteen minutes to play when substitute Nikolai Topor-Stanley looped his header over the on-coming 'keeper from the top of the 18-yard box. Ward and Micevski both made the starting eleven with Ward placed by Jordan Simpson in the 61st minute, and Micevski replaced by Tyler Simpson in the 66th minute.
The Australian squad for the tournament consisted of Dez Giraldi, Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Manly United), Adrian Leijer, Vince Lia, Kristian Sarkies (Melbourne Victory), Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik (Newcastle Jets), David Micevski, Nick Ward (Perth Glory), Spase Dilevski, Jordan Simpson, Tyler Simpson (Queensland Roar), Mark Milligan, Justin Pasfield, Jacob Timpano, Ruben Zadkovich (Sydney FC) and Adam Casey (Wollongong Wolves). Glory midfielder Billy Celeski was a late withdrawal through injury.
19.4.2006
BALCATTA VOTED THE FANS FAVOURITE
Balcatta have been nominated by the football family as the team mostly likely to end the year on top of the First Division table. Over 360 votes were cast in last weeks’ website poll which questioned ‘Who will take out the 2006 First Division champion?’ with Balcatta collecting an impressive 21.6% of the count. Dianella White Eagles (15.3%) were some way off the pace by well clear of Rockingham City (13.8%), Fremantle Spirit (11.7%) and Ashfield (10.2%). Mandurah City (6.9%) were nominated as the sixth most popular choice to claim the trophy and garnered just a few votes more than Gosnells City (6.3%) and Morley Windmills (6.0%). Canning City (3.6%), Forrestfield United (2.7%) and South West Phoenix (1.8%) bring up the rear of the field.
19.4.2006
KNIGHTS GO FOR LAZARIDIS
A-League outfit New Zealand Knights have made a major play to gain the services of Australian international Stan Lazaridis. The Birmingham City wing-back is a confirmed target for both Newcastle United Jets and Adelaide United, however, the Knights have emerged as the front-runner to land Lazaridis courtesy of a reported $350,000-a-year offer. out of contract in June, Lazaridis has spent the past eleven seasons in England where he's made in excess of 300 appearances for West Ham United and Birmingham City. Lazaridis, capped 57 times by Australia, remains confident of gaining a place in the Socceroos World Cup squad despite falling out of favour since Guus Hiddink took charge.
18.4.2006
MCCALLUM SENDS YOUNG MATILDAS TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The Young Matildas will line-up at this year’s FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Championship thanks to West Australian midfielder Collette McCallum. The talented 20-year etched her name in the history books by netting the decisive goal Australia's 3-2 win over Japan in the final game of the Asian Football Confederation qualifying tournament. The result ensured Australia finished third and join China and North Korea as Asia's representatives at the World Championship being hosted by Russia in August/September. The Australian youth team skated through the group phase with wins over China, Malaysia and Jordan before a semi-final loss to North Korea put them into the do-or-die play-off match.
Australia commenced the group stage by defeating pre-tournament favourites China 1-0. A far post header by Sasha McDonnell on 21 minutes forced a great save from the Chinese goalkeeper who, just before the break, tipped Collette McCallum’s long-range shot over the crossbar. The Young Matilda’s broke through nine minutes into the second half when McDonnell converted at close range from a McCallum cross. China twice struck the frame of the goal but it was Australia who dominated and were unlucky not to add a second as Leena Khamis and McCallum were both thwarted by the goalkeeper. McCallum played a full game.
McCallum wore the captain’s armband as Australia stormed their way to a 16-0 win over Malaysia on Tuesday, and secured a spot in the tournament semi-finals. Australia had opened up a six-goal gap by the break, and went on to score a further ten unanswered goals as the home team tired in the humid conditions. Jenna Tristram and Kylie Ledbrook scored four goals each, Victoria Balomenos bagged a hat-trick, there were doubles to be had by McCallum and Servet Uzunlar with Leah Blayney rounding out the scoring. McCallum, whose goals came after 10 and 27 minutes, was replaced at half-time.
The Young Matildas finished undefeated and top of Group B after easing to a 7-0 win over Thursday. After a delayed start to the game due to lightning near the ground, it didn’t take long Australia long to gain ascendancy as Caitlin Cooper netted after 11 minutes then added a second nine minutes later. Amy Jackson and Ledbrook scored within four minutes of each other midway through the period to take the difference to four goals by the break. Substitute McDonnell made it after 54 minutes, Renee Cartwright added a sixth goal in the 61st minute, and the scoring was wrapped up by an own goal in the 72nd minute. McCallum was rested and watched from the bench.
In the semi-finals, North Korea fended off a vibrant Young Matilda’s to win 4-2. Australia was always playing catch up in the heavy conditions with the Koreans scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes through S.H.Kim. The sparked Australia into life and after a handful of close calls, which included Uzunlar and McCallum hitting the frame of the goal, they were rewarded when McDonnell pulled a goal back five minute before the break. The second half was seven minutes old when Ra scored with a diving header to swing the game back in Korea’s favour. Australia again upped the pace and dominated with Sally Shipard bringing the gap back to a single goal with ten minutes remaining. Korean sealed victory in the final minute with a counterattack finished off from 10-metres by Ra.
Australia scored twice in the final quarter to snatch third place, and a place at the World Championship, from Japan. Japan went ahead on 11 minutes when Mizuho Sakaguchi converted a cross from the left. Australia replied when Blayney laid the ball into the path of Khamis who rounded the 'keeper and tapped into an open goal. Nine minutes into the second half Japan again took the lead through a diving header by Yuki Nagasato. Tristram set up a thrilling finish by equalising with fifteen minutes to play. And it seemed extra-time would be required to separate the sides when McCallum delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute by calmly slotting past the 'keeper from the top of the 6-yard box after McDonnell's cross wasn't dealt with by the defence.
17.4.2006
HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR COCKBURN
When Billy Russell took up coaching duties at Cockburn City late last year he realised a lack of fitness was a major problem at the club. Russell drew up a fitness program during the summer months and has been rewarded with a dream start to the Premier League season. After thrashing Bayswater City in the season opener, Cockburn came away from Dorrien Gardens on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 win over title favourite Perth S.C. "It's unbelievable," Russell said. "Before the game I told my boys that everyone has written us off and we had nothing to lose. Perth are a great side and have set the benchmark for the other teams."
With the game tied up at one-each at half-time, off-season recruit Andy Cornmell scored his second goal of the afternoon to give Cockburn all three points and a memorable victory. "When we got in front in the second half it gave me a tremendous feeling," commented Russell. "My boys worked very hard against a class team. What is also exciting is that we had lost a couple of name players before the season. We are rebuilding, so our form is very pleasing so far. My team now is very fit and we are looking optimistically at the rest of the season."
17.4.2006
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWO (Perth S.C. vs Cockburn City by Lennie Bavich; Stirling Lions vs Swan I.C. courtesy Swan I.C.; Armadale vs E.C.U. Joondalup courtesy Armadale)
A goal in stoppage time gave Sorrento victory by 2-1 over a strong finishing Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve. Sorrento could not have expected a better start as Stuart Young sent Oliver Taseski the wrong way from the penalty spot after Danny Hill’s downward header struck the hand of a defender after 6 minutes. The visiting side slowly got into gear and were back on level terms in the 24th minute when Louis Parkinson pushed down the right and sent in a low cross for which Daniel Niederberger squeezed between two defenders to volley firmly into the net. Inglewood were incensed at not being awarded a penalty after Kevin Griffiths was brought down inside the area by Andrew Bowyer in the minutes before the break. It was more of the same in the second half with the visitors dominating possession for lengthy periods and continually prying for a passage to goal. Inglewood twice had the ball in the back of the net through Anthony Danze but on both occasions his efforts were ruled out for offside. Andre Sarpe steered wide from a Parkinson cross, and appeals for a penalty for handball by Ord failed to sway the referee. The onslaught was relentless and when Bowyer was issued his marching orders for a second bookable offence with five minutes to go it seemed Lady Luck may be about to finally smile on the visitors. The next attack was led by Sarpe who turned provider for Griffiths but his glancing header was narrowly high. With the clock ticking down Harland gained possession near the halfway line and jinxed his way past several challenges before unleashing a shot from an acute angle which came off the far post and rebounded to Thomas who made no mistake in putting away a dramatic winner.
Cockburn City overcame the odds to score a memorable 2-1 win over title favourite Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens. The hosts were quickly on the front foot and created three good chances in rapid succession but Robert Sciascia, David Onoforo and Gianfranco Circati were unable to capitalise. Cockburn's first attacking raid arrived not long after with Paul Oliver shooting into the side netting. In the 9th minute Jason Dos Santos made his way down the left wing and sent a neat cross in that Andy Cornmell nodded past goalkeeper Gareth Deeg, much to the delight of the visiting fans. Peter Lord turned the ball over in midfield and transferred possession to Scott Bulloch whose explosive drive beat Alan Dunlop but not Oliver who rescued his side with a courageous goal line clearance. It was pretty much one-way traffic as Perth sought to equalise. In the 33rd minute Onoforo set up Bulloch who rifled over the crossbar, and seven minutes later Michael Icanovski flashed the ball wide from a Jeff Bright corner. Dusan Macura played a free-kick into the area at the opposite end which Cornmell glanced just beyond the upright. A minute from the break Barry Wood drew the attention of two defenders before laying the ball back to Bulloch who shot low past Dunlop to level the game. Both sides began the second half tentatively and it took a good twenty minutes before Perth again seized control. Gary Faria was thwarted by Dunlop, Lord pushed the ball wide from 8-metres in a goalmouth scramble, and Barry Wood's shot on the turn was turned around the post by a 'keeper at full-length. However, Cockburn weren't to be outdone and with two minutes left on the clock Michael Mirco manoeuvred into the area and having drawn Deeg off his line slotted the deciding goal between 'keeper and upright.
Floreat Athena cruised to a 5-0 victory over a spiritless Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve. A scorching John Migas drive that kissed the crossbar signalled Floreat’s intentions inside the opening minute. Bayswater had little to counter their opponents’ creativity as Stephen Guest and Adam Bachillor provided terrific service from out wide and in the middle of the park Josip Magdic worked his magic. It was always only a matter of time before Floreat broke through and in the 19th minute Branimir Mikulic rose unchallenged to glance Bachillor’s in-swinging corner into the net. Goal number two arrived via a superb defence splitting pass from Boima Karpeh which was into the path of Okwy Diamondstar who had no difficulty in beating a badly exposed goalkeeper after 33 minutes. Four minutes from the break Costa Socratous forced Jarred Smith to concede possession and pushed his way down the right before cutting back to Guest who blasted into the top corner from 9-metres. Koroma produced a world-class save to keep out a Josip Magdic thunderbolt ten minutes into the second half. Floreat’s fourth arrived in the 66th minute when substitute Peter Coci waltzed past two defenders before curling the ball around Koroma and in off the far post. The hosts showed greater composure in the second half but their efforts to get on the scoreboard were in vain as substitute Sal Marapodi and Mark Lee both shot high. The onslaught continued at the opposite end as Koroma made another stunning save to frustrate Mikulic, and not long after the ‘keeper was quick off his line to courageously smother at the feet of Magdic. With six minute remaining Mikulic sauntered down the left and delivered a low cross into the area which Karpeh got to ahead of two defenders and knocked past the ‘keeper for the games final goal.
Swan I.C. played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Stirling Lions in front of a big crowd at Macedonia Park. The hosts could have gone ahead inside the 1st minute but Andy Brown’s header sailed over the crossbar from a Steve Porter corner. Much of the early running came from Stirling but between them and the opening goal stood the imposing frame of an in-form Corey Hugo. The breakthrough finally arrived after 25 minutes of pressure when Jordan Rhodes’ cross wasn’t properly dealt with by the defence and Brown arrowed his shot past Hugo from the edge of the 18-yard box. Swan countered as Damien Scali went one-on-one with Tom Straker who held his nerve and deflected the ball over the line. The resulting corner was played deep by Miki Vujacic to David Foster who lobbed the ball back into the 6-yard box where Rory Mouttet headed in the equaliser after 37 minutes. Swan were unlucky not to gain the upper hand after the break through Vujacic whose free-kick from distance ricocheted off the post to safety. With ten minutes to go substitute Jake Harman expertly controlled Riste Stefoski’s cross, turned his marker and rifled into the bottom corner from 12-metres. A great opportunity to seal the three points came about through Ludovic Boi who sent Jake Harman past the defence but his goalbound strike was brilliantly saved by Hugo. The closing stages produced chances at both ends as Hugo twice more denied Stirling a third goal while a shot from close-range by Scali was amazingly cleared off the line by a defender. With little under two minutes remaining Scali got himself on the end of a Tom Shepheard cross and nodded past Straker to send the travelling fans into raptures. Special mention must also be made of Angelo Nardi for his superb control of the game.
Western Knights scored a late equaliser to snatch a 3-3 with Wanneroo City at Nash Field. The opening exchanges were fast and furious as both teams sought to take the early advantage. As it turned out it was Wanneroo who drew first blood through Phil O’Callaghan after he converted a cross from Matt Donlevy. The gap could have been doubled by Ryan Townsend who benefited from poor defending but was unable to beat Tommi Tomich. The Knights hit back soon after as Aleksander Vrteski's attempted clearance crashed into Stuart Montgomery who reacted quickly by sliding the loose ball into an empty net from a narrowing angle. John Thornley went within inches of putting the hosts ahead when he shot past the goalkeeper only to see his effort come back off the upright. The visitors received a set back a few minutes from the interval with the dismissal of Derek Cooke for a questionable second yellow. The second half began with the Knights on the attack, however, it was Wanneroo who'd score next through Will Hodges who latched on to a long ball into attack which he rifled past Tomich. Again the Knights response was swift as Paul Devlin's miscued attempt on goal fell nicely for Montgomery to control then lash past Vrteski from 7-metres. Wanneroo went ahead for a third time when Michael Baczynski teed-up Ryan Townsend who made no mistake in beating Tomich. But the visitors hard was soon undone as Morgan Dendle was issued his marching orders for dissent, then Gerry McEwan was also red carded after bringing Montgomery down inside the area, and from the resulting penalty the Knights striker complete his hat-trick. In a desperate attempt to snatch victory the Knights threw everything forward but it wasn’t to be as David Annall hit the post and Kevin Correia’s close-range shot was cleared off the line.
E.C.U. Joondalup struck a last gasp winner to win out 3-2 victors over Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval. The first shot in anger came from the hosts after 4 minutes when Kevin Bissett volleyed wide from a James Isaia corner. Martin Ashworth thought he'd put Joondalup ahead a few minutes later with a scorching left-foot drive that flashed past Nick Stone but was ruled out by an offside flag. The midfield efforts of Matt Bennion, Isaia and Jason Goodwin allowed Armadale to gain the upper hand and through a series of long balls caught the visiting defence out but neither John Dixon nor Bissett could capitalise. Captain Dale McCulloch was proving influential in sending Joondalup forward but the crosses of Ashworth and Anthony Jones were continually intercepted by Armadale's back four. The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Stone's booming clearance was chased down by Dixon who held off two defenders before striking the ball wide of Peter Stewart. Joondalup drew level a minute from the break via a neat counterattacking move in which Ashworth sent Scott Bushby through to round the 'keeper and tuck away the equaliser. The second half began with Armadale on the attack and four minutes in Isaia's explosive shot from 20-metres found the bottom corner. The hosts could have added a third shortly after but Dixon was unable to convert when sent clear by Bissett. With Ashworth causing all sorts of problems down the left channel Joondalup upped the tempo to the effect of calling Stone into action on several occasions. They drew level in the 67th minute when Ian McMurray was brought down inside the penalty area and up stepped McCulloch to convert from the spot. Stewart responded brilliantly to keep out a goalbound effort from youngster Ryan Pearson not long after. With six minutes of regulation time left Ashworth’s cross was brought down by Ryan Newhill and Bushby rammed in winning goal at close-range.
15.4.2006
FIRST DIVISION, ROUND TWO (Canning City vs Fremantle Spirit courtesy Canning City; Balcatta vs Morley Windmills courtesy Morley Windmills; Rockingham City vs Ashfield courtesy Rockingham City)
Fremantle Spirit re-acquainted themselves with the First Division by whipping Canning City 5-1 at Willetton Sports Club. This was always going to be a difficult game for Canning who were without four key players from their triumphant Night Series squad. After a fairly even opening spell Fremantle gained the lead when a cross from Ben Kelly caught the home defence square and David Rodgers controlled well before drilling his shot past Jeff Cargill. Brothers Dale and Marc Wingell were running the show from midfield for the port side who doubled their advantage just before half-time when Peter Vukmirovic headed in at a corner. The second half continued in much the same fashion and the lively Callum Roberts outpaced the home defence before laying the ball into the path of Rodgers who put away his second of the day. Fremantle were running rampant and with Jason Barrera providing the drive when going forward and not surprisingly added two further goals through Roberts Canning could muster little in response and were making few in-roads against a defence anchored by seasoned campaigners Alex Christie and Vukmirovic. The hosts eventually found an avenue to goal close to the final whistle through the head of Dave Mahon.
Balcatta picked up maximum points by defeating Morley Windmills 2-1 at Graham Burkett Reserve. It didn’t take the hosts long to get into stride as John Nicolaou’s shot from just inside the 18-yard box forced a terrific save out of Matt Darling. A superb cross from the right by Rob Giorgi produced the opening goal on 33 minutes which was nodded in at close-range by Nicolaou. That lead was very nearly short-lived as Scott McIlroy’s lob drifted over Jordan Conti but also the bar just a minute later. David Moschilla was presented a golden opportunity to give the home team a two-goal buffer at the break but he shot wide with only Darling to beat. Balcatta were on the attack after the re-start and Nicolaou was thwarted by Darling at close range. Ray Rose brought the teams level after 55 minutes by his marker and slammed the ball into the top corner from an acute angle. Morley looked to have gone ahead with eighteen minutes left when Conti parried a free-kick which Rose netted only to have it disallowed for handball. The deciding goal arrived three minutes into stoppage time when Anthony Toutunzious’ deep cross found Shane Mitchell whose powerful header from 3-metres gave Darling no chance.
Rockingham and Ashfield played out a tough and gritty 1-1 draw when they meet at Dowling Street Reserve. Ashfield got themselves off to a flying start when Andy O’Neill’s free-kick was nodded in by Mohamed Komaderic at close range with just 4 minutes elapsed. The hosts rode their luck as Ashfield pushed forward in numbers and Komaderic, O’Neill and Mel Lovic each had shots kept out by Cyril Sharrock. It was against the run of play then that Rockingham equalised via Jason Peacock who lifted the ball over the defence and, under pressure from Chris Read, Daniel Webb had the misfortune of heading over Francis Allen and in to his own net. Komaderic then skipped past two defenders and unleashed a powerful shot which Sharrock did well to save and deny Ashfield the lead at half-time. Rockingham were more involved in the game after the break but opened up very few holes their opponents defence. The best chance of the half came in the final minutes through a long ball from Rob Crerar which was spilled by Allen and Steve Cramphorn amazingly pushed his shot into the upright from 2-metres. Few in attendance would disagree that a sharing of the points was a fair and just outcome.
Mandurah City defeated Forrestfield United 3-1 at Peelwood Parade. Christian Pascherwitz scored twice and Michael Bobridge once for Mandurah while the visitors goal arrived in the first half and via Lucas Whitehouse. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
The points were shared at Dianella Reserve where Dianella White Eagles and Gosnells City drew 1-1. Arthur Majewski put the hosts ahead on 21 minutes only to have Dragan Njegic equalise sixteen minutes from the end. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
15.4.2006
INJURIES DON’T CONCERN NORMANTON
Despite injuries to two key players, Graham Normanton believes Perth S.C. can withstand the attacking prowess of Cockburn City when they meet this afternoon at Dorrien Gardens. Perth started the season with a 2-0 win over Inglewood United last week while Cockburn whipped Bayswater City 7-1. “Any team that scores seven goals is a coach’s delight,” said Normanton. “Though they have a lot of strength in attack, Cockburn is a good all-round side. Cockburn improved through the Night Series and have a fair midfield. I think the game will be won in the midfield.” Perth go in to the game without the services of Matt Danskin and Robbie Puca due to ankle and groin injuries, respectively, which opens the door for Robert Sciasia and Peter Lord to come into the starting line-up.
15.4.2006
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
Cockburn City, Sorrento and Floreat Athena sit jointly atop the Premier League table at the conclusion the second round as the only sides with a perfect win record. Andy Cornmell marked his return to the top flight by scoring both goals in Cockburn's 2-1 defeat of Perth S.C. Sorrento defeated Inglewood United 2-1 through strikes by Stuart Young and Glen Thomas. Branimir Mikulic, Okwy Diamondstar, Stephen Guest, Peter Coci and Boima Karpeh found the net in Floreat's 5-0 mauling of Bayswater City.
Stirling Lions were surprisingly held 2-2 by Swan I.C. Armadale were minutes from collecting their first points of the season when they conceded twice to crash 2-3 at home to E.C.U. Joondalup whose goals came from Scott Bushby (2) and Dale McCulloch. Stuart Montgomery bagged a hat-trick for Western Knights in their 3-3 home draw against Wanneroo City in which from Will Hodges, Phil O'Callaghan and Ryan Townsend scored for the visitors.
Fremantle Spirit made a bold statement by whipping pre-season favourite Canning City in their opening game of the First Division season. A last minute goal gave Balcatta all three points over Morley Windmills by a 2-1 scoreline. Christian Paschewitz scored twice and Michael Bobridge once in Mandurah City's 3-1 defeat of Forrestfield United. The points were shared between Dianella White Eagles and Gosnells City at 1-1. And things also ended level at Dowling Street Reserve where Rockingham City came from behind to draw 1-1 with Ashfield.
14.4.2006
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
Round Two of the Premier League season takes place tomorrow with the match of the day taking place at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento and Inglewood United pit skills. Last week the Gulls came from behind to defeat Swan I.C. and with a defence marshalled by Danny Hill and Neil Young they’ll be hard to beat on home soil. Inglewood have an abundance of attacking options, particularly out wide where Louis Parkinson and Kevin Griffiths operate with menace, and are eager to mark themselves as a serious title contender.
There should be plenty of goals scored at Dorrien Gardens between Perth S.C. and Cockburn City. Bayswater City, still reeling from Frank Faraone’s sudden resignation, have a difficult home clash with Floreat Athena. Stirling Lions hit eight goals last week and will be looking to continue in the same vein when they host Swan. Western Knights are confident of picking up the points when Wanneroo City venture to Nash Field. Alfred Skeet Oval is the venue when Armadale go head-to-head with E.C.U. Joondalup.
The jockeying for early bragging rights continues in the First Division. Canning City meet Fremantle Spirit at Willetton Sports Club in the pick of the weekend’s action. Forrestfield United and Mandurah City are each looking to open their season accounts when they meet at Hartfield Park. Balcatta are expected out bounce back from last weeks opening round loss by taking maximum points from Morley Windmills. Dianella White Eagles have home ground advantage over Gosnells City, and at Dowling Street Reserve it’s Rockingham City against Ashfield. Out of action due to the bye are South West Phoenix.
14.4.2006
INTO THE LOOKING GLASS, PART TWO …
Promotion and relegation between the Saturday Premier League and First Division remain a one-up one-down policy as last year. However, the late withdrawal of Bassendean Caledonian from the First Division threw a spanner in the works and, after careful consideration, Football West will offer two teams from the Sunday amateur Premier League promotion to second tier of Saturday football for next season. On the eve of the new season the First Division playing field is remarkably level with any one of a handful of teams capable of claiming top honours, and the battle to avoid the drop equally as tight...
13.4.2006
FARAONE QUITS
Bayswater City has been rocked by Frank Faraone’s shock resignation as first team coach. Faraone’s decision, announced just prior to Saturday’s clash with Cockburn City, clearly unsettled Bayswater who slumped to a humiliating 1-7 loss on the opening weekend of the new season. Officially Faraone stepped aside for “personal reasons”, however, club insiders have suggested a growing frustration at not being able to influence the teams style of play as being a significant factor in his departure. Bayswater will be lead in the interim by Eric Bambaci and Tony Paolino.
13.4.2006
FOOTBALL WEST COUNTRY CAMP (courtesy Football West)
The Football West Country Camp will see one hundred of the state's top regional footballers, male and female, come together for training and development by some of our best development coaches. Next week's five-day camp at Wesley College will give coaching staff an opportunity to assess players for potential State selection. "Country Camp is a wonderful event for our young regional players to develop and showcase their skills," said Michelle Phillips, chief executive officer of Football west. "We look forward to the matches with the metro teams which will assist coaches in their selection for regional State trialists. This week is about the regional players and also providing the players with the best opportunities for State selection."
12.4.2006
PERTH INSTALLED AS TITLE FAVOURITE
A second successive Premier League title is within the capability of Perth S.C. according to the West Australian football family. The Blues were the runaway winner of our most recent website poll which asked 'Who will be crowned 2006 Premier League champion?' in which over 400 votes were received. Perth scooped a staggering 33.7%, or one-third of the count to be the clear favourite for top honours. Stirling Lions (11.3%) were a distant second but finished well clear of Sorrento (8.6%) and Floreat Athena (8.1%). The fifth most popular choice was Western Knights (6.4%) who tallied just a handful more votes than Inglewood United (6.2%) and Armadale (5.9%). There was very little separating E.C.U. Joondalup (4.6%), Wanneroo City (4.3%), Cockburn City (4.0%) and Swan I.C. (3.8%), and the feild was completed by Bayswater City (3.1%).
12.4.2006
CONTRACT HURDLE HALTS WARD
A clause in his new Perth Glory contract may prevent Nick Ward from joining Leicester City. Ward recently trialled with the Foxes and was hoping to return to the English club upon the completion of the Australia under-23's up-coming tournament in Vietnam. However, under the terms of his new two-year contract Ward is entitled to just a single off-season trial. It now seems the only option Leicester officials have is to travel to Vietnam to watch Ward in action against Uzbekistan, Iran and the host nation.
11.4.2006
INJURY ENDS COYNE'S WORLD CUP ASPIRATIONS
The World Cup dream of Luton Town defender Chris Coyne is over following confirming he'll miss the final stages of the English season through injury. The 27-year old has been hampered by knee problems this season and has decided to go under the surgeon's knife. "Chris will have an operation next week on his knee," Luton boss Mike Newell told the club's official website. "He has been struggling on with both knees all season. It is best that he has the operation done now, get his rehabilitation done, and then hopefully we have a new player for next season." Coyne, a 'veteran' of over 200 games for the Hatters, was considered an outside chance of making Australia's squad for Germany.
11.4.2006
STANGE HEARTBROKEN BY GLORY PLIGHT
One-time Perth Glory boss Bernd Stange admits he's "heartbroken" to see his former club in it's current plight. Stange says the warning signs were there that the club was heading for a fall from grace. "I warned them three years ago this could happen," he told tribalfootball.com. "I could see the writing on the wall even back then. It breaks my heart to see the club that was the leader in Australian soccer to now be in the state it's in."
Although set to lead Apollon Limassol into next seasons' Champions League, Stange says he'd jump at the opportunity to work in Australia again. "My wife and I love the country," commented Stange. "I'm enjoying Cyprus, but I'd drop everything if an A-League club was to contact me." It was during Stange's three-year reign as coach that Glory enjoyed their greatest popularity. The club won the regular season title in 1999/2000, twice appeared in the Grand Final but lost on both occasions, and averaged home crowds of 12,642.
10.4.2006
CACERES EXCITED BY NEW BEGINNING
Adrian Caceres has played in England and Argentina but rates signing for Melbourne Victory as the biggest breakthrough of his career. "I was lucky enough to sign for Southampton in the English Premier League when I was eighteen and I spent two years there, but joining Melbourne Victory is the biggest move I've ever made," commented Caceres on his recent arrival in Melbourne. The dynamic 24-year old will joined his new club for pre-season training at the start of the month and is expected to occupy an attacking role on the left wing next summer.
The left-sided player won two national league championships with Perth Glory during his three seasons with the club in which he in excess of fifty appearances. But it was a couple of stand-out performances in Glory colours against Victory last season that brought him to the attention of the club's coaching staff. "It wasn't so much a surprise, it was more of an honour that a big club like Melbourne was interested and could see my potential," Caceres said. "I feel Melbourne has the potential to be the biggest club in Australia. I've always wanted to win medals and I feel Melbourne is one of those clubs with a lot of ambition. There's a good vibe around the club and I've very excited."
10.4.2006
GLORY READY TO OFF-LOAD COLOSIMO
Simon Colisimo will no longer be a Perth Glory player if the club can agree on a fee for his transfer to Melbourne Victory. An Australian international, Colosimo is contracted for another two years and is happy to remain a Glory player, however, if a mutual agreement can be struck it is understood he would welcome a return to Melbourne. “I haven’t spoken to Simon for a while but I’m hearing that he’s keen to look at alternatives,” said Glory’s technical manager Mich d’Avray. “By his own admission, he had a poor season and we signed him because he’s a good player and I still believe he’s a good player.” Colosimo played seventeen game for Glory last season but towards the end of the campaign fell foul of caretaker coach Alan Vest who questioned the midfielder’s commitment.
9.4.2006
OLYMPIC TEAM PREPARES FOR VIETNAM
The Australian Under-23’s commence a five-day camp today ahead of their first international matches in a four-nation tournament in Vietnam later this month. Amongst the twenty-three players invited are Perth Glory trio Nick Ward, David Micevski and Billy Celeski. At the end of the camp eighteen players will be selected to represent Australia in Vietnam where they’ll compete with Uzbekistan, Iran and the host nation. The series will serve as Australia’s first preparatory matches for next year’s qualifying campaign for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
In camp this week are Dez Giraldi, Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Manly United), Adrian Leijer, Vince Lia, Kristian Sarkies (Melbourne Victory), Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik (Newcastle Jets), Billy Celeski, David Micevski, Nick Ward (Perth Glory), Spase Dilevski, Jordan Simpson, Tyler Simpson (Queensland Roar), Mark Milligan, Tolgay Ozbey, Justin Pasfield, Jacob Timpano, Ruben Zadkovich (Sydney FC) and Adam Casey (Wollongong Wolves).
9.4.2006
MCCALLUM IN WORLD CUP FRAME OF MIND
Collette McCallum can't wait to get the ball rolling on Australia's qualifying campaign for this year's FIFA Under-20 Women's World Championship. The attacking midfielder is honoured to be named vice-captain of the national Youth team who'll take part in the Asian Football Confederation Under-19 Championship this week. "It's always great to be in the squad," McCallum commented. "As we're now going through Asia the qualifying tournament will be difficult, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully making this World Cup a memorable one."
McCallum has twice come back from career threatening injuries since first stepping on to the national stage for the Australian Youth team in August 2001. "It was always an ambition of mine to play for Australia and I received my first call up as a 15-year old," said McCallum. "When I think about it I'm quite amazed at how far I have come, especially after overcoming a knee reconstruction at sixteen, then another a year later. Anything is possible if you want it enough and I will always be proud to wear the green and gold."
With a couple of major tournaments on the horizon for the national team McCallum has set herself some definite goals. "I'm really enjoying my football at the moment and I want to keep playing at the highest level I possibly can," she said. "I'd like to consolidate my place in the Matildas and gain even more experience at that level. Coming down the track are the senior World Cup in China, 2007, then the 2008 Olympic Games in China and I'd like to be part of both those tournaments. The national team takes up pretty much all of my time so I haven't really looked much beyond that."
9.4.2006
AMATEUR PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP
University of WA made a great start to their 2006 Amateur Premier League season after they easily beat Perth Azzurri 3-0 to go top of Group B. Defending champions Colo Colo went down 3-2 to newly promoted Fremantle United in the port derby game. South Perth United were too good for Lynwood Colts 2-1, while a fiery encounter saw Spearwood Dalmatinac and Suburbs United share the points in a 2-2 draw. Stirling Panthers defeated Murduch University in a 5-4 thriller at Beale Park and Hamersley Rovers had a good 2-1 win against the fancied Subiaco United. In other games, CN Canning International welcomed Kingsway Olympic to amateur football in a game that could have gone either way, however both teams had to settle for the 1-1 draw. New signing Flavio L’Abbate scored twice for Shamrock Rovers against Queens Park, however a technicality over player cards has seen Football West overturn the result to 3-0 in Queens Park's favour.
8.4.2006
PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ONE (Wanneroo City vs Stirling Lions courtesy Stirling Lions; Cockburn City vs Bayswater City by Lennie Bavich; Floreat Athena vs Armadale courtesy Floreat Athena; Swan I.C. vs Sorrento by Kerry Slater; E.C.U. Joondalup vs Western Knights courtesy E.C.U. Joondalup)
Stirling Lions opened their Premier League campaign with an 8-1 thrashing of competition newcomer Wanneroo City at Kingsway Reserve this afternoon. Wanneroo’s first game as a top flight club began full of promise as Derek Cooke delivered a fine cross from the right which Phil O’Callaghan headed in after just a minute of play. Conceding so early had a galvanising effect on Stirling who stepped up the pace and drew level six minutes later when a slick interchange of passes led to Andy Brown flicking the ball on to Ryan Jeans who smashed it past the goalkeeper from 10-metres. It was pretty much one way traffic from this point on Steve Porter and Leo Harman flexed their muscle in midfield. Young full back Michael Pugliese sent in a delightful cross after 40 minutes which Brown headed against the crossbar and Jeans reacted quickest to head the rebound into the net. And shortly after Jeans turned provider with a replica cross which Leo Harman nodded down to make the difference two goals at the interval. Wanneroo came out with all guns ablaze for the second half only to be denied by a brilliant save from Phil Straker which kept out O’Callaghan’s low strike. Jeans completed his hat-trick on the hour by heading in Pugliese’s cross from a tight angle. Jake Harman replaced Jeans shortly after and wasted no time in adding his name to the scoresheet by smashing the ball home from close-range. The result was now beyond any shadow of a doubt and the only question being asked was ‘how many more?’ Leo Harman capped off a jinxing run by drilling in goal number six, and a memorable day for the visitors was made complete as Porter and Rob Miller got on the list with fine individual efforts to really blow out the final margin.
Cockburn City thumped Bayswater City 7-1 when they meet at Dalmatinac Park. The match could not have started much better for Bayswater who went ahead inside the opening minutes through Tony Cumace who converted from the penalty spot following Jason Godfrey’s push on Ben Rodgers. But Cockburn were having none of it and hit back after 12 minutes as Johnny Mirco shot across the area and Mileta Miletic was on hand to tap in the equaliser. Anthony Pereira slammed a shot into the crossbar and Jason Dos Santos had Koroma at full stretch as the home side upped the pace. Going the other way Daniel Micevski’s shot on the turn ws pushed wide by a diving Alan Dunlop. The second half was three minutes old when Daniel Palermo earned Cockburn a penalty which Koroma got a hand to but was unable to keep out Paul Oliver’s spot kick. From here there was no looking back for the home side who added a third in the 62nd minute when Pereira centred to Josh Kamaz who took a couple of steps before unleashing a thunderbolt from 22-metres. Six minutes later Johnny Mirco’s low strike was parried by Koroma and Godfrey headed in the follow-up at close range. Palermo was on fire down the right and deliver a fine cross into the area which was nodded in by Pereira after 69 minutes. Bayswater were provided an opportunity to peg one back when awarded a free-kick for a foul on Micevski but Mark Lee, who’d just come off the bench, rifled high from distance. All the pressure was on Koroma as the game drew to a close and in the 86th minute he was beaten for a sixth time as Dos Santos found the net. And in stoppage time Johnny Mirco laid the ball back to Michael Mirco who sent it past the Bayswater ‘keeper one last time.
Floreat Athena came from behind to defeat Armadale 4-1 at Litis Stadium. It was a positive start from Armadale who were firm in their resolve and clearly out to unsettle their hosts through the employment of a no-nonsense approach and solid tackling. Floreat seemed to have their opponents measure but on 17 minutes a defensive mix-up saw the ball spill to Kevin Bissett who gave goalkeeper Vas Vujacic no chance with a left-foot drive into the top corner. Matt Bennion could have twice increased Armadale’s but neither occasion required a response from Vujacic. Floreat eventually found a way through on 37 minutes when Adam Bachiller delivering a terrific cross that an Bran Mikulic headed in unchallenged. In the minutes that followed the hosts were unlucky not to go ahead as Mikulic who crashed a shot into the upright and shortly after headed high when unmarked at another corner. The new half saw Floreat step up a gear and set to take control of the game before an over enthusiastic challenge by Bajo Savic resulted in his dismissal. Unfortunately for Armadale, they too went down to ten men after Scott Patterson was harshly issued a second yellow card just a few minutes later. This swung the pendulum back in the hosts favour and Josip Magdic began to assert his authority in the centre of the park. The all important second goal arrived in the 64th minute when Okwy Diamondstar’s drive from 25-metres bounced awkwardly in front of Nick Stone and found the back of the net. Minutes after coming off the bench Stephen Guest added Floreat’s third by slotting in from an angle after being teed up by Boima Karpeh. And with eight minutes left Guest put away his second from a similar position to complete a solid first up outing by Floreat.
Perth S.C. started their campaign for back-to-back titles with a 2-0 win over Inglewood United at Kiev Sports Ground. In perfect conditions and before a large crowd, the game got underway at a cracking pace with Perth straight in to attack through Scott Bulloch who cross was headed goalward by an unmarked Barry Wood but Oliver Taseski was positioned to push it wide. Taseski came to the top of his box in the 24th minute to gather a long ball but failed to take it clearly and appeared to bring down Wood, the ball fell nicely for Onoforo but his chip at an open goal was high. A David Onoforo header flew past Taseski and glanced off the far post, then down the other end Louis Parkinson delivered a lovely curling cross to Andre Sarpe but the enigmatic striker missed an easy chance. Ten minutes from the break Perth took a deserved lead as Robbie Puca slotted through to Jeff Bright who unleashed a vicious swinging shot from an acute angle that flashed across Taseski and inside the far top corner. Perth should have gone two up when a great cross by Puca landed on the head of Onoforo who somehow headed wide. Chances flowed at both ends of the grounds in the second half but Daniel Neiderburger and Parkinson placed wide for Inglewood, while Taseski thwarted Bright and Onoforo’s effort was cleared off the line by Daniel Stoitis. The margin was doubled in the 67th minute when Matt Danskin and Wood joined forces for Onoforo to net after his initial shot was kept out by the goalkeeper. However, Inglewood refused to concede defeat and Anthony Danze combined with Jason Colli to set up Albert Osei-Tutu who shot wide. The closing stages was end-to-end as Gareth Deeg saved a neat strike by Colli, and Wood shooting just high from 20-metres.
Sorrento emerged from their opening fixture of the new season with a narrow 2-1 win over home side Swan I.C. The opening exchanges were largely forgettable as attacks at both ends of the park continually amounted to nothing. It took until the 25th minute for either goalkeeper to be called into action as Neil Young tipped a free-kick from Miki Vujacic over the crossbar. The resulting corner came in from the left and Tom Shepheard’s deft header came to nestle in the back of the net despite Chris Smith’s desperate attempt to clear on the line. Eight minutes later Swan were denied a second goal as Young produced a save to remember by somehow turning away Damian Scali’s downward header. Sorrento’s only opening of the half came shortly but Glen Thomas sliced wide of the post. A half-time talking to from Steve Neville worked a treat for the Gulls who started the second period full of life. James Morgan’s cross into the area found Simon Harland who controlled well but placed his shot to the left of the target. Danny Hill headed corner to Michael Johnson whose shot was hit too close to goalkeeper Corey Hugo. Another chance fell to Johnson a few minutes later and this time it was Danyal Bennett who came to the hoss rescue by heading off the line. The pressure valve was finally released on 72 minutes when Smith put in a low cross which Johnson cracked first time under the body of the Swan ‘keeper to equalise. Chances came and went as both teams sought their second goal. The decider arrived in the final minute of play after Paul Baczynski brought Simon Harland down inside the 18-yard box and referee Hugh Best had little option but to award a penalty which was coolly converted by Stuart Young. There was still time for one last roll of the dice by Swan and Rory Mouttet’s powerful strike was gathered at the second grab by Young.
E.C.U. Joondalup and Western Knights played out an entertaining yet scoreless draw at the Edith Cowan University campus in Joondalup. The game started at a cracking pace and it didn’t take long for the hosts to threaten through Tom Jones who cross into the area was sent wide by Ian McMurray. Stuart Montgomery looked to have given the Knights the lead when he shot past Peter Stewart only to have Jamie Kuzmanovich sweep the ball to safety off the line. The Knights were in control of the game and good chances came the way of Montgomery, Kevin Correira and Andrew Jennings but by and large there was little of genuine concern for Stewart. Tom Jones went close just before the break but his shot was also the wrong side of the post. The second half was a different story with Joondalup able to assert a bit more influence over proceedings. Even so, it was the visitors who carved out the first opening of the new period as Shane McNally threaded a pass to Jennings who shot wide. Scott Bushby created a couple of good chances for himself but on both occasions stubborn defending forced him to miss the target, while a fierce strike from Scott Blackmore crashed into the crossbar. The introduction of Tom Amphlett almost brought immediate dividends but the teenagers shot sailed narrowly over the bar. However, it was far from one way traffic with the Knights carving out some good chances of their own but unable to find a way past a workman-like defence marshalled by Kuzmanovich and Chris Currie. The final scoreline would have pleased both teams and was a fair indication of a game in which both teams held the balance of power for periods.
8.4.2006
FIRST DIVISION, ROUND ONE (Mandurah City vs Rockingham City courtesy Rockingham City; Morley Windmills vs Canning City courtesy Morley Windmills)
A workman-like Rockingham City opened the new First Division season with a 3-1 away win over rivals Mandurah City. The game was only a minute old when Brian Hastie was brought down inside the area after latching on to a long ball, and from the spot goalkeeper Cyrill Sharrock sent his opposite number the wrong way to put the visitors ahead. Rockingham continued to apply the pressure and with 20 minutes gone Rob Crerar whipped in a cross which Alex Smith nodded past the goalkeeper to send the visiting fans into hysterics. Graeme Matthews was denied at the other end by an alert Sharrock as Mandurah sought to reel in the gap. Ten minutes from the break Christian Paschewitz’ powerful free-kick took a deflection off a defender and flew inside the upright to put the hosts back in the hunt. It didn’t take long for Rockingham to hit back and just before the interval Paul Colkin’s free-kick was helped over the line by an unfortunate Jake Loreto. The second period began with Mandurah pushed forward in numbers in an effort to score for a second time but genuine chances were few and far between on a day which Rockingham were well served by a tight backline.
Morley Windmills got their season off on the right note by defeating Canning City 2-0 at Wotton Reserve. Played in warm conditions, Canning was quickly into stride and created several good early opportunities courtesy of slick passing. Controversy erupted in the 39th minute when Daniel Trevisol slotted in from close range after Aaron Barnett’s cutback but the goal was ruled out by the assistant referee who deemed the ball had gone out of play before Barnett’s centre. This scare forced Morley to increase their workrate and shortly after Jeff Cargill parried Bobby Irving’s strike and then could only watch on as Ray Rose tucked away the loose ball. The second half saw Morley start the stronger with Aaron Beattie asserting his control in the centre of the park. The hosts were stringing together some good moves and a 52nd minute foul on Rose resulted in a free-kick which Adrian McBride lashed in to the net from just outside the 18-yard box. With nothing to lose Canning launched an all-out assault which saw Barnett crash a shot against the crossbar and Shane Laing head narrowly wide. Morley came close to adding a third late on as another McBride free-kick was palmed over the bar by the ‘keeper.
Gosnells City made a flying start to their First Division campaign with a 4-2 defeat of eastern corridor rival Forrestfield United. Brian Cairney and Andrew Daffin each scored twice for the hosts with Forrestfield’s goals coming via Jason Kindon and Phil Bell. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
Dianella White Eagles returned from Bunbury with all three points after accounting for South West Phoenix 4-3. Rydeen Botha bagged all four goals for the visitors with Gary Mayers (2) and Steve Suttie on target for Phoenix. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
The points were shared at Ashfield Reserve between Ashfield and Balcatta at 1-1. Rob Giorgi put Balcatta ahead after 45 minutes only to have Mohamad Komadaric equalise twelve minutes into the second half. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.
9.4.2006
DENNIS QUITS AS GLORY CEO
Football Federation Australia are preparing to take over control of Perth Glory following the departure of long-serving chief executive officer Jeff Dennis. The Glory boss yesterday told Matt Carroll, FFA’s head of operations, that he would not take up an offer of continued employment with the club, which is in the throes of an ownership change. “I’ve been at the club for nine years and it’s time to move on to new challenges,” Dennis told “West Australian” reported Jonathon Cook.
“It’s disappointing to see the club in the position it’s in after so many people put so much work in over the years,” added Dennis, who’ll step down from his position at the end of the month. “But we were punching above our weight and it was only a matter of time before it caught up with us. We’ve been running a club which is cash poor. We’ve been focused on marketing and entertainment in the past and now the club needs to be aspiring to achieve excellence in football.”
Glory have virtually ground to a halt in recent weeks as FFA prepares to take over their A-League licence from chairman and co-founder Nick Tana on 30th April should new investors not be finalised by then. The resulting uncertainty has allowed Glory’s A-league rivals to take advantage with Melbourne Victory set to poach midfielder Simon Colosimo and Newcastle United Jets making a play to sign western Australian most successful player, Stan Lazaridis.
7.4.2006
WEEKEND IN SUMMARY
A staggering twenty-eight goals were scored across the opening six game of the 2006 Premier League season. Wanneroo City were given a footballing lesson by Stirling Lions who ran out winners by 8-1 thanks to goals from Ryan Jeans (3), Leo Harman (2), Jake Harman, Rob Miller and Steve Porter. Cockburn City had seven different scores in their 7-1 thrashing of Bayswater City. On target for the home side were Miletic Miletic, Paul Oliver, Josh Kamasz, Jason Godfrey, Anthony Pereira, Jason Dos Santos and Michael Mirco.
Floreat Athena defeated Armadale 4-1 through goals from Stephen Guest (2), Branimir Mikulic and Okwy Diamondstar. Inglewood United went down 0-2 at home to Perth S.C. whose goals came via a sensational first half strike by Jeff Bright and David Onoforo. Michael Johnson and Stuart Young found the net to earn Sorrento a 2-1 away win at Swan I.C. And goals may have been flowing freely across the metropolitan area but not in the north where E.C.U. Joondalup played out a scoreless draw with Western Knights.
Gosnells City made a flying start to their First Division campaign with a 4-2 defeat of eastern corridor rival Forrestfield United. Mandurah City went down 1-3 at home to Rockingham City whose goals came from Cyril Sharrock, Alex Smith and an own goal. South West Phoenix also suffered a loss on home soil when Dianella White Eagles took out the points 4-3. Ray Rose and Adrian McBride were on target in Morley Windmills' 2-0 win over Canning City. And the points were shared by Ashfield and Balcatta when they drew 1-1 at Ashfield Reserve.
7.4.2006
WEEKEND IN PREVIEW
The 2006 home and away season kicks off tomorrow with a full round of Premier league and First Division fixtures. The pick of the top flight action takes place at the Kiev Sports Ground where Inglewood United square off with Perth S.C. Inglewood will be seeking retribution after being denied a place in the last four of the Night Series by the Blues. In the opposite corner are a Perth line-up which took out the pre-season tournament without loss and clearly have set their sights on bringing another Premier League trophy to Dorrien Gardens.
E.C.U. Joondalup begin the new campaign by welcoming Western Knights to the far north. The Dalmatinac Park meeting of Cockburn City and Bayswater City could go either way although the formers’ experience should tip the scales in their balance. Armadale are in for a tough afternoon when take on Floreat Athena at Litis Stadium. With their focus on attack, Sorrento are tipped to take the points over home side Swan I.C. Wanneroo City could not have expected a more difficult start to their time in the top flight than a home meeting with Night Series finalist Stirling Lions.
A couple of derbies highlight the opening round of First Division fixtures. Mandurah City has home ground advantage over Rockingham City in what promises to be a cracking match, while Gosnells City welcome Forrestfield United to Walter Padbury Reserve. Ashfield will have their mettle tested by Balcatta who are still smarting from missing out on the Night Series trophy. Morley Windmills are in for a tough afternoon against Night Series winner Canning City, and Dianella White Eagles make the long journey to South West Phoenix. Fremantle Spirit (formerly City) has the bye brought about by Bassendean Caledonians’ withdrawal from the competition.
7.4.2006
INTO THE LOOKING GLASS, PART ONE …
The forty-sixth season of semi-professional football in Western Australia commences in earnest this weekend with the opening round of home-and-away fixtures. Over the decade fourteen clubs have finished top of the regular season table with by far the most successful being Perth S.C. who have been crowned champions on no less than seventeen occasions. The Blues are widely tipped to add to that tally in 2006, but before they do they need to negotiate a tricky path past their challengers. Brett Klucznik takes a close look at each of the Premier League clubs, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and makes a few bold predictions as to how the year will play out …
6.4.2006
CARROLL CONFIDENT OF SECURING NEW GLORY OWNER
Football Federation Australia's head of operations, Matt Carroll, is confident that a deal can be reached to secure new owners of Perth Glory soon and insists the club will be competitive in season 2006/07. Carroll has been in Perth over the past two days meeting with Glory officials and players to ensure that the club is fully prepared for the second A-League season. “We’re committed to Perth Glory being a success, we are committed to an A-League team here in the west,” he said. “We are in conversation with four interested parties - two more earnestly - that will continue during April. We’re confident we will reach a comfortable conclusion in late April or early May. After that, hopefully we (the FFA) will be able to make a withdrawal but if it takes longer than that then we’ll go the distance.”
Carroll insisted though that the FFA would make sure a new owner would be right for Glory and the club has a bright future. “They have to demonstrate to us that they know how to run a modern, professional, sporting franchise,” Carroll commented. “Equally important is that they have to fit. They have to have the fit with the A-League and the other seven clubs and they have to have the fit with Perth because one of the important things we want to do with Glory is get them back in the community even more than they have in the past. We want to ensure that the football community at large comes in and fills this ground (Members Equity Stadium) on a regular basis, we want to get the players associated with the community, (and we) very much want to get Football West and Perth Glory basically in partnership so that we have one brand of football here in Western Australia.”
5.4.2006
WOMEN’S ELITE PROGRAM ON THE HORIZON
Great strides are being taken to ensure local female players can reach their potential without having to head to the east coast. Football west have been working closely with Football Federation Australia, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Western Australian Institute of Sport to establish full-time National Training Centre programs in Perth for both make and female players by 2008. An interim female NTC program has been in operation since 2004.
In line with FFA guidelines, the interim NTC female squad will participate in the boys Under-14 Premier League this winter with all players not taking part in the women's competitions. Over the past two years the side have played in excess of thirty games against Under-14 opposition and, while they initially struggled to adapt to the quicker and more physical style of play, recent outings indicate the side is progressing.
The sixteen player squad includes seven players who donned Western Waves colours in their debut season. The complete interim NTC squad is Kate Burns, Danielle Cauluiti, Kylie Chatto, Katie Coghlan, Ciara Conway, Edwina Forbes, Molly Forbes, Stephanie Grant, Lindsey Jobling, Leigh Kelly, Stacey Learmont, Collette McCallum, Ella Mastrantonia, Tanya Oxtoby, Marianna Tabain and Nicola Williams. The side is under the guidance of Alistair Edwards, Jessine Bonzas and Tracey Wheeler.
These are exciting times indeed for the women's game in Western Australia. Plans are afoot for football to be added to the WAIS program, and the state will be represented in the soon to be relaunched women's national league. The pathway is almost complete and soon the days of our best players having to leave the state in pursuit of their dreams will be a distant memory.
4.4.2006
WAVES BOOK NOW AVAILABLE
History was made in late 2004 with the state's first venture into the women's national league venture, the Western Waves. The squad did themselves proud during their shortened six game season and showed what an abundance of talent there is available on the west coast. In commemoration of the Waves inaugural campaign Penny TannerHoath has compiled a season diary which brings together press clippings, media statements, match reports and photographs from a variety of print and online sources. To secure yourself a copy of the season diary, at the bargain basement price of $15.00, please contact TannerHoath on 0408 921 832 or via socceron@womensoccer.com.au
3.4.2006
FRIDAY PREFERRED FOR PRE-SEASON FINAL
Last week's dual website polls produced some interesting results regarding the Night Series. The final of the pre-season tournament should be moved to Friday evening according to the West Australian football family who also voted to retain the minor place play-off. Friday was by far the most popular response to 'On which evening should the Night Series final be held?' with 41.0% of the vote. Saturday and Sunday ended the polling level with 29.5% each. The response to 'Should Football West continue with the Night Series 3rd/4th Place play-off?' was an overwhelming 'Yes' which collected 58.2% of the vote. 'No' received the remaining 41.8%.
3.4.2006
COONEY GOES ON LOAN
Finn Harps have signed former State junior representative Sean Cooney. The 22-year old defender agreed to a one-year loan from Bohemians three weeks ago and shortly after made his Harps debut when handed a starting berth for the 5-2 away win over Kildare County. Seven days later he played a full game in the loss to Kilkenny