30.4.2008

ALL GOING TO PLAN FOR WARD

The growing number of stamps from Asian nations in Nick Ward's passport is an indication of how quickly the midfielder's life has changed. In the last few months, Ward has visited North Korea, Thailand and Japan while South Korea and China also feature in his imminent travel plans. Upon returning to the A-League last December the 23-year old midfielder helped spark his clubs late season surge and in more recent times has been a key figure in their inaugural Asian Champions League campaign.

Ward has enjoyed coming face-to-face with the regions best players and the challenges of playing against a variety of styles. "I've enjoyed playing in the AFC," he said. "It's a lot higher standard than the A-League especially when you come up against a Japanese team like Gamba Osaka - they've got lots of international players. You can tell the quality, especially in their front third. If you give them opportunities, they tend to take them."

Having addressed a groin injury which plagued the start to his days with Melbourne, Ward is excitedly looking forward to the up-coming Beijing Olympics. "Since coming back to Australia with Melbourne Victory I recovered from a hernia operation and things seem to be going a lot better," he explained. "I haven't missed any games with Melbourne Victory and it's really good for me to look forward to the Olympics in August."

The prospect of playing Serbia, the Ivory Coast and defending champions Argentina this August provides Ward the biggest challenge of his career to date. "You get only one chance to play in the Olympics - it's a great honour to represent your country," he said. "The draw is a very tough one. Serbia are always good at youth and national level. Ivory Coast will be tough (and) Drogba's shown interest that he wants to play in the Olympics. And the Argentinians speak for themselves." ward is hopeful selection and a strong showing in Beijing can springboard him into the senior Australian squad. "I've had a lot of experience with the younger teams and I've always been a starter with them," he said of his time with the national youth teams. "Obviously there are players ahead of me and I've got a lot to learn to come up to their standard. You've got Timmy Cahill, Mark Bresciano and those sorts of players ahead of you but all you've got to do is be given a chance and you never know."

29.4.2008

REDS READY TO TURN THE CORNER SAYS BENNION

Armadale may be winless from three starts but Matt Bennion has every confidence the Reds are on the verge of turning their season around. The 22-year old defender has seen a lot of change at Alfred Skeet Oval in the past few years and says Brad Hassell’s recent overhaul is close to paying dividends. “The players had a good pre-season and we achieved a few good results during the Night Series,” said Bennion, a product of Armadale’s youth system. “We haven’t had the best of starts to the season but we have a fairly new side and a new coach. I think we’re improving with each game and soon we’ll be getting results.”

The off-season appointment of Hassell, a former national league player with Perth Glory, is a sure-fire sign of Armadale’s desire to make their mark in the top flight. “Brad is settling in fine at the club, he’s played at a high level and he brings a lot of experience and knowledge with him. The players are always learning new things from him and that bodes well for the future,” commented Bennion. “Brad has brought a number of players and we’ll take time to gel, but they’re all settling in well and the more games we play the better we’re going to get. A few of the players bring some good experience to the club which will be beneficial for the younger players coming through.”

Hassell, too, is confident of an Armadale revival and points to the form of Bennion as one of the early season highlights. “Matt’s versatility makes him a very important player for this club,” said Hassell, who coached at First Division Morley Windmills last year. “He’s a fantastic man marker, and can play in defence or midfield. It’s good to know that if we need to make a change that Matt is capable of filling a number of roles for us. His consistency is amazing - he gives you nine out of ten every week - and I’m sure he’ll be a big part of the Armadale’s future.”

28.4.2008

MANSARAY COMES UP WITH THE GOODS

When a teenage refugee from Sierra Leone turned out to trial for Swan I.C. in 2005 never did he imagine that within a few short years later he’d be playing first team. But that is exactly the dream that’s come true for 21-year old John Mansaray who has been a shining light in the opening rounds of the new season. It began with a best on ground performance in the home win defeat of Cockburn City, continued with a starring role against champions Floreat Athena while on the weekend he found the net in Swan’s spanking of Perth S.C. “I’m really enjoying my football at the moment - it’s a great experience playing first team football,” said Mansaray.

A strong pre-season has improved Mansaray’s overall fitness level and provided him the confidence to press for a regular starting spot under new coach Paul Lincoln. His clever use of the ball and electrifying pace have proven decisive in the Swan engine room where Mansaray operates alongside another of the clubs rising stars, David Perich. “It’s my first pre-season with the club and I’m now seeing the benefit,” said Mansaray. “I’ve formed a good midfield partnership with David and we sort of complement each other which augers well for the season.”

Lincoln believes Mansaray has a bright future in the game and will feature prominently for the club in coming years. “John has started well this season and it’s all down to his hard pre-season,’ explained the Swan coach. “There’s no doubt he’s got ability - you don’t win the Football West Under-23 Player of the Year if you can’t play. This year he’s a lot fitter and his attitude and approach to the game have both changed. John has adapted well to first team football and I hope he continues on with his progress as he will be a valuable player to this club.”

28.4.2008

GARCIA DETERMINED TO RETURN

Richard Garcia says he is desperate to win his fitness battle and stake a claim for honours with both Hull City and Australia. The 26-year old is keen to play a leading role in the Tigers' push for the Premier League despite missing their last three games due to a shoulder injury. "I'm hopeful I'll be back sooner rather than later," he said. "You want to be able to play when it matters most. It's disheartening that I can't be involved, but I know the boys will do a job regardless. It hurts that you can't help your team out. As a footballer you want to play in all the big games and in a run-in like ours, these are exciting times."

Garcia, who was recently added to the Socceroos training squad, believes his summer move to the KC Stadium has now been fully justified. "Coming to Hull was something I knew would move me forward," said Garcia, who left Colchester United on a free transfer last July. "I felt that if I was moving along in my club football, I could also move forward in other parts of my career. This season, we've made a few headlines and people have started to recognise me a bit more." Victory in this Sunday's final game of the season, away at Ipswich Town, can secure Hull promotion to the top flight for the first time in their 104-year history.

27.4.2008

‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ MAY TEMPT LAZARIDIS TO PLAY ON

Perth Glory’s decision to dump Stan Lazaridis could back fire with several A-League clubs showing interest in the former Socceroo. The veteran feels he has unfinished business in the national competition and would seriously consider any interstate offer before deciding whether it’s time to retire. But of Lazaridis does play on it’s likely to be on a performance-based contract and the proviso he does not line-up against his former club. “I’m haven’t officially retired,” said Lazaridis. “I am very close to it, but I’m not sure whether I am ready to hang up the boots yet. I still feel like I have some unfinished business, something still burns inside of me … There may be a few options for me but if I do go on I don’t want to play against Glory - I would feel too bad, it would feel too weird.”

The former West ham United and Birmingham City winger may not have fielded any official offers but there is believed to be strong interest in obtaining his services. While a full-time contract is a possibility, the more likely outcome is a month-by-month deal for the left-sided specialist. “To me, a performance based deal makes perfect sense to me,” commented Lazaridis. “I wanted to play on and importantly, still felt like I could be a major contributor to the teams success. On a pay-per-play contract I would have been made accountable for every minute I was on the pitch, every cross I whipped in.” Melbourne Victory, Sydney F.C. and Adelaide United have been suggested as possible destinations for Lazaridis.

27.4.2008

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND THREE (by Penny TannerHoath)

Northern Redbacks maintained their perfect start to the season by downing Cockburn City 5-1 at Beale Park. With coach Tim Hodgson overseas, Redbacks captain Carys Hawkins stepped in to guide a young side to their second win from as many starts. Ciara Conway and Elise D'Ovidio shared the goals as Cockburn's defence shook under the Redbacks onslaught. Cockburn's third straight loss keeps them rooted to the foot of the table and has coach Kristina Antonic thinking long and how about how she can turn around their season.

Mandurah City suffered their first loss of the season when out-played 2-1 by University of WA. The first half was very much a case of one-way traffic with university winning the midfield battle, however, wayward finishing and some superb goalkeeping from Sara King kept the teams level. That was until five minutes from the break when F.Simmons was afforded space to pick her spot past King from 16-metres. The game looked over when M.Kolker increased University's lead midway through the second period. But Mandurah refused to give in and minutes from the end Nicola Pritchett benefited from a sleeping defence to score the goal of the game.

Subiaco United accounted for Nedlands 3-0 when they met a Rosalie Park. The turning point came late in the half when Nedlands custodian Penny TannerHoath was stretchered off after colliding with an opponent. Replacement 'keeper Katy Rutter did well as the midfield trio of Joanne Weigel, Cathy Young and Carol Howes took control after the break. The pressure eventually proved too great as Weigel, Sonja Felderholf and Donna Harris tallied up goals for the home side. Michelle Kent and Rana Amasha stood out in a Nedlands defence which was worked overtime by their opponent.

Queens Park collected maximum points for the first time this season by defeating a flat East Fremantle 2-0 at Wauhop Park. Midfield dynamo Amy Thorpe scored once either side of half-time to secure victory for Queens Park. Teenage playmakers Monique Gordon and Brittany Woodfin stood out for the visiting side, while a glancing header from newcomer Ebony Drane skidded along the crossbar as they sought to add a few more to the tally. The Balcatta-Beckenham Angels contest was postponed.

27.4.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND THREE (Swan I.C. v Perth S.C. by Peter Simcox; Stirling Lions v Sorrento by Kerry Slater; Mandurah City v E.C.U. Joondalup courtesy Mandurah City)

Swan I.C. surged to the top of the Premier League table by crushing Perth S.C. 4-0 in sunny conditions at the Swan Italian Club. Damien Scali. John Mansaray, David Perich and Aaron Cole found the back of the net as the hosts went on a second half goal blitz to crush their traditional rival. The day could have ended so much differently had David Onoforo and Andreas Oliviera been able to make the most of their early opportunities. Swan carved out their first opening on 10 minutes when Alex Cocking was sent clear only for Gareth Deeg to race off his line to block the youngsters low shot. Perth went close twice in quick succession as Cory Hugo pushed away Onoforo’s strike, then inside sixty seconds Gianfranco Circati headed wide when found unmarked at a corner. As the half came to a close the visitors stepped up the pace with Todd Howarth clipping the top of the crossbar, Robbie Puca rifled narrowly wide and Oliviera denied by Cory Hugo. The game was turned on its head eight minutes into the second half when a disputed handball decision against Puca resulted in a penalty that Scali fired low past Deeg to give the home side the lead. On 73 minutes the margin became two as Justin Hugo’s long ball out of defence was helped on by Cocking to Mansaray who coolly sent a low shot past Deeg. Perth’s response was immediate but a shot on the turn by substitute Andrija Jukic flashed wide while Cory Hugo did well to keep out Oliviera’s low effort. The game was ended as a contest in the 83rd minute when Scali’s delivered a superb pass to Perich whose sweet first time shot curled over Deeg and into the top corner from 22-metres. Cole put the icing on the cake in stoppage time by deflecting a Perich shot into the net from a partially cleared Ando corner.

A large crowd were treated to an enthralling 1-1 draw between Stirling Lions and Sorrento at Macedonia Park. Jordan Rhodes created the games first opening with a far post cross to Andy Brown who was disappointed that no one on hand to put away his nod back across the face of goal. It took 11 minutes for Sorrento to threaten when Stuart Montgomery headed straight at Phil Straker from a Stuart Banks cross. This sparked a period of intense activity from the Gulls in which Steve McDonald’s looping header was held by Straker, and Shaun Kilkelly headed high from a Glen Thomas free-kick. So it was against the run of play that Stirling went ahead after 29 minutes when a low cross from the right by Rhodes deceived Neil Young and bounced through to an unmarked Redshaw who guided the ball in from 2-metres. Sorrento regrouped and leading into the break Todd Harnwell cut the ball into the path of Thomas who was thwarted by an alert Straker who, a minute later, was a full-stretch to tip Montgomery’s shot around the post. The start of the second half saw referee David Currie issue a spate of cautions in a tight battle for midfield supremacy. Montgomery smacked a low shot into the post in the 67th minute as Sorrento began to gain the upper hand. And they waited only another four minutes before drawing level as Michael Ord relayed possession down the right for Todd Harnwell who slid the ball in for Montgomery to belt past Straker from 12-metres. The crowd was kept on the edge of their seats as the teams traded attacks without delivering a knockout blow. Redshaw squirted the ball just wide after getting in between Kilkelly and Young. Eight minutes from the end Thomas’ corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble that bobbled against the bar before Straker saved the day by literally putting his body on the line.

Two goals just before half-time ensured Inglewood United claimed all three points from their home date with Western Knights. A good size crowd braved the chilly, overcast conditions to see Bobby Despotovski outline his pedigree with a well taken penalty before laying on the sides' second scored by Kevin Griffiths. The first chance of the afternoon came the way of Dennis McRoberts who expertly lost his marker on top of the 18-yard box but sent his shot past the upright. What followed was a scrappy contest in which the ball was turned over with regularity and as a consequence very few cut chances on goal came about. Half-time was four minutes away when Griffiths' driving run into the area was illegally halted by Jon Mathers, referee Jeremy Oliphant pointed to the spot and Despotovski did the rest to put Inglewood a goal the better. Only a couple more minutes elapsed before Despotovski neatly turned his marker to lay the ball off to Griffiths whose curling shot from 17-metres snuck inside the post to leave the Knights stunned. It was only after the break that the visitors finally started asserting some pressure as Luka Jukic stamped his authority in the middle of the park. An early Jukic corner was volleyed goalward by Anthony Fearon but Shane Pryce was well placed to clear off the line. A second corner a minute later was cleared only as far as Keith Butler whose drilled shot clipped the top of the crossbar. Despotovski should have put the result beyond doubt when sent through with only the goalkeeper to beat but blasted well wide of the target. And late in the piece Michael Baczynski worked his way inside the penalty area but his low centring pass was behind Griffiths and the chance was lost.

The Hyundai Stadium is turning into something of a fortress for Mandurah City who dumped E.C.U. Joondalup 2-1 in front of a big, boisterous crowd. Goals from Jeff Bright and Phil O’Callaghan ensured Mandurah remain unbeaten on home soil this season. The early advantage was in favour of Joondalup who forced a series of corners, none of which troubled goalkeeper Mike Green. Mandurah slowly got into rhythm and went close though Bright who flashed a header just wide from a precision cross by Andy Brown. Gary Attrill profited from some fine work by O’Callaghan but his low drive fizzed just wide of the target. Jon Higgins was causing problems down the left and could have put the visitors ahead when found in space by Martyn Ashworth but placed wide as Green narrowed the angle. Bright laid the ball off to debutant Michael Currie whose effort sailed high as the home side sought the lead. Their increased desire paid off in the 44th minute when Bright’s shot deflected off the leg of Anthony Jones and looped into the net over an unfortunate Tommi Tomich. Parity was restored early in the second half by Higgins who fired his free-kick past the defensive wall and an unsighted ‘keeper following a foul on Tom Jones. This stung the Mandurah into action and chances again began to flow with Andy Brown heading high and O’Callaghan twice sent shots past the post. The centre of the park was controlled by Keith Brown and Andy Brown, and it was the latter who threatened next with a rasping drive which cannoned off the upright. Just when it seemed the game would with the points shared O’Callaghan jinxed his way past two opponents before ramming the ball into the roof of the net at the second attempt to snatch a deserved victory for the home side.

Floreat Athena picked up their first win of the campaign by out-classing Fremantle Spirit 3-0 in a one-sided encounter at Litis Stadium. Raphael Insurralde, Brad Smith and Garin Collins found the back of the net for the home side who were rarely troubled by a young and inexperienced Fremantle line-up. Daniel Neiderberger showed some good early touches on his Floreat debut which was curtailed after 15 minutes by a lower leg injury. A terrific exchange of passes between Insurralde and Collins in the 27th minute lead to the latter backheeling through the defence for his Argentinian team mate to slot coolly into the net from 15-metres. The game opened up a little more as half-time neared leading to several chances at both ends of the park. Fremantle put themselves in a position to draw level with a streaming attack orchestrated by Cisco Jorquiera but wayward passing in the final third robbed the visitors of what would have been a deserved chance on goal. The second half was only minutes old when Floreat strung together another series of fine passes which ended with a Branimir Mikulic cross to which Scott rose high and headed past goalkeeper Steve Grant. Ante Kovacevic could have wrapped up the game shortly after when found unmarked but blasted high of the crossbar from 16-metres. John Migas, Paul Vatistas and Kovacevic called the shots as Floreat dominated possession without creating too much in the way of goalscoring chances as Fremantle chased the deficit. By contrast, the port side struggled to compete with their opponents although Jorquiera and David Araya did work tirelessly in attempting to revive their flagging fortunes. The hosts third and final goal came on 86 minutes when Adam Bachillor's cross from the left evaded a sea of defenders before making its way to Collins who stroked the ball at the far post.

Cockburn City made it back-to-back victories by dumping Armadale 3-0 in Sunday's meeting at Alfred Skeet Oval. Johnny Mirco scored twice and Josh Kamasz once to inflict a third successive loss on Armadale who played three-quarters of the game with ten men. Johnny Mirco rifled narrowly wide with just a couple of minutes on the clock to make the visitors intentions crystal clear. A long-range strike by Giovanni De Bartolo was scooped up by goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock who also thwarted Johnny Mirco after being sent clear by Michael Mirco. Armadale were dealt a crippling blow on 22 minutes when Joseph Brunetto was red carded for handling Jason Godfrey's close-range shot on the line, and with the resulting penalty Johnny Mirco put Cockburn one-up. Dom De Felice fired wide and De Bartolo high as the visitors pressed for a second goal, while Dejan Aleskic was called into action for the first time shortly before half-time to keep out Scott Devine's free-kick. The second half mirrored the first with Cockburn on the attack and Armadale doing all they could to prevent the margin from blowing out. Sharrock was at his best in turning wide De Bartolo's long-range drive, and minutes later brilliantly pushed away a Liam Lilly header. Armadale sparked into life briefly with Jason Goodwin forcing an instinctive save from Aleksic, while Oliver Hilton placed wide not long after. Daniel Palermo and Mileta Miletic were denied by Sharrock in quick succession before Lilly squandered a great chance by heading high from a couple of metres. Ryan Pearson almost brought the teams level on 75 minutes after receiving Stefan Smiljanic's flick on but slammed his first time shot just wide. The result was put beyond doubt nine ninutes later when Kamasz got his angles right to head under Sharrock from Paul Natale's delivery. Johnny Mirco converted his second spot kick in stoppage time after referee Troy Miller ruled Matt Bennion to have impeded the Cockburn livewire.

26.4.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND THREE (Queens Park v Wanneroo City courtesy Wanneroo City; Rockingham City v Canning City by Phil Unsworth)

Wanneroo City went two points clear at the top of First Division table after thumping Queens Park 6-2 at Coker Park. Ben Yates, Cesar Meylan and David Herety called goalkeeper Robbie Easton into action early as the visitors started with a bang. Their reward came on 20 minutes when Meylan benefited from a defensive slip and fired Wanneroo into the lead. Queens Park worked their way back into the game and five minutes from the break Ian McKean equalised by converting a penalty awarded for a foul against Stephen Cowborough. Within minutes the home side were in front courtesy of Reuben.Karpeh who slipped the defence and beat Daniel Holgate in a one-on-one situation. An ear-bashing from coach Gerry McEwan during the break had its effect on Wanneroo who'd dominate the second half. Parity was restored on 52 minutes when Rowdy Yates crisply volleyed in a fine corner from Herety. The writing was on the wall for Queens Park when Freddy Navarro was dismissed for a soft foul on Meylan, and Brian Cairney made no mistake with the resulting penalty. Five minutes later Ben Yates caught the home defence flat-footed to effectively end the game as a contest. The margin blew out in the closing stages with Rowdy Yates and Herety taking the hosts tally to six for the afternoon.

Bayswater City leapt into second place following their 4-0 demolition of South West Phoenix at the Soccerdrome in Bunbury. Both teams took their time to settle into the game with the opening chance coming after the quarter hour when Ahmed Hafez fired wide as Phoenix goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery narrowed the angle. Steve Suttie and Gary Mayers threatened to put the hosts ahead midway through the half but neither was able to find a way past Gianni Papalia. A miscued clearance by Alex Dawson opened the door for Hafez who guided the ball past Montgomery from 15-metres to hand Bayswater the advantage. Ryan Frisina entered the fray at half-time and almost immediately began causing the Phoenix rearguard problems. The gap was widened on 53 minute when Morgan Dendle made his way to the bye-line before laying the ball back into the path of Adrian Sutton to blast in from 7-metres. Phoenix weren't about to give up hope as Rory Binnie forced a good save from Papalia. But Frisina ended any chances of a home revival by robbing one defender and rounding another before placing his shot wide of the oncoming 'keeper. The sealer came not long after when Frisina headed in at close-range after Dendle's strike from distance came back off the crossbar.

A trio of rapid-fire goals early in the second half earned Canning City a 3-1 win against Rockingham City under lights at Lark Hill Sporting Complex. The game didn't really get going until midway through the first half when both Paul Harvey and Daniel Trevisiol flashed shots across the Rockingham crossbar. However, it would be the hosts who'd find the net first through a sweetly struck shot by Craig Howard from the edge of the 18-yard box. Canning wasted a golden opportunity to level straight from the restart when Rory Mouttet was felled inside the area, referee Steve Knight pointed to the spot but Paul Oliver drove his spot kick wide. Harvey made amends on the stroke of half-time by heading past Craig Olenjik from Michael Van Dongen's delivery. The second half was minutes old when Harvey's cross from the right deflected off Stuart McCall and past his own 'keeper to put Canning in the driving seat. Oliver turned provider in the 64th minute by sending in a free-kick for Harvey to head in his second of the night. The game was all but over when Ryan Allomes' near post corner was forced over the line at close-range by Dave Mickler. The final margin would have been much greater if not for the heroics of Olenjik who worked tirelessly between the posts for Rockingham.

Balcatta registered their first win of the campaign by seeing off Forrestfield United 4-1 at Hartfield Park. While both teams saw their fair share of possession on early it was Balcatta that went forward with the greater conviction. Andy O'Neill sent the visitors down the path to victory on the hour half by making the most of some hesitant defending and rifling into the net from 10-metres. The visitors began the second half full of running and deservedly increased their tally through Tom Gaca who headed in a cross from O'Neill. It was backs to the wall stuff for Forrestfield who conceded again in the 55th minute when Adrain Zonato broke through to whip in a cross which Julian Piromalli nodded in. Good lead-up play down the right eight minutes later put the ball with David Moschilla who was took quick for the defence and slotted under the advancing goalkeeper on 63 minutes. The game reached flashpoint sixteen minutes later following an altercation between Zonato and Trent Wood which ended with both being red carded. There were five minutes left on the clock when Kynon Melling crashed a direct free-kick into the net to earn Forrestfield a late consolation goal.

The points were shared between Gosnells City and Dianella White Eagles who played out a pulsating 3-3 draw at Walter Padbury Reserve. A foul on Miladin Gligoroski after 16 minutes produced the first goal that Matt Butler struck through the defensive wall from just outside the 18-yard box. The sides were brought level seven minutes later when Darren Francis flicked the ball on to Allan Claxton whose well-placed shot evaded Matt Battigelli’s out-stretched arms. The home side soon had the lead as Graham Herd charged down the right and centred for Francis to guide the ball into the net. Aaron Moschopoulos brought the teams level right on the stroke of half-time by nodding Butler’s well-executed far post corner past Jade Thorpe. Second half possession was evenly shared with both teams creating opportunities but unable to convert. All that changed in the 70th minute when Alan Crofts lung-bursting run ended with him cutting the ball back to veteran Peter Vukmirovic who made no mistake. But the home team were not yet finished and Herd played the ball across the top of the area to Claxton whose spectacular right foot shot is sure to be a contender for the goal of the season.

Morley Windmills picked up maximum points for the first time this season by accounting for neighbouring Ashfield 3-1 at Wotton Reserve. Wayne Culverwell (2) and Paul Dundo got the goals for Morley with I.Charming scoring on the hour for the visitors. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

26.4.2008

NAVEN LEADS GLORY YOUTH

The next generation of Perth Glory stars will be in safe hands following the appointment of inaugural captain, Gareth Naven, as coach of their new Youth League side. Naven enjoyed a long and successful career with Glory in which he played 143 matches and won the Most Glorious Player award in 1999/2000. Naven’s passion for the game saw him move into the coaching coaching arena after hanging up his playing the boots. "I'm delighted to be at the Glory in a coaching capacity and look forward to putting together a youth structure from the ground up," Naven said. "There is enormous potential in our state's young footballers and we'll be doing everything we can to provide a pathway for them to achieve their dream of playing at the highest levels."

Glory chief executive Scott Gooch said Naven's experience and knowledge of youth development made him stand out in a high quality field. "Gareth's appointment is a coup for our new youth programme," Gooch said. "He has a strong history of identifying and developing players in Western Australia and a vast knowledge of the exciting talent that is coming through the state's youth system, many of whom we hope will one day take the field for the Glory in the Hyundai A-League. It is a bonus that he happens to be a former captain and player, but first and foremost we were looking for a coach with the right mix of experience and passion for this vital role and Gareth ticked all the boxes."

25.4.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The footballwa.net match of the week is the traditional derby between Swan I.C. and Perth S.C. at the Swan Italian Club. Swan have made a positive start to the home and away series with youngsters John Mansaray and Michael Tronchin performing well along with Aaron Cole and Cory Hugo. Perth haven’t lost in ten outings and they’re keen to not only extend that run but also consolidate themselves amongst the competition pacesetters. David Onoforo has made an superb return to Dorrien Gardens and along with Andreas Oliveira will keep the home defence on their toes, while Andrija Jukic and Antonio Naglieri are sure to assert their influence in the middle of the park.

Macedonia Park is the venue for the blockbuster showdown between Stirling Lions and Sorrento. A hat-trick on debut put Mark Redshaw amongst the headlines last week for a Stirling side driven by Phil Arnold, Alan Muir and Jordan Rhodes. Stuart Montgomery, Todd Harnwell, Scott Neville and Glen Thomas have been in fine form the Gulls who are one of four unbeaten teams after two games. Sorrento has won four of the past five meetings between the clubs so have good reason to be confident of collecting another three points.

Mandurah City have impressed in their first two games in the Premier League but will need to be in peak form to topple E.C.U. Joondalup when they visit Peelwood Parade. Floreat Athena will be seeking their first win of the campaign when Fremantle Spirit drops in at Litis Stadium. Michael Roki’s side has been far from convincing in their first two games of the season but are tipped to stem the tide in front of their home fans. Three valuable points are up for grabs at the Kiev Sports Ground where Inglewood United and Western Knights square-off.

The Sunday game has Armadale searching for their first point of the season against Cockburn City at Alfred Skeet Oval. Brad Hassell took a number of positives from the Reds outing at Sorrento, namely an impressive performance by Stefen Smiljanic in attack and the defensive contributions of Daryl Platten, Matt Bennion and goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock. Cockburn City required a stoppage time winner to see off Fremantle Spirit last time out and new coach Mirko Jelicic will be looking for big efforts from young ‘keeper Dejan Aleksic, Liam Lilly, Michael Mirco and Johnny Mirco as they seek maximum points. All six Premier League games kick-off at 3.00pm.

The pick of the First Division games takes place at Hartfield Park where a young and enthusiastic Forrestfield United come up against pre-season title favourite Balcatta. South West Phoenix are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season when Bayswater City visit the Soccerdrome in Bunbury. Queens Park should provide little resistance for away team Wanneroo City. Morley Windmills are home to local rival Ashfield, while Gosnells City welcome Dianella White Eagles to Walter Padbury Reserve. Canning City would be wise not to underestimate Rockingham City when they meet at Lark Hill Sports Complex. All six games commence at 3.00pm on Saturday

25.4.2008

ON THIS DAY … 1916

World War One took a massive toll on soccer in Western Australia with close to 300 players and officials enlisting in the Australian Forces. Although all competitions were suspended for the duration of the Great War, one club felt its effects more than any other - Caledonians. The club, formed in February 1913, had no less than twenty-seven players and officials sign up for the war effort on Europe's mainland.

Eleven players from the Caledonian first team of 1914 and 1915 fought in the war, namely Alec Cowan, James Cowan, Bob Dewar, Jim Durward, David Henry, Richard Leonard, Frank Lyon, Alec Marr, Dave McKinnon, Roger McKinnon and Jamie Simpson. Of the group six players - James Cowan, Henry, Leonard, Lyon, Dave McKinnon and Simpson - would never again set foot on Australian shores, all dying on the battlefields of Turkey and France. In addition Alec Cowan and Durward were wounded in action.

By the end of the Great War the majority of the Caledonians staff had also served the nation. This included another twelve players in James Anderson (wounded), Frank Beisley (wounded), Charlie Braidwood (wounded), Donald Cameron (wounded), James Chalmers, William Chalmers (died), William Earnshaw, James Gourley (wounded), James McFarlane, Alex McPherson (gassed), Charlie Monteath (died) and J.Thompson. Team officials Alec Brown, George Brown, Charles Grieve (wounded) and David Reid also answered the call to arms.

25.4.2008

INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL: THE FIRST DIVISION PREVIEW

Promotion and relegation between the Saturday Premier League and First Division remains one-up, one-down as per last year. Balcatta, Bayswater City and Canning City have already singled themselves out as championship material but lining up behind them and waiting to pounce are a host of other contenders. Early indications suggest the battle to avoid the drop will be fiercely contested by Ashfield and Queens Park, however, a slow start could see any one of a number of clubs sucked into the relegation mire. This week Brett Klucznik takes a close look at each of the twelve clubs, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and makes a few predictions as to how the 2008 First Division season will play out ...

25.4.2008

FLOREAT SIGN KIWI INTERNATIONAL

Former New Zealand midfielder Brad Scott has bolstered Michael Roki's attacking options as Floreat Athena attempt to go back-to-back. Scott, who's played 17 times for New Zealand, is expected to make his debut for the State League champions in Saturday's visit Fremantle Spirit. "Brad recently moved to Perth and has been training with us for a few weeks," explained the Floreat coach. "He's a mobile midfielder with a good eye for goal and will help us restore balance after the departure of Josip Magdic and Jerry Karpeh. Brad's a strong finisher with a good work ethic and he comes to us with an impressive record of scoring goals."

Having completed last season without loss, Floreat have managed to pick up just a single point from the opening two rounds of the new season. Roki feels the opening day loss to Mandurah City and last weekend's draw at Swan I.C. has shaken any lingering complacency out of his side. "The loss to Mandurah was timely wake-up call for us, and we corrected a few things for the game with Swan where he picked up a point," explained Roki. "We've continued to address the problem areas of our game and training has been very solid this week with the squad raring to make amends at Fremantle."

24.4.2008

"THE INSIDER" PREVIEWS 2008 : THE FIRST DIVISION

"The Insider" this week provides us a sneak peak into how the 2008 First Division season will pan out for each of the twelve clubs and introduces their unofficial mascots. Over the course of the year "The Insider" will contribute news snippets, rumours and general gossip to this website - if you have something worth telling then please let "The Insider" know by email to Football_WA_Insider@hotmail.com or by sending a private message via the Bayswater City Forum to Football_WA_Insider. Anonymity will be maintained when requested.

CANNING CITY	Unofficial mascot : The James Bond franchise Always puts out a good movie but never make a classic.
BAYSWATER CITY	Unofficial mascot : Waterworld Just proves big budget doesn't equal box office success.
BALCATTA	Unofficial mascot : Dukes of Hazzard Small screen success doesn't necessarily equate to a big screen bonanza.
SOUTH WEST PHOENIX	Unofficial mascot : Back to the Future Everyone loves it despite being set October 26, 1985.
FORRESTFELD UNITED	Unofficial mascot : Goonies Who would've thought that a movie with so many kids could be so good?
WANNEROO CITY	Unofficial mascot : Rocky V Just as things go up, they must also come down.
MORLEY-WINDMILLS	Unofficial mascot : Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure Great movie back in the day, now just another ordinary flick.
GOSNELLS CITY	Unofficial mascot : The Rock Coming out is good - escaping with three points is even better.
DIANELLA WHITE EAGLES	Unofficial mascot : The Next Karate Kid As the years go on the badder the movies get.
ROCKINGHAM CITY	Unofficial mascot : National Lampoons Different location but same Grizzwald humour.
ASHFIELD	Unofficial mascot : Grease 2 Without the stars this sequel could be the biggest flop in history.
QUEENS PARK	Unofficial mascot : Blues Brothers 2000 Had disaster written all over from the start.

24.4.2008

SHORT PASSES

2007 Golden Boot winner Jerry Karpeh has officially been released by Perth Glory. Karpeh, currently playing for Victorian State League club Whittlesea Stallions, has been invited to trial with A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in May. Should he be unsuccessful in landing a deal with the New Zealand-based outfit there's every likelihood Karpeh will return to local ranks with Floreat Athena.

Former Liverpool trainee Steve Porter has re-joined Stirling Lions. Porter, the hero of last year's dramatic Cup final win against Cockburn City, Porter arrived in Perth this week fresh from a spell at Cammell Laird in England's Northern Premier League Division One South. Porter will add bite to the Stirling midfield where he's likely to accompany Scottish import Marc Anthony.

Bajo Savic has joined his Floreat Athena team mates on the tracking track for the first time in eight months. The Floreat captain underwent a knee reconstruction during the off-season and this week continued his recovery with some light running around Litis Stadium. Savic missed the latter stages of last season after injuring his knee in late August's 2-0 away defeat of Cockburn City.

Armadale will be without star recruit and playmaker Gary Faria for the next couple of months. The former Perth Glory midfielder made a positive start to his time at Alfred Skeet Oval by scoring twice in the Reds' encouraging Night Series campaign. However, Faria's season has been interrupted by a scheduled trip abroad that will prevent him from taking to the field until late-June at the earliest.

A foot injury will prevent Josip Madgic from turning out for Floreat Athena any time soon. The goalscoring midfielder will shortly go under the surgeon's knife to remedy the problem after which he's expected to commence pre-season training with Perth Glory. Magdic was one of the stars of Floreat's championship winning side last season and agreed terms on a new Glory contract earlier this month.

Please contact 'The Insider' via football_wa_insider@hotmail.com if you have any club news or gossip, transfer rumours or general scuttlebutt for inclusion in future editions of Short Passes.

23.4.2008

FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR! COMES TO PERTH

The process of unearthing the next Australian whiz-kid is the aim of Fox8's new reality television series 'Football Superstar!' Local players aged between 16 and 21 to attend are invited to trial for the show this Sunday at Dorrien Gardens but you have to be early as registrations close at 9.15am. The top ten will be invited to attend a two-day trial in Sydney where they'll compete with players from around the country for one of fifteen spots on the show. 'Football Superstar!' will turn one youngsters dreams into reality with the winner guaranteed a one-year contract with A-League heavyweights Sydney F.C. as well as a one-year scholarship at Macquarie University.

23.4.2008

U’S MUST PLAY FOR PRIDE : COYNE

Colchester United defender Chris Coyne is urging his relegated team to regain some pride by impressing in their final two games of the season. The U’s let slip a half-time lead on the weekend to suffer a humiliating 5-1 loss to Coventry City on home soil. With games against Stoke City and Scunthorpe United coming up, Coyne is calling on his team mates to finish strongly before facing up to life back in League One next season. “We’re playing for pride now, we’re already relegated and we’ve got a point to prove,” he said. “That’s not the sort of point or the reflection they we want people to take on this group of players. We’re a lot better than that, heads are down but we have to pick ourselves up for a big game against Stoke next week. We’re a strong unit and a proud unit and we’ve got to make sure we pick ourselves up for the remaining two games.”

22.4.2008

REDSHAW STARS ON STIRLING DEBUT

Stirling Lions chances of ending 2008 with silverware received a major boost following the arrival of one-time England youth international Mark Redshaw. The dynamic 23-year old was offered a year-long deal with Stirling last week and immediately repaid their faith by bagging a memorable hat-trick in Saturday's 5-2 away win at Inglewood United. With Stirling two-down, Redshaw brought his new club back into the game before half-time by twice out-muscling the home defence, while after the break his predatory instincts inside the penalty area enabled him to complete his haul and put Stirling well in control.

Praise came from on high for Redshaw following his best on ground display. "Some of the old boys were saying it was the best debut of any player to don the Macies strip since the clubs beginning," enthused Stirling president Don Evans. "Mark may stand at just over five and a half feet but he's a giant in the finishing department. He beat the offside trap for his first, turned a couple of defenders inside out for his second and clinically blasted in his third from Andy Brown's cross ... a true master of his trade is Mark 'Lionheart' Redshaw."

Redshaw's professional approach to the game makes him a perfect role model for Stirlings youth brigade. "He goes about his work in such a professional and efficient manner and all the young boys at the club are in awe of his sharp skills and no-nonsense manner," added Evans. Redshaw played six games and scored four goals for the England Under-17 team while playing youth team football at Manchester United, Wrexham and Manchester City. Time with English non-League sides Radcliffe Borough and Rossendale United preceded spells with U.S. Triestina (Italy) and L.A. Galaxy (United States).

21.4.2008

LAZARIDIS’ GLORY DAYS ARE OVER

The playing future of Western Australia's greatest ever player, Stan Lazaridis, is in doubt after being cut from Perth Glory's playing roster. The club confirmed this afternoon they had not offered Lazaridis a contract for next season following a meeting between the former Socceroo and Glory coach David Mitchell. "Stan has been a wonderful ambassador for Australian football over a significant period of time," Mitchell said. "Moving forward and putting together a squad for the season ahead I've had to make some tough decisions and not offering Stan a new contract has been one of the toughest of all."

Mitchell thought long and hard before making his decision to not re-sign 35-year old Lazaridis. "There was a possibility that we could have nursed Stan though another season in the A-League but I don't think that would have done him or the club any favours. This is a vital campaign for the Glory and every single person in our squad will be called upon and they must be ready for action. After looking at the various scenarios I felt for the long term prosperity of the club and the development of our exciting young talent that this was the best course of action."

In a glittering professional career Lazaridis played 395 games for Adelaide United, West Ham United, Birmingham City and Glory. His 60 'A' international appearances for Australia make Lazaridis the nations eighth most capped player. Unfortunately, Lazaridis return to Australia was far from a roaring success. The left-sided specialist featured in only 13 games across his two seasons with Glory due to injury and a positive drug test for prescription alopecia medicine which resulted in a 12-month ban from playing.

Lazaridis has reportedly attracted interest from other A-League clubs but he is also believed to be interested in coaching. Glory chief executive Scott Gooch said the door will always be open for Lazaridis to continue his involvement with the club in an off-field capacity. "Stan is a terrific person and will always be welcome at Perth Glory," Gooch said. "I look forward to sitting down with him once he has had time to think about the next stage of his life and hopefully that could include an off-field role with Perth Glory."

20.4.2008

GARCIA GAINS LONG OVERDUE CALL-UP

Richard Garcia could end a memorable first season with Hull City by winning his first international cap for Australia. The 26-year-old winger was notified late last week of his inclusion in Pim Verbeeks' training squad as the Socceroos prepare to play five internationals in the next two months. Garcia has been earning rave reviews this season for a Hull side chasing promotion to the Premier League. Tigers' manager Phil Brown was delighted to break the news to Garcia, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. "I had a little bet with Richard when he signed for us last summer that we would help him get into the international team," said Brown. "It's great news for Richard and it's great news for this football club. Richard has had a fantastic year since he arrived and this is a great reward for him." Garcia started out at West Ham United in mid-1999 and has taken his career tally to 183 games through time at Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Hull.

20.4.2008

YOUNG MATILDAS DOWN KIWIS

The Young Matildas completed their four-day training camp by defeating the New Zealand Under-17 team 4-2 in Canberra. National Training Centre squad members Danielle Calutti, Samantha Kerr, Ella Mastrantonio, Shannon May, Elle Simmons and Marianna Tabain took part in the camp which is early preparation for Australia's campaign to qualify for the 2010 Women's World Youth Cup. The Australian Under-20's rebounded from conceding early to take a commanding two goal lead with Kyah Simon twice finding the net along with Teresa Polias. Nicola Bolger slotted in Australia's fourth just minutes after coming off the bench in the second period before the Kiwis grabbed a late consolation.

The Australian Under-20 squad which played New Zealand was Hayley Abbot, Nicola Bolger, Carly Ikonomou, Jenna Kingsley, Loren Mahoney, Linda O'Neill, Elizabeth O'Reilly, Teresa Polias, JKarina Roweth, ess Seaman, Britt Simmons, Kyah Simon, Sam Spackman, Ashley Sykes, Nicole Sykes (New South Wales), Emily Van Egmond (Northern New South Wales), Ruth Blackburn, Tameka Butt, Casey Dumont, Alisha Foote, Sophie Hogben, Elise Kellond-Knight, Monique Kofoed, Vedrana Popovic (Queensland), Angela Formida, Sian McLaren (South Australia), Danielle Calutti, Samantha Kerr, Ella Mastrantonio, Shannon May, Elle Simmons and Marianna Tabain (Western Australia).

20.4.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TWO (Swan I.C. v Floreat Athena by Peter Simcox)

Goals either side of the interval from Todd Harnwell and Stuart Montgomery enabled Sorrento to see off a resilient Armadale 2-0 in a scrappy contest at Percy Doyle Reserve. Although possession was evenly distributed early on, Sorrento always seemed the more likely to score with the know-how of Harnwell and Montgomery causing more that a few problems for the visiting team. Montgomery created the first opening on 6 minutes by setting up Michael Ord whose delicate chip cleared Cyril Sharrock’s crossbar. A rare chance came the way of Armadale eight minutes later when Shannon Dally drive forward after seizing upon a loose ball but his fierce strike flew high. The breakthrough came via a 27th minute goalmouth scramble in which Sharrock blocked Harnwell’s initial shot but couldn’t prevent the striker’s follow-up from finding the net. Sorrento eased off the pace leading into half time and were given an almighty scare when Joseph Brunetto smashed the ball just wide of Neil Young’s far post after a Daryl Platten free-kick struck the defensive wall. It was a warning the Gulls heeded as two minutes after the turnaround Montgomery nipped in ahead of his marker to slide James Morgan’s near post cross past Sharrock. Good work by Scott Neville almost resulted in the hosts third but Montgomery’s sharp shot on the turn was pushed away by Sharrock for a corner. Platten went close to putting Armadale back in the game with quarter of an hour remaining by charging his way into the final third only to fire narrowly wide of the upright. A strong finishing Sorrento had the ball in the net for a third time courtesy of Shaun Kilkelly’s close-range header which referee Paul Anderson disallowed for pushing as players jostled for position at corner. Brodie Martin and Morgan combined well down the right to supply Montgomery who sent his shot from 3-metres against the upright. But it mattered little as Sorrento completed match day two as the only team with an unblemished start to the new season.

E.C.U. Joondalup picked up their first win of the season by downing a gallant Western Knights 2-0 at Nash Field. Tommy Amphlett and Ian McMurray found the target to earn Joondalup all three points, however, it was a far from a comfortable ride for the visitors who played much of the second half with ten men following the dismissal of John Thornley. Chances on goal were few and far between in a tight opening half hour in which Joondalup held the upper hand by the slightest of margins. Amphlett did well in getting past Josip Peran to fire under goalkeeper Kevin Miller who turned to see the shot rebound off the upright and roll across the line before being cleared by Cormac Dawson. Joondalup took a deserved lead eight minutes before the break when Amphlett's superb swerving shot found the far corner after a darting run through midfield. With Ronnie Campbell's half-time address still ringing in their ears, the Knights came out for the second half determined to tie the game. A header at point blank range by Anthony Fearon was tipped away by Tommi Tomich, while Rory Grant sent the ball narrowly wide after meeting a Luka Jukic corner. The Knights chances of snatching a result were given a massive boost when Thornley was issued a couple of quick yellow cards. Grant had a golden opportunity to level in the 72nd minute when put free with just the 'keeper to beat but once again Tomich was up to the task. It would prove a costly miss as four minutes later McMurray latched on to a long Tomich clearance and, after beating two opponents, the Joondalup captain rounded Miller and slotted into an empty net. Lead by Paul Cooke and Dawson, the Knights refused to give up hope but could find no way past a solid defensive line marshalled by Tomich and Craig Simpson.

Floreat Athena’s poor start to the season continued when held 0-0 by Swan I.C. in sunny conditions at the Swan Italian Club. The visitors had Vas Vujacic to thank for their point, the goalkeeper pulling off a series of save to thwart a determined Swan line-up. Floreat, playing in an unfamiliar black and gold strip, were quickly into stride and an early Miki Vujacic cross found Garin Collins who was thwarted by an alert Cory Hugo. Eight minutes later Raphael Insurralde and John Migas combined well with the latter’s goalbound shot blocked by David McNally. Having weathered the storm, Swan almost snatched a 25th minute when Damien Scali deflected an attempted Vas Vujacic clearance goalward but Ante Kovacevic moved in to clear the danger. After this the game opened up and John Mansaray had a header saved by Vas Vujacic, while Dom Ando had to be alert down in clearing Insurralde’s shot off the line. The home side ended the half the stronger and Mansaray should have done better than blaze high with only the ‘keeper to beat. And in stoppage time Vas Vujacic did brilliantly in turning away Brendan Knox’ first time shot from 9-metres. Floreat may have started the second half strongly but it was Swan that went close on 53 minutes through David Perich who surged clear only to rifle just past the post. Play streamed from one end to the other with Branimir Mikulic clipping the outside of the post from 18-metres, and a close-range effort by Perich was instinctively kept out by Vas Vujacic. Floreat should have gone ahead in the 76th minute when Adam Bachiller’s superb ball released Mikulic but his weak shot failed to test Cory Hugo. Swan went straight into attack where Vas Vujacic thwarted Alex Cocking after he stole possession from Kovacevic. Floreat were forced to play the last few minutes a man down after Dean Aplegren received his second yellow card from referee Mathew Cheeseman.

A stunning hat-trick on debut by Mark Redshaw was at the heart of Stirling Lions’ come-from-behind 5-2 victory against Inglewood United at the Kiev Sports Ground. Daniel Neiderberger put the hosts in a commanding position with a couple of early strikes, however, Stirling showed great depth of character in responding with five unanswered goals. Inglewood had the lead within 6 minutes as Neiderberger’s superbly struck free-kick crept inside the far bottom corner. And the margin was doubled ten minutes later when Alex Stamatiadis’ diagonal ball to the top of the 18-yard box was misjudged by Steven Hesketh allowing Neiderberger to roll his shot past an badly exposed Phil Straker. Stung into action, Stirling hit back just four minutes later as Leo Harman played through a square defence for Redshaw to round Oliver Taseski and slot into an empty net. Harman was the provider again on 31 minutes when he dinked a pass to Redshaw who wormed between two opponents and lashed the ball under the advancing ‘keeper. By this stage the visitors were well on top thanks to crisp movement going through the middle by Jordan Rhodes and Alan Muir. With half-time looming Rhodes delivered a dangerous corner which Taseski paddled onto the crossbar, the rebound came to Andy Brown who nodded against the bar and in attempting to clear the danger Jason Colli had the misfortune of deflecting the ball into his own net to give Stirling the advantage. Stamatiadis had Straker at full-stretch early in the second half after dancing his way along the top of the area. The game was as good as over after 56 minutes when poor defending at a cross from the right by Brown presented Redshaw with a simple goal to complete his hat-trick. Rhodes put the icing on the cake with a cool finish from 15-metres following a neat lead-up involving Muir and Brown in the 74th minute.

Perth S.C. collected maximum points for the first time this year by defeating Mandurah City 4-2 on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Dorrien Gardens. Andreas Oliviera scored twice and Antonio Naglieri and David Onoforo once each to lead Perth to victory against the top flights newest team. The early momentum was with the visitors as Andy Brown influenced happenings in the middle of the park. Jeff Bright was first to threaten when his close-range effort cleared the cross bar from Ryan Townsend low centre. Six minutes later Bright turned provider with an inviting cross that an unmarked Andy Brown headed wide. Having slowly settled into the game, Perth went ahead through only their second meaningful attack in which Oliviera latched on to a long ball down the right and was afforded time and space to angle his shot across Mike Green and in off the far post from 15-metres. The goal prompted Perth into life as Oliveira curled a shot narrowly wide of the upright, and Greg Sharland's free-kick was tipped by Green over the crossbar. Onoforo should have increased the margin two minutes out from half-time but Green came out trumps in a one-on-one situation. Mandurah looked a lot sharper after the break which was seven minutes old when Phil O'Callaghan headed in a cross from Chris Wiley to level the game. But Perth were soon back in control as Oliviera lofted a pass over the defence which Naglieri crashed into the roof of the net. The visitors were again celebrating in the 61st minute after Andy Brown drilled in a vicious shot from 25-metres. The dismissal of Chris Currie four minutes later for a second yellow card tipped the scales in Perth's favour. Onoforo restored their lead by pouncing on some sloppy defending and drifting past Green to convert from 14-metres with 73 minutes gone. A home victory was secured two minutes from the end when Oliviera put away his second of the afternoon after neat lead-up work from Naglieri and Onoforo.

Cockburn City took all three points from their meeting with Fremantle Spirit by 2-1 at Dalmatinac Park. The ball had been in motion half an hour when Mileta Miletic put Cockburn ahead. Callum Roberts brought the sides level in the 75th minute, only to have Paul Natale snatch a home victory by finding the net in stoppage time. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

19.4.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND TWO (South West Phoenix v Queens Park courtesy South West Phoenix; Dianella White Eagles v Morley Windmills courtesy Dianella White Eagles; Bayswater City v Canning City by Phil Unsworth)

South West Phoenix maintained their perfect start to the season by dumping Queens Park 3-0 at the Soccerdrome in Bunbury. Steve Suttie netted either side of the break with Rory Binnie adding a third to secure a deserved home victory. There were few highlights in a tepid opening as both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the chilly conditions. Phoenix eventually woke up and good chances came the way of Suttie, Gary Mayers and teenager Jonathon Krawec. Queens Park weren’t without their chances with lone striker Colin Hodge narrowly missing the top corner. The deadlock was broken on the half hour when Krawec whipped the ball in from the left for Suttie to powerfully head in. The game was all but over within ten minutes of the second half as Phoenix pilled on to further goals. Alex Dawson provided the delivery for Suttie to bundle the ball in from close-range with the defence posted missing. Binnie completed the scoring in the 54th minute by nodding past Robbie Easton at the second opportunity following a quality cross from Greg Hayes. The game petered out following this with both sides creating some good chances, all of which went unconverted.

Canning City overcame a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw from their meeting with Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve. The first half belonged to Bayswater who were rewarded after 20 minutes through a Tony Cumace free-kick that curled around the defensive wall and low into the bottom corner of the net. Not content with a single goal lead, Bayswater soon added a second through Damir Kudozovic whose cross from the left sailed over goalkeeper Devon Spence and inside the far top corner. Within two minutes Canning hit back as Mick Van Dongen’s corner found the head of Rory Mouttet who nodded powerfully past the ‘keeper. Paul Hickey went close to restoring Bayswater’s two-goal buffer just before the break when his sweet volley from 15-metres rattled the frame of the goal. The second half was ten minutes old when Ahmed Hafez rounded Spence and unselfishly cut the ball back for Morgan Dendle to finish in an open goal. The gap was soon reduced by Paul Oliver who converted a penalty awarded for a handball decision against Daniel Cagorski. Canning deservedly drew level with five minutes to go when Ryan Allomes free-kick was headed into the roof of the net by Daniel Trevisiol at close-range. The visitors saw out the game with ten men after Simon Versaico was issued his marching orders by referee Alan Rush.

Dianella White Eagles picked up three valuable points by downing Morley Windmills 2-1 in a tightly contested meeting at Dianella Reserve. The home team were quick in gaining control with Zoran Delov and Matt Butler displaying some good touches in the middle of the park. Dianella could have been a few goals up at the break if not for early season rustiness. As it was, they did take the lead after 19 minutes when Butler's curling cross was met by Aaron Moschopoulos whose goalbound shot was driven into the net by Alan Crofts. Simon El Chami brought the teams level in the final minutes of the half by converting from the penalty spot following a hand ball against Dragan Njegic. Morley came out for the second period with an increased desire for goals as Noong Naranphunt and Wayne Culverwell went close to putting them ahead. Down the other end substitute Miladin Gligoroski shot wide of the mark and Goran Radinovic headed narrowly high as the sides traded attacks. The game was five minutes from full-time when Croft skipped past an opponent and squared across the goalmouth where an unmarked Butler tapped in. Morley's miserable day was compounded with the late dismissal of Trevor Hatton for a second yellow card offence.

Wanneroo City scored their second win in as many weeks by out-scoring Gosnells City 2-1 at Kingsway Sporting Complex. Jay McDonald gave the hosts a first half lead with David Herety securing the points on the 90th minute. Gosnells snatched a stoppage time consolation goal via Jim Capewell. Forrestfield United came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw with home team Ashfield. Ryan Thomasz and James Long got the goals for Ashfield with John Hunter and Jordan Hart netting for Forrestfield. The points were also shared at Graham Burkett Reserve where Balcatta scored late to draw 1-1 with Rockingham City. Craig Howard put the visitors ahead after 16 minutes only for Igor Novakovic to level in the final minute of regulation time. Further details of these three games were not forthcoming from any of the six participating clubs.

19.4.2008

HARNWELL REFRESHED BY SWISS CHALLENGE

Jamie Harnwell's loan to Swiss club FC Vaduz has thrown more that its fair share of challenges at the Perth Glory star. In the two months he's spent in Vaduz Harnwell has experienced only three days over 15 degrees meaning gloves, beanies and tracksuits have replaced sunscreen and t-shirts at training. "Staying on your feet can also be a bit of a challenge," Harnwell said. "The pitches alternate between very muddy when it is raining to bone hard when it's not because they don't need to water the grass to get it to grow here!"

With just a handful of games remaining Vaduz are well placed to gain promotion to the Switzerland's Super League. Harnwell feels Residenzler won't be out of place should they successfully move up to the top flight. "The club has excellent facilities at the stadium where there is an administration area, a restaurant, the main pitch, two training pitches and an all-weather pitch," he added. "We had to use the all-weather training field a couple of weeks ago when we experienced a large amount of unseasonal snowfall, so it has definitely been a bit different from home."

Harnwell has been plying his trade as a defender after breaking into the side and has made valuable contributions in several of the club's recent thrilling wins. "It is great to be involved with Vaduz where the pressure is on to perform to try and win promotion," he said. "I have really enjoyed my time here and I can't believe that we only have just over a month to go in the season. The team is well placed but anything can happen and hopefully I can continue to do my bit to help them gain promotion."

19.4.2008

GLORY ASK FFA FOR CASH BREAK

Perth Glory has appealed to the national body to provide financial compensation as the club battles to attract players to the ailing A-League franchise. Coach David Mitchell admits he’s finding it difficult to lure players to Perth, particularly those considered to be the cream of the eastern seaboard crop. “It’s tougher than I thought it would be to bring players in,” said Mitchell. “Perth was always the leading light of the game and it’s become bottom of the list of clubs to play for. We need to turn that around - we have to be successful and hopefully we can get some dispensation to help us.”

Glory chief executive Scott Gooch confirmed the club had approached Football Federation Australia about providing assistance, particularly to combat the excessive cost associated with accommodation on interstate trips, which will increase this season with the introduction of a national youth league. “As a team that has more travel requirements than any on the east coast, it makes good commercial sense to explore as many financial incentives from the FFA as we can,” said Gooch. “Whether it’s a grant or increase in the salary cap, we’ll explore any option that’s made available to us.”

Gooch agree with Mitchell’s observations that it was more expensive to entice players to Perth because of the city’s increased cost of living and the financial burden of relocation. But Gooch was confident FFA would assist the club as it tried to desperately turn around its fortunes after finishing second last in the past two seasons. “The FFA have said they’ll work with us to ensure we’re not disadvantaged,” Gooch said. “They want Perth Glory to be a success and also our youth team to be successful.” Glory has been handicapped since the inception of the A-League in 2005 which heralded the introduction of salary caps and strict squad quotas.

18.4.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The round two match of the week takes place at Nash Field where Western Knights first home game for the year pits them against E.C.U. Joondalup. Ronnie Campbell’s side scored a morale boosting win last weekend and will be hoping import Barry Devlin, who bagged the winner against Stirling Lions, can continue his good form in attack. Joondalup showed great character in coming from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Perth S.C. with new signing John Thornley and team captain Ian McMurray finding the net.

Several clubs will be looking to kick-start their campaign following an opening round jam-packed with surprises. Floreat Athena are widely tipped to get their title defence back on track by taking maximum points from their trip to Swan I.C. Brad Hassell returns to Percy Doyle Reserve to lead Armadale into battle with Sorrento. Inglewood United enjoyed a good win against Armedale on day one of the season but the task will be much greater when they host Stirling Lions. And it’s derby day at Dalmatinac Park where Cockburn City and Fremantle both go in search of their first point of the season.

The Sunday fixture has newly promoted Mandurah City matching skills with Night Series winner Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens. This will be a tough test for Stuart Currie’s side who’ll be full of confidence after disposing of Floreat Athena in their first ever Premier League outing. But they’ll need to be in tiptop form to take anything away from a Perth line-up that is still smarting from last weekends disappointing showing against Joondalup. All six Premier League games this week kick off at 3.00pm.

The pick of the First Division action is the meeting of title contenders Bayswater City and Canning City at Frank Drago Reserve. South West Phoenix are expected to account for Queens Park in Bunbury, likewise Balcatta who welcome Rockingham City to Graham Burkett Reserve. Tom Kilkelly will be looking for a stronger overall performance from Morley Windmills when they travel to Dianella White Eagles. Wanneroo City hit six goals a week ago and have their sights set on another hefty haul when Gosnells City swing by Kingsway Sporting Complex. Forrestfield United are expected to take home the points from a much-changed Ashfield.

18.4.2008

INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL: THE PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

The forty-ninth season of semi-professional football in Western Australia kicked off last weekend with the opening round of home-and-away fixtures. This years Premier League is expected to be a two-horse race between reigning champion Floreat Athena and perennial favourite Perth S.C., however, for either to claim top honours they’ll first have to fend off challenges from Cockburn City, Stirling Lions and Sorrento, amongst others. It may still be early days but there’s plenty of interest at the other end of the table where a handful of clubs are expected to be involved in a lengthy battle to avoid the drop. This week Brett Klucznik takes a close look at each of the twelve clubs, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and makes a few predictions as to how the 2008 Premier League season will play out ...

17.4.2008

NEXT GENERATION MATILDAS DOWNED BY KIWIS

The Australian Under-17 women's team has been defeated in a two-match series with New Zealand. The youthful Australian squad, which was two years junior their opponent, were defeated 4-0 in each of the games played in Canberra. Flying the West Australia flag were National Training Centre trio Jaymee Gibbons, Sadie Lawrence and Samantha Kerr. Coach Gary Phillips used the series as part of Australia's preliminary preparation for the 2010 Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers that start later this year.

The Australian Under-17 squad consisted of Teagan Allen, Nicola Bolger, Hannah Brewer, Sharni Brown, Caitlin Foord, Riarna Keane, Candance Sciverras (New South Wales), Tara Andrews, Sarah Grist, Georgia Peterson, Madeline Searle, Emily Van Egmond (Northern New South Wales), Sally Thurston (Queensland), Nicole Calder, Ashlee Faul, Lily Ryden, Ruth Wallace (South Australia), Adelyn Ayton (Tasmania), Brianna Davey (Victoria), Jaymee Gibbons, Sadie Lawrence and Samantha Kerr (Western Australia).

17.4.2008

GREATS LINE UP FOR WORLD CUP DUTY

The stars of yesteryear will fly the flag for Western Australia at the third Thailand Seniors World Cup next week. The side, which features eleven ex-State players, will test itself against teams from South Korea the United States of America and the host nation over four consecutive days from Monday 21 April. "The tournament is being played in the city of Phitsanalok and this it the third time a team from WA has participated," explained coach Gary Marocchi. "We've been preparing since December and for the past couple of months have been training twice weekly."

The squad heads abroad confident they can return home with the Seniors Cup World in their possession. "They believe we have a chance of succeeding this year if we can keep injury free. There's considerable talent in the squad and we're delighted to have former Socceroo Alan Davidson on board as a guest player," said Marocchi. "The squad has come about through the ex-State players association which has been in regular competition with Malaysian teams, and some of the players will continue on after the World Cup to Malaysia to play for the 'Bob McShane Cup'."

The squad travelling to Phitsanalok, Thailand, consists of Serge Alfieri, Zoran Barovic, Mel Brown, Enzo Brunini, Gary Church, Alan Davidson, Jamie Ellis, Lawrence Endersby, Dave Evans, Frank Houston, Bob Lee, Darl McDarby, Alan MacKenize, Leo Marocchi, Peter Murphy, Allan Pottier, John Saunders, Michael Sawyer, Geoff Smith, Mike Smith, Peter Vukmirovic, Steve Walker, Darren Yates, Robbie Zabica and Veselin Zmukic.

16.4.2008

GLORY DAYS AWAIT RUKAVYTSYA

Perth Glory coach David Mitchell has no doubt that promising young striker Nikita Rukavytsya will benefit greatly from another season in the A-League following his recent trial in Germany. Rukavytsya has returned home after training with Bundesliga club Hannover 96 and is now set to kick-off the new season with Glory in August. Hannover will track his progress and there is a chance they could renew interest in the Australian under-23 international during the January transfer period.

Mitchell, who returned from his own European scouting missin this week, is pleased 20-year old Rukavytsya will remain a Glory player. “The fact that nikita has come back now has changed things,” said the coach. “It’s good for us that he’s back and I think it’ll be good for him. I don’t think he’s quite ready to play over there yet but he’s had a great experience. He went there and did well even though they were n the middle of their season and he wouldn’t have been as fit as he could be.”

But Mitchell, who acknowledged recruitment for next season was a moving feast of possibilities, still has plenty of work to do to complete his squad. Glory have fourteen players contracted for next season although there remains a chance that Jamie Harnwell could get the chance to extend his stay in the Swiss second division with FC Vaduz, and defender Dino Djulic might be tempted to try his luck in Europe. The coach confirmed his interest in one-time Scotland striker Paul Dickov, who is currently on loan to Blackpool from Manchester City.

15.4.2008

CONTINUITY IS KEY FOR COYNE

No-nonsense defender Chris Coyne thinks Colchester United can bounce back from their relegation woe - providing they can maintain a settled side. The U’s have been ravaged by injury this season with last weekend’s meeting with Leicester City only the eighth time Geraint Williams was able to field an unchanged line-up. And although it is now too late for Colchester remain in the Championship, Coyne says it’s essential they keep a settled side if they are to be a success in League One. “It’s very hard for a manager when he hasn’t got that continuity in selection because of injuries,” commented Coyne, one of seven players to fill the centre-half role this season. “Centre-half is a position where you build continuity and not being able to do that has been difficult. But it’s more about the second week of August now that we’re looking towards. We will keep working hard and we won’t stop doing that until the end of the season.”

15.4.2008

GARCIA EYES ENGLAND’S TOP FLIGHT

Helping Hull City secure a place in next year’s Premier League would finally provide recognition to Richard Garcia who’s meandered through England’s lower divisions since 2004. Garcia started his professional career at West Ham United before pursuing more game time through spells at Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Hull. Having worked his way up to the summit of the Championship, Garcia has his sights set on playing up a level next year. “I’m pretty confident but we’re almost waiting on other teams’ results,” he said. “Personally, my form’s been pretty good. I went back home (to Perth) in March for family reasons and I’ve got better and better since I’ve been back and hopefully I’ll be peaking at the right time.”

Garcia has backed up a stellar 2006/07 season by netting five times and setting up a few more in 38 appearances. And as if playing in England’s top flight was not enough to motivate the right winger, then entering the Australian national team picture is. “The Premiership alone is motivation enough, it’s one of the top leagues in the world, if not the top league, but if international honours come along, it’s the icing on the cake,” the 26-year old said. “Playing in the Premiership would probably help because people sit up and take notice.” Garcia has worn the green and gold at every level except senior but has not been contacted by Australian officials since damaging his knee while in camp with the Olyroos just prior to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

With the top two Championship teams guaranteed promotion, and the next four playing off for the coveted third and final promotion spot, Hull’s up-coming games are likely to determine their destiny. Everyone in England knows what is at stake and Garcia proceeded to rattle off numbers as if he were the Tigers accountant. “It’s worth £50 million ($107 million) for the club, £30 million ($64.2 million) for going up then two £10 million ($21.4 million) parachute payments over the next two seasons so for the clubs, it’s the big thing, it’s so important,” Garcia said. “As well as the money for the clubs, the players all want to play at the highest level and it’s what everyone strives for.”

14.4.2008

GLORY’S PRENTICE FINED FOR RESTAURANT ASSAULT

Perth Glory player Mitchell Prentice has been fined more than $1,000 for assaulting two people in a Morley restaurant earlier this year. The Perth Magistrates Court was told Prentice and a friend assaulted two people after they were asked to leave the restaurant because of their behaviour. The pair later returned to assault the restaurant manager as well as a customer. Prentice was fined a total of $1,150 and ordered to pay court costs of more than $100. The Magistrate refused to grant him a spent conviction order which would have cleared Prentice of any criminal record in relation to the matter.

13.4.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ONE (Sorrento v Fremantle Spirit by Kerry Slater; Swan I.C. vs Cockburn City by Peter Simcox; Stirling Lions v Western Knights by Peter Simcox)

A ten-man Sorrento fended off Fremantle Spirit's youngsters 3-1 when they met under sunny skies at Percy Doyle Reserve. Goals from Stuart Banks, Glen Thomas and Stuart Montgomery did the damage on a day when the Gulls played much of the second half with a man down after the dismissal of Danny Hill. The first half was largely devoid of highlights as both teams kept tight control over happenings in the final third. The visitors were eventually opened up on 31 minutes when Banks' brilliantly struck free-kick bent past the defensive wall and evaded the out-stretched gloves of Steve Grant. Other than that the majority of play took place between the boxes and neither 'keeper was threated. The second half was only a couple of minutes old when a crunching tackle elicited a violent response from Hill who was duly sent from the field by referee Jeremy Oliphant. Not surprisingly, Fremantle went on to dominate the remainder of the game but rarely did they trouble 'keeper Neil Young. A minutes later the Gulls doubled their lead through a superbly crafted move that started with Young, was channelled through the middle by Lewis Flatt and Scott Bulloch whose flighted pass over the defence was lobbed into the net by Glen Thomas from just outside the 18-yard box. Fremantle hit back just after the hour through Josh Moffatt's cross to the far post which Callum Roberts headed across Young and inside the upright. This lifted spirits within the Fremantle camp as Roberts and Cisco Jorquiera made their presence felt down the flanks. Roberts went close to bringing the sides level but Young was placed well to deny the young attacker. Montgomery secured maximum points for the hosts with thirteen minutes remaining when he stroked in a loose ball after Grant parried an explosive drive from 16-metres by Bulloch.

Inglewood United commenced the new season in perfect style and a deserved 3-1 victory over Armadale. James Sammutt, Bobby Despotovski and Michael Baczynski found the net to secure maximum points for the visitors before Shannon Dally earned Armadale a late consolation. With Alfred Skeet Oval bathed in sunshine, Inglewood asserted early authority as Sammutt was denied by Cyril Sharrock after only 3 minutes. Despotovski should have opened the scoring on 12 minutes but blazed high from point blank range. Their persistence paid off shortly after when Jason Colli found space down the right to pick out Sammutt who was afforded time and space to slot past the 'keeper. Sammutt and Colli were finding plenty of space out wide as Inglewood's crisper passing gave them the upper hand. It was only late in the half that Armadale came into the game and Ryan Pearson should have equalised when through with just Oliver Taseski to beat but he shot straight into the goalkeepers hands. The hosts were dealt an unfortunate blow on the stroke of half-time when Daryl Platten's clumsy foul on Dennis McRoberts resulted in a penalty which was converted by Despotovski, who was quick to exchange pleasantries with Sharrock. The second period was witness to a similar pattern with Armadale displaying plenty of endeavour but lacking a cutting edge in the final third. By contrast Inglewood were clinical and on 68 minutes Matt Wardle delivered a wonderful left foot cross which was headed in at close-range by substitute Baczynski. Although the game was by this stage beyond their reach, Armadale refused to give and a superb curling shot into the top corner from 20-metres by Dally finally gave the small but boisterous gathering of home fans something to cheer about thirteen minutes from the end.

Paul Lincoln was given a dream start to his senior coaching career as Swan I.C. earned a 3-1 win over Cockburn City at the Swan Italian Club. Aaron Dos Santos had the all in the net after 5 minutes only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, then a crisp Michael Mirco shot called Cory Hugo into action as Cockburn opened positively. But with their first meaningful attack Swan took the lead as David Perich released Damian Scali who delivered a far post cross which an unmarked Alex Cocking had no trouble converting from a couple of metres. Although shell-shocked, Cockburn kept on plying the pressure and had appeals for a penalty dismissal after Michael Mirco went down under a David McNally tackle. Sixty seconds later referee Hugh Best was pointing to the spot but at the opposite end when he ruled Dejan Aleksic to have fouled Perich, and Scali doubled the margin by sending the young goalkeeper the wrong way. Cory Hugo was by far the busier of the ‘keepers and on 23 minutes his reflexes were tested by Michael Mirco, while later he again denied Michael Mirco then Dos Santos in quick succession. Perich went close to adding a third with a long-range strike than flew narrowly past the post, and on the hour Aleksic did well to tip a Dom Ando free-kick over the crossbar. The visitors were given a way back into the game two minutes later when Johnny Mirco reacted instinctively to knock the ball into the net after a deflected clearance from Aaron Cole. This reignited the visitors but Liam Lilly and Dos Santos were denied an equaliser by Cory Hugo. The points were made safe with five minutes to go when substitute Justin Hugo thumped his shot into the net from the top of the 18-yard box.

The points were shared a 2-2 when E.C.U. Joondalup hosted Perth S.C. at the Edith Cowan University ground. A first half brace from David Onoforo looked to have sent Perth down the road to victory before John Thornley and Ian McMurray netted after the interval to snatch a share of the points. Perth’s fluent passing game gave them the early advantage as Onoforo unleashed a powerful shot which crept under the body of Tommi Tomich following a terrific pass in behind the defence by David Price. This had a settling effect on the home side and through the central efforts of Scott Bushby and Darren Broxton they slowly worked their way into the game. Tommy Amphlett was prominent on the right in delivering several promising crosses but all went unconverted despite the best efforts of Jon Higgins, McMurray and Craig Simpson. With half-time nearing Perth broke on the counterattack quickly and David Price again found Onoforo who made no mistake at close-range. Joondalup emerged from the break pumped up and in quick succession Bushby and Broxton fired past the target while McMurray should have done better than volley straight at ‘keeper Gareth Deeg. Their reward came on 55 minutes when Thornley expertly shrugged off his marker and lashed the ball low into the corner of the net. Deeg was at full stretch in tipping wide a glancing header from McMurray as Joondalup went in search of an equaliser. It arrived with just three minutes left on the clock when Andy Durkin threaded the ball through to McMurray who neatly evaded Michael Icanovski before curling a beautiful shot beyond Deeg which came to rest in the far corner.

History was made at Peelwood Parade where Mandurah City registered victory in their first ever Premier League outing by defeating reigning champion Floreat Athena 2-1 under lights on Saturday evening. The home side came out firing and could well have been two goals the better inside twenty minutes but Jeff Bright headed wide from a Ryan Townsend cross, and shortly after the same player skied the ball high from the corner of the 6-yard box. Floreat were struggling against a tenacious home side who took the lead when Townsend's superb cross from the right was glanced in off the far upright by Ryan McDarby. The second half opened with Floreat by far the dominant side in terms of possession but poor delivery kept chances to a minimum. Mike Green came under threat on the hour when Garin Collins latched on to a through ball but his lob over the on-coming goalkeeper was just wide of the post. Vas Vujacic kept the visitors in the game midway through the half by keeping out Phil O'Callaghan's crisp volley from a deep Bright cross. But there as nothing the Floreat 'keeper could do in the 79th minute when O'Callaghan flicked the ball through the defence for Young to put the result beyond doubt with a neat chip from 10-metres. Floreat were given a glimmer of hope three minutes later as Miki Vujacic swung on a corner which Collins blasted into the net from close-range to set-up a tense finish. Bright went agonisingly close with a cracking shot from distance which rebounded off the post on 85 minutes. And close to the end referee Ton Klaver dismissed appeals for a Floreat penalty after substitute Sal Contera went down inside the area.

A late strike by new recruit Barry Devlin earned Western Knights all three points from Sunday's clash with Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park. Played in picture perfect conditions, the first chance arrived after 13 minutes when Ivan Gavranich's header was pushed over the crossbar by Phil Straker. Next it was the turn of Rory Grant who shot flew well wide after being found by Anthony Fearon. Stirling didn't threaten until the 20th minute when Dean Evans' snap shot whistled the wrong side of the upright. Play then see-sawed from one end to the other as the sides sought the go-ahead goal. Fearon was thwarted by an alert Straker who was quick off his line following a rare mistake by Darko Ilomanoski. A superb Phil Arnold cross landed on the head of Andy Brown who nodded disappointingly wide when unmarked. A goalbound strike by Fearon was deflected wide by Jordan Reid, and just before the break Kevin Miller denied Evans twice in as many minutes. Stirling picked up the second half where they left off with Miller again preventing Evans from scoring, while Arnold fired wide from Steven Hesketh's long throw-in. The Knights forced their way back into the game with captain Cormac Dawson shooting wide from 16-metres. Brown's header was cleared off the line by Keith Butler in the 66th minute and with the very next play Jon Mathers was sent clear by Michael de Souza only to blaze high. The deciding goal came seven minutes later when Fearon and Paul Cooke combined well on the right with the latter threading through for Devlin to drill a low shot into the net from 14-metres. A desperate charge failed to produce a Stirling equaliser as Hesketh headed wide and Miller saved a long-range strike by Leo Harman's in the closing minutes.

12.4.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND ONE (Canning City v Balcatta by Phil Unsworth)

Canning City drew 2-2 with Balcatta when they met in a replay of the Night Series final at Willetton Sports Club. The home side were quick to convert early dominance onto the scoreboard with Paul Oliver converting a penalty awarded for a shirt pull inside the area after 6 minutes. Through fluent movement, Canning continued to pressure before breaking through again in the 29th minute when Mick Van Dongen's throw-in was helped on by Duane Hepburn for Daniel Trevisiol to deliver a looping header that left goalkeeper Kenny Ftynogiannis stranded. The pattern changed after the break with Balcatta reducing the deficit on 55 minutes when Andy O'Niell stormed down the left before crossing into the area when Ryan Allomes had the misfortunate of deflecting the ball into his own net. Rydeen Botha brought the sides level with twenty minutes to go by converting from the spot after Simon Versiaco was ruled to have impeded Adrian D'Adamo while contesting a high ball. It was only after this that Canning sparked back into life and in the closing stages Balcatta found themselves under increasing pressure at the back. Some last-gasp defending following a Mick Van Dongen saw the visitors twice scramble the ball off the line only moments before the final whistle.

South West Phoenix returned home from Walter Padbury Reserve with all three points courtesy of a 4-1 thumping of Gosnells City. Jonathon Krawec created the opening goal on the quarter hour by beating his marker down the left and swinging in a cross to which Rory Binnie rose highest and headed in from 10-metres. A curling Gary Mayers shot increased the margin after Krawec again made his way down the flank and pulled the ball back to his veteran team mate. Binnie and Greg Hayes went close to adding to the tally but the visitors would have to be content with a two-goal buffer at the break. A tame start to the second half was interrupted on the hour when Steve Suttie tapped in at close-range after Krawec's first time shot screwed across the face of goal. Ciaran Allen gave the hosts a glimmer of hope by nodding past the goalkeeper, and shortly after Jim Capewell would have further reduced the deficit had he not sent a close-range header just over the crossbar high. But Phoenix were not finished yet and with five minutes remaining Ryan Risdon forced his way past three opponents before lashing the ball in from 12-metres.

There were goals aplenty at Wotton Reserve where Wanneroo City triumphed 6-4 over Morley Windmills. The visitors came out firing to open up a two-goal buffer inside the quarter hour as Brian Cairney and Rowdy Yates found an avenue to goal. Farrell Hedges put Morley back in the game just before the half hour by firing in from the top of the 18-yard box after good lead-up work down the right by Noong Naranphunt. However, Cairney put Wanneroo back in command with goals in the 47th and 55th minutes before the margin blew out to four goals courtesy of Ben Yates. Morley mounted a late comeback with Dave Gordon's shot from 20-metres coming to rest in the back of the net. And with five minutes left on the clock Mitch Castrilli made his way down the left before crossing for Wayne Culverwell to head in and bring the gap back to just two goals. But Wanneroo were in no mood to throw the game away and two minutes later D.Herety put the result beyond. Julian Noyer brought some respectability to the scoreline by heading in Morley a stoppage time consolation.

Michael Di Fulvio got his senior coaching career off to a dream start as Bayswater City dumped Queens Park 3-0 at Coker Park. Second half goals from Adrian Sutton, Ahmed Hafez and Scott Campbell got the visitors over the line. Forrestfield United got their season off to flying start by defeating Dianella White Eagles 3-2 at Hartfield Park. Matt Harold scored twice and John Hunter once for the hosts while Dianella's goals came from Zoran Delov and Alan Crofts. The points were shared at Lark Hill Sports Complex where Rockingham City drew 1-1 with Ashfeld. Jamie Kumkar gave the visitors the lad midway through the first half only to have Craig Howard bring the side level with sixteen minutes remaining. Further details of these three games were not forthcoming from any of the six participating clubs.

11.4.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

There are a number of attractive fixtures when the new season home and away series kicks off this weekend. The highlight of the opening day Premier League games on Saturday is the big showdown between northern giants E.C.U. Joondalup and title favourite Perth S.C. With Ian McMurray and Jon Higgins coming back into the line-up Willie McNally's side have good reason to fancy their chances on home soil. Perth tasted early season success by winning the Night Series and with the likes of Antonio Naglieri and Andreas Oliviera firing on all cylinders they go into the game tipped to take maximum points.

Mirko Jelicic's first League game back in charge of Cockburn City takes him to Swan I.C. The Cockerels have lost only once in eight visits to the Swan Valley and it's expected the visitors will again go home happy. A strong recruitment drive over the summer has signalled a strong year by Sorrento who are favoured to defeat a young Fremantle Spirit line-up at Percy Doyle Reserve. Armadale square off with Inglewood United in what is expected to be a tight encounter at Alfred Skeet Oval. All four games kick-off at 3.00pm.

Floreat Athena start their title defence away at Mandurah City on Saturday evening, kick-off 7.00pm. Mandurah are tipping a bumper crowd for their first ever game in the top flight but it should be Floreat that comes away with the points. The round concludes with the Sunday meeting of Stirling Lions and Western Knights, kick-off 3.00pm. The Knights have undergone significant change since earning a draw at Macedonia Park last April and its difficult seeing them taking any points away from Mick Lyons young charges.

Canning City take on Balcatta in a replay of the First Division Night Series final at Willetton Sports Club. Bayswater City are tipped to collect all three points from their encounter with a Queens Park at Coker Park. Wanneroo City re-commence their time in the second tier with an away clash at Morley Windmills. Gosnells City host South West Phoenix, and Forrestfield United welcome Dianella White Eagles to Hartfield Park. Rockingham City and Ashfield are both expected to struggle this year so the importance of their meeting at Lark Hill Sports Complex can not be underestimated.

11.4.2008

JONES BACK WITH A BANG!

Tommy Jones made a sensational return to E.C.U. Joondalup on the weekend by bagging both goals in their away Cup defeat of Fremantle United. The 21-year old striker scored once in each half to book his teams’ participation in the last sixteen of the competition but says Joondalup are only just getting warmed up for the season ahead. “I thought we played okay, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but they only had two shots on goal all game and the one they scored shouldn’t have been allowed, but that’s football as they say,” said the 21-year old striker. “We should have scored more and put the game to bed a lot earlier but in the end a win is a win and we are through to the next round.”

Having fallen behind to a Felim Rugel strike, it looked as though it was going to be a long day at the office for Joondalup. That was until Jones popped up to bring the sides level shortly before half-time, then found himself well positioned to put away Tommy Amphlett’s low centre midway through the second period. “I thought I did alright, I was glad to get the goals for the team and also for myself to boost my confidence. I need games to get full fit after hardly playing at Stirling Lions,” Jones said of his performance. “We had a few key players missing and I’m sure they will be starting this weekend against Perth S.C., so a few of the lads are going to be disappointed. We will have to be on top of our game to beat Perth and I really think we can do it.”

Jones started his career as a junior with Joondalup and returns to the club after a frustrating year at Stirling Lions. “They are a great bunch at the Lions but I needed to be playing regular football and that just wasn’t happening,’ he explained. “I was injured for most of the second part of last season with a pulled hamstring. It was frustrating as I’d give it a week to rest, but injured it again on my return and did more damage. That gave me four weeks on the sidelines, and when I got over the injury I got sent off and I was suspended for three weeks so I didn’t have much luck second part of the season.”

Now back in more familiar surrounds and playing alongside elder sibling Anthony, Jones is eager to show his value to the Joondalup coaching staff. “I’m enjoying being back at the club, training has been really good and of good quality,” commented Jones, who was part of the State team which met Perth Glory in a friendly in 2006. “Even last year I would always be on the phone after games to my brother asking how Joondalup had gone on - I like being at this club and at the moment I’m looking to playing regularly again and then see what happens.”

10.4.2008

INGLEWOOD’S WOES COMPOUNDED AS STOITIS WITHDRAWS

Inglewood United has been dealt another blow in the lead-up to the new season with defender Daniel Stoitis declaring himself unavailable for duty in 2008. Stoitis joins Dean Apelgren, Shaun Kilkelly and Greg Sharland in Inglewood's 'out' column after opting to take a year out from playing for work and personal reasons. "I'm working on a couple of business projects and organizing a wedding at the moment so time for football has become none existent," he explained. "I will helping out were I can with the development of some of younger players that are coming through the system but that will be the extent of my contribution this year." Stoitis shot to prominence with Kingsway Olympic and Sorrento, gaining State representative honours along the way, before moving to Inglewood at the start of the 2004 campaign.

10.4.2008

PAVLOVIC MAKES BIG STEPS AT FLOREAT

Michael Roki knew exactly what he was doing when he added teenager Jovo Pavlovic to the Floreat Athena squad this time last year. The versatile 18-year old has matured greatly over the past twelve months and looks like playing a key role on the Floreat’s title defence this coming winter. “I’m really happy at Floreat - the boy’s have made me feel welcome and on and off the park it’s a great club to be at,” he said. “The squad is strong and I’ve learnt heaps since I’ve been here. The coaches have encouraged me since I arrived and I hope I’m now paying back their faith in me.”

No one has been happier with Pavlovic’s progress than coach Roki who feels he’s yet to see the best of the former State Schoolboy. “Jovo came down to the club last season, and he was fairly raw but he definitely has an abundance of talent,” said the Floreat boss. “We started him off facing the ball at the back and he’s stood up very well. He got limited time last season in the first team, but when he did come on he did a good job for us and he’s improved steadily which has been very pleasing. We got a glimpse of what he can do in the Night Series final when he did a really good job for us against an experienced opponent.”

One of Pavlovic’s greatest assets is his ability to play in either defence and midfield and so far this years it’s been the former where he’s been utilised. “Michael has worked hard on my game, which I’m grateful for. He sees me as a defender and with the guidance of Ante Kovacevic and John Migas I hope I can improve my game,” he said. “To play along side Ante is a great honour, you learn every time you go on the park, he’s so experienced and there is no better teacher for me. I know I’ll have to fight for my spot in the side, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

9.4.2008

"THE INSIDER" PREVIEWS 2008

"The Insider" is back from a refreshing summer break and champing at the bit for the season to start. This week he provides a sneak peak into how the new season will pan out for each of the twelve Premier League clubs and introduces their unofficial mascots for 2008. Over the course of the year "The Insider" will contribute news snippets, rumours and general gossip to this website - if you have something worth telling then please let "The Insider" know by email to Football_WA_Insider@hotmail.com or by sending a private message via the Bayswater City Forum to Football_WA_Insider. Anonymity will be maintained when requested.

PERTH S.C.	Unofficial mascot : Big Day Out Always manage to bring the big acts together no matter the cost.
FLOREAT ATHENA	Unofficial mascot : Mariah Carey Who would have thought after the dizzying highs and devastating lows that a number one hit was only an album away?
STIRLING LIONS	Unofficial mascot : Bon Jovi Massive in the early 90's, recent releases show only glimpses of their former glory.
SORRENTO	Unofficial mascot : Spice Guirls Were once a hit then went separate ways to pursue unsuccessful solo careers. Now reforming to try make amends for a horror few years.
COCKBURN CITY	Unofficial mascot : Madonna and Don McLean Some things are just better left separated.
ECU JOONDALUP	Unofficial mascot : Michael Bolton Can anyone even remember the last time he had a hit and what it was?
WESTERN KNIGHTS	Unofficial mascot : INXS Still releasing songs but without their front man just another ordinary band.
INGLEWOOD UNITED	Unofficial mascot : Peter Andre It's mysterious how they managed a hit and why they're still in the news.
MANDURAH CITY	Unofficial mascot : Dolly Parton Probably never would have made it without acquiring some new assets.
FREMANTLE SPIRIT	Unofficial mascot : Hanson It turns out that now the youngsters have grown up they're not so hot afterall.
SWAN IC	Unofficial mascot : New Kids on the Block Whoooooaaaaa Hangin' Tough ... for seven years!
ARMADALE	Unofficial mascot : John Farnham Everyone expects them to go out but they just keep on going around one more time.

9.4.2008

BENTLEY HAS STIRLING IN SAFE HANDS

The goalkeeper’s life is busy but when you are also the team physio then things are simply hectic. But for Stirling Lions shot-stopper Mark Bentley it’s all part of mixing the game he loves with the profession he’s chosen. “I’m a medical student at UWA in my fourth year, it is challenging but I’m assured by (president) Don Evans I’ll have someone to help me with the physio role at the club soon,” commented 20-year old Bentley.

Bentley, who keeps goal for Stirling’s reserves, got a rare first team opportunity during the Night Series. The promising young ‘keeper took the place of regular custodian Phil Straker when Stirling overcame a shaky start to shrug off Inglewood United 5-3. “I thought I did okay, and hopefully I proved to Mickey (Lyons) and Geordie (Paul Simmons) that if needed during the season I’m ready to fill in,” commented Bentley, who played youth team football at Western Knights, Fremantle City and Floreat Athena prior to moving to Macedonia Park..

Working with Straker, 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year, has been a pleasure for Bentley who has picked up quite a few tips from the one-time Sunderland youth team player. “Phil is a great bloke and I’ve managed to learn quite a bit from him,” explained Bentley, who has represented the State at youth level. “It’s great to play under a ‘keeper with so much experience and he brings the best out of me at training and I’m learning all the time.”

8.4.2008

MADGIC RETURNS TO NATIONAL ARENA

Perth Glory have bolstered their attacking options for next season with the capture of midfielder Josip Magdic from Floreat Athena. The 22-year old played four times for Glory during 2006/07 and was invited to re-join the club after starring in Floreat's unbeaten run to last years Premier League title. "Josip is an extremely talented player and it's a credit to him how he has gone about forcing his way back into the A-League and I'm confident he'll be a solid contributor for us next season," coach David Mitchell said.

Magdic is determined to make the most of his second chance and has set himself to play a more significant role at the club this time around. "I maintained the belief that I had the ability to play at the top level and I just went about trying to perform consistently in every game I played," Magdic said. "I'm really happy to be given another opportunity at the Glory and I'll be doing everything I can to contribute to getting the club back to the top of the A-League."

Hardworking utility Naum Sekulovski became the fourteenth players on Glory's books for 2007/08 by agreeing to extend his stay in Perth for another year. The versatile left footer joined Glory for the inaugural A-League campaign and has made 45 appearances across three seasons. "Naum has a proven track record and can play a variety of roles for us," Mitchell said. "He is a great character to have around the club and I look forward to him playing a big part in a successful season for us," Mitchell said.

8.4.2008

DICKOV LINKED WITH GLORY MOVE

Former Scotland striker Paul Dickov is believed to be in discussions with Perth Glory. Dickov is currently playing on loan at Blackpool and will become a free agent when his Manchester City contract expires at the end of the season. Blackpool have expressed an interest in keeping the 35-year old for another season but media reports from England have Dickov as “very close” to agreeing terms with Glory. In a 424-game career Dickov has put away 113 goals in spells at Arsenal, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, amongst others.

7.4.2008

ERGIC CAPTAINS BASEL TO CUP GLORY

Ivan Ergic has lifted the Swiss Cup for the second time in as many years. The former Perth Glory midfielder captained Basel to a 4-1 victory against second-tier AC Bellinzona outfit in front of 33,000 ecstatic supporters at St. Jakob-Park. Bellinzona had the better of the opening stages, however, Eren Derdiyok settled Basel by netting the opening goal on 31 minutes. Bellinzona equalised after 58 minutes through Christian Pouga but their euphoria was short-lived as they conceded three times in as many minutes to lose any chance of causing an upset. Daniel Majstorovic headed in on 62 minutes, substitute Marco Streller made it 3-1, and Benjamin Huggel put the match beyond doubt to book Basel’s place in European competition next season.

6.4.2008

LAZARIDIS WANTS ONE MORE SHOT

Western Australia’s most decorated player, Stan Lazaridis, is willing to play on past his 36th birthday to help lift Perth Glory away from the foot of the national league table. However, there us no guarantee Lazaridis will again don Glory colours with the club yet to enter into contract negotiations with the former Socceroo. Lazaridis, who made 60 ‘A’ international appearances for Australia, was restricted to the sidelines for the better part of the past twelve months but is till to take a pay cut to extend his career. “The hunger and motivation is there and I feel like my body can definitely handle the rigours of A-League football,” he said. “I know I can still make a big contribution at this level and my last few games last season proved there was gas left it he tank.” Lazaridis hopes to meet coach David Mitchell in the next few weeks and agree to a new deal prior to the commencement of pre-season training in May.

6.4.2008

ASSOCIATION CUP, ROUND ONE (Inglewood United v Swan I.C. by Peter Simcox; South West Phoenix v Mandurah City by Kirk O’Connor; Cockburn City v Sorrento by Kerry Slater; Stirling Lions v Gosnells City by Don Evans)

Adam Bachillor scored three times as Floreat Athena brushed aside Canning City 5-1 in a one-sided contest at Litis Stadium. The host club were on the offensive early and with quarter of an hour gone took the lead when Josip Magdic delivered the ball to an unmarked Adam Bachillor who had the simple task of tapping in from 8-metres. Magdic was involved again five minutes later by feeding possession to Garin Collins whose cut-back was sent into the net by Miki Vujacic. Canning were lucky not to fall further behind as Bachillor, Collins and Magdic each failed to capitalise on good chances. A terrific flowing move just before half-time had Miki Vujacic thread the ball to Magdic whose centring pass was blasted into the top corner by Bachillor. There was no let-up from Floreat following the turnaround as Collins charged into attack but was unable to beat young goalkeeper Devon Spence. Paul Van Dongen and Mick Van Dongen worked hard to keep the hosts at bay while at the opposite end of the park Duaane Hepburn made sure Floreat's defence was kept on their toes. Canning deservedly pulled a goal back just after the hour when Floreat were caught square by Duncan Hind's through ball which allowed Hepburn to race clear and round Vas Vujacic before netting. This jolted Canning into action as Garth Lecky and Ryan Allomes began to have greater influence in midfield as Dave Mickler and Hepburn searched for a second goal. However, the result was put beyond doubt by Bachillor who completed his hat-trick by converting a swift move down the right which featured Julian Madaschi and Magdic. David Foster came off the bench late on and immediately made his mark by out-muscling two defenders before lashing past Spence in a one-on-one.

Tommy Jones celebrated his return to E.C.U. Joondalup by scoring both goals in their 2-1 defeat of Amateur champions Fremantle United at Hilton Reserve. With Scott Bushby and Darren Broxton pulling the strings in midfield Joondalup dominated the opening half, however, the visitors ability to over-complicate their game combined with poor delivery into the final third made genuine chances a rarity. So it was against the run of play that Fremantle grabbed the lead when Felim Rugel charged down an attempted clearance by Tommi Tomich and the loose ball sat kindly for the striker to tap into an empty net after 20 minutes. Although stunned, Joondalup continued to dictate terms before deservedly drawing level ten minutes from half-time when a great move involving Tommy Amphlett and John Thornley ended with the latter squaring for Tommy Jones to drill in from 8-metres. The pattern of the first half flowed through after the break with Amphlett and Andy Durkin using their pace down the wings to wreak havoc on a well-organised home defence. By contrast, Fremantle’s main avenue into attack was Rugel who worked tirelessly to find space against a backline under the command of Anthony Jones and Craig Simpson. The all-important breakthrough came on 55 minutes when Amphlett got in behind the defence and centred to Tommy Jones who bundled in Joondalup’s second of the afternoon. Tommy Jones could have secured victory and his hat-trick not long after but stroked the ball wide from Amphlett’s cut back. Fremantle became increasingly desperate as the clock ticked down and a succession of long-range shots failed to elicit a response from Tomich.

James Sammut’s strike three minutes from full-time snatched Inglewood United a 2-1 victory against Swan I.C. at the Clipsal Stadium. The away team was quickly into stride with Tom Shepheard breaking clear only to be thwarted by Oliver Taseski, and Gary Andrews crashed the ball off the underside of the crossbar from a Robert Monterosso cross. James Duncan immediately launched Inglewood into attack through Daniel Niederberger who was unable to find a way past goalkeeper Corey Hugo in a one-on-one situation. Swan’s persistence paid off after 12 minutes when Monterosso’s cross fell to John Mansaray who fired past Taseski from 7-metres. The score should have been levelled just three minutes later when a long ball over the defence released Niederberger but his shot crashed into the bar and Bobby Despotovski’s follow-up was blocked by Dom Ando. But Inglewood were not about to be denied and on 27 minutes Jason Colli’s cross from the right found an unmarked Despotovski who converted at close-range amid Swans’ appeals for offside which fell on death ears. With this the hosts seized control and if not for the brilliance of Hugo could have been three or four goals up by the break. Neiderberger was left frustrated by a truly world-class save after 36 minutes, and six minutes later a superb double save saw Hugo keep out a Despotovski then Niederberger’s follow-up. The second half produced fewer chances as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. David Perich should have done better on the hour than shoot directly at Taseski, while Hugo foiled Niederberger for a fifth time midway through the period. With the game seemingly destined for extra-time, Sammut combined well with Despotovski on the edge of the 18-yard box before despatching his shot past Hugo to settle the tie.

Morley Windmills overcame local rival Ashfield 1-0 in a fiercely contested if scrappy encounter at Wotton Reserve. The games solitary goal arrived with just 8 minutes gone when Gareth Lloyd's corner was flicked on by Alan Nanini and Chris McCulloch pushed the ball past the out-stretched arms of goalkeeper Atekhis Elhossain. With neither team able to stamp their authority over proceedings play ebbed and flowed from one end of the field to the other for the rest of the half. Morley displayed the greater composure with Paul Dundo the architect of their better attacking moves and would have extended their lead if not for rusty finishing by strike partners Lloyd and Greenwood who squandered several guilt-edged chances. Greenwood eventually found a way through just before half-time when he emerged from behind the defence to net, however, last years 2007 Golden Boot winner was denied a goal by a dubious offside call. Jamie Kumkar, Martin Kelly and Osman Conteh featured prominently as Ashfield emerged for the second half determined to get back on level terms. Martin Kelly was denied what looked like being a certain goal when his free-kick from 20-metres crashed into the legs of an opponent. A lung-bursting run by James Long took him past several opponents only for his shot to be blocked by a defence underpinned by McCulloch and Nanini. Morley almost snuck a second goal close to the end when Greenwood slipped clear of the defence but placed wide with only the 'keeper to beat.

Perth S.C. exposed the gulf between semi-professional and amateur football by thumping Murdoch University 8-0 at Dorrien Gardens. It took only a couple of minutes for the home side to gain the upper hand as David Price eased his way through the defence only to have his crisp shot saved by John De Sousa. Murdoch almost took a surprise lead on the quarter hour when Tapiwa Ndlovu's shot was deflected just wide by Michael Icanovski. Andreas Oliviera was afforded space two minutes later to shrug off his marker and delicately chipping De Sousa from 16-metres. A cross from the left Antonio Naglieri avoided all but Andrija Jukic whose deft touch was enough to roll the ball into the net on 23 minutes as the floodgates opened. Greg Sharland added the third on 34 minutes by drilling a low shot past De Sousa after being released by Oliveira. Four minutes later Antonio Naglieri laid the ball off to Sharland who found the back of the net from the edge of the 18-yard box. Goal number five resulted from Sharland's short corner to Adam Hett whose curling cross was nodded in at the far post by an unmarked Oliviera. On the hour David Onoforo tapped in at close-range after a neat lead-up involving Hett, Jukic and Peter Lord. Murdoch's best chance came shortly after when Andrew Jennings' low cross was met by Anthony Walsh whose first time effort flashed wide. Oliviera weaved his way through the defence before cutting the ball back for Lord to tap in with ease with 66 minutes gone. Murdoch's miserable day out was made complete with nineteen minutes to go when defender Clayton Kendall had the misfortune of looping a header over his own 'keeper for Perth's eighth and final goal.

Fremantle Spirit scored twice in the second half to defeat a gallant Rockingham City 2-0 at Lark Hill Sports Complex. The port side adapted the better to the warm and humid conditions with young guns Cisco Jorquiera, and Jason Barrera providing much of the forward drive. Andrew Keary and Luke Rennie worked tirelessly in a defence under pressure while goalkeeper Craig Olenjik was called upon on several occasions to keep the teams on level terms. It looked as though Fremantle would go ahead midway through the half when Jorquiera was played through by David Araya but Olenjik was equal to the task with a spectacular save. It was only now that the hosts started to find their rhythm with midfielder John McCreery asserting some control to renew his teams’ confidence. Their best chance fell to Rob Clackett who was sent through with only the ‘keeper to beat but Steve Grant was quick off his line to block the shot. The interval gave Fremantle time to steady the ship and they soon regained control of the game upon the resumption of play. Smart off the ball movement and crisp passing lead to opportunities for Callum Roberts and David Rodgers, all of which went unconverted. The pressure eventually paid off in the 70th minute when Jorquiera slid a pass through to Roberts who accelerated past the defence before placing his shot to Olenjik’s right. The introduction of Michael Vaz had immediate impact for Rockingham with the striker heading a cross from McCreery narrowly over the crossbar. Barrera doubled the visitors lead with a stunning volley from the edge of the 18-yard box which hit the back of the strike before the ‘keeper could react.

Mandurah City showed no mercy in despatching South West Phoenix 5-0 at Bunbury’s Soccerdrome. The win provided the Premier League newcomer a timely confidence boost ahead of next weekend’s opening round of home and away fixtures. With just 5 minutes gone Phil O’Callaghan won possession just outside the 18-yard box and laid the ball off for Bright to side-foot in the opening goal from 10-metres. Five minutes later Ryan Townsend delivered a deep cross to the far post where Bright’s intelligent header lobbed over goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery to drop into the net. Things only got worse for the home team as Keith Brown made it three-nil with a classy finish from the edge of the area following some neat one-touch passing by O’Callaghan and Gary Attril. Phoenix, to their credit, marshalled their forces and fought their way back into the game. David Murphy and Greg Hayes worked hard to hold possession and stabilise Phoenix but a lack of penetration meant there were no clear cut goalscoring chances. A delightful lob just before half-time gave Ryan McDarby his first goal for Mandurah and effectively ended the hosts’ hopes of a second half revival. Townsend went close to adding a fifth to the tally early in the second half but Montgomery tapped the defender’s header over the bar. Phoenix picked up the pace and were unlucky not to score a consolation through Lee Stewart whose clipped shot cleared Mike Green as well as the bar. Not long after a crisp first time strike by Stewart was cleared off the line by Chris Currie after substitute David Mayers rounded Green but was forced wide. Stuart Young put the icing on the cake for Mandurah in the 80th minute when he reacted quickest to a ball into the area by O’Callaghan which he poked past Montgomery from a metre.

Todd Harnwell popped up in extra-time to send Sorrento into the next round courtesy of a 3-2 defeat of Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. Johnny Mirco, Dom De Felice and Shane McNally each had shots saved by Neil Young or fired narrowly wide as Cockburn held the early possession. It took 11 minutes for Sorrento to venture forward but Guy McDonald's effort flew past the post. Cockburn continued to press with Liam Lilly heading against the upright from Johnny Mirco's delivery. Against the run of play Stuart Montgomery put the visitors ahead by coolly slotting past Dejan Aleksic after Harnwell was fouled inside the penalty area on 22 minutes. But celebrations were short-lived with Michael Mirco threading the equaliser through a crowded goalmouth after a partially cleared corner just three minutes later. A spate of bookings leading into the break culminated in a heated confrontation between De Felice and James Morgan which lead referee Michael Nugus to rightfully dismiss both players. Sorrento began the new half full of life