30.6.2004

TETLOW JOINS MANDURAH

Former Fremantle City youth coach Mike Tetlow has taken up the reigns with First Division club Mandurah City. "I'm looking forward to the challenge working with some new and old friends," Tetlow commented on his appointment. Tetlow, who is also coach of the West Australian Under-15 side, parted company with Fremantle little over a month ago after seven years with the port side. Mandurah, one of the pre-season favourites for the First Division title, are currently placed fifth after twelve games.

30.6.2004

WASA RANKS SWELLED

Kevin Campbell, recently appointed chairman of the Western Australian Soccer Association, today announced two new additions to the organisations board. Steve Coppack, president of the Junior Soccer Association of WA, and Russell Goodrick, a director of Soccer West Coast, have been selected from those nominees put forward by their respective associations. Both appointments have been endorsed by the Australian Soccer Association.

"Steve and Russell will bring a combination of business and sports administration experience to the new board," said Campbell. "They will contribute a vital understanding of the issues faced by the code and the opportunities for us to take the game forward in Western Australia. With a potential membership of in excess of 28,000 registered players, the new body will have a major role to play in the development of the game under the national structure now in place."

Campbell expects to announce additional SAWA directors within the next fortnight. Applications for the position of chief executive officer with the new body will be called for nationwide this weekend through advertisements in the "West Australian" and "Weekend Australian" newspapers.

30.6.2004

WAIS HONOUR FOR DE VANNA

Just days after being called up into the Australian squad for this years Olympic Games, 19-year old Lisa De Vanna has been successful in obtaining a scholarship to the Western Australian Institute of Sport. "As far as I know this is a first for Women's soccer in this state," said West Australian Women's coach Alistair Edwards. "These type of achievements don't happen by accident and we should all acknowledge the tremendous amount of hard work that that Lisa has put in."

It's been an amazing six months for the Fremantle-born striker whose recently returned to the local scene where she's turned out for Northern Redbacks. De Vanna was one of three players nominated for the Julie Dolan medal which is awarded to the best and fairest player in the Women's National Soccer League which she spent with Adelaide Sensation. In February the teenager made her senior debut for Australia in the Australia Cup and the following month helped the Matilda's negotiate their way through the Oceania qualifier for the Athens Olympics.

30.6.2004

SCHOOLBOYS TRIUMPH OVER COCKBURN

The State Schoolboys continued to work toward this years national championship with a 3-1 win over a Cockburn City youth team at Beale Park this evening. It was a bright opening by Cockburn who could have found themselves two goal the better inside five minutes but Fabio De Oliveira's shot was kept out by goalkeeper Alex Dunn (right) and a blistering strike by Lloyd Humphrey crashed into the crossbar before being knocked to safety. However, justice was done not long after when De Oliveira tucked the ball in the net following good approach work from Mileta Miletic.

Although slow to get into their rhythm, the Schoolboys were knocking the ball around well and midway through the half got back on level terms. A great run from Andy Pomfret saw him find Dejan Gurovski who turned sharply before sending the ball past guest goalkeeper Aleksandar Vrteski. The State team were by this stage well on top as Rodrigo Aguirre set-up Gurovski who shot narrowly over the crossbar. With 26 minutes gone the Schoolboys took the lead when Jarred Smith working his way down the left to cross to Ben Kelly who made no mistake with his finish. The score became 3-1 shortly before the break with Smith bagging his second of the evening.

Cockburn started the second half much as they had the first. Simon Jonas was denied by Dunn and Simon El Charmi placed his shot just a little too high. Twice in quick succession was put through but he sprayed the first chance wide and was brilliantly dispossessed by Pomfret not long after. Going the other way, Wesley Ryder beat the offside trap only to be prevented from scoring by Vrteski. The 3-1 scoreline and his sides performance pleased Schoolboys coach Damon Atthowe. "It was a good workout for the players and there was an improvement from last weeks game," he said. "We moved off the ball well tonight and the more we play the better we well get. There were good signs out there tonight and we are getting progressively better."

29.6.2004

STATE 19'S MAKE CLEAN SWEEP OF VIS SERIES

A second half goal from substitute Liam Lilly has enabled the West Australian Youth (under-19) side to make a clean sweep of their two-game series with the Victorian Institute of Sport. Played on a chilly Tuesday evening at Litis Stadium, the concluding match of the series got off at a cracking pace with the visiting side eager to get the early breakthrough. Just 5 minutes had elapsed when Daniel Visevic was unlucky not to score with a low drive from just outside the 18-yard box that beat everyone only to hit the upright. Luck was again not on the side of the VIS shortly after when Peter Kotsopoulos' effort crashed into the crossbar. WA slowly found their rhythm and worked their way back into the match with Michael Baczynski, Ben Rogers and Jason Dos Santos keeping the opposing defence on their toes.

Both sides made a number of changes early in the second half, WA bringing on Nick Ward and Lilly while the VIS introduced Dean Piemonte, Matt Park and Reardo Luka. The match continued to flow from end to end with neither side able to convert their chances. The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when a corner was only partially cleared and David Micevski swung the ball back into a crowded penalty area where Lilly rose to nod in. Four minutes later Andrija Jukic could have secured victory for WA when sent clear one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to pull his shot to the right of the goal. Kristian Sarkies looked to have bagged an equaliser when he found the net with a brilliant free-kick from 25-metres but the goal was disallowed for an infringement picked up by the referee's assistant. And with virtually the last play of the game goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci ensured a home win by keeping out another well taken free-kick from distance that beat the defensive wall.

Following the game VIS coach Ernie Merrick was full of praise for the host team. "I was extremely happy with both games," he said. "WA played well and with great spirit yet were tough with no quarter given which is exactly the type of games I want for the VIS players during their development. I was particularly impressed by the efforts of Nick Ward and Michael Baczynski proved a handful for my boys. From our point of view it was good to see Adrian Leijer back from a torn Achilles tendon which has kept him out for the past three months." Merrick added that he was keen to play a reverse series at some time on the east coast. "I'd be happy to have the WA boys over to Victoria and will keep in touch with Soccer West Coast to see if it can be arranged. We had a great time in Perth and on behalf of the entire touring party wish to thank Paul Tombides, Soccer West Coast and Floreat Athena for their hospitality."

29.6.2004

GOALS! GOALS! GOALS!

Stuart Montomery is the leading goalscorer in the Premier League at the halfway stage of the season. The Western Knights marksman has put the ball away ten times in eleven outings to lead by two over teammate Carl Medica. Antonio Naglieri (Cockburn City), Andreas Oliveira (Floreat Athena) and Swan I.C. off-season recruit David Foster share seven goals. One behind that trio are Bobby Despotovski (Inglewood United) and Cockburn duo John Mirco and Peter Petkovich. With five goals apiece are Andy Brown (E.C.U. Joondalup), Robbie Puca (Perth S.C.) and Fremantle City's Kevin Correia.

Nikita Ruravytsya of Perth S.C. leads the way in the Reserves with twelve goals to his credit. Four behind the young gun is early pacesetter Simon El Chami (Cockburn City) with State Youth representative player Josh Kamasz (Western Knights) and Luke Myburg (Fremantle City) a further goal adrift. With six goals is Sorrento's David Houston and Matt Ullbricht (Cockburn City) who are followed by Steve Bozinovski (Stirling Lions) and Scott Cooper (Bassendean Caledonian) with five goals. Currently on four goals are John Thornley (Knights), Jake Harman, Jermone Vallet (Lions), Demir Arslovoski, Mladen Kovacevic (Inglewood United), Matthew Novatsis (Floreat Athena), Tyrone Fenwick (Fremantle), Scott Blackmore and Jonathan Greenwood (Joondalup).

Sorrento's Michael Johnson has leapt to the top of the Under-18's leading goalscorers having found the net ten times so far this winter. Chris Socratous (Perth S.C.) is close behind on nine goals with Dragan Milankovic of Cockburn City and E.C.U. Joondalup teammates John Aitken and Kevin Caroma a further two off the pace. Luke O'Neill (Bayswater City) sits on six goals followed by Ben Howe (Fremantle City), David Araya (Cockburn) and David Wimbridge (Sorrento) with five each. A growing group of eleven players each have four goals to their credit.

29.6.2004

JUNIORS HEAD TO NATIONS CAPITAL

The Junior Soccer Association's Under-13 North and South Development squads head to Canberra at the end of this week to compete in the Capital Cup. The tournament commences on Sunday 4th July and runs through until the Friday 9th July. Representative teams from Northern New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia and the Australian Capital Territory will compete against each other in one of the premier junior soccer tournaments held in Australia.

"The Capital Cup is significant because this is the first time these players have represented WA and it will be demanding on many levels," said JSA spokeman Glenn Morley. "Not only will they be playing five games in five days, they will be playing against the best players in the country their age." The West Australian squads arrive in Canberra on the Friday 3rd July, two days ahead of their first round match in order to train and adapt to the cooler Canberra climate.

The State Under-13 North Development squad is Luka Marjanovic, Jack Watts (Bassendean), Felix Burrows (Floreat), Shane Doyle, Declin Sutton (E.C.U. Joondalup), Daniele Bradshaw, Brynn Hindley, Chris Quinn, Paul Rechichi, John Tancredi (Kings Academy), Mark Brighiti, David Screaigh (Perth S.C.), Yasuhito Nakajima, Reece Vittiglia (Sorrento), Carlo Coelho and Michael Currie (Wanneroo City). The side is coached by Glenn Leckenby.

Selected for the West Australian Under-13 South Development squad are Rory Binnie (Bunbury), Jack Langley, James McCleary, Michael Stulic (Cockburn City), Karl Breen, Niall Shelley (Forrestfield United), Dejan Aleksic, Justin Loreto, Nicholas Mattioli, Matthew McDonald, Matthew Wells (Fremantle City), Craig Smith, Sam Smith (Fremantle United), James Mooney (Kalamunda United), Jesse Fuller (Mandurah City) and Cameron MacLean. Mike Brazil is the coach.

27.6.2004

STATE 19'S TOO GOOD FOR VICTORIA

The West Australian Youth (Under-19) side came from behind to defeat the Victorian Institute of Sport in an entertaining friendly at Litis Stadium this afternoon. Despite a heavy pitch created by persistent overnight rains, the two sides produced some great free-flowing football much to the delight of the small but enthusiastic crowd. The VIS almost went in front after 11 minutes when a corner went to feet and Dean Piemonte scrambled the ball past goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci only to have it cleared on the line by Jeff Bright. Five minutes later there was no such luck for the hosts as, with a superbly orchestrated counter-attack, Piemonte raced down the left before squaring to the far side where Matt Dimech side-footed in the games first goal. This sparked life into the WA line-up and in a period of concerted attack Nick Ward's glancing header was just wide of the far post, and Matt Danskin blazed over the crossbar when well placed. WA's focus was rewarded with a magical equaliser on 32 minutes when David Micevski brilliantly turned an opponent and clipped a curling shot into the far top corner of the goal from 15-metres. Late in the half the VIS came close to re-claiming the lead but Mattecucci kept out Kristian Sarkies' curling free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

The start of the second half saw WA under all the pressure as their visitors sought their second goal. John Higgins was the hosts saviour on 53 minutes when he pushed over the crossbar a close-range header from Dimech. With Sarkies and Leigh Broxham controlling the flow through midfield the VIS pushed forward endlessly but could find few holes in a defence marshaled with aplomb by Liam Lilly. Against the run of play Bright surged down the left after 62 minutes to deliver a low cross into the area where Andrija Jukic showed great control before blasting past goalkeeper Peter Gavalas from 12-metres. Numerous substitutions from the WA camp served the dual purpose of introducing fresh legs while disrupting the Victorians rhythm. Even so the VIS continued to press forward almost at will. Substitute goalkeeper Aleksander Vrteski dove full-stretch along his line to keep out a dipping Sarkies free-kick, and seven minutes later Daniel Visevic's vicious shot was blocked on the line by Daryl Platten. The final few minutes saw the two teams frantically trade attacks as Michael Baczynski was denied the west's third goal by a great reflex save from Gavalas, while at the other end Vrteski came well out of his area to dispossess Matt Park after he'd gone clear of the defence.

Western Australia: Alan Mattecucci (Aleksander Vrteski 57), Liam Lilly, Danyal Bennett (Daryl Platten 62), John Higgins, Matt Danskin (Ben Rogers 74), Jeff Bright (Jason Dos Santos 74), Scott Patteron (Scott Blackmore 57), David Micevski (Paul Vlachou 82), Nick Ward (Seb Trim 82), Josh Kamasz (Andrija Jukic 57), Nikita Rurvytsya (Michael Baczynski 57)
Victorian Institute of Sport: Peter Gavalas, Adam Gauci-Seddon, Jamie Cumming, Adrian Leijer (Bonel Obradovic 45), Alex Antonpoulos, Semir Sivic, Leigh Broxham, Kristian Sarkies, Matt Park (Daniel Visevic 60), Dean Piemonte, Matt Dimech
Bookings: Patterson (43), Danskin (68)
Dismissals: None
Referee: Paul Anderson

27.6.2004

WOMEN'S WRAP

Northern Redbacks stretched to ten game their unbeaten start to the Women’s Soccer WA Premier League season when held to a 2-2 draw by Queens Park at Coker Park. Both sides created several promising openings throughout the first half but in blustery conditions they went in at the break scoreless. A delicate chip into the top corner of the goal from Nicola Williams gave the Redbacks a perfect start to the new half only to have the hosts equalise. Stephanie Grant placed the ball past the goalkeeper to put the visitors back in front, but Queens Park were having none of that and levelled for the second time late in the piece.

Balcatta squandered a golden opportunity to leapfrog to the top of the Premier League standings by going down 2-3 to Subiaco at Rosalie Park. The home side took a surprise by scoring after 10 minutes, and not long before the break doubled their margin. Having threatened for much of the period Balcatta hit back almost immediately through an Ashley Kane free-kick which made it 2-1 at the break. Chances came and went early in the second half before Subiaco bagged their third goal midway through the period. Two minutes later Balcatta responded through another free-kick from Kane. Subiaco then shut up shop and defended strongly to take out the points.

Lynwood registered their first win of the season with a 5-0 trouncing of Kingsley at Hossack Reserve. From the opening whistle Lynwood adopted an aggressive pressing approach to the game and refused to allow Kingsley the freedom to play their way out of trouble. As the match progressed Lynwood only grew in confidence with an elegant display of precision passing and movement off the ball. With Candice McMinn between the posts for the first time this season Penny Hoath was given free reign in attack and showed her class by ending the day with a hat-trick while Lauren Quinlan also chimed in with two goals. East Fremantle picked up the 3-0 'bye win'.

In the First Division, Rockingham City and Murdoch University fought out a tight 1-1 draw at Dowling Street Reserve. In a physical match both sides worked hard in the first half to find the opening only for the period to end without score. After the break Rockingham were able to open their account via a free-kick given for handball. It looked as though the hosts would claim all three points until Murdoch striker Jo Steer conjured up an equaliser by working the ball past the goalkeeper with just ten minutes to go.

It remains tight at the top of the First Division where just two points separate four teams. Leading the way by the narrowest of margins are Noranda who thumped Subiaco 4-0 at Noranda Sporting Complex. A ten-player Cockburn City fought gallantly before succumbing 3-1 to second-placed Beckenham Angels at Mills Park Oval. The home side were the first to score but went in at the break on level terms after Lil Edmands found the target for Cockburn. Swan I.C. are joint third with Murdoch after picking up the 3-0 'bye win'. University of WA scored a 3-0 win over home team Northern Redbacks 'C'.

If you are involved in women's soccer in any capacity - be it as a player, coach, administrator, spectator or other - and are able to provide us with match information then we'd like to hear from you. Please contact Brett via bklucznik@iprimus.com.au to have your clubs match details included in our weekly updates.

27.6.2004

OLYMPIC TEAM UNDEFEATED IN EUROPE

The Australian Olympic team have ended a ten-day European camp with two wins from as many games. Ryan Griffiths came off the bench to net twice for the Olympic side in yesterday's 2-0 defeat of top flight Swiss side Neuchatel-Xamax in the final match of their stay. Perth-born Adrian Madaschi played a full game in the win, Anthony Danze came on after 60 minutes while Brad Jones was an unused substitute. The match action commenced on Wednesday with a 5-2 defeat of Yverdon-Sport. Ahmad Elrich and Alex Brosque each scored twice with the remaining goal coming from the boot of Shane Cansdell-Sherriff. Jones played a full game between the posts for the Australian side, Madaschi was replaced in the 69th minute, and Danze came off the bench after 63 minutes.

27.6.2004

WAASSA, ROUND TEN

University of WA and Fremantle United fought out a 0-0 draw at McGillivray Oval in the WAASSA Autostrada Cars Premier Division soccer fixture on Sunday. UWA had a chance after 10 minutes when Bryn Griffiths shot from just inside the box only for Fremantle goalkeeper J.Prince to take catch the ball high to his right. UWA were then denied a penalty by the referee after Max Percy was flattened in the penalty box whilst running with the ball. At the other end Fremantle's J.Sithole latched onto to a wayward pass and sent the ball just over the bar. The same player went close 5 minutes later when he put the ball just past eth left hand post. UWA then had a chance when a Nick Helm header across goal was inches away from the head of Robert Benkovic. The second half saw Fremantle's J.Sithole turn well inside the penalty box but UWA goalkeeper Josh Davenport made an excellent save at his feet to deny him a goal. The remainder of the half saw UWA have most of the possession but they could not covert that pressure into a meaningful chance on goal. Coach Kevin Burton said: "Given that our goalkeeper was injured in the warm up and he had to be replaced by an outfield player and we gave two reserve players their debuts today we cannot complain with the result. With injured players back in training we would expect to results to improve." UWA Reserves defeated Fremantle United Reserves 10-0.

Shamrock Rovers continued their unbeaten run in the league to 10 games when they beat close rivals Murdoch University at a muddy Harold Rossiter Reserve on Sunday. Despite two earlier games and a miserable day both teams attempted to play attractive football on a difficult pitch. Shamrock started the brighter with several raids being made down the flanks by wingmen Sean Brooks and Dylan Browne but the final ball was lacking. The central midfield of Rod McMullan, Pat O' Boyle and Wayne Brooks were dominating and kept possession of the ball well by knocking the ball wide at every available opportunity. However Murdoch's defence which was superbly marshalled all day by sweeper Roar Allbrightsen stood firm. Shamrock resorted to long range strikes from the midfield threesome as they could not force a way through. Several good saves were made by keeper Andy Barrett. However the half's best two chances fell to Murdochs Heng Li Ng who raced through a static defence but placed wide and secondly when brilliantly saved by keeper Ed Schuller. The second half began in a similar way with Shamrock dominating possession and territory. Then in the 60th minute a cross from the right and a goalmouth scramble saw John McCarthy net his ninth of the campaign from close range. Then five minutes later McCarthy deservedly got himself sent off after a tangle with Allbrightsen. Soon after Shamrock doubled their lead when Mark Kelly smashed in a cross from the right. Shamrock then sat back and defended well for the final twenty minutes and Murdoch only created one or two chances which Alistair Coulthard fired narrowly wide. On a difficult day and conditions both teams contributed to a free-flowing game. Coach Nik Silsby was happy with the result although the day was marred by McCarthy's sending off and an injury to the influential Wayne Brooks which will probably keep him out for 3 weeks. "We dominated possession and territory but could not find a way past their defence", the coach said. "However, we persevered and were patient by playing thoughtful football. Overall I think the result was a fair reflection of the game. However, I am disappointed to lose two players for next weeks big game against Hamersley. This will give a couple of the reserves an opportunity to impress and I'm hoping to make a signing this week which will strengthen the team further". The reserves made it ten wins out of ten in the league with a 3-0 victory which was probably the poorest performance of the season. Goals were scored by Jamie Silsby (2) and Sean Donnelly. They continue their remarkable record of not conceding a goal for the last 665 minutes of football played.

In other games, Kwinana United won their second match of the season after their 3-1 win over Colo Colo. Spearwood Dalmatinac and Forrestfield United fought out a tough 1-1 draw. Hamersley Rovers were too good for CN Canning International in a 2-1 victory, while Stirling Panthers and Perth Azzurri shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

26.6.2004

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ELEVEN (Western Knights vs Fremantle City courtesy Western Knights; E.C.U. Joondalup vs Bassendean Caledonian courtesy E.C.U. Joondalup; Stirling Lions vs Swan I.C. by Don Evans; Perth S.C. vs Sorrento by Mike Hennessey)

The unbeaten home run of Western Knights continued with a come from behind one-all draw with Fremantle City at Nash Field. The port side created the better of the early chances through some creative movement down the left flank. Kevin Correia was the beneficiary of such moves but it wasn't to be his day with the striker unable to find a way past Tommi Tomich between the posts. Although slow to get into stride the Knights first opening came when Daniel Trim played a nice through ball to Carl Medica who could only send his shot wide of the target. As the half came to a close Trim created space for himself on top of the 18-yard box but his left-foot strike was directed straight at goalkeeper Bobson Koroma. The Knights came out for the second half and set about stamping their authority in midfield where Mark Lee's deft touches and fine passing lead to several good chances. A long crossfield pass found star striker Stuart Montgomery who was unable to get his shot away before the danger was cleared, and moments later good lead-up work from Lee resulted in him sending the ball to the feet of Medica whose effort crashed into the upright and deflected wide. Against the run of play a 73rd minute counter-attack down the left from Fremantle found Jeff Bright in space and the teenagers fierce shot squirmed under Tomich and into the net to make it one-nil. Keen to preserve their lead the port side were then quick to get numbers behind the ball and an effort to stifle their opponents. Having been held at bay for long enough the hosts equalised four minutes from the final whistle through highly rated teenager Andrija Jukic who brilliantly jinxed past his opponent and drilled the ball in from outside the penalty area.

E.C.U. Joondalup kept pace with the leaders by accounting for bottom side Bassendean Caledonian 2-1 in the northern suburbs. The match started, as was expected, with Joondalup well on top. The hosts launched an endless series of attacks during the opening spell and on 24 minutes took a deserved lead when Garin Collins received a pass from Andy Mason and rifled an unstoppable shot from 24-metres into the top corner of the goal. Making great use of both flanks, Joondalup continued to press forward almost at will but were unable to increase the margin before the referee signaled half-time. Fired up by the words of coach Jimmy Pearson, Caledonian emerged for the second half re-focused and in no time at all took the match up to their hosts with some fluent movement on and off the ball. It came as no surprise then that the visiting side equalised after 70 minutes through Peter Vukmirovic who slid in a cross from the right. The goals woke Joondalup from their slumber and in the minutes that followed Andy Brown, Mason and Collins squandered good chances on goal. With eight minutes to go Collins floated a free-kick into the 18-yard box where Mason and goalkeeper Steve Grant contested possession only for the ball to sail over them both and into the net. Caledonian came agonisingly close to stealing a point in the very last minute of regulation time when Kevin Griffiths shot inside the side netting from an acute angle. "On the whole it was a deserved result for us," said Joondalup coach Paul Simmons. "We had a tremendous first half but if we're to be serious contenders for the Premier League trophy then we must be consistent throughout the ninety minutes."

Cockburn City took all the points from their Round Eleven clash with Inglewood United at Dalmatinac Park. Just 7 minutes after kick-off John Mirco benefited from a slip by Rory Mouttet to advance on goal and pull the defence out of position before squaring to Peter Petkovich who tucked it into the net for the afternoon's first goal. It was very nearly two-nil a few minutes later as Antonio Naglieri forced goalkeeper Oliver Taseski into making a good save low at the near post. Having found their rhythm Inglewood set about taking control of the game but for their increased possession could find few ways past a well-organised home defence. The visitors best move of the period came on 28 minutes when Bobby Despotovski played the ball into the path of Shaun Kilkelly whose effort from 8-metres was blocked by the hard-working Dean Wallace. Inglewood were also denied a penalty when Greg Sharland's close-range shot struck the hand of an opponent but appeals for a spot kick were somewhat harshly waved away by the referee. The introduction of Jason Dos Santos early in the second half swung the game in the hosts favour. Dos Santos combined with Mario De Felice in setting up Scott Miller whose shot flashed just wide, and shortly after Taseski moved swiftly to knock Petkovich's effort around the upright. Cockburn's second goal came after 73 minutes when John Mirco converted from the penalty spot after the ball rolled against the arm of Jamie Goodman after he blocked a shot by Dos Santos. Inglewood responded by bringing off the bench Scott Campbell and Farrell Hedges who injected new life into the visiting side with some creative footwork. Twice Hedges went close before Mouttet found the target in the final minute with a superb low strike from just outside the penalty area.

Stirling Lions emerged triumphant over high-flying Swan I.C. in a five-goal thriller at Macedonia Park. In picturesque conditions, Swan were quick to stamp their authority on proceedings through hard-working midfield pair Elton Holmes and David Foster. With just 5 minutes gone the pair combined to put the visitors in front with Foster heading in to the top corner following some wizardry and a superb cross from the right by Holmes. The black and whites received a major setback on the half hour when lively striker Damien Todorovic was sent off for a second yellow card offence. The dismissal acted as a catalyst for Swan's second goal scored by Holmes whose shot flew past goalkeeper Vince Matassa after taking a deflection off teammate Riste Stefoski in the 35th minute. The Lions roared shortly after with a stunning counter-attacking move in which State midfielder Nick Ward unleashed a 30-metre bomb that left Swan custodian Corey Hugo grasping at thin air. Two minutes into the second half the hosts equalised when a perfect cross from livewire Derek Cooke found Muhamed Komaderic who rose above a crowd of players to guide his header into the roof of the net. Following this the match turned into a dour struggle as a ten-man Swan were continually put to the test by a home side focused on winning. The introduction of Steven Bozinovski and Alex Smith breathed new life into the Lions and with fifteen minutes to go Ward slipped in their third goal following a scramble for possession in a crowded goalmouth. Swan responded by throwing everything forward as Holmes, Foster and youngster Brendan Knox had good attempts on goal blocked while Carlo Scali came within inches of earning his side what would have been a deserved point with a fantastic long range strike that beat Matassa only to crash into the crossbar.

Fans of Perth S.C. left Dorrien Gardens disappointed after watching their side go down 1-2 to Sorrento in ideal conditions. The first half began in scrappy fashion with neither side able to control the flow of play. For much of the half Perth's best moves came in open play while Sorrento relied chiefly on set pieces to cause panic in the opposing defence. Perth crated three good chances in a five minute spell midway through the half, the first resulting when Boima Karpeh put a great through ball to Robbie Puca who lobbed over Neil Young as well as the crossbar. Rhys Graham and Mark Pottier also tested Young but were unable to find a way past the inform 'keeper. The Blues were made to pay for these misses when Sorrento were awarded what appeared to be a harsh penalty which Simon Harland converted to give the visitors the lead at half-time. The new half started with Perth throwing everything forward as Aaron Cole played over the defence for Robbie Puca who clipped his shot wide of the right upright. Sorrento were also guilty of poor finishing with Glen Thomas shooting across the face of goal and Danny Hill heading wide. In the 63rd minute the home fans were finally given something to cheer about as Puca lashed the ball into the net after an explosive strike from David Micevski came back off the crossbar. Perth went for the winner only to leave themselves exposed at the back and goalkeeper Robert Scarparolo came to their rescue with two fine saves inside a minute. Missed chances continued to be the order of the day as Puca and David Onoforo squandered opportunities to put Perth in front. Always dangerous on the break, Sorrento's winner came on 89 minutes when a swift move down the right involving Hill and Todd Harnwell resulted in Thomas stroking the ball home to give his side three much needed points.

Floreat Athena registered just their second win of the season with a convincing 4-1 thrashing of Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve. It took the visitors just 3 minutes to hit the front through youngster Nick Studer who benefitted from a fantastic pass from midfield by Jamie Trandos. Not long after the margin became two goals as Saul Contera pounced on some sloppy defending before finding the back of the net. Bayswater slowly worked their way back into the game and on 30 minutes reduced the gap when Michael Catalano's header was misjudged by goalkeeper Vas Vujacic who contrived to punch the ball in to his own net. Holders of the majority of possession, Athena's creativity produced a variety of chances to add to their tally but had to be content with a single goal advantage going into the before. The new period began with Bayswater flexing their muscle and forcing the visitors on to the defensive. But Athena withstood the pressure and while carving out some good openings of their own which saw Adrian Sutton, Contera and Anthony Jones go close. Then, in the space of five minutes, Andreas Oliviera popped up to hit two wonderful strikes past the goalkeeper and kill off once and for all any hopes Bayswater had of getting back in the game. The day worsened for the home team when Gareth Healy was forced off through injury and having already used their allocation of substitutes were forced to see out the game with ten men. Athena saw out the remaining time with confidence to take out three much needed points which put some breathing space between themselves and the drop zone. Athena today showed what they are capable if they put their mind to it and with more performances like this the side may yet make the end of season play-offs.

26.6.2004

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND THIRTEEN (Armadale vs South West Phoenix courtesy South West Phoenix; Wanneroo City vs Canning City by Phil Unswroth; Gosnells City vs Kingsway Olympic courtesy Gosnells City; Leeming Strikers vs Balcatta courtesy Balcatta)

Armadale defeated South West Phoenix 2-0 to remain top of the First Division upon the completion of the thirteenth round of competition. Phoenix came out of the block firing on all cylinders and in no time at forced the hosts on to the back foot. Relying chiefly on the counter-attack Armadale went forward on 12 minutes when Greg Newcombe toe-poked in at the far post for their first goal. After the break Phoenix upped the pace with the midfield combination of Dave Murphy, Gary Mayers, David Rodgers and captain Greg Hayes matching their opponents at every turn. Even so, Armadale increased their lead and effectively wrapped up the game on 41 minutes when Newcombe rose above the defence to head in a corner. Although his side went down, there were plenty of positives from the game for Phoenix coach Jimmy Mayers. "I was disappointed at the result but satisfied at the way my players performed," said the coach. "I felt a draw would have been a good result. We gave as good as we got and in fact in the second half we held a territorial advantage."

Wanneroo City recovered from an early setback to defeat Canning City 3-1 in the northern suburbs this afternoon. Canning surprised their hosts in the 1st minute when Alex Seed pressured Paul Kelly into sending a clearance to Mick Van Dongen who coolly slotted the ball back past the goalkeeper. Paul Oliver almost added Canning's second with a free-kick from distance which glanced off the frame of the goal. Wanneroo slowly increased their possession and began to pressure the opposing defence. Phil O'Callaghan equalised by sending the ball into the roof of the net from close-range on 40 minutes after the visiting side failed to clear the danger. And right on the stroke of half-time goalkeeper Robbie Meyer spilt a cross at the feet of John Dixon who made no mistake in putting Wanneroo in front. The new half commenced with Wanneroo in a positive frame of mind and focused on ending the game as a contest. Sixteen minutes after the restart Dixon delivered the ball into the goal area where it bounced around before O'Callaghan's shot found the net after deflecting off defender Stephen Cole. The match ended on a low for Wanneroo who had John Dixon sent off for a second yellow card offence six minutes from the final whistle.

High-flying Mandurah City let slip a sizeable lead to be held to a surprise 3-3 draw by southern neighbour Rockingham City at Peelwood Parade. The day started brightly for the hosts who went ahead on the quarter hour via Jordan Rhodes. Exciting teenage striker Jake Loreto added the sides second after 29 minutes, and when Steven Rhodes made it three-nil shortly before half-time it looked as though Mandurah had the points in the bag. But someone failed to show Rockingham the script and they stormed back into the game upon the resumption of play. The visitors comeback started seventeen minutes into the second half when Jonathan Crawford found the back of the net, and only a few more minutes had elapsed when Stephen Stewart brought the gap back to a single goal. Throwing everything forward in a desperate attempt to equalise, Rockingham continually applied pressure to the home defence but it wasn't until three minutes from the end of regulation time that their hard work paid off with David Laundy putting away their third goal.

Gosnells City moved up the table to fourth place after grinding out a 4-3 win over Kingsway Olympic at Walter Padbury Reserve. In what can only be described as a match of attrition, the opening goal arrived after 2 minutes when Sam MacGuire send a speculative pass into attack which saw Adam Bremner nip in ahead of a hesitant goalkeeper to tap into the empty net. Dominant in a scrappy and disjointed match, the hosts added to their tally through Andy Daffin who cut inside from the left to hit the sweetest of shots from 18-metres which came to nestle in the top corner of the goal. Olympic surged back into contention when Phil Russie converted a controversial penalty late in the first half, only for Tony Pritchard to restore Gosnells two-goal buffer with an equally contentious penalty at the opposite end after the break. In quick succession Olympic replied with goals from Steve Bretti in the 56th and 84th minutes which put the teams on level peggings and set up an exciting final few minutes. The decider came with virtually the last move the day in which Mark Ronald's corner was powered in off the head of Alex Grindley.

Balcatta returned to the winners circle with an excellent away 3-1 away victory over Leeming Strikers. The visitors started slowly and found themselves a goal behind after 26 minutes when Gordon Hind scored following a corner. This sparked Balcatta into action and shortly after were unlucky not to equalise following a good exchange between David Moschilla and Alley Di Nuzzo. Five minutes from the break Michael Chiari put his team back on a level footing by heading powerfully past the goalkeeper via a deflection off the crossbar. Balcatta controlled much of the second half with Moschilla and strike partner Adrian Zonato proving to be a handful for the Strikers backline. With 63 minutes gone Moschilla gave Balcatta the lead by converting a good cross from Zonato. Victory was assured two minutes from full-time when Zonato rose to head in a Mark Gentile corner. In a strong all round performance it was Zonato and Di Nuzzo that stood out for Balcatta along with sweeper Tony Paolino who marshalled the defence with aplomb. The win was Balcatta's first on away soil since the opening round of the season and enables them to climb to ninth on the First Division table.

Queens Park's resurgence continued with a 4-0 defeat of Ashfield at Coker Park. Goals in quick succession from Glen Noblet and Shirash Sasikumar midway through the first half set the hosts on the path to victory. Noblett added his second early in the second half and Raymond Rose completed the scoreline by netting ten minutes from the end. At Wotton Reserve, Morley Windmills and Stirling Suns fought out a tense 1-1 draw. The game was 13 minutes old when Marijan Stojanoski put the Suns in front, but a minute from half-time Mark Aldworth sent the sides in on level terms. There were plenty of chances after the break but with neither side able to make the most of their opportunities the day ended with honours even.

26.6.2004

MADASCHI GUTTED (courtesy www.tribalfootball.com)

Partick Thistle defender Adrian Madaschi admits he was "gutted" by his clubs relegation from the Scottish Premier League after a long, drawn out appeal process this week. The Jags will play next season in the First Division after Inverness Caledonian Thistle's gained promotion after agreeing on a ground share deal with Aberdeen. "There is some talk about another appeal, but I think the club is now preparing for the First Division," said Madaschi. "Obviously I'm gutted. I thought we'd be in the SPL again this season. But from my point of view it doesn't change anything. From focusing on establishing Partick in the SPL, I'm now determined to help us bounce straight back from the First Division."

26.6.2004

SOCCER IS AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURITE

A new poll has revealed more Australians play soccer than any other team sport. The poll, conducted by Roy Morgan Research and targeting people 14 years of age and over, revealed that 1,169,000 Australians played soccer nationwide. Cricket was the next highest ranking sport with 1,020,000 participants followed by basketball on 820,000. It is the second year in a row that soccer has come out as Australia's most popular team sport.

26.6.2004

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Cockburn City and E.C.U. Joondalup have slimmed Western Knights lead as the Premier League season reaches the halfway stage. The Knights surprise 1-1 home draw with Fremantle City saw the leaders lead cut to four points as those behind picked up maximum points. Cockburn overcame Inglewood United 2-1 through goals from Peter Petkovich and John Mirco, while Joondalup downed Bassendean Caledonian by the same scoreline with Garin Collins netting twice. Stirling Lions 3-2 defeat of Swan I.C. allows them to leapfrog over the black and whites into fifth place. There were also crucial wins for Sorrento and Floreat Athena who accounted for Perth S.C. (2-1) and Bayswater City (4-1) respectively.

Armadale's 2-0 win over South West Phoenix keeps them at the top of the First Division standings. Four points adrift are Wanneroo City who knocked off Canning City 3-1 through goals by young guns Phil O'Callaghan (2) and John Dixon. Gosnells City roared their way into fourth place courtesy of a 4-3 scoreline against Kingsway Olympic. Mandurah City sit behind Gosnells after being held to a 3-3 home draw by struggling Rockingham City. There was another big win for Queens Park, this time 4-0 over Ashfield. Leeming Strikers went down 1-3 at home to Balcatta, and Morley Windmills drew 1-1 with Stirling Suns.

25.6.2004

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The pick of the weekend's Premier League action takes place at Dalmatinac Park where joint second-placed Cockburn City and Inglewood United go head-to-head. The recent form leader Western Knights suggests they'll have to step a gear in order to take the points over Fremantle City, while E.C.U. Joondalup will also need to be on their guard when Bassendean Caledonian make the trip north. Perth S.C. have a home date with Sorrento in a match crucial for two clubs with a proud history. Stirling Lions and Swan I.C. should be a close game at Macedonia Park, and Bayswater City host a Floreat Athena side which has so far failed to live up to pre-season expectations.

First Division trailblazer's Armadale will be put to the test by South West Phoenix who make the long journey to Alfred Skeet Oval on Saturday. Two of this seasons surprise packets, Wanneroo City and Canning City, go head to head at Kingsway Sporting Complex. Mandurah City have home ground advantage over struggling Rockingham City in the local derby. It's going to be a tough day for a Kingsway Olympic side struggling for form who are away to Gosnells City. Leeming Strikers meet Balcatta, and at Coker Park it's Queens Park against Ashfield. Morley Windmills take on Stirling Suns in the battle of the cellar-dwellers at Wotton Reserve. Dianella White Eagles have the bye.

25.6.2004

EAST MEETS WEST

The West Australian Youth (Under-19) team go head-to-head with the Victorian Institute of Sport on Sunday in the first of a two-game series. Some of the nations best young players from both sides of the continent will be on show, amongst them local products Nick Ward and Liam Lilly along with VIS pair Adrian Leijer and Kristian Sarkies. The quartet were part of the Australian Under-20 squad which toured France in April. The series kicks-off at 3.00pm on Sunday at Litis Stadium, with the concluding match to be played at the same venue on Tuesday (29th June) from 6.30pm.

24.6.2004

WOMEN AIM FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE BERTH

Pace is gathering for Women's Soccer WA's application to join the national league. "We have been working since this time last year gain entry for the coming Womens' National Soccer League season and until recent weeks progress has been slow," commented Janette Spencer, president of the local women's association. "The main reason for this, of course, has been the focus of attention at national level being firmly on the restructure of the code across the country," Spencer elaborated. "As well as that there's the restructure of the men's National Soccer League … all in all it's a difficult time to be wanting to change the status quo of the women's N.S.L."

Spencer juggles her duties as president of WSWA by chairing the National Standing Committee for Women's Football. With the start of the 2004/05 season drawing near the Committee have been busy looking at options to the format of the league. "We've received a comparative costing of four different options for the WNSL," explained Spencer. "Three of these include WA in some capacity with the other being for the same format as last year. No decision has been made at this stage on which way the Australian Soccer Association will go but it goes without saying that I'll be opting for an option that includes WA."

"Everyone is in favour of WA entering the league, including national team coach Adrian Santrac," added Spencer. "However, for the coming season there will be a bigger financial cost for everyone involved in the league should WA come in and this may be a serious impediment. This means WSWA may need to come up with some serious dollars and at this late stage it will be difficult to get that from sponsorship. Having said that, WSWA are very committed to being involved commencing this coming season and we'll make every endeavour to get the required funding to back our entry."

So as to ensure WSWA are in a strong position and ready to compete in the coming summer season, a provisional squad has been brought together. The squad, coached by former Australian international Alistair Edwards, has been training for the past month or thereabouts at Beale Park. "Alistair was keen to ensure that no matter how late was our entry into the league we would have a competitive squad champing at the bit to prove themselves," said Spencer. "Alistair has been very instrumental in the progress of WA's recognition as a power to be reckoned with in women's soccer and we are very pleased to have him at the helm driving our bid."

23.6.2004

LUCK NOT ON SCHOOLIES SIDE

A freakish late goal gave the Perth S.C. Under-21 team a 3-2 victory over the State Schoolboys at Dorrien Gardens last night. The opening stages were controlled by Perth for whom Goce Dilevski was particularly effective in delivering the ball into the dangerzone from his position wide on the left. The hosts took a deserved lead on 23 minutes when Ben Sciascia found the target, and two minutes later their lead was doubled as young striker Nikita Rurvytsya scored with a stunning bicycle kick following a corner. It was only now that the Schoolboys started to find their rhythm and carve out some chances of their own with Andy Pomfret turning in an inspirational performance on the right wing. Even so, Perth continued to press forward and shortly before the break were denied a third goal only by the acrobatics of goalkeeper Jacob Chudy.

A couple of changes to the Schoolboys line-up produced immediate effect upon the resumption of play. Wesley Ryder pounced on a pass from midfield to send a clever chip over the goalkeeper from 18-metres two minutes into the half. For the next fifteen or so minutes the two teams launched a series of attacking raids on eachother as carefully constructed moves went out the window. Lead from midfield by Seb Trim the Schoolboys continual harassment of the home defence eventually brought about an error and Ryder was on hand to slot in his second of the game after 60 minutes. But luck was not to be on the Schoolboys side and seven minutes from full-time Perth scored a bizarre third and deciding goal. An attempted clearance by Carlo Cardozo struck the head of an opponent to ricochet past stunned second half goalkeeper Alex Dunn and into the top corner.

"I was really pleased with our efforts," said Schoolboys coach Damon Atthowe. "This was our first game against quality opposition with the final squad of sixteen players. The boys movement off the ball was good and our passing with effective. Our defence kept the pressure on Perth which directly resulted in several turnovers and limited them to only a handful of shots in open play, all of which were from outside the box. Both Perth’s first half goals came from corners and a lack of defensive organisation on our behalf, which was something we rectified at half-time. For the second half we changed our formation to 3-5-2, opened up the game and created a number of good chances through open play. All in all there were many more positives than negatives for us."

23.6.2004

PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST

Northern suburbs club Kingsley S.C. invite all interested parties to attend a fundraising Quiz Night on Friday 16th July. A variety of great prizes will be up for grabs on the night which will focus on music and general knowledge. The event is to be held at Woodvale Function Centre (Trappers Drive, Woodvale) with the first round of questions commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at $10.00, are available from Ian Hooper by telephoning 0407 085 422, or send an email to ian390@hotmail.com

23.6.2004

STADIUM DISPUTE NEARS AN END

The long-running dispute between Perth Glory and the Town of Vincent over Members Equity Stadium looks to be over. Glory and its subsidiary, Allia Holdings, have reached a compromise with the Town of Vincent over the starting date of the venue management contract. The council endorsed the agreement at a meeting last night which will see Allia manage the venue for a 20-year period commencing February 2004. "Soccer's the winner out of it and that's what we wanted all along," said Glory chairman Nick Tana. "Now, the next big push will be to put the game where it deserves to be on the national front and it's full-steam ahead."

22.6.2004

NEW FACES IN WOMEN'S SQUAD FOR ATHENS

National coach Adrian Santrac will take a new-look Women's team to Athens in August. Of the eighteen player squad only four represented Australia at the Sydney Olympic's four years ago. Amongst the newcomers are two West Australian's in 22-yeare old midfielder Tal Karp, who has also ready played 22 times for Australia, and teenage goalscoring sensation Lisa De Vanna. Karp and De Vanna were both part of the Australia squad that navigate their way through the Oceania qualifiers earlier this year.

The Australian Women's Olympic squad consists of Dianne Alagich, Lisa De Vanna (Adelaide Sensation), Rhian Davies, Gillian Foster, Tal Karp, Sacha Wainwright (Canberra Eclipse), Cassandra Kell, Kylie Ledbrook, Sally Shipard, Thea Slatyer (New South Wales Sapphires), Joanne Peters, Cheryl Salisbury (New York Power), Danielle Small (Northern New South Wales Pride), Heather Garriock, Karla Reuter, Sarah Walsh (Queensland Sting), Melissa Barbieri and Selin Kuralay (Victoria Vision).

21.6.2004

OLYROO'S TAKE UP CAMP IN EUROPE

Preparations for Australia's Olympic campaign have moved to Switzerland. The Under-23 squad left Sydney late last week for a ten-day camp in northern Europe where they'll play friendlies against Swiss clubs Yverdon-Sports and Neuchetel Xamax. Among the travelling party are Perth-born trio Brad Jones, Adrian Madaschi and Anthony Danze along with adopted West Australian's Jade North and Wayne Srhoj. The camp will providing players with a final opportunity to make a final impression on national coach Frank Farina who will name his final squad in early July.

The 19-players squad in Switzerland is Shane Cansdell (Aarhus GF), Dylan Macallister (SK Brann), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City), Brett Holman (Excelsior), Carl Valeri (Inter Milan), Alex Brosque, Nick Carle, Michael Thwaite, Michael Turnbull (Marconi Stallions), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough), Jonathon McKain (National Bucharesti), Ryan Griffiths (Newcastle United), Adrian Madaschi (Partick Thistle), Ahmad Elrich (Parramatta Power), Anthony Danze, Jade North, Wayne Srhoj (Perth Glory), Spase Dilevski (Rot-Weiss Essen) and Eugen Galekovic (South Melbourne).

21.6.2004

CUP SEMI'S DRAWN

The draw for the semi-final stage of the Boral Cup was made over the weekend. First Division outfit Wanneroo City come up against Cup holder Swan I.C. at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday 18th September. The following afternoon at the same venue Cockburn City take on neighbouring Fremantle City. The winning teams will meet in the decider of the prestigious knock-out competition on the afternoon of Sunday 10th October.

20.6.2004

WOMEN'S WRAP

There were maximum points for the top three sides in Ninth Round of Women's Soccer WA Premier League fixtures. Northern Redbacks remain in first place after defeating Subiaco 3-2 at Rickman Delaney Reserve. State representative Amanda Tana scored the only goal of an exciting first half to give the Redbacks the upper hand. Ali Butler put the sides back on level terms early in the second half only for Sara Gawned to restore the hosts lead. Lauren McCreary went close to equalising for Subiaco who roared back into contention when Melissa Dewson found the net. The decider came eight minutes from full-time when from just outside the 18-yard box Karin Olsson sent a delightful chip over the goalkeeper and into the net.

One point behind the League leader are Balcatta who claimed victory by a 4-3 scoreline over East Fremantle. In a see-sawing match it was Balcatta who opened their account inside ten minutes via Ashley Kane. Fremantle responded through Jess Hunter who converted from the penalty spot, then Helen Bremer headed in to put the port side in the lead. Sarah Castel restored parity only to have Fremantle edge back in front through Laura Turbull. Balcatta came back into contention when Lindsey Jobling made it three-all, and the former State Schoolgirls representative secured victory with her second of the day late in the match.

Queens Park kept pace with the top two by accounting for Kingsley 3-1 at Chichester Park. Lisa Higgins completed a fine move down the left which involved Lorian Woolgar and Jo Oliver to get Kingsley off to a flying start. But it wasn't long before Stacey Woodfin struck an equaliser, then a freakish own goal by Kelly Player put the visiting team in front. The match remained in the balance until midway through the second half when Kingsley's Adele Coxall was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury. Queens Park made the most of their opponents loss of momentum with Stacey Woddfin adding their third goal. Lynwood picked up the 3-0 'bye win'.

Murdoch University took over at the top of the First Division standings after a 2-0 home defeat of Subiaco. Having squandered a number of good opportunities to take the lead Murdoch headed in at the break with single goal buffer through an own goal. After the interval it was more of the same with Natalie Salb controlling the flow of play from midfield for Murdoch. Midway through the period the hosts persistence paid off when Kate Taylor finished a neat move by slipping the ball past the goalkeeper from 10-metres. The final margin would have been much greater if not for the heroics of the Subiaco goalkeeper who prevented the margin from blowing out any further.

Rockingham City let slip a two-goal half-time lead to share the points with Cockburn City 4-4. The turning point came early in the second half when Rockingham lost their goalkeeper, Kelly Brooker, through injury, and with no replacement on the bench striker Melissa Arif took over between the posts. On her return from injury Hannah Grummett bagged a hat-trick for Rockingham whose other goal came from Emma McDonald. Christina Krepphold scored twice for Cockburn with Kylie Dalton and Yas Taylor also getting on the scoresheet.

Level on points with Murdoch is undefeated Noranda who were held 2-2 by UWA at Noranda Sporting Complex. Beckenham Angels shared the points with Swan I.C. in a thrilling match that produced six goals. The result keeps Beckenham third and Swan fourth at the half way stage to the season. Northern Redbacks 'C' registered the 3-0 'bye win'.

If you are involved in women's soccer in any capacity - be it as a player, coach, administrator, spectator or other - and are able to provide us with match information then we'd like to hear from you. Please contact Brett via bklucznik@iprimus.com.au to have your clubs match details included in our weekly updates.

20.6.2004

NEWS FROM THE LION CITY CUP

The 19th edition of the Lion City Cup kicked-off in Singapore earlier this week with Western Australia represented by an Under-16 side from the Junior Soccer Association. The youth tournament, which helped give birth to the FIFA World Youth Championships, sees a total of five teams in vying for top honours. Host nation Singapore have two teams in competition - the national Under-16 and Under-17 squads - with the others being the Under-17 Malaysian squad, Hong Kong's Under-18 side and the WA Under-16 Lion City Cup squad who are playing under the moniker of Perth F.C.

In Monday's opening fixture the Singapore Under-16 team went down 0-2 to Hong Kong for whom Chan Man Fai scored the opening goal after 15 minutes. The result wasn't sealed until stoppage time when Wu Chun Kit added Hong Kong's second goal. The Singapore Under-17 team got off to a flying start by hammering arch-rival Malaysia 4-0 through goals from Rasul Mahmood, Sufian Anuar, goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam and Faizal Abdul Samad. Western Australia had the bye.

The State team's first match was against the Malaysian Under-17 side at the Toa Payoh Stadium the following afternoon. Up against players a year old than themselves Western Australia competed strongly but evenly succumbed by 0-1. In the late game two second half goals by striker Ahmed Fahmie handed the Singapore Under-17 squad a 2-1 win over Hong Kong for whom So Wai Chuen found the net. On Tuesday Malaysia and Hong Kong fought out a thrilling 4-4 draw, and later in the evening at Bisham Stadium Singapore's Under-16's were held to a scoreless draw by Western Australia.

Goals continued to be difficult to come by for Western Australia on Thursday as they went down 0-2 to Hong Kong, who remain on course for a berth in the Final. Singapore's Under-17 side booked a place in the tournament decider by defeating their Under-16 counterparts 5-1. The final day of group fixtures saw the Malaysia take the points by 3-0 over the Singapore Under-16 team. In the late match G Kumaresan drilled his shot past goalkeeper Luke Hudston to hand Singapore's Under-17's a narrow 1-0 victory over Western Australia. Singapore's Under-17 team went on to win the 2004 Lion City Cup by thumping Hong Kong 4-0 in Sunday's tournament finale.

20.6.2004

TALENT APLENTY IN VIS SQUAD

The Victoria Institute of Sport have named a strong squad for their friendly series against the West Australian Youth (Under-19) team. Topping the list of players to watch are Melbourne Knights defender Adrian Leijer and South Melbourne midfielder Kristian Sarkies whom are both current Australian Under-20 internationals. Leigh Broxham, Dean Piemonte, Matt Park, Matt Dimech and goalkeeper Chris Petropoulos were called up for the national Under-17 side in March, while team captain Evan Karavitis is an Australian Under-16 international.

The squad touches down in Perth on Thursday and two days later are guests of honour at Nash Field where Premier league leader Western Knights take on Fremantle City. The first game of the two-match series between the State Youth team and the VIS takes place the following day with a 3.00pm kick-off at Litis Stadium. The VIS conclude their stay on the west coast with a second friendly against West Australia's Under-19 team at Litis Stadium on Tuesday 29th June from 6.30pm.

Coached by Ernie Merrick, the 18-player VIS squad consists of Alex Antonopoulos, Luke Antonopoulos, Leigh Broxham, Jamie Cumming, Matt Dimech, Adam Gauci-Seddon, Peter Gavalas, Evan Karavitis, Peter Kotsopoulos, Adrian Leijer, Reardo Luka, Bonel Obradovic, Matt Park, Chris Petropoulos, Dean Piemonte, Kristian Sarkies, Semir Sivic and Daniel Visevic. Also travelling with the team are Morgan Williams (strength coach), Jane Pihan (physiotherapist) and sports scientists Anita Pedrana and Shioban Stephens.

20.6.2004

WAASSA, ROUND NINE

University of WA were disappointingly defeated 2-0 away to Kwinana United at Kelly Park in the WAASSA Autostrada Cars Premier Division soccer fixture on Sunday. UWA started well when Paul Dimmock crossed for Mark Adam to head the ball just past the left hand post. David Berg then put Paul Dimmock through one on one with the goalkeeper only to blast it high over the bar. After 22 minutes UWA were awarded a penalty when Nick Helm ran into the left hand side of the penalty box and had his cross charged down by the arm of a Kwinana player. Bryn Griffiths stepped up to take it for UWA but the resulting shot was well saved by Kwinana's goalkeeper Mark Jameson. Minutes later a throw from Declan Sharp found David Berg and the ball fell to Marc D'Ascanio who shot on the turn only for goalkeeper Mark Jameson to save well again. After 40 minutes UWA's Paul Dimmock hit a corner to David Berg whose header found Declan Sharp and his header hit the post. Then at the other end Kwinana had its only chance of the half when Neil Evans was put through only to sky the ball over the bar. The second half saw Kwinana take the lead after 10 minutes when the ball was crossed from the right to Scott Stephens in the centre who took the ball in his stride and beat UWA keeper Stephen Hughes with a low shot. UWA almost hit back when David Berg was put through by Adam Wood but Kwinana's goalkeeper Mark Jameson saved well to his left. Two minutes later Neil Evans picked up a loose ball on the right hand side of UWA's penalty area and found the right hand corner of the net to put Kwinana 2-0 up. UWA's Bryn Griffiths then had a header just over the bar but despite a lot of pressure UWA just could not score. Coach Kevin Burton said, "The game should have been over by half time with the chances we had and given Kwinana had 3 shots at goal in the whole match we are to say the least a little disappointed. However, Kwinana showed us that you don't need to dominate a game to take 3 points and we congratulate them for their first league win of the season". UWA Reserves drew 1-1 with Kwinana Reserves.

It was a perfect day for football on Sunday at Hartfield Park when two 'footballing' teams locked horns. Forrestfield United came out of the blocks strongly and had two good chances before being awarded a penalty after 5 minutes by referee Nick Ballam which Jarrad Smith coolly converted. After weathering the early storm Shamrock played free-flowing football and should have been rewarded but Mark Kelly stumbled when the goal was begging to be hit. Relentless pressure followed with good chances falling to Sean Brooks and John McCarthy. After 30 minutes Shamrock equalised when a move started in their own penalty box and consisting of eleven passes ended with Pat O'Boyle clipping an inch perfect cross to Mark Kelly to smash in from close range. Forrestfield mounted a comeback when Mattie Alcock went through only to be denied by Goalkeeper Ed Schuller. A minute before half time Shamrock went in front when wingman Dylan Browne got in front of his defender and nodded in from a Rod McMullen cross. This seemed to deflate Forrestfield and lift Shamrock as the referees whistle blew in what had been a pulsating 45 minutes of football. Shamrock continued aggressively in the second half going forward at every opportunity and Forrestfield making sporadic attempts to go forward as Shamrock's midfield dominated. After 60 minutes Shamrock went 3-1 up after a blunder by Steve Roberts, John McCarthy intercepted and chipped goalkeeper Scott Radford with aplomb from 25 yards. Soon after Shamrock caught Forrestfield on the break as they desperately searched for a second goal to bring themselves back into the game. John McCarthy rounded the keeper to square the ball to an former Forrestfield man Wayne Brooks to tap in from close range and seal the 4-1 victory. In fact Shamrock could have increased the game further when opportunities to subs Glen Brooks and Stephen Roche were missed thanks to two superb saves from goalkeeper Radford. Overall it was a great day for the hoops as they beat their local rivals in both games as the reserves stretched their winning streak to eleven games with a goal from Man of the Match Stephen Roche to wrap up a 1-0 win. Coach Nik Silsby said "Without doubt this was our best performance of the season. We played quality passing football throughout the 90 minutes for the first time this season. Every single player contributed to our performance. Forrestfield play an attractive style of football and they are in a false position in the league, I am very happy to come away with the six points for the both firsts and reserves.

In other games, Spearwood Dalmatinac moved into second place following their 4-1 win over bottom club Forrestfield United. Murdoch University trounced CN Canning International 4-0, as did Hamersley Rovers over Stirling Panthers, while Perth Azzurri where two strong for Colo Colo running out 4-2 winners.

19.6.2004

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TEN (Sorrento vs Western Knights courtesy Western Knights; Fremantle City vs Cockburn City by Lennie Bavich; Inglewood United vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans)

Goals from partners in crime Carl Medica and Stuart Montgomery gave Western Knights a 2-1 win over Sorrento when they met at Percy Doyle Reserve. The Gulls began by forcing the Premier League leader onto the back foot for lengthy periods but with goalkeeper Tommi Tomich superbly marshaling their defence the Knights never really looked in danger of conceding. Although slow to settle into a rhythm, the visitors were the first on the scoreboard as Mark Lee combined to unlock Sorrento's last line with Daniel Trim whose through ball was slotted past goalkeeper Neil Young by Medica. Moments later Medica found himself in a similar position but on this occasion Young reacted sharply to keep out the explosive shot. Further chances to add to the Knights tally came the way of Craig Dean and Jason Williams with both sending headers wide of the target. Playing route one football, Sorrento's best chances fell to Todd Harnwell and Simon Harland but neither troubled Tomich in the lead up to half-time. The opening passages of the new half were largely uneventful as the two teams battled for control of the game. Ten minutes in Montgomery snared his tenth of the campaign by lobbing over an out of position 'keeper and into an empty net from 22-metres much to the delight of the traveling supporters. Sorrento immediately set about pegging back the margin but their long balls into attack were easily dealt with by central defenders Deans and Williams. Sorrento were awarded a dubious penalty in stoppage time which Tomich moved well to deny Glen Thomas, but minutes later time there was little the 'keeper could do to prevent Harland from knocking the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble. The Knights eighth win of the season keeps them six-points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Cockburn City swept aside Fremantle City 4-1 when they met at Ken Allen Field. The southern derby was a typically fiery affair with some bone-jarring tackles from both teams and a bagful of goals. The game was 21 minutes old when Cockburn hit the front as Michael Mirco slotted through to Antonio Naglieri who sent goalkeeper Bobsom Koroma left and the ball to the right. Two more minutes passed by before the visitors doubled their advantage, this Naglieri turning provider for John Mirco who rocketed the ball past the 'keeper. Fremantle were allowed back into the match on 34 minutes when Dusan Macura lost his footing on the slippery surface and Kevin Correia was presented with time to pick his spot beyond the reach of Dino Pacella. Bozo Erakovic was forced from the field through injury as the physical nature of the match was taken up a notch and referee Angelo Nardi came close to losing all control when the players were involved in an ugly melee in the minutes before half time. Just four minutes had been played of the second half when Fremantle's Matt Danskin received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. It took Cockburn until the 74th minute to make safe the points as Naglieri touched a free-kick to John Mirco who blasted past the defensive wall and into the net. Fremantle's day got worse shortly after when John Mirco's cross from the left was skewed off the boot of Abdul Kamara and flashed past Koroma. Fremantle were awarded a penalty in the final minute of play but Pacella denied the home fans a consolation goal by moving to his right to keep out Branimir Mikulic's spot kick.

A stunning first-half hat-trick from Greg Sharland lead Inglewood United to a 4-1 victory over a flat Stirling Lions at the National Stadium. A large crowd was on hand to witness Inglewood's blitzkrieg which commenced in the 3rd minute when a quickly taken free-kick to Sharland was headed over the defence and past goalkeeper Vince Matassa who watched helplessly as the ball travelled into the net. The early goal stunned the Lions whereas Inglewood were abuzz. With Alan MacKenzie, Shaun Kilkelly and Louis Parkinson dominating midfield the hosts capitalised on a confusion in the Lions ranks with a series of dangerous crosses, one of which fell to the unmarked Sharland who belted in his side's second after 15 minutes. The Lions settled to create some chances of their own but Oliver Taseski produced a great save to deny Jake Harman. Inglewood flexed their collective muscle again in the 25th minute when Bobby Despotovski set-up Sharland for another smash at goal from inside the penalty box to complete his hat-trick and make it three-nil. It was showtime for the hosts as hard working midfielder Kilkelly was presented with an easy shot on goal to increase the gap in the 29th minute. The wrath of Tom Leeman shook the changerooms at half-time, the Lions coach demanding his players step up to the mark and earn back some honor for the club after the break. As a result the visiting midfield of Nick Ward, Leo Harman, Derek Cooke and substitute Kevin Munro sparked into life after the re-start. Fourteen minutes from the end their determination was rewarded by a penalty following a foul on Cooke, and from the spot Jake Harman reduced the deficit. But the gap was too great for the Lions to make up and despite being feeling the pressure Inglewood held firm to register their fifth win of the winter and move into third place.

E.C.U. Joondalup joined Cockburn City and Inglewood United on 19 points by defying Premier league champions Perth S.C. 2-1 in the northern suburbs. The match got underway in swashbuckling fashion with both teams eager to gain the upper hand and be the first on the scoreboard. As it panned out Joondalup were the first to register a goal when captain Dale McCulloch slotted home from the penalty spot following a handball infringement from Andy Mason's 18th minute shot. This gave the hosts the spark needed and for the remainder of the half Joondalup played some good two-touch football to dominate proceedings. Perth, however, are never a team to underestimate and always looked dangerous on the break. Strong runs in to attack from plank players Rhys Graham and Todd Howarth caused ripples of panic among the Joondalup faithful but the visitors attacks amounted to little with Peter Roberts and Jamie Kuzmanovich leading a well-drilled defence. Five minutes from half time Perth were awarded a penalty for Kuzmanovich's foul on Robbie Puca whose spot kick was brilliantly saved by Peter Stewart who recovered quickly to keep out the follow-up. After the break Joondalup stepped up a gear and were able to add to their tally on the hour when Andy Brown showed great control in bringing down a high ball then in one fluent move turned his marker and unleashed an blistering drive that soared into the top corner. A late surge from Perth produced numerous opportunities on goal and with three minutes to go David Onoforo headed in to set up a nail-biting finish. Perth threw everything forward in a frantic attempt to snatch a point, but it was Joondalup that came closest to netting when McCulloch sent substitute John Morton through on goal but the youngster was unable to make the most of the opportunity.

Bayswater City brought to an end a five week winless run by defeating home side Swan I.C. 2-1. Quick to get forward in numbers, Bayswater's positive approach was rewarded after 6 minutes when Damien Catalano put away an inch-perfect cross from Ross Barnes. The goal gave the visitors the confidence to stroke the ball around the park and string together a number of fine attacking moves. Swan's best moves of the period originated on the right flank where Miki Vujacic and David Foster were operating with menacing intent. And on the opposite side of the park the tussle between Renato Rechichi and Igor Novakovic was proving to be a match highlight. The hosts slowly started the stem the flow of play to create some great chances on goal. Tom Shepheard's header was cleared off the line by Daniel Vangelovski, Foster blazed over the crossbar with Francis Allen well beaten, and Vujacic slammed the ball into the base of the upright. With 27 minutes gone Vujacic sent a free-kick from just outside the box past the outstretched hands of the 'keeper to bring Swan back into the game. Early in the second half Vangelovski sent Andrew O'Neill clear of the defence but his effort was tipped over by the alert Corey Hugo. A flowing move in the 61st minute produced the goods for as Novakovic's cross was met by Damian Catalano whose searing shot gave Corey Hugo absolutely no chance. The visitors were thwarted in their attempts to kill off the game by Hugo who made good saves to keep out shots from substitute Craig Scott and O'Neill. In the dying minutes Swan were denied an equaliser as Foster's header from point-blank range was brilliantly saved by Allen. "It was hard fought game by both sides today but our boys were totally committed all game, and I believe we deserved the result," commented Bayswater coach Salv Todaro.

Bassendean Caledonian shared the points at 2-2 with Floreat Athena in a match of two contrasting halves at Jubilee Reserve. Neither side showed much in the way of creativity or flair in a stale opening half. The best chance of the period arrived after 14 minutes when Ian Griffiths sent the ball wide from 5-metres after some good work wide on the right by Glen McCormick. Where the first half lacked spark, the second was full of drama. A minute in Athena were awarded a controversial penalty for a soft foul on Saul Contera and from the penalty that resulted Andreas Oliviera made it one-nil by sending goalkeeper Steve Grant the wrong. But the lead lasted less than three minutes before Kevin Griffiths floated the ball to the back post where McCormick tapped it down to Daniel Harrop who out-muscled two defenders to slip it past goalkeeper Vas Vujacic from 7-metres. The Caledonian faithful were given more to cheer about on 57 minutes when Dom Ando's great diagonal ball saw Vukmirovic rise high at the back post to expertly nod in the hosts second of the day. The points should have been made safe midway through the half when a mis-cued clearance from Vujacic landed at the feet of Vukmirovic who shot disappointingly wide from 25-metres with the 'keeper nowhere to be found. Athena responded through Anthony Jones who waltzed past a couple of defenders only to have Grant produce a fantastic reflex save and knock his shot wide of the upright. Grant again came to Caledonian's rescue by blocking a strong shot by Oliviera from close-range. The momentum was by this stage with the visitors and Oliviera unleashed a vicious shot from the top of the box which crashed into the crossbar before being scrambled to safety by the defence. Six minutes from full-time Athena found their equaliser when Oliveira held off a defender to run onto a pass clipped over the defence which he then calmly knocked past the advancing goalkeeper.

19.6.2004

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND TWELVE (Balcatta vs Armadale courtesy Balcatta; Ashfield vs Wanneroo City courtesy Wanneroo City; South West Phoenix vs Morley Windmills courtesy South West Phoenix; Canning City vs Dianella White Eagles by Phil Unsworth; Gosnells vs Leeming Strikers courtesy Gosnells City)

Balcatta's defensive frailties were once again exposed as First Division leader Armadale left Graham Burkett Reserve with the points courtesy of a 5-0 scoreline. The Reds took a 4th minute lead after a free-kick played to the back post found an unmarked Greg Newcombe who volleyed in from close-range. For much of the hjalf-hour which followed it was the home side that enjoyed the better of possession as their midfield combination of Scott Broadley, Victor Bogos and Danny Carlino dictated play. But while for all their enterprise Balcatta were unable to produce many genuine chances on goal with David Moschilla's attempted chip of the goalkeeper the closest they came to scoring. Armadale rallied late in the half and added their second following an attack down the left which ended with Newcombe putting away the cross. Things got worse for Balcatta a minute later when Newcombe completed his hat-trick by rising unchallenged to head in a corner. The match was ended as a contest when Balcatta failed to deal with another corner which resulted in a goal to Lee Hallums who scored Armadale's third goal in the space of six minutes. The second half saw both teams simply going through the motions with Armadale adding another to their tally after 59 minutes through Rob Moterosso. Adding salt into the wound, Balcatta substitute Nick Cianci was sent-off for a second bookable offence with ten minutes to go.

Although four points adrift of the leaders, Wanneroo City keep pace with Armadale thanks to a commanding 2-0 defeat of Ashfield. Wanneroo nerves were settled in the 5th minute when Phil O'Callaghan's cross was met by a diving header by Scott Bulloch which gave the goalkeeper no chance at close range. John Dixon was the next to threaten in a one-on-one with Adam Ashforth who kept his nerve and made a good save at his opponents feet. The hosts chances received a major blow when they were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Matt Piochroj. Wanneroo kept attack and benefitted from some hesitant defending to go through with only the 'keeper to beat and again Ashforth came out on top to keep Ashfield in the game going into half-time. Bulloch failed to hit the target early in the second half as the visitors sought to kill of the game. Further chances were squandered by Craig Cheesman and Stuart Collins before O'Callaghan sealed victory with well-placed shot on the turn. Ashfield's day went from bad to worse when a lack of discipline on Brad Pochroj's behalf saw him red carded and the hosts down to nine men. John Dixon, Bulloch and Ben Yates all had late chances to add to Wanneroo's tally but each was unable to put the ball away when called upon.

Morley Windmills provided little resistance to a goal hungry South West Phoenix who hit five without reply at Bunbury's Soccerdrome. Using a stiff cross breeze to their advantage, the hosts struck almost from the kick-off with David Rodgers chesting down a deep free-kick before slotting past the goalkeeper. Ten minutes later Steve Suttie's vicious shot was parried by Matt Darling and Rodgers was on hand to put away the rebound. It became three-nil on the half hour when midfielder David Murphy let fly. The second half began in much the same fashion as the first, Gary Mayers pinpoint free-kick resulting in Rodgers increasing the gap to four goals. Through the combined efforts of Simon Messenger, Dave Sherington and Rydeen Botha the visitors clawed their way back into the game and tested the goalkeeper Reece Braithwaite on several occasions. Going the other way the Windmills defence worked the offside trap a treat to effectively limit the Phoenix forwards. Even so, the hosts were able to add to their tally through the hard-working Suttie who eventually found the net having been denied on several occasions by Darling. "The team played well enough and with a little more luck we might have scored several more goals," said Phoenix coach Jimmy Mayers after the game.

Canning City went down 1-2 on the road to Dianella White Eagles. The hosts delivered an early warning as Jimmy Stoichev unleashed a fierce shot from 15-metres that crashed against the post. A few minutes later Dianella opened their account through Filip Smiljanic who volleyed low and into the net following a corner. The home team continued their domination throughout the opening half and came close to adding to their tally with a fine shot that came back off the upright. Slow to get into stride, it wasn't until shortly before the break that Canning seriously threatened as Paul Oliver shot just wide and a Brian O'Regan header met with the same result. Canning came out from the break in a more positive frame of mind to create several good chances on goal, the best of which saw Jimmy Herbert denied by goalkeeper Drazen Saric. As the match wore on Dianella got a second wind and doubled their lead when Dragan Njegic's pinpoint cross to the far post was volleyed in by Petar Mrdja after 71 minutes. Canning picked up a late consolation goal when Julio Barrendilla benefited from a defensive error after Milan Peric failed to take control of a cross from Patrick Fitzgerald.

Gosnells City 4-2 win over Leeming Strikers was the fifth time this season the club have taken maximum points on home soil. The opening exchanges were quick as both sides went in search of early goals. The opener came on 23 minutes when a great long ball from Ian Ingham found Darren Ingham who lifted his shot from 25-metres over the stranded goalkeeper. Nine minutes later Darren Ingham scored his second with a superb solo effort that took him past two defenders as well as the 'keeper before tapping in. The Strikers got on the scoreboard four minutes into the second half when an attempted clearance ricocheted off defender Jason Jones and into the net. This fired the visitors up and they were back on level terms after Phil Bell's sweetly struck shot from just outside the 18-yard box found the net. In a moment of madness Darren Ingham was sent off for a second bookable offence after 65 minutes to put Gosnells on the ropes. But the hosts adapted quickly and regained the lead within two minutes of the dismissal when Adam Bremner scored from a perfectly struck free-kick. The Strikers went down to ten men when Carlo Di Toro was sent off for a foul on Bremner, and Tony Pritchard stepped up to put the result beyond doubt from 12-yards.

Stirling Suns' slide down the table continued with their sixth successive loss, this time a 1-7 thrashing at the hands of Queens Park. Ray Rose got Queens Park off to the best possible start when he found the net after 1 minute, and when Glen Noblet added to the tally shortly after it was clear the visitors meant business. On 20 minutes Rose scored his second of the day and three minutes later it was Noblet enabled the margin to blow out to four goals. The Suns pegged things back on 34 minutes when Michael Kulevski shot past the Queens Park goalkeeper. But the visitors had brought their goalscoring boots along and headed into the break with a commanding lead as youngsters Paul Dundo and Adrian McBride netted in the lead-up to half-time. The days final goal came two minutes from the end when Rose completed his hat-trick. In the weekend's remaining fixture, Rockingham City moved away from the foot of the table by registering their first win of the campaign by a 2-0 scoreline over Kingsway Olympic at Dowling Street Reserve.

19.6.2004

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Victories to the leading four clubs has opened up a gap between them and the rest of the Premier League field at the completion of the tenth round of games. Western Knights stay six points clear courtesy of a 2-1 win at Sorrento where Stuart Montgomery and Carl Medica were once again the scorers. Cockburn City hit neighbouring Fremantle City 4-1, Inglewood thumped Stirling Lions by the same scoreline, and E.C.U. Joondalup edged out Perth S.C. by 2-1. Four points behind are Swan I.C. who crashed 1-2 at home to Bayswater City for whom Damien Catalano netted twice. In a drama-filled match at Jubilee Reserve Bassendean Caledonian and Floreat Athena shared the points at 2-2.

Armadale were rarely troubled as they swept aside Balcatta 5-0 to remain on top of the First Division table after twelve games. Wanneroo City kept pace with a 2-0 away win over Ashfield, and South West Phoenix' 5-0 thrashing of Morley Windmills lift them to third ahead of Mandurah City (who had the bye). Canning City went down 1-2 at home to Dianella White Eagles as Gosnells City triumphaed 4-2 over Leeming Strikers. The was a big win for Queens Park who took the points over Stirling Suns by 7-1, and Rockingham City's first win of the season, 2-0 against Kingsway Olympic, lifts them off the foot of the table for the first time this year.

18.6.2004

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The pick of Saturday's Premier League fixtures takes place at the National Stadium where Inglewood United and Stirling Lions go to battle. League leader Western Knights are favoured to take the points over Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. E.C.U. Joondalup at home is a tough proposition for a Perth S.C. side who are beginning to find their feet. Bassendean Caledonian and Floreat Athena are both in desperate need of points and face off in a make-or-break clash at Jubilee Reserve. Possessing a perfect away record, Cockburn City are tipped over home side Fremantle City in the south of the river derby. Swan I.C. are undefeated in seven starts and come up against a Bayswater City side looking to halt a five-game winless run.

Armadale are expected to pick up their fifth away win of the campaign when they travel to Balcatta in Round Twelve of the First Division. Also on the road are Wanneroo City who meet an Ashfield side whose position on the table belies their true potential. South West Phoenix take on Morley Windmills in Bunbury, and Canning City are home for just the third time this season when they host Dianella White Eagles. Gosnells City have been difficult to beat on home soil this year but Leeming Strikers will have their sights only on maximum points. Stirling Suns play Queens Park, and at Dowling Street Reserve Rockingham City take on Kingsway Olympic. Mandurah City have the bye.

18.6.2004

UNDER-19 SQUAD NAMED FOR VIS FRIENDLIES

The West Australian Youth squad has been slimmed for the up-coming series against the Victorian Institute of Sport. Coaches Pete Murphy and Kenny Lowe recently reduced the player number to twenty-four players which includes three late additions. The call-up of 16-year old goalkeeper Aleksander Vrteski adds to their options between the posts while central defender Danyal Bennett and creative midfielder Scott Patterson provide depth through the middle of the park. While venues are yet to be confirmed, the two-game series is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday 27th June and the evening of Tuesday 29th June.

The 24-player West Australian Youth squad for the VIS series consists of Cormac Dawson (Bayswater City), Paul Oliver (Canning City), Jason Dos Santos, Liam Lilly (Cockburn City), Paul Vlachou (Floreat Athena), Dean Apelgren, Jeff Bright, Matt Danskin (Fremantle City), Michael Baczynski (Inglewood United), Scott Blackmore, John Higgins, Scott Patterson, Daryl Platten (E.C.U. Joondalup), Alan Mattecucci, David Micevski, Nikita Rurvytsya (Perth S.C.), Danny Cain, Dejan Gurovski, Alex Vrteski (Sorrento), Nick Ward (Stirling Lions), Danyal Bennett (Swan I.C.), Andrija Jukic, Joshua Kamasz and Sebastian Trim (Western Knights).

18.6.2004

NEWS FROM THE LION CITY CUP

The 19th edition of the Lion City Cup kicked-off in Singapore earlier this week with Western Australia represented by an Under-16 side from the Junior Soccer Association. The youth tournament, which helped give birth to the FIFA World Youth Championships, sees a total of five teams in vying for top honours. Host nation Singapore have two teams in competition - the national Under-16 and Under-17 squads - with the others being the Under-17 Malaysian squad, Hong Kong's Under-18 side and the WA Under-16 Lion City Cup squad who are playing under the moniker of Perth F.C.

In Monday's opening fixture the Singapore Under-16 team went down 0-2 to Hong Kong for whom Chan Man Fai scored the opening goal after 15 minutes. The result wasn't sealed until stoppage time when Wu Chun Kit added Hong Kong's second goal. The Singapore Under-17 team got off to a flying start by hammering arch-rival Malaysia 4-0 through goals from Rasul Mahmood, Sufian Anuar, goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam and Faizal Abdul Samad. Western Australia had the bye.

The State team's first match was against the Malaysian Under-17 side at the Toa Payoh Stadium the following afternoon. Up against players a year old than themselves Western Australia competed strongly but evenly succumbed by 0-1. In the late game two second half goals by striker Ahmed Fahmie handed the Singapore Under-17 squad a 2-1 win over Hong Kong for whom So Wai Chuen found the net. On Tuesday Malaysia and Hong Kong fought out a thrilling 4-4 draw, and later in the evening at Bisham Stadium Singapore's Under-16's were held to a scoreless draw by Western Australia.

Goals continued to be difficult to come by for Western Australia on Thursday as they went down 0-2 to Hong Kong, who remain on course for a berth in the Final. Singapore's Under-17 side booked a place in the tournament decider by defeating their Under-16 counterparts 5-1. The final day of group fixtures saw the Malaysia take the points by 3-0 over the Singapore Under-16 team. In the late match G Kumaresan drilled his shot past goalkeeper Luke Hudston to hand Singapore's Under-17's a narrow 1-0 victory over Western Australia. Hong Kong, who finished second on goal difference ahead of Malaysia, meet the Singapore Under-17 team in the Lion City Cup Final on Sunday.

17.6.2004

ENGLISH MOVE FOR PETKOVIC?

Accrington Stanley are in discussion with Perth Glory goalkeeper Jason Petkovic. The English Conference club are understood to be keen to obtain the services of Petkovic who is rated by many as the best shot-stopper in the domestic game. The 31-year old could become the latest in a growing number of players to continue their careers abroad amid uncertainty over the start time for the new national competition. Petkovic, out of contract at the end of the month, has made in excess of 300 appearances for Adelaide City and Glory in the now defunct National Soccer League as well as representing Australia at 'A' level on 15 occasions.

17.6.2004

SCHOOLGIRLS READY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

The West Australian Schoolgirls squad are busily preparing for the annual Schools National Championship which this year are being in Adelaide during August. Trials for the side commence in early March at venues both north and south of the river as coach Wayne Baseden explained. "Over an eight week period just under one hundred players were given the opportunity to strut their stuff. The player standard this year was very high and through a series of trial games and practice sessions we've got the squad down to sixteen players."

With this years Schools tournament coming just a few weeks after the Women's National Talent Identification Championship, Baseden has liaised closely with the local women's soccer authority to ensure the best outcomes for all concerned. "We've worked our schedule around the State Under-15 and Under-17 squads and adjusted training and player requirements accordingly," explained the Schoolgirls coach. "This has been a positive step towards better communication between the Women's Soccer WA and School Sport WA associations."

In the past couple of weeks the Schoolgirls have been involved in friendlies against teams from Melville and Forrestfield United, both of which ended in victories to the representative side. "I'd like to thank all the clubs that we have played against, they've made us feel very welcome and helped a great deal in narrowing down the squad," commented Baseden. "Thanks also go to School Sport WA for creating the opportunity for us to go to Adelaide, to the Junior Soccer Association and in particular Glenn Morley and the organising group for the Country JSA."

Baseden has every confidence that WA will do the state proud at the up-coming tournament and believes several players could even be in line for national honours. "This year should see a good result from WA and good performances from a number of players could see them involved in the Australian Schoolgirls team to tour New Zealand later this year." Candice Townsend, Lisa De Vanna, Ashley Kane, Gemma Langley, Nadia Poulsen and Elena Fantasia have all earned themselves a call-up to the national team following good showings at previous Schools National Championships.

The State Schoolgirls squad for 2004 features the talents of Kylie Form (Belridge S.H.S.), Brid Dawson, Jessica Pilcher (Central Mt Lawley TAFE), Lillie Fenlon-Billson (Clarkson Community College), Helen Bremer, Janine Haxton, Peta Kelly, Jasmina Markovic, Elise O'Sullivan, Amy Thorpe, Laura Turnbull (John Curtin S.H.S.), Danielle Thomas (Kalamunda S.H.S.), Carys Hawkins (Mercedes College), Stephanie Grant (Mindarie Secondary College), Renee Forth (Nagle Catholic College) and Ciara Conway (Sacred Heart College).

16.6.2004

A CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS

Soccer history will be made on the evening of 10th July when the names of Western Australia's Top 100 players of the century are revealed at a gala ceremony. A Century of Champions will pay tribute to a group of outstanding players who've made a significant impact on the Western Australian soccer stage between 1902 and 2002. They include Olympians, World Cup finalists and international representatives from Australian, England, Wales, Scotland and Poland. Some of the players to be honoured are current Socceroos stars and many are members of Perth Glory's National Soccer League Grand Final-winning sides of the past two years.

A Century of Champions is the culmination of fourteen months painstaking research and organisation by the Soccer Hall of Fame (WA) committee as well as input from the public. It is understood to be the first time a single sport in Australia has attempted such an ambitious project and continues the pacesetting exploits of the Soccer Hall of Fame which was the first body in Australia to set up an official Committee when initial inductions were made in 1996. The gala presentation evening for A Century of Champions will be held at the Novotel Langley Plaza Hotel in Perth on Saturday 10th July. Tickets cost $100.00 (which includes dinner and drinks) and are available from Barbara Gibson by phoning 08 9526 0330.

15.6.2004

MONTGOMERY THE FANS FAVOURITE

Stuart Montgomery is the red hot favourite to end the season as the Premier League's highest goalscorer. The 26-year old Western Knights player finished head and shoulders above his nearest rival in the recent www.soccerwa.com poll which questioned "Who will take out the 2004 Golden Boot?" Montgomery received 33.3% of the over three hundred votes which were cast during the past fortnight to emerge as clear favourite with the local soccer community. A distant second in the count was young Swan I.C. attacker David Foster (11.8%) who edged out last years Gold Medal winner Louis Parkinson (8.9%) of Inglewood United. Hot on their heels were E.C.U. Joondalup's summer recruit Gareth Phillips (8.3%) and Cockburn City sharp-shooter Peter Petkovich (8.0%). Montgomery's teammate at the Knights Carl Medica (7.7%) was next followed by Golden Boot recipient of the past two seasons Branimir Mikulic (6.4%).

15.6.2004

ENGLISH TRIALS FOR STATE CAPTAIN

Chris Smith, who captained the State Under-15 side at last year's National Talent Identification Championship, is heading to overseas for trials. The teenager leaves for England early next month to try his luck with Premier League outfit Portsmouth. "I'll be well focused for this chance of a lifetime," said Smith, who recently joined Sorrento after time at Fremantle City. "I'm enjoying my new club and are looking forward to the challenges I face over the coming months."

14.6.2004

WASA CHAIRMAN APPOINTED

Former television executive Kevin Campbell will head the West Australian Soccer Association. Campbell has been named inaugural chairman of the new organisation which has been established to bring the semi-professional, amateur, junior and women's games, along with its' affiliates, under one banner. The organisation is the result of major local reform, facilitated by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Australian Soccer Association, and has coincided with change at national level.

Campbell comes to the soccer table with extensive administrative experience which includes 35 years in the broadcasting industry. He is a former chairman and chief executive officer of television station Channel 7, and has also chaired the boards of the Lotteries Commission of WA, the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, ScreenWest and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Campbell has also held non-executive chairman roles with Q Multimedium and Data and Commerce, and has been a director of Movies Online.

In taking up the position Campbell said he was looking forward to the challenge offered by WASA. "For many years soccer has been managed by a number of associations who have worked hard for their members. They have done the best they can," Mr Campbell said. "But with the implementation of the recommendations of the Crawford Report by the Australian Soccer Association, it was time for Western Australia to get on board. We are now closer than ever to our ultimate goal of a unified state body that represents the entire soccer community in the state."

Kevin Watts of the Department of Sport and Recreation, ASA representative Robin Graham and Campbell will start forming an eight-person board immediately. "I think the challenge now is to look at building a board of directors who bring a diversity of skills," commented Campbell, who holds a number of honorary board positions. "There is nothing better than involving those who know the game as well as others with marketing, legal and other skills." Campbell hoped the new board would meet for the first time in mid-July.

Australian Soccer Association chief executive John O'Neill welcomed the appointment of Campbell to the WASA board. "Kevin Campbell is highly respected in the Western Australian community and brings a wealth of experience from his many years in the business world," O'Neill said. "I have every confidence that he will successfully lead the growth and participation of soccer in the state across its many activities - mens, womens, juniors, indoor and outdoor. This announcement is further proof that WA is on the right track."

13.6.2004

WOMEN'S WRAP

Northern Redbacks lead the way after eight rounds of match action in the Womens Soccer WA Premier League. The free-scoring Redbacks asserted their presence at the top of the standings with an 11-1 mauling of East Fremantle this afternoon at Wauhop Park. Lisa De Vanna celebrated her call-up to the Australian Olympic team by scoring six of her teams goals with N.Williams and K.Thomas scoring twice each and Lisa De Laurentis once. East Fremantle's lone goal came via J.Markovic. The win keeps in tact the Redbacks undefeated start to the winter and once again marks them as title favourite.

Keeping the pressure on the leader are Balcatta who sit a point off the pace courtesy of a 3-0 'bye win'. Queens Park's 4-0 thumping of bottom team Lynwood at Coker Park opens to a five point gap between third and fourth. The home teams goals came from Nadia Poulsen (2), Stacey Woodfin and J.Webb. Sandra Szopski, Michele Matthews and Bliss Brosnan were on target for Subiaco when they downed Kingsley 3-0 at Rosalie Park. The result overturned Subiaco's opening round loss to Kingsley and enabled them to jump up the table into fourth position.

It's tight at the top of the First Division table where four teams are separated by just two points. Noranda went top courtesy of a 4-3 defeat of previous leader Swan I.C., while Beckenham Angels remain second thanks to a 3-0 'bye win' that elevates them above Swan who drop to third. There was a big home win for Murdoch University who crushed Northern Redbacks 'C' 7-2, while UWA and Rockingham City shared the points at 3-3. Subiaco's 2-1 defeat of Cockburn City allowed the former to move away from the bottom of the table as the latter slipped to last place.

If you are involved in women's soccer in any capacity - be it as a player, coach, administrator, spectator or other - and are able to provide us with match details then we'd like to hear from you. Please contact Brett via bklucznik@iprimus.com.au to have your clubs match details included on these pages.

13.6.2004

WAASSA, ROUND EIGHT

University of WA were defeated 4-2 by Colo Colo in an entertaining game at Fremantle Park in the WAASSA Autostrada Cars Premier Division fixture on Sunday. UWA got away to a good start when Robert Benkovic took on the Colo Colo defence and passed to Marc D'Ascanio who shot only for the goalkeeper Pablo Pavez to parry to Andy Hart who scored from close range. Colo Colo's Fidel Rodriguez was then put through on goal only to shoot high over the bar. For UWA Robert Benkovic then sent a shot just over the bar after good passing by Andy Hart and David Berg. Robert Benkovic then did well to beat the last defender only to send the shot high from a few meters. Minutes later Colo Colo had the ball in the net after a cross from the right but it was disallowed for offside. UWA's Robert Benkovic then crossed from the l eft and found Marc D'Ascanio who volleyed against the legs of goalkeeper Pablo Pavez. The second half saw Colo Colo gain a penalty after a tackle by Declan Sharp and Johnny Ferreira scored to make it 1-1. The same player, Johnny Ferreira, then scored moments later to put Colo Colo 2-1 up after a good pass from the left. UWA then hit back with an equaliser after a long throw fell to Paul Dimmock who drove the ball home via a deflection off the chest of Robert Benkovic. The good work was then undone when Johnny Ferreira made it 3-2 to Colo Colo after a good run down the right hand side. UWA threw everything at Colo Colo but could not get the ball in the net despite several chances. Then against the run of play in the final minute UWA's goalkeeper Stephen Hughes was dispossessed after trying to chest a throw in away and an alert Colo Colo forward made it 4-2. UWA Reserves defeated Colo Colo Reserves 1-0.

Following last weeks disastrous performance against Spearwood Dalmatinac in the cup last week Shamrock Rovers remained on top of the WAASSA Premier league on Sunday after hammering long time foes Fremantle United 5-1. A solid performance from the Hoops was enough to see them triumph over a side sitting at the foot of the table. Shamrock started brightly enough creating several good chances that were not converted. However a breakthrough cam after 20 minutes when Wayne Brooks slotted in to score his fifth of the season. Shamrock had the lions share of possession but could not convert from the 13 chances at goal created in the first half alone. The conversion rate improved in the second half when John McCarthy headed in from a pinpoint Pat O'Boyle cross and then this was swiftly followed by a 25 metre strike from Man of the match Cathal Lennon. Fremantle replied with 20 minutes remaining when Karl Griffiths headed in from close range. Shamrock responded almost immediately when McCarthy notched his eighth of the season with another header. Mark Kelly slammed in the fifth with 10 minutes remaining and Shamrock comfortably played out the rest of the game. Coach Nik Silsby said "We created many many chances and should have gone in at half time at least 5 goals up, but a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing kept Fremantle in the game. Stillto create over 20 chances in a game is a credit to the boys. We have gone eight games in the league unbeaten now and perhaps some people will start to give us some credit. The next three weeks sees us enter our 'crunch period' with games against Forrestfield United, Murdoch and Mickie Brennan's boys Hamersley. If we can remain unbeaten at the halfway stage we are in with a great chance though no game is ever easy". The reserves stretched their winning streak to 10 games with a 10- win against Fremantle. Hatricks from Trevor Foley, Glen Brooks and Jamie Silsby (His fifth hatrick and 17th of the season) and a single from Joe Italiano saw them home. Special mention must go the defence of Paul MCCue, Stephen roche, Richard Partridge and Dean Carey and Goalkeeper Phil Fahy who have conceded just the four goals in ten games so far.

In other games, Spearwood Dalmatinac moved into third place following their 2-0 win over Kwinana United. Forrestfield United remained in relegation trouble after they lost 2-1 away to CN Canning Internation. Stirling Panthers were too strong for Murdoch University in a 3-0 win, while Hamersley Rovers thumped Perth Azzurri 4-1.

12.6.2004

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND NINE (Western Knights vs E.C.U,. Joondalup by Tom McCrisken; Fremantle City vs Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Floreat Athena vs Swan I.C. by Peter Simcox; Perth S.C. vs Bassendean Caledonian by Mike Hennessey)

A respectable sized crowd gathered at Nash Field to witness the top of the table clash between Western Knights and E.C.U. Joondalup in Round Nine of the Premier League season. It was evident from the first kick that this would be a passionate affair as strong, no-nonsense tackles came in from players in both camps. Following an even opening spell in which neither goalkeeper was tested, the Knights took the lead on 30 minutes when Garin Collins failed to take proper care of a long ball into attack which allowed Stuart Montgomery to steal possession and draw Peter Stewart off his line before slotting clinically into the net. Within five minutes of the restart Joondalup were reduced to ten men after Keith Brown was sent off for a lunging two-footed tackle from behind on Daniel Trim. Joondalup stepped up a gear and continually sought for a hole in the opposing defence. A minute from the half-time whistle they found one, John Higgins free-kick from the right landing on the lead of Andy Brown whose looping header found the far corner of the net to sent the teams in on level terms. For the first fifteen minutes of the second half the Knights had their opponents on the ropes and it seemed only a matter of time before they'd reclaim the lead. But with Peter Roberts and Jamie Kuzmanovich in control at the back the home side were allowed little time to line up the target and the score was kept at one-each. Joondalup slowly worked their way back into the match and both teams created scattered chances to add to their respective tallies but they'd be no further goals as both defences held firm. At the end of the day supporters of neither club argue that shared points wasn't a fair reflection of a fantastic match in which both teams gave their all.

Having played for the majority of the afternoon with ten men, Cockburn City were content with shared points after Sorrento paid a visit to Dalmatinac Park on the weekend. The match was 11 minutes old when teenager Jason Dos Santos was controversially sent off for his second yellow card offence after tussling for possession with Richard Watson. None the less, Cockburn pressed forward at every opportunity and on 20 minutes a cracking drive from Peter Petkovich forced goalkeeper Neil Young into a fine save. Picking the ball up in his own half central defender Dusan Macura surged his way in attack before being brought down, Bozo Erakovic took the resulting free-kick that rebounded to John Mirco who volleyed brilliantly into the net from 18-metres with 32 minutes gone. Not long after it was very nearly two-nil as Young failed to hold a free-kick played to the near post and breathed a sigh of relief when Domenic De Felice squirted his shot over the crossbar. Ten minutes into the second half and Steve MacDonald rose highest at a corner but put his header wide of the upright. Sorrento had a even better chance to equalise in the 68th minute when awarded a penalty which goalkeeper Dino Pacella brilliantly saved from Jamie Harnwell then recovered in time to keep out the follow-up shot from the same player. The introduction of youngster Daniel Cain and Chris Smith caused more than concern for the home defence as the Gulls looked for a way back into the game. With eleven minutes to go Sorrento finally found a way through as Andrew Bowyer's cross was nodded down by MacDonald to Simon Harland who hit the back of the net via the inside of the right post. Late chances to give Sorrento victory fell to MacDonald and James Morgan but neither were able to get the desired result.

Despite neither team being able to find the net there were plenty of highlights in the Bayswater City-Inglewood United clash at Frank Drago Reserve. With Alan MacKenzie, Anthony Danze and Shaun Kilkelly asserting their authority in midfield the hosts spent much of the opening quarter hour on the back foot. It was ironic then that the first genuine chance came that way of Bayswater, Andrew O'Neill playing through to Ross Barnes who pulled his shot square across the face of goal after 17 minutes. From that moment on Bayswater were every bit their opponents equal. Gianni Papalia responded sharply in knocking Louis Parkinson's close-range effort around the post, while at the other end Oliver Taseski smothered bravely at the feet of Bobby Klenkoski after he'd left the defence in his wake. Shortly before the break Greg Sharland had Papalia scrambling along his line with a low free-kick that grazed the outside of the post. Inglewood's focus was on one thing at the start of the second half when Parkinson volleyed into the side netting, Sharland's glancing header beat Papalia but flashed wide and, on the hour, Parkinson shot low and past the 'keeper only for the ball to cannon back off the upright. Having run themselves ragged, the visitors dropped off the pace and Bayswater responded accordingly. Damian Catalano spotted Taseski off his line and chanced his luck from 30-metres with a chip that landed on the top netting. Next it was substitute Michael Catalano who powerfully headed a free-kick from the left just over the crossbar. Inglewood almost snatched the game in the 89th minute when Papalia parried Scott Campbell's shot in a goalmouth scramble then Danze's follow-up was cleared off the line by Kevin Henderson. By the same token Barnes could have become Bayswater's hero in stoppage time but he failed to connect with a far post cross from Igor Noavkevic.

Stirling Lions and Fremantle City fought out an exciting 1-1 draw in blustery playing conditions at Macedonia Park. Fremantle jumped out of the blocks early and should have scored in the opening minutes with Jeff Bright crossed from the left and Kevin Corriea skewed wide from point blank range and with an open goal staring him in the face. Stung into action, the hosts almost claimed a 15th minute lead when Adam Rains goalbound header was freakishly saved by goalkeeper Bobson Koroma. The Lions fans were again on their feet seven minutes later as a superb cross from the right by Derek Cooke was precisely finished by Jake Harman with a bullet-like shot that hit the target for a deserved lead. Fremantle fought back and must have thought nothing would go their way when Branimir Mikulic's header hit the crossbar, a long-range strike from midfielder Peter Lord slammed into the upright, and then Corriea hit the post with a header. It was end-to-end stuff as the Lions bounced back with Cooke, Harman and Eugene Singeorzan leading the way only to be foiled by the port teams' defence of Matt Danskin, Craig Surtees, Gary Faria and Dean Apelgren. With the half-time break over the Lions came out determined to hold their lead as a shot from distance by Singeorzan whistled over the bar. With eight minutes to go Fremantle were handed a lifeline when a free-kick pumped into a crowded goal area was belted goalward by Danskin and defender Rob Crerar had the misfortune of deflecting into the net. Back on level terms, the visitors threw everything forward in search of a winning goal but could find no way past Lions custodian Jordan Conti. Fremantle's day was summed up best in the final minute when Mikulic picked out Corriea who, on the 6-yard line and with only the 'keeper to beat, mis-timed his volley when it seemed easier to score.

Swan I.C. consolidated their place in the top five with a 3-1 win over Floreat Athena at Litis Stadium. The game began with rain in the air and the visitors quick to get on top. Miki Vujacic was causing trouble down the right flank as David Foster and Elton Holmes got on the end of successive crosses but neither was able to beat goalkeeper Vas Vujacic. Athena caused reasons for concern once they'd settled but Peter Coci was thwarted by Danyal Bennett, and minutes later Andreas Oliviera shot on the turn was blocked by Carlo Scali. With Tony Cumace and Foster winning the battle in midfield, Swan took a deserved lead after 32 minutes when Holmes' cross from the left was flicked on by Tom Shepheard to Damien Todorovic who smashed a first-time shot into the back of the net. Two minutes later Swan doubled their advantage through good lead-up work from Miki Vujacic whose cross was headed in by Foster. The dismissal of Jamie Trandos for a second yellow card offence shortly after didn't help Athena's cause as they went in at the break two goals behind and down to ten men. Athena began the second half confidently, Adrian Sutton heading wide a Saul Contera free-kick and a few minutes later James Afkos played through to Oliviera who was halted in his tracks by a superbly timed challenge from Bennett. The momentum was now with the hosts for whom Costa Socratous and Troy Bernard were providing much of the drive. Contera headed wide and the lively Oliviera shot straight at goalkeeper Cory Hugo before Athena reduced the gap via a penalty converted by Oliviera at the second attempt on 66 minutes. But Swan made the game safe with ten minutes to go as Paul Lincoln and Foster combined for Holmes to slot under the advancing 'keeper.

A last gasp goal gave Perth S.C. the points over a plucky Bassendean Caledonian in wet and windy conditions at Dorrien Gardens. In the difficult conditions a draw looked likely as Perth, for all their possession, came up against a solid Caledonian defence marshaled by Kevin Smith and Jamie d'Arcy. The hosts played the ball around well in the first half but were off-target with their shooting. The closest they came to a goal was in the 27th minute when an in-swinging cross from the left by Rob Giorgi eluded everyone, hit the inside of the post but amazingly bounced clear. Caledonian's best chance of the half came via veteran Peter Vukmirovic who dribbled his way through only for his shot to narrowly miss the target. In the second half Perth picked up the pace and were soon threatening their opponents goal. Ryan Newhill looked to have scored with a backheader but neither official was in a position to determine whether the ball had in fact crossed the line before it was hooked clear. When Perth did break through they found Steve Grant in superb form, the goalkeeper twice saved well from Todd Howarth and once from Robbie Puca. For their part Caledonian tried to catch Perth on the break which resulted in Craig Wells shooting narrowly wide on two occasions. As the game went into stoppage time Newhill broke down the right flank and cut the ball back to Rhys Graham who bundled it over the line to give Perth a 1-0 win and three valuable points that lift them to eighth on the table.

12.6.2004

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND ELEVEN(Wanneroo City vs Stirling Suns courtesy Wanneroo City; Queens Park vs South West Phoenix courtesy South West Phoenix; Morley Windmills vs Balcatta courtesy Morley Windmills) Armadale hold a four point lead at the top of the First Division standings after a 4-2 defeat of arch-rival Gosnells City at Alfred Skeet Oval. The game was 18 minutes old when attacker Dennis Lee set the Reds on course for victory. Three minutes later Gosnells received a major blow of their chances with the red carding of experienced campaigner and player/coach Alex Grindley. Jason Goodwin increased Armadale's after 26 minutes. The match really came to life in the minutes leading up to half time which produced three goals in five minutes. Gosnells pegged back the margin via Darren Ingham after 39 minutes only to have the hosts respond with two rapid fire goals from Greg Newcombe. Andy Daffin gave Gosnells hope early in the second half by bringing the gap back to two goals, but it was all too much for the ten-man visitors who worked hard for eachother right up to the final whistle.

Wanneroo City made light work of accounting for Stirling Suns when they met at Kingsway Sporting Complex. The home side never looked troubled as they marched their way to a 7-0 win which keeps the pressure on table-topping Armadale. The scoring started early as Jason Hope set up Scott Bulloch who beat his marker before placing the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. Sam Miller was the next to register a goal by making the most of an excellent Scott Wyeth cross after 15 minutes. Wanneroo should have gone three goals ahead when awarded a penalty but Jason Razmovski kept out Bulloch's effort from the spot. But it wasn't long before the hosts added to their tally with Bulloch scoring his second and third goals of the day to make it four-nil at half-time. Stuart Collins got in on the act early in the second half by chesting down a cross to slot past the 'keeper. A rash of late red cards resulted in early showers for Suns pair Marijan Stojanoski and Steven Velkovski as well as Nick Edwards of Wanneroo. With an extra man on the field Wanneroo were able to two more on the scoreboard as Wyeth bagged a cracking goal from distance and Craig Cheesman headed in Hope's cross at close-range.

The Kingsway Olympic-Mandurah City match was abandoned on the half hour after Olympic midfielder Oliver Foster suffered a badly broken leg. "Due to the severity of the break Oli wasn't moved until the ambulance officers arrived. With Oli being on the pitch and us unable to move him, it was agreed by both teams and the referee's that there was only one option - to abandon the game," explained Olympic coach Sean Lynch. "Oli's since had an operation to insert a steel rod into his leg, however, there have been a number of complications. Due to excessive swelling the wound area had to be left open for a couple of days to allow the swelling to go down, and there have also been some serious issues surrounding a blood clot lodging in Oli's lung. Hopefully things will resolve themselves of their own accord and there's a chance Oli may get out of hospital sometime this weekend." Both teams had an even share of possession in the thirty or so minutes which were played on Saturday with the respective defences coping comfortably with the pressure. A Mandurah corner after 25 minutes brought about the only goal from a Christian Pascherwitz header.

South West Phoenix took maximum points for the first time in a month by coming from behind to beat Queens Park 3-1 at Coker Park. Visiting coach Jimmy Mayers rang in the changes after an indifference run of results which saw Gavin Hayes, Patrick Roberts and Domenic Allen added to the starting line-up. Even so, it was Queens Park who dominated the opening half thanks largely to a strong wind in their favour. The only goal of the half came after 22 minutes when Glen Noblet rammed a penalty past goalkeeper Reece Braithwaite after Hayes had brought down Adrian McBride. With the wind at their back for the second half, Phoenix' equaliser arrived on the hour when James Bergin put Steve Suttie through on goal and the star striker made no mistake. Five minutes later David Rodgers waltzed past the goalkeeper to put the visitors in the box seat. With Andy Cowley and Shane Russell marking Queens Park dangermen McBride and Brian Robertson out of the game the hosts mustered little in response to the two quick goals. Phoenix on the other hand created several good opportunities but it wasn't until the closing stages that victory was assured as substitute John Sherrington won possession and played Rodgers through top score his second of the afternoon.

Morley Windmills left Wotton Reserve with all three points over Balcatta. The home team made a number of changes prior to kick-off with Danny Smith and Rydeen Botha returning to the starting eleven and Jamie McGuire stepping up for his senior team debut. Windmills set the early tempo as Steve Waycott got the better of Scott Broadley in midfield. Several half chances went unconverted at both ends before James Madden rocketed the ball past goalkeeper Colin Lees from 17-metres to give Windills the lead on 19 minutes. Balcatta responded by increasing their workrate but couldn't conjure up an equalising goal before the break. Early in the second half Waycott was thwarted by Lees who dived full-stretch to keep out the shot, then Botha put the ball in the net only to have it controversially ruled out for off-side. Balcatta took the game up to their hosts in the closing stages when Broadley was denied an equaliser for a handball violation. It wasn't until the final minute of regulation time that Windmills sealed victory through substitute Troy Carro who slotted home a pass from Botha. 17-year old defender Boro Kezic pulled a goal back for Balcatta shortly after but it was all a case of too little too late for the away side who went down 1-2.

Dianella White Eagles surged up the table to sixth with a 3-0 home defeat of Ashfield. Miladin Gugorovski gave the hosts the lead on 19 minutes and shortly after it was doubled as Petar Mrdja added to the tally. Any hopes Ashfield had of a late comeback were laid to rest when Nikola Culum scored Dianella's third in the 78th minute. Leeming Strikers came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders to run out 4-1 victors over Rockingham City at John Connell Reserve. The match was 2 minutes old when Lucas Whitehouse bagged the hosts opening goal, and four minutes later an own goal made it two-nil. Rockingham City rallied and pegged back the margin on 16 minutes through Jonathan Crawford. But two goals in quick succession from Whitehouse midway through the second half gave the Strikers all three points.

12.6.2004

GULLS COACH WEILDS THE AXE

Coach Trevor Morgan has made five changes to the Sorrento side which faces Cockburn City this afternoon. Morgan said the team had "caved in" during last weekend's 3-0 loss to Stirling Lions and that changes were what was needed for today's game at Dalmatinac Park. "I think some players have been taking things for granted and we've given the place a bit of a shake-up this week. It needed that," said Morgan. Neil Young will take over in goal while Richard Watson, Shaun Bowyer, Glen Thomas and teenager Brodie Martin have also been added to the line-up. Goalkeeper Phil Straker, young defender Daniel Cain and attack-minded trio Matt Donlevy, Ryan Jeans and Jared Love have been omitted.

11.6.2004

NEW PRESIDENT FOR SWC

The role of president of Soccer West Coast has been filled by Joe Lacerenza. A Life Member of the Soccer Federation of WA, Lacerenza was heavily involved on the local scene throughout the 1980's when the game divided into two separate organisations. Lacerenza was president of the SFWA between 1982 and 1987, and was re-appointed for a second term in 1990. The following year the state's top eleven clubs broke away from the SFWA to form the short-lived but influential Professional Soccer League. Lacerenza replaces David Schrandt who stood down from the presidency in January because of work demands.

12.6.2004

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Swan I.C. and Perth S.C. were the only teams to take full points in a low scoring ninth round of the Premier League. For the second successive week Floreat Athena ended the day a man down as they lost 1-3 at home to Swan. Perth’s climb away from the foot of the table continued with a 1-0 defeat of Bassendean Caledonian thanks to a Rhys Graham goal. Western Knights drew 1-1 with E.C.U. Joondalup in a fiery encounter that saw one player sent off, while Cockburn City were held to the same scoreline by Fremantle City. Stirling Lions shared the points with Fremantle City 1-1, and Bayswater City slugged out a lifeless scoreless draw with Inglewood United.

Armadale’s 4-2 win over Gosnells City maintains their four-point buffer at the top of the First Division after eleven games. Keeping the pressure on are Wanneroo City who mauled Stirling Suns 7-0 in an ill-tempered game. Kingsway Olympic’s home clash with Mandurah City was abandoned at 1-0 in favour of the visitors. Queens Park proved no match for South West Phoenix who triumphed 3-1, and Dian