30.6.2006

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

It's a case of deja vu tomorrow as last weekend's Premier League games are reversed. Back-to-back games provide vanquished teams the opportunity to extract a quick revenge, and that's exactly what Perth S.C. have in mind when they head to Swan I.C. for the footballwa.net Match of the Day. Graham Normanton will accept nothing less than victory in the Swan Valley and the key to their performance lies with creative midfielders Scott Bulloch, Gary Faria and Matt Danskin. Swan have been this seasons quiet achiever and go into the game full of confidence after taking all three points at Dorrien Gardens.

The relegation battle takes another twist as Armadale entertain the resurgent Bayswater City at Alfred Skeet Oval where the home team know victory is a must. Sorrento are tipped to take the points against Wanneroo City at Kingsway Reserve, while home club Floreat Athena are hopeful of doing likewise against Western Knights. Inglewood United are looking to turn around their poor first half of the season when they host Cockburn City. And in the far north E.C.U. Joondalup come up against Stirling Lions.

The pick of the First Division action is at Graham Burkett Reserve where Balcatta play host to second-placed Ashfield. There's a local derby at Dowling Street Reserve where visiting Mandurah City should take all three points from Rockingham City. Canning City are in desperate need of a victory when they host Morley Windmills. Gosnells City makes the short trip to Hartfield Park where Forrestfield United provide the opposition, and Dianella White Eagles are home to South West Phoenix. League leaders Fremantle Sprit have the bye.

30.6.2006

COLOSIMO INJURY ADDS TO GLORY'S WOES

Perth Glory have suffered another setback ahead of the coming season with Simon Colosimo sidelined for two months with knee ligament damage. Colosimo suffered the injury during a recent training stint in Europe and, after returning to Australia this week, had medial ligament damage confirmed by MRI scans. The news is a blow for Glory who only days earlier agreed to release midfielder Nick Ward to London club Queens Park Rangers. "I would say a minimum of a couple of months," said caretaker coach Alan Vest. "It is a (blow), and we need to sign a few more players."

Meanwhile, Glory's bid to bolster its thin playing stocks by drawing on players from the local Premier League is being thwarted by requests for too much money. "We are talking to a couple of locals but ... they are not too cooperative the clubs, and I find that hard to believe," Vest said. "They are always moaning there's no locals in, and when you want one they don't want to come. It is not easy losing your best players, but other than that they are asking for too much money."

30.6.2006

MID-SEASON REPORT CARD

Last weekend marked the halfway stage of the Premier League season and over the past three months there have been plenty of thrills and spills on the local scene. Sorrento and Floreat Athena have broken away at the top of the table but with eleven games still to play it's far from a safe bet that either club will land the title. At the opposite end of the table Armadale and Bayswater City have found points hard to come by and, to be honest, both of those clubs possess the ability to climb away from the drop zone. On the eve of the second half to the season Peter Simcox and Brett Klucznik got together at Mia Cafe in Inglewood to discuss over coffee what they've seen so far from each of the twelve clubs.

Leading the way are northern suburbs outfit Sorrento who remain the only unbeaten team in the top flight. "The Gulls have a good mixture of youth and experience, and deserve their top placing," said Simcox. "The return of Brad Hassell from injury has given them stability in the middle of the park and Scott Miller's experience and pace down the left has added bite to the side. Todd Harnwell, Simon Harland and Jared Love are doing a fine job of putting away the goals, and the emergence of youngsters such as Lewis Flatt, Jessie Higgins and Chris Smith bodes well for the clubs' future. Sorrento are strong all over the park and the question now is whether they can finish what they started by taking the title."

Floreat Athena, currently in second spot, can lay claim to being the most improved team of 2006. "It's been a terrific start for Michael Roki's side and their position is a just reward for their hard work," Klucznik commented. "The difference between last season and this season has to be the quality in depth which Roki now has at his disposal, and the fact they've been without three key players for more than a month is evidence of this. Boima Karpah and Owky Diamondstar have been outstanding up front but for me their strength is in midfield where Josip Magdic runs the show and wreaks all kinds of havoc for opposing defences. The contributions of Adam Bachiller, John Migas and Paul Vlachou have also played a big role in their success so far."

The appointment of knowledgeable pair Billy Russell and Tom Kilkelly has certainly given Cockburn City a new lease on life. "Their inability to perform at home must be a concern for the coaching staff but they are undefeated on their travels and deservedly sit in third place," Simcox commented. "In the middle of the park the mercurial Michael Mirco has been superb and emerging talent Jason Dos Santos has given them added drive going forward. And with Shane Nunes and Jason Godfrey holding the defence together the signs are good for Cockburn. Their Achilles heel could be inconsistency caused by injury, but if this clears up a top three spot should be their."

Last season's champion Perth S.C. find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being ten points away from top spot. "An inability for his players to convert chances into goals must be a constant source of frustration for Graham Normanton," suggested Simcox. "Robbie Puca has been out through injury, and you've got to say they've missed his creativity and leadership, and I get the impression Perth are lacking a little in terms of depth this year. Their strength is across the middle of the park where Gary Faria, Scott Bulloch and Matt Danskin have been outstanding. Don't be surprised if they shrug off a slow start by surging up table over the coming months."

Western Knights are one of several clubs in a congested middle of the table. "By their own standards the Knights had a flat start to the season but in the past month they've shown they're slowly turning that around," said Klucznik. "Shane McNally and Paul Cooke have both made a terrific start to the season and provided plenty for an attack spearheaded by the evergreen Stuart Montgomery to work with. At the opposite end of the park they have one of the league's best defensive units in Ivan Zuvela, Evan Wallace and Tomi Tomich. The Knights have had their depth tested by injury and I expect the mid-table position they occupy now is pretty much where they'll see out the season."

Not a great deal was expected of Swan I.C. in pre-season but they've proved their detractors wrong with some solid performances. "For a club that has no 'superstars', Swan are working well and looking good as an overall unit," stated Klucznik. "Underpinning a solid start to the season is a hard-working defence featuring the likes of Jonathon Mathers, Danyal Bennett and Dom Ando. Competition for spots in the middle of the park is red hot, while up front Damien Catalano and David Foster make sure opposition players on high alert right up to the final whistle. A top five finish is a very distinct possibility."

It's been a disappointing season to-date for Stirling Lions who invested heavily in new players last summer. "After a good Night Series, in which they made the final, Stirling have very much failed to live up to expectation," observed Simcox. "Mike Lyons' troops are working hard but with little reward. Team captain Darko Ilmanoski is the cement holding together their backline, Rob Miller and Jordan Rhodes are working well together in midfield and Ryan Jeans is finding the net with regularity. However, they've got a few players under-achieving at the moment and their place in the bottom half of the table reflects this."

E.C.U. Joondalup made a flying start to the home and away series only to have fallen off the pace in the past month. "Stuart Currie's side were top of the table after the first month of competition and no one will be more disappointed than him that they've slipped into the bottom half of the table," remarked Klucznik. "Teenager Scott Bushby has been a sensation in the middle of the park and has gone from strength to strength since the addition of Mark Lee. The problem at Joondalup though is that they have too many players who flit in and out of the game without having a lasting impact. Like in past seasons their inability to string results together is of major concern and the player group as a whole must now step up to the challenge."

Newly promoted Wanneroo City were widely tipped to go straight back down to the First Division but after a great start they seem to have ensured their place in next year's top flight. "Wanneroo may be lacking consistency but they can hold their heads high having already picked up four wins to move well clear of the relegation zone," surmised Simcox. "Phil O'Callaghan and Morgan Dendle have played key roles for the club along with Ryan Townsend whose departure for Perth Glory is a major blow for Wanneroo. New coach Jamie Goodman has brought with him a number of new faces who'll no doubt strengthen the squad as they head into the second half of the winter."

The hit and miss form of Inglewood United has been one of the big surprises of the past few months. "On paper, Inglewood have one of the strongest squads in the league," remarked Simcox. "The player group is pretty much the same as that which last year claimed forth and made the Cup final, so it's difficult to fathom why they're currently tenth. Reports of unrest have been circulating for weeks and coach Eddie Hodgkinson must be walking a tightrope. With Louis Parkinson, Dean Apelgren and Jason Colli performing consistently Inglewood are creating chances but their failure to convert is what's holding them back."

Successive wins have eased Bayswater City away from the drop zone. "It's been a turbulent time for Bayswater who've already changed coach three times," Klucznik pointed out. "Not surprisingly, this has lead to instability within the playing ranks and the unnecessary loss of some important players. Daniel Micevski has been a beacon of hope in the centre of the park and along with Jarred Smith, Damir Kudozovic and Paul Natale hold the club's fate in their hands. Bayswater may still be celebrating recent successes, but they need to be made aware the battle to avoid the drop is far from over."

Stumping up the Premier League table at the midway stage of the season are Armadale. "Peter Murphy's side really are not that far off the pace," observed Klucznik. "Armadale have been competitive in the vast majority of their games and with a little more luck would have more than a single point to their credit. Darryl Platten has been superb at the heart of the Reds defence with James Isaia and Jason Goodwin producing the goods in midfield. The only area Armadale fall down in is the quality of their finishing, and whether or not they can locate someone capable of regularly getting on the scoresheet will determine at which level they'll be playing next year."

29.6.2006

ARMADALE SNAP UP SCOTTISH STRIKER

Armadale have added to their attacking with the acquisition of Glasgow-born striker Alex Williams. The 23-year old striker is the second Scotsman to join the Reds this month and joins defensive midfielder Steven Vinter at the club. The absence of a proven goalscorer has kept Armadale rooted to the foot of the Premier League table this year and coach Peter Murphy is pinning his hopes on Williams being the solution to that particular problem. Williams made his senior debut for Stirling Albion as a teenager and through spells at Greenock Morton, Queen of the South and Clyde scored 87 goals in 210 League and Cup games. Last season Williams was the leading goalscorer for Scottish First Division club Clyde where he featured regularly in the starting eleven.

29.6.2006

ATTEND THE GLORY ZONE AT NO CHARGE!

If you're aged between six and fifteen and want four days of non-stop football action these school holidays then there is only one place to be - the Glory Zone July Holiday Clinics. Glory Zone gives young players the opportunity to experience the training required to make them the best player possible. As well as mixing with the best coaches and fellow junior players in a structured environment, participants will receive a Clinic Pack to make you the envy of your friends. They will also take part in the World Cup Superstar's Tournament which will include Ronaldinho, Messi and Harry Kewell.

For the exclusive opportunity to win a free place at the July Holiday Clinics, simply answer this question - those that answer correctly will be drawn out of a hat by Perth Glory striker Stuart Young and win a free place - How many goals did Diego Maradona score in the 1986 World Cup?. All responses should be sent to Mark Lee via mark@gloryzone.com.au For further information on the July Holiday Clinics, including clinic venues and enrolment forms, visit the Glory Zone website or call the office on 9443 4477.

29.6.2006

ANDO SHOWS TRUE GRIT

If anyone was in two minds as to whether Swan I.C. genuinely are one of this year’s big improvers then their weekend win over local giant Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens should dispel those doubts. The black and whites had a number of solid contributors on the day with the stand-out being that of veteran Dom Ando who laid his mother to rest two days before the game. “It was tough week for me both on and off the park,” admits Ando who made the decision to play after discussions with the Swan coaching staff. “I missed training for a week and it really did affect me and at the end of the game at Perth I was knackered. Perth are a good side with a number of quality players, but we went into the game with a plan and it was great to get the right result.”

Following his arrival at Swan earlier in the year Ando’s tireless work ethic and knowledge of the game have brought a new dimension to the team on match day, and added to the options of coach Carlo Scali. “Dom has been fantastic, as a team member and the type of guy he is,” said Scali. “He has fitted right in at Swan. We had Dom playing at sweeper and left back early on, from there he has been moved around a little bit as he has the ability to play a few different roles, which is great for the team. I think we have found his ideal position as a holding midfielder. He defends well, goes forward effectively, reads the game, plays equally well on his left and right and can strike a ball from long range exceptionally well.”

Ando has been impressed with the structure at Swan this season and feels the club is on the right track with a growing number of youngsters now pressing for senior selection. “Training at the club has been really disciplined and it beginning to rub off on the younger players,” he said. “I’ve been real surprised with the talent coming up through the ranks at the club. They keep you on your toes and if you don’t perform there’s a ready made replacement waiting to take your place.” Amongst the youngsters who’ve been making their mark at the club this season are Brendan Knox, Paul Baczynski, David Perich and John Mansaray.

This weekend Perth head to the Swan Valley seeking to avenge last week’s loss. Ando, who spent seven seasons with Perth, knows all too well that Swan will need to be on top of their game if they want to take further points from the Blues. “We’ll have to watch their wide players, Matt Danskin and Jeff Bright, they caused us a number of problems last week, but at our patch the pitch is narrower which will help us,” he said. “Also we will have to keep an eye on the runs from defence of Aaron Cole and Michael Icanovski who linked up well with their midfield. We succeeded on Saturday with the three points and we will be trying our best to do it again to keep the pressure on the top five.”

28.6.2006

LAZARIDIS CLOSE TO DECIDING HIS FUTURE

Stan Lazaridis will decide within twenty-four hours whether to help revive the game in Western Australia by joining Perth Glory or sign with rival club Adelaide United. The Socceroo veteran has confirmed he will return to Australia after more than a decade playing in England for West Ham United and Birmingham City. "I will have the next two days to think about that. I'll make a decision in 48 hours or so," said the 33-year old following Australia's World Cup loss to Italy. Recruiting Lazaridis has become even more pressing for Glory after highly rated midfielder Nick Ward was granted release to join English club Queens Park Rangers.

Lazaridis is a man in demand having fielded offers to continue his career in England, Greece, Cypriot and the Middle Eastern. It is believed Lazaridis is leaning towards returning to Perth where he and wife Mary, who is from Adelaide, are building a home. Born and raised in Perth, Lazaridis has worn senior international colours for Australia on seventy occasions and was part of the twenty-three player Socceroo squad in Germany. He is seen as a key to the revitalisation of Glory, which was once Australia's benchmark club. Just weeks before the start of the pre-season tournament, Glory are yet to appoint a permanent coach and have a threadbare squad.

28.6.2006

FOOTBALL RESURRECTED IN THE WEST (by Silke Losch)

It’s a moment that will define who you are for the rest of your life. Your heart is thumping heavily, your palms are sweaty and your senses are numbed. Every hard-worked muscle in your body is in tune with the tension in the air, and you can hear the thunder in the voices of a crowd of thousands. As you sit there, staring at your green and gold uniform, you become aware your destiny is only meters away. Outside of the locker room, there is a heavenly realm of luscious green grass and a sea of lights that glimmer from all directions. It is there that you can triumph … it is there that the excitement is overwhelming.

To play in the FIFA World Cup finals is a dream held dearly by many young Australian hopefuls. It is an ambition that makes endless hours spent on the training pitch and personal sacrifices seem insignificant and worthwhile. In Western Australia this level of success has been more of an illusion than a reality, however, this has been changing. After a period of national and state review and reform, the Federal and State Governments, and more specifically the Department of Sport and Recreation, has assisted in the formation of a unified football organisation, Football West.

The association was established in 2004 with the aim of representing the interests of all levels of football competition in metropolitan and regional W.A. It creates a peak soccer body that aspires to make football a leading sport in this state. Recognised by Football Federation of Australia and the State and Federal governments, Football West is responsible for the administration, promotion and delivery of football in W.A. It aims to increase participation, improve the management of the all competitions and provide a realistic pathway between grass roots to elite level.

Before the creation of Football West there were six state organisations that managed, controlled and delivered football in this state. These bodies - the Soccer Administration of W.A., the Junior Soccer Association of W.A., the W.A. Amateur and Social Soccer Association , Soccer West Coast, the W.A. Women’s Soccer Association and Soccer Australia Referees (WA) - received limited funding from the government. Now, with one coherent association, the government, in conjunction with Lottery West, has facilitated the growth of the sport.

“Now we are one organisation” explains Michelle Phillips, chief executive officer of Football West. “Before the game was run by different organisations and now we have a single voice. The power of one voice is great, because the Department of Sport and Recreation has already put up $700,000 over the next three years for it. Previously they funded zero.” In 2005 all W.A. clubs became affiliated with Football West who administer the metropolitan competitions, develop and implement State development plans, lift the profile of the game and increase funding into the sport at all levels.

Phillips says that it has certainly improved football in Western Australia. “There are obviously still some areas we have to work on,” commented the CEO. “We are a start up organisation … (we) started everything from scratch but when I look out there, we are obviously improving. We have an extra two thousand kids playing this year, we are starting to support coaches, we have club networks - it’s all the little things that are adding up to big things.”

In the Football West’s 2005 Annual Report, it notes ‘Football in WA has achieved so much in such a small amount of time … WA has over 30,000 players, 250 clubs, 360 referees, 1,000 coaches and up to 10,000 volunteers.’ It is currently one of the highest participation sports in the state. With a staggering 32,000 players, the sport has seen a 7% increase from last year, with a 10% growth in the number of females now playing the game. These are statistics which thrill Phillips, “What we want to do is keep driving up the numbers.”

Barrie Greenwood, a prominent football figure in W.A. and former board member of the West Australian Soccer Federation, feels that the game is on the rise. “Football West has only been there for just over twelve months and the progress has been unbelievable,” he said. With Australia qualifying for the World Cup finals and joining the Asian Football Confederation, Greenwood believes football in W.A. is currently at a turning point. This becomes particularly obvious when seeing the progression the game has made since the 1960’s.

Football in W.A. during the 60’s was played and administered largely by migrant’s who used the game as a way of escaping the harsh realities of settling in a foreign country. Greenwood, author of ‘Soccer: West Australia 1960 to 2000’, explains that “immigrants used to play soccer. There were a lot (of them) moving to Western Australia who were semi-professional players and the clubs could afford to bring more players in. After the 1970’s there was a lull in the game, now were getting stronger again.” And although senior participation has declined since those days, the new focus brought by Football West has seen has seen an improvement in the standard at junior, grass root and semi-professional levels.

Now, with the new structure in place, West Australian’s will have more opportunities according to Greenwood. “The natural abilities in an Australian kid are great and we have magical facilities actually,” he said. “In England we used to play in rain and snow, but here it’s beautiful. The skill level is great.” What has been lacking, however, is player development in the stages between grass root and professional level.

In response to this, Football West has devised a number of reforms to benefit players. One of these changes includes a State and Education Plan which will lay the foundations for the progression of the game. Divided into player development, player pathways, coach education and pathways and club administration development, the plan will facilitate and encourage all football participants. It aims to ensure that all players, coaches, clubs and referees have the opportunity to engage in the game at their chosen level and have the adequate services and facilities to develop their skills.

Phillips is confident football in W.A. “Is going from strength to strength. It continuous to grow and it is not going to stop. We want to make sure that every child and adult that wants to play the game can. That’s what we’re about, that’s what we’re here for. A big thank you to all the football family; the clubs, the volunteers, the coaches, the regional associations, the players, because it is everybody together that makes the game so great.”

Today, the goal of becoming a W.A. football star seems closer. You can practice harder, run faster and stretch your body further, because the dream is becoming a reality. The sound of the audience is nearer, the green and gold uniform will not be fading and the tension in the atmosphere will captivate you. Inevitably, football in W.A. is getting stronger, because as the late Bill Shankly once remarked, “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death… I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

27.6.2006

GOALS! GOALS! GOALS!

Interest in the leading goalscorer awards continues to mount as the season enters its second half. With eleven goals from as many games, Stuart Montgomery top the Premier League Golden Boot leaderboard. Montgomery, currently sidelined with a hamstring complaint, will be hoping his Western Knights team mates can keep Floreat Athena's Boima Karpeh quiet this weekend. Karpeh is just two goals behind Montgomery and ready to pounce.

Karpeh is himself being hotly pursued by Phil O'Callaghan of Wanneroo City who has eight goals to his credit. Stirling Lions' summer signing Ryan Jeans has so far netted seven times this season and placed fourth. A large group of players are gathered on six goals, namely Okwy Diamondstar, Branimir Mikulic (Floreat), Scott Bushby (E.C.U. Joondalup), Jared Love, Todd Harnwell (Sorrento) and last years leading scorer David Onoforo (Perth S.C.).

Fremantle City striker David Rodgers is leading the race for top goalscoring honours in the First Division. Rodgers, who won the award in 2005 while playing for South West Phoenix, has scored thirteen times and holds a two-goal advantage over Christian Pascherwitz of Mandurah City. Sharing third are Ray Rose (Morley Windmills) and Rydeen Botha (Dianella White Eagles) with nine goals each, one ahead of Callum Roberts (Fremantle City). Grouped together with five goals apiece are Martin Kelly, Andy O’Neill (Ashfield), Adrian Caloeria (Balcatta) and Brian Cairney (Gosnells City).

27.6.2006

GLORY RELEASE WARD TO QPR

London club Queens Park Rangers have reached agreement with Perth Glory for the transfer of Australian youth international Nick Ward. The 21-year old attacking midfielder will jet in to London early next week to finalise a two-year deal. Widely regarded as one the hottest prospects in Australia, Ward - who made 21 A-League appearances for Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and won the inaugural A-League 'Rising Star' award.

Ward's decision to ditch Glory has annoyed Football Federation Australia who reluctantly agreed to release the midfielder after he exercised a pre-existing clause in his contract. "It's disappointing to see one of our best local footballers wanting to leave the Hyundai A-League to pursue his football career in a second-tier competition in England," said Matt Carroll, FFA's head of operations. "Nick has taken this decision on the advice of his management, and against the advice of the Australian national team management who believe his playing prospects would have been better served remaining at Perth Glory and gaining valuable match time."

26.6.2006

CRUEL END TO SOCCEROOS' DREAM

The dream is over - Australia have bowed out of the World Cup finals. A dramatic and controversial injury time penalty converted by Francesco Totti was all that separated the Socceroos and Italy in their second round clash at the Fritz-Walter Stadion in Kaiserslautern. The Socceroos, and their army of supporters, will long debate the decision of referee Luis Medina Cantalejo to award the spot-kick for a piece of amateur theatrics from Fabio Grosso after Lucas Neill made minimal contact while tangling near the byline.

Australia settled into a groove early but it was Italy who should have gone ahead on 4 minutes when Luca Toni put a free header narrowly wide from the edge of the 6-yard box. The Italian's were creating the better of chances as Mark Schwarzer tipped Alberto Gilardino's shot over the crossbar, and a few minutes later the Socceroo custodian kept a low strike by Toni with his legs. Australia went within a whisker of taking the lead on 29 minute when Marco Bresciano's free-kick was helped on to Scott Chipperfield whose drive from 12-metres forced an instinctive save from Buffon.

The dismissal of defender Marco Materazzi for a lunging tackle on Bresciano five minutes into the second half tipped the scales in Australia's favour. The Socceroos made their extra man count by dominating possession and pinning Italy in their defensive half. Openings increasingly appeared as the minutes ticked by, however, combination of below-par finishing and good goalkeeping prevented Chipperfield, Tim Cahill, Viduka and Bresciano from finding the net. Playing on the counterattack, Italy's best chance came in the 63rd minute when Gennaro Gattuso overhit a cross into the area for the unmarked Alessandro Del Piero.

With extra-time looming the Socceroos' patience looked like it might be rewarded as Italy wilted in the heat. But eight seconds from the end Grosso went to ground under Neill, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and the rest, as they say, is history. Coach Guus Hiddink said the decision to award the penalty was wrong. "The penalty, the free-kick was not in my opinion a free-kick. I can be very proud of the guys, of the boys, who performed in this World Cup, in all three matches and this match against a powerhouse of Europe," said Hiddink. "We wanted to play attractive, spectacular football, and we did. But in contrast to the Italians, we weren't lethal enough in front of goal. The team tried their hardest and we can have no regrets."

25.6.2006

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND NINE

Balcatta have moved to the top of the women’s Premier League following their 3-2 victory over Queens Park in the match of the round at Graham Burkett Reserve. Balcatta withstood a late second half fight back to inflict a second successive defeat on Queens Park. A tense opening period saw few chances as both sides battled for ascendancy. The game was blown open on the half hour mark when Elise D'Ovidio broke free on the right and whipped in a cross which sailed over the head of J.McInerney and into the far corner of the net.

D'Ovidio was involved in Balcatta's second goal ten minutes into the second half by delivering the ball to the feet of S.Heinsen who neatly side-footed in from close-range. Six minutes later Balcatta added a third through a thundering drive by D'Ovidio. Helen Bremer brought Queens Park back into the game by volleying past C.Coglan in the 81st minute, and two minutes later the attacker rose high to nod in her second. Balcatta defended staunchly over the remaining minute to secure victory and go three points clear at the top of the table.

24.6.2006

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND ELEVEN (Sorrento vs Wanneroo City by Kerry Slater; Cockburn City vs Inglewood United by Lennie Bavich; Perth S.C. vs Swan I.C. by Peter Simcox; Stirling Lions vs E.C.U. Joondalup courtesy Stirling Lions; Bayswater City vs Armadale by Brett Klucznik)

Sorrento extended their unbeaten run to eleven games, and went four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, by defeating Wanneroo City 2-0 at Percy Doyle Reserve. The afternoon’s first chance on goal came after 11 minutes when Neil Young held the ball longer than his allotted six seconds, and Matt Donlevy played the resulting free-kick to David Houston whose shot cannoned off the defensive wall. It didn’t take long for Sorrento to respond and in the 20th minute Simon Harland shot past Kevin Miller only to have a fast backtracking Danny Taylor clear off the line. Ten minutes later Glen Thomas’ was headed down by Harland to Jared Love whose shot on the turn was wide of the post. Harnwell squandered a golden opportunity to put his side ahead shortly before the interval by steering a penalty kick on to the post and Wanneroo scrambled the rebound to safety. Sorrento asserted their authority after the break but could not find a way past an in-form ‘keeper who tipped a well-struck volley by Thomas over the crossbar. There were further heroics a minute later as Kevin Miller pushed Danny Hill’s powerful header high, and with the next play Scott Miller grazed the top of the bar after meeting a cross from Thomas. The pressure on Wanneroo was relentless and it appeared it’d only be a matter of time before they were breached. The hosts persistence paid off with 73 minutes played as Morgan’s miss-cued cross travelled into the path of Hill whose sweetly struck rising flew past the ‘keeper and inside the top corner. Jake Harman had a half chance to equalise shortly after but lobbed wide of the target. Sorrento made all three points safe in the 89th minute as Harnwell chased down a through ball and got the better of the on-coming ‘keeper to roll the ball into an unguarded net.

The weekends surprise result came from Nash Field where an under-strength Western Knights toppled Floreat Athena 2-1. The ball was turned over with regularity in a disjointed opening spell as the opposing midfields attempted to assert some semblance of control over proceedings. Floreat carved out a couple of good early chances for Okwy Diamondstar and Adam Bachiller which both went unconverted. Shane McNally and David Pryce were featuring prominently in the centre of the park for the home team whose best opportunity came the way of McNally who fired wide. With 28 minutes gone Floreat went ahead when Branimir Mikulic was brought down inside the box by Ivan Zuvela, and after dusting himself off the strongly built attacker picked his spot past goalkeeper Tommi Tomich. But a lapse of concentration just two minutes later allowed the Knights to equalise as Paul Cooke’s shot was parried by Vas Vujacic and in a flash Shane McNally poked the loose ball into the net from 6-metres. The Knights made their intentions clear after the break as Cooke tormented the opposing backline with his penetrating runs down the right flank. And while Floreat also looked dangerous when going forward they rarely forced a meaningful response from Tomich thanks to the defensive efforts of Evan Wallace, Gerry Fitzgibbon and Zuvela. The deciding goal arrived amid controversy in the 84th minute when Cooke went down inside the box under a challenge from Chris Wylie and, with the Floreat defender proclaiming his innocence, Paul Devlin made no mistake in converting the resulting penalty. With time running out, Floreat threw caution to the wind by streaming into attack at every opportunity in a desperate attempt to salvage a point, but the Knights weren’t about to let that happen and held on for victory courtesy of resilient defending.

Cockburn City picked up their second home win of the campaign with a scrappy 2-1 defeat of Inglewood United 2-1 in a spirited game at Dalmatinac Park. The first half was largely uneventful as both teams took their time in settling and some strong defensive work kept chances on goal to a minimum. The visitors always looked menacing when going forward but their work in the final third of the park left a lot to be desired. Cockburn, on the other hand, should have gone into the break with the advantage after being awarded a penalty for David Whiteside’s foul on Andrew Keary, however, Dean Wallace sent the ball high from the spot with 39 minutes played. Inglewood came out for the second half firing on all cylinders and determined to break the deadlock with Greg Sharland and Mladin Kovacevic shooting wide of the target. They were rewarded in the 56th minute when Mladin Kovacevic who, with two defenders hot on his heels, held his nerve and placed his shot beyond the reach of Alan Dunlop and into the bottom corner. Nine minutes later Cockburn were back on level terms after Oliver Taseski failed to capture a hopeful long ball played into the area by Dusan Macura and which bounced into the net. The turning point came with fifteen minutes remaining when Cockburn coach Billy Russell brought on the fresh legs of attackers Aaron Dos Santos and Simon El Chami who proceeded to cause problems for the home defence. The deciding goal arrived with just three minutes left on the clock as Aaron Dos Santos drew the defence and Taseski out of position before centring to El Chami who made no mistake in tucking the ball into the net.

Swan I.C. collected three valuable points with a surprise 2-1 win over traditional rival Perth S.C. at Dorrien Gardens. It was a great start for the black and whites who were ahead after 8 minutes when Scott Campbell’s free-kick was flicked on by David Foster and David Perich knocked the ball low past Gareth Deeg. But the lead was short-lived as within minutes Matt Danskin’s in-swinging corner from the left found an unmarked David Onoforo who headed in at the back post. The end-to-end action continued with Foster shooting into the side netting, then with the very next play Onoforo was denied in a one-on-one by Corey Hugo and Gary Faria fired the rebound high. Damien Catalano was a constant threat for his former club and went past Aaron Cole only to have Deeg keep out his ling-range effort. Onoforo beat the offside trap but had his shot blocked by Hugo who then saved low from Brendan Ross. Hugo’s heroics lifted the visitors and on the half hour they were rewarded a penalty for Gianfranco Circati’s push on Shepheard, and from the spot Catalano made no mistake in putting Swan ahead. Perth went close to levelling just before the break but Paul Baczynski blocked Circati’s close-range effort after Hugo spilled a free-kick from Scott Bulloch. Perth began the second half under full steam as Onoforo sent Bulloch through on goal but his finish was wide. Swan were hitting on the counterattack well and Deeg did well to save a header from Foster. Matt Danskin’s powerful shot was tipped over the crossbar by an alert Hugo in the 70th minute, and moments later Onoforo rifled wide from a deep corner. The momentum was with Perth but it wasn;t to be their day Ross’ strike cannoned back of the bar, Hugo thwarted Andy Pomfret, and a scorching drive from distance by Peter Lord was only inches too high.

A couple of inspired half-time substitutions spurred Stirling Lions to a 2-0 win over E.C.U. Joondalup at Macedonia Park. The first half was a fairly dour affair and bereft of any genuine chances on goal as the two midfields attempted to assert some sort of influence over proceedings. New signing Keith Brown was linking well with Rob Miller and Jordan Rhodes but their effect was nullified by the tenacity of Mark Lee and Scott Bushby. An innocuous cross from Bushby was met by Ian McMurray whose header was pushed on to the crossbar by Phil Straker on the half hour mark. Stirling best chance came five minutes later when Andy Brown flicked the ball into the area where Ryan Jeans’ effort rebounded off the bar before being hoisted to safety. The introduction of pair David Dugdale and Phil Arnold at half-time added bite to Stirling’s attack, while the non-stop workrate of Keith Brown tipped the game the hosts favour. Within five minutes of the restart a great exchange of passes send Dugdale through on goal and with a delightful chip over an advancing Peter Stewart he put Stirling ahead. The hosts quickly went in search of a second goal as a terrific strike from 20-metres by Jordan Rhodes crashed into the bar. Andy Brown was twice denied by the frame of the goal with headers that resulted from crosses by Miller and Dugdale. With ten minutes to play Stirling got the second goal they deserved when a swift exchange of passes featuring Dugdale, Miller and Rhodes was neatly put away by the latter. With nothing left to lose Joondalup pressed forward in increasing numbers as they sought desperately to salvage something from the afternoon, however, the closest they came to reducing the gap was when Garin Collins shot wide of the target close to the final whistle.

Bayswater City picked up three much needed points, and moved away from the relegation zone in the process, by defeating Armadale 1-0 at Frank Drago Reserve. The first half was by and large devoid of any highlights as both teams lacked the inventiveness or spark required to breakdown the opposing defence. Armadale’s only chance of the period saw Ben Howe guide the ball high from close-range after 21 minutes, while shortly before the break Daniel Micevski created the hosts best chance when he fired across the face of goal after evading the defence. Bayswater suffered a setback ten minutes into the second half when Ton Klaver dismissed Micevski for what was probably the softest second yellow card you are ever likely to see. What made the decision even more incomprehensible was a series of crunching tackles from Clarke Killoh, Jason Goodwin and Kevin Bissett earlier in the game that were allowed to go unpunished. In any event, this opened up the game and lead to chances for both teams. Killoh sent a powerful header past Bobson Koroma whose blushes were saved by Michael Simmonds who, five minute later, drew a fine save from Nick Stone. Bissett put a free header over the crossbar from Scott Paterson’s cross, and an explosive free-kick by Jared Smith was deflected just wide by the defensive wall. Within minutes of eachother Bissett and Goodwin then both great chances to put Armadale on the board. The games only goal arrived in the 84th minute when Daniel Naumovski sent Oliver Langdale down the right and the young attackers miss-hit cross drifted over Stone and dropped into the top corner to send the home crowd into rapture. There was still time for a few more drama’s to play out with Koroma denying Paterson an equaliser, and Killoh was somehow allowed to stay on the park following his brutal stoppage time tackle on substitute Sal Marrapodi.

24.6.2006

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND ELEVEN (Fremantle Spirit vs Ashfield courtesy Ashfield; Morley Windmills vs Mandurah City courtesy Mandurah City)

Fremantle Spirit won their tenth successive game by downing Ashfield 5-3 at Ken Allen Field. Ashfield were on the attack from the opening whistle and in the 9th minute Adam Purcell scored following a corner. Parity was restored in the 29th minute through an in-swinging corner by Jason Barrera which found the net. Five minutes from the break Barrera's low strike from the edge of the 18-yard box gave Fremantle the lead. Ashfield came out for the second half fired up and deservedly tied the game up via a penalty converted by Jason Van Rooy. The visitors continued to pressure as Michael Filippou failed to convert with an uncontested close-range header, while Martin Kelly was denied on separate occasions by goalkeeper Steve Grant and the frame of his goal. Against the run of play Callum Roberts cut the ball back to David Rodgers who put Fremantle back in front after 79 minutes, and shortly after Rodgers returned the favour as Roberts headed in the hosts fourth. But the game was far from over and Kelly sent a powerful header past the goalkeeper to bring the gap back to a single goal. Deep in extra-timeRoberts completed his hat-trick by pouncing on an error by Daniel Webb and lobbing the ‘keeper.

Mandurah City made it three wins in a row by out-scoring Morley Windmills 3-0 at Wotton Reserve. Morley were eager to score first and Wayne Culverwell went close inside the 1st minute. This had a settling effect on both sides and the remainder of the half was a fairly intense affair dominated by two well-drilled defensive units. Morley sustained a body blow midway through the half when Damien Todorovic was harshly dismissed after apparently clashing with visiting captain Christian Paschkewitz. Although playing with an extra man, it took Mandurah until the 67th minute to break down a stubborn home defence with Paschkewitz netting the go-ahead goal. Going ahead injected new life into the Mandurah attack and shortly after a cross from Jake Loreto found the head of Michael Bobridge who located the back of the net. Not even the dismissal of Neil Connor for a second yellow card offence could dampen Mandurah's spirits as they sought to kill of the game. Morley refused to lie down and continually threatened to score on the counterattack before Loreto extinguished their hopes of a comeback by putting away the visitors third goal two minutes from the full-time whistle.

Honours were even in the battle of the cellar dwellers at Walter Padbury Reserve where Gosnells City drew 1-1 with South West Phoenix. Both teams made a tentative start with neither willing to commit too many players forward. It was evident from early that Gosnells’ main threat would come from dead ball situations and through such a move Andy Daffin hit the crossbar, while a goalbound header from the same player was cleared off the line. Phoenix slowly began to make their presence known and on 25 minutes Steve Suttie combined with James Bergin then Andrew Cowley before clipping the ball over the on-coming goalkeeper for the games’ opening goal. It was very nearly two-nil shortly after as Robie Figg smothered at the feet of debutant Mark Jordan. The teams were brought level right on half-time when a free-kick was whipped into the 18-yard box where an unchallenged Ian Maguire nodded past Mark Cavanagh. The second half may have belonged to the home team but they’d find few holes in a composed Phoenix backline. Playing mainly on the counterattack, Phoenix created out a handful of good chances through Jordan who was unable to capitalise. Gosnells almost stole victory at the death through Drew Grimshaw who rose high at a corner but nodded the ball over the bar.

Balcatta returned to the winners’ circle with a 3-1 home defeat of Canning City. David Moschilla netted twice and John Nicolaou once to get Balcatta over the line, while Canning’s goal came via Simon Versaico. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

Forrestfield United were 3-2 too good for Dianella White Eagles when they met at Hartfield Park. Jon Greenwood, Roger Miron and Phil Bell found the target for the hosts with both Dianella’s goals coming from Rydeen Botha. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

24.6.2006

I WANT TO COACH AGAIN : D’AVRAY

Mich d’Avray has put his hand up to coach Perth Glory again. The man who guided Glory to three grand finals and two championships in the old National Soccer League has been told by the club’s caretaker owner, Football Federation Australia, that his position as director of football is likely to be abolished in the near future. “I don’t really want to be an administrator so I’ve thrown my hat in the ring for the coaching job,” he told Dave Hughes of the “West Australian”. “I stressed to FFA I still want to be involved with the Glory and was invited to apply to be coach.” D’Avray joined caretaker coach Alan Vest in urging a speedy resolution to the club’s administrative limbo. Glory play their first game of the pre-season Cup against Central Coast mariners on 15th July, and the commencement of the second A-League season is just six weeks after that date.

24.6.2006

SOCCEROOS DARE TO DREAM

They've already created history by making it to the knock-out stage of the World Cup finals but the never-say-die Socceroos are not finished yet. The Socceroos fear no-one after twice coming from behind to knock Croatia out of the running and charge into the round of sixteen. Amid glorious scenes of celebration and raw emotion in Stuttgart, Australia entered uncharted waters with a second round match-up against Italy, the three-times World Cup winner and one of the most powerful footballing nations in the world.

Having already given world champion Brazil a run for its money in an earlier group match and dismissing Croatia, the Socceroos cannot wait to match wits and skills with the Azzurri after defying the odds by finishing second behind Brazil in Group F. Every one of the smiling Australian players who emerged from the dressing room at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadion believes the Socceroos, ranked forty-two, can continue the remarkable fairytale by beating Italy, the thirteenth ranked team in the world, and qualify for the quarter-finals.

But first they will have to climb over a country with a rich footballing pedigree; a country which prides itself on its prowess with the round ball and a nation which has produced some of the greatest players of all time. While Italy circa 2006 may not have the star quality or finesse and style of past teams, it is nonetheless a formidable foe stacked with talent and experience headed by Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi.

With Guus Hiddink, the man with the Midas touch, at the helm and Harry Kewell back to his best, anything is possible for the Socceroos. Striker John Aloisi, whose parents are Italian, described the prospect of playing against Italy as "a dream game". "It's a dream game for a few of us. We can't wait to play them. We've made history but we want to make more history," Aloisi said. "The Italians struggled against the US the other day and I think if we play our game the way we have (been) we're going to give them a lot of trouble."

Defender Lucas Neill believes confidence and the Hiddink factor can sway things Australia's way, and that the Socceroos don't fear any team. "We've taken on the biggest team (Brazil) and given them a good run for their money and made people look at us," Neill said. "Italy by no means do I consider a lesser team than Brazil but why should we fear them? We've got as many strengths as they do now. "We've got nothing to lose. Everything's a bonus for us now. So why not go out and knock over a fantastic side full of reputation."

For midfielders and Parma team-mates Vince Grella and Marco Bresciano the match holds special significance as both come from Italian backgrounds. Grella does not believe Italy will be their usual cocky self. "Yeah, the Italians are very sure of their ability," he said. "For us it will be a tough game but we have shown over the last three games we never really give up and the game is never over ... I don't think they'll make big changes against us. It's going to be an interesting game. They have a lot of strong players [and] playing at that level they'll know how to cope with it."

24.6.2006

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Sorrento remain undefeated and have gone four points clear at the top of the Premier League table at the halfway stage to the season. Goals from Todd Harnwell and Danny Hill earned the Gulls a 2-0 home win over Wanneroo City on a day when their nearest rival, Floreat Athena, faltered. Floreat went down 1-2 away at Western Knights for whom Shane McNally and Paul Devlin found the net. The weekend's other upset took place at Dorrien Gardens where David Perich and Damien Catalano were the scorers for Swan I.C. who toppled Perth S.C. 2-1.

Cockburn City kept their focus to come from behind and defeat Inglewood United 2-1. Dusan Macura and Simon El Chami found the net for the hosts who move to within a game of second spot. Stirling Lions collected maximum points for just the third time this season after David Dugdale and Jordan Rhodes scord in their 2-0 home defeat of E.C.U. Joondalup. Oliver Langdale's 84th minute goal earned Bayswater City a 1-0 victory over Armadale. The win, Bayswater's second in as many weeks, moves them six points clear of Armadale who remain rooted to the foot of the table.

It's going to take an almighty effort for someone to catch Fremantle Spirit who've opened up a nine point gap at the top of the First Division table. The port side took out an entertaining clash with Ashfield 5-3 to record their tenth successive win. Mandurah City leapfrogged into third place by accounting for Morley Windmills 3-0. Balcatta returned to the winners circle with a 3-1 home defeat of Canning City. Forrestfield United were 3-2 too good for Dianella White Eagles. There's no change at the foot of the table where Gosnells City and South West Phoenix remain level on points following their 1-1 draw.

23.6.2006

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The struggle to edge clear of the drop zone intensifies over the next eight days with back-to-back meetings of Bayswater City and Armadale. The two clubs have been well and truly cut adrift at the foot of the Premier League table and both are facing a difficult second half of the season. The opening salvo in what looms as a titanic battle for Premier League survival takes place tomorrow at Frank Drago Reserve in the footballwa.net Match of the Day.

Bayswater gave new coach Petar Drca an ideal start last weekend and will be making plans for Daniel Micevski, Jovo Pavlovic and Damir Kuduzovic to continue asserting themselves across the middle of the park. Despite their place at the foot of the table, Armadale have been performing well this season and only a lack of goals has hampered the progress of Peter Murphy's side. Jason Goodwin and James Isaia are the key players in midfield while Darryl Platten and Scott Paterson will need to be on top of their game at the back.

It'll be standing room only at Dorrien Gardens for the traditional derby between Perth S.C. and Swan I.C. Sorrento are tipped to win at home again Wanneroo City, while Floreat Athena head to Nash Field where an injury ravaged Western Knights provide the opposition. A beleaguered Inglewood United head to Cockburn City in a desperate search to claim three points. E.C.U. Joondalup meet Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park with both teams in need of victory to keep their season alive.

The pick of the First Division action is the top of the table clash between Fremantle Spirit Ashfield at Ken Allen Reserve. Its three verses four as Morley Windmills host Mandurah City and both will be eager to take maximum sides and keep the pressure on the leaders. Canning City head to Graham Burkett Reserve to face Balcatta, and Forrestfiled United host Dianella White Eagles. The outcome of Gosnells City's home clash with fellow cellar dwellar South West Phoenix could go a long way to deciding where those clubs spend next season. Rockingham City has the bye.

23.6.2006

BUZZ RETURNS TO BAYSWATER

A home win over Inglewood United last weekend was just what the doctor ordered for Bayswater City only days out from what is arguably the biggest game of their season. Second from bottom Bayswater meet last placed Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday in the first of two games between the clubs in eight day. And Bayswater captain Daniel Micevski says his side are upbeat about their chances of finally edging their way up the Premier League standings. "The win over Inglewood was very important for the club," he said. "We're all looking forward to the two games against Armadale, and I'm confident we can get the results we're after from both games."

Bayswater's first victory of the season was a long time coming, ten games in fact, and no one is more pleased that they've broken the drought than Micevski. "Anyone will tell you that things have been bad at Baysie and, to be honest, it's got worse as the season progressed with more players leaving and coaches resigning," he commented. "But things are now looking up. Petar Drca took over as coach last week, there are a few new players around and on Saturday we won our first game of the season. In general there's more of a buzz at the club and an increased belief in ourselves."

Micevski has made the most of his opportunities this season by establishing himself as a regular starter for Bayswater. In playing an attacking role in midfield Micevski feels he's matured both personally and professionally since joining the club six months ago. "I've learnt a lot and developed a lot as a player," commented the 21-year old. "The club have put a lot of faith in me and I will do everything in my power to repay their belief. My goal is to keep Bayswater in the Premier League and with the recent changes I firmly believe we make that a reality."

23.6.2006

ONLY SIX POINTS WILL DO FOR ARMADALE

Anything less than six points from back-to-back encounters with fellow relegation contender Bayswater City isn't even on the radar for Armadale. With their season potentially on the line, defender Craig Anderson says spirits are high in the Reds camp. "We will be approaching the Bayswater game just as we approach every other game," said Anderson. "There is a chance we can get off the bottom of the table and that'll put a bit more pressure on us but we've got a great backroom staff who will get the boys right and ready for the game. Nothing less than six points will do for Armadale and we're confident we can achieve that."

Anderson is the first to admit it's been a difficult year for Armadale, however, the Reds know where improvement is needed in order to register their first win of the campaign. "In terms of results, the start of the season hasn't been kind to us, but we're not down as we know we can match it with the best in the league," said Anderson. "Injuries and a disrupted pre-season have given our younger players a chance to prove themselves and to their credit they've done well. The team has been playing well but we need to make more of our chances and stop making silly mistakes which have been costing us."

Last weekend Armadale picked up their first point of the winter by holding Western Knights to a draw. The result was a huge confidence boost for the Reds who played two-thirds of the game with ten men. "It may have only been one point but it was well earned point," explained Anderson, who was the player red carded. "It was one-all when I got sent off and the lads showed great fighting spirit and worked hard as a team. In the end it felt to us like a win, especially against a experienced side like the Knights ... it brought a smile to Murphs' (coach Peter Murphy) face so it must have been a job well done. Going to the Bayswater after holding the Knights has lifted team spirit and we're now more determined that ever to do better."

22.6.2006

SOCCEROOS INTO LAST SIXTEEN

Australia are through to the last sixteen of the 2006 World Cup finals after a dramatic, heart-stopping 2-1 win over Croatia witnessed by a crowd of 52,00 at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadion. The Socceroos were forced to come from behind twice to grab the precious point they so desperately required to tee up a quarter-final meeting Italy. "The match was an emotional rollercoaster ride," said coach Guus Hiddink. "My team showed they have hearts like lions. It was a great match from both teams, very competitive and dogged. The referee gave a good performance. Now we can turn our attentions towards Italy. The ace up our sleeve today was the amazing performance of Harry Kewell, he made the difference."

Croatia made a great start and was ahead in just the 2nd minute after Mark Viduka's mis-timed tackle on Nico Kovac earned the Europeans a free-kick on the edge of the area which Darijo Srna curled over the defensive wall and past Zeljko Kalac. Having taken the lead Croatia then sat back and soaked up the pressure as Jason Culina, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell all went close. Australia finally drew level in the 38th minute when Stjepan Tomas handled a cross inside the area, and Craig Moore blasted the spot kick past goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. The half closed with opportunities at both ends, Mark Viduka heading straight at Pletikosa and a minute later Dado Prso blazed wide following a surging run into attack.

Croatia went ahead eleven minutes after the restart when Kalac fumbled a weak shot by Kovac which squirmed over the 'keepers body and into the net. Australia responded with a flurry of attacks but could find no way past Pletikosa who produced a stunning point-blank save to thwart Kewell. But there was nothing the Croatian 'keeper could do in the 79th minute as Kewell blasted in the equaliser with his right foot after John Aloisi flicked on an in-swinging cross by Marco Bresciano. There were farcial scenes six minutes later when referee Graham Poll failed to sent off Simunic after he was issued a second yellow card. Brett Emerton, however, wasn't as fortunate and was dismissed for his second caution shortly after. Two minutes into stoppage time Tim Cahill had the ball in the net only for Poll to disallow his effort before finally sending off Simunic.

It was a deserved victory for Australia who enjoyed a massive 56% of the possession, and had seven shots on goal to Croatia's three. "Something special happened tonight," said Viduka. "We have to believe in ourselves now and we showed the spirit we have in our team. The message to our fans is to keep staying behind us." Central defender Craig Moore saluted the spirit and steely determination displayed by the Socceroos, "It's a fantastic experience and we have fantastic individual players in our team. We really feel good as underdogs and we are all enjoying being here. We were stronger than Croatia tonight and we can be stronger than the Italians too because they struggled against the USA."

22.6.2006

RIVALS PRIMED FOR ACTION

Saturday's showdown between Perth S.C. and Swan I.C. has all the hallmarks of being a classic derby between two traditional rivals. Following a slow start to their season, Perth have hit their straps over the past month and are coming off a 6-1 away trashing of Wanneroo City. By the same measure Swan have also had a good month with last Saturday's loss being the first time in four weeks they've not picked up any points. Two players who have featured promiently during this period are Damien Catalano (Swan) and Matt Danskin (Perth) who are both eagerly awaiting this weekend's meeting at Dorrien Gardens.

For Catalano it's a return to the ground he played on, and called home for many years. "Yeah, I can't wait to play the old club! My time at Dorrien Gardens was enjoyable and beneficial," said the 22-year old attacker. "The guys down there are all great blokes, and the coaching team is very professional. I learnt a lot about the game from Normo (Graham Normanton) and (reserve team coach John) Coyne and also playing soccer with some very good players. It was sad to leave the club, however, I've settled in at Swan and are really enjoying playing my football with them."

Catalano, whose gone from strength to strength since joining Swan early last year, says the hard work which has gone into the club in recent times is now paying off. "The dedication and discipline demanded by all the coaching staff at Swan has lifted the players to perform," he said. This in turn, develops positive results, which is shown as we are a top five club at the moment. Carlo is a quality coach and a great bloke off the training field, all of the boys have a lot of respect for him, and for Doogs (assistant coach Michael Di Fulvio). He has had a successful career and I believe will continue this success as a coach."

Swan will use this weekend's game, and the return 'Spring in the Valley Cup' match seven days later, to gauge just where they are at in 2006. Catalano knows all too well the quality and depth within Perth's ranks but remains confident Swan can get a positive result from the game. "If we keep our shape, stay solid in the backline, be committed and play the simple ball we will be very competitive," he said. "Perth possess a talented line-up with Peter Lord in midfield, Dave Onoforo up-front and the darting runs of Michael Icanovski and Matt Danskin. If we match them for commitment we can get something from the game."

With Perth coming off their biggest win of the season, Danskin says he's looking forward to taking on Swan. "It's always good to play Swan, games against them are always a challenge and we will have to be at our best to take the points," said the right-sided midfielder. "I think on Saturday the team that can maintain their concentration and take whatever chances come their way will win the game. After scoring six last week hopefully we can put a few away and keep a clean sheet that will be important."

21-year old Danskin says Swan's position in the top half of the Premier League table shows they are steadily on the improve and expects a tough game on Saturday. "I think Damien (Catalano) will be once again trying to prove a point as a former player of the club, so he'll be someone we'll need to keep a close eye on. Miki Vujacic and David Foster are both class acts and, to be honest, Swan are well balanced all over the park. We'll need to be on our game, it'll take a good team performance for either side to come away with maximum points."

Danskin says Perth have turned a corner after making an indifferent start to the season. "I don't think we had too many problems, it was just we lacked the cutting edge," he explained. "We would out-play teams, then a lapse in concentration and the opposition would punish us. Normo is a great coach and has drilled into us that we have to make our own luck, take our chances and close the game out when we have the upper hand. He's a hard task master but at the same time maintains a good relationship with his players ... I can't speak highly enough of him."

21.6.2006

CUP DRAW SPOILS FANS FOR CHOICE

Local supporters of the world game will be spoilt for choice when the quarter-finals of the association Cup are held early next month. There's sure to be a big crowd show up at Nash Field for the blockbuster clash between long-time rivals Western Knights and trophy holder Perth S.C. Swan I.C. and E.C.U. Joondalup will be out to keep alive their silverware dream alive when they meet at the Swan Italian Club. Four time Cup winner Floreat Athena make the journey to Macedonia Park where Stirling Lions provide the opposition. It'll be a big day for the First Division's only remaining Cup contender, Canning City, who has home ground advantage over top flight outfit Cockburn City. All games will be played on the afternoon of Saturday 8th July.

20.6.2006

BACK SEAT ROLE SUITS KLUCZNIK (by Peter Simcox)

The football community across the nation is spoilt for choice when it comes to the blanket coverage afforded to the World Cup by the media. The local version of the game has always struggled for exposure and, to a very large degree, still does, with the only outlet dedicated to covering all there is to know about the Western Australian league's and its' players being footballwa.net. But the website suffered a major blow this week with long-serving editor Brett Klucznik deciding to pull back on his commitment to the site.

Along with Jacob Aufdemkampe, Klucznik has worked tirelessly in providing local football fans news and information with a distinct Western Australian flavour. After six and a half years Brett feels the time is right for a change. "My wife, Laura, and I are expecting our first child in early August and I feel the time is right for football to take a back seat in my life," he explained. "There's been a few incidents in the last few months which got me wondering 'why do I bother?'. Without wanting to go into too much detail, there were some slanderous allegations made against me via a local football forum and a few weeks later an unpleasant run-in with a Premier League coach. And, if truth be told, I've also become somewhat disillusioned with certain aspects of Football West, particularly their media relations."

Klucznik has been the driving force behind footballwa.net in recent years, and a big supporter of the game in WA overall. "I've been working with Jacob on the website for about six and a half years," he said. "I got back into the game after an absence of about ten years by taking photos for the Perth Glory website, and that soon stemmed to writing news items as well. For a year I was also contributing articles and photographs to "Inside Soccer", a weekly newspaper based in Sydney. And when that publication folded in mid-2000 I linked up with Jacob to promote the local game through the website he set up in 1997."

Through their work on footballwa.net, Klucznik and Aufdemkampe have a strong claim to being the voice of football in this state. "Over the past six years the website really has gone from strength to strength and I'm really proud that the website is now so highly regarded," said Klucznik. "All I ever wanted was to make a positive contribution to our game and I hope that at the end of the day that is what we have been able to do."

"One thing that's continually baffled me is the level of complacency shown by some clubs to not only contribute to the website, but also promote themselves within their local community. Don't get me wrong, some clubs are taking the right steps and doing everything they can to raise their profile. The shining light is Swan where Peter Simcox' boundless energy has him producing their website and match day programme, then contributes match details and interviews for publication on footballwa.net."

"But at the same time there are clubs like Inglewood who - if not for their playing and coaching staff - I would never hear a peep from. I feel we have far too many clubs who need to accept the reality is if they don't promote themselves then nobody will. It's no good bitching and complaining about a lack of publicity then doing diddily-squat to change that situation. I mean, how many clubs have a media liaison officer who looks for the positives and actually writes about them? The time really has come for the clubs as a whole to get up off their arses and start promoting themselves, and the wider game."

A Web Administrator for a Government department in his working life, Klucznik has watched the local game lurch from one disaster to the next but is confident the new peak body can finally get things right. "Although I have some reservations about certain aspects of Football West's operations, I firmly believe they are taking the game in the right direction. Sure, they've made some mistakes but what is often ignored is the God-awful mess they inherited. Football West has never been about finding 'quick fix' and since day one I've said it will take a good five years for them to really get things in order. What I've seen so far is a good start and if things continue in the same fashion then I feel confident that the game is in safe hands."

In his time Klucznik has seen watched almost every player to have turned out in the Premier League during the past six years. And when asked to pick his best player he didn't have any hesitations. "I don't even have to think to answer that - Nick Ward and Todd Howarth. It was clear from early on that Nick was destined for something special and now, hopefully, he'll one day get the opportunity to fulfil his potential on a stage outside Australia. I know he's still only young and this is probably a big call, but Nick is possibly the best central midfielder WA has ever produced. Similarly, Todd impressed me the first time I saw him playing for Perth and how he was never picked up by Glory is simply beyond my comprehension. His work-rate was unbelievable and every time he had the ball at his feet you knew it spelt trouble for the opposition."

When asked about one game that stands out in his mind Klucznik again is quick to respond. "It has to be the 2003 Cup final when nobody gave Swan a chance in hell of toppling Perth. Paul Lincoln and Elton Holmes put Swan two goals up by the break, but it looked as though disaster had struck early in the second half when Damien Scali was red carded. A stunning goal from distance by Gareth Naven brought Perth back into the game, and although Swan rode their luck in the last twenty minutes they held on to win their first major trophy. A couple of other games that spring to mind was the pulsating 2003 play-off Final in which Perth beat Western Knights 2-1, and Sorrento's 2-1 win over the Knights last year at Nash Field."

So what's next on the agenda for Brett Klucznik? "I'm looking forward to fatherhood and spending time with Laura, who has been a 'football widow' for far too long, and our child. In terms of football, I plan to continue on with the website in a diminished capacity, and at the moment that'll be limited to editing match reports. What long-time involvement I'll have is still up in the air and, to be honest, after writing/editing goodness knows how many articles over the past six and a half years I'm not looking to commit to anything anytime soon."

19.6.2006

MATILDAS WINLESS IN CHINA

The Australian women's national team have been defeated in both games on a whirlwind eight-day tour of China. The trip served as important preparation for the Matildas in their build-up towards the Asian Football Confederation Women's Asian Cup which will take place in Adelaide late next month. Friday's opening game ended in a narrow 1-2 loss to China, and four days later the hosts completed a clean sweep of the friendly series by running out 2-0 winners. Perth was represented in the squad by striker Lisa De Vanna.

China claimed the opening game 2-1 at Shanghai FA Training Centre on Friday. After a tight opening the deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when a defensive error resulted in Australia conceding an own goal which gave China the advantage. The Matildas equalised three minutes into the second half when Jo Peters cross from the left was neatly sent past an advancing goalkeeper by Sarah Walsh. The decider came via a controversial 75th minute penalty which was fired past Melissa Barbieri. De Vanna came off the bench in the 66th minute.

The Matildas completed their visit to China with a 0-2 in hot and humid conditions at the Oriental Green Boat Holiday Village in Shanghai tonight. China went ahead seven minutes from the break when a cross from the right was tapped in at close-range by an advancing striker. Their second came shortly after as the ball was tucked into an empty net after Barbieri was lured off her line to narrow the angle. De Vanna and Peters caused problems for the defence after the break but chances on goal were scarce. De Vanna was introduced into the game at half-time.

The twenty-player Matilda's squad for the tour was Dianne Alagich, Melissa Barbieri, Joanne Burgess, Lauren Colthorpe, Rhian Davies, Lisa De Vanna, Alicia Ferguson, Heather Garriock, Kate Gill, Lana Harch, Kylie Ledbrook, Kate McShea, Caitlin Munoz, Joanne Peters, Clare Polkinghorne, Karla Reuter, Cheryl Salisbury, Sally Shipard, Sarah Walsh and Lydia Williams. West Australian midfielder Collette McCallum missed the series as she was recovering from knee surgery.

19.6.2006

VEST URGES ACTION

Caretaker coach Alan Vest has urged Football Federation Australia to appoint a new head coach of Perth Glory soon or risk losing the faith of the players. On Friday FFA confirmed it would run Glory during the coming A-League season while it continued to search for a suitable owner. Head of operations Matt Carroll said finding a head coach and chief executive would be given priority, with the former to be selected within three weeks.

However, Vest insisted this would be too late and told Carroll so in a meeting yesterday which doubled as a verbal application for the job. "The players want to know now who is going to take them along," said Vest, assistant at the club for nearly five years. "I'm more than capable of doing the job but it needs to be resolved quickly for the good of the team. As far as I'm concerned, it's a simple question of do they or don't they want me? If they do, I'm on the spot and there's no need to drag this on any longer."

Vest would be prepared to continue as assistant if Mich d'Avray got the head coaching position but suggested another appointee might prefer his own choice of lieutenant. FFA has received eight applications to coach Glory in the second season of A-League football which starts in August. Some of the names linked with the role Eddie Krncevic, David Mitchell, Frank Farina and Branco Culina, all coaches in the old national competition, and FFA's national technical manager Ron Smith.

19.6.2006

BRAZIL COACH BACKS AUSTRALIA

The Socceroos yesterday earned the respect of Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira who nominated Australia to join his team in the last sixteen of the World Cup finals. After surviving a scare against the Socceroos, Parreira said Australia were likely to progress at the expense of Croatia because they would not have to chase the game against the Balkan heavyweight. Australia needs only a draw from Thursday's clash with Croatia to go through to the knock-out phase.

"Australia have a good chance to go through - they do not need to win (against Croatia) and that is a big advantage," Parreira said. "It will be an open game. The two teams play a similar way and both are very well prepared. Anything can happen but the advantage may be with Australia. If Australia play against Croatia as they did against us, they will have a very good chance to go through."

"Australia gave us a very hard game," added Parreira following Brazil's 2-0 defeat of Australia. "They were strong physically, were well organised and defended solidly. When teams play us they play differently, they pack the midfield and it makes it hard for us. When we scored they (the Socceroos) were chasing the game. They put three forwards up and that gave us the space we needed for the second."

18.6.2006

SOCCEROOS GO DOWN FIGHTING

Australia produced a brave performance against Brazil only to succumb 0-2 to the world champion in their Group F World Cup clash in Munich today. The Socceroos matched their illustrious rivals in every area of the pitch but for the most important - in front of goal. "We're very disappointed not to have got something out of the game," said captain Mark Viduka after the game. "If we can get a result against Croatia, the door's wide open for us. We weren't scared against them (Brazil) and on another day it could have been a different result for us." The Socceroos now need just a draw from their final group gane with Croatia to advance to the second phase.

Neat interplay between Kaka and Ronaldo fashioned the games first chance with the former pulling his volley from just outside the 18-yard box wide after 3 minutes. Australian nerves were settled shortly after by Viduka whose swinging shot from long-range called Dida into action. Genuine chances were scarce for Brazil who was allowed no time on the ball by a well-organised Socceroos defence. Their only other shot on goal arrived in the 42nd minute when Ronaldo rifled just wide after Adriano had put him into space with a neat back heel. The Socceroos were not without their chances and just before the break Marco Bresciano's dipping 20-metre effort only just cleared the crossbar.

Brazil began the second half in more determined fashion and within four minutes of the restart had the lead as Ronaldo he squared to Adriano who stepped across Scott Chipperfield and crashed a left-foot shot past Mark Schwarzer. This sparked Australia into action and a sweetly struck half-volley from Mile Sterjovski grazed the bar. In the 57th minute Harry Kewell blazed wide of an open goal after Dida made a hash of collecting a high ball. A dipping shot on the run from 35-metres by Kewell was just high. Brazil were looking increasingly dangerous on the counterattack and Schwarzer got down well to save after Kaka surged forward.

Australia's focus on attack caused Brazil several problems over the closing stages. An acrobatic shot by Bresciano caused Brazilian hearts to flutter in the 79th minute but Dida was its equal. Kaka almost made the game safe in the 82nd minute by meeting Ronaldinho's corner at the near post but his header cannoned back off the bar. Down the other end Viduka went close twice in as many minutes by glancing an in-swinging free-kick by Bresciano a whisker wide, then with a lob over Dida which landed on the top netting. With Australia committing men forward, Brazil sealed the game in the final minute as Robinho's angled drive came back off the near post and rebounded to Fred who tapped into the empty net.

18.6.2006

GLORY OPEN WITH WIN

Perth Glory commenced their pre-season with a 3-1 defeat of a State Select XI under lights at Members Equity Stadium this evening. It was a proverbial 'game of two halves' with the State Select dominating the opening stanza through the creativity of Matt Danskin, Peter Lord, Dean Apelgren and Josip Magdic. However, it was a much different story after the break as the hard work of Nick Ward, David Micevski, Jeremy Christie and Leo Bertos swung the game in Glory's favour. All three of Glory's goals were the result of good passing and movement through midfield with Ward netting twice and Micevski once. Michael Baczynski got his name on the scoresheet for the State Select by putting away a long ball into the area.

18.6.2006

WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND EIGHT

East Fremantle inflicted on Queens Park their first loss of the women's Premier League season by out-scoring the pre-match favourite 2-1 at Wauhop Park this afternoon. A contrast in styles ensured the opening stages were even with East Fremantle patiently building their attack while Queens Park opted for the more direct long-ball approach. The first scoring opportunity landed at the feet of Lisa Higgins who side-footing over the crossbar from 5-metres. It was a miss they'd rue as East Fremantle went ahead through a Jamie Blake free-kick which floated over goalkeeper Julie McInerney and into the net.

Three minutes later East Fremantle doubled their lead with Blake this time the provider by sliding a pass into the 18-yard box where L.Quinlan slotted past the advancing 'keeper. Queens Park responded by going straight into attack and winning a free-kick wide on the left which Amy Thorpe sent beyond the reach of Naomi Lewis and into the back of the net. Blake went close to adding a third to East Fremantle's tally when her goalbound strike was deflected wide by an unfortunate teammate.

After the break Queens Park enjoyed the better of possession and, through a creative midfield, continually worked at opening up a tight home defence which was more than up to the task. In their desperate search to equalise Queens Park were limited into shooting from distance but could not beat Lewis and her well-organised backline. As the shadows lengthened across Wauhop Park, Emily Williams had a chance to put the result beyond doubt but her shot was saved on the line by McInerney.

17.6.2006

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TEN (E.C.U. Joondalup vs Sorrento by Jack Warner; Swan I.C. vs Cockburn City by Brett Klucznik; Wanneroo City vs Perth S.C. courtesy Perth S.C.; Bayswater City vs Inglewood United by Adam Rucci; Armadale vs Western Knights courtesy Western Knights)

Sorrento stretched their unbeaten run to ten games by overturning a half-time deficit to run out 2-1 winners at E.C.U. Joondalup. It was Sorrento who started the better and went straight into attack where Simon Harland just failed to find the net. A couple of minutes later Joondalup goalkeeper Peter Stewart made a good save to keep out a fierce Glen Thomas volley. The game then settled down to be a fairly even affair, Joondalup enjoying the more possession with Mark Lee and Scott Bushby playing prominent roles. A great chance came the way of Anthony Jones who put his shot wide on 21 minutes with the goal at his mercy. However, just seven minutes later the hosts did go ahead through a fine goal by Bushby who tamed the ball with his chest before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner after Sorrento failed to sufficiently clear a corner. The second half began much like the first and four minutes after the restart Todd Harnwell's goal-bound attempt was cleared off the line. Playing with greater urgency, Sorrento looked increasingly dangerous in attack as Harland and Harnwell made their presence felt. At the same time Joondalup's approach work was good but they couldn't increase their lead as the visitors defended resolutely. With fifteen minutes remaining Sorrento drew level through Jared Love's spectacular overhead kick after Danny Hill headed a deep corner from Thomas back into the danger area. Neil Young prevented the hosts from regaining the lead over the closing stages by keeping out a terrific long-range strike by Scott Blackmore and a powerful header from Ian McMurray. On the stroke of stoppage time Love snatched a dramatic winner by sending the ball into the net from 8-metres after Stewart parried the initial shot by Scott Miller.

Floreat Athena's title hopes remain alive and well following a 3-0 defeat of Stirling Lions at Litis Stadium. It was a positive start by Stirling who created the first chance on goal which Rob Miller sent past Vas Vujacic and wide of the post from close-range. The visitors maintained the early pressure through young midfielders Ludovic Boi and Jamie Mitsopoulos who worked hard for no reward. Floreat slowly steered the game in their direction and on 20 minutes when ahead when Branimir Mikulic's superb pass sliced the defence open and Boima Karpeh raced through to loop the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with a deft flick. The rest of the half saw both teams play some uninspiring football, little of which held the attention of the crowd for very long. The game continued in much the same fashion after the break with the two sides wrestling for control and unable to put away scattered chances. Okwy Diamondstar headed against the post, while at the opposite end Phil Arnold's goalbound strike was brilliantly kept out by Vujacic. Going into the closing stages it was Floreat who had more left in the tank and in the 88th minute Mikulic blasted past goalkeeper Phil Straker from 10-metres after a great passage of play involving Stephen Guest and Josip Magdic. Paul Vatistas came off the bench to put the icing on the cake for the hosts by firing past Straker from 18-metres following a neat lay off by Diamondstar in stoppage time. Not really a game for the neutral observer but Floreat will no doubt be happy to collect their fifth clean sheet of the season and keep pace with table topping Sorrento.

An inability to convert chances cost Swan I.C. dearly as Cockburn City came away fro the Swan Italian Club as 3-1 winners. An under-hit back pass by Paul Baczynski lead to the games first chance but Giovanni De Bartolo spurned in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Corey Hugo. Sloppy defending at the opposite end saw Paul Oliver cough the ball up to Scott Campbell whose cut back was headed high by Tom Shepheard. Swan were kept in the game by the brilliance of Hugo who deflected wide efforts from Marco Aleksic and Shane Nunes in quick succession. The breakthrough came after 26 minutes when Dean Wallace gathered a poor clearance and, with faced with a retreating defence, was allowed to pick his spot in the top corner. However, that lead lasted only four minutes before David Foster lashed the ball in from a couple of metres after Dunlop failed to hold a low strike by Miki Vujacic. There was little to excite either set of fans for the remainder of the half and the teams went in to the break as they started. Dunlop had his reflexes tested two minutes after the restart when Oliver's clearance ricocheted off Scali to have the Cockburn 'keeper at full-length. A free-flowing half produced opportunities at both ends but neither Anthony Periera nor Vujacic could capitalise. In the 66th minute Aaron Dos Santos danced past through the home defence and his shot looped over Hugo via the out-stretched leg of a defender to restore Cockburn's advantage. The result was put beyond doubt eleven minutes later when Nunes speared a long pass over the defence which allowed Christian Alvarez to lure Hugo off his line before squaring to substitute Richard Lacey who slotted into an empty net. With ten minutes to go Tony Cumace was issued his marching orders for a second yellow card offence.

Wanneroo City ended up on the receiving end of a 1-6 spanking from reigning champion Perth S.C. when they met at Kingsway Sporting Complex. The signs were ominous as early as the 2nd minute for Wanneroo with Jeff Bright firing over Kevin Miller's crossbar. The opening goal arrived only ten minutes later when Gary Faria's cross into the area was deflected into the net by a defender. A couple of minutes later David Onoforo swung past one defender before sending the ball into the penalty area where Michael Icanovski made the most of hesitant defending to net the visitors second. David Houston was within inches of reducing the deficit when he fired just beyond the upright. Craig Bowman had more success in the 20th minute by dribbling his way past Peter Lord and shooting neatly into Gareth Deeg's net. However, Perth went straight back into attack through Matt Danskin whose centring ball was helped on by Onoforo to Barry Wood who didn't break stride in powering the shot past Miller. Danskin was again involved in the 33rd minute by delivering the ball onto the head of Gianfranco Circati who nodded in Perth's fourth. Wanneroo were unfortunate not to find the net leading into the break with Bowman and Morgan Dendle both having shots cleared off the line while Matt Donlevey hit the bar with a free-kick. Peter Lord created Perth's fifth goal five minutes after the restart with a cross to Onoforo who neatly tucked his shot inside the bottom corner. With all three points in the bag Perth eased off the accelerator while still maintaining control of the game. Five minutes from the end Danskin weaved some magic in going past three opponents only to be brought down inside the area, and Scott Bulloch completed the route by scoring from the resulting spot kick.

Bayswater City gave newly appointed coached Petar Drca the perfect start by downing near neighbour Inglewood United 2-1 at Frank Drago Reserve. The game started well for the hosts with the midfield duo of Daniel Micevski and recent recruit Jovo Pavlovic controlling the tempo in the opening stanza. The first chance of the afternoon came the way of Sal Marrapodi whose header went agonisingly wide of Oliver Taseski's goal. Not long after Anthony Danze could have put the visitors ahead but both the midfielders attempts were brilliantly saved by Bobson Komora. With 23 minutes gone Bayswater snatched the lead when Micevski's sensational weaving run took him past four opponents before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner. Bayswater continued to dictate play and were rewarded with a second goal in the 39th minute with Micevski cleverly clipping the ball over Danny Stoitis, turning sharply and placing his shot beyond the reach of Taseski. Inglewood were unfortunate not to reduce the deficit just before the break as Dean Apelgren's spectacular long-range effort drifted narrowly over the bar. After the restart Inglewood piled on the pressure as they sought to make more of a contest of the game. Nine minutes in a deep corner from Louis Parkinson made its way to Shane Pryce just outside the box, he squared it to Danze whose well-struck shot came to nestle in the net. Inglewood continued to attack relentlessly for the remainder of the half but solid defensive work by Paul Natale and Tony Paolino prevented them from drawing level. There were a few occasions when the visitors did break through but neither Greg Sharland nor substitute Daniel Niederberger could make the most of their opportunities. The final whistle was greeted by loud cheers from the Bayswater contingent who were thrilled with their teams first win of season 2006.

There were wild scenes of celebration at Alfred Skeet Oval after Armadale held Western Knights to a 1-1 draw. The result gave Armadale a long awaited first point of the season and provided a timely boost ahead of their back-to-back encounters with fellow struggler Bayswater City. The game was only 5 minutes old when controversy erupted as referee Hugh Best failed to see an upraised offside flag against Paul Devlin who then fired into the net, however, after consultation with his assistant on the line the referee ruled the effort out. It was long after that Scott Paterson wasted a great opportunity to put Armadale in front by heading against the crossbar when presented with an open goal. Both sets of players were left gob-smacked in the 18th minute when the Knights were awarded a penalty after Devlin's header accidentally brushed the hand of James Hesketh, and from the spot Devlin made no mistake in putting the visitors one-nil up. Spurred into action, Armadale seized control of the game by increasing the tempo and probing for a way past the opposing defence. Armadale deservedly drew level in the 26th minute when the Knights failed to deal with a cross from the left by James Isaia which Paterson slid into the net from 6-metres. The However, the Reds joy was soon over as Craig Anderson was harshly dismissed after tangling with Jon Higgins. Second half highlights were few and far between as the game fizzled out into a tame draw. Andrew Jennings went closest for the Knights with a header from close-range which ended wide, while at the other end Ryan Pearson latched on to a long ball only to come out second best from a one-on-one with Tomich.

17.6.2006

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND TEN (Morley Windmills vs Fremantle City courtesy Morley Windmills; Ashfield vs South West Phoenix courtesy Ashfield; Mandurah City vs Gosnells City courtesy Mandurah City)

First Division leader Fremantle Spirit kept their fifth clean sheet of the campaign in thumping Morley Windmills 5-0 at Wotton Reserve. The best of the early chances came the way of the home team but neither Paul Dundo nor Ray Rose could capitalise. Ten minutes from the break Morley suffered a major setback when captain Simon Messenger was carried off with what looked like a serious a knee injury. David Rodgers took full advantage of a re-shuffling in the home defence when he beat the offside trap and slotted past Matt Darling to put Fremantle ahead. Within six minutes of the restart the game was over as a contest as the visitors piled on three unanswered goals. A piece of individual magic allowed Rodgers to double his tally. Callum Roberts latched on to a deep cross which he then blasted past Darling, and with 51 minutes played another well crafted counterattack saw Roberts put away goal number four in a one-on-one with the 'keeper. Morley went down to ten men when Danny Evans was issued a second yellow card, and this was soon balanced out as Michael Draper received his second booking. The scoring was completed in the 67th minute when Ben Kelly rounded two defenders then Darling to stroke in the net.

Ashfield took all three points from their home meeting with South West Phoenix by a 2-1 scoreline. On a perfect day for football, the match started at a frenetic pace with Ashfield setting the early pace and throwing the spotlight on the visiting defence. This pressure paid off in the 15th minute when a goalmouth scramble was put away by Martin Kelly. But the lead was to be short-lived and ten minutes later a cross into the area by Steve Suttie was only partially cleared and from the top of the 18-yard box James Bergin unleashed a thunderbolt into the roof of the net. The second half picked up where the first left off, with Ashfield creating the better opportunities but unable to add to their tally. Phoenix shot-stopper Mark Cavanagh was called into play on a number of occasions, while the crossbar came to the visitors rescue following a penetrating run by Jason Van Rooy. Phoenix almost snatched the lead through substitute Drasko Jankovic who had Francis Allen at full-stretch just minutes after coming on. Ashfield continued to menace and with five minutes Mohammad Komaderic found the net with a diving near post header to sending the home crowd in raptures.

Mandurah City moved up to fourth by steamrolling Gosnells City 4-1 at Peelwood Parade. The more enterprising early play may have come from Gosnells but it was the hosts who were celebrating in the 17th minute when newcomer Andy Brown put away their opening goal. Only a few more minutes elapsed before Michael Bobridge doubled the margin and put Mandurah in a commanding position. Gosnells had their chances to reduce the deficit but a combination of poor finishing and the skills of goalkeeper Mike Green meant they were unable to capitalise. The game took a dramatic turn shortly before the half-time whistle when Mandurah were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Brown. The home side adopted a far more cautious approach in the second half, content to sit back and allow Gosnells to control play and going forward only on the counterattack. But any hope the visitors held of mounting a comeback were effectively ended when Christian Paschewitz who took the difference to three goals. To their credit Gosnells continued to plug away and eventually pulled a goal back through Brian Cairney. But Mandurah weren't finished and close to the end Graeme Matthews completed the scoring by converting from the spot.

Dianella White Eagles defeated Canning City 3-2 at Dianella Reserve. Rydeen Botha scored twice and Mladin Gugoroski once for Dianella, while Canning's goals came from Paul Van Dongen and Simon Versaico. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

Forrestfield United outscored Rockingham City 3-2 when they met at Hartfield Park. Nathan Watkins, Glen Noblett and Dennis Lee were the scorers for Forrestfield, with Shane Cramphorn and Terry Flynn netting for the visitors. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

17.6.2006

EDWARDS FAREWELLS FOOTBALL WEST

Alistair Edwards has parted company with Football West to concentrate on his coaching commitments. The former Australian international took the decision to concentrate on coaching the national women's youth team, the Young Matildas, on a full-time basis following their qualification for the FIFA World championships to be held in Russia later this year. As well as the Young Matildas, Edwards will be assisting with the National Training Centre squads and undertake other Football West coaching duties.

17.6.2006

KRNCEVIC KEEN ON GLORY JOB

Eddie Krncevic has put his hand up for the vacant coaching post at Perth Glory. Krncevic, who coached at Carlton and Marconi Stallions in the National Soccer League, has been working for the New Zealand Knights as football advisor, but is keen on the Glory job. "I was in Perth recently and I think with the right resources in place the club can get back to the top," said Krncevic. "I know I can bring to the club some exciting players for the Glory fans to be proud of - and we'd play a brand of football to get them back through the gates."

"Mich d'Avray has signed several young locals and that's also exciting for me," Krncevic added. "As I did at Carlton with players such as Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella, I'm confident I can bring out the best in the young talent coming through in WA. There's some great young players in Perth and with the right coaching Glory could have three or four Nicky Wards on their hands, instead of the one."

Krncevic said he'd relish the opportunity of returning Glory to the top of the national league pile, a position they proudly occupied in the N.S.L. "I know the Glory fans have been through the mill in the last 12-18 months. But it's never too late and if I was given the chance I'd build a team for them to be proud of. I think this season Glory must do everything they can to repay their fans for the way they've supported the game all these years."

17.6.2006

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

The Premier League's bottom two teams, Bayswater City and Armadale, each picked up valuable points this afternoon. A couple of stunning first half strikes by Daniel Micevski earned Bayswater City a surprise 2-1 home defeat of Inglewood United. It was the first time this season that Bayswater have taken maximum points. Scott Patterson was the goalscorer for Armadale who drew 1-1 at home with Western Knights, for whom Paul Devlin found the net. The point was Armadale's first of the season.

There's no change at the top of the table where Sorrento and Floreat Athena go game for game. Jared Love scored twice as Sorrento beat northern neighbour E.C.U. Joondalup 2-1. Floreat accounted for Stirling Lions 3-0 through goals from Boima Karpeh, Branimir Mikulic and Paul P Vatistas. Gianfranco Circati, Michael Icanovski, Gary Faria, David Onoforo, Barry Wood and Scott Bulloch were on target as Perth S.C, thrashed Wanneroo City 6-1. Cockburn City downed Swan I.C. 3-1 with Dean Wallace, Aaron Dos Santos and Richard Lacey the scorers.

Four goals in a blistering six minute spell earned Fremantle Spirit a 5-0 thrashing of Morley Windmills to stay six points clear at the top of the First Division. Ashfield moved into outright second place after defeating South West Phoenix 2-1 on home soil. Mandurah City steamrolled Gosnells City 4-1 to claim fourth position. Dianella White Eagles took out their meeting with Canning City 3-2. Forrestfield United picked up their first home win of the campaign by out-shooting Rockingham City 3-2. After ten games Phoenix and Forrestfield are locked together at the foot of the table with four points apiece.

16.6.2006

STATE YOUNGSTERS PIT SKILLS WITH GLORY

Perth Glory makes their first appearance of the pre-season on Sunday evening by taking on a West Australian Select XI at Members Equity Stadium. The friendly is part of a full night's entertainment which concludes with Australia's World Cup clash against Brazil, which will be shown live on the big screen. The game will provide two dozen emerging talents from the State League a unique opportunity to impress Glory coaching staff in a competitive match setting.

The entertainment starts at 7.00pm with Glory's showdown against the Select XI, who'll be coached by Shaun Murphy and Scott Miller. At 9.30pm Australian rock legends Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) and Jon Stevens (Noiseworks) hit the stage. The action switches to the new Super Screen at midnight for the blockbuster World Cup showdown between Australia and Brazil. Tickets, which are very reasonably priced at $10.00, are available from Members Equity Stadium (telephone 9492 6000).

The Select XI squad consists of Jason Godfrey, Shane Nunes, Jason Dos Santos (Cockburn City), Okwy Diamondstar, Boima Karpeh, Josip Magdic (Floreat Athena), Dean Apelgren, Michael Baczynski, Anthony Danze, Louis Parkinson, Greg Sharland, Oliver Taseski (Inglewood United), Scott Bushby, Tom Jones (E.C.U. Joondalup), Christian Paschewitz (Mandurah City), Jeff Bright, Scott Bulloch, Matt Danskin, Trent Kay, Peter Lord (Perth S.C.), Brodie Martin (Sorrento), Phil Straker (Stirling Lions), Jon Higgins and John Thornley (Western Knights).

16.6.2006

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

Premier League leader Sorrento makes the short trip to E.C.U. Joondalup for the northern suburbs derby in Round Ten of the season. It's always an occasion to remember when these two teams meet and tomorrow will be no exception. With Mark Lee in the centre of the park partnering Scott Bushby, and Garin Collins and Ian McMillan up front, Joondalup will be no pushover. Undefeated in the league, Sorrento also possess to talented midfield in Glen Thomas, James Morgan and Brad Hassell who provide an endless supply of ammunition for proven goalscorers Todd Harnwell and Simon Harland.

Floreat Athena is up against Stirling Lions at Litis Stadium in a game the hosts' need to win in order to keep pace with Sorrento. The middle portion of the table is becoming a log jam with four points separating third and tenth position. Cockburn City has performed well on the road this season and they'll be confident of a good result away at Swan I.C. Perth S.C. takes on Wanneroo City at the Kingsway Sporting Complex, while Western Knights visit Alfred Skeet Oval where bottom of the table Armadale are the host. Petar Drca commences his time as Bayswater City coach with a home match against neighbouring Inglewood United.

Fremantle Spirit, who sit atop of the First Division table, head to Wotton Reserve where third-placed Morley Windmills provide the opposition in the match of the round. Ashfield will be out to keep the pressure on Fremantle by taking all three points from their home meeting with South West Phoenix. Mandurah City can consolidate their position when they host bottom side Gosnells City. There's a lot riding on the outcome of the mid-table clash between Dianella White Eagles and Canning City at Dianella Reserve. And likewise the game at Hartfield Park where Forrestfield United host Rockingham City. Out of action due to the bye are Balcatta.

16.6.2006

LEGENDS STRUT THEIR STUFF

The stars of yesterday line-up one more time this weekend when former players of Floreat Athena and Stirling Lions meet in a 'legends' game. "Some of us may be a bit slower but the skills are still all there," commented former Floreat player Taki Nicolaides, who's been involved in organising the game. "It'll be nice to get a few old faces together to have a kick about, and later reminisce about our former glories." The game kicks off at 6.15pm and follows tomorrow's Premier League fixture between Floreat and Stirling at Litis Stadium.

Donning colours of the home team are the likes of Ross Greer, Paul Wormley, Dave Evans, Paul Farmer, Mickey Brennan, inaugural A-League Player of the Season Bobby Despotovski and Gold Medal winners John Hunter and Norrie Sutton who'll be under the guidance of Alan Vest. Stirling will be coached by Ernie Hannigan and represented by Paul Middleton, Allan Pottier, Willie Kelly, Wayne Thorpe, John Alavakis, Frank Bate, Paul McVittie, Alex Christie and by Gold Medallists Andy Wright and Ronnie Campbell.

16.6.2006

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The way footballwa.net operates is about to change significantly. After six plus years of keeping the West Australian football community updated on local matters, Brett Klucznik will step aside from his role was website editor at the end of this month. His departure will place a greater emphasis on the clubs themselves to provide news stories and interviews for publication on these pages.

As of 1st July all news items should be submitted to Peter Simcox, via footballwa@hotmail.com, who'll co-ordinate updates in an interim capacity. To ensure the on-going viability and success of footballwa.net, we are on the look out for someone who is passionate about the local game to take on the compilation of our weekly updates. Interested persons are asked to contact Jacob Aufdemkampe via jacob@iinet.net.au

15.6.2006

KILKELLY ON THE MEND

The return of Shaun Kilkelly to Inglewood United's defence is a welcome sight for the club's legion of supporters. Kilkelly watched the opening months of the new season from the sidelines as a broken leg suffered late last year while on State duty mended. "I'm glad to be back, the leg is okay but I need to get a little bit fitter," commented the 21-year old this week. "I need a couple more games to get the sharpness back into my game. It's all about match practice, my distribution isn't the best at the moment but the more I play I'm sure it will come. Overall it's all going to plan at the moment and I'm happy with the recovery."

Inglewood have had their fair share of problems this season and coach Eddy Hodgkinson is delighted to have his captain back on deck. "Sean has steadied our back three since he returned to the side," said Hodgkinson. "He's excellent in the air and a tenacious player, he's near to match fitness and it's great to have him back." The no-nonsense defender made his first senior appearance of 2006 in his club's recent Cup clash with Floreat Athena, and last weekend played a significant role as Inglewood fended off a strong finishing Swan I.C. to earn a 2-2 draw.

Kilkelly got a taste for life in the national league during a short stay at Perth Glory in late 2002. Although he was with Glory only three months, Kilkelly enjoyed the experience and would welcome another opportunity to prove his value to the club. "I enjoyed the time at the Glory. It was great experience and I would love a chance to push for an A-League spot when I'm fit," said Kilkelly. "Glory are looking at local talent and it's great that the local boys are being given the opportunity to play, but you've got to get your foot in door and take it from there, and only time will tell for me."

15.6.2006

NEW DIRECTION TO SECURE PERTH GLORY'S SUCCESS

A path forward for Perth Glory has been outlined by Football Federation Australia. Matt Carrol, FFA's head of operations, this afternoon unveiled the plan which includes the creation of a steering committee to oversee the operation of the A-League club. A high calibre chief executive officer, commercial operations manager, football operations manager, media and communications manager and a new head coach for Glory will be sought immediately. The steering committee will comprise the new CEO and head coach, a representative from Football West and Carroll himself.

The FFA released Glory's initial owners prematurely from their five year A-League Participation Agreement. Expressions of interest were received from four parties indicating their desire to take ownership of the Perth license. Two of the four parties progressed to formal applications, however, late last month World Sport Group withdrew their application citing issues with other aspects of their business. Discussions with the other applicant, a Perth-based consortium, Centerfield Investment, continue. "While we had hoped to conclude the process of finding a new owner for Perth Glory by now, the FFA believes it is more important to install the right owner than to get it done quickly," said Carroll via a media statement. "Since the pre-season competition and the Hyundai A-League season are rapidly approaching, the FFA has taken the decision to continue managing Perth Glory until such time that a suitable owner is found."

"This decision means that the FFA will proceed quickly to appoint people in key management positions to allow Perth Glory adequate time to prepare the players and club for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season," continued Carroll. "The FFA will ensure Perth Glory remains a viable and competitive club with a strong affinity with the Perth football (soccer) community and the Western Australian community at large that will be of interest to potential investors in the future."

The announcement on the future direction of Perth Glory also has the full support of Football West. "Football West is pleased to see the FFA take a lead role in the management of the Glory until an appropriate long term owner is found," commented chief executive officer Michelle Phillips. "We also applaud the FFA decision for Football West to be a part of the steering committee, which will provide a much needed voice of the grass-roots membership in the management of Perth Glory."

15.6.2006

ARMADALE SNAP UP SCOTTISH YOUTH INTERNATIONAL

Steven Vinter, formerly of Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline, has signed on with Armadale for the remainder of the local season. The 19-year old spent four years in the academy system at Glasgow Rangers during which time he represented Scotland Under-15's on four occasions. A tall mobile player who is comfortable playing in midfield or across the back line, Vinter joined Dunfermline in January 2004 and last season captained their Under-19 team.

14.6.2006

DRCA TAKES UP REIGNS AT BAYSWATER

Bayswater City will be lead by Petar Drca for the first time when they host near neighbour Inglewood United this weekend. Drca took over the coaching reigns at Bayswater during the week following the resignation of Eric Bambaci. It's been a rocky rock for Bayswater with Drca their fourth coach in seven months following the departure of Bambaci and predecessors Frank Faraone and Salv Todaro. With the transfer deadline drawing near Drca has the difficult job of strengthening Bayswater's playing stocks in preparation for the battle with Armadale to avoid the drop. As the Premier League season nears its' halfway stage Bayswater and Armadale have been cut ten points adrift at the foot of the table.

14.6.2006

MICEVSKI EYES OLYMPIC BERTH

Perth Glory midfielder David Micevski is looking forward to his first full season of A-League football, and staking a claim to a spot in Australia's Olympic Games team. The former Perth S.C. midfielder, who signed a two-year deal with Glory in March, feels he did his national team aspirations no harm with some solid displays for Australia at a recent under-23 tournament in Vietnam. "I think my chances are pretty good so far, but I've just got to wait to see how it goes throughout the A-League season."

Wearing the green and gold of Australia in Vietnam is an experience Micevski will cherish for a long time. "It was definitely a buzz representing my country because I had never done that before," said Micevski of his outings against Iran, Vietnam and Uzbekistan. "It was good playing with international players from around Australia and learning from them, and also international coaches like Graham Arnold and Johan Neeskens, you can learn heaps from them."

Like many, Micevski feels the national competition is too short and is all for A-League players returning to the State Leagues during the winter. "I personally don't think Australian-based footballers are getting enough games," he said. "In Europe they get over forty games (a season) easily, which makes them more match fit and when you're playing more games it can only make you better." Micevski was prevented from turning out the local competition this year by a niggling groin injury.

14.6.2006

HIDDINK IN AWE OF SOCCEROOS GRIT

Guus Hiddink last night paid tribute to his twenty-three player World Cup squad in which he has true belief. Not even when one-nil down, with six minutes remaining and against the reigning Asian champion did the master coach flinch. He has limitless faith in a Socceroos side he believes can shovel itself out of the deepest trench, and to Hiddink its predicament against Japan was little more than a divot.

Hiddink didn't panic during his half-time address to a squad that appeared to be wilting in the 38 degree heat. Instead he delivered with icy calm an address which reinforced the collective will of his players. He wasn't squirming as the clock counted down on the Socceroos and the voices of Japan's fans echoed around the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

He simply let his three substitutes - Tim Cahill, John Aloisi and Josh Kennedy - weave their brand of magic. "This team never stops working, never gives up and never knows if it is beaten," the Dutchman said. "These guys deserve a big compliment for how (they) kept at it. We said to them at half-time not to panic and that with our planned substitutions we could get something from the match."

"We knew that at the end of the game, if the score was neutral, or if we were losing we would finish strongly," Hiddink added. ""It was not out of arrogance, we just knew we were capable of this. It was a part of our strategy. We knew they have problems late in games and that we could break them. It's good to see as a coach that our execution was near-perfect."

Hiddink then told his team to enjoy the moment and savour making history. "We are here now in Germany, so I tell them to enjoy it but keep working hard, which I know they will." Hiddink bristled when asked if Australia's three goals in eight minutes was a great escape. "This wasn't an escape. We weren't crucified. This was a tactical win. When you escape it's when you don't cope in a game but we did from the opening moment on," he added. "We had a plan, it wasn't about luck."

13.6.2006

SAY NO TO RACISM

Racial and religious vilification is a problem worldwide and, unfortunately, that includes within our own game. Abuse of others on religious and/or racial grounds is unacceptable, regardless of when or where such abuse occurs. We feel the time has come for the football family in Western Australia to address this issue and raise awareness that vilification at any level is simply not on.

Vilification is defined as any act done in public and that could incite others to hate, have serious contempt for, or severely ridicule a person or group of people. Racial vilification is that of a person, or group of people, because of their perceived race, ethnicity or national origins. Religious vilification is that based upon a person's, or groups, religious beliefs.

We strongly encourage all incidence of racial and/or religious vilified - be it against a player, official or supporter of your club - be reported to Football West. We trust that those in positions of power will act accordingly to stamp out such abhorrent behaviour. It should be noted that offensive behaviour based on racial hatred is unlawful under the Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act.

13.6.2006

CAHILL STOKED WITH WORLD CUP DREAM

There'll always be a special place in Australian history for Tim Cahill. The 26-year old became the first player to score for Australia in a World Cup finals match when he equalised six minutes from time in the opening group F match in Kaiserslautern. Not content with that, he blasted home a second goal five minutes later which was followed shortly by a superb strike from John Aloisi which sealed a memorable 3-1 victory over Japan.

Cahill, brought into the fray by coach Guus Hiddink as a 53rd minute substitute, said playing at and scoring in the World Cup is something every player dreams of. "This is what we'll all look back to, not only the lads here but our families and everyone who has helped us," he said. "Just being part of this World Cup is unbelievable, but to get the goal is the icing on the cake. When you're a kid you dream of moments like this."

For the record, this is how Cahill described his game changing and history making first goal. "Basically it was just a long throw from Lucas Neill from the left," he said. "It got a flick on (from Josh Kennedy) and it came through to Harry (Kewell), he's gone in on a challenge, the ball's popped out and I've just swiped at it. I think it went through John Aloisi's legs, and one of the defenders' legs and rippled into the net. It was a bit fortunate."

And his second? "I just hit it (from near the edge of the area) off a pass from John Aloisi and knew the moment I hit it was going in. It's the first goal I've scored for Australia outside the 18-yard box or not with my head," said Cahill. "This day rates as one of the best in my life, but just being part of the World Cup and just being an Australian is fantastic. To actually score and to be the first Australian to score is amazing."

12.6.2006

SOCCEROOS STUN JAPAN

Australia staged a dramatic late fight-back to score their first ever World Cup victory by defeating Japan 3-1 at Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern. Australia, making their first World Cup appearance in thirty-two years, had trailed after a controversial goal half way through the first-half by Shunsuke Nakamura. Substitute Tim Cahill turned the game on its head by scoring twice in five minutes, sweeping home from close-range in the 84th minute and five minutes drilling the ball into the net from 16-metres via an upright. John Aloisi, who also came off the bench, put the icing on the cake with a fine individual goal in stoppage time.

Under a blazing sun, Socceroos captain Mark Viduka was twice denied by Japanese custodian Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi in the 6th minute. Japan threatened for the first time eight minutes later through Takashi Fukunishi whose effort from distance was well over the crossbar. The Socceroos proceeded to launch a barrage of crosses into the area which put the pressure on Japan's defence. Australia's best chance came the way of midfielder Marco Bresciano who stretched Kawaguchi from 15-metres following a clever back-heel by Viduka.

Controversy erupted in the 26 minute when, against the run of play, Japan went ahead. From wide on the left, Nakamura chipped a cross into the area where Australian 'keeper Mark Schwarzer was clattered in to by Atushi Yanagisawa and Naohiro Takahara, and the ball bounced into an unguarded net. Harry Kewell replied almost instantly with a vicious strike that kissed the top of the crossbar after he powered into attack. As the half wore on chances became harder to come by for the Socceroos and just before the break Bresciano bent a low free-kick past the defensive wall and into the side-netting.

Although under pressure, Japan's rearguard continued to hold firm as Australia sought to equalise in the second half. Kawaguchi kept his side ahead in the 69th minute with a terrific save to push away a powerful Viduka free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box. With Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata finding plenty of space out wide, Japan looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack. And in the 76th minute they squandered a golden opportunity to wrap up the game when Atushi Yanagisawa shot tamely at Schwarzer following a centring pass by Takahara.

With six minutes to go Aloisi forced another fine save out of Kawaguchi with a scorching long-range free-kick. The resulting corner was misjudged by the 'keeper and in the ensuing scramble Cahill rammed the equaliser through a crowded area. Five minutes later Cahill seized possession and, with the defence slow to react, the attacker unleashed a fierce shot from 18-metres which crashed into the inside of the post and over the line. Aloisi assured an Australian victory in the second minute of stoppage time by driving through the heart of Japan's defence and, with his favoured left foot, firing in the sides' third.

12.6.2006

GOVERNMENT BACKS WORLD CUP BID

West Australia has joined a call for Australia to host the 2014 World Cup finals. Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke said today he hoped the Commonwealth and states would work together to put in a bid for Australia to host the games in 2014 or 2018. "We have a fantastic record of hosting these international sporting events," said Kobelke. "We believe Perth, with its new stadium, would also be well placed to host some of those games particularly the first round of a World Cup, whether it is 2014 or 2018." A task force is currently investigating options for a new sports stadium in Perth and Kobelke believes an Australian World Cup bid would fit with the state's need to have a 50,000 plus seat stadium.

11.6.2006

WARD SWITCHES FOCUS TO GLORY

After a handful of Premier League appearances for Stirling Lions, midfielder Nick Ward has turned his attention to the coming A-League campaign. Winner of the A-League's Rising Star award last season, 21-year old Ward is well aware he'll be closely watched during the summer of 2006/07. "It's always harder the second year," he commented. "When you have a good year first up people will know who you are, they're going to mark you up a bit tighter."

Ward is concerned by the shortness of the national league season and jumped at the opportunity to play in the local competition for Stirling during the off-season. "I enjoyed it, I hadn't played for a little while so it was good to get back and play the game," Ward said. "Twenty-one (A-League) games are not enough. For me as a young player wanting to make the next step and get my career to a higher level, I think that holds me back."

That lack of games may have contributed to Ward not being selected in the Socceroos training squad for the recent friendly with Greece. "I was pretty gutted, it knocked me for six a bit because I thought I had done enough this year," he said. Assistant national team coach Graham Arnold delivered the news of Ward's omission for fitness reasons. "I feel I'm still at a very good fitness level but it's not my decision so you just have to live with it."

11.6.2006

WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND EIGHT

Two spectacular long-range goals strikes allowed Queens Park to comfortably defeat Subiaco United 2-0 at Coker Park. The home side controlled the opening stages and took a deserved lead on 19 minutes through Tina Rowatt's remarkable shot from 25-metres. Rowatt showed fantastic skill to control the shot while running at full pace, placing the ball too well for Subiaco goalkeeper Jess Laidler.

A minute before half-time Amy Thorpe matched Rowatt's effort with an outstanding long distance strike to double Queens Park's advantage. The hosts almost added a third early in the second half but Rowatt's low shot crashed into the upright. The closest Subiaco came to turning second half possession into goal was in the closing minutes when the ball sat nicely inside the box for Shani Lynch who fired just wide.

In other women's Premier League games, East Fremantle claimed maximum points at the expense of Balcatta by 3-1. At Bortolo Park, Mandurah City swept aside Northern Redbacks 3-0. Emily Bateman, Melanie Paschkewitz and Melissa Spillman found the back of the net to register Mandurah's first win of the season.

10.6.2006

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND NINE (Sorrento vs Floreat courtesy Floreat Athena; Western Knights vs Bayswater City courtesy Western Knights; Stirling Lions vs Armadale courtesy Stirling Lions)

A ten-man Floreat Athena held on to earn a 1-1 draw from an at times spiteful encounter with Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. In a top of the table clash which lived up to expectations, Floreat were the first to threaten as Adam Bachiller picked out Boima Karpeh whose unmarked header was straight into the arms of goalkeeper Neil Young. For much of the half Sorrento were forced into performing defensive duties as the visiting side pressed into attack with growing purpose. Floreat's finally broke through nine minutes before the half-time when Bajo Savic sent a precise cross to the top of the 6-yard box where Branimir Mikulic glided his header past Young and into the far corner. It would have been two-nil a few minutes later if not for a miraculous save on the line by Young who somehow steered Mikulic's shot from point-blank range over the crossbar. Sorrento drew level in the 52nd minute when an awkwardly bouncing ball struck the arm of Julian Madaschi and the referee had no option but to point from where Jared Love sent Vas Vujacic the wrong way. Floreat were reduced to ten men with just under half an hour to play as Savic received his marching orders for spitting at an opponent. However, there was a distinct lack of consistency on the referee's behalf as a number of racial taunts from Sorrento's ranks were allowed to go unpunished. Although playing with one less player, Floreat always looked the more likely to score by playing on the counterattack but their best moves were broken down by a resolute defence. That's n