31.10.2007

YOUR UNWANTED GEAR CAN HELP IN THE PHILIPPINES

If you have any unwanted football equipment then Dave Whiteside wants to hear from you. For the past couple of years Whiteside has done his bit to aid the development of the game in the Philippines by providing boots, shinguards, coaching cones and the like to teams in the City of Cebu. "I'm looking for equipment that is still in good condition but no longer used," Whiteside said. "In the Philippines football is seen as a way of improving kids' social wellbeing but most of the parents are not in a position to buy proper gear, and the clubs have very limited resources as they are all run by volunteers. The more equipment I can supply the more teams they can put on the park, from under-6's up through to adults." For further information on how you can donate equipment for use in the Phillipines contact Dave on 9343 5171 (home) or 9381 3444 (work).

31.10.2007

COLOSIMO STANDS BY HIS WORDS

Captain Simon Colosimo stands by his honest assessment of Perth Glory’s efforts against Queensland Roar. Interviewed shortly after the final whistle on Sunday, Colosimo rated Glory as “crap” after surrendering a two-goal lead then coming from behind to salvage a 3-3 draw. “I am proud of the boys, they did a great job to get back into the game, but the frustrating thing is that we put ourselves in a position where we had to get ourselves back into the game,” he said.

Anything less than three points this weekend against Wellington Phoenix will effectively end the teams’ finals dream. “We all want to play finals football bottom line, the boys are determined to play finals football, and I think we have just lost sight of that,” said Colosimo. It becomes a culture, you win games and you continue winning, you start getting draws and getting back into games and you start to think ‘okay, we have got ourselves back in’. We have put ourselves under a lot more pressure now by having to definitely need three points this weekend.”

Without a win in seventeen games, Glory are stumping up the A-League table and need no reminding that their last encounter with Phoenix ended in a 4-1 drubbing. “The season has not gone, finals football is still a priority (and) we have got to claw our way back, game by game,” said Colosimo. “We are playing some nice stuff, but if we can stop maybe playing the too nice stuff and not concede silly goals I think we will be back on the right track.”

30.10.2007

MCEWAN TO COACH ROOS IN 2008

Wanneroo City have confirmed the coaching appointment of Gerry McEwan for 2008. McEwan, assistant coach at E.C.U. Joondalup last season, will be assisted next year by another former Wanneroo player in Nick Edwards. “Gerry and Nick bring to the club with a wealth of experience and will be actively recruiting over the summer months for what we all hope will be a much improved squad for the new season,” said club president Steve Hallum. “Further to this, the club thanks Mike Brazil, who resigned at the close of the season, all the best for the future after what proved to be an extremely difficult year at Wanneroo.”

30.10.2007

DRAGICEVIC ON THE MOVE

Croatian striker Mate Dragicevic could be on his way out of Perth Glory as early as this week after a disappointing six game spell with the club. Dragicevic, who coach Ron Smith signed this season in the hope of solving the club’s scoring problems, failed to find the back of the net in 400 minutes of A-League football and has not featured in Glory’s last four games. Co-owner Tony Sage confirmed that negotiations are taking place between the club and Dragicevic’s management on his future.

29.10.2007

MORI PINGED FOR GLORY TOP JOB

One-time Australian international Damian Mori is being linked to take over the reigns at Perth Glory. It's understood Mori, fresh from leading Adelaide City to a hat-trick of South Australian State League championships, is being targeted to replace besieged boss Ron Smith. The veteran striker is believed to be in the box seat to lead Glory from its darkest days since being formed in 1996.

Mori is no stranger to Perth having played 129 games and scored 84 goals over five seasons with Glory. His strike partnership with Bobby Despotovski is considered to be one of the most lethal the national league has ever seen and returned two championships and two premierships to the club. Mori topped the national league goalscoring tables on five occasions and is a two time winner of the Johnny Warren Medal.

29.10.2007

WORLD CUP DREAM ALIVE FOR WA JOEYS

The State’s brightest young stars have taken the first steps towards a World Cup spot by helping Australia qualify for next year’s Asian Football Confederation Under-16 Championship. Eli Babalj, Million Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury were part of the Joeys squad which qualified for the AFC tournament, much to the delight of national youth coach Martyn Crook. “It’s great to have qualified - it’s a whole different ball game in Asia and there are no easy games,” said Crook.

Australia defeated Malaysia 2-0 and were held to a scoreless draw by DPR (North) Korea in the recent qualifying tournament in Singapore. Crook was happy with the contributions of the West Australian quartet throughout the campaign. “It’s an individual thing for the boys but they all played their roles within the squad,” commented Crook. “Some of them got game time and others not, but everyone worked hard and played their part on the tour.”

Crook was particularly impressed with the efforts of Babalj and Sainsbury while aborad. “Eli scored in the opening game and looked dangerous, we isolated him a bit in the Korea game but he still did his job,” commented Crook. “Trent is a really good player and adapted well to playing in the centre of defence. He didn’t have the best game against Malaysia, but bounced back to have a great game against Korea by dominating in the air and on the ground against a tough opponent.”

Crook could not be happier that West Australia have finally stepped into line with the rest of the nation by introducing a National Training Centre program. “It’s about time it happened, we’ve had a NTC squad for fourteen years in South Australia and the rest of the country has too,” he said. “WA have a great number of talented kids and always have so it’s great to see four boys selected in this squad. Now it’s in-line with the national programme there will be a few more knocking on the door for selection in the future.”

28.10.2007

LAZARIDIS RELIEVED AFTER FLAWED DRUGS RULE CHANGED

Stan Lazaridis is relieved for the next innocent who beats a drugs charge, having learnt they'll escape with a warning for testing positive to Finasteride. The World Anti-Doping Agency's revised laws will see Finasteride, a masking agent, downgraded from prohibited to a specified substance from the beginning of next year, which will result in a warning for anyone who tests positive. Lazaridis was slapped with a twelve-month ban for taking the prescribed medicine to treat a chronic skin condition and is eligible to resume his career later this month.

The Australian players' association explored legal avenues to see whether immediate advantages could be taken of the law change, but Lazaridis opted not to pursue that option. "I'm not upset, in some ways I'm kind of happy because it will save someone else," Lazaridis said. "It took something like this for the authorities to say, 'Hang on, we got an innocent guy here, we can't pin these people, and when Marion Jones and these types are clearly cheating and getting away with it'. It just further highlights there was a slight flaw and they've changed it."

27.10.2007

GLORY SALVAGE POINT IN QUEENSLAND

A stoppage time by Jamie Coyne snatched Perth Glory a share of the points from Queensland Roar, and saved the job of coach Ron Smith for at least another week. The defender’s first goal of the season earned Glory a deserved 3-3 draw after the visitors squandered a two-goal first-half lead to trail with just minutes remaining. It was a fitting end to an exhilarating game in which Glory dominated most of the first half and showed great spirit in the second. Smith said the prospect of a possible sacking was not weighing on his mind. “That’s out of my control, so I don’t worry too much about that,” he said after the match. “Draws are no good to us, we have got to chase every game now and try and win matches.”

Much of the early running came from the visitors as Liam Reddy thwarted James Robinson and Jamie Harnwell, while the former also had a shot cleared off the line by Craig Moore. Glory grabbed a deserved lead after 18 minutes when Anthony Danze played down the right for Billy Celeski whose low delivery across the top of the 6-yard box was turned past Reddy by team mate Moore. The hosts first shot on goal saw Danny Tiatto fire over the crossbar from distance, then in the space of a few minutes Reinaldo headed high at dead ball situations. The margin was doubled on 42 minutes when Nikolai Topor-Stanley sent in an inch-perfect cross to an unmarked Harnwell who powerfully headed into the net. Roar were back in the game moments out from the break as Robbie Kruse laid the ball off for Marcinho to rifle beyond the reach of Tando Velaphi from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Marcinho curled a free-kick just past the post, and Velaphi kept out shots from Mitch Nichols and Michael Zullo as Roar began the new half positively. The sides were back on level terms after 68 minutes when Simon Lynch converted from the spot following James Downey’s foul on Josh McCloughan. The sides traded attacks in search of a go-ahead goal which saw Reddy save from Simon Colosimo, and Lynch headed just wide for the hosts. Roar hit the front on 86 minutes when Nichols cut past Topor-Stanley to deliver a cross to an unmarked Lynch who across Velaphi and inside the far post. However, the game was far from over and three minutes into stoppage time Jamie Coyne drove forward before unleashing a fierce shot that flew past Reddy from 14-metres. There was still time for one more drama as Celeski sent the ball past Reddy only to have a desperate Josh McCloughan clear the danger.

26.10.2007

WINGELL AIMS TO WIN SILVERWARE WITH FREMANTLE

Dale Wingell capped a stunning season by winning the Gold Medal as the Premier League’s best player on Friday night, and immediately set his sights on helping Fremantle Spirit get their hands on a trophy next season. The former Perth Glory player edged out team mate Jason ‘Chilli’ Barrera by just three votes to claim the local games’ highest individual honour. “As a player you dream of one day winning an award like this,” said the 32-year old. “It’s good to win the Gold Medal at this stage of my career and I couldn’t have asked for anymore from the season.”

Wingell formed a lethal midfield partnership with Barrera as a youthful Fremantle side made their mark on their return to top flight football. Part of Glory’s inaugural national league squad, Wingell curbed his own attacking instincts this year to play the anchoring role as Barrera provided the side its’ cutting edge going forward. “It’s great to have me and Jason, two centre midfielders, in the top two positions from the same club,” said Wingell. “Chilli is a great talent and I hope to see him up on stage at a later date to win the Gold Medal.”

In the past couple of years Fremantle have gone from strength to strength under Marc Wingell who has assembled a quality squad capable of challenging for top honours in years to come. “Marc’s developed a good young side,” said Wingell, younger brother of Marc. “We’ve got myself and Alex Christie in there for the experience, but the rest of the players are under twenty-one and most of them were in their first year (playing in the first team). There’s a lot of talent in the Fremantle ranks and next year we need to get in the top five and, hopefully, we can win some silverware in the not too distant future.”

26.10.2007

COACHES RESIGN EN MASSE AT ARMADALE

Armadale have been rocked by the sudden departure of coaches Billy Russell and Tom Kilkelly. The experienced pair tendered their resignation this week in response to ‘outside interference’ which came to a head after Reserve team coach Byron Wood was asked to leave. Russell handpicked Wood for the position felt and, clearly irate with the club’s decision, felt this only option was to resign. Neither Russell, Kilkelly nor club president Bill Easton were available for comment. It is understood Armadale has already begun the search for a new coaching team to lead them into 2008.

25.10.2007

HARNWELL CONFIDENT OF BREAKING GLORY DUCK

Jamie Harnwell is encouraged by Perth Glory's recent on-field form and is targeting Saturday's away game at Queensland Roar as a great opportunity to kick-start their season. "We've been unlucky in a lot of games this season and at some stage the flood gates are going to open," said Harnwell, who's in line for his 50th A-League appearance this weekend. "Sometimes it just happens that you score three or four and can win some games quite comfortably, hopefully that happens this weekend."

A veteran of 195 game in purple and orange, Harnwell has made his presence felt up front this season with three goals to be Glory's highest goalscorer after nine games. "I'm just going out to do my best and hopefully score some goals. I've managed to get a couple at the moment and if I get a chance to play then I try and make sure I'm there the next week by putting in a good performance," Harnwell commented.

Harnwell dispelled rumours of unrest in the Glory camp by confirming the players are behind coach Ron Smith. "If that wasn't the case then you wouldn't have got a performance like the second half against Melbourne where we outplayed them comprehensively," he said. "Ron wants to win just as much as we do and he is putting every effort into winning each game, it's just not happening for us at the moment. We need to start letting the performances and hopefully the results speak for themselves."

25.10.2007

SHAMROCK TO REMAIN IN AMATEURS

Amateur champions Shamrock Rovers have declined the opportunity to join the State League next season. Shamrock was eligible to move into Saturday football after defeating Fremantle United 4-3 in last month’s Amateur Championship Final at Dorrien Gardens. The club recently notified Football West of their decision to remain in the Amateur Premier League for 2008. As a consequence of this, Rockingham City will retain their place in next seasons’ State League First Division.

25.10.2007

DRAGICEVIC ON THE OUTER

The days of Croatian import Mate Dragicevic at Perth Glory appear to be numbered after coach Ron Smith refused to rule out off-loading the striker in the near future. The misfiring forward was omitted from the starting line-up a fortnight ago after failing to score in six appearances and is unlikely to be restored to the squad for Saturday's clash with Queensland Roar. "That's just how things pan out. You sign players and if they don't produce the goods, you can't keep playing them," Smith said. While Glory's owners will not interfere with match selections, they are known to be disappointed with the contributions of Dragicevic, one of the club's highest paid players.

24.10.2007

GOLD MEDAL IS ICING ON THE CAKE FOR WINGELL

The State League season came to a climax on Friday night with the 46th annual Gold Medal Awards ceremony at the Burswood Intercontinental Resort and Casino. In excess of 650 members of the football family attended the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of 2007, and honour past and present players, officials and administrators as part of the ‘Football through the ages’ theme.

The evening’s centrepiece award, the Gold Medal, was taken out by Fremantle Spirit veteran Dale Wingell. “It’s good to get awards like this at this stage of my career and I couldn’t have asked for anymore from the season, although a bit of silverware in the trophy cabinet would have been nice,” said the 32-year old midfielder. “It’s the icing on the cake for me, but I won’t be retiring from the game anytime soon, I believe I’ve got three to five years in my legs and winning this award really inspires you to keep going.”

Michael Roki was the obvious choice for the Coach of the Year after taking Floreat Athena to first title in a decade. What made Floreat’s season all the more spectacular was that they finished the 22-game home and away series without defeat. The First Division Coach of the Year went to Mandurah City boss Stuart Currie. Mandurah sat atop the table for all 22-games of Currie’s first season at the helm.

The Goalkeeper of the Year was taken out by Stirling Lions shot-stopper Phil Straker. “I’m stoked with the award, words can’t describe it,” said Stirling’s Cup Final penalty shoot-out hero. “I was quite surprised as there have been a number of outstanding ‘keepers this season, but to see my name on the screen was amazing, it caps of a good season for me.”

Ton Klaver went home with the referee’s top honour, the Golden Whistle Award. Klaver turned his hand to officiating late in life and, at the age of 50, has earned the respect of peers and players alike over the past ten years. “In anything in life you try to do your best, and at the end of the day when you’re awarded by your peers it’s a great feeling which I’m really grateful for,” said a clearly delighted Klaver.

The First Division Player of the Year ended in a tie between Ashfield midfielder Igor Novakovic and Steve Suttie of South West Phoenix. “It’s been another good season for Ashfield, we finished second in the League for the second year running and we won the Night Series, so it’s great to cap it off by being nominated the League’s Player of the Year,” said Novakovic, who was still coming to terms with his win.

Suttie said winning the First Division Player of the Year was a testament to the talent coming out of the state’s South West. “I’m delighted to win this award as any individual award is something special,” he said. “But the club blooded a number of youngsters last season and we benefited from that this campaign by finishing third in the League which we hope to continue next season.”

Football West, in conjunction with the Football Hall of Fame, tipped their hat to some of the local games all-time greats as part of the festivities. Those honoured were four time Gold Medalist Theo Papp, seven time leading goalscorer Len Dundo, inaugural captain of Perth Glory Gareth Naven, Australian internationals Gary Marocchi, John Davidson, Sandra Brentall and Bobby Despotovski. Referees Eddie Lennie and Bob Watson, and administrators Julius Re and Barbara Gibson were also saluted.

23.10.2007

SAGE KEEPS FAITH IN EMBATTLED COACH

Perth Glory co-owner Tony Sage has confirmed the club’s directors will continue to support coach Ron Smith beyond a planned mid-season review. Sage feels Glory have shown enough improvement in the past few weeks, despite being winless in sixteen starts, to suggest the coach was already starting to turn things around. “We’ll stick by Ron until it’s mathematically impossible (to make the finals),” Sage said. “Then we’ll see what type of football we are playing. If it’s entertaining and the crowd’s happy, then we’ll stay with it.”

Across the country, though, it was a different matter as Sydney F.C. officials axed Branko Culina nine games into the season. Glory assistant coach David Mitchell is believed to have been in consideration for the position, although reports in Sydney suggest former Adelaide United boss John Kosmina is the frontrunner. Culina is the third Sydney coach to depart in just over two seasons following the departures of Germany World Cup winner Pierre Littbarski and former England defender Terry Butcher.

23.10.2007

JOEYS QUALIFY FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Australia have secured a spot at next year’s AFC Under-16 Championship after manoeuvring their way past Malaysia and DPR (North) Korea late last week. The next generation of Joeys defeated Malaysia and drew with DPR Korea in an abbreviated qualifying tournament following the late withdrawal of East Timor. The venue for the 2008 AFC Under-16 Championship is yet to be determined with the top-ranked teams to go on and represent Asia at the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Flying the flag for Western Australia in Singapore were Eli Babalj, Million Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury.

The Joeys opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Malaysia on Wednesday. First half goals from Marc Warren and Babalj secured victory in the first competitive international outing for the current generation of Joeys. Warren, captaining the side in he absence of injured skipper Brendan Hamill, got the ball rolling with a speculative shot from the left which deceived the goalkeeper after 14 minutes. Babalj doubled the margin on the half-hour when he swooped on a loose ball after the ‘keeper spilt a shot on goal. Sainsbury and Babalj played the full game, with Butshiire and Edwards unused substitutes.

Australia’s place at the AFC Under-16 Championship was secured with a scoreless draw against DPR Korea on Friday. The Joeys best opportunity came seven minutes after the interval when Kamal Ibrahim was hauled back in the penalty area, however, Ben Kantarovski sent the spot kick wide of the post. The miss was almost punished by the Koreans who had the ball in the back of the net in the 74th minute but had the effort disallowed for offside after the initial shot had hit the post. Babalj played the opening 71 minutes, Sainsbury was replaced in stoppage time, Butshiire came off the bench after 73 minutes and Edwards was an unused substitute. DPR Korea booked the second group berth by Malaysia in the final group match on Sunday.

The Australian squad for the AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers was Chris Bush (Australin Capital Territory), Nick Fitzgerald, Brendan Hamill, Ben Kantarovski, George Klappas, Robert Kolak, Jared Lum, Mitchell Mallia, Nikola Stanojevic, Marc Warren (New South Wales), Nick Tubbs (Queensland), Petar Franjic, Kamal Ibrahim, Tedros Yabio (Victoria), Joel Miller, Chahine Noujaim (South Australia), Eli Babalj, Million Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury (Western Australia).

22.10.2007

WINGELL WRITES HIS OWN HISTORY

Dale Wingell wrote himself into West Australian football history on Friday evening by becoming the first Fremantle Spirit player to win the Gold Medal. The experienced midfielder edged out team mate Jason Barerra to be named the Premier League’s best and fairest player for 2007. It was a full house at Grand Ballroom of the Burswood Intercontinental Resort Casino where in excess of 650 people celebrated the achievements of the recently completely State League season.

Over half a dozen players were within touching distance of the Gold Medal with two rounds of voting to count. Topping the leader board on 18 votes was Wingell, but in hot pursuit were Andrija Jukic (Western Knights), Marc Anthony (E.C.U. Joondalup) and Darryl Platten (Armadale). Perth S.C. playmaker Robbie Puca was third with 16 votes, followed closely by Barerra and Jon Higgins (Joondalup). With 14 votes were Johnny Mirco (Cockburn City), Craig Cheeseman (Wanneroo City) and Floreat Athena pair Josip Magdic and Boima Kareph.

The stage was set for a tense finale. Wingell upped his tally to 20 votes courtesy of a classy Round 21 display against of Stirling, however, Barerra’s best on ground performance in that same match put him just two behind. Magdic and Ante Kovacevic both polled in Floreat’s home defeat of the Knights to move to 15 votes. Wingell secured the Gold Medal by collecting one more vote in Fremantle’s final day win against Perth, while a Magdic hat-trick against Armadale jumped him to the top three.

In winning the 2007 Gold Medal polled Wingell 21 votes to finish just three ahead of his Fremantle midfield partner Barerra. Jukic, Magdic, Anthony and Platten shared third place with 17 votes, which was one more than Puca. In joint fifth were defenders Kovacevic and Higgins with 15 votes. One more off the pace were Johnny Mirco, Cheeseman and Karpeh, followed on 13 votes by Kevin Henderson (Stirling Lions) and Shane Pryce (Inglewood United). Download all the Premier League Gold Medal votes (pdf, 26kb).

Phil Straker was the recipient of the Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Stirling custodian figured prominently throughout the season and played a vital role in their Cup Final victory against Cockburn. A remarkable 25 goals from just 20 outings for Floreat earned Liberian-born Boima Karpeh the Golden Boot. The 23-year olds season tally included hat-trick’s against Wanneroo (twice), the Knights and Stirling.

Guiding Floreat Athena to the championship without defeat earned Michael Roki the Premier League Coach of the Year. The inaugural State League Goal of the Season went to John Migas (Floreat) for his Round 18 strike against E.C.U. Joondalup. Experienced referee Ton Klaver was the deserved recipient of the Golden Whistle Award. No one way more surprised than Canning City president Malcolm Watson when his name was announced for the David Schrandt Memorial Award, which recognises club volunteers.

The Youth Best and Fairest trophy was collected by Knights playmaker Matt Allen, who ended on 26 votes. The highlight of Allen’s sparkling year was a mid-season purple patch in which he polled three best on grounds in four weeks. Perth captain Simon Wilson ended the year strongly to finish runner-up with 22 votes. Michael Black (Perth) was third on 20 votes, one more than Knights sharp-shooter Anthony Fearon (Knights) and Patrick Le (Stirling). The Youth Golden Boot award went home with Fearon whose winter tally stood at 21 goals. Download all the Premier League Youth Best and Fairest votes (pdf, 24kb).

The First Division Fairest and Best award was shared between South West Phoenix striker Steve Suttie and Igor Novakovic of Ashfield who each polled 23 votes. Second place was also split with Andy Brown (Mandurah City) and Andy O’Neill (Ashfield) who collected 21 votes apiece to finish two ahead of Phoenix veteran Gary Mayers. Jon Greenwood (Dianella White Eagles) was fourth with 18 votes, one more than Adrian Sutton (Bayswater City) 17. Download all the First Division Player of the Year votes (pdf, 24kb).

A 31-goal winter earned Greenwood the First Division Golden Boot. Amongst the 25-year olds season highlights were a five-goal haul against Queens Park, four verses both Rockingham City and Morley Windmills, and a mid-season hat-trick at Balcatta. Stuart Currie was named the inaugural First Division Coach of the Year after steering Mandurah City into the top flight for the first time in their history.

Rockingham City’s David Clarke will also look back on 2007 with great fondness after taking home the First Division Youth Fairest and Best trophy. Clarke’s tally to 22 votes had him five clear of Andrew Harold (Forrestfield United) and Samuel Ainscough (Canning). In third place with 16 votes was Jacob Whiteaker (Phoenix) who was one ahead of Bayswater’s Trent Jones. The First Division Youth Golden Boot was split between Forrestfield team mates Andrew Harold and Jamie Burns who each netted 23 times during the winter months. Download all the First Division Youth Best and Fairest votes (pdf, 24kb).

22.10.2007

SMITH CONSIDERS CHANGES

Ron Smith admits he may have to reconsider his team's game plan as Perth Glory continue to search for their first win of the 2007/08 A-League season. Glory were gallant in defeat against Melbourne Victory on Sunday but the coach admits frustration is growing after five draws and four losses to start the season. "It's not good. We've been talking about playing ugly, and forgetting about playing football, and that might be the way now," he said. "But you've still got to be putting balls into areas and getting people to challenge for it and so on."

Smith said he was confident he had the on-field talent to get a result away at Queensland Roar this weekend. "I'll have to have a think about it this week and look at the team selection. We've got a short turnaround, we've got some players who we didn't use this weekend who will be chomping at the bit for a game. That might be something to consider that I've got a few freshies," he said. "To be honest, whichever team I've put out on the park, we've had a decent performance from, so I'm not afraid to use some of the lads who were on international duty, who missed out this week."

Glory's winless spell in the Hyundai A-League now extends to sixteen matches in total, including the final seven matches of last year. Their last league win was against New Zealand Knights last November. However, that record is somewhat deceiving with Glory securing eight losses and eight draws in that time. Smith said it would only take two good weeks to get Perth back in touch with the rest of the competition. "In a way, you can't focus on the points, you have to focus on what can we do to get some," Smith said. "We need to win to have a chance of keeping in touch, we need to get a win or two under our belt."

21.10.2007

FINALS HOPES ALL BUT OVER FOR GLORY

Melbourne Victory bounced back from a week of controversy to reassert their title claims and defeat a gallant Perth Glory 2-1 in front of 25,598 spectators at Telstra Dome. The loss leaves Glory nine points adrift of the top four and with their play-off aspirations seemingly all but lost. It was a game of two contrasting halves with Victory opening up a two-goal buffer courtesy of a blistering start in which Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez and Socceroo striker Archie Thompson found the net. Jamie Harnwell gave Glory hope of a comeback minutes from half-time, but Victory closed the game down in the second period to move back into top four contention after nine games.

The mercury was touching 33 degrees when Thompson set the tone by testing Tando Velaphi after only a couple of minutes. The home crowd was up as one in the 11th minute when Thompson went down under the challenge of Jamie Coyne, however, referee Simon Przydacz dismissed what was a legitimate penalty claim. Velaphi denied Thompson and Danny Allsopp in quick succession before Victory broke through on 26 minutes as Hernandez angled a fierce shot past the Glory custodian. And nine minutes later Thompson tucked in goal number two from close-range after Matthew Kemp’s corner was headed back across goal by Roddy Vargas. Glory re-grouped and Naum Sekulovski's header forced a good save from Michael Theoklitos. The visitors were rewarded two minutes from the break when Nikolai Topor-Stanley's cross from the left was nodded in by Harnwell.

Some tactical and positional changes during the break resulted in a more composed Glory side emerge for the second half. But while they increased their share of possession, Glory found it difficult to open up the Victory defence. Mitchell Prentice’s free-kicks kept the home side on high alert and Theoklitos picked the ball off the head of an opponent on more than one occasion. Naum Sekulovski fired high and wide on 57 minutes, and substitute Nick Rizzo should have done better than fire straight at the ‘keeper after being played through by Harnwell. The game was almost killed off on 71 minutes when, in a rare counterattack, Kemp lifted his shot over the crossbar. Glory continued to fight but Prentice rifled wide, substitute Nikita Rukavytsya hit the ball too close to Theoklitos, and Harnwell headed past the post.

20.10.2007

GREEN AND GOLD BUTSHIIRE

Million Butshiire has put behind him civil war and conflict to mark himself as a future Socceroo. Born in the Congo, Butshiire is one of three African refugees currently in Singapore with the Australian Under-17 squad under the guidance of coach Martyn Crook. Butshiire, along with Ethiopian-born Kamal Ibrahim and Tedros Yabio, are delighted to be playing football for their adopted home and dreams of one day turning out for the senior national team.

Butshiire has come on in leaps and bounds since taking up the world game little over twelve months go. "Last year was my first season (playing organised football). It's interesting because usually I only play for fun. Everybody was so serious, they all wanted to win the league, it was a good challenge," he added. "It's all happened pretty fast, but it's good … I'm pretty proud of myself. Hopefully I'll get a professional contract, see how things go."

It's only been three years since Butshiire escaped the chaos of the Congo and began the long journey in search of a new life. "When I left my country we hardly took anything, I only brought my school reports, so I don't have a birth certificate," he explained. "I left Congo and went to Uganda for about eleven months, then went to South Africa on the way here. I've settled pretty well in Perth."

Crook says the emergence of players such as Butshiire heralds a previously untapped stream of players for Australia. "They're very motivated kids. They've earned what they've got and I'm very confident that in the future there'll be a lot more of them," said the coach. "We're starting to get more and more refugee kids coming through … we've got some programs in place to help these kids integrate into clubs and we're starting to see the fruits of that come through."

20.10.2007

HEAT ON WINLESS COACH

Perth Glory must beat Melbourne Victory on Sunday to take the heat off embattled coach Ron Smith. Fans have blamed the coach for a disastrous start to the season which has Glory propping up the A-League table without a win after eight rounds. Smith has the backing of the club's new owners, but knows he is an easy target. "Speculation is always going to happen," Smith said. "I can't do anything about that. I don't lose sleep over it. I spend too much time trying to get things right on the park with the players."

Perth has been strengthened for the match at Telstra Dome by the return of Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Billy Celeski, Jordan Simpson and Tando Velaphi from Olyrtoos duty and New Zealand international Leo Bertos. "We've got a good atmosphere in the camp and it is a positive outlook among the players because the performances have been good, even though we didn't get the results," Smith added. "We've not been on the back foot or battered by people. We've been in every game and had opportunities - we've just struggled to put the ball in the back of the net."

19.10.2007

YEARS’ BEST HONOURED ON FOOTBALL'S NIGHT OF NIGHTS

The 2007 State League season officially comes to a close this evening when over 650 people will attend the 46th annual Gold Medal Awards ceremony at the Burswood Intercontinental Resort Casino. Early indications are there’ll be a bumper turnout for the gala event which is being held in the Grand Ballroom of the Burswood International Resort Casino. The centrepiece of the evening will be the local games’ top individual honour, the Gold Medal.

Amongst the favourites for top honours are Floreat Athena playmaker Josip Magdic, Fremantle Spirit captain Dale Wingell, Darryl Platten of Armadale and English import Marc Anthony from E.C.U. Joondalup. Johnny Mirco (Cockburn City), Robbie Puca (Perth S.C.) and former national league defender Ante Kovacevic (Floreat) are also tipped to finish high on the leader board. Aaron Cole, winner of the 1999 Gold Medal, should poll strongly in his first season at Swan I.C. along with Kevin Henderson (Stirling Lions) and Andrija Jukic (Western Knights).

Michael Roki (Floreat), Graham Normanton (Perth), Scott Miller (Cockburn) and Mick Lyons (Stirling) are in the running for the inaugural Premier League Coach of the Year. Dino Pacella (Cockburn), Vas Vujacic (Floreat), Gareth Deeg (Perth), Phil Straker (Stirling) and Kevin Miller (Western Knights) are in the running for the Goalkeeper of the Year. The Youth Best and Fairest will be fought out by Knights team mates Anthony Fearon and Matt Allen, Patrick Le (Stirling) and Perth pair Simon Wilson and Michael Black.

There’ll be little separating the leaders when the final rounds of votes are counted in the First Division Best and Fairest award. Ashfield pair Andy O’Neill and Igor Novakovic will figure strongly alongside Mandurah City captain Andy Brown and Steve Suttie of South West Phoenix. Jon Greenwood (Dianella White Eagles), Mark Edwards (Gosnells City), Adrian Sutton (Bayswater City) and Paul Van Dongen (Canning City) are also expected to finish high on the leader board.

Vying for the First Division Coach of the Year are Stuart Currie (Mandurah), Salv Todaro (Ashfield), Micky Cairns (Phoenix) and Jimmy Pearson (Dianella). The winner of the Youth Best and Fairest will come from Andrew Harold of champions Forrestfield United, Samuel Ainscough from runners-up Canning, David Clark (Rockingham City), Trent Jones (Bayswater) or Jacob Whiteaker (Phoenix).

18.10.2007

SCALI TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN SWAN’S FUTURE

Swan I.C. legend Carlo Scali feels he still has plenty to offer the club despite stepping down as first team coach last week. Speaking for the first time since vacating the position he’s held for the past three years, Scali cited a combination of work and personal reason for his decision. “As much as I would like to have stayed on as coach, I could not give the position the commitment it deserves,” Scali said. “That said, I’ve put my hand up to help out anyway I can, dependant upon availability, and at this stage will be assisting Paul Lincoln with the first team. Should the club appoint a full-time assistant to Paul then I am happy to help out any of the other teams should they need it.”

Scali experienced all the highs and low the game has to offer during a seventeen-year career in which he only wore black and white stripes. The journey included back-to-back First Division Player of the Year awards in 1998 and 1999, the 2001 Gold Medal as the Premier League’s best player, and Cup Final glory in 2002 and 2003. Scali is eager to see Swan build on their strengths and to meet that end has put himself forward to help chart the clubs’ future. “I will be putting ideas forward to the board and helping out where I can,” he commented. “I believe we have a lot of work to do as a club and we need to start structuring the club as a whole to be able to move forward successfully.”

18.10.2007

PETKOVIC BACK IN ACTION

Perth Glory received a welcome boost this week with the long-awaited return of Jason Petkovic. The experienced goalkeeper joined team mates in full training for the first time since breaking his leg last October and quickly made his presence felt between the posts with some terrific reflex saves. “It’s pretty much like pre-season for me now,” Petkovic said after a searching training session. “I’ve done a lot of hard work to get back to this stage and hopefully in three or four weeks I’ll be fit enough to start pushing for selection again.”

The one-time Socceroo has endured a long road back to the football pitch after snapping his leg in two places against the Central Coast Mariners almost twelve months ago. After months on the bike and in the pool, Petkovic progressed to walking, then jogging and more recently running. “I was probably a bit over ambitious in hoping for ten months but I had to set some sort of target,” he said. “While I didn’t achieve my time frame exactly, in terms of what the doctors said I’m pretty much on track. It definitely helped me to have that goal and I think I’m further along because of it.”

Held in regard by both his peers and Glory fans, Petkovic’s leadership on the last line of defence helped propel Glory to back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004. The 34-year old admits it’s been difficult watching from the stands as the club goes through some tough times. “I can’t really put it into words, you just want to get out there and help but realistically you know you can’t get out there,” said the veteran of 325 national league games. “The only thing you can do is support the team and that’s my role really at the moment.”

Glory are yet to register a win this season, however, Petkovic believes there aren’t that far away. “I think things are starting to turn around, we had a much more promising game on the weekend. We were probably a bit naive I think and gave away some chances there towards the end when we should have closed them out,” Petkovic said. “We’re fortunate that the league is very close and we are in touch and can still make our move, but that’ll have to be soon.”

17.10.2007

SAINSBURY OVER THE MOON WITH JOEYS CALL-UP

Young centre back Trent Sainsbury was over the moon when he found out he’d been selected to represent Australia. Sainsbury caught the eye of selectors at the recent National Youth Championship and can’t wait to get the green and gold on his back. “It’s a great opportunity for me and it’s a big step from club football, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m very anxious to play,” said Sainsbury. The teenager is joined in the Joeys squad by fellow sandgropers Eli Babalj, Million Butshiire and Cameron Edwards for the Asian Football Confederation Under-16 Championship.

Sainsbury was a key component of the State Under-15 side which finished fourth at the annual championship in Coffs Harbour. “We did very well and were considered a strong State for playing and passing the ball. Injuries started to happen but the boys still finished a very respectable fourth,” he said. “The Football West National Training Centre has allowed us to work with the elite coaches in the state. This has given me and the other squad members a better opportunity to improve our skills, and in turn gives you an edge over your competition that you wouldn’t learn at club level.”

Sainsbury says the greater impact on his development has been his father Scott, a former first team coach of Armadale, and mother Kerry. “My dad has been the biggest influence on my career - he was always kicking the ball with me when I was young and he and mum have been behind me all the way,” commented Sainsbury. “They were both amazed when I told them that I had been accepted into the squad but unfortunately they are unable to fly over to watch me play.”

Despite stepping on to the international stage, Sainsbury’s feet remain firmly on the ground. “I’m just looking to my first game for Australia, and take it one game at a time,” he said. “My future will sort itself out - I just want to play as much as I can for my country and just enjoy playing, and if I get spotted by scouts along the way that will be a bonus. I love to watch attractive football, and Carvalho, J.T (John Terry) and Messi are the players I most enjoy watching. If I can emulate them then I’ll be heading in the right direction.”

The Australian Under-17 squad for the up-coming games against Malaysia, North Korea and East Timor is Chris Bush (Australin Capital Territory), Nick Fitzgerald, Brendan Hamill, Ben Kantarovski, George Klappas, Robert Kolak, Jared Lum, Mitchell Mallia, Nikola Stanojevic, Marc Warren (New South Wales), Nick Tubbs (Queensland), Petar Franjic, Kamal Ibrahim, Tedros Yabio (Victoria), Joel Miller, Chahine Noujaim (South Australia), Eli Babalj, Million Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury (Western Australia).

17.10.2007

OLYROOS HELD BY LEBANON

Australia have spoilt a golden opportunity to put themselves in pole position to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Game after being held to a 0-0 draw by Lebanon. The result leaves the Olyroos needing to beat Group A leader Iraq at home next month to have any chance of qualifying for the Beijing Games. Despite dominating the game, Australia found it difficult to breach the Lebanese defence. Goalkeeper Hassan Mogneigh denied Nick Ward and Mark Bridge, while James Troisi fired high late in the first period. Lebanon's best chances came through Akram Moghrabi who twice fired just past the post. The second half was much the same with Mark Bridge, Troisi and Kristian Sarkies all failing to convert when the opportunity arose. Ward played a full game with Tando Velaphi an unused substitute.

17.10.2007

STATE’S BEST TO FACE MALAYSIAN POWERHOUSE

A Football West Select XI will face Malaysian Super League outfit Selangor FA in a series of exhibition games during the coming week. Experienced coaches Kenny Lowe and Peter Murphy along with Andrew Bettell have selected a thirty-four player squad for the three game series which commences on Sunday, 21 October, at Litis Stadium. “Whilst the time of the year and the fairly short notice in organising the games has meant that a few players are unavailable, we have managed to put together a quality group of players and are looking forward to the challenge of playing one of Malaysia’s premier sides,” said Bettell, Football Wests’ State Education and Development Manager.

Selangor are the powerhouse club of Malaysian football. Founded in 1936, the Red Giants have won the Malaysia Cup a record 30 times along with four Malaysian league titles, four Malaysian FA Cups and six Charity Shields. Down through the years Western Australia has developed strong ties with the club with the likes of Robbie Dunn, Ross Greer and Alistair Edwards all wearing Selangor colours. Other former players of note include Perth Glory assistant coach David Mitchell and Floreat Athena defender Ante Kovacevic.

The thirty-four players selected have been split into two preliminary squads. ‘Selection One’ will take on Selangor this Sunday with ‘Selection Two’ pitting their skills next Thursday evening. The highlight of Selangor’s visit takes place on Saturday 27th October when they meet a Combined Selection under lights at Litis Stadium (7.00pm). Selangor will also face Premier league champions Floreat Athena on Tuesday, 23rd October, at Litis Stadium (7.00pm). Entry to all games is free.

The ‘Selection One’ squad to play Selangor on Sunday, 21st October, at Litis Stadium (3.00pm) is Cyril Sharrock (Armadale), Liam Lilly, Shane Nunes (Cockburn City), Adam Bachiller, Garin Collins, Boima Karpeh, Josip Magdic, John Migas (Floreat Athena), Jason Barrera, Callum Roberts (Fremantle Spirit), Marc Anthony, Steven Baines (E.C.U. Joondalup), Corey Hugo, Tom Shepheard (Swan I.C.), Cormac Dawson, Andrija Jukic and Stuart Montgomery (Western Knights).

The ‘Selection Two’ squad which meets Selangor on Thursday, 25th October, at Litis Stadium (7.00pm) is Dean Aplegren, Daniel Neiderberger, Greg Sharland (Inglewood United), John Higgins, Mark Lee, Ian McMurray, Andy Petterson (E.C.U. Joondalup), Scott Bulloch, Gianfranco Circati, Matt Danskin, Todd Howarth, Michael Icanovski, Antonio Naglieri, Andreas Oliveira (Perth S.C.), Glen Thomas, Neil Young (Sorrento) and Keith Brown (Stirling Lions).

16.10.2007

BAYSWATER HAND REIGNS TO DI FULVIO

Michael Di Fulvio will lead Bayswater City into the 2008 First Division season. The one-time Inglewood United and Swan I.C. defender feels ready for the challenge after cutting his teeth as Carlo Scali’s assistant at Swan. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge at Bayswater,” said Di Fulvio. “I played there as junior for over ten years and it was comforting to see some familiar faces down there. They have an ambitious board and are keen for the club to move forward through all levels in a positive manner.” Di Fulvio will be assisted in his first senior coaching role by former Wanneroo City boss Jamie Goodman.

15.10.2007

LAST MINUTE DECISION PAYS OFF FOR STIRLING’S PORTER

Steve Porter’s last minute decision to stay in Perth paid off for Stirling Lions when the midfield dynamo proved crucial in their Cup Final triumph over Cockburn City. Porter earned the man of the match award after a tireless display during a thrilling season finale that was eventually decided 4-3 on penalties after both teams failed to break the 1-1 deadlock during extra time.

Porter, whose deft touches and strong work-rate lit up the final, revealed that he had been cleared to take part in the season finale only six days earlier. The former Liverpool trainee had booked a flight back to England and said goodbye to friends and team mates before deciding against the move. “I was going home and two hours before I got on the flight I changed my mind,” said the 25-year old. “I wanted to play in the Cup Final but (the main reason was) I just love my life over here.”

The drama didn’t end with the cancellation of his flight. Porter’s player registration had been transferred to England and he spent a nervous few days waiting to be cleared to play in Saturday’s game. “I found out on Monday,” Porter said. “I’d been panicking for ages.” While he might have had doubts about his own selection, Porter said he had always been confident Stirling would win the Cup. “I didn’t have any doubts because all the lads were so determined,” he added.

15.10.2007

DJULBIC HUNGIER THAN EVER FOR GLORY

Dino Djulbic believes more of the same fighting spirit shown by Perth Glory during the team’s latest gut-wrenching setback can inspire a first win of the season away to A-League champions Melbourne Victory this weekend. The big defender epitomised a collective Glory character on Friday when he sprinted down the players race to receive treatment on a nasty head wound just four minutes into the 3-3 draw with Sydney F.C. “I was just worried about what would happen with a man down,” he said. “I was telling the doctor to hurry up. I was just thinking about the boys.”

After temporary staples and a heavy bandage were applied to the gash, Djulbic returned to the fray with little regard for the seeping wound, which would need further attention during the second half. And immediately after the game the club doctor applied 16 stitches to the cut that had been opened up by a clash of heads with Brazilian import Patrick. Despite Djulbic’s desperation to brighten Glory’s dim finals hopes, there was a bitter sting in the tail of an otherwise gritty performance. Glory were only seconds from their first win of the season when Alex Brosque levelled the game with the last meaningful action of the night.

Djulbic revealed the performance against Sydney, while disappointing in its conclusion, had actually led to improved confidence in the camp ahead of Glory’s trip to Melbourne. “For me, personally, it gives me confidence because we are now scoring goals,’ he said. “We copped some silly goals but that happens sometimes. I tell you, we’re going to Melbourne to win. I don’t think anyone will be satisfied with anything less than three points. We’ve dropped points at home so we have to make up for that. I think Melbourne is the place to start.”

14.10.2007

KLAVER HONOURED WITH GOLDEN WHISTLE

An outstanding season has paid off for Ton Klaver in the form of the 2007 Golden Whistle Award which goes to the State League referee of the year. “I’m delighted Ton has won this award,” said State Referees Coach Eddie Lennie. “He has put in a lot of hard work over the years and it just goes to show that time and age are no barriers to winning this prestigious award.”

Klaver took up the whistle late in life, commencing his refereeing career in 1997 at the age of 40. He attained his Class One qualification in 2002 and since this time has been refereeing in the Premier League. This season Klaver officiated in 21 home and away games as well as three Cup fixtures. Prior to becoming a referee Klaver played for East Fremantle Tricolore and Canning Corinthian, and coached at Canning and Olympic Kingsway.

Retiring referee Angelo Nardi was presented with a Special Achievement Award. “It is sad to see Angelo hang up his whistle and he will be sorely missed on the field by refereeing colleagues, clubs and players alike,” said Matthew Cheeseman, Football West Referees Coordinator. In a 22-year career, Nardi was awarded five Golden Whistle Awards, officiated at national league level for seven seasons and was awarded the prestigious prize of inclusion on the FIFA Referees’ Panel in 2006.

A host of additional awards were presented on Saturday evening at Maurizio Restaurant in North Perth. Josh Mihevc collected the Assistant Referee of the Year. Michael Tolmie was recipient of the Panel B Referee of the Year, David Costello the Panel C Referee of the Year and Damien Ethell the Panel D Referee of the Year. The Youth Referee of the Year award went home with Jarrad Kennington.

14.10.2007

COLOSIMO URGES FOR PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY

Perth Glory captain Simon Colosimo has called on the team to lift and take responsibility for its own actions following their thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney F.C. Glory looked to be cruising when Sydney struck a couple of late goal to share the spoils. “We can’t go out there and be leading 3-1 and throw it away, and that’s what we did,” Colosimo said after the match. “It was a very empty feeling, quite disappointing. There’s been a lot of pressure on Ron (Perth coach Ron Smith) and (assistant) David Mitchell but to be quite honest I think the players have to take some responsibility, and I think they should.”

Colosimo was at a loss to explain how the Glory blew a two-goal lead. “I think we got a little bit deep. We haven’t been in that situation yet this season … we got a bit naive and deep,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve forgotten how to win, we just make silly mistakes. The game was enjoyable, it was end to end. We didn’t stop playing. Maybe we overplayed - maybe we should have got ten players behind the ball and sat inside the box and sort of prayed they didn’t create too many chances, but the best form of defence is attack.”

13.10.2007

STIRLING TAKE CUP WITH SPOT ON PERFORMANCE

Stirling Lions have successfully retained the association Cup by out-shooting a gallant Cockburn City on penalties. Played in energy sapping and witnessed by a big crowd at Litis Stadium, Johnny Mirco gave Cockburn the upper hand after 36 minutes only for Andy Brown to level the game midway through the second period. The game was sent to a penalty shoot-out after ending deadlocked at one-all following 120 minutes of pulsating football. Long-serving defender Darko Ilomanoski had the honour of converting the decisive penalty to clinch Stirling Cup glory by 4-3.

The two combatants made a tentative start to the game, giving little away without a fight across the middle of the park and prodding forward with caution. It took until the 14th minute for the fist chance on goal to arrive as Steve Porter gained possession just outside the 18-yard box and lashing a low shot through a sea of legs which slammed into the outside of the post. Slow to get into gear, Cockburn spent much of the early exchanges on the backfoot with the defensive wall marshalled by Jason Godfrey, Shane Nunes and Dino Pacella holding firm.

Stirling suffered a body blow when creative teenager Ludovic Boi limped out of the game after 34 minutes, his place taken by Dannie Richman. Within two minutes Cockburn had the lead as Johnny Mirco’s long-range free-kick took a deflection off the defensive wall to loop over stranded goalkeeper Phil Straker and into the net. Mike Lyons’ side immediately attempted to level but Andy Brown sent his header straight at Dino Pacella. However, it was Cockburn that ended the period the stronger with Josh Kamasz’ low shot held by Straker who, minutes later, came to the rescue again after Michael Mirco’s cross caused panic amongst the Stirling rearguard.

The second half began with Stirling showing renewed vigour as Richmond’s shot was blocked by Paul Natale and Andy Brown’s follow-up effort deflected wide off Godfrey. Richman was making a menace of himself down the right and on the hour stormed forward to unleash a vicious shot which was halted by a desperate Godfrey. The pressure paid off two minutes later when Keith Brown won possession in midfield and relayed the ball to Steve Hesketh who laid it off for Leo Harman to charge down the left and fire in a deep cross which an unmarked Andy Brown headed in at close-range.

Heading into the closes Cockburn showed the greater desire to end the game as Stirling started to wilt in the warm and sunny conditions. Great work on the right by Giovanni De Bartolo allowed him to deliver a dangerous cross into the area where Dean Evans cleared the danger. Substitute Aaron Dos Santos played though to Michael Mirco whose goalbound shot was unfortunately blocked by a teammate. In the final minute Michael Mirco shrugged off his marker only to have Kevin Henderson deflect his shot wide. Liam Lilly headed the resulting corner high before referee Steven Gregory signalled the end of regulation time.

Extra-time opened with Johnny Mirco clipping high of the crossbar after being played down the right by Dos Santos. Straker then came to his sides’ rescue with a superb save that thwarted De Bartolo. Stirling’s battle to stay in the game was made all the more difficult when Andy Brown was issued a straight red card following an off the ball incident with Dos Santos in the 104th minute. Despite throwing everything at a fatigued and under-manned opponent, Cockburn opened up very few avenues to goal over the final quarter hour. Their best chance opportunity came the way of Dean Wallace who headed high from close-range after meeting a Johnny Mirco free-kick.

The penalty shoot-out swung in Stirling’s favour when Straker saved from Dom De Felice, however, things soon back on an even keel as Alan Muir was denied by Pacella. With the score at 3-3 after four spot kicks each, Straker made himself a hero by keeping out Godfrey’s effort. Up stepped Ilmanoski who clinically despatched his shot past Pacella to send the Stirling into party mode. “Cockburn pressed us late in extra time and with ten minutes to go I was hoping we’d take it to penalties as I knew we had Phil Straker who is great at penalty saves,” said Stirling coach Lyons. “Darko and Hendo showed great character, and Steve Porter was a worthy winner of the man of the match award.”

Cockburn coach Scott Miller was philosophical after the heartbreaking loss. “Someone’s got to win it and a penalty shoot-out is a raffle,” he said. “We did have an extra man for fifteen minutes but we had two blokes who couldn’t run so that’s the way it goes. The Lions gave us a good hiding at Macie Park in the League and I thought the whole side worked really hard today. We had one lapse of concentration for them to score but I couldn’t have asked for any more from all the players.”

Cockburn City - Dino Pacella, Paul Natale (Mario De Felice 98), Shane Nunes, Jason Godfrey, Liam Lilly, Johnny Mirco, Dom De Felice, Michael Mirco, Dean Wallace, Giovanni De Bartolo, Josh Kamasz (Adam Surjan 45 (Aaron Dos Santos 69))
Stirling Lions - Phil Straker, Darko Ilmanoski, Kevin Henderson, Steven Hesketh, Dean Evans, Keith Brown, Steve Porter, Leo Harman (Alan Muir 76), Ludovic Boi (Dannie Richman 34), Phil Arnold (Matt Italiano 107), Andy Brown
Bookings - P.Arnold (21), J.Mirco (24), S.Porter (29),K.Henderson (109), K.Brown (117)
Dismissals - A.Brown (104)
Referee - Steven Gregory

13.10.2007

COCKBURN CLAIM RESERVES TROPHY

Cockburn City has lifted the Reserve Cup Final by defeating Mandurah City in a physical encounter at Litis Stadium. There were few highlights of note in a tight opening spell that had both midfields working overtime to try and assert some control over the game. A positive outlook from Mandurah resulted in the games first opening for Sean Dash whose low strike forced Louis Lopresti into a smart save. Cockburn settled the better and through good movement of the ball began creating chances with Mileta Miletic shooting wide and Marko Aleksic heading high. A Mandurah counterattack almost produced the goods as Damien Condo lifted the ball over the defence to release Alex Darby whose stinging shot from 7-metres was palmed away by Lopresti. But by far the majority of play was with Cockburn for whom Jamie De Abreu rifled just the wrong side of the post. Their persistence was rewarded on the stroke of half-time when Luke Woodward’s defence splitting pass sent Mileta Miletic through to cleverly touch his shot past on-coming goalkeeper Ross Clayton.

Matt McDonald should have strengthened Cockburn’s grip on the trophy shortly after the re-start but placed high from 7-metres following a superb cross by Jamie de Abreu. Lopresti was called into action not long after to keep out Dash’s low strike from just inside the area as Mandurah attempted to get back on level terms. In the 62nd minute Jamie De Abreu’s shot from 14-metres was spectacularly tipped away by a diving Ross Clayton. With play streaming from one end to the other Dash lifted his long-range effort over the crossbar, and substitute Josh Findlater glanced wide from McDonald’s delivery. Mandurah threw everything they had left at Cockburn as the clock ticked down but it clearly was not going to be their day when Kevin Morris’ lobbed Lopresti only to have the ball land on the top netting with just minutes remaining. “Mandurah fought it to the end and put us under pressure late,” said Cockburn coach John Loreto. “Fortunately we had a bit of luck today, but you need that sometimes to win games.”

Cockburn City - Louis Lopresti, Luke Woodard, Jamie De Abreu, Steve Cramphorn (Josh Findlater 61), Aaron De Abreu, Joseph Brunetto, Paul Underwood, Scott Daley, Matt McDonald (Bobby Golub 86), Marko Aleskic, Mileta Miletic (Pavle Beserko 79)
Mandurah City - Ross Clayton, Neil Connor, Stuart McCall, David Dawson, Alex Darby, Sean Dash, Mikel Sesma, Kevin Morris, Gary Attrill (Kevin Morris 46), Damien Condo, Karl Doogan (Adam Parmenter 68)
Bookings - M.Sesma (14), D.Condo (27), S.Cramphorn (52)
Dismissals - Nil
Referee - Michael Tolmie

13.10.2007

FEARON LEADS KNIGHTS TO YOUTH CUP GLORY

A stunning hat-trick by Anthony Fearon has guided Western Knights to a 4-2 victory against Stirling Lions in the Youth Cup Final at Litis Stadium. Lifting the Cup puts the icing on the cake of a memorable season for the Knights youngsters who only last month were award the League trophy. Chances presented at both ends of the park as Rory Feely stung the gloves of Beau Geerlings, and Alex Sutton was put to the test by Michael De Souza. Stirling got the go-ahead goal midway through the half when Patrick Le sent Feely clear to stroke a shot past the advancing goalkeeper. This sparked the Knights into life and shortly after De Souza was denied for the second time by Sutton. Fearon should have equalised after latching on to a speculative cross field ball by Matthew Allen but, with only the ‘keeper to beat, the striker skewed his shot past the post. Sutton was having an inspired half between the sticks and leading into the break thwarted strike partners Anthony Skorich and Fearon.

The Knights started the second half at full pace and inside a minute drew level when Fearon angled a terrific shot past Sutton from the edge of the 18-yard box. Skorich had a shot blocked on the line by a defender, then Jack Rocchi was frustrated by Sutton’s courageous smothering save. The pay-off came in the 66th minute when De Souza’s quickly taken free-kick put Fearon clear to fire the Knights into the lead. It was all one-way traffic with the Knights charging into attack at every opportunity and Stirling doing what they could to weather the storm. In a rare counterattacking move, Stirling substitute Mitchell Wishnowsky’s first time strike called Geerlings into action. Fearon completed his hat-trick by getting on the end of Geerlings’ long clearance which he whipped past Sutton after 85 minutes. Stirling refused to concede and shortly after Dennis Divjakovski heading in a Del Billson corner to give them a glimmer of hope. However, the result was soon enough out beyond doubt by Skorich who rounded Sutton to tuck away his teams’ fourth goal.

Paul Price, coach of the Knights, was thrilled by the way his side refused to drop their heads after going behind early. “We started brightly but still conceded a goal, but I thought on the day we were much the better side. The Lions battled well and credit to them but when we scored in the first minute of the second half I knew we’d go on and win it,” he said. A lack of experience on Stirling’s behalf cost them the game according to coach Doug Hesketh. “I thought we played pretty well in the first but we made too many mistakes. They had a few players who have played at a higher level and it showed and they punished us. We’ve had a good season and we had six 15-year olds out there today and it all bodes well for the club’s future.”

Western Knights ­ Beau Geerlings, David Price, Josip Peran, Jack Rocchi, Anthony Skorich, Michael De Souza (Ivan Gavranich 69), Anthony Fearon, Josip Vuletich, Ryan Shackleton, Neil Wallace, Matt Allen
Stirling Lions - Alex Sutton, Zoran Vrteski (Del Billson 85), Cameron Sutton, Keith Clevenger, Rory Feely, Patrick Le (Mitchell Wishnowsky 57), Dennis Divjakovski, Dave Sasay, Francios Sneeden (Ndumba Makeche 70), Tom Senior, Ben Senior
Bookings - Sasay (1), Sneedon (5)
Dismissals - Nil
Referee - Tony Chorley

13.10.2007

MRDJA FEARS LOSING ANOTHER SEASON

Central Coast Mariners striker Nik Mrdja fears his chronic knee problem could send another season in an already injury-plagued career down the drain. The A-League leaders are riding high, three points clear atop the competition, but Mrdja says he's endured the darkest days of his career since a recurring knee injury flared up and sidelined him month ago.

A recent trip to the specialist proved inconclusive and Mrdja said if the pain didn't go away soon, he may have no choice but to undergo season-ending surgery. "We're still not sure (what it is) at the moment, but if it's not going to improve and get any better and basically be comfortable for me to run around on, well then the next step would be surgery," Mrdja said. "That would be another season gone down the drain and it's very disappointing."

Mrdja has had a horrid couple of years battling the injury. He missed the entire inaugural A-League season and featured in just six of the Mariners' games during 2006/07. Adding to his frustration this season has been Mrdja's impressive start in which he netted in the Mariners first three games to spark up a promising strike partnership with new signing Sasho Petrovski. His early-season form even lead Mrdja to making his Socceroo debut in the friendly with Argentina.

The 28-year old is rated an outside chance of a return in tomorrow's match against Queensland Roar, but admits he would be playing through the pain barrier and with concerns over the long-term health of the knee in the back of his mind. "To play again is all I really want to do and it's quite gut wrenching not being able to run around with the boys," he said. "I want to get back out there and play and keep playing and it's disappointing not to be out there - it is pretty upsetting to be honest."

12.10.2007

HEARTBREAK FOR GLORY AS SYDNEY STEAL A POINT

A goal in stoppage time has robbed Perth Glory would have been a deserved first win of 2007/08 campaign. With ten minute remaining Sydney F.C. looked dead and buried at two goals down before a late surge snatched a 3-3 draw with Glory in this evening’s A-League match at Members Equity Stadium. “The boys put everything in that and I think it’s maybe a little bit of inexperience or maybe it’s just not our season,” said a devastated Glory captain Simon Colosimo. “We thoroughly deserved three points there and we just didn’t get it. Sydney aren’t an easy team to shut out especially with (Alex) Brosque and Juninho in the form that they’re in. I don’t think we got caught out, I think it was just a couple of silly mistakes.”

Glory ran amok down the right wing throughout the first half, capitalising on Sydney’s well-advertised weakness but, as has been the case so far this season, they lacked the finishing touch. James Robinson shot wide after good lead-up work from Tyler Simpson, Robinson turned provider for Colosimo whose shot was also past the post, then Jamie Harnwell headed wide from Nick Rizzo’s delivery. Colosimo came closest with a powerful long-range snapshot which forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Clint Bolton. All too often though, their hosts shots were wide and wasted. Despite Glory’s domination, it was Brosque who got the breakthrough five minutes from half-time by muscling his way through the defence to get on the end of a Brendan Santalab pass which he slotted into the net.

The second half was eight minutes old when Glory drew level as Mitchell Prentice floated the ball into the 18-yard box where Dino Djulbic knocked it back for Harnwell to blast in from 8-metres. A few minutes later Jamie Coyne drove down the centre to feed Harnwell whose gave the slightest of touches to push the ball on to Robinson who fired under a diving ‘keeper. The margin was further increased on 69 minutes when Prentice’s free-kick deflected off the six-man defensive wall and beat an unsighted Bolton. Sydney hit back twelve minutes later through Patrick who slammed the ball past Tommi Tomich after his initial shot had been blocked by the Glory custodian.

The remaining minutes were totally dominated by Sydney as David Zdrilic and Patrick placed wide of the target. Glory substitute Nikita Rukavytsya should have made safe the points on the counterattack when teed-up by Robinson but dragged the shot narrowly wide with only Bolton to beat. A sparkling Juninho free-kick dipped after beating the ball only to crash into the crossbar, and Tomich held Patricks’ follow-up. Sydney equalised with effectively the last play of the game as Mark Rudan’s far post cross was nodded down by Patrick for Brosque to fire in from close-range. It may have been a thrilling end to the match but Glory fans trudged home heartbroken after watching their side come within seconds of three very much needed points.

12.10.2007

YOUNG MATILDA'S CUP HOPES DASHED

Australia is out of the running for a place at next years Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Losses to Japan and DPR (North) Korea in their opening fixtures at the AFC Under-19 Women’s Qualifying tournament in China brought the Young Matilda’s campaign to an early halt during the week. The only saving grace for Australia was a 2-1 win over Myanmar in the final game which secure them third place on the Group A table. Katanning-born goalkeeper Lydia Williams captained Australia in all three games, while midfielder Ella Mastrantonio played a full game against Myanmar.

The Young Matildas suffered a 0-1 loss to Japan in the opening qualifier. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams was in the thick of the action with a couple of good early saves as Japan came out firing to dominate possession. Japan found a way through on 21 minutes when Chinatsu Kira netted at close-range from Michi Goto’s delivery. The second half started much like the first and Williams again kept Australia in the game with a series of saves. It was only in the latter stages that Australia was able to put any significant pressure on the Japanese goal with Elise Kellond-Knight and Caitlin Cooper going close without success.

A controversial late penalty earned DPR (North) Korea victory by 2-1, and killed off Australia’s chances of playing at next years’ finals tournament. The Young Matildas started brightly and were rewarded after 13 minutes when Tameka Butt converted from the penalty spot following a foul on Kyah Simon. The Koreans equalised four minutes from half time through a stunning shot from 16-metres by Cha Hu Nam. Both sides had their chances in a nail-biting second half which was in the 83rd minute when Ra Un Sim scored from the penalty spot.

Australia concluded the qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win against Myanmar. The Young Matildas worked hard against a defensive Myanmar who took the lead against the run of play after 32 minutes through Mu Lwin Mu. Parity was restored a minute later when Ashleigh Connor fired in from 10-metres. Australia started the second half strongly and nine minutes in Kyah Simon smashed a low shot from the edge of the 18-yard box inside the left post. The remainder of the game was controlled by the Young Matildas who created numerous chances but were unable to add to their tally.

The Australian squad for the AFC Under-19 Women’s Qualifying tournament was Victoria Balomenos, Tameka Butt, Ashleigh Connor, Caitlin Cooper, Rachel Cooper, Stacey Day, Rachel Doyle, Casey Dumont, Grace Gill-McGrath, Lyndsay Glohe, Elise Kellond-Knight, Olivia Kennedy, Jenna Kinglsey , Ella Mastrantonio, Ellyse Perry, Teresa Polias, Clare Polkinghorne, Renee Rollason, Kyah Simon, Servet Uzunlar and Lydia Williams.

12.10.2007

KARPEH IS YOUR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Hot-shot striker Boima ‘Jerry’ Karpeh is the footballwa.net 2007 Premier League Player of the Year. A late run of votes took the 23-year old clear of E.C.U. Joondalup midfielder Marc Anthony and Floreat Athena team mate Ante Kovacevic to win the award which is voted for by the players, coaches and supporters of the local game. Taking out the footballwa.net 2007 Premier League Player of the Year is the perfect way for Karpeh to end a memorable year in which he spearheaded Floreat to their first League championship in a decade.

Michael Roki, coach of Floreat, said Karpeh’s contributions were invaluable throughout the clubs’ championship season. “Jerry has been the perfect target man for us and the twenty-five goals he scored, along with countless assists, only underlines his importance,” Roki commented. “He constantly harasses opposition defences and can influence a game with his pace, strength and skill. His confidence and willingness to try almost anything around the penalty area makes him a player that most would prefer to be playing with - not against.”

Karpeh tallied 66 votes to finish a clear winner of the footballwa.net 2007 Premier League Player of the Year. Scottish import Anthony, who played the starring role at Joondalup this winter, came in as runner-up on 57 votes. A pillar of strength at the back for Floreat, former national league player Kovacevic came in third with 54 votes. Floreat’s creative midfielder Josip Madgic completed his clubs’ dominance of our annual award by polling 39 votes to finish a distant fourth.

Western Knights livewire Andrija Jukic and one-time State defender Aaron Cole (Swan I.C.) ended level with 25 votes. Just three behind in sixth place was Perth S.C. stalwart Michael Icanovski. Branimir Mikulic (Floreat) and Dale Wingell (Fremantle Spirit) were level with 19 votes each. And gathered together on 16 votes were Cormac Dawson (Western Knights), Shane Nunes (Cockburn City), veteran defender Alex Christie (Fremantle) and Perth team mates Nikita Rukvysta and Robbie Puca.

Karpeh is the first player to win both the footballwa.net Premier League and First Division Player of the Year awards. In 2003 he was named the First Division Player of the Year while playing at Bayswater City. Karpeh is the seventh player to be named the footballwa.net Premier League Player of the Year. Previous winners are Simon Harland (2006), Antonio Naglieri (2005), Australian international Nick Ward (2004), Shane Crampton (2003), Jamie Coyne (2002) and Branimir Mikulic (2001). The footballwa.net ‘staff’ would like to thank everyone who voted in year’s award.

12.10.2007

BROWN TOPS THE POPS

Mandurah City captain Andy Brown has been voted the footballwa.net 2007 First Division Player of the Year. Not a lot separated the leaders going into the final week of counting when Brown broke away from the rest of the field to claim the award. Steve Suttie, loyal servant of South West Phoenix, came in as runner-up with Dianella White Eagles’ striker Jon Greenwood close behind in third place. Brown’s strong work ethic and ability to influence games were what, ultimately, tipped the scales in his favour.

Mandurah coach Stuart Currie has nothing but praise for his championship winning captain. “Andy is a class act and really leads by example,” said Currie. “He’s very committed on the pitch, is a terrific motivator and all the boys know he’s always there when the going gets tough. His greatest assets are a tireless work-rate and his aerial strength. I really don’t think anybody enjoyed playing against Andy this season.”

Brown ended the five-week polling period with 39 votes to take out the footballwa.net 2007 First Division Player of the Year. Suttie tallied 32 votes to finish in second place, while hot on his heels was Greenwood with 29 votes. Christian Paschewitz of Mandurah was next with 27 votes. Ashfield attacker Andy O’Neill (Ashfield) polled 24 votes to end level with veteran Adrian Sutton who spent the winter months with Bayswater City.

Exciting Phoenix midfielder Patrick Quinn picked up 22 votes to claim sixth spot. 19 votes went to Remo McCann (Morley Windmills), Daniel Webb (Ashfield) and Mandurah team mates Graeme Matthews and Jordan Rhodes. Two behind that group were Jeff Bright (Mandurah), Paul Hickey (Dianella), Dave Mickler (Canning City), John Nicolaou (Balcatta) and Michael Vaz (Rockingham City).

Brown is the fifth recipient of the footballwa.net First Division Player of the Year. Previous winners of our award have been David Rodgers (2006), Adam Raines (2005), former State player Scott Bulloch (2004) and Boima Karpeh (2003). The footballwa.net ‘staff’ would like to thank everyone who tok the time to cast a vote in our annual award.

12.10.2007

STIRLING LOCK HORNS WITH COCKBURN

The season comes to a close tomorrow with Stirling Lions pitting skills against Cockburn City in the 2007 Cup Final at Litis Stadium (kick-off 3.00pm). Stirling know what it takes to win the Cup and, having defeated Swan I.C. in last years decider, their focus is very much on going back-to-back. Cockburn are trophyless since 1993 but should debutant coach Scott Miller have his way all that will end this weekend.

The Macedonia Park outfit has come a long way since former Everton player Mike Lyons and one-time State boss Paul ‘Geordie’ Simmons took up the coaching reigns. The pair guided Stirling to Cup glory last year, their first at the club, and have continued to develop and enhance the line-up by infusing youthful enthusiasm with some experienced heads.

Darko Ilmanoski and team captain Kevin Henderson form the foundations of a solid defensive unit and provide guidance for talented youngsters Michael Pugliese and Steven Hesketh. Occupying the position between the posts is Phil Straker who has established himself as one of the local games premier goalkeepers since arriving at Macedonia Park two years ago.

Imports Keith Brown, Steve Porter and Allan Muir pull the strings in the centre of the park with teenagers Danny Richman, Ludovic Boi and Matt Italiano just as capable of influencing the game from out wide. Goals haven’t flowed as freely as Stirling would have liked this year but in Andy Brown and Phil Arnold they still possess plenty of firepower.

It’s been a long time between drinks for the club from Dalmatinac Park. Miller took up the challenge following his retirement last summer and along with Peter Petkovich has assembled a squad bristling with talent. Like their opponent, Cockburn have struck a fine balance between experience and youth that is sure to take them on to even greater heights in the not too distant future.

Underpinning the side is highly rated goalkeeper Dino Pacella who has been outstanding on his return to football. Former State Schoolboy representatives Jason Godfrey and Shane Nunes, one-time Australian youth international Liam Lilly and much-underrated Paul Natale make up a formidable defensive wall that is always difficult to unlock.

The club’s youth development policy is certainly paying off with youngsters Aaron Dos Santos and Giovanni De Bartolo competing for spots up front with Dean Wallace and Josh Kamasz. The drive across the middle of the park comes from seasoned campaigners Dom De Felice, Michael Mirco and Johnny Mirco along with exciting teenager Adam Surjan.

The sides have already met twice this year with the ledger balanced in Stirling’s favour. The early season clash at Dalmatinac Park finished level at 1-1 after Kevin Henderson converted a controversial late penalty to cancel out Jason Dos Santos’ earlier strike. Stirling dominated the return fixture in August 4-1. Keith Brown, Steve Porter, Andy Brown and Kevin Henderson got the goals for the hosts with Aaron Dos Santos hitting Cockburn’s response.

11.10.2007

GLORY REVIVAL TOPS DJULBIC PRIORITIES

Defender Dino Djulbic has been too busy trying to engineer Perth Glory’s A-League revival to spend time contemplating his international prospects. Djulbic, who is expected to return to the line-up for tomorrow night’s clash with Sydney F.C. after serving a one-match ban, is aware of speculation linking him to the Bosnian national team. “I’ve heard the rumours but I haven’t had any phone calls,” said Djulbic. “I’m just concentrating on Perth Glory - that’s my priority.”

Should Bosnia coach Fuad Muzurovic eventually come calling 24-year old Djulbic will be faced with a familiar dilemma. Former Glory midfielder Ivan Ergic chose to play for Serbia after being overlooked for the Australian Olympic team, while Josip Simunic, Ante Seric and Joe Didulica all went on to play for Croatia after developing their skills in Australia.

Djulbic was born in Bosnia and raised in Germany before he moved to WA at the age of 16 where made a swift progression to first team football with Perth S.C. Last year he helped South Melbourne win the Victorian State League title. The transition to the national league has been a relatively smooth one for Djulbic, who started Glory’s first six games of the season before being sent off in the recent loss to Wellington Phoenix.

Although Glory are under-strength and under-siege, Djulbic believes they can get a result against a Sydney side that, like Glory, will be without several key players. “It’s just a matter of time before we win a game,” he said. “It’s just that little bit of luck is missing. It’s going to come eventually, possibly against Sydney.” Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho has made the trip to Perth despite doubts over his participation because of should and ankle problems.

11.10.2007

COCKBURN SEEK SEASONS’ REWARD

Victory in this weekend’s Cup Final would be the perfect way for local legend Scott Miller to end his first season as coach of Cockburn City. Miller, a veteran of 276 national league games for Perth Glory and Morwell Falcons, says winning the seasons’ final piece of silverware would be a just reward for his teams’ efforts this season. “They’ve been great and the players would love to lift the Cup on Saturday,” said Miller. “It’s been a hard season but they have given everything so it would be nice for them to have a bit of a pay-off at the end of it.”

Miller has the luxury of selecting from a near full squad for Saturday’s season finale. “We’ve been fairly fortunate with injuries this term, and the niggling injuries have all cleared up,” he explained. “The only exception is Jason Dos Santos, whose influence will be missed, but we’ve covered his loss and the boys that have come in have done really well. We have a full squad so there really will be no excuses for us come Cup Final day.”

The Cockburn coach has done his homework and is well aware of the dangers Stirling possess. “The barometer for the Lions are the two Brown brothers,” he said. “Andy a is very underrated, he seems to cruise through games but he is a huge influence on Stirling as he scores goals and also brings other players into the game. Keith is a quality midfielder, he’s consistent week after week and that makes him a dangerous player. But saying that, the Lions have got a lot of young boys pushing for a spot in the side so we’ll have to watch the youth and the enthusiasm too.”

11.10.2007

STIRLING AIM TO GO BACK-TO-BACK

Winning the Cup for the second time in as many years would be the ideal way for Stirling Lions to end 2007. Coach Mike Lyons, who played 460 games for English side Everton, is looking forward to the prospect of meeting Cockburn City in the final game of the year. “It would be great for the players too lift the Cup again after experiencing the delight of winning it last season,” he said. “It will be a warm day on Saturday so it will be difficult conditions but the lads are looking forward to a tough challenge against a good Cockburn side.”

The last time the teams met Stirling tore Cockburn apart, but Lyons says that round fourteen mauling is now just a memory and doesn’t factor into his plans for Saturday’s game at Dorrien Gardens. “We beat them quite convincingly at our place, but I think on that day we played really well and would have beaten anyone,” commented the Stirling coach. “We’ve the utmost respect for Cockburn and under Scotty, in his first season as a coach, they have done ever so well in the League.”

Lyons has introduced a number of teenagers to senior football over past months and admits he has some difficult decisions to make as match day approaches. “We’ve been really happy with the performances and energy the younger guys have shown this season … they’ve been given an opportunity and they haven’t let me or the team down,” he said. “Unfortunately, some of them will miss out this weekend but they can hold their heads up high for their contributions this season.”

10.10.2007

RESERVES CUP FINAL A TRUE ‘DAVID AND GOLIATH’ BATTLE

Mandurah City will be flying the First Division flag when they take on top flight outfit Cockburn City in the Reserve Cup Final on Saturday at Litis Stadium (kick-off 12.30pm). The game has all the hallmarks of being a classic Cup tie with table-toppers Mandurah looking to pick up their second trophy of the year whereas Cockburn have their sights set on ending an otherwise disappointing season on a high.

A final day win at South West Phoenix secured Mandurah the First Division Reserves championship on goal difference from Ashfield. Goalkeeper Ross Clayton is not averse to putting his body on the line and will play a key defensive role along with Alex Darby. Mikel Sesma, Fraser Marr, Gary Attrill and captain Neil Connor have figured prominently through the year in providing the ammunition for goal sneak Sean Dash.

Mandurah are full of confidence heading into Saturday’s game having already accounted for three top flight opponents. Allocated a bye in round one, their Cup campaign opened with a 2-1 defeat of E.C.U. Joondalup. Round three took Mandurah to Clipsal Stadium where their next victim was Inglewood United who were on the receiving end of a 4-1thumping. Goals either side of the break by Gary Attrill and Mikel Sesma enabled Mandurah to come from behind and eliminate Sorrento 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Cockburn won’t be upset with the underdog tag after ending the regular season in mid-table. One-time State Schoolboys goalkeeper Louis Lopresti has been in fine form this winter behind a defence marshalled by Peter Kuzet and Luke Woodward. Josh Findlater, Mileta Miletic and Marko Aleksic provide the drive going forward while in the final third it’s leading goalscorer Joseph Brunetto who poses the greatest danger.

In comparison to their opponent, Cockburn have enjoyed a relatively easy passage into the Cup Final. They headed to Walter Padbury Reserve in round one and returned home with an 11-1 thrashing of Gosnells City. Next up was Queens Park who fought hard before going down 3-1, and in the quarter-finals they got the better of Floreat Athena by 3-1. The round of four pitted Cockburn against Forrestfield United with first half strikes from Scott Daley and Jason Dos Santos booking their place in the trophy decider.

10.10.2007

LINCOLN TAKES CHARGE OF SWAN

There’s been a changing of the guard at Swan I.C. where Paul Lincoln has been appointed senior coach for next season. Lincoln, winner of the 1997 Gold Medal, takes over from club legend Carlo Scali who relinquished his position due to work commitments. “It’s a big challenge in front of me but I believe we can push on from this season and improve in 2008,” said Lincoln. “I’ve a few players in mind that I’d like to bring down to the club next season and I’ll be talking to them in the pre-season.’

Swan are planning a major redevelopment of facilities at Francis Street during the summer which has Lincoln excited. “There will be a great deal of work done on the playing surface, which was a big disappointment last season,” the newly appointed coach commented. “The club have also got planning permission to refurbish the changing rooms and build a gymnasium, and also starting next week is the new training pitches at the back of the club. These are big plans but it show’s the commitment of the clubs committee and I’m delighted to be part of their plans for 2008.”

10.10.2007

THE ROAD TO THE CUP FINAL

The biggest game on the local football calendar - the association Cup Final - takes place this weekend to officially bring to a close the on-field activities for 2007. Stirling Lions have been installed as favourite to lift the seasons’ final piece of silverware, however, first they must first find a way past a Cockburn City side looking for their first trophy in well over a decade. Both clubs worked hard in negotiating their way through to the Final and who goes that one step further will be decided tomorrow at Litis Stadium.

Granted a bye in round one, Stirling opened the defence of their Cup title by mauling South West Phoenix 11-1 at Macedonia Park. Captain Kevin Henderson lead the way with a rare hat-trick, David Dugdale, Ludovic Boi and Danny Richman got two apiece with Phil Arnold and Daniel Micevski completing the scoring. A pulsating match at Dorrien Gardens produced some terrific football before substitute Alan Muir stepped up with a long-range bomb late in the extra-time to earn Stirling victory by 1-0.

Stirling secured a Cup Final appearance by coming from behind to defeat Inglewood United 2-1 at Macedonia Park in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Phil Straker was fortunate to remain on the park after lashing out Kevin Griffiths late in the first half, instead referee Steve Muldoon awarded a penalty that was converted by Michael Baczynski. Matt Italiano equalised just moments before the break to set up an exciting second half. The game was settled on 82 minutes when Andy Brown guided a close-range header past Jason Razmovski.

A 6-2 away thrashing of Gosnells City got Cockburn’s campaign off to a flying start. Giovannia Di Bartolo and Johnny Mirco both scored twice with Josh Kamasz and Mileta Miletic also finding the net. In round two they thrashed Queens Park 7-0 with De Bartolo again getting a double with Michael Mirco, Aaron Dos Santos, Jason Dos Santos and a couple of own goal rounding out the scoreline. Floreat Athena provided stiffer opposition in the third round but there was no stopping Johnny Mirco whose double guided Cockburn to a 2-1 victory.

Cockburn kept their Cup dream alive with a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final defeat of Swan I.C at Dalmatinac Park. The match flowed freely from end to end with both sides creating several good chances in a lively first half in which possession was evenly split. Cockburn seized the initiative midway through the second period and with just twelve minutes left on the clock veteran Dean Wallace headed in Dom De Felice’s far post corner to book the Cockerels spot in the Cup Final.

10.10.2007

HARNWELL KEEPS THE FAITH

It's been a frustrating start to the new season for Perth Glory's longest serving player Jamie Harnwell. The 30-year old defender-come-striker, last seasons' leading goalscorer, has been used sparingly off the bench this term despite Glory netting just twice in over 600 minutes of A-League football. "It's very painful. It's been the toughest time of my career, without a shadow of doubt," he said. "When you come off the bench you are always trying to prove something. I've scored and helped create chances for others. All you can do is keep performing when you do get your chances and I believe I have done that, and hopefully I'll get a chance on Friday night against Sydney."

Harnwell's dedication to Glory is recognised by their loyal supporters who join together calling for his introduction when they feel the time is right for coach Ron Smith to make a change. "It's a fantastic feeling," Harnwell said of the crowd support. "The fans recognise the work I put in ... and sort of recognise I've got the club at heart and I want to do everything I can to see this club successful again. The first time it happened I had a smile underneath and it's great to know I've got that support out there. If I get given a chance I know I can score goals."

Glory are bottom of the table with just four points to their name, making Friday's meeting with Sydney F.C. a must-win affair. "It's quite scary that we are seven games without a win and only four points off fourth spot, so if we get two or three wins on the trot we are back in there," Harnwell said. "We saw with Newcastle last year they were dead last coming up to the mid-point of the season and they crept into the top-four, so there's still plenty to play for. It's been a long time since we got our last victory so we are desperate for a win. It's not quite all over yet if we don't but it’s rapidly approaching."

9.10.2007

FUTURE STARS SET TO SHINE IN YOUTH CUP FINAL

The stars of tomorrow will be on display when regular season champion Western Knights take on underdogs Stirling Lions in Saturday’s Youth Cup Final at Litis Stadium (kick off 10.00am). This promises to be a cracking encounter with the Knights gunning to complete the League and Cup double while Stirling are out to make amends for last years shock Cup final loss to Armadale. Honours between the teams during the regular season were even at one win apiece, the Knights triumphing 3-1 in April at Macedonia Park with Stirling taking the points by 3-2 in the late season clash at Nash Field.

The Knights dominated the home and away series to claim silverware by an incredible fourteen points, and coach Paul Price will hardly need to motivate his side as they attempt to add the Cup to their trophy cabinet. Goalkeeper Beau Geerlings made his first team debut earlier in the year and is bound to play a big role along with State Schoolboys sextet Matthew Allen, Michael De Souza, Anthony Fearon, Josip Peran, Anthony Skorich and Craig Thompson.

The Knights Cup campaign opened with a 7-2 thrashing of Swan I.C. They were pushed all the way by a dogged Forrestfield United before triumphing 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. Goals flowed freely in the 6-2 quarter-final mauling of Balcatta. The Knights place in the trophy decider came courtesy of goals by Matt De Souza, Ivan Gavranich, Anthony Fearon and R.Rocci who saw them account for Cockburn City 4-1 in the round of four.

Stirling are seeking to avenge last years Youth Cup Final loss to Armadale and, although Doug Hesketh’s side ended the regular season in seventh place, they are definitely not be underestimated. Goalkeeper Alex Sutton anchors a formidable backline which includes State junior representatives Dennis Divjakovski and Zoran Vrteski. Patrick Le and Keith Clevenger provide the midfield drive and ammunition for lethal finishers Rory Feely and David Sasay.

Stirling were granted a bye into the second round where they ran out 4-1 winners against First Division opponent South West Phoenix. A quarter-final trip to Percy Doyle Reserve saw Stirling edge past Sorrento 3-2 in a tight encounter. Two goals in three minutes later in the second half by Rory Feely secured Stirling victory by 2-0 against the National Training Centre in a thrilling semi-final contest at Macedonia Park.

9.10.2007

ON THIS DAY … 1988

Floreat Athena not only defeated Bayswater City to win the D’Orsogna Cup on the afternoon of Sunday 9th October, 1988, but they also wrote themselves in the history books. For Athena it completed a remarkable season in which they made a clean sweep of local honours, the D’Orsogna Cup joining the Super League championship and Top Four play-off crown in residence at the Velodrome. In addition the club dominated the individual awards ceremony two nights prior to the Cup Final. Jeff Curran was named Gold Medal winner as the state’s best and fairest player, Paul Wormley went home with the Golden Boot, and Ken Worden was awarded Coach of the Year.

Athena made their way to the decider thanks to a John Hunter double which gave them narrow victory over Spearwood Dalmatinac. Bayswater edged past Stirling Macedonia in their semi-final with Tommy Leeman scoring the games only goal. Starting as red-hot favourite Athena asserted their authority early on with a series of raids that had Inter back peddling. It was an opening that set the tone for the remainder of the match and one that kept the 4000-strong crowd at Macedonia Park on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Having gone close on several occasions Athena got the breakthrough on 19 minutes when Paul Farmer clipped a neat pass between two defenders to youngster Taki Nicolaides who confidently angled his header past goalkeeper Steve Martin.

But just two minutes later Inter were back on level terms. A quick move down the right involving David Lee and Eddie Sinclair ended with State representative Frank Smerilli cleverly flicking the ball over goalkeeper Alan Davidson and inside the far post. The atmosphere was electric as two sides traded shots on goal in a thrilling tussle. With neither side able to make the most of their chances the match looked destined for extra-time before Athena dealt the fatal knock-out blow two minutes into stoppage time. Showing tremendous skill Wormley waltzed past two defenders as he made his into attack down the right before hitting a high cross to the far post where Hunter’s powerful header from close-range gave Martin absolutely no chance.

Floreat Athena: Alan Davidson, Micky Cairns, Steve Hazebroek, Jeff Curran, J.Lewis, Ross Greer, Norrie Sutton, Paul Wormley, John Hunter, Paul Farmer, Taki Nicolaides, G.Doropoulos, H.Katsamakis
Bayswater Inter: Steve Martin, C.McLaughlin, Tommy Leeman, P.Connell, Rene DeKoning, T.Byrnes, Eddie Sinclair, S.Whitehead, G.Lee, Frank Smerilli, David Lee, F.Malone, R.Matthews

9.10.2007

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS LEAVE GLORY THREADBARE

Coach under fire Ron Smith will have just fifteen players to select from when Perth Glory takes on Sydney F.C. at Members Equity Stadium on Friday evening. International duties will deprive Glory of goalkeeper Tando Velaphi, defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley and midfielders Billy Celeski and Jordan Simpson who’ve been called into camp with the Australian Olympic team for next weeks qualifier with Lebanon. Midfielder David Micevski has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, while Leo Bertos will be away with the New Zealand national team.

Smith, who has weathered a barrage of criticism after the team’s failure to win any of their seven games this season, flagged registering at least one local player to provide cover for this weekend’s encounter. “There are a few boys who’ve been training with us and we could bring in one or two as a precaution,” said the Glory boss. Liam Lilly (Cockburn City), John Migas, Rafeal Insaurralde (both Floreat Athena) and Callum Roberts (Fremantle Spirit) have spent time training with Glory recently.

The absence of Micevski, Celeski, and Simpson will leave a gap in Glory’s engineroom which could be filled by captain Simon Colosimo, who played at the back against Adelaide United on the weekend. Also in contention for the central role are Anthony Danze, who’s returning from injury, and out of favour midfielder Nick Rizzo. Experienced defenders David Tarka and Hayden Foxe remain sidelined by injury, while Stan Lazaridis is banned until late November.

8.10.2007

MANDURAH IGNITE YOUNGS’ PASSION FOR THE GAME

Former national league striker Stuart Young could be tempted to pull on his playing boots again as Mandurah City prepare for life in the Premier League. Young brought the curtain down on a long and successive playing career last year after 151 games and 65 goals for Wollongong Wolves and Perth Glory. He continued his involvement from the sidelines after an offer from Mandurah coach Stuart Currie to take on an assistant role at the club.

Young is now contemplating a return to action after watching Mandurah storm their way to the 2007 First Division championship, and promotion to next years’ top flight. “I’ll give I a couple of months and see how it goes,” said the 34-year old, who played professionally in England and Singapore before moving to Australia in 1999. “My groin has been pretty stuffed and I’ve enjoyed the coaching; it’s been good. They’ve really looked after me … I’ll be at Mandurah next season, one way or another.”

Currie took over the coaching job at Mandurah last year and wasted little time turning an already competitive outfit into a table-topping side. The likes of striker Christian Paschewitz, and midfielders Andy Brown, Jordan Rhodes and Jeff Bright were instrumental in leading the club to the top of the pile. Staying there won’t be easy but Young believes a handful of new players will be enough to ensure Premier League survival in 2008. “If we get four or five players, with the quality we’ve got in the current crop, we’ll give it a shake,” he said.

8.10.2007

FLOREAT KEEN TO DO IT AGAIN

Floreat Athena coach Michael Roki has started planning for next season just a week after the club completed an undefeated campaign, which was rewarded with its first Premier League title in a decade. Roki, whose team came from behind to beat Armadale 5-3 in their final game of the season, said he has already identified potential recruits and received commitments from at least four key players at remain at the club. Former Perth Glory defender Ante Kovacevic will continue for another season, while John Migas, Adam Bachiller and star striker Boima Karpeh are also committed to Floreat’s title defence.

Roki is confident of keeping together the majority of Floreat’s championship winning squad, though he is looking for at least one midfielder with captain Bajo Savic expected to miss much of the campaign due to a knee reconstruction. Former Glory player Josip Magdic could also be missing if his hopes of progressing to a higher level come to fruition. “He has what it takes to make it at the next level,” said Roki. “He needed to be a bit more consistent and to stop getting dirty on himself when things didn’t go right. Some of his performances have been exceptional. He’s a bit unfortunate that Glory haven’t looked at him and he’s desperate to get out there and give it a crack.”

The biggest challenge facing Roki and a Floreat committee presided over by Peter Koulizos will be ensuring this year’s incredible string of results does not lead to complacency next season. “We’ve got to be realistic. We’ve played 31 games (in all competitions) and lost three times, but you’re only as good as your last game,” said Roki. Floreat piled on 70 goals to complete the 22-game home and away series without defeat, winning 18 times and drawing on four occasions. They made it to the last four of the pre-season Night Series where beaten by eventual winner Perth S.C., and made their Cup exit at the quarter-final stage to finalists Cockburn City.

8.10.2007

LOCAL QUARTET NAMED IN AUSTRALIAN SQUAD

West Australia’s success at last weeks National Youth Championships has been underlined by the selection of four players in the Australian Under-17 squad. Eli Babalj, Milljon Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury, all members of the State Under-15 squad, will wear the green and gold in Australia’s upcoming qualifiers for the Asian Football Confederation Under-16 Championship. “To have Trent, Eli, Milljon and Cameron selected in the one squad is phenomenal and a great reward for their hard work this year,” said Garry Chandler, chief executive of Football West. The quartet departs next week for Singapore where Martyn Crook will prepare his side for games against Malaysia, North Korea and East Timor.

7.10.2007

BLORY RUE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Perth Glory remains at the bottom of the A-League table after their failure to score produced a 0-0 draw with Adelaide United this evening at Members Equity Stadium. The home side created by far the better of goalscoring opportunities but had little show for their efforts as Adelaide rode their luck to snatch a share of the points. Ron Smith was disappointed not to pick up all three points but felt it was an improved effort from his side. "Today I felt we got the balance right. We did take the game to them, we tried hard to win the game and I hope the fans out there can appreciate that," said the Glory coach. "The pleasing thing was we stuck to a bit of a game plan today ... we were a bit unfortunate not to score a goal."

Glory started with more purpose than had been shown in recent games but poor delivery and wayward finishing denied them the lead. Simon Colosimo pumped a long ball into the 18-yard box where Tyler Simpson’s header looped off Cassio and landed on the top netting. Angelo Costanzo blocked close-range strike from Tyler Simpson after Leo Bertos delivered a cross into the area, and Nikolai Topor-Stanley blasted the follow-wide. An unmarked Bertos should have registered the hosts opener after 29 minutes but volleyed wide following a fine move down the right involving James Downey and Tyler Simpson. A long throw into the area by Tyler Simpson was flicked on by Nikita Rukavytsya to Bertos who nodded straight at goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame.

The small crowd of just 6,252 was on their feet four minutes after the break when Topor-Stanley’s header crashed off the underside of the crossbar following a corner by Rukavytsya. Adelaide steadied the ship and Nathan Burns’ curling shot from the edge of the area flashed past the post. In the 56th minute Deigo Walsh found the net only for referee Peter Green to disallow his effort for Bruce Djite’s foul on ‘keeper Tando Velaphi. Burns wasted perhaps the best chance of the afternoon when a moments hesitation sw him place wide from only a few metres. The introduction of Jamie Harnwell on 73 minutes gave Glory they lift they needed but James Robinson’s low strike was deflected away by Beltrame. Both sides had opportunities to steal a late win but Bertos was thwarted by Costanzo, and Lucas Pantelis fired wide after a poor clearance from Velaphi.

6.10.2007

SHAMROCK VICTORIOUS IN PULSATING AMATEUR FINAL

A sensational hat-trick from Sean Brooks orchestrated Shamrock Rovers to victory by 4-3 against Fremantle United in the Amateur Championship Final at Dorrien Gardens this evening. Sean Brooks made his presence known only minutes after kick-off by ghosting in at the back post to head in Stephen Guest’s well flighted free-kick. Fremantle fashioned a number of good chances to draw level of which the best came to Jason Smith whose strike from 15-metres was just off-target. The crowd was kept on the edge of their seats by some slick passing that underlined why Shamrock and Fremantle topped their respective conferences. Fremantle got the equaliser they so deserved courtesy of Michael Hoenselaars’ exquisite pass to Daniel D’Ulisse who showed great composure to head into the net. But within minutes the port side had handed the initiative straight back to Shamrock with some calamitous defending allowing Guest to fire in from 16-metres.

Goalkeeper Ed Shuller maintained Shamrock’s lead after the break by parrying a shot from Smith and Felim Rugel slammed the follow-up into the frame of the goal. A terrific curling free-kick from Guest in the 68th minute almost caught out young ‘keeper Greg Sheldon who immediately launched a speedy counterattack that ended with Rugel bringing the teams level. The remainder of regulation time was dominated by Fremantle who drove forward at every opportunity in search of a late winner. Rugel’s pace was again causing the opposing backline a lot of problems and his angled shot from the right flashed across the face of the goal and narrowly wide of the far post. Substitute Josh Sithole went within inches of stealing victory in the 85th minute, and shortly after Rugel’s shot on the run was brilliantly saved by Schuller and Joe Fusari crashed the loose ball into the crossbar.

An excellent turn inside the area allowed Sithole to stroke Fremantle into the lead midway through the first period of extra-time. Shamrock hit back through a good move down the left presented Guest with space to send in a cross that Fusari almost turned into his own net. In the 103rd minute Lachlan Conboy’s low strike was turned out at the near post. But Irish eyes were soon smiling as Sean Brooks made it three-all with a neat back header from John Craic’s delivery. The game looked like being decided by a penalty shoot-out when Sean Brooks received possession on the top edge of the area to rifle an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Shamrock defended staunchly over the final few minutes to secure the Championship trophy along with the right to qualify for next years’ State League First Division.

6.10.2007

PACELLA VOTED THE BEST GOALKEEPER

The local football community has nominated Cockburn City’s Dino Pacella as the best shot-stopper in the top flight. Only a handful of votes separated Pacella from Vas Vujacic and Gareth Deeg in our recent football.net poll which asked ‘Who was the Premier Leagues’ best goalkeeper in 2007?’ Pacella finished on top of the leaderboard with 25% of the vote to pip Vujacic (23%), of champions Floreat Athena, and Perth S.C. ‘keeper Deeg (22%). Stirling Lions’ Phil Straker (14%) was a distant third followed by Steve Grant (Fremantle Spirit) and Kevin Miller (Western Knights) who ended level with 8% of the count. 288 votes were cast in the six-day polling period.

6.10.2007

CLOCK IS TICKING FOR SMITH

Coach Ron Smith admitted yesterday that the clock was ticking on his Perth Glory future after a dismal string of results left the club bottom of the A-League table six games in the new season. And Smith could be prepared to turn to previously out-of-favour Jamie Harnwell to help secure a desperately needed win against Adelaide United at Members Equity Stadium tomorrow. The coach has come under intense fire this week with former Glory great Bobby Despotovski calling for his axing as a group of fans prepare to protest against Smith’s continued tenure by wearing ‘Sack Smith’ t-shirts and unfurling banners at tomorrow’s game.

Smith, who has received the backing of the Glory board, brushed off the criticism but admitted time was running out for results to turn in his favour if he was to stay in the job. “There’s only so long the owners can be supportive before they say that’s it,” he said. But despite his side kicking off the season with three goalless draws before three successive defeats, Smith remains optimistic that Glory are closing to producing their first win since November last year. “Ultimately, we need to win some games,” he said. “If we can do that in the short term, the whole situation with change in the league.”

Smith believes the players’ application in recent outings proved he still had their support. “If the players didn’t try then I’d say they’ve give up and maybe they’ve lost confidence in what we are trying to achieve, but I haven’t seen that,” he said. The coach confirmed Harnwell, a defender who has been used sparingly as a striker this season, would return to the squad after being dropped for last weekend’s mauling at Wellington. But he would not comment on the possibility that disappointing import Mate Dragicevic would be dropped from the match day list.

5.10.2007

10TH BIRTHDAY ALL-STARS ANNOUNCED

Last month footballwa.net invited the West Australian football community to select a ‘team of the decade’ as part of celebrations honouring our 10th birthday. A grand total of 647 people took the time to select their preferred starting eleven from the 45 players we short-listed, and it’s from those that the footballwa.net 10th Birthday All-Stars has been compiled.

5.10.2007

AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Sunday football heavyweights Shamrock Rovers and Fremantle United meet in the 2007 Amateur Championship Final this weekend. The two teams have dominated the top flight of amateur competition this year and with the opportunity to gain promotion to next years State League up for grabs this promises to be a cracking game. Entry is free to the amateur season finale which takes place under lights at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).

Shamrock put behind them a turbulent start to the year that saw the three coaching changes in quick succession, to storm their way into the Championship Final. A mid-season of nine successive wins enabled Shamrock to open up a sizeable gap at the top of Group B which they won by 18 points. Coach Paul McCue expects a very difficult Saturday afternoon for his troops. “It’s going to be a tough,” he said. “Fremantle haven’t lost a game all year and they’ve got quality players all over the park.”

The key to Shamrock’s season has been a watertight backline that has conceded just twelve times in 22 outings. Goalkeeper Ed Schuller has been in tremendous form with able support provided by the likes of Jon Craic and Aaron Cowdrey. Keith Roche, Paddy O’Boyle and captain Wayne Brooks form the nucleus of a midfield that’s hard to stop once it kicks into top gear. Impressive youngsters James Kilbee and Sean Brookes spearhead the Shamrock attack.

Fremantle started the season with a blaze of glory and victory in the inaugural Football West Shield. They never once looked back from that moment on, winning their opening eight games and going on to top Group A by a massive 19 points. Even so, captain Matt Favazzo is tipping a tight game on Sunday. “The season has gone well as we haven’t lost a League game to date, however, we expect a tough battle on Saturday,” he commented.

The black and whites are lead from the front by David Onoforo and Felim Rugel who contributed a staggering 55 goals to the 82 scored during the home and away series. Michael Hoenselaars has had an impressive season in the middle of the park where he’s partnered by seasoned campaigner Jason Smith and Jon De Felice. Defensively, Fremantle have been well served by Matt Favazzo and young goalkeeper Greg Sheldon, while the return of Mal Bosco is a major boost for the side.

Shamrock Rovers and University of WA meet in prior to the main game in the Reserves Championship Final (kick-off 5.00pm). Shamrock ended the regular season 20 points clear of their nearest rival to take out Group B, and last weekend lifted the Soccer Pools Reserve Cup Final courtesy of goals from Justin Lupini and Nik Silsby. University will be happy with the underdog tag and confident of their chances after completing the regular season with a nine game unbeaten run that secured top spot in Group A.

4.10.2007

PRESSURE ON SMITH INTENSIFIES

Perth Glory's greatest player has called for coach Ron Smith to be sacked as disgruntled fans prepare to take their protest to Sunday's home meeting with Adelaide United. Bobby Despotovski, who starred for the club for more than a decade before retiring last season, said yesterday Glory should wield the axe and appoint a new boss to resurrect the ailing team. "It's time for something to be done because if it continues for much longer we are not going to be able to catch the teams in front of us and get into the finals," said Despotovski. "If they decide to do something now it may wake up some of the players because some of them are in cruise control. As much as winning is a habit, so is losing."

Glory have not won since November last year when a Jamie Harnwell hat-trick was behind their 4-1 defeat of the now defunct New Zealand Knights. But Smith has been backed by the club owners at least until a mid-season review, while captain Simon Colosimo said the players were right behind the embattled coach. "By round 11 there will be that much damage done to the club that it won't be repaired in time for the finals," said Despotovski. "But not only that, I'm concerned about the attendances to the games. It hurts me because I played for the club for twelve years." Glory have averaged just 7908 to their three home games this season.

One group of fans is preparing to wear T-shirts and unfurl banners at Sunday's game calling for Smith to be sacked. But Smith remains defiant, confirming he would not walk away from the job regardless of the outcome of the Adelaide match. "I'm totally committed to doing the best I can in every job I've had and I'll do everything I can to be successful because that's what I want to be," he said. "If I believed it couldn't (be turned around) I wouldn't be here. In any job, you face tough times and you have obstacles to overcome and you have problems, some are in your control and some aren't. But generally you've got to have a positive outlook."

Glory chief executive Scott Gooch said he understood Despotovski's and the fans' frustrations. "From what I understand there is a small minority of people who are a little bit disgruntled and that's understandable. But we'd want them to be supportive of the direction the club is heading in," Gooch said. "Bobby is a champion of the club and he's obviously disappointed that we haven't been winning. But the club, team and coaching staff are working tirelessly to turn things around." Glory have won only five of 27 games played under Smith.

4.10.2007

MRDJA INJURY ROCKS MARINERS

Central Coast Mariners have been thrown into disarray with injury-prone striker Nik Mrdja aggravating a knee problem in the lead-up to this weekend's derby with Newcastle United. Mrdja was due to return for Sunday's blockbuster, however, coach Lawrie McKinna will be without the 28-year old who is likely to miss at least the next two games. Mrdja has been absence from the Mariners line-up since his injury flared up while in camp with the Socceroos last month.

"Nik went for a run earlier this week and he felt it again," McKinna said. "In the games he played there is no way we saw the best of him. It's a shame for him because he's been out for so long, but hopefully he'll get the best possible news now. We can't afford to rush him back. Because he's been out for so long, physically and mentally he needs to be right within himself. All of a sudden we go from having a lot of depth up front to being skinny."

3.10.2007

GLORY OWNERS BACK EMBATTLED COACH

Ron Smith will be given time to revive Perth Glory’s already ailing finals prospects in spite of a miserable start to the campaign. Glory rooted to the bottom of the A-League table and without a win in six starts, but co-owner Tony Sage believes Smith is on the right track. Sage said the team’s progress would be assessed after Glory’s home clash with Phoenix in early November, although informal reviews were conducted regularly. “We are pretty unwavering in our support of Ron and what he’s trying to do,” said Sage

Sage, who in partnership with John Spence and Brett McKeon took on the challenge of revitalising the club in April, indicated changes could be made if Glory continued to misfire. “At the mid-point of the season we’ll see how Ron’s vision is going,” Sage said. “We said at the beginning of the year if we don’t make the finals we’ll be very disappointed. At the moment, we’ve got absolute faith in Ron to turn it around … This club is going to be very, very strong, but we need time.”

The immediate forecast, though, is for more turbulent times as Glory try to cope with an increasing number of absentees. Experienced defenders David Tarka and Hayden Foxe are sidelined through injury, former Socceroo Stan Lazaridis is banned until late November, and Dino Djulbic will miss this week’s game after being sent off against Phoenix. Glory have not won since November last year and have scored just two goals in six games. They are the only team yet to win a game and, after three goalless draws and three successive defeats, sit five points adrift of fourth place.

2.10.2007

DE VANNA NAMED AMONGST WORLD’S ELITE

Matildas striker Lisa De Vanna has been rewarded for her part in Australia’s breakthrough Women’s World Cup showing by being named in FIFA’s all-star team. The 22-year old is one of sixteen players named by the FIFA Technical Study Group based on performances throughout the tournament. De Vanna joins an elite list of four attackers which also comprises Brazilian duo Marta and Cristiane, plus German World Cup winning captain Birgit Prinz.

Australia made it all the way through to the last eight where they went down 3-2 to eventual finalists Brazil. Although used off the bench in three of Australia’s four games, De Vanna scored four times in the Matilda’s historic run. Australia finished the tournament ranked sixth - behind Germany, Brazil, the United States, Norway and host nation China - and were voted into fifth place on fifa.com as the tournament’s ‘Most Entertaining Team’.

1.10.2007

SMITH LOST FOR ANSWERS

Perth Glory coach Ron Smith conceded Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix was ‘a tough day at the office’ as his otherwise water-tight defence leaked soft goals. The loss keeps Glory winless six games into the season, but prior to Sunday the side had conceded just three goals. “It was a tough day at the office,” Smith said. “We need to have a good look at the game, and a good look at ourselves at times, in what we’re trying to do. We got off to a pretty good start, (but) we conceded what I would call two really soft goals. The second and fourth were very poor defending on our part and that’s (defending) been one of our strengths.”

The sending off of Dino Djulbic in the 54th minute for two yellow card offences forced Smith to change tact mid-game. “I think we conceded the third goal fairly quickly after the send-off, so the plans that we had at halftime to change things around a little bit because we were 2-1 down kind of went out the window,” he explained. “I put two fresh people on up front and the unfortunate thing was we didn’t change the way we played. We should have started hitting the ball into spaces and getting these guys on the move. The effort in the second half, from all the lads that were on the field, was good. It was just the way we played; we did some dumb things out there. It’s back to square one during the week.”

1.10.2007

FEARON READY FOR BRITAIN’S BEST

Anthony Fearon may have arrived late in but he hopes to make a lasting impression on the football scene. The John Curtin College of the Arts student has played the game for only five years but is now preparing to represent his country. Fearon, 17, was the only West Australian player selected in the Australian Schoolboys team which travels to the United Kingdom and Ireland next year after impressing at the national championships in Darwin.

Fearon, who plays locally for Western Knights, scored a goal in each of his two appearances at the championship before suffering a groin injury. “I thought I’d ruined my chances because I got injured, so I’m pretty happy,” he said of being selected to play for Australia. Ryan Pretorius, Michael De Souza, James Sammut and Kynon Melling were all selected in the shadow squad but will only make the trip if other players withdraw.

Peter Rickers, coordinator of the John Curtin program and manager of the State Schoolboys, said Fearon had beaten the odds when he landed a place at the school despite having never played for a club. “It’s exceptionally unusual,” said Rickers. “He’s always been a fantastic player but he was very raw and technically he struggled a bit. He was good enough to get in the 17 or 18 players in his year group but certainly wasn’t a stand out player at that point. But in every year that’s gone past his technique has improved.”

The trip will cost Fearon’s mother, Rose McKinnon, almost $7000 but the teenager expects to get value for money from the experience. Scouts from some of Britain’s biggest clubs are expected to be watching when Australia takes on schoolboy teams from England, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as English college sides, in January.

30.9.2007

MATILDAS WON’T WALTZ WITH ARSENAL

Women’s World Cup stars Lisa De Vanna and Collette McCallum have turned down offers to play for Arsenal after a series of outstanding performances in China. The locally duo lit up the international stage as Australia reached the quarter-finals, but are now preparing for new and different challenges. De Vanna, who considered not making the trip to China following the death of her father just months before the tournament, has spent the past few days in Sydney planning her next move with confidante Rose Krauksts. McCallum, who had to overcome two knee reconstructions just to get to her first senior World Cup, is looking forward to taking a break and concentrate on completing a fitness instructors course.

De Vanna, scorer of four goals in as many games for the Matilda’s, has already had offer from Arsenal as well as clubs from China and the United States. But the 23-yeard old said she wanted to play in Sweden, which is currently considered to have one of the best women’s leagues in the world. “I’ve had offers from Arsenal. They keep ringing up Rose but I’ve been to England (with Doncaster Belles) and it’s not something I want to do again,” the striker explained. “If it’s a good offer and I feel like IO can do it I might take the chance, but it’s not what I want at the moment. We’re working out the next step – I wouldn’t mind going to Sweden, a lot of the best players are there.”

McCallum, whose curling free-kick against Canada drew comparisons with David Beckham’s dead-ball ability, has also knocked back the chance to join Arsenal along with a club from the United States, but for a very different reason. “I’ve had a lot of major injuries and I think my legs need the rest,” commented the 21-year old. “And we’ve done so much travelling that going away again would be too much for me.” But McCallum is keen to explore the chance to play in America w