Mark Darby gets Armadale out of trouble (photograph by Brett Klucznik)

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VOTE FOR THE FOOTBALLWA.NET PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

With the Premier League and First Division seasons drawing to a close voting has opened in the footballwa.net 2008 Player of the Year awards. As in previous years, there are two awards up for grabs - the Premier League Player of the Year and the First Division Player of the Year - with website visitors encouraged to vote in either, or both, categories.

The footballwa.net Player of the Year is the only award voted for by the players, coaches, administrators and supporters of the local game. Gold Medal winner Nick Ward and Perth Glory captain Jamie Coyne head the list of previous Premier League recipients which also includes Boima Karpeh, Simon Harland, Antonio Naglieri, Shane Crampton and Branimir Mikulic. The First Division Player of the Year has been taken out by Andy Brown, David Rodgers, Adam Raines, Scott Bulloch and Boima Karpeh.

On a 3-2-1 basis - where three is your preferred player of the season - we invite all our readers to submit their votes in either category as soon as possible. These will be tallied off-line with the winner and minor place getters revealed on Friday 26th September. Don't miss out on having your voice heard by sending your votes as soon as possible to Brett via bklucznik@iprimus.com.au.

6.9.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

This week's big game is the derby between E.C.U. Joondalup and Sorrento at the Joondalup campus of Edith Cowan University. The form guide goes out the window when these two northern giants meet with victory this week vital to both, if for very different reasons. Not a lot has gone in Joondalup's favour of late but to have bragging rights over their long-time rival would be the perfect way to kick-start a late season revival. The Gulls, on the other hand, are acutely aware that Floreat Athena can leapfrog into top spot should they slip up. The early season meeting ended 3-2 to Sorrento and tomorrow's game will be just as tight.

Western Knights will need to find something a bit special to continue their winning run when second-placed Floreat Athena visits Nash Field. A nine-game unbeaten streak has positioned Floreat well to become just the fourth club to win back-to-back championships. Adam Bachillor and Miki Vujacic provide the pace from out wide with former State Youth representative Dean Apelgren and the much underrated Paul Vatistas controlling things in the centre. The Knights key strength is an equally impressive midfield unit in which David Micevski, who was outstanding at Fremantle last week, Luka Jukic, George Tchami and Paul Cooke operate with menace.

Superior firepower should give Perth S.C. the edge when they host Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens. Greg Sharland and Todd Howarth will make sure there's little time to rest for the visiting defence as David Onoforo sets about adding to the 15 goals he's already scored this year. Five straight losses have done nothing for the confidence of Cockburn, who threw away a two-goal lead to go down at home to Floreat Athena last time out. Aaron Dos Santos scored twice in that game and will again be looking to capitalise on the supply of long-serving pair Johnny Mirco and Dom De Felice.

Inglewood United should cement fourth place when they travel south to play Mandurah City at Hyundai Stadium. Even though hat-trick hero Kevin Griffiths is out due to an accumulation of yellow cards, the non-stop contributions of Jason Colli, James Sammut, Michael Baczynski and Shane Pryce are expected to earn them maximum points. This is a must-win game for Mandurah who sit four points beyond Inglewood and a historic finals appearance at the end of their first ever Premier League campaign. But with Jeff Bright and Chris Currie suspended and Phil O’Callaghan under an injury cloud, the odds seem to be firmly stacked against the hosts.

Fremantle Spirit’s second successive home game pits them against an Armadale side that has improved in leaps and bounds over the second half of the season. The midfield battle is likely to determine the outcome as Llewelyn Bake and Jason Bake go up against Gary Faria and Kidi Madeley. Stirling Lions have been travelling well of late and are expected to give home team Swan I.C. a good run for their money. Exciting youngsters Phil Arnold and Ludovic Boi, Geoff Mason and Alex Cocking are amongst the drawcards in what promises to be an entertaining contest.

The struggle to avoid relegation from the First Division comes under the spotlight this weekend with key games for both Ashfield and Queens Park. Last-placed Queens Park stand a very good chance of collecting points when they venture to Hartfield Park for a derby meeting against Forrestfield United, who last tasted victory almost two months ago. Ashfield may be placed one point above Queens Park but face the prospect of a difficult afternoon at Frank Drago Reserve where Bayswater have lost only twice this season.

Canning City effectively secured promotion last weekend and a home win against Wanneroo City will take them one step closer to completing the winter without loss. Planning for next season has already commenced at South West Phoenix who have an evening kick-off at Rockingham City tomorrow. Dianella White Eagles have quietly risen into third and victory away at Balcatta should position the club for their highest placing in almost a decade. Morley Windmills and Gosnells City will both be looking to add a few more points in their disappointing season tallies when they meet at Wotton Reserve.

6.9.2008

DARBY BACK IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY

When Armadale came knocking on the door of Mark Darby earlier this year they didn’t have to wait long for an answer. The strongly built central defender played his junior days at Armadale, who were then based at Morgan Park, and a return to the club where he started was just what Darby was seeking after five years with Fremantle Spirit. “Coming back to the Army has been really good; even with a slow start our fans keep coming and showing support,” he commented. “There is nothing to dislike about this club on or off the pitch, especially when you’re playing with a quality group of players.”

The Reds have put a poor start to the season behind them by slowly climb clear of the drop zone. Darby considers the return of Gary Faria, who was overseas for the first part of the season, and the arrival of imports James Robinson and John Lund played a major role in their turnaround. “I would say both Gary and the new imports have had a decent impact towards the way we have been playing in the second half of the season,” said Darby, before tipping his hat to coach Brad Hassell. “Some tactical changes by Brad to formations and positions have also helped, and we hope to have a strong finish to the season.”

Darby, 21, has particularly been impressed with the wealth of experience and high level of professionalism Hassell has brought to Armadale this year. “Brad has been good, there’s a good interaction between him and the players,” Darby said of Hassell, a veteran of 283 national league games and an Australian Under-23 international. “With the experience he has got as a footballer himself, he knows if players are in form or not and he varies training sessions week to week which makes it enjoyable for all of us.”

An ankle injury may have hampered Darby’s pre-season but the defender has played through the pain to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. Nonetheless, Hassell has been pleased with his contribution this season and considers Darby to have added stability to the Reds rearguard. “Mark has done well since joining us,” said the coach. “He’s played through injuries this season which is a credit to him and he has been solid in the back line. The club are more than happy with his return home after a couple of years at Fremantle.”

Darby has been a pillar of strength in the Reds back line where he partners Matt Bennion, Shannon Dally and Andy Bowyer. And while he’s formed a solid bond with each of those players, it is goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock that holds everything together. “Cyril is a great character to have around the club,” Darby said. “He’s a good laugh and when serious he’s a top ‘keeper as you know. He’s very vocal at keeping the back line organised and he’s definitely made some great saves to keep us in the game.”

5.9.2008

ADAM HAS FOND RECOLLECTIONS OF INGLEWOOD

It’s nearing almost a quarter of a century since Lee Adam last strapped on his boots at Inglewood Kiev (now United) but the Englishman still remembers fondly his time down under. Adam played seven seasons at Inglewood, twice winning the Gold Medal as the top flights best player, and a further three with Wollongong City on the national stage. “I had a fantastic time in Australia, both from a football and social point of view,” he reminisced. “I’ve many happy memories of the sun, the sand, the ocean and the barbecues … and I quite fondly remember singing ‘The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen’ with John Davidson after a few beers!”

Born in Leicester in 1957, Adam was turned on to football while at primary school and as a teenager spent three years as an apprentice with Derby County. He was approached by Inglewood Kiev in 1976 for what was initially planned to be a two-year stay, but which blew out to nine enjoyable years in Australia. “I received an offer to play for Inglewood and as I wanted to experience another country I jumped at the chance,” Adam said. “The way the game was played in Perth was very different to what I was used to back home as the heat and hard pitches meant players had to have good technique and stamina.”

Adam commenced a productive four-year stay with Kiev in 1976 and the following year picked up D’Orsogna Cup and Night Series winner medals. “The 5-1 demolition of Spearwood in the D’Orsogna Cup Final at Perry Lakes is one game that really stands out for me - we played magnificently that day and our supporters were in great voice,” he said. The tall midfielder earned his first Gold Medal in 1978 and then completed his double two years later. “Those two Gold Medal wins will always be amongst the highlights of my time in football,” Adam commented.

It was as a central defender that Adam made his State team debut against English club Norwich City in 1979. Amongst his six outings in West Australian colours were games against Yugoslav giants Red Star Belgrade and Skopje Vardar, with his only representative goal coming against the Combined Australia Croatian touring side in 1979. “Playing for WA against Red Star Belgrade was football education - I don’t think we had possession of the ball for 88 of the 90 minutes,” he recalled of the day West Australia were humbled 5-0 by a far more experienced opponent.

In 1981 Adam ventured east to join national league newcomer Wollongong City, for whom he’d play 80 times across three seasons. “The experience of playing in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra was unforgettable,” Adam commented. “There was a great togetherness among the players as it was a brand new club. Our first league game was at home to Sydney Olympic whose manager, Tommy Docherty, said that we would be like ‘lambs to the slaughter’ - and we beat them 3-1. Then we went to Heidelberg who were the League champions and won 3-0. We had announced our arrival in great style.”

Adam returned to the west coast in 1984 and played a couple more seasons at Inglewood before heading back to England. “I had thought I would remain in Perth but a family situation meant I had to return to the UK,” he said. Adam continued his playing days with non-League clubs Leicester United and Bedworth before hanging up his boots in 1990. He spent three seasons as manager of Corby Town and another six at Oadby Town, where he captured the Leicestershire Challenge Cup and Rolleston Charity Cup twice each. Adam retired from management in May 2008.

5.9.2008

SHORT PASSES

Fremantle Spirit boasts the best disciplinary record in the Premier League heading into the final three rounds of the season. Using the A-League fair play methodology, Fremantle have 39 points for the 24 yellow cards, three second yellow cards and three straight red cards collected this winter. Perth S.C. and Floreat Athena are level with 41 points, three less than Cockburn City and Inglewood United. Those with the worst discipline records are Armadale (58 points) and E.C.U. Joondalup (56).

Canning City is just three games away from becoming the first team in over four decades to win promotion to the top flight with an unbeaten season. The only team in State League history to achieve this was Kiev who, in 1967, won ten and drew six games to pip Athena for the then Second Division trophy by a single point. Wanneroo City and Mandurah City went close to emulating Kiev in 2005 and 2007, respectively, but were undone by losses on the final day of competition.

Former State Youth team player Damien Catalano has decided to seek greener pastures after four enjoyable years at Swan I.C. The 24-year old striker has been sidelined for the majority of the Premier League season due to a lingering groin complaint, which was originally diagnosed last year. Although now on the mend, Catalano would like to take the remainder of the year easy and prepared for this successful returned to football in 2008.

Football West staff are calling out for an internal review of the organisation’s structure and processes. Established in 2004 to oversee all aspects of the game in Western Australia, there is no doubt Football West has made great strides in brining together the football community. But, unfortunately, the organisation’s failure to evolve along with game has resulted in a rash of departures during the last twelve months and a fair degree of cynicism and disillusionment amongst those who remain.

A frustrated Perth Glory have asked A-League authorities for a ‘please explain’ over a perceived bias in refereeing. The club are seething over two questionable penalties awarded to opponents in their last two matches, plus an unusually long period of stoppage time in the round two contest against Newcastle United Jets. Glory yesterday fired off a strongly worded letter to newly appointed referee assessor Mario van der Ende asking for an explanation.

	Which recruit had the biggest impact in 2008?
	Gary Faria (Armadale)
	Shaun Kilkelly (Sorrento)
	David Micevski (Knights)
	Phil O'Callaghan (Mandurah)
	Jordan Rhodes (Stirling)
	Brad Scott (Floreat)
	Greg Sharland (Perth)
	Craig Simpson (Joondalup)

5.9.2008

GLORY SECURE SRHOJ

Perth Glory has rounded out their playing roster by signing experienced midfielder Wayne Srhoj to a one-year deal. It'll be the 26-year olds second stint with Glory having previously been part of the 2003/04 National Soccer League championship winning side. "When I was last here Perth Glory was the stand-out team in Australian football and I see no reason why they can't be again," said Srhoj, whose played the last five years plying his trade in Romania. "I'm happy to be back and looking forward to getting onto the pitch in the near future."

Srhoj has been training with Glory for the past fortnight and will continue to build his fitness in a bid to press for selection as soon as possible. "I'm feeling fitter and fitter with every session and I'll continue to work overtime to show the coach I'm ready to go," he said. "It has been a while since I last played in Australia and I'm really looking forward to putting the Glory shirt back on and getting out there with the boys." Glory now has the maximum 23 contracted players allowed under A-League regulations, however, the club has the option to bring a guest player into the squad for seven matches during the season.

4.9.2008

NATIONALS BECKON FOR THIRTY-TWO YOUNGSTERS

The pick of Western Australia's up-and-coming footballers have been selected for duty at the National Youth Championship in Coffs Harbour come the end of September. The week-long event is a key part of Football Federation Australia's junior development program and provides players an opportunity to showcase their wares to scouts from Australia and overseas. Thirty-two teenagers from the west will line-up at the Nationals where they'll be hoping to follow Eli Babalj, Milljon Butshiire, Cameron Edwards and Trent Sainsbury by gaining Australian Under-17 honours.

The State Under-15's qualified for the semi-finals last year and expectations are high that this can be matched or bettered by the current crop of players. "We have over the last few years implemented the process of creating a valuable player pathway starting with our academy structure and moving through representative State teams and on to National Training Centre and national team selection," said Andrew Bettell, Football West's development manager. "We are confident that the 2008 crop will continue the trend and all at Football West wish them well."

The State Under-15 squad for the 2008 National Youth Championship features Terrence Conner, Ryan Edwards, Hanafi Ghazali, Andrew Higgins, James Marocchi, James Marsden, Scott Mellish, Sabit Oyet, Storm Roux, Francis Soale, Blake Sokolowski, Samuel Sonpon, Jo Page, Adam Taggart, Steven Walmsley, Aryn Williams and Ryan Williams. Kenny Lowe, National Training Centre coach and assistant at Perth Glory, is in charge of the side.

The State Under-14 squad for the 2008 National Youth Championship consists of Brendan Catalano, Nathan De Abreu, Daniel Dols, Jimmy Fenlon, Scott Galloway, Alex Grant, Tom King, Jesse Makarounas, Sahr Musa, Harry O'Brien, Brandon O'Neil, Jo Page, Adrian Petroski, Shane Pickering, Riley Woodcock and Joseph Moseray. The team is under the guidance of former Perth Glory captain and current Glory Youth coach Gareth Naven.

4.9.2008

MARSHALL EARNS HIS STRIPES

Chris Marshall has given the strongest possible indication that he’ll be a key figure at Swan I.C. in coming years. The young centre-back celebrated his first team debut with a goal against Western Knights and underlined his value to the side with a couple of commanding performances in more recent outings with Fremantle Spirit and Armadale. “It’s been great playing in the senior side and to have won two of the three games I’ve played is a bonus,” said 21-year old Marshall, who’d been buzzing in the reserves until his call-up. “It’s definitely quicker and more physical than the reserves and I’m finding myself being sorer after games with the first team, and there is also that step up in quality too.”

Lining up with the likes of Aaron Cole, Dom Ando and David McNally has provided Marshall a solid grounding as to what is expected at senior level. “Playing alongside Aaron at the back definitely makes your job easier. When you have players around you that have that experience and skill like most of our team does, you can just focus on your own game and you know everyone will do their bit and help you out,” Marshall said. “The coaches worked hard on the defence this season and they have had a really good year so far, and hopefully we can finish it off in the last few weeks.”

Marshall is one of several youngsters to successfully transition to first team football this year. He acknowledges a huge debt of gratitude to coach Paul Lincoln, who prior to this season was in charge of the black and whites second string. “I enjoyed working with Paul in the reserves and we had a lot of success there, I hope I can continue to work with him and the boys,” commented Marshall. “Paul has achieved a lot already in his first year as coach, giving the younger guys a chance and they have gone on to become better players and regular first team starters, and this will be beneficial for the club in the long term.”

Having made his mark as a junior with Swan Districts, Marshall moved to Swan four years ago and has made a swift rise up through the clubs ranks. Now in the first team, the only thing he wants is to continue bettering himself as a player and enjoy his football. “I just want to continue playing with the first team and become as good as I can,” he commented. “Obviously, I want to get as far as possible with my football career and take any chances that come my way, but for now all I’m thinking about is the present and this weekend’s game.” Swan welcome Stirling Lions to Francis Street on Saturday.

3.9.2008

MCMURRAY REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE

Their play-off dreams may have ended some time ago but that doesn’t mean E.C.U. Joondalup captain Ian McMurray had dropped his head. The northern suburb’s side sat proudly at the top of the table after half a dozen games and seemingly set to challenge for regular season honours, however, things soon began to unravel for the club. “With the start we had and the way we were playing, it looked as though we could be up there challenging for a top four finish,” said McMurray. “Then we hit a bad patch and our poor League form has ended up with us in the bottom four. Then came the semi-final Cup loss to Western Knights, which was very disappointing to all of us as it was our only chance of silverware this season.”

McMurray attributes Joondalup’s slide down the table - they’ve managed just two wins in thirteen games - to a horrid injury run, suspension and players going overseas. But at the end of the day he’s not making excuses. “Yes, we have had players away, injuries and suspensions but so has every other team,” said McMurray, now in his third season with Joondalup. “The fact of the matter is at the moment we aren’t playing well and confidence and morale is low. But the team are working hard in training and who knows, with a little bit of luck on Saturday it could lift us and get us back on track.”

Joondalup will have a bearing on who does lift the Premier League trophy with games against top two Sorrento and Floreat Athena in the closing weeks of 2008. While under no illusion as to the difficult task facing his team, McMurray hopes Joondalup can pick themselves up and finish the season with a late flourish. “We have some hard games remaining, two of which are against top four teams,” said 31-year old McMurray. “If we play to our ability and win we could still potentially have a big say in who are champions but more importantly would let us climb the ladder and finish our season on a high.”

In addition to his role as a Joondalup player, McMurray steps in to assist senior coach Chris Nicholson when Willie McNally, Perth Glory’s goalkeeper coach, is on A-League duty. Nicholson is pleased to have someone as knowledgeable about the game as McMurray is liaising between the coaching and playing staff. “Ian is as frustrated as all of us with recent results - but has showed his leadership on the park tremendously well,” commented Nicholson. “He has never lost his belief, nor shirked his responsibility - which sometimes he will be the first to admit has cost his game a little at times - but he has skippered the side with integrity all season.”

Earlier this year McMurray had the honour of playing for the State in friendlies with Perth Glory and the East Java Under-23 team. “It was a fantastic honour to be selected for the State team which I thoroughly enjoyed and it has been one of the highlights of my soccer career,” he enthused. “Playing against Glory was great, the guys are full-time professionals so it was a good challenge for me personally and as a team to see how we would perform - and we won the game. In Indonesia we were treated like professionals. The game itself was very hard; the conditions, temperature and surface were against us and although the result was bad for us I’m sure everyone loved the experience.”

Playing representative football is not new to McMurray who gained Under-18 honours with Scotland. The big striker was on the books of First Division side Dunfermline Athletic and spent time in the non-League with Linglithgow Rose, Dunnipace Juniors, Fauldhouse United and Shotts Bon Accord prior to moving to Perth a few years ago. He’s been playing as a visa player for Joondalup since but has recently taken steps to make Australia his permanent home by becoming a resident. “I’m still a visa player but I’m in the process of becoming a resident and hopefully all being well this will be through early next year,” said McMurray, a former Scotland youth international.

The season may be drawing to a close but the next few months will be busy for McMurray who is planing to wed his fiance. “It’s a big year personally next year for me, in February I get married in Scotland to my fiancee, wee Kirsty, which will be very special,” said McMurray, who will no doubt the centre of attention for a number of clubs as they prepare for 2009. “It is always flattering to hear that teams are interested in your services, but I am an ECU player at the moment and my main focus is collecting maximum points from our remaining games and scoring to add to my goal tally this season,” McMurray asserted.

2.9.2008

DUNN ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY STATE SQUAD

Western Australia coach Robbie Dunn has selected a 32-man squad in preparation for the Stratco Cup clash against South Australia on 11th October. Dunn has been delighted at the response from the players so far in making themselves available for selection. “The players can now see that Football West are serious about the State team and have been brilliant in making themselves available” said Dunn. “It is a great honour to play for your State and we had Scott Bulloch sign with the Perth Glory on the back of his performance for the state side against them in June. I am confident that we will have our A-team available and primed for action come October 11 to knock off the ‘croweaters’ and bring the Stratco Cup back to WA.”

Those invited to train for the State team are John Lund, Darryl Platten (Armadale), Liam Lilly, Johnny Mirco (Cockburn City), Adam Bachillor, Ante Kovacevic, John Migas, Daniel Niederberger, Brad Scott (Floreat Athena), Jason Barrera, Callum Roberts (Fremantle Spirit), Jason Colli, Shayne Pryce (Inglewood United), Ian McMurray, Craig Young (E.C.U. Joondalup), Andy Brown, Phil O'Callaghan (Mandurah City), Matt Danskin, Gareth Deeg, Todd Howarth, Antonio Naglieri, David Onoforo, Greg Sharland (Perth S.C.), Todd Harnwell, Stuart Montgomery, Neil Young (Sorrento), Marc Anthony, Phil Straker (Stirling Lions), Aaron Cole, Damian Scali (Swan I.C.), Luka Jukic and David Micevski (Western Knights).

2.9.2008

SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON DUNDEE’S HINDLEY

Goalkeeper Bryn Hindley has made a strong start to his time at Scottish Premier League club Dundee United. The one-time State junior representative played the starring role in the Under-19’s 4-2 win away at Motherwell on Saturday. Having conceded after only two minutes, Hindley pulled off a couple of terrific saves to prevent Motherwell from running away with the game. The Tannadice teenagers equalised before the break, then piled on three goals in a pulsating second half highlighted by Hindley’s superb fingertip save as Motherwell sought a way back in. This just days after the teenager saved a penalty from Northern Ireland youth international Declan Bunting in the 2-1 loss to Celtic. Hindley, who played the last eighteen months with E.C.U. Joondalup, headed overseas to commence a two-year contract with Dundee United in early July.

2.9.2008

DJULBIC OUT FOR FIVEY

Dino Djulbic has been handed a five-game suspension after being found guilty of unsporting conduct toward a match official. The Perth Glory defender was facing a possible 18-month ban for allegedly spitting in the direction of referee Peter Green during Sunday’s 5-2 loss at Sydney F.C. After viewing footage of the incident, Football Federation Australia’s match review panel downgraded the offence from an R3 - spitting at a match official, as alleged by Green - to an R6 one of showing dissent. The panel added an extra four weeks to the automatic one match suspension Djulibic received for behind shown a straight red card. Djulbic won’t be available until Glory’s round-nine trip to Adelaide United in late October.

1.9.2008

RUTHERFORD EARNS HIS PLACE IN THE DEN

Stirling Lions have unearthed some immensely talented players in recent times with Chris Rutherford being the latest to make his impression. The 18-year old defender has slotted neatly into coach Mike Lyons’ starting eleven at right-back this season, having made his way up through the ranks at Macedonia Park over the past few years. “I’ve really enjoyed it to date, it’s a lot more physical than I’ve been used to but I’m getting used to it now,” Rutherford said of life as a first team player. “You don’t have much time on the ball and it’s something I’ve worked hard on this season.”

The absence of Darko Ilmanoski, Kevin Henderson and Steven Hesketh provided just the opportunity the young defender was looking for to step into the senior line-up this year. Rutherford was pleased to be given a chance by coaches Lyons and Paul Simmons, who he is absolutely thrilled to be working with. “Mike and Geordie have really worked hard on the little things that you need to make it to the next level in the game,” he commented. “They’ve both been great for me, especially Geordie who has taken me aside after training and told me what I can improve on … he’s always in my ear telling me what to do which has been great.”

After a handful of appearances as an unused substitute, Rutherford made his senior debut in late June’s 5-0 demolition of Fremantle Spirit. Such has been his impact that Rutherford has played every minute of the nine subsequent games for Stirling, who have slowly moved their way up to sixth on the table. “Chris has done all right, his only a young lad and he’s keen as mustard,” commented Simmons. “He’s got a great leap on him and he has no fear of putting the hard tackles in - we’re really pleased with him as he’s come on in leaps and bounds this season.”

Rutherford played juniors for Hamersley Rovers and E.C.U. Joondalup before relocating to Stirling at the age of 13. And while he’s hardly looked back since, Rutherford says he wasn’t tempted to try his luck in trials for the Perth Glory Youth side when held a few months back. “Me and Matt Italiano decided it wasn’t going to be the best thing for us at this moment in time,” Rutherford said, before tipping his hat to team mates Dean Evans and Ludovic Boi who made the final cut. “It’s great for Deano and Ludo making the squad and I wish therm all the best.”

1.9.2008

COMMUNITY EVENLY SPLIT ON SUNDAY GAME

The votes were evenly distributed in last weeks' football.net poll which asked 'Should the semi-professional Premier League match of the week be played on Sunday?' 51% of the vote was cast in favour of moving the pick of the weekend's action to a Sunday afternoon, whereas the remaining 49% prefer to keep the status quo have Sunday set aside for the amateur leagues. 207 votes were received during the nine-day polling period.

31.8.2008

SYDNEY PUNISH SLACK GLORY (by Peter Simcox)

Sydney F.C. continued their strong start to the A-League season with an emphatic 5-2 triumph over Perth Glory at the Sydney Football Stadium. The red carding of defender Dino Djulbic midway through the first half for arguing a penalty decision with referee Peter Green put Glory on the back foot and opened the floodgates for Sydney to race to a match winning lead by the break. "We were playing well to that point and after Dino was sent off we still had an opportunity to get something out of the match and continued to go forward however we didn't adapt at the back quickly enough and Sydney capitalised and it cost us," said coach David Mitchell.

The home side were gifted the opening goal after 3 minutes when Alex Brosque pounced on a sloppy Djulbic pass and race through to guide his shot past goalkeeper Frank Juric. Glory remained focused and nine minutes later were back on level terms thanks to Eugene Dadi who headed in unmarked an Amaral free-kick from the right. The game took another twist on 21 minutes when Steve Corica was brought down by Adrain Pelligrino, Djulbic argued the point with Green who had no hesitation sending off the defender after he allegedly spat at the official. Once order was restored, Corica stepped up to push the resulting penalty into the net to put Sydney back in front. With the advantage of an extra man, Sydney now began to dominate and on 39 minutes Corica played down the right to Brosque whose cross was converted by Mark Bridge. It was soon four-one as poor defending enabled Iain Faye's back post cross to reach Shannon Cole who fired low into the net.

A mistake by Jamie Coyne presented Corica with the first chance after the break which the veteran midfielder sent wide from close-in. Scott Bulloch looked set to capitilise on a mistake by Simon Colosimo but lifted his shot high from 7-metres as Glory started to get more involved. Amaral waltzed past a couple of opponents but his shot was paried by Clint Bolton, who was glad to see substitute Nikita Rukavytsya sent the follow-up wide. Dadi went down under a Simon Colosimo challenge in the 66th minute to earn Glory a penalty which the former Ivory Coast international duty dispatched into the net. This sparked the hosts back into action as Corica, new signing John Aloisi and Terry McFlynn tested Juric. The icing was put on Sydney's cake in the 88th minute when Mark Bridge's cross intended for Aloisi was turned into the net by defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley.

30.8.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND NINETEEN (Sorrento v Perth S.C. courtesy Football West; Stirling Lions v Mandurah City by Kirk O’Connor; Armadale v Swan I.C. by Peter Simcox)

Sorrento moved a step closer to lifting the Premier League trophy after inflicting a 2-0 loss on title contender Perth S.C. at Percy Doyle Reserve. First half goals by Shaun Kilkelly and Todd Harnwell earned the Gulls victory and effectively snuffed out Perth's championship dream. The early exchanges were controlled by the visitors who were unlucky not to go ahead through Andrija Jukic whose explosive shot came back off the upright after 7 minutes. This had a settling effect on the Gulls who almost immediately had the ball in the net via Todd Harnwell but his close-range effort was disallowed for offside. Harnwell was featuring prominently and in the 16th minute appeared to be pulled down by Michael Icanovski, however, referee David Currie saw it differently and waved play on. Sorrento's persistence paid dividends on 27 minutes when a partially cleared corner rolled out to Shaun Kilkelly who drilled the ball beyond Gareth Deeg's reach from the edge of the 18-yard box. The game was well and truly in the Gulls control when Harnwell's cross found Stuart Montgomery whose close-range effort was well saved by Deeg. Half-time was looming when Harnwell picked himself up after being pushed by Steven Campbell to rocket his penalty kick past Deeg. Perth came to life after the turnaround which opened with Antonio Naglieri scuffing wide, and Neil Young forced into a fine response to keep out Jukic's rasping drive. Greg Sharland should have done better than head wide when found unmarked at a corner, and next to threaten was substitute Jared Brooks whose stinging drive was deflected high. With fifteen minutes remaining Perth were caught square at the back as Harnwell beat the offside trap but his lob over Deeg also cleared the bar. A tirade of verbal abuse from Graham Normanton lead referee David Currie to eject the Perth coach from the bench as the final whistle neared.

Back-to-back championships remain an option for Floreat Athena after they twice came from behind to defeat Cockburn City 4-3 at Dalmatinac Park. Rafael Insaurralde bagged the late winner after Brad Scott (2) and Daniel Neiderberger clawed the hosts back into the contest. Cockburn overcame a slow start to go ahead after 11 minutes via a low Johnny Mirco free-kick which goalkeeper Vas Vujacic uncharacteristically spilled, gifting to Aaron Dos Santos a simple tap-in. Windy conditions forced both teams into playing the ball along the ground with Cockburn adapting better and Josh Findlater ever-dangerous on the right. The margin was doubled after 28 minutes when a poorly defended corner landed at the feet of Jason Godfrey who lift his shot high into the net. Floreat's response came eight minutes later when Scott fired a penalty kick into the bottom corner following a foul on Adam Bachiller by Findlater. Parity was restored through a slick exchange of passes at the end of which Neiderberger wriggled free of his marker to drill a superb shot past diving 'keeper Nick Feely. Fired up by coach Mirko Jelicic, the hosts aggressive approach to the second period saw them laid siege on the visitors goal. Their persistent pressure reaped rewards just before the hour when Aaron Dos Santos tapped in at the far post after Michael Mirco skewed his shot across the face of goal. Johnny Mirco could have delivered the knock out blow when sent through one-on-one with Vas Vujacic who saved courageously at the striker's feet. The host's failure to clear from within their 18-yard box would be their undoing as Scott seized upon the loose ball which he lashed past Feely with twenty minutes to go. Floreat hit the front for the first time seven minutes later when Insaurralde poked the ball in at close-range after Feely failed to take cleanly a Dean Apelgren grass cutter. The late sending off of Michael Mirco added salt to the wounds of a Cockburn side that a couple of months back were up there amongst the leaders.

Kevin Griffiths played the starring role when Inglewood United overturned a two-goal deficit to score a dramatic 3-2 win against E.C.U. Joondalup Clipsal Stadium. The northerners looked set for victory after John Higgins and Garin Collins netted late in the first half, however, Griffiths had other plans and his trio of goals after the break keeps Inglewood on course for a top four spot. It had all started so well for Joondalup who dictated play through elegant movement of the ball epitomised by Tommy Amphlett, Craig Young and Scott Bushby. The breakthrough arrived on 39 minutes when Higgins turned sharply near the bye-line and, under pressure from a couple of defenders, released a fierce shot that somehow found the net from a seemingly impossible angle. It was soon two-nil as Amphlett sent a cross into the penalty area which an unmarked Garin Collins volleyed crisply into the bottom corner with Oliver Taseski grasping at air. It was a much different Inglewood that emerged from the break, their increased urgency and desire leading to a half-chances for Griffiths and James Sammut. The hosts got the goal they sought in the 64th minute when Jamie Mitsopoulos' superb cross from the left wing was met by a strong Kevin Griffiths header that found the net. A great chance to seal the game went begging as McMurray fired wide from the spot after the Joondalup captain was felled by Daniel Kovacevic. The next twist had Inglewood draw level in the 87th minute through Griffiths who nodded past Bobson Koroma for the second time, on this occasion from a Sammut corner. The game was well into stoppage time when from wide on the right Jason Colli sent the ball into the path of Griffiths who stormed inside the 18-yard box and placed wide of Koroma to complete his hat-trick.

The play-off hopes of Mandurah City received a setback when held to a 1-1 draw by Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park. A superb solo goal by Marc Anthony late in the first half negated Phil O'Callaghan's penalty conversion to earn Stirling a point on an afternoon of few chances. The game didn't really get going until O'Callaghan slotted in a 23rd minute penalty awarded against Michael Pugliese who was ruled to have handled a long ball by Gary Collins. A driving run by Jordan Rhodes took him to within sight of goal before Ryan Townsend applied a no-nonsense tackle to deny the hosts a chance to equalise. Mandurah should have extended their lead after Jay Bonser's long throw-in found O'Callaghan whose goalbound strike was well saved by goalkeeper Phil Straker. Half-time was on the horizon when Anthony's exceptional skill saw him run the ball out of midfield, avoid a couple of challenges and place wide of 'keeper Michael Green to bring the teams level. Anthony turned provider after the break by rounding the 'keeper and centring to Matthew Italiano whose shot struck team mate David Geddes, who was deemed offside as he attempted to retrieve the situation. A cheeky back-heel by Christian Paschkewitz was cleared from close to the line by Chris Rutherford as Mandurah sought to regain the lead. Straker did well to parry an O'Callaghan shot, Gary Attrill seized upon the rebound but his goalbound effort was cleared by Dean Evans. With fifteen minutes to go Phil Arnold squandered a guilt-edged chance to snatch a Stirling victory by skewing the ball high and wide when afforded time and space to pick his spot. Referee Ton Klaver had no option but to issued a second caution to Jeff Bright for kicking the ball away in frustration after a decision went against the visitors, leaving Mandurah with ten men. The game faded during the closing stages with neither team taking any risks and both seemingly content to accept a point.

Armadale made sure of their place in next year's Premier League by stunning Swan I.C. 4-1 at Alfred Skeet Oval. A couple of first half goals by Japanese import Nao Oishi were complemented after the break by two more from man of the match James Robinson in a dominant display by the Reds. The early signs were positive for Swan as Andy O'Neill forced a good save from Beau Geerlings, and Damian Scali nodded over the crossbar at a Dom Ando free-kick. The home side slowly got into stride with Andy Bowyer rifling their first chance straight at Cory Hugo. Geerlings produced a terrific reflex save to keep out Dejan Djukanovic's diving header from a Scali cross. Armadale went straight down the other end and scored thanks to an intelligent pass by Robinson that split wide open the defence and allowed Oishi to beat Hugo with 19 minutes on the clock. Robinson could have doubled the lead seven minutes later when sent clear by Faria but his low shot was deflected away by Hugo. Scali lobbed a miscued clearance by Geerlings the wrong side of the post, and soon after O'Neill drilled straight at the teenage 'keeper. Armadale's second arrived in the 40th minute when Faria and Robinson combined with the latter delivering the ball in for Oishi to net. The second half continued in similar fashion as Hugo was stretched by a fierce shot from Robinson, who shortly after crashed the ball into the bar after beating three defenders. Oishi was denied his hat-trick by a terrific Hugo, and a minute later Kodi Madeley's effort from 16-metres was captured by the Swan custodian. The hosts relentless attacking was rewarded in the 70th minute when Robinson stole possession from Chris Marshall and confidently stroked low past Hugo to effectively seal the game. Ten minutes later Robinson latched on to a pass from Matt Bennion and again showed great composure in beating an exposed 'keeper. Swan were gifted a late consolation with as the ball deflecting into the net off defender Mark Darby after Geerlings misjudged the flight of an 85th minute Ando free-kick.

An inspiration display by David Micevski was at the heart of Western Knights 4-2 victory over Fremantle Spirit at Wauhop Park. Micevski scored twice and laid on the other two for a dominant Knights side that twice rejected attempts by the hosts to take something away from the afternoon. Fremantle hardly knew what hit them as Micevski, George Tcahmi and Paul Cooke orchestrated a series of penetrating early raids. Goalkeeper Steve Grant did well to parry Tchami's explosive strike after 11 minutes but was helpless as Micevski slammed in the follow-up from 10-metres. Matt Allen stung the 'keeper's gloves soon after and at the rebound Tchami's chip came back off the far post. Fremantle equalised with their first foray which came about through Jason Pottier's neat pass which permitted David Rodgers to round Kevin Miller before sliding in from a narrowing angle after 16 minutes. Allen was lining up the target when Tom Straker nicked the ball off his boot, while close to half-time Daniel Trim and Micevski each dragged shots across the face of goal as the ball remained locked in the visitors half. It was more of the same after the interval with Trim thundering against the crossbar and Cooke sent the rebound just beyond the top corner. Fremantle countered in the 52nd minute through Ben Kelly who arrowed the ball under the advancing 'keeper and into the net. Exquisite movement five minutes later between Cooke, Trim and Micevski ended with a ferocious first time shot by Luka Jukic that gave Grant absolutely no chance. Referee Hugh Best earned the wrath of the home side when he chose not to dismiss Jon Mathers for bringing down Callum Roberts. Micevski put the visitors back in front after 73 minutes by expertly controlling a bouncing pass from Jukic that he then lashed in from 13-metres. Roberts showed the game was far from decided when his dipping shot cleared the bar by the slightest of margins. The points were eventually made safe with six minutes remaining as Micevski got around the defence and crossed onto the head of Trim who made no mistake at close-range.

30.8.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND NINETEEN (South West Phoenix v Canning City by Phil Unsworth; Queens Park v Rockingham City courtesy Football West; Gosnells City v Forrestfield United courtesy Gosnells City)

Canning City moved nine points clear at the top of the First Division table by trouncing nearest rival South West Phoenix 3-0 in the winner-take-all contest in Bunbury. A big crowd was on hand to see Canning take a 3rd minute lead through Paul Van Dongen who lashed his shot past Ryan Montgomery after running onto Daniel Trevisoil’s pass. The hosts responded with a prolonged spell of sustained pressure in which Ryan Binnie fired just wide from 14-metres and Steve Suttie was brilliantly denied by Devon Spence. Paul Harvey should have extended the margin on 35 minutes but sent his shot straight at the ‘keeper. But it mattered little as five minutes later Paul Oliver picked up possession near the halfway line and after sizing up his options unleashed a stunning long-range bomb which flew into the top corner and triggered jubilant celebrations on the Canning bench. The second half was evenly contested with both sides playing open, attacking football. Canning always looked the more likely to score and Michael Klaver would have made the game safe on the hour if he hadn’t placed the ball too close to Montgomery. Ten minutes after coming off the bench Duanne Hepburn found himself in the right place at the right time to tuck away Harvey’s cross at close-range.

Rockingham City all but secured First Division survival with a 5-0 thrashing of Queens Park at Coker Park. The win moves Rockingham five points clear of the drop spot, but condemns Queens Park to battle it out with Ashfield to avoid relegation. It took only a couple of minutes for Rockingham to assert their authority as John McCreery’s vicious shot from the top corner of the 18-yard box snuck inside the far side of the net. The gap was widened in the 14th minute when Paul Johnson’s seemingly innocuous cross curled over goalkeeper Robbie Easton. McCreery was proving a constant threat and on 24 minutes it was his header which struck a defender and somehow finishing up in the net as the margin began to blow out. Queens Park’s chances were dashed when F.Condron was booked for dissent by referee Josh Mannella, who then flashed the player a red card for continuing his tirade. The first serious opportunity of the second half came via Tom Cullen whose header was tipped high by Rockingham custodian Craig Olenjik. Luke Rennie added the hosts fourth in the 58th minute by heading in unmarked at Michael Vaz’s far post corner. Rockingham added a fifth in the 79th minute when substitute Daniel Macklin had little trouble heading in at the back post from Vaz’s delivery.

Darren Francis scored twice to lead Gosnells City to a 2-0 win against neighbouring Forrestfield United at Walter Padbury Reserve. A home win was always on the cards as Gosnells controlled the pace from the opening whistle against an opponent that failed to get into gear. Ciaran Allen's cameo appearance in the forward line ensured Forrestfield were on their toes early as the hosts piled on the pressure. Gosnells made the most of their posession in the 20th minute when Sam Maguire neatly flocked the ball on to Allen who shrugged off one challenge to drive inside the 18-yard box and cut the ball back for Francis to tuck away. Forrestfield's only real opportunity of the half came the way of John Hunter who tested the reflexes of Alan Dunlop. It was more of the same after the break as Jimmy Capewell fired into the side netting and Jordan Naylor volley wide. The knock blow arrived on 58 minutes when Dunlop's booming clearance was chased down by Francis who looped his header over goalkeeper Brad Eiffe. There was a late surge from Forrestfield to steal something from the game but lackadaisical finishing meant Dunlop wasn't called into action.

Dianella White Eagles jumped to third place by defeating relegation threatened Ashfield 3-0 at Dianella Reserve. Jon Greenwood got the show on the road after 9 minutes, Mellad Sakie doubled the hosts lead just before the break with Aaron Moschopolous sealing the points midway through the second half. The points were shared at Kingsway Sporting Complex where Wanneroo City and Balcatta played out a tight 1-1 draw. Wanneroo went ahead after 29 minutes via Ceasar Meylan with Adrain Zonato bringing the sides level after 73 minutes. Ahmed Hafez got the goal that earned Bayswater City a 1-0 win against Morley Windmills at Wotton Reserve. Further details of these three games were not forthcoming from any of the six participating clubs.