3.7.2009

THE CUP IN PREVIEW

There are four intriguing match-up in tomorrow’s Soccer Pools Cup quarterfinals. The match of the round takes place at Clipsal Stadium where amateur league leader Shamrock Rovers take on semi-professional outfit Inglewood United (3.00pm). Shane McCarthy was best on ground when Shamrock dumped Morley Windmills in round two and his efforts in midfield, as well as those from Barry Mulligan, captain Wayne Brooks and goalkeeper Owen Little are going to be crucial. The absence of Michael Baczynski and Kevin Griffiths may have dimmed Inglewood’s Cup dream but with Jason Colli, Alex Stamatiadis and Dannie Richman operating across the centre of the park they should get over the line.

Premier League leaders Perth SC host Stirling Lions at Dorrien Gardens (3.00pm). The only problem Perth coach Graham Normanton has pre-game is who to leave out of the starting eleven. Trent Kay and Craig Simpson form an impressive defensive line, Todd Howarth and Antonio Naglieri pull the midfield strings with David Onoforo leading the quest for goals. Ex-Scotland youth international Kevin Miller will be between the sticks for Stirling with Dean Evans expected to return to the starting line-up. Marc Anthony and Andy Brown gave the young Lions some much-needed experience last week and their influence will once again be vital.

Floreat Athena are being widely tipped to progress to the last four from their encounter with Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval (3.00pm). It’s been a poor year to date for the Reds and an extended Cup run would be just the tonic to kick start their season. Import striker James Robinson is a key figure in attack for the hosts, while Ryan Pearson and Marlon Ramirez have been in terrific touch. Unfortunately, Armadale go into the game without Andrew Bowyer, Peter Taylor (both suspended) and Alan Muir (Cup tied). Floreat are without Paul Vatistas (injured) and Johnny Mirco (Cup tied) but otherwise coach Michael Roki has a fill complement to chose from.

First Division team South West Phoenix head to Nash Field where they meet Cup holders Western Knights (3.00pm). The Knights have been one of the form sides this year with brothers Daniel and David Micevski outstanding. Goals have flowed freely for Anthony Campbell and Mario Marcinko, while defensively they are marshalled by towering Scotsman Stuart Ferguson. Phoenix will need to be at their best to challenge the Knights. What influence captain Patrick Quinn, Rory Binnie and David Murphy can have in the midfield will go a long to determining their fate settling, likewise the success Steve Suttie and David Rodgers have in unlocking the home defence.

3.7.2009

NEW PITCH IS COMMON GOAL

Perth Glory and Football West have put their hands up to co-habitat a new multi-million dollar administrative and training base within two years. A working committee is investigating a funding model as well as potential sites for a facility that would include training pitches, a gymnasium and an administration centre. The absence of a permanent training facility has forced Glory to shunt between McGillivray Oval, Members Equity Stadium and Beale Park in an arrangement owner Tony Sage says is far from ideal.

Sage is prepared to partly fund a joint 'home of football' to unite the State's elite team and the local governing body. Football West chairman Kevin Campbell said there had been talks with the Town of Vincent, City of Bayswater and the Department of Sport and Recreation about the establishment of a soccer facility. "It makes a lot of sense to couple together with Glory and accommodate the code under the one roof," Campbell said. The development is also likely to include plans to house memorabilia collected by the game's Hall of Fame committee.

3.7.2009

FOOTBALLWA.NET’S MID-SEASON REVIEW (PART ONE)

Fans of local football are enjoying one of the most even and exciting Premier League competitions for many years. With Football West moving to a finals system to determine the State champion, all attention will be focused on the battle to secure top five spot at the completion of home and away fixtures. As the 2009 season reaches the halfway point, Tom Della Vedova recaps the action so far and takes a look at what lies ahead.

Perth SC, Western Knights and Floreat Athena enjoy a clear break at the top of the table. It is difficult to pick the stand-out amongst the 'front runners' as each has chalked up a victory and a loss in matches against each other. A massive seven-point gap has opened up between third-placed Floreat and those below so, barring a dramatic reversal of form, all three are virtually guaranteed participation in the finals.

The 'chasing pack' consists of the six teams bunched together in the middle of the table - Mandurah City, Canning City, Cockburn City, Swan United, Inglewood United and reigning champions Sorrento. At the halfway mark five points separate these teams and, with only two likely to make the finals, every game against their mid-table rivals between now and the end of the season takes on extra importance.

Given they currently sit in the finals qualification zone by three points plus goal difference, Mandurah appears most likely to secure a play-off berth. Canning have surprised many in their inaugural Premier League campaign and are well-placed in fifth. There's a three-way log-jam featuring Cockburn, Swan and Inglewood, are all joined on 14 points, while ninth-placed Sorrento have their work cut out if they are to claw their way back into contention.

Propping up the table are the 'relegation candidates', ECU Joondalup, Stirling Lions and Armadale. The remaining matches between the bottom three are sure to be classic 'six-pointers as each is desperate to escape the ignominy of relegation. Armadale, currently last, have the significant advantage of staging their remaining matches against their fellow relegation candidates on home soil, while Joondalup are on the road on both occasions. Expect a tooth and nail battle for survival that may very well be decided on the last Saturday in September.

2.7.2009

SHAMROCK DREAM OF CUP GLORY

Shamrock Rovers have silverware in their eyes with coach Glynn Shaw plotting the downfall of Inglewood United in this weekend’s quarter-finals of the Soccer Pools Cup. A positive start to the amateur season has Shamrock sitting on top of the Premier League table and focused on finishing the job they’ve started. “We have had a good start to the season but that will not count for anything unless we have a good second half to the season,” said Shamrock coach Glynn Shaw. “All the lads at Shamrock are working hard and our aim at the club is to win the League and Cup double at both first team and reserve team. This will be hard to do but both teams are more than capable of doing this.”

Semi-professional Inglewood go into the game as favourites against a Shamrock side whose progression to the last eight courtesy of three-goal wins against each Dianella White Eagles and Morley Windmills. Shaw is encouraging all neutral supporters to head to Clipsal Stadium and throw their support behind the underdogs. “It will be a great occasion and I would like to ask as many people as possible to get to the game and give us some support and help us get to the semis,” he commented. “Hamersley did very well last year to reach the semi-finals and yes it would be nice to match or beat their achievements but we have one hell off a game ahead off us to do that.”

Shamrock is by no means overawed at the prospect of meeting one of the State League’s longest serving teams on Saturday. Even so, beating Inglewood on their own turf is a big ask and Shaw knows his team needs to be in tip top form to make it through to the last four. “The quarter-finals of any Cup are be hard to win. Inglewood are a very good team, that’s why they are in the Saturday Premier League and have some of the very best coaches in the state, so all in all it will be one hell off a game,” commented Shaw. “One thing is for sure, the eleven players on the pitch this Saturday will have to be at their very best to beat Inglewood … the Shamrock lads will be up for this game, don’t worry about that.”

2.7.2009

MILLER HUNTS SUCCESS AT THE LIONS

New Stirling Lions goalkeeper Kevin Miller has no qualms about coming up against the might of Perth SC in this weekend’s quarterfinals of the Soccer Pools Cup. Miller, who debuted for Stirling against Armadale last week, knows his team are in with more than a chance at Dorrien Gardens. “In the Cup it can go anyway, Perth is the benchmark club and are leading the ladder at the moment so it will be tough,” he commented. “But we have a lot of quality younger players and a few experienced heads … I’m sure we can go there and match them all over the park and, hopefully, come away with the morale boosting victory.”

Miller is delighted to be back out on the field having not since breaking his wrist days before the Knights lifted last seasons Cup. “It feels great to be back playing. I haven’t trained or played since October last year and the Stirling move came completely out of the blue,” said Miller, who watched from the sidelines when the Knights defeated Sorrento in last years season finale. “I was considering giving this year a miss after an unfortunate run with injuries, and work commitments. It’s good to get a few training sessions in, along with a game, and hopefully the injuries won’t re-surface.”

A surprise phone call from Stirling coach Mike Lyons led to Miller re-think his plans for 2009. “At the end of last season I was struggling with a hernia in my groin and also the broken wrist. I’d told the Knights that I didn’t think I would play this year,” he said. “A week ago I received a call from Mick Lyons asking me to play - Stirling had conceded the most goals in the competition and he was looking for an experienced ‘keeper. I wasn’t sure how I would go after the long lay-off but so far it’s gone well.”

Miller could not have wished for a better start to his time at Macedonia. Not only did Miller help his new club to a 3-2 win against Armadale last week but he also played his part in lifting Stirling off the bottom of the table. “The game against Army was a battle in all respects. It was horrible conditions and there wasn’t too much football played,” he said. “It was great for the club to get a hard fought win and move us off the bottom of the table. Personally, it was fantastic being back amongst it all and to start with a win on my debut, although the body was sore the next day.”

1.7.2009

PHOENIX HOPE TO SOAR INTO CUP SEMIS

Mickie Cairns is planning to bring Western Knights Cup defence to a crashing halt when South West Phoenix heads to the metropolitan area for the Soccer Pools Cup quarter-finals. And although confident, the Phoenix coach knows just how big a task his side faces on Saturday. “Hopefully we’ll catch them on a bad day, if we play to our best we would like to think we have a chance,” he said. “The Cup is always a good leveller and we go there with nothing to lose. The pressure will be on them and I’ve told the players to go there and enjoy it then we might get something out of it.”

Cairns admits to knowing a fair bit about this weekend’s opponent and, had circumstances been different, one of the Knights stars players would have been wearing Phoenix colours this year. “Anthony Campbell was working down the South West at the start of the season and we tried to sign him up, instead he headed to Perth to be with his girlfriend so we missed out, which was unfortunate,” explained Cairns. “We saw Duuane Hepburn last season when he was at Canning City, know Daniel Trim from his South West connections and there’s a lot of quality in the Micevski boys … we will have watch them all closely on Saturday.”

There’s an abundance of talent in the Phoenix line-up with Cairns pointing out that they also have a number of players capable of turning a game. “I believe Paddy Quinn is one the best players in the First Division this season and he will be vital for us on Saturday,” said Cairns, whose team have tallied up 30 goals in eleven league outings. “If Steve Suttie and David Rodgers can get going they will cause them problems, but as a team we will need to be at our best. We all know that, but in a one-off game anything can happen.”

It has been a hard few weeks for Phoenix who travelled to Ashfield and Fremantle in the past fortnight, are away to the Knights on Saturday followed by another long road trip to Dianella White Eagles when the League resumes next week. “I wish we had drawn the Knights at home as we’ve been on the road for a while. We have a good home record, but until recently we had a good away record,” commented Cairns. “We beat the league leaders Wanneroo City 4-1 in round nine and moved to within two points of them, but we’ve stumbled a little in recent weeks. A good performance on Saturday could give us a good platform for the rest of the season.”

1.7.2009

SHORT PASSES

Western Australia's track record of producing high calibre goalkeepers looks step to continue with the inclusion of three local products in the national Under-20 squad. Adelaide United custodian Mark Birighitti and Perth Glory Youth pair Alexander Pearson and Nick Feely, who are playing the winter with Armadale and Cockburn City respectively, are amongst 25-players that attended this week's training camp in Sydney.

State midfielder Jeff Bright has joined Armadale after walking out on Mandurah City. A lack of first team opportunities had made the last few months difficult for Bright, however, it's understood a training ground bust-up with coach Stuart Currie late last week led the 23-year old to seek a transfer. Bright is looking forward to establishing himself with Armadale, for whom he debuted on Saturday against Stirling Lions.

One-time Australian Schoolboys captain Kevin Griffiths has joined Bayswater City's push towards promotion to the Premier League. The hard-working midfielder opted for a change of scene after finding himself out of favour with Inglewood United coach Alan Vest. This comes only a few months after Griffiths shelved retirement plans in order to provide a young Inglewood side some much needed experience this winter.

Rockingham City's hopes of climbing away from the foot of the First Division table have been boosted with the signing of former Perth Glory player Scott Halpin. The 38-year old has made a full recovery from pre-season knee surgery and been playing of late for Rockingham's Veterans team. Halpin made his return to Saturday football in Rockingham's fighting draw with Forrestfield United last weekend.

Balcatta's rise to second place in the First Division has come at a cost. Damien Todorovic won't play again this year as he requires a knee reconstruction due to an injury picked up against Queens Park. That same weekend Adrian Caloeiro suffered a broken leg, while Igor Novakovic has recently been advised by doctors that he may have Osteitis Pubis.

Import midfielder Alan Muir has been hit with a four-game suspension after being sent off for the third time this season. Armadale's recent signing was issued his marching orders just six minutes into Saturday's game against his former club, Stirling Lions, for a couple of quick bookings. A third red card carries a mandatory three-game ban, however, a further week was added for the tirade of abuse he aimed at the referee after being dismissed at Stirling.

1.7.2009

FURY SNAP UP GRIFFTHS

A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury have confirmed signing former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Rostyn Griffiths for next season as one of the club's under-21 players. Griffiths, who played as a teenager at ECU Joondalup, spent three seasons with Blackburn during which he made over two dozen appearances in loan spells with Gretna and Accrington Stanley. "He's big, he's strong, he's good in the air, he's good with his feet - he's got a lot of good attributes," coach Ian Ferguson said. "He's been at Blackburn and came up through the levels - you don't get to stay at a club like Blackburn if you're not a good player."

Griffiths views the one-year Fury deal as an opportunity to show what he's worth. "I really enjoyed my time at Blackburn but at the end of the season my deal was up and North Queensland came up with a contract that worked for me," he said. "Ideally I want to play as much as possible and it was a choice of either playing lower divisions in the UK or looking at the Hyundai A-League. I've scored a few goals from the midfield and I'd like to be doing that at Fury, but if the coach wants me to play a more defensive role then I'm happy with that as well."

1.7.2009

SOCCEROOS SOAR TO 16TH

The Socceroos have leapt to 16th on FIFA's world rankings following their qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Australia moved up thirteen places in the latest rankings to go ahead of a host of world powers, including Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey and Mexico. "We are delighted at this news," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said. "Rankings are not the be all and end all of football but they are certainly an indicator of our progress." The Socceroos clinched qualification for the World Cup by completing the final stage of qualification without loss and havng conceded only one goal in the process. Australia are now clearly the top ranked team in Asia, Japan slipping down to 40th and Korea Republic to 48th.

30.6.2009

PACELLA HANGS UP HIS GLOVES

Stirling Lions goalkeeper Dino Pacella has surprised his team mates by announcing his football retirement, effectively immediately. Ankle and shoulder problems have plagued 32-year old Pacella for much of the past six months, hampering his enjoyment of the game he's played since a youngster. "I was finding with some of the injuries I'm carrying - I had an ankle operation last year and my right shoulder keeps playing up as well - were making it difficult for me to keep playing and enjoying the game," he said. "From some of my performances this season I clearly was not doing this to the level that I expect from myself."

All players agonise over whether the time is right to call it a day but for Pacella that decision was comparatively straight forward. "It wasn't an easy decision to make but I feel it's the right one. It would be unfair on Stirling if I was to continue pushing until the end of the season, especially considering the club's current position. The only regret I have is not being able to finish off on a winning note as that's the main reason I joined Stirling," commented the 'keeper. "The positive for me is I'll now get to spend the entire weekend with my kids, which they are absolutely wrapped about."

It may have been a tough start to the season for second-from-bottom Stirling but things do appear to be slowly coming good for the club. "I do hope they win more matches than they lose and I really hope that they have success in the Cup as that will provide some light on what seems to be an otherwise dark season for the club," said Pacella, who admits to being disappointed with on-field efforts. "I have to be honest and say I didn't contribute as much as I would have liked, that's a little disappointing. But the fact I wasn't enjoying my football as much as I would have liked can be put down to the injuries I had and the results we weren't achieving."

Pacella represented the State as a junior with Perth SC but it was through a lengthy association with Cockburn City that he carved out a reputation as one of the local scene's best shot-stoppers. And while he came out of retirement this year to play for Stirling - Pacella hung up his glove at the end of 2004 to pursue business interests - this is definitely the end of the line. "This as the end as I really want to concentrate on my work career," he explained. "I want to strive to be on top and be the best in my field but to do that I'm needing greater flexibility in the hours I work."

30.6.2009

EUROPE CALLING FOR SUBIACO JUNIORS

Subiaco AFC celebrates a centenary of playing the world game by sending their Under-15 squad onto the international stage. The club's under-15's head to Europe this week to compete at the Tivoli Cup in Denmark followed by the Gothia Cup in Sweden. "These tournaments provide the boys the opportunity to not only experience football in other countries but also help develop their life skills so they can be better contributors to society, family and their schools," said Under-15's coach Gerry McEwan. "It will also give them a taste of the life of an international football star, after all, Gothia Cup has spawned many players who went on to become superstars in their own right ... we might find the next champion in our own back yard!"

First contested in 1991, the Tivoli Cup is held in Hillerod, Denmark, between 6-10 July. Last year's event attracted almost 200 teams from 20 countries and Subiaco's inclusion in next month's tournament makes them the first Australian team to attend. The Gothia Cup, hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden, between 12-18 July, has become one of the world's best known youth tournament since it was first played in 1975. Subiaco will be the only team from Western Australia in competition and will be third to enter the arena during an opening ceremony expected to attract around 52,000 spectators.

30.6.2009

KNOX FLIES OUT OF THE NEST

Influential Swan United midfielder Brendan Knox has played his last game of 2009. Knox, 22, feels his club are in a strong position leading into the second half of the season, which he'll miss due to a six-month European and American vacation. "It was a slow start to the season, but we did show promise in our early games. Things really turned around with our win down at Mandurah City in round five and I think since then we have been playing with a lot more confidence," he said. "The addition of Brendan Craig and Paul Dugdale as well as the return of David Perich and David McNally has strengthen the squad and been a key to the football we have been playing in recent weeks."

Knox marked his last game of the year with a man-of-the-match performance against Stirling Lions. "It was a good win; we really needed to take three points at home against the bottom side Stirling, and they had also beaten us for the last three years. I don't think we were at our best in the game, but we were managed to win fairly comfortably in the end," said Knox, who missed Saturday's game at Floreat Athena through injury. "In fairness I don't think Stirling are the worst side in the league and I can't really see them being bottom at the end of the season, but in tough conditions it was pleasing to get the three points in my final home game."

29.6.2009

COYNE LIKELY TO DELAY HIS HOMECOMING

Chris Coyne is unlikely to join Perth Glory this season according to his brother, Glory defender Jamie Coyne. The club last week made the offer of a three-year contract for the Australian international, who has another two seasons to trun on his deal with English third tier outfit Colchester United. And while English media reports are indicating Chris is almost certain to sign with Glory, Jamie feels he'll remain in Europe for at least the next twelve months. "He's got a few family decisions to make and that comes down to finances and things like the World Cup squad next year," said Jamie, who has made no secret of playing alongside his brother. "I think the idea of maybe another one or two years (in Europe) isn't the worst thing for him, he's dealt with all the homesickness and everything like that. It'd have to be the right offer for him but I'm definitely trying to persuade him to come back."

29.6.2009

AMPHLETT HAS JOONDALUP’S FULL SUPPORT

ECU Joondalup have shown their faith in Syd Amphlett by extending his coaching tenure by another three years. Club president Adrian Kenny said he was "extremely happy" with the progress being made by Joondalup under Amphlett, who took over from Alan vest in pre-season. "The club is extremely happy with the changes Syd has introduced and the foundations he has laid for a secure and fruitful future," Kenny said via his club's website. "His (Amphlett's) long-term plans are commensurate with those of the club and we are confident he is the person best equipped to take us forward."

Amphlett's new three-year coaching contract gives him the opportunity to continuing shaping the club's future direction. "The Academy players are now slowly coming through and bearing fruit, the Under-18's are top of the league (and) we have moved a lot of reserve players who were never going to be regular first team and replaced them with younger players," he explained. "There are no more traumas or tribulations at the club. We still have the usual problems that any club has but now they are solved by working together."

Joondalup have hardly set the league alight this season - they're third from bottom after eleven games with only ten points - but that's not of terribly great concern to the coach. "We are surrounded by people we can trust and who all want the same thing which is a successful club, and that does not come from just winning the one or two trophies available each season," Amphlett said. "The players have been fantastic in their attitude towards this change and players who have seen so many changes over the last three years are excited by the prospect of continuity."

28.6.2009

COCKBURN PREVAIL IN A TALE OF TWO CITIES (by Michael Bate, Football West)

Cockburn City recorded their fourth win of the winter by narrowly downing Canning City 2-1 in atrocious weather conditions at Willetton Sportsman Club this afternoon. Central defender Paul Natale secured the visitors all three points after Canning's Paul Van Dongen had cancelled out Renato Jelen's second half opener. After the game, Cockburn coach Scott Miller was keen to stress the importance of victory for his struggling team. "We're involved in a bit of a relegation struggle at the moment so every point we can pick up is vital," he said. "We'd only won three games before today, and with Stirling picking up a win yesterday we knew we had to come here and get something from the game."

Both sides struggled with the difficult conditions, particularly a strong wind that favoured Canning throughout the first half. Cockburn's players found any attempt at a lofted pass or clearance would hold up in the air or even travel back towards their goal, while Canning's favoured tactic of playing early balls in behind for their quick strikers was made near-impossible. The first chance of note came after 15 minutes when Jelen broke away down the right but goalkeeper Liam McCloskey was quick off his line to block the striker’s shot. The half’s only other opening came the way of Simon Versaico, who got on the end of a Rory Mouttet free-kick but headed wide of the target. Otherwise, there wasn’t a great deal to capture the crowd’s attention and it was with relief that referee David Costello whistled for half-time.

The games first meaningful chance gave Cockburn a 51st minute lead, Jelen powerfully curling a free-kick from 22-metres around the defensive wall and past debutant goalkeeper Liam McCloskey. Van Dongen immediately called for his players to press for an equaliser and six minutes later the captain gave Nick Feely no chance by rising highest to head in a Roberto Lujan corner. Greg Newcombe should have put the home side ahead in the 65th minute but fired straight at Feely after being played in by Lujan. Canning paid dearly for that miss thirteen minutes later when Natale headed in via the underside of the crossbar after Ryan Pretorious sent a deep corner back across goal. Cockburn were given a late scare when Greg Newcombe snuck in at the back post but his header was brilliantly kept out by Feely.

28.6.2009

SAMMUT HEADS NORTH IN SEARCH OF GAME TIME

Promising young midfielder James Sammut has joined ECU Joondalup. Sammut shot to prominence last season at Inglewood United and, after honing his talents during a summer at Perth Glory Youth, returned to the local stage with Floreat Athena. But a lack of first team opportunities at Litis Stadium prompted Sammut to seek a transfer. "Floreat were good to me while I was there but I wasn't really getting the opportunities that I feet I needed," he said. "Michael Roki and I had a long chat Tuesday night after training and put everything in perspective, and we both agreed that the move would be the best for my football development."

Life has been tough for Joondalup so far this year and coach Syd Amphlett is delighted to have Sammut on board for the second half of the season. "James is a great signing for the club. He is young player that fits our criteria as we strive to build a side capable of challenging the top four on a consistent basis. He has loads of stamina, is a confident player and wants to play football," said Amphlett, who brought his latest signing straight into the first eleven for Saturday's home loss to Sorrento.

Sammut played 14 games for Glory Youth during the summer and remains in the mix for a second season in the National Youth League. "The trials are still going and I'm not sure at the moment what is going to happen, but I'm still down there training hard and hopefully get another contract," said Sammut, who knows the hard yards he puts in a Joondalup will benefits his career either way. "First, I'm looking forward to getting some first team football under my belt at ECU and helping them climb the table, and whatever else happens is a bonus."

27.6.2009

ERRORS PROVE COSTLY AS PERTH GO CLEAR AT THE TOP

Perth SC moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after 3-1 victory against arch rivals Western Knights at Nash Field. A trio of goals by Genaveo Human, David Onoforo and Phil Arnold consolidated the visitors dominance inside the hour before Mario Marcinko grabbed the Knights a late consolation. The early exchanges were tight, neither side giving the other so much as an inch with Perth having the better of play in the windy conditions. The first real opening was created by Duuane Hepburn but rather than shoot the striker attempted to cut the ball back for Anthony Campbell and the chance was lost. Perth immediately counter-attacked with Onoforo’s pass out of midfield sending clear Human, who capitalised on a stumble by Okwy Diamondstar by calmly slotting low past goalkeeper David Khuen with 35 minutes on the clock. The home side had a chance late in the half to equalise but David Micevski’s free-kick went narrowly wide of the post.

The game was decided in the opening five minutes of the second half as Perth piled on two unanswered goals. Arnold’s long ball caught the Knights out at the back but not Onoforo, whose crisp volley from just outside the 18-yard box gave Khuen absolutely no chance. Play had barely restarted when Arnold’s weak shot went past Khuen and looked certain to be cleared by Marco Warmt-Murray, who slipped at the wrong moment with the ball trickling over the line. Some formational changes brought the hosts back into the game but they still lacked the creativity needed to regularly unlock a tight Perth backline. Daniel Micevski linked well with Marcinko and David Micevski but his shot from the top of the 18-yard box was just high of the crossbar. Perth had by no means finished and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty for what appeared a clear foul on Onoforo. The Knights would have to wait until the 82nd minute before pulling a goal back, Marcinko applying a clinical finish after latching on to a loose ball inside the area.

27.6.2009

FLOREAT BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE (by Peter Simcox)

Floreat Athena ended a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Swan United under lights on a rain soaked Litis Stadium. All that separated the teams was a 63rd minute header by Brad Scott, whose goal kept Floreat just three points away from top spot at the season’s mid-point. “It was unbelievable out there tonight,” said Scott, a former New Zealand international. “The wind and rain made it difficult for both sides, and I was in the right place at the right time to score. We had to fight it out til the end, and were glad to be back in the winners circle.”

The wind was howling as play got underway and a scrappy game’s first chance came after 3 minutes when Johnny Mirco’s shot on the run drifted wide of the target. Swan had the wind at their backs and five minutes later Damian Scali rose unchallenged to Paul Dugdale’s curling free-kick but the veteran’s header was pushed away by Alex Dunn. The resulting corner was played in by David Perich and this time it was Aaron Cole who climb well only to head wide. On 27 minutes Dunn came to his team’s rescue again by holding on to a fierce Dugdale shot which had bounced awkwardly in front of him.

Although the conditions were making it equally difficult for both teams, Floreat twice went close to taking the lead inside a couple of minutes. Jason Barrera drifted past three defenders but his shot was saved low by Gareth Deeg, who soon after did even better in palming away John Migas’ powerful attempt. Swan were not to be outdone and on 37 minutes Dugdale’s perfectly weighted free-kick found Scali unmarked but his header was parried by Dunn with Tom Shepheard firing over at the follow-up. Floreat suffered a blow just before the break when midfielder Paul Vatistas suffered a broken nose and had to be replaced by Miki Vujacic.

The rain and wind didn’t abate after the break and neither did the chances. Shepheard headed wide from a Brendan Craig cross, and six minutes later Scott’s low shot was saved by Deeg after being set-up by Barrera. On the hour Shepheard sent Shane Webb clear but the teenager delayed his shot, allowing Dean Apelgren to get in a timely tackle. The deadlock was broken three minutes later when Vujacic’s in-swinging corner from the left was headed in at close-range by Scott. Swan almost had a quick response but Scali headed into the crossbar and John Mansaray’s follow-up was blocked by Apelgren before being cleared.

Million Butshiire came off the bench soon after and wasted no time in setting up Perich, whose stinging low drive was kept out of the far post by Dunn. Mirco then went close at the other end with a long-range effort that flew wide. There were late chances at both ends as the game really began to open up. Dugdale’s corner dropped to Perich on the edge of the box with the midfielder’s low shot cleared off the line by Apelgren. The final few minutes were hectic, Mirco headed wide at a free-kick and Butshiire’s long-range shot whistled narrowly past the post before referee Fusari brought proceedings to a halt.

27.6.2009

MANDURAH THROW AWAY VALUABLE POINTS AT INGLEWOOD

Mandurah City had to settle for a share of the points after surrendering the lead to a nine-man Inglewood United, who snatched a 2-2 from this afternoon’s encounter at a windy Clipsal Stadium. The home side were down to nine players when Phil O’Callaghan fired Mandurah ahead on 75 minutes, however, Albert Osei-Tutu soon brought the teams level again before Oliver Taseski’s heroics between the posts ensured the points would be shared. “It’s disappointing not to come away with all three points but that’s football,” said a clearly disappointed Billy Russell, assistant coach of Mandurah. “We flung everything at them at the end and Ollie was magnificent today, we just didn’t get that little bit of luck we needed.”

It was a lively opening and the home side could have been a couple up early but Osei-Tutu shot too close to goalkeeper Phil Straker while Dannie Richman’s effort was deflected wide. Mandurah settled and almost caught their hosts napping on 7 minutes when an unmarked Ryan Townsend headed high from Stephen Payne’s delivery. The wind was making playing attractive football extremely difficult but chances continued to fall, Rafael Insurralde flashing wide from 16-metres and Straker saving low from Michael Baczynski. Taseski showed his quality with a couple of top shelf saves, diving full-length to turn Payne’s 22nd minute shot around the post and from the resulting corner the ‘keeper used his legs to block a fierce strike from O’Callaghan.

Mandurah were enjoying their best spell of the afternoon and it seemed only a matter of time before they’d hit the front. Their dominance was rewarded in the 38th minute when Payne’s cross from the right found Insurralde, who was allowed time to pick his spot past the stranded ‘keeper. Inglewood were extremely fortunate not to conceded another five minutes later when the impressive Payne played O’Callaghan down the right, his deep cross sat invitingly for Insurralde whose low shot beat Taseski only to be cleared off the line by Ricky Smith. The half way almost over when the home side equalised against the run of play, a great through ball by Danny Kovacevic was fired in by Alex Stamatiadis from 6-metres after he got to the ball ahead of Straker.

It was a much different Inglewood side that emerged from the break to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Straker had to be alert in tipping over a Jason Colli cross in the opening minute, and soon after Richman’s long-range shot was off-target. But that good work was undone on 62 minutes when a physical challenge between Payne and Baczynski led referee Michael Tolmie to issue the latter a straight red card. With a one-man advantage, Mandurah now upped the tempo and O’Callaghan was again denied by Taseski with Christian Paschkewitz placing the follow-up wide. Their wait for a second goal was ended on 75 minutes when O’Callaghan converted a highly controversial penalty awarded for handball against Stamatiadis, who clearly chested down Paschkewitz’s goalbound header.

The odds were now stacked well in Mandurah’s favour and the game would have been over had O’Callaghan been able to convert when faced by Taseski. That save was vital to the home side because, sixty seconds later, Jason Colli delivered a superb cross which Osei-Tutu volleyed in at close-range. Mandurah pushed players forward in search of a late winner but Taseski was denied he wasn’t going to be beaten again. The ‘keeper saved superbly a crisp strike by Payne from the edge of the area, while O’Callaghan should have at least tested Taseski when well-placed on 84 minutes. The visitors thought their dreams had been answered in stoppage time when substitute Michael Currie’s goalbound shot was brilliantly kept out by Taseski, and although Insurralde netted the rebound celebrations were cut short as the flag was up for offside.

27.6.2009

GULLS GIVE JOONDALUP A FOOTBALL LESSON (by Tim Lefort, Football West

Sorrento twice came from behind to crush ECU Joondalup 5-2 in a fierce derby encounter at the Edith Cowan University campus. Todd Harnwell, Stuart Montgomery, Glen Thomas, Paul Cunningham and Steve McDonald all found the target as the Gulls chalked up just their third win of the campaign. “I had a bit of a go at them at half-time and they came out in the second half and they were magnificent,” Gills said coach Steve Neville. “The boys at the back were nice and tight, we looked a lot brighter, the tempo was a lot quicker and we got good ball into the front men … I couldn’t have asked any more and it was probably one of the best performances since I’ve been here.”

Things could not have started better for Joondalup with Tommy Amphlett pouncing on a through ball that he coolly steered beyond goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock with just 38 seconds on the clock. Thomas fired wide from the edge of the 18-yard box in response, before Sharrock did well to push wide Jon Higgins’ powerful angled drive. Parity was restored on 14 minutes, McDonald playing a clever pass for Harnwell, who kept his composure to slide the ball past Davvyd Jones. Montgomery then wasted then a good chance by mis-kicking to Jones, while at the other end Cunningham headed a Collins free-kick off the line before Sharrock was forced to tip over a James Sammutt’s cross that was caught by the wind.

Joondalup restored their lead in the 26th minute when Amphlett’s sublime 19-metre chip came back off the underside of the crossbar to provide Garin Collins the simple task of tapping in. But the visitors drew level for the second time four minutes before the interval when a needless shirt pull on McDonald behind play led referee Mathew Cheeseman to point straight at the spot from where Montgomery easily beat Jones. Either side could have entered the break in front but Amphlett came out second best from a one-on-one with Sharrock, while McDonald twice volleyed wide when well placed.

The second half was just nine minutes old when Sorrento hit the front for the first time, Harnwell’s long diagonal ball picking out Thomas who took one touch before slotting past Jones. Five minutes later McDonald could have extended their advantage but volleyed high from the edge of the area. Sorrento didn’t have to wait long for their fourth, Thomas touching on a corner which Cunningham headed in from point-blank range. With thirteen minutes remaining Lewis Flatt played a low centre that Jones could only parry into the path of McDonald, who gratefully rammed the ball into the empty net. The closest Joondalup came to scoring in the second half was a low drive by Sammut which was saved at the second attempt by Sharrock.

27.6.2009

SUPER-SUB DE ABREU SNATCHES STIRLING VICTORY (by Michael Bate, Football West)

Jamie De Abreu came off the bench to score Stirling Lions a stoppage time winner in today’s 3-2 defeat of Armadale at Macedonia Park. The bottom-of-the-table clash was ultimately decided by a couple of mistakes, with Armadale defender James Hesketh scoring an own goal before Andrew Bowyer’s error allowed De Abreu in to settle the game. Soon after the final whistle Stirling coach Mike Lyons said he was relieved to finally get a win after weeks of poor results. “I’m more relieved than pleased to be honest,” said Lyons, whose team moves above Armadale on the table. “When you’re where we are on the table, it doesn’t really matter how you win.”

The day could not have started any worse for the visitors who had Alan Muir sent off after just 6 minutes for two quick yellow cards from referee Dave Scragg. But being reduced to ten men didn’t seem to affect Armadale too adversely. In fact, they took the lead in the 32nd minute through Marlon Ramirez who made no mistake with a deft chip over goalkeeper Kevin Miller after Kieran Tracey had played him in with a clever through ball. Tracey was unlucky not to have a goal of his own just four minutes later when his powerful shot smacked into Miller’s upright. Two minutes later Stirling were right back in the game as Steven Hesketh’s deep corner was met by Daniel Stoitis, he headed the ball down into the path of Jason Mirco who had the simplest of tap-ins.

The second half started brightly for Armadale with Tracey nearly beating Miller with a chip from 23-metres. However, Armadale were their own worst enemy and on 51 minutes James Hesketh headed past his own ‘keeper following mis-communication over a high bouncing ball inside the 18-yard box. The away side refused to give up and found a glimmer of hope in the 64th minute when Mo Atak’s shot deflected into the path of Tracey, who fired a much-deserved goal past Miller. Armadale should have taken the lead through James Robinson but his flicked header hit the post. That miss was made even more painful when an attempt to clear was held up in the strong wind, Bowyer miscued his first touch with the ball running kindly for De Abreu who rounded ‘keeper Alex Pearson before sliding in the deciding goal.

27.6.2009

BALCATTA HOLD ON TO SECOND

Balcatta came from a goal down to defeat Bayswater City 2-1 in wintry conditions at Frank Drago Reserve. The day started badly for the home team who lost Mario De Felice in the pre-game warm-up while Frank Madaferri came off injured just a few minutes into the game. However, they regrouped quickly to take the early initiative with Damien Catalano's surging runs proving a handful for the Balcatta defence. Ahmed Hafez had a great chance to put them ahead but after coming with Ryan Frisina the lively attacker found his goalbound shot saved by Chris Ramsey.

Balcatta weren’t without their chances and Ian Mckean should have done better than miss the target completely after meeting an Andy O'Neill ball from deep which somehow eluded the home defence. The deadlock broken after 28 minutes when Cesar Gonzales headed in at a Catalano corner to give Bayswater into a deserved one-goal lead. But the teams would have been level soon after had Ian McKean shot more purposely following a good build-up down the left.

Although Balcatta came out for the second period with greater intensity, it was looking like being one of those days as they struggled to find their measure in the final third. And they were fortunate not to be two-down when Catalano cut the ball across the 6-yard box for Ryan Jeans who somehow missed an open goal. Balcatta would rely on an unlikely hero to bring them level on 65 minutes when Paul Dundo drifted in at the far post to make no mistake at close-range with a flighted Ashley Rosendale free-kick.

Ten minutes later the visitors hit the front, this time it was Andy O'Neill that ghosted in at the near post to glance in a Rosendale corner. This set-up a barnstorming final quarter-hour in which Bayswater's quest for an equaliser left then vulnerable on the counter-attack. Andy O'Neill and McKean could each have made the game safe with neither able to beat Bobson Koroma, while a penalty claim by the former lead only to an early shower for a second yellow card. Ramsey did well to keep out a low Catalano drive before Gary Murdoch secured Balcatta a valuable three points with a late goal line clearance.

27.6.2009

STALEMATE AT WAUHOP PARK

Fremantle Spirit and South West Phoenix played out an entertaining but ultimately scoreless draw at Wauhop Park. Chances were few and far between in a game played for the most part in the middle third of the park and amid blustery conditions. Phoenix enjoyed the better of first half posession but consistently found it difficult to break down Fremantle's organised defensive unit. Jonathon Krawec put in some telling cross from the left on which neither Steve Suttie nor David Rodgers was able to capitalise. But the best chance of the period fell to Ravi Kuppusamy who lifted high from close-range after Nuno Loreto's mis-hit shot skewed across the 6-yard box. The only other meaningful opportunity had visiting captain Patrick Quinn fired narrowly high from 16-metres.

The intensity lifted a notch for the second half with the referee retaining control by issuing a spate of bookings. With the wind now at their backs, Fremantle dominated proceedings but like their opponent failed to create a lot in the way of clear scoring opportunities. In fact, it was Phoenix that went close when Suttie ran the ball forward before he was halted by a well-timed Lee Hallums tackle. It was only in the final ten minutes that Fremantle really looked like breaking the deadlock. An audacious Tom Straker overhead flashed just wide, and soon after Adrian McBride curled a corner deep which bounced off the crossbar and out of play.

27.6.2009

POSITIVE GAME TIME FOR GLORY SQUAD (courtesy Perth Glory)

An under-strength Perth Glory has been narrowly beaten 1-0 by last season's A-League grand finalists Adelaide United in last night's friendly at Hindmarsh Stadium. Glory, who entered the game with nine senior players unavailable, put up a strong showing with only a 25th minute strike from Adelaide captain Travis Dodd separating the teams. Coach David Mitchell said his young squad performed well but were left to rue a slow start. "Adelaide came out strong from the start of the game, that was to be expected from a team that has spent a fair bit of time together. We just took our time getting up to speed and that was the main difference between the sides," Mitchell said. "The goal was well worked and reward for Adelaide's dominance in the opening period however I was pleased with how our lads regrouped and it was an even second half with chances for both sides."

	Who will win promotion to the Premier League in 2009?
	Balcatta
	Bayswater City
	Dianella White Eagles
	Forrestfield United
	Fremantle Spirit
	Morley Windmills
	South West Phoenix
	Wanneroo City

Getting to know ... DANIEL NEIDERBERGER

Nickname: Bergs

Age: 26

Position: Striker

Current Club: Floreat Athena

Previous Clubs: Inglewood United, FC Luzern (Switzerland), SC Kriens (Switzerland), Kingsway Olympic, Kingsley

Career Highlights: Playing in various Cup Finals and promotion play-off games in Switzerland; reaching the Cup Final with Inglewood in 2005; reaching the Night Series Final with Floreat in 2009

Honours Gained: Western Australia junior

Other Achievements: Inglewood Players' Player of the Year 2007; Inglewood Runner-Up Player of the Year 2007; Inglewood Golden Boot 2007

Ambition for 2009: To win the League, Cup and Top Four with Floreat