Aaron Cole watches his header drift wide against Mandurah City (photograph by Brett Klucznik)

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10.5.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FIVE (Stirling Lions v Floreat Athena by Don Evans; Armadale v Perth S.C. by Peter Simcox)

A large crowd was treated to some quality football as Stirling Lions roared to a 2-0 victory over Floreat Athena at Macedonia Park. It didn't take long for Stirling to get into top gear with Alan Muir, Steve Porter and Jordan Rhodes stringing together some delightful passes through midfield. Their early enterprise produced the lead after 12 minutes when Floreat defender Jovo Pavlovic had the misfortune of deflecting Phil Arnold's dangerous cross from the left into his own net. Vas Vujacic was quick off his line to prevent Mark Redshaw from increasing the margin after being released by Marc Anthony's superb through ball. A rash challenge by Ante Kovacevic on Redshaw after 25 minutes resulted in a Stirling free-kick just outside the 18-yard box which Porter curled into an empty net while Vujacic was still setting up his defensive wall. Redshaw could have added a third but slewed the ball just wide of the post after being sent clear by Muir. Floreat conjured up their only chance of the period just before the break when good lead-up work by John Migas and Garin Collins ended with Paul Vatistas' effort drifting wide. Stirling were content to defend their lead upon the resumption of play but despite Floreat's increased possession they failed to create any genuine chances. In the 53rd minute Anthony's cross fell into the path of Redshaw whose scuffed shot at point blank range was into the arms of Vujacic. Phil Straker was called upon for the first time on 58 minutes when Adam Bachiller's fine cross picked out Brad Scott who's fierce strike was brilliantly kept out by the Stirling custodian. Steve Heskith's day came to a disappointing end when carried from the field suffering a fractured leg after tangling with an opponent in the 68th minute. Floreat threw caution to the wind as the clock ticked down but the closest they came to a consolation was a Kovacevic header that grazed the crossbar.

Swan I.C. and Mandurah City collected a point each from a dull, uninspired 2-2 draw at the Swan Italian Club. The home side twice had the lead via Damian Scali and Aaron Cole only for Mandurah to pull level thanks to a stunning Michael Currie strike and a goal after the break from substitute Shane Crampton. There were 6 minutes on the clock when David Perich's corner was nodded down by Aaron Cole to Michael Tronchin who's shot was blocked by the defence and Scali whipped in the follow-up from 7-metres. Driving rain made conditions unsettling for players and spectators alike as both teams struggled to come up with the creativity required to unlock the opposition defence. This was punctuated midway through the period when, from an acute angle, Michael Currie's rasping volley flashed across goalkeeper Cory Hugo and into the top corner from Andy Brown's delivery. But the visitors barely had time to catch their breath before Cole put Swan back in the lead with a free-kick from 17-metres which deflected off the defensive wall and wrong-footed Michael Green. Mandurah's greater composure and desire allowed them to dominate a second half that was played by and large in their attacking zone. O'Callaghan had Cory Hugo at full-stretch as Keith Brown, Jeff Bright and captain Andy Brown flexed their midfield muscle. A rare Swan attack saw Knox cut past Ryan Townsend but the youngster lifted his shot high with only Green to beat. Otherwise it was all one-way traffic which saw Andy Brown head high from Chris Wylie's cross, and a miscued Cory Hugo clearance landed at the feet of Crampton who was denied by Cole's superb last gasp tackle. Mandurah's persistence was rewarded on 79 minutes when Crampton seized on a poorly defended corner and waltzed past three defenders before coolly angling his shot from 6-metres past the 'keeper to earn a deserved point.

Goals in each half from Andrija Jukic and Peter Lord earned Perth S.C. a 2-0 win over struggling Armadale under lights at Alfred Skeet Oval. The host club could have had the lead after 5 minutes but Gareth Deeg tipped Ryan Pearson's back post header over the crossbar following Scott Devine's free-kick. Perth gradually worked their way into the game but Jukic and Antonio Naglieri were both denied by goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock. Stefan Smiljanic smacked a close-range effort into the crossbar as Armadale sought the lead, while a 20th minute free-kick by Devine crashed down off the bar and bounced on the line before being hooked to safety. Within sixty seconds Perth snatched the lead through a superb counterattack that ended with Jukic forcing the ball over the line at close-range range after Sharrock parried a David Onoforo shot. There were further chances for both teams leading into the break with Joseph Brunneto's curling effort going just the wrong side of the post, while Sharrock was called upon to keep out goalbound shots from Jukic and Onoforo. The new half began with Perth in full flight and a Jukic shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that rose high. Sharrock came to his sides' rescue twice in quick succession on 55 minutes by pushing Trent Kay's header onto the bar which he followed by blocking Oliviera at follow-up. Calls for an Armadale penalty were turned down by referee Mathew Cheeseman after Smiljanic went down under the challenge of Gianfranco Circati on 67 minutes. The game was very much up for grabs as Onoforo hit the bar, Deeg kept out a fine shot from Smiljanic, and Jukic miscued from only a few metres. The points were finally made safe with two minutes to go when Lord converted from 9-metres.

There was an eight-goal thrilled at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento out-gunned Western Knights 5-3. Todd Harnwell scored twice along with Scott Bulloch, Scott Neville and James Morgan for the hosts while all three Knights goals came via Rory Grant. E.C.U. Joondalup thrashed Fremantle City 5-0 at Dalmatinac Park. Craig Young bagged a double on a day Jon Higgins, Ian McMurray and Tom Jones also found the net. The points were shared between Inglewood and Cockburn City at 1-1. Both goals arrived midway through the second half with Mileta Miletic's strike cancelled out by veteran Bobby Despotovski. Further details of these games will be added when they become available.

9.5.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

Traditional rivals Stirling Lions and Floreat Athena will accept nothing less than maximum points from the footballwa.net Match of the week at Macedonia Park. It’s been an indifferent start to the season from Stirling who have just a single win from four starts. Mark Redshaw, Alan Muir and Jordan Rhodes are in terrific touch at the moment as youngsters Steven Hesketh and Dean Evans impress at the back. Floreat may have begun their title defence slowly but back-to-back victories indicate the pieces are now falling into place for Michael Roki’s side. Imports Brad Smith and Rafael Insurralde have been key figures in both recent successes and are again expected to feature prominently alongside Ante Kovacevic, Adam Bachiller and Garin Collins. The game kicks-off at 3.00pm.

The Swan Italian Club is the venue for the intriguing meeting of third-placed Swan I.C. and second-placed Mandurah City. Paul Lincoln’s team is determined to preserve their unbeaten home record, and with Damien Scali firing up front who have to fancy their chances. David Perich and John Mansaray point to the clubs future along with David McNally who has been outstanding alongside seasoned campaigners Aaron Cole and Corey Hugo. Mandurah have exceeded early expectations in their first season as a Premier League club. A muscular midfield composed of Andy Brown, Keith Brown and Jeff Bright has given them the edge and provided Phil O’Callaghan with plenty of ammunition. Ryan Townsend, Chris Currie and goalkeeper Michael Green form an imposing defensive line that has proved difficult to breach in recent weeks. The game kicks-off at 3.00pm

Table topping Sorrento welcome a luckless Western Knights combination to Percy Doyle Reserve. The Gulls are the competitions’ only unbeaten team after four games, something only the very brave would have predicted after a truly disastrous 2007 campaign. Todd Harnwell and former Knight Stuart Montgomery have formed a terrific partnership and are sure to be amongst the goals should Scott Neville and Scott Bulloch be allowed to establish themselves down the flanks. Not a lot has gone right for Ronnie Campbell’s team this year and with a number of key players absent through injury it’s difficult seeing them taking much away from their trip north. Luka Jukic has been a shining light in the middle of the park and his efforts along with those of Paul Cooke, Anthony Fearon and Barry Devlin will be crucial. The game kicks-off at 3.00pm

The meeting of Fremantle Spirit and E.C.U. Joondalup has been moved to Dalmatinac Park. Young guns Callum Roberts and Jason Barrera will be pulling out all the stops to earn the port side their first win of the campaign. The defensive combination of Simon Elton-Bott, Cisco Jorquiera and Tom Straker will need to be on their toes to keep at bay a very dangerous attack. Ian McMurray has been in terrific form for Willie McNally’s side and given even the faintest whiff of goal will punish the home team. Darren Broxton and Scott Bushby pull the strings in the middle of the park with Scott Blackmore and recent signing Craig Simpson forming a great partnership at the back. The game kicks-off at 3.00pm

Inglewood United have home ground advantage against Cockburn City in a key mid-table fixture. The attacking instincts of Kevin Griffiths, Bobby Despotovski and Jason Colli are vital in coach Lee Bamber’s game plan. Doing their utmost to prevent Cockburn from finding the net are the familiar trio of Shane Pryce, Daniel Kovacevic and goalkeeper Oliver Taseski. But rest assured Michael Mirco, Johnny Mirco and Giovanni De Bartolo will use every trick in their book to unlock the hosts and make sure they go home with the points. Young shot-stopper Dejan Aleksic has been in outstanding form of late and with Liam Lilly and Jason Godfrey also on song it’s going to take some special to breach their defences. The game kicks-off at 3.00pm

The lights will be at full beam when Armadale and Perth S.C. square off at Alfred Skeet Oval in the late fixture. The Reds are still searching for their first point of the season but with Scott Devine back to full fitness and Jason Goodwin firing on all cylinders they’ll go into this game full of confidence. Daryl Platten and Andy Bower stood out last week coach Brad Hassell’s fingers will be crossed for a repeat performance from his defensive anchors. Graham Normanton’s team have run hot and cold since winning the Night Series and will be without influential midfielder and team captain Robbie Puca due to injury. Todd Howarth and Antonio Naglieri continue to impress with David Onoforo leading the way in the final third. The game kicks-off at 7.00pm.

It’s one verses two in the First Division when Wanneroo City and Bayswater City square off at Kingsway Sporting Complex. Home ground advantage will count for little when Morley Windmills welcome Canning City to Wotton Reserve. Gosnells City are likely to find their resources stretched to the limit when Balcatta call in at Walter Padbury Reserve. There won’t be a great deal that separates South West Phoenix and Dianella White Eagles when they come face-to-face at the Soccerdrome in Bunbury. Hartfield Park is the venue for the vital meeting of a young Forrestfield United and a new-look Rockingham City. Cellar dwellers Queens Park and Ashfield are pitted against at Coker Park in a game likely to have a major bearing on who ends the year in the drop zone. All games kick-off at 3.00pm

9.5.2008

BIG YEAR AHEAD FOR HESKETH

Steve Hesketh is slowly coming to terms with a frantic couple of months in which he wore Perth Glory colours then returned to club duty at Stirling Lions. It all began in early March when the 19-year old defender accepted an invitation to join Glory on their three-game trip to China. "The tour of China went really well for me; I played in two out of the three games," said Hesketh. "Many people have asked me what my favourite moment on tour was but the whole experience of the tour was the highlight for me. To play against the Chinese Super League sides in big stadiums was amazing and something I'll never forget."

Although defeated in all three games, Hesketh says Glory side performed well against Changsha Ginde, Guangzhou and Chinese champions Changchun Yatai. "The standard over there was of a very high level and a fast pace," explained Hesketh, who visited Malaysia with Glory last year. "The teams we played against had been together for a long time, while we were a mix of Glory players and State League players and we competed very well in my opinion. All the State League lads played their part and the comradeship amongst all the players was brilliant ... everyone on the tour got on well together."

Once back on home soil Hesketh was thrust straight back into the fray with a Stirling line-up that made the last four of the Night Series. Now in his third season at Macedonia Park, the teenager believes Stirling has the right mix of youth and experience. "We have excellent young players at Stirling and the coaches, Michael Lyons and Paul Simmons, back them all the way," he said. "Our older players are very experienced and great role models on the pitch for us younger lads. We learn from them each week at training and the tips we pick up can only make us a better team."

After four rounds Stirling are placed ninth with just five points to their credit. It's a position few would have predicted prior to the start of home and away festivities, and one Hesketh says the Lions are keen to improve on. "Our season has got off to a slow start, we are working hard and trying to win every game," said Hesketh. "I think we have played some excellent football at times but results are what count and there's no doubt we can do much better."

Reigning champions Floreat Athena provide Stirling with their next big challenge at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon. "Floreat are a good team and tomorrow's game will be the most important game for us so far, then the next game we play will be the most important," commented Hesketh of the rescheduled fixture. "I believe you make your own luck and if we keep working hard for each other the results will come. It will be an entertaining game, Floreat are a good team with good players - and so is Stirling."

9.5.2008

INDONESIAN VISIT ON THE RADAR

Robbie Dunn's first task as State team coach will be to assemble a squad to play a one-off game in Indonesia at the end of June. A number of Premier League players have received a friendly tap on the shoulder from Dunn, who is expected to announce a preliminary training squad shortly. "The reintroduction of the Men's State team is a great initiative aimed not only at raising the profile of the game but will also give our best players the honour of wearing the State colours to showcase their skills," said Football West chief executive Garry Chandler.

Negotiations are in the advance stages for the State team to head to Indonesia for the first time under the Football West banner. "We hope to be able to confirm details soon," commented Chandler. "Everyone I speak to is extremely excited at the thought of the re-establishment of the State team, none more so than me. We are working on a calendar of matches over the coming twelve months that will provide us with great opportunities to promote the sport to the WA public." Western Australia has a long and successful history of playing in Indonesia where the State team has on three occasions won the Marah Halim tournament.

8.5.2008

HALF A CENTURY OF RICHES

‘The Fame Game’ is the official newsletter of the Football Hall of Fame Western Australia. In each issue profile one of the games greats, and in ‘the Fame Game, Issue Six' (pdf, 538kb) it’s one-time Australian international Doug Stewart that the spotlight falls on. Stewart won numerous trophies and awards during spells at North Perth and Tricolore during the 1950s and 1960s. He turned his hand to coaching uppn hanging up his playing boots and half a century later is still aiding the development of football in Australia.

Stewart has been coaching for 50 years - and is still having a ball. He first dabbled in coaching with East Fremantle Tricolore in 1958, and later with the WA State team, and is now passing on his extensive knowledge of the game to primary school kids in Rockhampton in Queensland. Stewart, who was born in Burma and played at international level for the country in the Asian Games, arrived in Perth in 1955. He was a key forward when North Perth won the State League title in 1955 and 1956 before joining Tricolore and helping them to a championship in 1958. He would later coach Azzurri to State League success, and was in charge of the State team on seven occasions.

Stewart played eleven times for WA and became one of the first players in this part of the world to turn out at international level for two countries when he represented Australia in games against Blackpool and Hearts in 1958. The legendary Stanley Matthews, although 43, played for Blackpool in the game, which was held in Adelaide. "Despite his age, he was still very good," recalls Stewart. One of his big successes with the State team was leading them to a 1-1 draw with a star-studded Manchester City team in 1970. "Actually, we should have won but big John van Oosten, who never missed, hit a post with the goal wide open," he said.

Stewart moved to Canberra in 1970 and coached the Canberra Arrows Under-18 team and also the Australian Capital Territory Under-16 team, which included a young Frank Farina, who was quickly elevated to the senior ranks. He had a spell in tennis coaching in the ACT before heading to Brunei where he worked for the Government as an assistant chief youth and sports coach and also helped organised disabled sports. The widely-travelled Doug then moved to the Northern Territory and led Under-21, Under-15 and amateur teams to success in football competitions.

In 1998 he turned up in Queensland and steered the Rockhampton Under-19 team to victory in the South Qld league and has since won many more titles. "I have now gone back to my love of teaching Years 1 to 3 the techniques of the game," said Stewart. "I have great support from the schools, the parents and the kids and I am having a ball." Stewart returned briefly to WA in 2004 when the Hall of Fame Committee selected him as one of a galaxy of stars to be included in a Century of Champions, which recognised the best 100 players in the State over 100 years.

7.5.2008

GARCIA ON VERGE OF LIVING THE DREAM

After toiling away in England’s lower levels for a number of years, Richard Garcia is on the cusp of realising a life-long dream. Hull City commence their Championship play-off this weekend against Watford and 26-year old Garcia says the Tigers are more than ready to take their place amongst England’s elite. “There’s no apprehension, we’re confident we can go ahead and do the job,” he added. “I think it’s important just approach it as another league game and play your normal game. It’s home and away so I’m sure there’ll be tactics during the week as to how we approach it. It’s been my dream to play in the Premier League and my battle, my quest to get there I suppose is on the brink.” By seeing off Watford Hull will progress to the Wembley final on Saturday 24th May where they’ll meet either Bristol City or Crystal Palace for a spot in the 2008/09 Premier League.

7.5.2008

KARPEH TO GET PHOENIX TRIAL

Wellington Phoenix will hand former Perth Glory striker Jerry Karpeh a chance to impress in trials next week. Karpeh shot to prominence last year at Floreat Athena where his 25 goals from just 20 outings earned the 23-year old the Premier League Golden Boot. That form was rewarded with a short-term contract with Glory for whom he made seven appearances without finding the net. Karpeh currently plays in the Victorian Premier League with Whittlesea Zebras where he’s bagged four goals in eleven games for the mid-table club.

6.5.2008

HIGHLIGHTS APLENTY IN ROUND TWO OF CUP

The draw for Round Two of the Soccer Pools Cup was made over the weekend with some big games being pulled out of the hat. All eyes will be on Dorrien Gardens for the inner city derby between Perth S.C. and Inglewood United. Cup holder Stirling Lions have a home date with E.C.U. Joondalup. Mandurah City will be full of confidence for their trip to Litis Stadium to take on Floreat Athena. Two of the top flights strugglers, Fremantle Spirit and Armadale, are pitted against eachother.

Sorrento have home ground advantage against northern neighbour and First Division leader Wanneroo City. Morley Windmills will be hoping to upset Western Knights when they visit Wotton Reserve. Amateur outfit Hammersley Rovers will fancy their chances at home to Bayswater City. It's a similar story for fellow-Amateurs Southern Spirit who welcome Forrestfield United to Watsons Reserve. All eight games Second Round fixtures are scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday 17 May.

6.5.2008

SENSATIONAL START BY SWAN’S COCKING

The emergence of teenager striker Alex Cocking at Swan I.C. is one of the early success stories of 2008. Cocking burst onto the scene by scoring four times in five Night Series outings and has since been keeping defences on their toes with his neat footwork and bursts of pace. “I’m enjoying my time at the club, they’ve made me really welcome,” said Cocking. “I love the club - it’s not filled with politics like some other clubs and the boys are only interested in one thing and that’s playing football. We’ve started well but its early day’s we just have to take one game at a time.”

Coach Paul Lincoln wasn’t having a great deal of success in finding a goalscorer to replace David Foster when Cocking fronted for pre-season training in the Swan Valley. “Alex is a terrific kid, he his very mature for his age and has a lot of potential,” said Lincoln, who immediately saw something special in the youngster. “He has a lot to learn about playing at this level and his willingness to learn will help fast track his progress. The key ingredient for any good striker is how to score goals and Alex has certainly shown us that.”

Cocking commemorated his Premier League debut by scoring in the opening day win against Cockburn City and has set his sights on finding the net a regular occurrence. “It’s always a great feeling to score but scoring my first League goal for the club on my debut made it that much better,” he said, still clearly chuffed with the achievement. “The boys are playing really well and that’s given us confidence for the rest of the season. It’s great for me and it’s the best feeling to walk off the Francis Street pitch on a Saturday with a win under our belt and, hopefully, for me a few more goals.”

5.5.2008

DUNN NAMED NEW STATE COACH

One of the true legends of West Australian football, Robbie Dunn, has been appointed coach of the State team. Dunn, who represented Australia on 44 occasions, is thrilled with his new role and the challenges it brings. "I see the job as a very exciting challenge and accept the appointment with a great deal of pride," he said. "Hopefully the quality players that I know we have in WA can once again set their sights on playing for their state and be proud to pull on the WA State shirt whenever called upon."

The appointment of Dunn is the final piece in Football West's resurrection of the State team. "Football West should be commended for putting the State team back on the agenda and it shows to the football public that truly they see a great future for our code and I hope that when the State team plays that the WA public get right behind them," said Dunn, who's solitary appearance for WA arrived in 1989 against touring English side Milwall.

Football West chief executive Garry Chandler has every confidence Dunn, who is assistant coach to David Mitchell at Perth Glory, will lead the State into a bright era. "Robbie's appointment and the re-establishment of our senior men's State team is a great step forwards for the game in WA," said Chandler. "In Robbie we have someone that not only has extensive playing and coaching experience, but also someone with intimate knowledge of the game in Asia, which is an important strategic initiative for us in lifting the profile of the sport in WA."

Dunn has spent the past few weeks busily planning for his first game at the helm. "I am working with Football West on developing a program of matches which will enable our players to showcase their abilities," explained Dunn, who's been casting a watchful eye over the Premier League's top players in recent weeks. "With Australia now in the AFC, games will become increasingly available and it's an important avenue for us to explore."

Born in Scotland, Dunn's 44 games for Australia makes in the WA's second most capped player. He started out with Kwinana United and North Perth Croatia before travelling joining West Adelaide at the age of 17. Spells at Preston Makedonia and Melbourne Croatia took his national league tally to 168 games and 54 goals - quite an achievement for a centre-half. Dunn returned home in 1989 to play for Perth Italia followed by two seasons with South China (Hong Kong) and another with Sarawak (Malaysia). In November 2005 Dunn was one of four inaugural inductees into the Hall of Legends category of the West Australian Football Fall of Fame.

5.5.2008

NEW YOUTH LEAGUE GIVES YOUNGSTERS A FIGHTING CHANCE

Perth Glory’s youth team coach Gareth Naven wants to see a greater number of West Australians playing for the A-League club - but not just for the sake of it. Naven, who captained the club for six seasons from its inception in 1996, is set to go about the job of moulding teenage prospects into first team regulars with the same vigour and enthusiasm he showed as a combative on-field leader during his playing days.

The aim of the National Youth League, set to kick-off in August, is to provide more opportunities for local players to be groomed into A-League material. Naven is quick to point out that ability is the first criteria for inclusion. “If local players are good enough, then give them a go,” said Naven, who is also the State under-14 coach. “But if you aren’t, you can’t. Hopefully by bridging this gap with the youth league, we can provide some quality, intense training and given them an opportunity. All the player in the Football West and the national training centre (program) have got a stepping stone to the A-League now.”

Mitchell has already indicated his desire to increase the number of local players, while the club will be forced to rely on Premier League players to provide the majority of their youth squad. “I think the A-League clubs have a responsibility to develop youth. It’s their duty,” said Naven, who is confident Football West are also on the right track with youth development. “Kids have now got to understand that at a certain age you’ve got to take football seriously. If they don’t, they’ll fall behind and never catch up.”

Naven points to France as an example of how seriously players need to approach the game. “Kids over there at 13 are training a minimum of three times a week and playing a game. At 14 it’s four and one (game), and at 15 it’s five and one. That’s taking it seriously,” he said. “The NTC kids are taking it very seriously. The 14’s we’ve got have two sessions with their club and two with me, so that’s four and one. Obviously there’s education, homework and their bodies and minds to take into consideration. But they are making a choice to be serious about football, which is great.”

Naven will switch his attention to players aged 16 to 21 when trials for Glory’s youth team kick-off at Beale Park, Spearwood, next weekend. The club is holding open trials in an effort to ensure all potential local youngsters are considered for inclusion. If you think you have what it takes, or are a coach and would like to recommend a player visit the Perth Glory website and complete the expression of interest form by 12.00pm Friday 9th May.

4.5.2008

MATILDAS EDGED OUT BY UNITED STATES – TWICE!

Australia have twice been denied a deserved draw with world number two the United States on their two-game visit to America. The United States grabbed a dramatic late winner to record a 3-2 win in the opening match of the series, and a few days later struck a stoppage time winner to steal a 5-4 victory from a pulsating match. "Overall I am very pleased with the trip," said coach Tom Sermanni. "We showed that we can go 90 minutes with the best in the world and it holds us in good stead ahead of the Asian Cup." The friendly series served as preparation for Asian Women's Cup being held in Vietnam later this month.

The opening match of the series was delayed by close to an hour because of a torrential downpour at the WakeMed Stadium in North Carolina on Monday. Natasha Kai put the host nation ahead after 35 minutes and looked to be cruising when Amy Rodriguez doubled the margin early in the second half. However, Australia had other ideas and on 86 minutes Kate Gill reduced the deficit with captain Cheryl Salisbury levelling the game just two minutes later. The final drama played out in stoppage time when Carli Lloyd headed the ball into the back of the net to secure the U.S. a dramatic win. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams and midfielder Collette McCallum, who hail from West Australia, both played the full 90 minutes.

There was a strong sense of deja Vu in the second meeting at Legion Field in Alabama which the United State claimed 5-4 courtesy of a stoppage time winner. An early own goal put Australia ahead only for the United States to hit four unanswered goals to open up a sizeable lead by the break. The Matildas staged a remarkable comeback as Sarah Walsh, Lauren Colthorpe and another own goal brought the sides level with twenty minutes to go. It looked as though the game would ended 4-4 when Angela Hucles touched in the decider at close-range with 94 minutes on the clock. McCallum played a full game with Williams an unused substitute.

4.5.2008

TRINIDAD ADDED TO GLORY

Perth Glory has added Argentinean Adrian Trinidad to its revamped forward line for the coming A-League season. Trinidad, an attacking midfielder, will link-up with Ivory Coast striker Eugene Dadi, Englishman James Robinson and local product Nikita Rukavytsya in a new-look attack that David Mitchell is confident will find the back of the net on a regular basis. “Adrian has great touch and loves to score goals, in every match I’ve seen he has been very dangerous in the front third,” Mitchell said. “He is also a very clever player who can see things in the game that not a lot of people can and will certainly bring his team mates into the match.”

Trinidad has most recently plied his trade in Indonesia and Malaysia and was recommended to Mitchell by several of his recruiting contacts in the region. “The owners have given me the resources to go and see first hand the players I’ve identified as key targets this season and we’re seeing that pay dividends with many exciting signings that might not have happened otherwise,” said the Glory coach. “It is vital when you’re using one of the four foreign player positions that each team are allowed that you get the right person and I think that Adrian will more than justify his position this season. Argentinean players have great flair but also the solid work ethic to back that up. He is a team player and I know that the lads will enjoy playing with him as much as our fans will enjoy watching him play.”

3.5.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND FOUR (Sorrento v Inglewood United by Kerry Slater; Western Knights v Mandurah City courtesy Mandurah City; E.C.U. Joondalup v Swan I.C. by Peter Simcox Cockburn City v Stirling Lions by Don Evans; Floreat Athena v Armadale courtesy Floreat Athena)

Sorrento moved clear at the top of the Premier League table by dismissing Inglewood United 3-2 at Percy Doyle Reserve. Todd Harnwell (2) and Stuart Montgomery shared the goals as the Gulls emerged as the competition’s only unbeaten team after four games. Inglewood came out firing and with 3 minutes on the clock Kevin Griffiths delivered a cross which Bobby Despotovski headed superbly beyond the reach of Neil Young to put the visitors one-nil up. This only served to further fire up the visitors who had Jason Colli, James Sammut and Michael Baczynski to thank for the early ascendancy. Harnwell brought sides level after 19 minutes by taming a Stuart Banks cross with his thigh before firing past Oliver Taseski from 12-metres as the defence were caught ball watching. Six minutes later Sorrento went ahead courtesy of a terrific team move in which Michael Ord threaded a pass down the flank to Scott Neville whose cross was swept into the net at close-range by Montgomery. Scott Bulloch brought a diving save out of Taseski and Neville fired marginally wide as the Gulls sought to increase their lead after the break. Lee Bamber’s decision to bring on the fresh legs of Mladen Kovacevic worked a treat with the young attacker producing a low centre to Jason Colli who was denied at point blank range by Young. With two minutes of regulation left the team in yellow drew level through Mladen Kovcevic who blasted the ball into the top corner from 8-metres following a miscued clearance by Callum O’Connell. Three minutes later Lewis Flatt slid the ball out left to Bulloch who tricked his way around one opponent before angling a low shot which Taseski parried and an the blink of an eye Harnwell had poked the follow up into the net.

Mandurah City piled on four unanswered goals to hand Western Knights a 5-1 thrashing in front of a small but boisterous crowd at Nash Field. Phil O’Callaghan and Andy Brown scored two apiece with Shane Crampton getting the remainder to leapfrog Mandurah into second place after a month of competition. It took only 5 minutes for the visitors to open their account courtesy of a booming clearance by Chris Currie that found O’Callaghan who went inside the 18-yard box with his first touch and deftly placed the ball wide of goalkeeper Kevin Miller with his second. The Knights responded in kind and deservedly drew level eleven minutes later when Anthony Fearon seized upon a wayward pass and successfully fended off Ryan Townsend before sending his shot wide of Mike Green in the Mandurah goal. Midway through the period Jeff Bright played a long ball over the defence that O’Callaghan latched on to and coolly lobbed into the net with just Miller to beat. The game was effectively ended as a contest within a minute of the restart when Andy Brown was afforded time and space to cut in from the right and fire past an exposed ‘keeper to make it three-one. Mandurah were far from done and on 63 minutes more sloppy defensive work permitted Andy Brown time to tame a bouncing ball which he slammed into the net from 9-metres. With twenty minutes remaining Crampton entered the fray and almost immediately turned Jon Mathers inside out before angling a vicious shot across Miller and inside the far post. Crampton should have added a sixth to Mandurah’s tally after out-foxing his marker only to shoot narrowly wide of the target. The closing stages resulted in both sides carving a handful of half chances before referee Troy Miller brought proceedings to a close.

A dominant first half performance laid the foundations for E.C.U. Joondalup to inflict a 3-2 loss on Swan I.C. in sunny conditions at the Edith Cowan University ground. The home side raced to a three-goal lead courtesy of Ian McMurray, Tommy Amphlett and Scott Bushby before Damian Scali brought the visitors back into the contest. Joondalup created their first chances after just 4 minutes when Craig Simpson headed narrowly wide a Darren Broxton free-kick. This set the tone for the hosts to launch a barrage of attacks orchestrated by Amphlett, Bushby, Broxton and Jon Higgins. The breakthrough arrived after 28 minutes when Higgins cleverly clipped the ball to the top of the 6-yard box where an unmarked McMurray headed into the top corner. Sixty seconds later Joondalup registered their second through a scorching volley from 18-metres by Amphlett that found the gap between ‘keeper and post. Swan worked hard to reduce the deficit but Anthony Jones’ superb covering tackle robbed Alex Cocking of a shot on goal, while appeals for a penalty were dismissed after David Perich went down under Simpson’s challenge. Amphlett sliced his way between two defenders in the 41st minute before crossing for Bushby to slam in goal number three from close-range. Scali reeled in the gap a minute later by converting a penalty awarded for Tommi Tomich’s foul on Cocking. Swan were unfortunate not to score another in stoppage time when Perich crashed his shot off the underside of the crossbar before Martin Ashworth cleared the danger. The second half commenced with Higgins and Perich firing wide as both teams made clear their intentions. Brendan Knox created the visitors second on 71 minutes with a terrific run down the left before crossing Scali who made no mistake when found unmarked at close-range. Chances came and went in the closing stages as the teams went shot for shot and with neither side able to add to the tally Joondalup happily claimed the points.

A ten-man Cockburn City staged a dramatic comeback to steal a 2-2 draw with Stirling Lions from their encounter at Dalmatinac Park. Stirling were only minutes from claiming al three points when Dom De Felice and Giovanni De Bartolo found the net in quick succession to leave the visitors red faced. The ball had been in motion just 3 minutes when Jason Godfrey had the misfortune of deflecting an Alan Muir cross past his own goalkeeper to hand Stirling the lead. With Steve Porter, Mark Anthony, Muir and Jordan Rhodes piecing together some exquisite moves coming out of midfield Stirling didn’t wait long before celebrating their second. With 10 minutes on the clock Porter cut the ball back to young striker Phil Arnold who poked past Dejan Aleksic and into the net from close-range. Arnold could have killed the game off on 21 minutes when played through by Anthony but blazed disappointingly wide. Cockburn’s day took a turn for the worse ten minutes later when referee Jeremy Oliphant red carded veteran midfielder Shane McNally for foul language. A vicious free-kick by Porter rattled the crossbar as Stirling carried on with their assault, while Aleksic was at full-stretch in tipping over Arnold’s blistering volley. The second half opened in much the same fashion with Arnold again thwarted by the ‘keeper, and Mark Redshaw hitting the bar at close-range from a Rhodes cross. Stirling custodian Phil Straker was called into action for the first time just after the hour when he pushed away a John Mirco free-kick. This sparked Cockburn into action and in the 78th minute Aaron Dos Santos played through for De Felice to neatly tucked the ball past Straker’s out-stretched arms and inside the bottom corner. The momentum swung in the hosts favour and four minutes later Dos Santos again laid the ball on for De Bartolo to precisely slot the ball under a diving ‘keeper. Aleksic secured his team a point with an instinctive save to deny Anthony at point blank range.

Perth S.C. returned to the winners’ circle by spanking Fremantle Spirit 5-2 in glorious sunshine at Dorrien Gardens. David Onoforo was twice on the scoresheet along with Andreas Oliviera, Andrija Jukic and Matt Danskin as the home side re-affirmed their title credentials. Perth could not have imagined a worse start as influential captain Robbie Puca was carried from the field suffering a serious knee injury after only a couple of minutes. Andrija Jukic came off the bench and minutes later rifled just past the target from 17-metres after good work down the left by Todd Howarth. From that moment on Perth dictated the flow of play thanks largely to the creative talents of Antonio Naglieri, David Price, Greg Sharland and Howarth. However, the home team lacked the decisive touch in the final third that would have given them a deserved lead. Seven minutes from the break they paid the ultimate price as Cisco Jorquiera put Fremantle one-nil up by converting from the penalty spot after being fouled by Michael Icanovski. But the sides went into the break level after Matt Danskin’s run was illegally halted by Simon Elton-Bott and led referee Joe Fusari to point to the spot from where Andreas Oliveira made no mistake. Fremantle reclaimed the upper hand on the hour when Callum Roberts scrambled the ball into the net from David Araya’s in-swinging corner. It was now that Perth kicked into gear and six minutes later Onoforo headed in unmarked an Antonio Naglieri corner. Inside a minute Jukic had stolen possession from the defence and coolly chipped young ‘keeper Dane McBride to put Perth ahead for the first time. Matt Danskin added a fourth in the 88th minute by slotting under McBride following good lead-up work involving Naglieri and Onoforo. Onoforo put the icing on the cake in stoppage time by unleashing a stunning drive from 25-metres which cannoned in off the crossbar to leave the spectators with a goal to savour.

Floreat Athena chalked up their second win of the campaign by seeing off a resilient Armadale 1-0 under lights at Litis Stadium. A sensational late goal from Brad Scott was all that separated the sides on the on a night when the single goal margin in no way reflected Floreat’s dominance. Armadale attempted to unsettle their hosts with a typically physical approach, however, Floreat weren’t about to be persuaded from playing controlled, attacking football. Good lead-up work produced chances on goal for Scott, Adam Bachiller, Garrin Collins and Rafeal Insurralde but all went unconverted. Perhaps the best opening came the way of Mikulic who latched on to Insurralde’s brilliant diagonal pass only to send his first time shot wide with Cyril Sharrock exposed. Armadale’s solitary opportunity came on the counter attack when Stefan Smiljanic’s cross was met by a diving Jason Goodwin header which was expertly tipped around the post by Vas Vujacic. There was barely a moments rest for Andy Bowyer and Daryl Platten who worked overtime as Floreat desperately sought the lead after the turnaround. Mikulic thought he’d got the breakthrough by volleying into the top corner from 12-metres but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. John Migas clipped a free-kick just high of the crossbar after being felled on the top of the 18-yard box. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 75th minute when substitute Miki Vujacic sent in a firm cross that was met by a classy volley by Scott which curled inside the far post. There was still plenty of time for Floreat to make the game safe but neither Collins, Scott nor Mikulic could benefit from a handful of late chances.

3.5.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND FOUR (Bayswater City v Rockingham City by Adam Rucci; Canning City v Forrestfield United by Phil Unsworth; Dianella White Eagles v Queens Park courtesy Dianella White Eagles; Ashfield v Gosnells City courtesy Gosnells City)

Wanneroo City extended their perfect win record to four games by dismissing South West Phoenix 2-1 at Kingsway Sporting Complex. The afternoons first opening resulted from a terrific move channelled through five players before Gary Mayers’ shot from an acute angle cleared the crossbar by the narrowest of margins. With 25 minutes played Brian Cairney fired Wanneroo into the lead by converting a penalty awarded for a foul by goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery. Wanneroo had good reason to feel hard done by when referee Michael Frost dismissed appeals for a second penalty after Alex Dawson brought down an opponent. The second half brought little relief for Phoenix as Ben Yates, Danny Glasspool and Brad McDonald applied increasing pressure to the defence. The pay off came just inside the hour when a clash of bodies while contesting a long ball spilled to Cesar Meylan who had the simple task of slotting into an unguarded net from 15-metres. Steve Suttie twice went close to bringing Phoenix back into the game but Daniel Holgate parried his long-range shot, while a speculative strike drifted wide of the far corner. It wasn’t until the closing stages that Phoenix found an avenue to goal when through Mayers acrobatic overhead kick. But the visitors joy was short-lived Andy Cowley was issued his second yellow card just minutes later.

Bayswater City kept their unbeaten start of the year intact with a 5-1 defeat of Rockingham City at Frank Drago Reserve. There were very few highlights in the opening twenty minutes as the two sides made a cautious start. After 18 minutes the game finally sparked into life courtesy of a Costa Socratous cross from the left which Ryan Frisina headed powerfully past goalkeeper Craig Olenjik. Bayswater would go on to dominate the remainder of the half and were unlucky not to add a second through Damir Kudozovic who hit the crossbar from distance. With half-time approaching the visitors were reduced to ten men following the contentious dismissal of Michael Vaz for a harsh second yellow card. Tony Cumace rubbed salt into the wound by firing the resulting free-kick into the top corner from 22-metres. Rockingham pulled a goal back on 75 minutes when Ryan Stewart tucked the ball in from 6-metres following a corner by Craig Howard. But the visitors hopes were effectively dashed just six minutes later Adrian Mulholland with Adrian Mulholand’s dismissal for a second bookable offence. This only spurred Bayswater on and in quick succession Frisina and Ahmed Hafez sent the ball past Olenjik as the margin threatened to really blow out. Substitute Scott Campbell rounded off proceedings with a clinical finish after receiving the ball from Socratous.

Scottish import Paul Harvey was the five-goal hero in Canning City’s 7-1 hiding of Forrestfield United at Willetton Sports Club. Forrestfield’s defensive frailties were exposed as early as the 1st minute when Daniel Trevisiol made his way down the left and drove a powerful left inside the far post from an acute angle. Harvey opened his account fifteen minutes later by running on to Simon Versaico lofted pass over the defence and driving the ball past goalkeeper Jason O’Byrne. The game had barely re-started when Harvey chipped the ball over an oncoming ‘keeper and at close-range Dave Mickler did the rest. The game was effectively ended leading into half-time when O’Byrne received a sloppy back-pass only to be dispossessed by Harvey who netted Canning’s fourth of the day. Matters then worsened for Forrestfield who had Matt Harold dismissed for kicking out at Trevisiol. There was still enough time for Canning to score another as Paul Oliver set-up Harvey to complete his hat-trick. The second half was only a few minutes old when Harvey’s volley from a Mick Van Dongen throw-in found the net off the inside of the upright. The icing was put on the cake ten minutes from the end when Harvey rose unchallenged to head in a Mick Van Dongen free-kick to the far post. Forrestfield’s struck a consolation through John Hunter’s free-kick from 20-metres.

Dianella White Eagles brushed off Queens Park 6-2 when they met in sunny conditions at Dianella Reserve. The flood of goals started after 10 minutes when Miladin Gligoroski was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard box, and Matt Butler guided the resultant free-kick into the net. The margin was doubled on 28 minutes by Peter Vukmirovic who volleyed in after an initial shot by Dragan Njegic rebounded off a defender. Njegic was on target two minutes later with a neatly struck free-kick which resulted from another driving run by Gligoroski. The visitors hit back in the 35th minute through teenager Tom Cullen who avoid the offside trap to unleash a blistering shot that gave goalkeeper Matt Butingelli no chance. But their day took a turn for the worse five minutes later when defender Grant Learmont was red carded for handling a goalbound strike from Dimce Taneski. Just before the break Taneski charged down the left before crossing for Gavin Oakes to slam in goal number four for Dianella from 6-metres. Fine lead-up work by Mohamed Bangura and Njegic allowed Butler to head in ten minutes into the second half. Queen Parks second arrived through Tyrone Woodfin who tapped in at close-range after Battigelli parried a shot from Reuben Karpeh. Taneski got the goal he deserved shortly after following another thrilling run down the left.

Gosnells City collected maximum points for the first time this season by defeating Ashfield 2-1 in a scrappy encounter at Ashfield Reserve. The visitors came out firing and gain the upper hand with only a minute on the clock when Darren Francis’ shot was by parried by goalkeeper Aaron Hollaway and on hand to net the follow-up was Ian Maguire. However, parity was soon restored as Daniel Grosso whipped a free-kick to the back post where I.Charming headed past Jade Thorpe. Tempers flared with an off the ball tangle between Alan Claxton and Zac Jones that resulted in the Gosnells player being red carded after 22 minutes. Going down to ten men only galvanised the visitors and with 36 minutes gone fine work down the left allowed Luke Woodward to put away his first senior goal. Some good passing kept the momentum in Gosnells’ favour after the break and although Aaron Nadin found the net his header was disallowed for offside. And penalty appeals for a seemingly blatant foul on Ian Maguire were dismissed by the match referee. Ashfield threw caution to the wind by pushing an extra man into attack for the closing stages but despite the best efforts of Jamie Kumkar and Martin Kelly they were unable to draw level.

Balcatta picked up their second win in as many weeks by knocking over Morley Windmills 2-0 at Graham Burkett Reserve. Andy O’Neill and Julian Piromalli scored either side of the break to secure victory a home win. Further details of this game were not forthcoming from either of the participating clubs.

3.5.2008

PELLEGRINO HEADS WEST

Attacking midfielder Adriano Pellegrino has signed on with Perth Glory for the 2008/09 A-League season. Pellegrino has consistently produced the good in the South Australian Super-League and impressed Glory’s coaching staff after being invited on the club’s three-match tour of China in March. “Adriano is one of the most talented players in this country outside of the A-League and I think he will be a great acquisition for Perth this season,” coach Dave Mitchell said. “He didn’t put a foot wrong during our time in China and mixed well with the rest of the team which is vital if you want to build a cohesive team.” The 24-year old brings added versatility to Glory’s squad and can be deployed behind the strikers or in a wider midfield role.

3.5.2008

NEW SEASON OF GLORY

The 2008/09 A-League season draw has produced Perth Glory a challenge they are more than eager to face. The clubs’ chief executive, Scott Gooch, said that despite several short turn around times of just five days there was a huge amount of optimism that the new look squad could achieve the club’s goals of finals football this season. “We are confident that coach Dave Mitchell has put together a group of players who are capable of handling and overcoming any challenges thrown at them,” commented Gooch.

There are plenty of positives for Glory supporters who will be able to enjoy matches at earlier kick-off times this season. “We listened to what our members and fans have been saying about match times and are pleased that our requests to the FFA have been taken into account,” said Gooch. “The mid-afternoon and the early evening time slot is a perfect opportunity for families to be able to enjoy a great game of football.” Glory will play ten games at Members Equity Stadium with six falling on a Sunday, two on Saturday night and two Friday night fixtures.

Local supporters will be able to check the progress of the new look Perth Glory side when they meet Newcastle Jets in Mandurah and Melbourne Victory in Bunbury as part of the pre-season Cup. “We’re committed to taking football throughout the state and we are pleased that as part of the 2008 pre-season competition we’ll be able to bring A-League football to Mandurah and Bunbury,” said Gooch. “We have a huge supporter base in both regions and look forward to playing in their back-yard as part of the Cup competition.”

3.5.2008

A-LEAGUE MOVES TO PLUG PLAYER DRAIN

Australian football prodigies such as Perth Glory striker Nikita Rukavytsya could be convinced to postpone moves to rich overseas clubs after the announcement of a marquee system for A-League under-23 players. The initiative, designed to stem Australia's player drain, will grant A-League's clubs a salary cap exemption of $150,000 for outstanding young talent. Rukavytsya is considered one of the league's best young attackers and last month attended trials with German club Hannover 96.

The youth 'marquee' concept was among a raft of changes announced by Football Federation Australia at yesterday's release of the 2008/09 draw. A-League squads will be increased from 30 to 35 to help accommodate the national youth league, and the salary cap for each of the A-League franchises has been increased to $1.9 million. The fourth A-league season will be aligned with FIFA's international match dates, while car manufacturer Hyundai have agreed to a four-year extension to the compeitions' naming rights.