Stirling’s Anthony Lyons jumps clear of Jason Colli from Inglewood (photograph by Brett Klucznik)

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26.5.2012

INEXPERIENCED KNIGHTS NO MATCH FOR RAMPANT PERTH (with Ilija Mihalj, Football West)

Perth SC made light work of a youthful Western Knights for the second time in a fortnight, the team in blue triumphing 5-1 at Dorrien Gardens. First half finishes from Andreas Oliveira, Greg Sharland and Adam Bachiller had Perth well in control by the break before Rory Grant gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately that was all it was as Perth captain David Onoforo and substitute Daniel Niederberger put the result beyond a shadow of a doubt. It was the second time this month Perth had convincingly got the better of their long-time foe, having beaten them 4-1 in the Cup just two weeks earlier.

The writing was on the wall early for the Knights as Antonio Naglieri volleyed wide with just 5 minutes on the clock. Onoforo really should have put the hosts in front on 12 minutes but his touch on Robert Sciascia’s vicious cross wasn’t enough to turn the ball in. So it was no surprise when, 60 seconds later, Greg Sharland’s clever reverse-ball found Oliveira, who took a few steps and unleashed an unstoppable shot that flashed into Kevin Miller’s net. The Knights had few answers to a slick Perth outfit whose desired for a second goal was quenched in the 27th minute through Sharland’s blistering left-foot volley that Miller had no chance of saving.

The Knights responded with a superb move which was deserving of a much better outcome. Midfielder David Caine evading his marker on the left before whipping in a cross for Grant, who could only steer his header straight at goalkeeper Alex Dunn. The visitors continued to prod and probe in an attempt to find a way through but managed to open up very few holes in the home defence anchored by Shaun Kilkelly and Craig Simpson. Half-time was looming when Perth struck for the third time, left-back Adam Bachiller linking well with Onoforo before coolly slotting past Miller.

The Knights started the second period strongly and on 54 minutes an unmarked Grant volleyed in from Caine’s pin-point cross. That was as good as it got for the visitors though, with Perth taking things up a notch. Onoforo stamped his mark on the game with a goal of his own after 67 minutes, dispatching a penalty low and hard to Miller’s right following a contentious handball decision against David Annall. And with 11 minutes of regulation time remaining Niederberger completed the rout with a delicate finish after getting in behind the Knights’ defensive trap. The win keep Perth on top of the table, four points clear of their nearest rival.

26.5.2012

TEN-MAN SORRENTO WEATHER THE BAYSWATER STORM (with Andrew Ellis, Football West)

Sorrento continued their impressive start to the season with a hard fought 2-0 victory over visiting Bayswater City at Percy Doyle Reserve. Brodie Martin and Todd Harnwell were the goal heroes for a home side whose achievement was made all the more impressive by the fact the played over an hour with ten men after the red carding of midfielder James Morgan. "We knew it was going to be a difficult game 11 v 11, and when we went down to 10 it was even harder,” said Gulls assistant coach Steve Neville. “But full credit to the lads, they were tremendous … I thought it was the best we’ve played all season.”

The vocal home crowd was given something to shout about in the 7th minute when Luka Nijegic appeared to handle Todd Harnwell’s shot, however, referee Michel Jasinski signalled for play to continue. The referee took centre stage again soon after by dismissing another handball before play moved to the opposite end where Gustavo Catarcione fired into the side netting. It was only now that Jasinski consulted his assistant and after a lengthy consultation he belatedly awarded the Gulls a penalty which Jason Mirco took and Tom Dixon saved. After this Sorrento laid siege on their opponents goal and with 14 minutes gone Martin’s header dipped over the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

The game was then turned on its head with Morgan collecting a couple of quick yellow cards for dissent to lead Sorrento a man down with only 24 minutes on the clock. Catarcione almost brought the visitors level by shaking off Steve McDonald an unleashing a low shot which Curtis Aspden managed to keep out with is feet. Bayswater went even closer when John Kearney lobbed to the far post where Gustavo Giron-Marulanda volleyed into the upright. Catarcione and Giron-Marulanda combined late in the half, unlocking the defence with a neat one-two but the formers shot was blocked by Daryl Platten’s last-ditch tackle.

Bayswater came out lively in the second half. Catarcione and Marulanda both looked to drag their side back into the game but their best efforts were often halted outside the 18-yard box by a composed backline. There was no such wasteful at the other end on 71 minutes when Todd Harnwell’s sweet volley snuck in at the near post despite Dixon getting a glove on the shot. A handful of free-kicks and shots from distance were the all Bayswater could muster as Sorrento locked the game down in the closing stages. The win sees Sorrento move into second spot, ahead of Inglewood United and Floreat Athena only on goal difference.

26.5.2012

INGLEWOOD PREVAIL AGAINST STIRLING ONSLAUGHT

Teenage attacker Aleks Jovic has propelled Inglewood United back into the top three with a 1-0 win over Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park. The early dismissal of Stirling captain Andy Brown put Inglewood in the ascendency with Jovic’s strike separating the teams after 45 minutes. And while Stirling worked tirelessly after the turnaround they were unable to find the equaliser they deserved. “In recent weeks we’ve played well but got nothing from games so it was nice to have a result go our way when we probably didn’t deserve it,” said Inglewood’s David Perich. “We spent too much of it defending against ten men, it was disappointing we didn’t control the game better.”

It took only 30 seconds for Stirling to be thrown onto the back foot with midfield general Brown collecting a straight red card for his bone-jarring tackle from behind on James Sammut. Inglewood wasted no time in taking control, their fluid movement of the ball and utilisation of the full width of the park stretching the home side. The only surprise was it took 20 minutes for Inglewood to create their first shot, and with it came the games’ solitary goal. After cutting in from the right Alex Caniglia drove across the top of the 18-yard box to slot to Jovic whose measured chip crept in under the crossbar.

Inglewood resumed the attack soon after with shot’s in quick succession from Jovic and Caniglia blocked by the defence before Koji Yamada’s long-range attempt was taken low by goalkeeper Corey Hugo. His opposite number, Francis Soale, was ca lled into action a few minutes later, plucking a Jamie Tandy cross off Anthony Lyons’ head. But that was about as good as it got for Stirling in the first 45 minutes. Perich looked to have doubled the visitors lead but Phil O’Callaghan deflected away his back post header from a Sammut corner.

It was a far better composed Stirling side that emerged from the break. A defensive error let Lyons go past the defence but the striker was unable to keep his hurried shot down. Gareth McGlynn lifted disappointingly high shortly after from 16-metres as the home side began to find their rhythm. Play was at the other end in the 63rd minute when Caniglia was allowed to advance unchallenged out of midfield and unleash a fierce strike which Hugo acrobatically pushed over. Hugo came to the rescue again seven minutes later by blocked substitute Karl O’Reilly’s low effort.

O’Callaghan re-joined Lyons in attack for the final fifteen minutes with McGlynn pulling the strong in midfield. O’Callaghan shaved the top of the crossbar with a rising shot. Jamie De Abreu got himself in a good position only to have Jack Clisby block the shot. Inglewood countered through with O’Reilly clipping to the far post where Jovic’s close-range header was taken by Hugo. The game had just ticked into stoppage time when Soale was forced to come out of his are to clear a poor back pass under pressure from O’Callaghan, robbing Stirling of one final chance to salvage something from the afternoon.

26.5.2012

BALCATTA TIP THEIR HAT TO MICEVSKI (with Tommy Doleman, Football West)

A Daniel Micevski hat-trick has seen Balcatta come-from-behind to dump ECU Joondalup 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at Grindleford Reserve. Joondalup entered the afternoon as underdogs but looked set to cause a major upset after Tommy Amphlett and David Foster put them two-nil up. Micevski pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time then restored parity on the hour to set up an interesting finish. From there it was all one-way traffic with Balcatta the dominant side, however, it took until the closing stages for Micevski to seal the points with a deserved hat-trick.

Joondalup’s early endeavours were rewarded on the quarter hour, Cameron Burgess surging down the left before playing to the feet of Amphlett whose crisp shot from the edge of the 18-yard box was too good for Bobson Koroma. Billy Quincroft could have doubled the visitors lead but his free header from Burgess’ delivery was beyond the target. A clumsy foul by Mo Atak on Fraser McGuire resulted in a Joondalup penalty after 34 minutes which Foster dispatched expertly into the bottom corner to make it two-nil. Ten minutes later John Thornley embarked on a strong run down the left before cutting the ball back for Micevski to head into the bottom corner.

The second half opened with Balcatta again on the attack where Thornley dragged Adam Tong’s lay-off wide of the target. The goal they sought arrived on 63 minutes when Micevski’s shot defelcted off a defender and looped over the head of a helpless Andy Banks in goal. Shane Nunes, Jason Barrera and Migas all then had chances to put the home side in front without success. Joondalup had a brilliant opportunity of their own but Quinncroft’s blistering volley was narrowly over the crossbar. The deciding goal came with two minutes left, Thornley pressuring the defence into conceding possession with Micevski pouncing on the loose ball and rounding the goalkeeper to tuck onto an empty net.

26.5.2012

PRITCHARD GIVES FLOREAT VALUABLE AWAY WIN

The long trip south proved worthwhile for Floreat Athena who came from behind to defeat Bunbury Forum Force 2-1 at Payne Park. Bright Ababio scored the game’s opening goal only to have Ludovic Boi restore parity before the interval. Floreat captain Mark Pritchard converted a second half penalty to secure the points and move his team level on points with Sorrento and Inglewood United in the top four. But the news is not so rosy for Bunbury who have now taken one point from their last four outings to dangle just above the drop zone.

The ball had been in motion just 9 minutes when Bunbury claimed the lead, new signing David Winskill bending a free-kick in the direction of Bright Ababio whose blast gave goalkeeper Brad Eiffe no chance. Floreat responded by heaping on the pressure with Boi and Liam Bolond looking particularly dangerous in the final third of the park. Ryan Mongomery was in fine form between the hosts for the home side but it was only going to be a matter of time before the more experienced players of Floreat levelled the game. And that’s what happened in the 37th minute when Boi applied a great left-foot finish.

Floreat lost playmaker Boi to a leg injury early in the second half but not even that tamed the visitors attacking instincts. Montgomery was a man under fire as Boland, substitute David Heagney and Pritchard Floreat rained shots down on his goal. Bunbury’s day took a turn for the worse on 73 minutes when Montgomery brought substitute Mickey Roberts down inside the 18-yard box, and from the penalty spot Pritchard calmly sent the ball into the top corner for a two-one lead. Ababio featured prominently as Bunbury mounted a late charge but Floreat hung on for a deserved victory.

26.5.2012

TAVERNESE STEERS ARMADALE HOME

Armadale brushed aside the National Training Centre 3-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Joey Tavernese scored twice and Tom Biss once to give Armadale a much-needed win in their attempt to climb clear of the relegation zone. A disjointed start to the game included a smattering of strikes on both goal but neither Cyril Sharrock nor Jordan Franken were troubled. The first clear cut opening came the way of Ravi Kuppusamy whose header hit the crossbar, and soon after Storm Roux tested Sharrock for the first time. There was a fair slice of luck involved when Armadale broke through in the 41th minute, an attempt to clear ricocheting off Joey Tavernese and into the net.

After the break the NTC came out firing but Slobodan Vulin blasted high with the goal at his mercy and Lawrence Shuruma’s shot was blocked by Mark McClements. Those misses should have been punished in on the hour when a shirt pull by Shuruma left referee Phil Traianedes no option but to point to the spot, however, Biss sent his spot kick high. Biss made amends in the 77th minute by heading in a cross from Kuppusamy. For minutes later Sean Nichols was felled by Rocco Pizzato, who was duly issued his marching orders. And although Franken blocked Tavernese’s spot kick there was little he could do to prevent the Armadale player for converting the follow-up.

26.5.2012

WANNEROO CONTINUE TO SET THE PACE

Division One leaders Wanneroo City returned from their weekend road trip with will all the points courtesy of a 3-0 win over Mandurah City at Hyundai Stadium. Brad McDonald, Brian Cairney and Rowdy Yates each hit the back of the net in the second half to keep Wanneroo one point ahead of second-placed Ashfield after nine rounds of fixtures. “We’ve now played all the top five teams away from home so were delighted with our start of the season,” said Wanneroo coach David Tough. “I thought we were good value for the three points today. We dominated possession for long periods and when Mandurah had us under pressure we defended well as a team.”

Wanneroo asserted themselves on the game from the outset with some tidy movement of the ball. And although Craig Bowman and Cairney came close to breaking through genuine chances on goal were few and far between. Mandurah looked the goods after the break but Michael Grigo’s blistering shot was pushed over by goalkeeper Clint Davies. It was following this that Wanneroo resumed control of the game and Brad McDonald punished a defensive error by firing into the net from 16-metres. Five minutes later Yates’ cross from the left was headed back across the goal by Guy McDonald and finished into the net by Cairney at the second attempt. Yates sealed the win with a brilliant free-kick into the top corner from 22-metres.

26.5.2012

FRISINA BAGS THREE AS ASHFIELD KEEP PACE

Ashfield kept the pressure on pacesetters Wanneroo City by thrashing bottom-of-the-table Forrestfield United 8-0 on a sunny afternoon at Ashfield Reserve. A Ryan Frisina hat-trick and singles from Darren Warren and Steve O’Mahoney had the game decided by half-time but that didn’t prevent substitutes Jason Feather (2) and Mladen Kovacevic finding adding further goals. “It was a great performance, certainly the biggest win in the clubs most recent history,” said coach Matt Carruthers. “I was pleased to see Ryan get his hat-trick and equally happy to see Jason make his return to first team action.”

Forrestfield opening positively only to have their match plans fall into disarray with the dismissal of defender Rob Perrott for a foul on Frisina after 12 minutes. Salt was rubbed into the wound when the resulting spot kick was converted by Frisina, who not long doubled Ashfield’s advantage. Warren and O’Mahoney sent the ball into the back of the net before Frisina completed his hat-trick shortly before the interval. Feather came on for the second half to score twice with Kovacevic also putting the ball past Luke Woodfin before the 90 minutes were out.

26.5.2012

SALMON, ANTHONY STAR IN COCKBURN REVIVAL

Morley Windmills remain rooted at the foot of Division One after surrendering a half-time lead to go down 3-1 Cockburn City at Wotton Reserve. All the early play came from the visiting team with Matt Salmon hitting the upright after just 4 minutes. Devon Gibson and Nick Carroll were sent through with only the goalkeeper to beat but on each occasion Michael Dudek came up trumps. Morley began to find their rhythm midway through the half, which was when Chris Bradley blasted in the opening goal after meeting a superb cross from David Houston. Although Marc Anthony and Salmon provided an endless supply out of midfield a combination of wayward finishing and ‘keeper Dudek left Cockburn scoreless at the break.

Cockburn’s plight appeared to worsen with the 52nd minute dismissal of Paul Lloyd following a spiteful clash with Luke O’Neill. Anthony stepped up to the challenge by seizing control in the middle of the park to orchestrate wave after wave of attacks. Salmon’s efforts were rewarded with the equalising goal on 65 minutes as the scales tilted in Cockburn’s favour. Soon after Gibson crashed the ball past Dudek following a corner and with 70 minute on the clock Salmon put away his second goal to complete a remarkable spell by the visiting side. Dejan Aleksic didn’t touch the ball until the 85th minute when his stunning reflex save denied Houston at point blank range.

26.5.2012

TEN-MAN SHAMROCK TAKE A LATE POINT AT SWAN

Shamrock Rovers came from behind with ten men to earn a 1-1 draw with Swan United at the Swan Italian Club. The early exchanges were swift with both teams quick to push into attack but neither able to hold possession for long. John Hogan was first to find the net after 20 minutes with a crisp shot from the top of the 18-yard box after the home side only partially cleared a corner. The black and whites hit back in the 33rd minute, Tom Shepheard heading across the face of goal for Aaron Colli to nod in the equaliser. Half-time was just minutes away when Shamrock regained the lead through Ciaran Byrne, who chipped expertly over advancing goalkeeper Daniel Agudelo.

The second half was just a few minutes minute old when Swan drew level, Adam Stilitano’s angled strike hitting the foot of the post and ricocheting across for Trent Wood to side-foot in from close-range. The home side went in front for the first when John Monterosso took possession on top of the 18-yard box, pushed past a defender and blasted a low shot inside the near post. It looked as though Shamrock were dead and buried when Sean Taylor collected a second yellow card, leaving the visitors a man down with twenty minutes still to play. However, Brian Farrell ensured the points would be shared when his quickly taken free-kick hit the back of the net with Agudelo unsighted.

26.5.2012

LUCKLESS DIANELLA SETTLE FOR A DRAW AT GOSNELLS

Dianella White Eagles were left to rue missed opportunities after drawing 2-2 with Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. The visiting team continually picked holes in the Gosnells defence only to go a goal down when a long ball released an attacker whose half-volley was well beyond the reach of Matt Battigelli. Parity was soon restored through Andrew Kiir, who was presented with the simple task of tapping into an empty net after Andreas Theodosiades toyed with the defence. But Gosnells wuld enter the break two-one up after a player snuck the ball into the bottom corner in a one-on-one with Battigelli.

Brothers Sotiris Theodosiades and Andreas Theodosiades figured prominently as Dianella stepped up to dominate the second half. But while the visitors enjoyed by majority of possession and territory they were limited to only the occasional shot on goal by a stubborn and at times physical Gosnells rearguard. The sides were eventually brought level when Simon Barber coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Kiir’s drive inside the 18-yard box was illegally halted. Dianella worked tirelessly to conjure what would have been a deserved third goal. The day ended on a sour note with Sotiris Theodosiades suffering a broken wrist five minutes from full-time.

26.5.2012

SPIRITED FIRST HALF GETS CANNING THE POINTS

A barnstorming first half display laid the foundations for Canning City to chalk up their third win of the season, 2-0 against Fremantle Spirit at Nikola Tesla Reserve. Canning started the game full of purpose and Paul Oliver should have opened their account in the first few minutes. Danny Trevisiol was a constant threat for the home side and midway through the half the livewire winger’s shot spilled from the grip of goalkeeper Elhossain Atekhis for Josh Findlater to tap into the net. Canning’s ceaseless bombardment was rewarded with a second goal, Trevisol, Simon Correia and Steven Kane combining for Ante Kovacevic to slam in at close-range.

The second half was a different story with Fremantle getting more involved in the game. Several promising moves made their way through to David Gee but despite his best efforts the striker was unable to get the better of a well-organised defence. Canning had their opportunities to kill the game off but Garth Lecky headed off-target from a Sam Carrello free-kick while Trevisiol and Blake Readwin sent shots high. A swift Fremantle counter saw Sean Treacey’s scorching volley from 18-metres flash just high. The final opening came the way of visiting midfielder Michael Lawson who sent a free-kick into the upright.

26.5.2012

SUBIACO GO TOP OF DIVISION TWO

A trio of second half goals propelled Subiaco AFC to the top of Division Two with a 3-1 defeat of UWA-Nedlands at Rosalie Park. Rory Feely put the visitors in front but Jordan Rhodes levelled soon after the break before Joe Kresling struck twice to leapfrog Subiaco over UWA and into first place. A cautious start was punctuated when Steve Purton danced around four opponents and squared for Feely, who poked the ball into the bottom corner through a sea of bodies. The home side took their time to settle but once they did UWA custodian Daniel Roberts found himself in the thick of the action, making several telling saves to ensure his team entered the break in front.

The second half went the same way with Subiaco stringing together some good moves going forward, and stifling the opponents attacking instincts at the other end. Rhodes deservedly brought the sides level by sending a dead ball into Roberts’ net. Kresling had luck on his side when he put the home side ahead by kneeing the ball in after Roberts failed to take cleanly a Danny Malcolm shot. UWA’s long ball approach failed to pay dividends against a defence under the command of Frank Galvin and Ger Fitzgerald. Subiaco sealed the result with another well-worked move, Kresling cutting in from the right to poke the ball in from close-range.

26.5.2012

MELVILLE UNDONE BY FAST-BREAKING FREMANTLE

Fremantle United came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory over Melville City at Hilton Reserve. All the early play was with Melville but a golden opportunity to go ahead was lost when Simon El Chami scuffed wide a penalty kick awarded for Fletcher Tracy’s push on Michael Jennings. That miss was forgotten soon after when John Brennan shot calmly past goalkeeper Peter Wile as his defence backed off. A quick counterattack allowed Andrew Morrow to send the sides into the break on level terms after running onto a Darren Monaghan through ball and poking past ‘keeper Stewart Dalgarno.

Danny Evans made it clear what he thought during his half-time address, and with the coaches words still ringing in their ears Melville started the second period strongly. The visitors were quick to gain a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box but Sasa Slavujevic’s effort struck the defensive wall. The loose ball spilled to Morrow and in an instant he’d transferred play to Joe Harvey whose pass to an unmarked Sam Smith saw that letter fire past an exposed ‘keeper to put Fremantle in front for the first time. The remainder of the game was a tight, physical affair with both ‘keepers called upon to prevent further addition to the scoreline.

25.5.2012

PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW

The Round Nine footballwa.net match of the week takes place at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento has home ground advantage against Bayswater City. Home goalkeeper Curtis Aspden says his team will require little motivation to perform to their best this weekend. “Saturday is probably the biggest game of our season so far. If we win then it puts us in the top three, there is no more incentive than that,” he stated. “We have a full squad to choose from and have competition for places all over the park, that’s very healthy and keeping everyone on their toes.”

Bayswater coach Mauro Marchione also has a full complement of players to select from. “The boys are all good, we have no major injuries,” he said. “It’s a big game against Sorrento, as every game is this year. Almost every team we’ve played this year has started very defensive against us and I’ll be surprised if Sorrento are any different. We know exactly how they play and what they are dangerous at, but they also know us as well. We are ready for another battle and this time we hope we can get the three points.”

Premier Division leaders Perth SC welcome long-time rivals Western Knights to Dorrien Gardens. Floreat are likely to be without Vincent Sweeney, Jake Geddes, David Heagney, Bobbie Wilson, Jarred smith and Liam Boland due to injury for the trip to Bunbury Forum Force. Injury has also taken its toll on both ECU Joondalup and Balcatta, who meet at Grindleford Reserve. The home team have Neil Young, John Mills, Jovo Pavlovic and David Micevski under clouds whereas Joondalup are likely to be minus Tanner Selyer and Dale McCulloch. Armadale have home ground advantage against the National Training Centre.

Inglewood United has set their sights on ending Stirling Lions five-game unbeaten run when they visit Macedonia Park. “Stirling will be a big test, they’ve got a strong squad and we will have to be at our best to get a result,” said midfielder Dannie Richman. “Normo (Graham Normanton) has got us playing a good brand of football which has got all the boys buzzing.” Defender Michael Pugliese returns from suspension for the home side while John Stripe is pushing for a recall. All six Premier Division games kick-off at 3.00pm on Saturday.

25.5.2012

DIVISION ONE PREVIEW

Division One pacesetters Wanneroo City heads south for a top-of-the-table clash with Mandurah City on Saturday afternoon. “It’s a massive game for us – if we win we go into next week’s bye six points clear of one of our man rivals to get promotion,” said Wanneroo’s Guy McDonald. “But it’s not going to be easy, Mandurah have a very strong squad with experienced players that have played in these big games many times before.” Mandurah are likely to be without captain Ryan Townsend (knee) and Chris Wylie (calf) while missing for Wanneroo captain are Anthony Jones (suspension) and Ross Edwards (rib).

Cellar dwellers Fremantle Spirit fill fancy their chances against a depleted Canning City side at Nikola Tesla Reserve. Absent for the visiting team this weekend are Emlyn Whetnall (suspension), Richard Burton (hernia), Michael Van Dongen (broken toe) and Paul Van Dongen (broken leg). Two hat-tricks in the past couple of games by Jason Feather is likely to see him promoted to Ashfield’s eleven for the game at Forrestfield United, who welcome back Jonathan Cole. Swan United are home to Shamrock Rovers, Gosnells City welcome Dianella White Eagles to Walter Padbury Reserve and Cockburn City travels to Morley Windmills. All six Division One games kick-off at 3.00pm on Saturday.

25.5.2012

DIVISION TWO PREVIEW

All eyes will be on McGilvray Oval tomorrow for Subiaco AFC’s encounter with UWA-Nedlands. Jordan Rhodes, Joe Kresling, Steve Purton and Rory Feely will have a big say in where the points go and who ends the afternoon on top of the league. Goalkeeper Carlos Bervenotti returns from suspension for Fremantle United’s home game with Melville City, who will be without Adam Sparks (injury) and Keith Nolan (suspension). Aaron Maplestone and Michael Mellon can back in for Quinns’ botton-of-the-table meeting with Kingsway Olympic at Kingsway Reserve. All three Division Two games kick-off at 3.00pm on Saturday.

25.5.2012

INGLEWOOD WILL ONLY GET BETTER: COLLI

Inglewood United veteran Jason Colli knows his team are on their way up. Colli, now in his ninth year with the inner city club, is the first to admit Inglewood’s form has been a little inconsistent so far this season. But the defender knows these are just minor glitches in what is shaping up to be a very successful winter for his club. “Yes, the results have shown we have been up and down. But each week we are improving and we know that if we keep playing football the results will come,” said 28-year old Colli.

Inglewood opened their league campaign in brilliant fashion, winning the first four games sit at the head of the Premier Division. But a trio of losses saw them slide down the standings to out of the top five. “In those three games we missed a lot of opportunities in front of goal which cost us from getting something out of the games,” commented Colli. “The positive sign though is that we are playing some good football and creating a lot of chances, so it was only a matter of time before we scored a few goals.”

Those goals arrived last weekend when Inglewood dumped Bunbury Form Force 4-1 thanks to Michael Baczynski, James Sammut, Aleks Jovic and Scott Witschge. “That was an important win for us, it got us back to winning ways and it kept us in touch with the leaders,” Colli said. “Everyone in the team worked for each other on the day and we never stopped playing. You can see that everyone is beginning to understand how Normo (coach Graham Normanton) wants us to play, and last weekend it showed in how we knocked the ball around.”

Colli believes Normanton, who captured a staggering 22 trophies during 12 years at the helm of Perth SC, has had a massive effect on his game. “Normo is a great coach, he has taught me a lot in the last five months and I have become a better player for it,” said the defender, who has also seem some positive changes with his club. “There’s more of a professional atmosphere around the club, and a positive attitude throughout it. He demands more from every player, whether it making a pass or running 20-metres to support a teammate, he always wants 100%”

Stirling Lions have won their last three games and it’s to Macedonia Park that Inglewood venture on Saturday afternoon. “Stirling are always a hard opposition and they will have a lot of confidence seeing as though they are on a winning streak,” commented Colli, who has every confidence in his teams’ ability to take maximum points for the second time in eight days. “But if we keep improving and playing the football we have been in the last few weeks then I’m sure we can come away with a result.”

24.5.2012

GREEN LIGHT GIVEN TO GLORY YOUTH, WOMEN STUCK ON AMBER

Perth Glory owner Tony Sage is committed to fielding a team in the National Youth League, but the future of the women’s team isn’t quite so rosy with Football West struggling to find sponsors to offset a funding shortfall. Sage was prepared to dump Glory Youth because of the high costs associated with running the team, but he has changed his mind after Football Federation Australia confirmed it would provide financial assistance. “The compensation will give us now an extra $200,000 or $300,000, which basically covers the cost of the youth team,” Sage said. “If they (FFA) didn’t come up with the compensation I couldn’t afford to keep the team in.”

The news is not so good for Glory Women with Sage saying he is no longer willing to provide financial assistance to the W-League team. “It’s about $100,000 and that’s an extra player for us and it’s going to be a tough year,” said Sage, who estimates he has spent more than $14 million on the club since taking ownership in 2007. The women’s team is run by Football West whose executive Peter Hugg said yesterday the organisation was working hard to generate financial support. “We are currently exploring funding opportunities to ensure a team. But that can’t be guaranteed at this point in time,” Hugg commented.

24.5.2012

I HAD TO GET OUT OF PERTH SAYS NEWCASTLE’S TAGGART

Newcastle Jets recruit Adam Taggart says leaving Perth was difficult but is the best decision for his future in football. Taggart, 19, commenced a two-year contract with Newcastle this week by joining his club for pre-season training. He said getting out of the comfort zone of his hometown will allow him to concentrate on making an impact in the A-League next season. “Perth was my hometown but I had to do what was best for me and coming here was my best decision,” Taggart said. “When at home you have things like family and friends that you get involved in, it is hard to leave home but it is something I needed to do.”

Taggart played the last two season with Perth Glory, where he gleamed some invaluable skills from the like of Robbie Fowler and Shane Smeltz. But the teenage striker also knows it was those same players that restricted him to just ten A-League outings. “With a young squad the opportunity to play might be more than at other clubs,” he said of joining Newcastle. “The whole club and atmosphere at Perth was great and with people like Robbie Fowler and Smeltz it was great to get experience and work my way through my first contract. But with people like that and Billy (Mehmet) it was hard for me to play.”

Another major reason for heading to Newcastle was the presence of coach Gary Van Egmond, who had previously mentored Taggart at the Australian Institute of Sport. “Having him at the AIS I really liked it and all the young boys really liked that high-tempo style of game,” Taggart said. “Gary being here and trying to improve my game and under people like him and Deansy (assistant coach Craig Deans) was important. Given the opportunity you wouldn’t turn it down to come to a team with so many young players and with Gary being good with young players – that was a big plus.”

23.5.2012

JOONDALUP READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

Twelve months of dedication by ECU Joondalup’s under-13 footballers culminates at the end of the month with a trip to the Junior World Masters in Warsaw, Poland. The Joondalup youngsters will represent Australia at the only world football tournament of its kind where they’ll mix it with teams from 20 other nations, including Germany, Brazil and Spain. “I’d like to keep away from the European teams; hopefully we can get USA and Mexico (in the group stage),” coach John Brown said. “We don’t know what the opposition’s like but I think we’ll do all right.”

Joondalup goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer expects to have the pressure on him in Poland. “There’s going to be a lot of pressure especially with the Poland tournament, I just hope I’ll play at the top of my game,” said 12-year old Maynard-Brewer, who feels his team’s enthusiasm will carry them through. “We just can’t wait to get on the plane and play some top quality football.” The Junior World Masters takes place between 30 May and 3 June amidst preparations for the 2012 European Championship.

23.5.2012

FENLON GOES PROFESSIONAL WITH WIMBLEDON

Teenage defender Jim Fenlon has signed his first professional contact by putting pen to paper with English club AFC Wimbledon. Fenlon turned out on the local scene for Stirling Lions as a junior before heading back to Wimbledon where he played youth team football. “It is great to sign my first professional contract at AFC Wimbledon,” the 18-year old said. “I lived in Australia for six years and played for my state Western Australia and Stirling Lions, but Wimbledon is my first English club. The standard in Australia was quite good, but it is a lot quicker here.”

Fenlon, sister of Doncaster Rovers Belles attacker Lillie Bilson, says his game has come a long way lining up with Wimbledon. “Since joining Wimbledon Under-16s, (youth team manager) Mark Robinson, has helped me a lot with my tackling and heading and to make me a better player over the past two years,” he explained. “Right-back is my preferred position, but I can also play on the left and I have always tried to play with both feet since I was younger. Hopefully, I can do well in training with the first-team and get a chance next season to show what I can do.”

22.5.2012

WA QUARTET NAMED IN JOEYS SQUAD

Joeys coach Alistair Edwards has included four of Western Australia’s brightest young prospects in his 20-player selection for the upcoming ASEAN Football Federation Under-16 Preparatory Tournament in Laos. National Training Centre pair Daniel De Silva and Jack Iredale along with Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holders Matthew Ntoumenopoulos and Jeremy Tshongo go into camp with the squad this weekend before lining up against Japan (2 June), Laos (4 June) and Thailand (6 June) at the four-nation tournament.

Edwards is looking forward to his players picking up some international experience from a variety of opponents. “I have always admired the way in which Japan approach the game and Laos and Thailand have improved greatly in the past few years at youth level,” he said. “We have a twelve game international program leading up to Iran (AFC U-16 Championship) and the experience gained in Laos, Saudi Arabia and Bolivia will provide an excellent platform for the players to develop.”

Australia’s squad for the ASEAN Football Federation U-16 Preparatory Tournament in Laos is Bright Appiah, Brendan Gonano, Steve Kuzmanovski, Darcy Madden, Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, Dylan Picker, Matthew Schmidt, Lucas Spinella, Jordan Thurtell, Jeremy Tshongo, Benjamin Warland (Australian Institute of Sport), Daniel De Silva, Jack Iredale (Football West National Training Centre), Aaron Calver, Alex Gersbach, Kevin Ly, Joshua MacDonald, Liam Rose (New South Wales Institute of Sport), Lawrence Hanna (Parramatta) and Lukas Stergiou (Sutherland Sharks).

22.5.2012

NEWCASTLE MAKES A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION ON NEVILLE

It’s taken Scott Neville only two days to fall in love with Newcastle. Neville, 23, took part in his first pre-season session with Newcastle Jets on Monday having arrived in the city on Saturday. By his own admission the defender had previously seen little outside the team hotel and stadium during road trips with Perth Glory. “‘Until you get here you don’t realise how lovely a place it is to live,” Neville told theherald.com.au. “I wanted a change in lifestyle and to get out of my comfort zone and am really looking forward to the new environment. There are a lot of young boys here, a good mentality, a good (football) philosophy and hopefully we play some attractive football.”

21.5.2012

MIDDLESBROUGH BOSS NOT HAPPY WITH WILLIAMS’ CALL-UP

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray has once again bemoaned Rhys Williams’ international call-up. Williams will spend three weeks on duty with the Socceroos after being named in the squad for next months’ friendly with Denmark which is followed by World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan. Mowbray would much prefer the versatile 24-year old take a break from competitive football and report back fit and raring to go for pre-season training on 5 July. “It’s not ideal,” Mowbray told gazettelive.co.uk. “Rhys has a long-term (pelvic) problem that we’ve been carefully managing for a good while.”

But given Williams made 41 appearances for Middlesbrough last season before missing the tail end of his club’s campaign Mowbray recognises he really doesn’t have reason to complain. “These games are World Cup qualifiers, not meaningless friendlies, so there is something at stake for Australia. They’ll be aiming to qualify for the next World Cup in 2014 and I’m sure Rhys will be keen to represent his country,” said the manager. “It’s the price you pay for having good players, I guess you can’t have it both ways … we’ll give him an extra week or so to recharge his batteries and he’ll come back after the other players.”

21.5.2012

INJURY HURTS HERD’S HOPES

Rising midfielder Chris Herd looks like waiting a little longer for his Socceroos debut after being felled by an ankle injury. Selected by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck for next month’s games with Denmark, Oman and Japan, Herd rolled his ankle in the final game of the English Premier League season and is almost certain to withdraw from the squad. It’s the second time in six months the 23-year old’s hopes of a Socceroos debut have been dashed after he was ruled out of the November’s World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Oman, again with an ankle injury sustained playing for his club.

20.5.2012

STIRLING ON THE PROWL AT ARMADALE

Stirling Lions leapt into third in the Premier Division with this afternoon’s 2-0 defeat of Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval. Andy Brown’s thunderbolt on the stroke of half-time sent the visitors on their way before Irish import Gareth McGlynn sealed victory. “It was paramount we did something after the loss in the Cup last week,” said Stirling captain Brown. “We’ve worked hard on the track and come out with a game plan and really we should have won by more. Armadale battled all day and it’s never an easy place to come to and get three points, we’re happy to get the win.”

It was an even opening with both sides going close to taking an early lead. Dennis Galan sent clear Anthony Lyons but he fired wide from 10-metres, and soon after at the other end Darren Francis’ close-range header was straight at Cory Hugo. Jack Adams’ reflexes were tested by Phil O’Callaghan as Stirling stepped up the pace leading into half-time. Lyons played through for Brown but he too was denied by Adams, while Jamie Tandy’s free-kick crashed into the crossbar. The goal Stirling sought finally arrived in the 44th minute, Galan’s cross was flicked on by O’Callaghan and at the back post Brown lashed into the top corner.

After the interval Stirling resumed the attack with Tandy shooting side from 16-metres before O’Callaghan’s curling shot was well saved by Adams. The pressure valve was released in the 57th minute, Tandy through ball sending clear McGlynn whose cool composure was matched by a clinical finish which made it two-nil. With the game fast slipping away, Armadale finally woke up. Joshua Maddison found Tom Bliss but his shot from the edge of the 18-yard box was claimed by Hugo. Alan Darlington played in Francis whose long-range strike curled past the post. Then in stoppage time Francis stretched Hugo with a fine attempt from the top of the area.

20.5.2012

RED STAR TABLE OFFER FOR BABALJ

Melbourne Heart officials are weighing up whether to accept a bid from Serbia’s biggest club, Red Star Belgrade, for exciting young striker Eli Babalj. 20-year old Babalj was his club’s top goal scorer last season so to lose him would leave a huge hole in the Melbourne attack. But the offer – believed to be in the vicinity of $500,000 – is likely to prove attractive to Sarajevo-born Babalj, who was raised Perth. An Australian youth international, Babalj is regarded as the nation’s brightest attacking talent to emerge since Mark Viduka whose glittering career took in time with Croatia Zagreb, Celtic, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

20.5.2012

BRENTNALL MAKES HISTORY

Sandra Brentnall has become the first female player in the world to be inducted into a Football Hall of Legends. 49-year old Brentnall wrote herself into sporting history by being elevated to legend status with the Football Hall of Fame WA at last night’s induction ceremony. Brentnall, who was an ever-present for Australian between 1979 and 1983, was welcomed into the Hall of Legends along with one-time Socceroos goalkeeper Robert Zabica. The pair became the fifth and sixth entrants into the Hall of Legends after inaugural members Gary Marocchi, Ron Adair, Robbie Dunn and John McInroy.

England-born Brentnall has the honour of scoring Australia’s first ever goal in ‘A’ international competition, against New Zealand in 1979. Over the four years which followed she made 11 ‘A’ appearances for the Matilda’s and scored eight goals – including a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over New Zealand in 1980 – at the highest level of women’s football. Her achievements flowed through to the local scene where Brentnall has been voted the league's Fairest and Best ten times in a remarkable 36-season career. Her club career took in spells with Girrawheen, Olympic Kingsway, Kiev, Ashfield, Gosnells City, Beeliar and Leeming Strikers.

One of WA’s greatest ever home grown talents, Zabica played a total of 27 ‘A’ appearances for Australia in a glittering senior career. After playing locally for Spearwood Dalmatinac, Cockburn United and Stirling Macedonia, Zabica sampled all the games highs and lows during a seven-season speel in the national league with Adelaide City, winning two National Soccer League titles and named the competitions’ Goalkeeper of the Year in 1992. After a brief spell with Perth Glory and a season in England with Bradford City he finished his playing days with Bayswater City, Inglewood United and Fremantle City.

Nine players were inducted into the Hall of Champions, headed by the state’s most-capped international Stan Lazaridis. Former Socceroos Tony Franken, Bobby Despotovski and Scott Miller also gained entry along with stars of the women’s game Julie Gorton and Judy Pettitt, who played many times for the Matilda’s. Wally Gardner was one of the finest ‘between the wars’ footballers, playing for the State on numerous occasions and representing Australia against the English FA in 1925. Willie McNally played with Adelaide City and gained 19 outings with the State team, while Allan Pottier turned out for St George and played for WA 25 times.

Hall of Merit for Players honours were bestowed on former Australia youth internationals Frank Faraone and Paul Tombides plus State representatives Peter Atkinson, Troy Bernard, Alf De Bono, Edmundo Faletti, Glenn Giudici, Ernie Hannigan, Steve Martin, Peter Murphy, Brian Newell, Mike Smith, Steve Stacey and Steve Tombides. Added to the Hall of Recognition were former referees Andy Gorton and Frank Moretti, coaches John Birighitti, Peter Faulks, Doug Stewart, stars of the southwest Giuliano Cantoni and Jimmy Mayers, and sports doctors Ken Fitch and Ken Maguire.

19.5.2012

PERTH GO CLEAR AT THE TOP

Perth SC claimed outright leadership of the Premier Division after grinding out a 2-1 win over ECU Joondalup at the Edith Cowan University campus. David Onoforo and Dom De Felice put the visiting side in a comfortable position before team mate Craig Simpson had the misfortune of turning the ball into his own net for Joondalup’s late consolation. “We’re very happy to come away with the three points today. Joondalup are no easy beats, we had to work for the full 90 minutes,” said Perth defender James Isaia. “The win puts us clear at the top but there is still a long way to go. We need to be on our game each week to make sure we are there at the end of the season.”

It was Joondalup that were quickly into stride with David Foster in the thick of the action. An early goalbound shot by Foster was blocked by Shaun Kilkelly and a couple of minutes later Adam Bachiller prevented the striker from getting on the end of a Scott Bushby through ball. Perth found their rhythm soon after but while Onoforo’s shot was too good for Andy Banks he was denied by the post. Bachiller finished into the net but was pulled up for offside and two minutes later Tanner Selyer’s low shot was tipped away by visiting ‘keeper Alex Dunn. It took until the 43rd minute for the deadlock to be broken, Isaia delivering a pin-point cross which Onoforo converted at the back post.

The second half opened with Joondalup again on the attack. Selyer picked out Busby but he blazed high before Foster’s long-range shot bounced awkwardly in front of Dunn, who regained possession as Selyer closed in. Having soaked up the pressure, Perth pounced in the 69th minute with De Felice volleying in a perfectly weighted ball from Natonio Naglieri. The gap should have been further increased but Onoforo blazed wide after being sent through by Isaia. Dunn somehow kept out Foster’s close-range effort from a Dale McCulloch free-kick. But there was little the Perth custodian could do in stoppage time when Simpson’s back pass looped over his head and into the net.

19.5.2012

BALCATTA STAY IN TOUCH WITH TOP FIVE

Balcatta halted their slide down the Premier Division table with a classy 3-1 win over Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve. Shane Nunes, Daniel Micevski and John Thornley were on target for Michael Roki’s side, which hovers just two points outside the top five. “We’ve had a pretty tough trot with a few early losses which really knocked our confidence and, hopefully today, we’ve seen a turning point,” Roki commented. “We still have a lot of ground to make up, but we’ve been working really hard and the performance today certainly reflected that … It was a solid team effort.”

The teams spent much of the opening exchanges sizing each other up. Gustavo Giron-Marulanda was a constant threat in the final third for Bayswater, ensuring the visiting defence remained on high alert. But it was Balcatta that went ahead after 14 minutes when Steve Burton’s free-kick dropped invitingly for Nunes, who slid the ball past surprised goalkeeper Tom Dixon. With this Balcatta sparked into life, Moe Atak providing some good width when going as Chris Thackray toiled away relentlessly in the engine room. Giron-Marulanda and Gustavo Catarcione maintained the pressure going in the other direction but neither player was able to find a way past ‘keeper Bobson Koroma.

A tame start to the second half was punctuated on 59 minutes when Burton and Atak combined to get the ball to Micevski whose close-range finish was too good for Dixon. Giron-Marulanda seemed destined to reduce the gap via a dead ball until Bobson tipped his shot away from the top corner. Although lacking their usual fluency, Bayswater did pull a goal back in the 69th minute when substitute Joe Yoffe caught Koroma off-balanced by firing into the corner of his goal. But the home teams’ hopes of a comeback were ended eight minutes later when Thornley showed great composure in stepping around two defenders before angling in goal number three for Balcatta.

19.5.2012

SECOND HALF REVIVAL GETS SORRENTO THREE MUCH-NEEDED POINTS

Sorrento arrested their form slump by coming from behind to beat Floreat Athena 3-2 on a warm afternoon at Litis Stadium. Second half goals from Johnny Mirco and Mikey Aspin complimented Jason Mirco’s early penalty conversion and cancelled out a brace by Liam Boland. “The win puts us back in the mix for the title, especially with two big games coming up against teams around us,” said Gulls custodian Curtis Aspden, prefacing upcoming fixtures with Bayswater City and Balcatta. “It was a fairly even game. Floreat had chances and we had chances but overall we did just enough for the three points … we’re stoked with the result.”

Sorrento were out of the blocks quick to take a 6th minute lead, Jason Mirco blasting in from the penalty spot after Todd Harnwell was taken down by goalkeeper Brad Eiffe. Not to be outdone, Liam Boland restored parity just five minutes later by meeting a deep Jarred Smith cross which he expertly headed across Apsden. After this initial flurry genuine chances became scarce with neither defence letting their opponents within sight of goal. Smith looked like breaking the deadlock but his attempt was smothered off the boot by Aspden, who nine minutes later came off his line to thwart Boland after he latched onto a Jack Allen through ball.

The second half opened with Floreat again on the attack but Boland’s shot on the turn was too close to Apsden. But there was little the Sorrento custodian could do on 52 minutes when Boland angled into the far bottom corner following a fine counterattack that featured Mark Pritchard and Spencer Harris. Sorrento now came to life, Stuart Montgomery’s clipped effort was taken under the crossbar by Eiffe, who soon after courageously took the ball off Johny Mirco’s boot. The Gulls were put back on level terms by Aspin’s first time strike which rocketed into Eiffe’s net in the 68th minute after a Jason Mirco corner was cleared to the top of the 18-yard box.

It took Sorrento only a further six minutes before regaining the lead with Johny Mirco threading a low shot under the ‘keeper’s body after taking Ryan Pearson’s through ball in his stride. David Heagney had been on the park just two minutes when he provided the ball to Boland but the striker this time placed wide of the target. But the visiting side was by no means finished. A rasping drive by Johny Mirco was just inches over the bar before Todd Harnwell’s glancing header from a Jason Mirco corner met with the same end result. Floreat went agonisingly close to grabbing a point deep in stoppage time with an unmarked Harris heading against the upright from a corner.

19.5.2012

INGLEWOOD STEADY THE SHIP (with James Mooney, Football West)

Inglewood United put a stop to their three-game losing streak by downing Bunbury Forum Force 4-1 at 6PR Stadium. Michael Baczynski set the home side on their way with second half finishes by Aleks Jovic, James Sammut and substitute Scott Witschge sealing the points. “We needed the three points, we lost our last three league matches so it was vital that we got three points to stay close to the leaders,” Sammut said. “The goal just before half-time helped ... coming out in the second half one-nil down Bunbury had to chase the game, and we started breaking their lines.”

The day could have had a much different ending had Bunbury striker Aiden Downes been able to make more of a 1st minute one-on-one with goalkeeper Francis Soale, who stood tall to save at his opponents’ feet. Inglewood settled soon enough and threatened for the first time on 10 minutes, Dannie Richman’s shot on the run flashing the wrong side of the post. Jovic picked out Sammut with a cross but the Inglewood captain’s glancing header was saved by Ryan Montgomery, who later held a long-range attempt from David Perich. Half-time was looming when finally Inglewood broke through with Baczynski heading in a Sammut corner.

The second half was given a crackerjack start, Alex Caniglia’s shooting just wide before Downes’ called into action Soale. Inglewood then stepped up the game but Sammut was foiled by an offside flag and Jack Clisby the crossbar. Their pressure finally paid off on 55 minutes, Clisby crossing for Jovic to head in at the back post. Goal number three arrived ten minutes later as Baczynski released Sammut, who rounded Montgomery and tucked into the net. Bunbury gave themselves some hope on 75 minutes when Downes’ free-kick beat Soale. But this was Inglewood’s day and in the final minute debutant Witschge fired in from a scramble produced by Clisby’s free-kick.

19.5.2012

CAINE, FULLER SAVE THE KNIGHTS

A couple of stunning finishes from David Caine and Jesse Fuller earned Western Knights all the points by 2-0 over the National Training Centre at Nash Field. It took the hosts side just 4 minutes to open their account, Caine seizing on a loose ball which he drove into the top corner of Luke Radonich’s net. Chances on goal were few and far between in a tight game with Caine and Matthew Allen going close for the Knights lead before Riley Woodcock’s rasping strike clipped the crossbar. Fuller added to the hosts tally in stoppage time by volleying in a delightful cross from substitute Kyle King.

The NTC started the second half at full pace, Borbor Sambindi displaying great skill in beating several opponents only to pull his shot wide of the target. Sahr Musa missed to make the most of another great opportunity, the young attacker charging down the left wing before shooting straight at ‘keeper Kevin Miller. Jesse Makarounas was brought off the bench to hopefully inspire the NTC but that too proved fruitless with Miller keeping out his late attempt literally just moments after turning away a Jordan Dodd effort. The result puts some much-needed distance between the Knights and the drop zone, whereas the NTC remain winless after their first eight games.

19.5.2012

BOWMAN PROPELS WANNEROO BACK TO THE TOP (courtesy Wanneroo City)

Wanneroo City moved back to the Division One summit with this afternoon’s 6-0 thrashing of Fremantle Spirit at Kingsway Reserve. Craig Bowman lead the way with a hat-trick on a day when Brian Cairney, Rowdy Yates and Jay Marsden also found the net. “Our performance was very professional but there are lots of areas we can improve on,” Wanneroo captain Anthony Jones said. “We scored five of our goals from set pieces which was exceptional, but our final ball and crossing from open play left a lot to be desired. The clean sheet was very pleasing as they have some good attacking options and created some good chances.”

Much of the early running was in Fremantle’s direction and had it not been for a couple of last ditch tackles by Jay McDonald and Bowman then the visitors would have gone ahead. However, Wanneroo soon took control and from a Rowdy Yates corner Bowman turned in the opening goal. Five minutes later Cairney doubled their lead by rising unchallenged to head into the net at close-range. Fremantle goalkeeper Daniel Morgan turned away several shots before being breached for a third time, Bowman powering in a header from Yates’ lofted cross.

The goal of the game arrived on the hour, a lightning break by Josh Booysen leading to a cross-field to Guy McDonald whose lay-off was sent soaring into the far top corner by Yates from 20-metres. A crude tackle on Booysen gave the home side a free-kick just outside the box, Guy McDonald squaring the ball for Marsden whose miscued effort wrong-footed the ‘keeper to find the back of the net. With only a few minutes left on the clock Bowman sealed his hat-trick by nodding in a fine Andy O’Neill free-kick. There was still enough time for Sahar Konomanyi to break through but his shot crashed against the crossbar.

19.5.2012

SUPER SUB NARONGPHUNT LEADS ASHFIELD TO VICTORY

Ashfield kept the pressure on at the top of Division One by returning from Burrendah Reserve with a 2-0 win over Canning City. Second half goals by Reuben Tristao and Mladen Kovacevic, both laid on by substitute Nattapong Narongphunt, put Ashfield into second place, only one point behind leaders Wanneroo City. “We didn’t play to our best but we weren’t about to leave Canning without the three points,” said Ashfield attacker Karl O’Reilly. “Okwy Diamondstar and Brian Maybin made a big difference on the day, and our super sub (Narongphunt) changed the game by setting up both goals.”

Both teams enjoyed spells in control throughout the first half but with neither able to convert the score remained nil-all at the end of 45 minutes. Canning threatened to break through after the break, Josh Findlater placing wide from distance before Sam Carrello’s curling effort was saved by John Perkins. The game changed with the introduction of Narongphunt, who on 73 minutes cut the ball back for Tristao to break the deadlock. Nine minutes later Narongphunt again tormented the home defence, this time setting up Kovacevic to seal the win. Canning’s woes were compounded with the late red carding of Emlyn Whetnall following a clash with man of the moment Narongphunt.

19.5.2012

HIGH FLYING SWAN ON THE RISE (courtesy Swan United)

Swan United moved up to third in Division One with this afternoon’s comfortable 4-0 win over Forrestfield United at Hartfield Park. Trent Wood opened the scoring against his former club before Tom Shepheard, Lucas Whitehouse and John Monterosso wrapped up the three points. “We were frustrated in the first half and couldn’t put three passes together but once we scored we relaxed and it all seemed to click in place,” said Swan coach John O’Reilly. “It could have been a few more today but Luke (Woodfin) was great for them today, he made some excellent saves.”

Forrestfield opened brightly with Francis Tindo converting a 3rd minute cross from Ben Fraser, however, the assistant referee deemed the latter’s delivery cross had gone out of play. Swan didn’t spark until the 23rd minute when Aaron Colli threaded into the path of Whitehouse but his shot from 10-metres was saved by Woodfin. The Forrestfield custodian twice denied Shepheard as Swan lifted the pace. Their persistence was rewarded on 35 minutes, Wood surged down the left before cutting into the 18-yard box, playing a one-two with Monterosso and scoring from a tight angle.

The second half was only a few minutes old when Brendan Knox’s corner was met by Whitehouse whose header was cleared off the line by Wade Fraser. Sixty seconds later Colli’s cross from the right was side-footed in by Shepheard from 5-metres. It difference became three goals in the 55th minute, Chris Atkinson’s long throw was helped on by Shepheard for Whitehouse to poke in at close-range. It was all one-way traffic but Woodfin stood tall to thwart Shepheard. Swan found a way through again in the 70th minute with Wood and Shepheard combining to release Monterosso, who slotted in goal number four.

19.5.2012

BRADY STUNNER GIVES MORLEY A MUCH-NEEDED BOOST

A stunning second half strike from Gavin Brady allowed Morley Windmills victory to a flat Dianella White Eagles 1-0 at Dianella Reserve. The home side dominated a frantic opening and should have gone ahead in the 4th minute but Andrew Kirr shot wide of the mark. With this the tone was set for the remainder of the half, Dianella enjoying by far the better of possession and territory as Morley defended doggedly. Michael Dudek was superb between the posts for the visiting side, keeping out shots from Damon Kalamaras and Simon Barber as the pressure mounted. Morley’s solitary advance on goal came from Adam Pygrum whose effort was comfortable saved by Matt Battigelli

Whatever Jason Van Rooy said to his players at the break clearly worked a treat. With Adam Pygrum and Simon Wilson anchoring the midfield, Morley gained to gain some traction with David Houston, Mark Grant, Chris Bradley and Luke O’Neill all going close to breaking through. The goal Morley deserved finally arrived in the 78th minute, Brady finding space inside the 18-yard box to curl past a diving Battigelli. The Dianella custodian ensured the gap didn’t blow out by saving from O’Neill, Houston and Bradley in the minutes later that followed. Dianella almost snuck a late equaliser but Dudek brilliantly pushed away a when Kris Spasesk shot from 15-metres.

19.5.2012

SUBIACO ZERO IN ON TOP SPOT (courtesy Subiaco AFC)

The gap at the top of Division Two has been cut to a single point following Subiaco AFC’s 4-0 thrashing of Kingsway Olympic at Rosalie Park. Goals from Joe Kresling, Jordan Rhodes, Ger Fitzgerald and Richard Astley puts Subiaco within touching distance of leaders UWA-Nedlands, who they face next weekend. “We scored four goals but we are capable of better,” Fitzgerald said. “We have to learn to be more potent in front of goal and finish our chances but overall it was pleasing result. We have been playing well as a team lately and we are all looking forward to playing UWA.”

Having controlled the game from early, Subiaco’s opening goal came about when Kresling poked in from close-range after the goalkeeper failed to take the ball cleanly. The margin was doubled via an indirect free-kick which Scott Wrightson touched to Rhodes whose superb curling shot was into the far top corner. Kingsway mustered very little in the way of a response with Frank Galvin’s marshalling of the home defence foiling the best attempts. The game was effectively ended as a contest before the break when Fitzgerald rose strongly to head in at close-range from a corner.

Kingsway gave a much better account of themselves after the break. And although the game developed into a between the boxes tussle it was Subiaco that looked the more likely to score thanks to the central influence of Rhodes and Simon Ralphs. A sustained period of pressure lead to their fourth goal, Kresling delivering the ball in from right for substitute Astley, who headed in powerfully after drifting in at the back post. There were plenty of further opportunities for Subiaco to add a few more goals but at the end of the day they would have been happy enough with the four-goal margin.

19.5.2012

POINTS SPLIT BETWEEN QUINNS AND FREMANTLE

George Mills netted late to salvage Quinns a 2-2 draw from their encounter with a depleted Fremantle United at Gumblossom Park. The port side looked set to claim victory after Levi Reichelt and Sam Ambrogio scored within minutes of each other before Mills opportunistic finish complimented Adam Buckley’s opener and earn the home side a point. Fremantle enjoyed the better of a tight first half in which Darren Monaghan, Joseph Harvey and Kurt De Souza squandered good chance to put them in front. An unfortunate clash of heads saw Taran Richmond leave the field early with a fractured eye socket, adding to to Fremantle’s injury woes.

Quinns got their noses in front just after the hour with Buckley’s flick from a Mills corner deflecting off defender Nathan Findlater on its way into the net. The game didn’t really come to life again until the 74th minute when Harvey’s shot came back off the crossbar and Reichelt was positioned to head in the equaliser. Five minutes later Fremantle had the lead, a sublime mazy run from the halfway line by Ambrogio being finished into the corner of the net. It was now Quinns turn to fight back and with just minutes left Mills tapped in at close-range after goalkeeper Peter Wile could only parry a powerful drive by Buckley.

19.5.2012

TEN-MAN MELVILLE GET THE BETTER OF JOONDALUP

Melville survived playing the closing stages a man down to triumph 1-0 over Joondalup City at Iluka Sports Ground. There was no real flow to an opening half hour in which both teams lacked cohension in the third of the pitch. Melville looked to have gone ahead through Kudzi Chigwanda’s header but Sasa Slavujevic’s corner was judged to have gone out before being met at the near post. The visitors went close again in the 28th minute with Slavujevic’s free-kick crashing into the crossbar. Joondalup found some rhythm late in the half but Mark Thornton’s effort was straight at Stewart Dalgarno. The half was drawing to a close when an assistant referee flagged for handball against a Joondalup defender and Simon El Chami made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Play ebbed and flowed from one end to the other in an entertaining start to the second half but, like earlier, the finishing touch was absent from both attacks. The game was turned on its head with twenty minutes to go the game, Melville’s Keith Nolan issued his marching orders for a dubious second yellow card. With this Joondalup seized control, pushing players forward in numbers to have Dalgarno and his defence under some intense pressure. A golden opportunity to restore parity was wasted when Steve Lane failed to hit the target from a few metres after a corner eluded all inside a crowded goalmouth. A minute from the end Lucais King latched onto through ball but Clayton Kendall’s timely challenge deflected the shot onto the bar.

19.5.2012

GLORY COMPLETE THWAITE SIGNING

Perth Glory has snapped up one the A-League’s most sought after defenders, Michael Thwaite, on a two-year contract. Thwaite, who has played professionally in Romania, Poland and Norway as well as Australia, is considered one of the competition’s best central defenders and was reportedly also being chased by Melbourne Victory. “It’s a fantastic coup to bring a quality player like Michael across to Western Australia,” Glory coach Ian Ferguson said. “He’s very comfortable in possession, he can switch the play, breaks the lines also can drive through the middle.”

Thwaite, who has six caps for Australia to his name, is delighted to be heading west following the demise of his former club, Gold Coast. “I’m relieved to finally know where I am heading,” 29-year old Thwaite said. “Within the Perth Glory squad I have previously played with eight or so of the boys and that was a big factor in my decision. “I also spent two years together with the captain Jacob (Burns) in Poland so it’s nice to have these combinations. It’s great to be heading to Perth.”

Thwaite represented Australia at youth level before embarking on a five-year European adventure in 2004. His two seasons with National Bucuresti in Romania included a loan to Polish club Wisla Krakow and a Socceroos debut against Jamaica in October 2005. The defender joined Norwegian club SK Brann in 2008 but six months later returned to Australia on a loan arrangement with Melbourne Victory. In 2009 Thwaite signed for Gold Coast, making 82 appearances over three seasons and winning his clubs’ Player's Player of the Year in 2009/10.

19.5.2012

HALL OF FAME HONOUR FOR LAZARIDIS (by Jonathan Cook, the 'West Australian')

Stan Lazaridis struggles to single out the most memorable moment of his glittering career. His Socceroos debut against Kuwait in 1993 still sticks in the mind as does Australia's qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Then there are the moments from a club career that started with Kingsway Olympic and took him to the English Premier League with West Ham United and Birmingham City. "It's difficult to pinpoint one highlight because there have been quite a few but Australia making the World Cup was massive," Lazaridis told the 'West Australian'. "For me, after four World Cup campaigns, that night was very special."

Four years after he played his last competitive game for Perth Glory in 2008, Lazaridis will tonight add another scene to his personal highlights reel with induction into the Football Hall of Fame. He is one of nine players being granted Hall of Champions status at a ceremony that recognised the contribution of 32 West Australian greats, including former Glory stars Bobby Despotovski and Scott Miller. "When you get acknowledged with something like this it's special," said Lazaridis, who was inducted into the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame in 2010. "This is the place I love, it's where I live and I'm a very proud West Australian, so I'm honoured to be in the Hall of Fame."

A career which started in the local competition with Kingsway, Floreat Athena and Stirling Macedonia took off after Lazaridis' performances for the State team. Almost 20 years ago he played for WA in a thrilling 3-2 win over visiting German team Werder Bremen and just a few months later signed for National Soccer League side West Adelaide. "It was fantastic to play for WA," said Lazaridis, who donned State colours on ten occasions, twice as team captain. "It wasn't representing Australia but it had that sort of feel. You played because you loved it, you wanted to do well and you wanted to win."

That attitude earned Lazaridis a move to West Ham in 1995 and four years later he joined Birmingham City. "I remember playing for Birmingham against Liverpool and I was walking to take a corner and the fans were singing," said Lazaridis. "I remember saying to myself 'don't ever, ever forget this moment'. It was amazing. I played with my heart and the Birmingham fans could see that." Lazaridis made a total of 395 league and cup appearances during his clubs career with West Adelaide, West Ham, Birmingham and Glory. At international level he made 60 'A' appearances for Australia after representing the nation at under-17 and under-20 levels.