VOTE FOR THE FOOTBALLWA.NET PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

With the Premier League and First Division seasons drawing to a close voting has commenced in the footballwa.net 2010 Player of the Year awards. As in previous years, there are two awards up for grabs - the Premier League Player of the Year and the First Division Player of the Year - with website visitors encouraged to vote in either, or both, categories.

The footballwa.net Player of the Year is the longest running award voted for by the players, coaches, administrators and supporters of the local game. A-League pair Nick Ward and Jamie Coyne heads the list of previous Premier League recipients which also includes State players Andy Brown, David Micevski, Antonio Naglieri and Branimir Mikulic. The First Division Player of the Year has been won by Ashley Rosendale, David Rodgers and Scott Bulloch, amongst others.

On a 3-2-1 basis - where three is your preferred player of the season - we invite all our readers to submit their votes in either category as soon as possible. These will be tallied off-line with the winner and minor place getters revealed on Friday 17th September. Don't miss out on having your voice heard by sending your votes as soon as possible to brett@footballwa.net .

29.8.2010

FLOREAT BRUSH OFF BALCATTA (by David Cameron, Football West)

Floreat Athena gained some much needed momentum heading towards the top five play-offs in the form of a clinical 4-0 win against Balcatta this afternoon at Grindleford Reserve. Daniel Niederberger and Branimir Mikulic scored two apiece in the second half to bring a smile to the face of player-coach Ante Kovacevic. "The boys came out positive in the second half, kept our shape and stayed patient and scored four goals which was very pleasing," he said. "With finals being cut-throat football we need to be consistent for ninety minutes and I hope we continue to be consistent."

Neither team was able to gain the upper hand in a very even first half played at a ferocious pace. Floreat generated a great chance on the quarter-hour when Mikulic nodded down a delightful cross from the left to the feet of Niederberger, who deftly touched the ball past his marker only to have goalkeeper Bobson Koroma make an instinctive reaction save at his near post. The remainder of the half saw scattered half-chances go unconverted at both ends of the park with the teams going into the break as they'd started.

Balcatta's could have been forgiven for thinking an upset was on the cards as the teams emerged for the second half. However, any such thoughts were ended in the 57th minute when a partially cleared corner was returned to the 18-yard box where, after several deflections, the ball ricocheted of Niederberger's thigh and rolled over the line. It was just two minutes later when Niederberger grabbed his second goal, the striker beating a couple of defenders before firing into the bottom corner from just inside the 18-yard box box.

Balcatta eventually regrouped and started pushing forward in numbers as they searched for a goal of their own. But it wasn't to be as in the 75th minute Mo Atak's powerful shot from inside the area brought a fine save from Koroma, who was helpless as Mikulic poked in the follow-up. Mikulic rounded out a good day at the office by scoring Floreat's fourth with the last kick of the afternoon, exposing a Balcatta defence whose failure to close down the attacker allowed him time to curl a beautiful shot into the far corner. The win moves Floreat into third place, however, to stay there they'll need to beat ECU Joondalup in next week's final round of the home and away season.

29.8.2010

FOWLER GIVES MELBOURNE HEARTACHE

Robbie Fowler opened his Perth Glory account by scoring a controversial stoppage time penalty and grab his club a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park. The home side had good reason to feel aggrieved after debutant referee Kurt Ams pointed to the spot when Michael Baird went down under a Kliment Taseski challenge, with Fowler sending goalkeeper Clint Bolton the wrong way. It was a cruel end for Heart who looked set to record their fist win courtesy of goals from Gerald Sibon and Nick Kalmar which cancelled out a bizarre own goal by Michael Marrone.

Heart came out firing and in just the 2nd minute had a penalty claim dismissed after Alex Terra went down when attempting to round goalkeeper Tando Velaphi. A couple of minutes later the home side had the lead, Naum Sekulovski’s shirt pull on Terra leading the referee to point to this time the spot from where Sibon sent Velaphi the wrong way. Heart went looking for another upon the resumption but Sibon’s weak back post header didn’t trouble Velaphi. It took until the 11th minute for Glory to fashion an opening, Steve McGarry playing down the right for Scott Neville whose cross was sent high by Todd Howarth.

There was a fair slice of luck involved when Glory equalised against the run of play in the 19th minute. Marrone found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as Branko Jelic’s flick on from a Fowler cross deflected off the defender and into the net. If conceding affected the hosts then they didn’t show it as Nick Kalmar’s ball in from the left forced Velaphi to punch clear under pressure from Sibon. Glory paid the ultimate price for failing to clear a Dean Heffernan free-kick in the 37th minute as Kalmar fired in from 7-metres to give the home side a deserved half-time time.

It was a much more focused Glory side that emerged for the second half and started to create openings. On the hour Jelic’s header flashed over the crossbar from a McGarry cross, and eleven minutes later Bolton pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep out Fowler’s stinging close-range effort. Howarth threaded a superb pass through to Sekulovski but Bolton was alert came off his line to block the shot. The game was three minutes into stoppage time when Baird tumbled to the ground and Fowler held his nerve to convert from the spot amid howls of protests from Heart players and supporters.

29.8.2010

MORE BAD LUCK FOR YOUNG

A bout of flu is preventing goalkeeper Neil Young from training with his Newcastle Jets team mates. Young, 31, spent several months in hospital earlier this year fighting for his life after suffering an adverse reaction to antibiotics administered after an operation to repair his badly broken nose. He endured five bouts of surgery on his digestive system and at one stage lost 20 kilograms because he was unable to eat for four weeks.

Young resumed light training a month ago and had been making encouraging progress until falling ill this week. "I've got the flu but it just seems to have hit me twice as hard, because of the way I was," he told the 'Newcastle Herald'. "It's just frustrating. Everyone gets the flu but this has hit me a bit more than I expected. And also I didn't want to pass it on to any of the other players. They don't need me hanging around with the flu."

Newcastle coach Branko Culina said Young's well-being was the priority and he had been advised to rest. "He's had some absolutely rotten luck but let's just hope everything works out health-wise for him," Culina said. "He's a lovely guy, plus he added a lot to the team last year when we needed it most. But we just want him to get well. That's the most important thing at this stage of his life. He's gone through a rotten period over the past four or five months and the most important thing is he gets himself well."

28.8.2010

KNIGHTS MAINTAIN STEADY COURSE (with Michael Bate, Football West)

Western Knights are just 90 minutes away from back-to-back Premier League crowns following today’s thrilling 4-2 victory against Armadale at Nash Field. Anthony Campbell’s late double added to strikes from David Micevski and Simon Versaico to secure the Knights all three points and set-up a title-deciding showdown with Stirling Lions next weekend.

Knowing an upset win would enhance their prospects of making the play-offs, Armadale were quick out of the blocks and inside the opening twenty minutes James Robinson had four half-chances go begging. The Knights eventually settled and began bombarding visiting goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock with a series of high ball and set pieces. Simon Versaico was denied the game’s first goal by Steve McDonald’s clearance from on the line after Paul Van Dongen’s long thrown caused problems for the visiting defence.

Armadale went ahead against the run of play in the 36th minute when John Watson bundled the ball across the line after Frazer Siddall could only parry James Robinson’s close-range effort. But that lead lasted just four minutes before David Micevski received the ball some 30-metres out and, with Armadale offering no resistance, the midfielder let fly with a stunning shot that whistled past Sharrock, who barely had time to react.

The second half was even more compelling with both sides going all out for a victory. Campbell had the ball in the net on 52 minutes but his strike was ruled out for offside. Twelve minutes later the Knights had a legitimate second goal with Versaico doing well to head in a David Micevski free-kick from the right. Armadale continued to get forward at every opportunity and Watson was unlucky when his delicate chip from the edge of the 18-yard box hit the top of the crossbar.

Watson shrugged off that disappointment less than a minute later when his run into the area was halted by a handball decision against Stuart Ferguson, leading referee Dave Scragg to point straight to the spot. James Robinson struck the penalty kick too close to Siddall, who was helped less as the ball rebounded straight back to the Armadale striker who made no mistake the second time. However, Armadale’s efforts were almost undone by a hasty Andy Bowyer clearance that struck McDonald but thankfully ricocheted wide.

Campbell turned the game on its head by scoring twice quick succession, his first arriving in the 81st minute with a close-range blast into the net. And five minutes later the strongly built striker fended off a number of challenges before beating Sharrock to complete a superb counterattacking move by the home side. Armadale’s bad day at the office took a turn for the worse on 89 minutes when veteran Andy Bowyer was issued a second yellow card by the referee.

28.8.2010

WILSON STEALS STIRLING VICTORY (with Chris Correia, Football West)

Bobby Wilson struck in stoppage time to steal Stirling Lions a dramatic 3-2 win over Mandurah City at Hyundai Stadium. Christian Paschkewitz looked to have scored Mandurah a late share of the points, however, Stirling’s hopes of finishing on top of the table were revived by Wilson’s header. “I thought when they made it two-all it was two points dropped, but then playing Bobby (Wilson) up-front paid off tonight,” Stirling coach Paul Lincoln said. “I’m just wrapped to get the three points after some of the other results today. The win now keeps our Minor Premiership hopes alive and we will now be at home to the Western Knights next week and three points will give us the title.”

Scott Muirhead’s long throws were a key component of Stirling’s positive start. The visitors thought they had an early lead when Wilson threaded a pass through to Phil Arnold, but the assistant referee ruled the striker offside. Shane Robinson then took matters into his own hands by letting loose with a long-range free-kick that sailed narrowly high. This pressure paid off on 20 minutes when Mandurah defenders Ryan Townsend and Ivan Zuvela both attempted to head clear a Ludovic Boi cross but managed only to turn the ball into their own net.

Mandurah were struggling to break down a Stirling rearguard that was superbly marshalled by Michael Pugliese. At the other end, Townsend was going a long way to making amends for his earlier error by keeping close tabs on Arnold. Jordan Rhodes gave his former team a scare when he flashed a shot the wrong side of the post. Moments later Rafael Insaurralde found himself in possession some 30-metres from goal and, lacking the support of team mates, ventured off towards goal before unleashing a terrific curling effort that his the crossbar with goalkeeper James Turvill beaten.

The second half was five minutes old when Mandurah scored a bizarre equaliser, Pugliese’s back pass crossing the line after Turvill hesitated under pressure from Insaurralde, who was awarded the goal. Stirling hit back six minutes later when Arnold curled into the top corner from 18-metres, giving Straker absolutely no chance. Robinson went close to sealing the win but after being set-up by Boi the Stirling captain drove just wide with Straker rooted to his line.

The clock was ticking down but there was still time for a few more dramas. An unmarked Ivan Zuvela crashed a powerful shot goalward in the 89th minute that deflected off Paschkewitz on its way into the back of the net. Three minutes later great work by Stirling substitute Ndumba Makeche led to him crossing for Wilson, whose header bounced off the underside of the crossbar and over the line to decide the game. Mandurah slip to just two points from relegation and must win next weekend’s game against Cockburn City, who are also fighting for survival, to secure another year in the top flight.

28.8.2010

SWAN SMASH PERTH (with Jona Turle, Football West)

Swan United have kept their hopes of Premier League survival alive with a smash and grab 4-1 win against traditional rivals Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. Teenager Christian Lopez capped a dream debut by scoring twice with Michael Van Dongen and Liam Boland also on the scoresheet for the black and whites. Swan coach Jamie Goodman was understandably thrilled with his teams' performance and the outcome. "It was a fantastic performance and a fantastic result from our guys today," he said. "We stayed switched on for 90 minutes, which we haven't always done, and took our chances."

The brighter start came from Perth, who settled quickly into their passing game but lacked the decisiveness to cut through a well-organised visiting defence. So it was against the run of play that Swan took an 18th minute lead, Lopez chesting down a long throw which he then cleverly flicked over his head, leaving behind him flat-footed defence before volleying the bouncing ball past goalkeeper Devon Spence from close-range. Although Perth enjoyed the better of the remaining first half possession there were few clear cut chances to drew level.

It took Perth only four minutes of the second half to find the back of the net via substitute Kyle Moran's sweetly struck left-footed drive from 25-metres. However, parity was to be short-lived as three minutes later Van Dongen side-footed past Spence following good work down the left. With their lead restored, Swan reverted to stifling their opponents' creativity by congesting the midfield and applying endless pressure when chasing the ball.

Swan moved two-goal clear in the 71st minute when Lopez pounced to volley in another long throw from the left. The icing was put on the visitors cake by substitute Liam Boland, who punished a defensive error by calmly slotting past Spence with only a minute of regulation time left. Swan will go into next weekends final round clash needing to beat Balcatta at home, and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to stay in the Premier League next season.

After the match, Perth coach Graham Normanton lamented his team's lack of a cutting edge up front, and his side's defensive frailties in equal measure. "You just can't make four defensive stuff ups like that and expect to win games of football," he said. "But they wanted it more than we did, and they showed the determination that you need to show in any game - whether you're fighting to avoid relegation, or fighting to win the league. They fully deserved the victory today, and I can't take anything away from them."

28.8.2010

FEELY KEEPS COCKBURN’S SEASON ALIVE

Rory Feely scored twice as Cockburn City came from behind to inflict a 2-1 loss on home team Inglewood United. A goal either side of the break by Feely will take Cockburn into the next weekend’s final round of fixtures level on points with Swan United at the foot of the table. However, the news is not so rosy for Inglewood who slump to one point from last and will be involved in a four-way battle to avoid the drop with Cockburn, Swan and Mandurah City next Saturday.

The day could not have started better for Inglewood who had the lead after only 7 minutes, good work on the left by Dannie Richman led him to crossing to Grant, who turned Jason Godfrey before firing in from 6-metres. The home side could have doubled their lead soon after but Ryan Clarke’s low shot was saved by Dejan Aleksic. The one-way nature of the game continued with Aleksic coming to Cockburn’s rescue twice in as many minutes, tipping over the crossbar a long-range Jake Geddes effort then coming off his line to again deny Clarke.

Cockburn didn’t threaten until the 23rd minute when Adrian Webster volleyed just high from a Marc Anthony corner. Still, it was Inglewood that was holding sway and Sandi Loncar’s low shot on the run was captured by Aleksic. Grant lured Aleksic off his line only lob the wrong side of the post, then Adrian Caceres crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar. This wastefulness was punished in stoppage time when Feely beat Darko Ilomanoski to the ball which he slid past Oliver Taseski from 6-metres to level the game.

Fired up by coach Tony Castiello, Cockburn emerge for the second half a much stronger proposition. A long throw from Shane Nunes found Webster but his back post header was wide, then Feely flicked a Llewelyn Bake cross just past the post at close-range. Cockburn’s reward came in the 54th minute when a cross by Jon Davite picked out Feely who headed in at the near post. This goal took the game up to a whole new level with both teams aware anything less than a win would put them deep in serious trouble at the wrong end of the table.

Taseski did well to keep out another shot by Feely, then down the other end Loncar’s close-range volley was well saved by Aleksic. A goal bound Caceres’ shot was blocked by Nunes and Aleksic kept out Aaron Colli’s low follow-up. Taseski made a brave smothering save at the feet of Feely after he’d been sent clear by Wesley Britz. Inglewood almost snuck a late equaliser when Loncar played through a square defence for Grant who had the target in his sights when Nunes applied a vital tackle.

Cockburn boss Castiello was delighted with the result, but was disappointed with the first half performance and knows that survival is in their own hands now. “I told the boys at the break I wasn’t happy with the performance in the first half and we were lucky to still be in the game at half time,” said Castiello. “To the boy’s credit they did just that and were delighted with the three points, which were vital with results elsewhere in the league going as they did.”

28.8.2010

LATE REVIVAL REIGNITES JOONDALUP

ECU Joondalup scored three times in the last fifteen minutes to topple Sorrento 4-3 at the Edith Cowan University campus in Joondalup. The comeback - capped by goals from John Thornley, Scott Blackmore and Jamie Watt - keeps alive Joondalup’s finals hopes while seriously jeopardising Sorrento’s quest as the fight for fifth position heats up. “We left it a bit late but played really well at the end and it was great team effort,” Joondalup’s Dan Allen said. “We have played well against the top teams this year so if we make the finals, we will be confident we can do well.”

Much of the first half was controlled by Sorrento, who needed only 10 minutes for James Morgan to fire them into a deserved lead. Through slick movement of the ball the visitors continually applied the pressure in search of a second goal. However, it was to be Joondalup that next found the net with Watt converting from the penalty spot after 37 minutes. Half-time was looming on the horizon when Daryl Platten restored Sorrento’s advantage to make it two-one at the interval.

A goal on the run by Adam Hayton after 67 minutes appeared to seal an important Sorrento victory. However, the home team had other thoughts and eight minutes later some crisp passing out of midfield ended with John Thornley reducing the deficit. Only a couple more minutes pass before Blackmore levelled the game with fierce free-kick. With their confidence soaring, Joondalup created several chances to grab the winner only to be denied by the brilliance of ‘keeper Curtin Aspden.

The visitors could have gone back in front on 89 minutes when Jason Mirco found Todd Harnwell unmarked and inside the 18-yard box but the Sorrento captain sprayed well wide of the target. Watt emerged as the hosts saviour moments later when he broke clear of the defence to rifle in the winner, and in the process breathe new life into his team’s season.

28.8.2010

BAYSWATER GO CLEAR IN DIVISION ONE

Bayswater City moved one step closer to the Division One title by defeating Morley Windmills 3-1 at Wotton Reserve. The visitors grabbed a 17th minute lead through Damien Catalano who tapped the ball into an empty net after Morley goalkeeper Matt Darling had attempted to round him inside the 18-yard box. The two teams traded shots on goal for the remainder of the half with Catalano and Anthony McStea each going close to extending Bayswater’s lead, while Morley’s chance came the way of Blaz Radonovic.

The second half was a far more open affair with both teams unable to make the most of their opportunities. That was until the 72nd minute when Josh Tumoe finished from close-range after great work in the middle of the park from McStea. Morley replied on 81 minutes with Radonovic halving the deficit after rounding his marker and rifling into the net from 18-metres. But that was as close as the hosts got to a point as in the final minute of regulation time Tumoe sealed victory - and possibly the championship - after another goalkeeping error presented the youngster with an open goal.

28.8.2010

GOSNELLS FORCE BUNBURY INTO SUBMISSION

Bunbury Forum Force’s title hopes suffered a crushing blow when defeated 3-2 by Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. The opening 45 minutes was a largely lacklustre affair with neither team able to break the deadlock. It wasn’t until after the break that the game burst into life with Tom Kennedy firing Gosnells into a 46th minute lead after being set-up by Andy Pomfret. The home team doubled their advantage six minutes later with Pomfret finished off a great team move from close-range. This spurred Bunbury into action and with 55 minutes on the clock Rory Binnie ghosted in to head Oliver McGee’s corner into the net.

The teams were level again after 62 minutes when Binnie finished off great work from captain Patrick Quinn and David Murphy. Bunbury now had the momentum and should have scored again with David Rodgers and Patrick Quinn both hitting the crossbar. Those misses would prove costly as in the 79th minute Darren Francis coolly tucked in a one-on-one with Ryan Montgomery after being played clear. The final minutes were tense as Bunbury attempted to salvage the game. David Rodgers hit the post before appeals for handball inside the 18-yard box were dismissed by the referee.

28.8.2010

WANNEROO MAKE THIRD SAFE

Wanneroo City secured themselves a top three finish by defeating Forrestfield United 3-1 at Kingsway Reserve in a physical battle. The hosts started in a positive fashion and with just 4 minutes on the clock Brian Cairney sent into the net a Dean Timmings cross from the right. Wanneroo continued to attack and were unlucky not to doubled their lead on 16 minutes when Cairney forced a great save from goalkeeper Luke Woodfin. Forrestfield got themselves back in the game after 31 minutes when Louis Costly converted from 10-metres after great work by Jamie Burns on the right.

Entertainment value was high after the break with both teams caving out early opportunities. Cairney and Timmings went close to scoring Wanneroo a third goal while at the other end of the park it Costly fired wide. In the 55th minute Josh Booysen played a neat one-two with Guy McDonald before firing into the bottom corner from 18-metres to put Wanneroo back in front. The points was sealed on 68 minutes when Brad McDonald played though Jonathon McGahern who slipped the ball past Woodfin in a one-on-one.

28.8.2010

FREMANTLE REWARDED FOR SPIRITED REVIVAL

Fremantle Spirit ended a seven-game winless run by dumping fellow Division One strugglers Rockingham City 5-2 at Wauhop Park. The win - just Fremantle’s fourth of the winter - came courtesy of a late goal blitz in which the home team hit the back of the net four times in the space of eleven minutes. The first half was largely uneventful with both teams prodding and probing for openings without generating much in the way of shots on goal. Lance Louvie was working hard for the home side while much of Rockingham’s drive came through cental midfielder Darren Lawler.

The game sparked into life after the break with Tyrone Fenwick pushing the ball into the net during a 48th minute goalmouth scramble. It took Rockingham only eight minutes to respond through Steven Drew, who headed in at the back post after Fremantle failed to properly deal with a corner. Sam Carrello should have restored the hosts lead from the penalty spot but goalkeeper Craig Olejnik rose to the occasion. But that was forgotten soon enough as substitute Anthony Fearon converted a 76th minute penalty which was followed by two goals in three minutes from Darren Monaghan. Josh Senior pulled a goal back for Rockingham from the spot shortly before Louvie iced Fremantle’s cake with their fifth goal of the afternoon.

28.8.2010

QUEENS PARK THROW IT AWAY AT ASHFIELD

Ashfield overturned three-goal deficit to snatch a thrilling 5-5 draw with Queens Park at Ashfield Reserve. Queens Park made a flying start with Josh Gowland putting away a cross from the right at close-range after only 4 minutes. Gowland created the visitors second goal on 19 minutes, playing in Jason Feather who coolly stroked past the oncoming goalkeeper. The game looked to be over when Feather added his second by beating the ‘keeper to a cross which he headed into the net with 24 minutes gone. A shell-shocked Ashfield found their way back into the game a minute before half-time when Gary Murdoch’s shot from 18-metres deflected into the net off a defender.

The second half was as just as exciting with the teams sharing a further six goals. On 56 minutes Wayne Culverwell bagged Ashfield’s second after good work in the lead-up by John Monterosso. The teams were brought level nine minutes later by Leo Harman, who converted from the penalty spot after he’d been felled. Feather completed his hat-trick and put Queens Park back in control by finishing a one-on-one with the ‘keeper after being played in by Gowland in the 71st minute.

Two minutes on and Ashfield had another equaliser, Culverwell scoring a carbon copy of his earlier goal with Monterosso again providing the ammunition from the right. It looked as though Queens Park had won the game with eight minutes left when Calito Anthony rocketed into the net from 22-metres. However, Ashfield were not to be denied and in the final minute were awarded another penalty that Harman sent into the net to complete a remarkable game. The result leaves Queens Park three points behind Ashfield at the foot of the Division One table.

28.8.2010

INJURY DENIES HERD LINCOLN MOVE

Attempts to bring Chris Herd back to Lincoln City have been thwarted by injury. Imps boss Chris Sutton has wanted to sign the talented young midfielder on loan after a brilliant 22-game spell with the club last season. However, Sutton was forced to abandon those plans after learning Herd was on the sidelines. “We wanted to bring Chris Herd back because he did fantastically well for us last season,” said Sutton. “But the problem is that he is injured and he is going to be out for another two months which is a blow.”

28.8.2010

BAIRD CLEARED FOR GLORY

Michael Baird's transfer nightmare came to an end today when he finally received provisional clearance to kick-off his Perth Glory career. The striker was immediately added to the travelling party for tomorrow's away fixture with A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart. Glory had also included Andy Todd in the squad after his recovery from a knee problem, however, the defender's hopes of taking part were dashed when he was struck down by illness this morning.

Baird, who has endured months of frustration following his move from Romanian club Universitatea Craiova, does not expect to go straight into Glory's starting eleven with Branko Jelic and Robbie Fowler in good form. "Maybe I will be lacking a little bit (of fitness)," he said today. "I don't know what the system is going to be for this weekend but I wouldn't expect to start. If I do start that's good but if not Branko's in great form and Robbie's playing well. I feel ready to start and I'd definitely love to start but I'm not going to be upset if I don't at the moment."

27.8.2010

REDEVELOPED LITIS STADIUM COULD BE THE NEW ‘HOME OF FOOTBALL’

A 'Home of Football' is one step closer following a submission to the Town of Vincent for the redevelopment of Litis Stadium. A specially convened Football West Taskforce this week presented the council with a high level Concept Plan, Progress Report and proposed Schedule of Works that would centralise all aspects of the game's administration, coaching and development as well as provide a quality stadium for major games.

The Concept Plan comprises a phased in development over a number of stages with the primary goal being the establishment of an administrative complex housing Football West, Perth Glory and the WA Football Hall of Fame on the opposite side of the pitch to the existing stands at Litis Stadium. There is the potential for additional office space that may be sub-let to other sporting organisations or sports science/medicine consultation rooms.

A major redevelopment of the playing arena would see the pitch replaced by a FIFA approved artificial surface, the construction of four new dressing rooms, match official rooms and other competition management offices. A lighting upgrade and improved spectator facilities, including up to 5,000 new seats, complete the redevelopment of the main arena. An additional artificial surface training arena is proposed for the Britannia Reserve immediately adjacent to the main stadium.

The concept of a 'Home of Football' has long been a major objective in the development of the game in Western Australia. The proposed redevelopment of Litis Stadium would impact on the neighbourhood, surrounding residences and commercial enterprises of Mount Hawthorn and has therefore been opened to public comment and community consultation. Progressing the 'Home of Football' concept depends upon the estimated financial costs as well as Football West gaining government support at State and Federal levels.

27.8.2010

PREMIER LEAGUE IN PREVIEW

Carl Medica and Alex Christie will take charge of Western Knights for the first time when they host Armadale in tomorrow's footballwa.net match of the week. Armadale have never won in the league at Nash Field so will need a repeat of their Cup quarter-final heroics - in which they downed the Knights on penalties - to stay on track for the play-offs. Goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock is back after serving suspension, however, the visitors are without defender Matt Bennion due to a fractured cheek bone. The Knights' loss of captain David Annall (suspension) has been offset to a degree by Duncan Hind's return.

It's hoped the relegation fight will become a little clearer after Saturday's round of games. Swan United know anything less than three points will simply not be good enough when they visit a Perth SC outfit just a couple of points off top spot. Michael Van Dongen and Liam Boland are pushing for a starting return for the black and whites who have lost influential midfielder David Perich (studying overseas). Perth striker David Onoforo has put his hand up for selection while Antonio Naglieri is nearing full fitness following time out with a hip injury.

Cockburn City will go a long way to securing their Premier League future by taking maximum points home from Inglewood United, who also remain in the relegation mix. Inglewood coach Shane Pryce is already without Daniel Stoitis (suspended) and has his fingers crossed Adrian Caceres (ankle), Michael Baczynski (knee) and Jake Geddes (knee) recover in time to line-up. If Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony are allowed to assert themselves and provide an open supply to Rory Feel then Cockburn stand a very good chance of going home with the goods.

ECU Joondalup have pride to play for when they host Sorrento in the local derby. Out of finals contention, Joondalup are missing Charlie Comyn-Platt and Dale McCulloch due to suspension while Jake Benson-Cooper could come into the first eleven pending a late fitness test. Sorrento has lost once in five visits to Joondalup and need to win this time out in order to stay in fifth spot and ahead of Armadale. Ryan Jeans and Darren Quinncroft are vying for a starting spot in place of Joe Lamplough (suspended). The four Saturday afternoon games start at 3.00pm.

Saturday’s evening fixture takes place at the Hyundai Stadium where Mandurah City are home to newly crowned Cup winners Stirling Lions (6.00pm). Mandurah coach Stuart Young is grateful Jordan Rhodes is back from overseas and available for selection as he has experienced campaigners Andy Brown and Craig Young out due to suspension. Stirling may not have won in four league games but confidence is sky-high following last weekend’s Cup Final victory. Tom Ingram and Stef Frost have impressed in recent outings, while James Turvill has made the spot between the posts his own.

Balcatta’s final home game of the year has them up against Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday (3.00pm). A recall may be on the cards for Jack Clisby, Michael Black and Geneveo Human as coach Salv Todaro ponders who to bring into Balcatta’s eleven for suspended pair Adam Tong and Matt Italiano. Adam Bachiller, Branimir Mikulic and Jovo Pavlovic have big roles to play as Floreat attempt to bounce back from last weekend’s Cup Final loss.

27.8.2010

DIVISION ONE IN PREVIEW

State League survival is at stake when Ashfield hosts Queens Park in tomorrow's twentieth weekend of Division One fixtures. A long winter has had the clubs slumped towards the foot of the table in what has evolved into an epic battle to avoid relegation. Queens Park claimed a 4-3 win over Ashfield in late May and should they repeat that performance then the teams will go into the final two rounds of the season with equal points. However, a result in Ashfield's favour will consign Queens Park to last place.

There won't be a moments rest for table-topping Bunbury Forum Force when they take on Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. Gosnells have their sights set on a top four finish to the season and will be pulling out all the stops to overturn the one-nil loss they sustained in Bunbury earlier in the season. A Bayswater City win away at neighbouring Morley Windmills could propel them into the outright leadership come Saturday evening.

Wanneroo City's chase for promotion may be over for another year but that doesn't mean they'll be taking it easy for the visit of Forrestfield United. A home win for Dianella White Eagles against Canning City will go a long way to securing them a final placing in the top half of the table. Fremantle Spirit will be looking to end a seven-game winless run when they welcome Rockingham City to Wauhop Park. All six Division One games start at 3.00pm tomorrow.

27.8.2010

KNIGHTS SACK COACH

Western Knights are in caretaker mode following the shock departure of Premiership winning coach Paul Price. It is understood tensions had been simmering between the two parties for some time before the Knights hierarchy formally decided on Wednesday evening that it was time for the club to go in a new direction. The move comes as a surprise as, with two home and away games remaining, the Knights are riding high at the top of the table and poised to defend the Premier League crown won last season. Carl Medica, who played eleven seasons with the Knights, and Alex Christie have taken over first team coaching duties until the end of the season.

27.8.2010

GLORY HAVE OPTIONS: COYNE

Milestone man Jamie Coyne is confident Perth Glory has the versatility to give Melbourne Heart palpitations when the teams meet on Sunday at AAMI Park. Glory beat Melbourne Victory 2-0 at the same venue two weeks ago but Coyne, who will make his 100th A-League appearance, said that win had not necessarily provided the blueprint for his team's approach against Heart. "We sat back quite a lot and countered Melbourne, which worked well against them that night. But I don't know if we'll do the same this weekend," Coyne said.

Coyne, 29, felt Glory could adapt to varying circumstances and indicated they might apply a different approach against Heart, who are winless after three games. "They (Victory and Heart) are two different sides and the way they play is different," Coyne added. "If the coaches want to change the formation around we've got the players to do that. We've got a lot of attackers and midfielders who obviously want to be playing and it's up to the coaches to try and work out the best way to go."

Glory have taken a close look at a Heart line-up that features Perth-raised striker Eli Babalj, who scored his first A-League goal against Adelaide United last week. "We'll look at them a bit more over the next couple of days," he said. "We can look at what they did for the last couple of weeks but you just don't know if they'll have the same set-up or use the same players this weekend. So, we'll concentrate a lot more on ourselves and what we need to do in the game."

Jamie Harnwell's calf muscle tear forces coach David Mitchell to reshuffle his defence with new signing Josh Mitchell favoured to slot in alongside Coyne. Mitchell is also pondering a change at the other end of the park with Mile Sterjovski sidelined by an ankle problem. Melbourne are winless after three games and enter the game without Socceroos defender Michael Beauchamp, who has an ankle injury, while striker John Aloisi is yet to play this season after surgery on a torn hamstring.

26.8.2010

KNIGHTS TEST AWAITS SHARROCK

Cyril Sharrock is itching to get back between the posts for Saturday's vital trip to Western Knights. The Reds shot-stopper hasn't played for close to a month due to suspension and is keen to help his club to what would be a historic first ever finals appearance. "It's great to be back in the squad and I can't wait to get on the pitch, it seems like I haven't played in months," Sharrock said. "Gareth (Deeg) did a top job whilst I was away, considering the long lay-off he has had."

Armadale will be going all out for victory against the Knights in an attempt to close the three point gap on fifth-placed Sorrento. "With the squad we have I feel we always have a chance against any team. The firepower up-front of James Robinson and Matt Barlow and the solid men at the back with Steve MacDonald, Andy Bowyer and Michael Ord," Sharrock explained. "It will be great to make the top five but we have a tough run in with Perth SC after the Knights so we will have to see (if we make the finals)."

Unfortunately Armadale head into the round minus defender Matt Bennion, who is out with a fractured cheek bone. "Matty's injury was a big blow and I here he has had surgery and is on the recovery trail so, hopefully, he might be back for finals if we make them," said Sharrock, who feels the Reds have the depth to cover. "Mark Darby has been a good replacement for him. He had a steady game against Mandurah City in his comeback and is always consistent when he plays."

Brad Hassell's team appear to have timed well their finals run but, even so, Sharrock would like to see a little consistency on match day. "The team has certainly gelled on and off the pitch. The dressing room can be madness at times with the banter flying around," he said. "The team on paper is as good as any in the league but consistency and our home form may have let us down a little this year. With the quality in the side I feel we can compete with any team on the day."

26.8.2010

CARRELLO BACKS FREMANTLE

A bright future awaits Fremantle Spirit following a season of hard work both on and off the field. Defender Sam Carrello, one of only three first team players to remain with the club following last summers mass exodus, has been happy with what has been achieved in 2010. "This season has been a success, we may not have picked up as many points as we would have liked but the team has come along quite well and at times has played some really good football," said 19-year old Carrello. "With each game we have gained experience that will hopefully serve us better in the future."

Fremantle's year of transition has been build on the foundations of youth development. "Coming into the season we had only Jake Sacco, Rob Colalillo and myself still around from last year," Carrello explained. "Allan Pottier and Wally Aquino had a lot of work to do to bring in a whole new squad whilst also pushing up some promising younger boys from the reserves and 18's. Obviously we have some really talented young players in the squad, all we are really missing is a few senior players to guide us and settle us down on the pitch. So with a year of first team football behind the squad we should be in good stead for next year."

The last few months have been tough on the port side who've posted just two points from their last seven outings. "When I look back at the results we have been unlucky not to pick up more points from a few of the games," commented Carrello. "One week we turn up to play and we play well which was shown with draws against Wanneroo City and Dianella White Eagles, which probably should have been wins instead of draws, then the next week we get beaten. As a squad we recognise this inconsistency isn't good enough."

Carrello feels Fremantle's lack of on-field success this year is due to a combination of factors. "We have the raw talent to potentially be a good side, but raw talent alone doesn't always get you there. To be honest we have really missed the experience of three or four senior players," he said. "Throughout the season we have created some great chances to score but we have lacked that killer instinct when it has mattered, against more experienced teams you can't afford to miss those sorts of chances."

Fremantle defeated Rockingham City 3-0 earlier in the season but Carrello knows Saturday's return match at Wauhop Park is going to be a far closer affair. "We go out onto the pitch every Saturday hopeful of getting three points and this week will be no different, although we know it will be more difficult this time around," he said. "Rockingham have got a new coach and lately have been picking up a few points so it's going to be difficult. But if we play the way we know we can than I'm confident come the final whistle we will have a result in our favour."

26.8.2010

“IT’S HARD TO STOP US” SAYS COCKBURN’S DAVITE

Cockburn City can take a giant step towards Premier League survival by claiming victory at Inglewood United on Saturday. With two regular season games to play the Cockerels find themselves level on points with Swan United, but with the advantage of a superior goal difference. Defender Jonathan Davite is confident his club can come away with the good this weekend and pull clear of the drop zone. "We're a good side - when were firing it's hard to stop us," said Davite, a former Inglewood player.

Davite says Cockburn's record of just five wins from twenty games played isn't a fair reflection of their overall performance this season. "We definitely deserve to have won more games," commented Davite, who concedes there have been problems at both ends of the park. "We've let in some pretty sloppy goals that have cost us results, and we've also created some great chances but haven't been enough clinical in front of goal."

Two goals from Rory Feely and another by Adrian Webster earned Cockburn a 3-1 win over ECU Joondalup last time out. "The boys have lifted, especially against Joondalup," said Davite. "It was probably the biggest game in the clubs' history, we were three points adrift at the bottom and needed a win desperately. We need to bring that same mentality and spirit to this weeks' game to get another win and get away from the relegation zone."

The importance of a Cockburn win at Inglewood isn't lost on Davite. "It's a must-win game for us this week, we need to lift and grab a win ... our destiny is our hands," he said. "We have no choice but to leave it all on the pitch and hope other results go our way, but at the same time we can't just rely on other teams. We've been playing some good football lately and need to bring what we had against Joondalup to this weeks' game." Cockburn's away clash with Inglewood starts at 3.00pm on Saturday.

25.8.2010

SIDDALL EXPECTS A TOUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE

Successive Premier League crowns are within reaching distance for Western Knights, however, goalkeeper Frazer Siddall knows his team has a fight on their hands this weekend. Armadale tipped the Knights out of the Cup on their last visit to Nash Field and need victory on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of finals football. "Armadale are a very hard side to play against, they are very physical and have good finishers of the ball," said Siddall, a Great Britain representative at the World University Games. "It will be a very hard game for both teams."

Siddall is adamant the Knights have the quality and depth to cover for the loss of captain David Annall, who misses this week's game due to injury. "Losing Dave is a big blow, it's hard to replace the amount of experience he has. But with Duncan Hind coming back it softens that blow a bit," said Siddall, who already has one eye on the top five play-offs. "The tricky thing about finals football is that no matter how well you've played all season, one bad game as a team spells the end of your chances."

One of the State League's best shot-stopper's, Siddall is keeping open his options as he nears the end of his second season with the Knights. "I've always wanted to play at the highest level possible," said Siddall, who played in the United States college system prior to joining Wanneroo City in 2008. "I'd happily travel anywhere to play professionally, it all just depends on how people perceive your talents - two people can look at the same player and have two totally different opinions. I have no plans yet but I'm always keeping my options open."

The Knights flattered to deceive in their most recent outing when early second half goals from Jack Doyle and David Micevski saw them scrape past Swan United 2-1. "These things happen in football, chances get missed and sometimes you can end up losing or drawing," said Siddall of his teams' performance in the Swan Valley. "The main thing from last week is we took all three points at a ground we don't have a good record at, and kept up the pressure on the other teams to deliver." The Knights come face-to-face with Armadale at Nash Field from 3.00pm on Saturday.

25.8.2010

MADASCHI AIMS FOR SOCCEROOS RETURN

Portosummaga defender Adrian Madaschi is hopeful coming face-to-face with some of Italy's best strikers on a weekly basis can propel him into the plans of new Socceroos coach Holger Osieck. Madaschi, a junior with Perth SC, shot to prominence in 1999 as a member of the Joeys squad which went all the way through to the final of the 1999 Under-17 World Cup. Since then he's represented Australia at the 2004 Olympic Games and made five senior appearances - the most recent being against the Republic of Ireland twelve months ago - while forging a professional career in Italy and Scotland.

Now, thirteen years after heading overseas, Madaschi is ready to take on the best Serie B has to offer after signing a contract extension with Portosummaga. "I am confident that playing regularly in Serie B will provide a strong claim to be involved with the Socceroo set-up and that is my second main goal for this year," he told Aidan Ormond of 4-4-2 Australia. "I am also the vice-captain of the club so I am 100% familiar with everyone involved. Over the past four years we’ve achieved two historic promotions so it’s an exciting time."

Madaschi feels confident Portosummaga will be able to hold their own and remain in Serie B - the highest level the club from Veneto have ever played - beyond the coming season. "The team has retained the backbone of last year's championship winning team, although three or four important individuals have moved. The club's philosophy is bringing in quality young players with a mix of experienced players from Serie B, and slowly things are shaping up, with other players to still be introduced to the squad," he said.

Helping Portogruaro win promotion to Serie B has put Madaschi within touching distance is a career goal. "I came to Italy as a 15-year old with Atalanta and my dream then was to play in Serie A. It seemed like something imminent around the age of 19-20 when things were going great for me," he commented. "For various reasons it didn't happen and it hasn't happened yet, but the dream is still well and truly alive and I have more belief now than ever. I would like to use this season in Serie B as a catalyst to try and move to Serie A and fulfil that dream."

Madaschi has only positive memories of that fateful day in November 1999 when Australia's Under-17 team went down to Brazil in a penalty shoot-out. "It was one of the most important feats in Australian football and to have been a part of that team that came so close yet so far still makes me proud today," said Madaschi, whose team mates included Josh Kennedy, Jade North and Scott McDonald. "We defied all odds under the great management of 'Boss' Les Scheinflug to lose heart-achingly in the final to Brazil on penalties 8-7."

After several years with Atalanta, Madaschi headed to Scottish club Partick Thistle in search of first team football. "It gave me the chance at the age of 21 to play in the Scottish Premier League, a very competitive and respected competition on a regular basis," said Madaschi, who played 58 games for Partick. "It specifically gave me the chance to play against great teams in fantastic stadiums, like Celtic and Rangers."

A strong season at club level led to Madaschi's call-up to the Socceroos for the mid-2004 friendly series with Turkey. "I think that was a growing period of my life and consequently I was no longer the boy that people had seen in the Under-17s campaign in New Zealand," he said. "In 2004, I was a grown man preparing myself for senior football. That was my first experience with the Socceroos and it was an extremely proud moment for me just being on the bench against Turkey."

Two weeks later Madaschi made his senior international debut in a World Cup qualifier against New Zealand, and that was quickly followed by further outings against Tahiti, Fiji and the Soloman Islands. But he'd have to wait until August 2009 for his fifth cap to arrive, against the Republic of Ireland. "It was a great opportunity to be back involved with the Socceroos after five years of absence and a lot of hard work in-between," he said.

Madaschi had hoped his run against the Republic of Ireland, in which he was a second half substitute for Patrick Kisnorbo, would bring him into World Cup reckoning. "I thought my appearance was positive. On the back of that, I hoped to have been involved a bit more," he added. "Post-World Cup I'm sure things will be changing. The new German coach was appointed and I hope that by performing at club level I can get a chance to show myself to the new coach."

Now aged 28, Madaschi is confident he can play a role in Australia's qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. "The last four years of my career have been a constant building process and the promotion results have been great," he said. "At this point, with Serie B football, I really feel I can take my game to a new level and that is what I will be striving to do this season to project myself forward for the next World Cup campaign, and with an eye on Serie B and pushing myself even further to Serie A."

25.8.2010

BENSON-COOPER SHINES IN JOONDALUP CUP WIN

Teenager Jake Benson-Cooper overcame illness to score the winning goal for ECU Joondalup in last weekend’s State League Reserve Cup Final. A serious bout of the flu had Benson-Cooper, 18, in doubt leading into the game but the midfielder is glad he put his hand up for selection at the eleventh hour. “It was a brilliant win for the team on Sunday, I always knew we would pull through,” Benson-Cooper said. “In the first half we started sloppy and our passing game went out of the window. The coach had a word at the break and we came out with our heads switched on and got the ball down and started to play like we had in our Cup run, and we got our rewards.”

Benson-Cooper’s inclusion came as welcome relief for Joondalup coach David Tough who was somewhat short of option against Armadale. Joondalup had just fourteen players available for the game due to competition regulations that require players to have featured in a minimum of six under-23 games to be eligible for the Cup Final. “We did have the bare minimum of players,” Benson-Cooper explained. “But like Toughy said the side would have not been any different anyway as it would have been hard for him to switch players. He was pretty confident going into the game, although he didn’t show it on the day.”

Getting their hands on the trophy was a just reward for Joondalup with Benson-Cooper paying tribute to his coach. “Toughy has done a great job with ECU, and he lives and breathes football. He gets stressed out when we aren’t winning, so it’s good feeling to the win the Cup,” said the midfielder, who has been coached by Tough for the past two seasons. “His training sessions are always fun and we love the head tennis. We’ve been close to winning a trophy but not quite made it, so it’s nice to have won something finally.”

Joondalup coach Tough had nothing but praise for 18-year old Benson-Cooper. “Jake was our match winner on Sunday, he made a goal and scored the winner. He showed great character and desire as he had been ill most of the week, and wasn’t 100%. His work rate was incredible and gave everything to the cause and was totally spent by the end of the game,” commented the coach. “Everyone at the club knows how much talent Jake has and when he becomes more tactically aware with his positioning he’s going to be a top player for the first team.”

Benson-Cooper was on the books of Leicester City and turned out for Loughborough Dynamo prior to moving to Perth. This season he’s furnished regular appearances for Joondalup’s reserves with a handful of first team outings, with plans to become a fixture of the latter in the not too distant future. “The club has a great reputation of bringing young players through the ranks and I have been pushing for a first team spot this season, but not quite cemented my place,” he said. “I’ve got to get more consistency in my game, and hopefully that will come in 2011.”

24.8.2010

YOUNG STARS TO PLAY BARCELONA

The cream of Western Australia’s teenage talent will take their place alongside European giants Barcelona and Benfica at this week’s Cangjin Tournament in South Korea. The National Training Centre Under-15’s have been invited to participate in the eight-team tournament where they’ll play Barcelona (Spain), Valenciennes (France) and Cheong-Nyong (South Korea). Cerezo Oska (Japan), Baekho (South Korea), Benfica (Portugal) and Zenit St Petersburg (Russia) make up the other qualifying group.

Football West’s Andrew Bettell says it is an honour for the association to be invited to such a prestigious tournament. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young players to be exposed to competition at the highest level,” he said. ““Perhaps more important is the invitation to participate, which indicates the ever-increasing standing of development in Western Australia.”

The National Training Centre Under-15 squad to play at the Cangjin Tournament features Nicholas Ambrogio, Daniel Buhagiar, Jacob Collard, Kieran Colwell, Matthew Davies, Daniel Dols, Jordan Franken, Scott Galloway, Byron Hudson, Alexsandar Jovic, Guy Kalma, Ogi Lalovic, Harry O’Brien, Adrian Petroski, Luke Radonich, Callum Richardson, Bor Bor Sambindi and Slobodan Vulin. Chris Ola is coach of the side with Warren Grieve his assistant.

24.8.2010

GARCIA GETS THE NOD FROM NEW COACH

Attack-minded Richard Garcia has gained selection for the Socceroos upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Poland. New Socceroos coach Holger Osieck today named an experienced twenty-player squad for next month's fixtures which pits Australia against Switzerland (3 September) and Poland (7 September) for the first time at senior international level. Osieck expects his squad - which includes long-time Socceroos Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton and Lucas Neill - will closely reflect that for the Asian Cup in January.

The Australia squad to play Switzerland and Poland is Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Nathan Burns (AEK Athens), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Carl Valeri (Calcio), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Richard Garcia (Hull City), Michael Beauchamp (Melbourne Heart), Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Dario Vidosic (Nurnberg), Adam Federici (Reading), Jade North (Tromso Il), David Carney (FC Twente) and Matthew Spiranovic (Urawa Red Diamonds).

24.8.2010

NO HURRY FOR TODD

Experienced defender Andy Todd is unlikely to return from injury for Perth Glory's game with Melbourne Heart this weekend. With Jamie Harnwell set to miss the game with a calf injury, Glory's defensive depth will put to the test but coach David Mitchell won't be rushing Todd back into the line-up. "Andy can play but he's probably just not quite ready yet," said Mitchell. "It's one of them (situations) that he probably needs another week's training under his belt. We'll just see how the week goes, how it pans out."

Mitchell also played down speculation of a training ground bust-up between assistant coach Ian Ferguson and goalkeeper Tando Velaphi during today's session at McGillvray Oval. A frustrated Velaphi kicked a ball away during a practice game, prompting Ferguson to order the 'keeper to retrieve the ball or quit the session. Velaphi initially ignored the instruction before walking slowly to fetch the ball then proceeded straight to the change rooms. "They had a bit of a tiff but that's all right," said Mitchell, who claimed Velaphi left the session to go to the toilet.

24.8.2010

GLORIOUS EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG GUNS

Perth Glory Youth coach Gareth Naven says his squad's participation in the 2010 Weifang Cup in China was an invaluable experience for everyone involved. The under-19 competition presented a tough task to the young Glory lads who faced off against some of the best talent in Asia, including national teams from China, Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates. Glory Youth finished the tournament in fifth spot, winning two of their five games played in a seven day period.

Naven says he is extremely proud of the way his players conducted themselves both on and off the pitch. "The players improved individually and collectively as a group and I feel the experience was of immeasurable value to their development as players and people," said the coach. "This type of improvement would not have been possible if we had stayed in Perth for the pre-season. I think the boys had an exciting tournament where they played mature football at times."

Glory Youth opened their campaign with a trio of losses to China (4-1), Korea Republic (1-0) and the United Arab Emirates (1-4). That run was ended on match day four when Sebit Oyet scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Shandong. The team finished on a high with a stunning 3-0 win over Korea Republic, Adam Taggart hitting the back of the net twice with Emmanuel Linga ramming in the third goal.

Reece Vittiglia, who scored against China and the United Arab Emirates, said playing in the Weifang Cup has given Glory Youth the best possible preparation for the coming season. "It was a really good experience for all the boys. We are lucky to have played in such a prestigious tournament," he said. "We played against international opponents on a world stage and the team benefitted as well as every individual. We hope to show this improvement in every game throughout the season."

The trip provided Naven an opportunity to see players in match conditions as he finalises the selection of his Glory Youth squad for the 2010/11 season, which starts next month. "We played very well against strong opposition, two of our best football performances were against national under-19 teams and the majority of our boys were of the 16-18 years age group," said Naven. "It was an honour to be a part of the Weifang Cup and we hope to return in the future."

23.8.2010

JONES SALUTES SICK SON'S COURAGE

Liverpool new boy Brad Jones will never forget receiving the phone call from his former wife Julie that shattered his world. When he switched on his phone after a pre-World Cup Australia team meeting in South Africa, Jones heard that their young son was being treated for acute myeloid leukaemia in France. Jones, 28, sacrificed his World Cup dream to rush to Luca's bedside in a Marseille hospital where he was floored by the sight of his 4-year old son wrapped in tubes while undergoing life-saving chemotherapy.

The first two days in hospital after leaving the World Cup were the torture for Jones. "To walk into his ward and see him hooked up to IV, having chemo with all these tubes going in him was hard," said Jones. "He was tired but he was happy to see me and he'd already had his chemo for the day, which made a difference. It wasn't until the next day when he was having chemo that it hit home ... to see your kid in pain and unhappy, that's when it hit home."

While Luca still has a long battle ahead - he's scheduled for a stem cell transplant next month - Jones says things are as positive as could be. "We're just waiting and hoping that he reacts well to treatment," said Jones. "Luca's dealt with it really well. Seeing him and the way he's handled it has made it easier for us to deal with. Luca understands now, he gets a bit bored in the hospital, he's been in there basically the whole time (since the start of June) bar a week, when he was allowed to go home ... when he's not having treatment and not being poked with needles, he's fine."

Jones has no regrets about walking out on the Socceroos just days before the start of the World Cup. "At first I didn't know what was going on. I was just thinking about going and seeing him and thinking that maybe I'll come back," he said. "But when I spoke to Luca's mum and a few of the docs – and then when I saw him – I didn't want to leave him. The World Cup is a massive event, but not many people would choose to leave their child in these circumstances." Register to donate blood or bone marrow by visiting donateblood.com.au or abmdr.org.au

23.8.2010

JELIC HAS A SCORE TO SETTLE

Branko Jelic is determined to turn last season's personal disappointment into A-League triumph. The Perth Glory striker, who scorer five goals in eighteen games during an injury and illness hampered A-League debut season, has made a solid start to the new summer with two goals in three appearances. His latest effort, in Saturday's 1-0 home win against Newcastle Jets, ensured Glory made their best start to a season since the A-League was formed in 2005.

33-year old Jelic said he wanted to prove his career, which includes spells with Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) and Energie Cottbus (Germany), was far from over. "I really want to show that I came here to play football; not to finish my career," Jelic told Jonathon Cook of the 'West Australia' newspaper. "We have many very good experienced players. We have world star like Robbie Fowler. We have a couple of very good young players and a couple of Socceroos, so it must be good enough. The fans deserve that. The owner deserves that."

Jelic's close-range finish may have earned Glory all three points but the striker was disappointed he couldn't turn several second half opportunities into goals. "I am the kind of personality who always wants to make something perfect," he said. "So I'm very happy because we won the game but I'm a bit sad because I didn't score some more goals. But it's over and I'm looking towards the next game. Maybe it's better to score three goals in three games than three goals in one game."

22.8.2010

OH BOI, IT’S STIRLING’S CUP!

Stirling Lions lifted the State League Cup for a third time in five years by defeating Floreat Athena 2-1 on a sunny afternoon at Frank Drago Reserve. Phil Arnold and an unfortunate own goal inside four minutes made for a crackerjack start with Ludovic Boi’s close-range effort just after the half-hour deciding the outcome. “It’s a great win for our club today, we haven’t had a good record against Floreat in the Cup in recent years so today’s win is fantastic,” Boi said. “It’s a great feeling to have scored the winner, but we had to hang on at the end. The boys gave 100% today, and we had to battle to the end.”

The big crowd was still settling into their seats when Arnold steered the ball in at the back post after goalkeeper Alex Dunn misjudged a long throw from the left by Scott Muirhead. Floreat needed only three minutes to restore parity, Branimir Mikulic threading a pass through to Jared Smith who rounded ‘keeper James Turvill before cutting the ball back into the 6-yard box where Paul Dickson’s attempt to clear ricocheted into the net off Michael Pugliese.

Having each found the net, both teams then settled into a game played out for the most part between the boxes. As a consequence there was very little to get either set of spectators excited. Mario Marcinko put a header too close to Dunn, while at the other end Turvill was grateful Mo Atak didn’t realise he'd failed to take cleanly a bouncing ball. It was Stirling that was in command and on 32 minutes they capitalised through another long Muirhead throw which was helped on by Marcinko for Boi to rifle in from a few metres.

Daniel Niederberger almost gave Floreat a quick reply with a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that was heading for the top corner when Turvill brilliantly touched it away at full-stretch. Marcinko should perhaps have done better than clip a bouncing ball beyond the top corner as Stirling piled on the pressure leading into half-time. A superb last-gasp tackle by Julian Madaschi thwarted Marcinko in stoppage time, and at the resulting Muirhead corner Bobby Wilson headed wide from 4-metres.

Stirling opened the second period in positive fashion, Arnold flashing wide from the edge of the area. However, the momentum swung in Floreat’s favour following the introduction of John Migas and Johny Mirco. Long-range efforts by Adam Bachiller and Atak missed the target, while in the 77th minute Mikulic went down under the challenge of Paul Dickson with referee Mat Cheeseman well placed to dismiss the resulting penalty claims.

Mirco’s centring 75th minute pass found Mikulic, who expertly tamed the ball before unleashing a powerful low shot on the turn which Turvill somehow kept out. It was all one-way traffic as Floreat desperately sought to send the game to extra-time. Bachiller shot straight at Turvill, then Mirco appeared to be felled by Wilson but again Cheeseman waved away penalty appeals. The final drama came four minutes into stoppage time when Turvill bravely saved at the feet of Mikulic.

Paul Lincoln was delighted with the trophy win, his first as coach of Stirling. “The boy’s played well today, we had a game plan and they stuck to it. I thought the first half we should have been 4-1 up, young Mario (Marcinko) had two one-on-one’s and if one of them goes in it’s a different game,” he said. “To Floreat’s credit they caused us plenty of problems in the last fifteen minutes and I think they will be a bit disappointed not to get anything out of the game, but that’s football I’m delighted to get the result.”

Floreat Athena: Alex Dunn, Jarrad Smith (Johny Mirco 70), Ante Kovacevic, Jovo Pavlovic, Julian Madaschi, adam Bachiller, Miki Vujacic (John Migas 59), Jason Barrera, Branimir Mikulic, Mo Atak, Daniel Niederberger
Stirling Lions: James Turvill, Scott Muirhead, Michael Pugliese, Bobby Wilson, Paul Dickson, Ludovic Boi (Ndumba Mukechie 86), Tom Ingram, Shane Robinson, Matt Stares, Phil Arnold (Stef Frost 77), Mario Marcinko
Bookings: Muirhead (45), Pavlovic (53)
Dismissals: Nil
Referee: Mat Cheeseman
Attendance: 2,621

22.8.2010

JOONDALUP HANG ON TO WIN RESERVES CUP (by Michael Bate, Football West)

ECU Joondalup clinched the State League Reserves Cup by fending off a determined Armadale 2-1 in today's final at Frank Drago Reserve. Jake Benson-Cooper grabbed the winning goal midway through the second half after Jarrad McNally's opener was quickly cancelled out by Samual Bridge. Joondalup were also indebted to goalkeeper Andy Banks who pulled off a stunning save to keep out Darren Kingston's late free-kick.

Armadale started the stronger of the two sides with Bridge and captain Warren Grieve going close with early efforts. Joondalup first attempt came when Max Pope latched onto a poor back pass by Peter Jackson but Armadale goalkeeper Alex Preece was quick off his line. The teams looked nervous and found it difficult to keep possession in the following twenty minutes, with a number of wasteful long passes gifting the ball to the opposition.

Sean Nicholls sparked Armadale into life on the half hour by driving down the right and rolling the ball across the 6-yard box, however, there was no-one there to convert. Six minutes later Grieve found himself in behind the Joondalup defence only to have Mark Tebbut make an important tackle. Armadale looked the more likely to score and perhaps should have done when Nicholls cross from the right was a touch too high for Kingston, who didn't quite have enough spring in his legs to make a connection.

Joondalup made Armadale pay for their wastefulness six minutes into the second half when McNally got in behind the defence and coolly slotted across Preece and inside the far post. But the lead was to be short lived as just a minute later Bridge wriggled free of his marker and, despite miss-hitting his shot, fired beyond Banks from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Stung by surrendering their lead so quickly, Joondalup launched wave after wave of attack. Pope volleyed wide from a Benson-Cooper corner, then McNally was about to pull the trigger when thwarted by Aron Beattie's desperate block. Pope should have restored his side's advantage in the 70th minute but headed wide when found unmarked by substitute Conrad Poi. That miss was forgotten just seconds later as Benson-Cooper glided past two opponents on the edge of the area before firing into Preece's net.

There was still plenty of time for Armadale to get back into the game, and Kingston very nearly had another quick response but his powerful free-kick from 20-metres was pushed over the bar by Banks. The Joondalup 'keeper backed this by again denying Kingston, this time blocking the strikers low shot with his legs. Armadale threw everything at their opponents but the writing was clearly on the wall when Kingston's brave 84th minute header rolled narrowly past the far post.

Armadale: Alex Preece, Peter Jackson, Mark Darby, Aron Beattie, Daniel Paredes, Sean Nicholls, Darren Kingston, Jake Daley (Shariff Mohomad 57), Samual Bridge, Adam Galvin (Cameron Richins 75), Warren Grieve
ECU Joondalup: Andy Banks, Tom Swatton, Lee Thomson, Josh Brook, Mark Tebbutt, Shane Doyle, Jake Benson-Cooper, Jon Stynes, Jarrad McNally (Andy Banks 79), Max Pope (Colin Hoey 82), Jordan Withey (Conrad Poi 67)
Bookings: Stynes (12), Darby (17)
Dismissals: Nil
Referee: Steve Knight

22.8.2010

PERTH PREVAIL IN YOUTH CUP THRILLER (by David Cameron, Football West)

Perth SC completed an impressive League and Cup double by out-shooting Cockburn City on penalties in a fitting finale to the State League Youth Cup at Frank Drago Reserve. Kristian Toy fired Cockburn ahead early in the second half only for Rory Lowe to equalise within minutes, and with neither team able to find the net for a second time in regulation time it was Perth who triumphed from the spot.

Both teams started the match in a spirited fashion, casting aside any nerves that may be present on such an occasion. The first chance of real significance fell to Chris Rizidis, who met a cross from the right but looped his header harmlessly wide. Cockburn's compact formation prevented Perth from generating the first half chances that they would liked, while Cockburn were limited to attacking on the counter.

The game exploded into life in the second half with a couple of quick goals, a missed penalty and a red card. Cockburn were on the score sheet after 58 minutes when Blake Sokolowski raced down the right before squaring perfectly for Toy who found the net at the second opportunity after goalkeeper Massimo Salamone blocked his initial attempt.

Perth were not about to be denied and two minutes later were back on equal terms, Rory Lowe showing great composure in rolling the ball under oncoming 'keeper Nathan Cipriano and into the far corner. With the prospect of penalties looming both teams stepped up their search for a crucial second goal. And Perth would have had one had Alan Darlington's penalty kick not smashed into the crossbar with Cipriano diving the wrong way.

That miss was compounded moments later when Emmanuel Mansaray was sent off for a second bookable offence. Luck seemed to desert Cockburn in the penalty shoot-out with the crucial first spot kick hit into the post and Salamone making a good save. After Salamone's kept out Cockburn's fourth attempt, it was left to Chris Rizidis to coolly place into the top corner and seal a memorable win for the Blues.

Jubilant Perth coach Aldo Trinca heaped praise on his team following the nail-biting shoot-out. "I was pleased with the team's intensity today and to their credit the boys stayed patient even though things didn't go our way," said Trinca. "As you saw at the end there the boys really enjoyed it and they deserve it after all the hard work that they put in through the season."

Cockburn City: Nathan Cipriano, Marc Zagami, Chris Blackridge, Declan Boyham, Shazalee Abdollah, Ali Gholami (Blake Adams 73), Brad O'Brein, Alex Castiello, Blake Sokolowski, Oscar Thompson, Kristian Toy
Perth SC: Massimo Salamone, J.Pullella, Chris Saldaris, Alan Darlington, Mellad Sakhie (Sebastian Melis 73), Emmanuel Mansaray, Rory Lowe, Josh Pereira, Chris Rizidis, Michael Rizidis, Joshua Wilkins
Bookings: Thompson (60), Mansaray (60), Abdollah (79)
Dismissals: Mansaray (75)
Referee: Taz Paraskevas

21.8.2010

JELIC ON HAND TO GIVE GLORY THREE POINTS

Perth Glory has returned to the top of the A-League ladder after defeating Newcastle Jets 1-0 this afternoon at Perth Oval. A contentious goal from first half substitute Branko Jelic, which the Jets believe was handled into the back of the net, ultimately separated the sides in an entertaining clash. The result maintained Glory’s impressive recent home record, as it dominated for the most part with some impressive attacking football. However, the win came at a cost with Mile Sterjovski and Jamie Harnwell leaving the field early due to injury.

The first genuine opening of a scrappy first-half had Sterjovski fire just wide following a well-rehearsed throw-in drill on 17 minutes. Unfortunately for Sterjovski his involvement came to an end shortly after the half-hour mark when a crude Ljubo Milicevic challenge led to his replacement by Jelic. Newcastle went within inches of scoring minutes later when Marko Jesic’s 20-metre free-kick crashed into the crossbar. Half-time was only moments away when Jelic instinctively chested the loose ball in from close-range after Ben Kennedy brilliantly parried a Todd Howarth volley.

A first-half low on incident gave way to a more entertaining second period which opened with Robbie Fowler heading a Howarth cross against the bar. Jelic was unable to steer a 53rd minute volley on target, and ten minutes later the same player blazed over after Naum Sekulovski rounded the ‘keeper and rolled the ball into his path. Last ditch defending by Ljubo Milicevic prevented Fowler from doubling Glory’s lead on 70 minutes after Jelic had teed-up his strike partner.

Chances continued to flow for the home side as full-time approached. Jelic just failed to convert from close-range after Kennedy had flapped at a corner from Fowler, who soon after headed straight at the goalkeeper after a fine cross from his Serbian colleague. New Zealand international Jeremy Brockie gave the 12,031-strong home crowd a late scare when he dragged a shot narrowly wide from just inside the box. But Glory stood firm to see out the remaining minutes and in doing so secure their best start to an A-League season.

21.8.2010

GLORY WIN COMES AT A PRICE

Perth Glory have paid a heavy cost for today’s win against Newcastle Jets with Mile Sterjovski and Jamie Harnwell failing to complete the game. Sterjovski limped from the field after 38 minutes with an ankle problem while Harnwell was forced off in stoppage time with a calf injury. “I think Mile has rolled his ankle so that could be two or three weeks,” coach David Mitchell said. “That’s unfortunate because he’s been looking sensational. With Jamie Harnwell it’s a little tweak of his calf and we’ll have to monitor that. Whether it puts him out for next week or not I don’t know.”

21.8.2010

VELAPHI AIMS FOR ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET

Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi is aiming to repeat his performance that kept Melbourne Victory scoreless last weekend when Perth Glory take on Newcastle Jets this afternoon. Stung by criticism from commentators during Glory's opening round 3-3 draw with North Queensland Fury, Velaphi responded with a string of saves that helped the club grab their first A-League win in Melbourne. "I didn't think it was great but it wasn't as bad as some people talked it up in the media," Velaphi told the 'West Australian'. "Every time you don't win you're going to be under the microscope, especially as a 'keeper."

Velaphi, 23, refused to let the criticism get to him and after producing potentially match-winning saves against Melbourne he is keen to keep Newcastle at bay and extend Glory's stay at the top of the table. "If you take it to heart it's not going to help you," he added. "Every week is going to be difficult. Newcastle have only conceded one goal and they're defending really well and they've got (ex-English Premier League striker) Michael Bridges up front, who's always dangerous." Coach David Mitchell has indicated he will stick with the starting eleven that downed Melbourne, although he is likely to revert back to a 4-4-2 system.