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2.6.2023

NPL-WA ROUND ELEVEN - PREVIEW

It's busy week for some NPLWA – Men’s teams, starting at the weekend in the league, before Australia Cup games in midweek. But firstly, to league matters and our ‘Match of the Round’ sees Perth RedStar hosting Olympic Kingsway at the Redstar Arena in Joondalup. (All games kick off at 3pm unless stated) Both sides are not involved in the Cup round, but with the league so tight three points will be vital in this one. Both sides are coming of high scoring wins, Daryl Nicol scoring a hat-trick as the hosts beat Cockburn 5-1 to move to second, while Ciaran Byrne bagged a brace as Olympic moved up to seventh after a 4-3 win against Bayswater. The last time the two sides met at the venue in the league was back in May 1999, when the then ECU Joondalup beat Olympic 4-0 in round five, on the way to their first Premier League title under Paul Simmons, while Olympic were relegated that season.

It will be a first return for Olympic Kingsway coach David Tough, who spent many seasons at the Campus as assistant coach, and was part of the coaching team under Kenny Lowe when ECU Joondalup won the Premier League title in 2020, he said they were great times at the Jacks. “I had the privilege of being part of ECU for over 12 years, an incredible time that I really enjoyed and made lifelong friendships,” he explained. “I was fortunate enough to work with some exceptional coaches who have greatly influenced my coaching style today, and in my last full season being part of the coaching staff that won the NPL title was a memorable way to depart.”

Tough said the win against Bayswater was important for his side, bouncing back from the disappointing result against Inglewood the week before, but they left it late. “The victory was fantastic, although we secured the win in the final moments, I firmly believe that we deserved the three points based on our overall performance,” he said. “Our first-half display was the best we've played all season, and we’ve discussed the importance of improving our consistency as our performance the week before against Inglewood was very disappointing, as we just failed to show up. Although credit must be given to Inglewood, as they were hunger and fully deserved their victory.”

The Scotsman, who is in second season at Olympic, knows Saturday is a tough game, against a side who are scoring freely, but his side, which includes a number of former ECU Joondalup/RedStar players, have also been finding the net in recent games, so he is expecting a good game, and it’s one he is looking forward to. “We are faced with a huge challenge this weekend, going up against what I consider to be the favourites for the title, and I’m aware of the owner's determination to claim titles from my time at the club,” Tough explained. “Callum has been able to assemble a squad full of talented players that are more than capable of doing so, and I’ve also been told they have a lad up front who’s meant to be pretty good which always helps. The club has changed a lot since the rebranding, but it will be good to hopefully see some familiar faces.”

RedStar moved to second with a big win against Cockburn, their first home win of the season, and coach Callum Salmon missed the game as he was interstate, but after reviewing the game he was delighted with the result and the performance, especially with the league being so tight this season. “Very happy with the performance and even happier with the boys taking their opportunities in front of goals which has been missing lately,” the coach explained. “We’ve been dominating games and not getting our rewards, so I was very pleased we could execute on the weekend. I think we’ve said all season how tight and competitive the league will be so no surprises there, and I’d say this will continue all year and will be an exciting ride for the neutrals.”

Salmon said Olympic have been great in the first season back in the top flight of WA football since 1999, and knows there is a big connection between a number of Olympic coaches and players with ECU/RedStar, but that will be all forgotten at kick off and he is expecting a good game, and looking to continue where they left off last week. “Excited for the game and aiming to keep our winning run going,” he said. “Kingsway have had a great season so far and no different to any game we’ll need to be on top of our game to play well and win, looking forward to an entertaining game.”

In other games this weekend Cockburn City entertain Balcatta Etna at Dalmatinac Park. Both sides are in cup action in the week, holders Cockburn hosting Gwelup Croatia, while Balcatta host Floreat Athena, but first they need to bounce back to the winner’s circle in the league, Balcatta after drawing with Floreat, while Cockburn lost heavily at RedStar. Sorrento, who are also in cup action on Tuesday, hosting Swan United, make the trip to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take on Armadale. The Gulls were edged out in Albany by Glory last week, while the hosts were well beaten by Stirling, and will be without former Gulls striker Chris Jackson, who was sent off last week.

The round begins on Friday evening, when Perth Glory host Floreat Athena at Lark Hill, Sportsplex. (7.00pm) Floreat ended a five-game losing streak with a draw at Balcatta last week, while Glory will be buoyed by their late win against Sorrento in Albany. New Perth SC coach Danny Hay will be watching from the sidelines as they entertain Bayswater City in the Italian Derby at Dorrien Gardens. The former New Zealand national coach will take the reins on Monday, so interim coaches Basil Lenzo and Stuart Banks will look to build on their win against Inglewood last week, while Bayswater, who welcome back Gordon Smith and Kosta Sparta, will look to end a two-game run without a win.

In the final game Inglewood United, who take on Fremantle City at Alfred Skeet Reserve in the cup on Tuesday, travel to Macedonia Park to take on league leaders Stirling Macedonia. The hosts, who will be without influential midfielder Calvin Whitney through suspension, thrashed Armadale last week to move two points clear at the top, while Inglewood lost at Perth, a result that dropped them to tenth on the ladder. The loss at Dorrien Gardens was a disappointment for United, especially after the big win at Olympic the week before, and defender Ciaran Salinger said it was just one of those days. “It was defiantly one of those days, they sat off us and let us have a lot of the ball and just capitalised on our mistakes from set pieces, which was disappointing,” he explained. “I thought it was a very questionable sending off, which essentially determined the outcome of the game. Playing at Dorrien Gardens with 10 men down 2-0, isn’t the best situation to be in.”

United will be without Antony Bafobusha who was sent off last week, and Salinger knows they need to be at their best to get the three points, but he is confident they can. “We need to react and get back to stringing good performances and results together and I am confident we can get that started this Saturday against Stirling,” the defender said. “We need to concreate on that game first, before we think about the cup game against Fremantle on Tuesday. It is without a doubt going to be a good game, they are flying at the moment in Division One, and will sure be up for it.”

2.6.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND TEN PREVIEW

We head into Week Ten of the State League Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is the top of the table clash between Mandurah City and Western Knights at Genesiscare Stadium on Saturday (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The Knights sit one point clear at the top of the table, and are coming off a big win against Subiaco, while Mandurah scored two second half goals to beat Forrestfield. Both sides have scored 28 goals this season the second best in the league, and have only conceded eight and nine goal respectively, so this one should be a great game, and three points are huge for both.

The last time the two sides met at the venue in the league was in round 21 last season, when the hosts won 3-0. Craig Barker gave the hosts the lead early, before debutant Leigh Griffiths added a second just before half time. They sealed the points eight minutes from time with a third, James Paylor’s cross from the left was bundled home by Barker from close-range.

Knights’ striker Albert Luwi said the win last week was for their supporters, who they let down in their last home game against Fremantle, and it showed that day, you can’t take your foot of the pedal in any game, if you do you will get beat. “It was nice to give our supporters a good performance and get a win at home based on our recent bad form at home, everyone performed well and definitely could have added a few more goals to the score sheet but overall, a good performance, happy to continue our momentum with back-to-back wins,” he explained.

“We know we have a big target on our backs and every team is looking to take us off the top, we personally feel we have let that gap become to close due to our own doings, but that’s football at the end of the day. The pressure to perform and win every week is obviously there, but we are embracing it as it provides that extra motivation every game. Our target is to be in the NPL next season and I’m confident if we stay hungry and not get complacent, we can achieve it.”

Luwi said Saturday is a huge clash, against a good Mandurah side, and he said a win would put down a marker for the rest of the season, and that’s what they are aiming for. “Mandurah will be a big game for us not just table standing wise but also for bragging rights,” he said. “They have beaten us twice, one in the night series which went to penalties and the other in the cup which was another close one, so we are excited to break that streak and stop them doing a three-peat on us especially when the points matter this time. It will definitely be another electrifying game, but I’m confident we will prepare well during the week and come Saturday get a result.”

Mandurah had to stay patient last week to beat Forrestfield, but second half goals saw them come home with the three points, and player/coach John Baird said they had to fight hard after the break against a well organised side. “In the first half I felt we were the better team without creating any clear-cut chances, which isn’t like us,” he said. “But fair play to Forrestfield, they took the game to us after the break, before we scored our first goal arguably against the run of play. Joey then produced a bit of magic to get the second which secured the win and keeps us a point behind the leaders.”

Baird, who returns to the side this week, said Saturday is a huge game, and he has been pleased with his side this season in the big games, and is hoping for more of the same on Saturday. “I think the way we have played over the last year has showed we play well under so called pressure, and winning back-to-back cup finals proves that, so we’re expecting performances week in week out, and the players have delivered,” the coach explained. “Games against Western Knights have been excellent so far and good adverts for WA football. I think it will be more of the same on Saturday, and there will be a good crowd for what should be a good game.”

In other games third placed Fremantle City host fifth placed Murdoch University Melville at Hilton Park. The portside are in Australia Cup action in midweek, looking to make it three NPLWA scalps, when they take on Inglewood United at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Tuesday. But first they have to overcome a MUMFC side looking to get back into the winner’s circle, after no wins in their last four games, while City had to come from two goals down to beat Gosnells last week. The other side who has cup commitments on Tuesday is Gwelup Croatia, who make the trip to Percy Doyle Reserve to meet Sorrento. But first they travel to Lark Hill, Sportsplex to take on Rockingham City on Saturday evening. (5pm) Gwelup throw away two points last week, conceding two late goals to draw with Joondalup, while City will look to build on their win at MUMFC last time out.

Joondalup United comeback draw at Gwelup saw them lose ground on the top three, but it will give them confidence heading into their home clash against bottom of the table Forrestfield United, who showed last week in the narrow loss against Mandurah, they are improving. Meanwhile the improving Dianella White Eagles make the trip to Rosalie Park to take on Subiaco. Only point separates the two sides on the leader, the Eagles jumping to sixth after their win against UWA last week, while Subiaco slipped to eighth after their loss at the Knights.

In the final game we head to the UWA Sports Park where UWA Nedlands welcome Gosnells City. We know it’s only round ten, but this is a real six-pointer for both teams. The hosts are in 11th placed on the table, after Richard Abrams side lost narrowly at Dianella, while the visitors, who parted-company with coach Ross Greer last week, with Peter Allen becoming interim coach, with Alan Dunlop and Andy Pomfret as his assistants, sit tenth, but they really took it Fremantle last week, before eventually losing 2-4, so three points in this one will be huge.

Interim coach Peter Allen said its disappointing that Greer resigned, but he was pleased the way the lads gave a strong performance against Fremantle. “Ross has done a great job since he arrived at the club, but we have to move on, and when the club approached me to take over as the interim coach, it was the furthest thing on my mind, but the club means a lot to me, and I was happy to help out,” Allen explained. “I sat down with the clubs committee, and agreed to take over, but asked for former Gosnells players Dunners and Andy to assist me, as I’ve got a broken ankle at the moment, and we’ve been working hard ever since.”

The trip to Subiaco is a huge challenge, but Allen said his side have been playing well in recent weeks, and not getting the results, and he hopes to change that on Saturday. “The lads have been outstanding this season, especially after the heavy defeat at Mandurah in the opening game,” he said. “But we have many leaders on the pitch, skipper Scott Pereira, Tom Kennedy, Aiden Hoody and Blake Adams, to name a few and their experience has been great for the rest of the squad. We head into Saturday’s game in a confident mood and will be looking for a positive result.”

2.6.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TEN PREVIEW

Curtin University will be looking for back-to-back wins, in the State League Division Two, and keep tabs on the top two, when they welcome Ashfield to Edinburgh Oval in our ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday evening. (6pm) The hosts sit third, eight points off the leaders, and will look to build on last week’s win against Joondalup, when a Simone Sichel brace saw them runout 3-0 winners, while Ashfield sit eighth after a loss at Maddington.

The last time the sides met at the venue was in the final round last season, with the hosts running out 4-1 winners. Kieran Witt gave them a perfect start, scoring twice in the opening 23 minutes. Stephen Barnard scored for Ashfield from the spot 15 minutes from time, but an own goal from Kurtiss Allen-Nash and another from skipper Jeffrey Ledwith late secured the win.

Ashfield player/coach James Sammut said their form had been on the improve, but the loss at Maddington was disappointing. “Our form had been on the up, and the coaches and I had been really pleased, but the loss to Maddington was very disappointing,” he explained. “First half we had a lot of possession in our attacking half and dominated play, but unfortunately, we didn’t take our chances and that ended up costing us. They were clinical in the second half, and the quality they had up top took their chances on the night.”

Sammut said they have prepared well this week for a huge game, against a side who have continued to impress this season, but he believes they can bounce back from last week’s defeat. “Saturday evening is a massive game for us, but we have trained well this week and it’s a game where we need to bounce back from the loss at Maddington,” he said. “From all reports they are a good side, and play good football, but we are looking forward to the challenge. We will have to make a few changes to the side this week through suspension, illness and injury, but this gives opportunities to the lads who have been waiting for a chance.”

In other games this week, league leaders Kingsley Westside host Canning City at Chichester Park. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Kingsley sit three points clear at the top of the table, and unbeaten this season, so bottom of the table Canning, who are still searching for their first win, face a tough test. Second placed Morley Windmills welcome Wanneroo City to Wotton Reserve. Marc Anthony’s side sit two points behind the leaders, and face a Wanneroo side who will be looking to bounce back from defeat at Balga last week.

Quinns will go in search of their first home win of the season, when they host Maddington-Kalamunda White City at Gumblossom Park. The hosts pushed the leaders all the way last week, before eventually losing to a late goal, while Maddington beat Ashfield, and will be looking to build on that result. Balga will be buoyed by their win against Wanneroo last week, when they host Joondalup City at Princess Road Reserve, while the host will be looking for their first win on the road this season

It’s a big week for Swan United, who take on Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Swan Italian Club, Francis Street on Saturday, before a meeting away with Sorrento in the Australia Cup quarter-final on Tuesday. Rovers were edged out by Morley last week, while Swan were held by Canning, and coach Colin Morgan said it was a disappointing result. “Last week was a really frustrating day for us. We didn't play anywhere near our best, but I believe we were still the better side,” he explained. “But a late mistake at the back cost us the three points I thought we deserved, but that's football, it's cruel sometimes.”

Morgan said they need to take it one game at a time, with the games coming thick and fast, but their sole thought is Saturday’s clash against Rovers. “Your right, a massive week coming up for us, but we can’t look past Rovers at the moments,” he said. “They are a good side, and one we've come up against and beaten in the cup earlier this season. Unfortunately, it seems the injury stick has taken a big swoop at Swan, so our depth is being tested every week at the moment. So, with three games in a week coming up, it's definitely going to be pushed this week, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

30.5.2023

AZZURRI NAME HAY AS NEW NPLWA – MENS COACH

Perth SC have appointed former New Zealand national team manager, and Perth Glory defender, Danny Hay as their new NPLM – Men’s Head Coach. The club parted company with Marc and Dale Wingell two weeks ago, despite the club sitting top of the table earlier in the season, but results dropped in recent weeks and the club decided a change was required, with Basil Lenzo taking control in the interim, and was at the helm in their 4-0 win against Inglewood United on Saturday, there first win in five games.

Hay is a former professional and a New Zealand international defender, capped 31 ties for the All Whites, and also played two seasons at Perth Glory, winning the prestigious Perth Glory Most Glorious Player award in 1999, jointly with Scott Miller, before heading to the UK with Leeds United and Walsall. The 48-year-old started his coaching career at Auckland-based high school Sacred Heart College, where he led the school to national championships in 2011, 2014 and 2016. In 2019, Hay led Eastern Suburbs AFC to its first national title in New Zealand in 48 years. He then coached New Zealand’s U17s and was coach of the New Zealand national team from 2019-2022.

Perth SC President Jason Marocchi is delighted to have Hay at Dorrien Gardens, as the club look for the their first NPL title since 2021. “Danny has a track record of coaching success, with a key focus on the development of young footballers,” Marocchi explained. “Danny shares our values and his approach to football is totally aligned with what we are trying to achieve at Perth SC - success, while providing opportunities for talented and serious footballers. We welcome Danny to the Perth SC family and cannot wait to start working with him.”

Hay said he is looking forward to the challenge at one of the biggest clubs in WA. “I am really excited to join a club with such prestige and history in the local game in Western Australia,” he said. “I can’t wait to get working with all at Perth SC to bring the club’s vision to life.” The New Zealander will take on the role on Monday June 5, and in the meantime interim coach Basil Lenzo and assistant Stuart Banks will manage the team one last time for this weekend’s clash against Bayswater City. “On behalf of the club, I want to sincerely thank Basil and Stuart for stepping up and working with the team over the past few weeks,” Marocchi said. “Further announcements on Hay’s support staff will be made in due course.”

28.5.2023

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SIX REVIEW

Our Belt Up Amateur Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ was an entertaining 0-0 draw between East Perth and Emerald at Cabrini Park. “First half, I thought we played well in patches and had some great opportunities to score. In the second half, the game got scrappy and we lost our composure a little bit but still had some chances but couldn’t convert’ Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “I thought it was a very exciting game, always a tough battle against East Perth but for some brilliant saves from their keeper I think we would have come away with all three points, but we will take the point and keep building on our good form of late.”

The hosts were on the front foot early and Andrew Wood found space in the box, but his shot was superbly saved by Luke Green. The East Perth custodian was in for a busy afternoon, getting down well to deny James Craig’s free kick after the break, before doing likewise to thwart Wood’s long-range shot. East Perth created chances late with Oscar Kelly almost winning it, racing clear on goal, but his shot flew over the top, but at full time the points were shared. “Very good game today against a very good Emerald side,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said.

“We knew they would start very fast and they did exactly that, and for the first 25 minutes they we’re excellent and we just never started. Our keeper was called upon a lot in first half and thankfully was in great form, and for me half time came at good time for us and we had a good chat and reset. I thought we grew into the game and created some great chances especially near the end but just couldn’t capitalise and overall draw fair enough result. Emerald is flying and can see why they are up top of the league, and you are never getting anything for free off them lads so overall happy with result.”

We have a new league leader, with Kelmscott Roos leapfrogging Emerald to the summit after a 4-1 win against Joondalup United at Beldon Park. “It was a tough start to the game for us, we created some really good chances but failed to put any of them away which was frustrating, and we missed a penalty as well, before conceded a sloppy lazy goal and was not a good half,” Kelmscott’s Taylor Warwick explained. “After a few slight changes and quicker ball movement in the second half, we took control of the game and put it to bed quickly. Was a good fight back in the second half and we’re happy with the win overall.”

It was the hosts who opened the scoring on 21 minutes, Dom-Breard Elliott on target. Kelmscott should have levelled before the break, but Alex Ekeze failed to convert from the spot. But three minutes into the second half the did find the equaliser, Miguel Oliveria cross was turned into his own net by Shane Doran. Joondalup were then reduced to ten men two minutes later, after Elliott was sent off, and the visitors hit the front just before the hour mark. Isaac Koomson sending Ekeze down the flank, he whipped in a cross in which was turned into his own net by a Joondalup defender. Kelmscott made it 3-1 on 66 minutes, Lemeo Wordu pinpoint cross found Amos Doegolia who took a great touch and finished clinically. They sealed the points ten minutes later, Doegolia finishing off a great move with a tidy finish in the box.

North Perth sits second on goal difference after a 4-2 win against Peel United at Bortolo Park on Saturday evening. “We had to dig very deep player wise for this game having seven first team players away, and I was so pleased how the players given a starting spot stood up for the battle against a very enthusiastic Peel,” North Perth coach Alex Carter explained. “We weren’t anywhere near our best but we found a way to get the points.” The visitors were out of the blocks early and found the opening goal on three minutes, a free flowing counter attack led to Medhi Gholami, who cut in from the left and firing low past their keeper.

It was 2-0 three minutes later, Peel failed to clear the lines, and in the goalmouth scramble Gholami fired home his second. But Peel hit back with a quickfire brace from Mitchell Kelman levelling the scores on the half hour. But just before the break North Perth regained the lead, Brian Woodall held the ball up well, before crossing to the back post where Jeremiah Markson rose above a pack of players to head home. The game was open and end to end for most the second half, but on 66 minutes North Perth sealed the points, Woodall finishing clinically past Daryl Willmott.

South Perth United moved up to third after a comfortable 5-0 win against Kwinana United at Challenger Reserve. “We got off to the perfect start scoring in the third minute and I thought we dominated the game after scoring so early,” South Perth coach lee Hayward said. “I thought we probably deserved more last week up at North Beach but didn't take our chances and ended up losing, so it was good to see the lads be a lot more clinical than previous weeks.”

The home side were ahead after only three minutes, Ben Greaves broke from midfield, playing a ball into George Stephens who fired home clinically. It was 2-0 on 21 minutes, South Perth skipper Alex Godfrey converting from the spot, to send the hosts into the break in control. A Kwinana comeback was quashed in the opening minute of the second half, with Greaves scoring straight from the restart, before Stephens grabbed a quickfire brace just after the hour mark to seal the game and complete his hat-trick.

Jaguar and North Beach have shared the spoils after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Sunday afternoon. “In my time at North Beach, I've probably not experienced a more entertaining end to end game, despite the full-time result finishing 1-1,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We entered the break down 1-0, but really felt like we could go on and win the game, we weren't short of chances and knew we just had to keep pushing. So, a draw seemed fair on the balance of play and we take a lot of positives away from this tough fixture moving forward.”

The hosts hit the front early, after they were awarded a penalty, after the referee spotted a handball. Conor O’Driscoll stepped up but North Beach keeper Aaron Persse guessed the right way to save, but O’Driscoll fired home the rebound. But the visitors found the equaliser after the break, Ben Reynolds made space out wide, and his perfectly weighted cross found Andy Keogh, who finished clinically. Both sides had chances to win it, the hosts hitting the woodwork, while North Beach had a penalty shout waved away late, so both sides had to share the spoils.

“Unlucky to ourselves we missed a lot of chances and I feel it was a game that would have gone our way, and I thought we dominated the entire first half, and took the lead into the break,” Jags coach Josam Muwowo explained. “But North Beach came back strong and organised in the second half after introducing Andy Keogh who brought stability in their attacking phase. We persisted in missing opportunities which we would have sealed the game, but overall, it was a good game full of flair against a good team. I feel we as a team are slowly improving in certain areas and I believe with time in the season we will get there it's just a matter of taking one game at a time.”

In the final game Wembley Downs won for the third time this season after a 5-1 win against South West Phoenix at Butlers Reserve. “It was a good result for us, after a disappointing loss last week against East Perth, and we look forward to the cup this weekend against Fremantle,” Wembley coach Andrew Whalley said. “Again, much respect to SWP who come so far, every fortnight and they looked dangerous the first ten before we took control. They will score goals, so happy with the three points.”

A late start to this one, after the Football West referee didn’t show, but it was Wembley were ahead when Ben Swinnerton’s corner caused havoc, and was headed into his own net by a Phoenix defender. They doubled their lead in similar circumstances, Swinnerton’s corner headed home by Luke Thistlethwaite. It was 3-0 when Thistlethwaite side footed past the keeper after a mazy run. Halil Russo on debut got the last two goals with a header (his first touch) from a Ryan Morris throw and then a tap in after great work from Dave Brownless. Jayden Browner scored a consolation goal for Phoenix late.

28.5.2023

NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND NINE REVIEW

The NPLWA – Women’s competition headed to the regions in round nine, with the Football West’s Great Southern Regional Festival of Football game between Hyundai NTC and Perth RedStar taking place at Retravision Stadium in Albany, and it was RedStar who extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after a 2-0 win. RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena said the trip was a great experience for both sides, and he was delighted to come home with the three points. “Regional Festival of Football is a great initiative from Football West and we were honoured and privileged to be involved, and I would like to thank Football West for giving us this opportunity,” he said.

“NTC are always a challenge, they are a spirited and well-coached side full of youthful energy. We were able to control the game and maintain possession of the ball which saw us bring home the three points along with the Regional Cup. I am very proud of team’s performance both on and off the pitch this weekend. They represented the club with composure, maturity and professionalism at all times.” NTC had beaten the RedStar in the first round this season, but Vega-Mena’s were on the front foot with Jayna Ridley a constant threat.

Down the other end, Grace Johnston tried her luck from long-range, but it was RedStar who found the opener midway through the half. Japanese midfielder Reina Kagami continuing her hot streak in front of goal, capitalised on an error by NTC, before easing past her marker and finding the corner of the net. RedStar made sure of the points with a second goal from Kagami, she played a nice give and go with Sophia Neal on the edge of the area before curling into the bottom corner, her ninth goal of the season.

Perth SC are up to second on the ladder after a narrow 1-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park on Sunday afternoon. “It was an important three points for us, as we were hit with a number of disappointing results, but the girls have been great despite the struggles in recent weeks, and their character on Sunday showed their ability to bounce back from adversity,” Perth coach Peter Rakic said. “Even with our current long injury list we are hopeful that this can breathe new life and determination into the squad, and carry on our resilient performances moving forward.”

It was a tight first half with both sides having opportunities, although it was Rakic’s side who took control after the break, but they found Subiaco keeper Ash Riddle in fine form. She denied Abbey Meakins and Stella Zampogna, before she injured herself thwarting Judy Connolly. Substitute keeper Jemma Skinner came on, and was soon in the action saving well from another Meakins effort. But 15 minutes from time the Azzurri found the opener, Gemma Craine’s cross picked out Monique Goodding, and she scored on the second attempt. Skinner denied them a second late, after Flannery was sent clear by Craine, but the Subiaco keeper stood tall to deny her.

In other games this weekend, Fremantle City are third on goal difference after a 2-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium on Saturday night. They had to earn to come from behind to take the points, after Jessica Johnson had given the hosts the lead on 20 minutes. Then in the shadows of halftime the visitors levelled, Abbey Green’s cross was headed home by Katarina Jukic. Fremantle should have hit the front early in the second half, but Annabelle Leek saw her penalty saved by Stacey Cavill. But moments later Fremantle won it, Jamie-Lee Gale’s cross from the left was met by Olivia Trueman who made no mistake.

“With most teams being so close in points, Saturday’s game was crucial for us to jump several places on the ladder,” Fremantle’s Laura Waltman said. “Like every week, the girls have been playing with such heart and determination and it is showing on the pitch and now on the scoreboard. It was a very tough game and MUMFC have some really talented girls who made us fight to the last second to get the win.”

On Friday night, Balcatta Etna beat Curtin University 4-0 at Edinburgh Ovql, which kept them in the mix of the top four. “We are really pleased with the win against an improved Curtin team,” Balcatta coach Tim Cash said. “We mixed up the team and tactics resulting in four goals and humbly we would have liked to have scored more. Every goal was well taken with some nice creativity in the build-up, we have a close group and the new players fitted in really well. Special mentions to the goal scorers and notably to Opal Zainurrafiq who scored her first senior goal. Best wishes to Curtin and we look forward to the cup round next week.”

The visitors were ahead on 17 minutes, Tia Stonehill rolled her marker on the edge of the box, before finding the bottom corner. She added a second just before half time, getting on the end of a Andrea Bulgaru cross, to glance a header home. Monique D’Opera added a third after the break, with long-range shot, before they wrapped up the scoring on 73 minutes. Substitute Zainurrafiq turning home at the back post, after good work from Stonehill for here first goal in the NPL.

28.5.2023

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND SEVEN REVIEW

Hamersley Rovers have continued their unbeaten start to the season after a narrow 2-1 against Mandurah City at Genesiscare Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Despite the win Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said they need to improve in certain aspects of their play. “Overall, it was not our best game, we were missing key players and we did well to adapt to a very small pitch which suited Mandurah’s long ball style,” he explained. “But Mandurah did play well, the fact we got the result despite not playing well shows the mentality of our team. It has given us useful information on what we need to improve on, which will only make us better.”

Rovers were ahead in this one, when a ball was played down the line by Jessica Smith to Royan Norman who took it through the defence and finished clinically into the bottom corner. But Mandurah levelled before the break, with Georgia Aiesi sent into the box from a throw in, and finished low past the keeper at the near post. But Rovers took all three points back down the freeway when a throw in from Lauren Nicholson found Ella Kerman, who took it onto her right foot and superbly chipped the keeper.

Sorrento are up to fourth after a hard fought 1-0 win against Port Kennedy at Percy Doyle Reserve. The only goal of the game came 11 minutes from time, a ball was lifted over the top of the defence for Bolton Yang, whose shot on the turn found the net across the keeper from about eight meters. Gulls coach Grant O’Connell said they had to work for the win, but thought they deserved it. “For most the first half both teams cancelled each other out, but we managed to take control towards the end of the half, and control the game for most the second half,” he explained. “Port Kennedy were difficult to break down but our effort and perseverance deserved a goal and I think overall we deserved to win the game.”

In other games UWA Nedlands have bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a 4-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “We were keen to get back to our ways after the disappointing performance against Hamersley last week and I believe we are making our way there,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said. “Key focus was on using the ball wisely and building our attacks to suit u, and the players did a fantastic job against a Subiaco side that is full of energy and youth who kept the pressure on us all over the pitch.” The visitors found the opener when a ball was intercepted by Hannah Seeley, who then played a crossfield ball into Rebecca Saccoccio, who finished calmly past the oncoming keeper.

They doubled their lead when a long ball from Maria Iparraguirre found Jasmin Kennett, who sent a pass over top of the Subiaco defence into the path of Ashley Harling, who took one touch and volleyed home from the edge of the box. It was 3-0 when a corner from Alexandra Lyons was flicked on by Harling, and Saccoccio’s shot was cleared off the line by a Subiaco defender, but referee deemed the ball had crossed the line. They wrapped up the scoring late with a fourth, Tiahna Atkins cross from the right picked out Chloe Rodrigo who made no mistake, given the visitors a comfortable win.

In the final game Perth AFC maintained third spot, after a comfortable 7-0 win against bottom of the table Armadale at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Daisy Spill bagged four on the day, while Jess Moreschini grabbed a hat-trick, as the visitors ran riot. “It was great to finally put a few goals in the back of the net, some really nice finishes and even hitting the post a few times,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said. “The first half we put together some great one touch football, knocking the ball around and linking up really well which was great to see.”

It been a huge week for Caruso, who was named Female Week Football West Male Champion, and he said the club have been tremendous and also deserve credit. “It's an amazing feeling getting named, but I couldn't do it without the amazing group of people we have at the club. They make everything we do so much easier and enjoyable,” he explained. “It's amazing to see where the club and the Female game is headed and I'm excited for what the future holds for the game.”

27.5.2023

NPL-WA ROUND TEN, MATCH OF THE ROUND – OLYMPIC WIN A SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

Our ‘Match of the Round’ at Kingsway Reserve on Saturday evening didn’t disappoint, with Olympic Kingsway and Bayswater City playing out a seven-goal thriller, with the hosts prevailing 4-3. “We are really happy with the result, I thought we showed great character after losing the lead three times. We still continued to play our football and believe we could get a result right until the end,” Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson explained.

“First half I thought we were excellent, controlled the ball really well and created numerous goal scoring opportunities, and we’re unlucky not to come in at half time with a lead. They started to grow into the game in the second half. We showed great discipline in our defending to ride out the storm and take the once lead again. We continued to work really hard and made it difficult for them to create chances, so overall we take a lot of confidence from the result and look to take this into next week’s game.”

The host hit the front on 13 minutes, skipper Shane Cassidy’s pass found David Perich in acres of space in the middle of the park, he raced forward, his shot from the edge of the box was blocked, but he regained possession and finished low past Casey Robertson. But in the shadows of half time Bayswater found the equaliser, referee Josh Nixon spotting a handball from Cassidy, and Ndumba Makeche converted from the spot.

Olympic regained the lead on the hour, a long ball from Cassidy found Robertson in no man’s land, looking for the ball to roll out of play, and Sasa Njegic nicked the ball off him and squared the ball to Ciaran Byrne, who made no mistake. But City restored parity two minutes later, Makeche got to Declan Hargreaves pass, before keeper Joe Pollard, and when the ball bounced, the striker back heeled the ball home from five meters.

The hosts, who were coming off a big loss against Inglewood last weekend, hit the front again eight minutes from time, Ollie Annis’ corner was headed home by Byrne. But in the final minute it looked like City had earned a point, after the referee pointed to the spot after a high boot on Sam Mitchinson from Cian Hirrell, and Jon Stynes finished low past Pollard from the resulting penalty. But deep into stoppage time David Tough’s side found the winner. Annis’ corner was nodded down by Hirrell, and Calum O’Connell blasted the ball home from close-range, much to the delight of the home faithful.

“Obviously a great win and to bounce back after the defeat last week. But the more pleasing aspect was the performance. We were really poor against Inglewood, so we put it to the boys and today we got a reaction, everything lifted from training during the week and our mental strength,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards explained. “It was a good night for Olympic Kingsway to showcase the facilities and new lights. The crowd came down and the game didn’t disappoint, obviously we came away with the three points so it was a happy camp.

“Bayswater are a big club a great team and credit to them. They just wouldn’t go away and that shows the team ethic and the experience they have. Gareth (Naven) and his group have been on a good run and you could see the confidence and structure of their play was very efficient. We know that when we work and play like we did we are a challenge for any team. I thought it was an entertaining game which both teams played their part and a good advert for WA NPL football.”

OLYMPIC KINGSWAY - GK Joe POLLARD, 4 Cian HIRRELL, 5 Calum O’CONNELL, 9 Ciaran BYRNE, 10 Tyler GARNER, 12 James FANELLI, 13 Sasa NJEGIC (19 Joe HOBSON 76’), 14 Liam MURRAY (20 Lebib LEBIB 90’), 15 Shane CASSIDY, 16 David PERICH (8 Ollie ANNIS 61’), 17 Joshua SAMSON – Subs not used: RGK David KEENAN, 2 Oscar BARRY, 3 Daniel WALSH

BAYSWATER CITY - GK Casey ROBERTSON, 6 Declan HARGREAVES, 7 Jon STYNES, 9 Ndumba MAKECHE (17 Teeboy KAMARA 76’), 10 Jason MIRCO, 13 Jordan ABRAHAMS, 14 Samuel DWEH, 15 Jackson STEPHENS (12 Steven HESKETH 85’), 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 23 Cameron EDWARDS, 27 Andrew MARANTA (11 Gustavo CATARCIONE 72’) – Subs not used: 18 Aryan YAZARLOU

27.3.2023

NPL-WA ROUND TEN - REVIEW

Stirling Macedonia moved to the top of the table after a thrashing a ten-man Armadale 5-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “A very good win and well deserved,” keeper James Bosdet said. “We knew it would be tough with their direct play and physical side of the game but the boys rose to the challenge and then once we started to control the game, we created a number of chances and restricted Armadale to only a couple. Great to get our fourth clean sheet in the row and another big three points which took us top of the league.”

The visitors arrived one point ahead of the hosts on the table, with Armadale squad stretched due to injury and suspension, and it was Stirling who found the opener on 17 minutes, a ball over the top sent Kingsley Eshun in on goal, his shot was saved by Joel Driscoll, but Asher Nelson was quickest to the rebound and lobbed the keeper. Armadale pressed but couldn’t find a way past a tight Stirling defence, and at the break they had it all to do.

Jackson went close early in the second half, but James Bosdet stood tall to deny, but any chances of mounting a comeback became even harder on 65 minutes after Jackson was sent off. Tim Berger played the striker in on goal and Stirling keeper Bosdet was out bravely to save at his feet, but the referee deemed it to be late tackle and showed him a red card. To make matters worse Calvin Whitney doubled Stirling’s lead six minutes later, Nelson sent Eshun down the right, and he raced past his marker and pulled the ball back to the unmarked Stirling midfielder who made no mistake.

With Armadale chasing the game, the visitors added a third eight minutes later, Scottish defender James McGowan heading home from close-range. The scoreline blew out in stoppage time, with substitute Samim Fattahi racing clear and rounding Driscoll to score, before Daniel Faichney pounced on a poor back pass and beat Driscoll to the ball before rolling it home, to give Ian Ferguson’s side a 5-0 win.

“I think that this win is a reflection of what we have been capable of all along, and we have started taking our chances and it makes us quite tough to beat,” Brent Quick said. “Armadale have scored the most goals in the league which we saw as a good test for our defence. Even though they looked dangerous at times we were calm at the back and handled it well. It’s also awesome to see our attackers go ahead and capitalise on their opportunities. All around it was a great team performance that we hope continues into our next games.”

Perth SC are back in the winner’s circle and gave interim coach Basil Lenzo his first win in charge after a 4-0 win against Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens. “A great result for the club, and it was a much-needed win,” Perth defender Julian Teles said. “I thought the team played well and as a unit it we were very solid, so it was a great performance to build on for next week’s game Bayswater.”

The hosts made a great start and were ahead on 12 minutes, Julian Teles losing his marker from a corner to head home at the back post. The big defender doubled the Azzurri’s eight minutes before the break, Ethan Banks free kick was headed home by the former Cockburn defender.

Inglewood’s chances of a comeback were halted ten minutes into the second half when Anthony Bafobusha was shown a second yellow card and sent off, after a strong challenge on Sam Cook. The hosts kept the pressure on and added a third on 68 minutes, Banks good run down the left saw him cut inside the penalty area, he got a lucky deflection to take him clear, but he finished with low past Alex Dunn.

They wrapped up the points two minutes from time, Teles sent Zayd Farah down the right, his cross found Banks, whose shot hit one of his own players, the rebound falling to substitute Jeremie Mba on the edge of the box who made no mistake. To move them up to ninth on the table.

Perth Glory have snatched a dramatic stoppage time goal to secure a 3-2 win against Sorrento in the Football West’s Great Southern Regional Festival of Football in Albany. “A good performance from us and we deserved the result,” Glory coach John Walmsley said. “We had chances to put the game to bed earlier with a penalty miss and hitting the crossbar twice, but lacked that end product in front of goal. We showed great character to bounce back from the late Sorrento equaliser and get the win.”

Walmsley said the journey to the regions was great for his young side, and it was a productive trip on and off the pitch. “The trip down here has been superb we always try to be exciting to watch and create a lot of chances and we did that in the match,” he explained. “After the game it was great to see the local fans and youngsters interacting with the players on the pitch. We have enjoyed our time down here and have been looked after really well, so a big thank you to everyone involved with hosting and organising the event.”

It was a thriller from the first whistle, with Laat Mathiang giving the Glory youngsters the lead on ten minutes, Joseph Forde long ball found the midfielder down the right, he raced into goal and finished low past Patrick Hughes at his near post. But their lead only lasted nine minutes, when a foul by Danny Douglas on Joe Tweats saw referee Tom Glavovic point to the spot, and Gulls skipper Dean Cummings sent Luca Iovene the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Glory regained the lead on the half hour, Jayden Gorman’s cross from the left wasn’t dealt with and Joshua Anasmo shot was blocked and then turned into own net by the unfortunate Mark Barnett. They had the perfect opportunity to make it three moments later after Jaylan Pearman sent James Overy into the penalty area and he was brought down by Jordan Brown, and the referee again pointed to the spot. Gorman stepped up, but his penalty was well saved by Hughes, a way to his left.

The second half had chances at both ends, but it looked Glory would travel home with the points, but in the final minute Sorrento levelled. Hugo Snowden slipped Clay Gibbs into the penalty area, and he pulled the ball back to Cummings, who made no mistake. But the drama wasn’t over there and in the second minute of stoppage time Glory won it. A long clearance from Iovene was flicked on by Joel Anasmo, with fellow substitute Khoa Ngo receiving the ball and his shot from the edge of the penalty area curled into the bottom corner to seal the three points and move them up to fourth on the table.

“It was a great win, really strong and mature performance from the boys, and going into the game we had a good feeling and the trip had a good feel to it,” Glory defender Kaelan Majeks said. “Sorrento are always a tough game as they know how to score and they are a smart side, which made it a fight until the last seconds of the game. We were able to control the game and work together throughout the whole game, which is why we ended up scoring the winner in the last stages of the game. It was a great trip to Albany as a group and it was a great way to spread the NPLWA in our regions, it looked like the fans had a great time and I’m sure the NPLWA will now continue in increasing its viewers and fans across Australia.”

Perth RedStar have won at home for the first time this season, after a 5-1 win against Cockburn City at the RedStar Arena, with Daryl Nicol the star bagging another hat-trick. “I thought it was another very dominant display from us against a Cockburn side that didn’t really show any ambition in trying to go forward,” Nicol explained. “It’s important to get the first goal against teams like that and once we got that first goal it was an easy enough victory for us. I was delighted with my hat trick and the way the team played, and we look forward to going again next week against Olympic.”

Both sides had chances in the first half, but it was the league’s top goalscorer Daryl Nicol who opened the scoring on 35 minutes. A quick break down the right ended with a neat back heel by Chok Dau, and Riley Warland squared the ball to Nicol, and the striker finished low past Michael Craggs. The Scottish striker added another five minutes later, Warland and Oscar Malfiore combined down the right, the latter finding Nicol, who skipped past his marker and found the bottom corner of the net.

It was 3-0 on the hour, Declan Hughes free kick was swept home by Dau at the near post. Nicol then completed his hat trick four minutes later. He started the move, sending Dau down the left, and he continued his run and was picked out by Dau, and his quick feet took him clear of three Cockburn defenders, before poking the ball home from six meters.

The Cockerels pulled one back 12 minutes from time, Jesse Lazzaro sent substitute Justin Tang down the right, he cut inside his marker and curled home superbly past Liam Reddy and into the top corner of the net. But it was just a consolation, and the hosts rounded off the scoring with a fifth moments later, Andy Higgins’ corner picked out Hughes at the back post, his header was blocked, but he fired home the rebound, the win moving the hosts to second on the table.

Coach David Butterfield said the players were outstanding, in a well-deserved victory. “Great result for the boys on Saturday, the effort and togetherness of the group was outstanding,” he said. “I thought we created the better of the chances in the first half and deserved to be two nil up. Second half we defended the lead well and managed to create a few more decent opportunities which we took well. It was also good that we managed to get a few younger players on after the fourth goal which was great.”

In the final game, Floreat Athena remain at the foot of the table, but they have stopped their five-game losing streak, after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Balcatta at Grindleford Reserve. “I felt we were the more dominant side and even though we didn’t get the win,” Floreat’s Nick Ambrogio said. “There were improvements in our game which we can hopefully build on for our upcoming fixtures.”

Balcatta’s Adam Buckingham said they had their chances, but a draw was a fair result. “I thought the game was fairly even throughout, but I thought we had the better chances in the first half to score and looked quite dangerous when going forward,” he said. “The second half was a much more open game and they started strong but we were solid defensively. All things considered a draw was probably a fair result.” The visitors went close early, good work down the right saw the ball crossed to Noah Shamaki, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Down the other end Trent Kay was picked out from a corner, but he headed straight at Jason Saldaris. The Floreat keeper then saved well, tipping Declan Hudson shot over the top. After the break the game opened up, but both defences were on top, and Ambrogio shot from the edge of the box was tipped over by Domenic Savoldelli. Sean McManus then went close after being picked out, but his volley flew over the top.

The hosts thought they had a penalty late in the game, Ben Hinshelwood’s shot looked to hit the arm of a Floreat player, but the referee waved away the home sides protests. “Today was a hard-fought draw against a hard-working Balcatta side, where either team had chances to take the points,” Ludovic Boi said. “Happy for us not to concede as we have lost our five league games so it’s a positive, we can look at. But it’s back to basics for us now and make sure we get more points.”

27.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND NINE REVIEW

Fremantle City have kept the pressure on leaders Western Knights after a come from behind 4-2 win in our State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ against Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “We knew it was a tough place to come as they’ve been on a good run losing one in six games along the way,” Fremantle coach Matthew Sparrow said. “We started slowly and found ourselves two goals down, and we needed a reaction and we found one just before the break. A big second half was needed and we kept the pressure on them and we were rewarded with three goals, the last a brilliant solo goal from Roberto Soares. That put the game to bed and give us a vital three points to keep us in touch with the league leaders.”

The hosts were on the front foot early and were ahead on two minutes, Tom Kennedy’s free kick was headed home by Aaron Coslani. Gosnells doubled their advantage on 24 minutes, Joshua Spencer’s corner from the left wasn’t dealt with and Jamie Burns fired home from close-range. Fremantle needed a reaction and they found it three minutes later, Hamza Hina raced to the bye-line and cut the ball across goal and Alex McLean found the bottom corner.

Fremantle levelled early in the second half, Hina again raced into the box and pulled the ball back to Martim Galvoa who finished well. Fremantle had the momentum and the game got heated on the hour, when a stray elbow caused a melee, but after it died down it was the visitors who hit the front for the first time in the match 20 minutes from time, Patrick Loughrey’s corner headed home Roberto Soares. Gosnells pressed late but they couldn’t find the equaliser and five minutes from time Fremantle added a fourth. Soares received the ball just inside the Gosnells half and raced forward before his shot flew into the top corner of the net giving Dane McBride no chance.

Western Knights maintained their lead at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Subiaco at Nash Field. “I was really happy to get a convincing win at home, the Knights fans deserved to see a victory at home for the first time since round two, which was mainly due to fixturing, but still it’s been long overdue,” Knights Sean Donovan explained. “I thought everyone showed up yesterday to win their one v one battles across the park, and were strong in all departments.

“Subiaco presented a tough challenge with their direct play, and you always have to be wary when Gavin Knight is lurking because we all know he can find the back of the net out of nowhere. But a very strong performance gives us good confidence at the top. All eyes turn to the big game against Mandurah next Saturday now, so this week will be crucial in our preparation for that clash.” The Knights were ahead on six minutes, Owen Goodliffe won possession in the middle of the park and sent Donovan in on goal, and he finished low past Conor Hogan.

They doubled their lead ten minutes before half time, a solo run by Goodliffe ended with low shot with the outside of foot that found the bottom corner. Subiaco looked for a quick response after the break and Gavin Knight’s free kick smacked off the crossbar early. But it was the hosts who secured the points with a third two minutes from time, substitute Paul Lloyd racing into the penalty area and finishing well.

Mandurah City remain second after taking out the ‘Ben Novak Trophy’ after a 2-0 win against Forrestfield United at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park. “Saturday was an important win for us going into the top of table clash and the upcoming weeks,” Mandurah’s Murray Mackintosh said. “It’s an exciting league at both ends currently, and Forrestfield played well but we knew that we could eventually break them down by persisting in the second half and two quick fire goals were just what we needed.”

It was a tight first half, with both sides creating chances, but it was the Dolphins who found the opener on 67 minutes, Robbie Galvin’s free kick from the left found Shaun Mukwevho who headed home at the back post. They added a second moments later, new recruit Brian Patterson ball down the middle was picked up Joe O’Brien, who controlled the ball superbly, before dinking the ball over Nick Stone.

Joondalup United produced a stunning late comeback, with two goals in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw against Gwelup Croatia at the Croatian Sporting Club, Wishart Street. “It was pleasing to get something out of the game considering the position we were in. The boys never stop and we deserved to get at least a point in the game,” Joondalup defender Ben Johns said. “We definitely wanted all three points to cement our place in the top four, but we’ll take the point and look to improve with Forrestfield next week.”

The hosts hit the front early in the second half, Charlie Chechlacz scoring his first goal for the club, curling in a free-kick past Todd Hoyle. It looked like the points were safe as the hosts doubled their lead three minutes from time, Matthew Henry burst into the penalty area and finished with aplomb. But sixty seconds later Joondalup found a lifeline, after referee Stewart Beattie spotted a trip on Callum Stocks by Andrew Scaldaferro, and Jay Lang scored the resulting penalty.

It was game on, then in the sixth minute of stoppage time, the visitors levelled. A long clearance was flicked on by Shaun Kilkelly, and James Harmer raced clear and finished clinically past Josiah Godfrey. “Obviously nice to get my first goal for the club, but really disappointed with how we finished the game, no excuse for not taking all three three from the position we got ourselves into,” Henry said. “Game management is something we have to improve on going forwards, we played some nice football and created some chances which is positive but the whole squad feel disappointed with how we finished the game.”

Rockingham City have won for the third time this season, after beating Murdoch University Melville 4-3 in a thriller at Besteam Stadium. “Happy to come away from a tough away ground with the three points,” Rockingham coach Kris Donnell said. “We started off really well with lots of energy and a lot of possession, but we had to be patient throughout the game with MUMFC block, but the boys were excellent and scored some great goals today. I couldn't ask any more of the whole squad today they all put maximum effort in.”

It was an exciting first half, with goals aplenty, and it was Taylor Carter who opened the scoring for the visitors on three minutes, before Sebastian Hooshangian levelled on 25 minutes. Rockingham regained the lead six minutes later with Rory McGrath scoring, but Hooshangian restored parity from the spot two minutes later, and that was the score at the break. Jayden Leader added a third for Rockingham on the hour, and the points looked safe when Josh Mackinder made it 4-2 in the final minute. Christos Vaenas did pull one back for MUMFC in stoppage time, but it was too little too late.

In the final game Dianella White Eagles recent improvement has continued with a 2-0 win against UWA Nedlands at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. An early goal from Igor Cvijanovic gave the hosts the lead early, before the points were wrapped up six minutes from time with Jonty Pearson on target. “Delighted to get the win, and our first clean sheet of the season,” Dianella coach Angel Andres said. “We are playing well as a team at the moment and we’re being rewarded for the effort, long may it continue.”

27.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND NINE REVIEW

Our State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ was a tight affair, with Morley Windmills coming from behind to beat Carramar Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at Wotton Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “It was a hard-fought win, Shamrock made it difficult for us and we had to regroup at half time as we were nowhere near good enough,” Morley coach Marc Anthony explained. “But in the second half we showed more urgency and quality and we’re happy to get the three points.”

It was the visitors who made the better start, and made it 1-0 after only six minutes. A throw from the right found its way to Chris Pugh on the edge of the box, and his half volley beat Duncan Lennon-Black. The hosts hit back early in the second half, Steve Purton’s free kick from the left was headed home by Ishmael Dawson. The home side won it 20 minutes from time, new signing Darren Francis’ cross picked out Dawson, who headed home his second of the game and seal the three points.

“From our point of view this was a game of two halves, and I don’t think we have played as poorly as we did in the first half this season and to be honest, we were very lucky to only go in 1-0 down at half time,” Morley’s Kevin Ashwood explained. “Rightly so the coaching staff told us a few home truths at the break and we came out a completely different side, and the goal straight after the break helped us settle. Then we were able to get the second and ride out some late pressure to get an important win, against one of our rivals and keep our run going.”

League leaders Kingsley Westside remained top, but also had to come behind at the break, to beat Quinns 3-2 at Gumblossom Park on Saturday evening. “It was a game of two halves by us very average first half and giving away possession to easy which I wasn’t pleased with and probably found ourselves lucky that it was only 2-1 at half time.” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich explained. “Some very harsh words at the break seemed to do the trick, and I felt we controlled second half and probably deserved the win in the end. We now prepare for Canning.’

The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Paul Stewart finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box. But the hosts hit back moments later with Tyler Holden scoring, and he gave them the lead soon after, to send Quinns into the break with the lead. Kingsley, who were the only unbeaten side in the league going into the round, restored parity four minutes in the second half, Luke Salmon’s dipping free kick from distance found the bottom corner of the net. Then 17 minutes from time Kingsley won it, Jonny Hulme’s free kick wasn’t cleared, and Luke Doyle was on hand to force the ball home.

The round kicked off on Friday evening, with Curtin University moving up to third on the table after a 3-0 win against Joondalup City at Edinburgh Oval. “Really pleased with three points, they lifted their intensity in the second half and we didn't raise ours to where it needs to be to control the game so that's something we will work on,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith explained. “Overall, three goals, three points and a clean sheet we will take and move onto next week against Ashfield.”

The hosts broke the game open with two in two minutes. First on 25 minutes a Curtin set-piece wasn’t dealt with, and in the goal mouth scramble Simone Sichel fired home. He was in again moments later, Janno Saks sending Sichel in on goal and he finished clinically. Joondalup pressed after half time, but couldn’t find a way back into the game and in stoppage time Curtin sealed the points, Daniel Davey cutting in from the left and finding the top corner from range.

Maddington-Kalamunda White City moved up to seventh on the table after a 3-0 win against Ashfield at Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening. “It was a very intense game in the first half we started with a strong mentality after losing against the bottom of the table last Saturday,” Maddington skipper Nicolas Pardo explained. “In the second half, we knew that we could get the points to continue in the fight to reach the league promotion. Now our goal is to try to win the next two games to finish the first round in a favourable position and continue to make a dream debut in our first year in the state league.”

It was City who hit the front, five minutes into the second half, a quick counter attack saw Jose Zuniga and Andres Gonzalez combined, his cross was turned into his own net by Jake Melia. It was 2-0 on the hour, Zuniga finding Farruh Mavlonov, who made no mistake. The pair combined again five minutes later, with the same result, Mavlonov making it 3-0, and sealing the points. Ashfield finishing the game with ten men, with Jared Flavel given a straight red card.

Swan United and Canning City have fought out a 1-1 draw at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. “The boys performed really well yesterday, I thought we deserved more at the end of it all,” Canning keeper Alec Radonich said. “We created plenty of chances and just couldn’t finish them, hitting the woodwork on multiple occasions. Hopefully this performance is something we can build on and push forward.”

All the goals came late in this one, and it was Swan who opened the scoring six minutes from time, Rhys Loxley pressed a Canning centre back and won the ball on by-line, before cutting the ball back to John Monterosso, who finished into the bottom corner. But five minutes later Canning levelled, with William Jacobsz scoring, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “The draw felt like a loss especially after going 1-0 up, on a day where we weren’t at our best,” Swan striker John Monterosso said. “But getting a lead so late in the game should have been enough to secure three points at home.”

In the final game Balga scored late to beat Wanneroo City 3-2 at Princess Road Reserve. “Firstly, condolences to Edin Nalic and his family, such a big player missing for the Wanneroo lads,” Balga’s Nathan Scully explained. “Both sides played in good spirits, and was a hard-fought game. Both had chances, but we managed to get on top in the second half, and our pressure was rewarded in the end.”

It was a sombre start to the game with a minute’s silence for Edin Nalic and his family, after the passing of his mother. The game had a frantic start and the hosts opened the scoring on five minutes, Jordan Rowe finding space at the back post to head home a free kick. But Wanneroo levelled four minutes later, with Dion Berman on target. Then on the half hour Greg Greenwood gave the visitors the lead, and they lead 2-1 at the break.

It was a closely-fought second half, with both sides having their chances, but on 71 minutes Balga equalised. Good work through the midfield, the ball was cut back by Nichola Pikes to Henry Wilkinson-Derums, who headed home at the front post. Then ten minutes from time Gerhard Janssen’s side won it, Rowe stepped in from centre back, got past two players and his stunning shot found the top corner.

26.5.2023

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND SIX PREVIEW

We head into week six of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division and our “Match of the Round’ sees league leaders Emerald FC taking on East Perth FC at Cabrini Park. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated). Emerald are coming off a big win against Joondalup last week, while East Perth edged out Wembley to move up to seventh on the table, but this fixture produced some thrilling football last season, and I’m sure it will be more of the same on Sunday.

Emerald sits on top of the table, one point ahead of Jaguar, North Perth United and Kelmscott Roos, and are the only unbeaten side in the competition, and last week’s dominate performance against Joondalup, was pleasing, and central defender Shane Wentworth said things clicked in front of goal, something they have been threatening to do for a while. “Last week was pleasing as we’d started slow, but once we got the ball down, we created a number of chances and we were able to be clinical and finish off our chances,” he explained. “It was great to continue the momentum we’ve been building so far this season.”

Wentworth said Sunday will be another challenging game against an improving East Perth side, and they are ready for another tough game and keeping their unbeaten run going. “It is always a tough game against East Perth with it being a rival game for two Irish clubs,” he said. “However, we want to keep focusing on ourselves and what we’ve done well so far this season. If we’re able to keep executing our game plans, then hopefully we’ll be able to come away on the right side of the result.”

East Perth sits in seventh place, but only two points behind Sunday’s opponents, and defender David Long said they are starting to hit their straps, and last week's win at Wembley was important, to keep their run of form going. “We knew going to Wembley is never an easy game, they’re always up for a battle, a team we couldn’t seem to beat last year so the 2-1 win is a step forward,” he said. “We started the game well, dominating the from the start and were rewarded with the lead.

“But I felt like we stopped playing football after the first half and hour, and went a bit flat, trying to force the ball and they caught us sleeping to level the game. Luck was probably on our side with Luke Green making a good save from the penalty but the boys never gave up, and we kept pressing them and thankfully got the winner late.”

Long said Emerald have started well, but with only two points separating the two sides, so a win in this one is very important. “It’s a bit of an Irish derby you could say, and it’s was a good game between the two sides last year,” he said. “I have full confidence in the squad this year that if we show up on the day, we can beat any team in front of us. Yes, getting a few boys back is good, as well as a few new boys joining the club is always a bonus. We just take each week as it comes, and each week we are just getting better and better with the boys coming together well.”

Jaguar missed the opportunity to leap above Emerald in midweek, losing 1-2 against Peel United at Bortolo Park in a round two catch up game. Mitchell Kelman gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half, before Tristan Sullivan doubled their advantage early in the second half. Ayella Joseph gave Jags a lifeline ten minutes from time, but Peel hung on to secure their first win of the season, and Alec Smith said it was a great team performance.

“We were aware that Jags would be tough competition and we went into the game with a focused mindset. We’ve played some really good football the past few weeks and we knew a win was not far away. It was a tough 90 minutes but we stood tall and overcame challenges that came our way. It was great to see Mitch Kelman back amongst the goals, his presence in the team makes a significant impact and boosts us as a team. However, it’s just about one player, every single member from the team put in 100% and need to take that into game to comes.”

Peel host North Perth United on Saturday evening (7pm), and Smith said they are one of the favourites for the title, but they are ready for another tough game, and Wednesday win has given them some much needed confidence. “We are excited to welcome North Perth. It will be a tough game and are fully aware of the challenges they pose,” he said. “We are determined to carry on this momentum from our win against Jags and will use this to our advantage. Key for us to stay disciplined, stick to our game plan and exploit any opportunities that come our way. We’re heading into this game full on confidence and determination to secure another three points.”

In other games this weekend Wembley Downs host South West Phoenix at Butlers Reserve (1pm), Kelmscott Roos make the trip to Beldon Park to take on Joondalup United, while South Perth United and Kwinana United meet at Challenger Reserve. In the final game Jaguar will look to bounced back from their first loss of the season at Peel in midweek, when they entertain North Beach at Herb Graham Recreation Centre (3pm) North Beach moved up to sixth after their win against South Perth last week, and coach Nick Di Carlo said it was another tough game, and he’s expecting another one on Sunday.

“It's never a dull fixture between the both of us last week, and we played really well to earn the three points. We made some big substitutions when we were pegged back to 1-1 and it was great to see Andy (Keogh) come on and get us the winner we felt we deserved,” he explained. “Jaguar's midweek result was a bit unexpected in some regards but also just shows that every team in this league can earn three points on any given day. We won't be reading into this coming into Sunday as we continue to focus on our internal structures heading into the weekend. We haven't played at Herb Graham before and understand it’s a large pitch, so we'll setup accordingly and work hard to hopefully walk away with another win.”

26.5.2023

NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND NINE PREVIEW

The NPLWA – Women’s competition, like the Mens, are in Albany this weekend, with leaders Perth RedStar taking on the Hyundai NTC at the Retravision Stadium on Saturday afternoon. (2pm) It’s a repeat of the Round One fixtures, when the NTC became the first team to beat RedStar in a league game since their formation, but the NTC youngsters have lost two out of their last three games to slip from top spot, the latest a 3-0 loss at Balcatta, while RedStar continue to march on, and last week edged out MUMFC in a tight encounter.

RedStar striker Renee Leota said the game against MUMFC was a tough one, and they took it to them, and it was a hard-fought win. “Yes, MUM definitely brought it to us - which we expected, they had some great results in the lead up and were in form, but I thought we fought hard last week, and it was a physical game,” she explained. “I thought we deserved the win for sure, we kept the ball well and made sure to spread them and picked moments to mix it up and be a bit more direct as well - bit unfortunate not to finish a couple more.”

Leota said the girls are buzzing to get down to Albany and spread the NPLWA football word in the regions, and is expecting the NTC to be up for a big game, especially after they beat them at home in round one. “It’s a fantastic initiative from Football West and we’re super honoured to be a part of it, yes we’re all very excited,” We haven’t been away as a team for a while, so that’s an added element, and I think considering the result of the last game against NTC we have some work to do down there, but we’re up for it more than ever. We’ve come together quite nicely as a team, got some momentum behind us now and feeling good, so we’re looking to take that in to this match and get the three points.”

NTC assistant coach Fernando Barreiro is hopeful the game against the leaders can spark them back to their early season form, but knows it will be challenge. “When you start losing games it’s easy to just throw your plans out of the window and start all over again, but that’s something myself and Ben (Anderton) will never do,” he told the Football West website.

“We’re true to the plan, sticking to the process, staying focused and we’re confident the results will come. Yes, we’ve had players missing, but it’s also an opportunity for other players in the squad to step up, show their skills, and remind other players when they come back that they’re going to have to fight to get back into this team.

“RedStar are a quality outfit who are disciplined and well organised and I think it will be a cagey affair and a tactical battle against a team riding high. We want to be playing in these games against the top teams though, because it’s good for our group of girls and we’re absolutely looking forward to it. The league is wide open and if you can string two or three wins together it’s a case of ‘look where we are on the table’. We’re only in round eight and there’s still a long way to go.”

Fremantle City will look to build on their win at Perth SC last week, when they visit Besteam Stadium on Saturday, to take on Murdoch University Melville. (5pm) The hosts lost narrowly at RedStar, a result that left them four points behind the leaders, while the win at Perth moved City up to fifth, hot on the heels of MUMFC. Fremantle defender Jamie-Lee Gale said the win at Dorrien Gardens was terrific, but they need to bring the same intensity into this week’s game.

“I thought our game against Perth was our best performance as a squad this year, especially in the second half,” she said. “The first half both sides were struggling to keep possession and although it was a high intensity game, we conceded early into the game. However, we know how close the league is this year so it was a must win game for us and the girls didn’t drop their heads and we continued to break lines and create changes. We will be looking to take that energy and hunger to win into our game against Murdoch this week.”

The round kicks off on Friday evening when Curtin University, who will buoyed by a better performance last week, host Balcatta Etna. (6.30pm) It’s a double-header on the night, with the Curtin Division One Mens side hosting Joondalup City in the late game. Balcatta stunned the NTC last week, and will look to keep the pressure on the teams above them with a win here, but Curtin will be hoping to win their first points of the season. In the final game Subiaco AFC welcome Perth SC to Rosalie Park on Sunday. (3.45pm)

The Azzurri slipped up at home last week, while Subiaco beat Curtin, with striker Frankie Murray bagging a brace. The striker said Curtin were well organised and gave them a good game, which is pleasing to see for the league. “It was definitely a different game to last time we played them, I think we worked well in a different formation and put pressure on their back line,” she explained. “It was a good win and has given us some momentum again, going into Saturday’s game against Perth. They are always a tough side to play, they move the ball quickly through the middle, but we are looking to play to our advantages and have put a lot of work in to it at training, and hopefully we can get a good result.”

26.5.2023

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW

Mandurah City were edged out at Perth AFC last week in the Women’s League Division One leaving them sixth on the table, and this week they face the daunting challenge of taking on the league leaders and unbeaten Hamersley Rovers at Genesiscare Stadium on Sunday afternoon. (3pm) Rovers have taken all before them this season, winning all six games, the latest in the top of the table clash with UWA, and Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said the unbeaten Rovers will be a tough challenge, but they can’t wait to test themselves against the best.

“Rovers arrive after winning all their games, and only and having conceded only one goal in six games, a daunting task, but one we are looking forward to undertaking,” Loreto explained. “We look forward to the challenge, and again measuring where our team is at compared with the best. All we can promise is that we will give it our best, try to play good football, and enjoy ourselves in the process, bring on Sunday.”

Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba said they will look to keep their momentum going, but knows Mandurah will be difficult on their home ground. “After the deserve win against UWA, we are looking to take all three points in Mandurah,” he said. “We know they are a good side and the game will be a battle, but we are working well to keep our momentum going but to not become competent. We want good momentum going into our cup game against MUMFC.”

Second placed UWA Nedlands will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season at Hamersley, when they make the trip to Rosalie Park to meet Subiaco AFC (1pm) The hosts were beaten at Port Kennedy last week, while UWA loss at Rovers was disappointing for coach Lawrence Lewis, and he will be looking for a response from his side on Sunday. “Not the way we wanted it to go, of course and was by far our worst performance of the season,” he explained.

“We started of the game strong with shots on goal and tested the Hamersley defence well, but then started to slip away from us. It was definitely a wakeup call for us, so we have got back to training hard and prepare for the trip to Subiaco. They are a team we have not come up against in our division before, so it will be an interesting encounter. We know they are a very young side with full of energy and will be looking to try to unsettle us from the beginning. It is important for us to get back into the way we like to play and come away with the three points.”

In the other games this weekend Sorrento will look to build on their big win against Armadale last week when they host Port Kennedy, who are also coming off a big win, at Percy Doyle Reserve (3pm) In the final game bottom of the table Armadale welcome third placed Perth AFC to Alfred Skeet Reserve. (1pm) The visitors earned a narrow win against Mandurah last week, while Armadale suffered a sixth straight defeat, but Armadale midfielder Kirsty Woods returns to the side this week after missing the last four games, which will bolster their side, and she said it’s good to be back.

“Delighted to be back playing, it’s been really frustrating getting the rehab done, but to get a good session in this week at training, I’m really looking forward to the game, and playing some familiar faces and old team mates from AFC,” she explained. “Our season hasn’t gone to plan, but injuries have taken their toll, but we’re slowly getting players back and although Sunday will be a challenging game, we’re looking forward to it, and we’ll be doing our best to get some points on the board.”

26.3.2023

NPL-WA ROUND TEN - PREVIEW

We head into week ten in the NPLWA – Men’s competition, and Football West will hold the 2023 Great Southern Regional Festival of Football in Albany, with Sorrento taking on Perth Glory at Retravision Stadium on Saturday afternoon. They have a number of coaching and educational course over the week, with a Level 4 referee course and school clinics over the region, with representatives from Football West and Perth Glory will visit the Albany Junior Soccer Association on Saturday morning to watch the junior games.

The first match of the NPLWA double header on the day is the women’s clash between Hyundai NTC and Perth RedStar (2pm), followed by the men’s game between Perth Glory and Sorrento (4pm). These games will be preceded by a local fixture involving two teams from the Great Southern Soccer Association, good luck to all involved and let’s hope it a huge success for all involved.

Glory coach John Walmsley said the trip south provides a great opportunity for his squad. “We’re really looking forward to it, especially from a team-building perspective,” he told the Glory website. “This will give us a good opportunity to bond on the way down, eat together and do things in the evening. So, we’re looking forward to the things that it will bring not only on the pitch, but off it as well for us as a collective.

“Sorrento will give us another good test, and the league is so tight that any team can beat anyone on the day, Bayswater are at the top, but then on the first day of the season, Sorrento beat them 4-1. We know they’ve got some good players, like Gustavo [Giron Marulanda] up front who will score if you give him half a chance, so it’s going to be a tough test for us and we need to be on top form to make sure we get the result we want out of the game.”

Our ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday takes us to Kingsway Reserve, where league leaders Bayswater City make the trip to take on Olympic Kingsway. (6pm) Both sides will look to get back to winning ways this week, City coming off a draw against RedStar, while Olympic were well beaten at home by Inglewood, so both will want the points in this one. Olympic beat City in the recent Australia Cup game at home, but it will be first time the clubs have played each other at the venue since round four in 2003, when the pair met in the Division One with Olympic running out 5-3 winners.

The visitors were ahead with Boima Karpeh scoring after 20 minutes, but they then Filipe Xavier sent off, and Olympic levelled the score on 27 minutes through Sota Iwasaki, and hit the front with a superb Ryan Lickers free-kick. It was 3-1 at the break after an own goal, but City came out firing after the interval and Karpeh set-up Sal Marrapodi who made no mistake in the first minute. Moments later midfielder Kevin Henderson connected sweetly with a corner to put Bayswater on level terms. But two goals from Bretti ensured maximum points for Olympic.

New Olympic defender Daniel Walsh said last week was tough for the players, after a loss in the cup and the league, but he said the club are heading in the right direction and he’s enjoying his time there. “The cup loss was a tough one to take, conceding a late goal against the run of play and on the weekend, we simply weren’t good enough. We’ve shown this season that we can beat anyone in this league if we’re at our best, so I think we really need to find some consistency in our form and that will take us to the next level,” the big defender explained. “I couldn’t ask for a better set up at the club. everything from the intensity at training to the standards of the facilities have really impressed me. Along with the strong squad we have I think it gives us the perfect platform to be successful as a club.”

Walsh, who had stints at Perth Glory, Gwelup Croatia and Perth RedStar, also starred at international level for the Joeys and was named in the Australia squad for the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil, said Saturday’s game against Bayswater is a great opportunity to bounce back to winning ways, but he knows it will be a tough game. “Bayswater are a dangerous side with a lot of quality, so it shapes as the perfect game for us to bounce back and we’re confident if we turn up, we can get the job done,” he said. “Taking confidence from when we beat them in the cup at home not long ago, I think Saturday night will be the perfect opportunity against the league leaders to get an important result and establish ourselves as genuine contenders this year.”

Bayswater skipper Jason Mirco said last week's game was a tough, and probably a draw was a fair result in the end, and it continued the good start to the season. “Last week was a very hard-fought draw, RedStar keep the ball so well and we had to be solid in our defence approach. Daryl only needs half a chance up top and he can punish you, but I thoughts we adapted to the match and come away with a valued point,” he said.

“Yes, we are at the top of ladder, and it’s been good so far for us, however you don’t get any trophies for sitting top of the table at the halfway point. We are taking it one game at a time and trying to implement Gareth’s values and style of football. We have an experienced group of lads who know each other well and it’s starting to show on the pitch.”

Mirco, who has dropped back to the heart of the defence in recent weeks for the blue and black, knows the importance of Saturday’s game, especially with the visitor’s heavy loss last week. “It’s a massive game for both teams, and we know Toughy (David Tough) has got the boys up there playing well and they’ve produced some great results,” he explained. “But nothing changes for us, we are fully focused on the match and want to keep doing what we’ve been working on for quite a while now.”

In other games this weekend Inglewood United make the trip to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth SC. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Andres Oliveira’s side are coming off their best result of the season, a 4-0 win at Olympic, while Perth lost a seven-goal thriller at home to Armadale, and interim coach Basil Lenzo will look for his first win in charge. Floreat Athena find themselves bottom of the table, something they are not used to, and they hit the road on Saturday with a trip to Grindleford Reserve to take on fourth placed Balcatta Etna.

Perth RedStar welcome Cockburn City to the RedStar Arena, with both sides level on points on the table. The Cockerels will be looking to build on their win at Floreat last week, while RedStar will go in search of their first home win of the season. The final game sees second v third, with Stirling Macedonia travelling to Alfred Skeet Reserve to meet Armadale. The hosts beat Perth with nine players, and will be without the suspended Ethan Levitt and Matt Wotton, who were sent off last week.

Stirling have only lost in their last five games, and the form of new Scottish defender James McGowan has added some steel to their backline, and the former Clyde, Queen of the South, Elgin City and Albion Rovers player is enjoying his football down under. “I was looking to come out here to WA for quite some time but obviously corona virus hit,” he explained.

“My old Albion Rovers gaffer Brian Reid played with Fergie (Ian Ferguson) for Rangers back in the day so I believe they had a conversation over the phone about me, and I came over and signed for Stirling. I’ve really enjoyed working with Fergie so far, he demands high standard at all times and I’m used to that with my previous gaffers, so it’s been an easy transition, and obviously he is Scottish same as me so that’s half the battle.”

The German-born 30-year-old, said last week’s win against Glory was a good performance, and he was pleased to bounce back from the scoreless draw against Cockburn the week before. “Last week was a massive win for us, and it takes us up closer to where we want to be,” McGowan said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game as they have a lot of good young players but we’ve been defensively solid over the last few weeks and we knew we would always create chances so I’m glad we managed to put three away and finish the game with a comfortable win.”

He is expecting another tough challenge at Armadale on Saturday, especially with only one point separating the two sides on the table. “Armadale will be a tough game for us this weekend, but I believe we’re in a good place at the minute with clean sheets and creating opportunities in front of goal,” the defender said. “So, we know if we follow the game plan the gaffer has for us, I am confident we will walk away with the three points and keep the pressure on the leaders.”

26.3.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND NINE PREVIEW

Its tight at the top of the State League Division One, with only seven points separating the top seven sides, and our week nine ‘Match of the Round’ sees third placed Fremantle City make the trip to Walter Padbury Reserve, to take on the improving Gosnells City. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts are coming off a hard-fought draw at MUMFC last week, which made it only one defeat in their last six games, including a draw against the league leaders Western Knights among them. Fremantle beat NPL side Olympic Kingsway in the cup, but were held to a 3-3 draw by Dianella last week, so both will be searching to get back to winning ways in this one.

The last time they met in the league at the venue, was in round five in 2017, when Fremantle left with the three points after 2-1 win. The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Will Pender’s shot, was well saved by Adriano D’Alo, but Ben Reynolds fired home the rebound. Gosnells had the perfect opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty, but Tom Allen saved Dean Aplegren’s penalty. But the home side weren’t to be out done and they levelled, with Jordan Parfitt scoring. Then with ten minutes remaining Fremantle won it, substitute Anthony Lomma got around a couple of defenders and curled in a great winner from the edge of the box.

It's been a good start for former Subiaco midfielder Elliot Ireland at the Hilton Park club, and he said the new group are starting to gel, and the club are aiming for promotion this season, and he’s happy to be part of it. “I think both Matty and Lenzo have been doing a great job with the group, especially as we had quite a few new lads, myself included,” he explained. “I think they’ve created a great togetherness within the group to help what the club is hoping to achieve which is promotion. I think we are more than capable of doing that, especially after beating two NPL teams in our cup games.”

Ireland said it was a tough week with the cup tie and backing up against Dianella in the league, and he said it took its toll in the draw against Dianella, but the visitors played well. “I think all clubs find backing up after a mid-week game is tough, not just physically but mentally as well, and it was obviously disappointing not to get the win as we go into every game wanting to win,” he explained. “But some credit has to go to Dianella they played well, so a point is still a point and for what we want to achieve every point is going to count.”

A trip to Gosnells on Saturday, a side who have picked up some good results recently, and Ireland said they have really bounced back from the heavy loss in the opening game at Mandurah, but Ireland said they will not be taking them lightly. “Of course, another tough game ahead this Saturday with Gosnells away, and to be fair I don’t think there are any easy games in this league,” he said. “We look forward to the challenge, I know after not quite getting the win last week the lads can’t wait to get back out there to get back to winning ways, so we look forward to it.”

Gosnells defender James Sharp said they have taken a lot of confidence from the draw at MUMFC, a side who they have formed a great rivalry with, and he thought they had chances to leave with all three points. “It was good to get a result against Melville at the weekend, there was always a big rivalry between us back in Division Two, and we’ve had some hard-fought encounters against them, and this was no different,” Sharp explained. “We thought we had found the winner late in the second half, but the goal was scratched off due to a soft foul the referee saw in the build-up. But that’s football at the end of the day, but all in all taking points away from any game is always positive.”

Ross Greer’s side sit ninth on the table, this after promotion last season, and Sharp said Saturday’s visitors have shown the quality they have in their side, with wins against two NPL sides in the Cup, but he knows they are only worried about themselves, and what they can do to get a positive result, come 5pm. “We know Fremantle are a good team, but we don’t worry about their previous results, we are just focusing on our own game plan,” he said. “Football is a funny sport and anything can happen on the day, if we just focus on defending strong and taking our chances when they come, we will get a result.”

League leaders Western Knights host Subiaco at Nash Field. The Knights returned to the winner’s circle with a win at UWA last week, the win keeping them clear at the summit, while Subiaco conceded a late goal to draw at home to Forrestfield to keep them sixth. Gwelup Croatia host Joondalup United at the Croatian Sporting Club. United moved up to fourth with their win at Rockingham last week, while Gwelup will look to break a two-goal losing streak, the latest a 0-2 loss at Mandurah.

In other games this weekend, Murdoch University Melville host Rockingham City at Besteam Stadium, while second placed Mandurah City make the trip to Crazy Domain’s Stadium, Hartfield Park to take on Forrestfield United. The final game takes us to Dianella Reserve, where UWA Nedlands travel to take on Dianella White Eagles. (5pm) The Eagles drew at Fremantle last week, while UWA conceded a late goal to lose for the second week running, and coach Richard Abrams said despite this there were some positives to take in to Saturday’s game.

“We proved this week lightening can strike twice, conceding in the 90+ minute two-week running is a bitter pill to swallow, but the lads, whilst understandably upset, must take a lot of positives from the performance,” he explained. “We expect another tough one this week and need to back up last week’s performance not just this week but in the remaining three first round games. We are gradually getting players back from Injury and Dianella have made some quality signings, so this one should be a cracker.”

26.3.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND NINE PREVIEW

We have a top of the table clash as our ‘Match of the Round’ in State League Division Two, with second placed Morley Windmills hosting third place Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Wotton Reserve. (All games kick off a 3pm, unless stated) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, the hosts coming home from Burrendah Reserve with a 4-0 win against Canning, while Rovers beat Balga at home, and with only three points separating the two sides, this one should be a great game.

The last time the sides met at the venue in the league was in round seven last season, when the visitors left with all three points after a convincing 4-0 win. Rovers were ahead early, Ger Fitzgerald heading the ball on for Chris Williams to volley home. They added a second in the shadows of half time, Alan Reidy’s header rebounded off the crossbar and Jamie Gibson was first to react to head home. Rovers added a third on 77 minutes, Kieran Harrison’s cross from the right picked out the unmarked Callum Trayner who rose highest to head home, and they wrapped up the scoring three minutes from time, a short pass back was latched on to by Jamie Gibson, who lobbed the stranded Morley keeper into the empty net.

Marc Anthony’s side have started the season well, with only one defeat, and defender Kevin Ashwood said the win last week was good, especially after the draw against Kingsley the week before. “Last week was an important win, although I don’t think it’s the best, we have played this season we were professional enough to get the job done and get back to winning ways,” he explained. “Credit to Canning they made it hard for us and the late couple of goals probably put a bit of gloss on the result.”

The former Armadale defender said Rovers are also having a good season, so it should be a good game, but they are determined to keep the pressure on the league leaders. “Going into the game on Saturday, it’s a chance for us on home soil, to get another three points and continue our recent good form. The games against the teams in and around you so often determine where you finish come the end of the season,” he explained.

“So, while it won’t define our season, it does have a bit of added importance and is a chance for us to put a game in between us and Shamrock, who are a team I expect to be up there at the end. They will no doubt want to get one over on us, and we will have to be at our best to get the win. I expect a close game but one that will also serve as a good advert to the quality that’s in the league.”

Rovers bounced back last week to get back to winning ways against Balga, after their loss at Curtin, and coach Gerry McEwan said they should have won more comfortably, and need to start take their chances. “I thought our performance against Balga was decent, but our finishing could have been better,” he said. To be fair the score didn't reflect our dominance, and our keeper didn't really have a save to make as our defence was solid. We could and should have scored another five in the last 10 minutes, but missed them all, so we'll be looking to address that issue ASAP.”

McEwan said Saturday is a game he is looking forward too against a side he believes will be there or there about come the end of the season. “Morley were always going to be one of the main challengers for the title this year with the squad they have, so we're under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead,” the coach explained. “Hopefully our lads will build on last week's performance, and we know we'll need to if we want to come away with the three points.”

League leaders Kingsley Westside travel to Gumblossom Park on Saturday evening, for the northern derby against Quinns. (6pm) Steven Dimitrovich’s side hold a three-point lead at the top, after a 4-2 win against Swan last week, while Quinns lost narrowly at Ashfield, leaving them second bottom on the table. The round starts on Friday evening when Curtin University welcome Joondalup City to Edinburgh Oval (8.30pm) Both sides are coming off indifferent results, the Uni boys slipped up last week at Wanneroo, while City won for the first time against Maddington.

In other games this weekend, Swan United, who moved into the last eight of the Australia Cup in midweek, after Stirling made a breach of the Match Documentation competition rules, are back in league action when they host Canning City at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. The visitors sit at the foot of the table, after a loss against Morley last week, while Swan were also beaten by the league leaders. Wanneroo City will hope to continue their good form when they travel to Princess Road Reserve to take on Balga, while in the final game Ashfield will look to build on back-to-back wins when they travel to Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening, to meet Maddington-Kalamunda White City. (6pm)

25.3.2023

MATILDAS ARE COMING HOME

The Matildas are returning to Perth for the first time since 2018, so put these dates in your diary. Sam Kerr and her teammates will play three games in seven days at Perth’s HBF Park as part of their qualifying campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics. They will face Iran on 26 October, the Philippines on 29 October and Chinese Taipei on 1 November, and this will be the first time the Matildas have played a competitive fixture in WA.

Matildas captain Kerr said she can’t wait to play in front of family and friends. “Everyone knows how proud I am to be from Perth and WA so to be able to come home again with my teammates will be a really special moment,” the Chelsea striker said at the announcement. “West Aussies are big sports lovers and some of the best fans in the world, they bring amazing support for the teams that they love, and I know they will give us that same energy as we start our Olympic qualification.”

Deputy Premier Roger Cook and Football Australia CEO James Johnson announced the games at the venue this morning. Also in attendance was former Matilda and current Perth SC director of women's football Danielle Brogan, ex-Australia internationals Thea Slater and Judy Pettit, as well as WA’s Junior Matildas Ischia Brooking, Ruby Cuthbert and Jessica Skinner plus ParaMatildas keeper Katelyn Smith were in attendance.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell said WA are delighted to have the Matildas in town for the games. “This is tremendous news for WA to have the Matildas in town for three matches and right on the back of the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” he said. “The whole football world knows of the exploits of Sam Kerr and for her to come back to her home town will be thrilling for all of the youngsters who want to see their heroes in the flesh. “It will also be great to host the Matildas at the new State Football Centre in Queens Park. Hopefully the team will be able to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy with them!”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said it will be a huge occasion for the WA Football community to get behind the side. “This is an important competition for the Matildas. It’s a qualifying campaign and we need to win these matches in order to play in Paris in 2024,” he said. “Western Australia has a very proud, strong tradition of developing football players. From Judy Pettitt here today, to current squad members Sam Kerr and Lydia Williams, and Ischia, Ruby and Jessica here as well - the future of the Matildas. The Asian qualifiers will be a great opportunity for the WA sports community, the community at large, and importantly the football community to come together and watch the Matildas on their journey to Paris.”

Brogan, who coached the Azzurri last season, before taking up the role as Director of Women's Football at the club, said it’s a huge opportunity to for the young girls to play alongside their hero’s. “We’ve just heard the Minister and ‘JJ’ mention the word opportunity, I think it’s important as female footballers to experience these kinds of things. Never before have we had a competitive Matildas game here in Perth,” she explained. “Fortunately for myself, I was able to be a teammate of Sam’s … unfortunately I have been on the other side of her a few times which I don’t miss at all.

“But it’s an opportunity for us to see her return home as captain and also one of the world’s most exiting athletes and footballers, both male and female. It’s an opportunity to see what in my opinion is the best Matildas team we have had. I love the fact we can say these girls are playing for Arsenal and for Chelsea … some of the clubs that I aspired to as a child but they were always men’s teams. So how fantastic is it that we get the opportunity to see these players here live. It’s also an opportunity for these girls standing alongside me that they can look to aspire to these players and one say, ‘I want to be that’ and see that in the flesh.”

The Paris 2024™ Women’s Olympic Football Tournament will be held from 24 July to 10 August 2024 across France featuring 12 nations competing for the coveted Olympic Gold Medal. Ticketing information, kick-off times and broadcast details will be confirmed in the coming weeks, The CommBank Matildas’ three matches will be broadcast on Network 10 and streamed live on Paramount+.

Ticketing information will be made available from the official CommBank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au as well as www.ticketmaster.com.au. Fans can register for priority ticketing access by creating a Football Account and enabling 'Priority Ticketing' in their communication preferences to ensure you don't miss out on the pre-sale. COMMBANK MATILDAS | GROUP A | MATCH SCHEDULE – Venue: HBF Park - MATCH DAY 1 - Australia v IR Iran - Date: Thurs, 26 October 2023 - Kick-off: TBC - MATCH DAY 2 - Philippines v Australia - Date: Sun, 29 October 2023 - Kick-off: TBC - MATCH DAY 3 - Australia v Chinese Taipei - Date: Wed, 1 November 2023 - Kick-off: TBC

24.5.2023

FORMER SOCCEROOS GOALKEEPER JONES RETIRES

The professional career of former Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones has come to a low-key end after the 41-year-old announced his retirement today. Jones gained six caps for Australia in a professional career that spanned 367 first team appearances across 22 seasons.

Part of the Socceroos' squad at the 2018 World Cup, Jones won three trophies apiece in England, Holland and Saudi Arabia while featuring for the likes of Middlesbrough, Liverpool, NEC, Feyenoord and Al-Nassr. His final two season at Perth Glory were hampered by a knee problem.

"I feel proud to have achieved close to every dream I had as a young boy," Jones said. "From getting to play in the Premier League, to joining the team I supported as a boy in Liverpool, going to a World Cup, playing in the Champions League; it's all been incredible."

"The path came with plenty of highs and lows but if someone told me as an eight-year-old growing up in Huntingdale that I would have the career I did, I would've taken that in a heartbeat."

Jones started out locally with Bayswater City before entering the youth system at English Premier League club Middlesbrough. After making his first team debut in 2004, he went on to make 74 appearances for the club and picked up a League Cup winners medal in 2003/04.

While at Middlesbrough Jones was loaned to Shelbourne, Stockport County, Rotherham United, Blackpool - where he won the 2003/04 League Trophy - and Sheffield Wednesday, tallying up 39 games in total. His Socceroos debut arrived against Uruguay in mid-2007.

Jones signed with Liverpool in mid-2010, gaining 27 outings during five seasons highlighted by a second League Cup winners medal in 2011/12. He was selected for, but withdrew from the Socceroos squad for the 2010 World Cup after his son was diagnosed with leukemia.

After a season with Dutch side NEC, Jones joined Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord, who he played for on 84 occasions. He was instrumental in Feyenoord being crowned league champions in 2016/17 and also collecting Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup winners medals.

Further silverware followed during a trio of seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where Jones played 11 games and won the Saudi Professional League and back-to-back Saudi Super Cups. He joined Glory in mid-2021 but was limited to just 5 appearances across two campaigns.

24.5.2023

IT WAS REALLY NO BRAINER: GRIFFITHS ON EXTENDING MUMBAI STAY

Mumbai City defender Rostyn Griffiths said he didn’t think twice when presented with the opportunity to extend his contract with the Islanders. The versatile West Australian recently signed a one-year extension with Mumbai which will run through to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Griffiths featured 17 time for Mumbai during the 2022/23 Indian Super League season. His presence at the heart of the backline was vital as the club claimed the League Shield in dominant fashion. "Honestly, I'm really happy," Griffiths said of remaining with Mumbai.

"As soon as this club said that they were keen to keep me here, it was really a no-brainer for me. My family's taken to Mumbai and I've taken to Mumbai. The club has been good to me, the fans have been good to me. Obviously, (we have had) positive results on the pitch. And I'm excited to see if we can go again next year."

Griffiths, who has played professionally in England, China, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan and now India, hopes to bring more cheer to the Mumbai supporters next season. "It's been pretty overwhelming to be honest (on the relation with the fans)," he said

"I've never had so much positivity with the fans, even if I've had a good game, in every other country there's someone that always says something negative. There's always something. But here it just seems to be constantly positive, which has been really nice."

"There's been some good moments and interactions with the fans. I'd like to do more of it, to be honest. There's something, hopefully next season, (where) there can be even more interactions with the fans. Like every (other) club, there's a 12th man and I'm glad we have brought them success as well."

21.5.2023

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FIVE REVIEW

The Belt-up Amateur Premier Division kicked off on Saturday afternoon, with Jaguar keeping the pressure on league leaders Emerald, after a 3-2 win against South West Phoenix in our ‘Match of the Round’ at the Onside Sports Stadium in Bunbury. “Really happy with three points down south, and I thought we controlled the game for the large majority and held a 3-0 lead throughout,” Jags keeper Michael Dudek explained. “They got two quick goals toward the end that made the final few minutes very nervous, especially as Jaguars have struggled there in past years so getting the win is the main thing. Now we focus on a mid-week trip to Peel and a big game next weekend against North Beach, where Andy Keogh can do his best to outrun our defenders.”

Jags were ahead on 15 minutes, Magai Deng on target, and Ayella Joseph added a second three minutes later. It looked game over when Joseph added his second just before half time, and the hosts went to the sheds leading 3-0. The Phoenix pulled one back just the hour mark, with Jeremy Stevens scoring, and they were on the front foot and in stoppage time they added a second, with Stevens adding his second, but it was too little too late, Jags held firm to take the points back down the freeway.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult match playing South West Phoenix at their home ground, and they were very organised, solid and compact. We applied a lot of pressure on them in main moments of the first half and luckily, we found the back of the net three times before the break,” Jags coach Josam Muwowo explained. “It was a high tempo game from the start till the end and Phoenix boys were composed and playing with a high line in the second half which resulted them creating more opportunities leading up to two vital goals to bring them closer to equalising.

“However, time wasn't on their side as we maintained discipline in our structure to avoid unnecessary errors. Overall, what a great game it was with full of flair on both sides. Otherwise, on our side we continue to trust the process and take one step at a time. These still a lot we need to work on to maintain the quality of play and standard, but on behalf of Jaguar FC, I would to say massive thanks to South West Phoenix FC for hosting us and their good hospitality.”

League leaders Emerald continued their unbeaten start to the season with an 8-1 win against Joondalup United at Fraser Park. It was the visitors who opened the scoring after only five minutes, Matthew Chapman on target, but that’s as good as it got for Joondalup, the hosts bagging five goals before half time. Ronan Flaherty scoring a brace, with others to Conor Hogan, Shane Young and Stephen Kinsella. They added a sixth on the hour, with Kinsella scoring his second, before Andrew Wood came off the bench to bag a brace late, to seal a comprehensive win for the hosts. “Overall happy with the performance, we strayed from keeping the ball on the ground in the first 30 minutes and gave them opportunities,” Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan said. “But once we got the ball down, we created more chances and controlled the game.”

North Perth United sit third after a hard fought 2-1 win against Kwinana United at Woodville Reserve. The hosts started brightly but couldn’t find the opener, and it was Kwinana who opened the scoring on the half hour, with Jake Marshall scoring. The hosts couldn’t find a way past a tight visiting defence, and they held the lead at the break. But six minutes into the second half the hosts levelled, Mehdi Gholami cut in from the left, eased past his marker and rounded the keeper to score a great individual goal. Kwinana thought they had a penalty on 76 minutes, after a foul at the back post, and to make matters worse North Perth broke and Brian Woodall’s cross picked out Dan Bulman whose header crashed off the post, but Kyle Jackson was quickest to react to score from the rebound. Kwinana pressed late and North Perth keeper Jamie Serra produced a stunning save to deny Sean Troup’s free kick in the final minute, to seal the three points for Alex Carter’s side.

“I thought we controlled the tempo of the game and had some good possession in attacking areas. But we came unstuck again for their first goal when we switched of anticipating a throw in to be rewarded to us however it was overturned. We were out of shape and Kwinana got the reward,” Carter explained. “Second half the game got stretched for 10-15 minutes and got a bit scrappy, but we changed our shape and got two goals to seal the game.”

Kelmscott Roos are up to fourth after a 3-0 win against Peel United at Frye Park. The hosts opened the scoring early, a great whipped free kick by Jonah Kuman found Jordan Armstrong in the penalty area to tap home. They added a second on 23 minutes, a great press by Brodie McCrae saw him win the ball and found Isaac Koomson who beat his man and squared the ball back to Alex Ekeze who finished low into the corner. It was 3-0 before the break, some great work by Kuman down the right, easing past three defenders before bursting into the box and crossing to McCrae who made no mistake.

“It was a solid win for us, the first half we played some of our best football of the season and got some good rewards for it,” Roos keeper Taylor Warwick said. “Unfortunately, the second half we took our foot off the pedal and allowed Peel back into it, but we stood strong and defended well and got another clean sheet. That makes it three wins in a row and three clean sheets as well. It’s pleasing to see that we are still not at our best and winning games, there is lots more to come from us.”

North Beach have edged out South Perth United 2-1 in an entertaining game at Vasto Reserve. It was a tight first half, with both sides having chances, but it was the hosts who made the breakthrough on the hour, Ashley Darley sent a long ball from just inside their attacking half which floated over the keeper’s head just under crossbar. The visitors hit back and levelled eight minutes later, a low cross was turned into his own net by Mason Langham. But after the introduction of new signing Andy Keogh, the hosts found the winner 15 minutes from time. The ball was played over their full back to Ross Westwood who drove to the box and cut the ball back to Keogh, and the former Perth Glory striker converted calmly. South Perth had some late chances from set pieces but the hosts held firm.

“The win against South Perth was a very big result for us and the game was played at such a great intensity from start to finish. We faced South Perth three times last season across league and Cup competitions and know how good of an outfit they are,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “The first half had plenty of fluid football from both sides without a final product coming to fruition. We felt we were well in the game at the half and didn't change our plan too much as we were moving the ball well and with confidence which pleased us on the touchline. We look forward to lining up against South Perth in a fortnight for the cup fixture.”

In the final game East Perth have continued their four-game unbeaten streak after a had fought 2-1 win against Wembley Downs at Butlers Reserve. The visitors were ahead on seven minutes, and a quick counter attack ended with Dean Wall racing one-on-one with Jeff Cornez, and he lobbed the on-coming keeper. The hosts levelled just before half time, a first-time volley from Luke Thistlethwaite sending the teams in to the break all-square. The hosts had the perfect opportunity to take the lead ten minutes into the second half when they were awarded, but Luke Green guessed the right way to save Thistlethwaite’s spot kick.

But it was Colm Costello’s side who won it ten minutes from time, a good interception from Deane McFeeley, and he found Stephen Henry, he crossed to Wayne Carter, whose cross shot was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Daniel D’Avoine. “Overall, a massive three points on the road and hugely proud of everyone in squad today in a very difficult game,” Costello said. “Although everyone has us down as favourites, we are work in progress and a new squad so to keep improving and keep our levels up is important and to far we did that.”

21.5.2023

NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND EIGHT REVIEW

It was week eight in the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and in our ‘Match of the Round’ Perth RedStar have won the top of the table clash, edging out Murdoch University Melville 1-0 at the RedStar Arena. “We are continuing to focus on teamwork every week. Our attention is on one game at a time and I am happy with the result and team performance this week,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena explained. “After MUMFC beat NTC we were expecting a tough game, and it was. First half was pretty equal, but second half the girls came out fighting, dominating and creating opportunities. The MUMFC goalkeeper made some good saves which kept the game intense for the duration of the second half. The players showed their maturity and composure on the pitch to get the three points.” The only goal of the game came just after the hour, an in-swinging corner from Reina Kagami beat everyone and found the net. MUMFC keeper Stacey Cavill kept her side in the game with a number of fine saves, and they pressed for the equaliser late, but the hosts held firm to take the points.

“We went into the game confident we could get a positive result, and I thought the first half was tight with both teams not producing many clear opportunities,” MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said. “In the second half, Redstar were able to build pressure and break into key areas that we struggled to contain. We conceded the goal from a set piece and tried to get back into the game but in the end were unsuccessful. I cannot fault the team’s effort and determination. We know we have some tough games coming up, and we need to be at our best.”

Balcatta have continued their good form, after a 3-0 win against the Hyundai NTC at Grindleford Reserve. The hosts hit the front on four minutes, Monique Prinsloo cross from the right wasn’t dealt with and Tia Stonehill ball found Epril Nossent who fired home from close-range. They doubled their lead on the hour, a free kick from the left by Lauren Continibali found the unmarked Prinsloo who headed home. They sealed the points nine minutes from time, Prinsloo’s ball into the box found Stonehill at the back post and she squared the ball to Nossent who made no mistake from close-range. “We followed up on our performance against Perth with another strong display,” Balcatta coach Tim Cash said. “I thought we combatted the NTC possession and speed and used our own speed to score three quality goals to make it a good day. A positive display and progress.”

There was a five-goal thriller at Dorrien Gardens, with Fremantle City leaving with the points after a 3-2 win against Perth SC. It was the Azzurri who found the opener on 17 minutes, Monique Godding firing home from the edge of the box. But Fremantle levelled five minutes before half time, Abbey Green’s cross from the left picked out Natasha Rigby, and the Perth Glory skipper lost her marker to head home. Fremantle were ahead on the hour, Perth gave the ball away and Green found half time substitute Katarina Jukic on the edge of the box, who finished past Rebecca Bennett, and the Perth custodian was beaten again 12 minutes later, with substitute Jamie-Lee Gale scoring. Perth found a lifeline late with substitute Judy Connolly scoring, but it was too little too late.

In the final game Subiaco have won their second game of the season, beating bottom of the table Curtin University 3-1 at Rosalie Park. The home side were ahead on 17 minutes, a shot was fumbled by the keeper and Frankie Murray fired home the rebound. Murray was in again eight minutes later, scoring from close-range after good work down the right by Dakota Van-Vugt. It was 3-0 just after the half hour, Van-Vugt sending Shelby Cochran in on goal, and she held off her marker before finishing low past the keeper. Curtin grabbed a consolation goal 12 minutes from time Tiana Boths sending Pavitra Kumar in on goal and she finished clinically.

“Curtin had some new signings which made a big difference to their side, and they worked very hard defensively all across the pitch,” Subiaco coach Greg Farrell said. “I thought we moved the ball around well and created some good chances that we finished off. We were trying to rush too much throughout the game and their keeper, Manon Gebauer, was very good in goals, and helped to keep them organised. We got to work on certain things as well during the game so it was a positive overall despite conceding a goal late on.”

21.5.2023

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

It was round six in the Hyundai Women’s Division One and in our ‘Match of the Round’ Hamersley Rovers moved five points clear at the top, after a 4-0 win against second placed UWA Nedlands in the top of the table clash at Carine Open space on Sunday. “The win was a good feeling. We prepared for the way UWA play and adjusted it within the game to the things the changed,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba. “We came out to make a statement and we have, this game helped us build on fundamentals that we have been working on. Regardless it was a great win and the girls are definitely buzzing.”

The hosts found the opener on 11 minutes, Christiane Astorp cross found Rebecca Dudek, who brought the ball down well and found the bottom corner. They doubled their lead ten minutes later, Astorp eased past her marker, and raced into the box and finished low past the keeper. It was 3-0 just after the hour, Jordy Henderson ball over the top found Royan Norman, who cut inside her marker and fired low across the keeper. They found a fourth late, Brianna Patrick slipped in Norman who went one-on-one with the keeper, before cooly finishing into the bottom corner.

The round began on Friday evening, with Perth AFC consolidating third place after a narrow 1-0 win against Mandurah City at Len Packham Reserve. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time, with Katarina Visic converting from the penalty spot, the win making it five games unbeaten for Rob Caruso’s side, and he was happy with sides performance, but knows there is more to come from his chargers.

“I thought it was a good game for the neutrals, Mandurah pushed us the whole game, but our defence was very solid once again shutting down there attack every time they tried to push forward,” the coach explained. “But a lot of credit to my team who once again didn't give up and ground out another win, and it kept our unbeaten run going.”

In other games this weekend, Port Kennedy are up to fifth after a 5-0 win against Subiaco at Koorana Reserve. First half goal from Keira Turner, Vanessa Baker, Jemma Martin and Lucy Jones, put Kevin Cole’s side in control, and Jones added her second to round of the scoring on the hour. “The girls did very well, and dominated the game and put Subiaco under lots of pressure, which I asked for the ladies to do,” Cole explained. “Subiaco are a very young team, but the goals were very good and well worked team goals. So, it was a great win well pleased with the performance.”

In the final game Sorrento have beaten bottom of the table Armadale 5-0 at Percy Doyle Reserve. It was tight first half, and scoreless at the break, but the Gulls found the opener two minutes into the second half, with Jessica Lindquist scoring. Lindquist was in again on 53 minutes, before Isabella Asphar added a third on the hour. Lindquist completed her hat-trick ten minutes later, before Bolton Yangi rounded out the scoring eight minutes from time.

“Overall I was pleased with our performance,” Gulls coach Grant O’Connell said. “It took us a while to get going, but we looked in control from the start and our ball movement was very good, although we were a bit wasteful with our end product in the first half. But it was good to see us put that right in the second half and pick up a result that our performance deserved.”

20.5.2023

NPL-WA MATCH OF THE ROUND – STIRLING TAKE THE GLORY

Stirling Macedonia jumped to second on the NPLWA – Mens table after a 3-0 win against Perth Glory, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Macedonia Park. Daniel Faichney gave the hosts the lead early, but both sides had chances in an entertaining encounter. But it was Stirling who sealed the points late, Samim Fattahi scoring from a free kick, before Calvin Whitney added a third late, finishing after his initial spot kick was saved. “It was great to secure a much-needed win off the back of the draw with Cockburn the following week,” Stirling skipper Luke Palmateer said.

“First half was fairly even with both sides having chances, thankfully for us we were able to take ours and had James Bosdet save us on several occasions. The second was a different story. We continued to create but secured our backline and didn't allow for the game to be so open. Samim came on and scored his first goal for the club with a fantastic free kick which not only secured the win but breathed confidence into a new player for our squad.”

It was Glory who had the first big chance in this on 11 minutes, Jayden Gorman making space down the right and his cross picked out the unmarked Jamie Overy, but his point-blank header was well saved by James Bosdet. The hosts hit back and Asher Nelson’s long-range shot was turned around the post by the alert Robert Cook, before Calvin Whitney’s stinging shot crashed off the crossbar. But Stirling, who eased through to the Australia Cup quarter-final in midweek, were ahead on 18 minutes. Calvin Whitney found Kade Fearnall, and his first-time ball sent Daniel Faichney clear, and he finished low past the Glory custodian.

They went close again moments later, Whitney’s free kick on the edge of the box was saved low by Cook, before down the other end Gorman’s shot on the turn flashed over the top. Bosdet then stood tall to deny Joel Anasmo, and was up smart to save Gorman’s follow up shot, as Glory searched for the equaliser. But Stirling almost doubled their lead on the half hour, Nelson’s flick was heading for the net, but Andriano Lebib got back to clear the ball off the line, and moments later Corey Sutherland’s shot on the run whistled past the post.

Glory wasn’t going away and Bosdet produced a stunning one handed save at full stretch to turn Gorman’s long range shot around the post. It was more of the same after the break, Cook got down well to save Gyles Davies’ volley, and held on to Fearnall’s long-range strike moments later. Glory hit back and Daniel Bennie’s low cross was saved by Bosdet, the rebound falling to Gorman, but a great last-ditch tackle from Brent Quick denied him.

The game was still there for both teams, and Faichney hit the base of the post 12 minutes from time, and seven minutes later the hosts found a second, substitute Fattahi firing a free kick over the wall and into the net, despite slipping on impact. They sealed the points in stoppage time, after referee David Bruce pointed to the spot for handball. Whitney saw his penalty saved by Cook, but he fired home the rebound to seal a hard fought three points for the hosts.

“It’s very good to get the result against a tough glory side. Our defence was strong and dealt with their attacks and press very well,” defender Brent Quick said. “We were pleased to be the first team to keep a clean sheet against them which can heavily be attributed to our solid back four and some very good saves by James Bosdet. Our midfielders worked very well in distributing and controlling the game. Calvin Whitney, Kade Fearnall, and Gyles Davies were outstanding.

“Going forward it was good to score first with Daniel Faichney making his mark again and good for our substitutes like Samim Fattahi to come on and make impacts like he did with his free kick. I think the whole narrative is clear and that is when we start scoring it’s going to be hard to stop us winning games and that’s what we hope to keep doing going forward.”

Stirling Macedonia: GK James BOSDET, 2 Brent QUICK, 5 Luke PALMATEER, 7 Asher NELSON (16 Samim FATTAHI 75’), 8 Gyles DAVIES, 9 Kade FEARNALL, 12 Taiga MATOBA, 13 Calvin WHITNEY, 14 Kingsley ESHUN (10 Sam WYNNE 75’), 15 James MCGOWEN, 18 Daniel FAICHNEY – Subs not used: RGK Liam PRICE, 4 Luke PASSERETTO, 6 Kai MATTHEWS, 11 Daniel ZIVKOVIC

Perth Glory: GK Robert COOK, 2 Aiki TSUKAMOTO, 3 Shade STEWART, 4 Andriano LEBIB 12 Danny DOUGLAS 60’), 5 Joseph FORDE, 6 Laat MATHIANG, 7 Joel ANASMO (15 Joshua ANASMO 60’), 8 Corey SUTHERLAND (14 Jaylan PEARMAN 60’), 9 Jayden GORMAN, 10 James OVERY, 11 Daniel BENNIE – Subs not used: RGK Luca LOVENE

20.5.2023

NPL-WA ROUND NINE - REVIEW

League leaders Bayswater City and second placed Perth RedStar have fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Frank Drago Reserve. “Very happy and proud of the football we’ve been playing lately, but just unfortunate in front of goals. It’s been total domination at times, midweek against Cockburn and today’s game,” RedStar coach Callum Salmon said. “I can’t ask anything more of the players football, we just need to be patient, trust our methods and we’ll click in front of goal very soon. The players are working hard to turn our possession into goals. Looking forward to some home games to get the winning run going again.”

Bayswater made the perfect start and were ahead on nine minutes, RedStar’s lost possession in the middle of the park and were punished, Sam Dawh racing clear, before squaring the ball to Ndumba Makeche who finished low past debutant keeper Sonny Inzalaco. But the visitors levelled on 23 minutes, Andy Higgins’ cross from the left was deemed to have hit an arm of Cameron Edwards, and referee Josh Mannella pointed straight to the spot.

Daryl Nicol stepped up and sent Casey Robertson the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Both keepers kept their sides in the game with good saves, while Chok Dau hit the bar late, and Nicol struck the base of the post, but they couldn’t find a way past the inform Robertson. But the hosts lost Gordon Smith five minutes from time after a tackle on Ryan Finnie, but it was the ten men almost won it in stoppage time, substitute Gustavo Catarcione burst into the box down the left, and picked out Jon Stynes, his shot was superbly saved, one handed by debutant keeper Sonny Inzalaco, to earn his side a hard-fought point.

“I thought it was an even game up until Gordon got a red card, we then had to sit back and absorb the pressure which we did very well, and we were unlucky not to snatch the win at the end of the game,” the Bayswater custodian explained. “But I think this draw shows what we are about this season, as we are able to deal with high amounts of pressure and still perform well and stay in the game when things aren’t going our way.”

Debutant RedStar keeper Sonny Inzalaco said he was happy to help the side to a point but thought they deserved more. “When I got the call from Callum Salmon that I would be playing first team I was buzzing and couldn’t wait to play. I knew it was going to be a tough game as Bayswater were top of the ladder but I knew I’d be ready as I’ve been training all season in and around the first team. I’ve had great feedback from Callum at training as well as great GK coaching from Tony Franken and Liam Reddy and it made me confident that I would be able to compete at that level,” he explained.

“Even though we went 1-0 down I thought we had the upper hand for the majority of the game, from the backline to the attack we were strong and resilient and we worked their defence all game. I didn’t have much to do throughout the game until the 90th minute when I made a save to keep the game level. I enjoyed the experience of first team football and being around the first team on match day and I’m so thankful for the opportunity, and for the trust Redstar have in me and hopefully can get more minutes in future.”

A nine-man Armadale moved up to third after a thrilling a seven-goal thriller against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. The 4-3 win had everything, and Armadale defender Emerson Alexis said they had to fight to seal the points. “A huge game for us today and for me personally, playing against my old club,” he said. “It was good to see some familiar faces at Dorrien, but at the end of the day we had a job to do and that was to get a vital three points. Going two men down was tough and it definitely stacked the odds against us but we kept battling and came out on top, it was a great fought win. I was also very happy to walk away with an assist for Pete’s third goal.”

It had been a tough week for the Azzurri, after the departure of Marc Wingell in midweek, but interim coach Basil Lenzo’s side made the perfect start on 16 minutes, American striker Hasani Sinclair heading home at the back post. But Armadale levelled on 33 minutes, Tom Berger’s corner found Jacobsz at the near post, and his glancing header beat Luke Radonich. Jacobsz added his second moments later, getting on the end of Jackson’s cross to give the visitors the lead, and remarkably he completed his hat-trick four minutes later, losing his marker to head home Emerson Alexis’ teasing cross.

But in final minute of the half Levitt was sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on Federico Achilli, and in stoppage time former Armadale midfielder Abdul Osman combined with Sam Cook, the latter crossing to Whitfield, who scored via the post. The visitors reset at the break, but it was Perth who were on front foot, and they found the equaliser on 71 minutes, Sinclair heading past Yousri Gharsallah, and it looked like they would go on with it, but Armadale had other ideas, and two minutes later they regained the lead.

Lachlan Collins’ ball into the box was headed goalwards by Jacobsz and Jackson bundled the ball over the line much to the delight of the travelling supporters. But ten minutes from time Armadale were reduced to nine, with Worton shown a second yellow card, and it was backs to the wall for the visitors, but they held firm to get back into the winner’s circle. “I’m very proud of all the players on their performance and commitment and they deserved the win today,” Armadale coach Salv Todaro said post-match. “We played some very good football in the first half, some excellent passages of play resulted in good goals. But the sending off just before halftime, hit us a little but we regrouped at halftime and we came out with a new game plan. The second half was pure resilience and commitment to each other and the club, every player gave their all and I am extremely proud of them all, I couldn’t have asked anymore from the players.”

Inglewood United moved off the bottom of the table after a stunning 4-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at Kingsway Reserve. “It's been a tough couple of months for all of us and we've been working hard to improve ourselves from back to front,” Inglewood defender Alex Ishida-Livings said. “To see it all finally come together and to control the game in the way that we did was a massive and deserved confidence boost.” The visitors, who also moved into the last eight of the Australia Cup in midweek, hit the front on 34 minutes. Anthony Bafobusha sent Rene Kisesa down the right, he cut the ball back to Bafobusha, who laid the ball to Dhuors Chol who finished low past David Keenan.

They doubled their lead four minutes into the second half, Shubham Mokala raced into the left side of the penalty area, he cut the ball back, which was dummied by Bafobusha and Chol finished low past Keenan. With the hosts chasing the game, Inglewood added a third late. Mokala won the ball in the middle of the park, and slipped the ball to substitute Dylan White, who lobbed the on-coming keeper. There was still time for a fourth from Andres Oliveira’s side in stoppage time, Mokala curling home from the edge of the box, to seal their third win of the season. “The first 20 minutes Kingsway had chances to take the lead, but from then on, we had control of the game,” Oliveira explained. “A 2-0 scoreline is difficult to handle as Kingsway could sneak in one and grow from there, so I'm very happy for my players handling the situation and then adding another two.”

Balcatta Etna made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Sorrento against Percy Doyle Reserve. “It was a hard-fought game at Percy Doyle today, we knew Sorrento would be up for a battle and McGarry would have them well organised,” Balcatta’s Trent Kay explained. “For us going three up was a massive positive and held us in good stead for the rest of the match in which Sorrento pegged one back. I was lucky enough to get onto the end of a couple of headers with Tongy and Corness making it easy for me from set pieces. We’re back in the top four now so boys were absolutely wrapped after the game but we still realise that it can quickly change if results don’t go our way. We’re looking forward to our next challenge with Floreat next week.”

Both sides progressed in the Australia Cup in midweek, and it was a tight first half with chances at both ends, but it was Balcatta who hit the front on 37 minutes, Adam Tong’s free kick to the back post picked out Trent Kay, and his diving header beat Patrick Hughes. It was 2-0 on the hour, Liam Hudson raced down the left, and his deep cross to the back post was turned home by Kotarto Yamamoto from the angle. The points were made safe nine minutes later, Jon Corness’ corner was headed home by Kay at the near post. The Gulls pulled one back five minutes later, Gustavo Giron-Marulanda sent Thomas Hunt down the left, his cross was headed home by Mark Withers, but it was too little too late.

Last season’s champions Floreat Athena slipped to the bottom of the table after a 2-1 loss against Cockburn City at E&D Litis Stadium. “It’s always tough coming off a mid-week game, but I thought we kept our discipline and managed the game well in key moments,” Cockburn’s Daniel Dols said. “Floreat are a great side and have players that can be very dangerous, but I thought that we set up well and took our opportunities when they came, so we are happy to get the win and look forward to keep the momentum going.”

The visitors found the opener on 28 minutes, Friday Zico stunning shot from distance flew into the top corner, giving Jason Saldaris no chance. The hosts thought they had the equaliser just before half time, Chris Saldaris found Ludovic Boi, who played in Nick Ambrogio, his low cross was turned home by Ethan Mom at the back post, but the assistants’ flag was up for offside on Boi in the build-up.

To make matters worse the Cockerels doubled their advantage in stoppage time, Charlie Garnham’s corner from the left was cleared by Floreat, but the ball was sent back into the box and Anthony Skorich poked the ball home from close-range. Floreat found a lifeline just before the hour, Ludovic Boi sending Ambrogio in on goal, and he found the bottom corner of the net past Michael Craggs.

19.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND EIGHT REVIEW

Our ‘Match of the Round in the State League Division One didn’t disappoint, with Forrestfield United scoring in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “We started well into the game and controlled it for a long time, unfortunately we couldn’t convert our chances in the first half to already have a comfortable lead,” Subiaco coach Michael Janssen explained. “We finally scored after dominating the second half from the start, but unfortunately after this we started to sit off too much and invited them back into the game.

“Even after our late second goal we again allowed Forrestfield to grab another chance as they are not a team that gives up till the very end. The second goal was allowed even when in the build-up the officials overlooked a yellow card tackle against our player, who had to come off injured after the foul. Overall, it was ourselves who kept them in the game and we have to look after our own tasks to finish on top after 90+ minutes. Now we are looking forward to prepare the team to play at Nash Field next week against the league leader Western Knights.”

The game came to life after the break, and it was the hosts who opened the scoring on the hour, Mark Bauersachs found Gavin Knight in the penalty area, he held off his marker and laid the ball into the path of Aaron McGuirk who finished clinically past Nick Stone. But Forrestfield levelled six minutes from time, Ali Naary’s free kick from distance beat Conor Hogan at his near post. But the action was far from over, and two minutes later Subiaco regained the lead.

Maurice Vermeulen sent Matthew Allen down the left, his ball sent Dominic Manno in on goal, and the second half substitute finished clinically from a tight angle. It looked like Subiaco were to win their first home game of the season, but in the first minute of stoppage time Forrestfield restored parity to earn a point. Mohammad Rezai cut inside his marker on the left of the penalty area and fired home via the crossbar, much to the delight of the away supporters.

“I thought we had more possession during the game and had the better chances, but didn't take them,” Forrestfield’s Jason Pottier said. “We have been showing some real character last couple weeks by never giving up and scoring late goals, and hopefully we can continue that against a very good Mandurah side next weekend.”

League leaders Western Knights have bounced back from defeat last week against Fremantle, but they left it late, securing the winner in the second minute of stoppage time to beat UWA Nedlands 2-1 in the local derby at the UWA Sports Park. “As other teams have found UWA is never an easy place to come and play,” Knights coach Adam Kostrencic said. “But it was pleasing to see the persistence of the playing group to maintain the pressure until the end and eventually find the winning goal.”

The Knights were on the back foot early, and on 20 minutes UWA found the opener. Skipper Adam Falcone’s free kick from the left picked out David Molinari, who lost his marker to head past Devon Lindemann. But the visitors levelled seven minutes later, Jack Bardsley was given far too much room and his shot from distance, flew past the keeper and into the corner of the net.

They almost found a second moments later, Jay Sheridan’s free kick deflected into the path of Albert Luwi, but his close range-range was well saved by the keeper. Both sides had their chances after the break, but it was the Knights who found the winner late, Jay Sheridan swept the ball into the box, and it was headed back across goal by Bardsley, the ball deflecting off Adam Harris and going in off the unfortunate Darran Quinncroft.

Fremantle City also left it late to earn a 3-3 draw with Dianella White Eagles at Hilton Park. “We got off to a decent start and scored early but that didn’t last long and then that set the tone for the rest of the day,” Fremantle skipper Hayden Stevens said. “We were second best all over the park, particularly at set pieces we were very poor. Looking back, we were probably lucky to get a point out of it, so full credit to Dianella who made things difficult and took their chances when they had them.”

The home side, who beat NPL side Olympic Kingsway in the Australia Cup in midweek, were ahead on ten minutes, Patrick Loughrey’s corner was met by skipper Hayden Stevens, who powered his header past Peter Pikadaris. But sixty seconds later the Eagles were level, Chris Rizidis sent player/coach Angel Andres into the box, he beat keeper Ryan Barker to the ball and fired home from a tight angle. But the game continued to ebb and flow, and it was Fremantle regained the lead eight minutes later, Oliver La Galia heading home a free kick.

But Dianella weren’t finished and hit back ten minutes later, Mitchell Byrne’s glancing home a header from a corner, before Josh Kuser swept the ball home from close-range after Fremantle failed to clear a free kick, to send the visitors in the sheds with the lead. It looked like the Eagles would leave with three valuable points, but four minutes from time Fremantle levelled. A ball over the top sent Hamza Hina in on goal, his first shot was saved by Pilkadaris, but the striker was on hand to fire home the rebound.

“In my opinion we deserve the three points at the home of one of the favourites to go to NPL,” new Dianella Head coach Angel Andres explained. “I thought we dominated the first half and in the second half we could score the fourth a couple of times before they scored the third, but if you don't take your opportunities against a team as good as Fremantle with the quality they got in front, they punish you.”

Mandurah City moved to second on the table after a 2-0 win against Gwelup Croatia at Genesiscare Stadium. City defender said it was good to keep their good run going, but it wasn’t their best performance of the season. “To be fair, we weren't at our best today but it was a solid professional performance against a well organised Gwelup side,” he explained. “But it’s another clean sheet and a hard-earned win in a game we knew was going to be tough.”

It was a tight first half with the visitors keeping Mandurah at bay, but five minutes into the second half the Dolphins broke through, Joe O’Brien was quickest to react from corner to score. Gwelup looked for the equaliser but the hosts were in no mood to concede, and twenty minutes from time they doubled their advantage, substitute Sam Byrne looping effort beat Josiah Godfrey, who had kept his side in the game with a number of fine saves.

Both Murdoch University Melville and Gosnells City were both backing up from Australia Cup ties in midweek, and they have fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Besteam Stadium. Christos Vaenas gave the hosts the lead early, but in the shadows of half time Scott Pereira levelled, from a training ground free kick routine. Then ten minutes into the second half Ross Greer’s side hit the front, Aiden Hoody scoring, but two minutes later Declan Tanna levelled to give both sides a share of the spoils.

“We were really looking forward to this weekend and playing against some familiar faces we knew, and it was going to be a tough game,” Gosnells skippet Scott Pereira explained. “We started the game slow and gave them an early goal, but we then settled into the game and got a well-earned goal before half time. We then went 2-1 up but was quickly hit back when they scored to make it 2-2. We had a chance to win it at the end but the goal was cancelled out controversially, but in the end, we were happy to take a point but could have easily been three at the same time.”

In the final game of the round, Joondalup United are up to fourth after a 3-1 win against Rockingham City at Lark Hill Sportsplex on Saturday evening. United defender Ben Johns said it was important to get a positive result after last week’s disappointing defeat. “Yes, it was important for us to bounce back after last week’s disappointing result, and not many teams go down to Rockingham and come away with all three points so it was a really pleasing result,” he said. “We had to work hard for it and Rockingham put us under a lot of pressure to their credit, but the quality of the boys we have here which was shown through the goals we scored, really was the difference.”

Nick Jennings’ side found the opener on 23 minutes, Joshua Allum on target, and nine minutes later they doubled their advantage with Elliot Tattersall scoring. The hosts pulled one back four minutes from the break, with Jayden Leader finding the net, but the result was secured nine minutes from time. The hosts had Joseph Moss sent off after receiving a second yellow card on 80 minutes, and moments later a cross into the box was headed against the bar by Joel Sollitt, but the rebound was headed back across goal by Andrew Flint, and it was turned home by substitute Callum Stocks to seal the points.

20.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND EIGHT REVIEW

Wanneroo City returned to the winner’s circle, after a 2-1 win against Curtin University at Wanneroo Reserve in our State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round ’s on Saturday afternoon. “In the first half we didn’t take our chances and was disappointing to go in level at the break,” Wanneroo striker Dion Berman said. “We came out sluggish in the second half and went 1-0 down early, but just like we’ve done several times this year, we showed heart and fought till the end and came out with the three points. Today we had that extra motivation to play for Jayden Licastro, a popular team mate, who sadly had a family member pass away during the week.”

It was the visitors who were ahead early in the second half, with Nathan Smith scoring. But the hosts levelled, youngster Kayleb Money-Elder, who was making his first start of the season, raced down the wing, and he whipped in a cross, and Dion Berman’s diving header found the bottom corner. They hit the front when a corner was met by Licastro, and after a tough week for the Wanneroo player, he jumped the highest at the back post to head home, and was swamped by his teammates. “A good response from the team after the little blip that we had with Maddington last week,” assistant coach Cosimo Figliomeni said. “Delighted for Jayden for him to get his goal, we all know it meant a lot to him. We now already focused for next week and get fixed what didn’t work properly on Saturday.”

Kingsley Westside maintained their three-point lead at the top of the table after a 4-2 win against Swan United at Chichester Park. “I felt we were a bit nervous in the first half in possession and allowed Swan too much time and space on the ball,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “A little tweak at half time made a difference and we knew that our fitness level would be a big factor in the game and it was in the end just really proud of the lads for sticking at the process even after going behind twice in the game. We know get ready for a big game against Quinns on Saturday night.”

The visitors, who were in Australia Cup action midweek, started brightly and Cameron Anderson scored after only two minutes. But Kingsley levelled 14 minutes later, Luke Salmon getting on the end of a Paul Stewart cross to head home. Swan regained the lead on the hour, with Rhys Loxley scoring past Peter Stewart, but their lead only lasted 12 minutes. Swan failed to clear their lines and Paul Stewart brought the ball down smartly, cut inside his marker and buried it inside the near post.

Then three minutes later Kingsley hit the front, Salmon received the ball from Warren Wadawu on the edge of the box, and outpaced his marker before finding the top corner. Swan pressed for the equaliser, but they couldn’t find it, and six minutes into stoppage time, Kingsley found a fourth. Substitute Jayden Drummond was brought down in the penalty area, and Paul Stewart converted the resulting spot kick.

Morley Windmills have kept pace with the leaders after a comfortable 4-0 win against Canning City at Burrendah Reserve. “It was another good win away from home, and to get a clean sheet was another win for us too,” Morley’s Steve Purton said. “We scored very early on which helped, although we couldn’t finish the game off as early as we would have liked. We had two debutants which slotted in and had great games, also Musonda scored off the bench, which shows the depth and competitiveness of the squad.” They opened the scoring on 13 minutes, Michael Rizidis on target, but they had to wait for the hour mark to add a second, Purton the scorer. Stephen Musonda came off the bench to make it 3-0 two minutes from time, before Ishmael Dawson completed the scoring in the final minute.

Ashfield closed the gap on the top four after scoring two late goals to seal a 2-1 win against Quinns at the Ashfield Sports Park. “I don’t think we were at our best today, although there have been games this season where we have played teams off the park and come away with nothing,” Ashfield player/coach James Sammut explained. “Our preparation going into the game wasn’t ideal with a number of players out through injury and illness, but it was pleasing to see the lads not give up and fight for the 90+ minutes. We take the three points and start planning for another tough game next week against Maddington.”

It was Quinns in front early in the second half, with Harry Edwards scoring, and it looked like they would get their second win of the season, but five minutes from time Ashfield levelled, Gareth Hamilton long-range shot took a deflection and lobbed up over the standard keeper. Then in the first minute of stoppage time Ashfield won it, Jared Favel raced into the box past a couple of Quinns defenders, before beating the keeper from a tight angle.

Carramar Shamrock Rovers are back in the winner’s circle, after a 3-0 win against Balga at Grandis Park. “After three disappointing results in a row it was good to get a win against Balga, and we know it’s always a tough game against them but we defended very well and took our chances,” Rovers’ Ger Fitzgerald said. “We also missed a lot of chances too which we need to work on. Very tough game away to Morley next week so training will be intense this week and look forward to Saturday’s game.” They opened the scoring after only two minutes, the referee spotted a push by Jordan Rowe on Drew Palmer, and Chris Pugh scored the resulting penalty. It was 2-0 when Kieran Harrison corner was met by a bullet header by captain Callum Traynor, to send the hosts into the break with a two-goal lead. They sealed the points 18 minutes from time, when Alan Reidy crossed a perfect ball and Drew Palmer scored from close range.

In the final game of the round, Joondalup City have moved off the bottom of the table after their first win of the season, a 2-1 win against Maddington-Kalamunda White City at the Iluka District Open Space. “I thought it was a well-deserved win for the boys,” City’s Liam Peacock said. “It’s been a slow start to the season but a great win against a well organised and good footballing side.” The hosts were ahead at the break, after Sam Rawlings scored on the half hour, and they doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half with Marcel Dzwonik on target. Farruh Mavlonov pulled one back for the visitors twenty minutes from time, but the host held firm to take the points.

“The players have never stopped working, so very pleased that they finally got over the line this week and also to the supporters who have been there in good numbers every week,” coach Paul Welch explained. “It’s a platform for us to build on and we won’t get carried away with one win, just take each game as it comes, especially with this weeks game at Curtin on a Friday night. I’ll leave you with my partner in crime Ryan’s comment before the match Saturday “some players legacy will read 6 losses 1 draw, yours is yet to be written“ they started with a well earned win.”

19.5.2023

AUSTRALIA CUP WA DRAW DELAYED

The Australia Cup draw was supposed to be made today for the next round of the WA games, but the draw has been delayed, after a player irregularity in one of the fifth-round games played this week. Football West sent out the following statement. “After consultation with Football Australia, Football West has taken the decision to delay the draw for the WA Preliminary Round Six of the Australia Cup. Football West will advise of the new date and time of the draw. Watch this space…

19.5.2023

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FIVE PREVIEW

After relegation from the State League, it’s not been the start South West Phoenix were looking for in their return to the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, but they will be looking for home comforts on Saturday afternoon in our ‘Match of the Round’ when they welcome Jaguar to the Onside Sports Stadium in Bunbury, in the opening game of week five. (5.00pm) Their only win this season came at home in round three against Kwinana, but last week they were well beaten on the road by league leaders South Perth leaving them ninth on the table. Jaguar sit third, and are unbeaten this season, but they dropped their first points of the season last weekend, drawing at home to East Perth, so both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways this week.

The last time they met at the venue was in round 13 in 2021, with the hosts winning 4-0. Phoenix was ahead when Corey Barclay cut the ball back to Lee Stewart to score. It was 2-0 when Andy Blunden crossed to the back post and Stewart headed it back across goal and Barclay volleyed home. It was 3-0 before the break Barclay cross was headed home by Stewart from five meters. They wrapped up the points late when Stewart was brought down in the box and Kieran Quinn made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Jags coach Josam Muwowo will be hoping to celebrate his birthday with three points, but he knows it will be a tough game. “We know Saturday will be a tough trip to Bunbury to play against a good formidable side which we know will be very competitive and difficult to crack especially playing them in their own backyard,” Muwowo said. “We as Jags believe that anything is possible to collect maximum points there, but we will have to do our best first to compete and utilise our chances. The boys look ready to take on the task and we will see how they will respond after a short space of recovery time from travelling. It's not easy but we have to adjust and adapt.”

Phoenix’s Corey Barclay said last week defeat was tough to take, with the club struggling for numbers on the day. “Yes, it was a rough week, in terms of personnel available for the game with a few of the league boys having to play both reserves and league,” he explained. “I can’t fault any of them and we were playing well for the first half managing to go 1-0 up, but then unfortunately conceding just before half time. The tired legs started to show in the second half as we had a few players go down with cramp and a suspected hamstring injury. We conceded three goals in 10 minutes and unfortunately went down 5-1, but credit to South Perth there were a very good team and deserved the win.”

Barclay said they hope to get some players back this weekend, as they look to keep their winning home form intake. “This weekend will again be another tough weekend against Jaguar it’s always difficult coming up against them,” he said. “Our home ground is very similar to theirs in terms of size, so it should be a good hit out with both teams playing better on larger pitches, hopefully we will be able to get the job done and keep our 100% home record this year.”

In other games this weekend (all games kick off at 3pm, unless stated), league leaders South Perth United hit the road, with a trip to Vasto Reserve to take on North Beach, for the first home league game for Nick Di Carlo’s side. Second placed Emerald host Joondalup United at Fraser Park (1.00pm), looking to keep their unbeaten run going, while the visitors go in search of their first win on the road. Kwinana United will look for their first win of the season when they make the trip to Woodville Reserve to take on North Perth United (1.00pm), who have won both their home games this season.

Peel United have struggled so far this season, losing their opening three games, and they face a tough test on Sunday when they visit Frye Park to take on Kelmscott Roos, who have won both their home games this season. In the final game Wembley Downs entertain East Perth at Butlers Reserve. East Perth goes into this one after a scoreless draw at Jaguar, while Wembley secured back-to-back wins after a 2-0 win at Joondalup, a result which pleased keeper Jeff Cornez, and he said they are starting to hit their straps.

“The win at Joondalup was a great game to win plus another shutout, after two very comfortable wins prior, it was a good reminder that this league is so tough and we need to be prepared to grind out wins,” he explained. “We are looking forward to the game on Sunday, and we all agree East Perth are one of the favourites for the league, but I think we’re ready to add our name to the conversation. We’re starting to get into our rhythm and we look forward to the challenge and opportunity for another three points on Sunday at Butlers.”

19.5.2023

NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW

We head into week eight of the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and our ‘Match of the Round’ is the top of the table clash between league leaders Perth RedStar and Murdoch University Melville at the RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3.00pm, unless stated) MUMFC moved level at the top of the table after a 5-1 win in their round three catch up game against Hyundai NTC at E&D Litis Stadium on Wednesday evening.

It started so well for the NTC youngsters, with Klaudia Houlis turning her marker and finished well past Stacey Cavill. But that was as good as it got for Ben Anderton’s side, and four minutes into the second half the visitors levelled, Sam Mathers headed in a corner from the right. MUMFC keeper Cavill then produced two great saves to deny Houlis and Mia Britton, and those saves proved crucial and MUMFC hit the front just after the hour mark, with Charli Wainwright’s finishing well from the edge of the box.

The NTC were then reduced to ten, when Georgia Cassidy was sent off, and MUMFC capitalised with three goals in the final 11 minutes to seal the win. Jessica Johnson’s long-range shot beat Megan Phillips to make it 3-1, before Mathers was sent clear by Nikita Strickling’s header to make it four. Mathers then completed her hat-trick two minutes from time, to seal a comprehensive win, and move them level on the table with Sunday’s opponents RedStar. with a strike from downtown, which continued MUM FC’s terrific recent run of form and set up an enticing clash with leaders RedStar.

MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said he was delighted with the performance of his side, and said the players have earned a prize for the win, but knows Sunday’s game at the RedStar Arena will be another tough one. “Delighted with the win against a good win against NTC, and it gives the team confidence moving forward,” he said. “It gives them belief and most importantly it gets them a pasta dinner courtesy of my assistant coach Chef Dom. We move on to another tough game against RedStar, and we know we have to be at our best to defeat them, but we know our best is good enough.”

Last season’s champions RedStar moved ominously to the top of the table last week with a hard-fought win against Fremantle City, and Andreia Teixeira said it was a good three points. “We knew the Fremantle game would be tough after their win against the NTC the week before, but on the day, we played well and took our chances at important parts of the game,” she explained.

“We have played well in recent weeks, and having a number of players pushing for a first team place, it has given everyone a lift and competition for spot in the starting side is intense, and it’s brought the best out of us. On Saturday we host another team who will be high on confidence after beating the NTC in midweek to continue their unbeaten run, so it will be another tough test for us, but one we’re looking forward too”

In other games this weekend Balcatta Etna will look to build on their win at Perth SC last week when they host Hyundai NTC at Grindleford Reserve, while Subiaco entertain Curtin University at Rosalie Park (3.45pm). In the final game Perth SC welcome Fremantle City to Dorrien Gardens. (4.00pm) Both sides are coming off narrow defeats, Fremantle at RedStar, while the Azzurri were beaten at home by Balcatta.

Perth striker Jaime Duncanson was on target in their loss, and she hopes to bounce back on Sunday. “We were obviously disappointed to lose points last week, however it gives us some good focus points early in the scheme of the season to work on for the next round and beyond,” she explained. “We are excited to make up for last week in our next game, and Fremantle are always a good opposition, so we know it’s always a 90+ minute battle, and we are ready for it. “

19.5.2023

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

We have a top of the table clash in the Hyundai Women’s Division One with leaders Hamersley Rovers hosting second placed UWA Nedlands at Carine Open Space on Sunday afternoon. (All games kick off at 1.00pm, unless stated) Rovers maintained their perfect start to the season after a big win against Port Kennedy, while UWA dropped their first points of the season, being held to a 1-1 draw by Perth AFC, so this one should be a great game.

Hamersley coach Betim Ziba said UWA will be looking to bounce back from their draw last week, and his side are determined to keep their good start to the season going, so it should be a great game. “So far both teams have not lost, so this game will be a pivotal one, and we know UWA are a dangerous team who have a good system going,” Ziba explained.

“We have been working hard to ensure our style of play can withstand what UWA do on the day, and I’m sure the game will be exciting and I am curious to see what happens. We can only benefit from this game, if we win, we learn from our mistakes and become better. If we win then we know that what we are doing is working, but one thing is for sure, we’re excited and ready to play and are wanting to leave with all three points.”

Hamersley coach Lawrence Lewis said last weeks draw was a tough game, but that game has gone and they are ready for the challenge of taking on the league leaders.

“The game will be different for us this weekend as we are coming up against a new side in Hamersley. They have started the season well and seem to be getting good results along the way. After our blip last week against Perth AFC, we are looking to get back to winnings ways, the coach explained.

“Good fortunes have brought a couple of our players back from injury for this weekend and will look to feature throughout the game. No doubt it will be a tightly contested game as it will set the early season stride from either team. It’s a long season with plenty of games to go but a win here would set us in good stead for the next round of games.”

In other games this weekend, Sorrento host Armadale at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday afternoon, the hosts looking to build on last week’s win against Subiaco, while Armadale go in search of their first point of the season. Port Kennedy have home ground advantage when they welcome Subiaco to Koorana Reserve. Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeats last week, the hosts were beaten at the league leaders last week, while Subiaco lost at home to Sorrento.

“We’ve always found Armadale a tough side to come up against and I’m not expecting any different this week,” Sorrento coach Grant O’Connell said. “For us we want to build on last week’s game and aim for a more consistent performance over the 90 minutes. We’ve worked on a couple of new ideas at training, so If we get our processes right and play with the right intensity I’m confident we can put in a good performance and get another positive result.”

The round kicks off on Friday evening when Perth AFC welcome Mandurah to Len Packham Park. (7.30pm) The hosts fought out a draw at UWA last week to move to third, while Mandurah hit eight, to beat Armadale. Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said they are expecting another game against Mandurah, and his side will look to get back to winning ways after their draw at UWA.

“Coming off a draw last week we are looking to get back into the winners circle but it’s not going to be easy,” he said. “Mandurah are coming off a big win and have been playing well the last couple of weeks, so it won't be a game we take lightly. We have continued to work on key elements of our game and keep pushing forward taking it one game at a time.”

Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto said Friday is going to be and exciting challenge, and one they are looking forward too. “Yes, we are looking forward to tonight’s game, and taking on the team third on the table, and hoping leapfrogging them with a win,” the coach explained. “As a young and developing team we aspire to be able to compete with the top sides in our division, and tonight gives us the opportunity to measure our progress. Perth do not concede many goals, so this could be a tough assignment. Watch this space…”

19.5.2023

NPL-WA ROUND NINE - PREVIEW

After the midweek Australia Cup round, we’re back in the NPLWA – Men’s action, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Macedonia Park, where third placed Stirling Macedonia host fourth placed Perth Glory. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways in round nine, Stirling were held to a scoreless draw by Cockburn, while Glory were narrowly beaten by Olympic Kingsway. The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round four last season when Glory left with all three points after a 3-0 win. First half goals from Lucas Cook and Joshua Anasmo the visitors in control, and Lucas Rossi added a third after the break to seal the win.

It's been a tough week for the hosts with two games in four days, but midfielder Gyles Davies, who was on target in the 5-1 win against Swan United in the cup, said it was good to get into the next round and give some of the younger players some game time. “Overall, it was a good performance by the group, as sometimes these midweek games can be somewhat of a hurdle if you arrive with the wrong attitude but we put in a focused and tidy performance. I thought we got off to a bit of a tardy start conceding early on as Swan United started quickly, and we knew they would be physical and dangerous from set pieces and they took advantage of that early on,” he explained.

“We soon settled into our rhythm, retaining a lot of the ball and we were soon able to capitalise on a few good opportunities which we created. Ultimately, we controlled the game for the majority and it was pleasing to cash in with some goals which we haven’t consistently achieved this year. As a playing and coaching group, we still recognise there are improvements to take from our performance in both the attacking and final third but overall, we are pleased to progress to the next round in the cup as we shift our focus to a big game on Saturday again Perth Glory.”

Davies said they are expecting a tough game against the Glory youngsters on Saturday, but they need to recover well from their midweek game, because they are a fit side. “We are anticipating a tough contest against Perth Glory, and are aware of the style of play they often try and bring and the 'run' they bring through their intensity and fitness. Collectively as a group we are confident we will be able to get a result if we trust our style of play and take our opportunities,” he explained.

“While we have had somewhat of a stop start beginning to the season, we see this as an important fixture to begin to regain some momentum in a league which is extremely close and competitive. Coming off a disappointing and frustrating result against Cockburn we have addressed some areas as a playing and coaching group which we see as areas of improvement. The weekend is bound to be a competitive fixture however, we are very confident in our ability to get a win to maintain pressure on the top placed team whoever that may be come Saturday evening.”

Glory slipped to their third defeat of the season at Olympic last week, but coach John Walmsley said the performance was good, but he thought the red card changed the game. “To be fair it was a decent performance from us against Kingsway on the weekend, however a few contentious decisions made by the referee resulted in the game being swung in their favour,” he explained. “However, we need to be mindful of certain aspects of senior football to ensure we manage matches effectively.”

In midweek Daniel Bennie, Robert Cook, Giovanni De Abreu, Andriano Lebib, Jonathon Leithead and Corey Sutherland were all selected in the Joeys AFC u17 Asian Cup squad, and Walmsley said the development of these players, and the rest of the squad has been down to their hard work at training. “We are delighted for the boys who have been selected for the National Team for the U17 Asian Cup. To represent your country is a huge honour, and this achievement is reward for all their hard work and dedication each day,” he said. “As a program our focus is developing players, so we hope that there is more to come from these lads as well as others within the squad.”

Glory sits level on points with Saturday’s opponents, and Walmsley said Saturday is another test for his young squad, but like all games this season, they will meet the challenge head on. “Yes, this week will be another good test for us against a strong Stirling side,” he said. “We need to continue to develop our approach to get better at all aspects of controlling the match. If we are consistent with our approach, we will give ourselves a good opportunity to win the game.”

In other games, league leaders Bayswater City welcome second placed Perth RedStar to Frank Drago Reserve, in the top of the table clash. City moved three points clear at the top last week after a narrow 2-1 win against Armadale, while Callum Salmon’s side were also narrow winners, coming home from Inglewood with the same scoreline, and with the league so tight, three points would be massive in this one. Perth SC begin life without coach Marc Wingell, who departed the club after last week’s loss to Balcatta, when they host Armadale at Dorrien Gardens, with Basil Lenzo as the interim coach.

Current champions Floreat Athena are sitting a disappointing 11th on the table, and coming off four straight league defeats, the latest a 3-1 loss at Sorrento, and they will be desperate for the points when they welcome Cockburn City to E&D Litis Stadium. Olympic Kingsway and Inglewood United were both in cup action this week, Olympic knocked out Fremantle City, while Inglewood beat Gosnells City, and the pair will both back up on Saturday when they meet at Kingsway Reserve. Likewise, Balcatta Etna and Sorrento, who beat MUMFC and Mandurah City respectively in the cup, and they go head-to-head at Percy Doyle Reserve

Balcatta assistant coach Malcom Tshuma said the back-to-back wins has given them much needed confident. “The Perth game we were the better side over the ninety minutes, we worked extremely hard, in and out of possession, and we had a game plan and it worked well, and on another day, we could have scored a couple more, but in the context of the season, coming away from Dorrien with three points, we were very happy about,” he explained. “On Tuesday in the cup we managed to rotate the squad, and gave some of our younger players the opportunity, which the club haven’t been able to do recently, and they never let us down, and it bodes well for the club going forward.”

Tshuma said they need to be strong on Saturday, and it’s been the same for both teams, with two games in a short period of time, but he is confident they get a positive result. “We’re looking forward to the Sorrento game, the wins at Perth and Murdoch are done and dusted, but we understand Sorrento are a quality side and well coached, so we will have to be at our best for the 90 plus minutes to get the result,” he said. “The league is tight at the moment, and on any day, anyone can beat anyone else, so we look forward to the challenge and our focus is on the Sorrento game. We will go down there and look to bring home the three points, and we are confident of the quality and ability of our squad to do that.”

19.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW

We head into week eight of the State League Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Rosalie Park where Subiaco host Forrestfield United. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) Both sides are coming off wins last week, Subiaco coming home from Gwelup with a 4-2 win, while Forrestfield secured their first win of the season, with a 2-1 win against UWA Nedlands.

The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 21 last season, when Subiaco fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw. The visitors found the opener on 24 minutes, Oliver La Galia cross was headed home by Alex Mclean. They doubled their lead five minutes later, La Galia was the supplier again, his cross was turned home by Andy Harold. But five minutes into the second half Subiaco pulled one back, Emmanuel Langoya scoring, and they were level two minutes later, Boas Mtwale’s ball into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with and Mark Bauersachs pounced to fire home to share the spoils

The win against UWA was a huge plus for Forrestfield, this after the departure of coach Eric Williams two weeks ago. With new coaches Paul Vallerius and Daryl Platten in charge the club looked to have turned the corner, and keeper Nick Stone said last week's win was a great way to start, and they hope to continue it on Saturday at Subiaco.

“Yes, it was a great win last Saturday, the boys have been working hard as a group and we believe we are good side that plays good football, but haven’t had the luck to turn good performances into a win,” he explained. “Daryl and the gaffer have done a great job encouraging the group and it’s paying off hopefully we can keep the ball moving forward on Saturday.”

Subiaco were coming off back-to-back defeats in the league, and striker Gavin Knight said it was huge to get back to winning ways. “Last week game against Gwelup was a very good win for us, especially after our loss the week earlier against Joondalup and Mandurah,” he said. “I thought we played very well against Gwelup, and deserved it, so that gives us confidence into next game.”

The win last week kept Subiaco in touch with the top four, and Knight said it will be nice to get a first home win of the season. “It’s good to be back at home again on Saturday, and we’re looking for a better result than our first home game against Joondalup,” he said. “But we know our game against Forrestfield will be tough, as they won their first game and have new manager, but I think if we play the way we did last week we can get the three points.”

League leaders Western Knights welcome UWA Nedlands to Nash Field for the local derby. Adam Kostrencic’s side will be looking to bounce from their first defeat of the season last week against Fremantle, while UWA will hope to end a three-game losing streak. Both Mandurah City and Gwelup Croatia were in cup action in midweek, and they meet at Genesiscare Stadium on Saturday. The hosts were beaten by Sorrento, but will look to continue their excellent league form which has seen them move up to second on the table, while Gwelup won in extra time against Maddington in the cup, and will be aiming to bounce back from defeat against Subiaco last week.

Fremantle City are also back to league action when they host Dianella White Eagles at Hilton Park. Matthew Sparrow’s side are the form team of the league at the moments, stunning Olympic Kingsway in the cup in midweek, and coming off a massive win at league leaders Western Knights last week, but Dianella head into the game after a confidence boosting win against MUMFC last week. Joondalup United head south to take on Rockingham City at Lark Hill Sportsplex (5pm), the hosts are coming off a win against Gosnells, while United were well-beaten by Mandurah, and will be looking to bounce back.

In the final game Murdoch University Melville entertain Gosnells City at Besteam Stadium. The visitors suffered their first league defeat in five games, edged out at Rockingham, while hosts were beaten at Dianella and in the cup in midweek by Balcatta, but the game was up for grabs until late. “Yes, a couple of disappointing results the last two games and we feel we should have got more out of them but sometimes it just doesn’t fall for you,” MUMFC keeper Tom Allan said. “But saying that and given the number of injuries we have at the minute, but the lads have stepped up and put in some great shifts. This week, as most weeks are in this league, it will be another tough game against Gosnells. We are looking for a big reaction from the squad and three points to keep us in that top four mix.”

19.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND EIGHT PREVIEW

Our ‘Match of the Round’ in week eight of the State League Division Two, sees fourth placed Curtin University make the trip to Wanneroo Reserve to meet sixth placed Wanneroo City. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) The hosts lost for the first time in four games last week at Maddington, while the visitors, who lost in the cup in midweek to Floreat, won for the first time in four games, after a 3-2 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers, and with only two points separating the two sides this one should be a close encounter.

The last time they met at the venue in the league was in round 14 last season, when the hosts ran out 2-1 winners. The visitors opened the scoring early, with Theodore Chapota scoring from the spot, but the hosts levelled, when Aaron Louttit headed home Daragh Kavanagh’s cross. Wanneroo added a second, Will Woodhall getting on the end of a Conor Dolan pass to seal the points.

Curtin skipper Jeffrey Ledwith said it has been a tough week for the club, with league and Australia Cup games, but he said the players gave it their all in all the game. “Yes, it's a big week for the team having three games in seven days. The game against Rovers was a hard-fought win considering we hadn’t won in three games so it was great to bounce back and start winning again,” he explained. “The cup game against Floreat was always going to be a challenge and was a great way to see how we mange against team a few leagues above us, I was super proud of the boys for their efforts within the game.”

Ledwith said Saturday is another challenge, and with only two points separating the two sides on the table, the win will be important. “We’ve trained well on Thursday, and we now move on, and move our attention to the league facing Wanneroo away weekend,” the skipper said. “We know every game is difficult in this league and Wanneroo will be a strong contest considering how close we are on the ladder, but I know the boys will be keen to get a win this weekend.”

It will be a huge game at Chichester Park when league leaders Kingsley Westside host third placed Swan United. The hosts drew at Morley last week, to drop their first points of the season, while Swan bounced back from defeat against Morley the week before, with a big win at Quinns, before a cup defeat at Stirling in midweek. Second placed Morley Windmills head to Burrendah Park to take on Canning City, looking to maintain the pressure on the leaders, while Canning will go in search of their first win of the season.

In the other games this weekend Carramar Shamrock Rovers will look to get back to winning ways when they host Balga at Grandis Park, while the visitors will be buoyed by a first win in five games against Canning last week. Maddington-Kalamunda White City make the trip to the Iluka District Open Space to meet Joondalup City. City ended Wanneroo City’s winning run last week, before an extra time loss in the cup against Gwelup in midweek, while Joondalup sit bottom of the table, and will be searching for their first win of the season.

Ashfield welcome Quinns to the Ashfield Sports Club, and will go in search of back-to-back home wins, after their win against Joondalup last week, while Quinns will look to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Swan. Ashfield’s Gareth Hamilton was happy to get one over his former club last week, but knows they need more of the same on Saturday against a Quinns side battling to move away from the foot of the table.

“It's always nice to get a win against your old club I thought we thoroughly deserved the three points, and we go into this weekend full of confidence,” he said. “This weekend is another massive game, we know Quinn's will be raring to go after last weekend’s defeat, but if we stick to the game plan set out by the coaching staff, we know we can come away with all three points.”

17.5.2023

AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - WEDNESDAY REVIEW

Defending Australia Cup (WA) holders Cockburn City still have a grip on the trophy, after a narrow 1-0 win against Perth RedStar at Dalmatinac Park on Wednesday evening. “It was a massive win for us obviously, and everyone played their part in an excellent performance,” Cockburn keeper Michael Craggs explained. “We limited their chances as much as we could, and didn't give them any good one on one chances at all, and it shows that on our day we can beat anyone so hopefully that mentality bleeds into the league.” The only goal of the game came just after half time, Luqman Sayyed found Friday Zico down the right, who laid it into Danny Dols. Luqman made a great overlapping run and he got down the line and cut the ball back to Jesse Lazzaro on the edge of the box, and he finished past Liam Reddy.

“We knew RedStar was going to be a tough game, because they have quality players all over the pitch, they played really good football, but you know never know what will happen in cup games,” Zico explained. “We had very few chances in the match, but Jesse scored the decisive goal, and according to him his got the best left foot at the club then me, but if he continues to score with it then I have no problem with that for now. We are just happy to get through to the next round and hope to continue our cup adventure.”

Sorrento also progressed to the next round after a 3-0 win against Mandurah City at Genesiscare Stadium. “Overall, I thought we started the first half pretty poor but managed to stay in the game which was encouraging,” Sorrento defender David Stokoe said. “Then in the second half we got to grips with the game more and dominated the possession and chance creation, so overall always good to get through to the next round of a cup.”

It was a tight contest in the first half with both sides having their chances, but it was the Gulls, who last won the cup in 2015, that found the opener early in the second half, after an in-swinging corner from Dean Cummings, flicked on and Scott Robertson headed home unmarked at the back post. They doubled their advantage on 72 minutes, Zach Dabbs picked up the ball on the left and dribbled at pace past a number of Mandurah players, before his shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net past Alfie Brincat.

They wrapped up the tie deep into stoppage time, with Mandurah committing numbers forward, they broke on the counter, Hugo Snowden was sent in on goal, and he lobbed the on-coming keeper to seal the tie. “We knew in the lead up to this game it was going to be really difficult, and we were well aware of the quality they’ve got, and they put us on the back foot for the majority of the first half and made it difficult for us to get the ball down and play our game,” Robertson explained,

“I thought we defended the crucial moments really well and we rode our luck at times to keep them scoreless going into half time. We were far from our best in the first half so the second half required a reaction and that’s exactly what happened. It was a huge effort from everyone and a it was a gutsy performance, Mandurah pushed us all the way. We wish them well for their push for promotion, but we’re happy to be in the hat for the next round, the Australia Cup has always been important for the club.”

Floreat Athena have put a difficult league run behind them to progress to the last eight, but they were made to work for their 1-0 win against Curtin University at Edinburgh Oval. “It was good to get back to winning ways after some disappointing results recently,” Floreat’s Nick Ambrogio said. “We can use this result to kick start our season again with a tough game against Cockburn this weekend.” The only goal of the game came on two minutes, some good build up play, out on the left ended with a cut back to Ambrogio on the edge of the box, and his half volley went in off the post.

The hosts went close to levelling in the second half, when Janno Saks found himself in space on the right of the penalty area, but his shot was well saved by Jason Saldaris. “I'm proud of how the boys played and felt we were unlucky not to take the game to extra time,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “We conceded a soft goal in the opening minutes when they got behind us on the left, but we had a number of good half chances in the second half but couldn’t find the equaliser.”

In the final tie, Gwelup Croatia have come from two goals behind, for the second game running, to beat Maddington-Kalamunda White City 3-2 after extra time at Maida Vale Reserve. The hosts were ahead on six minutes, Jose Zuniga on target. It looked game over on the hour when City doubled their advantage, with substitute Nicolas Serrano scoring, but nine minutes later Gwelup found a lifeline, Jacob Williamson heading home a corner. Then seven minutes from time they levelled, Rob McDonald was brought down in the box, and Charlie Breen scored the resulting penalty. So, it was off to extra time, with both sides having chances, but it was Gwelup who won it, with McDonald scoring his first goal for the club in the first period of extra time.

“It was a tough fought out match, and Maddington performed cohesively throughout the game, scoring two poor goals from our perspective, leaving us on the back foot for most of the match,” Gwelup keeper Josiah Godfrey said. “To be fair, I thought we were fortunate to equalise in the 80th minute, sending the game into extra time where we scored the decisive third goal. From there we held on till the end of the game with a 3 -2 win, and it gives us a huge lift as we head down to Mandurah this Saturday with an optimistic but positive mindset.”

16.5.2023

AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - TUESDAY REVIEW

State league Division One Fremantle City caused the biggest upset in Tuesday evenings Australia Cup (WA) fifth round games, beating NPLWA Olympic Kingsway 2-1 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Matthew Sparrow’s side stunned Perth SC in the last round and they were ahead in this one midway through the first half. Pat Loughrey’s corner picked out Hayden Stevens, and the former Perth Glory Youth defender saw his glancing header beat Joseph Pollard.

Olympic were on the front foot after the break and levelled on 54 minutes, Ollie Annis’ set piece found the unmarked Daniel Walsh, who fired home from five meters. It looked we were going to extra time, but Fremantle won it four minutes from time. Roberto Soares had only been on the pitch for two minutes, but his run from deep saw him set his sights on goal, and his shot flew into the bottom corner of the net, much to the delight of players and supporters alike.

Sparrow said it was a great game, and his players were outstanding all night. “Firstly, what a fantastic cup game, the intensity of the match for a Tuesday night game, especially after both teams playing Saturday was a credit to the players,” the Fremantle coach said. “So proud of my players tonight, they gave it everything from start to finish, the last couple of weeks I’ve seen another side to them which I really like, the determination grit and togetherness is growing more and more each game. We’ll prepare right again Thursday to get ourselves ready for another huge game against Dianella on Saturday.”

Balcatta Etna moved into the next round, after a hard fought 3-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium. “We had a young team out and considering that we played some good football tonight,” Balcatta midfielder Ryan Pearson said. “I thought we controlled most of the game, and found two early goals to steady the ship. We had a bit of a scare early second half where they had a good ten-minute spell, but we calmed our nerves again to get back on top, and then sealed the game with a third goal late on, and I thought overall we showed our quality to move into the next round.”

The visitors found the opener on ten minutes, good work down the right by Declan Hudson, saw him take on his marker and deliver a pin-point cross to Ben Hinshelwood, and the big striker headed home superbly past Tom Allan. They doubled their advantage eight minutes later, a free kick to the back post was headed back across goal by Adam Buckingham, and Ben Ford headed home from close-range.

The hosts came out on the front foot after the break and reduced the margin five minutes in after Pat Sara was brought down by Balcatta keeper Caelan Cooper, and Declan Tanna made no mistake from the resulting penalty. They went close again, Cooper making emends for the penalty, getting down well to save from Sebastian Hooshangian’s shot, before denying Christos Vaenas moments later. But 15 minutes from time Balcatta sealed the tie. Adam Tong turned his marker and his low cross was turned home by Hinshelwood to send Glen Grostate’s side into the final eight.

Inglewood United moved through after a 3-0 win against Gosnells City at Inglewood Stadium. “Gosnells came out firing in the first 20 minutes, but from then on, I thought we controlled the game,” Inglewood coach Andres Oliveira explained. “I thought it was a good game, and full credit to Gosnells as they never gave a backward step, but delighted to move into the next round.” It was the visitors who had the best early chance, Jaihon Sedgley won possession and pulled the ball back to skipper Scott Pereira, but he fired inches wide.

After the early let-off, Inglewood settled and went ahead on 36 minutes. Matt Ntoumenopoulos’ corner led to a goalmouth scramble, and Chris Tilson bundled the ball over the line. They added a second sixty seconds later, a counter attack by Chad Nilson, saw him play a neat one-two with Anthony Bafobusha, and he raced into the box and finished past Jordan Jones. Gosnells looked to get back into the game after the break, and they went close when substitute Ben Davies’ snapshot was well saved by Alex Dunn. But it was the hosts who would seal the tie on 65 minutes, Nilson’s pressure forced the error and he found Shubham Mokala, who made no mistake.

In the final game Stirling Macedonia came from behind to beat Swan United 5-1 at Macedonia Park. “Good win in the end, but we had a bit of a scare early on, but thankfully the boys didn’t panic and got the job done,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet said. “It was good for a few of the younger players to get some minutes too and they all stepped up which was great to see, especially young Luke Passeretto at centre half.” It was a great start for the visitors, after Brennan Borzecki gave them the lead on nine minutes.

But Stirling hit back five minutes later with Daniel Zivkovic scoring, and they hit the front on the half hour, Asher Nelson beating the keeper at his near post. Daniel Faichney made it 3-1 early in the second half, cutting inside and finishing well. Gyles Davies made it 4-1, his looping header beat the keeper, before substitute Samim Fattaahi rounded off the scoring late, to give Ian Ferguson’s side a comfortable win. “It was a slow start but once we settled down and played football we really capitalised and were able to showcase our level and ability,” Stirling’s Brent Quick said. “It was good to score goals and control the game, we look forward to progressing forward in the cup.’

16.5.2023

AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND FIVE - PREVIEW

The fifth round of the Australia Cup (WA) takes place in midweek, with eight intriguing ties and it kicks off on Tuesday with the NPLWA clubs taking on lower opposition. It should be a cracking game when Fremantle City take on Olympic Kingsway at Alfred Skeet Reserve, this as the Hilton Park lights were not up to recommendations. (7.30pm) Fremantle upset Perth SC in a nine-goal thriller in the last round while Olympic beat fellow NPL side Bayswater, and have gone on a four-game winning streak since. Former Olympic winger Hamza Hana said to take on an NPL club is a huge challenge, but confidence is high after their big win at Division One league leaders Western Knights last week. “This game comes with double importance for us at Fremantle,” he said. “Not only are we trying to reach the quarter finals of Australia cup but once again we're proving our quality against a top NPL side which is what we've set the standard for ourselves this season.”

Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson said Fremantle are eyeing a spot in the NPL next season, so Tuesday should be a tight contest. “We know it will be a tough game, Fremantle are always a difficult team to face and off the back of their result on the weekend they will be full of confidence. They were a great team last season and they have strengthened the squad and look like even more of a force this season,” he explained. “We have had a good run of results as well, and the group are starting to work well together and are being efficient in the attack and solid in defence. We will have to continue this good run of form to get a result from this match and progress to the next round, we look forward to the challenge.”

Olympic coach David Tough said Fremantle are the form team in Division One, and knows they will be a huge challenge, but he said the club are determined to have a good cup run. “We are fully aware of the tough challenge ahead of us in this match. I’m a big supporter of the State league, I have always believed in the quality of several clubs who would do well in the NPL, and Fremantle is one of them,” Tough explained. “Matt has done an excellent job with recruitment, and his team has been playing some impressive attacking football and scoring plenty goals. They are coming off a big win against Western Knights so the confidence in their camp will undoubtedly be high. Our squad understand that we must be at our best to get through to the next round.”

There is another game where the venue has changed, when Division Two Swan United, who were drawn at home to Stirling Macedonia, but due to the floodlights at Francis Street not meeting the standards for a Football Australia event, the game was switched to Macedonia Park. (7.15pm) The black and whites won the State League Cup back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, and were beaten by Stirling in the 2006 Final. Swan striker John Monterosso said they go into the game in good form and looking forward to the challenge. “After coming off a solid win away at Quinns, we’re looking to continue that form and hopefully go on another Swan United cup run like the old days,” he explained. “But we know how much of a task Stirling are going to be, having improved year on year since getting into NPL, but we’re looking forward to the game.”

Also on Tuesday evening, Gosnells City make the trip to Inglewood Stadium, to take on Inglewood United. (7.00pm) Inglewood sit bottom of the NPL, and coming off a loss against RedStar on Saturday, while Gosnells have only been beaten once in their last six cup and Division One league games, and defender James Sharp said they head into the game with nothing to lose and everything to gain. “No doubt the game against Inglewood is going to be a tough game, especially with them being the league above they will be hard to beat,” he said. “But we have nothing to lose at the end of the day, so we will be going into the game with confidence and making sure we are hard to beat.”

In the final game on Tuesday, Murdoch University Melville welcome Balcatta Etna to Besteam Stadium looking to cause an upset. (7.30pm) The visitors returned to winning ways in the league on Saturday at Perth, while MUMFC lost ground on the leaders, after back-to-back defeats, the latest at Dianella. Both sides eased through the last round with wins against South Perth United and Joondalup City respectively. MUMFC midfield Pat Sara said they are up for the game and he’s looking forward to putting their wits against NPL opposition. “We are a club with high aspirations, and our aim is to be playing teams like this week in week out, so it’s a good opportunity for us to prove ourselves,” he explained. “That being said, we have been hit by the injury bug lately, and we are missing key players. Taki and the club have done a good job over the summer to sign and deepen the squad so we aren’t to disheartened, and we go into the game knowing we can beat them if we play our best.”

On Wednesday evening the tie of the night is at Genesiscare Stadium, where Division One Mandurah City host Sorrento (7.30pm). It will be a game between friends, with Mandurah coach John Baird and his Sorrento counterpart Steven McGarry going a long way back in Scotland, and Baird said he’s looking forward to catching up with his mate, but his side are determined to get a win to move into the last eight. “It’s an interesting cup tie, obviously both teams coming of good weekend results as well, it’s a very good opportunity for us to play an NPL team and see where we’re at,” Baird said. “It will be good to catch up with Steven, I’ve known him for 20 years and played against each other plenty of times, so it will be good to head-to-head as coaches.”

McGarry, who side returned to the winner’s circle in the league on Saturday against Floreat, said they are determined to progress into the next road, but knows it will be a tough test. “As a club we are all looking forward to the cup game on Wednesday, especially after a good win and performance in the league on the weekend,” he explained. “There is no doubt It will be a tough test, and I think league form and league status goes out the window and it’s about who can perform well on the night. John Baird’s doing a great job and has assembled a good squad down there and we will go into the game full of respect for them, but at the same time our lads will be focused and determined to progress in the cup.”

Curtin University have started Division Two well, currently sitting in fourth place, and they entertain NPL champions Floreat Athena at Edinburgh Oval. (7.15pm) The visitors have struggled in the league to date, and their 3-1 defeat at Sorrento on Saturday made it four losses on the trot. They were also tested in the last round, before beating Amateur Premier Division side Jaguar, while Curtin eased past Balga, and coach Troy Reid said the whole club is excited to host the champions. “Everyone around the club is looking forward to hosting last season's NPL champions Floreat Athena, and we're well aware that it is a mammoth task to knock them off,” Reid said. “But we know we can be difficult to play against, and all the boys will definitely be up for the fight come Wednesday night.”

There is an all NPL tie, with cup holders Cockburn City hosting Perth RedStar at Dalmatinac Park. (7.00pm) Both sides moved through to this round with hard fought wins at Rockingham City and Kingsley Westside, while both are performing well in the league, and only two points separate them on the table. Cockburn keeper Michael Craggs said everyone wants to repeat last seasons cup final win, but knows RedStar are going to be tough to beat. “We’re all looking forward to the big challenge that is RedStar, they are in great form at the moment in the league and know they will take that into the Cup game as well,” he said. “With us being the current holders, we know that we have a target on our back, but the team is ready to defend it all the way, it should be a great game.”

In the final game, Maddington-Kalamunda White City have made a good start to life in the state league, and are coming off three straight wins, and they welcome Division One Gwelup Croatia to Maida Vale Reserve. (7.00pm) Gwelup stunned Armadale in the last round, coming from 0-2 down at half time to win in extra time, while City eased past Quinns. Both sides go into this one in good form, so it should be an entertaining game. City striker Farrau Mavlonov said the club is buzzing after their first appearance in the fifth round of the cup. “It's the first time the club have made it to the last 16 of the Australia Cup, and we are very thrilled to be hosting a former NPL club,” he said. “We have dominated and won our last four games, so we are coming into this game high in confidence. It will be the toughest game of the season so far, but we have nothing to lose and will play our attractive brand of football.”

Gwelup defender Cameron Yorke said they are focused on the cup tie, and looking to bounce back from a disappointing result in the league on Saturday. “We're focussed on making sure we bounce back from the weekend's performance and getting through to the next round,” he said. “We're disappointed with the result and it just goes to show you can't let any complacency creep in, and tomorrow night's game won't be any different. We'll have to be up for it and make sure we give it everything to get the result we want.”

16.5.2023

LOCAL SEXTET CALLED UP FOR NATIONAL DUTY

Six West Australians have been named in an extended Australia squad for next months Under-17 Asian Cup in Thailand. Goalkeeper Robert Cook, defensive duo Andriano Lebib and Jonathon Leithead, midfielders Giovanni De Abreu and Corey Sutherland and forward Daniel Bennie, who all play for Perth Glory, make up the sextet.

Australia Under-17 coach Brad Maloney is looking forward to seeing how his team performs in tournament conditions. “The Under-17s Asian Cup will be the first major test for of our country’s brightest young talent and presents a platform for each to showcase themselves against the finest in Asia,” he said.

“However, as a collective we head to Thailand with one goal in mind and that’s to reach at least the semi-finals to secure qualification for this year’s FIFA Under-17s World Cup. The quality and strength across Asian nations, particularly at the youth level, continues to increase exponentially and we know we will have to be at our best to achieve our ambitions.”

The Joeys have been drawn in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia (16 June), China PR (19 June) and Tajikistan (22 June). They will need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which is currently scheduled to run 10 November to 2 December. The venue for that tournament is still to be confirmed following Peru’s withdrawal as host.

15.5.2023

HARD WORK PAYING OFF FOR BURGESS

As if winning promotion wasn’t sweet enough already, Ipswich Town’s elevation to the Championship is extra poignant for West Australian defender Cameron Burgess. When the centre-back departed Fulham in 2016, it appeared his four appearances for the Cottagers in England’s second tier might be his last at that level.

But battling away on the books of lower tier Bury, Scunthorpe United, Salford City and Accrington Stanley never dampened an inner belief that he could perform closer to the summit. Two years on from joining the Tractor Boys, Burgess has reaped a rich harvest by helping his team win automatic promotion as League One runner-up to Plymouth Argyle.

For Burgess, it was a case of stepping back to move forward again. “In terms of my career coming to Ipswich (to work under coach Kieran McKenna) has been a really good fit and has brought out the best in me,” said Burgess, who has talied up 65 league and cup appearances for Ipswich since joining the club in mid-2021.

“As you get older you realise if you play in a team that suits your style, with a coach who encourages that, then you’re going to improve and that’s something I’m thankful for in coming to this club. Ipswich play the way I’m used to growing up (in Perth) and that’s what got me across to the UK in the first place.”

With his inside knowledge of the Championship, Burgess believes the Suffolk club is well equipped to not only survive but thrive after four years marooned in League One. “From my point of view I think we have a pretty strong squad for that level,” he said. “I imagine there might be a few changes here and there player-wise and also tactically. But overall we’re in good shape for what lies ahead.”

“You get reminded what it means to the people of Ipswich every time you walk the dog and see and hear how things have changed from previous years, and that’s nice to see. Ipswich is a one club town and when you’re doing well there’s a great feeling about the place … you’re everyone’s hero!”

Burgess remains uncapped by Australia at senior level, and has rarely been talked of in terms of a call-up. That, though, might be about to change. “The Socceroos are doing really well at the moment and enjoyed a pretty special World Cup,” he said. “I like to think I can contribute in that side and hopefully one day the call will come. If it does I’d be honoured to accept it.”

“Of course if I’m playing in the Championship everybody knows how competitive it is, and there are boys at that level (Riley McGree and Bailey Wright) who are involved with the Socceroos. It can give you a boost reputation-wise and a bit more exposure. It’s a step up for sure and if I can get a little bit more recognition maybe that can help me break into the Australia squad.”

14.5.2023

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Hamersley Rovers have moved clear at the top of the Hyundai Women’s Division One table, after beating Port Kennedy 7-1 at Carine Open Space on Sunday afternoon. “We were well prepared for the game, as we know they are a good team and have the ability to do well,” Rovers’ coach Betim Ziba explained. “We are still in a stage where we are perfecting our system but the game showed a lot of positive signs. The girls played well and were composed in front of goal, but a player of the Match performance from Rebecca Dudek was outstanding, and we need to take this goal scoring to next week's top of the table clash.

The hosts started brightly and were ahead early, Christiane Astorp, saw her initial shot saved by Anita Abel, but she was first to the rebound, heading the ball in from close range. It was 2-0 when Rebecca Dudek, turned well in the box to beat her marker and find the bottom corner. She then added another, moments later, Astorp’s shot was saved by the Port keeper, but Dudek nipped in to fire home the rebound. The visitors pulled one back on the half hour, with Jemma Martin on target. But Dudek was putting on a show and she completed her hat-trick soon after.

A ball through was deflected into her path, sending her one-on-one with Abel and she finished clinically. Astorp added a fifth early in the second half, driving into the box and beating her marker before finding the bottom corner, before Jessica Smith was picked out by a superb Nadia Harvey pass to score at the far post. Dudek rounded off the scoring late to complete a comprehensive win. “Overall, the game was a very good experience,” Ziba added. “It showed our resilience as we finally conceded to an error on our part but we kept our heads high and responded instantly.”

UWA Nedlands dropped their first points of the season, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Perth AFC, in an entertaining game at the UWA Sports Park, the draw moving Perth up to third on table. “A disappointing result in my eyes as we were there for the win, having quite a bit of the attack in the second half we were unable to capitalise,” Perth AFC coach Rob Caruso said. “Our defence was once again very solid only conceding a great long-range finish which we failed to shut down. Our focus now moves on to Mandurah this Friday night at Len Packham.”

The hosts found the opener early, Emily Dinsdale received a pass on the right, before cutting in and hitting a powerfully shot which flew past Danielle Caruso and into the top corner of the net. But the visitors levelled on the half hour, a quick counter attack saw Jess Moreschini break through with a left foot shot from the edge of the box, which was fumbled into the net by the unfortunate Anna Watkins. Both sides had chances to win the game, but the points were shared. “Not our finest game, but AFC pressed us really well and unfortunately we were not able to get into our normal swing of things,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis said. “Both teams had chances, but the ball was mainly being contested in the centre of the field. We look ahead to next Sunday’s game against Hamersley, looking to come out firing again.”

Sorrento won for the first time this season, after a 4-2 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. “I thought in the first half we were constantly dangerous going forward, we created a lot of chances and deserved to be in front at half time,” Sorrento coach grant O’Connell explained. “In the second half we struggled to get into any sort of rhythm with our passing and struggled to create any sort of momentum going forward, and Subiaco were able to put us under pressure for long periods of time, but the girls worked really hard and I was pleased with how we dug in defensively and ground out a win.”

The Gulls were ahead early, Alex Parker’s corner was headed home by Jess Lindquist. They doubled their lead moments later, Jodie Brough turned her marker on the edge of the box before racing in one-on-one with the keeper to score. Subiaco pulled one back with Lucy George scoring, but Sorrento regained their two-goal advantage when Brough drove unchallenged from the half way line and finished from the edge of the area. It was 4-1 when Alex Parker found the top corner from just outside the box, before Tahlia Curham reduced the margin for the hosts, but that was as good as it got for Subiaco.

In the final game Mandurah City moved up to fourth on the table after thrashing Armadale 8-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve. “As I mentioned last week, we have been playing very good football and creating chances, but we were not scoring and so the results were not reflecting our performances,” Mandurah coach Melanie Loreto explained.

“On Sunday, things came together. We tweaked a few positions, and the results were immediately evident, and we were dominant from the off, creating several good chances, and scored some good goals.” Katrina Breen was the hero bagging four goals, while Georgia Aiesi, Jessica May, Suria Varatharaja and Amy Terell scoring the others, to round off a comprehensive win and performance from the Dolphins.

14.5.2023

KERR LEADS CHELSEA TO FA CUP FINAL WIN

Perth’s own Sam Kerr has scored the only goal to give Chelsea the 2023 English FA Cup Final trophy, in their 1-0 win against Manchester United at a packed Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening. The former Perth Glory skipper had been quite for most of the game, with United dominating, but you can’t keep a champion down and on 68 minutes she popped up with the winner, firing home Pernille Harder’s low cross at the back post, and she celebrated with her trademark backflip.

“We didn’t have our best game today, but that’s a sign of a great team when you just push through,” said Kerr said post-match. “Everyone did their part, and we stuck with it and won.” The Matildas striker was named player of the match, but she praised her teammates. “I don’t deserve this, there are people way more deserving than me today,” she said. “But I will take it on behalf of the team.”

Chelsea Head Coach Emma Hayes, who has worked with some of the world’s greatest, including Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Kelly Smith, said Kerr, who had scored a fifth goal in three FA Cup finals and 10th in six domestic finals, is one of the best. “I’ve never coached a player like Sam Kerr,” she said post-match. “She has such conviction, courage, the way she attacks everything. I love that she’s willing to take responsibility at the top end of the pitch.”

At kick off the crowd of 77,390, which was a record for a women’s domestic game, was on hand, with Aston Villa fan Prince William also in attendance. But it was the Red Devils who opened the brighter, and they had the ball in the net in the opening minute, Leah Galton finishing well, but Ella Toone had run offside as she broke down the right before delivering the cross into the penalty area.

United, were dominating in their first appearance at Wembley, and they went on to control the first half while Chelsea struggled to provide Kerr with any service. Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger had to claw away a deflected shot by Millie Turner. Nikita Parris has fouled fractions outside the box, and both Galton and Alessia Russo had chances. Yet the Blues went close to the lead four minutes from the break, Mary Earps touching Lauren James header onto the post.

Kerr started to get service after the break, and she was sent clear by substitute Sophie Ingle’s through ball, held off her marker and crossed to Harder, but the Dane couldn’t find the target. Nine minutes later, the roles were reversed. Harder’s cross was perfect, and so was Kerr’s finish, and Chelsea was on their way to their third FA Cup triumph in succession. United forced a few goalmouths scrambles as they searched for a leveller but had no one with the finishing touch of Kerr.

14.5.2023

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND FOUR REVIEW

South Perth United have moved to the top of the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, after a 5-1 win against South West Phoenix at Challenge Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The kick off was delayed in this one, with the allocated referee not turning up, and fortunately a replacement referee was found and the game kicked off 15 minutes late. didn’t rock up, but SWP wanted to play and asked if anyone would do it. The guy stepped in we kicked off 15 late. It was the visitors who opened the scoring midway through the first half, with Jack Menzies on target. But the hosts found the equaliser on the half hour, with Ben Godfrey scoring. It was level at the break, but the hosts were on the front foot after half time and hit the front on 52 minutes, with Cedric Chauveau scoring. They added a third moments later, with George Stephens finding the net, before Godfrey added his second to make it 4-1 on the hour. Beau Rahim wrapped up the scoring nine minutes later, with his first goal for the club.

“The match had been put through as a Saturday game for a while now, so to see a referee for the reserves and then not have the allocated official rock up for the main game was a bit unfair, South West Phoenix travelled a long way to come up and play and with limit resources so well done to them,” South Perth coach Lee Hayward explained. “We knew South West Phoenix would be up for it, especially after changing the fixture to a Saturday and the game was a bit of an arm wrestle for the majority of the first half. But in the second half when we moved the ball around at a tempo, we are much more use to, we scored three goals in nine minutes which basically killed them off, but to their credit they never stopped and kept coming at us every chance they had.”

Our ‘Match of the Round’ saw Jaguar and East Perth play out a tight 0-0 draw at Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Sunday. “It was a very tough game away to jags as expected, but overall, defensively we were spot on and won the battles needed to get the result,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “The Jags lads are quickest around and the use the pitch perfectly, but our back four were brilliant today and done exactly what was asked. In possession we all agreed after it we weren’t good enough and didn’t look after the ball as well as expected.

“Both sides had chances and could have scored, but The Jags defend as good as they attack and were hard to break down so draw fair result. Also, a mention for referee Matthew Southern, who was brilliant, and although always physical battle, he was brilliant for both sides and let the game flow. All eyes on Wembley next week with another tough away fixture.” Jags had several chances but East Perth stood firm, then Nathan O’Brien went close for the visitors, after being played in by Stephen Henry, but his shot narrowly missed the top corner. They went closer when Ryan McGready found space on the edge of the box, but his shot crashed off the bar and away to safety.

Emerald moved up to second after securing a 3-1 win against Peel United at Bortolo Park. The visitors were ahead early, Ronan Flaherty headed on a throw in and Dean Mcauliffe reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close-range. But Peel levelled before the break, With Tristian Sullivan finding the net. Emerald regained the lead early in the second half, Mikey Bourke inch-perfect cross to the back post found McAuliffe, who rifled home his second into the roof of the net.

They sealed the points two minutes from time, Conor Hogan did great to keep the ball in down the flank, and picked out Flaherty in the box, who made no mistake. “I thought we started great and went a goal up early but we let them get control of the rest of the first half by taking our foot off the pedal and letting our standards drop,” Emerald coach Shane O’Donovan explained. “Second half we took back control of the game and the quality coming off the bench made a real difference for us, but definitely still room for improvement but we got the three points and that’s what matters.”

Kelmscott Roos are back in the winner’s circle, and maintained their perfect home start to the season after a narrow 1-0 win against North Perth United at Frye Park. The only goal of the game came early, after some great play at the back between Jonah Kuman and Benn Lewis, saw the latter race down the right, before cutting a beautiful ball back to Miguel Oliviera on the edge of the box, who found Brodie Mcrae who finished first time low into the bottom corner. Both sides had chances in an entertaining game, but it was Kelmscott taking the points.

“I thought we dominated the game early on which is something we haven’t done this season so far, and it was really promising. The early goal set the tone and we found a lot of time on the ball,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said. “North Perth we’re working more on the counter attack which suited our defence nicely. The second half was a different contest and we sat back maybe a little too much and allowed them back into the game, but we held strong for what was a memorable win. We are now on track and getting closer to where we want to be as a team.”

Wembley Downs have made it back-to-back wins after a 2-0 win against Joondalup United at Beldon Park. “It was a tough game against a well organised JUFC side, but we took our chances with the most pleasing aspect being a clean sheet,” Wembley coach Andrew Whalley said. “The lads are starting to click now and are ready to play one of the leagues favourites in East Perth next week.” The visitors found the opener after good build up play sent Matt Devereaux through who finished with aplomb. The second was another good team goal finished by the marauding full back Kev Punselie, and it sealed the three points.

In the final game North Beach are back in the winner’s circle, securing a 2-0 win against Kwinana United at Kelly Park. “Sunday was a hard-fought game and we were made to work hard for the three points against Kwinana. We are thrilled to have made the trip south and walk away with the win and get back on the board in the league,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Kwinana made it difficult for us to retain possession in the first half with both teams not creating clear cut chances.

“We shuffled a few things at half time and made some substitutions which ultimately made an impact.” They found the opener just after the hour, Keiran Moores played a well-timed through ball to Luke Jones who finished calmly past the Kwinana keeper. They doubled their advantage ten minutes later, Moores’ played a similar ball through to Ben Reynolds who finished well, which ultimately sealed the game. Kwinana pushed to grab something from the game late, but went down to 10 men late on with Max Vlachy sent off.

14.5.2023

NPL-WA WOMEN’S - ROUND SEVEN REVIEW

We have a new leader at the top of the NPLWA - Women’s table after an exciting round seven. Last season’s champions Perth RedStar have leapfrogged Perth SC, who were beaten 2-1 by Balcatta Etna in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. It was a massive day at the ground, with both clubs in a double header with the men as they fought for the ‘Ferrari Cup’ and a brace from Tia Stonehill secured the win for Tim Cash’s side to boost their top four hopes, and the coach was delighted with his side’s performance.

“All the hard work came together as the team gave everything in all moments, we fought hard in the contest, never gave up and scored two excellent goals,” Cash explained. “We are grateful to have an amazing group of players and staff and it is nice to see their effort be rewarded. The winner by Tia is why we play football, a top bin curler, but we know we have more to give, but we celebrate the progress.”

The visitors hit the front midway through the first half, Monique Prinsloo headed the ball on for Stonehill to race into goal, finish clinically past the on-rushing Rebecca Bennett. Perth looked for an immediate response, but Balcatta custodian Gabby Dal Busco got down well to deny Matilda Bohm’s snapshot, while Abbey Meakins’ header was cleared, but at the break Balcatta held the advantage. But Perth were level on the hour, period, Jaime Duncanson cut inside her marker, and curled home superbly, for her eighth goal of the season.

Perth pressed for the winner, and Faye Phillips shot was saved by Dal Busco, but Balcatta also had their chances, Stonehill volleying over the top, after being picked out by Prinsloo’s cross. But eight minutes from time Balcatta found the winner. Epril Nossent did well to pick out Prinsloo, who found Stonehill, and her first time shot curing effort beat Bennett and found the top corner of the net to set off wild celebrations on and off the pitch, to give Cash’s side their first away win of the season.

The RedStar’s capitalised on the Azzurri’s defeat, but we’re made to work for their 3-2 win against Fremantle City at the RedStar Arena on Sunday. “We were expecting a tough game against strong opposition this week, and that was what was delivered on the pitch,” RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena said. “Fremantle is a well-organised team with some high calibre players, which made for a very intense game. We had to work hard for the three points, but the girls were determined to convert their opportunities. We scored three fantastic goals in the first half and I’m very happy with the team’s performance.” It was a lightning start for the hosts, and they were ahead on two minutes, Reina Kagami firing home from long-range to make it six goals in three games. Fresh off a big win against the NTC last week, Fremantle were shell-shocked when the hosts added a second 15 minutes later. Sophia Neal intercepted a pass and raced into goal to score.

But Fremantle weren’t finished and reduced the margin on the half hour, Tash Rigby’s effort went in via a deflection off Kim Carroll. Then five minutes before the break RedStar regained their two-goal advantage, Quyen Doan long-range shot sailed over the stranded Dayle Schroeder, who had come out to clear her lines. But the goalscoring action wasn’t over, and in the shadows of the break Fremantle added a second. Abbey Green’s cross was fumbled by RedStar keeper Shivani Battaglia, and Rigby was on hand to head home her second. Both sides had their chances after the break, Katie Ritchie fired wide for the hosts, before substitute Jamie-Lee Gale hit the bar as RedStar held firm to take all three points, and return to the top of the table. to lead the division by a point.

The round started on Friday evening with Murdoch University Melville edging out Subiaco 2-1 at the Besteam Stadium. “It was a tough win against a well-organized opponent,” MUMFC coach David Biancuzzo said. “I thought we played well in the first half without scoreboard reward, but in the second half Subiaco pushed for an equalizer, we kept on creating chances and the winner from a Clara wonder strike gave us an important win. Very proud with how the players are continuing to play attractive football and we look forward to the next challenge.”

The hosts found the opener on 34 minutes, Kathryn Schubert’s free kick found Vanessa Miller at the back post, and found the net at the second attempt. Subiaco levelled six minutes into the second half, Frankie Murray’s corner from the left found Stephanie Waycott at the back post, her shot was well saved by Stacey Cavill, but Phoenix Brownlie pounced on the rebound to score from close-range. But it was MUMFC who found the winner 11 minutes later, Charlotte Meaden cut the ball back from the bye-line, finding Clara Hoarau on the edge of the box, she turned her marker and fired into the top corner giving Ashleigh Riddle no chance.

The Hyundai NTC continued Curtin University’s poor season, thrashing them 8-1 at E&D Litis Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring after only six minutes, Mia Britton’s cross was turned home by Louise Tana. But Curtin hit back and registered their first goal of the campaign, Mischa Anderson’s clearance hit Tiana Botha and ricocheted past Megan Phillips from distance. But the NTC added two quick goals to take control of the game, Violet Longmore crossing for Klaudia Houlis to head in, before Tana found the striker again to score seven minutes before the break. Houlis completed her hat-trick nine minutes into the second half, before substitute Grace Johnston added a fifth from close range. Houlis added her fourth on the hour, before further goals from Anna Powell and Britton’s cross was helped across the line by the Curtin keeper to seal a comprehensive win for Ben Anderton’s side.

13.5.2023

IREDALE IN RACE AGAINST TIME TO GET FIT

Jack Iredale hopes that he can defy the odds and make his long-awaited comeback from a meniscus injury to help Bolton Wanderers win promotion to the Championship. The 27-year old defender says the fear of missing out on the chance to walk out at Wembley twice in one season has been the driving factor to get through a gruelling road to recovery.

Iredale has gone from strength to strength since leaving Scottish club Greenock Morton in 2019, having gone on to play for Carlisle United and Cambridge United before penning a three-year deal at former Premier League outfit Wanderers. But after a promising start, he tore his lateral Meniscus, forcing him to go under the knife in January and subsequently miss his team's Papa John's Trophy success.

Bolton are about to embark on a play-off journey in which they'll face Barnsley in their semi-final first leg. Iredale hopes he can return to training by next week, help his side return to Wembley and regain the chance to claim the opportunity that was snatched from him earlier in the season.

"I was really enjoying my first six months here. I was playing nearly every game in the league and the cups and I felt that I was just beginning to find my feet," Iredale said. "Then I got injured and it put everything on hold for me, which was incredibly frustrating. I had surgery in the middle of January to repair it."

"That means a longer rehab in the short term but it means you have a longer-term fix, so we went with that. The injury couldn't have happened at a worse time. Bolton got into the Papa John's Trophy Final at Wembley and I'd played every game in it up until that point so to miss out on that opportunity was hard to take, you don't get many moments like that."

"I still got the chance to go down and experience watching it, but it doesn't compare to playing there and being involved in the match day squad. I was sat there thinking it should've been me out there, but the club did everything to make the injured lads feel as part of it. It was one of the toughest days in my career despite the success."

"Most players don't get that opportunity, so to have played a part in getting there and then miss out like I did was tough, but to share that moment with 40,000 Bolton fans was huge. "But we might get there again in the playoffs, the first leg of the semi-final is this weekend against Barnsley."

"It's a really exciting opportunity for the club and I'll be supporting the boys to go out and get the job done and hopefully get to Wembley twice in one season. I'll be doing everything I can to be available, whether that's too soon remains to be seen, but I'm on the pitch and in the gym everyday trying to make that possible."

"I'd love to be involved, even if I'm just available for selection it would be an achievement in itself. Feeling more part of it would be special, if the boys manage to get back to Wembley it would be amazing. If I end up missing out on the chance to do that twice it would be extremely tough to take."

13.5.2023

NPL-WA ROUND EIGHT - ‘MATCH OF THE ROUND’

Bayswater City moved three points clear at the top of the NPLWA – Men's table, after a come from behind win against Armadale in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Frank Drago Reserve. “It was an important win for us, we’ve slowly improved on our performances each week and Armadale was one of the toughest tests to date,” Bayswater skipper Jason Mirco explained. “I thought we showed some great character coming from 1-0 down to win the match, so very delighted. We’ll enjoy this win and then focus on our match against RedStar next week.”

It was a bright opening, with both sides having chances. First on ten minutes Jon Stynes’ shot was saved low by Yousri Gharsallah, before George Ballah shot from the edge of the box was deflected wide. The Armadale defender was in again on the quarter hour, his shot on the run was saved low by Casey Robertson. Sam Dweh was then denied by a great block by Connor Walsh, but it was the visitors who ended the half the better. Tim Berger’s headed over the top from Ethan Levitt free kick, before Emerson Alexis’ cross shot was tipped over the top by the alert Robertson. From the resulting corner Walsh headed inches over the top, but at the break it was all square.

The hosts were on the front foot after the break Jackson Stephens shot deflected off Jason Mirco and lobbed just over the top. Jon Stynes went close moments later, his shot from the edge of the box flashed wide of the target. Robertson then got down well to deny Armadale striker Chris Jackson, but on the hour, it was Armadale who found the opener, Berger rolled the defender at the top of the box and finished clinically into the bottom corner. But Bayswater levelled seven minutes later, Ndumba Makeche raced into the box and was brought down by Gharsallah and referee Steven Gregory pointed to the spot, and Stynes stepped up and made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Both sides looked for the winner, but it was Bayswater who sealed the points seven minutes from time. Gordon Smith started the move sending Makeche down the right channel, and the Scotsman continued his run and when Makeche cut the ball back, to him, he finished well. “Really good to get three points after falling behind to a tough opponent,” Smith said post-match. “We showed a different side to us today in terms of not being at our best but rolling up the sleeves and getting the job done, and it’s great to keep the run going in the league as well.”

Bayswater City: GK Casey ROBERTSON, 6 Declan HARGREAVES, 7 Jon STYNES, 8 Gordon SMITH, 9 Ndumba MAKECHE, 10 Jason MIRCO (c), 13 Jordan ABRAHAMS, 14 Sam DWEH, 15 Jackson STEPHENS, 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 23 Cameron EDWARDS – Subs not Used: RGK Tyler WILKIE, 11 Gustavo CATARCIONE, 12 Steven HESKETH, 27 Andrew MARANTA, 28 Kosta SPARTA

Armadale: GK Yousri GHARSALLAH, 2 Lachlan COLLINS, 4 Nathan COSTELLO (c), 5 Connor WALSH, 6 Ethan LEVITT (13 Ali GHOLAMI 45’), 9 Tim BERGER, 10 Chris JACKSON, 16 Matt WORTON, 19 Angel ANDRES JNR (17 Pieter JACOBSZ 63’), 20 Emerson ALEXIS, 77 George BALLAH (14 Chad SAMUELS 79’) – Referee: Steven GREGORY

13.5.2023

NPL-WA ROUND EIGHT - REVIEW

Olympic Kingsway has continued their good form, making it three straight victories, after coming from behind to beat a ten-man Perth Glory 2-1 at Kingsway Reserve and move up to ninth on the table. “I thought the game was an excellent advert for the NPL, and it could have easily been 5-4,” Olympic coach David Tough said. “The game had everything from a great individual goal, the wood work getting hit multiple times from both teams, a missed penalty and a sending off. With both teams playing an attacking passing style the spectators defiantly got their money’s worth.”

Jaydan Gorman continued his goalscoring touch, finding the opener for Glory on 32 minutes, Daniel Bennie’s shot was fumbled by David Keenan, and Gorman bundled the ball home from close-range. The hosts had a perfect opportunity to level in first half stoppage time, after the referee spotted a handball by Joseph Forde and pointed to the spot. Joe Hobson stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Robert Cook guessed the right way to save.

But Olympic did level just after the hour mark, James Fanelli’s cross from the right found Liam Murray, who skipped past his marker and finished powerfully past Cook at his near post. Glory was then reduced to ten men 16 minutes from time with Kaelan Majeks was sent off after dragging back Ciaran Byrne. Olympic made their numerical advantage count finding the winner three minutes from time. Tyler Garner’s corner wasn’t cleared, the ball sent back into the mixer by Sasa Njegic, and fellow substitute Ollie Annis swept the ball home from ten meters.

Sorrento are back in the winner’s circle after three games without a win, securing a 3-1 win against Floreat Athena at Percy Doyle Reserve. “Delighted with the result and performance against a good experienced side. It was really pleasing to see the players get some rewards for our good play over the last few weeks and was a real team effort including the subs who made a positive impact,” Sorrento coach Steven McGarry explained. “Even though we lost last week to Olympic, I thought we played some really good football and created some excellent chances only for their keeper to come up with some big saves. I think that gave us a continued belief going into the game and even when we went a goal behind the boys showed fantastic character and continued to take the game to Athena.”

It was the visitors who found the opener on 14 minutes. Andrew Palmer found Alex Christodoulakis down the left, his cross was met by Chris Saldaris at the back post, whose effort was cleared off the line by Jaxon Temata, but Nick Ambrogio swept home the rebound from close-range. But the Gulls hit back seven minutes later, Zach Dabbs cutting inside his marker before firing past Jason Saldaris. Then on 38 minutes Sorrento hit the front, some neat build up play ended with Joe Tweats, who fired home from the edge of the box.

Both sides pressed after the break, but in stoppage time it was Sorrento who secured the points with a third. Substitute Clay Gibbs cross from the by-line was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Tweats brought the ball back onto his left foot before drilling it low past Saldaris, much to the delight of the home faithful. “We looked dangerous more often than not when we were in the opposition half, I think we had something like 15 shots on goal and the three goals we scored were of real quality,” McGarry added. “It sets the week up nice as we have a big seven days ahead with a tough fixture against Mandurah in the Australia Cup who are doing really well under John Baird, and we have to back that up again on the weekend against Balcatta but something we’re all looking forward to.”

Perth RedStar moved up to second on the table after a hard fought 2-1 win against Inglewood United at the Inglewood Stadium. “After getting off to a very quick start in the game it looked as if we would go on to score more goals and win the game comfortably,” RedStar striker Daryl Nicol said. “But credit to Inglewood they hung in there and made it difficult for us, but it’s another three points on the road again and we move on to next week.” The visitors made the perfect start, and were ahead on three minutes, Riley Warland sent Nick Walsh down the left, he took on his marker and whipped in a teasing cross into the box, and Nicol got in front of his marker to fire home. They doubled their lead eight minutes later, the hosts gave the ball way and Tom Hough played the ball up to Nicol, who laid the ball back to Andy Higgins, his pass sent Chok Dau racing clear, and he finished clinically low past Alex Dunn. Inglewood found a lifeline midway through the second half, Chad Nilson raced past Ryan Lowry and finished past Liam Reddy to reduce the arrears, but RedStar held firm to take the points.

Balcatta Etna have bounced back from last week defeat at Armadale, taking out the ‘Ferrari Cup’ after a 2-1 win against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. “Great to get a win after three straight losses for us, especially it being a derby game,” Balcatta midfielder Jon Corness said. “It was a tight game overall and a battle, and a game we needed to get something out of with the league being so unpredictable.” It was the hosts who found the opener on 21 minutes, Sam Cook’s ball into the area squirmed past Caelan Cooper and into the net. But nine minutes before half time Balcatta levelled, with referee David Bruce pointing to the spot, Kotaro Yamamoto saw his penalty saved by Luke Radonich, but Yamamoto was quickest to the rebound to score. The second half saw both sides have their chances, but it was Glenn Grostate’s side that won it on 79 minutes. Yamamoto made space down the left, he found Ryan Pearson on the edge of the box, who rolled the ball into the path of Jack Allen who found the bottom corner of the net. To make matters worse for the hosts Michael Scafetta was sent off deep into stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for simulation.

In the final game the points were shared at Macedonia Park, with Stirling Macedonia and Cockburn City fighting out a 0-0 draw. “A disappointing result in the end, I thought we started the game really well and was on top for the first 15 minutes, but a few lapses of concentration allowed them to have the two clearest chances of the game,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet explained. “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t break them down, but credit to their defence. Although we dominated most of the ball, we didn’t create any clear-cut chances so extremely disappointing to come away with a point at home and it definitely feels like two points dropped rather than a point gained.” Both sides created chances, but keepers Michael Craggs and Bosdet refused to be beaten, both pulling off fine saves. The hosted started brightly but Cockburn settled and pressed themselves, with Bosdet making a number of fines saves, while the Cockburn custodian Craggs got down well to save Kingsley Eshun’s header from Asher Nelson’s pin-point cross early in the second half. Bosdet was beaten late, when Jesse Lazzaro’s lob hit the post, but both sides had to settle for a point.

Cockburn coach Steven McDonald said it was a hard-fought point. “A very tough affair against a very solid outfit in Stirling Macedonia. They came out flying in the first 20 minutes, and really took the game to us, but I thought we done extremely well to weather the storm, and as the half went on, we started to get some chances of our own that I thought we were unlucky not to go in front, if it weren’t from two good saves from their keeper. Second half was much of the same, just a pure arm wrestle to see who was going to get the upper hand. We had a great chance to take the lead when Jesse hit the post when he was through on goal, but at the end of day I was pleased the way we stood up when it counted and really tested a team that we know is going to be there and there abouts at the end of the season.”

13.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND SEVEN REVIEW

Mandurah City closed the gap on the leaders in our State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ after a convincing 5-0 win against Joondalup United at Forrest Park on Saturday afternoon. “Very impressive performance and attitude, standard of goals was outstanding and I think that shows the individual ability we have in the squad but as a team and squad we’re showing signs of how strong we are,” Mandurah player/coach John Baird explained. “Delighted for Robbie and Shaun to get there first goals in the league as the team are as well, while back-to-back clean sheets is also very pleasing.”

It was a bright opening from the visitors and they hit the front on ten minutes, Joe O’Brien won possession on the right, he played the ball into the path of Baird, whose low drive from 18 meters flew past Joondalup keeper James Morgan. They added a second on 23 minutes, Leigh Griffiths flick sent Murray Mackintosh racing down the right, his cross to the back post was turned home by Joe O’Brien. It was 3-0 before the break, with a great individual goal, Griffiths cutting in from the right and firing home superbly from the edge of the box. They added a fourth on 72 minutes, a quick break saw Sam Byrne race forward and his inch-perfect pass sent fellow substitute Shaun Mukwevho clear and he calmly finished past Morgan.

They added the icing to the cake in stoppage time, Aaron McCready was brought down on the edge of the box, and Robbie Galvin curling home the resulting free kick. “Saturday could’ve easily been a tricky tie for us but we were very professional in our patient build up play and going into half time well up set us up nicely to enjoy the game and play good football, and we scored some great goals too,” Mandurah’s Murray Mackintosh said. “The league table is looking exciting now and to go a point off top makes the next few weeks very important.”

Fremantle City produced a stunning performance to thrash league leaders Western Knights 5-1 at Nash Field. “A great game and result for us, Knights away is always a tough game, especially with the form they’ve been in. So, coming into the game I think we knew we’d have to suffer a bit before we properly get ourselves into the game,” Fremantle’s Elliot Ireland explained. “It probably wasn’t the best game to watch, a bit scrappy but I think it came down to who wanted it more and I thought the lads showed great character to get the job done.”

The Knights went into this one in fine form, and they were ahead on 14 minutes, Jake Bardsley shot on the turn was deflected past Ryan Barker. But Fremantle hit back in the shadows of half time, Alex McClean finding the corner of the net from on the edge of the box. It got better for Matthew Sparrow’s side and they hit the front in stoppage time, Patrick Loughrey crossed from the left and Roberto Soares headed over Devon Lindeman to send the visitors into the break in front. The Knights were on the front foot after the break, but Fremantle were solid at the back to thwart them, and on 55 minutes it was the visitors who added a third. Soares through ball sent Ollie La Galia in on goal, and Lindeman was in no-man’s-land, and the striker fired home from distance.

Not long after it was 4-1, another break centrally from McClean, this time setting up Hamza Hina, who’s exquisite first-time finish from outside the box found the top corner. Fremantle didn’t stop there and added a fifth late on La Galia was brought down by Adam Harris, and he picked himself up to score from the resulting penalty. “The effort and character the boys showed was first class,” coach Matthew Sparrow said. “But that’s the standards we have to maintain each week if we want to be there or thereabouts at the end of season.”

Skipper Hayden Stevens said they were up for this one, but he knows, like his coach said, they need to maintain their consistency. “We knew going to the Knights, top of the league on their home deck was going to be a tough ask, however after the first 30 minutes of the game I felt we settled into the game nicely,” he said. “We copped a cheap goal in the first half and I thought they deserved that goal, but then a flick switched and things started to click especially in the second half where I think we played some of the best football we have played this year. To go in at half time 2-1 up really gave everyone a sense of belief and that was evident in the second half. So overall it’s a step in the right direction to where we want to be, come the end of the year and we look forward to our cup game on Tuesday night.”

Subiaco have rebounded from two straight defeats to beat Gwelup Croatia 4-2 at the Croatian Sporting Complex. “Going into the game we knew what to expect at Gwelup, unbeaten at home and two inform strikers on the scoreboard in recent games. We had to make some changes and setup to be compact and wait for our chances,” Subiaco coach Michael Janssen said. “The boys did a good job over large parts of the game, but we know, the next game is always the hardest so we have to prepare now for Forrestfield who will ask us again questions we need to have answers for.”

The visitors were ahead on seven minutes, Mark Bauersachs scoring clinically from the edge of the box. That early goal gave them the momentum, and former Gwelup striker Gavin Knight doubled their lead on 34 minutes, and five minutes later it was 3-0, with Jordan Allen-Rana scoring on his first start this season. The hosts need the first after half time to get back into the game, and they found it on 71 minutes, Jacob Williamson pouncing on a loose ball to fire home. But six minutes later Subiaco regained their three-goal advantage, Brendan Griffiths played in Knight who made no mistake in scoring his second of the game. The hosts pulled one back late with substitute Shane Hulgraine scoring, but it was too little too late.

Rockingham City have won at home for the first time this season, after coming from behind to beat Gosnells City 2-1 at the Lark Hill Sportsplex. Rockingham coach Kris Donnell was happy with sides fighting performance. “I thought the young lads showed great resilience to go from one down to come back and win the game,” he said. “It was a mature performance and were proud of them all today.” It was the visitors who found the opener on seven minutes, Scott Pereira’s shot was deflected around the post, and from Tony Chandler’s resulting corner from the right, James Burns headed home at the back post. Rockingham levelled on 78 minutes, a corner from the right was cleared to the edge of the box to Bradley Vlachy whose long-range shot found the bottom corner, but the flag was up, but after consultation with his assistant, the referee awarded the goal. The host won it four minutes later, Joe Moss through ball sent substitute Jayden Leader clear and he beat keeper Jack Adams to the ball and rolled the ball home.

Dianella White Eagles have also won their first home game of the season, after a 2-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. “We’ve been unlucky the past couple of weeks with red cards and not coming away with what we feel like should have been wins,” Dianella defender Josh Kuser said. “So, to beat a well drilled Murdoch side was the boost we needed for our season.” The visitors opened the scoring on the half hour, Sebastian Stenqvist won possession in the middle of the park and sent Ilijas Ahmedov racing clear and he finished low past Peter Pilkadaris. But in the shadows of half time the hosts levelled, Kevin Gallo’s deep cross was nodded back across goal by player/coach Angel Andres, and Uniss Kargbo volleyed home. Dianella won the points on the hour, Andres received the ball in the middle of the park, and raced at the MUMFC defence, before the former Armadale striker found the top corner from the angle. But the win was spoilt somewhat in stoppage time, when Gallo was sent off for a second yellow card.

In the final game, Forrestfield United have won for the first time this season, after scoring two late goals to beat UWA Nedlands 2-1 at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hatfield Park. It was a tight game with both sides desperate for the points, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 51 minutes, Forrestfield failed to clear their lines and Cody Tana low shot was blocked, but Jordan Pokler fired home from close-range, but the assistants’ flag was up for offside, but after a chat to his assistant, referee Josh Nixon awarded the goal. But three minutes from time the hosts levelled, Ali Nazary’s corner was turned home by Faiz Nasiri. It looked like the points would be shared, but three minutes later the hosts won it. A run down the left by substitute Freeman Nyatsambo saw him cross to Noah Appleby who made no mistake and was mobbed by his teammates.

13.5.2023

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND SEVEN REVIEW

Our Week Seven ‘Match of the Round’ in the State League Division Two didn’t disappoint, with Morley Windmills and Kingsley Westside fighting out a 2-2 draw in the top of the table clash at Wotton Reserve. “A very competitive high tempo game on Saturday played by both sides,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “I felt we we’re probably the better side on the day, but Morley have quality all over the park and make you pay in front of goal. A draw was probably the right result in the end, but I was really pleased with how my lads responded to going behind twice in the game and the resilience they showed for the whole 90 minutes, we now get ready for another big game against Swan.”

It was Morley who found the opener on 19 minutes, Conor Kavanagh won possession in the middle of the park, and sent Ishmael Dawson in on goal, and he finished low past Peter Stewart. But on the half hour Kingsley levelled, Luke Doyle played Jonny Hulme through who then played the ball across the box to an unmarked Luke Salmon to tap into an empty net. The hosts regained the lead seven minutes into the second half, a corner to the back post found Kevin Ashwood, who scored, despite being dragged down.

But 15 minutes from time Kingsley restored parity, Hulme was played in by Paul Stewart on the left, and he cut the ball across goal and Salmon made no mistake, for his second goal of the game. Both sides pressed for the winner, but couldn’t find one, and had to share the spoils. “Really disappointed we weren’t able to hold onto two leads throughout the 90 minutes,” Morley defender Kevin Ashwood said. “I thought Kingsley started a lot better than us but after we weathered that storm, and I felt we grew into the contest and do feel we edged it slightly over the 90.

“We got into some really good positions but all too often our final ball or finishing let us down. But when that happens the defensive unit needs to step up and keep it tight especially when we hit the front and to concede two very similar goals the way we did in a big game is poor from us. Credit to Kingsley as expected in a top of the table clash, they kept going and they probably feel they were good value for a point but from us it feels like an opportunity missed. That said there’s a long way to go, many more twists and turns and we will get back on the track and go again next week.”

Swan United moved up to third, and bounced back from last week’s loss against Morley after a 4-0 win against Quinns at Gumblossom Park. “It was a great to bounce back from the previous week’s loss, and we knew that our second half against them wasn’t good enough, and it was important that we responded with a good result,” Swan winger Rhys Loxley said. “Quinn’s is never an easy place to go and get three points, but we came with a game plan and I thought we executed it pretty well. We were able to get three first half goals which set us up in the second half to play the half on our terms and see the game out which we did well. We were also able to welcome back a few lads from injury which is very timely with two big games coming up next week against Stirling Macedonia and Kingsley-Westside.”

The black and whites were ahead on 17 minutes, Marco Trimboli was brought down on the box, and Loxley fired home the resulting penalty. They doubled their advantage four minutes later, 2-0 Liam Merigan played a defence splitting pass through to Loxley, who raced one-on-one with the keeper and finished with aplomb. It was 3-0 in the shadows of half time, a good run down the left from Merigan, his ball into the box was only half cleared by the Quinn’s defender and the ball fell to Cameron Anderson on the edge of the box, and he finished into the bottom corner through a crowded box. They found a fourth five minutes from time, Jake Fritchley raced into the box, his shot crashed off the post, the rebound falling to John Monterosso five meters out and he finished into an empty net.

Curtin University moved into fourth spot, after a hard fought 3-2 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Edinburgh Oval. “This was a really important three points for us, and our first half our intensity was good and our execution was good,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith said. “The second half was disappointing and we didn't adjust to the pressure Carramar piled on and ended up making that game much more difficult than it needed to be. It was a game of two halves, but we've got the three points and now prepare for our Australia cup tie with Floreat Athena.”

The home side found opener on 14 minutes, Ali Akbarzadeh won possession in the middle of the park, and raced forward before finding the top corner of the net. It was 2-0 on the half hour mark, Kieran Witt’s free kick was blocked and fell to Simone Sichel, who fired low past the keeper from five meters. It was three moments later Akbarzadeh getting on the end of Oscar Wright’s corner to head home. Rovers found a lifeline after the break with Dylan McCann pouncing on a defence mistake to score from ten meters. They added a second on 70 minutes, when Phil O’Callaghan headed home a set-piece, and it was game on, but Curtin held firm to take the points.

Balga are back in the winner’s circle, after a 2-0 win against Canning City at Princess Road Reserve. “I thought it was a dominant performance from the lads for the full 90 minutes,” Balga’s Nathan Scully said. “We have had patches all year but being able to do it for the full 90 was pleasing. There is still plenty to improve on and we are only going to get better from here.” Balga were one up just after the half hour, their high press caused a turnover, with Bleron Mamudi winning possession, and he squared the ball to Scully who finished well. They wrapped up the points on the hour, a cross from the left by Amos Gama was saved low by the Canning keeper, but the ball fell to Karl Maluga who scored from close-range.

Ashfield have won their second game of the season, after a narrow 2-1 win against Joondalup City at the Ashfield Sports Park. “A much-needed win for the club, although I don’t think we were at our best on the weekend but the fight and effort from the lads was pleasing to see,” Ashfield player/coach James Sammut explained. “The challenge for us now is finding that consistency as we got into next weekend.” Ashfield found the opener after only seven minutes, when Dougal Kindness’ corner was turned into his own net by Joondalup keeper Brett Corey. But Joondalup levelled midway through the half, with Liam Peacock converting from the penalty spot. But the decisive second goal went to the hosts two minutes later, Jared Flavel beating his marker and finding the net from the edge of the box.

In the final game on Saturday evening, Maddington-Kalamunda White City have made it three wins on the bounce after a 2-0 win against Wanneroo City, under lights at Maida Vale Reserve. “It was another great performance from everyone on the team,” Farruh Mavlonov said. “After a shaky start to the season, the team confidence and morale is up after four straight wins in league and cup games, and we’re all excited to play Gwelup in the cup, and hopefully we can continue our winning streak.” Maddington were ahead on 22 minutes, Victor Pimentel cross found Jose Zuniga, who finished clinically. It was 2-0 five minutes before half time, Zuniga adding his second from the spot. The visitors finished the game with ten men with Juma Awaka sent off after receiving a second yellow card, seven minutes from time.