David Annall has been in great touch for Western Knights (photograph by Brett Klucznik)

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4.7.2008

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

This weekend marks the halfway stage of the State League season and with just five points between first and ninth positions every game is a potential season breaker. The pick of the round takes place at Dalmatinac Park where second-placed Cockburn City take on fourth-placed Mandurah City. Both teams suffered heavy losses last time out, Cockburn at Joondalup and Mandurah to Sorrento, so are out to make amends. The absence of defenders Jason Godfrey and Adam Surjan through suspension could not have come at a worse time for Cockburn as they take on a Mandurah side for whom Phil O’Callaghan and Andy Brown have been netting almost at will.

Premier League leader Sorrento welcomes Swan I.C. to Percy Doyle Reserve. The Gulls have lost just once to Swan at home in seven seasons and coming off a resounding win against Mandurah have rightfully been installed as favourite. Todd Harnwell and Scott Bulloch are sure to keep the visitors on their toes in attack while Steve MacDonald has been a pillar of strength at the back. Swan have not won away from home this year but will be strengthened by the return from injury of former State goalkeeper Corey Hugo, Paul Baczynski and John Mansaray.

Inglewood United are tipped to register their fifth straight win when Fremantle Spirit visits Clipsal Stadium (aka Kiev Sports Ground). Lee Bamber’s team is playing some quality, attacking football at the moment with James Sammut and Jason Colli in terrific form going forward, while defensively Shane Pryce and James Duncan run a tight ship. By contrast, Fremantle are winless after ten League outings and face an increasingly difficult task of climbing away from the relegation zone. Steve Grant and Simon Elton-Bott are sure to find themselves under pressure at the back as Jason Barerra and Callum Roberts go searching for goals.

Floreat Athena will be seeking revenge when they welcome E.C.U. Joondalup to Litis Stadium. Michael Roki’s team were depleted when eliminated from the Cup a fortnight ago by Joondalup, but with a number of key players back in the line-up this promises to be a much different encounter. Goals have flowed freely for Brad Scott who’s benefited greatly from the service of Adam Bachiller and Miki Vujacic. A hat-trick last weekend took Ian McMurray’s regular season tally to nine goals, and with Garin Collins and Craig Simpson facing former team mates spectators are assured of a crackerjack contest.

Long-time rivals Western Knights and Perth S.C. square off at Nash Field. The Knights go into this game full of confidence have beaten Perth 3-0 only a fortnight ago in the Cup. The contributions of Rory Grant, David Micevski and David Annall, who has been superb since returning to the club a few weeks back, will go a long way in determining how the afternoon pans out for the Knights. Andreas Oliviera sets up a lot more than he scores for Perth who have the creative talent of Antonio Naglieri and Greg Sharland providing the ammuntion.

A young Stirling Lions line-up won convincingly last week and a similar performance on home soil tomorrow will earn them victory against second from bottom Armadale. Versatile teenager Dean Evans has come on in leaps and bounds this year and together with Jordan Rhodes and Leo Harman will have a fair influence over the outcome of this game. There’s no doubt Armadale are a team on the up since Gary Faria returned to the midfield and James Robinson came on board to lead the attack. They’ll be further bolstered by Cyril Sharrock’s return from suspension.

Round Eleven of the First Division season is the highlighted by the make or break clash between Bayswater City and Balcatta at Frank Drago Reserve. Both teams entered the season as serious title contenders but a loss tomorrow could see them slip well off the pace. Pacesetter Canning City are yet to lose a league encounter this year and it’s hard seeing that running ending away at struggling Ashfield. South West Phoenix are expected to take maximum points from their home clash with Morley Windmills. Wanneroo City are home to Forrestfield United, Dianella White Eagles host bottom side Rockingham City, and Coker Park hosts the derby clash of Queens Park and Gosnells City.

4.7.2008

GLORY TRIO BEIJING BOUND

Tando Velaphi, Nikita Rukavytsya and Nikolai Topor-Stanley have been given the thumbs up by Olyroos coach Graham Arnold. The Perth Glory trio were today named in Arnold's eighteen-man squad for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. The three over-23 places have been filled by Archie Thompson, Jade North and David Carney. The Beijing campaign is expected to be a tough one for Australia who've been drawn in the same group as Serbia, Ivory Coast and world super-power Argentina.

After a grueling Asia-group qualification campaign in 2007, the task of selecting eighteen players was never going to be easy for coach Graham Arnold. "It was a difficult job selecting the team ... I had a look not only at current form of the players but their form right through the qualification campaign," said Arniold. "The three overage players will bring both attacking and strong defence to the team," Arnold said. "We have a lot of work to do over the next month to build up our fitness even more and make the best of it in Beijing."

The Australia squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County), Adrian Leijer (Fulham Athletic), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United), Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United), Billy Celeski, Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Jade North (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Spiranovic (Nurnberg), Nikita Rukavytsya, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Adam Federici (Reading), David Carney (Sheffield United), Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik (Sydney) plus uncontracted pair Mark Milligan and James Troisi.

3.7.2008

SAMMUT STARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A blistering second half performance from young gun James Sammut paved the way for Inglewood United to dispatch Swan I.C. 3-1 last weekend. Sammut showed his quality with a couple of well-taken goals either side of the hour to move Lee Bamber’s team into third place after ten games. “We’re playing confidently at present and it showing in the results,” he said. “Everyone’s contributing and competition for places is intense. The midfield is chipping in with the majority of the goals which is great, but Lee has our feet firmly on the ground as it’s a long season.”

Lee Bamber, who took over as coach Bobby Despotovski in February, was thrilled with Sammut’s display in the Swan Valley. “I told him after the game it was his best performance since he’s been at the club,” said Bamber, a former professional at Preston North End. “James took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and scored two quality goals, and he was everywhere on the pitch. He was a little too deep in the first half and he wasn’t affecting the game as we would have liked so we told him to move a bit further forward and he got on the scoresheet and began to dominate the game.”

The early season change of coach didn’t prove disruptive for Sammut who feel both Bamber and Despotovski have provided some useful tips on improving his game. “It’s been a good transition in the coaching department as sometimes it takes time to get used to a new coach, but Lee was involved as assistant when Bobby was in charge,” he explained. “They are both good technical coaches, and Bobby is still down at the club which is great. They have both given me some great advice and I hope I’ve rewarded them with my performances.”

Sammut’s form this year hasn’t gone unnoticed with the youngster amongst those in contention for a place in the Perth Glory Youth team coached by club legend Gareth Naven. “I’m in the final 22 players for the squad which is fantastic, and we should hear sometime next month regarding the final squad,” said Sammut, whose rising up through Inglewood’s ranks in the past four seasons. “There are some good footballers in the last group so I hope I’ve done enough to be selected, it would be a huge challenge but one I’m looking forward too.”

3.7.2008

MARCINKO TO THE RESCUE (courtesy of knightsarmy.net)

Mario Marcinko has been the talk of the town this week after his audacious final minute ‘strike’ snatched Western Knights victory from Armadale on Saturday. Only minutes were remaining when the 20-year old striker flicked his boot at a Josip Peran cross, catching the ball on the volley with his heel and looping it over the stranded goalkeeper. Marcinko admits the execution wasn’t perfect but that he did intend score. “I meant to do it - though I was going for the far post, not the near one,” he said. “But it came off my boot so cleanly and when I saw it go in I was ecstatic.”

Marcinko had come off the bench just twelve minutes before scoring as replacement for the tiring Anthony Fearon. “I was thinking of just getting out there and hopefully trying to make a difference,” he said of thoughts upon entering the game. “My main focus was to help the team and to score a goal. I wanted to pick my confidence up. Ronnie (Campbell) and Willie (Kelly) told me to stay on the last man and work with Rory and wished me luck … I wouldn’t go as far to say it was my best goal ever, but it was probably one of the most creative I have scored.”

Despite grabbing the winner last weekend, Marcinko knows there’s still a lot of work to be done in order to convince the coaches he’s deserving of a starting berth on Saturday’s home fixture with Perth S.C. “I have to knuckle down and train well this week and get picked,” said Marcinko, who sits behind Scottish-born Grant, Perth Glory trialist Anthony Skorich and Australian Schoolboys international Fearon in the Knights pecking order this season. “I heard Tonchi (Skorich) comes back on Sunday, so hopefully I’ll be able to start.”

Marcinko has had something of a nomadic life in football so far with spells in Canberra, Sydney and now Perth. “I started off playing football at Canberra Croatia, which is now Canberra F.C., and I then moved to Belconnen and went through the ranks there,” he explained. “After that I got a scholarship at the A.C.T. Academy of Sport. I went to Cooma F.C. before travelling to Argentina for half a year and trained over there. I came back to Australia and played for Sydney United last year, then this year I came to Perth.”

Ten games into the season and the Knights find themselves in tenth place with just three wins to their credit. Marcinko says that lowly placing is by no means indicative of their potential. “Winning the Cup and finishing in the top four would be a great achievement, and I think it’s achievable. Even though we didn’t start the season well we have plenty of quality in the squad to achieve this,” said Marcinko, who aspires to one day play the game professionally. “I’m hoping for a career in football … to play in the A-League and somewhere in Europe would be a dream come true.”

3.7.2008

SHORT PASSES

Jason Petkovic has made his first competitive appearance in close to two years. The veteran goalkeeper took his place between the posts on Sunday in Perth Glory's 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat of Indonesian champions Persik Kediri. Petkovic moved freely and made several good saves in his first outings since the removal of a pin inserted in the leg he broke against central Coast Mariners at the start of the 2006/07 season.

David Perich days at Swan I.C. are numbered. The 20-year old midfielder jets out to the United States early next month to take up an economics and commerce scholarship at Cardinal Strich College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The loss of Perich will be a major blow for Swan who have relied heavily on his creativity and non-stop work ethic coming out of midfield this year.

Mark Redshaw’s brief flirtation with the State League is over. Redshaw arrived on the local stage in a blaze of glory, scoring three goals on debut and hailed as the player to lead Stirling Lions to Premier League glory in 2008. However, the nippy marksman netted just once in a further eight appearances and departed Macedonia Park for the last time this week to continue his career in Asia.

E.C.U. Joondalup’s goalkeeping ranks have been left threadbare with Brynn Hindley’s departure for Scotland. The teenager, a former State junior representative, heads abroad to commence a two-year contract with long-serving Premier League club Dundee United. Hindley’s departure comes hot on the heels of Tommi Tomich’s move to Victoria where he’s joined South Melbourne.

The postponed First Division match between Ashfield and Dianella White Eagles will be played next Wednesday, 9th July, at Ashfield Reserve from 7.00pm. A waterlogged pitch prevented either team from stepping out on the original Round Eight match date in late May. The Reserve team game is to be played seven days later, 16th July, at Ashfield Reserve also with a 7.00pm kick-off.

2.7.2008

‘DAVID AND GOLIATH’ SEMI-FINALS

The 2008 association Cup has produced a couple of 'David and Goliath' semi-final encounters. Amateur outfit Hamersley Rovers have been pitted against Premier League high-flyer Sorrento, while Western Knights go in as underdog against E.C.U. Joondalup. Both games are scheduled for Litis Stadium on Wednesday 20th August, Hamersley and Sorrento get the ball rolling at 6.00pm followed by the Knights and Joondalup at 8.30pm.

Although happy with the draw received, Steve Neville is cautious not to look too far ahead to a potential derby final meeting with Joondalup, should both teams make it that far. "We've drawn the lower league team, and they have two or three ex-Sorrento players, so they will have a point to prove," said the Sorrento coach. "We are happy with the draw but it is a potential minefield, as everyone expects Sorrento to win the game."

Hamersley boss Kevin Clifford has mixed feelings about meeting the Gulls. "I've played for the club and still support them and watch them every week," Clifford commented. "They are a good side, but I would have preferred to have drawn one of the other teams. It's a one-off game and anything can happen - it is the year of the underdog, we are happy to be in the competition and getting the opportunity to play Saturday (league) teams."

Chris Nicholson is eager to end Joondalup's run of six years without a trophy. "It is our biggest opportunity for a trophy (this year), it is a good competition and we are going to take it very seriously," he said. "We have done it the hard way so far, but to win the competition you need to beat the best teams and you are always going to draw a good team in the semi-finals. It is a one off game and they (Knights) will certainly be up for it - but so will we."

Knights coach Ronnie Campbell also feels the Cup holds his teams side's only realistic chance oflifting a trophy in 2008. "It is without doubt our best chance for silverware," said the clubs' long-serving coach. "We have had a disappointing start to the League season, so the Cup is our best opportunity; it is a special day (the final). We will do what we can to get not only our first team, but also our reserves through to the final."

1.7.2008

NEW DEALS FOR ASTON VILLA PAIR

Shane Lowry and Chris Herd are amongst a dozen Aston Villa youngsters rewarded for their efforts last season with new deals. Lowry and Herd, both 19, put pen to paper on two-year contracts this week having impressed the senior coaching staff. The pair have progressed up through the ranks since initially moving to Villa Park on two-year Youth Training Scheme deals in February 2005.

Lowry played youth team football at E.C.U. Joondalup prior to joining Villa. Although a regular for the Reserves during the past 18 months, his only senior appearance was in a pre-season friendly against Stoke City last August. Lowry has played internationally for the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels.

Herd, who turned out locally for Bayswater City, has also featured prominently for the Villa Reserves. He made his English League debut last January while on loan at Port Vale, where he scored twice in eleven appearances. Herd then signed a one-month loan deal with Wycombe Wanderers for whom he played four times before returning to Villa Park.

1.7.2008

EDWARDS, WILLIAMS RECEIVE COACHING SCHOLARSHIPS

Alistair Edwards and Nicola Williams have been awarded Elite Coach Development Program scholarships by Football Federation Australia. The scholarships provide a springboard for coaches to reach the top of the profession through the provision of a program customised to the individuals' level of expertise, skills, interests and aspirations. Scholarships, each valued at $25,000, were also awarded to former Socceroo captains Alex Tobin and Paul Okon.

Edwards, director of football with Perth Glory, said he was delighted to be chosen as one of four recipients of the scholarship. "I am pleased to be provided with this opportunity to further my coaching education," said the former Socceroo. "I have enjoyed being involved in the national teams programs for the past five years and with this scholarship I will be able to gain further experience and knowledge of the game."

The opportunity to broaden and enhance his coaching skills in Europe is something that particularly appeals to Edwards. "The scholarship will provide me the opportunity to learn from and work with the best coaches, clubs, academies and players in the world," he said. "I am looking to go to Spain and Holland and also spend time with the Qantas Socceroos in the lead up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, as well as completing the FIFA Pro License."

Nicola Williams, coach of the National Training Centre women's program and the State Under-17 girls team, is the only female scholarship recipient. "I am extremely proud to be given the opportunity and this shows how important women's football is in Australia as it can sometimes go unnoticed," she said. "I have a huge passion for the sport and am very excited about the road ahead."

"The scholarship will give me a chance in providing the best for our current NTC squad and future WAIS (Western Australian Institute of Sport) team," Williams added. "With my teaching background, I can provide support for our specialist football schools as well as provide and strengthen links with national teams and international clubs," she said. "In the future I hope to be able to be involved in the mentoring of other future female coaches within Australia and providing coach education to the women's game."

1.7.2008

ARNOLD PONDERS OLYMPIC PUZZLE

Potential Olympians have been given their last chance to impress Graham Arnold at a training camp in Darwin. Arnold ran the rule over 27 players during the fortnight long camp which culminated in a two-game friendly series with Chile. "The purpose of this camp was for me to make critical selection decisions and also to prepare the players for the Beijing Olympic Games," said the national Under-23 coach. "Now my coaching staff and I have a very difficult task in selecting the final squad that will go to the Olympic Games." West Australian's Tando Velaphi, Nick Ward and Nikita Rukavysta were amongst those who attended the camp.

A crowd of 1,404 was on hand to see the Chile defeat Australia 4-3 in Friday's first international played in the Northern Territory. Australia opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Aaron Downes only for Esteban Paredes to restore parity soon after. Chile edged in front via a Boris Sagredo half-volley early in the second half, Downes equalised in the 68th minute then Troy Hearfield grabbed Australia the lead. The sides were level for a fourth time thanks to Eduardo Vargas before Paredes scored the winner with five minutes to go.

An entertaining 1-1 draw was the outcome of Sunday's second meeting between the Australian and Chilean Under-23 teams. 1,780 fans turned out at the Darwin Football Stadium to see Kristian Sarkies put the Olyroos ahead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes. Australia dominated the game and if not for the goalkeeping heroics of Gregory Saavedra could have extended their lead on a number of occasions. Chile's patience paid off midway through the second half when Felipe Seymour finished off a one-on-one opportunity with 'keeper Chris O'Connor.

30.6.2008

GREEN AND GOLD HONOURS FOR BUTSHIIRE AND SAINSBURY

Million Butshiire and Trent Sainsbury have been selected in the Australian Under-16 team for next weeks Asean Football Federation Youth Championship in Jakarta. The tournament, which commences on 9th July, will see the Joeys play Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore and host nation Indonesia in the space of six days with the final scheduled for 19th July. National youth coach Martyn Crook named an 18-player squad for the championship which serves as preparation for October’s Asian Football Confederation Under-16 Championships in Uzbekistan.

Crook is looking forward to seeing how his side scrubs up against Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore and host nation Indonesia. “It gives me a good opportunity to see the boys in action in conditions different from those they’re used to at home,” said the Joeys coach. “It is also the first time this group of players has played in a tournament against players of their own age. Past tournaments have been against older players, so this will be a very good test of just how we’re doing at this age group.”

The Australian Under-16 squad for the Asean Football Federation Youth Championship is Christopher Bush, Benjamin Harrington (Australian Capital Territory), Kerem Bulut, Brendan Hamill, Benjamin Kantarovski, Robert Kolak, Jared Lum, Nikola Stanojevic, Lawrence Thomas, Marc Warren (New South Wales), Joseph Costa, Nathan Farrell, Chahine Noujaim (South Australia), Petar Franjic, Kamal Ibrahim, Tedros Yabio (Victoria), Million Butshiire and Trent Sainsbury (Western Australia).

29.6.2008

FIRST UP WIN FOR GLORY IN INDONESIA

Perth Glory opened their pre-season tour of Indonesia with a 2-1 victory against dual Super League champion Persik Kediri. James Robinson and young trialist Anthony Skorich hit the back of the net in the second half to give the visitors a deserved win in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 at the Brawaijaya Stadium. "It's great to have the bulk of our squad together and the way the lads are combining on the pitch in a short time has really impressed me," Mitchell said. "It was a very entertaining match, end to end stuff, and great quality from both sides."

Robinson opened the scoring with a superbly long-range strike that skimmed the underside of the crossbar in the 54th minute. The injection of fresh legs off the bench initially benefited the hosts whose equaliser arrived via Sinaga on 72 minutes. Six minites later Skorich again showed his value to Glory by smashing in the winner just minutes after coming off the bench. Glory's second and final game of their Indonesian adventure takes place in East Java on Friday when Deltras Sidoarjo provide the opposition.

29.6.2008

HARNWELL OUT FOR PRE-SEASON CUP

Perth Glory stalwart Jamie Harnwell will miss the pre-season Cup to rectify a minor hip problem. The decision to go under the knife now should provide Harnwell ample time to recover for the start of the regular season, and ensure a clean bill of health during the upcoming campaign. Harnwell has been on light duties at training in the past few weeks and was restricted in his movement during the club’s recent practice matches.

Harnwell will undergo the procedure early this week and is already mapping out his rehabilitation to ensure he is ready for Perth’s first match of the season against Adelaide on Sunday 17th August. “I’ve been told that this is something that could have been around for a few years and unfortunately it has been irritated somehow and now we need to address it,” Harnwell said. “The decision was made to get it done as soon as possible and I’d rather it happen now than midway through the year and try to manage it for six months.”

Despite this slight setback Harnwell is genuinely excited about the upcoming season. “The atmosphere around the club has been terrific and the new training ground is great, everyone is keen to be at training and we’ve got a great group of lads that all want to play consistent, winning football,” he said. “I’d expect to be back playing at full pace within five to six weeks and my aim is definitely to be ready for the start of the season. I’m determined to be out there doing everything I can for the team from round one onwards.”

28.6.2008

PREMIER LEAGUE, ROUND TEN (E.C.U. Joondalup v Cockburn City courtesy E.C.U. Joondalup; Swan I.C. v Inglewood United by Peter Simcox; Perth S.C. v Floreat Athena courtesy Floreat Athena)

Sorrento re-asserted themselves as championship material by spanking Mandurah City 5-1 in wet and windy circumstances at the Hyundai Stadium. Scott Bulloch and Todd Harnwell each scored a brace with Stuart Montgomery also finding the net to lead the Gulls back to the top of the Premier League table. The early pace was quick with Mike Green’s reflexes sending wide a Bulloch shot, then down the other end Jeff Bright was denied by a top notch save from Neil Young. 25 minutes were on the clock when Glen Thomas’ precise through ball gave Bulloch time to drill into the top corner. Keith Brown could have equalised soon after but his goalbound free-kick was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Young. Mandurah’s defensive frailties were exposed by Stuart Banks in the 38th minute by sending Harnwell free to clip over the advancing ‘keeper and doubled the margin. Young made sure the visitors retained the lead early in the second half by keeping out Phil O’Callaghan’s shot. The addition of Stuart Crampton had the desired effect for Mandurah when the striker expertly lobbed into the net from the edge of the 18-yard box. However, Sorrento weren’t about to let their good work unravel and through a couple of quick goals ended the game as a contest. Scott Neville showed his class in the 65th minute by delivering a far post cross which Harnwell slid into the net. Two minutes passed before Neville threaded the ball to an unmarked Bulloch who raced clear to power a low shot into Green’s net. Crampton was doing his best to bring Mandurah back into the game but no matter what he tried Young was there to foil. The final whistle was just minutes away when Bulloch turned provider for Montgomery who put the icing on the cake with a crisp finish at the far post that gave Green no chance.

A dominant opening 45 minutes laid the foundations for E.C.U. Joondalup’s 6-2 triumph over Cockburn City at the Joondalup campus of Edith Cowan University. It was a day when little went right for the visitors who ended with nine players following red cards to Jason Godfrey and Adam Surjan. Less than a minute was on the clock when the visitors were caught out for the first time as McMurray intercepted a poor back header and coolly stroked his shot under goalkeeper Nick Feely’s body. The visitors suffered a further blow after 8 minutes with the dismissal of Godfrey for a foul on McMurray, who made no mistake converting the resultant penalty. A Tommy Amphlett pass on the half hour put the ball at the feet of John Thornley who turned his marker before despatching his shot into the net. A fingertip save by Feely denied Amphlett the hosts’ fourth goal, then minutes later Surjan saved the ‘keepers blushes after his poor clearance presented Garin Collins with a shot on goal. The second half commenced with Josh Kamasz, Johnny Mirco and Michael Mirco prominent as Cockburn sought for a way back into the game. However, it was Joondalup that found the net on 52 minutes via a fine counterattack that saw the ball channelled through Anthony Jones, McMurray and Darren Broxton whose superb cross was finished off by Amphlett. Cockburn were by no means out and nine minutes later reduced the deficit through De Felice who netted following a good exchange on the right between Marko Aleksic and Giovanni De Bartolo. A rare error in the Joondalup defence open the door on a comeback as Kamasz fired past Bobson Koroma. But that ended when Surjan was issued his marching orders for a needless foul on McMurray, who converted from the spot with ten minuets to go. There was still time for Cockburn to concede once more with McMurray netting his third penalty following Michael Mirco’s infringement on Amphlett.

Inglewood United stretched their winning run to four games by dumping host club Swan I.C. 3-1 on a chilly afternoon in the Swan Valley. James Sammut scored twice and Mladen Kovacevic once as Inglewood continued their climb up the Premier League ladder. The reward for a bright start by Swan was a 9th minute lead via David Perich who fired low past the goalkeeper after receiving a Damien Scali cross. A brave smothering save by Oliver Taseski prevented Alex Cocking increasing the hosts' advantage minutes later. Robert Monterosso's goal line clearance kept Sammut from bringing the sides level as Inglewood slowly began to find their feet. Andy O'Neill hit the underside of the crossbar from distance as Swan pressed for a second, then Taseski made another crucial save to deny Cocking. The visitors were by this stage seeing more of the ball as Kevin Griffiths and Jason Colli forced good saves from Daniel Agudelo. Their persistence paid dividends in the form of a soft penalty for Aaron Cole's push on Mladen Kovacevic, who netted at the second opportunity after Agudelo blocked his 38th minute spot kick. The second half opened with Inglewood in an attacking frame of mind and neither Shane Pryce nor Michael Baczynski would have been happy with their finishing from Sammut corners. Sandwiched between these was a terrific shot on the run by O'Neill which elicited a fine save from Taseski. A quick break just after the hour put the ball at the feet of Sammut who, afforded time and space, applied a low finish from 15-metres which put the visitors ahead. Swan looked for a quick response and Cocking nearly obliged with a cracking first time strike that beat Taseski but grazed the outside of the post. Displaying a maturity beyond his teenage years, Sammut secured victory in the 77th minute with a perfectly placed shot which went in off the post after being set-up by Matt Wardle.

An inspired two-goal performance from rising star Dean Evans helped Stirling Lions to a 5-0 mauling of Fremantle Spirit at Macedonia Park. With six senior players absent, Stirling's young cubs gave a great account of themselves with Rory Feely bagging two and Phil Arnold one in a one-sided contest. Spectators were still settling into their seats when Ludovic Boi's blistering drive was parried by Steve Grant, but fell into the path of Feely who tapped in after a minute. With Evans and Matthew Italiano controlling play through the centre of the park, and Boi and Arnold providing width, Stirling set about adding to their tally. Mark Redshaw's 12 minutes corner was met by Arnold who glided his header just wide of the mark. Four minutes more had passed when Evans crashed a free-kick through the defensive wall, past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. Simon Elton-Bott and Tom Straker defended bravely for Fremantle who battled hard against the constant onslaught. Their only genuine chance of the half came after 27 minutes when Jason Pottier's long-range effort rose high of the crossbar. Redshaw should have done better than shoot into the side netting with only the 'keeper to beat after receiving an exquisite pass from Italiano. Stirling registered their third moments before half-time when Leo Harman's through ball allowed Feely to waltz around the advancing 'keeper and blast into the empty net. It didn't get any better for Fremantle after the break as Boi set-up Evans whose left foot drive from 25-metres ricocheted into the net off the inside of the post. An in-swinging Redshaw corner on 55 minutes saw Arnold rise to the occasion and angle his header in for Stirling’s fifth of the afternoon. Although the game was effectively over, Fremantle never gave up hope but were simply no match for this inspired group of Stirling youngsters who could well have added a few more before the final whistle sounded.

An inventive late 'strike' by Mario Marcinko earned Western Knights a dramatic 3-2 win against Armadale in cold and wet conditions at Nash Field. Armadale flexed their muscle early as an unmarked James Robsinson headed in at the far post from an in-swinging Gary Faria corner with 5 minutes gone. It took only a couple of minutes for the hosts to reply through David Micevski who turned his marker and from an acute angle rifled into the top corner from 15-metres. With Scott Devine, Kodi Madeley and Ryan Pearson running the midfield, Armadale would go on to enjoy the better of the first half possession. A Faria cross was headed over the crossbar by Pearson, who may have been better leaving it for Robinson who was unmarked behind him. In the 26th minute David Annall's attempted back header caught goalkeeper Kevin Miller by surprise, permitting Robinson to nip in and send the bouncing ball into the net. The Knights thought they'd equalised just before the break but referee J.Taran disallowed Rory Grant's effort for offside. The game could very well have been ended early in the second half as Armadale carved out a trio of openings. Faria's cross grazed the bar before going out for a goal kick, Miller used his legs to thwart Robinson in a one-on-one, and Scott Devine headed wide from close-range on the counterattack. It wasn't until midway through the half that the Knights awoke from their slumbers with Grant and substitute Mario Marcinko testing Beau Geerlings. But an error by the teenage 'keeper brought the sides level in the 83rd minute when Barry Devlin's soft shot squirmed under Geerlings' body. At this point Armadale would have settled for a draw but it wasn’t to be as with the final whistle drawing near Macinko caught a Josip Peran with his heel and looped the ball over the Geerlings to steal a home victory.

Perth S.C. returned to the winner’s circle by defeating Floreat Athena 2-1 under lights on a chilly evening at Dorrien Gardens. Strike partners David Onoforo and Andreas Oliviera earned Perth the points from a tight derby contest which never really reached any great heights. Oliviera created an early half chance out of nothing with a cross that drifted over the goalkeeper and bounced off the far post. Perth’s ever-creative midfield gave them control of the game with Antonio Naglieri prominent in the centre and Greg Sharland and Matthew Danskin driving them forward down out wide. A finely struck Naglieri shot was acrobatically tipped over the crossbar by Vas Vujacic as the hosts sough the lead. Floreat weren’t without their chances as Branimir Mikulic poked wide from a Miki Vujacic free-kick, and Brad Scott’s jinxing run was deserving of a better finish from the striker. The breakthrough came right on the stroke of half-time when Onoforo wriggled free of the defence and from an acute angle clipped into the net over Vujacic. The second half was just as tight with coaches Graham Normanton and Michael Roki both looking to the bench for a way to crack open the game. Floreat substitute Daniel Neiderberger showed terrific control but lacked a quality execution as his lob cleared the bar. The equaliser came via Ante Kovacevic whose searching free-kick was spilled by Gareth Deeg to present Mikulic with an easy tap in from all of a metre with 61 minutes played. The teams were level just six minutes before Sharland’s centring pass picked out Onoforo who laid the ball back for Oliviera to hammer into the net from 16-metres. Floreat threw caution to the wind in an attempt to snatch a late point. But the closest they came was an explosive Scott drive that Deeg brilliantly blocked and Michael Icanovski thwarted John Migas at the follow-up.

28.6.2008

FIRST DIVISION, ROUND TEN (Canning City v Dianella White Eagles by Phil Unsworth; Forrestfield United v South West Phoenix courtesy South West Phoenix; Bayswater City v Gosnells City courtesy Gosnells City; Balcatta v Ashfield courtesy Balcatta)

Canning City stretched their unbeaten run to ten games by despatching Dianella White Eagles 4-1 at Willetton Sports Club. After a fairly even opening Canning went ahead in the 17th minute when Paul Harvey rose to power in Mick Van Dongen's deep corner from the right. Harvey almost had his second shortly after by getting on the end of a Rory Moutett cross but the big strikers diving head was just wide. Dianella's first real threat came after 25 minutes when Steve Cowbrough's shot from 25-metres flashed wide. Just a couple of minutes later Harvey drove a fierce shot into the roof of the net after a scramble for possession on top of the 18-yard box. The deficit was reduced just before the break when Devon Spence spilt Jon Greenwood's powerful drive and Cowbrough rifled in the loose ball. The second half commenced with Canning well in control so it came as no surprise when Harvey completed his hat-trick by receiving a pass from Duncan Hind, turning his marker and rounding Matt Battigelli before netting. The result was put beyond doubt after 72 minutes when Rory Mouttet's long ball was misjudged by Battigelli allowing Paul Van Dongen a simple tap in. Canning could have ended a couple more to the better but Harvey hit the base of upright and Battigelli kept out a Duuane Hepburn penalty.

South West Phoenix moved into second place with a come from behind 2-1 defeat of Forrestfield United on a rain-soaked Hartfield Park. Both teams spent the early part of the match getting accustomed to a heavy pitch far that was from conducive to playing quality football. The best of the early chances came the way of the visitors as James Bergin hit the post and Patrick Quinn volleyed wide. Forrestfield, too, created some good openings and late in the half were denied a penalty when Jonathon Krawec handled the ball while defending a corner. Gary Mayers and Suttie sent efforts past the target as Phoenix enjoyed the majority of possession. So it was against the run of play that Forrestfield went ahead on 69 minutes when Jordan Hart’s powerful downward header from a John Hunter corner was too good for goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery. But that lead lasted all of two minutes before a partially cleared corner bounce in front of Binnie who lashed in his shot from 15-metres via the underside of the bar. Forrestfield, however, continued to cause problems with Ahsley Otte and Matt Harold delivering some telling crosses into the area where Montgomery was under pressure. Phoenix snatched the points with nine minutes remaining as Suttie guided the ball into the net after ‘keeper Brad Eiffe parried Mayers’ shot from an acute angle.

Bayswater City lost ground on the leaders when held to a 1-1 draw by Gosnells City at Frank Drago Reserve. Through good movement of the ball Bayswater dominated the early exchanges through Paul Hickey, Adrian Sutton and Tony Cumace but created surprisingly few chances. It took a good fifteen minutes for Gosnells to find their feet and Allan Claxton’s snap on goal was well saved by goalkeeper Gianni Papalia. In the 25th minute the home side won a corner which Cumace flighted brilliantly over a crowded goalmouth and inside the far post to break the deadlock. This failed to spark life into Gosnells who had Alan Dunlop to thank that the half-time margin wasn’t greater when he saved brilliantly from Costa Socratous. Fired up by the word of coach Tony Campbell, Gosnells emerged after the break a stronger proposition, stroking the ball about with growing confidence and creating some attacking moves. The teams were brought level on the hour when Ian Maguire flicked the ball wide to Graham Herd whose cross into the 18-yard box was nodded in by Ciaran Allen. Both teams had their chances to steal ahead in the final half hour but with neither able to convert chances into goals they’d have to settle for shared points.

Balcatta collected maximum points for the first time in a month by edging out Ashfield 1-0 at Graham Burkett Reserve. A bright start by the home side resulted in a 7th minute as Adam Purcell released Bobbi Klenkoski who calmly slotted past advancing goalkeeper Matt Darling. Igor Novakovic was presented with a golden opportunity to increase the difference but faced with an open goal skied his close-range shot against the crossbar and Darling punched clear the loose ball. Ashfield were finding it difficult to keep tabs on Klenkoski who was unlucky not to bag his second with a clever dink that was just beyond the post. The second half followed the same pattern with Balcatta doing all the attacking but unable to find the back of the net. Mark Purcell rolled his shot wide after a mazy run, and Novakovic should have done better than head straight at the 'keeper. Igor Novakovic sent a cross on to the head of Mark Purcell who somehow ballooned the ball high from a couple of metres. Klenkoski could have twice made the game safe late on but failed to capitalise on either opportunity. Ashfield went within inches of punishing their hosts wastefulness with Michael D'Silva's vicious strike from distance cannoned against the upright with Kenny Ftynogiannis well beaten.

Wanneroo City ended their five game winless streak by defeating Rockingham City 3-1 at Lark Hill Sporting Complex. Brian Cairney scored twice and Rowdy Yates once for the visitors with C.McCreery netting for Rockingham. The upset of the round came from Wotton Reserve where Queens Park toppled Morley Windmills 1-0. The late red carding of Farrell Hedges opened the door for R.Brittain to snatch all three points for Queens Park deep in stoppage time. Further details of these two games were not forthcoming from any of the four participating clubs.

28.6.2008

SOCCEROOS PITTED AGAINST JAPAN

Australia will face Japan, Bahrain, Uzbekistan and Qatar in the final stage of World Cup qualifying for South Africa 2010. The draw will see Pim Verbeek’s side renewing their rivalry with Japan, the side they defeated in their opening game at the 2006 World Cup with the Japanese gaining revenge at last year’s Asian Cup. Group B is made up of South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, North Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The top two Group A nations gain automatic qualification for South Africa with the third placed team playing their Group B counterpart over two legs for the right to play the top placed Oceania team the final World Cup spot.

28.6.2008

MCNALLY TAKES UP POST WITH GLORY

Perth Glory have appointed former national league goalkeeper Willie McNally as assistant coach for the 2008/09 campaign. McNally complements an already strong coaching line-up headed by one-time Socceroo David Mitchell and includes part-time assistants Robbie Dunn and Kenny Lowe. Fresh from a spell as senior coach at E.C.U. Joondalup, McNally takes on the role having been a goalkeeping coach for the past few seasons with Glory. “It’s great to have Willie on board, he has been around football all of his life and brings some great ideas and experience to the table,” Mitchell said. “The team we have been able to assemble this season will greatly enhance the amount of time we can put into developing our squad and I’m sure it will benefit Perth Glory this season and into the future.”

Currently in Indonesia as part of Glory’s pre-season tour, McNally is delighted to take on an increased role at the club this season and is looking forward to working closely with Mitchell. “I played against Mitch in the old days and I know he is a good lad and I’m very happy to be on board,” McNally said. “I have been involved in football for a long time and to get an opportunity like this is a big thrill and I jumped at the chance to join the professional environment at the Glory. We are all determined to do our bit to make this a positive season for the club and are extremely optimistic about what we can achieve.”

A legend of every sense of the word, McNally was playing up until his 48th birthday. Born in Northern Ireland, he arrived in Perth via New Zealand and initially played for Olympic before figuring in Azzurri’s remarkable unbeaten championship side of 1981. Seven seasons at Adelaide City returned the national league crown in 1986, after which he headed back to Olympic where he won another league title. At club level he also wore Macedonia, Athena, Sorrento, Wanneroo, Swan I.C. and Bassendean Caledonian colours before retiring in 2003. He represented Western Australian on 19 occasions, captaining the State at the Marah Halim Cup and was a key figure in the famous 3-2 victory over European kingpins Werder Bremen in 1992, aged 37.