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19.4.2024

NPL-WA ROUND SIX - PREVIEW

Western Knights have started life in the NPLWA – Men’s competition well, in their first season in the top flight of WA football since 2012, and they sit on top of the table going into week six. They lost their first points of the campaign last week against Armadale, and they will look to respond on Saturday when they host Olympic Kingsway in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Nash Field. (All games kick off at 3pm) Olympic, who were stunned in week two at Bayswater, have bounced back and are unbeaten in their last three games, including a big win against Glory last week, to move them up to third, so this one should be a great contest.

The last time the two sides met at the venue was in in round six 2022, when both sides were chasing promotion in Division One, and the hosts ran out 2-0 winners. The Knights made a great start, taking the lead after only three minutes, Adam Harris’ diagonal ball sent Dylan White down the right, he cut inside his marker and fired home via the post.

Both sides had chances in an entertaining game, but Knights keeper Sam Stone produced a fine save to thwart the visitors, and it was the Knights who secured the win 14 minutes from time. White was the supplier this time, in a sweeping move which ended with a cross from the right, which Paul Lloyd turned home, much to the delight of the home faithful. The last time the sides met in the Premier League at the venue was in round 15 in 1999, with the Knights also prevailing, after a 3-2 win, in a season Olympic were relegated.

Knights’ striker Owen Goodliffe scored the equaliser in last weeks 1-1 draw against Armadale, and he said it was a real battle, but a draw was probably a fair result, which continued a fantastic start for the newly promoted club. “It was a tough fought point last Saturday with either team having the opportunity to nick it in the second half.,” he said. “Armadale were well organised and intense meaning that a slow start cost us. Obviously gutted to not maintain our 100% record, but I think if you offered a newly promoted side, or any side for that matter, 13/15 points they’d snap your hand off.

“I believe the start we’ve had is just as much down to the people off the pitch as on it. All the effort of the coaches, committee, volunteers, the fans as well as our playing group has been immense and not just this year but the previous years. We aren’t the biggest club, but the traditions set by the people that have been here prior to us and will be after us make this place so special. The boys from last year know the values and importance of playing for the club and honestly all the new boys have bought into the same values meaning the transition was easy and we could take off from where we finished up.”

Goodliffe said Saturday will be another tough battle, against a Kingsway side that have added some quality this season, but it’s a battle he is looking forward to. “No game in this league is easy as we are quickly finding out. There is no questioning the bags of quality that Kingsway have in their squad and the likes of Toughy, Ross and Willy will have them extremely tough to break down,” the striker explained. “We will smash the track this week and I’m sure the gaffer will have a plan for us to execute. We’ve just got to maintain the standards we’ve hit for four and half games this year and hopefully go toe to toe with them, but it should be a belter.”

Liam Boland was on the scoresheet for Olympic, in the big win against Glory last week, and he said he’s had to bide his time so far at the club, after injury hampered his preseason. “I’m happy to have got on the scoresheet, I’m getting there slowly after knee surgery which caused me to miss majority of the preseason which was frustrating,” the striker explained. “It’s been good to play with Joe (Knowles) on the same team after playing for rival clubs in Melbourne, each week we are getting a better understanding of each other.”

Boland said last week they started well, but let Glory back into the game, and he knows they can’t do that against the league leaders on Saturday. “Yes, we started the game really well against Glory, however we got a little complacent and allowed them back into the game which was disappointing,” he said. “We showed enough experience and got ourselves back in control after going 3-2 down which was a good show of character. We can’t do that on Saturday, against a Knights side that have started off the season really well. We know how hard it will be to get a result at their ground, but we are more than looking forward to the challenge, it would be great to kick on after a positive result last week.”

In other games in week six, second placed Floreat Athena welcome fourth placed Stirling Macedonia to E&D Litis Stadium, both looking to build on big wins last week, while Bayswater City and Perth Glory meet at Frank Drago Reserve, both these sides looking to bounce back from heavy defeats last week. Perth RedStar welcome Fremantle City to the RedStar Arena, while Kenny Lowe takes his Perth SC side to Alfred Skeet Reserve to meet Armadale, the hosts still searching for their first win of the season. In the final game Balcatta Etna entertain Inglewood United at Grindleford Reserve, with both sides still looking for their first wins of the season.

19.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FIVE PREVIEW

Our ‘Match of the Round’ in State League Division One takes us to Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening, when second placed Dianella White Eagles host league leaders Murdoch University Melville. (5pm) Both sides go into Saturday’s clash unbeaten, MUMFC have won all their games, including last week’s 3-1 win at Cockburn, and sit two points clear of the Eagles, who won a thriller against UWA Nedlands at the venue last week, so with both sides in good form this one should be a cracker.

The last time these sides met at the venue in the league was in round seven last season, with the hosts winning 2-1, their first win of the 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 game 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.

Last week thrilling win against UWA Nedlands continued the Eagles unbeaten start to the season, and Shane Barnes said they showed great character to fight back after going behind. “Yes, the UWA game was a tough game, out coach (Angel Andres) told us they pressed aggressively and they worked extremely hard and they defiantly did that and when they went 2-1 up,” he explained. “They were definitely on top at that time, but similar to the Mandurah game when went a goal down, we don’t give up, we re-grouped and showed good character to win the game.”

Barnes said they are really pleased to be unbeaten to start the season, especially after playing some good teams in the opening four weeks, but he knows there is along way to go, starting against the league leaders on Saturday. “The start of the season has been difficult, they’ve been really tough games and I think we have played some good football in every game, and been rewarded for our hard work and determination,” he said. “We are well aware the Murdoch game is a huge one, they have had a flying start and they will be full of confidence. We just need to make sure we are 100% focused and we do the right things on the pitch.”

MUMFC head into the game with the only 100% start to the season, and coming off a big win at Cockburn last week, which was sealed with a stunner from Eddie Wynne-Willson in stoppage time, and skipper Pat Sara said it was a great goal to seal a win, although they didn’t play well in the game. “Yes, what a super finish from Eddie to be fair. He’s in good form and could be having his own goal of the year competition on his own,” the midfielder said. “To be fair, we were disappointed in our performance, but to walk away with the points still is a good sign. We didn’t play to the standards we have set in previous weeks and we know that. But we were still good enough for the win which is a big positive. We’ll have a hard week at training and look to right some wrongs this weekend.”

The appointment of former Celtic midfielder Marc Anthony, has given the club a huge lift, and Sara believes he and the rest of the coaching staff has given everyone the freedom to play their game. “The club are obviously very happy with the start, we’ve had some big away games to start the year with Rockingham, Mandurah and Cockburn, and come away with three points,” he explained. “Marc has given us lots of freedom to play, and belief in each other and I think I speak for all the boys when I say it’s just an enjoyable environment to be in, and it’s transferring to the pitch. All the coaching staff with Danny and Tom and putting in extra work behind the scenes to ensure we have nothing to worry about except the football, so a big credit to them too.”

Sara said Dianella have shown they will be one of the contenders for promotion this season, so a game at their place under lights, is something they are all looking forward to. “We’re all really looking forward to this one, and these are the games you love football for,” the skipper said. “They will have a big crowd, under the lights, and they are playing some good football. They’ve had an active off season, with some big additions, and I think we’ve had added to an already excellent squad as well, so it should be an entertaining game.”

The round starts on Friday evening when Sorrento makes the trip to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside (7.15pm). The Gulls looking to continue their unbeaten start the season, while the hosts will hope to bounce back from defeat at Joondalup last week. Subiaco AFC are the other unbeaten side in the league, and they host Cockburn City at Rosalie Park, the visitors still searching for their first points of the season.

In other games this weekend, UWA Nedlands will aim to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, when they travel to the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street to take on Gwelup Croatia. Mandurah City will look to end a two-game losing streak when they visit Walter Padbury Reserve to take on Gosnells City, while in the final game Rockingham City host Joondalup United at the Larkhill Sportsplex.

19.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

It was a disappointing season for Forrestfield United in 2023, with relegation, but they have made a good start to life in State League Division Two, winning their opening three games, and they will go in search of a fourth when they visit Wanneroo Reserve to take on Wanneroo City on Saturday evening. (kick off at 6pm) Forrestfield are coming off a narrow win against Swan United, with Sherwin Tucker scoring the only goal, while Wanneroo haven’t started the season well and sit at the foot of the table, and were edged out by Curtin University last week, and Howard Tweats side will be looking to kick start their season on Saturday.

The last time the two sides played at the venue was in round 15 in 2015 when a second half penalty from Rhys Loxley gave Forrestfield a 1-0 win in Division Two. They have also made the best possible start to 2024, with Daryl Platten and Paul Oliver’s side flying, but James Oliver said they have improvement in them, but the fight showed by the side last week against Swan was great. “I believe our team has a lot of potential, and we showed glimpses against Swan but we can certainly kick it up a gear. Regardless, a clean sheet and three points are always welcome,” he explained. “There's a great atmosphere in the team and you can tell the coaches have our backs. Three wins from three is a great start and I'm excited to see what the lads can do when we really start to kick on.”

Oliver knows Wanneroo will be desperate to get in the winner’s circle, but he said they are determined to keep their winning start going. “We’re looking no further than Saturday’s game, we haven’t achieved anything yet,” he said. “We are focused on maintaining our winning start against Wanneroo, and we are ready. We have to make sure we don't underestimate them, and more importantly play the football this team is capable of.”

Wanneroo keeper Jordan Barbas joined the northern suburbs club from Fremantle this season after helping the side to the NPL, and he said they have played well in games so far without getting the right result, but are improving with each game. “Yes, we’ve had a really tough start to the season, but I thought against Balga, we were competitive for moments, but on the day, the stage may have been a touch too much. In our second game, we faced an inform and hungry Joondalup away, who were quite organized and dealt with us in a disappointing game for the group,” he said.

“Last weekend's game, however, followed a couple of good weeks on the track and showed some real signs of improvement. I thought we were the better team Saturday, and had we taken our chances, and personally, I made an error I'm not proud of, I believe we’d have gotten something out of that game. This week, we face a tough Forrestfield who are never easy to play against. It’ll be a good test for the boys, and I’m excited to see us string back-to-back good performances together and compete. We will get there as a group. We have great support from the club and coaching staff and just need to put it right between the lines.”

In other games this weekend (all games kick off at 3pm, unless stated), joint league leaders Joondalup City host Canning City at Iluka District Open Space, while third placed East Perth make the trip to Maida Vale Reserve on Saturday evening to take on fifth placed Kalamunda City. (5pm) Balga will look to build on last weeks dramatic win at Canning, when they travel to Stylish Park, Gumblossom Park, to take on Quinns, Swan United will look for their first win of the season when they host Carramar Shamrock Rovers at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street, while in the final game Curtin University welcome Ashfield to Edinburgh Oval.

14.4.2024

GLORY THRASHED BY CITY IN A DAY TO FORGET

There was no sugar-coating Perth Glory’s performance after an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Melbourne City in the Isuzu UTE A-League on Sunday, with head coach Alen Stajcic apologising to the fans. Glory was also on the end of unwanted history at AAMI Park, where finals-chasing City recorded the largest margin of victory in the history of the competition. City showed no mercy in Melbourne, scoring five goals in 15 first-half minutes – a feat that equalled an Isuzu UTE A-League record. Tolgay Arslan completed his hat-trick in the second half as bottom side Perth endured a forgettable day in front of a strong travelling contingent, with the Shed on their Tour of Duty.

“It was pretty poor,” coach Stajcic told Network 10 post-game after owner Ross Pelligra was in the stands. “Obviously a capitulation there for a half-an-hour period end of the first half. Looked like we were on ice skates there for a long time. Couldn’t keep our feet, couldn’t tackle, couldn’t pass, couldn’t dribble. There were actually quite a few turnovers too. Ultimately it was pretty poor and we’re all accountable. The players are accountable and as a team we were pretty poor. It’s a shame that 100 or more fans came out to watch us play and we put on a display like that.”

There was a moment inside the early exchanges involving Glory youngster Daniel Bennie, which Stajcic felt he should have gone down under a challenge from City goalkeeper Jamie Young. The ball went out for a corner and when asked if that was a turning point at 0-0, Stajcic said: “You never know. It’s a turning point in the game. To me it was very close to a penalty anyway. He should’ve gone down to be honest and got the penalty. Potentially a yellow or red card to follow as well so definitely a game-turning moment.

“But you can’t really go back to that… because half an hour of absolute capitulation. The second half I thought we actually had six or seven good chances. We were pressing and fighting – at least we fought to the death in the second half. But ultimately what you can do is apologise to everyone who supports the club because it’s a pretty poor performance overall. We have six or seven days now to pick ourselves up and fight Western United off for the wooden spoon. I’m already looking forward to that game. You have to forget about this one, you have to learn from it and move on and fight.”

Glory forward David Williams – who came off the bench at half-time – also fronted the media and he told Network 10: “It’s very difficult. Melbourne City are a very good team. They’ve shown that for many seasons. “We can’t underestimate their ability. They’ve had a bit of a rocky season compared to the past years but we were just outdone. “I think we have a lot of young kids who we might be relying on too much. But sitting on the bench in the first half, it’s a collective not the 11 boys on the pitch.

“As a whole club, it’s disappointing to put out that effort when we have some unbelievable fans spending their hard-earned money and we’re kind of waltzing around the pitch a bit. There’s an element of effort there for the guys but it just didn’t work today. There’s no excuses. It has to start from the top and filter a few things down. A lot of boys are playing for different situations, whether it be contracts or going overseas. “… It’s a hard one to swallow. It’s a learning curve for a lot of people. Even me at 36, I can take something from it, but thank you to the supporters and people who travelled to see a miserable performance.”

Williams added: “When people stay at home for those reasons, I totally get it. “What boosts the players and the club is people coming through and scanning their passes to support us. To grow in that sense, you put in a good performance and a few more people come. We’re going the opposite way in that sense. I can’t plead for people to come. It’s a difficult situation but there’s things to build on. New owners and things are going to chance next season. Sorry to the fans who dedicate a lot of their time and money to the club and we put out that performance… we have to do more to not let that happen again. I could talk all day and there’s probably things I could say but not on TV.”

14.4.2024

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ONE REVIEW

Last season’s Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division winners have begun their title defence with a hard fought 3-2 win against newly promoted Maccabi in week one at Fraser Park on Sunday afternoon. “First game of the season it’s important to settle quickly and thankfully we got what we wanted,” Emerald new coach Shane Dineen said. “Maccabi were very well organised, and I think they will cause a lot of teams trouble this year. But overall, our priority was to get three points and now we look forward to next weekend against Joondalup.”

The hosts were ahead midway through the first half, with Stephen Kinsella on target. They doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Andrew Wood scoring. But Maccabi found a lifeline on 69 minutes, with Dion Berman scoring, but Emerald sealed the points nine minutes later, with Wood adding a second. Maccabi did score late with Abel Thomas-Hy on target five minutes from time, but Emerald held firm to take the points.

Night Series Final winners Wembley Downs have opened their season with a win on the road, coming home from Challenger Reserve with a 2-0 win against South Perth United. “It was a scrappy game, low on quality in the first half,” Wembley coach Rob Jackson said. “But we capitalised on a couple of defensive errors to win it. We were fortunate to come away with 3 points as we were a long, long way from our best. We have Jags away next which is one of the toughest games of the season. We’ll need a massive improvement all round to take anything from the game next week.” The game came to life just before the break with South Perth’s Denis Ochaya sent off. The visitors made them pay after the break, with Stefen Hill giving them the lead five minutes in, before Hill bagged a second seven minutes later to seal the points.

North Perth United were the big winners on the opening day, beating Perl United 4-1 at Woodville Reserve. “I thought we came out really strong and scored early, after dominating. From then we dominated possession for the first half and created a lot more efforts however the Peel keeper made a few great saves,” North Perth coach Chris Holland said. “The second half was much the same with us scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes, and despite Peel pulling one back, we kept the ball well and saw the game out adding another and it was a perfect start to the league.”

The hosts found the opener on six minutes, Barry Boggan heading home a corner. They added a second early in the second half, some neat build up play ended with Kyle Jackson, who made no mistake. They added a third on 56 minutes, Ollie Bradley racing clear to score. Alfie Birmingham pulled on back for Peel 16 minutes from time, but Jackson added his second to seal the 4-1 win, with Josh Wade cutting the ball back for Jackson to score.

Morley Windmills have started life in the Amateur league, after relegation from the state league last season, with a narrow 2-1 win against the other new team in the league, Kingsley Westside at Wotton Reserve. “It was a well fought out game today by both teams, and a single goal splitting the difference was always going to be the case,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “I'm happy with the lads, who showed moments of quality but also made up for some sloppy play with dedicated defending, so it was a hard earned three points, and the lads showed real character.” It was the visitors who opened the scoring on two minutes, with Louis Cheetham on target. But the hosts levelled on the quarter-hour mark, Ali Gholami curling home a free kick. The winning goal came seven minutes before the break, Travis Taylor dribbled the ball in from the left and split the defence with a pinpoint pass to Shane Burke, who spun and beat the keeper with a low drive.

Kelmscott Roos have also the season with three points, prevailing 4-3 against Joondalup United in a seven-goal thriller at Frye Park. “It was a good start to the season with a win for both our teams,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said. “It was scrappy in parts and disappointing that we let them back into the game after having so much control, but it’s exciting to know that we have a lot to improve on.” The visitors hit the front on 28 minutes, with James Ashford scoring. But the hosts were level at the break, after Stephen Kirk curled home a free kick from distance. Kelmscott hit the front on 57 minutes, Ralph Mawire volleying home from the edge of the box, and it was 3-1 moments later, after Lemeo Wordu made space down the right, and he cut inside the box and squared the ball to Amos Doegolia to score.

It looked game over but Joondalup hit back with Ashford added his second 19 minutes from time, and nine minutes later it was 3-3, Jordan Fazzari on target. But five minutes from time the hosts won it, a penalty was cleared, and in the goalmouth scramble Jared Lange scoring from close-range. In the final game Jaguar put the defeat in the Night Series Final behind them, after securing a 2-1 win against North Beach at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. Ben Reynolds had given the visitors the lead on 26 minutes, before goals from Kenel Mouithys and Conor O’Driscoll sealed the win.

14.4.2024

NPLWA – WOMEN’S – ROUND THREE REVIEW

Perth SC have bounced back from defeat against RedStar last week, and ended Balcatta Etna’s unbeaten start to the NPLWA – Women’s season, after they secured a narrow 2-1 win at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening in week three. “The girls knew how big this game was and the pressure around it and throughout the week it was about maintaining concentration and to continue playing our style of football, which has got better and better each week,” Perth assistant coach Federico Achilli explained. “With that belief and hard work, we were able to come away with an excellent result, which I hope gives the girls further confidence knowing they can compete for league this season.”

The hosts found the opener on 17 minutes, Ella Lincoln raced at the Balcatta defence, and held her marker before slipping the ball through to Jess Flannery, who finished clinically past Rebecca Bennett. They doubled their six minutes into the second half, Lincoln’s corner was headed into her own net by Liana Cook under pressure from Sam Mathers. The visitors were back in the game four minutes later, Abbey Meakins curling home a free kick past Lilly Bailey from distance, but they couldn’t find the equaliser. “It was such an intense game against a really good opponent,” Perth Jess Flannery said. “I thought we played well as a team and gave it our absolute all and it’s just an added bonus that we were able to get the three points on top of a great performance.

Perth RedStar have continued their perfect start to the season, after a 7-0 win against UWA Nedlands at the RedStar Arena. The home side were ahead on the half hour, Caitlin Doeglas was picked out by Lauren Continibali and she finished well. Reina Kagami doubled their advantage seven minutes later, before Doeglas made it 3-0 again, heading home after combining with Continibali again. Olivia Wood made it 4-0 five minutes into the second half, before Sarah Carroll long-range striker flew into the bottom corner of the net. Carroll added the sixth, curling home a free kick, before Japanese midfielder Kagami completed the scoring with her second.

“It was a great win yesterday against UWA, it was solid performance from all he players, and it was great to see a number of our drills incorporated into the game,” RedStar’s Lauren Continibali said. “As the game went on, we seemed to grow in confidence and once we broke the deadlock the goals just seemed to roll in. Credit must be given to UWA as they have some great players and are always looking to play the ball, and I believe they will challenge teams this season and get some good results. A great result for us as a team, and we look forward to next week against MUMFC.”

In the other Sunday games, the Hyundai NTC have also continued their winning start to the season, after a 2-0 win against Fremantle City at Hilton Park. The visitors led at the break, when Jessica Johnson played in Maja Archibald, who lobbed over the oncoming Dayle Schroeder. They secured all three points late in the game, skipper Hannah Collins firing home a penalty past Schroeder. “It was a classic game of two halves, with the wind playing a significant part,” NTC assistant coach Stacey Learmont said. “We were lucky to head into halftime 1-0 up after we struggled to play through Fremantle’s well-organised press. In the second half, we were able to use the wind to our advantage and found some success getting in behind which allowed us to create some good goal-scoring opportunities. We were pleased to walk away with three points, despite not playing our best football.”

In the final game Subiaco AFC have picked up their first win of the season, after a 4-1 win against Murdoch University Melville at Besteam Stadium. Frankie Murray-Hocking opened the scoring on 12 minutes, getting on the end of Tayna Campos pass. Danielle Suckling added a second just before half time, with a long-range strike.

The hosts reduced the margin five minutes into the second half, with Luana Ascenzo-Cabello converting from the spot. But Subiaco secured the points with two late goals. First on 82 minutes Murray-Hocking’s free-kick was headed home by Dakota Van Vugt, and she added her second in stoppage time to seal the win. “We are happy with the first win of the season. MUM has showed a lot of improvement since we last played them in night series, proving that there won’t be an easy game this season,” Van Vugt explained. “As a team we’ve worked really hard to build from last season and push forward to be more threatening and I think we did that well on the weekend. Our goals showed the versatility that our team have in front of goals. Overall, I think we still have a lot to work on but so far, the start of the season has been really positive.”

13.4.2024

NPL-WA ROUND FIVE - REVIEW

Perth RedStar have showed the rest of the league that their title defence is still on track, after an impressive 3-0 win against Bayswater City in our week five NPLWA – Men’s ‘Match of the Round’ at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. First half goal from Theo Leeming, Joel Chianese and Declan Hughes secured the win, but RedStar custodian Liam Reddy was in sparkling form, producing a number of fine saves to deny the hosts, the win moving RedStar up to fifth, while the loss dropped Bayswater to eight. “It was a very good game and enjoyable to play in. First half was very end to end but we showed our quality in front of goal which made the game easy for us going into the second half,” RedStar midfielder Matthew George explained post-match. “Bayswater were hard to breakdown at times, but with the number of chances we created, it was enough to get the three goals and the three points.”

The visitors made the perfect start and were ahead on five minutes, youngsters Matthew George and Leeming combining, the latter driving past Alex Ishida-Livings, before finishing with aplomb past Lewis Italiano. The pair were involved again three minutes later, Hughes found the unmarked George in the middle of the park, who found Leeming, the winger cut inside Jackson Stephens, but his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Italiano.

Bayswater hit back and Sam Dweh was denied by Reddy moments later, before Cameron Teece was inches away from turning Jon Stynes low cross home. It was a great start to the game, and it was now the hosts on top and Reddy saved well to deny Anthony Bafobusha. The former Perth Glory custodian then saved Ishida-Livings shot on the run, as Bayswater pressed for the equaliser, but it was RedStar who doubled their lead on 33 minutes.

Patient build-up play by the visitors ended with Chianese, who played a neat give and go with Geroge, before curling home superbly from the edge of the box. It was 3-0 two minutes before the break, Blair Govan finding Hughes, who lost his marker and fired home with the outside of his foot, via the post. It was nearly four in stoppage time, Hughes corner was headed back across goal by an unmarked Govan, and Daryl Nicol’s header was tipped over the top by Italiano.

Bayswater needed a good start after the break to get back into the game, but again they found Reddy in fine form. Only three minutes in Dweh’s cross from the right found Stynes at the back post, his header was saved by his legs by the alert RedStar custodian, and he then got down well to save substitute Joshua Anasmo’s shot just after the hour. RedStar went close to a fourth 14 minutes from time, substitute Gomo Dukuly stinging the palms of Italiano, with Nicol heading the rebound wide. Despite clearing the bench, the hosts couldn’t find a way back into the game, with RedStar running out convincing winners. “It was a solid team performance from all the boys, and I thought we played some great football and took our chances very well,” RedStar’s Tom Hough said post-match. “To keep a clean sheet is a huge boost for us and we hope to carry on our form into next weekend.”

Western Knights remain top of the table, despite dropping their first points of the season, after a 1-1 draw against Armadale at Nash Field. “It really was a game of two halves, we lacked intensity in the first half and to Armadale’s credit they took advantage and on the balance of play they deserved to have a lead at the half time break,” Knights head coach Adam Kostrencic said. “We came out with more purpose right from the start of the second half and we equalised straight away with a well taken goal by Owen. I felt we were on top in the second half and we were close on a number of occasions for a second goal, but Armadale also had a couple of opportunities and it really could have gone either way so a draw was probably a fair result over the course of the whole match.”

The visitors, who were searching for the first win of the season, hit the front in the shadows of half time, after Peter Jacobsz was pulled back by Jesse Lazzaro and referee Alex Novatsis pointed straight to the spot and booked the Knights midfielder. Import striker Ryley Wishart-Stephen stepped up and found the corner of the net. Armadale had dominated the first half, but the hosts levelled in the first minute of the second half. Daiel Santich’s long throw wasn’t dealt with and Owen Goodliffe’s shot on the turn beat Sam Hocking. Both sides had chances late, but the points were shared. “Overall, again a feeling of points dropped. First half we were well on top and had some good chances,” Armadale head coach Alun Vernals said. “They started the second half much better and scored early, and we were pleased the how the lads re-grouped so quickly after the setback, which was a positive. Late in the game we missed a few real good chances, again so have to start taking them to climb the ladder.”

Floreat Athena have continued their good form, moving up to second on the table after thrashing bottom of the table Inglewood United 5-0 at the Inglewood Stadium. “It was a much-needed win for us, we knew what we had to do to come out on top and I must say we executed it well,” Floreat striker Noah Shamaki explained. “We struggled a bit in the first half as they set up to be defensive but we found away, and it became easier when they went a man down. It’s our second win in a row which is good, we now go back, work and prepare for our next game against Stirling.”

The visitors were ahead on 24 minutes, Ajang Yuot’s diagonal ball was misjudged by William Formston, and Sean McManus nipped in and finished clinically past Nik Speca. Inglewood had their chances as they pressed for the equaliser but couldn’t find it, and their cause wasn’t helped when Aiden Formston was shown a second yellow card by referee Tom Glavovic on 66 minutes. The visitors doubled their lead 19 minutes from time, Noah Shamaki finishing well, and eight minutes later they added a third. A long throw wasn’t dealt with and Shamaki fired home. The scoreline blew out late with substitute Guy Davies bagging a brace in stoppage time to seal a comprehensive win for Vas Vujacic’s side

Olympic Kingsway are up to third, after beating a ten-man Perth Glory 6-3 at Kingsway Reserve. “The spectators would have got their money's worth, as the game had everything. I was pleased with our attacking play, as we created an unbelievable number of chances over the 90 minutes,” Olympic head coach David Tough explained. “Having five different scorers on the day was very satisfying, and we're working hard in training and looking to improve each week. Now, we'll turn our attention to the table-topping Western Knights.” The hosts raced to a two-goal lead early. First on six minutes Joe Knowles’ cross to the back post was headed home by Liam Boland.

Then six minutes later Boland sent Calum O’Connell in to the box, and he cut the ball back to the unmarked Joshua Samson, who made no mistake. But Glory hit back, and reduced the margin on 36 minutes, Royie Rahamim cross from the left was turned home by Sam Barry at the back post. They found the equaliser in the final minute when Sean O’Connor was brought down by James Fanelli and referee Michal Jasinski pointed straight to the spot. O’Connor stepped up and sent Adrian Sinagra the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Glory hit the front 12 minutes into the second half, Barry firing home a free kick from the edge of the box via the crossbar. But they were dealt a blow on 65 minutes when a poor tackle on Boland by substitute Giovanni DeAbreu, saw the youngster sent off. The hosts then took control and levelled five minutes later, Knowles’ corner was turned home by Ryan Lowry at the back post. They hit the front two minutes later, Knowles’ long-range shot flew into the top corner of the net giving Liam Coyne no chance. It was 5-3 on 78 minutes, Oliver Annis was brought down by Tadiwanashe Kuzamba, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, and Knowles made mistake from the spot sending Coyne the wrong way. Substitute Joe Hobson added the sixth late after a mix up at the back.

Kenny Lowe has started his tenure at Perth SC with a win, the Azzurri coming from behind to beat Balcatta Etna 2-1 in the Italian Derby at Dorrien Gardens. The visitors found the opener on 11 minutes, after Ben Hinshelwood was pulled back in the penalty area by Franc Gamiz-Quer, and the striker picked himself up to send Rocco Liberti the wrong way from the resulting penalty. It looked like would seal the first win of the season for Balcatta, but 12 minutes from time the Azzurri found the equaliser. A ball flicked off the head of Balcatta defender Luke Alessandrino and substitute Sam Cook raced into goal and finished well.

Then in the final minute the hosts won it, a poor back pass was pounced on by Jamie McNelis, who found Cook, who rolled the ball into an empty net. “The boys displayed a very dominant performance especially only being with Kenny for a week,” Perth defender Federico Achilli said. “We knew it was a must win game and there was a little bit of doubt whether our new style of play would work, but we stayed confident and persistent and in the end the result fell our way. So, we are very happy with the game and look forward to what the future holds.”

In the final game Striling Macedonia moved up to fourth, after two late goals gave them a 4-2 win against Fremantle City at Macedonia Park. It was the visitors who made the best start, and they were ahead on two minutes. Cameron Edwards ball found Oliver La Galia, who held off his marker and finished low past Liam Price, and they went into the break with the lead. The hosts levelled eight minutes into the second half, Kade Fernall firing home from the edge of the box, and five minutes later they were ahead, with Calvin Whitney’s glancing header from Fearnall’s free kick.

But Fremantle levelled just after the hour, Edwards’ shot on the turn deflected up to Alex Mclean, whose looping header beat Price. The hosts, who were still looking for the first win at home this season, regained the lead seven minutes from time. Louis Hadfield raced into goal, with the Fremantle defenders looking for the offside flag that never came, and he finished clinically past Luke Radonich. They sealed the points three minutes later, Fernall drilling his shot from the edge of the box into the corner of the net. “Good to get our first win at home for the season, although we started slow, with Fremantle scoring off their first attack,” Stirling’s Calvin Whitney said. “It was a scrappy first 30 minutes from both teams, but we started dominating possession and had multiple chances. We started taking our chances in the second half and out played them to take the points.”

13.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR REVIEW

Gosnells City and Rockingham City have fought out a 1-1 draw in our week four State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon. “Delighted with our first half performance, we scored a well worked goal and could have been further in front,” Rockingham head coach Rob Crerar said. “In the second half, we started poorly and conceded a sloppy goal, which made it a real battle. We should have had a penalty late on, but the referee and linesman both missed the foul, which was disappointing.”

The visitors opened the scoring on the half hour, Christos Vaenas sent Cory McNelis into the box and he finished well past Duncan Lennon-Black. But Gosnells levelled early in the second half, a long throw from Aaron Coslani wasn’t dealt with, the ball falling to Tony Chandler, who found the corner of the net. Both sides had chances to win it, but both had to settle for a point. It was the hosts first game at home this season and head coach Peter Allen said it was a game of two halves.

“Yes. It was great to be finally at home and I thought we started well but Rockingham to be fair got on top of us taking a deserved lead and it was a case of getting the lads in at half time without conceding anymore, and thanks to a great save from Duncan that was the case,” he said. “I thought the second half was the reaction I was looking for and we had all the play getting level, and had chances to take all three points, but on reflection a draw was probably the right result on the day.”

Gosnells keeper Duncan Lennon-Black echoed the coach’s comments, but thought it was a better performance. “It was a much-improved performance compared to the one last week at Kingsley,” he said. “In the first half Rockingham probably edged, it but to get a goal in early in the second half allowed us to push on, but overall, I would say a draw was a fair result.” Rockingham midfielder Ryan Kennedy said they need to put games to bed when they are on top. “We knew going to Gosnells that it was going to be a battle and whoever won the physical battle would come out on top,” he explained. “I feel we executed our game plan perfectly for the first 45 minutes, by dealing with their aerial threat through long balls and set pieces especially throw ins

“By doing that we allowed ourselves to build into the game, and by no hard work of our own we got a good first goal with good build up play by our front three. Unfortunately, we didn’t continue that energy and confidence in the second half which allowed them to come back into the game and equalise. As a team/group we see that as four points dropped in the last two weeks rather than two points gained. That shows where we are at as a group, and if we continue to have this attitude about the group, we will continue to climb the table and hit the goals that we have set in house.”

Murdoch University Melville have continued their perfect start to the season, after a 3-1 win at Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. “It was a good win, and Cockburn pushed us all the way,” MUMFC head coach Marc Anthony said. “It wasn't our best performance by any means, but happy to win leading into a huge game against Dianella next week.” The visitors burst the game open with two late goals in the first half. First on 39 minutes, Brodie Langan’s cross from the left picked out Iljas Ahmedov at the back post, and his header went in off Cockburn skipper Euen Grant. They doubled their advantage two minutes later, Godfrey Asimwe’s long-range shot deflected off Ahmedov, and beat Michael Craggs.

The hosts found a lifeline ten minutes into the second half, Oliver Palmer’s cross from the right found Ivan Skorich at the back post who made no mistake past Jake Marley-Orr. Cockburn pressed for the equaliser late, but in stoppage time it was MUMFC who sealed the points. A clearance from Craggs went straight to Eddie Wynne-Willson, whose controlled the ball and sent it back where it came from, over the head of the back-paddling Craggs and into the net.

Dianella White Eagles are second, and have also continued their unbeaten start to the season after a hard fought 3-2 win against UWA Nedlands at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening. Both sides went into the game unbeaten this season, but it was the hosts who hit the front early, Andy Keogh nicked the ball off defender Chris Yao, the striker raced into goal, but keeper Tadgh O’Malley stood tall to save, the rebound fell to Roberto Soares, who fired home. But UWA hit back and levelled on nine minutes, Jed Afenyo’s ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Luke Salas pounced and finished low past Robert Sinclair.

The visitors hit the front on 25 minutes, Jordan Pokler’s free kick was laid back by David Molinari to Salas on the edge of the box, who fired home through a sea of legs. Dianella found the equaliser in the shadows of half time, Keogh’s free kick deflecting off the wall and beating O’Malley. The hosts won it six minutes into the second half, Angel Diaz was brought down by Jack Hilaire, and the referee pointed to the spot, and Keogh sent O’Malley the wrong way from the resulting penalty. The visitor ended the game with ten men after Poler was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Paul Zimarino.

Subiaco AFC also remained unbeaten side in the league, after a 1-0 win against Mandurah City at the Poolmart Stadium, which consolidated third place on the table. The decisive goal came 18 minutes from time, a quick counter attack saw Martin Coughlan finding substitute Jonty Pearson, whose low shot beat Mandurah keeper Alfie Brincat. “Going down to Mandurah is always a very difficult encounter and today was no different,” Subiaco assistant coach Dale Wingell said. “We felt in control for the most part even though we were aware that they have some dangerous individuals.

“We knew both teams would have their moments and glad we capitalised when we got our chance. After we scored, we knew we would be bombarded for the last ten or so minutes, but we defended well. So many good performances from the boys all over the pitch, was great to see. While today we were good with the ball, we were superb without the ball, defensively we were resolute, this was epitomised by the performance of keeper Conor Hogan he was huge today. Was a tough game that had a bit of everything but very happy to come away with the three points, and we’ll be back here in two weeks in the cup so hopefully we can come away with a similar performance and result.”

Sorrento are the other unbeaten side in the league, after a 4-1 win against Gwelup Croatia at Percy Doyle Reserve. “Pleased with the win and overall, I thought it was a mature and disciplined performance which was a quite physical game,” Sorrento head coach Steven McGarry explained. “I was disappointed we only came in at the break 2-0 in front, we created several other really good chances so it’s just adding that ruthlessness to our good football. Credit to Gwelup they looked dangerous early in the game down the right-hand side, so we adjusted a few things at half time and early in the second half, so massive credit to the players and the substitutes who made a positive impact when coming on.”

The Gulls were awarded a penalty after only five minutes, after James McGowan’s long throw hit the arm of Paul Grant, and skipper Dean Cummings converted from the spot. The unfortunate Grant then scored an own goal on 18 minutes to double the host’s lead. Hamza Hina’s shot was well saved by Josiah Godfrey, but the defender headed the rebound into the net. It was 3-0 just after the hour mark, Reece Kral was lucky not to see red after a crude tackle on Neil Kilkenny, but from the resulting free kick Gwelup went to sleep and Clay Gibbs raced into goal and lobbed the oncoming Godfrey. Gwelup skipper James Harmer pulled one back to the visitors 12 minutes from time, but it was just a consolation, with Sorrento adding a fourth in stoppage time. Kilkenny sent Gibbs down the left, and he cut inside and squared the ball to Hina who made no mistake.

Joondalup United have won their first game of the season, beating Kingsley Westside at the Pentanet Stadium. Both sides had chances in a tight first half, but it was Joondalup who opened the scoring early in the second half. Joel Prout’s corner was headed into his own net by Kingsley skipper Adam O’Neill. They added a second on the hour, Kingsley gave the ball away and Joel Sollitt slipped the ball to fellow substitute Charlie Breen who made no mistake. They sealed the points ten minutes from time, Jamie Gardiner sent Tyler Holden racing clear, and he held of the last man before finishing clinically. “We’re delighted to get our first win of the season against a hard-working physical Kingsley side,” Joondalup skipper Jay Lang said. “Hopefully we can use this result as a springboard to push on for the rest of the season.”

13.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE REVIEW

Balga SC have fought back from two-goals down with nine minutes to play, to beat Canning City 3-2 in our State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ at Burrendah Park on Saturday afternoon. “I thought we were unfortunate not to score in the first half, creating a number of chances but not managing to put the ball in the net. We knew we weren’t at our best at times and credit to Canning, they capitalised on this, and we were 0-2 down,” Balga’s Cian Guest said.

“It takes a lot of trust in the players and the tactics to continue with the same game plan, but we came out in the second half and persisted with working the ball wide and delivering it in. A great finish for our first goal gave us the confidence to push on. With a few players missing this week, we had to approach the game differently and this worked in our advantage to use the pace up front to get in the box and eventually win a penalty. The same can be said for the goal that gave us the win. Without the height in the box, we knew set pieces would need to be followed up, and fortunately this eventually paid off. Overall, it showed our desire to win is there this season and was great to come away with three points.”

It was the hosts who began the game well, but Balga lifted and were unlucky not to take the lead, but eight minutes before the break it was Canning who found the opener. A quick break saw Ishmael Greywood race clear and superbly fired home from distance. They added a second 12 minutes into the second half, with Tom Kinnane was brought down in the box, and he picked himself up to convert the penalty. It looked like the points were safe, but Gerhard Janssen's side had other ideas and pulled one back nine minutes from time Valentin Dosiere curling home from the edge of the box. They found the equaliser four minutes later, Alessio Meschi sending Jordan Jones the wrong way from the spot.

The momentum was now with the visitors and in the final minute Balga found the winner. Meschi’s free kick was parried by Jones and substitute Nicholas Bahr-Pike was on hand to fire home the rebound. “We were missing a few today and that showed, we struggled in the first half to play and we were lucky to go in 1-0 after a great finish by Ishmael,” Canning head coach Lee Hayward said. “The second half was a little more even but we made a few forced changes which upset the shape and to Balga credit they punished us late on. Similar to last week we struggled to play for 90 minutes and today it cost us, it’s a very young team and we will need to learn from it quickly.”

Joondalup City maintained their spot at the top the table after a 4-0 win against Ashfield at Paintseal Arena, to continue the perfect start to the season for Guy McDonald’s side. “Today wasn’t easy at all, with the short pitch it was a fairly scrappy game at times with no time and space for anyone to put their foot on the ball,” the coach explained. “But moments of quality from the boys was the difference in the end, and it’s pleasing to see your team adjust to the tough conditions and realise it was a day where you have to roll your sleeves up and fight and battle for every ball.” City were ahead on 15 minutes, Joey Allsopp won the ball in midfield, and Noel Disha played Callum Stocks through on goal, and he finished clinically across the goalkeeper. They doubled their advantage on the half hour, Disha squeezing another through ball to Stocks who made no mistake.

It was 3-0 eight minutes later, Brad McDonald sent Mason Gallagher down the flank, he got to the byline and cut the ball back for Disha who finished from six meters. They completed the scoring late in the game, Nathan Rhodes’ corner was cleared to the edge of the box, Brad McDonald played the ball back out to Rhodes, who fired the ball across the box for Harry Edwards to finish at the second attempt. “It was far from our best performance, but we worked hard and were clinical,” Joondalup skipper Liam Peacock said. “We’re happy with the three point and we now have full focus on next week’s game against Canning.”

Forrestfield United have also made it three wins from three after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Swan United at Crazy Domain Stadium. “We knew Swan would come out strong looking for their first win of the season. They played a consistent game and did put some forward pressure on our defensive line at times. A few important saves and a header off the crossbar kept us at level terms in the first half,” Forrestfield defender Shaydon Passalaqua explained.

“It was a game where we couldn’t quite seem to find the back off the net after quite a few chances. Our substitutions changed the game for us and brought some extra pace which allowed us to play more direct which led to the winner. It's been a good start to the season for the team, and we look to keep building our momentum and do it all again against Wanneroo this weekend.” The only goal of the game came on 67 minutes, when Alfie Bryant was brought down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Sherwin Tucker stepped up, but Swan keeper Ben Parry saved, but the striker was quickest to the rebound to fire home.

“It was a hard-fought win from the boys, Swan made it very difficult for us and maybe deserved something from the game, a scrappy encounter with not a lot of clear-cut chances,” Forrestfield coach Daryl Platten said. “Once we made a few changes 10 minutes into the second half I think we started to take control, with Alfie Bryant's pace starting to cause them a bit of trouble, winning a penalty to which Sherwin (Tucker) scored. Very happy with the three points and it’s been a positive start to the season.”

East Perth have moved up to third after a 3-0 win against Quinns, in their first game ever at Hudson Park. “The lads were excellent today, last week was a disappointing result and they were all eager to get things right this week,’ East Perth coach Colm Costello explained. “Bar the last 5 minutes of first half and start of second the boys were excellent. Jason and Ago made a few excellent tactical changes this week and the lads nailed it, it was a very pleasing performance from all the players. We used 16 today and everyone played a huge part in a great win and a clean sheet.”

East Perth started brightly and had a few chances early on, and eventually broke the deadlock on 12 minutes, Ryan Murray with a long-range free kick, that floated straight into the net. The hosts continued to press and on 35 minutes they doubled their lead. A corner by Ryan Murray was only half cleared and the ball dropped to Ryan Doherty who poked the ball home. Both sides had chances to score after the break, Liam Hunt hit the bar after a great turn for Quinn’s, while East Perth substitute Adam McCarron also rattled the crossbar with a brilliant volley. But the hosts sealed the points 12 minutes from time, again Ryan Murray made a run down the left and finished well to seal the win and a very impressive performance from the hosts.

Curtin University have secured their first win of the season, after a 2-1 win against Wanneroo City at Wanneroo Reserve. “Our start to this season hasn’t been what we expected of ourselves so this is a step in the right direction,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith said. “Wanneroo away is always tough, so to grab three points is a great result.” The visitors found the opener in the first half, Kieran Witt received the ball outside the penalty box before driving into the box and finishing clinically. The hosts levelled on 61 minutes, a corner was dealt with, and when the ball was returned into the box Greg Greenwood headed home. But four minutes later Curtin won it, good pressure from Witt led to him dispossessing the Wanneroo keeper, and he rolled the ball into an empty net. In the final game have Kalamunda City have made it back-to-back wins, after a 1-0 win against Carramar Shamrock. The only goal of the game on 69 minutes, with Samir Ramos scoring.

12.4.2024

GLORY HOPING TO GIVE TRAVELLING SUPPORTERS SOMETHING CHEER

Perth Glory will have a large following behind them when they travel to AAMI Park for the Round 24 clash against Melbourne City on Sunday afternoon (1pm WA Time), with the Shed Supporters Club on their annual tour of duty. Glory head coach Alen Stajcic hopes their presence will lift his side, as they look to climb off the bottom of the Isuzu-Ute A-League table. “It’s amazing that people have that much care and love for the club,” he said. “Just to attach football as their meaning to get away, that’s what football is really all about. All around the world people attach their lives to their football club, whether that’s home or away.

“To have that many who are travelling and using all their extra time and resources and holiday pay and all that stuff to follow the club around and make a weekend of it is amazing. It just shows what kind of support we do have in the A-League. We want that support to be bigger and better, but it’s amazing that we have that amount coming to support us this weekend. Hopefully the boys will feel that love from the grandstand. It’s a great place to watch football, one of the best stadiums in the country and… hopefully they’ll be loud and proud.”

Stajcic knows the importance of Sunday’s game, and he wants to end the season well, starting with a big performance against City. “There’s a lot of pride at stake and a lot to play for regardless of where you are on the ladder,” he said. “But I think that is an extra motivation, to try and get off the bottom. The club’s been down the bottom for a few years now and it’s going to be hard work to lift this ship off the bottom… we’ve been working hard and we’ve been in every game and been very close. So, in one respect we’re not far away, but in another respect we are. We’ve been close in every game without being good enough throughout the whole season, so there’s a lot of hard work to do to bridge that little gap.”

The last time Glory played Melbourne City at AAMI Park was in round five last season, with the hosts winning 4-0. It was a tight first half, but it was City who found the opener, with former Glory striker Jamie Maclaren scoring four minutes into the second half. Maclaren added a second from the spot 15 minutes from time, before Marco Tilio and Mathew Leckie completed the scoring late. In team news, Cameron Cook is away with the Olyroos, so Robert Cook comes into the squad, as cover for Oli Sail, while Stefan Colakovski and Jayden Gorman have also been added to the squad.

It’s also a huge game for City finals chances, with them sitting four points outside the top six, and Stajcic knows the challenge that they face in the Victorian capital. “They’re obviously a quality team, and the other day they had [Marco] Tilio, [Jamie] Maclaren and [Matthew] Leckie on the bench, probably three of the best players in our country,” he explained. “That just shows the calibre of player they have in their squad and the depth they have throughout their club. They’ve been a big club over the last five or six years and obviously have a lot of pride having been in Grand Finals and Finals, so I’m, sure they’ll be highly motivated to win.

“But it doesn’t come down to that because both teams will be highly motivated and it will come down to which team is better on the day. We’ve had two games against them already, two good games. We won one and were a little bit unlucky in the other one, to be honest. They’re definitely a good opponent with such an amazing player roster, so it’s a tough game away from home, but I’ve got confidence from the two games we played against them earlier on in the year, if we keep up that level, we’re definitely a chance this week.”

Melbourne City squad: GK Jamie YOUNG, GK James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 4 Nuno REIS, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Mathew LECKIE, 8 James JEGGO, 9 Jamie MACLAREN, 10 Tolgay ARSLAN, 11 Leo NATEL, 14 Vicente FERNÁNDEZ, 17 Terry ANTONIS, 18 Jordon HALL, 21 Alessandro LOPANE, 22 Curtis GOOD, 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 35 Zane SCHREIBER, 37 Max CAPUTO, 38 Harry POLITIDIS, 44 Marin JAKOLIS, 53 Harry SHILLINGTON - Ins: REIS (returns from injury), SCHREIBER (promoted), NIEUWENHUIZEN (promoted), SHILLINGTON (promoted) – Outs: GK Patrick BEACH (Olyroos duty), 25 Callum TALBOT (Olyroos duty) - Unavailable: 2 Scott GALLOWAY (knee), 15 Andrew NABBOUT (achilles), 23 Marco TILIO (quad), 46 Ben MAZZEO (ankle).

Perth Glory Squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Robert COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16 Josh RAWLINS, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 31Joel ANASMO, 77 Bruce KAMAU *One to be omitted* - Ins: COLAKOVSKI, GORMAN, COOK - Outs: GK Cameron COOK (Olyroos duty) - Unavailable: 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured) - Referee: Tim Danaskos

12.4.2024

NPLWA – WOMEN’S – ROUND THREE PREVIEW

We head into week three of the NPLWA – Women’s competition, and the opening game is at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening, when Perth SC entertain Balcatta Etna in the Italian Derby. (5pm) The hosts were beaten by RedStar last week, while Balcatta continued their winning start to the season against Fremantle. New Balcatta winger Jamie-Lee Gale said it was a good win against her former club, despite the hot weather, and they hope to take their form into Saturday’s game at Perth.

“Both teams had their passages of play and the difference in the first half came down to being clinical and finishing our chances in front of goals, otherwise it could have been a lot closer,” Gale said. “The tempo and style of the game was impacted a bit by the heat and regular drinks breaks but we took a number of things away from the match which we have been working on this week at training to execute better for the derby this weekend.

“We have a great record at home after our night series campaign and recent league games. We want to keep that energy and make sure teams know they have to put on a strong performance when playing us at home if they want the three points. We know Saturday is going to be one of those hard, physical and fast paced games where both sides have a point to prove considering the history between the clubs. We are very much looking forward to the battle and focusing on channelling all the excitement into playing composed and disciplined football.”

The other games are on Sunday, and first up Murdoch University Melville welcome Subiaco AFC to the Besteam Stadium. (All games on Sunday kick off at 3pm) MUMFC were in action in midweek, when they were edged out 1-2 by the Hyundai NTC at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Wednesday evening. MUMFC hit the front early in the second half, with Tiana Botha on target, but the NTC youngsters hit back ten minutes later with an own goal, and deep into stoppage time Klaudia Houis scored the winner for the hosts.

MUMFC head coach Steve Atkins said they were unlucky not to come away from the game with nothing. “Really pleased with the response of the girls after our game against Balcatta to really challenge NTC and I felt we were extremely unlucky to not have gained a point from the game at least,” he said. “Some very pleasing signs from the girls, good attitude, effort and intensity and worked hard to adopt our game plan against a very talented NTC squad. The girls were obviously disappointed but by the same token drew the positives of what we can do and I am sure that they will continue to learn and develop. Whilst it was encouraging, we understand the competitive nature of NPLW and how we need to continue to work harder and continue to gain that belief and confidence.”

Atkins said their young squad are getting better with every training session, and he is looking forward to seeing them compete with the best players in the local game. “Our club is excited with regard to the young squad we have which is a great opportunity and is the future of our NPLW program. I can see the enthusiasm and the drive to learn and develop at training and on match days and supported by some of our more experienced players I feel is a good mix,” the coach explained. “The squad will take time to gel and we need to be mindful that some of these girls are playing their first season in the NPLW so it is about nurturing supporting at all times. I have seen great improvement that’s for sure since our night series campaign, the girls are upbeat and are excited for the season ahead.”

Subiaco head coach Greg Farrell is hoping to bounce back from the draw against UWA. “We weren’t clinical enough in front of goal against UWA and we were also far too sloppy in possession and it cost us two points because UWA played well and made their opportunities count for them,” he explained. “As for Sunday’s game, having worked with Steve last season and having coached against him in the past his teams are always well structured and they’ll play good football. They’ll be disappointed not to have got a point against NTC and that will make them all the hungrier to come out hard and fast against us to try to take the three points. We have to be much more disciplined and better with possession than we were last week.”

Sunday is another challenge, and against a team the coach knows a lot about. “Having been at Subiaco last year, and knowing Greg and the girls, they are extremely driven and showed good improvements last season and finished the year strong so will be a tough test for us on Sunday,” Atkins explained. “Similar to us they have had an influx of new but talented players, so will be no doubt a great game. Our squad continues to learn and develop and the signs of improvement are very obvious. The girls are certainly keen to build on what was a great performance against NTC, spurred on by what could have been and are ready to go this weekend.”

In the other games on Sunday, Fremantle City will go in search of their first win of the season, when they host the Hyundai NTC at Hilton Park. City have lost both their games this season away from home, and will be looking to start life at home with a win, while the NTC have won both their opening games, including in midweek against MUMFC. In the final game Perth RedStar host UWA Nedlands at the RedStar Arena. RedStar will look to maintain their winning start to the season, while UWA will look to build on their first NPLWA point last time out against Subiaco.

12.4.2024

NPL-WA ROUND FIVE - PREVIEW

After a loss at Fremantle City last weekend, Bayswater City will look to bounce back when they host champions Perth RedStar in our NPLWA- Men’s ‘Match of the Round’ at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3.00pm) The 0-2 defeat was their first of the season, leaving them third on the ladder, while RedStar also dropped points, held to a 1-1 draw at home by Olympic, with Daryl Nicol’s late penalty salvaging a point, which leaves them eighth, so both sides will be searching to get back into winning ways, so this one should be an entertaining contest

Last time they met at the venue was in round nine last season, when they played out a 1-1 draw. 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, and Daryl Nicol stepped up and sent Casey Robertson the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Bayswater head coach Gary Williams said the loss at Fremantle was disappointing, and he knows they can play better, especially in the final third. “Yes, we had chances last week but we did not play with any fluidity,” he explained. “Fremantle worked very hard and scored from a dubious penalty on the stroke of half time and got a second with a breakaway when we were pushing players forward in search of an equaliser. We just lacked a spark in the final third, however in ten games that is the first time we have failed to score so we are travelling okay.”

It was their first defeat of the season, and Williams said it shows you need to be on your game each week to get the rewards, and he hopes they will be on Saturday against the Champions. “The league is very competitive this year, and it’s clear the boys have to go out every game and perform or we will drop points, like we did at Fremantle,” he said. “RedStar have been the benchmark, and I know our players will be up for it. We played them in a very competitive night series final where they edged it on the night. Saturday will be another tough one for us, but we go into the game confident of securing a positive result.”

RedStar striker Daryl Nicol was on target last week in the home draw against Olympic, and despite the draw, the Scotsman said they played well. “I thought we were very good against Kingsway and dominated them for most of the game with and without the ball,” he explained. “They have some top players and we knew we would have to stop them from playing, which we did and, on another day, we would’ve got the win but given the fact they missed a penalty at 1-0 we aren’t too disappointed with the draw. I thought the standard of the game was as good as I’ve seen in the NPL.”

Nicol, who won the golden boot last season as the NPL top goalscorer, said consistency is the key, and the improvement in the game has made every game so competitive. “The league is quite incredible, and you literally do not get any easy games. From my perspective the games against the so-called better teams are more enjoyable because they tend to try and have a go at us which allows for more space to play,” the former Bayswater striker explained. “The competitive nature of the league means that there is a lot of inconsistency with results and that is something we are desperately trying to change, I think if we can put a string of wins together, we would put an immense amount of pressure on the other challenging teams to stay with us.’

The goal machine had two seasons at Frank Drago Reserve, before returning back to RedStar, and he knows it will be a tough game, but it’s one he is looking forward to. “It is always a tough place to go to and get a result and this will be no different, as Bayswater have an embarrassment of riches to pick from in terms of their playing squad,” Nicol said. “One or two of their players won’t be happy having been substituted early in their defeat to Fremantle and I’m sure they’ll be looking to prove a point if they are given some game time at the weekend, so we look forward to the challenge.”

In the other week five games league leaders Western Knights welcome Armadale to Nash Field, and they are on fire, winning their opening four games, while the visitors have made a slow start to the season and are still searching for their first three points. Fourth placed Floreat Athena makes the trip to Inglewood Stadium, to take on the winless Inglewood United, and Kenny Lowe takes charge of his first game as head coach at Perth SC, when they host Balcatta Etna in the Italian Derby at Dorrien Gardens, while Stirling Macedonia entertains Fremantle City at Macedonia Park.

In the final game, second placed Perth Glory makes the trip to Kingsway Reserve to take on Olympic Kingsway. Glory came from behind twice to beat Armadale in a thriller last week, while Olympic came home from the RedStar Arena with a well earnt point. Olympic striker Joe Knowles said they had their chances to win it, but a draw was probably a fair result. “Yes, last week was a tough game, it’s a hard place to go against a good side,” he said. “I thought we executed our game plan well and would have won the game if we had converted the penalty, but it was a great save from rocket, and it gives them a chance to get back into it. Both teams had enough chances in the end to win but I think a draw is fair.”

Knowles left the pitch early due to injury, but he has trained well this week and is looking forward to taking on his former club. “Yes, I had a hard fall, but they took me off as a precaution, but it’s not as bad as I initially thought, and I’m looking forward to playing my former club on Saturday,” the striker explained. “I’m also looking forward to playing at home again, we’ve played the majority of the top teams away already this season so looking forward to another strong home performance. Glory will give us a different test this week, but we will focus on us and our game plan and I’m confident we will get the result we want.”

12.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE, ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

It’s been a steady start to the new season for Gosnells City and Rockingham City, with both winning once on the opening three games. But both will be aiming to add another one to their win column when they meet in our State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ at Walter Padbury Reserve on Saturday afternoon (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated). Rockingham were held to a draw by Subiaco last week, while Gosnells were beaten at Kingsley, so they will both be looking to back in the winner’s circle on Saturday.

Last time they met at the venue was in round 18 last season, when they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Gosnells were ahead after only two minutes, Tom Kennedy ball sent Brice Rae racing into the box, and shrugged off his marker to fire past Cyril Sharrock. But missed chances cost them, and on the half hour the visitors levelled Fraser Marr’s long-range shot found the bottom corner past Jack Adams. Rockingham then took the lead early in the second half, Ruben Joseph firing home a free-kick from the edge of the box. It looked like they would leave with the points but Gosnells restored parity on 84 minutes. Tony Chandlers’ cross from the right hit the arm of Marr, and the referee pointed to the spot, and Aaron Coslani made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Gosnells skipper Scott Pereira said mistakes cost them last week at Kingsley, which was disappointing after the good win at Gwelup the week before. “It was definitely not the result we were looking for at all last week, especially after our win at Gwelup the week before,” he said. “You can’t afford to make too many mistakes in this league, and that’s what happened in the first half against Kingsley, we need to learn from the result. To be fair we were much better in the second half, but just couldn’t break through.”

It will the clubs first home game of the season when they host Rockingham, and with only one point separating the two sides, Pereira said it’s a good opportunity to kick start their season. “Yes, it has been a hard start to the season, having played a first three games away, and also having to find alternative places to train as the grounds were under maintenance, but we look forward to coming back home and getting some more points on the board,” the skipper explained. “It will be a tough game this weekend as it always is against Rockingham, but it could be an important one, as we look to go above them with a win and get this year back off and running.”

Rockingham hit back to seal the draw against Subiaco last week, with Ryan Kennedy scoring from the spot in first half stoppage time, and winger Shane Boyle said it was a game of two halves, but there was plenty of positives from the performance. “I thought Subiaco started the game the better side and played some really nice football in the first half, definitely took us a while to settle into the game we were quite lucky to come in at the break at 1-1,” he said. “But it was a definitely a game of two halves, as I thought when we come out after the break, we looked a completely different team, created a lot of chances controlled most of the possession just a shame we couldn’t make it count, definitely a lot of positives to take away from it.”

Boyle said they are ready for a tough game at Walter Padbury on Saturday, but he said they go there in a confident mood after winning their last away game at Cockburn. “We’re all looking forward to this weekend’s game against Gosnells, looking to make it six points from six on the road,” he said. “I thought the boy’s performance against Cockburn was probably our best of the season, so definitely looking for the same quality this weekend. The vibe around the club this year is really positive once it clicks for us, I think we’ll push on and do well for ourselves”

In other games in week four, second takes on third when UWA Nedlands visits Dianella Reserve to take on Dianella White Eagles on Saturday evening. (5.00pm) Both sides are in great form and unbeaten to start the season, City are coming off a big win against Cockburn, while UWA conceded a stoppage time equaliser to draw against Sorrento. It’s top v’s bottom, when league leaders Murdoch University Melville visit Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City, the Cockerels will be desperate to get their season going.

Sorrento will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host Gwelup Croatia at Percy Doyle Reserve, the visitors will be buoyed by their first win of the season last week against Joondalup. Subiaco are also unbeaten, and this week they make the trip to PoolMart Stadium to take n Mandurah City, who will look to bounce back after their defeat against MUMFC last week, while in the final game Joondalup United will go in search of their first points of the season when they host Kingsley Westside at the Pentanet Stadium, the visitors coming off their first ever win in the division last week against Gosnells.

12.4.2024

STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND THREE PREVIEW

It’s been a tough time recently for Canning City, after just avoiding relegation in the last three seasons. But they have made a good start to life under new head coach Lee Hayward, and go into week three unbeaten, when they welcome Balga to Burrendah Reserve in our State League Division Two ’Match of the Round’ on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless otherwise stated) City fought out a thrilling 4-3 win against East Perth last week, with Tom Kinnane and Ishmael Greywood both scoring doubles, meanwhile Balga were edged out by Ashfield, for their first defeat of the season.

Last time they met was in round 18 last season, when Canning ran out 1-0 winners. Canning City sat bottom of the table, but won for only the second time, after Rowan Steed scored the only goal early to seal the win. Balga skipper Nathan Scully said the loss against Ashfield was disappointing, especially in their first home game of the season. “Yes, it was a disappointing result for us, I felt we had some good chances in the first half that we didn’t take advantage of and we kept Ashfield in the game,” he said. “But to their credit, they battled all day and got the result.”

Balga head coach Gerhard Jannsen goes into his fourth season at the helm of the club, and Scully said he built a good squad for the season ahead, and they are looking to make emends for last weeks defeat against Canning. We have a lot of new faces this year, but Gerhard has done well to add quality to the team. There are multiple options every week in each position and its good competition for the team. Everyone knows their roles if called upon, and we all have confidence in each other to get the job done,” the skipper explained. “Saturday should be an interesting matchup, Canning seem to have freshened up their squad, so we are expecting a hard contest early into the season. We’ve had a good training block this week, and we want to make amends for last week’s result, so no better way than against Canning this weekend.”

The big win against East Perth, was the first under new coach Lee Hayward, and Canning skipper Mason Langham said it was good to pick up the first three points, but knows they can play better. “It was great to pick up the three points, especially on an unfamiliar ground (Canning played at Centenary Park, as Burrendah Reserve was unavailable), and despite not playing our best,” he said. “We’re gelling more and more each week and it’s starting to show, so it was a huge win for the direction we’re trying to take the club.”

Langham said the club are focused on improving, and the new coach has a completely new squad to work with, and the skipper believes they are heading in the right direction. “Our squads are full of talent, we’re a young and motivated team who are constantly pushing each other to get better. The depth between the firsts and reserves is a constant reminder of what we’re trying to achieve and the importance of staying focused,’ the skipper explained. “We’re enjoying our wins but not going to underestimate any team. Balga are a class outfit and we’re the underdogs this season, so we’ll be trying to prove ourselves until the last game.”

In other games in week three early leaders Joondalup City travel to the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve, to take on Ashfield. Both sides are coming off wins last week, city beating Wanneroo in the local derby, while Ashfield returned from Balga with the points. Forrestfield United are the other unbeaten team in the league, and this week they welcome Swan United to Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park, the visitors still searching for their first points of the season. East Perth and Quinns will look to bounce back from defeats last week, when they meet at Hudson Park, while Carramar Shamrock Rovers will aim to build on their win at Quinns last week. In the late game on Saturday evening, Curtin University and Wanneroo City will go in search of their first points of the season when they meet at Wanneroo Reserve. (6pm)

12.4.2024

BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND ONE PREVIEW

The 2024 Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division kicks off this weekend, and we take a look at the two promoted clubs, Maccabi and Kingsley Westside, who both start their campaign with road trips. (All games kick off at 3pm, unless stated) First Maccabi, who won the Amateur Division One title last season, make the trip to Fraser Park to take on reigning champions Emarald. (1pm)

It will be Maccabi’s first season in the Premier Division since 2008, and head coach Ricky Berelowitz said there is a real buzz around the whole club. “Everyone at the club and within the community are all very excited to be back in the Premier Division,” he said. “Obviously it doesn’t get any tougher than Emerald away to start but we are relishing the opportunity and know we have nothing to lose this year. We’ve spoken as a group over the years about how we felt, we have players who are premier league quality, and now we finally get the chance to test ourselves against some very strong teams and hopefully can cause a few upsets along the way.”

Emarald won one of closest Premier Division title’s ever in 2023, and new head coach Shane Dineen said he can’t wait to get started. “We are really looking forward to the new season, it has been a very good preseason with a lot of positives to take into the season ahead, and everyone is just excited to get back in to it,” he said. “We aren’t looking past this Sunday, and it is going to be a tough game against Maccabi, just like every other game in this league. Our main focus is on getting three points and then we will worry about next week.”

The other promoted club was Kingsley Westside, who finished runners-up to Maccabi, and they also face a tough test with a trip to Wotton Reserve, to take on Morley Windmills, who were relegated from the State League last season. New Kingsley head coach Brad Hayward said it’s a tough opening fixture, but one they are relishing. “Morley have had a big offseason bringing in John O’Reilly and Dan Evans in a new look coaching team, and I’m sure they will have big ambitions on getting straight back into the State League this year,” he said. “Morley is always a tough away trip however, we aren’t here to just make up the numbers this season and I firmly believe we can give the big teams of the league a run for their money, and we can’t wait to get things started on Sunday.”

New Morley coaches John O’Reilly and Dan Evans have been busy re-building the squad, after last season’s relegation, and O’Reilly, who coaches at NPL club Armadale last season, said they can’t wait to get started. “I'm really looking forward to this game, and it's been a long time coming,” he said. “Dan and I started the campaign in November, coming on board knowing we had a mountain to climb. We have brought in many players to create, what we believe, two very competitive teams in our firsts and reserves. Kingsley will be a perfect test for us to measure where we have got to in our journey. They were promoted last year and will be riding that feel-good factor, along with strong new signings. Sunday will be a festival of football at Wotton, with three other games playing out before the league game.”

In the other opening round fixtures, North Perth United will host Peel United at Woodville Reserve (1pm), while Kelmscott Roos welcome Joondalup United to Frye Park. Night Series winners Wembley Downs start their season with a trip to Challenger Reserve to meet South Perth United, while the Night Series runners-up entertain North Beach at the Herb Grahan Recreation Centre.

10.4.2024

MATILDAS TO STRONG FOR MEXICO

The Matildas have had their final friendly hit out before the Paris Olympics, when they beat Mexico 2-0 in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday. A first half goal from Hayley Raso set them on their way, before Caitlin Foord added the second, against Mexican side who went toe to toe with the green and gold. Head coach Tony Gustavsson was pleased with the way that his team adapted to the scenarios in front of them.

“Credit to the players. They found a way into the game the last ten minutes of the [first] half, they solved it on the park themselves,” he explained. “I thought we grew into the tempo, got used to playing much quicker football, and I think the second half, considering how good Mexico is in defending, it might be one of the better halves we’ve played attacking-wise with the ball.

“We probably had 8-10 different variations in formation today, in our attacking game. Everything from inverted outside backs, to the six dropping into a back three, to overloading one side and isolating another – there were a lot of different tactics. I also think that’s a reason why we struggled in the beginning, because you overthink so much, there are so many things to think about. But then when you let go and just release and play, like we did in the second half, play more on intuition, it was much better.”

Gustavsson named a largely familiar side, with skipper Steph Catley slotted into centre-back to replace the injured Clare Hunt, meaning that Kaitlyn Torpey started at left-back. Emily van Egmond started in midfield alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross, while Michelle Heyman reprised her role leading the line in Sam Kerr’s absence. The game began at a frenetic pace. Gustavsson had cited Mexico’s pressing game as a large part of the appeal of the match from a preparation perspective, and they showed that quality almost immediately.

The Matildas commitment to playing through the press caused some heart-in-mouth moments, but soon paid off. Foord found some space on the left on nine minutes, and her mazy run and pass found Raso on the edge of the box, some neat footwork took her clear of her marker, and the Real Madrid striker made no mistake, despite Mexican goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras getting a hand to the strike. Mexico struggled to breakdown a tight Matildas backline, the best chance fell to Alexia Delgado, but she failed to beat Matildas custodian Mackenzie Arnold, and at the break the Matildas held a 1-0 lead.

The second half began with renewed purpose for the green and gold, with Mary Fowler and Van Egmond both going close early, and they were in the ascendancy. It wasn’t a surprise when they doubled their lead seven minutes in. Foord was found on the left, and the Arsenal striker cut inside her marker, before curling home superbly, for her 36th goal for her country. Mexico looked for a quick response, but substitute Jasmine Casarez could only find the side-netting.

On the hour, Gustavsson made a triple change, with Clare Polkinghorne replacing Catley at centre-back, Cortnee Vine replacing Raso on the right side of midfield, and Clare Wheeler coming on for Michelle Heyman. Casarez went close again for Mexico ten minutes from time, the Matildas turned the ball over in a dangerous position, but the striker fired straight at Arnold, who made a comfortable save.

It could have been more, and after some fantastic build-up play involving Vine, van Egmond, and Carpenter on the right, it ended with a cross from the Lyon defender, to Mary Fowler at the back post, the Manchester City striker lost her marker, but she failed to hit the target. There was another debut off the bench late, with Brisbane Roar midfielder Sharn Freier becoming Matilda #228, replacing Kyra Cooney-Cross.

Emily van Egmond, said it was a great preparation for the Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024. “For us, it’s just focusing on that first game going into Paris, and utilising all the windows that we have left the best way that we can,” she said. “We’ve got two games now against China at home, which is good because it’s another challenge for us, and then the last window obviously before going into that Olympic tournament. On a personal note, I feel like I’m in a good place, I feel like I’m playing well. The spirits in the team are high. We have a few injuries but it gives other people an opportunity to come in and showcase how well they’ve been doing in clubland as well. Our depth is getting stronger and stronger and that’s obviously what you want.”

Mexico: GK Esthefanny Barreras, 4 Rebeca Bernal, 5 Reyna Reyes, 8 Alexia Delgado (19 Nicole Perez 58’), 10 Diana Ordonez (9 Kiana Palacios 58’), 11 Lizbeth Ovalle (17 Mayra Pelayo-Bernal 74’), 13 Araceli Torres (22 Karen Luna 58’), 14 Karla Martinez, 15 Cristina Ferral, 20 Scarlett Camberos (18 Jasmine Casarez 33’), 23 Maricarmen Zarate (7 Maria Sanchez 74’) – Subs not used: RGK Celeste Mendoza, 2 Jocelyne Orejel, 3 Karina Rodriguez, 6 Nicolette Hernandez, 12 Itzel Loza, 16 Karla Nieto

Matildas: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 7 Steph Catley (6 Clare Wheeler 62’), 8 Kaitlyn Torpey (22 Charlotte Grant 80’), 9 Caitlin Foord, 10 Emily Van Egmond, 11 Mary Fowler, 14 Alanna Kennedy, 16 Hayley Raso (5 Cortnee Vine 62’), 21 Ellie Carpenter, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross (24 Sharn Freier 87’), 32 Michelle Heyman (4 Clare Polkinghorne 62’) – Subs not used: RGK Teagan Micah, RGK Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, 2 Winonah Heatley, 13 Tameka Yallop, 17 Amy Sayer

9.4.2024

O'NEILL POISED TO RE-JOIN GLORY

Midfielder Brandon O’Neill is set to return to Perth Glory amid ongoing uncertainly over the future of A-Leagues rivals Newcastle Jets. The 29-year old is amongst several players who are considering their options while rising defender Lucas Mauragis has already committing to Central Coast Mariners.

O’Neill, 29, joined Newcastle two seasons ago and has accrued 38 A-League appearances since switching to the Hunter from hometown team Glory. However, it’s understood he’s become increasingly unsettled, and has agreed terms on a move back to Western Australia for next season.

It will be O’Neill’s third stint with Glory, where he began his career before spells with Sydney FC, Pohang Steelers (South Korea) and Buriram United (Thailand). He turned out for Glory again in 2021/22 prior to joining Newcastle. The collapse of a proposed takeover has thrown into doubt Newcastle’s viability beyond the current campaign.

9.4.2024

GLORY TEEN BENNIE COMPARED TO SOCCEROOS GREAT EMERTON

Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic has praised rising star Daniel Bennie, comparing the teenage winger to Socceroos great Brett Emerton. In his first full season as a professional, 17-year old Bennie has started 19 games for Glory and looks more and more assured with each passing month.

Bennie was at his best as Glory raced to a two-goal lead against Adelaide United on Sunday, the teenager setting up both goals scored by Adam Taggart. And although Glory’s defence collapsed to give Adelaide a 4-2 win, Stajcic was full of praise for Bennie, likening him to Emerton who played 95 times for Australia.

“He’s just learning and improving and he’s physically supreme - he reminds me a little bit of Brett Emerton in his physicality, his engines and his speed,” Stajcic said. “There’s lots of things in his game to improve for sure, but he’s certainly got some good raw materials to work with and his effort is 10 out of 10.”

Stajcic said Bennie’s professionalism and work ethic at such a tender age stood out, and he was starting to add consistency to his game. “He’s such a top kid, he’s always willing to learn and he’s always working hard, always staying back after training and doing extras,” he said.

“He really is a 10-out-of-10 model young player for an Australian kid, so I’m really happy that he’s part of our team. I’m really happy he’s improving. I’m sure he’ll have ups and downs, week-to-week, and we’ve seen those during the year at different times, but he really is such a top kid to have in the team and we’re blessed to have him.”

Bennie scored for the Australian under-17 side at last year’s Asian Cup, and then sprung to the wider public’s attention when he scored in his first game for Perth at senior level in last July’s friendly with English Premier League giants West Ham United.