Balga striker Nathan Scully and Sorrento defender Scott Robertson in action – Photo courtesy of Balga SC

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16.3.2024

AUSTRALIA CUP ROUND THREE REVIEW

It was an exciting round of Australia Cup round three ties, over the weekend, and it started on Friday evening at Wanneroo Reserve, where UWA Nedlands won a hard-fought game against Joondalup City, eventually running out 3-2 winners. It was City who opened the scoring, with Mason Gallagher scoring after only four minutes. But UWA regrouped and levelled after Oliver Ford scored from an Oliver Lebihan cut back. UWA then took control, with a brace from English import Jed Afenyo, giving them a 3-1 lead at the break.

It was a tight second half, with both sides having chances, but it was Joondalup who reduced the margin just after the hour, with Gallagher bagging a second. But UWA held firm after a late Joondalup surge, to take their place in the next round. “We aimed to start the game well and set the tone, but conceded early, but from then on I thought we controlled the game and led comfortably at the break,” UWA Nedlands Coach Richard Abrams said. “We had a few chances to increase our lead after the break, but conceded and lost our way late, so credit to Joondalup, they made it extremely hard for us and fought to the very end, so very pleased to be in the draw for the next round and delighted with our start to the season.”

On Saturday Wanneroo City faced a tricky tie against North Perth United at Woodville Reserve, but a Ben Wantee hat-trick helped them to a 5-0 win. “Pleased with the performance dealing with the weather, pitch and perennial benchmark team from the Amateur Premier Division,” Wanneroo coach Howard Tweats said. “They kept us honest and were competitive throughout and had their moments in the game, but I thought we managed the game pretty well and finished our opportunities when presented.” Murdoch University Melville eased into the next round with a 12-0 home win against Australind, with hat-tricks from Declan Tanna and Iljas Ahmedov, while a brace from Magai Deng gave Quinns a 3-0 win against Southern Spirit, who had Faris Noor Rani sent off on the hour.

Kingsley Westside have won a seven-goal thriller against Gosnells City, coming out 4-3 winners at Percy Doyle Reserve. Gosnells led 3-2 with 12 minutes remaining, but late goals from Jonathan Hulme and Chad Samuels gave them the win. “Good to get the win against a fellow Division One side in the cup,” Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said. “I felt we played well and for not a couple mistakes on our end thought we could’ve won the game more comfortably. We were also happy to get a game in where we didn’t pick up an injury to a player and we now look forward to round one this week against Murdoch.” Kalamunda City made the long trip to Margaret River, and had come from two goals down to runout 4-2 winners, with doubles from Jose Zuniga and Samir Ramos, cancelling out Connor Thurston and Parkin Emslie early goals for the hosts.

A hat-trick from Kaleb Morrison has helped Subiaco AFC to a 5-2 win against Swan United at Francis Street, while a hat-trick from Jeremie Mba helped secure a 6-1 win for Gwelup Croatia against Ballajura AFC at the Croatian Sporting Complex. Sorrento were made to work hard for their 2-0 win against Balga at Percy Doyle Reserve, with second half goals from Luke Salmon and Hamza Hina seeing them home, while goals from Brian Patterson and Shaun Mukwevho gave Mandurah City a 2-0 win against Curtin University, who had Scott Geare sent off midway through the second half.

Ashfield returned from Gandis Park with a 4-2 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers, with Gareth Hamilton grabbing a brace, while in the final Saturday game Rockingham City and East Perth have played out a penalty shootout thriller, with City prevailing 11-10 after the game ended 1-1 at full time. Both sides ending the game with ten men after East Perth’s Shane Doherty and Rockingham’s Shane Boyle were sent off. “Firstly, we are pleased to be in the next round of the cup,” Rockingham coach Rob Crerar said. “Not many gave us a chance, so we are delighted to get the result against a very good opponent in East Perth.”

On Sunday goals from Joel Sollitt, Jude Baillie and Ben Campbell, saw Joondalup United beat Canning City 3-1 at All Saints College, while Tom Kinnane scored for Canning. Maccabi played out a thriller against Dunsborough Town, with Jonah Froman scoring a brace to help the hosts to a 5-4 win at Maccabean Memorial Oval, while a late penalty from Craig Christie gave Baldivis a 3-2 win against a ten-man Perth AFC at Len Pacham Park, the hosts having Jason Jones sent off.

Joondanna Blues eased into the next round with Steve Purton and Antonio Ruiz scoring doubles as they beat Cracovia 7-1 at Reader Reserve, while a brace from Shane Barnes gave Dianella White Eagles a 5-1 win against Stirling Panthers at Yuluma Park. Forrestfield United won the local derby against Queens Park at Coker Park, the visitors securing a comfortable 7-0 win with a double from Austin Reynolds and others to Connor Boland, Emerson Di Mattina, James Bourne, Sherwin Tucker, Alfie Bryant and Mohammed Al Bunajim, while Bradley Everett scored twice as Alkimos beat home side Hamersley Rovers 3-0.

In the final game Wembley Downs have come from 4-0 down after only 23 minutes to defeat Spearwood Dalmatinac 6-5 in a thriller at Dalmatinac Park. A hat-trick from Giulio Del Dosso had the hosts in control, but a Harry Brown hat-trick inspired the visitors to hit back, and Noah Thavaseelan won it in extra time. “Definitely one for the spectators with all of the quality goals scored, however even at 0-4 we didn’t feel like we were out of the game with the quality we have in the team,” Wembley keeper Jeff Cornez explained.

“A couple of huge performances by Harry Browne and Noah Thavaseelan helped us get over the line in the end. We started to struggle towards the end of regular time and in extra time with some injuries and weren’t able to make any changes because we used up our subs early on. So, it took all the belief and character to find a way and get the job done. Spearwood had a couple of outstanding players that gave us plenty of issues, and they will definitely be a team to watch in the Amateur Cup.”

16.3.2024

FREMANTLE THROUGH TO HYUNDAI WOMEN’S NIGHT SERIES FINAL

Fremantle City have moved into Saturday’s Hyundai Women’s Night Series Final, after a penalty shootout win against hosts Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. The final will be at the Sam Kerr Football Centre against the winner of Perth RedStar and Subiaco AFC game, which is being replayed on Wednesday evening, the final will kick off at 5pm as part of a double-header with the NPLW decider between Balcatta Etna FC and RedStar (7.15pm

Fremantle City and Perth SC fought out the early semifinal, with Fremantle prevailing in a thriller, 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 after normal time. It was City who made the breakthrough early, a neat through ball from Ash Byrne found striker Alice Vandermeiren, who made no mistake. But Perth were level on 20 minutes, a ball over the top found Erin Hunt, and her shot from the edge of the box flew into the net. Fremantle steadied, and regained the lead eight minutes later, Vandermeiren made space down the left, she crossed to Byrne in the penalty area, who curled home the shot pat Perth keeper Kaitlyn Mohan.

It looked like that would be the winner, but in the final minute the hosts restored parity, with Macey McCready converting from the spot, to take the game to a shootout. All the first five penalties were scored by both sides, before the next four for each were missed. But it was Fremantle keeper Tessa Cliff who was the hero saving the final penalty to seal the tie. “We were obviously keen to win the game in normal time, but had to regroup after conceding a late penalty with 30 seconds to go,” Fremantle coach David Moore explained.

“Our side stood up when it counted though and held their nerve throughout a particularly tense and nerve-wracking series of kicks. I’m incredibly proud of this whole team but a special mention always has to go to the keepers in these circumstances. Tess was incredible and kept us in the game both in normal time and then penalties. All credit to Perth SC, they have some amazing talented players coming through and we really enjoyed the competitive game.”

In the late game, Perth RedStar held off a determined Subiaco AFC to runout 4-2 winners. RedStar raced to a three-goal lead in the first half, with goals from Tara Meeres, Jasmine Grey and Niamh Devitt. But Graham Normanton’s side hit back after the break with two goals, and it was match on. But it was Jessica Wheatman’s side who prevailed, with Freya Bibby converting a penalty to win it 4-2. But it has come to light that due to a refereeing indiscretion, a player who had been substituted was allowed to re-enter the field of play and subsequently scored one of the RedStar goals. Unlike the group stage, substitutes in the semi-finals and final of the competition are not interchangeable. This game will have to be replayed on Wednesday evening at 7pm, the venue TBC.

16.3.2024

GLORY LET IT SLIP LATE AGAINST WANDERERS

Perth Glory’s finals spot took a major hit on Saturday evening, after a late goal from substitute Lachlan Brook saw visitors Western Sydney Wanderers win 2-1 at HBF Park. Brandon Borrello gave the Wanderers the lead early, but skipper Adam Taggart levelled in first half stoppage time. Glory had their chances to win it after the break, with David Williams, Daniel Bennie and Jayden Gorman all going close, but it was Brook who won it seven minutes from time.

Glory sits ten points adrift of a finals spot, with only six games remaining, the gap is a daunting one, but head coach Alen Stajcic said they could not afford to look too far ahead. “We’ve just got to take each game as it comes, I know that’s a cliche, but that’s all you can do,” he said post-match. “If we win every game, I’m sure we’ll still make it but that’s a big mountain to climb. We’re looking at Mount Everest from base camp, we just need to take one step at a time and worry about the next game. We’ve shown every week, 21 matches, now that we can compete with everyone and be there or thereabouts, but it’s not enough to get in the top six - we haven’t made our own luck, we’ve been victims of some bad luck as well.

“So many times, we’ve had points cost us, with last minute equalizers and the odd decision that didn’t go our way but I’m sure everyone can say that when they go through the course of a season. I thought we threw that game away, architects of our own downfall, we had enough chances to bury them and put our foot on their throat, but we let them off the hook time after time and ended up getting punished. So, we got what we deserved and it’s tough to take.”

Stajcic gave a starting debut to former ECU Joondalup and Gwelup Croatia defender Kaelan Majekodunmi, who replaced the injured Aleks Susnjar at the back, while David Williams came in for Jarrod Carluccio, who was unable to play against his parent club. It was the Wanderers who settled the better, as they went in search of a first win in Perth since 2014, and Glory custodian Oli Sail had to be alert to save Marcelo’s header on 11 minutes, the defender getting on the end of a Jorrit Henrix’s corner.

But from the resulting corner the visitors hit the front, Sonny Kittel’s set-piece picked out Borello, and the Socceroos midfielder’s header beat Sail at his near post. Glory looked to hit back immediately and Daniel Bennie saw his shot deflected wide, before Majekodunmi headed Giordano Colli’s corner straight at Lawrence Thomas, and on the half hour Willimas was also denied by the Wanderers custodian. The Wanderers were on the back foot, but they almost doubled their lead seven minutes before the break.

Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson raced clear on a quick counter attack, going one on one with Sail, but the New Zealand international keeper stood tall to deny him. Glory ended the half the better, and Taggart was picked out by Riley Warland two minutes from the break, but the Socceroos striker failed to fine the target. But that all changed in stoppage time, when Glory levelled. Colli pounced on a defensive error, and the former Bayswater City midfielder’s ball into the box picked out Taggart, and the skipper made no mistake for his 15th goal of the season.

Glory started on the front foot after the break, and Williams’ header lacked power to beat Thomas on the hour, before Thomas thwarted Bennie with a smart save, before substitute Nicolas Milanovic cleared the rebound. It was one-way traffic as Glory pressed for a second, and Taggart headed over the top moments later, but Wanderers looked dangerous on the quick break, and Kittel curling effort whistled just wide of the post. Substitute Jayden Gorman almost found his first A-League goal on 76 minutes, neat build-up play ended with the striker, but he could find the target.

Warland was next to go close, the former Fulham FC defenders free kick was saved by Thomas, and it looked like it was going to be one of those days, and it turned out to be just that five minutes from time when the Wanderers won it. Marcelo’s header found Antonsson, who shot was well saved by Sail, but the rebound fell to Brook, who scored, but his celebrations were cut short with the flag up for offside. But after a lengthy VAR check to goal stood, and it was enough for the Wanderers to leave with the points.

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (27 Jayden GORMAN 46'), 8 Mustafa AMINI (19 Trent OSTLER 66'), 9 David WILLIAMS (31 Joel ANASMO 65'), 14 Riley WARLAND, 16 Josh RAWLINS (2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS 85'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN – Subs not used: Substitutes not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 3 Jacob MUIR, 41 Aiki TSUKAMOTO

Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 5 Sonny KITTEL (32 Nathaneal BLAIR 90'), 6 MARCELO, 9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 10 Milos NINKOVIC (17 Lachlan BROOK 60'), 19 Jack CLISBY (29 Dyan SCICLUNA 82'), 21 Jorrit HENDRIX, 26 Brandon BORRELLO (14 Nicolas MILANOVIC 60'), 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 33 Alex BONETIG (16 Tom BEADLING 46'), 36 Oscar PRIESTMAN – Subs not used: RGK Daniel MARGUSH, 7 Dylan PIEIRAS - Attendance: 5,952 - Referee: Shaun Evans

16.3.2024

GLORY’S FINALS HOPES FADING FAST

Perth Glory’s Liberty A-League Finals hopes were all but extinguished on Saturday as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Park. It was a must win game for Alex Epakis’ side, and a win would have put them level with their hosts, but it was not to be, with Sophie Harding scoring the only goal of the game on 53 minutes. So, they now need a miracle to reach the end of season finals, with them now six points adrift of the Wanderers with only two games left to play.

With the result important for both sides it wasn’t a classic in the first half, with neither keeper seriously troubled, with the best chances for both sides coming from distance. First Hana Lowry’s long-range free kick was straight at Wanderers keeper Sham Khamis. The best for the hosts was similar, Amy Chessari long-range shot was easily saved by Morgan Aquino, but at the break it was all-square

Glory started the second half well, and Lowry and Susan Phonsongkham threatened, but it was the Wanderers who found the opener eight minutes in. Danika Matos picked out Harding in space just outside the box and after bringing the ball down, the Wanderers leading scorer fired home superbly, giving Aquino no chance. Epakis responded by clearing his bench in the final quarter, handing an ALW debut to former NTC striker Tanika Lala who looked. However, the Wanderers defence held firm to take the points, and give their finals hope a huge boost, while Glory’s hopes are hanging by the finest of threads.

Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Sham KHAMIS, 2 Vicky BRUCE, 4 Madison MCCOMASKY, 5 Lauren KEIR (23 Ella ABDUL-MASSIH 81'), 6 Amy CHESSARI, 7 Amy HARRISON, 8 Olivia PRICE (22 Ischia BROOKING 86'), 9 Sophie HARDING, 11 Danika MATOS, 14 Ella BUCHANAN (15 Cushla RUE 71'), 25 Holly CASPERS (18 Malia MORRIS 46') – Subs not used: RGK Kaylie COLLINS

Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (11 Grace JALE 63'), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 13 Sarah CAIN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE (23 Isobel Dalton 63'), 19 Izzy FOLETTA (31 Clara HOARAU 79'), 20 Quinley QUEZADA (26 Tanika LALA 79') – Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES - Referee: Isabella Mossin

16.3.2024

POINTS SHARED AT ALFRED SKEET

Armadale and Bayswater City have begun their 2024 NPLWA – Men’s season with a hard fought 2-2 draw, in our ‘Match of the Round’ at Alfred Skeet Reserve. New striker Chan Yelchan gave the hosts the lead early, but Bayswater levelled deep into first half stoppage time with Sam Dweh on target. The visitors hit the front 12 minutes from time with defender Jackson Stephens scoring, but Armadale hit back moments later with Yelchan adding his second, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “We started very poorly and we were extremely lucky to go in at 1-1 at half time through a good goal by Sammy Dweh,” Bayswater Head Coach Gary Williams said post-match. “We picked up a little in the second half but it was still a disappointing performance all round. Both teams had chances and the game could have gone either way.”

There was a sombre moment prior to kick off, as players, coaches and supporters stood as one in a minute’s silence for Armadale life member Mark ‘Willie’ Williamson, who passed away recently, with the Armadale players wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. The hosts were in early, Pieter Jacobsz winning the ball on the left and crossing to Yelchan, whose shot was deflected over the top, while at the other end former Armadale striker Chris Jackson couldn’t keep his shot down.

But on six minutes it was Armadale who found the opener. Jacobsz sent the overlapping Lucas Cook down the left, and his low cross was turn in at the near post by Yelchan. They went close to a second eight minutes later, Cook’s corner picked out Callum Dobbs at the back post, his header was palmed away by Lewis Italiano., before the former Wellington Phoenix keeper saved Charlie Fleming’s shot on the run. The dangerous Dweh then saw his shot flash just wide at the other end, as Bayswater lifted the tempo.

It was end-to-end football, with Jackson denied by Joel Driscoll at one end, before Ryley Wishart-Stephens flashed one over the top at the other. Armadale went within inches of a second two minutes before half time, Wishart-Stephens’ shot on the run crashing off the woodwork. But in stoppage time it was Bayswater who levelled. Luke Palmateer found Dweh down the left, and the speedy winger cut inside his marker and finished clinically from the edge of the box.

Bayswater had a penalty shout early in the second half when Gordon Smith was bundled over by Driscoll, but the referee waved away their protests. Armadale should have regained the lead on 63 minutes, Purvishna Appadoo sent Yelchan racing clear, with the Bayswater defenders looking for the offside flag that never came, but Italiano stood tall to deny the big striker. However, on 78 minutes it was Bayswater who hit the front, a long throw wasn’t dealt with, the ball only going as far as Stephens on the edge of the box and his shot flew past Driscoll.

But Armadale weren’t finished, and two minutes later they restored parity. Joshua Bartler’s corner from the right was headed back across goal by Dobbs and Yelchan beat Italiano to the ball to poke home at the near post. It was game on, and it was Bayswater who should have retaken the lead moments later, Thiak Kuel’s free kick was headed back across goal, and Jon Stynes shot was superbly saved by Driscoll, but the rebound fell to Palmateer, and with the goal at his mercy the defender fired wide.

Moments later Julian Kelly tried his luck from range, but Driscoll made a smart low save, before Jackson’s close-range header flashed just wide of the post. The game was up for grabs, and Yelchan had a chance to win it for the hosts when he burst clear in the final minute, but once again Italiano stood tall to deny him, and he was up quick to save his second shot. Bayswater did have the ball in the net late, Jackson poking home Jason Mirco’s corner, but the referee spotted a foul on Driscoll, with skipper Smith booked for his protests.

Armadale Head Coach Alun Vernals said it was a hard-earned point. “A good start to the season and overall happy with the point,” he said post-match. “We had a load of chance in the first half, without being clinical and got punished for being sloppy right on the stroke of half time. Both sides had chances after the break, and the lads showed great character to hit back moments after Bayswater had taken the lead. But they did finish the stronger, and were probably unlucky not to pinch it really.”

Armadale: GK Joel DRISCOLL, 2 Lachlan COLLINS, 3 Luke COLLINS, 6 Purvishna APPADOO, 8 Hamish VAN DIEKEN, 9 Ryley WISHART-STEPHENS (18 Joshua BARTLER 56’), 10 Callum DOBBS, 14 Chan YELCHAN, 15 Lucas COOK (77 George BALLAH 57’), 17 Pieter JACOBSZ (22 Egide NGENDAKUMANA 72’), 19 Charlie FLEMING – Subs not used: RGK Preston GILLING, 5 Stanley BROWN, 11 Pacifique DUFITIMUKIZA

Bayswater City: GK Lewis ITALIANO, 2 Alexander ISHIDA-LIVINGS (10 Jason MIRCO 57’), 4 Luke PALMATEER, 5 Thiak KUEL, 8 Gordon SMITH, 14 Sam DWEH (19 Julian KELLY 57’), 15 Jackson STEPHENS, 17 Omar DIARRA (7 Jon STYNES 74’), 18 Chris JACKSON, 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 24 Joshua ANASMO (11 Cameron TEECE 51’) – Subs not used: RGK Casey ROBERTSON, 16 Aryan YAZARLOU 23 Joshua BELL

15.3.2024

NPL-WA ROUND ONE - REVIEW

Fremantle City have started life in the NPLWA – Men’s competition with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Balcatta Etna at Grindleford Reserve. “A point overall was probably a fair result in the end, and we made a perfect star, but we seemed to take out foot off the gas, which allowed them to get a foot hold of the game, and we found ourselves behind at the break,” Fremantle coach Matthew Sparrow explained. “I thought we looked much brighter in the second half and we managed to get the equaliser late. We had some glorious chances go begging, and on another day, we could have snatched it, but a point on the board it is and we’ll look to build on that next week when we entertain Armadale.”

The visitors made the ideal start, finding the opener on three minutes. Charles Chechlacz’s free kick was headed home Oliver La Galia. But it was the hosts who would take the lead into the break with two late goals. First on 39 minutes, a throw in wasn’t dealt with and Liam Miller pounced after hesitant defending to fire home. Then six minutes later Balcatta hit the front, Shogo Osawa found Ben Hinshelwood, and the big striker finished powerful past Luke Radonic from the edge of the box.

It liked that would be the winner, but eight minutes from time Fremantle levelled. Antony Topini’s free kick was punched clear by Connor Campbell, but it fell to substitute Alex McLean who chested the ball down and volleyed home. “A good performance by us today, but unfortunately we didn’t collect all three points,” Balcatta assistant coach Malcom Tshuma said. “After the early setback I thought we were the better side for the rest of first half. But at 2-1 we didn’t control the match as we would have liked and credit to Fremantle for their approach. Despite the result, we saw a lot in our game to give us encouragement for a solid season ahead.”

The other promoted team Western Knights have started their campaign with a hard fought 1-0 win against Perth SC at Nash Field. The only goal of the game came early, Jesse Lazzaro’s corner on five minutes hit the unfortunate Ethan Banks at the back post, and beat Joe Pollard. Perth pressed to get the equaliser but they couldn’t find it, the win capped an historic day for the hosts, in their first ever game in the NPL. “It was a fantastic win for us on opening day, and every Knights player really dug deep to win yesterday, bodies were thrown in-front of the ball, big tackles flew in and Knights played through cramps/knocks so I’m really proud of the lads for that,” Knights keeper Sam Reilly explained, “The win also sets a precedent for Nash Field to be a true fortress where we can beat any opponent.”

Floreat Athena caused the biggest upset of the opening round, beating champions Perth RedStar 2-0 at the RedStar Arena. The visitors were ahead five minutes before the break, a ball over the top sent Noah Shamaki racing clear, and the striker finished low past Liam Reddy. They secured the points ten minutes from time, great work down the right by Ethan Mom saw him drift past a number of RedStar defenders, before cutting the ball back to Alex Christodoulakis was made no mistake from four meters. “The win away against RedStar was a great opening result for the squad, with a tough night series behind us getting the three points was a major step in the right direction,” Floreat skipper Jason Saldaris said. “We had a game plan and followed it for 90 minutes, every player put in a shift and stayed discipline which led to the victory. Noah being ruthless in front of goals and a touch of class by Ethan made Alex's finish look easy and a complete performance defensively.”

Perth Glory have secured a 1-0 win in their opener against Inglewood United at the Inglewood Stadium. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time. Jaylan Pearman’s free kick from the left was turned home by Daniel Jankuloski from close-range. “Pleased to start the season with three points,” Glory coach John Walmsley said. “The game came to life towards the end, but I felt we controlled most of the match. Having six players make their first team NPL debuts was superb, a great experience for them, and a good platform to build on moving forward.”

In the late game Olympic Kingsway have beaten Stirling Macedonia 3-0 at Macedonia Park. The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Sasa Njegic cut the ball back to Liam Boland, the strikers shot was turned home by Joshua Samson, but the flag was up for offside, but after referee David Bruce spoke with his assistant the goal stood. They added a second on 76 minutes, Mitch Oxborrow’s corner was headed home by the unmarked Aryn Williams. The icing on the cake came five minutes from time, when Olympic added a third, Ollie Annis was brought down in the box by Striling skipper Dejan Spaseski, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Former Perth Glory striker Joe Knowles stepped up and converted the penalty, to seal the 3-0 win. “Very satisfying performance, we were very good on the day and I think it was a fair result,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards said. “I thought our goals were good and well worked and to keep a clean sheet was important, that was one of the challenges we put to the team, and everyone played a role to make it happen.”

15.3.2024

BALCATTA AND REDSTAR TO MEET IN NPLWA – WOMENS NIGHT SERIES FINAL

Perth RedStar and Balcatta Etna will meet in next weekend’s NPLWA – Womens Night Series Final, after both won their semi-finals on Friday evening at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. In the early game, goals from Monique Prinsloo and Lucy Jerram gave Balcatta a 2-0 win against Fremantle City. "I thought it was a strange game for us, we really struggled to find any rhythm on the ball and our mistakes were resulting in playing most of our possession on the back foot. In saying that, I'm happy we took our moments when they came because it didn't feel as though either side could be separated by much,” Balcatta Head Coach Peter Rakic explained.

“Rebecca Bennett was huge for us in goals and she will play a vital part in the teams push for any silverware this year, her heroics between the posts continue to impress throughout. We have a massive week ahead of us in preparation for RedStar now, and I'm really excited to be playing them again in the final, it should be a very entertaining fixture to be a part of." Balcatta found the opener, this after forcing three or four corners in a row, that they constantly threatened, and when the ball was only cleared out to the edge on the right side, another cross was whipped in by Abbey Meakins and Alyssa Van Heurck was well positioned at the back post to half volley home.

They sealed the win with a second, another cross from Lucy Jerram found Meakins, who finished at the front post. “Obviously we are very excited to get through to the Final, but we were really disappointed with the way we played on the night,” Balcatta’s Abbey Meakins said. “We thought it was quite a scrappy game, however we made a couple of our opportunities count, as well as a few huge saves from Beck Bennett in goals. We are looking forward to a big week at training, and tidying things up for the final.

In the late game, a hat-trick from Caitlin Doeglas, saw Perth RedStar overcame holders Perth SC 3-0, in a repeat of last season’s Final. “It was a hard-fought triumph against a very well coached team. The important positives for us to take away from the game are being able to keep a clean sheet and scoring three good goals from creative build up,” RedStar Head Coach Carlos Vega Mena explained. “It’s very pleasing to see Caitlin (Doeglas) score her first hat trick for the club. It may not have been our best technical game, but I am happy with the girls’ efforts which have secured us a spot in the final.”

RedStar found the opener early, a cross from the right picked out Doeglas, who got in behind the defender and controlled the ball well before firing home. It was 2-0 mid-way through the half, a defence-splitting pass from Katie Ritchie sent Doeglas in on goal, and she rounded Perth keeper Stacey Cavill to score. They sealed the tie late, some good combination play, on the left saw Natalia Vega Mena control and pass to Doeglas, who beat her marker, before finishing clinically high into the net.

“I’m happy with the performance of the side, although we still have a long way to go to be performing at our best, but for pre-season it’s looking very promising,” Hat-trick hero Doeglas said. “Perth will always be a tough game and they really gave us a good challenge, but we move on and we’re really looking forward to play in final next week against Balcatta and getting the opportunity to win the first silverware of the season.”

15.3.2024

THIRD-PLACE FINISH FOR YOUNG MATILDAS

The Young Matildas have ended their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 campaign in Uzbekistan on a high note, defeating Korea Republic 1-0 in the third-place playoff at the JAR Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The only goal of the game came from substitute Lara Gooch 11 minutes from time, but keeper Chloe Lincoln was the star late making a number of fine saves to keep the Korea Republic at bay. The result equals Australia’s best-ever finish at the tournament, achieved in 2006, and they qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 last week, when they reached the semi-final stage.

“Firstly, I would like to pay credit to Korea for making it a very difficult match for us with their performance,” Head Coach Leah Blayney said. “We’re extremely proud of our performance, we demonstrated our ability to be flexible. We set out with the task of trying to be better in the latter stage of the match than we did in the last match (against Japan in the semi-finals). That was the challenge to the group and the players stood up to it. The players that came on made a great impact, they supported those who were already playing as well as those that didn’t get a chance, it was a real team effort.”

Blayney made two changes to the side that played the semi-final against Japan. In came Western United’s Kahli Johnson and Sydney FC’s Shay Hollman. They replaced Indiana Dos Santos and Milly Boughton. Korea Republic started well, and were the first to register a shot on target through Kim Shin-ji’s free-kick after nine minutes, but Lincoln saved. Australia responded with Daniela Galic cleverly putting Peta Trimis through on the right, but the ball bounced awkwardly at the last moment, resulting the striker fired her shot wide. Korea Republic went close again on 17 minutes, Park Soo-jeong raced onto Kim Shin-ji's lofted pass, but Lincon stood tall to save, and minutes later, Soo-jeong’s fired narrowly wide.

The dangerous Soo-jeong continued to be a constant threat to Australia early in the second half, having two aerial chances in the first five minutes. They went closer on the hour, neat build up play ended with Kim Ji-hyeon, but her shot was superbly by Lincoln at full stretch. Head coach Leah Blayney made a change moments later, with strikers Milly Boughton and Gooch coming on as the Young Matildas went in search of the winner.

It was a great choice from Blayney, and 12 minutes later the Young Matildas found the winner. The two substitutes combining, Boughton sending a spectacular long through pass for Gooch, who lifted the ball past the advancing Park Hyun-jin, and she raced off to celebrate with her teammates. Korea tried to find their way back into the game with a late flurry of chances, but Australia produced a determined defensive display in the closing minutes to clinch the win.

Korea Republic: GK Park Hyun-Jin, 2 Jung You-Jin, 3 Yang Da-Min, 5 Nam Seung-Eun, 6 Kim Shin-Ji, 8 Kang Eun-Young (10 Bae Ye-Bin 46?')?, 9 Park Soo-Jeong (7 Jeon Yu-Gyeong 58?')?, 14 Cho Hye-Young (19 Yang Eun-Seo 73?'), 17 Hong Chae-Bin (17 Hwang Da-Yeong 86?'?0, 20 Park Je-Ah, 22 Kim Jih-Yeon (22 Won Chae-Eun 86?')?

Young Matildas: GK Chloe Lincoln, 5 Jessika Nash, 6 Shay Hollman (19 Lara Gooch 67'), 10 Daniela Galic (20 I. Dos Santos 59'), 11 Kahli Johnson (7 Milly Boughton 67'), 13 Peta Trimis (22 Georgia Cassidy 89'), 14 Zara Kruger, 15 Alexia Apostolakis, 17 Madeleine Caspers, 21 Naomi Chinnama, 23 Sasha Grove – Subs not used: RGK Tahlia Franco, RGK Grace Wilson, 2 Tijan McKenna, 3 Tegan Bertolissio, 4 Gemma Ferris, 8 Alana Murphy, 9 Jynaya Dos Santos, 16 Claudia Cicco - Referee: Koizumi Asaka (Japan)

15.3.2024

SOCCEROOS BOSS ARNOLD HITS OUT AT CLUB V COUNTRY ROW

Graham Arnold has taken aim at some European clubs after being forced into a balancing act in selecting his latest Socceroos squad - much like he did for the Asian Cup in January. The issue falls around selected under-23 players with the Under-23 Asian Cup set to take place next month to decide which countries qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris later this year.

However, that under-23 tournament doesn’t fall within a designated FIFA window, meaning clubs are not obliged to release their players to their national teams. Part of Arnold’s plan for persuading the clubs to let their talented players, such as Parma’s Alessandro Circati and Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato, go to that tournament is to leave them out of his Socceroos squad.

Parma are in the promotion chase to Italy’s Serie A and they are reluctant to lose any players in the run in to the end of the season, but Arnold’s plan to omit Circati so he can be called up to the under-23s is crumbling fast. “That’s to be determined. But I have to say, I’d be doubtful about that,” Arnold said.

“(Australia under-23 coach) Tony Vidmar at the moment is getting quite a number of overseas-based clubs refusing to release players in April. I spoke to (Circati) and I think it’s one thing a lot of people need to understand: the pressure that kids get put under from their clubs overseas to (not) play for Australia is a lot.”

“Alessandro and even Cristian Volpato, exactly the same. They just want to focus on their club careers at this moment in time. I do believe that Alessandro, especially, will play for Australia, and I do believe Cristian will want to play for Australia. It’s just at the moment, the timing is probably not right for them – especially with Alessandro; they’re going for promotion with Parma to get up in Serie A.”

15.3.2024

INTO THE LOOKING GLASS: THE NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON-WA PREVIEW

It’s that time of the year again when we look at the season ahead, and give you our NPL-WA season preview – If the night series is anything to go by, this season will be another cracker, and Fremantle City and Western Knights have earned promotion this season, both in the NPL competition for the first time. Perth RedStar will look to defend their title, but there will be a number of teams pushing them, with Olympic Kingsway, Bayswater City and Stirling Macedonia amongst the challengers.

The footballwa.net team takes a look at the twelve clubs, and are joined by "The Insider", Murray Stevens from "The Football Fix" radio show, Kelechi Osunwa from the "Perth Football Podcast", and footballwa.net founder Jacob Aufdemkampe, in offering their thoughts on how season 2024 will pan out...

15.3.2024

NPL-WA ROUND ONE - PREVIEW

The 2024 NPLWA – Men’s competition begins this weekend, and it looks like this will be another very competitive season, with the addition for the first time of Fremantle City and Western Knights. However, it will be Perth RedStar everyone will be trying to stop, last season’s champions looking to go back-to-back, and their form has continued this season, winning the recent night series.

But our week one ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Alfred Skeet Reserve, were Armadale host Bayswater City. (3.00pm) Both clubs have been busy in the transfer market, and with former Bayswater coach Alun Vernals at the helm of Armadale, and former Armadale striker Chris Jackson at Bayswater, it will give the game more spice. The last time the two met at the venue was in round 17 last season, when Bayswater scored a massive 6-1 win.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring on 11 minutes, Joshua Anasmo scoring, but the hosts were level seven minutes later, Chris Jackson on target. The visitors took control and Sam Dweh regained the lead, before Gordon Smith added a third before the break. An own goal by Matt Worton, extended the lead, before Jon Stynes converted from the spot and Anasmo completed the comprehensive win.

City were edged out in the night series final against RedStar, and defender Jackson Stephens said they were pleased with how the preseason competition went. “Obviously, we were really disappointed to lose the final and felt we had enough chances to win the game, but credit to RedStar, they are a strong team and were clinical in front of goal,” Stephens explained. “Final disappointment aside, the night series has been a great start to the year for us. We’ve played and competed well against the top teams from last year which gives us an idea of where we’re at heading into the season.”

The club have added some quality to their squad this season, the likes of Jackson, Luke Palmateer and Cameron Teece, and Stephens said the new lads have settled in well. “Yes, new faces in the dressing room is great for our depth, and there is plenty of competition for starting positions. The new players have settled nicely and it’s encouraging to see the full squad coming together with players coming back from injury,” the defender said. “We have grown as a group throughout the pre-season and I expect our performances to continue to improve as we build our team cohesion.”

Bayswater will look to start the season on the front foot, and Stephens said they head into the game in a confident mood, and will look for a similar result to last season at the venue. “We had a good win away at Armadale last year, but I’m told that is not typical,” he said. “They are a physical and direct team that never stop battling, so it will be interesting to see how their new players slot in. Round one is always interesting, everyone wants to start the season on a high, so I expect it to be an intense, competitive game.”

Armadale keeper Joel Driscoll said their preseason has been good at Alfred Skeet, only one defeat in the night series, and a number of competitive friendlies, and it’s been positive to get the new players used to the way they play. “Yes, the night series and preseason has been good, only losing the one game to eventual night series winners RedStar,” Driscoll said. “Although it’s been even better seeing the full squad come together in the last few weeks, and I believe it’s setting us up for and exciting season.”

Driscoll goes into his second season at the club, and he said things are building on and off the park, as they look to improve on last season’s sixth place finish, and the keeper said they are eying up the top four. “The club have been great over the past year, putting everything in place to make this current team as successful as possible,” the keeper explained. “It’s now our job as a team to show what we can do and force our way into that top four.”

The former Sorrento, Stirling and Farnborough Town shot stopper is looking forward to the season opener, and he knows Bayswater will be a huge challenge, but they are ready for it. “Bayswater are always a tough opponent, even more so this year with the squad they have assembled,” he said. “It’s important to get the season started with a win and I’m sure we’ll put on a big performance in-front of our supporters - who have been there singing and chanting all preseason.”

In other games this weekend, champions Perth RedStar will look to start their defence of the title with a win, when they host Floreat Athena the RedStar Arena, Taki Nicolaidis begins his Inglewood United tenure, when they host Perth Glory at Inglewood Stadium, while there is another huge game at Macedonia Park, when Olympic Kingsway travel to take on Stirling Macedonia (5.00pm). Fremantle City play their first game in the Premier League since 1987 when they visit Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta Etna.

New Fremantle defender Riley Woodcock said things have gone well in preseason, and they have prepared well for the NPL, and he is relishing the challenge. “It was a great preseason for us, obviously it’s a very new playing group after the club signed ten new players so we’re very happy with how we gelled throughout night series and a couple of very positive performances. Most importantly we’re injury free and all the boys are back fighting fit so looking forward to round one,” the former Perth Glory defender explained.

“The club has been great for me mate, very welcoming and a few lads I had played with previously so just enjoying being back playing at the moment. Of course, it’s a massive day for the club and everyone involved being the first time in the NPL so we’re all quite excited. Balcatta away is always a tough fixture and they’re hard to beat there but we’re looking to start strong and get off the mark with three points.”

In the final game Western Knights will play their first Premier League game since 2012, and new signing Jesse Lazzaro said they found plenty of positives in the night series, and they are all set for NPL football. “It wasn’t too bad of a night series for us, we’ve always used it as a stepping stone to prepare for the NPL season and getting used to playing with a new team with a lot of new boys,” the former Cockburn city midfielder said.

“It’s like I’m at home, the club has been absolutely amazing from the players to the coaches and everyone involved at the club have been very welcoming and making the transition very enjoyed and I’m keen to get started this week. It’s a very good way to start the season with a home game against a very strong and well-structured Perth with a young and strong squad. I think Danny (Hay) is doing a great job with the team so they will be very hard to beat, but I believe we have more than enough quality to really push the league this year. I believe it’s going to be an exciting game really looking forward to this season to come.”

15.3.2024

AUSTRALIA CUP – ROUND THREE WA – PREVIEW

It’s the Australia Cup second round this weekend, and it kicks off on Friday evening when Joondalup City host UWA Nedlands at Wanneroo Reserve. (7.30pm) Both sides were very competitive in the recent night series, and Joondalup new coach Guy McDonald said they are looking forward to Friday’s tie. “Everyone at the club is looking forward to getting back into competitive games, after having a taste of it throughout the night series,” he said. “We played UWA earlier in preseason and I was impressed with the way they played football so we know it’s not going to be an easy task, but I have no doubt my boys will be ready to roll their sleeves up once again to challenge another team from the division above.”

UWA coach Richard Abrams is also looking forward to getting back to competitive games, and he knows it will be a huge challenge. “We are very much looking forward to playing a game that’s not a friendly if I’m honest. We felt we could have added some value in the night series especially topping the group and only conceding one goal which was an unfortunate own goal,” he explained. “However, we have got over the ruling which didn’t go in our favour regarding the app not listing our players and are ready to hit the ground running and make up for the lost competitive game. Our oversees players have settled in well and we hope for a good game and based on the friendly in preseason v Guy and Richie’s City lads it should be exactly that and I’m expecting a proper good cup tie.”

We have eleven more ties on Saturday, with all games kicking off at 3pm, unless stated. Swan United start their campaign against Subiaco AFC at Francis Street, while Cockburn City have had a bye after AFC Gortankaku forfeited. East Perth host Rockingham City at Wotton Reserve, Sorrento take on Balga at Percy Doyle Reserve, while Mandurah City welcome Curtin University to Dorothy and Charlie Coote Reserve (3.45pm), with Poolmart Stadium unavailable. Ballajura AFC make the trip to Croatian Sporting Complex to meet Gwelup Croatia, Murdoch University Melville take on Australind at Besteam Stadium, and Carramar Shamrock Rovers take on Ashfield at Grandis Park.

Quinns welcome Southern Spirit to Riverlinks Reserve (1pm), and Wanneroo City travel to Woodville Reserve to meet North Perth United (1pm) In the final game on Saturday Kingsley Westside take on Gosnells City at Percy Doyle Reserve. With hosts Sorrento also at home on the day, the game will be played on the top pitch at the venue. Kingsley coach Steven Dimitrovich said will be good to get a competitive game in ahead of the news season. “Yes, a little bit different on Saturday when we play our home cup game against Gosnells up at Sorrento on their top pitch, but these games are always a bonus as they are a free hit and a chance to get more competitive minutes into the lads,” he said. “Gosnells will give us a good indication into where we maybe at, heading into the season proper next week.”

Gosnells City coach Peter Allen echoed the words of his Kingsley counterpart, and he is expecting a tough game, but it’s minutes into his players that is the most important. “The lads are looking forward to our last hit out before the real work starts the week after, and getting game time into the players is very important,” he said. “But it’s a cup tie and we want to win it, but we know it won’t be an easy game, but a real good test up against last year’s Division Two champions. We have trained well all preseason, and like I said it’s about getting minutes into the players and preparing the best we can for the first league game. I’m sure the competitive edge will kick in, and we will be right up for it, and look to progress into the next round.”

On Sunday we have the last nine ties, with Football Margaret River hosting Kalamunda City (2.30pm), Maccabi taking on Dunsborough Town at Maccabean Memorial Oval (2.00pm), Joondanna Blues welcome Cracovia to Reader Reserve, while Ellenbrook United host Alkimos. Queens Park, who moved through after Port Kennedy played an unregistered player in round one, welcome Forrestfield United to Coker Park, Baldivis travel to Len Packham Park to take on Perth AFC, Spearwood Dalmatinac host Wembley Downs at Dalmatinac Park, while Dianella White Eagles travel to Yuluma Park to take on Stirling Panthers.

In the final game Canning City welcome Joondalup United to the All-Saints College (1.00pm) City new coach Lee Hayward said his new look side are relishing the opportunity to taking on a good Joondalup United side. “The coaching staff and the lads are excited to get started, we showed a good account of ourselves in the night series and will hopefully do so again on Sunday,” he said. “It’s a new and very young squad with only a couple remaining from last season. We haven’t been at full strength yet this preseason, and we are likely to be missing a few for this weekend’s game. Bill Orr, who’s last competitive goal was against Joondalup in the playoff final last season, is unfortunately struggling with a back injury, this has kept him out for most of preseason, but we are looking forward to seeing where we are at, only a week out to the new season.”

15.3.2024

WOUNDED WANDERERS NEXT UP FOR GLORY

Perth Glory welcomes the under siege Western Sydney Wanderers to HBF Park on Saturday afternoon, in week 21 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. The kick off time has been changed by the league, which isn’t the best for players in the NPLWA, whose season kicks off on the same day, so let’s hope it doesn’t affect the attendance. Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic is wary of the visit of Mark Rudan’s side, who were thrashed 7-0 in the last round, and he is expecting a backlash from the NWS outfit, who dropped out of the top six after the heavy defeat last week.

It’s a vital game for both sides, who have ambitions to play finals football this season, and Stajcic said it’s the first of seven big games for his side. “Every game has been [a six-pointer] over the last few weeks and will be until the end of the year; there’s no doubt about that,” he said in his pregame press conference. “We’ve got to play Melbourne City as well, who are in that Finals race, along with a couple of others, so we can’t look too far ahead.

“It’s a big game, no doubt. They’ll be hurting having been through a bit of pain over the last week or so and I’m always wary of teams on the rebound, looking to prove themselves and play to restore a little bit of pride. We know that their playing group has got that in them. A team that’s been hurt like that, they’re always willing to restore their pride and come back and fight even harder. I wish it had only been a 1-0 [defeat against Melbourne City]. Our league is so tight that anything can happen game to game.”

Despite their recent poor run of form, losing the last three games and conceding 14 goals in the process, Stajcic is well aware of the calibre in the visitors’ squad, and he knows it will be a challenge. “They’re a good team going forward and have some young players who have really improved over the last 12, 18 months like [Nicolas] Milanovic and Lachie Brook in particular,” he said. “They’ve been exceptional, and also have some quality midfielders; [Jorrit] Hendrix has come in and provided a real platform for them at the back and obviously Marcelo is in the conversation as the best centre-back in the league. There’s no doubt that they’re one of the best teams in the league.”

The last time Wanderers played in Perth, was in round 20 last season when Glory took all three points after a late winner. It looked like the points would be shared heading into stoppage time, but Glory had other ideas, and Aaron McEneff scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time, to send the 7,890 supporters home happy. In team news for the game, co-captain Mark Beevers could return to the squad, after battling a knee injury, but the news isn’t good on fellow-defender Aleks Susnjar, who is struggling with a groin injury and will miss. Luke Bodnar returns to the squad along with Jacob Muir, but Jarrod Carluccio is unavailable due to his loan agreement for Wanderers, and can’t play against his parent club.

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 14 Riley WARLAND, 16 Josh RAWLINS, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 31 Joel ANASMO, 41 Aiki TSUKAMOTO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MUIR, BODNAR BEEVERS, GORMAN - Unavailable: 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR (injured), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (ineligible due to terms of loan agreement), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured), 77 Bruce KAMAU (injured)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Daniel MARGUSH, GK Lawrence THOMAS, 2 Gabriel CLEUR, 5 Sonny KITTEL, 6 MARCELO, 7 Dylan PIEIRAS, 10 Milos NINKOVIC, 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC, 16 Tom BEADLING, 17 Lachlan BROOK, 19 Jack CLISBY, 21 Jorrit HENDRIX, 25 Joshua BRILLANTE, 26 Brandon BORRELLO, 29 Dyan SCICLUNA, 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 32 Nathaneal BLAIR, 33 Alex BONETIG, 44 Nathan BARRIE - Ins: MARCELO (returns from suspension) - Outs: Nil

15.3.2024

SEASON AT THE CROSSROADS FOR GLORY

Perth Glory’s Liberty A-League season is at a crossroads, and with only three games remaining, three points are must on Saturday, when they make the trip to Wanderers Football Park to take on Western Sydney Wanderers (1.00pm WA time) Glory sit in eighth place on the table, three points behind Saturday’s opponents, who are in sixth place, which is the last Finals spot. Alex Epakis’ side have been on the slide over the last seven weeks, but the coach has belief in his players, and he said they have what it takes to get them back to winning ways.

The coach acknowledged that the recent run of poor form has taken its toll on players and staff alike, but he is confident that his team’s season is far from over. “I empathise with the group completely,” he said. “We train really well and prepare really well, there’s no doubt about that. That hasn’t changed since the day we started pre-season, we’re still doing the same things, but at the moment they’re not being rewarded for the work that’s being put in.

“Understandably, some confidence and some of the spirit has taken a hit; we can’t deny that. But we’re in it together and that’s the key thing. I don’t expect anyone to be over the moon currently, but we’re all trying really hard to get a result and put a performance together that we’re proud of and hopefully in doing so, get a win. There’s no instant solution, no cheat sheet other than sticking to the process and performing like we need to.”

Epakis knows they need to work hard and remain strong for the whole 95 minutes to get the result, and he is confident they can. “A key thing for us this week is ensuring that our level of output remains strong across the whole game,” he said. “That’s regardless of the game state, whether we’re up, whether we’re down and that’s with momentum or without momentum. We know that if we can do that consistently across the pitch, with and without the ball, we’re a much tougher opponent to play against.

“We’re coming up against a Western Sydney side which is super-dangerous in transition attacks and we need to make sure that our output is there in terms of recovery runs and ability to win the ball in key moments to stop promising attacks. “That’s been a really clear theme for us this week. More than anything, we just have to perform better with the ball. We need to keep it for longer periods and be well organised so that when we lose it, we can win it back quickly and nullify the things that they do well.”

The last time Glory played against the Wanderers in NSW, was in season 2021-22, when Glory runout 1-0 winners. It was a Glory home game, but played in Gosford due to covid pandemic, and the only goal of the came just after half time, with defender Deborah-Anne De la Harpe scoring. Wanderers are coming off the back of an impressive 4-1 win against Canberra United in midweek and Epakis is under no illusions the challenge they present. “I think they’ve done tremendously well since the first quarter of the season,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Hooks [Head Coach Robbie Hooker], he’s really effective at what he does and he’s brought the best out of that group. Their key strength is their forward runs, their ability to play forward and recover quickly. They’re quite a direct and mobile team and that’s going to pose a threat to anyone. We have to be really mindful of that, but more than anything, what we need to do, is just ensure that we perform better with the ball.”

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Kaylie COLLINS, GK Sham KHAMIS, 2 Vicky BRUCE, 4 Madison MCCOMASKY, 5 Lauren KEIR, 6 Amy CHESSARI, 7 Amy HARRISON, 8 Olivia PRICE, 9 Sophie HARDING, 10 Melissa CACERES, 11 Danika MATOS, 14 Ella BUCHANAN, 15 Cushla RUE, 17 India BREIER, 18 Malia MORRIS, 19 Talia YOUNIS, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 32 Bethany GORDON - Ins: HARDING - Unavailable: 3 Gemma FERRIS (international duty), 21 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS (international duty)

Perth Glory Squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 26 Tanika LALA, 30 Mischa ANDERSON, 31 Clara HOARAU - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: GREEN, MIHOCIC, LALA, ANDERSON - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 25 Grace JOHNSTON (injured), 27 Georgia CASSIDY (international duty)

15.3.2024

TAGGART BACK IN SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart’s good form this season has been rewarded with selection in the Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon. The 30-year-old has bagged 14 goals in his 18 appearances for Glory this season, two coming on Saturday against Newcastle Jets, in front of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold who was in the stands at HBF Park.

The Glory co-captain said he’s ready to fire the Socceroos to a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the recall, following a near two-year absence. “It feels great,” Taggart said, after the latest 23-man Socceroos squad was named. “It’s something that I’ve always been trying to work towards throughout my career. Obviously being out of the squad for a while and coming back home and sort of finding my feet again, enjoying my football and enjoying playing back in the A-League it’s an honour to get the call-up again, especially whilst doing it for Perth Glory. Yeah, (I’m) over the moon.”

Taggart will compete with the likes of Melbourne Victory, and former Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli, Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi and Socceroos stalwart Mitchell Duke for a starting berth in the upcoming games with Lebanon and Taggart believes his versatility across the front line will leave him in good stead. “Whatever the role is I’m happy to play it,” he said. “I’ve played in a lot of different roles before in the Socceroos, sometimes starting, sometimes off the bench and they’re all great, so I’m just looking forward to it.”

Given his excellent form this season for Glory, Taggart’s recall to the national team isn’t overly surprising however the striker admits he thought his time in the green and gold may well have been over, especially after he was overlooked for two major tournaments. “Being left out of the World Cup squad after being involved in most of the camps, I didn’t know if I’d be involved again,” he explained.

“Like I’ve always said, my focus is always on club football and if you get those rewards then it’s a positive but you always need to put your focus in the right places. I think I’ve been able to do that since I’ve come back to Perth and it’s just been a bonus to be back involved. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed doing. I’ve always had a lot of respect for Arnie and those decisions are always tough so you know I’m just appreciative that he’s started looking at me again and that he’s got me back involved.”

Having already chalked up wins over Bangladesh and Palestine in the second round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos now face back-to-back group stage matches against Lebanon in Sydney (March 21) and Canberra (March 26). Although there’s still plenty of football to be played before the Socceroos can think about booking their tickets to the finals, to be held in USA, Mexico and Canada, Taggart is already dreaming of lining up for Australia at a second FIFA World Cup – 12 years after his first.

“I’m 30 at the moment and the World Cup is in a couple of years so I think age-wise, it’s definitely a good possibility of feeling fit and still (being) in the peak of my career,” the Glory skipper said. “It’s definitely an ambition. The last World Cup I played at I think I’d just turned 21 so it’d be fantastic to play at another one. But obviously you need to make sure that you’re performing at a good level and that’s up to me really.”

Whilst he’s proven himself once again to be one of the Isuzu UTE A-League’s deadliest marksmen this season, it hasn’t all be plain sailing for Taggart over the last few years as he struggled for both form and fitness during spells in both Japan and Korea. However, he believes those tougher experiences have helped create the player he is today “I think my four years away really helped,” said Taggart. “It was obviously a tough four years in two tough leagues and I think it just coming back and trying to concentrate on enjoying my football and enjoying life as well, it’s definitely put me in good stead.

“This year especially I’ve really enjoyed playing football and I think being back at HBF Park and playing at a proper stadium, getting a proper pre-season behind me has really helped me and I enjoy the style of football we play here. I think it’s just been easy to slide back in to that enjoyment and week-to-week role of scoring goals. I think with anything there’s always going to be a lot of different factors but I think those are the main ones.”

15.3.2024

NPL-WA – WOMEN’S NIGHT SERIES SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

After an entertaining group stage, the NPLWA – Women’s Night Series has reached the semi-finals, with both games being played at Sam Kerr Football Stadium on Saturday evening. In the opening game Group A winners Balcatta Etna take on Group B runners-up Fremantle City. (6.00pm) Balcatta claimed top spot in the group after a win against champions Perth RedStar last week, while Fremantle earned the point they need to reach the knock stage, after a 1-1 draw against current night series holders Perth SC.

Balcatta’s Abbey Meakins said it has been a really positive start for them in night series, and the win against RedStar was a great way to end the group stage. “We have quite of mix of players who all played at different clubs last year, so it’s been great to see everyone gelling early on, however we still feel like we have a lot to improve on which is exciting,” Meakins explained. “Every game against RedStar is going to be tough, so we knew we had to be switched on for the game. We didn’t think we had our best footballing performance however we were still really pleased to come away with the win and top the group.”

Meakin said they are looking forward to playing at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, but they face a tough Fremantle side. “The team is really excited for the semifinal on Friday, especially being able to play on a great pitch at the Sam Kerr football centre,” the midfielder said. “Fremantle have always been a very strong team, so we are expecting a fast and physical game. The girls have worked really hard throughout preseason and night series, so it’s exciting to be back into a semifinal and hopefully come out with a win.”

Balcatta Head Coach Peter Rakic is hoping his side take their winning form into Friday’s game, but he knows semifinals are always tight affair’s and he is expecting nothing less on Friday. "Coming into this game we understand the pressure and the magnitude of any semifinal situation, so we have to be prepared, both mentally and physically,” he explained. “We've taken great confidence from our last three matches being fortunate enough to win all of them, recognising key components from each performance with intentions to piece them together in our next outing, and hoping that week by week we only go from strength to strength. Fremantle are a tough side and worthy finalists, so we're expecting a proper fight to reach the last stage.”

Fremantle produced a good performance in the final group game, and earned the draw to see them move into the knockout stage, and keeper Dayle Schroeder said the new look side combined well, and they will be looking for more of the same against Balcatta. “We have a few new additions to the team and after each game they found their footing, and improved with every game. When we met Perth, we knew it was going to be a big game, as we needed at least a draw to make the semifinals.

“The girls showed great mentality and kept pushing throughout the whole game. We started well taking our chances to go up, but Perth always have a great attacking presence and they equalised. We really combined as a team but so did Perth, and both had chances to win it, but it ended in a draw. We continue to progress as a team ahead of the new season, and we are looking forward to putting on a good show in the semi-final.”

In the late game at the venue, it’s a repeat of last season’s final, when Group B winners Perth SC take on Group A runners up Perth RedStar. (8.00pm) The Azzurri secured top spot with a hard-fought draw against Fremantle, while RedStar were beaten by Balcatta, but had already qualified for the semi-final prior to the game. Despite the defeat against Balcatta, RedStar midfielder Renee Leota said they took a great deal of positives from the game. “I was happy with the game to be honest, I thought we dominated in the midfield, and they struggled under our high press, especially in the first half,” Leota said. “It’s a bummer we didn’t finish our opportunities, but that’s football. Both of Balcatta’s goals came from our mistakes, they took advantage of that, so we take the loss on the chin and we work on what we can from it.”

Leota, who was on target in the group stage win against UWA Nedlands, said Friday maybe a repeat of last season’s final, but both teams will be different come kick-off. “To be fair, both teams are so different this year - I can’t compare Perth SC to last year’s team, because it just isn’t last year’s team at all,” the midfielder explained. “I’m really excited to play on Friday, and I think we’d all agree that our focus is on us, fine tuning things, developing combinations, working on playing to our players strengths, and doing our game - sometimes we can be our own worst enemy on the field, so our focus is us.”

RedStar Head Coach Carlos Vega Mena believes the competitive group stage was perfect preparation for the upcoming season, and knows taking on Perth SC will once again be a challenge, but one they are looking forward too. “Group A was a tough group to be drawn in, and we have worked hard to make it into the finals, which is good this time of the season,” he explained. “Perth is always a complicated rival who like to challenge their opponents. There is the rivalry from last year’s Night Series final which should see spectators watching an entertaining game on Friday evening.”

Holder Perth SC, who beat RedStar in a penalty shootout last season, will look to make it back-to-back, but striker Ella Lincoln, who scored in the win against MUMFC in the group stage, said training as been intense this week, and they will be doing all they can hold on to their night series crown. “We are expecting a hard game on Friday, against a team we know well,” the striker explained. “Our team is vastly different to the one that played in the final last year, but the intensity at training has gone up a level, so now we have to transfer that into the game. It is a good opportunity for us to show the league what we are capable of, but no matter the result, it’s only the beginning for us.”

15.3.2024

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S NIGHT SERIES – SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

It's also the Hyundai Women’s Night Series semifinals this weekend, with both games being played at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. In the early game Perth RedStar take on Subiaco AFC, (5.00pm), and in the late game Perth SC host Fremantle City. (7.00pm) RedStar topped Group A, and eased past UWA Nedlands in the opening game, with Tara Meeres bagging a hat-trick, before a hard-fought draw against Hamersley Rovers in the next. They secured their place in semifinal after a brace from Niamh Devitt saw them beat North Beach, and pipped Hamersley on goal difference.

RedStar head coach Jessica Wheatman said the sides are coming together nicely, after a sloid preseason. I’m really pleased with our preseason so far, we’ve played some experienced opposition across the three group games and showed a really good account of ourselves,” Wheatman said. “I thought we dominated possession in all three games and created a lot of chances. We’re still finding our feet as a young squad but I’m thrilled with the attitude of the girls and how they’re gelling. We’re looking forward to what will be a challenge in the semifinal, as Subiaco are always a strong opponent and it’ll be a valuable run out prior to the season starting. With all these games I’m more focused on the performance than the result, but saying that, no one likes to lose a semifinal and we’ll be giving it our all.”

Subiaco topped Group C, winning both their games. They opened with a big win against MUMFC, before a hard-fought 2-1 win against Perth AFC, with goals from Anna-Lena Dymowski and Sally Rojahn secured their place, after a bye in week three. Subiaco are coached by former Perth SC men’s coach Graham Normanton, and he was delighted with performances of his young side so far this preseason.

“The group stage games were good for us in terms of developing our football and how we want to play. In the first game we weren’t really extended which meant we had a lot of possession which helped us develop our combination play and our structures in the front third,” Normanton explained. “The second game was more of a test although we dominated the game, there were times when we were tested defensively. We stood up to that test and then our football created many opportunities of which we took two but could’ve been more.”

Normanton said Saturday will be a challenge for his side, after their promotion last season, but he is looking forward to see how they go. “I don’t know anything about the Perth Red Star team. However, the club have a good name in the development of female players which I respect totally. It will be the hardest game that we have played since the end of season 2022. It will be a big challenge for us and it will give me a great insight into what we can expect heading into the season, especially after winning promotion last season,” he said.

“The Night Series is always a brilliant way to get your team ready for the season, therefore we are looking forward to the test. I want my team to keep playing the sort of football that we have developed over the last two seasons which produced 108 goals in season 2023, a figure the team is proud of. The RedStar team will be young and energetic, and if you couple that with their ability and development it will severely test us, so I’m really looking forward to see how we cope with the challenge.”

Perth SC topped Group D and were also unbeaten. In the round one they beat East Perth 3-1, with Macey McCready scoring a hat-trick, before drawing 3-3 with Sorrento in the second round. They needed a win in round three to progress, and a hat-trick from Ellyssa Klomp saw them beat Ellenbrook 5-1 to win the group. New Perth SC coach Bryan McCready, said they are enjoying the competition and he has been delighted with the young players performances.

“The coaches and I, and all the players are all so grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in the Hyundai Women’s Night Series, and the vision was that our team would bridge the gap between the U16’s and U21’s NPL side, and I’m delighted how things are going. Our aim is to help support Danielle Brogan’s long-term plans for the development of young women at Perth Soccer club. We have topped the group but had to earn our results with very competitive opposition,” McCready explained. “Our two victories were decided late in the game, with our girls having to keep their cool and keep believing in the system which they did very well, and the coaching team and I are so proud of them. I would like to also like to give credit to our opponents who took the girls all the way and didn’t give up until the final whistle.”

McCready said the semi-final we be exciting for his young side, and will be fantastic for their development, and he hopes they enjoy the occasion. “We are very much looking forward to the game, we know that this will be a very tough test for the girls but with such a young squad we believe the experience will be priceless,” he said. “We are expecting a very tough and physical game, but our message to the girls will be as normal, stay organised, be patient, give everything and most importantly enjoy the occasion.”

Fremantle City won Group B, and David Moore’s side opened with big win against Gosnells City, with Jessica Mitchell scoring seven goals. Mitchell was at it again in round two bagging a brace as they overcame Mandurah City 5-2. It was winner takes all in the final game at the Hyundai NTC, and they found themselves two goals down early, but they hit back to drew 2-2, with goals from Alice Vandermeiren and Rachael Oliver, the point enough to see them progress on goal difference.

15.3.2024

YOUNG MATILDAS BOW OUT OF AFC U20’S ASIAN CUP

The Young Matildas AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 run has come to an end, after a 1-5 loss against Japan at the JAR Stadium on Wednesday. Peta Trimis cancelled out Hiromi Yoneta’s opener before Japan took control with goals from Uno Shiragaki, Maya Hijikata and Chinari Sasai with Naomi Chinnama scoring an own goal as Japan set up a final showdown with DPR Korea on Saturday. Australia will meet Korea Republic in the third-place playoff on the same day, with all four teams having qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.

Despite the defeat, head coach Leah Blayney was optimistic of Australia’s chances of finishing the tournament with a win against Korea Republic in the third-place playoff. “We're obviously disappointed with the result, but in terms of the players’ performance, we played really well for 75 minutes. We executed our game plan and responded excellently to score the goal, demonstrating good traits and a never-say-die attitude,” she said post-match. “However, some lapses in concentration and world-class play by Japan in the final 15 minutes could be seen as contributing to the result.

“However, I’m extremely proud of the players, every time they represent their country, they give it their all and today is no different. The girls will be disappointed today but I have no doubt that they will be ready to bounce back and perform against Korea Republic. It also gives us an opportunity to play another high-quality game in our build-up towards the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.”

Head Coach Leah Blayney made three changes to the side that defeated Chinese Taipei in the third group stage game. Indiana Dos Santos, Maddie Caspers and Milly Boughton came into the side in place of Shay Hollman, Kahli Johnson and Claudia Cicco. That meant that the team was the same as the one that defeated Korea Republic in game one. Japan made a perfect start, scoring after only three minutes, after Australia goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln misjudged Suzu Amano’s corner and deflected the ball into the path of Yoneta to nod home the opener from close range.

They could have doubled their advantage three minutes later, but Amano failed to find the target, sending her header wide from Rio Sasaki’s cross into the box. Japan continued to dictate proceedings and almost caught Australia off guard again moments later, Alexia Apostolakis’s poor back pass was easily intercepted by an advancing Ai Tsujisawa, whose effort was saved by Lincoln. The Young Matildas custodian came to Australia’s rescue again three minutes later, when Fuka Tsunoda dispossessed Apostolakis on a swift counter attack, before setting up Tsujisawa, who brought the best out of the Canberra United shot stopper.

But against the run of play, Australia restored parity on 13 minutes, some neat build up involving Daniela Galic and Milly Boughton, who played a well-timed pass to Trimis, with the Japanese defence looking for the offside flag, that never came, and the Central Coast Mariners striker raced clear and finished clinically past Akari Kashima. Japan was on the front foot after the break and they regained the lead just after the hour, Shiragaki’s rose highest from a corner to head home.

The six-time AFC U19 Women’s Championship winners then took control, and made it 3-1 seven minutes from time, a neat exchange between substitutes Sasai and Aemu Oyama found Hijikata, who curled home superbly. Japan added further gloss to the scoreline with Sasai etching her name on the scoresheet on 88 minutes before an own goal from Chinnama a minute later confirmed Japan’s place in the final.

Young Matildas: GK Chloe Lincoln, 5 Jessika Nash, 7 Milly Boughton (19 Lara Gooch 46'), 10 Daniela Galic, 13 Peta Trimis (8 Alana Murphy 77'), 14 Zara Kruger (6 Shay Hollman 84'), 15 Alexia Apostolakis, 17 Madeline Caspers (16 Cicco 64'), 20 Indiana Dos Santos (11 Kahli Johnson 77'), 21 Naomi Thomas-Chinnama, 23 Sasha Grove - Subs not used: RGK Tahlia Franco, RGK Grace Wilson, 2 Tijan McKenna, 3 Tegan Bertolissio, 4 Gemma Ferris, 9 Jynaya Dos Santos, 22 Georgia Cassidy

Japan: GK Akari Kashima, 3 Hiromi Yoneda, 6 Rio Sasaki, 7 Shinomi Koyama, 8 Fuka Tsunoda, 13 Ai Tsujisawa (12 Rina Nakatani 89’), 14 Maya Hijikata (20 Moka. Hiwatari 92’), 15 Manaka Hayashi (5 Aemu Oyama 46’), 16 Suzu Amano (9 Chinari Sasai 73’), 17 Uno Shiragaki, 23 Mao Kubota (19 Miyu Matsunaga 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Akane Okuma, RGK Uruha Iwasaki, 2 Kokoro Yoshioka, 4 Yurie Shirasawa, 11 Haruna Oshima, 22 Raika Okamura

14.3.2024

TAGGART KEEPS WORLD CUP DREAM ALIVE

Two World Cup tournaments, 12 years apart - that’s the prospect facing Adam Taggart. The Perth Glory striker was rewarded for his superb form with his first call-up to the national team in 18 months today, when he was named in Graham Arnold’s squad for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon.

Taggart has scored 14 goals in 18 games for his hometown club this A-League Men’s season, including a brace in a weekend’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle Jets, which Arnold witnessed in person. Taggart said after his surprise omission from Arnold’s 2022 World Cup squad, he was unsure of whether the chance to represent Australia would come again.

“Being left out of the World Cup squad after being involved in in most of the camps, I didn’t know if I’d be involved again,” he said. “I’ve always said my focus is always on club football and if you get those rewards, it’s a positive but you always need to put your focus in the right places.”

“I’ve been able to do that since I’ve come back to Perth and it’s just a bonus to be back involved. I’ve always had a lot of respect for Arnie and those decisions are always tough, so I’m appreciative he started looking at me again and got me back involved.”

The Socceroos will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they finish in the top two of their current group of Lebanon, Palestine and Bangladesh, and then finish in the top two of a new six-team group stage in the next phase.

With the next World Cup a little over two years away, Taggart said he had not ruled out adding to his lone World Cup appearance - against Spain at the 2014 tournament. “I’m 30 at the moment and the World Cup is in a couple of years.

“So age-wise, it’s definitely a good possibility of feeling fit and still in the peak of my career, so it’s definitely an ambition,” he said. “The last World Cup I played at, I just turned 21, so it’d be fantastic to play at another one, but obviously, you need to make sure you’re performing at a good level and that’s up to me.”

Taggart, who played played two years with each Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) and Cerezo Osaka (Japan) before returning to his hometown club in late 2022, feels the past season with Glory has brought the best out of him. “My four years away really helped,” he said.

“It was a tough four years in two tough leagues and coming back and trying to concentrate on enjoying my football and life as well, it’s definitely put me in good stead. This year especially, I’ve really enjoyed playing football.

“I think playing in a proper stadium and getting a proper pre-season behind me has really helped and I enjoy the style of football we play here. It’s been easy to slide back into that enjoyment and week-to-week role of scoring goals and with anything, there’s always going to be a lot of different factors, but those are the main ones for me.”

14.3.2024

BURGESS, JONES AND TAGGART GET SOCCEROOS CALL-UPS

West Australian trio Cameron Burgess, Gethin Jones and Adam Taggart have been named in the Socceroos squad for crunch World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon later this month. Australia face Lebanon in Parramatta on March 21st and Canberra on March 26th where two wins would secure their passage to the final round of qualification.

“As a group we took a lot away from our time in Qatar (and) we’ve gone with a similar squad to the one we took to the Asian Cup, and they’ll be prepared to face a side in Lebanon that have a lot to play for,” commented Arnold. “It’ll be a great test for the group and one I know they’re very much looking forward to.”

Injuries have prevented Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Aiden O’Neill and Marco Tilio from being called up while Jamie Maclaren’s lack of form has meant he has not secured a spot in Arnold’s 25-man squad. Dual-eligible defender Alessandro Circati, who wasn’t included in the latest Olyroos squad, was also not selected.

The Australia squad to play Lebanon is Mat Ryan, Joe Gauci, Tom Glover, Nathaniel Atkinson, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Gethin Jones, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar, Keanu Baccus, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Patrick Yazbek, Brandon Borrello, Mitchell Duke, Bruno Fornaroli, Craig Goodwin, John Iredale, Sam Silvera, Adam Taggart and Kusini Yengi.

12.3.2024

SOCCEROOS TO PLAY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN PERTH

Perth’s international football resurgence is set to continue this winter with the Socceroos heading west for the first time since 2016. Australia’s men’s side’s eight-year absence from Perth will come to an end on June 11 when they take on Palestine in a World Cup qualifier at Perth Oval.

The match will take place less than a fortnight after AC Milan take on AS Roma in an exhibition match at Optus Stadium, capping off an exciting two weeks for fans of the world game. The Socceroos’ trip comes off the back of the Matildas playing three sell-out games in Perth late last year.

The Socceroos last game in Perth was also a World Cup qualifier, when the then-Ange Postecoglou led side beat Iraq 2-0 thanks to goals from Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric. Graham Arnold’s team had planned to play Kuwait at Perth Oval in 2020, only for COVID-19 to force the cancellation of the game.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said he was looking forward to seeing the Socceroos return to Western Australia. “This has been a long time coming and we’re so pleased to confirm this match against Palestine at HBF Park,” Johnson said.

“Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic saw a previously scheduled match in 2020 cancelled and since that time, we’ve been working closely with the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia to bring international men’s football back to Perth.”

“We know what a strong football community we have in Western Australia, and saw just how passionate they are about our national teams during the Matildas’ recent Olympic Qualifiers. We’ve got no doubt the Socceroos will be welcomed in the same fashion, as they strive for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.”

Australia currently sit top of their second round qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, ahead of Lebanon, Palestine and Bangladesh. The top two teams progress to the next phase of qualifying, where the Socceroos will be able to book an early ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico-hosted tournament if they finish in the top two of a six-team group.

10.3.2024

STAJCIC LABELS TAGGART THE BEST STRIKER IN THE LEAGUE

Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic has hailed Adam Taggart as the best striker in the A-League and one of the best players in the country as calls grow for a Socceroos recall. Under the watchful eye of Australia coach Graham Arnold, Taggart dragged Glory back from two goals down against his former team Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.

Taggart showed great composure to make it 2-1 and a late bullet-like header earned Glory a share of the points as well as taking the striker’s tally to 14 goals from just 18 games. The Socceroos take on Lebanon in a pair of World Cup qualifiers later this month, and with Arnold expected to announce his squad this week.

Stajcic says Taggart is in a prime position add to his 17 national team caps. “There’s obviously a lot of strikers battling for that competition, overseas-based and Taggs as well,” Stajcic said. “He is the best striker in the league at the moment, so if it’s based on the cohort that are here in Australia, for me he is the best one.”

Taggart is third in the race for the Golden Boot this season, level with Newcastle striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and ex-Glory forward Bruno Fornaroli - both of whom are also eligible to represent Australia. Fornaroli was one of four strikers in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad, alongside Mitchell Duke and the inexperienced Kusini Yengi and John Iredale.

Stajcic said the Socceroos coach has a tough call to make. “It depends what Arnie wants and what he’s looking for moving forward, is it younger players to bring in?” he said. “It depends on what your big term picture is, but there’s no question that he (Taggart) is one of our best players in the country.”

Stajcic has been pleased with how Taggart has matured since being handed the co-captaincy in the off-season. “To see the way he carries himself with the team, pre-match and at half-time now and during the match, is a good sign of maturity, leading your team in moments that you have to,” he said. “We all know what he can do as an individual, but to bring other people along for the ride is even more important.”

10.3.2024

AMATEUR NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO REVIEW

The Amateur Night Series continued over the weekend, and on Friday evening in Group A, North Beach moved to the top of the table after a thrilling 5-3 win against Joondalup United in the late game at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. “The game was the definition of a tale of two halves. I was so impressed with how the boys started from kick off, our intensity to drive forward and convert our chances was an improvement on last week,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Fair play to Joondalup for giving us a real scare in that second half dragging it back to within a goal. Plenty to learn in regards to our mentality when we feel we are in control because it can all change so quickly. We're looking forward to a massive final group game against Wembley.”

North Beach was ahead on 22 minutes, Brodie Martin made a penetrating run and made space on the edge of the box, and he received a cut back and finished clinically. It was 2-0 moments later, when Ben Reynolds’ free kick was headed home by James Di Carlo. They added a third six minutes before the break, Martin finding Sam Richardson, who drove forward and fired home from distance. It looked game over when Di Carlo headed home his second to make it 4-0.

But Joondalup had other ideas, I Seidner reduced the arrears just after the hour, and they made it 3-2 with J Stillitano scoring 16 minutes from time. It was 4-3 with four minutes remaining, with Stillitano added his second. It was game on, but it was North Beach who sealed the tie in the final minute, a poor clearance from the Joondalup keeper fell to Lukas De Lima on the half way line, and he hit the ball first time, the rolling into the empty net.

In the earlier game at the venue, Wembley Downs and Kingsley Westside have played out a 2-2 draw. “Really pleased with our performance against a strong Kingsley side. We made six or seven changes from last week’s game against Joondalup Utd and the boys who came in did really well,” Wembley coach Bob Jackson said. “Kingsley will be in the mix at the top of the league this year and I thought their two lads in the centre of midfield, Luke Coltman and Nick Lowe were outstanding. Looking forward to another tough test against North Beach in a couple of weeks”

It was a tight first half, and it was scoreless at the break, but it was Wembley who opened the scoring midway through the second half. A corner wasn’t dealt with and Cameron Chambers poked home from close-range. But Kingsley replied two minutes later, with Nathan Griffiths scoring a great individual goal. It looked like Wembley had won it when Noah Thavaseelen scored after good work from Zac Archer. But Kingsley fought back to level three minutes from time, Luke Coleman scoring after good work from Ryan Fish.

But Wembley had the opportunity to win in stoppage time, after Thavaseelan was brought down in the box, but Harry Browne failed to convert the resulting penalty. “It was an intense game, with both teams having opportunities to win, but we had to settled for a draw,” Kingsley coach Ryan Brown said. “We will look to finish our night series with a win against Joondalup United in a fortnight and keep building towards the season opener.”

In Group B, Jaguars made it back-to-back wins after a 3-0 win against Maccabi at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield on Sunday evening. It was a tight first half, but all the goal action came after the break. Jags hit the front when Ceaser scored. The goal gave a huge boost, and they went on with it, with new signing Roy Kimutai bagging a brace to seal the points. “It was an interesting game with lots of positive signs from our boys. We knew we were playing a side that just got promoted to the Premier League, with no doubt we anticipated that they were motivated and had the desire and courage to upset any team,” Jaguar coach Josam Muwowo said. “So, we were vulnerable in that moment until we had to adjust as a unit on how we could handle the pressure playing against a good side like Maccabi. Overall, massive improvement from the boys in comparison to last week's game but still these more we need to work on and we are slowly getting there, and I’m sure before the season starts, we will be ready to compete.”

In the late game at venue, Morley Windmills have opened their account with a hard fought 2-1 win against North Perth United. It was United who found the opener midway through the first half, with L Plackett on target. Morley levelled early in the second half with Travis Taylor scoring. Windmills secured the win seven minutes later, with Taylor adding his second. “It was a pleasing result against a competitive North Perth side,” Morley coach Dan Evans said. “The boys worked hard and were up for the contest throughout, but we have a long way to go, but considering we started with zero players in November, the group has come a long way.”

In Group C, Emerald won for the second time, when they beat South Perth 4-0 in the early game at Frye Park on Sunday evening. “The first 15 minutes were frantic from both teams game was played at a really high intensity,” Emerald coach Shane Dineen said. “We started to settle in to the game and took control with two goals before the break, and went on with it after the break. Really pleased with the attitude and work rate right up until the last kick of the game, a great performance from everyone overall.” Stephen Kinsella gave Emerald the lead, before Andrew Wood added a second. Wood added his second to make it 3-0 early in the second half, and he added the fourth to complete his hat-trick late in the game.

In the late game at the venue, hosts Kelmscott Roos were too good for Peel United, also running out 4-0 winners. The Roos were ahead on the half hour, Issac Koomson easing past his marker and finishing clinically. It was 2-0 in the shadows of half time, a great ball over the defence from Stephen Kirk found Amos Doegolia Junior, his shot was saved, but the ball fell to Benn Lewis who finished first time. It was 3-0 on the hour, Koomson cutting in again, and his low cross was turned into his own net by a Peel defender.

The icing was put on the cake seven minutes from time, a stunning long-range free kick from Stephen Kirk found the top corner of the net. “It was a great first hit out from our lads, nice to be back on the park and put in a solid performance. We started slow, but once we got the first goal, we took control of the game,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said. “All the new guys took to the club well and things are looking exciting, but we know there is still lots to improve on, and we have a tough game against Emerald next week, to decide who goes into the semifinal.”

10.3.2024

NPLW-WA – WOMEN’S NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE REVIEW

The NPLWA – Women’s Night Series semi-finals have been decided, after some exciting group games over the weekend. First in Group B on Saturday evening, Perth SC and Fremantle City progressed, after the pair fought out a 1-1 draw in the late game at Dorrien Gardens. “The whole team was up for the challenge against Fremantle, as it would be our last hit out before our semifinal. We knew they wanted to win and needed at least a draw to qualify, so it was always going to be a good game,” Perth custodian Stacey Cavill explained. “We started well but didn’t take our chances, and they took there’s to go in front, but the girls reacted well and we pushed for the equaliser which came soon after. “Fremantle are a dangerous side and we needed to be wary od Laura Waltman and Nina Boorman on the counter attack. It was end-to-end football with both sides having their chances but it ended 1-1. Really pleased for Kimberly McCartney and Sophia Papalia, who both had amazing games, and we look forward to next week’s semi-final.”

The Azzurri we out of the blocks well, but after an injury to skipper Baxter Thew, they had to shuffle their side, and moments later they conceded the opener. Anna Powell’s free kick went around the wall and under the body of Cavill. Perth looked for a quick response, but Fremantle keeper Dayle Schroeder pulled off two great saves to deny them, but there was little she could do when Perth levelled on 22 minutes. Some neat build up play ended with Sam Mathers on the right, she eased past her marker and crossed to Jessica Flannery who made no mistake. The second half was a tight affair with both sides having chances, Ella Lincoln fired over for the hosts, while Fremantle hit the crossbar. Fremantle almost won it late, a defensive mix-up saw Waltman go clear, but Cavill stood tall to deny her, and the keeper was quick to react to smoother Nel Clayton follow up shot.

In the early game at the venue Subiaco AFC finished the group stage with a 5-1 win against Murdoch University Melville, both teams will now concentrate on the new season. “I thought we pressed high and maintained composure on the ball, and we kept possession and shifted the ball well creating opportunities,” Subiaco striker Frankie Murray explained. “I think it was a good start for us for the season, but we are gutted we didn’t make the semifinals, but we have built well over the past three games and are looking to improve more before the season starts.” Subiaco were ahead on 27 minutes, with Cassandra Harvey scoring, and they doubled their lead five minutes later. Murray was brought down in the box, and Stella Zampogna scored the resulting penalty. It was 3-0 early in the second half, a corner found Harvey, whose shot on the turn found the top corner. Subiaco added a fourth moments later, Savannah Olsthoorn raced down the left, cut inside her marker before crossing to Tayna Campos, who headed home. MUMFC pulled one back 17 minutes from time with Taylor Reid scoring, but Subiaco had the final word with Dakota Van-vugt racing clear to score.

The Group A, Perth RedStar and Balcatta Etna have moved into the Semi-final, and they met in the final group game with Balcatta running out 2-0 winners at Grindleford Reserve. “I thought it was a very fiery and cagey affair that came down to a matter of moments, the intensity felt much like a final, very fast and transitional,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “I'm happy that we came away with the win because we didn't play our best football, and that gives us a lot of confidence knowing we have the ability to fight with the reigning champions and we still have a lot of room for improvement.” The hosts found the opening goal on the quarter hour mark, a ball over the top saw Lucy Jerram outpace, before firing low past former Balcatta custodian Gabby Dal Busco. They sealed the tie on the hour, Balcatta hit on a fast break, saw the pacy Jerram who once again raced to the edge of the box, her shot was well saved by Dal Busco, but the rebound fell to Monique Prinsloo, who tapped the ball into an empty net.

In the late game at the venue, newly promoted UWA Nedlands threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with the Hyundai NTC. “I thought the first half was our best half in this NPL era yet, we played with high intensity and focus, as we knew NTC would have a lot of the ball. We made it count when going forward, which we have struggled with in the past two games and am very proud of what the girls did,” UWA coach Lawrence Lewis explained. “The second half was a bit of a different story, NTC came out very hungry to get the ball and the momentum switched to them very quickly. It is always a bit heart breaking when you let a 3-0 lead slip but NTC deserved it as they had a much better second half.” UWA found the opener after only three minutes, Mackenzie Rastatter’s free kick picked out Chloe Rodrigo at the back post, and she headed it back across goal for Emily Dinsdale to score.

It was 2-0 on the half hour, Dinsdale made space down the flank, she crossed to Charlotte Swan, whose shot was saved, but Swan was quickest to the rebound to score. They added a third moments later, Dinsdale was the provider again, cutting the ball back to Swan, whose shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar, and was on hand to fired home the rebound. But after the break, the NTC youngsters hit back with Maja Archibald scoring early, before late goals from second half substitute Jessica Johnson and Nelli Johnson gave both sides a share of the spoils. The semifinal draw was made after the games, and the games will be played, at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday evening. In the early game Balcatta Etna take on Fremantle City (6.00pm), while in the late game holders Perth SC take on Perth RedStar, who they beat in last seasons final. (8.00pm)

“It was a back-and-forth game and we were happy to keep a clean sheet against a very dangerous forward line,” Balcatta new signing Jamie-Lee Gale said. “It was clear how much each side wanted it, with the physicality of the game especially in the second half, once it seemed nerves had settled. Both sides created lots of good opportunities, but our first goal came from something we worked on at training and the second was a good team goal. We continue to build on our principles each game and we’re looking forward to continuing our momentum into the final’s series.”

10.3.2024

HYUNDAI WOMEN’S LEAGUE – NIGHT SERIES WEEK THREE REVIEW

In week three of the Hyundai Women’s League Night Series, the semi-finalists have been decided. In Group A it was tight, but Perth RedStar topped the group on goal difference from Hamersley Rovers, after beating North Beach 6-0 at UWA Sports Park on Saturday evening. First half goals from Amelia Shilton, Tara Meeres, Niamh Devitt and Jasmine Gray had RedStar in control. Grace Noto added a fifth on the hour, before Devitt added her second late. Hamersley Rovers also ended the group with a win, beating UWA Nedlands 2-1 in the late game at the venue. Brianna Corbett gave Rovers the lead early, but Ella Vulin levelled for UWA just before half time. But Rovers won it late with Alexandria Dercksen scoring, but they missed out of a semi-final spot by three goals.

In Group B, Fremantle City topped the table, pipping Hyundai NTC, also on goal difference. In the opening game at Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade on Sunday evening, the hosts thrashed Gosnells City 9-1. Georgia Aiesi was the star for the Dolphins, scoring four goals, with Lol Price grabbing a brace, with others to Laura Billingsley, Melanie Paschkewitz and Cassidy Moyle, while Alicia Foster scored Gosnells consolation goal. In the late game at the venue, Fremantle City got the point they needed to move into the knockout stage, drawing 2-2 with the NTC. It was a good tart for the NTC, who need a win to go through, racing to a two-goal lead with goals from Xuri Dalton and Lacey Heys, inside the first half hour. But Fremantle hit back before half time, with goals from Alice Vandermeire and Rachael Oliver. Both sides had chances after the break, but Fremantle held firm to seal their progression in the competition.

In Group C, Subiaco AFC moved into the semi-final, after they had the bye in this round, but having won their first two games they topped the group. In the only game of the group Perth AFC beat Murdoch University Melville 2-1 at Baldivis Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Kelly Hiles opened the scoring for Perth, and Amanda Smith doubled their advantage on the half hour. MUMFC pulled one back just before half time, but they couldn’t find another.

Finally in Group D, Perth SC secured top spot after a 5-1 win against Ellenbrook United at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday evening. Ellyssa Klomp scored a hat-trick for the Azzurri, with other to Erin Hunt and Macey McCready, while Teegan Notte scored the consolation goal for United. In the early game at the venue, newly promoted East Perth secured their second win of the preseason tournament, beating Sorrento 3-0. “Very happy with our final performance in the night series against a good Sorrento team, who we lost to last season in the semifinal of the cup. I was looking for a reaction after last week in which I felt we played poorly, and we started off slow and they really put us on the back foot in the opening 20 minutes, but our defence and keeper were outstanding,” East Perth coach Chris Lynch explained.

East Perth opened the scoring against the run of play on 20 minutes, Caroline Gallagher playing a neat one-two with Indigo Atwood, and the former fired home. They doubled their lead on the half hour, Gallagher again on target, to send them into the break in control. Gallagher capped off a great performance two minutes from time, completing her hat-trick. “All in all, it was great to be involved in the women’s night series against state level teams,” Lynch added. “Well done to Perth SC who topped the group, I thought they were excellent against us also, for us.

“It’s now back to training and prepare for the league. That will also be a challenge, but we look forward too, especially considering we are a new group, only formed last year and played metro last season, but I want to push the ladies to their full potential.” The Semi-Final draw has been made, with games to played at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. In the early game Perth RedStar take on Subiaco AFC (5.00pm), while in the late game Perth SC host Fremantle City. (7.00pm)

9.3.2024

EPAKIS ADMITS FINALS IS OUT OF GLORY'S HANDS

Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis has conceded their A-League Women’s finals chances are likely out of their hands, but says they are determined to finish the season on a positive note. Glory’s winless streak reached its ninth game on Friday night as they fell 1-3 at home to Wellington Phoenix, leaving the finals hopes which seemed a certainty two months ago in severe jeopardy.

Glory have slipped to eighth on the ladder, level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers in seventh - but crucially, have one less win than both those sides, which is the tie-breaker if points are equal for ladder position. “The reality is we’re stuck in a position at the moment where we haven’t won for a while,” said Epakis.

“That’s always hard from a confidence point of view to try and shift that, but we’ve definitely got the quality and the resilience within the group to do that. We really needed to get three points for finals to be in our control mathematically, now it’s out of our control. We need to capitalize on wins between here and the end of the season for us to have any chance.”

Epakis said despite results not going their way over the last two months, positivity had not been lacking and with the team looking visibly drained at the final whistle, he would preach a message of resilience. “In terms of the determination and effort, I cannot fault that from the players, they keep giving that at the moment,” he said.

“What we see during the week and how we train and the energy, it’s just unfortunately not translating at the moment to a result we would like. I know its deflating, but between Monday to Friday, the players are up and about and there’s a lot of enthusiasm, there’s a lot of energy.”

9.3.2024

TAGGART AT THE DOUBLE FOR GLORY

Perth Glory have produced a stirring comeback to draw 2-2 with Newcastle Jets in the Week 20 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at HBF Park on Saturday evening. The visitors dominated for long periods, and Glory had keeper Oli Sail to thank for keeping them in the game, the Kiwi making a number of fine saves. But goals either side of the break from Clayton Taylor and Lucas Mauragis had the Jets flying, and it looked a long way back for Alen Stajcic’s side, but skipper Adam Taggart had other ideas. The former Jets striker scoring twice in the last 18 minutes, the equaliser coming in in the final minute, to give them a share of the spoils.

“It’s nice to be on the other side of a draw against the Jets, they’ve pinched a couple of points in the first two,” Stajcic said post-match. “Tags has an amazing goalscoring prowess, and that’s why he is one of the best strikers in the league, and I know it sounds harsh, but we expect it from him, because in and around the box he is lethal, so we’re happy to have him. We had a few boys coming back from injury tonight, and a couple carrying injuries into the game which we took a risk with.

“We had to held on for periods, but we knew we had some weapons coming off the bench. Yes, we would like to have energy and high tempo earlier in the game and that’s something we’re going to have to evolve for the rest of this season and going into next. But we’ve lost a lot of players since I’ve been here, so I’m really pleased with how the squad has progressed, and although the Jets dominated for periods of the game, we could have won it late.”

Stajcic made one change to the side that were beaten by Western United last week, with Mustafa Amini coming into the midfield, replacing Jacob Muir, while on the bench defender Johnny Koutroumbis made his return from injury. It was the visitors who opened well and Sail had to be alert early, getting down smartly to save Taylor’s effort. He produced a better one minutes later flying to his right to palm Thomas Aquilina’s powerful shot around the post, after Glory failed to close the defender down.

Glory hit back, and Giordano Colli was inches away from Riley Warland’s corner at the back post, while Amini’s shot was saved by Jets custodian Ryan Scott. Stefan Colakovski was next to go close, the striker wriggled his way into the box, but with Taggart in the box on his own, he went goal, and Scott was out quick to save at his feet. After dominating for long periods of the first half, it wasn’t a surprise when five minutes from half time the Jets opened the scoring. Glory failed to clear a cross from the left Maurgais, and Taylor reacted quickest to lash the ball past Sail.

It was more of the same after the break, and the Jets were in again three minutes into the second half. Taylor sending Apostolos Stamatelopoulos one-on-one with Sail, but the Glory keeper stood tall to deny the striker. Glory had the ball in the net moments later, Jarrod Carluccio firing home at the back post from Colakovski’s cross, but the flag was up for offside. However, on 54 minutes the Jets deservedly doubled their advantage. A great through ball from Reno Piscopo sent Stamatelopoulos in on goal, but once again Sail saved superbly, but the rebound fell to Mauragis, whose shot deflected off Josh Rawlins past Sail.

It was an uphill battle now for the hosts, but they found a lifeline on 72 minutes. Substitute David Williams ball into the box was controlled well by Taggart, and his shot on turn flew past Scott, and it would have impressed Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, who was in the stands. Glory thought they had levelled two minutes later, Colli’s free kick was headed home by substitute Kaelan Majekodunmi, but VAR halted his celebrations, disallowing the goal for a foul by Joel Anasmo on Stamatelopoulos.

Roared on by the packed Shed and Active supporters, Glory weren’t finished and they did find the equaliser in the final minute, Colli’s corner to the back post found Taggart, who lost his marker to head home. Glory pressed for the winner, and it almost came in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Substitute Koutroumbis got to the bye line and crossed to Williams, whose header beat Scott but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Jets keeper.

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (9 David WILLIAMS 57'), 8 Mustafa AMINI (31 Joel ANASMO 57'), 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR (28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI 71'), 16 Josh RAWLINS (2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS 67'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (19 Trent OSTLER 57'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 29 Darryl LACHMAN – Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 42 Aiki TSUKAMOTO,

Newcastle Jets: GK Ryan SCOTT, 5 Lucas MAURAGIS, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 8 Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS, 10 Reno PISCOPO (19 Callum TIMMINS 73'), 13 Clayton TAYLOR (7 Trent BUHAGIAR 83'), 14 Dane INGHAM, 17 Kosta GROZOS, 22 Phil CANCAR, 33 Mark NATTA, 39 Thomas AQULINA (26 Archie GOODWIN 90+2') – Subs not used: RGK Michael WEIER, 3 Jason HOFFMAN, 18 Daniel STYNES, 25 Carl JENKINSON - Attendance: 6,190 – Referee: Lachlan KEEVERS

9.3.2024

YOUNG MATILDAS SEAL WORLD CUP SPOT

The Young Matildas have defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 to clinch top spot in Group A of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 at the Do’stlik Stadium on Saturday. First half goals from Jessika Nash, Zara Kruger set them on their way, before Claudia Cicco added a third eight minutes from time. The result not only confirmed Australia’s last-four berth, but also saw them qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 with their group stage performance indicating they are challengers for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup title.

Head coach Leah Blayney was proud that Australia managed to subdue a resilient Chinese Taipei to end their group campaign with a perfect record of three wins “We are extremely pleased with the result. Chinese Taipei made it very difficult as they were well organised and created chances for themselves. But we came out with the three points and with three different goal scorers as well,” she said.

“Every team would want to score more goals, but in terms of performance, I thought it was a disciplined showing from the players. We had a very good squad rotation as a few players were on yellow cards, and we had to be mindful and manage. There’s healthy competition within the squad, and we have players ready to come in and fill any role. Anything is possible in football, and we will be looking forward to our next match."

Needing just a draw to advance into the knockout stage, Australia started brightly, and Kruger saw her effort saved after only four minutes before Kahli Johnson’s goalbound shot took a deflection for a corner. Chinese Taipei were struggled to cope, against a rampant Australia side, and they almost gifted them the lead on 13 minutes, Chang Meng-hsuan’s poor clearance fell to Nash at the top of the box, but the Melbourne Victory defender sent her effort over the bar.

Australia was dominating, and went close again moments later, Kruger’s corner picked out Naomi Thomas-Chinnama, whose header crashed off the crossbar, before keeper Wang Ruo-ping came to Chinese Taipei’s rescue. However, Australia’s persistence paid off on 20 minutes, Daniela Galic’s cross into the box found unmarked skipper Nash, who volleyed home into the bottom left corner.

The Young Matildas continued to dominate possession and Kruger and Galic were both denied, but it was only a matter of time before they doubled their advantage, and it duly arrived five minutes before half time. Nash’s cross from the left found Kruger, who finish past Ruo-ping, to send them into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Blayney made a triple change at the break with Teagan Bertolissio, Milly Boughton and Gemma Ferris coming on for Thomas-Chinnama, Gaelic and Nash, and it was Chinese Taipei who started the second half well and had their first look at goal three minutes in, Pu Hsin-hu saw her long range shot straight at Australia custodian Chloe Lincoln.

Perth Glory’s Georgia Cassidy replaced Kruger just after the hour, and Australia were content to soak up the pressure, but still looked dangerous going forward, and they sealed the tie by adding a third on 82 minutes, Cicco firing home inside a packed six-yard-box, after a corner wasn’t dealt with by Chinese Taipei.

Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 5 Jessika Nash (3 Teagan Bertolissio 46’), 6 Shay Hollman, 10 Daniela Galic (7 Milly Boughton 46’), 11 Kahli Johnson, 13 Peta Trimis (20 Indiana dos Santos 74’), 14 Zara Kruger (22 Georgia Cassidy 65’), 15 Alexia Apostolakis, 16 Claudia Cicco, 21 Naomi Thomas-Chinnama (4 Gemma Ferris 46’), 23 Sasha Grove – Subs not used: RGK Tahlia Franco, RGK Grace Wilson, 2 Tijan McKenna, 8 Alana Murphy, 9 Jynaya dos Santos, 17 Madeleine Caspers, 19 Lara Gooch

Chinese Taipei: GK Wang Ruo-ping, (RGK Liu Ying-chia 90’), 3 Ku Chien-yu (16 Ma Ho-ya 74?’), 4 Lai Yu-chi (12 Chuan Tzu-yu 46?')?, 6 Pu Hsin-hui, 9 Hsiao Ya-hsuan, 11 He Jia-shiuan, 13 Chen Yu-chin, 14 Yang Hsiao-chuan (2 Kao Hsin 66?')?, 15 Liu Yu-chiao (8 Lin I-tsen 90?'), 20 Li Chun-mei, 21 Chang Meng-hsuan – Subs not used: 5 Lin Yu-hui, 7 Lin Jing-xuan, 10 Li Yi-wen, 17 Sung Jui-hsuan, 19 Jiang Yu-xuan, 22 Chou Chieh-ni, 23 Chiu I-hsiu

9.3.2024

GLORY CUSTODIAN SELECTED IN OLYROOS SQUAD

Perth Glory keeper Cameron Cook has been selected in an extended 26-man Olyroos squad for the fifth edition of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) U-23 Championship – Saudi Arabia 2024. The Championship – played in Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia from 18 to 26 March, in games featuring Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.

Cook was signed to a professional contract at the club, after an outstanding NPL WA season in 2021, and the 22-year-old made his senior debut later that year in an FFA Cup Play-Off against Melbourne Victory. He made his A-League debut, also against Victory, a month later, and made a further six starts that season. He was the club’s number one choice early in the season, taking his appearances to 24, and he was outstanding, before losing his spot to New Zealand international keeper Oli Sail.

The Championship format sees the eight participating teams broken up into four groups, who will each play three matches throughout the window, with opponents beyond the first match dependent on results. The Olyroos have been drawn in Group D alongside Iraq and will then face either Egypt or UAE, before the match schedule opens up ahead of their final fixture. It will be the last opportunity for the Olyroos to assemble prior to Vidmar selecting his 23-man squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ in early-April.

The WAFF Championship squad is brimming with Isuzu UTE A-League talent including Lachlan Brook (Western Sydney Wanderers FC), Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners FC), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory FC), and brothers Corey Hollman (Sydney FC) and Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC) and Cook who was outstanding early this season for Glory

Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK) is part of a contingent of European-based players including Louis D'Arrigio (Lechia Gdansk), Jacob Italiano (Borussia Monchengladbach II), Garang Kuol (FC Volendam) and Adrian Segecic (FC Dordrecht) who will feature in Saudi Arabia. Olyroos’ Head Coach, Tony Vidmar said his side’s participation for the WAFF Championship was geared towards the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 starting in just over a month’s time (15 April – 3 May).

“This window is an extremely important part of our preparation for the Asian Cup and with the extra game than we’d usually have, we’re able to provide ample opportunity across the squad ahead of selecting our final 23,” Vidmar said. “We’re facing quality opposition in similar conditions to what we’ll see in Qatar, so in terms of acclimatising for the Asian Cup it covers a lot of important bases. As a group we’ve set clear expectations about what we want to achieve over the next six months, and this is the first step in that journey.”

In relation to the rationale for selections in March, Vidmar added that players who would not be available for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 were not considered during this window. “Unfortunately, the Asian Cup falls outside of a designated FIFA Window, which presents challenges in players seeking releases from their respective clubs to join us in Qatar,” Vidmar added. “It’s certainly disappointing not to have access to all those who are eligible for the Asian Cup, and on a personal level, I feel for those players who won’t have the opportunity to experience the tournament and reap the benefits in terms of their continued development.

“It was something we always knew would be a possibility, so there has been a lot of planning that has gone into our preparation over the last 12 months, built on the understanding of the circumstances we could face regarding Asian Cup selection. We’ve been able to create some great depth across the program, while maintaining continuity within the squad through a core group of key players. This situation now provides the opportunity for a couple of new faces to come in for this window and show how they can integrate within our team culture and style of play,” Vidmar concluded.

The Olyroos are one of 16 teams who have qualified for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, should they finish in the top three they will automatically qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics as the AFC representatives, while the fourth-best team will play an AFC-CAF play-off match for the final qualification spot. The first game is against Iraq on Thursday March 21 at the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium, Saudi Arabia – kick off 1.00am WA Time.

8.3.2024

REDSTAR WIN NIGHT SERIES CROWN FOR THE FIRST TIME

Perth RedStar have won the NPLWA – Men’s Night Series crown for the first time in their history, after a come-from-behind 3-1 win against Bayswater City in the final at the Sam Kerr Football centre on Friday evening. “Proud of the players who have performed on a really great level throughout the Night Series. A lot of standout performances from Rocket, Matty George, Walshy, Blair, Decs and everyone really,” RedStar Head Coach Callum Salmon said. “Always tough to single anyone out and I don’t like doing it as we are a very strong group and always focus on the collective and what we can achieve together. We get a huge amount of support from Simon and everyone at RedStar and that helps the players prepare for the season, and now our focus is on Floreat now, and starting the season with a win.”

Bayswater were ahead early in this one, when Joshua Anasmo headed in from close range, but a Daryl Nicol penalty brought RedStar level early in the second half. Callum Salmon’s side hit the front just after the hour, with youngster Matthew George curling home. They sealed the tie in the final minute with George unselfishly squaring for Nicol to tap home. City ended the game with ten men after Declan Hargreaves was sent off moments later. “To come from a goal down at half time and beat a very strong Bayswater team was very pleasing,” RedStar striker Daryl Nicol said. “I thought we dominated the second half from start to finish, and although it was still preseason it was great to put a trophy in the cabinet and we roll into Round One with some momentum ready to defend our league title.”

It was City who opened the brighter in front of a big crowd, and should have opened the scoring in the opening minute. Lewis Italiano’s clearance was flicked on by Chris Jackson, and Sam Dweh raced in on goal, but his low shot was saved by Liam Reddy. But on three minutes their lively start was rewarded with the lead. Hargreaves free kick was headed back across goal by Jackson, and Anasmo lost his marker at the back post to head home.

They went close to doubling their lead 10 minutes later, Hargreaves corner wasn’t dealt with and Luke Palmateer’s effort was cleared off the line by Declan Hughes. RedStar were struggling and it was Bayswater who looked the more likely to add another and Reddy had to be alert to palm Dweh’s snap shot over the top. RedStar were also struggling at set-pieces and Palmateer’s header caused problems again moments later, before Thiak Kuel’s shot was blocked.

RedStar came to life after the half hour, and had their first opportunity when George sent substitute Bryce Bafford down the left, his low cross was well saved by Italiano, and the former ECU Joondalup and Wellington Phoenix keeper did even better with the follow up shot from George, palming it around the post, it was a great double save from the Bayswater custodian. It was more like it from the champions, and Nicol headed wide just before the break, but at half time Bayswater held the advantage.

RedStar didn’t have long to wait to draw level after the break, Nick Walsh’s cross hit the arm of Dweh three minutes in, and referee Stuart Beattie pointed straight to the spot. Nicol stepped up and sent Italiano the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Bayswater hit back and were within inches of retaining the lead moments later, Dweh’s shot crashed off the crossbar, and Dennis Galan cleared the rebound for a corner. But just after the hour RedStar hit the front, with the goal of the night.

Bafford found George on the left of the penalty area, and the former Perth Glory youth midfielder cut inside his marker and curled home superbly from the edge of the penalty area. The big crowd were on the edge of their seats as the game ebbed and flowed, with Anasmo flashing a shot, inches wide at the other end, as City looked for the quick response. Then moments late Palmateer’s header was superbly saved by Reddy at full stretch on the goal line, Bayswater were convinced the ball had crossed the line, and Hargreaves was booked for his protests.

Set-pieces were still causing problems for RedStar and Jackson Stephens headed over the top on 69 minutes, before substitute Cameron Teece fired straight at Reddy when well placed. The chances kept coming at both ends, first Hughes’ long-range effort was turned around the post by Italiano, before Reddy got down well to thwart Bayswater skipper Gordon Smith’s low shot. Next Nicol’s shot was saved low by Italiano, before George flashed a shot, inches wide of the post.

Then three minutes from time, Bayswater should have levelled, a long clearance from Palmateer caused panic in the RedStar defence and Teece raced into goal, but he slid the ball wide of the target. That miss came back to haunt Bayswater, as moments later RedStar sealed the win. Bafford finding George on the left, and he cut the ball back to Nicol in the penalty area and the Scottish striker made no mistake. It went from bad to worse for Bayswater, with midfielder Hargreaves receiving a second yellow card in the aftermath, and was sent off.

“It was a great game very end to end, and in the first half both teams were equally in the game and it could’ve gone either way, both teams missing a few crucial chances,” Redstar midfielder Matthew George explained. “In the second half we didn’t go as direct and we got the ball down and controlled it a lot more, which resulted in us being able to get more chances and finally score the three goals to get the win. Very good performance from us, and we look forward to rolling into the start of the season next week.”

Perth RedStar: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Nick WALSH, 4 Declan HUGHES, 6 Matthew GEORGE, 9 Daryl NICOL, 11 Dennis GALAN, 13 Nyle WEALE (8 Tom HOUGH 55’), 17 Sonny O’SHEA (27 Lewis TUCKER 82’), 19 Ryan FINNIE, 20 Andrew PALMER, 77 Joel CHIANESE (21 Bryce BAFFORD 26’) – Subs not used: RGK Sonny INZALACO, 5 Jay PATEL, 18 Daniel KATZ, 37 Keane EMBLETON-Hill

Bayswater City: GK Lewis ITALIANO, 2 Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 4 Luke PALMATEER, 5 Thiak KUEL (17 Omar DIARRA 67’), 6 Declan HARGREAVES, 8 Gordon SMITH, 14 Sam DWEH, 15 Jackson STEPHENS, 18 Chris JACKSON (11 Cameron TEECE 67’), 20 Sam MITCHINSON, 24 Joshua ANASNO (10 Jason MIRCO 83’) – Subs not used: RGK Casey ROBERTSON, 16 Aryan YAZARLOU, 19 Julian KELLY, 23 Joshua BELL – Red Card: Hargreaves 90' - Referee: Stewart BEATTIE – Assistants: Adrien LIECHTI, Josh THROSSELL – 4th Official: Liam BARCLAY

8.3.2024

GULLS FLY HOME WITH NIGHT SEREIES TITLE

Sorrento have won the 2024 State League Night Series Final, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Dianella White Eagles at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday evening. In front of a packed house the Gulls found the opener just before the break Clay Gibbs scoring, but Dianella levelled early in the second half with a superb free kick from Roberto Soares. The Eagles pressed for the winner, but it was Sorrento who found it, with substitute Keegan Chambers scoring 16 minutes from time.

Sorrento player/coach Neil Kilkenny said they had to work for the win, but they held firm to lift the first piece of silverware for the season. “Yes, it was a tough game, like all finals are,” the former Perth Glory midfielder said. “Dianella gave us some tests we had to manage, but thankfully held firm and we got the win, and we now move on to the new league season in a confident mood.”

The first opportunity of the game went the way of Sorrento, Zach Dabbs racing down the right and he cut inside his marker but his shot was saved low at his near post by Peter Pilkadaris. Dianella went close themselves moments later, Paul Zimarino’s free kick was deflected to Mitchell Byrne, but his shot was blocked by some desperate Sorrento defending. It was Sorrento creating the better chances and they went close again on 36 minutes.

Neil Kilkenny and Luke Salmon combined, and a good advantage from referee Liam Howgate saw Hamza Hina race towards goal, but his effort whistled over the top, before Salmon’s long-range effort was straight at Pilkadaris. But two minutes before the break Sorrento’s pressure was rewarded with the lead. A poor clearance from the Dianella custodian fell to Andrew Maranta, who headed to Luke Salmon. He picked out Gibbs in the middle of the park, who took a touch before firing home, much to the delight of the Gulls supporters in the crowd.

Dianella made a great start to the second half and four minutes in their levelled. Andy Keogh raced clear and was clipped by James McGowan on the edge of the box, and the referee awarded a free kick and booked the Sorrento defender. Keogh rolled the ball from the resulting free kick to Soares, who rifled home the set piece giving Sorrento keeper David Keenan no chance. They went close a second six minutes later, a poor clearance from Keenan fell to Thorpe, who picked out Soares who sent Barnes into the penalty area, but Keenan made emends saving at his feet.

The Eagles were flying, dominating possession and forcing a number of corners, but they couldn’t find the second, and they were made to pay, when the Gulls hit on a swift counter attack to regained the lead against the run of play on 74 minutes. Kilkenny broke, after a Dianella corner and fed substitute Michael McDougall on the left, he slid the ball into Gibbs, who looked like he had strayed offside, but the flag stayed down and he raced into goal, rounded Pilkadaris and squared the ball to substitute Chambers fired made no mistake from close-range. Dianella weren’t going away almost restored parity moments later, Soares free kick was only cleared as far as Eoin Massey, but the midfielders shot was deflected wide of the target.

From the resulting corner substitute Kian McGuigan’s header at the back post was pushed around the post by the alert Keenan, as Dianella pressed for the equaliser. But again, a quick break from Sorrento almost saw them a add a third, Gibbs won a fifty-fifty ball out on the left and sent Chambers racing clear one-on-one with Pilkadaris, but the youngster fired wide of the target. Pilkadaris long clearance almost caught out Keenan late, but luckily for the Sorrento custodian the ball bounced wide, Sorrento holding firm to win the game, and midfielder Andrew Maranta said it was a reward for their strong preseason campaign.

“It was a great win for the boys to cap off a strong preseason for us, but Dianella were strong like we expected and made it a good battle all game. I thought in the first half we controlled a lot of the game and went in to half time happy with the lead, but knew there was still work to be done,” he explained. “Dianella came out strong second half and put the pressure on us which obviously resulted in an equaliser, but the boys showed great character to not let the goal get to us and concede another like we had in previous weeks. Everyone knew their roles and what we had to do to get that winner and thankfully we got it not long after and then to see out the game at 2-1 and defend as well as we did when we were under the pump was brilliant.”

Sorrento: GK David KEENAN, 4 Dario TETTAMANTI, 5 James MCGOWAN, 7 Hamza HINA (25 Keegan CHAMBERS 70’), 10 Andrew MARANTA, 15 Zack DABBS (6 Scott ROBERTSON 78’), 16 Ryan MCLAUGHLIN, 19 Clay GIBBS, 23 Matt DOHERTY, 24 Luke SALMON (8 Michael MCDOUGALL 70’), 88 Neil KILKENNY – Subs not used: RGK Liam HATTERSLEY, 3 Jaxon TEMATA, 11 Tim HILL, 20 Shay NATALOTTO

Dianella White Eagles: GK Peter PILKADARIS, 2 Kevin ASHWOOD (8 Kian MCGUIGAN 76’), 4 Kevin MCEVOY, 7 Roberto SOARES, 9 Andy KEOGH, 11 Elliot TATTERSALL (3 Ben THORPE 46’), 15 Eoin MASSEY, 20 Paul ZIMARINO (10 Shane BARNES 46’), 22 Diego DUPRE (18 Francisco CABALLERO 30’), 45 Mitchell BYRNE, 61 Joe HEATH (99 Anel ANDRES 76’) – Subs not used: RGK Robert SINCLAIR, 6 Alen PATAROV – Referee: Liam HOLGATE - Assistants: Aleks STOJCHESKI, Connor RICHARDS – 4th Official: Andre FERREIRA

8.3.2024

PHOENIX BEAT GLORY AS FINALS HOPE FADE

Perth Glory’s Liberty A-League Finals hopes were given a hit on Friday evening, after losing 3-1 in the ‘Distance Derby’ against Wellington Phoenix at Macedonia Park. The visitors hit the front midway through the first half with Alyssa Whinham scoring, but Hana Lowry’s free kick was turned into her net by Michaela Foster to send the sides into the break level. But the Phoenix took control after the break with Michaela Robertson restoring their lead, before Marcey Fraser sealed the game late. The loss means Glory’s finals hopes are out of their hands with only three games remaining.

“We’re all obviously very disappointed, the preparation and the way we played wasn’t a reflection of the game across the board,” Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis said post-match. “There were elements of the performance I did like, but obviously the game is won inside the box, and were not good enough in that area. Transition cost us two goals tonight, losing possession and the ball ended in the back of our net, and it’s a part of the game we need to be better at. But determination and effort from my players I can’t fault that, but it’s not translating into results for us at the moment.”

The head coach made one change to the side that drew against Newcastle Jets last week, with striker Millie Farrow coming in for Claudia Mihocic, on a special night at the venue, as Glory celebrated International Women’s Day in the clubs inaugural Pride Round. In front of a colourful crowd, the hosts started brightly, and had two good early chances, but Quinley Quezada and Izzy Dalton were unable to find the target.

But on 24 minutes it was the visitors who found the opener. Glory lost possession in the middle of the park and Mariana Speckmaier raced forward and fed Isabel Cox down the right, her cross to the back post was headed home by Whinham. Glory looked for an immediate response, and Quezada was denied by a smart save from Phoenix keeper Rylee Foster, and it looked like being one of those nights again for the hosts, but that all changed three minutes from half time. Lowry’s in-swinging free kick from the right hit the unfortunate Michaela Foster on the goal line and into her own net.

The hosts were looking for a big second half, but once again they struggled in the final third, and it wasn’t a surprise when the Phoenix regained their lead, with a quick counter attack. Robertson got on the end of a defence-splitting through ball from Whinham and beat Perth ‘keeper Morgan Aquino with a first-time finish. Aquino then denied Cox and Whinham in quick succession, the Glory custodian continuing to shine, but was beaten 13 minutes from time, with Fraser firing home from distance to seal the points for the Phoenix. Despite the defeat, Glory remains in the Finals race with three games left to play, but they need to turn there form around if they have any chance.

“It’s a huge win for us,” Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said post-match. “It’s been well documented our struggles on the road so we’ve decided to come to the furthest place we can play and get a win. But I thought we were well deserved winners in the end. It was very, very tight in the first half. It was pretty end to end and both teams had some good chances, but I thought in the second half we really stepped it up and had the best chances. We had two real moments of quality. Alyssa’s through ball for the second goal was outrageous really and Macey’s finish for the third goal. We haven’t had those bits of quality in the last few weeks, and it was awesome to see that tonight.”

Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (13 Sarah CAIN 84'), 11 Grace JALE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA (31 Clara HOARAU 66'), 20 Quinley QUEZADA (14 Tia STONEHILL 66'), 23 Isobel DALTON (18 Sadie LAWRENCE 66') - Subs not used: 24 Sally JAMES

Wellington Phoenix: GK Rylee FOSTER, 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 7 Isabel COX, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM, 11 Hope BRESLIN (18 Hailey DAVIDSON 77'), 13 Michaela FOSTER, 14 Michaela ROBERTSON (27 Helena ERRINGTON 77'), 15 Daisy BRAZENDALE, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER (6 Macey FRASER 65'), 23 Rebecca LAKE (20 Emma MAIN 19'), 26 Tiana JABER – Subs not used: RGK Brianna EDWARDS - Attendance: 964 - Referee: Georgia GHIRARDELLO

8.3.2024

YOUNG MATILDAS DOWN HOSTS

Australia edged closer to the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 after easily securing a 2-0 win over hosts Uzbekistan at JAR Stadium on Wednesday. First half goals from Daniela Galic and Peta Trimis secured the win, their second in Group A, with Perth Glory midfielder Georgia Cassidy and WA born Tijan McKenna both coming on in the second half. It means Australia have a three-point lead over Korea Republic and Chinese Taipei, with the top two spots guaranteed tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.

Head Coach Leah Blayney was pleased with the performance despite her players missing several chances. “Always happy to take away three points,” said Blayney. “We created a lot of chances, 30 shots to one probably tell how the game went. Yes, the match intensity dropped off a little bit but it was because we decided to take that approach from a tactical standpoint. We’re very mindful that it’s only the group stage and looking at the number of games ahead of us, we have to be smart with how we approach things tactically with our pressure as well.”

Australia started on the front foot from the first whistle, and Madeleine Casper’s shot on two minutes was well saved by Uzbekistan custodian Fotima Bakhriddinova. But three minutes later the Young Matildas found the opener, neat lead up play ended with Trimis, and the Central Coast Mariners striker laid the ball to Galic, and the Melbourne City midfielder made no mistake. who laid it on for Daniela Galic, who had the time and space to turn before slotting home past a stranded Bakhriddinova.

The Young Matildas continued to dictate terms, creating a number of opportunities, but Galic and Lara Gooch both failed to find the target. But their pressure finally paid off seven minutes from the break. A long ball found Trimis, who had a bit of luck with the ball bouncing off her into her path, and she eased past skipper Sevinch Kuchkorova before finding the bottom corner of the net, to send Australia into the break with a comfortable lead.

They went close to a third early in the second half, a mistake from Aygerim Otenazarova almost gifted Australia their third, her miskick went straight to Galic, but the striker fired her close-range shot wide of the target. Uzbekistan did improve after that, but keeper Chloe Lincoln remained largely untroubled. Australia continued to create chances, substitute Cassidy almost catching Bakhriddinova out at her near post, before Alana Murphy fired over from inside the box, but the damage had been done earlier. Australia only needs to avoid defeat against Chinese Taipei on Saturday to confirm top spot while already eliminated Uzbekistan will aim to conclude their campaign on a high note against Korea Republic.

Midfielder Shay Hollman said they are targeting a perfect group stage. “Stoked to get the three points again, obviously there are things we can build on and improve so that we can get three points again in the next game,” she said. “We got the job done today but at the same time, we have to focus on putting the ball away because we created so many chances. I’m sure we will work in training to be more clinical with our build-up and shots but happy with our performance today.”

Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 5 Jessika Nash (2 Tijan McKenna 46’), 6 Shay Hollman, 8 Alana Murphy, 10 Daniela Galic (9 Jynaya dos Santos 68’), 13 Peta Trimis (7 Milly Boughton 46’), 15 Alexia Apostolakis, 17 Madeleine Caspers 68’), 22 Georgia Cassidy, 19 Lara Gooch, 21 Naomi Thomas-Chinnama, 23 Sasha Grove (3 Teagan Bertolissio 76’) – Subs not used: RGK Tahlia Franco, RGK Grace Wilson, 4 Gemma Ferris, 11 Kahli Johnson, 14 Zara Kruger, 16 Claudia Cicco 20 Indiana dos Santos

Uzbekistan: GK Fotima Bakhriddinova, 7 Alina Almatova (16 Dilnura Mamatkulova 46?'), 8 Rukhshona Olimjonova, 9 Zarina Mamatkarimova, 10 Leyla Oraniyazova, 11 Parvina. Sodikova, 13 Umida Khatamova, 14 Leyla Rustullaeva, 15 Mekhribon Egamberdieva (19 Oydinoy Turgunova 71?')?, 17 Sevinch Kuchkorova, 18 Aygerim Otenazarova – Subs not used: RGK Ezoza Sevinova, RGK Zakho Anorboeva, 2 Shahnoza Dekanbaeva, 3 Makhzuna Abdukarimova, 4 Sevinch Rakhmatullaeva, 5 Zukhra Tursunalieva, 6 Rukhsona Saidabbosova, 21 Charos Khayrullaeva, 22 Asalkhon Aminjonova, 23 Sevara Ruzieva

8.3.2024

STAJCIC AIMING TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Perth Glory will look to get back to winning ways on Saturday evening, when they host Newcastle Jets in week 20 of the Isuzu Ute A-League at HBF Park. (6.45pm) Their six-game unbeaten run came to an end at Western United last week, so three points in this one is huge, if they are to catch the teams above them and press for a finals spot.

Head Coach Alen Stajcic returns to the dugout this week, after missing last weeks defeat, and he know how important Saturday’s game is, with the Jets sitting one point behind them, and they are eight points behind sixth place and a finals spot. “It’s very close to that [every game being a Cup Final],” he said. “For everyone around our part of the table, it’s life and death now on every result and every performance. Everyone knows that and I’m sure we’ll be up for it on Saturday.”

Stajcic said the loss last week was disappointing, but they didn’t deserve anything from the game. “Without question it was our worst performance of the season,” he said, “and without wanting to take any credit away from Western United, from our own perspective, we weren’t up to speed on the day in any facet of the game. For the most part, the scoreline flattered us. We could have pinched an equaliser late on and probably had a fair goal, in my view, disallowed, but ultimately, we weren’t at the races and it wasn’t good enough.”

The last two games in WA against the Jets have ended in 2-2 draws, with the visitors scoring late goals in both. In round 15 last season Luke Bodnar gave the hosts the lead, before Reno Piscopo levelled on the hour. Mark Beevers regained the lead for Glory, but two minutes from time Archie Goodwin scored the equaliser. In the opening game this season Adam Taggart scored after only two minutes, but Kosta Grozos hit back for the Jets. Stefan Colakovski gave Glory the lead again just after the hour, and it looked like the points would stay in the west, but two minutes into stoppage time Apostolos Stamatelopoulos earned them a share of the spoils.

Stajcic will be looking for his chargers to make emends this week, and he knows it will take an improved performance across the board. “It’s all parts of the match, you can’t just say the defence or attack,” he said. “We’ve gone from scoring the most goals in the league to having a 0-0 and a 1-0, so it’s just what happens on the day. This league is probably the tightest league in the world, and people can talk about quality and whatever league they want.

“But the difference from top to bottom is the smallest margin in the world. There’s no other league, for me, where the ability of the teams is so close. So, it just matters who comes to the party on the day and who is going to produce the most quality actions on the day.” Glory defender Aleks Susnjar is under an injury cloud, although they do welcome back defender Johnny Koutroumbis after injury, but will still be without English defender Mark Beevers.

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Adam ZIMARINO, 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, 31 Joel ANASMO *Two to be omitted* - Ins: KOUTROUMBIS, ZIMARINO - Unavailable: 5 Mark BEEVERS (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)

Newcastle Jets squad: GK Ryan SCOTT, GK Michael WEIER, 3 Jason HOFFMAN, 5 Lucas MAURAGIS, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Trent BUHAGIAR, 8 Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS, 10 Reno PISCOPO, 13 Clayton TAYLOR, 14 Dane INGHAM, 17 Kosta GROZOS, 18 Daniel STYNES, 19 Callum TIMMINS, 22 Phil CANCAR, 23 Daniel WILMERING, 25 Carl JENKINSON, 26 Archie GOODWIN, 33 Mark NATTA, 39 Thomas AQULINA - Ins: JENKINSON - Unavailable: 11 Jacob DOWSE, 15 Jason BERTHOMIER, 27 Nathan GRIMALDI, 29 Justin VIDIC, 37 Lachlan BAYLISS, 66 Zac BOWLING

8.3.2024

GLORY AIM TO CELEBRATE PRIDE ROUND WITH A WIN

Perth Glory welcome Wellington Phoenix to Macedonia Park on Friday evening in the distance derby, and it will be a special game as it will be a continuation of the Liberty A-Leagues’ Pride Celebration, which is an important commitment to ensure every spectator feels comfortable attending games. After last year’s inaugural event, the Glory will celebrate pride round again, in this must-win Round 19 clash on International Women’s Day. (7pm)

Glory skipper Natasha Rigby said ensuring the sustainability of the round was an important way to connect with fans from the LGBTQI+ community. Their home games at Macedonia Park have a strong community and family-friendly feel, and the skipper said having pride rounds was an important way clubs could connect to fans. “It’s important to signify to our pride community and minority communities this space we are providing as a team and as a league is safe for anyone to feel comfortable to be able to come to the game and to be able to feel comfortable and celebrated in their own skin,” Rigby said.

“We are trying to do our best to signify there is a place for everybody in football, whether it as a spectator as a fan, as a player, as a referee,” she said. “If you do identify as a part of the queer community, we’re opening up a safe space, whether you’re on the pitch or in the crowd, to feel like you can be free of harassment or judgement and you can come to the game as your whole self and be celebrated as well.”

Glory will aim to get back to winning ways in this one, and one player who has been in outstanding form is keeper Morgan Aquino. The 22-year-old leads the league in saves made (113) and highest save percentage (83.5), and the keeper produced another player of the match performance in last weekend’s 1-1 away draw with Newcastle Jets, including a save of the season contender. She is determined to play her part in getting Alex Epakis’ side back to winning ways and keep them in finals contention.

“I’m happy, I feel like I’m in form, I would have liked us to have got the win [against the Jets], but we still put in a hard performance, dug in deep and got a result,” Aquino said. “It could be a huge point that may bring us into the six. We know we need to get into the six to make the Finals and that has been our focus since the start of the season. But at the moment we’re just going day to day, looking at the game ahead and not making it too complicated.”

Glory sits on 24 points in seventh place, with the Phoenix sitting three places and five points behind them. The last time the Phoenix headed over the ditch was in Roun Ten last season, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners. Cyera Hintzen opened the scoring after only six minutes, before Susan Phonsongkham added the second eight minutes later to seal the second win of the season for the home side.

Aquino said Phoenix will be another huge challenge, but she is happy to do her part in the clubs’ good season to date, but she was quick to refer to the support she has received from both Epakis and her teammates. “I think it’s just about confidence and getting the minutes under my belt,” she said. “Getting backed in by Alex to just go out there and perform and not worry about too much has really helped and obviously the girls around me have been a huge help too.

“As far as Friday night’s game, they’re a tough side and it’s going to be a fast game, but if we stick to our game plan and give it our all, we should come away with the three points. We just need to not put too much pressure on ourselves and work together as a team. “Being at home, our members and fans always make a huge difference. They get right behind us and give us a big energy boost and we want to do it for them.”

Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 28 Anika STAJCIC, 31 Clara HOARAU - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: GREEN, LAWRENCE, STAJCIC, HOARAU - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 25 Grace JOHNSTON (injured), 27 Georgia CASSIDY (international duty)

Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Rylee FOSTER, GK Brianna EDWARDS, 2 Zoe MCMEEKEN, 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 6 Macey FRASER, 7 Isabel COX, 9 Kelli BROWN, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM, 11 Hope BRESLIN, 13 Michaela FOSTER, 14 Michaela ROBERTSON, 15 Daisy BRAZENDALE, 16 Annalie LONGO, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18 Hailey DAVIDSON, 20 Emma MAIN, 21 Manaia ELLIOTT, 23 Rebecca LAKE, 26 Tiana JABER, 27 Helena ERRINGTON - *Four to be omitted* - Unavailable: 3 Kate TAYLOR (injured), 5 Marisa VAN DER MEER (injured), 8 Grace WISNEWSKI (injured)

7.3.2024

NPL-WA – MEN’S NIGHT SEREIS FINAL PREVIEW

The first silverware of the NPLWA – Men’s season is up for grabs on Friday evening, when Perth RedStar meet Bayswater City in the 2024 Night Series Final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park. (8.15pm) Both sides were unbeaten and topped their respective groups, and they both had hard fought wins to reach the preseason competition decider. RedStar edged out Striling Macedonia on penalties, while Bayswater came from behind to beat holders Olympic Kingsway, with keeper Lewis Italiano scoring a freak goal to win it. Both sides have quality all over the pitch, and yes, we all know it’s only preseason, but this one should be a cracker.

RedStar will be in search of their first night series title, the last time the club reached the final was in 2011, when they were known as ECU Joondalup, but a Liam Boland goal saw Floreat Athena runout 1-0 winners against Syd Amphlett’s side. RedStar keeper Liam Reddy, is used to coming up with clutch penalty saves in his successful career in the game, and he was at it again last week, saving the final Stirling penalty, before Lewis Tucker won it with the final spot kick. Reddy said things have gone well in preseason, and he said the new look squad is gelling well, and there is some good competition for places in the squad.

“It’s been a really good preseason for us, and we’ve managed to use a lot of players, which the preseason competition is all about, and it’s good to get some minutes into players ahead of the new season,” the former Perth Glory custodian explained. “The semi-final performance was a little disappointing, we should have sealed the game off and won quite comfortably, but we had a late scare, but managed to win the shootout, and it gives us another competitive game in the final.”

The club have recruited well in the offseason, the likes of the experienced Joel Chianese, Dennis Galan and Andrew Palmer have joined the club, while Bryce Bafford returns after a long-term injury. But Reddy believes the youngsters who have been given the opportunity so far have also performed well. “It real has been a blessing playing seven competitive games, and like I said we have managed to play a number of younger players in the group, and they haven’t let us down,” he said.

“The likes of Matthew George, Nyle Weale, Keane Embleton-Hill, Takudzwa Chisunga, Lewis Tucker, Josh Kingston, Jay Patel, and even young Sonny Inzalaco getting some game time in goal, this bodes well for the future of the club. I think the squad has better depth this season, and the players coming in have impressed, so it going be tough for Callum and Davey to pick a squad, never mind a starting eleven for the opening game of the NPLWA season.”

In Friday’s final they come up against Bayswater City, who were also undefeated and topped Group B and beat defending champions Olympic Kingsway in the semifinal. Reddy believes it’s a good opportunity to win some more silverware, and he knows they have done the hard yards to reach the final, and they will be doing all they can to lift the trophy.

“Yes, it preseason, but we’re in a final and we want to win, and there is a trophy up for grabs, and we’ll be doing all we can to lift the trophy and take it back to the Arena.,” he said. “Bayswater have also had a good competition so it will be another tough game, but one we’re all looking forward to. They say winning form is good form, and we want to take that into the new season.”

Bayswater City will look to add to their five preseason titles, the last coming in 2017, when Chris Coyne’s side beat Mandurah City 3-1, with goals from David Heagney, Bor Bor Sam and an own goal. New City defender Luke Palmateer has fitted in well, and hit the ground running at Frank Drago Reserve, and he said it’s been a good start to preseason for the club, and it was a real battle last week in the semi-final against Olympic. “We knew Kingsway were going to give us a tough game, having come through the group stages undefeated but I was happy with the way we responded to going a goal behind and having the good fortune of Lewis Italiano’s goal to put us in front,” he said.

“It was a big effort to seal the win as they pushed us hard in the last 15 minutes, but this adds to our squad’s ability to dig in and grind out results, something we will have to do from time to time. The group stage games gave us a good chance to gel with all the new faces at the club. With each game we were able to build on the last and string a great run of form together that has carried over off the field to building a strong team dynamic.”

The last time the talented defender played at Friday’s venue, he beat RedStar while playing for Stirling Macedonia, and also won the ‘Gary Marocchi Medal’ as best a field. He said it would be nice to start his Bayswater journey with another final win. “Yes, the last time playing a final at the centre was a great way to end my time at Stirling and I can't think of a better way to start my time at Bayswater.,” Palmateer explained. “It's no secret that with the squad assembled we want to win everything we enter and there is no better time to start than the first trophy up for grabs this Friday.

“Redstar, much like Kingsway, have started really strong in this night series. With the experience they still have in that squad and with some exciting young players they will offer a completely different challenge than what we have faced so far. I personally believe with the attacking depth we have in our team, that if we are able to take the inevitable chances we make in every game, we can go a long way in stopping them from lifting the trophy come Friday, but it should be a great game, and hope there is a big crowd there to watch it.”

7.3.2024

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES FINAL PREVIEW

The State League Night Series comes to a conclusion on Friday evening, when Sorrento meet Dianella White Eagles in the early game at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. (6.00pm) Sorrento topped Group A winning all their games, but they were made to fight in knockout stage, beating Joondalup City in the quarterfinal, and Joondalup United in the semifinal, both after penalty shootouts. Dianella won Group D, also unbeaten, and they overcame Cockburn City 2-1 in the quarterfinal, before beating holders Mandurah City 3-0 in the semifinal. Both sides have added some quality to their squad in the offseason, and both will go in search of their first state league night series title.

The last time Dianella reached the preseason final was in 2015 under the tutelage of Mauro Marchione, when they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Western Knights after the game ended 1-1 after normal time, with current coach Angel Andres scoring the Eagles goal from the spot. But move forward nine years Andres will be doing all he can to seal the clubs first preseason title, as will co-skipper Kevin Ashwood, who said their semifinal win against Mandurah was a solid performance. “Look it’s always pleasing to get a win and get to a final no matter what competition it is, but it was bit more pleasing when you get one over Mandurah, a team that’s been there and done it in recent times,” Ashwood said.

“They’re a team we respect and fully expect to be one of our main rivals this year, if we progress to where we want to be. That said we can’t get carried away, it still is pre-season and I would swap the semifinal win for three points in Round One against them in a few weeks. All in all, it’s been a good night series for us, all the lads who have been involved have done well, and even in games where we haven’t really set the world alight, we’ve found a way to win. That’s a good habit and one that hopefully we can continue while building on our style of play and performance levels.”

It’s been a mixed couple of years for the defender, leading Armadale to the Australia Cup WA Final defeat against Cockburn, and being part of Morley Windmills, who imploded last season. Both are still painful for him, but he’s happy to be at Dianella now and he is enjoying his football. “Thanks for reminding me, but ultimately that’s all in the past. You can’t dwell on these things, just like you can’t get too carried away when everything’s going well. I’ve been lucky enough to play for some really good clubs in WA with a few finals in there as well. These are the games you want to play in but they are also the ones you want to win, performances become somewhat irrelevant, it’s just about getting over the line. Nobody remembers who played better on the day but everyone will see whose name is on the trophy in years to come,” Ashwood said.

“Last season was a strange one, but ultimately, I still enjoyed my time on the pitch and playing for Marc and Lenny. Personally, everything that happened has just made me hungrier for this season and taught me not take the game for granted. Regarding the move to Dianella, I needed a club I could get behind and when Angel reached out and I sat down with those behind the scenes it really ended up being a no brainer and so far, I’m loving it.

“I have that fire in my belly, enjoy training and now following an unfortunate injury set back that’s kept me out for a few weeks I’m loving being back on the pitch and doing my bit for the team. There’s a really good feeling in the group and although we have a few names who have been there and done it at Pro levels and in the NPL there’s no egos and the lads all get on really well off the pitch, which then translates to the character we are showing on the pitch.”

Ashwood said Friday is a huge game for the club, and their loyal supporters, and they will be doing all they can to bring success back to the football club, and knows it will be a huge challenge. “I think we are probably the two state league clubs who have been the most active in terms of high-profile signings this offseason and with that comes a heightened expectation,” he said.

“Many are tipping Sorrento as favourites for the league, but we just need to focus on ourselves. Friday is another chance to see where we are at. Yes, we will give them the respect they deserve and hopefully it’s a good advert for the quality that’s in this year’s State League Division One. But in saying that it’s a final and we certainly won’t be turning up just for a run around. We will do all we can to lift the trophy and show the club and fans what they have to look forward to this year.”

It will be Sorrento’s first appearance in the final, although they did win the Premier League Inter Security Night Series Finals in 1999, with a 2-1 against Floreat Athena. They have worked hard over the preseason, and their ultimate goal is a return to the NPL, after relegation last season, and Coach Steven McGarry has assembled a solid squad to do just that. But first they will go looking for a first State League Night Series crown, and new signing Andrew Maranta, who has joined after a season at Perth Glory Youth, said things are ticking along nicely at Percy Doyle Reserve, but taking the knockout games to penalties wasn’t in their plans.

“It's been a very easy transition at the Gulls for me, the boys are good and very welcoming. We all have the same goal in mind, so it's been smooth sailing really and I think I can say that for all of the boys. We've gelled really well but always room for improvement as we play more games together,” the midfielder explained. “Obviously conceding two late goals in both knockout games isn't what any teams wants, but to have the mentality to stay focused for the penalty shootout was a positive. I thought we controlled most of the semifinal win against Joondalup United, and created lots of chances, so for the most part it was a great performance.”

Maranta said Dianella have also had a good preseason competition, and he managed to watch some of their game last week against Mandurah, and knows Friday will be a great contest, and one he is looking forward too. “Dianella have been impressive, they made a lot of good signings in the off-season, just like us, so it should be a great contest and one I’m looking forward too,” he said. “They have looked strong in all areas on the pitch, so it should be a tough game. But we're up for it and will be looking to get a positive result to cap off the preseason, and make it a perfect start for the league season.”




If you have any additional information on Western Australian soccer that we have left out, or if you would like to get in contact, email Jacob at jacob@footballwa.net

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