footballwa.net — Western Australian Football News

GORMAN SIGNS FOR GREENOCK MORTON

Former Perth Glory, Perth Azzurri and Olympic Kingsway striker Jayden Gorman has signed a one-year deal with Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton. The 23-year-old striker arrives at The Ton, after a spell at Dubai City FC in the UAE First Division, where he made 16 appearances, scoring 15 goals. He started his football at Sorrento as a junior, before joining the Perth Glory Academy. He joined Azzurri in 2019, before retuning to Glory in 2022 and made his senior debut for the club against Newcastle Jets in April 2022.

He parted aways with the A-League club in 2024 and joined NPL Victoria club Heidelberg United, but returned to WA and played for Olympic Kingsway. He signed for Dubai City this season, but returned to WA and trained with Olympic again, before heading to Scotland to continue his football journey. He was straight into the action, and the jet-lag had only just worn off when he made his debut for the Cappielow Park club in Saturday’s 0-0 pre-season friendly against Stranraer.

Gorman sought the advice of former Greenock, and Perth Glory defender Jack Iredale before making the move. Iredale enjoyed two seasons with the Ton between 2017 and 2019, and gave the club a glowing reference that sold the striker on a move to Greenock, despite interest from several other clubs. “I only got here on Wednesday, so I’m still feeling the jet lag a little bit,” Gorman told the Greenock Telegraph. “The club and my agent were talking and then it was literally Sunday night when they said to come over as soon as I could.

“I know Scottish football can be quite physical and I’m ready for that. Playing in Dubai was good because you’re coming up against people from all over the world with different physicalities, and you learn to adapt. I’m ready to use that experience and I really thrive on it. I knew a little bit about Morton already through Jack, because he’s been at the club previously and I’ve followed his career. I’d been talking to him a little bit as well, so he told me good things about the club. Obviously, it’s got a really good history and I’m super excited to be a part of it.”

Gorman, who has represented Australia at junior level, is keen to follow in the footsteps of the Australian players that have made a name for themselves in Scotland. The likes of Scott McDonald, Jackson Irvine, Ryan Strain, Ryan McGowan and Aaron Mooy, to name a few, have all enjoyed success in the country. As a fellow striker, Gorman followed Mooy’s career closely, while Perth native Iredale has also provided inspiration. “Aaron Mooy was another big one. I’ve seen him thrive over here,” the striker said. “Jack was another because he’s from the same part of Perth that I am, so I’ve followed his career throughout and seen him have great success here as well.”

Having received a warm welcome for his new team­mates, Gorman can’t wait to get down to business and work hard to earn his place in the side. “I cannot wait, I’m just excited to play,” he said. “It seems like we’re build­ing a really good squad. Everyone works hard and puts the work in every day. It’s a tough league, so every game is going to be a battle. The main thing is keeping a good, tight-knit group and pushing for three points every week. The whole group has been absolutely brilliant. It’s a really good group of lads and they’ve welcomed me in really well. That’s made me even more excited to get playing with them.”

The former Perth Glory man almost made an immediate impact on Saturday when he headed Bobby McLuckie’s header against the bar. Although he was unable to start with a goal on his first start, but he believes he can thrive on the service of the talented wide man at the club like McLuckie and Michael Garrity. “I was gutted it didn’t go in, but I’m sure there’ll be plenty more to come,” Gorman said. “Playing with quality wingers like them and good-quality players throughout the team is only going to cre­ate more opportunities for me up front.” He will be pressing for a start when the competitive action kicks-off this weekend when Morton host Linlithgow Rose in the Premier Sports Cup at Cappielow Park.

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK 12 REVIEW

Noranda Emerald have continued their good form in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division and consolidated fourth place on the ladder after a 4-0 win against Kingsley Westside, in our week twelve ‘Match of the Round’ at the Noranda Sporting Complex on Sunday afternoon. “Delighted with the result and another clean sheet. It was our third game in seven days, the same as Kingsley, so we knew it was going to be a tough game for both sides,” Noranda Emerald coach Ger Gaughan explained. “I thought we were well on top in the first half but were disappointed not to take more of the chances we created.

“We said at half-time that if we got the first goal after the break, we'd go on and win the game comfortably, and thankfully that's exactly how it turned out. Another clean sheet is a massive positive, but what pleases me most is the togetherness around the group at the minute. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and it's showing on the pitch, and it was great to see the lads coming off the bench making such a big impact, and it shows the depth we've got in the squad at the minute. Also, fair play to Kingsley as well, after the game they stayed behind and helped tidy away the gear, which was a great touch and much appreciated.”

It was a tight first half, but it burst into life on the hour mark, with the hosts finding the opener. Some neat lead-up play between Ronan Faherty and Aaron McDaid, before Connor Gormley finished well in off the post. They added a second soon after, Gormley’s corner, picking out Connor Jordon, who rose highest to power home a header. They added two more late, with Connor Hogan coming off the bench and grabbed a brace to see the game out.

League leaders North Perth United has seen they lead at the top cut, after being held to a 0-0 draw at Woodville Reserve by Maccabi. “It was a tight scrappy affair against a well organised Maccabi side. Where chances were few and far apart,” North Perth coach Chris Batten said. “First half there wasn’t too many chances to go by but the second half became more open and more chances became available. We just couldn’t convert with their big centre half winning everything in the air and on the ground. Very frustrating but a point is a point, and the draw was probably a fair result.”

Maccabi had the better of the chances, Dion Berman shot on the tun from the edge of box was heading for the corner, but Luke O Brien produced a fantastic save, tipping it around the post. Then Abel Thomas-Hy was played through one-on-one, and was fouled in the box as he went to shoot, but the referee said he was already going down, and waved away their penalty protests. The best chance for the hosts fell to Marcus Seydel, who was through on goal, but he snatched at the chance and fired straight at the keeper.

“We have to be happy to come here and come away with a point and a clean sheet, another strong performance and chances to have won the game,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz explained. “We knew we’d have to show a lot of passion, determination and fight today, and we defended really well even if it was last ditch at times. Glad to have got the point but now we have another very tough opponent in Emerald this week so we can’t rest on our laurels and have to be ready to do it all again.’

After thrashing Hamersley Rovers in the cup in midweek, Wanneroo City hosted them again at Players Place, Madeley, but Rovers were up for this one and left with a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw. “Very pleased with the response today. The midweek game was tough, but an outlier for our season and we knew we had bodies coming back in for the league game which gave us confidence,” Rovers’ coach Antony Benetti said. “I thought the boys controlled large parts of the game and our plan going in worked very well with Wanneroo having to be direct more often than they liked.

“I think its testament to the strong culture at this club that despite what happened Wednesday night we were able to rebound so positively. The point was important and a fair result over the course of the game and with the league being so tight its vital we take that effort into next week against a strong Swan side.” Rovers found the opening goal on 56 minutes, a through ball played wide to fullback Ian McCullagh, he saw a late run outside the box from Aiden Sack and squared the ball to him, and he hit it first time into the corner.

It looked like that goal would win it, but nine minutes from time Wanneroo levelled, Sam Gammack cutting in from the right and finishing neatly. The hosts ended the game with ten men after Thierry Berard was sent off in stoppage time. “It was a tough game today, and fair play to Hammersley they showed up today after Wednesday,” Wanneroo coach Jason Winter said. “It was a close game, with not many chances first half, but they scored and we battled back to find the equaliser, a draw was probably a fair result.”

Kelmscott Roos have bounced back their defeat at Maccabi last week, with a 3-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at Frye Park. “It was nice to get back to winning ways. We didn’t have the game all our own way and took us a long time to really get going which was fair play to Kingsway as they caused us a few issues in the first half. Second half was a lot better and we started moving the ball around with confidence and speed and they struggled to deal with that. Once we found the first goal we never looked back and put the game to bed with a level of confidence that sees through, onto one of the most important games of the season now against North Perth.”

Olympic were down to ten men on the hour mark, with Rory Craven shown a straight red card, and the hosts made their numerical advantage count, and found the opener 17 minutes from time. A well worked move, saw Gerard McGahey receive the ball on the left, and he played a ball further down the line to Callum Husain, and he crossed into the box, and Kingsley Nteng finished well first time. They doubled their lead five minutes later, Husain cross found Isaac Koomson at the back post, he took a touch and found Ralph Mawire on the edge of the box, whose first time shot beat Olympic keeper Ayden Van Zyl. They sealed the points shortly after, a cross from left found McGahey, who finished well with a diving header.

Swan United have returned to the winner’s circle after three straight defeats, when they edged out Ballajura AFC 3-2 at the Swan Italian Club, Francis Street. “We have been on a tough run the last few weeks so pleased to come away with the win, it wasn’t a great performance but the most important thing was picking up the three points and moving on from the last few defeats,” Swan coach Lee Taylor explained. “We have a lot to improve on but with players returning over the next few weeks, our performances should improve.” The hosts were in front on 14 minutes, John Monterosso racing onto to a Thomas White through ball, and finished neatly past the oncoming goalkeeper.

They doubled their lead midway through the second half, good work on the right side by Cameron Anderson saw him cut the ball back to Liam Merigan who finish with aplomb. But Ballajura found a lifeline four minutes later, with Shohab Shujai on target. But Swan regained their two-goal advantage 12 minutes from time, White was brought down by the keeper, and the referee pointed to the spot. Monterosso stepped and made no mistake from the resulting penalty. Daniel Clarkson did pull one back for Ballajura late, to make it a tense final few minutes, but Swan held firm to take the points.

In the final game, bottom of the table Jaguar produced another good performance as they look for a first win of the season, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kwinana United at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. “Such a disappointment to not be celebrating our first win this season, after a mighty effort from our defensive line the whole game. And to concede with the very last kick of the game was hard to take,” Jaguar keeper Michael Dudek explained. “Credit to Kwinana for keeping the pressure on, and even ramping it up after they went down to ten men.

“But for us, we'll be regretting the chances we didn't take and hopefully sentencing a couple players to shooting practice. Still a pretty valiant performance from our boys. One of those games you would tell your grandkids about if it went slightly different. But grandkids don't really care about games you 'almost' won.” Jags were ahead in the shadows of half time, a scramble in the box fell to Anas Aden, who finished low past Kyle Hasell. Kwinana’s hopes of a comeback took a hit 17 minutes from time, when Tom Straker was sent off. Dudek was outstanding, making a number of fine saves to thwart Kwinana, and it looked like a first win for the home side. But in stoppage time Kwinana found an equaliser, Maddy Holman with a great finish, to give both sides a shar of the spoils.

AZZURRI MARCH ON AS GULLS STUN BALCATTA LATE

Perth Azzurri have continued their unbeaten New Balance NPLWA - Women’s season, and maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table after securing a hard fought 1-0 win against Perth RedStar in their week 14 clash at the RedStar Arena in Joondalup. “It was a tough game in difficult conditions and every single player had to put in 100% to get the result,” Azzurri midfielder Jess Flannery said. “I think we were all a little bit displeased with our performance in front of goal but the main priority is always to get the three points, keep a clean sheet, then move onto the next, so I think ultimately, we did what we needed to and have put ourselves in a great spot in terms of the league standings.” The visitors started brightly and RedStar keeper Gabby Dal Busco was the busiest, making two smart saves to keep her side level. First getting down well to deny Ella Lincoln, and repeating it to thwart Flannery, as the Azzurri pressed.

The weather closed in, with heavy rain making it difficult for both sides, but it was scoreless at the break. The hosts were on front foot after the break, and midfielder Toko Satsuma fired wide of the target early. The visitors hit back and Dal Busco had to be alert to saved Matilda Bohm’s curling effort. But on 62 minutes Azzurri found the winner, Bohm’s free kick from out on the left was parried by Dal Busco, and Louise Tana was on hand to fire home from close-range. They pressed for a second late, but the RedStar custodian saved well from Lincon’s effort, while Flannery’s follow-up shot crashed off the bar, but they had done enough to take home the points.

Fremantle City sit second, but needed two late goals from striker Tanika Lala to beat the Hyundai FW Academy 2-1 at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The Academy youngsters looked lively early, and Cate McAuliffe saw her early effort drift wide of the post, before Lala was denied by Daisy McGreadie-Cole at the other end. But the bright start for the hosts was rewarded with the lead just before the half hour mark. Savanna Glavovic sent Rutendo Kuzamba down the right, her cross was misjudged by Alex Poad, and Piper Dowe pounced and beat Fremantle keeper Cassia Souza.

The hosts lead by that goal at the break, but Fremantle were on the front foot after half time, Lacey Hays fired over the top, before Poad’s shot from distance beat McGreadie-Cole, but the crossbar came to the Academy’s custodian’s rescue. It looked like Dowe’s goal would win it, but five minutes from time Fremantle equalised. Isabel Lush and Hays combined to send Lala racing into the box, and the striker finished with aplomb past McGreadie-Cole. Then two minutes into stoppage time Fremantle won it, Hays found substitute Olivia Learmont, whose pass in board found Leyna Wood, who linked up with Lala on the edge of the box, who finished clinically to seal the victory.

Balcatta Etna have lost ground on the top two after they were held to a 1-1 draw by improving Sorrento at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. “I thought the players showed outstanding discipline and commitment throughout the match. We had to defend against a quality Balcatta side and we managed that side of the game quite well. The group stayed organised, communicated well, worked tirelessly for one another, and we had the quality to take the opportunity when it came,” Sorrento coach Annie Farrell explained.

“The belief within the team really stood out, particularly in the closing stages. The players kept pushing right until the final whistle and were rewarded with a superb finish from Mel Shepherd to earn a well-deserved point. It’s another performance that shows the character and growth of this group.” Balcatta needed a win to keep the pressure on the sides above them, and skipper Abbey Meakins went close early, her shot stung the palms of Sorrento keeper Amalia Caceres. But they did take the lead just before the break, a ball down the line by Zoee Spadano found Caitlin Doeglas, and her cross to the back post was turned home by Meakins

The Gulls custodian was keeping her side in the game after the break, saving well to deny Spadano, before making a smart save to thwart Monique Godding’s effort from the edge of the box. The hosts were peppering the Sorrento goal, as they searched for a second goal to kill the game off, and Frankie Murray headed over a Meakins corner, Doeglas’ shot then cannoned off the post, before Caceres saved Meakins shot. But their profligacy came back to haunt them late, as Sorrento found the equaliser deep into stoppage timer. Daisy Snowden cross from the right fell to Melissa Shepherd, whose first time shot slid under the body of Balcatta keeper Rebecca Bennett to give them a share of the spoils.

In the final game the points were shared, as UWA Nedlands drew 0-0 with Subiaco AFC at the UWA Sports Park. Clear cut chances were few and far between in the first half, as both sides cancelled each other out. The visitors went close after the break, Ella Mastrantonio’s free-kick was saved by Janina Sauer. At the other end, Samara Riches beat Amy Harrop, but her shot was straight at Subiaco keeper Briana O'Dell. The Subiaco custodian then had to be alert late to tip Taylor Reid’s effort around the post, as both sides looked for a late winner, the best late chance went the way of Subiaco, but Niamh Taylor-Hughes fired straight at Sauer, but neither side could break the deadlock.

OLYMPIC CLOSE THE GAP ON LEADERS AFTER BIG WIN AT ARMADALE – NPLWA – WEEK 17 REVIEW

Olympic Kingsway have closed the gap on the top two to just one point, after a 6-1 win against Armadale in the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s week 17 clash at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday afternoon. New Afghani midfielder Jawad Rezai starred with a hat-trick on his debut, with others to Rob Harker, Jonathon Leithead and Joe Hobson, while Scotlan Morrison scored the consolation goal for Armadale, who also had Cherno Bah sent off. “It was a great team performance from start to finish, and an important win for us,” Olympic striker Joe Hobson said. “Everyone worked hard for each other, and it was great to get the three points. Hopefully we can build on that momentum over the coming weeks as we look to finish the season strong.”

The visitors made the best possible start, finding the opener on nine minutes, Liam Boland finding new signing Rezai, who finished clinically past Alfie Brincat. They doubled their advantage ten minutes later, when Danny De Silva’s free kick was headed home by Rob Harker. The points were sealed on the hour mark, but it wasn’t the end of the scoring. Boland sent Younous Sow down the left, he laid it back to Joe Hobson, who played a neat one-two with Harker, his shot was well saved by Brincat, but the ball bounced off the bar and into the net, although Rezai turned the rebound home just to make sure. Armadale were reduced to ten men moments later, Cherno Bah shown a second yellow card by referee Stewart Beattie, after a lunging tackle on Hobson.

It was 4-0 soon after, as the visitors went in for the kill, Hobson sending Harker away down the left, his shot from the angle was saved low by Brincat, but Jonathon Leithead was on hand to turn home the rebound. Then with six minutes to play, it was 5-0 with the goal of the game, Jack Clisby’s ball found Rezai, who superbly finished first time with a neat side foot volley. But the biggest cheer of the day came straight from the kick off when Armadale scored. Craig Barker and Abraham Mathet combined down the right and Barker found the unmarked Scotlan Morrison, who found the bottom corner. But Olympic would have the last laugh, finding a sixth from the spot, after Rezai was brought down by Brincat, and the Afghanistan international made no mistake from the resulting penalty to complete a great debut for the club and his hat-trick.

Perth RedStar have moved level with Bayswater City at the top of the table after a 1-0 win against Stirling Macedonia at Macedonia Park. “A brilliant win for us today, and a clean sheet was so important. It shows the mentality of the team to bounce back from last weekend with a good performance,” RedStar skipper Blair Govan explained. “One of the hardest places in the league to go, so a win there is always good. It was also great to see Brandon O’Neill get through 90 minutes and Aaron Black making his comeback from a long injury. So many positives from yesterday for us, and hopefully we can use that to pick up momentum again.” The only goal of the game came seven minutes into the second half. Gordon Smith played Nick Walsh in to the left side of the penalty area, and his cross shot took a deflection off the unfortunate Kade Fearnall, which sent the ball past Liam Hattersley and into the corner of the net.

Western Knights have returned to the winner’s circle, ending a six-game run with a victory, after a 2-0 win against Sorrento at Nash Field. “It was great to get back to winning ways in front of the home crowd and good to see some return for our efforts after a stretch of results that just hasn’t been good enough,” Knights defender Daniel Walsh said. “We feel we’ve been putting in some solid performances but small moments haven’t been going our way. Today was a super performance from everyone and to get the goals to show for it was great. Hopefully we can use it as a spring board to finish off the season strongly.” The hosts were ahead on the half hour, a long throw from Woonsub Sim was flicked on by Santiago Flores, and the ball was played back to him by Konstantinos Sparta, and the striker fired past Ben Ratajczak. Sorrento went close to levelling before the break Ryan Inman’s header crashing off the post from Will Richards cross. But it was the Knights who sealed the point on 64 minutes, when Sim’s corner was flicked on at the near post by Aaron Pike and Walsh turned the ball home at the back post.

The points were shared at Dianella Reserve on Saturday evening, with Perth Azzurri and Dianella White Eagles playing out a 2-2 draw. “It was a great game for the neutral, but we started off slow out of the gates conceding early, but fought back valiantly to take the lead back. From then on, I think we were well composed and played how we have in the past few weeks, we kept the ball moving, pressed them and stayed compact defensively,” Eagles skipper Saša Njegić said. “Unfortunately, another lapse of concentration at our end resulted in a set piece goal conceded just before the half time mark and that’s how the game ended. Lots to reflect on from the game but overall, it’s a big point and performance for us against a Top Four team that’s unbeaten in eight or so. We will use this week off wisely, recovering and building on the last few weeks’ performances.”

We had a Driscoll brother at each end in this one, Liam for Azzurri and Joel for Dianella in goal for their respective clubs, and it was Joel picking the ball out of the net early. Michael Scafetta’s corner headed home at the back post by Pieter Jacobsz. The visitors thought they had another one, moments later, Scafetta racing into goal and firing home, but the flag was up for offside. The home side hit back and levelled shortly after, Daniel Zivkovic’s corner from the right found Asher Nelson, who lost his marker and powered a header home. Then on the half hour mark the home side hit the front, a great run from Njegić, from just inside his own half, and he wasn’t closed down and fired home superbly from the edge of the box.

But six minutes from half time the Azzurri restored parity, Abdul Osman’s corner was flicked on at the near post by Gordon Perkins, and Jacobsz shot on the turn found the net for his tenth goal of the season. Both sides had chances to win after the break, but had to settle for a point, but Perth ended the game with ten men with Scafetta shown a second yellow card 12 minutes from time. “Not a game for the neutrals that one today, I’d struggle to walk my dog on the pitch let alone play football on it,” a disappointed Azzurri assistant coach Ellis Healing said. “The game was marred by some very strange decisions by the referee for both sides in all fairness, but we could have easily lost that game against a tough Dianella team, so we will take the point away from home and go again against Western Knights in our next one and try to keep the close distance between us and first place.”

In the final game, Balcatta Etna have secured a vital three points at the foot of the table, the bottom side beating Perth Glory 3-1 at Sam Kerr Football Centre, and closing the gap to second bottom Glory to just two points. “It was a brilliant team performance today, and the boys showed great resilience throughout the game. Going 1–0 down was disappointing, especially after creating several good chances beforehand. However, the way we responded and found the equaliser showed that we weren’t going to back down,” Balcatta keeper Seb Medica explained. “There have been a lot of new faces joining the club since the halfway point of the season, but yesterday it looked like we had all been playing together since the very beginning. The result was a great reflection of the hard work we put in on the training ground and the strong culture we have built within the changing room. The win gives us even more confidence heading into the final run of games, which are incredibly important as we fight to move out of the relegation zone. Based not only on yesterday’s performance but also on the way we have played over the last two weeks, I believe we have a great chance of achieving that.”

It was a real six-pointer, and it was the hosts who found the opening goal just after the hour mark, a fine finish from the edge of the box by Tinomuonga Mutema. But in the shadows of half time Balcatta levelled, Darius Ghinea’s cross from the right found new Japanese midfielder Teppei Iida, whose stooping header beat Ryan Warner. Basil Lenzo’s side hit the front with 11 minutes remaining, Glory turned the ball over in the middle of the park and Ghinea sent Iida in on goal and he finished low past Warner to cap of a fantastic debut for the club. Glory pressed late looking for the equaliser, but Balcatta stood firm and made sure of the points in stoppage time. Iida’s ball forward wasn’t dealt with by Warner, and Phoenix Lee beat him to the ball and squared it to Ghinea how made no mistake.

JOONDALUP WIN THE DERBY, WHILE UWA MOVE TWO POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP – WEEK 15 REVIEW

Joondalup City have won the Northern Derby against Quinns, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win in our week 15 State League Division One ‘Match of the Round’ at Iluka Park on Saturday afternoon. “Six points from a local derby over the course of the season is never easy to achieve, so we’re absolutely delighted with that,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “The first half wasn’t good enough from us. It lacked quality from both sides, and we never really got hold of the game. No one was prepared to put their foot on the ball and take control, and after conceding from a long throw our body language and belief dropped for the rest of the half.

“At half-time we had an honest conversation as a group. We asked ourselves if that was really the way we wanted to represent this team. The message was simple: go out, play with confidence, enjoy your football, and trust yourselves instead of forcing things. The response in the second half was outstanding. We played some excellent football, moved the ball with purpose, and showed the quality we know this group has. More than anything, it was pleasing to see such an honest reaction from the lads. They showed character, belief, and a real desire to put things right.”

Quinns went into this one on the back of a big win last week against MUMFC, and they were ahead in this one on the half hour, Chad Samuels finding Evan Gurney out wide, and his shot found the corner of the net, giving Joe Smith no chance. But in the first minute of the second half, the hosts drew level, Louis Hadfield found space out on the left, cut inside his marker and fired home superbly past James Bosdet. Joondalup were ahead just before the hour mark, Harry Edwards crossing to Reece Kral, who finished with aplomb from the edge of the box.

The points were secured 19 minutes from time, Hadfield did well to win the ball in the middle of the park and drive to the by-line before squaring the ball to Edwards, who made no mistake. “A great team response to come away with a 3–1 win at home against Quinns. We made things difficult for ourselves in the first half and found ourselves 1–0 down after struggling to get into the game,” Joondalup’s Louis Hadfield said. “Credit to the boys though—we came out after halftime with a completely different mindset, lifted the intensity, won our battles, and started playing the football we know we’re capable of.”

UWA Nedlands have moved two points clear at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Kingsley Westside at Chichester Park. “I thought we handled the game well, Kingsley is one of the harder places to come in the league and the boys as a collective put a big shift in,” UWA coach Kris Donnell said. “Always happy with a clean sheet too especially away from home.” The visitors were out of the blocks early in this one, and were ahead on ten minutes, Seb Hooshangian raced forward and found Hugo Perez, his shot from the edge of the box was parried by Isaac Driessen, and Joseph McInnes was on hand to fire home the rebound, for his 21st goal of the season. They doubled their lead just after the hour mark, Perez curling home superbly from distance. They added a third late to seal the points, a long ball sent Mark Bauersachs racing into goal and he beat the keeper to the ball and rolled it home.

Floreat Athena have conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Murdoch University Melville at Len Shearer Reserve. “Overall, a really frustrating result, started poorly, got punished and then bounced back well. We took the lead in the second half and I thought we were in control of the game, but a late goal killed us but we have to stick together, move on from this and now chase UWA,” Floreat midfielder Josh Willis explained. “I’m more than confident in the group we have and I know we will bounce back with all three points next weekend.” It was the home side who found the opening goal on 34 minutes, Edward Wynne-Willson’s shot was well saved by Devon Lindemann, the keeper making another smart save to deny Feisal Zaw’s follow up shot, but Zaw made no mistake with the third effort.

Floreat were level nine minutes before the break, the hosts failed to clear a corner and Declan Hargreaves nodded on to Jordan Langley, and his volley on the turn found the bottom corer of the net. Alun Vernals’ side were ahead on the hour mark, Harry Lewis whipped in a cross from the right and Rhys Davies got the final touch. Floreat had the perfect opportunity to seal the game five minutes from time when the referee spotted a handball by Joshua Macri, from Andrew Palmer’s shot and pointed to the spot, but Langley’s penalty crashed off the crossbar.

It looked like Davies goal would be the winner, but in stoppage time Marc Anthony’s side levelled. Gustavo Giron-Marulanda was superbly denied by Lindemann, but moments later a cross to the back post by Adrian Ciampini found the unmarked Tyler Nyabinde, who headed home. “A good point for us, and I thought first half we had the better opportunities but disappointed to concede so soon after going ahead,” MUMFC coach Marc Anthony said. “Second half they came into the game a bit more and probably could have put the game to bed with the penalty to go 3-1 up, but our lads showed great desire and belief to try and get something out the game which thankfully to Tyler's late header his first of hopefully many more goals for the club.”

A late goal from Ollie Ford has given Gwelup Croatia a 2-2 draw against Mandurah City at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. “Mandurah are a very good side who are in form and are tough to beat down there,” Gwelup coach Taki Nicolaidis said. “I’m extremely pleased with the character we showed after one up, then 2-1 down, to keep fighting to the end and come away with a point.” The visitors hit the front on 27 minutes, Alex Nicolaidis sending Callum Stocks clear and he finished clinically past former Gwelup keeper Josiah Godfrey. But Mandurah hit back and levelled on the half hour, Lachlan Hannah’s cross from the right was headed home by Jordan Callaghan. The Dolphins hit the front on the hour, a long throw was flicked on by Gian Zupanov, and Sam Lovell fired home from the edge of the box.

But there was a sting in the tail, and Gwelup found an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time, Ford firing home after a long throw. “We’re now unbeaten in eight games, which is a great achievement and something the players should be proud of,” Mandurah coach Zac Headington said. “That said overall, it was a disappointing result at home. We set out with the expectation of taking all three points, but in key moments we didn’t do enough to get the win. We’ll learn from the performance, move on quickly, and look forward to the challenge of facing Joondalup next week.”

We had a seven-goal thriller at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval with Cockburn City beating Curtin University 4-3. “It was a very difficult game for us today, as we knew it would. Curtin aren’t far off picking up points and have been in all the games this year, and Troy (Reid) has them playing to their strengths,” Cockburn assistant coach Daryl Platten explained. “Overall happy with the three points, as it’s a difficult place to go and it was a huge game for us. We need to improve our game management and defensively if we want to pick up more points and move up the table however.” The Cockerels were ahead on 20 minutes, a stunning strike from Daniel Robinson from distance. Curtin drew level 15 minutes later Jake Ruxton sweeping home Nathan Smith’s cross.

The goals kept coming, and Cockburn regained the lead seven minutes before the break, new signing Tristan Samson sending Matthew Bowen clear and he finished well past Alec Radonich. But Curtin restored parity shortly after Jude Baillie’s long throw fell to Jai Coker, and his shot on the turn flew into the net. But the scoring for the half wasn’t over, and Cockburn took the lead into the break, Luka Caceres’ shot deflected off Mason Langham, and looped over the keeper. The visitors sealed the points ten minutes from time, some good work down the left ended with a cross which was touched on by Rory McGrath, and fellow substitute Charlie Young made no mistake. But Curtin weren’t finished and pulled one back five minutes later, Declan Tanna crossing to Coker, who headed home, but it was too little too late.

In the final game Inglewood United moved to within one point out of the top four, after a 2-0 win against Subiaco AFC at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. "It was good to bounce back after the loss last week. I thought we controlled most of the game, created alot of chances and probably should of scored a few more towards the end of the game," Inglewood's Jordan Brown said. "So credit to the lads and we move onto next week." The hosts were ahead on ten minutes, Kian McGuigan’s free kick was headed home by Jake Nicholson. Glen Grostate’s side sealed the points fifteen minutes from time, Nicholson’s cross from the left picked out Rostyn Griffiths who headed home.

ROVERS AND WEMBLEY CLOSE THE GAP ON LEAGUE LEADERS – WEEK 14 REVIEW

Carramar Shamrock Rovers remain unbeaten this season, and closed the gap to leaders Rockingham to just one point, after a thrilling 3-2 win against Ashfield in our week 14 State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ at the Ashfield Arena on Saturday afternoon. “We definitely made things hard for ourselves today, we gifted Ashfield two goals from just silly mistakes really,” Rovers’ coach Adam Walsh said. “It wasn't plane sailing after we took the lead, but we dug deep and held off for the win. I’m buzzing for the lads, and they have worked so hard to keep the fight going. It’s so tight this season and we are loving it.” Rovers were ahead early, a cross picked out Ravi Singh, who headed home. But Ashfield equalised just after the half hour, some great movement in the middle of the park was finished off well by Michael Mwingira.

Rovers regained the lead before the break, Wayne Guest glancing header from a free kick beating Preston Gilling. Ashfield weren’t finished and in first half stoppage time restored parity, with skipper Jake Melia on target from a corner. But it was the visitors who sealed the points early in the second half, with Lewis Jones heading home. “It was a top win for us, they’re a good team that break very fast on the counter, but we dealt with that and was happy to come away with the three points,” Rovers’ skipper Kieran Harrison explained. “Obviously the Rockingham result is handy for us, but we are just concentrating on ourselves to be honest. A deserved win and we move onto another tough fixture at East Perth next weekend.”

League leaders Rockingham City have lost for the third time this season, going down 2-0 against Kalamunda City at Aero Ranger Maida Vale Reserve. “It was a really satisfying performance from the group. Rockingham are a well drilled side and organise themselves incredibly well, so we knew we’d have to be at our best to get a result. More importantly, today’s performance reflected the standards this group is beginning to set for itself. The players showed great discipline, patience in possession and worked tirelessly for one another.,” Kalamunda coach Kyle Robertson explained. “Myself, Kris and Jason are starting to see the work we’ve put in throughout the season come to fruition.

“The players have completely bought into what we’re trying to build, and the belief, trust and connection within the group continues to grow every week. Today’s performance is now our benchmark, but we’ll now turn our attention to next week. We know we still have another level to reach, and our focus is on continuing to improve and becoming more consistent every week.” The opening goal came just before half time, some neat lead up play, between Ali Reza and Agustin Ventre, who produced a superb first-time pass to release Thang Sangpichung inside the penalty area, his shot was well saved by Kieran Shail, but Lorra de Almeida was quickest to the rebound to score. The hosts sealed the points just after the hour with a second, Ventre was again involved in the build-up, his ball fell to Andrea Erbetta on the edge of the box, and he curled home superbly.

Wembley Downs are up to third after a 4-0 win against Forrestfield United at Butlers Reserve on Saturday evening. “The win against Forrestfield was probably one of our strongest performances of the season,” Wembley’s Toby Robertson said. “We felt like we dominated the game throughout and also showed that on the scoreboard. Some of their players had some interesting things to say after our first game this season, which we used as motivation and it definitely made the win sweeter.” The hosts were ahead on 12 minutes, a great early cross from Callum McLeod caused a scramble in the box, and Luke Coltman managed to turn the ball home.

The visitors were reduced to ten men before the break with Joshua Bell shown a straight red card. The hosts made their numerical advantage count early in the second half with a second five minutes in, Coltman’s through ball sending Robertson in on goal, and he finished with aplomb. It was 3-0 moments later, a great solo effort by Robertson, controlling the ball well on the edge of the box before finding the net. They added a fourth just before the hour, Robertson closing down the keeper, and the ball was laid back to Mella Loding who finished well.

Balga’s winning run has come to end, after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Canning City at Princess Road Reserve. “Despite missing several key players through travel and suspension for the first time this season, the boys put in a disciplined performance in a hard-fought 0-0 draw,” Balga coach Amir Dzamastagic said. “I thought we controlled large periods of the game and created the better of the limited chances. While it wasn't our most fluent performance, we're pleased to remain unbeaten. We'll regroup, work hard on the training pitch this week, and turn our focus to Ashfield, where we're hopeful of having some important players back available.”

Both sides had chances in a tight game, the best in the first half fell to Canning, with Seydou Bayal firing wide. The best for the host fell to Seamus Edwards, who was found by Samir Ramos, but he failed to convert from close-range. Canning had two late chances to win it first Luca Macri forced a good save out of the Balga keeper Noah Boulaye. Then in final minute Dejan Lewis beat a couple of defenders before cutting the ball back to Will Roscoe, his shot looked like it was heading in but hit the back post and a Balga defender cleared the ball off the line. “It was a good even battle which could have gone either way,” Canning coach Lee Hayward said. “We gave debuts to signings full backs Benjamin Thorpe and Jethro Haas and I thought we were defensively sound this week, after giving away a couple goals from defensive errors last week again Carramar.”

Gosnells City have won for the second time this season, after a hard fought 2-1 win against East Perth at the Colleen Egan MLA Grounds, Walter Padbury Park. “A great performance from the lads today, we wanted to bounce back after a poor performance against Balga the week before,” Gosnells coach peter Allen said. “Our form before Balga was good, and we stressed all week to the lads that we have to get that fight back this week, especially in front of our home supporters, and we did that today, and I thought it was a much-deserved win. We defended well and I was really pleased with the performance of Abdulla Dofash on the wing, a good performance that we hope to build on next week against Canning.”

The hosts made a great start, scoring the opener after five minutes, great work from Armeyas Dejene-Teklu, saw him find Amro Atta, who made no mistake. East Perth pushed for the equaliser after the break, but couldn’t find a way past a tight Gosnells defence, well-marshalled by Aden Hoddy and Darren Francis. Then five minutes from time the hosts sealed the points, with Alexander Nawn scoring. East Perth did pull one back late, with Michael Henry scoring, but it was too little too late.

In the final game Morley Windmills have returned to winner’s circle, after a 5-0 win against North Beach at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. “Pretty happy with the lads today, the performance was strong,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “We had a game plan going into the game, and the lads executed it well. We were really happy how the game played out, and pleased with the win and a clean sheet.” The visitors were ahead when a cross from the left was headed home by Brennan Borzecki. They doubled their lead before the break, after Sam Smyth was brought down in the box, and Amir Ajan converted from the spot. The hosts were reduced to ten men at half time, with keeper Jason Madureira sent off. It was 3-0 on the hour, a quick free kick caught North Beach napping, Gabriel Vasques finding Isaac Ntow, who cut into the box and finished well. They found a fourth late with a ball into the box turned into his own net by a North Beach defender, and in the final minutes, Smyth raced one-on-one with the keeper to score.

ALL-SQUARE AT HILTON PARK

Our New Balance NPLWA-Men’s Week 17 'Match of the Round' between Fremantle City and Bayswater City was a thriller, with the sides sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon. Nick Ambrogio had given the hosts the lead on the stroke of half time, but Bayswater hit back with Cameron Teece continuing his goalscoring form, finishing off a neat move. Both sides pressed for the winner, and both had good chances, but they had to settle for a point.

This was a rehearsal for the State League Cup Final next month, and it was the hosts who started brightly, with Shubham Mokala and Riley Woodcock getting in some good areas, but the first opportunity of the game went to Bayswater on nine minutes. Great work on the right by Brent Quick saw him find Alex Ishida-Livings, and his cross picked out Cameron Teece, but his lob landed on top of the net. They were in again two minutes later, Pat Laughrey and La Galia combined down the left, and Loughrey’s shot on the run stung the palms of Fremantle keeper Luke Radonich. Bayswater were on top, and they went close again shortly after, Coby Sutton’s surging run ended with neat give and go with Loughrey, back the defenders shot was over the top.

Fremantle settled and went close themselves on 24 minutes, Mokala made space down the left, and his cross to the near post was headed behind Ambrogio. Moments later Tal Bingwa found Mokala on the edge of the box, and his shot fizzed over the top. But six minutes before the break Fremantle found the opener, John Chalmers ball found Chad Nilson, who won the ball from Luke Palamateer, before the Bayswater skipper brought the winger down, and referee Liam Barclay pointed straight to the spot. Ambrogio stepped up and sent Lewis Italiano the wrong way from the resulting spot kick, to send the hosts to the sheds with a 1-0 lead.

Bayswater thought they had a penalty in the opening 30 seconds of the second half, after Teece was bundled over in the box by Woodcock, but the referee waved away their protests. Then down the other end, Bingwa cut inside his marker on the left, but his shot was saved low by Italiano, and Jackson Stephens cleared the rebound. It was the start of an exciting second half with chances at both ends. The hosts should have doubled the lead on 54 minutes, Bingwa finding Ambrogio, whose shot was parried by Italiano, and with the goal at his mercy, somehow Mokala shot crashed off the crossbar.

The chances kept coming, La Galia headed over the top from Teece’s cross from the right, before Woodcock’s curling effort flicked off the bar. But on 64 minutes Bayswater levelled. A quick free kick from Declan Hughes found Loughrey on the left, he found substitute Anthony Bafobusha, whose ball into the box was chested down by La Galia to Teece, and the striker calmly finished past Luke Radonich. The hosts looked for an immediate response, and Charlie Chechlacz’s in-swinging corner was tipped over by the alert Italiano, before Nilson’s effort from the edge of the box drifted just wide of the post.

The game was up for grabs, and both teams went for it, Mokala saw his shot on the run flash inches wide, before Nilson did likewise moments later. Bayswater, who have scored late goals in recent games to win, had two late chances. First on 89 minutes substitute Borbor Sam’s shot from the edge of the box was tipped over by Radonich, and from the resulting Hughes corner Palmateer heading into the side netting at the back post. Then deep into stoppage time Fremantle almost found the winner, but Isaiah Wingell’s header was straight at Italiano. But the points were shared, and it’s a start of a busy couple of weeks for both sides with up-coming Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 games against Mailand FC and Sydney FC respectively.

Fremantle City: GK Luke Radonich, 3 Josh Risdon, 4 Ben Steele, 7 Chad Nilson (16 Bill Orr 83’) (20 Paul Zimarino 86’), 8 Charlie Chechlacz, 10 Nick Ambrogio (6 Cameron Edwards 61’), 11 Shubham Mokala, 15 John Chalmers, 17 Taj Bingwa (14 Iljas Ahmedov 61’), 19 Isaiah Wingell, 23 Riley Woodcock – Subs not used: RGK Tom Allan, 2 Felton Arthur, 19 Takumi Kambai

Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, 2 Alex Ishida-Livings (12 Anthony Bafobusha 57’), 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Pat Loughrey, 6 Declan Hughes, 9 Cameron Teece, 14 Oliver La Galia (11 BorBor Sam 79’), 15 Jackson Stephens, 16 Jonathan Corness, 22 Brent Quick, 27 Coby Sutton (18 Chris Jackson 79’) – Subs not Used: RGK Jason Saldaris, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 28 Alex Patrascu, 29 Ethan Mpofu – Referee: Liam Barclay

PENALTY HEARTBREAK FOR SOCCEROOS

The Socceroos 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has come to an end, beaten on penalties by Egypt in the Round of 32, after the game ended 1-1 after extra time at the Dallas Stadium on Saturday morning. Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead early, but Australia levelled ten minutes into the second half with Mohamed Hany heading Aiden O’Neill’s free kick into his own net. Neither side could find a winner, so we were off to penalties, and Harry Soutter and Lucas Herrington missed their spot kicks, and Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty to seal their spot in the last 16.

"It's tough," Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said post-match. “I think we showed the world that Australian football is strong. We have a wonderful group and I'm devastated that we can't progress." A tearful Jackson Irvine added. "Listen, congratulations to Egypt, huge victory for them, historic. We took it all the way to the end, it's a cruel way to end,” he said. “We've said from the beginning that we're a champion team. We're a unit, we do everything together. We win together and lose together. They've been immense through the whole tournament. It's just the beginning for a lot of these guys."

Popovic named the same side that started in the game against Paraguay, and they started well, with Cristian Volpato effort from just outside the box clipping the crossbar early, before Jordy Bos raced into the box, but a great tackle by Ramy Rabia denied him. But on 13 minutes it was Egypt who opened the scoring, a cross to the back post from Karim Hafez found Ashour, who headed past Pat Beach. The Socceroos looked for a quick response, but O’Neill’s effort flashed wide.

They went close again just after the half hour, a long throw from fell to Nestory Irankunda who laid it off to Aziz Behich, whose shot from the edge of the box was saved by Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir. Clear cut chances were few and far between, but both sides looked dangerous from set-pieces. But it was the Socceroos who ended the half well, Cristian Volpato curling a shot wide, before Irankunda headed straight at the keeper. In stoppage time Bos was taken out on the right wing, and needed lengthy treatment, a terrible tackle and no yellow card.

Bos was replaced at the break by Kai Trewin, and it was Egypt who went close to a second early, Omar Marmoush racing clear, but he fired wide of the target. Moments later Soutter headed wide at the back post, as the tempo of the game lifted. Then Irvine’s cross was inches away from Connor Metcalfe at the back post. But on 55 minutes the Socceroos levelled. O’Neill’s free kick was swung into the box, and the unfortunate Hany headed into his own net, under pressure from Alessandro Circati. The referee must have left his cards at home, after Irankunda was taken out by Yasser Ibrahim, he was lucky not to be booked.

The Socceroos were now in command, and pressing for the winner, but they couldn’t find one. But Egypt were hitting on the counter attack and Mo Salah, who had been quite all game had a chance, but he was quickly snuffed out, before Ashour fired wide. Then in stoppage time Egypt thought they had won it, a powerful header by Rami Rabia, looked destined for the back of the net, but Patrick Beach produced a stunning save to keep the Socceroos in the game and send the game to extra-time.

Salah went close early in extra time, but his effort flashed over the top, before Ashour’s effort from distance is wide of the target. Souter and Herrington then both put in great defensive blocks, to deny Ashour and Haissem Hassan as Egypt looked for the winner. Popovic sprung a surprise late with Mat Ryan replacing Beach in goal, with penalties looming. But Alessandro Circati almost won it for the Socceroos late, a cross from Ajdin Hrustić to the back post found the defender, but he couldn’t find the target.

We were off to penalties, and Souter fired well over the top with the opening spot kick, before Mahmoud Saber converted, to put Egypt in control. Irvine converted the next Socceroos penalty, and Rabia did likewise for Egypt. Awer Mabil found the net with the next one, and Salah also found the target for Egypt. The tension was building in the stadium, and up stepped teenage defender Herrington, and his spot kick hits the bar, and Abdelmaguid sends Ryan the wrong way with the final penalty, to send Egypt into the last 16, and send the Socceroos home.

Australia: GK Patrick Beach (RGK Maty Ryan 119’), 3 Alessandro Circati, 5 Jordan Bos (15 Kai Trewin 46’), 8 Connor Metcalfe (11 Awer Mabil 90’), 13 Aiden O’Neil (24 Paul Okon-Engstler 90’), 16 Aziz Behich, 17 Nestory Irankunda (9 Mohamed Toure 74’), 19 Harry Souttar, 20 Cristian Volpato (10 Ajdin Hrustic 74’), 22 Jackson Irvine, 25 Lucas Herrington – Subs not used: RGK Paul Izzo, 2 Milos Degenek, 6 Jason Geria, 14 Cameron Devlin, 21 Cameron Burgess, 23 Nishan Velupillay, 26 Tete Yengi

Egypt: GK Mostafa Shobeir, 2 Yasser Ibrahim, 3 Mohamed Hany, 5 Rami Rabia, 8 Emam Ashour, 10 Mohamed Salah, 11 Mostafa Ziko (12 Haissem Hassan 67’), 14 Hamdi Fathi (4 Hossam Abdelmaguid 67’), 15 Karim Hafez (7 Trezeguet 80’), 19 Marwan Ateya (21 Mahmoud Saber 120+1’), 22 Omar Marmoush (9 Hamza Abdelkarim 105’) – Subs not used: RGK Al Mahdy Soliman, RGK Mohamed Alaa, RGK Mohamed El Shanawy, 18.Nabil Dunga, 20 Ibrahim Adel, 24 Tarek Alaa, 25 Zizo – Attendance:70,244 - Referee: Gustavo Tejera (Uruguay)

KERR LASHES LACK OF A-LEAGUE INVESTMENT

Australia captain Samantha Kerr has lashed the uncertainty facing Central Coast Mariner’s women’s team and a lack of investment in the A-League Women just three years after Australia hosted the Women’s World Cup. Last month, Total Soccer Growth Holdings took control of the men’s side of the embattled club, but not the women’s.

The future of Central Coast’s women’s team - like that of Canberra United - remains up in the air, with the Australian Professional Leagues searching for a buyer. “I’ve been reading this week about Central Coast Mariners and some of the stuff that’s happening in Australia at the moment and it’s quite disappointing to be honest,” Kerr said.

“Off the back of the 2023 World Cup you would think that there would be major investment in the A-League, and the girls deserve it out there - and I think you’re seeing now that more and more players are having to leave the A-League. In Australia we want to retain our national team players, we want to retain as many top-level athletes that we can but without the investment, the players can’t stay.”

“So of course I wish there was more investment - I don’t know the answer, I’m just an athlete, I’m just a player - but I know that the more you invest off the pitch for these girls in the facilities and the infrastructure and all of those things, you get the reward back on the pitch.”

“So I’m really sad to hear what’s going on in the A-Leagues at the moment but I think it’s the people at the top that probably have all the answers — or don’t have the answers - or need change. But something has to change - because off the back of the 2023 World Cup this shouldn’t be happening.”

The A-League’s two best players - Holly McNamara and Isabel Gomez - are leaving to further their careers. And there has also been an exodus of players to the American second-tier USL Super League or Canada’s Northern Super League. The low wages, with the minimum wage currently $27,000, offer little incentive for Matildas stars to remain in Australia.

BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK TWELVE PREVIEW

After the midweek cup round, we’re back into Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division action on Sunday as the second half of the season kicks off. Our Week Twelve 'Match of the Round' takes us to the Noranda Sporting Complex, where Kingsley Westside take on hosts Noranda Emerald. (All games kick off at 3:00pm unless stated.) Both sides moved into the semi-finals of the Amateur League Cup with wins against Bayswater City and North Perth United respectively. The hosts are coming off big league wins against Wanneroo and Swan, which have seen them move into the top four, while Kingsley have been improving in recent weeks, and their win at North Perth on Wednesday showed that. So, with both teams in good form, this one should be a great game. In the Week One meeting, the points were shared at Chichester Park. Conor Gormley gave the visitors the lead, but Craig Richards levelled for the hosts.

The last time they met on Emerald soil was in Week 19 last season, when the hosts, who were Emerald FC at the time, recorded a comprehensive 5-0 win at Parnham Park, with Andrew Wood scoring a hat-trick. The hosts were ahead early when Conor Hogan bundled home after a one-two with Jack McClelland. Wood then scored the first of his hat-trick on the half-hour, beating his defender before firing into the top corner. McClelland added a third early in the second half, tapping home after a great cross from Bryce Marinus. Wood scored the fourth on 56 minutes after dispossessing a defender, and 14 minutes from time he completed his hat-trick, racing onto a great pass from Mark O'Keefe before finishing into the bottom corner.

Emerald wing-back Jamie McLaughlin said the cup win has continued their recent good form, which includes big wins against Wanneroo and Swan. "It’s always nice to progress further in any cup. We were disappointed with our first-half performance against Bayswater, if I’m being honest, but in the second half we started to get a grasp of the game and played much better football. We will definitely be looking forward to the semi-final and putting in a better performance than we did on Wednesday night," he explained.

"Our form in the league has definitely improved. Although we dropped off in the first half on Wednesday, the lads have been unbelievable, especially over the last four to five weeks, which the results have shown. We definitely want to continue this form, but there is still a lot of football to be played, so we just take one game at a time and try not to get ahead of ourselves."

McLaughlin said Sunday is another huge game, as all games are in the league this season, and with Kingsley showing their improvement at North Perth in the cup, he knows it will be another stern test. "Kingsley is not a fixture we ever overlook, regardless of what the table says. They are a good side and it is always a competitive game between us and them," the defender said. "They are coming off a big win on Wednesday in the cup, and it’s two teams that are in form in the league, so it should be a good contest and one I’m definitely looking forward to."

Kingsley showed their improvement on Wednesday, beating cup holders North Perth to reach the semi-finals, and midfielder Sam Church said it was a huge win and showed that, on their day, they can match it with any team. "Yes, it was a fantastic result. It was a tough battle, as always, against a good North Perth side, and we worked hard until the end to get the result," he said. "We know we have been a little hit-and-miss this season, but we are capable of competing with the top sides in the league, and our recent form has shown that. We have also been unlucky not to take more from a few of our recent league games."

Church said Sunday should be a great contest, with both teams in good form, and the midfielder said they are looking forward to the challenge. "This weekend will be another tough game, and to be fair, all games are tough in this league," Church said. "Noranda Emerald have had some impressive results recently, and I’m certain that, after a good performance midweek, our lads will relish the chance to try and pick up some points away from home this weekend."

The other cup semi-finalists are Kelmscott Roos, who will also look to bounce back after a league loss to Maccabi last time out when they entertain Olympic Kingsway at Frye Park. "We are looking forward to making amends this weekend for the poor performance against Maccabi," Kelmscott’s Taylor Warwick said. "The cup game put us in a good frame of mind going into this game, and with a few more injured players returning, we will be up for it. There’s lots of football left to play, and we are taking each game on its own merits."

In the other games on Sunday, league leaders North Perth United will look to bounce back from their cup defeat when they host Maccabi at Woodville Reserve in the early game (1:00pm), while second-placed Wanneroo City, who also advanced in the cup against Hamersley Rovers in midweek, will meet them again in the league at Players Place, Madeley. Jaguar will be buoyed after earning their second point of the season at Hamersley last week and will go in search of a first win when they host Kwinana United at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre.

In the final game, Swan United will hope to end a three-game losing streak when they host Ballajura at the Swan Italian Club on Francis Street. "Yes, it’s been a disappointing last few weeks and, with players slowly returning from holiday and injury, we trained well this week and are looking for a reset at the halfway point of the season," striker John Monterosso explained. "We will go into this week knowing it won’t be easy, but with nothing but three points on our mind."

CIRCATI READY FOR EGYPTIAN MASTERS

Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati knows a thing or two about taking on world-class attackers - after all, it is how he earns his keep in Italy’s Serie A. Faced with potentially staring down an Egyptian double-whammy of Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush on Saturday morning, the Perth-raised centre-back will be drawing on all his experience as he aims to steer Australia toward history.

The Socceroos have never won a knock-out game at the World Cup and Circati is hoping to be part of a historic moment if they can find a way past Egypt in Dallas and into the round of 16. Part of whether Australia are able to successfully negotiate their North African opposition comes down to the threat posed by Liverpool legend Salah and Manchester City forward Marmoush in the final third.

Since his Parma side were promoted to Serie A in 2024, Circati has faced off against big-name attackers like Belgium veteran Romelu Lukaku and Argentinian stars Paolo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez. He said while it was important to not focus too much on Salah and Marmoush. “The individual players are pretty good, the likes of Salah and Marmoush going forward,” Circati said.

“But there’s a lot of opportunities we can exploit, lots of things we can take advantage of, keeping in mind the quality of their players as well. You’ve got to stay attentive the whole time you’re marking them, because they can make something out of nothing. A half chance. they can create into anything that they want, so it’s really about being in control and being able to limit the things they do and the chances they can create.”

Circati was not too daunted by the pressure of the round of 32 clash. “I’m not really emotional in that sense, I’m just eager to go as far as I can and make Australia proud, make myself proud of myself,” he said. “That’s the reason why I play football, to create memories for people, for myself and my family to look back on years down the line.”

“I don’t think anyone needs a bit of motivation for these sort of games. The motivation is there on an individual level and on a collective level. It would be the first knockout game Australia’s ever won, so I don’t think there’s need for any motivation really. It’s a moment to create history, to create something Australia won’t forget as a nation.”

Having watched Paraguay topple Germany on penalties in the round of 32, Circati said the squad were staying guarded despite qualifying in second spot from Group D. One member of the squad who certainly will not be over-confident is captain and fellow centre-back Harry Souttar, who Circati said was excelling in his first games back after a hellish, near-18 month run with injury.

“He’s done great, it’s not easy to do what he did,” Circati said. “He’s playing like he hasn’t missed any football recently. Hats off to him with the hard work that he’s put in, it’s not easy, I’ve passed a similar period and he’s had to work on himself and I’m sure he’s done that. “We see it on the pitch, he’s done that very well and obviously backing up with performances is the hardest thing, but he’s done exactly that.”

AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINALS REVIEW

We had four exciting Belt-Up Amateur League Cup Quarter finals on Wednesday evening, and Kingsley Westside have ended the reign of last season’s winners North Perth United, after a thrilling 3-2 win after extra time at the Gerry Archer Sports Complex “It was a fantastic cup tie and a real credit to both teams. North Perth is a quality side, extremely well coached, full of talented players, and there's a reason they're sitting on top of the league ladder,” Kingsley coach Simone Sichel explained. “After losing to them 2-1 in the league on Sunday, we knew exactly how difficult this challenge would be.

“We came into the game well prepared and with the mindset of leaving everything we had out on the pitch. We had to absorb long periods of pressure, stay disciplined, and keep believing in what we were doing. I'm incredibly proud of the resilience the players showed. They fought for 120 minutes and never gave in. A special mention has to go to our goalkeeper, Preston Stewart, who was outstanding and made several crucial saves to keep us in the contest. Having said that, every single player played their part. It was a true team performance, and reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic reward for the commitment and character this group continues to show.

“I hope this result helps the group believe that we can compete with anyone. As we've said from the beginning, we're on a long-term development journey, and we're getting better week by week. Nights like this make all the hard work, the late nights, and the commitment from everyone involved worthwhile. We'll take a moment to enjoy reaching the semi-finals, but our focus will quickly turn to the next challenge at Noranda-Emerald. I'm incredibly proud of the boys and what they've achieved.” Kingsley found the opener early, with Nick Lowe finishing off a great team move, by firing home superbly from just outside the box. But North Perth were level on 23 minutes, with Alex Wild on target.

Kingsley hit the front again twenty minutes from time, skipper Jamie Kane’s through ball sent Jacob Lambert clear, and he kept his composure and calmly slipped the ball past the goalkeeper. But North Perth restored parity again five minutes later, Jake Chamberlain scoring, and taking the game to extra time. Both sides had chances to win it, but it was Kingsley who scored the vital goal late in the second period of extra time. Ross Forrester perfectly weighted through ball sent Ryan Fish one-on-one with the keeper and he made no mistake.

Second Division leaders East Perth’s cup run has come to an end, beaten 1-0 by Kelmscott Roos at Frye Park. “Happy to get the win, not the best weather for a good game, but we did hit the woodwork three times in the first half,” Kelmscott coach Derek Clarke said. “The game seemed to be going to extra time but we scored a late winner. Very pleased with our boys having to step up due to a few injuries, also credit to our opposition they gave us a few nervous moments in the last ten minutes, but we’re happy to get through to the next round.” The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time, a neat through ball sent Chris Craine in goal and he finished well to seal the tie.

The big winners on the night were Wanneroo City who thrashed Hamersley Rovers 8-1 at Players Place Madeley. “It was a great performance by the lads, and everyone put in 100% effort in tough conditions at times,” Wanneroo coach Kevin Flavin said. “We now recover and prepare for league game against them again on Sunday.” The hosts grabbed two quick goals half way through the first half to take control. First a cross from Alan Reidy to the back post found Sam Gammack, who should great composure to beat his maker to score, and moments later Reidy crossed to Gammack again, who made no mistake.

They added a third early in the second half, a ball fell to edge of the box and a deflected shot by Jordan Cook beat the keeper. It was 4-0 on 57 minutes a great solo run by Gammack to complete his hat-trick. It became five on the hour, a neat through ball sent Charlie Read racing clear, and he beat the last defender and scored. Read then sent Reidy clear again, and he finished with a plomb past the keeper. Rovers pulled one back five minutes from time, with Ryan Charles scoring, but the hosts would add two more late. Ross Buckley’s shot was saved by the keeper, but he was the quickest to the rebound to score, Read completed the scoring in the final minute with another neat finish.

In the final game, Noranda Emerald were made to work hard against Division One side Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve, but progressed 3-0 in a good game of football. “Happy to get through to the next round. We knew Bayswater would be a tough test. They're a good football side with some technically very good players, and with the conditions the way they were it was never going to be pretty,” Noranda Emerald coach Ger Gaughan said. “It probably wasn't our best performance, but that's cup football. Sometimes you've just got to grind it out and make sure you're the team going into the next round. I thought the lads did that well, and another clean sheet makes it four in a row, which we're really pleased with.

“Now it's straight back to league business on Sunday. That's our full focus now and we'll make sure we're ready for another tough game.” The visitors got off to a great start after four minutes. Aaron McDaid did brilliantly to knock the ball through for Fionn McClure, who took his chance really well. Bayswater were then reduced to ten men with Joel Jebaratnam sent off. They added a second just before the hour mark, some nice link-up play, with the ball falling to McDaid this time and he finished it brilliantly into the top of the net. The tie was sewn-up on 66 minutes, when the visitors added a third, with a brilliant overhead kick from Ronan Flaherty to make it 3-0.

STATE CUP PREVIEW IN NPLWA – WEEK SEVENTEEN PREVIEW

It’s going to be a huge month for both Fremantle City and Bayswater City, who will both represent WA in the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32, and they will also meet each other in the State League Cup Final in August. But we will have a preview of that game on Saturday, when the pair meet in our New Balance NPLWA – Men’s week 17 ‘Match of the Round’ at Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) Bayswater, who will host A-League side Sydney FC in Match Day Three at Frank Drago Reserve - Tuesday, 21st July 6:30pm WA time, returned back to the top of the table last week, with a 3-0 win against Perth RedStar

While Fremantle, who head to the Maitland Regional Sportsground to take on NSW side Mailand in Week Day Four on July 22nd 5:30pm WA Time, made it only one defeat in the last eight games, with a 3-0 win against Western Knights, to move into fifth, only five points off the top four. They played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first meeting of the season at Frank Drago, with Fremantle coming from 0-3 down to draw, with late goals from Chad Nilson and Paul Zimarino.

The last time they played at the venue was in week 21 last season, when Bayswater left with all three points after a 2-1 win. The visitors were out of the blocks early, and found the opener on three minutes. Declan Hughes’ corner picked out Chris Jackson, who lost his marker, headed home. But Fremantle hit back 11 minutes later, Charlie Chechlacz’s corner was headed back across goal by Ben Steele and Nick Ambrogio bundled the ball over the line. But Bayswater regained the lead in the shadows of half time, Hughes the supplier again, his free kick deflected off the unfortunate Jon Chalmers who challenged Sean McManus and the ball looped into the bottom corner of the net.

Bayswater defender Brent Quick said last week’s win was huge, after the draw at the Knights the week before, as they press for back-to-back titles, but he knows there is still a long way to go. “Friday’s win against RedStar was a pivotal result for us and keeps us firmly on track to achieve our goals this season,” Quick said. “It allows us to maintain the pressure on both Kingsway and RedStar. At the same time, when we look back at games like Knights, we’re disappointed we didn’t take more from them. Over the course of a season, those are the matches that can make all the difference.”

Quick, who joined Bayswater from Stirling, knows it’s huge few weeks for the club, with a Hahn Australia Cup clash against A-League Sydney FC on the horizon, but he said that’s the furthest things on their mind, and it’s an old cliché, but it’s one game at a time. “We know it’s an incredibly tough run to the end of the campaign, but the boys are relishing the challenge. There are some huge games ahead and great opportunities for us to showcase the quality we know we have on the national stage,” he explained. “Before we can even think about what’s to come, though, our full focus is on Fremantle this week. They’re a quality side in excellent form, and we know it’ll be a big test. As always, we’ll take it one game at a time, and right now our only objective is to put in a strong performance and come away with three points.”

Woodcock said the win against their local rivals Western Knights last week was important, to continue their great run of form they have been on, and turning draws into wins has made all the difference. “Yes, it’s always good to get one up on our local rivals. The first half was a bit of an arm wrestle but I thought we were more than deserving of the win and the convincing 3-0,” the former Perth Glory defender explained. “It’s nice to start turning a few of our earlier draws into wins. We always believed were a good side and worthy of mixing it with the top four, particularly having only lost the four games all season, but consecutive draws were hurting us, so to win three on the bounce and climbing the table is great and hopefully we can continue into the top four.”

The defender said they have a fully fit squad, so positions are up for grabs, as the club enter a pivot part of the season in the cup and league. “It’s a massive couple of weeks for the club, but we’re in a good position as everyone is fit and fighting for places and this is what you want to play for to have these opportunities and our goal this year is to win silverware, so we’ll have to mix it with these clubs in these games,” Woodcock said. “Saturday will be an interesting game at home for us. First time out against Bayswater we had to come back from 3-0 down, albeit I think we had about 70% possession. We know how they’ll set up and be very aggressive and direct with their play. They’re obviously scoring a lot of goals and are the league leaders, so will be full of confidence, but off the back of the last month so are we, so let’s see.”

In other games this weekend, second placed Perth RedStar will look to bounce back from defeat last week, when they visit Macedonia Park, to take on Stirling Macedonia, while third placed Olympic Kingsway head south to Alfred Skeet Reserve, to take on Armadale, looking for three points to keep the pressure on the top two. Western Knights entertain Sorrento at Nash Field, while it’s a huge game at the bottom of the table, when the bottom two sides, Perth Glory and Balcatta Etna meet at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. In the late game Dianella White Eagles host Perth Azzurri at Dianella Reserve, with both sides looking to continue from wins last week.

JOONDALUP HOST QUINNS IN LOCAL DERBY – WEEK FIFTEEN PREVIEW

It’s week fifteen in the State League Division One, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Iluka Park, where Joondalup City host Quinns in a local derby. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week, the hosts coming home from Subiaco with a 4-1 win to move them into the top four, while Quinns returned to the winner’s circle, coming from behind to beat MUMFC 3-1 to move to seventh, a good return after promotion this season. In the first meeting between the side this season, Joondalup came home from Stylish Park with a narrow 1-0 win, with Louis Hadfield scoring.

The last time the two teams played at the venue, was in Division Two, week 16 in 2024, with Quinns running out 2-1 winners. The hosts made the best of starts, with Liam Peacock opening the scoring on nine minutes. But in the shadows of half time the visitors levelled, Chris Williams turned his marker and played the ball over the top to Magai Deng, who brought it down just inside the box and finished into the bottom corner. He was in again two minutes into the second half, Williams was the provider again, this time playing in Deng, who finished well past the on-rushing Joe Smith, to seal the game.

After promotion last season Quinns have made a steady start to life in Division One, and last week’s win against MUMFC was a great boost, especially after six games without a win, and Elliot Ireland said it was a tough win, but now they have to build on it. “Tough game as they all are in this league it’s so competitive. We started the game quite slow but after a few adjustments at half time I felt we dominated the game and deserved the win,” the midfielder said. “Again, that probably highlights how competitive the league is, get a couple of wins and you move up a few places, the same if you lose a couple, you find yourself hovering around the relegation spots. For us it’s been a decent return, one we’d like to keep building on for the rest of the season.”

Ireland joined Quinns from Fremantle last season, helping the club gain promotion and he said it’s been a great move for him, and he’s looking forward to the challenge of the local derby on Saturday. “Yes, it’s been great, winning the league last season was obviously quite special. But the club made me feel at home the moment I walked through the door, so I’ve loved every minute of it,” he explained. “Working with Nick (Jennings) and Steven (Flint) has been very good, not just on the pitch but off it. I get along with them both very well, I think they create a great togetherness amongst a group and I’ve learnt a lot from them.”

The midfielder knows Joondalup are in good form, sitting fourth on the table, but they head there in a confident mood, looking to build on last weeks victory. “A huge game on Saturday, they’re a good side and coming off a big win, so a challenge we look forward to,” Ireland said. “Last time we played each other I thought it was one of the best games to be a part of, I thought both teams played very well, would have been a great watch being a neutral. So hopefully more of the same but this time, we walk away with the three points.”

Joondalup midfielder Reece Kral bagged a brace in last weeks win at Subiaco, and he said it was an important win, to move them back into the top four, after a defeat against Floreat the week before. “It was a great team performance, especially in tough conditions, and I thought we controlled the game well from the first half which set us up for the win. I’m pleased to have scored twice, but the most important thing was getting the three points and building some momentum,” he explained. “It was important for us to respond after the Floreat game, and I think we showed the right attitude to get back to winning ways. Getting back into the top four is a bonus, but our focus is on keeping that consistency and building from here.”

Kral headed to Joondalup this season from Dianella, and has fitted in well at the northern suburbs club, and knows the importance of this Saturday’s local derby. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Joondalup so far—the boys and everyone around the club have made me feel welcome from day one, which made settling in easy. Guy (McDonald) been great to work with; he knows how to get the best out of the group and has helped me develop my game and play with confidence,” the midfielder said. “It’s always an exciting game when it’s a local derby, and we know Quinns will come in with confidence after a strong win last week. They’ve adapted well to Division One, so we’ll need to be at our best, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully putting in a strong performance at Iluka Park.”

In the other game in week 15, league leaders Floreat Athena, who sit top on goal difference, travel to Len Shearer Reserve to take on Murdoch University Melville, while UWA Nedlands also hit the road, with a visit to Chichester Park to take on Kingsley Westside. Mandurah City sit third, and they welcome Gwelup Croatia to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, Curtin University entertain Cockburn City at Green Promo Park at Edinburgh Oval, while in the final game Inglewood United and Subiaco AFC will both look to bounce back after defeats last week, when they meet at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium.

ROVERS LOOK TO MAINTAIN UNBEATEN START AT ASHFIELD – WEEK

It’s been an impressive start to the State League Division Two season for Carramar Shamrock Rovers, sitting second on the table and the Grandis Park club are the only unbeaten side in the top three leagues in WA football, and they will look to maintain that on Saturday when they visit the Ashfield Arena to take on Ashfield in our week fourteen ‘State League Division Two ‘match of the Round’. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) The hosts have also had a successful season, and they sit in third, just two points behind Rovers, and both are coming into the game after 2-1 wins, against East Perth and Canning respectively. The first meeting between the two sides this season ended in a 2-2 draw in week three.

First half goals from Nahan Diaz and Alex Connelly had Rovers in control, but second half goals from Jack Kiama and a late Deng Dut penalty saw the points shared. The last time they met at Ashfield was in week 22 last season, when the hosts ran out 4-1 winners. The hosts led 2-0 at the break, with goals from Jared Flavel and Dylan Fernandes Lewis. Flavel added his second early in the second half, before Luca Macri made it 4-0 fifteen minutes from time. Ethan Gravett scored a late consolation goal for Rovers, but it was Ashfield worthy winners.

Rovers’ skipper Kieran Harrison said it’s been a solid start to the season, and being unbeaten is fantastic, but he knows there is a long way to go, but it was important to get back to winning ways last week, after the draw at Gosnells. “Last week, if I’m honest, we probably should’ve been out of sight in the first half, we created a lot but only went in 1-0 up. Then I gifted them a goal quite early in the second half, but we stayed calm and in control and deserve to win the game,” the defender said.

“Yes, we are obviously pleased with the unbeatable run, but like I said before we will be judged on where we finish at the end of the season so we’re not getting too carried away. Adam (Walsh) and Leigh (Doherty) have been great for us. They prepare us well through the week and tactically know what they’re doing. They’ve created a really good atmosphere for us and we’re all good mates, so it’s a really enjoyable place to play football.”

Harrison is Carramar through and through, playing for Carramar Amateurs before the merger, and he has been a big influence on the side as they press for promotion this season. But he well aware Saturday’s trip is a big challenge, and he believes it will be a good game. “Ashfield will be a good test for us, and we felt we were unlucky not to beat them at home early in the season,” he said. “But we didn’t, so will be looking to make that right on Saturday. They’re having a good season as well so I’m sure it’ll be a very good game of football and one I’m looking forward too.”

Ashfield skipper Jake Melia said it was a tough win last time out at East Perth, but they got the game plan just right, and deserved the win. “I think Saturdays win was a real testament to our prep. Mal and the coaching staff gave us our game plan and how we wanted to play, how we wanted to stop them playing, and I think we executed it perfectly,” he said. “The team just kept our focus all game, and just kept playing the game knowing our chances would come. It helps when you have the group we do and a culture that everyone wants to buy into this year.”

The defender joined Ashfield from Forrestfield, and he was delighted when a former coach came on board this season. “Having joined the club in 2023 we had a lot of the right components and players, but having a younger side at the time things just didn't quite click in all areas. But I worked under Malcom (Tshuma) for a year at Forrestfield, so I already had an understanding of how he viewed the game and his ideas,” Melia explained.

“When the club asked my opinion on him as a coach I was delighted at his potential appointment. I think a large part of what we lacked in the last couple of years was an identity, and I believe Mal has brought that, not just in the sense of the way we play but in the way our culture has been throughout the year. I think the players and staff he has brought to us has just boosted all aspects of the club. “

Melia said Saturday should be a great contest, and if they play their best, they can walk away with the three points. “It's one of those games where you shouldn't need anything else to get you motivated. Doesn't get much more high stakes than trying to jump the team above and move into second spot,” he said. “We try not to think too far ahead and take it week by week, so the scope of it only really hit our radar after last Saturday's game. We are confident going into it and I think it will be a really good game for the neutrals. I don't think we played to our standard when we scrapped for a draw earlier in the season, so this week will be a good test to see how far we've come since then.”

In the other games on Saturday league leaders Rockingham City face a tough test, when they travel to the Aero Ranger Maida Vale Reserve to take on Kalamunda City, who returned to the winner’s circle last week, after two defeats, while the inform Balga welcome Canning City to Princess Road Reserve, looking to extend their four-game winning streak. The two promoted teams from last season meet at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve, with North Beach hosting Morley Windmills. East Perth head to the Colleen Egan MLA Grounds at Walter Padbury Park to meet Gosnells City, while in the late game Wembley Downs entertain Forrestfield United at Butlers Reserve. (5:00pm)