4.02.2012

Football West News

Report by Bianca Redding

Dianella emerged as 2-0 victors over Wanneroo City at BGC Stadium on Friday night, in a fiery and physical encounter to kick off their respective 2012 Football West Night Series.

Wanneroo looked sharp early but were unable to overcome the speed and agility of Dianella's Andrew Kiir, the sole goal scorer of the match.

Jamie Goodman, in his debut as Dianella coach, saw his side tested in defence as an unrelenting Wanneroo attacked hard through the midfield and peppered shots on goal steadily early on.

Dianella goalkeeper, Brynn Hindley recovered quickly from a nasty clash with Radovanovic, going on to deny Wanneroo numerous scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes.

Speed and vision from Andreas Theodosiadis through the midfield resulted in a silky assist to Kiir who finished strongly from the top of the box in the 23rd minute.

Wanneroo responded immediately with persistent efforts on goal desperately defended by a reenergised Dianella side.

The clash intensified as the break approached with both teams exhibiting impressive vigour and enthusiasm.

Dianella broke through again in the 42nd minute, as Theodosiadis and Kiir treated BGC Stadium to an encore performance, this time with Kiir finding the back of the net after the Theodosiadis attempt was parried.

Wanneroo emerged from the break looking lively and continued to attack into their forward third but were unable to find a way past Hindley in goals.

The second half of the match featured physical and determined efforts by both teams, however frustration was evident as the scoring opportunities dried up.

Waning fitness levels contributed to the application of dangerous tackles, resulting in yellow cards for both sides.

Dianella will need to maintain their sharp skills in defence and bring the same tenacity to next week's match in order to compete with their opponents, Night Series specialists - Perth SC.

Dianella White Eagles: 1: Mathew Battigelli (gk) 3. Spiro Nendic, 4. Phil Clark, 7. Andreas Theodosiadis (5. Jalil Ahmad 60'), 8. Sotiris Theodosiadis, 11. Andrew Kiir, 12. Steve Worthy, 13. Simon Barber (2. Bojan Radinovic 72'), 14. Ognjen Kotur 15. Branimir Dragojevic (6. Corey Wiltshire 85'), 20. Dhamon Kalamaris,

Substitutes not used: 9. Blaz Radovanoic, 16. Sasa Cvijetic, 17. Daniel Cagorski, 18. Anastasis Farsalas (gk)

Wanneroo City: 1. Brynne Hindley (gk), 2. Chris Pugh, 3. Rowdy Yates (7. Dean Timmings 64'), 4. Anthony Jones, 5. Ross Edwards, 6. Lewis Hall, 9. Brian Cairney (Nic Maplestone 60'), 10. Josh Booysen, 13. Lee James, 14. Garin Collins

Substitutes not used: 15. Damien Houston, Kevin Miller (gk)