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Round 3 State League Premier Review |
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Thursday, 24 April 2008 |
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Swan IC caused the upset of the season so far with a 4-0 win against Perth, Sorrento dropped their first points with a 1-1 draw with Stirling Lions. Athena gained their first victory of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Freo, Despotovski scored as Inglewood beat Western Knights 2-0 and Mandurah city continued their 100% home record with a 2-1 victory against E.C.U. In the sunday Game Cockburn edged out ten man Armadale 3 - 0.
Review by Peter Simcox Swan IC caused the upset of the season so far with a 4-0 win against Perth Sc at Francis Street today. It was scoreless at the break but second half goals from Damian Scali from the penalty spot, John Mansaray, David Perich and former Perth defender Aaron Cole gave Paul Lincoln’s side a great win and moving them to the top of the Premier League table. The coach was delighted after the game. “The back four were superb today as they have been for the last couple of weeks. “We struggled defensively last season and it’s a measure of our success when we can hold the 2008 Champions, Floreat Athena, and runners up, Perth, scoreless in consecutive weeks. “But we’ve got our feet firmly on the ground, its early day’s in the competition and we have to perform like that on regular basis,” said Lincoln. Sorrento dropped their first points of the season when they were held 1-1 at Macedonia Park by Stirling Lions. Mark Redshaw headed home in the first half for the Lions but Stuart Montgomery levelled in the second half to keep the Gulls unbeaten in 2008. Floreat Athena gained their first victory of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Fremantle Spirit at the E&D Litis Stadium. On target for Michael Roki’s side was Raphael Insuralde, New Zealand import Brad Smith added a second with Garin Collins adding a third late. In other games Mandurah city continued their 100% home record with a 2-1 victory against E.C.U. Joondalup at the Hyundai Stadium. Jeff Bright and Phil O’Callaghan were on target for the home side with Jon Higgins for E.C.U. While at the Clipsal stadium Bobby Despotovski and Kevin Griffiths scored in Inglewood United’s 2-0 win against Western Knights. Results, Tables and Fixtures
Premier Division Division OneMatch Reports
Swans stun Perth at Francis StreetA stunning second half from Swan IC saw them score four times to beat Perth SC 4-0 at Francis Street and move the Swan Valley club to the top of the Football West Premier Division table. Perth opened well and David Onoforo was sent clear in the opening minutes but his shot was blocked by Dom Ando, and Andreas Oliveira fired over from the edge of the box. The home side settled and had the best chance of the match on 10 minutes, John Mansaray sent Alex Cocking clear but Gareth Deeg was out quick to block his low shot with his legs. Then a great run down the right from Robert Monterosso ended with a cross which was only inches away from Cocking in the six-yard box. Both sides had chances as the game ebbed and flowed, Oliveira fired over from 12-yards and David Perich’s cross shot was tipped over by the alert Deeg. Perth went close twice in a matter of minutes; first Onoforo shot was pushed away by Cory Hugo on 20 minutes and sixty seconds later Matt Danskin’s corner found the unmarked Gianfranco Circati who headed wide from close-range. The visitors ended the half the better, Todd Howarth cross shot flicked the top of the bar, Robbie Puca fired inches wide, and Oliviera’s shot was saved low by Cory Hugo, but it was 0-0 at the break. The Swans opened up well after the break and they were ahead on 53 minutes with a disputed penalty. Ando’s corner was met by former Perth defender Aaron Cole, and his header seemed to hit the arm of Puca, but the Swans appeals were turned down by referee Steven Gregory. But the assistant Ton Klaver waved his flag and after consultation with the official the Swans were awarded a penalty, Damian Scali kept his nerve and fired low past Deeg to give the home side the lead. Perth was struggling against a solid black and whites defence with Cole and David McNally outstanding and it was the home side that increased their lead on 73 minutes. A long ball out of defence by Justin Hugo was flicked on by Cocking leaving Mansaray clear, the midfielder kept his composer and clinically finished low past Deeg. The visitors looked to hit back immediately and second half substitute Andrija Jukic’s shot on the turn flashed wide and Oliveira shot was well saved low by Cory Hugo. With Perth chasing the game the Swans hit on a counter-attack and made it 3-0 on 83 minutes, with the goal of the game. Scali was found by Mansaray on the right, his first time ball found Perich 25-yards from goal, and the midfielders first time shot curled over the top of Deeg on into the top corner of the net much to the delight of the Swans faithful. To Perth’s credit they continued to push forward, Sharland’s free kick from the edge of the box curling inches wide and from a superb Todd Howarth through ball Oliveira was sent clear but Cory Hugo stood tall and blocked his shot. The home side made it 4-0 in the second minute of stoppage-time, Ando’s corner fell to Perich on the edge of the box his, shot deflected to Cole who fired past Deeg from five-yards. A stunning performance from the black and Whites and Coach Paul Lincoln was obviously delighted with his sides’ performance. “I’m really proud of my whole team today. The back four were superb as they have been for the last couple of weeks. “We struggled defensively last season and it’s a measure of our success when we can hold the 2008 Champions, Floreat Athena, and runners up, Perth, scoreless in consecutive weeks. “But we’ve got our feet firmly on the ground, its early day’s in the competition and we have to perform like that on regular basis,” said Lincoln. Teams Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Justin Hugo, Dom Ando, Aaron Cole, David McNally, Robert Monterosso (David Paone 89), Brendan Knox (Geoff Mason 68), David Perich, Damian Scali, John Mansaray, Alex Cocking Subs Not Used – Alex Sutton, Michael Tronchin, Conor Mahandy Perth SC – GK Gareth Deeg, Gianfranco Circati, Michael Icanovski, Todd Howarth, Brendan Ross (Antonio Naglieri 66), Matthew Danskin (Andrija Jukic 56), Robert Puca, David Price, Greg Sharland, David Onoforo, Andreas Oliveira Subs not used – Simon Madeschi, Peter Lord, Adam Hett, , Referee – Steven Gregory
Peter Simcox
Inglewood United 2 Western Knights 0
Two goals just before half time ensured the three points stayed at the Clipsal Stadium today as Inglewood United brushed aside a disappointing Western Knights 2-0.
In front of a good crowd, Bobby Despotovski outlined his pedigree with a well taken penalty before laying on an assist for a Kevin Griffiths curler to put the result beyond doubt.
A minute silence was observed prior to kick off to honor the memory of former Inglewood legend Derek “Cup Tie” McKay who sadly passed away during the week.
The first chance of the game fell to the lively Dennis McRoberts but he hit his shot wide of the upright after a fine turn on the edge of the area left him with a sight on goal.
It was to prove the youngsters last meaningful act in the game as he succumbed to a knee injury and was replaced after only ten minutes.
The beneficiary was Griffiths who moved up to the attack to partner Despotovski and after running onto a ball in the Knights penalty area, was dumped from behind by Jon Mathers, with referee Jeremy Oliphant having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Despotovski stepped up to power an unstoppable penalty high into the net to give United the lead only four minutes before half time.
Just as the Knights were eyeing off the half time break and a chance to regroup, Despotovski’s neat turn allowed him to feed Griffiths who fired a 20 yard curler just inside the post with the outside of his right boot in what was a hammer blow to the Knights second half chances.
The resumption of play saw the Knights finally put some pressure on Oliver Taseski’s goal as an early corner was volleyed goal wards by substitute Anthony Fearon but the Inglewood defenders were well placed to clear off the line.
A minute later and a second Knights corner caused more consternation for United, this time it was the cross bar who came to their rescue as a lifted shot from Keith Butler didn’t quite dip enough.
United had a couple of chances to put the result beyond doubt in the second half, Despotovski blasting an effort well wide with only the keeper to beat and Griffiths also failed to add to his tally after neat work from Michael Baczynski in the area, but his low
centre was just beyond the Inglewood marksman.
Knights coach Ronnie Campbell was not happy with the performance, labeling it as one of the worst games in his Knights tenure.
“We were beaten by a better team today. They were more committed and thoroughly deserved to win. It’s one of the worst performances from us I think I’ve seen in ten years, we were second best all over the park, the passing was terrible and a lack of commitment. Very disappointed and the best team won on the day” said Campbell.
Inglewood coach Lee Bamber was not getting carried away with the result or his team’s 2-1 start to the season.
“Not too bad, it was a win and that’s all. They all did ok, that’s what we are about, being a team, no standouts and just a good team performance all round” said Bamber.
Despotovski whilst a couple of yards slower than in his prime hasn’t lost any of the ability he once had and was a figurehead for his side in attack, successfully converting a penalty and claiming an assist for Griffiths long range strike.
“You never lose the class do you? He tired badly towards the end, but when he is out there he is experienced and great for the lads”.
“Tough game next week at Sorrento, they are flying at the minute. We played them in a pre-season friendly so we know what they are all about. We’ll go up there, have a game plan and give them a game” he said.
Match Reporter: Ben Fitzpatrick
Lions and Gulls Share Points
A large crowd turned up to Macedonia Park on Saturday to witness a titanic tussle between northern neighbours Stirling Lions and the Sorrento Gulls with points shared in a very even 1-1 draw. The big crowd were treated to some exhillarating end to end football and hoping to see new Lions signing Mark Redshaw bag some more goals.
Stirling Lions had the return from England of Steve Porter in their line up for the first time this season, whilst Sorrento had James Morgan and Danny Hill back from suspension. Hill took a spot on the bench whilst Morgan started in the midfield for the Gulls. It was the Lions who were driven by Porter in the middle who took the game forward.
The Lions were first to attack with midfield dynamo Stevie Porter sending Jordan Rhodes through on the left with his pin point cross finding Andy Brown at the far post only for his inviting header going cross goal with no Lions on hand to finish the great build up.
Mark Redshaw had his first sight of the Gulls net on 7 minutes, but he fired well over with his left footed attempt. The Gulls first real attack was on 11 minutes when a Cross from the left by Stuart Banks was meet by Stuart Montgomery, but his header was held Lions keeper, Phil Straker.
A tight contest was broken by the referee's whistle on 18 minutes when Michael Pugliese was booked for a tackle on the Gulls Stuart Montgomery. Stuart Banks smacked the free kick into the defensive wall and the loose ball was swung into the danger area by James Morgan where Steve McDonald looping header was confidently grabbed by Straker. The Gulls small period of dominance saw them with another free kick on 25 minutes, which was taken by Glen Thomas, but Shaun Kilkelly headed over for the team in sky blue. Then on 29 minutes it was the home team grabbing the lead. A low cross from the right was missed or touched by Kilkelly, which deceived Neil Young and the ball bounced through to the unmarked and ever alert Redshaw who promptly headed in from 2 meters. A minute before the break the Gulls fashioned a chance through Todd Harnwell who raced down the left and cut back into the path of Thomas, but Straker was well positioned to save well. Then seconds later, Thomas set up Montgomery and again Straker was good to dive low and tip the shot around the right post. The start of the second half saw a flurry of cautions as the midfield battle ensured in the end to end contest. The Gull's Scott Neville did have a glimmer of opportunity on 64 minutes, but his snap shot was across the face. 3 minutes later it was Neville who sped down the right and cut across his marker into the area to pull back to Montgomery, but the Gulls striker smacked his shot off the right post. Then on 71 minutes a quick free kick taken by Scott Bulloch was to Michael Ord who quickly feed Todd Harnwell down the right and his pass into Montgomery was well relieved as the recently signed striker belted the ball pass Straker to bring the Gulls level. The Lions took the set back in their stride and within a minute Phil Arnold was crossing to Redshaw, but the Lion's forward saw his effort tipped over by Young. The home team with driving force Porter who lobbed over the defensive line on 76 minutes had team mate Redshaw and opponents Kilkelly and Young all contesting and in contact for possession, but the toe poke from Redshaw was just wide of the Gulls right post. Lions Coach, Mick Lyons brought on Marc Anthony for the tiring Rhodes to add more forward fire power to the Lions in the 79 minute. Both teams were hard at it, but neither could break the opponents defensive shackles. The Gulls did have an opportunity to grab the winner on 82 minutes when following a Thomas corner from the left resulted in a goal mouth scramble that saw the ball bobble up to hit the cross bar and Straker was brave to smother the ball on the goal line with boots flying. Soon after it was Redshaw who was one on one with keeper Young with Young saving bravely at the feet of the busy striker
STIRLING LIONS 1 ( Redshaw 29) v SORRENTO 1 (S Montgomery 71)
HT: 1-0 Sorrento (4-4-2): Young, Banks (Hill 59), Kilkelly, S McDonald, Ord, Neville, Thomas, Morgan, Bulloch (Flatt 79), Montgomery, Harnwell. Subs not used: Cochrane, Yorke, Trajkoski. Cautioned: Harnwell, Morgan.
Stirling Lions (4-4-2): P Straker, Pugliese, Ilomanoski, Hesketh, Rhodes (Anthony 79), Porter, A Brown, Muir, Evans, Redshaw, Arnold. Subs not used: Bentley, Micevski. Cautioned: Pugliese, Hesketh, Porter, Muir.
Referee: Dave Currie
Match Reporter Don Evans
Floreat Athena Vs Fremantle Spirit Floreat are back on the winners list after a convincing three nil win over Fremantle Spirit at Litis Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Floreat controlled the match for most of the day dominating possession and shots on goal. The first goal came on 27 minutes for the home team after a number of attacking chances with Raphael Insuralde putting it neatly past the keeper to put Floreat 1 nil up.
The last part of the second half opened with both teams having chances to score. The best chance fell to Fremantle just before half time, with numbers streaming forward a number of errant, passes symptomatic of Fremantle’s day, spoilt their chance to equalise.
Debutant Brad Scott got Floreat on the board early in the second half with a neatly taken header from a pin point cross from winger Branimir Mikulic. It was reward for some good work in the first half by the New Zealander.
Floreat began the second half in much the same way as the first, with a number of opportunities to score. Ante Kovacevic missed a chance to put the game beyond doubt shooting over the bar after being unmarked just outside the box on the 55th minute.
The sting went out of the game in the second half with Fremantle refusing to attack and Floreat dominating the match seemingly happy to protect their two goal lead.
Floreat topped off the match with a late goal to Garin Collins after some ordinary defence from Fremantle. Collins stroked it past the keeper at the back post after the ball somehow got through three Fremantle defenders.
Fremantle are still without a point from its first three games and take on Perth away this week. Last years champions Floreat finally have a win after a draw and a loss in the first two rounds, and will look to string two together when they play Armadale SC at home on Saturday night.
Cockburn City edge out ten man Armadale
Cockburn City made it back-to-back victories with a 3-0 victory against Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval in the final game of the Football West Premier division round three today. The Cockerels scored twice from the penalty spot through Johnny Mirco and it left second half substitute Josh Kamasz to give the home side their third loss in as many games this season. The visitors opened brightly, Johnny Mirco trying his luck from the left hand side of the penalty area in the second minute but it was wide of the target, and Giovanni de Bartelo long-range shot was saved easily by Cyril Sharrock. Then it was Johnny Mirco who was sent clear by his brother Michael on 13 minutes, his low shot was well saved by the alert Sharrock. The home side began to get into the game and after a good ball from Marlon Ramirez out to former Cockburn midfielder Joseph Brunetto down the right flank on 17 minutes, his cross shot was tipped over by Dejan Aleksic. But the visitors went ahead on 22 minutes, Mileta Miletic shot was well saved by Sharrock, but the rebound fell to Jason Godfrey. His shot was blocked on the line by Brunetto with his arm and after consultation with his assistant referee Troy Miller pointed to the spot and sent Brunetto off. Johnny Mirco kept his cool and scored from the penalty spot to give Cockburn the lead. Cockburn continued to press, Domenic de Felice firing wide on the half hour and de Bartelo’s shot sailed well wide moments later. Brad Hassell’s side were struggling to break down the Cockburn City defence, with Godfrey and Liam Lilly outstanding, although Scott Devine’s free kick from the edge of the box did force Aleksic into his first save. With heavy rain falling, the visitors ended the half on top, de Felice firing wide on 40 minutes and Johnny Mirco’s curling shot flew inches past the post, but it was 1-0 to City at the break. Armadale opened brightly and after a strong run by Stefan Smijanic, his pull back found Jason Goodwin, whose shot was blocked by Godfrey. But down the other end Sharrock was at his best to deny a 25-yard strike from de Bartelo on 50 minutes and he was even better moments later pushing away a Lillly header at full stretch. The host’s continue to press for the equaliser, Smijanic flicked on a long ball to Goodwin, the striker’s shot was only parried by Aleksic, and the young keeper recovered just in time to deny Oliver Hilton from the rebound. Then the former Perth SC midfielder, Hilton, shot inches past the post as the Reds lifted the tempo. The game was still their to be won for both sides, and Johnny Mirco fired inches wide again on the hour and Palermo’s low shot was saved by Aleksic. From the resulting corner Miletic was found in on goal his shot was only parried by Sharrock and somehow from one-yard out Lilly’s header flew over the bar. It got worse for the Cockerels Miletic he fired well over from inside the box, after the goal seemed to be open. The Reds need a lift and Ryan Pearson almost delivered on 75minutes. Smiljanic flicked on to the youngster and his first time shot flew inches past the post. The visitors pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute, Paul Natale’s cross from the left found Kamasz, whose downward header went under Sharrock to increase Cockburn’s lead With the Reds chasing the game they conceded a third in the last minute, Johnny Mirco converting from the spot after referee Miller gave a penalty for a foul by Matt Bennion on Johnny Mirco. The striker picked himself up and sent Sharrock the wrong way to complete the scoring. Teams – Armadale GK Sharrock, Bowyer, Bennion, Ramirez (Pearson 57), Platten, Hilton (Madeley 75), Smiljanic, Dally, Goodwin, Devine Subs not used – Preece, Carmona Cockburn City – GK Aleksic, Palermo, Godfrey, Di Bartelo (Kamasz 66), Miletic (de Abreu 85) , J. Mirco, M. Mirco (Pereira 54), Lilly, Natale, Sursan, De Felice Subs not used : , dos Santos, McNally Referee – Troy Miller.
Reporter Peter Simcox
Preview
E.C.U head south in good form after last week’s 2-0 victory at Nash Field, and skipper Ian McMurray continued his goal scoring spree with the second. Youngster Tommy Amphlett was outstanding last week his first goal is a candidate for goal of the season and Coach McNally hopes he continues his form at Mandurah. Keeper Tommi Tomich was in fine form last week at his former club and he holds together a tight defensive unit with Craig Simpson and Scott Blackmore, who both stared last week.
Both Inglewood United and Western Knights will hope to bounce back after defeat’s last week when they meet at the Clipsal Stadium (3pm) Inglewood began well against the Lions last week, and was 2-0 up after 15 minutes, but they fell into a hole and were eventually beaten 2-5.
Shane Pryce and Daniel Kovacevic are two experienced players that have been joined by a number of youngsters at the club, as new Coach Lee Bamber bloods some of the clubs young talented. James Sammut has been superb this season along with Alex Stamatiadis and up front Daniel Niederberger will look to continue his goal scoring; the striker scored both goals in last weeks defeat.
The Knights will look for another away victory after their opening day win at Stirling Lions. It was a disappointing result last week for Ronnie Campbell’s side but with a little luck they could have got a result in the game against Joondalup. The Knights youngster’s, Anthony Fearon and Anthony Skorich have been given a chance and they haven’t let the club down. New midfielder Barry Devlin was on target in round one and his partnership with skipper Cormac Dawson is vital on Saturday.
On Sunday Armadale host Cockburn City at the Alfred Skeet Oval (3pm) Cockburn City needed an injury-time winner to defeat Fremantle Spirit last time out, and new Coach Mirko Jelicic will hope for an improvement this weekend. Cockburn’s defence was tighter last week with young keeper Dejan Aleksic and defender Liam Lilly solid. The midfield of the Cockerels is talented and with Johnny and Michael Mirco leading the way along with youngster Aaron dos Santos.
The Reds are still looking for their first point of the season, but will gain some confidence from their performance in the loss at Sorrento. Brad Hassell will still be missing Gary Faria, the former Glory midfielder missing the next few games whilst on holiday . Stefen Smiljanic led the line well last week but will need some support if the Reds are to kick start their season. At the back Cyril Sharrock has been superb in goal along with Matt Bennion and Daryl Platten, a repeat will be need this weekend
Get along and support your team!
Fixtures
Saturday 26.4.2008( Kick off 3pm)
Mandurah City - ECU Joondalup :
Swan IC - Perth SC :
Fremantle Spirit - Floreat Athena :
Inglewood United - Western Knights :
Stirling Lions - Sorrento :
Sunday, 27.4.2008 ( Kick off 3pm)
Armadale - Cockburn City
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