Peter Simcox reviews Round 4 of the Football West State League Premier Division which sees Perth S.C. entertain Fremantle Spirit in this weeks Match of the Week.

This weeks Football West Premier Division ‘Match of the Week’ takes us to the BGC Stadium – Dorrien Gardens for the fourth round clash between Perth SC and Fremantle Spirit (3pm)  Perth will be looking to bounce back after last weeks surprise 0-4 loss at Swan IC, while the Spirit will be hoping to open their account in 2008.

Perth Coach Graham Normanton will hope for an improvement from his side and is sure last week result was only a blip.  “When you lose 4-0 in a game you would like to play the next day to get it out of your system, but we’re looking forward to the Fremantle game and I hope the kick in the behind the players got from last week’s defeat has some effect,” said Normanton.

 “It’s a vital game for both sides on Saturday we need to bounce back from a heavy defeat and Fremantle will hope to kick start their season, it puts the pressure on us, but we hope to get back on track with a win on Saturday,” added Normanton.

A strong game from David Price caught the eye at Francis Street and with Antonio Naglieri and Andrija Jukic starting on the bench last week they should return to the starting line up. Keeper Gareth Deeg will hope for a quieter afternoon along with defenders Michael Icanovski and Gianfranco Circati.

Fremantle are coming off a 0-3 loss at Floreat Athena last week and head to Perth hoping not to suffer at the hands of a wounded Perth side. It’s been a tough start for the Mark Wingells’ side, playing all their games away from home and against three of the top four teams from last season. They have been served well by Adrian McBride, Francisco Jorquere and Simon Elton-Bott in the defence, while Spirit young side have played some good football with Jason Barrera and Lee Hallums leading the way.  

After last week’s stunning 4-0 victory against Perth SC Paul Lincoln’s Swan IC hit’s the road for the first time this season, when they meet E.C.U. Joondalup at the ECU University Arena (3pm)

Willie McNally has the Northern suburbs club playing some good football and skipper Ian McMurray is leading by example. The defence has been solid, but the midfield of Scott Bushby, Darren Broxton and Tommy Amphlett will make it hard for the Swans.

The black and whites head north in a confident mood but will need to be wary against a good ECU side. Paul Lincoln has had a stellar start to his Premier League Coaching duties and the form of former state players Cory Hugo and Aaron Cole will have pleased him, along with youngster David McNally.

Joint leaders Sorrento host Inglewood United on Saturday at Percy Doyle Reserve (3pm). Scott Neville’s side came away from Macedonia Park with a hard fought point last week to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, with veteran striker Stuart Montgomery scoring the second half equalizer. Another Neville has impressed to date this season teenager Scott has played well on the flanks. Michael Ord has settled back at the Gulls along with another new recruit Shaun Kilkelly.

Inglewood won 2-0 at home last week against Western Knights with Bobby Depotovski on target. The former Glory striker is vital to the young side, along with Kevin Griffiths in the middle of the park, while Jason Colli has been outstanding out wide. Youngster Matt Wardle continues to impress at the back along with big central defender James Duncan.

Mandurah City heads north for a clash against Western Knights at Nash Field on Saturday (3pm). Stuart Currie’s side have impressed at home, but lost their only away trip at Perth in round two. The form of Jeff Bright has been excellent for the newly promoted side also Gary Collins and Chris Wylie. It’s a tough trip to the Knights and Currie will hope the boys can repeat their home form on their travels.

The Knights have blooded a number of their under 18’s championship side from last season so far this campaign, Michael De Souza and Anthony Fearon to name two. Ronnie Campbell will also rely on the experience of Jonathan Mathers at the back along with the 2006 Gold Medal winner Paul Cooke on the flanks and Luka Jukic in the middle of the park to stop a confident Mandurah outfit.

It’s will be a interesting contest at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday with Cockburn City entertaining Stirling Lions (3pm).

The Lions are coming off a 1-1 draw at home against Sorrento last week, in which keeper Phil Straker starred. Also the game saw the return of Englishman Steve Porter to the midfield, while another who has made an impact at Macedonia Park is Mark Redshaw the striker scoring four goals in two games. He will be joined in Michael Lyons’ side by midfielder Marc Anthony, who returns to the starting line up after three weeks overseas.

Cockburn City fresh off a 3-0 victory away at Armadale on Sunday will head into the game full of confidence. Coach Mirko Jelicic will be pleased with the form of striker Johnny Mirco, who has been outstanding for the Cockerels, along with defender Jason Godfrey. While Giovanni De Bartolo and Domenic De Felice, have both given the side the drive going forward.

On Saturday evening Floreat Athena entertains Armadale at the E&D Litis Stadium (7.30pm) Last season’s Champions won their first game of the season last week with a 3-0 home win against Fremantle Spirit. New import Brad Scott came off the bench to score on his debut, and he will be pushing for a start this week. New Striker Daniel Niederberger also made his debut last week after his move from Inglewood United, and with David Foster also to return Coach Michael Roki will have a few selection headaches.

Armadale Coach Brad Hassell is still searching for his clubs first points this season, and will again have to do it without the injured youngster Stephen Skilandis, while defender Mark Darby will hope to be fit after ankle problems. Scott Devine returned from injury last week and was impressive against Cockburn, and former Athena striker Stefan Smiljanic will hope for a successful return to his former club. 

 Football West Reporter - Peter Simcox