Neville’s a chip off the old block

When Sorrento struggled to avoid relegation in 2007, Coach Steve Neville relied on the Gulls crop of young players to see them clear of danger.

That paid dividens in 2008, when the Percy Doyle Reserve side won the Football West Premier League title, and one of the youngsters who was part of this success was Steve’s teenage son Scott.

The 19-year-old is following in his father’s foot steps, after signing for the Perth Glory Youth squad this season, and has been outstanding to date.

Neville senior, who was a professional in the UK, playing over 500 games for Southampton, Exeter City, Bristol City and Sheffield United, before heading to Hong Kong, is delighted the way Scott has performed for the Glory. “He’s done really well, but a lot of the credit must go to Gareth Naven and Scott Miller at the Glory, because he’s never played at centre half. “He’s played midfield and right back for me and when he was played in a central defensive role early a few eyebrows were raised. I’ve watched him at every home game this season and each game he seems to improve. He’s always been really dedicated with his football, he works hard before and during the game, which a lot people don’t see,” said Steve.

For Scott he’s over the moon with the opportunity to play in the A-league youth side and is relishing every minute. “Things are going really well, on a personal level I’m loving every minute of it.

“All the boys have been training hard and are a great bunch of lads and I think that shows when we play our games,” said Scott.

A number of state league players have made the step up to the Glory youth set up and Scott believes it’s a great stepping stone for them to play for the Glory senior side. “All the boys have done well this season and I think that anyone in the squad could make the step up. They are all good players and we are all willing to learn and it will just be a matter of time before some of the boys follow Andrija Jukic and make the step up,” commented Scott.

The opportunity for the young Glory players to have over aged players in the side has helped to develop the squad and Scott has learnt a great deal from them. “Personally everyone of the over age players that have came in for us have showed great professionalism and a great desire to win.

“I would have to say that I have learnt a lot from David Tarka seeing that he plays the same position as me it is good to talk to him and get advice from someone that has played at a high level with Nottingham Forest in the UK,” explained Scott.

Scott, who was part of the NTC programme and has represented the state in the under 13’s, 15’s and 16’s, believes the former Glory greats in Gareth Naven and Scott Miller have done a great job in the first season of the youth league.  “They are both great to play for as they are two different types of coaches but compliment each other really well. They are very effective as they both have had many years of experience at a high level and have been involved in the game for along time.

“The best thing about the pair is that they are always trying to improve us as players individually and as a team and that they are interested in the progress of each player and their development,” said Scott.

The Youth League is in its first season and Scott has been impressed with the standard of football and a couple of sides have stood out. “Sydney has impressed me, as they have beaten us twice and they are a well structured unit and are a very big side but saying that they are definitely beatable, as we showed in the first game.

“Another club that has impressed me is Queensland as they are all quick and dynamic and that makes them hard to play against,” added Scott.

 

Longstaff looking forward to the Premier League

The 2008 first division champions Canning City went through the season undefeated and won all before them, and Coach Frank Longstaff was delighted with their season and is looking forward to the challenge of Premier League football next season.

“Yes it is a massive challenge for the club next season but everyone is looking forward to it. We’ve worked hard to establish a good foundation to keep us in the premier league, and we have strengthened the coaching staff with Roy Hogan joining the 1st team coaching along with myself, Steve Walker, Billy Watson & Nigel Mann.  

“Roy brings a wealth of experience to the club having played almost 400 games for Hartlepool in the English leagues, and then spent time in the WA Premier League here with Spearwood, Perth Italia & Kelmscott Roos,” said Longstaff

The Southern suburbs club took out all the honours at the recent Football West Gold Medal night with Daniel Trevisiol picking up the first division player of the year, the under 18’s winning the league and Longstaff the Coach of the year. It was a huge season for the club but the hard work starts now.

Last season English import Paul Harvey helped the club gain their Premier League status and winning the first division top goal scorer. Longstaff hopes he can attract the same sort of player to the club this season.

“Paul was big asset for us last season as his goals will testify but in the current economic climate it is probably not financially feasible to bring Paul back but I certainly would not rule out an overseas player if it is right for the club.

“I believe we have all round strength at the club so would be more looking to create more competition for places so as to make sure every player is under pressure for his place.

“I’m confident the players from last season can establish us in the Premier league but we will have to add to the squad.  I’ve spoken to a number of players and have agreed terms with four at present,” said Longstaff.

He added: “The four are Jonathan Mathers and Anthony Feraon from Western Knights, Darren Kingston from Armadale and Adam Thurston from the UK. Mathers is a left sided player that will give us pace & quality and good service to the front players, and Fearon is a young strong forward who will give us strength & pace up front.

“Kingston is another strong & pacy forward, while Thurston is a strong tough tackling midfielder with good range of passing.

“We have agreed terms with all the players, and we will have a look at how we go in the night series and assess it from there.”

Cole shows loyalty to the Swans

Swan United skipper Aaron Cole will wear the black and white stripes next season after agreeing a new contract at the Francis Street club.

A number of clubs were chasing the 29-year-old defender but Cole has shown a great deal of loyalty to stay in the Swan Valley. “I spoke at length to Perth Soccer Club’s Coach Graeme Normanton, but I want to see Swan do well and feel we are very close to doing that. I spoke to Coach Paul Lincoln and I’m happy to lead the club next season. We need to keep a strong home record, improve our away record and keep blooding the younger players,” said Cole.

Cole was pleased with the club for blooding young players last season and he hopes they continue on with it this season. “Overall the club blooded a number of juniors which is great for the club and league. I can see boys in the reserves and 18’s pushing the older blokes this coming year. David McNally showed how consistent he is and a player who’s always willing to learn, it’s really sad to see him go to Sorrento,” said Cole.

The Swans have a new name next season and Cole believes the merger with Swan Districts junior s will benefit the club in years to come. “The new name change is great for the club and the whole Swan/Midland area. It brings the two clubs together which will show the strength of future junior players becoming senior players and creating an identity which has been lacking,” explained Cole.

Glory rue missed chances

A goal five minutes before half time from Kristian Sarkies gave Adelaide United a 1-0 victory against Perth Glory in tonight’s A-League clash at the Members Equity Stadium. The result sending the Reds back to the top of the table and almost ended the Glory’s top four aspirations.  

It was the first A-League game held in Perth on Boxing Day and the Glory faithful were out in force and a crowd of 12,581 was on hand to see if they could continue their good form.

David Mitchell picked the same side that thrashed Sydney 4-1 last week with new Dutch signing Victor Sikora having to start on the bench.

The Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar made three changes to the side that secured 5^th pace in the FIFA Club World Cup at the Yokohama International Stadium last week. Travis Dodd, Cassio and Fabian Babiero coming into the starting line up, replacing Diego, while Robert Younis and Alemao both dropped to the bench.

It was a great night for football and the atmosphere was electric at kick off and it was the visitors who had the first opportunity. Good work on the right by skipper Dodd’s, his cross was only headed to the edge of the box by Jamie Harnwell straight to Fabian Barbiero whose shot was deflected wide.

The three points were vital for the home side and they should have taken the lead on six minutes. Eugene Dadi began the move finding Adriano Pellegrino on the right, the former Adelaide City midfielder’s pinpoint cross found the rampaging Dadi in the box whose header back across goal floated wide.

The Glory had most of the possession but failed to capitalize Nick Rizzo’s shot on 13 minutes was blocked, and on 25 minutes a clever back heel from Wayne Srhoj sent Pellegrino clear on the right his cross found Rizzo at the back post but his weak shot was saved low by  Eugene Galekovic.

It was Rizzo again on the half hour, the former Liverpool midfielder’s 20-yard shot was well saved by Galekovic at the second attempt.  

Adelaide looked dangerous on the break with Dodd and Cassio down the flanks causing the Glory defence problems and on 40 minutes they showed the Glory how to do it by taking the lead.

A mistake in his own half by Dadi gave the ball straight to Paul Reid. His ball sent Cristiano in down the right, his cross was only cleared as far as Sarkies by Jamie Harnwell and the former Melbourne Victory midfielder fired low past Tando Velaphi from eight-yards.  

They led by that goal at the break and five minutes into the second half they almost doubled their lead. Robert Younis, who had replaced the injured Scott Jamison after 34 minutes, found Barbiero on the edge of the box, but his shot flashed well wide.  

Urged on by their biggest crowd ever in the Hyundai A-League the Glory pressed and sixty seconds later from Rizzo’s cross Dadi headed wide. It was the best period of the match for the Glory and Nikita Rukavytsya went close, denied by the outstretched leg of Sasa Ognenovski and Harnwell’s header from a Pellegrino corner was cleared.

It was Dadi again who should have levelled on the hour. A quick free kick from Marc Anthony was nodded down by Rukavytsya into the path of the Côte d’Ivoire striker who fired over when well placed.

The Glory introduced Sikora moments later replacing Rizzo, but Adelaide, with Ognenovski and Robert Cornthwaite outstanding in the heart of the Reds defence; they struggled to break them down.

Going forward the Reds frustrated the Glory holding the ball up well and taking time off the clock and they looked comfortable on their lead. Mitchell switched things around sending Harnwell up front for the last 10 minutes and he almost snatched a point at the death.

Anthony found Naum Sekulovski on the left, his cross to the back post was met by Harnwell but his goalbound header was superbly saved at his near post by Galekovic.

While Glory Coach Dave Mitchell was left to lament the missed chances he could also take heart from a performance that was full of positives for the club in their run home this season.

“It was disappointing because there was a great crowd today and they got behind us and supported the team and that is exactly what we are looking for,” said Mitchell.

“I think we had the better chances without doubt but they also didn’t let us play as well as we had been playing which is credit to Adelaide.

“They’re top of the league and have a lot of experience playing away from home in front of hostile crowds and they scrambled and defended very well and took their chance,” added Mitchell.

The loss leaves Perth finals hopes hanging on a thread but Mitchell hopes his side continues their improvement. “It’s going to be very difficult, we are running out of games but it is a challenge we’re ready to take,” Mitchell said.

“We’re still a chance but we’ve got to win next week, and the week after and the week after that and so on,” he added.

The Glory are on the road for their next game on New Year’s Eve at the Bluetongue Stadium against the Central Coast Mariners, before a home match against the Melbourne Victory on January 11.

Adelaide has a busy period of games. Firstly hosting Sydney FC on January 3 at Adelaide Oval, then they travel to the Telstra Dome to take on Melbourne on January 6 and Newcastle at Hindmarsh Stadium three days later.

Teams

Perth Glory – GK Tando Velaphi, 2 Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5 Jamie Harnwell, 7 Nick Rizzo (29 Victor Sikora 59), 13 Nikita Rukavytsya, 14 Eugene Dadi (3 David Tarka 76), 16 Adriano Pellegrino, 17 James Downey, 19 Naum Sekulovski, 22 Wayne Srhoj (9 Adrian Trinidad 70), 25 Marc Anthony

Subs not used – RGK Jason Petkovic

Yellow Cards – Dadi 21, Srhoj 49, Anthony 78, Rukavysya 91

Adelaide United – GK Eugene Galekovic, 2 Robert Cornthwaite, 6 Cassio, 8 Kristian Sarkies, 10 Cristiano (3 Alemao 73), 13 Travis Dodd, 14 Scott Jamieson (25 Robert Younis 34), 16 Daniel Mullen, 18 Fabian Barbiero (21 Jason Spagnuolo 92), 19 Sasa Ognenovski, 24 Paul Reid  

Subs not used – RGK Tommi Tomich

Yellow Cards – Cassio 80,

Referee – Craig Zetter

Attendance – 12,581

Glory Youth edge out Adelaide

Perth Glory’s Youth team gave a large crowd a Christmas bonus on Boxing Day with an impressive 2-0 victory against Adelaide United at Members Equity Stadium in round 14 of National Youth League.

After an even first half, Stirling Lions defender Steve Hesketh and Inglewood United’s James Sammut unlocked a solid Adelaide defence to give them a well earned victory.

The home side had the best chances in a even first half and began to take control late in the game.

In the 33rd minute, Mark Lee had a tremendous chance to put the home side up, but couldn’t capitalise and his effort was repeated 10 minutes later by Andrija Jukic, who put a shot on goal that flew over the crossbar.

Adelaide’s Joel Allwright got in behind Glory defence 15 minutes into the second half and had one attempted shot blocked by a defender but was still able to get another shot off that was stopped by goalkeeper Dejan Aleksic.

It proved to be Aleksic’s last action of the game as he was replaced by Alex Pearson in goals soon after.

The wait for a goal was ended in the 64th minute when Hesketh was played in to a one-on-one situation with Adelaide ‘keeper Lucas Andreucci. He handled it well to guide it into the back of the net for his first National Youth League goal.

Neither team threatened over the next 20 minutes, but both went down a man. The Glory was the first when Ludovic Boi picked up his second caution then Adelaide’s Shane Tobias was dismissed with two yellows in a minute after showing his displeasure with a referee decision.

The Glory secured the win in the final minute of extra time when Sammut broke the lines to find himself one-on-one with the Adelaide keeper Andreucci where he calmly slotted it home.

For Sammut his first goal for the club ended a great performance from the team. “It was nice to score my first goal for the team and it made sure all the points came our way. There was terrific support out there for us tonight and it was great to be part of a really good win for the Glory,” said Sammut.

“It was a big occasion and we needed a win, Adelaide was third on the table and this keeps us right up there with them.

“The boys were upbeat all week and coming into the change rooms today there was a good vibe and we definitely brought that out onto the pitch,” added Sammut.

Perth will play Central Coast next Saturday before returning to Western Australia where they’ll play the remainder of their home matches at Dorrien Gardens in West Perth.

Teams – Perth Glory : GK Dejan ALEKSIC (40.Alex PEARSON 60′), 2.Ryan PEARSON, 3.Scott NEVILLE, 5.Steven HESKETH, 6.Dean EVANS, 11.Ludovic BOI, 12.Reece VITTIGLIA (24.Anthony SKORICH 55′), 13.Andrija JUKIC, 15.Scott BULLOCH (7.James SAMMUT 68′), 18.Mark LEE, 19.Dino DJULBIC (4.Liam HARVEY 52′).

Substitutes not used: Nil.

Yellow cards: Scott BULLOCH 63′.

Red Cards: Ludovic BOI 68′.

Adelaide United: GK Lucas ANDREUCCI (gk), 2.Michael DOYLE, 3.Scott WEIDENBACH, 4.Michael MARRONE, 5.Shane TOBIAS, 6.Alex SUNASKY, 7.Joel ALLWRIGHT, 8.Michael MULLEN (21.Joseph COSTA 61′), 9.Andrew CIARLA (16.Michael DE BONO 54′), 10.Osama MALIK, 13.Paul AGOSTINO (15.Francesco MONTEROSSO 58′).

Substitutes not used: 30.Tommi TOMICH (gk).

Yellow cards: Shane TOBIAS (78′, 79′)

Red Cards: Nil.

Referee: Steven Gregory

Assistant Referees: Tim Mihevc, Trent Fleskens

Fourth Official: Troy Miller

 

Glory stuns Sydney to keep their finals hopes alive

Perth Glory won their first away game of the season and what a way to do it thrashing Sydney FC 4-1 at the Sydney Football Stadium in today’s round 16 A-League clash.

The visitors were 2-0 up at the break with goals from Adriano Pellegrino and an on goal from Sydney defender Anthony Golec, and added to their lead early in the second half with a stunning strike from man of the match Wayne Srhoj. Despite Stuart Musialik’s stunning goal, another own goal from Robbie Middleby gave David Mitchell’s side a stunning victory.

John Kosmina made two changes to the side that lost 2-1 at the Mariners last week with Anthony Colec and Steve Corica replacing Mark Bridge and Bobby Petta, who were both dropped to the bench. The Glory made the one change to the side that draw 1-1 with the Phoenix last week, with Nick Rizzo replacing Scott Bulloch.

The game kicked off with the pitch looking more like a jigsaw puzzle with the re-turfing not ready, and it looked like the pitch had caused an injury to Glory striker Eugene Dadi in the opening minutes. With the big striker falling awkwardly, and as he lay injured in the Sydney penalty area the home side almost opened the scoring. Middleby’s cross from the right found Shannon Cole who volleyed wide from six-yards.

Sydney were dominating and the Glory were working hard to repel the home side, and it was against the run of play that the visitors opened the scoring. Dadi found his strike partner Nikita Rukavytsya wide on the left, his cross was fired home by Pellegrino from four-yards.

It was a huge blow to the home side but they looked to reply instantly, Cole’s free kick on the right caused panic in the Glory defence and Tando Velaphi had to be alert to fall on the ball.

It was Sydney who continued to dominate and Cole found Middleby on the right on 15 minutes. His pinpoint cross was headed back by John Aloisi at the back post and youngster Brendan Gan fired inches over the bar from eight-yards.    

The home side should have equalised on 26 minutes, and after forcing four consecutive corners, it was Cole’s free kick into the box that found the unmarked former Socceroos striker John Aloisi who missed from close-range.

That miss came back to haunt Sydney as the Glory doubled their lead on 34 minutes.  Rukavytsya speculative long-range strike was bundled wide by keeper Clint Bolton. From the resulting Pellegrino corner, Toper Stanley’s header was deflected into his own net by Golec.

On the stroke of half time Sydney had the perfect opportunity to pull a goal back, when Srhoj made his only mistake of the game, losing possession on the edge of the Glory area to Alex Brosque. His shot was saved low by Velaphi but the ball fell to Aloisi who somehow missed an open goal from only one-yard.

At the break the Sydney faithful let their feelings show roundly booing Aloisi but it was the Glory 2-0 up at the break.

Sydney needed a positive start to the second half and Gan almost provided it, his long-range shot flashing wide. What they didn’t want was to concede another goal and on 49 minutes they did just that.

Rukavytsya was the architect his pace took him clear of the Sydney defence down the left, he cut the ball back to Srhoj on the edge of the box and his superb shot flew into the top corner of the net to make it 3-0.

The biggest cheer of the day from the home faithful came on 55 minutes when Kosmina substituted Aloisi and brought on Wayne Bridge.  The change had an immediate impact with the home side reducing the lead on the hour. Cole’s free kick wasn’t cleared well by the Glory defence and Musialik fired home from the edge of the box.

Sydney pressed for another goal to get them back in the game, but it was the Glory who went close on 67 minutes. Rukavytsya again was the provider, his cross from the right was headed back by Rizzo and Dadi’s shot on the turn was tipped onto the post by Bolton.

They continued to take the game to Sydney and they were rewarded with a fourth goal on 69 minutes. Srhoj found Pellegrino on the right. He outpaced Golec before sending in a pinpoint cross that Middleby headed into his own net under pressure from Dadi.

It could have been worse for the home side when Srhoj won possession in the middle of the park and found Dadi, whose flick sent Rukavytsya clear on goal but the Olyroos striker shot from the angle went wide.

A great victory for the Glory and assistant Coach Willie McNally was delighted with the performance. “I thought the boy’s were absolutely brilliant today, we had a game plan and we worked on it all week and training was upbeat all week and it paid off handsomely for us today,” said McNally.

The decision to go straight from Wellington last week to Sydney was right and McNally believes it paid off. “We were a little apprehensive about it but it was a great decision by the club. The training all week was fantastic, it was sharp and we had a little fun as well, but it brought the guy’s together for this important clash and we got the right result today which is great,” added McNally.

McNally was delighted with the side’s all-round display and believes they are heading in the right direction. “I thought the performance of Jamie Harnwell was outstanding, it’s the best I’ve seen him play for a long, long time. Also Nikolai Topor-Stanley, he has always been a good player, but hasn’t always shown it. He was international class today and for me he was our man of the match.

“Wayne Srhoj was also superb in the middle of the park and it was a good day to play well with Socceroos Coach Pim Verbeek in the crowd. He came into the rooms after the game and spoke to Mitch, who he is a good friend of. He was also in the crowd yesterday for the Youth league game and was really impressed with Scott Neville,” commented McNally.  

Teams

Sydney FC GK Clint Bolton, 2 Iain Fyfe, 7 Robbie Middleby, 8 Stuart Musialik, 10 Steve Corica (28 Bobby Petta 68), 12 Shannon Cole, 14 Alex Brosque, 23 John Aloisi (19 Mark Bridge 55) 29 Beau Busch, 31 Anthony Golec (Rhyan Grant 78), 32 Brendan Gan  

Subs not used – RGK Ivan Necevski

Perth Glory – GK Tando Velaphi, 2 Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5 Jamie Harnwell, 7 Nick Rizzo (28 Andrija Jukic 88), 13 Nikita Rukavytsya, 14 Eugene Dadi, 16 Adriano Pellegrino, 17 James Downey, 19 Naum Sekulovski (3 David Tarka 92), 22 Wayne Srhoj, 25 Marc Anthony (9 Adrian Trinidad 86)

Subs not used – RGK Jason Petkovic

Referee - Ben Williams

Att – 12,165

Injury time heartbreak for Glory Youth

Sydney FC Youth 1 (Mileski 95′)  Perth Glory Youth 0

A goal five minutes into injury time from Sydney FC midfielder Robbie Mileski has denied Perth Glory Youth side a hard fought point in today’s National Youth League game at Cromer Park in Sydney.

The home side, which has only lost just once this season, looked to have been frustrated by a gallant Glory side, with keeper Dean Aleksic outstanding, until the late goal with virtually the last kick of the game. 

It was a cruel end for the Glory who rode their luck but battled gamely throughout only to be denied when second half substitute Kerim Bulut’s shot deflected off the unfortunate Dino Djulbic and onto the head of Mileski.

Gareth Naven made four changes to the side that beat Melbourne Victory last time out. Joshua Risdon, Dino Djulbic, Dean Evans and Hayden Doyle coming into the starting eleven replacing  James Sammut, Howard Fondyke, with Andrija Jukic and David Tarka added to the senior side.

Sydney dominated the opening exchanges with midfielder Kofi Danning outstanding. First he set up Chris Payne for a header before firing over himself from 10-yards.

Ghana-born Danning created a third opening inside the opening ten minutes with another great run down the left, but his shot flashed wide and didn’t test Aleksic in the Glory goal.

It was one-way traffic with Sydney well on top, and the Glory defense was working overtime. Striker Adam Biddle forced a near-post save from an acute angle from Aleksic after bursting into the box from the right.

The young Glory keeper was in the thick of the action again moments later saving well to deny Biddle after good approach work from Chris Payne and Mileski.

Aleksic was beaten ten minutes before the break, but Payne shot from the angle cannoned back off the post as the Glory rode their luck.

Then three minutes before the break Sydney had the perfect opportunity to take the lead when Djulbic brought down Payne in the area and referee pointed to the spot. Payne picked himself up to take the penalty, but his poor spot kick was saved easily by Aleksic.

There was still time for Sydney to go close again when Payne combined with Mileski, but again Aleksic came to the rescue smothering Payne’s close-range shot.

Glory suffered a blow just after half time when Hayden Doyle limped off with a knee injury; he was replaced by Liam Harvey.

Sydney continued were they left off in the first and Payne and Aleksic continued their personal battle with the striker again denied by the Glory custodian. Incredibly the pair was at it again moments later, this time it was the foot of Aleksic that thwarted Payne again in a one-on-one situation.

There was good news for Sydney on 57 minutes when Aleksic was replaced to allow Alex Pearson some game time. The youngster would have no doubt impressed senior Glory coach David Mitchell who was one of a number of identities in the crowd that also included Socceroos Coach Pim Verbeek.

After soaking up the home side’s pressure the Glory started to force their way into the match, and on the hour Ludovic Boi found some space in the box, but screwed his shot narrowly wide.  

Then it was the turn of Glory striker Eli Babalj to go close, he forced Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic into a good save.

Bulut could have won the game for the Blues late on but Pearson produced an excellent save that appeared to have earnt his side a share of the points until Mileski’s late strike left the Glory youngsters shattered.

It was a good defensive performance from the Glory and keeper Dejan Aleksic was outstanding and Naven was quick to praise the young players.

“The lads worked so hard today and it’s disappointing for them to lose the game so late. The boys showed good team work and balance today and they are heading in the right direction which is good for the club,” said Naven.

“Dejan was fantastic today and made a number of vital saves for us, including a penalty save late in the first half. We defended well as a team today which was pleasing, Scott Neville, Dean Evans, Ludovic Boi and a young lad from the NTC squad Joshua Risdon was fantastic today. He’s a 92’ player, and at 16-years-old showed that he can cope very well in the youth league,” explained Naven.

The Glory host Adelaide United on Boxing Day in the next round and Naven hopes his side can continue their improvement.

“Every game in this league is a big game. It will be another tough game against Adelaide and we will be looking to get some points on the board. Scotty and I believe things in the side are starting to click in what we’re trying to achieve and were looking forward to the next game,” added Naven.  

 For Glory keeper Aleksic he thought they were unlucky not to earn a point in a hard fought game. “Everyone worked hard for each other, you can’t fault that from anyone, but obviously it was very disappointing to concede in the last minute,” said Aleksic

“Our team motto is passion, determination and dedication and I think everyone had that out there today. We’re gutted at the defeat but have a strong belief in ourselves and will definitely bounce back when we play again on Boxing Day,” he added.

Aleksic has grown in confidence with each passing game and the Bosnian born youngster is enjoying every minute of the national youth competition.

“The concept is fantastic and one of the best experiences I’ve had. I’ve previously been playing State League in WA but this is the off-season and I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to continue to work on my game without this competition so I’m really enjoying the chance to play,” explained Aleksic

Sydney FC Youth:
Vedran JANJETOVIC (gk), Luke AUSTIN, Kofi DANNING (Matthew HALL 60’), Ibrahim HAYDAR, Matthew JURMAN, Robbie MILESKI, Sam MUNRO (Steven LUSTICA 60’), Chris TRIANTIS (c), Nikolas TSATTALIOS, Adam BIDDLE, Chris PAYNE (Kerim BULUT 58’)

Perth Glory Youth:
Dejan ALEKSIC (gk) (Alex Pearson 57’), Eli BABALJ, Ludovic BOI, Hayden DOYLE (Liam HARVEY 47’+), Dean EVANS, Steven HESKETH, Scott NEVILLE, Joshua RISDON, Reece VITTIGLIA (Adam LUCA 57’), Dino DJULBIC (OA), Mark Lee

Crowd: 220

Evans ready to step up against Sydney

The Perth Glory Youth side will hope its third time lucky when they meet Sydney FC on Saturday in round 10 of the National Youth League at Cromer Park.

For Stirling Lions youngster Dean Evans it’s a big game, as he is hoping to make the starting line up after injury. “It’s been frustrating, but that’s football. The injury happened at training, my ankle rolled outwards, but the recovery has been good to strengthen the tendons around the injured area.

“I saw the physio for 2-3 weeks straight so that was a real help, its still a bit sore but its going to be like that for a while as ankles always take a bit longer to fully recover. I was happy to get 30 minutes under my belt against Melbourne Victory in round nine and was just happy to be back in the team,” explained Evans.

The young Glory side are receiving glowing reports and Evans hopes they can continue on with their form they showed against the Victory. “We’re going alright and it was good to get a result against Melbourne after a few disappointing results.

“We’re getting our season back on track and pushing towards a top two finish. The training is intense, the lads all get on well and we all share a good bond with each other,” said Evans.

Evans, who made his senior state league debut against the Glory this season, has seen most of the sides in the league and believes that on the day there is not a lot between them. “I missed games against the two top teams in Sydney and Queensland, and those were the two games I didn’t want to miss.

“I don’t believe there’s an easy team in this league, all the players that we come up against are good footballers so we expect a hard game against any team we play, we always have to work hard for a win, and Sydney on Saturday will be no exception,” said Evans.

A product of the Football West Premier League side Stirling Lions’ youth development, Evans has been delighted with the form of the young side and two in particular. “I think the two stand outs so far for our team have been Scott Neville and Andrija Jukic.

“Andrija has proved if you play well in the youth side you will get a chance in the first team and he made his debut against the Phoenix last week. He can change a game on its head, he has that individual skill which could surprise any team and get a goal from nowhere.

“Scotty has been playing in an unfamiliar role at centre back and I think he has been our most consistent player so far and has really stood out and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a look in to the first team any time soon,” said Evans.

The talented defender will have to impress coach Gareth Naven at training this week to get the nod in the starting line up. Evans has a great deal of respect for him and his assistant Scott Miller. “It’s been great to work with both of them. Gareth is more known to be the general; he expects a lot out of us and is always pushing for us to improve and making sure that we give our all.

“Scotty is more lenient but if we aren’t pulling our weight he will let us no. They both have a good understanding of each other and understand the team and are always trying to improve our game. Training is always at a high standard and always intense which makes it better for the players because we want to learn new things every time we train and its to develop us as players,” added Evans.

With nine games to go in this season’s youth league what’s next for Evans. “When the youth league season is over I will probably have a few weeks off to let my body recover as we’ve played two seasons on the run. If nothing eventuates after that and we have to go back to play for our clubs ill be more than ready to wear the Lions colours for the 09 season and hopefully win a bit of silverware,” said Evans.

 

New board members elected at Football West AGM

Football West has appointed two new directors after their AGM this week. Liam Twigger and Janette Spencer are the new members, whilst Kevin Campbell and Paul Kelly have both been successful in being reappointed, all four directors will serve a four year term.

This brings the current board to a total of six members, joining existing directors Rob McKay and Luke Martin whom were not up for election.

Liam Twigger joins the board with a strong corporate finance background, having worked for Macquarie Bank, Bankers Trust Investment Bank and currently with PCF Capital.

He has a Bachelor of Economics degree at UWA and a Graduate Diploma of Business at ECU. He has represented the state in his junior days and played for Kingsway Olympic, Sorrento, Balga & Inglewood United. He was also a director & Treasurer in the old Soccer West Coast from 2000-02.

anette Spencer has had a number of roles within sporting or volunteer organisations throughout Western Australia including President of Women’s Soccer WA, project manager for the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme at the Department of Sport and Recreation and Senior Manager for Projects at Volunteering WA. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and a post graduate diploma of Project Management, both at Curtin

Kevin Campbell, Football West Chairman for the past four years, is looking forward to working closely with the other Board Members and the Football West team during the coming years in advancing all aspects of the world game football.  He also wished to have recognised the contribution made and commitment given by retiring foundation member Steve Coppack over the previous four years

Jones ready for 2009 at ECU

After a disappointing season for ECU Joondalup in 2008 defender Anthony Jones can’t wait for 2009 to start to put the bad season behind them. “I think all anybody wants from next year is for the team to improve on last year, every player in the squad given a fresh slate and every player to be given a chance.

“If they don’t perform then they don’t play, but if the players play well they stay in, it’s as simple as that,” said Jones.

He believes new Coach Alan Vest will give the club a lift and he hopes they retain most of last season’s squad. “I do not know Alan Vest at all but I’ve heard he is in the same mould as Eric Williams, a coach who keeps his distance from the players and doesn’t have any favourites or isn’t afraid to drop anyone if they’re not performing.

“Personally I’m not taking anything for granted as when new coaches arrive they have new directions and I might not fit into these plans so we shall wait and see. I think we might lose a few players to work commitments and to other clubs but on the whole the majority of the senior players should still be involved with ECU next year, which will help our cause,” said the 27-year-old.

One thing Jones is sure of is the youth development at the club will continue which bodes well for their future. “ECU always has a very strong junior set-up with the young teams always competing for leagues and also playing exceptional football.

“There were a number of youngsters who were thrown into the deep end last year and performed admirably. Hopefully these players will be given a shot in pre-season and it will be up to the coach to decide whether they are up to the standard or not,” explained Jones.

It’s been a busy household for Jones and his wife Danica with youngster Cooper giving them some sleepless nights, but Jones loves it. “He’s been great but has two small teeth on the bottom, and I’m sure he has more to come so there may be some more sleepless nights, but that doesn’t worry us,” said Jones.

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