UPDATED PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

 

 

Monday 2^nd Feb – Arena Joondalup

Athletics Oval 630pm start.

Thursday 5^th Feb – Mullaloo Beach

Meet o/s Surf Club 615pm for 630pm start

Saturday 7^th Feb – Club Barbie – 3 Kyby Place, Carramar (My House)

All Players, Officials and Partners invited from 3pm till late.       

Sunday 8^th Feb

Sunday 8^th Feb – Pre Season Game 1

Away – vs – QUINNS FC

Reserves 10am ko – 1^st Team 12pm ko

 

Monday 9^th Feb – Arena Joondalup

Athletics Oval 630pm start.

Thursday 12^th Feb – Mullaloo Beach

Meet o/s Surf Club 615pm for 630pm start

 

1st team coach nick jennings

 

 

 

Results – Football West State League Night Series 2009

Results Sunday January 31

Premier League Night Series
Perth Sc 0 v Western Knights 1
Stirling Lions 4 v Swan United 1

Results Saturday January 31

Premier League Night Series

Mandurah City 2 v Cockburn City 2 – (Report below)
Armadale 2 v Inglewood United 0 – (Report below)

First Divivision Night Series

Forrestfield United 5 v Bayswater 3
Fremantle Spirit 9 v Queens Park 0

Results Friday January 30

The 2009 Football West Night Series kicked off last night with the game between last season’s runners up, Floreat Athena, and promoted Canning City.

Canning came out buzzing, though understandably lacked a bit of accuracy in their longer passing at this very early point in the season.

Floreat were content to keep their passes shorter in the opening minutes and, after a slow start, began to exert pressure on the Premier league newcomers.

Floreat’s pressure paid off midway through the half as Neiderberger found himself unmarked at the far post. Neiderberber pulled the ball down, took a touch and rifled it into the top of the net as the Canning defence looked on in dismay.

The goal started the best period of the game for Floreat, however, despite having the lions share of possession they were unable to add to their lead.

With 7 minutes to go to the break Canning took advantage by scoring the equaliser through Simon Versacio.

Floreat had been content to play with three at the back for much of the match so far and, in this instance, they were caught with only two as Canning broke forward in numbers.

Canning had lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with their wide midfielders taking every opportunity to join the strikers.

Versacio playing wide on the right found himself in acres of space to easily dispatch a rebound from a save by the Floreat keeper for a 1-1 half time scoreline.

The second half saw Canning grow in confidence as Floreat continued to enjoy plenty of possession with little penetration.

As the game wore on large gaps started to appear in the centre of the park with Canning taking advantage of the situation with a number of fast counter attacks which, had it been a few weeks down the track, may have paid dividends.

The result stayed at 1-1 as both teams shared the points. A fair result on the night.

In the late fixture last season’s champions, Sorrento, started their Night Series campaign with a 2-0 win against an unlucky ECU Joondalup.

Joondalup had parted company with their head coach Alan Vest during the week and also had to rely on a number of youngsters against Sorrento who had recruited well in the off-season.

The youngsters from Joondalup gave a sprited performance and were always in the game until a mistake on 68 minutes by keeper Bobson Caroma gifted Sorrento’s Brody Martin the opener.

Sorrento wrapped up the game via Todd Harnwell on 73 minutes as Joondalup fought to get back into the game.

It was a spirited and organised performance by the youngsters from ECU Joondalup and I am sure that the coach that picks up the reins so recently vacated by Alan Vest will have the opportunity to forge a good squad and enthusiastic for the coming season.

Mandurah fight back to earn a draw

Saturday 31st January Cockburn City 2 Mandurah 2 

Mandurah City fought back from two goals down after only 30 minutes to draw 2-2 with Cockburn City in their McInerney Ford Night Series round one clash at Alfred Skeet Oval on Saturday evening.

Cockburn were out of the blocks early and dominated the opening exchanges, Aaron dos Santos’ cross shot from the left on seven minutes was saved low by Phil Straker.

Mandurah were struggling to contain Johnny Mirco and it was only a matter of time before the state striker opened the scoring for the Cockerels. A great through ball from dos Santos sent the skipper clear and he outpaced the Mandurah defence before expertly chipping the on-coming Straker to give Cockburn a well deserved lead.

The goal seemed to liven up Mandurah from their slumber and they went close twice in the space of 60 seconds. First on 13 minutes, from a Chris Wylie corner, Phil O’Callaghan’s shot deflected just over the bar and from the resulting corner Ryan Townsend headed inches over.

It was all Mandurah now and Argentinean midfielder Rafael Insurralde’s inch perfect through ball sent Wylie in on goal but his shot was well saved by Daniel Markovic.   

The game was free flowing now and Mirco fired into the side netting on 25 minutes after a good advantage was played by referee Jeremy Oliphant, after Jay Bonsor had brought down dos Santos on the edge of the box. Then two minutes later O’Callaghan found Ryan McDarby on the left and his shot from the angle flashed wide of the post.

Then on the half hour Cockburn doubled their lead with a great goal from Adam Surjan. He picked the ball up on the half way line, and his run down the right ended when he cut inside the box and held of Jason Godfrey before firing low past Straker.

Mandurah responded immediately Insurralde’s snap shot on 33 minutes was well saved by Markovic at full stretch, but the Dolphins were back in the game three minutes later. Good work on the left by Wylie ended with him finding Christian Pashkewitz who fired home from eight-yards.

It was Mirko Jeilcic’s side that began the second half well, and substitute Devon Gibson’s shot from long-range was tipped over by Straker in the opening minutes.

Both sides went close to adding to their score as the game opened up, Insurralde’s pass sent O’Callaghan clear on 57 minutes, but Cockburn keeper Markovic was out quick to save. While Mirco fired inches over on 63 minutes and Joshua Findlater fired over moments later for Cockburn.

On 67 minutes Mandurah levelled, former Cockburn player Marco Aleksic’s cross from the right was punched clear by Markovic, but only to Insurralde who fired home through a crowed penalty area.

Both sides pressed for the winner Surjan’s long -range shot on 80 minutes was straight at Straker and after good work from O’Callaghan, Insurralde fired wide moments later.

It was the Dolphins who ended the game the stronger and they had numerous chances they failed to convert, the best falling to Wylie in stoppage-time, his shot from six-yards flashed wide of the post.

Cockburn City Coach Mirco Jeilcic was pleased with the performance from his side. “It was a reasonable performance saying we’re playing a number of our younger players who haven’t the experience. We were sloppy in some parts of our play tonight which probably cost us the win, but in the circumstances a good point,” said Jeilcic.

Mandurah City assistant coach Ron Harrison was happy with his sides fight back from 0-2 down. “We fought back well after conceding two poor goals. We had the chances to win it tonight, but decision making let us down at crucial moments. Both sides had chances late on and at the end of the day the game could have gone either way,” said Harrison.  

Teams

Cockburn City – GK Daniel Markovic, 2 John Davite, 4 Ryan Pretorius, 5 Paul Underwood, 7 Aaron dos Santos (20 Joshua Tumor 62), 8 Llewelyn Bake (15 Nick Joshi 78), 11 Johnny Mirco, 12 Joshua Findlater, 14 Adam Surjan, 16 Joseph Brunetto (13 Devon Gibson 45), 18 Jamie de Abreu

Subs not used – 10 Costa Socratous, 19 Gabriel Deng

Yellow Card – Nil

Mandurah City – GK Phil Straker, 2 Chris Currie, 5 Jay Bonsor, 7 Christian Paschkewitz (4 Daniel Macklin 62), 8 Ryan McDarby (16 Gary Attrill 57), 9 Rafael Insurralde, 10 Phil O’Callaghan, 11 Ryan Townsend, 12 Chris Wylie, 14 Jason Godfrey, 15 Marco Aleksic (13 Craig Howard 72)

Subs not used – RGK Mike Green, 6 James Hesketh    

Yellow Card – Townsend 74

Referee – Jeremy Oliphant

Taylor stunner seals Armadale’s victory

Armadale 2 Inglewood United 0

A stunning 40-yard strike from Armadale striker Peter Taylor sealed Armadale’s 2-0 victory against Inglewood United in the round one clash in the McInerney Ford Night series at Alfred Skeet Oval on Saturday evening.

The Reds 21-year-old tuned hero to villain when he was sent off 11 minutes into the second half but Brad Hassell’s side held on for the win.

It was a slow start to the game with both sides easing there way into a new season and the first chance fell to Inglewood on six minutes. Matt Wardle’s free kick from long-range was misjudged by Reds keeper Cyril Sharrock; fortunately the ball bounced off the crossbar and was cleared.

Inglewood had the ascendancy in the opening half hour but had failed to capitalize, and spurred on by their supporters, Armadale began to take control. First Ben Howe and Taylor combined down the left, and Taylor’s snap shot from the angle went into the side netting.

Then on 33 minutes Armadale hit the front, a great through ball from Gary Guyan caused panic in the United’s defence and Mo Atak nipped in between keeper Oliver Taseski and Matt Wardle, to win the Ball and fire into an empty net.

Inglewood’s response was quick and three minutes later James Duncan’s header at the back post was well saved by Sharrock, as they looked for an instant reply.

Armadale had other ideas and they doubled their lead with an early contender for ‘Goal of the season’. Taylor received the ball 40-yards out; he looked up and saw Taseski off his line. His audacious shot sailed over the stranded keeper and nestled in the back of the net, much to the delight of the Armadale faithful.

In hot sticky conditions the second half started off poorly for the hosts, with Taylor going from hero to villain when he was given a straight red card from Michael Tolme on 56 minutes for a late tackle on Alex Stamatiadis.

The ten men of Armadale almost added to their lead six minutes later, Shannon Dally’s cross found Jason Goodwin whose curling shot flashed wide of the upright.

Inglewood began to dominate with the extra man, and on 71 minutes a quick turn and shot from Mladen Kovacevic went just wide of the target and Sharrock had to be alert to save at the feet of Dannie Richman after good approach work from Stamatiadis three minutes later.    

Armadale were hitting on the counter-attack and after a great run and cross from Atak down the right, Marlon Ramirez fired into the side netting from close-range.  

With time running out Inglewood pushed men forward and were unlucky on 85 minutes Michael Baczynski’s shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and Sharrock had to be alert to tip it around the post. Then in stoppage-time Jason Colli found Richman whose shot was saved low by Sharrock.

Armadale Coach Brad Hassel was happy with the performance. “The result tonight was a bonus but the performance was good. We gave them instructions before the game and they followed them to a tee,” said Hassell.

“We were solid at the back tonight Scott and Matt worked well together in the middle and Shannon and Andy were solid down the flanks which was pleasing,” added Hassell.

Inglewood United Coach Lee Bamber thought it was a good work out for his side. “We’re not too bothered about the result as that was our first hit out of the season. We controlled the first 25 minutes, and played how we wanted them too. We were then hit by a sucker punch and then there was a wonder strike from their striker, which we couldn’t do a lot about,” said Bamber.

“We lost a bit of discipline and shape after that which was disappointing, but I can’t fault their effort tonight,” added Bamber.   

Teams

Armadale – GK Cyril Sharrock, 3 Matt Bennion, 5 Andrew Pomfret, 6 Gary Guyan, 7 Peter Taylor, 8 Marlon Ramirez, 9 Jason Goodwin (15 Steve Crampthorn 81), 13 Mo Atak, 14 Ben Howe (2 Michael Draper 65), 17 Shannon Dally, 19 Scott Daley

Subs not used – RGK Alex Preece, 20 David Nairn

Yellow Card – Bennion 6, Howe 49

Red Card – Taylor 56

Inglewood United – GK Oliver Taseski, 3 Danny Kovacevic, 6 Matt Wardle, 7 Michael Baczynski, 8 Jamie Mitsopoulos (15 Brendan Craig 67), 16 Ashley Picker, 18 Jason Colli, 20 Wesley Ryder (10 Dannie Richman 53), 24 Alex Stamatiadis (9 Renato Rechichi 76), 26 James Duncan, 27 Mladen Kovacevic

Subs not used – RGK Louis Italiano, 23 Simon Woolley

Yellow Card – Nil

Referee – Michael Tolme  

 

Division One Results

The Division One Night Series also kicked off last night with a couple of upsets in the opening games:-

South West Phoenix 3 v Ashfield 1
Wanneroo City 2 v Rockingham City 3
Dianella White Eagles 0 v Gosnells City 1
Balcatta 1 v Morley Windmills 2

CLUB BARBIE

There is a club bbq for all players players partners and kids

at Nick Jennings house, 3 kyby place Carramar on sat 7th feb from 3 till late.

food will be provided by the club, but please bring your own drinks,

bathers and towel!

stevie martin will be the chef for the day

With lots of new faces at the club , this will be a perfect occasion

to get to know each other, so see ya there!!!

Premier Night Series Round 1 Predictions

The Football West Premier League Night Series Kicks off this wekend with a range of mouth watering fixtures for those who have missed their football during the off season.

The Night Series is a time for coaches to try out new signings and up and coming youngsters and the time for Normo’s Perth to take home their only trophy of the season (just kidding Normo )

The competition starts with a bang tonight at Litis Stadium as newly promoted Canning City take on a Floreat side which is undergoing a certain amount of re-building.

City will be buzzing with a host of new signings and last season’s regulars will be keen to impress, however, Floreat remain a quality outfit and I would expect them to take the points. Prediction – Floreat Athena 2 v Canning City 1. 

The late game pits last season’s champions and the biggest movers in the off season transfer market, Sorrento, against ECU Joondalup providing new coach Alan vest with a sizeable early test.

Both Sorrento and Joondalup have a host of fine young talent though I would expect the greater experience of Sorrento to previal. Prediction – Sorrento 3 v ECU Joondalup 1.

Saturday evening sees Mandurah face Cockburn in the early game at Alfred Skeet Oval Armadale in a replay of the final game of season 2008. It should be a close encounter with both teams having worked solidly on their fitness in the off season. Prediction – Mandurah City 1 v Cockburn City 0. 

The late game at Alfred Skeet is between Inglewood and Armadale. By all accounts Armadale have made some impressive new signings and will be big improvers this season whilst we can expect Inglewood to build on the stability and consistency they showed last season. Prediction – Inglewood United 1 v Armadale 1. 

On Sunday we return north to the BGC stadium in Perth as Perth SC take on Western Knights. Perth have made the Night Series their own in recent years and I expect them to get a good start to the 2009 version. Prediction – Perth SC 3 v Western Knights 1.

The final game of the round pits Mike Lyons’ Stirling Lions against Swan United. The Lions have made a number of changes and, as in previous seasons, will rely on their youth policy to bring rewards. Swan are quietly confident as they continue to build a side to challenge for the top four. Prediction – Stirling Lions 3 v Swan IC 2

 

<h3>First Round Fixtures</h3>     

Friday, 30 January, 2009

06:30 PM   Floreat Athena v Canning City           E & D LITIS STADIUM

08:30 PM   Sorrento v ECU Joondalup                E & D LITIS STADIUM

Saturday, 31 January, 2009

06:00 PM   Mandurah City v Cockburn City           ALFRED SKEET OVAL

08:00 PM   Inglewood United v Armadale             ALFRED SKEET OVAL

Sunday, 1 February, 2009

06:30 PM   Perth v Western Knights                 DORRIEN GARDENS

08:30 PM   Stirling Lions v Swan United            DORRIEN GARDENS 

Glory Youth Heat Up

Perth Glory’s Youth team will welcome back several squad members following a Hyundai A-League stint as the young West Australians prepare to tackle third placed Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.

Defender Scott Neville, striker Anthony Skorich and midfielder Dean Evans all return to the Youth Team squad after playing for the senior side against Queensland last Saturday.  Their inclusion is a timely boost with the Glory youngsters struck by a string of injuries.

“We played really well last week and scored some great goals but probably didn’t have the experience, and we’re only talking about a couple of years in the case of these young boys, to shut out the game,” said Assistant Coach Scott Miller. 

“Having the guys back who have played with our side for the majority of the year and have shown they’ve got the quality to step up will be a plus for us.  No doubt they’ll be out there to prove they deserve to be in the senior side on a regular basis next season and they’ve been very enthusiastic all week at training,” Miller added.

The clash at Hindmarsh Stadium is sure to be a heated affair with the mercury tipped to top 40 degrees in the South Australian capital on Saturday.

“The medical staff are right across what the boys need to do to keep hydrated.  Our players have shown they can overcome obstacles this season and are mentally tough so I don’t think the heat will worry us too much but we’ll take all the precautions necessary to ensure their welfare is the top priority,” said Miller.

Perth are currently fourth in the National Youth League competition and need to win their three remaining matches to give themselves a chance to play in the final which will feature the top two sides in a one off match on Saturday 21 February.

Foxe And Rizzo Not Renewed

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell today informed defender Hayden Foxe and midfielder Nick Rizzo that their contracts with the club will not be renewed for next season.

Foxe, a former Socceroos defender, arrived at the club with a wonderful pedigree having played in the English Premier League as well as several other top competitions around the globe.

An unfortunate run of injuries, including knee, foot and hamstring, restricted Foxe’s availability for selection and in two seasons managed just eight of a possible 42 matches for the club.

“It really is an unfortunate circumstance and a very tough decision because when Hayden is out there and playing he is outstanding,” said Glory Coach Dave Mitchell.

“I felt that part of our problem in the past has been that we have had too many players unavailable throughout the year and that has been costly.

“Hayden is a terrific player, that’s the really sad bit about it, we’re letting a good player go but the reality is that he has spent limited time on the pitch and I need to have players that are going to be available week in and week out to build some continuity in the squad,” said Mitchell.

A wonderful professional, Foxe always dedicated himself to preparing to the highest level however luck hasn’t been on his side since returning the Hyundai A-League.  A freakish knee injury on the eve of the 2007/08 season saw Foxe miss the majority of that campaign and after another excellent build-up this season he was struck down before the opening whistle.

“When you look at the clubs that are in the top four they’ve had their best players on the park for the majority of the time.  Hayden is a very influential player and when he isn’t there you really miss him.

“I didn’t want to make him hang on and hang on in the hope that he might pick something up here, making this decision now gives him an opportunity to look elsewhere and I wish him all the best,” Mitchell said.

It had been mooted that a ‘pay as you play’ style of contract could be an option to retain the 31 year old in Perth however Mitchell said that wasn’t as simple as it sounds.

“Pay as you play might seem like a great idea but in any instance you must account for the possibility of that player playing every match. 

“If they played the majority of the games for you it is fine because you’re using the money wisely but if they don’t play then you have a chunk of money in the cap that is just sitting there doing nothing.

“Sometimes you might need a little bit extra to clinch a deal with a new player and if you have these floating funds not doing anything you’d kick yourself for not fully utilising the resources at your disposal,” said Mitchell.

Rizzo will also depart the club after returning to Australia for the 2006/07 season following a long career overseas, including time at Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

In two seasons for the Glory Rizzo played 26 matches, starting 13 times, and gave his all during his time on the pitch.  The 29 year old was a significant contributor to the club’s community programs and always made himself available to positively promote the game and the club.

“Nick came back with a wonderful attitude and desire to make his return to Australia a success but was impacted by injury and always battled against the tide to get to his best,” said Mitchell.

“Again, this was a tough decision, Nick is a terrific person and great to have around the change rooms but in the end my decision is based on what we need on the pitch and I felt as though we needed to look in a different direction.

“I’d like to thank Nick for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best in their next move.”

Perth Glory coaching staff will continue their review of the current playing squad over the next fortnight while also continuing to make in-roads into the recruitment of new players for Perth next season.

“There is a list of players that we’re targeting, while you don’t always get all the players you’re after there is a good list there and we’re going through that process and are confident of bringing some quality players to the club,” Mitchell said.

Perth SC looks for McInerney Ford Night Series repeat

The 2009 Football West McInerney Ford Night Series kicks of with a bang this weekend, with games at three venues across Perth.

Last season Perth SC won an enthralling final against Floreat Athena, and they will look to reclaim the trophy in 2009. Locked at 2-2 after extra time Graham Normanton’s side eventually won on penalties as the clock ticked past midnight.

Perth took a 2-0 lead inside twenty five minutes, first Greg Sharland fired home from close-range and four minutes later a wonderful curling effort on the run by Andreas Oliviera. Then two minutes before the break Perth gifted Floreat Athena a path back into the game when they failed to clear their lines from a corner, and Adam Bachiller fired home.

It was all square on 59 minutes when Johnny Migas’ free kick was only parried by Gareth Deeg and Garin Collins made no mistake from close range.  The result could have been different if Collins had converted a late penalty, Deeg making emends for his earlier error with a stunning save. 

Extra time producing no goals and few chances, the dreaded penalty shoot-out loomed. After five spot kicks each, the score was still tied, finally, with the clock nearing midnight, Todd Howarth had the chance to win the game with the 7th penalty, and he made no mistake, sending the Cup back to Dorrien Gardens yet again.

Holders Perth SC must wait until Sunday to begin the defence of their crown, but the competition opener is on Friday evening when hosts Floreat Athena entertain newly promoted Canning City (6.30pm. It’s a baptism of fire for Frank Longstaff’s side but one they will no doubt be looking forward too. In the late game on Friday evening Football West 2008 Premier League Champions Sorrento meet local rivals ECU Joondalup (8.30pm)

On Saturday the action is at Alfred Skeet Oval, where first up Mandurah City take on Cockburn City (6.30pm), and hosts, Armadale, entertain Inglewood United in the late game (8.30pm)

On Sunday evening BGC Stadium – Dorrien Gardens is the venue for the final games of the opening round. Perth SC are first up on Sunday evening when they entertain Western Knights (6.30pm), and the late game is Swan United vs. Stirling Lions (8.30pm) Entry to the Night series is $8.

First Round Fixtures     

Friday, 30 January, 2009

06:30 PM   Floreat Athena v Canning City           E & D LITIS STADIUM

08:30 PM   Sorrento v ECU Joondalup                E & D LITIS STADIUM

Saturday, 31 January, 2009

06:00 PM   Mandurah City v Cockburn City           ALFRED SKEET OVAL

08:00 PM   Inglewood United v Armadale             ALFRED SKEET OVAL

Sunday, 1 February, 2009

06:30 PM   Perth v Western Knights                 DORRIEN GARDENS

08:30 PM   Stirling Lions v Swan United            DORRIEN GARDENS 

Balcatta ready to defend the Night Series crown

The 2009 First division McInerney Ford night series begins on Friday night and last season’s winners Balcatta SC begin the defence of their crown with an opening game against Morley Windmills at Dorrien Gardens, kick off 8.30pm.

In last season’s final Salv Todaro’s side became only one of two clubs to beat Canning City last season, the other one was Queens Park in round three of the pre-season competition. They did it the hard way after Christian Debarro was sent off after only 13 minutes, but goals from Adrian Coloeiro and an extra time strike from Adrian D’Adamo gave them the trophy.

The Grindleford Reserve side have recruited well in the off season and Todaro said the club is up-beat heading into 2009. “There’s been a very positive feel at training this year and we are looking at improving on last year’s results and finishing in the top four. We welcome Bobby Taneski as reserve team coach to the club and he brings plenty of positiveness and enthusiasm to the role,” said Todaro.

He added; “Being the current First Division night series champions there will be an expectation on us this year, however, with a number of new players coming to the club it gives me an opportunity to see how they will fit into our team.

“It’s also a good to see how young players, like Chris Chiari, Adam Stillitano, Corey Wiltshire and Tony Fazarri have progressed after a season of training with the 1st team squad. We also have a couple of players returning from long term injuries like Luke O’Neill and Drazen Saric, and it gives them a chance to play.”

Balcatta has seen a number of players leave from last season but Todaro is delighted with the new recruits. “We’ve lost Adam Purcell to work commitments, while Mark Purcell has left for personal reasons. Also leaving the club are Shane Mitchell – study, David Moschilla – retired, Daniel Colletta – Perth Reserves, Daniel Franklin – unknown, Daniel Riccardello – study, Ogi Radonic – retired, Alex Bili – lost to AFL, while Igor Novakovic has gone to Serbia to live.

“We’ve brought in some quality players to replace them; Ashley Rosendale is an attacking midfielder from Stirling Lions. Young Alex Cocking from Swan United, who gives us goal scoring potential along with Damien Todorovic from Bayswater City. In midfield we’re brought in Jimmy Taneski and Steve Coubrough, both from Dianella and Theemo Georgiou, while we’ve signed Drazen Saric as goalkeeper cover. We’re delighted with the players’ attitude in the preseason and we hope for a successful season in 2009,” said Todaro.

A sixth place finish in the First Division last season was a disappointment for Todaro, and they seemed to struggle more at home. The Coach believes this is one area they need to improve on for 2009. “We definitely have to win our home games, like all clubs in the league. We try to be a ball playing team with passing and movement, the state of our pitch in the latter part of the season was not very kind to us, and the results varied accordingly,” explained Todaro.

In other first round fixtures Dianella White Eagles meets Gosnells City in the early game at Dorrien Gardens  on Friday evening (6.30pm) At Alfred Skeet Oval South west Phoenix take on Ashfield at 6.30pm while Wanneroo City play Rockingham City at 8.30pm.

On Saturday the Venue is the E&D Litis Stadium, where Fremantle Spirit and Queens Park meet at 6.30pm and finally Bayswater City and Forrestfield United clash in the late game at 8.30pm. 

First Round Fixtures

Friday, 30 January, 2009

06:30 PM   Dianella White Eagles v Gosnells City DORRIEN GARDENS

08:30 PM   Balcatta v Morley-Windmills             DORRIEN GARDENS

06:30 PM   South West Phoenix v Ashfield           ALFRED SKEET OVAL

08:30 PM   Wanneroo City v Rockingham City         ALFRED SKEET OVAL

Saturday, 31 January, 2009

06:30 PM   Fremantle Spirit v Queens Park          E & D LITIS STADIUM

08:30 PM   Bayswater City v Forrestfield United    E & D LITIS STADIUM  

Lee the forgotten man at the Glory

A one-year contract at Perth Glory for defensive midfielder Mark Lee was a highlight for the 29-year-old, but his a-League dream has fallen away during the season and he has been left disappointed with his lack of game time. “Yes it has been a very disappointing season as a whole for me. I was involved in every game in the pre-season and on the tour to Indonesia, but since the Newcastle Jets game in round two I have only been on the bench on one occasion.

“Unfortunately I have not been given another opportunity since then, but I know that the things I have been able to control have been done to the best of my ability and I have acted as a professional throughout,” said Lee.

Lee, the Football West Gold medal winner in 2005, has been playing in the National Youth league and has been given the youngsters some valuable advice. The former Swan IC, Bayswater City, Western Knights and ECU Joondalup player said; “The youth team was really enjoyable and it was great to play in such a professional environment. I did OK and thought I was playing well enough to get a chance again in the first team but unfortunately the opportunity did not arise.”

His input in the youth side has been great and the players appreciate his work. “Mark has been great for me when he plays in the youth league, “said youth team Captain Dean Evans.

“He’s always talking to you on the pitch and giving us advice, and he has really helped me with my game,” added Evans.

A niggling injury has hampered Lee over the past month and he will be heading for surgery at the end of the season. “I am going to have an operation which has made me unable to train for the last two weeks and following this I will be out of action for a further 3-4 weeks. Once I have been given the all clear though I am looking forward to training again, and we’ll see what happens,” said Lee.

Lee also works for Football West in the Education and development department as the Youth Development Officer, and he has been delighted with the youngsters in the Football West NTC squads, and a number of the squad have stepping up to the Glory Youth side this season, while NTC squad members Trent Sainsbury, Liam Harvey, Cameron Edwards and others have been selected in National teams.

“The NTC players have done extremely well and it is a testament to everyone who is involved with the programs that we run at Football West to see such players gaining international recognition.

“Football West now have a set pathway for players from a young age, and recently we have had the tough task of selecting an under 13 State Squad to represent WA at the Nationals in April. Based on the standard of players that have not made the squad it highlights the level of players we are starting to produce and from working with our seven and eight year old players the levels will continue to rise,” explained Lee.

It’s a busy time for all at Football West with the season just around the corner, and Lee has plenty of clinics and coaching programs in 2009. “Yes it’s a busy time for us but one we’re looking forward too,” said Lee.

“We have Harvey Fresh Footworx Clinics in each of the school holidays and last year over 1500 children participated along with STREET Fourz in the July and October holidays which will be held at Loftus Rec Centre in Leederville.

“Our weekly futsal sessions for 7-12 year olds kick off soon as well as our school clinics which are run through Smarter than Smoking and allow primary schools to receive free coaching sessions from our Development Coaching Staff.

“Also Football West offer high school coaching programs which will be commencing in the new school term. In October 2008 we launched the Football West Academy for 190 talented players from the age of 8-11 of which we will be holding trials once again in September 2009. There are some very talented players in this program which bolds well for the future of the game in this country,” said Lee.

For more information go to www.footballwest.com.au or email Mark.lee@footballwest.com.au

 

Heathridge Soccer Club Registration Day

Males & females of all ages (5 – 35+) & abilities  are invited to attend Registration Day

Beaumaris Sports Association, Iluka Sports Complex, Corner Marmion Avenue & Miami Beach Promenade, Iluka WA 6028

Date: Sunday 15th February, 9 am – 12 noon

We welcome young players for their first experience of team sports.

New players will need to bring proof of age and a parent or guardian must be present to register a player under 18 years of age.

Trials/grading will commence February – dates on the website www.heathridgesoccer.com

For further information, contact Chris Jackson on 0430 315 084

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