Perth Glory in the Pilbara

Perth Glory players will make appearances at Port Hedland local football clubs and primary schools this weekend and early next week as part of the club’s ‘Glory in the Pilbara’ programme in partnership with club sponsor BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

Port Hedland’s budding young footballers will be taught skills by star Glory players Adriano Pellegrino, Jamie Coyne and Jimmy Downey on Sunday 3rd May before the boys visit local schools on Monday 4th May.

The Pilbara visits continue the following weekend, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, with players and club officials arriving in Newman for more community interaction.

Perth Glory is entering the second year of a partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore which enables the club and Pilbara residents to benefit from community engagement programmes throughout the region.

Football is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and is the most popular amongst boys and the second most popular with girls. There are more that 300 registered players in Newman, and 200 in Port Hedland.

“It is a real honour to be part of the ‘Glory in the Pilbara’ programme and to be able to make a difference in the community and I look forward to coming up each time,” Pellegrino said.

Last season’s ‘Most Glorious Player’ is an active and dedicated community participant and since moving to WA last year from South Australia Pellegrino has enjoyed exploring the length and breadth of his new home state.

“I came up last year and was amazed at the beauty of the landscape and the passionate following for football and Perth Glory. This year I’m going to try and sneak my fishing rod in as well after some of the guys in Port Hedland promised to take me out for a quick fish,” Pellegrino said with a smile.

“If the time allows I’d definitely like to get out on the water but that’s not the primary focus of this trip. It’s just great to be in the Pilbara and involved with the WA community. It’s very important to give something back and I hope everyone that we meet gets as much out of the programme as we all do.”

One of Perth Glory’s best known and longest serving players, Jamie Harnwell, will be part of the group heading to Newman the following week. Harnwell will be joined by team mates Naum Sekulovski and Wayne Srhoj for a packed two day trip on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of May.

The Perth Glory trio will make use of their time in Newman to assist in the development of local players at junior and senior level while also giving coaches expert advice to ensure the prosperity of the sport in the Pilbara.

“Being able to take football and the club into communities throughout Western Australia is something as players we are passionate about,” said Harnwell.

“We always receive such a warm welcome and it’s fantastic to be part of the continued development of football in the Pilbara,” Harnwell added.

Players are available for interview at school and club visits. To arrange interviews in Port Hedland please contact Caitlin Roberts (caitlin.roberts@perthglory.com.au or 0403 942 860) or for opportunities in Newman please contact Sally Higgins (sally.higgins@perthglory.com.au or 0400 445 118).

PLAYER PROFILES

Adriano Pellegrino

The tough midfielder made his professional debut at just 16 years of age and has played representative football at every state level in South Australia. He is a capped Australian junior and was a member of the Under 20 team that qualified for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships.

Jamie Coyne

Jamie grew up in Perth and was team captain for 2008/09 season. He is a consistently high performer for the Glory in defence and proved he had more than one string to his bow after sliding into midfield last season.

Jimmy Downey

He is one of Perth Glory’s ‘Young Guns’ with an incredible turn of pace who can play both defence and midfield. A naturally gifted athlete he holds the AIS football program record in the ‘beep test’ with a lung busting 16.3. Despite being only 21 years of age he already has two seasons at Perth Glory under his belt.

Jamie Harnwell

Jamie is Perth Glory’s heart and soul and is one of only three players to have represented the club on more than 200 occasions. He made his mark early in his career as a no nonsense defender but has moved forward to be a constant threat in front of goal and was the club’s leading scorer in 2007/08. He was Glory’s inaugural captain in the Hyundai A-League and has been name ‘Best Clubman’ three times in his illustrious career.

Naum Sekulovski (Norm Sek-ul-ov-ski)

Naum is one of the Glory’s most consistent performers over four seasons in the Hyundai A-League. While he can play a variety of roles, a move to left-back last season saw him blossom in the key position and he recently signed a new two year deal to keep him in WA. Naum is well known around the club for his practical jokes and quick wit!

Wayne Srhoj (Sch-roy)

Wayne hails from North Queensland and joined Perth Glory just prior to the start of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season. An experienced midfielder with silky skills and a wonderful passing range, he adds depth to a lively midfield set-up and returned for his second stint in WA after playing for the Glory in their NSL Championship winning season of 2003/04.

Westend Concrete Alliance Cup – Update

Day one of the Westend Concrete Alliance Cup saw the three groups headed by ECU Joondalup, Forrestfield and Perth As a result of day ones competition the top 12 teams have been ranked accordingly for day 2.

1. ECU
2. Forrestfield
3. Perth
4. Wanneroo
5. Rockingham
6. Quinns
7. Heathridge
8. Melville
9. Balcatta
10. Stirling
11. Swan
12. Gosnells

Monday will see Swan a  Gosnells compete for 11th and 12th position and Balcatta and Stirling challenge for 9th and 10th spot.

The Quarter Finales will be:

ECU V Melville and Wanneroo v Rockingham (Winners to Semi Final 1)

&

Forrestfield v Heathridge and Perth v Quinns (Winners to Semi Final 2)

 

Day 2

 

Day 2 commenced with ECU, Wanneroo, Forrestfield and Quinns winning their respective quarter finals and progressing to the semi finals whilst Balcatta sealed 9thplace with a win over Stirling (1oth) and Swan sealed 11thplace with a win over Gosnells (12th).

Both semi finals were held before large crowds, and whilst entertaining they proved to confirm that both ECU and Forrestfield were worthy finalists, later Wanneroo overcome a resilient Quinns in an exciting battle to confirm 3rd place. Both Wanneroo and Quinns who will compete together in the North Green division in 2009 will no doubt battle it out at the top of the table.

ECU entered the final as hot favourites which was confirmed with the majority of the attacking play in the first half. Foorestfield who proved to have a strong defence frustrated ECU and at half time an upset looked on the cards. Despite this ECU continued the attack in the 2nd half and eventually broke down a courageous Forrestfield side and ran out 2 – 0 winners.

Congratulations to the Balcatta soccer club who have shown what can be achieved with a proactive committee willing to take the Junior game to a new level.

Amateur Premier League Round 3 Preview

The Amateur League is at Round 3 this weekend with league leaders Shamrock Rovers home in the green and white derby against the highly rated Kingsway Olympic.

Arena Joondalup’s Rudy Proctor borrows his nuts back from the missus and puts them on the line one more time with his weekly predictions…..

Preview

ARENA JOONDALUP 2 v 1 LYNWOOD

After 2 draws at home in the first 2 games of the season AJU will want all points against their fellow British boys. Lynwood will be dangerous though
especially if brothers Tony and Ryan Hunt get in before 4am Sunday morning!

SPEARWOOD 0 v 3 FREMANTLE UTD

I guessed that Mr Rugel would get a hatrick last week, he went one better and scored 4! Just the 3 this week though as they take 3 points from there close neighbours.

HAMMERSLEY 2 v 0 SOUTHERN SPIRIT

Hammers to be strong at home this year and after last weeks thumping away at the hands of Freo they will be desperate to put things right on Sunday. Could be the first defeat of the season for Mr Monarco.

UWA 3 v 3 STIRLING PANTHERS

I am predicting an entertaining game in this one with both side showing so far that they know where the goal is. Stirling to continue their great start to the season
with a hard fought draw.

SHAMROCK 4 v 1 KINGSWAY OLYMPIC

The 2 favourites for glory this year meet on Sunday and I can only see one winner. I hope I’m wrong but I think the green and white of shamrock will continue their goal scoring ways against the green machine of Kingsway.

SUBIACO 2 v 2 MURDOCH UNI

Having seen these two teams up close in the 1st 2 rounds of the season, i don’t think there is a lot between them. Both are quite sharp upfront so I’m predicting goals. To close to pick a winner though!

Glorious New Look for Perth Glory

Perth Glory’s revival as a football powerhouse has taken another significant step forward with the unveiling of a new logo and brand campaign which will help carry the club into an exciting era.

A long and proud history in Australian football precedes the new crest which recognises the club’s past while at the same time encompasses the future vision of Owner and Chairman Mr Tony Sage.

The club’s distinctive colours of purple and orange have been retained as has the sun bursts and traditional style ball, all of which have been prevalent since the Glory’s inception in 1996. Silver has been added into the colour palette signifying a bright new outlook for the club.

For the first time Perth Glory’s logo will be encompassed in a shield, an iconic symbol associated with football emblems the world over, and includes contemporary aspects such as a breakout ball to bring the design to life.

This is the third incarnation of the club’s logo, the last update coming at the start of the Hyundai A-League four years ago, with this version incorporating several important changes.

The club’s home town has been given added prominence to underscore Glory’s association to Western Australia and connection to the city of Perth as the club pushes into Asia.

“We are on a path of renewal at Perth Glory,” Mr Sage said.

“Our sponsors, corporate partners, members and supporters have a strong affiliation and loyalty to the Perth Glory brand and associate well with our attributes of success, passion and innovation. The new logo and brand campaign further strengthens that connection and prepares us for exciting times ahead at the club,” added Mr Sage.

The design of the logo was conducted over many months with significant resources and consultation being allocated to achieve a successful outcome. Original concepts were developed through the design team at KURV in Western Australia and finalised in conjunction with Football Federation Australia design company Witekite.

“We’re very pleased with the final outcome,” said Mr Sage.

“You can instantly recognise it as Perth Glory through the colours and key elements such as the sun rays and it definitely has a strong football feel about it.

“The logo is more contemporary and has a lively look which is particularly relevant in our business. Combining this logo with a squad of high quality players and revamped strip gives a fresh feel across the club on and off the field,” Mr Sage said.

Reproduction of the logo across a multitude of environments including embroidery on merchandise, web, television and print has received an extremely favourable response.

Canning City and Armadale Share Points

Canning City and Armadale clashed in a local derby at Willetton Sports Club last Sunday. Armadale was keen to kick their season off after losses in its initial two fixtures. Canning was set on putting greater distance between themselves and Armadale in the Premier League table.

On a warm afternoon in front of a good crowd at Willetton Sports Club scoring chances were few in a tight contest. Two chances were spilled by Canning within the first twenty five minutes. The first went to Michael Roger who shot wide of the Armadale goal from 20 metres after receiving a ball passed across the edge of the penalty area from Floyd Duffy.

Fourteen minutes later Duffy himself was off target from 25 metres. It wasn’t until the twenty eighth minute that the deadlock was broken when a great switch of play from the left wing to the right wing by Armadale found Mo Atak in acres of space on the right wing. Atak outpaced Canning’s defense accelerating to the edge of the goal area and drove the ball high into the roof of Canning’s goal close to the near post, giving Canning keeper Devon Spence little time to react.

It wasn’t until the dying minute of the first half the next significant scoring chance arrived when Floyd Duffy failed to connect with a Rory Mouttet free-kick on the right wing. The two teams went into the half time break with Armadale maintaining their one goal lead.

A more purposeful Canning emerged after the break. In the eighth minute after the break Simon Versaico sent a header crashing against the frame of Armadale’s goal. Somehow in the ensuing scramble the visitors managed to clear the ball from their goal area.

In the 17th minute of the half Armadale had a setback when referee Ken Taylor issued Armadale’s goal scorer, Mo Atak, with a red card for an incident involving Canning’s Roberto Lutjan.

Canning kept piling on the pressure but it wasn’t until the 37th minute that Floyd Duffy leveled the scores from short range in a crowded goal area after Rory Mouttet delivered a corner kick from the right.

Canning continued to press for a winner and with full time looming a sweeping move from the right found Floyd Duffy close to the “D” of Armadale’s penalty area. Duffy moved the ball on to Michael Roger who turning a defender rounded the defense and drove a low shot past Cyril Sharrock and inside the far post of the visitor’s goal to give Canning the lead.

Canning’s celebrations had hardly subsided when with a desperate bid to gain something from the match Armadale launched a final minute attack and found Gary Bunting close to Canning’s goal line. Bunting somehow managed to drag the ball back from the goal line and evade two Canning defenders. He then swiveled around and drove a powerful shot from a narrow angle inside Canning’s far post to the excitement of the traveling Armadale contingent.

A short time later Ken Taylor blew the full time whistle and both sets of supporters clapped the teams off the field after the hard fought contest. Earlier Canning’s 18’s lost 4:2 and Canning’s Reserves won 2:1 against their Armadale S.C. counterparts.

The State League has a break next week. Canning’s next fixture is on May 2nd when the teams travel south to take on Mandurah S.C. at Hyundia Stadium. Mandurah have lost three times to Canning over the past few months in a preseason friendly, the Night Series and cup competition and will be very keen to reverse the trend.

Reporter: Philip Unsworth

RED LETTER DAY FOR 10 MAN DIANELLA WHO RALLY TO BEAT ASHFIELD WITH A HATRICK OF WINS

Dianella had a red letter day after their 10 man 1^st team rallied to beat Ashfield as did the Reserves & U18s.

Despite the 1^st team being down to 10 players after a straight red card was given to Goran Radinovic after his accidental stray elbow found the chin of Ashfield striker Martin Kelly who required stitches forcing coach John Castrilli to substitute him in the 30^th min. Earlier on Dianella keeper Mathew Battigelli was called into action when a Gareth Healy strike was palmed wide of the goal.

With key striker Stefan Smiljanic not starting due to injury it was left to inspirational captain Dragan Njegic to supply opportunities for his strike partner Wes Ryder which he did in the 28^th as his close control at pace saw him leave his marker for dead before passing inside to Ryder whose powerful shot was well held by the keeper. Ashfield’s Aaron Moschopoulos   was lucky not to be dismissed in the 38^th min as the last man when Ryder burst through only to be dragged down by the neck with no card issued much to the relief of the visitors.

As often happens with teams down to 10 men Dianella worked harder and thought they had scored their first in the 40^th min when a Rodrigo Aguirre free kick was met by Riste Stefoski whose powerfully volley found the net but was controversially disallowed for offside. Despite Dianellas dominance Ashfield took the lead in the 40^th min after keeper Mathew Battigelli failed to punch clear a cross which was headed in for Ashfield’s solitary goal with the score being 1-1 at half time.

Ashfield failed to capitalise on their own chances as Dianellas remaining 10 players rallied in the 2^nd half digging deep to defeat Ashfield 2-1 with a 90^th minute winner scored by Stefan Drca after Rodrigo Aguirre had earlier converted a penalty in the 45^th min following the legging of Wesley Ryder by the Ashfield keeper.

Dianella had numerous other goal scoring opportunities as they pushed for goal with Wesley Ryder’s efforts in the 60^th & 62^nd mins well saved by Ashfield keeper Mathew Darling who was outstanding for the visitors. Darling was called upon again in the 70^th min when Dianellas forwards failed to capitalise after a Pavle Kuvekalovic strike was spilled by the keeper but this and other opportunities were not converted forcing the nail biting finale for the home side. Ashfield rallied late with Namapobi (Kanu) Salvatore going close in the 75^th & 77^th mins but his shots were wide of the target. Coach Petar Drca desperately wheeled the changes bringing on substitute Kris Spaseski, Ognjen Radonic and surprisingly injured striker Stefan Smiljanic who turned the tide. Wes Ryder thought he had the winner in the 80^th after a great run down the right by substitute Kris Spaseski was powerfully struck into the grateful arms of the well position keeper. Dianella desperately continued to push for the winner as Rodrigo Aguirre 85^th min strike was well saved after more good work down the right by Kris Spaseski whose cross was well headed down by Stefan Smiljanic for his goal ward bound strike that was again well saved.  The winner eventually came in the 90^th minute after a good run down the right and passes exchanged between Kris Spaseski and Rodrigo Aguirre who set up Stefan Drca whose initial shot was blocked but he pounced on the rebound to score the winner in the 90^th min.

In the other games the Reserves won 4-2 with a great start to the coaching career of Adam Galvin whose season ending injury to 1^st Team player has finally got some good news. Adam put his UEFA B coaching license to good use as he commenced his coaching career with the Dianella Reserves with a winning debut following his successful knee surgery as he  re-establishes his connection with the club in a coaching capacity lookings forward to a successful 2009 season.

The U18s won 2-1 which was satisfying for new coach Stan Grostate whose team is comprised of mainly 15 & 16 year olds. The former Stirling Lions U16s Premier Coaches new team is quickly improving with players adjusting to their new team mates and positions.

Inglewood United Score Late Winner Against ECU Joondalup

Inglewood United got their season back on track today with an injury time winner against ECU Joondalup at the Clipsal Stadium.

Joondalup had started much the better of the two sides and could have been ahead on 9 minutes as defender, Martin Ashworth, cut in from the left only to have the ball taken off his foot by team mate Tom Amphlett. Amphlett’s own shot went wide of the upright giving Inglewood an early letoff.

On 20 minutes Joondalup did take the lead as Amphlett atoned for his earlier miss with a far post cross from the right which found the head of strike partner Ian McMurray. McMurray’s looping header went over Inglewood keeper, Ollie Taseski, and nestled in the back of the net for a deserved lead for the visitors.

Inglewood had only created a couple of quarter chances through strikers Alex Cocking and Rory Grant, however they finished the half with a flurry as first Grant’s shot on the turn took a wicked deflection only to be palmed over the crossbar by ECU keeper, Dafyyd Jones, before Grant’s header right on the stroke of half time cannoned off the Joondalup crossbar.

Inglewood coach Lee Bamber no doubt left his charges in little doubt as to the probable outcome during the break if there was no improvement and they responded well as they stepped up a gear as the second half commenced.

On 50 minutes, Inglewood’s Alex Cocking equalised as a route 1 delivery from keeper Taseski fell kindly to the young striker. Cocking took a touch before drilling the ball powerfully past Jones with his left foot for a 1-1 scoreline.

Joondalup should have re-taken the lead on 73 minutes as Amphlett found himself two yards out from goal and in space following a Joondalup corner kick from the right. Amphlett’s goalbound effort was somehow miraculously deflected wide by Inglewood defender Daniel Kovacevic to keep the ‘wood in the game.

On 87 minutes Joondalup’s Steve Porter was dismissed for a second yellow card. Within 30 seconds there could have been two more players joining Porter for an early shower as Inglewood substitute, Michael Baczinski, launched himself at Joondalup keeper Jones as he went up for the ball. Jones reacted poorly, pushing Baczinski to the ground rather theatrically, however, the referee saw fit to grant leniency to both players.

On 90 minutes Inglewood launched a final attack which was rather cynically stopped by Joondalup midfielder Scott Bushby as he upended his opponent in the middle of the park. Shane Pryce looped the resultant freekick to the far post where Rory Grant stooped to head it home to give Inglewood all three points with only seconds left on the clock.

Glory chase Rams defender

David Mitchell has turned his attention to the defence as he targets Derby County defender Andy Todd. It’s been reported in the British media that the experienced Rams defender could be playing A-League football next season with Perth Glory.

It’s understood the club has made the 34-year-old central defender an offer although there are two other clubs in the A- League, one being Sydney FC, circling the former Blackburn Rovers defender.

Todd, the son of former England and Derby defender Colin Todd, was outstanding in an impressive Rams side that took on Manchester United in the Carling Cup this season.

Todd, who played in the EPL with Blackburn between 2002 and 2007,joined Derby County, for £750,000 in July 2007 from the Ewood Park club. But under manager Paul Jewell, the Rams and Todd struggled in the Premier League and he was no longer in the Coaches plans, a little like Socceroos midfielder Mile Sterjovski. He was loaned to Northampton Town of League One but returned to Pride Park in January 2009,

Glory coach David Mitchell, currently in Bali, is keen on adding some high level experience to his central defence and sees Todd as a potential solution.
Todd’s Australian-based advisor Tony Rallis says he believes the player would be a valuable addition to any A-League club with his experience against some of the best strikers in England.

“No doubt he’d bring some terrific experience and know-how to the league,” said Rallis. “If he can cope with the pace of Manchester United’s strike force, you’d reckon he’d do okay here.

“We hope that if David Mitchell wants to sign Andy, he’ll adhere to the protocol and contact us first.”

Howarth’s hat trick sends Perth to the top

A hat trick from midfielder Todd Howarth saw Perth SC beat Swan United 4-1 at Francis Street, in Saturday’s Football West Premier League clash.

The home side had the first opportunity, Costas Socratous sending Brendan Knox clear but Simon Madaschi was out quick to save at his feet.

The visitors had a great chance to take the lead on 15 minutes Antonio Naglieri was the provider, he found the overlapping Phil Arnold on the right, whose shot from eight-yards went inches over the bar.

Swans defence were working overtime as Perth continued to dominate, Onoforo fired wide on 18 minutes and moments later Howarth’s long-range shot was deflected wide by Aaron Cole.

The home side hit on a counter attack on 21 minutes, Damian Scali’s shot on the turn flashed wide and two minutes Brendan Craig’s cross picked out the unmarked Scali at the back post, but he delayed his shot and the chance was lost.  

That miss came back to haunt the Swans as 60 seconds later Perth were ahead. Howarth’s corner from the left was only cleared by the Swans to the edge of the box and Pelosi low shot deflected off Robert Monterosso and went into the far corner of the net with Chris Ramsey well beaten.

Perth had further chances, Greg Sharland curled a long-range shot just wide, and on the half hour Naglieri found Arnold whose 20-yard shot went wide.

Paul Lincoln’s side were still in the game and on 32 minutes went close to equalising. John Monterosso’s pace took him clear on the right and he found Knox on the edge of the box, the midfielders shot was tipped over by Madaschi.

It was the Swans best period of the match and five minutes later they equalised. It was Craig again down the right; the 19-year-old crossed to Socratous whose first time shot beat Madaschi but hit the base of the post, but Scali was on hand to score from close-range.

They say you’re always vulnerable when you’ve scored and that was the case as Perth hit back 60 seconds later. Naglieri’s corner from the left was headed home at the near post by Howarth, to give Perth the lead at the break.

Perth began the second half well and Arnold shot flashed just wide, but it was the Swans that went close to an equaliser on 51 minutes. Stephen Guest’s corner from the left found the unmarked Cole at the back post, his header beat Madaschi but Pelosi cleared the ball off the line.

The game was still in the balance, but Perth began to turn the screw and their pressure finally paid off on 69 minutes, Arnold picked out Howarth at the back post, and he fired home giving Ramsey no chance.

Perth continued to pass the ball around and press forward, they had a penalty claim turned down by referee Michael Tolme when Onoforo fell under a Cole tackle on 74 minutes.

It wasn’t all one way as the Swans, with Craig outstanding on the right, went close five minutes later. The youngster won possession in a 50/50 tackle with Trent Kay, and crossed from the bye line but John Monterosso’s volley was just wide of the target.

As the game entered the last ten minutes Perth looked to add to their tally, Arnold’s shot on 82 minutes was saved low by Ramsey and Cole was alert to clear the rebound. Then on 90 minutes Onoforo shot was blocked by Ramsey and when the ball fell again to the Perth striker Ramsey recovered to save his follow up.

There was still time for Perth to add a fourth in stoppage-time. Cole brought down Arnold in the box and referee Tolme pointed to the spot. The regular Perth penalty taker Sharland passed the ball to Howarth who dually converted to complete his hat trick and make it 4-1 at full time.

Swan United – GK Chris RAMSEY, 3 Dom ANDO, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Brendan KNOX, 6 Costas SOCRATOUS 7 David PAONE (9 Shane WEBB 76’), 10 John MONTEROSSO (16 John MANSARAY 78’), 11 Stephen GUEST, 14 Brendan CRAIG, 19 Aaron COLE, 21 Damian SCALI
Subs not used – RGK Alex SUTTON, 17 Trent WOOD, 9 Ben LEES

Perth SC – GK Simon MADASCHI, 2 Trent KAY, 3 Gianfranco CIRCATI, 5 Michael BLACK (18 Dom de FELICE 70’), 6 Todd HOWARTH, 7 Matthew DANSKIN, 9 David ONOFORO (17 Genaveo HUMAN 88’), 10 Greg SHARLAND, 11 Phil ARNOLD, 15 Antonio NAGLIERI, 16 Marco PELOSI
Subs not used – RGK Luke MARTINO, 13 Nicolas TATASCIORE, 14 Gary GREENHILL,

Referee - Michael Tolmie

Stirling Lions Roar Home For a Draw With Western Knights

Former Perth Glory midfielder Marc Anthony scored his first goal for the Lions this year as he bagged a late 87th minute equalizer to snatch a point in their 2-2 draw with the Western Knights on Saturday at Macedonia Park.

The Lions were without experienced keeper Dino Pacella and Glory Youth defender Steven Hesketh after being sent off last week against Sorrento. Into the side came reserve keeper Mark Bentley and former Newark City FC midfielder Jamie Brooks.

In overcast but near perfect playing conditions the Knights had an early free kick outside the box after an appeal for handball against Lions defender Igor Ilijk was awarded by referee Ton Klaver. Barry Devlin’s shot was blocked by the Stirling wall and play swiftly moved forward on the counter attack. Brooks layed off a perfect through ball to Jordan Rhodes who shot on the run went just wide of the mark

The Lions fans didn’t have much longer to wait as a corner was conceded by Knights defender Okway Diamondstar from which Jason Mirco’s in swinging cross was flicked on at the near post by former Ilkeston Town striker Rick Brewer and into the path of ever alert midfielder Jordan Rhodes who scrambled the ball over the line for the opener in the 9th minute.

The pressure was on the Knights as Rhodes again found himself free to shoot at goal, but his effort was comfortably held by keeper Frazer Siddall.

Amazingly Stirling’s dominance came to a swift end as a long speculative ball by David Price found Knights striker Mario Marcinko one on one with State defender Michael Pugliese and Marcinko outfoxed the Lions defender stealing the ball and lobbing over keeper Bentley in the 12th minute.
Three minutes later a carbon copy goal was executed by Marcinko as this time Igor Ilijk was the offender for the Lions with some indecision allowing Marcinko to stael the ball and lob advancing keeper Bentley and giving the Knights an unlikely lead.

The remainder of the half became an arm wrestle as Lions midfield led by Marc Anthony and well supported by Jamie Brooks, Jason Mirco and jordan Rhodes matched it with the Knights quartet of David and Daniel Micevski, David Price and Bruce Devlin.

The Knights had the another opportunity when David Micevski found himself behind the ions defence only to see his centreing cross cleared by desperate defending by Dean Evans.

Stirling started the second half looking for the equalizer when Rhodes speculative shot on goal went narrowly wide in the 52nd minute. At the other end Price’s shot on goal was well saved by Lions keeper Mark Bentley in the 55th minute. Stirling stepped up the intensity as Evans made a great run down the right before crossing an inch perfect cross to midfielder Brooks who shot straight into the safe hands of Siddall. The Stirling supporters were off their chairs anticipating a certain goal when Rhodes centred a cross that striker Brewer could only glance wide of the mark with an open goal beckoning. The Knights had other plans as Sebastian Trim played a one two with Marcinko as Marcinko’s shot on goal sprayed wide.

As the game looked to be heading for a hard fought loss for the Lions a free kick was awarded to the Lions just outside the box after livewire Lions striker Ludo Boi was fouled by Marco Warmt-Murray. Marc Anthony’s shot went just over the bar, but the Lions didn’t have long to wait as another free kick deep in the Lions defence was well taken by Ilijk and headed on by Brewer to Anthony who got in behind Knights defender Stuart Ferguson and blasted the ball into the net for the Lions equalizer in the 87th minute.

Both sides searched for the winner late in the game but the arm wrestle ended in a draw before a large crowd at Macedonia Park

The Western Knights dominated the Reserves and 18′s fixtures winning 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Both side take a break during Anzac weekend and the Lions will travel to ECU Joondalup campus on the 2nd May with a 3pm kick off.

Report by Don Evans

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