Soccer Pools Cup Round 2: ECU Joondalup v Perth SC

Round 2 of the Soccer Pools Cup kicked off on Saturday May 30 with a number of interesting fixtures including the all Premier league clash between ECU Joondalup and Perth SC at the ECU Joondalup campus.

Both teams were missing a number of regulars with Joondalup without the services of Comyn-Platt, Stevie Porter, John Walmsley (injured) whilst central midfield dynamo Scott Bushby has returned to the UK for the remainder of the season.

Perth SC were without David Onoforo (away on business), Greg Sharland, Matt Danskin, Antonio Naglieri (injury) and Ian McMurray who was cup-tied.

The game started slowly with the majority of the play in the middle of the park as both teams settled in the warm autumn sunshine. The only chances for either side were the result of set pieces from corner kicks.

On 23 minutes ECU Joondalup went ahead as a crossfield pass from Ryan Williams found Greg Josling in space wide on the right. Josling set off towards the Perth goal cutting inside two Perth defenders with a delighful drop of the shoulder before curling the ball into the top left corner of the net.

Perth were nearly level soon after as Todd Howarth curled a freekick across the Joondalup penalty area which Ollie Swords managed to get a head to, however, the right sided midfielder did not make sufficient contact to test Joondalup keeper Davvyd Jones.

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Joondalup striker Tommy Amphlett could have added to the home side’s lead as he turned his marker inside the Perth penalty area. Amphlett’s effort though went into the side netting.

Towards the break Perth began to gain control which, as it happens, was an ominous warning of what was to come in a devastating second half from the league leaders.

Perth were back on level terms on 51 minutes as a corner from the left was partially cleared. The ball fell to Perth’s Todd Howarth inside the 6 yard box and the midfielder executed a cheeky backheel which went through the legs of Jones and edged across the goal line.

Perth should have been in front moments later as striker Phil Arnold missed a gilt edged chance from close range against his old club much to the chagrin of Perth coach Graham Normanton.

Arnold was to atone for his mistake moments later as he was fastest to a rebound off fellow striker Genaveo Human. Arnold was given what seems like ages by the Joondalup defence to place his shot and he made no mistake curling the ball bast Jones for a 2-1 scoreline to Perth.

Perth sewed up the points on 61 minutes as Ollie Swords drove past Joondalup’s John Higgins to square the ball across the goal mouth for Arnold arriving late at the far post to steer the ball off Jones and into the empty net.

Perth finished off the scoring in the 81st minute as Human found Arnold who outpaced his marker to place the ball wide of Jones to complete his hat trick.

Mandurah City Under 11 Red win away to Canning City 2-4

Mandurah Under 11 Red played their 5 round game of the season against an expected strong Canning City side. The game started brightly enough with both teams eager to gain control, both teams created early chances, Mandurah scored the first goal of the game with some fine work from George down the right hand side of the pitch crossing for Andrew to finish smartly. Canning City were soon back on level terms after a mix up at the back clearing the ball. Mandurah then started to dominate the game moving the ball about well, creating chances down both wings, Nathan and Paul down the right and Lewis and Andrew down the left. George continued his good work up front for Mandurah, creating a great chance for himself with a solo run from the middle of the park past the Canning City defence but his strike hit the post.

The second half continued with Mandurah dominating, the dominance payed off with some good work from Lewis on the left hand side crossing for George to score in front of goal. Mandurah pushed on trying to get more goals, but Canning City pulled the game back level again after loosing the ball from a throw-in resulting in a long shot going over Nial’s head playing in goal.

A nail biting last few minutes of the game looked as thou Mandurah would not come away with a deserved win, but great work from Andrew reciving a quick ball out of the back finished with fine shot, making it 2-3. Mandurah still continued to push for another and with some good play in front of goal Darcy created some space for himself scoring another well deserved goal.

This was great performance and the team done Mandurah proud, this good performance was reinforced by the Football West making mention on the fine performance from Mandurah.

Team Nial, Taj, Jarrod, Paul, Lewis, Lachlan, Regan, Darcy, Nathan, Andrew, George.

Goal Scorers for Mandurah Andrew 2, George, Darcy

Soccer Pools Cup Round 2 Results and Review

Round 2 of the Football West Soccer Pools Cup was played today across the Perth metropolitan area and down in Bunbury.

Soccer Pools Cup second round review

The league took a back seat this weekend with the Soccer Pools Cup second round taking centre stage. The pick of the cup round was the all Premier League clash, at the Edith Cowen University were Perth SC defeated ECU Joondalup 4-1.

The home hit the front on 23 minutes when Greg Josling scored, and Steve Amphlett’s side lead by that scoreline at the break. But four goals after half time put the visitors in control. First Todd Howarth scored on 55 minutes, before a Phil Arnold hat-trick wrapped up the victory for Graham Normanton’s side.
“We had a number of players missing today, so that made the result and performance more pleasing.

“We were a little disappointed to go in 0-1 down but we changed a few things at the break and the two early goals changed the game, and we went on to record a good win,” Normanton added.

The surprise of the round came at Wotton Reserve where Sunday amateur side Shamrock Rovers beat first division Morley Windmills 4-1.

Rovers made a perfect start when Shane McCarthy scored after only three minutes, but the home side hit back five minutes later when Martin Sherwin levelled. The game swung Rovers’ way on 51 minutes when Wayne Brooks converted from the penalty spot, and further goals from Barry Mulligan and Graham Byrne gave them a famous victory. Rovers coach Peter Bartlett was delighted with the win. “It was a great effort from the boy’s, and I’m still trying to get my voice back.

“It was an even first half but we changed things around just after half time and we went to 4-4-2 formation, and it seemed to do the trick for us. We scored the penalty and we then went on and deserved to win,” Bartlett said.

In other games Inglewood United beat first division side Gosnells City 1-0 at the Clipsal stadium. Kevin Griffith’s goal on 61 minutes was enough for the home side, and assistant coach Kevin Brophy was happy to be in the hat for the next round. ““They really didn’t cause us too many problems today in front of goal, but I thought Gosnells worked hard and frustrated us.

“We didn’t play that well in the first half but we made the change at the break and we got the goal in the second half and we’re happy to be in the next round,” Brophy said.

Stirling Lions ran out 3-2 winners against Sorrento in the all Premier League clash at Percy Doyle Reserve. The visitors were ahead after only two minutes through Perth Glory Youth defender Steven Hesketh, but Steve McDonald levelled for the Gulls before half time. Jason Mirco and Andy Brown gave the Lions a 3-1 lead, and Daniel Darras’ late consolation goal wasn’t enough for Steve Neville’s side.

Holders Western Knights carried on their merry way with a 6-1 win against first division Balcatta SC at Grindleford Reserve. Goals for the Knights came from Anthony Campbell 2, David Micevski, Daniel Micevski, Mario Marcinko and an own goal. The home side’s only goal came from Ashley Rosendale.
  
Penalty shoot out’s decided two ties on Saturday. Firstly at Alfred Skeet Oval were fellow Premier League sides Armadale and Canning City ended 1-1 after extra time. Michael Rodgers had given the visitors a 1-0 half time lead, but Kevin Bissett levelled just after half time, but Armadale had to do it the hard way with both Andrew Bowyer and Peter Taylor, being sent off in extra time. In the shoot out Reds keeper Cyril Sharrock, who was playing his last game for the club after agreeing to sign for Sorrento next week, was the hero saving the crucial penalty.

The dreaded shoot out was also needed at the Westrac Stadium where South West Phoenix and visitors Fremantle Spirit were level 1-1 after extra time. Keiran Kavanagh gave the Phoenix the lead in the 53rd minute but Alex Consolanti equalised seven minutes later, but it was the home side who ran out winners in the shoot out.

Results to hand are as follows;-

First Team

Sorrento FC 2 (McDonald 42, Darras 86,) Stirling Lions 3 (Hesketh 2, Mirco 60, Brown 73); South West Phoenix 1 (Kavanagh 53) Fremantle Spirit 1 (Confalapi 60) South West Phoenix won on penalties; Morley-Windmills  1 (Sherwin Shamrock Rovers 4 (McCarthy 3, Brooks 51p, Mulligan 70, Byrne 80); ECU Joondalup 1 (Josling 23) Perth SC 4 (Howarth 51, Arnold 55, 61, 83); Inglewood United 1 (Griffiths 61) Gosnells City 0; Armadale 1 (Bissett 47) Canning City 1 (Rodgers 33) Armadale won 5-3 on penalties; Balcatta 1 (Rosendale 50) Western Knights 6 (Kemble 29, 75, Micevski 44, 80, Marcinko 61, OG 77).

Sunday 31 May 2009

Spearwood Dalmatinac v Floreat Athena @ Dalmatinac Park; 3.00pm.

Reserves

Murdoch Uni 2 Stirling Lions 7; South West Phoenix 5 Joondalup United 1; Morley-Windmills 0 Dianella White Eagles 3; ECU Joondalup 5 Perth SC 1; Inglewood United  2  Gosnells City 0; Armadale 1 Mandurah City 7; Bayswater City 1 Western Knights 0.

Sunday 31 May 2009

Queens Park v Floreat Athena.

Under 18’s

Sorrento FC 0 (wop),Wanneroo City 0; South West Phoenix 1 Fremantle SC 2; Morley-Windmills 0 Dianella White Eagles 2; Cockburn City 3 Perth SC 0; Inglewood United 2 (wop), Gosnells City 2; Armadale 1 Canning City3 ; Bayswater City 4 Western Knights 1.

Sunday 31 May 2009

Queens Park 1 Swan United 8

Mpenza in Glory’s sights

With the Perth Glory in training for the upcoming A-League season, the rumour mill is running hot, with perspective signings.

Glory Coach David Mitchell, yesterday scoffed at suggestions he had spoken to 40-year-old former Hull City striker Dean Windass regarding a move to WA, but he did confirm the club have made contact with former Belgian striker Emile Mpenza about the prospect of filling the club’s marquee position this season. Mpenza, who played for Manchester City in the English Premier League in 2007-08, is close to giving the club an answer about his future. 

“We’re not sure how the marquee situation will fall but we’ve spoken to Mpenza’s representatives,” Mitchell said. “Our marquee hasn’t been arranged as yet and we are in deep negotiations with a couple of players.”

Mpenza played for English Championship club Plymouth Argyle this season after spells in Germany and Belgium before joining City from Qatari club Al-Rayyan.

The 30-year-old has been released by the Pilgrims, and has been linked with a move to Greece Super League club Ergotelis. Mpenza’s one year and largely unproductive contract with the Pilgrims, said to be worth £10,000 per week, was plagued by injury, do the Glory want another injured import?

David Mitchell is also in pursuing Socceroos winger Mile Sterjovski, who is being courted by several A-League clubs. He is at English Championship side Derby County, but he is one of many players rumoured to be wearing the purple and white striped Glory shirt next season. 

Mitchell admitted his frustration at the number of players who had been linked with Glory for next season but said the club was unable to control the speculation.

“There is a lot of rubbish and speculation out there,” Mitchell said.

“Windass is not what we are looking for. The way he plays is a robust game and he wouldn’t suit our style. I don’t think he would be suited to the conditions here, either,” he added.
Australia.

Vrteski happy to be home

New Perth Glory keeper Aleks Vrteski is happy to be home after his Macedonian adventure came to an early end last month.

The 20-year-old is back in Perth leaner, much fitter than when he played eight matches for Glory during the 2006-07 season, and he believes he’s a better player for the experience.

But the keeper refuses to see his time in Macedonia as anything but positive, Vrteski using it as a chance to lose up to 18kg and set himself on a path to fulfilling his undoubted potential.

Vrteski admitted he’d seen things in Macedonia that he’ll ‘never see anywhere else’ as the club reportedly struggled to pay its players’ wages following the guilty verdict.

As a result, he was subsequently released from his contract and quickly picked up by Glory coach Dave Mitchell after training with the club for the last fortnight.

“When I went away I got a big wake up call, and I was told over there I did have to lose some weight, get myself right and I mean going away from home, being out of your comfort zone so to speak, you kind of wake up to yourself a bit,” Vrteski said.

Vrteski played 20 games for controversial Macedonian club FK Pobeda, which was the subject of a UEFA investigation last March that eventually found it guilty of match-fixing in 2004, the club banned from European competition for the next eight seasons.

“You learn a lot of things personally about yourself, not just as a footballer but also as a person, so I’m never going to look at it in a negative light, there are only positives to come out of playing there.

“I worked hard, got myself right and played a good season-and-a-half. Mitch has been great to give me the opportunity to come back to Glory.

“I just hope I can repay him as well, in a way he’s given me another chance to play for the club that I’ve grown up loving, so I’m really excited about that,” he added.

Vrteski said it was thrilling seeing the mixture of old and new faces at the club, saying he his existing friendships would only serve to strengthen camaraderie within the playing group.

But he’s most excited to be linking up and training once again with close friend Velaphi, even though the pair will be competing for the No.1 position between the sticks.

“I don’t look at it necessarily as competition to be honest,” he said. “He’s one of my best mates. I’ve grown up with him and it’s more a case of both of us getting better as we go on, wherever we play.”

Vrteski’s signing has meant 35-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Frank Juric has moved from his position as Velaphi’s understudy into a coaching role at the club.

Juric spent 11 years playing for Leverkusen but was restricted to a minimal amount of first team matches by the form and durability of the club’s No. 1 stopper Robert Enke during that period.

Having returned to Australia, though, Juric struggled for form during the opening rounds of last year’s A-League season, Glory coach Mitchell saying the veteran knew the time was right to move into coaching this season.

“I sat down and spoke with Frank about the upcoming season, I said, ‘look Tando’s got the No.1 spot and there is a position opening up for a goalkeeping coach’,” Mitchell explained.

“He indicated when I signed him that he had an interest in getting into a coaching role so all that came together at a nice time and made it an easy fit for him, for Aleks and the club, so it was I think it’s great,” he added.

Williams no regrets with Socceroos decision

Any player born and raised in Australia dreams about playing for the Socceroos, and when Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams was given the choice between Wales and the Socceroos he selected Pim Verbeek’s side.

In fact Williams cannot wait to pull on the green and gold for the first time but has no regrets over starting his international career with Wales.

The former ECU Joondalup academy player is part of an extended Socceroos squad for the World Cup qualifiers next month with the Boro man having decided to plump for the country of his birth.

In an interview with the Welsh media earlier this month, the defender said that he had had some great times with Wales and didn’t regret playing for the under 21 side.

He said “Once Australia showed a firm interest in me there was only one way it was going to go.

“I was born and bred in Australia, so it is natural that I should want to play for them.

“Pim told me all about his plans for the future and made it clear that I was going to be a part of them, so I was keen to get all the paperwork sorted as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get involved for the first time,” Williams said.

Verbeek flew to England to speak to Williams after a match for loan club Burnley and later went on to praise the youngster for getting in touch to pledge his future to

Soccer Pools Cup Round 2 Preview

This week sees the Premier league and Division 1 take a break as the remaining clubs in the Soccer Pools Cup prepare to do battle for a place in Round 3.

There are some exciting matchups not least the trip down memory lane to see the former powerhouse and now Amateur Premier League stalwart, Spearwood Dalmatinac, take on current Premier League high fliers Floreat Athena. This was a matchup that would have attracted plenty of neutrals 20 or more years ago and we are sure that those of you who make the trip down to Dalmatinac Park this week will not be disappointed as Dallies will surely give a great account of themselves against a quality Athena team.

Preview

ECU Joondalup v Perth SC – Saturday 30th May 2009 – Edith Cowen University Arena – 3pm

The pick of the second round is at the Edith Cowen University Arena where Perth SC visit ECU Joondalup (3pm) ECU beat Premier League Cockburn City to reach the second round, while Perth had to work hard to beat Amateur side Fremantle United 1-0 at Hilton Park.

Steve Amphlett’s side warmed up for the big clash with a 4-1 win at Canning City last week. Amphlett was please with the second half performance.  “It was a poor first half from the lads, we looked nervous, and Canning could have added another before the break,” Amphlett said.

“We settled in the second half and we played some good football and the attitude of the players was first class and we deserved the victory,” he added. 

The cup game against Perth is a mouth water tie, and one Amphlett is looking forward too. “It should be a great game and hopefully the biggest crowd of the day.  The boys are playing well and really looking forward to it. Even the defeats at Inglewood and Floreat and the draw with Cockburn the boys knew they deserved more, and they all seem to be enjoying it and are confident of a result,” Amphlett explained.
 
The move of ECU skipper Ian McMurray to Perth may give the game a little more spice, and although McMurray is cup tied Amphlett believes it will not be a concern on Saturday. “I don’t there will be a problem at all. Ian has moved on and good luck to him, everyone knows he served us well, and that’s the end of the story. Our objective on Saturday is to beat Perth, and that’s what we will be concentrating on,” Amphlett said.

In team news, Scott Bushby will be missing as he has headed back to the UK for six months; while there will be fitness tests for Charlie Comyn-Platt, Stevie Porter, John Walmsley, Tommy Amphlett, Garin Collins and Chris Emms.
For Perth they head into the game after a come from behind win against Mandurah City at the Hyundai Stadium last week, and Coach Graham Normanton is expecting a tough game at the Arena. “It will be tough one on Saturday, that’s for sure. No game is easy these days and we have a lengthy injury list which will test our squad. We struggled to get three teams for the game at team selection on Thursday, but we’ve got to get on with it and who ever plays on Saturday will do a good job for the club,” Normanton said.

In team news David Onoforo is away on business, while Greg Sharland and Matt Danskin look doubtful with injury. Antonio Naglieri is still suffering from 16 stitches he received last week at Mandurah, and Perth will look to their talented young squad on Saturday. 

Inglewood United v Gosnells City – Saturday 30th May 2008 – Clipsal Stadium – 3pm

Inglewood United entertains first division side Gosnells City in the second round of the Soccer Pools Cup at the Clipsal Stadium on Saturday (3pm). The Wood came away with the three points last week at Cockburn City and go into the game as favourites, and Coach Alan Vest was happy with the performance at Dalmatinac Park. “It was a good win for us, and we should have had a couple of goals in the first half, but in the second half it could have gone either way really. It was great to see Dannie Richman score; he’s a good young lad. He was in the side the week before, but came down with flu, but he came off the bench last week and popped up with the winner,” Vest said. 

On Saturday Vest knows that cup games are always tricky and Saturday will be no exception. “Anywhere in the world, cup ties are unpredictable. I’ve been involved in both sides of cup games in the UK, where I played for a non-league side that beat a first division side, but I coached a league side that were beaten by a non-league side. We need to be switched on from the first minute against Gosnells and be more on your toes than normal,” Vest added.

In team news Michael Baczynski is missing again through injury, Alex Stamatiadis is doubtful, while striker Rory Grant as been unwell all week.

Gosnells beat Forrestfield United in round one at Hartfield Park, and are coming off a 7-1 home win against Ashfield last week, and Coach Alan Dunlop is looking forward to the tie. “Last week was a good preparation for this weekend’s cup game. We were a little sloppy in the first half but Tony (Maguire) got stuck into them at half time and we came out and scored five,” Dunlop said.

“We’ve had two good training sessions this week, and we’ve worked on a few things that we hope will spoil Inglewood’s party. It’s a cup game and anything can happen, but there is no pressure on us and we’ve got nothing to lose, but on the other hand they have everything to lose. We go there looking for a win and to show that first division football is on the improve,” Dunlop added.

In other 2nd round games, there is another all Premier league game at Alfred Skeet Oval where Armadale entertains Canning City (3pm) Both sides will look for a good cup run to put their poor league form behind them. City will have to do it without Coach Frank Longstaff who is suspended, although midfielder Paul Oliver may return after a shoulder injury. The Reds will hope to have import striker James Robinson cleared for the clash, while Brad Hassell will hope to have Peter Lord back from injury.  

There is another all premier League clash is at Percy Doyle Reserve where Sorrento host Stirling Lions (3pm) The Lions, who are yet to win in the league this season, will hope to regain the services of Marc Anthony with injury, while striker Andy Brown is on the comeback trail and could get the nod up front. Sorrento will look to continue their good form in the league, after a 4-1 win against Armadale last week, with Todd Harnwell and Shaun Kilkelly on target again, while Michael Lawson will be between the sticks with Neil Young signing for Victorian state league side Melbourne Knights

The two remaining amateur sides in the competition will hope for a cup upset. Spearwood Dalmatinac face the toughest opposition when they take on Premier League, Floreat Athena at Dalmatinac Park on Sunday (3pm), while Shamrock Rovers will fancy their chances when they travel to Wotton Reserve to take on Morley Windmills (3pm)
 
In other games Premier League Western Knights travel to Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta SC, while Fremantle Spirit makes the long trip to take on South West Phoenix at the WesTrac Stadium. 

Predictions

Sorrento 2 v 3 Stirling Lions

The sleeping lions and the sleeping gulls (doesn’t sound quite so intimidating does it ?) were both awakened last week with their respective high impact performances in the Premier League. Sorrento dispatched Armadale 4-1 at home whilst the Lions were dreadfully unlucky not to come home with a point against second top side Floreat.

The last time these two sides met at Windy Hill it was an absolute thriller with the Gulls racing out to a 3-0 lead at the break only to be pegged back by the dogged lions in the second half for a a final scoreline of 3-3.

Let’s hope the notorious weather at Percy Doyle Reserve does not spoil what should be another exciting encounter between these two improving sides.

We will stick our necks out here and predict a ‘roughie’ with the away side coming away with passage to Round 3 but this could be a really close encounter.

South West Phoenix 3 v 1 Fremantle Soccer Club

An all Division 1 clash here between the Phoenix and Fremantle Spirit down in Bunbury.

The Phoenix were pre-season favourites for promotion before a poor start saw them struggling somewaht. The ‘nix have picked up their form in recent weeks gaining second place behind the Roos whilst the Spirit have been all over the shop and look doomed already to another season at least in Division 1.

Always a difficult trip down to the Westrac Stadium and we expect the home side to win this one quite comfortably.

Morley Windmills 1 v 2 Shamrock Rovers

The Paddies are showing fine form at the moment as they lead the Amateur Premier League whilst the Vindmills have lost at least one wheel in their quest for promotion to the State League Premier Division with consecutive losses against Bayswater, Wanneroo and the Phoenix.

This week Morley coach, Tom Kilkelly, has a chance to halt the slide and get his team back on track for promotion however we think that Shamrock will provide stern and more than capable opposition.

ECU Joondalup 1 v 2 Perth SC

Joondalup’s Ian McMurray returns to his old stomping ground just over a week following his defection to Perth SC. No doubt the locals will have a fine reception prepared for their ex captain.

Perth are on a roll in the league defending an unbeaten run and coming off a superb away victory down at Mandurah last week whilst Joondalup have edged up the table as well featuring a good mix of youngsters and older heads.

The midfield battle between Bushby and Collins for Joondalup and Naglieri, Howarth, Sharland and co. should decide this match with Perth having so much quality all over the park it is difficult to see how Joondalup can resist.

Inglewood United 3 v 1 Gosnells City

Inglewood United have not endured a champagne season so far with average performances, poor league position and the loss of inspirational coach Lee Bamber.

As the ‘wood showed last year, though, they are a squad of fighters and they are always likely to grind out a win with late goals through pure guts and determination.

Gosnells haven’t exactly set Division 1 on fire either this term and we believe that they will not present Inglewood with too much of a problem at the Clipsal Stadium.

Armadale 1 v 1 Canning City (Canning through on pens)

These two sides met in the Premier League a few weeks ago and were unable to be prized apart with the points being shared.

We believe it will be a similar outcome in the Cup with the game going to penalties and Canning (we had to pick a winner) edging through.

A real close encounter that should have the vocal fans of both clubs warmed up and in fine voice throughout.

Balcatta 1 v 3 Western Knights

Balcatta are facing a stiff test this weekend against a side brimming with talent in Paul Price’s Western Knights.

The Knights are not goal shy and if they get ahead early will make it a thoroughly unenjoyable afternoon for the Cats from Division 1.

Alternatively, the Knights may not be too hot if things do not go their way early as witnessed by their poor showing at Joondalup earlier in the season.

If the Cats can score first then there may be an opportunity for an upset here, however, on form we have to go with the Knights.

Spearwood Dalmatinac 1 v 2 Floreat Athena

As alluded to in our introduction, this matchup harks back to twenty years or more ago when both these clubs were powerhouses in the local semi-professional State League in Western Australia.

Dallies were a hard side who played good football on a pitch as hard as concrete with big Frank Smerrelli leading the line like a modern day battering ram.

Those days are long gone and those of us who played at the time are getting older (and heavier) but the tradition lives on at Dalmatinac Park and the lads from Floreat will no way be having it all their own way in this enticing cup clash.

Floreat are brimming with quality and goalscorers and they are certainly not a side that is easily intimidated with the likes of Ante Kovacevic and Bradd Scott well capable of looking after themselves in a physical challenge.

Football is all about goals and we believe that Athena will have the quality to score enough to win this one but don’t be too surprised if it is a very close scoreline.

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Floreat Athena Edge Out Stirling Lions in 7 Goal Thriller

Floreat Athena came from 1-3 down at half time to eventually run out 4-3 winners in today’s Football West Premier League clash at the E&D Litis Stadium.

In a controversial second half Athena hit back, but two goals irked the Lions coaching staff, and assistant coach Gary Williams was left livid and was sent to the stands by referee Steven Gregory, but it was harsh on the young Lions and they stay bottom of the table.

For Athena midfielder Branimir Mikulic it was a hard fought victory. “The boy’s dug deep today and we knew going into half time it wasn’t good enough. We came out and hit them early, and I was in the right place at the right time to score a couple of goals, I was a bit lucky but I’ll take them,” Mikulic said.

The Lions were out of the blocks early and were ahead on 65 seconds, Dean Evans’ snap shot was saved low by keeper Vas Vujacic, and in the goalmouth scramble Jordan Rhodes was on hand to fire home.

It was just the start the visitors were looking forward to, but Athena almost hit back immediately. Josip Magdic found Daniel Neiderberger on the right; his cross found Brad Scott whose goalbound shot was deflected wide by Steven Hesketh. From the resulting corner by John Migas, Mikulic flicked on and Paul Vatistas’ header at the back post hit the crossbar and Hesketh cleared the ball off the line.

Athena went close twice in as many minutes, first on eight minutes Mikulic headed over from six-yards from a Migas cross, and two minutes later Scott found Migas whose shot from the left crashed off the inside of the post and was cleared.

The Lions suffered a blow on 11 minutes, when Perth Glory youth midfielder Ludovic Boi limped off, replaced by 16-year-old Tom Kennedy. Then the woodwork came to the Lions rescue again on 18 minutes, Migas’ curling free kick from the edge of the box hit the corner of the bar and post and was cleared.

Their pressure finally paid off and they were level on 24 minutes, Jason Barrera’s free kick was well brought down by Mikulic in the box and his shot deflected off Michael Pugliese and rolled into the net.

Floreat continued to press and Scott’s long-range shot was saved low by Dino Pacella on the half hour, and Lions skipper Darko Ilomanoski was alert to block a Mikulic shot moments later.

Then against the run of play the Lions hit the front, substitute Kennedy’s long-range shot curled into the top corner of the net on 31 minutes, giving Vas Vujacic no chance.

Floreat lost influential midfielder Magdic minutes after the Lions hit the front, he was replaced by James Sammut, but it was the Lions who were pressing and they increased their lead on 38 minutes. Rhodes sent Jason Mirco down the right and his cross found the unmarked Kennedy who scored from eight-yards.

The half time address from the Floreat coach Michael Roki worked wonders and they reduced the margin in the first minute of the second half. A Simon Elton-Bott long-range shot deflected into the path of Mikulic, and as the Lions defence looked for the offside flag, Mikulic fired low past Pacella.

Moments later it was 3-3, a ball into the box by Elton-Bott bounced up and hit Pugliese and the referee’s assistant gave the spot kick for handball. It looked a very harsh decision but Scott sent Pacella the wrong way from the spot.

The game had been turned on its head and the Lions bench was emptying quickly and after only five minutes on the pitch substitute Jake Geddes pulled a hamstring, leaving the Lions with only 10 men.

All the hard work of the Lions had been undone and Floreat went for the jugular and forced four consecutive corners and from the last one on 79 minutes, Dean Apelgren rose high to head home, although it looked like he had pushed the defender out of the way. The Lions protested in vain and the goal stood, and the Lions coaching staff protested, and assistant coach Gary Williams was sent to the stands.

Further chances fell to the Floreat; Sammut’s shot was well saved low by Pacella and Migas’ free kick was well held by the Lions keeper in stoppage-time.

Floreat coach Michael Roki was happy to get the points. “I felt for the Lions today, they lost a few players to injury. But we had to re-organise at half time as we gave them too much space, and we came out a different side after the break.

“It was a hard fought win, which is becoming a bit of a habit, but we’re happy to get the three points today,” Roki said.

Lions Coach Michael Lyons was very disappointed with some of the official’s decisions, which he believed cost his team today. “A couple of major decisions went against us today, and I’ve never seen such a blatant push for the fourth goal.

“The penalty was also harsh, but when you are down the bottom of the league things don’t go for you, and that’s what happened today,” Lyons said.

Floreat Athena 4 (Mikulic 24’, 47’, Scott 51’, Apelgren 79’)

Stirling Lions 3 (Rhodes 2’, Kennedy 31’, 38’)

E&D Litis Stadium, Sunday, 24th May 2009

HT: 1-3

Referee – Steven Gregory
Assistants – Troy Miller and Hugh Best

Attendance – 300 (Approx)

Floreat Athena – GK Vas VUJACIC, 4 Simon ELTON-BOTT, 8 Josip MAGDIC (11 James SAMMUT 32”) , 9 Daniel NEIDERBERGER (8 Adam BACHILLOR 79’), 10 Jason BARRERA, 12 Branimir MIKULIC, 13 John MIGAS, 15 Paul VATISTAS (6 Miki VUJACIC 84’), 17 Ante KOVACEVIC, 18 Brad SCOTT, 22 Dean APELGREN

Subs not used – RGK Alex DUNN,

Yellow Cards – Nil

Stirling Lions – GK Dino PACELLA, 2 Michael PUGLIESE, 3 Darko ILOMANOSKI, 4 Daniel STOITIS, 5 Steven HESKETH (4 Chris HARLOND 65’), 6 Rick BREWER, 7 Ludovic BOI (13 Tom KENNEDY 11’)(Jake GEDDES 58’), 8 Jordan RHODES, 10 Dean EVANS, 11 Jason MIRCO, 12 Keith CLEVENGER

Subs not used – RGK Tom DIXON, 15 Jamie DE ABREU

Yellow Cards – Brewer 26’, Pugliese 64’

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