McBreen Puts Glory Into The Finals

A brace from Perth Glory striker Daniel McBreen in the first 14 minutes and an Andrija Jukic header before half time set up their 3-1 win against Central Coast Mariners at Members Equity Stadium and booked a spot in the A-League top six finals.

McBreen, who has signed for the Mariners for next season, also ended Lawrie McKinna sides top six chances, and although Adam Kwasnik scored a consolation goal in the second half it was the Glory who ran out comprehensive winners.

The home side were forced into three changes to their starting line up from the side that beat Wellington Phoenix last week. Socceroos trio, Tando Velaphi, Jacob Burns and Mile Sterjovski were all out injured, they were replaced by Aleks Vrteski, Scott Neville and Adriano Pellegrino.

Central Coast made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with the Gold Coast last week with Michael McGlinchey and Matthew Crowell replacing the suspended Nigel Boogaard and Adam Kwasnik, who dropped to the bench.

The temperature at the ground at kick off was over 30 degrees, and it was the Glory who had a perfect start with the lead in the first minute. A long clearance from Glory skipper Chris Coyne looked little danger for Mariners defender Pedj Bojic, but McBreen hassled him, and won the ball and finished low across Danny Vukovic from four-yards.

It was a perfect start for David Mitchell’s side and it got better on 14 minutes when they doubled their lead. Pellegrino’s through ball again looked little danger for the Mariners defence but Neville’s tenacity pressured Andrew Clark into a mistake and the Glory youngster won possession and crossed from the bye-line and found the unmarked McBreen who fired home from close-range.

The Mariners season was on the line and they looked to hit back immediately and Matt Simon’s header five minutes later flashed wide, and on 25 minutes Hutchinson’s corner from the left found Alex Wilkinson whose header was well saved by Vrteski, and McBreen cleared the rebound.

As half time beckoned both sides went close. First on 35 minutes Bojic’s free kick from 25-yards flashed inches past the post, and four minutes later Neville’s cross from the right found Jukic whose goalbound shot from four-yards was blocked by some desperate defending from Chris Doig.

But in injury time it was the Glory who added to their lead. A corner from Todd Howarth on the right picked out Andy Todd on the edge of the box and his first time shot was headed home by Jukic from close-range, the 23-year-old’s first goal of the season.

The Mariners needed a miracle to get out of the game with something and they made a perfect start to the second half, pulling a goal back three minutes in. Chris Porter’s cross from the right picked out former Glory striker Nik Mrdja whose header beat Vrteski but crashed off the post and second half substitute Kwasnik fired home from close-range.

It was all the Mariners now as they looked to salvage their season and on the hour Nicky Travis wasn’t closed down by the Glory defence and his shot from the edge of the box was superbly saved low by Vrteski to his right.

The home fans were getting nervous as the Mariners continued to press, with thoughts of a the 2000 NSL final still fresh in their minds, and when Jukic was caught in possession in the middle of the park by Bojic, his pass found Michael McGlinchey who fired just over.

Both sides cleared the benches and there were chances at both ends late. Mrdja headed wide on 74 minutes for the Mariners and Glory striker Jamie Harnwell’s shot from six-yards was deflected wide.

The victory put the Glory into the end of season A-League finals and Glory Coach David Mitchell was delighted with the performance from his undermanned side. “That’s three wins on the trot now and it was a fantastic performance in the first half,” Mitchell said.

“In the second half we tried to contain them a little bit, but they scored and got a bit of wind in their sails but once we changed it we were comfortable and did very well.”

“I think once we’ve cement ourselves in the six, and we’ll go for fourth spot and if we get it, no one will want to play us that’s for sure.”

“It was an important game for us today and we received great support, and it’s a credit to Tony Sage and the players. He said what do you need to make the squad better and we’ve gone out and targeted certain players.

“I think the depth we now have in the squad is the best it’s been since I’ve been coach,” said Mitchell.

Lawrie McKinna was disappointed after the game. “You can prepare all you want, you can have everyone looking good on the whiteboard but you can’t make basic mistakes like that in the first half.

“We’ve gone from having the best defensive record in the league to shopping goals that are just not good enough,” said McKinna.

Perth Glory - GK Aleks Vrteski, 2 Daniel McBreen (5 Jamie Harnwell 78’), 3 Jamie Coyne, 4 Andy Todd, 6 Chris Coyne, 12 Scott Neville, 14 Steven McGarry, 16 Adriano Pellegrino, 17 Todd Howarth (13 Scott Bulloch 52’), 19 Naum Sekulovski, 23 Andrija Jukic (10 Wayne Srhoj 90’), – Subs not used – RGK Alex Pearson

Yellow Card – Coyne 53’, Todd 76’, Harnwell 89’

Central Coast Mariners - GK Danny Vukovic, 2 Matthew Crowell, 4 Pedj Bojic, 5 Bradley Porter, 7 John Hutchinson (22 Nicky Travis 59’), 9 Nik Mrdja, 14 Michael McGlinchey (25 Mitchell Mallia 81’), 15 Andrew Clark (23 Adam Kwasnik 46’), 17 Chris Doig, 18 Alex Wilkinson, 19 Matt Simon – Subs not used – RGK Andrew Redmayne

Yellow Cards – Bojic 90+4

Referee – Gerard Parsons

Night Series Results Round 1 Game 2

Saturday January 30

ECU Joondalup 3 (Collins 51, Higgins 56, Watt 90+2)

Mandurah City 2 (Bower 17, 27)

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Floreat Athena 2 (Migas 59, Niderberger 67 pen)

Armadale 0

Youth league: Mariners beat Glory in a Thriller

Perth Glory has missed the chance to climb on top of the National Youth League ladder as a late winner from Central Coast’s Bernie Ibini-Isei saw the Mariners claim a thrilling 3-2 win on Saturday afternoon.

Playing with the aid of a gusty breeze in the first half, the Glory opened the scoring in the eighth minute through regular seniors’ striker Branko Jelic before Mariners’ skipper Panny Nikas saw his 22nd-minute penalty saved.

But if goals were in short supply during the first period, a healthy crowd at Perth’s Clipsal Stadium were in for a treat after the break as both teams traded blows, with Dylan Macallister equalising in the 57th minute only for the Glory to re-take the lead seconds later through Dean Evans.

But as the shadows lengthened on a warm afternoon, Nikas made up for his spot kick miss when he fired home in the 77th minute before the impressive Ibini-Isei sealed the result with a classy half-volley five minutes from time.

The result sees Central Coast consolidate its position atop the National Youth League table, the Mariners climbing five points ahead of second-placed Adelaide United and third-placed Perth.

Despite missing an opportunity to give his side the lead in the sixth minute, Jelic made up for the miss two minutes later as he took advantage of a fumble from Mariners’ stopper Matthew Ryan to slot the ball into an empty net.

With senior Glory players Jelic and Wayne Srhoj using this game to return from injury, Perth controlled play during the opening stages before Central Coast was given a chance to level when Brady Smith was brought down by a clumsy Sam Mitchinson tackle in the box.

Nikas, though, failed to convert his chance as Alex Pearson guessed correctly and pushed it around the post.

Despite Srhoj and Jelic only playing for 32 minutes, a re-jigged Perth side almost took advantage of the penalty miss to double the lead in the half’s latter stages as Hayden Doyle crashed a sensational 25-metre strike narrowly over the bar.

Mariners’ coach Tony Walmsley changed his side’s shape at half-time, switching Ibini-Isei from the right flank to the left with good effect as the visitors took control of the game.

In the 56th minute Nikas saw a glancing header slide narrowly over the bar before the Glory’s defence failed to clear two minutes later as a low ball from Jonathan Brown found an unmarked Macallister, who converted from close range.

The Mariners had barely finished celebrating when a mis-timed clearance of their own fell perfectly for midfielder Evans to crash home from 20-metres out as Perth instantly responded.

In an end-to-end affair, both sides kept pushing forward but it was the Mariners who levelled once again with 13 minutes remaining when a crafty flick from Ibeni-Isei released Shane Huke down the left, the defender’s cross slammed home by Nikas.

Two minutes later Glory ‘keeper Pearson did well to deny the Mariners with his feet as a Nikas corner produced a goalmouth scramble, but Perth looked to have regained the lead with six minutes to go.

A Doyle cross from the right was converted by bustling midfielder Glen Trefiro only to be ruled marginally offside, with the Mariners taking full advantage of the let-off to take the lead themselves a minute later as defender Smith produced a sizzling run down the right.

Taking on the defender, Smith crossed to Ibini-Isei at the near post, who half-volleyed it home to give Central Coast the points this time around, ensuring the Glory will have extra motivation if the two sides meet in the upcoming finals.

National Youth League – Rd 22

Perth Glory 2 (Jelic 8′, Evans 58′)

Central Coast Mariners 3 (Macallister 57′, Nikas 77′, Ibini-Isei 85′)

Saturday, 30 January 2010 at Clipsal Stadium, Perth

Referee: Matthew Cheeseman

Perth Glory: 7.Cameron EDWARDS, 6. Dean EVANS, 3. Steve HESKETH, 4. Sam MITCHINSON, 1. Alex PEARSON (gk), 2. Ryan PEARSON, 5. Joshua RISDON (11. Howard FONDYKE 59′), 10. Glen TRIFIRO, 14. Branko JELIC (9. Mario MARCINKO 32′), 15. Wayne SRHOJ (8. David PRICE 32′)

Substitutes not used: 20.Tim DOYLE (gk),

Yellow Cards: Howard Fondyke 90+3′

Red Cards: nil

Central Coast Mariners: </b> 1. Matthew RYAN (GK), 12. Shane HUKE (OA), 17. Jonathan BROWN (OA), 10. Panny NIKAS (C), 6. Matthew LEWIS (7. Brendan GRIFFIN 63′), 4. Matthew LIDDALL (15. Adam ORMSBY 60′), 2. Nathan SHERLOCK, 14. Brady SMITH, 8. Nick FITZGERALD, 18. Bernie IBINI-ISEI, 17. Jonathan BROWN (9. Gavin FORBES 63′), 19. Dylan MACALLISTER

Substitutes not used: 20. Nikodin MATIC (GK),

Yellow Cards: nil

Red Cards: nil

Cockburn Upset Perth SC

Perth SC 1 Cockburn City 2

Cockburn City withstood a second half come back from defending champions Perth SC to run out 2-1 winners in Friday’s late BAM Creative Night Series clash at The BGC Stadium – Dorrien Gardens.

The Cockerels led 2-0 at the break with a brace from Michael Grigo, and although Ian McMurray scored late for Perth, Scott Miller’s side hung on for the win.

Both sides included new faces in their starting line ups, Cockburn signing former Perth Glory pair David Tarka and Adrian Webster, while Shaun Kilkelly made his debut for Perth after his move from Sorrento.

It was Cockburn who began the brighter and on four minutes Jason dos Santos found Webster whose long-range shot flashed over the top.

Perth then went close on 10 minutes, Robert Sciascia’s corner from the left was headed back goalwards by Craig Simpson but Ryan Pretorius was alert to clear the ball off the line.

Cockburn began to get on top with Webster instrumental in the midfield and they deservedly went ahead on 23 minutes. Jason dos Santos burst clear down the left and his shot from the angle crashed off the post, the rebound falling to Grigo, whose first shot was blocked on the line, but the youngster followed up to fire home from close-range.

The goal brought Perth out of their shells and they looked to get back into the game and went close twice on the half hour mark. A long-range shot from David Onoforo was saved low by Dejan Aleksic, and moments later Greg Sharland’s corner from the right found the unmarked Craig Simpson at the back post, but the defender headed wide.

Perth suffered a blow on 40 minutes when Simpson was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury and he was replaced by Simon Wilson.

As the half ended Cockburn dominated play and on 43 minutes Grigo, who was causing Perth all sorts of problems down the right, fired wide and moment’s later Aaron dos Santos shot flashed over the crossbar.

In first half stoppage-time Cockburn’s dominance was rewarded with a second. Webster’s corner was headed back across goal by Joe Brunetto and Grigo was on hand to fire home from close-range to give Cockburn a 2-0 half time lead.

Perth opened the second half well and on 50 minutes McMurray’s flick found Onoforo whose long-range shot was straight at Aleksic. Then five minutes later great approach work from Robert Sciascia on the right ended with his cross being headed inches wide by McMurray.

The game was being played at a great pace, and there were chances at both ends. First on 56 minutes Sciascia’s long-range shot was saved well by Cockburn keeper Aleksic and moments later Jason dos Santos’s shot was only parried by Perth keeper Luke Martino and Pavle Biserko follow up shot went wide of the target.

It was a different Perth side now, and they were totally dominating and they should have scored on 66 minutes. Again it was Sciascia who was the supplier, his inch perfect crossed picked out McMurray who somehow headed over from close-range.

Perth’s dominance was rewarded ten minutes from time when second half substitute Andreas Oliviera fed McMurray who finished clinically past Aleksic from eight-yards.

Cockburn were defending well with Ryan Pretorius and Shane Nunes both outstanding, as Perth continued to dictate terms. On 86 minutes Sharland’s free kick picked out McMurray who couldn’t find the target.

With Perth pushing players forward looking for the equaliser they were almost caught out on a couple of counter attacks late on. Jason dos Santos’ pace took him clear down the left he found Webster whose dipping shot went inches over the bar, and in injury time Anthony Perriera’ free kick was punched clear by Martino only to Webster whose shot from 10-yards flashed wide of the far post.

Cockburn City Coach Scott Miller was happy with the win. “Before we ran out of legs in the second half, like I knew we would, I thought we knocked the ball around well against a good Perth team which is pleasing,” said Miller.

“We showed a great deal of character today which is also pleasing, but it’s only pre-season and the more we play the better we will get,” added Miller.

Perth SC – GK Luke MARTINO, 2 Trent KAY, 4 Craig SIMPSON (13 Simon Wilson 40′), 5 Michael BLACK, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 8 Robbie PUCA (25 Alan DARLINGTON 81′), 9 David ONOFORO, 16 Ian MCMURRAY, 17 Genaveo HUMAN (10 Andreas OLIVIERA 60′), 23 Greg SHARLAND, 24 Robert SCIASCIA – Subs not used – RGK Jason SALDARIS, 22 Jason POTTIER

Yellow Cards -

Cockburn City – GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Shane NUNES, 4 Ryan PRETORIUS, 5 David TARKA (3 Jason GODFREY 59′), 7 Aaron DOS SANTOS (8 Marc Anthony 46′), 9 Anthony PERRIERA, 11 Michael GRIGO (19 Pavle BISERKO 48′), 15 Adrian WEBSTER, 16 Joe BRUNETTO, 17 Paul NATALE, 18 Jason DOS SANTOS – Subs not used – RGK Jason O”BRYNE, 21 Craig THOMPSON

Yellow Cards – Aaron dos Santos 16′, Grigo 45′

Referee – David Scragg

Assistants – Hugh Best and Tony Chorley

Swans maul the Lions

Stirling Lions 0 Swan United 4

Swan United began there Bam Creative Night Series with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Stirling Lions at The BGC Stadium- Dorrien Gardens on Friday night.

A first half penalty from Swans skipper Brendan Knox put the Swans on their way. Former Lions striker Liam Boland added a second, before late goals from John Hunter and Brendan Craig sealed the victory for Paul Lincoln’s side.

The Lions, who went into the game without their overseas players, who hadn’t received international clearance, began well and had the first opportunity on five minutes. A great ball by Jordan Rhodes found youngster Ndumba Makeche, he turned well in the penalty area but his shot was saved low by keeper Daniel Agudelo.

It was Makeche again on 13 minutes, this time he found Jamie DeAbreu on the right. He went around Brendan Craig and crossed from the bye-line, but Agudelo was alert to save.

The Swans settled and on 17 minutes new signing Roberto Lujan’s long-range shot was saved by Lions keeper Kevin Miller. Then four minutes later a curling 20-yard free kick from Knox beat Miller but the crossbar came to the Lions’ rescue.

With the first goal so important for both sides there were chances at both ends. First on 24 minutes Makeche raced past Darko Ilomanoski into the penalty area and the Lions players were adamant the former Lions skipper had handled the ball but referee Michael Tolmie waved away their protests for a penalty.

Then on 34 minutes Leo Harman’s cross from the right was miss-judged by Miller, and John Mansaray’s follow up shot was blocked by the relieved keeper.

The decisive opening goal came on the stroke of half time, Knox and Shane Webb combined to find James Sammut. His run into the box was ended when he was brought down by Michael Pugliese and referee Tolmie pointed to the spot. Knox stepped up and sent Miller the wrong way to give the Swans the lead at the break.

It was a perfect start to the second half for the Swans when they doubled their lead five minutes in. Leo Harman sent Webb clear down the right, his cross picked out Boland at the back post and the big striker fired home at the second attempt from five-yards.

The Lions looked to hit back immediately, Tom Kennedy’s long-range shot was deflected wide by Craig, and moments later Rhodes’ shot from the edge of the box but was saved well by Agudelo.

Both sides made changes as legs began to tire and Lions’ substitute Andy Brown went close to halving the defect on 70 minutes. Rhodes’ corner found the big striker unmarked at the back post but he fired wide from close-range.

It was the Swans who added to their lead on 80 minutes. A quick short corner from Sammut caught the Lions napping, and Trent Wood’s inch perfect cross was headed home powerfully by Hunter from six-yards.

Then three minutes later it was nearly 4-0. Again the Lions were asleep at a corner and it was déjà vu, Sammut found Wood again and this time his cross was headed powerfully by David McNally and Miller saved on the line, but referee Tolmie awarded the goal but after consulting with his assistant disallowed it as it hadn’t crossed the line.

It was all one-way traffic as the Swans dominated the final ten minutes and it was no surprise when they added a fourth on 86 minutes. Craig picked the ball up on the half way line and raced past three Lions players before finishing low past Miller from the edge of the box.

A good start for the Swans and Coach Paul Lincoln was pleased with the performance. “Our preparation this season has been better and we’ve started the night series well. We started slow tonight but we had a chat at half time about a few things and I thought we dominated the second half and scored some great goals,” said Lincoln.

Stirling Lions – GK Kevin MILLER, 2 Michael PUGLIESE, 5 Daniel STOITIS, 7 Jamie DEABREU, 8 Matt ITALIANO, 9 Keith CLEVENGER, 10 Jordan RHODES, 11 Ndumba MAKECHE, 22 James DAVIS (19 Paul RECHICHI 54′), 23 Tom KENNEDY (21 Jason TRPVESKI 70′), 24 Clayton AMEZ (14 Andy BROWN 66′), – Subs not used – RGK James TURVILL, 8 Jake GEDDES

Yellow Cards – Amez 20′, Kennedy 23′, Rhodes 44′, Stoitis 63′, Brown 67′

Swan United - GK Daniel AGUDELO, 3 Darko ILOMANOSKI (19 Thomas SHEPHEARD 76′), 5 David MCNALLY, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 John MANSARAY, 9 Shane WEBB (6 Trent WOOD 66′), 12 Brendan KNOX, 21 Leo HARMAN, 22 Brendan CRAIG, 23 Liam BOLAND (10 John HUNTER 54′), 24 Roberto LUJAN – Subs not used – RGK Jordan HOWELL, 13 Jake HARMAN

Yellow Cards – Sammut 31′

Referee – Michael TOLMIE

Assistants – Kevin TAYLOR and David JOHNSON

1st Team Players Wanted!!!

Balcatta Soccer Club is looking for for the following players to complete what are  expected to be formidable U12 and U13 Academy Squads for the 2010 season.

U12s  1 x Outfield and 1 x Goalkeeper   (Uner 12s players should be born in 1998, 1999 may also be accepted)

U13s 1 x Goalkeeper  (Uner 13s players should be born in 1997, 1998 may also be accepted)

Balcatta SC has without question one of the best Development Plans in Western Australia for their junior players and strives to get every individual to reach their full potential.

The club itself has great pathways for the players who play at the club with semi-professional State League Premier status, involving U18, U23 and 1st Team. We also, as a club, have a proud history of having some players that have played and been developed as juniors at the club play for Australia and also play in the English Premier League. 

The players concerned should be above average in development for their age, passionate about the game and determined to succeed.  The successful players may also qualify for Balcatta Soccer Club’s own HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE (HPC) training program, that is in addition to the players normal squad training, and is run by 2 of the finest development coaches in the state. We have been running our HPC for more than 6 years and it has been offered free of charge to those fortunate enough to be picked for it.  Goalkeepers will receive weekly personalised training from Paul Turvill one of Western Australias leading Junior Keeper Coaches.

If you believe your child fits the above criteria and would like to be considered for one of the positions then please email Dennis Connors : ucangetme@iinet.net.au with your details and your child’s past playing experience. You can also call me on 0411 615 716 if you feel you require more information.

Dennis Connors
Coach Coordinator
Balcatta SC

Glory Timing Their Finals Run

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell feels his team is hitting form at the right time of the season.

With three games to play in the regular season, Perth are fifth, just one point off the Newcastle Jets in fourth, and two points clear of Wellington in sixth.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good position with two at home and one away,” Mitchell said.

This Sunday, the Glory hosts the Central Coast Mariners (7^th) in a match described as a mini-final.

“For us it’s a big game, if we win, it just about assures us of a finals spot.

“It’s also a big game for Central Coast and they probably should’ve won last week with the performance they put in.”

Striker Daniel McBreen has been one the reasons for Perth’s recent run with two goals from two starts and the coach could not be happier with his decision to release Eugene Dadi

“We brought some new faces in at the right time and they’ve added a bit of a spark to the team and they’ve been great, they’ve lifted everyone and now we’ve got a bit of depth in the squad and that’s what we’ve always been after.

“There were a lot of people speaking about the Eugene scenario but for me he didn’t work hard enough and he wasn’t a team player.

“Everyone can see Daniel McBreen puts his heart and soul into it, even though he’s not going to be with us next year.

“That’s just the character of the guy.  He works hard for his teammates and he’s scoring goals, which is fantastic.”

The Glory have won three and drawn one from their last five games but Mitchell does not believe his team is playing their best Football, just yet.

“No, a few people think that.  I think at the start of the season we played some great football, then hit a bit of a bad patch but we are coming good again but certainly not at our best yet,” Mitchell said.

Sunday 31 January 2010

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

ME Bank Stadium, Perth

Local Kick-Off: 4.00pm (7.00pm AEDT)

Referee: Gerard Parsons

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, 1 HD and Sky Sport 3. Hyundai A-League club radio broadcast partner is 6PR (Perth) 882AM and 96.3 Coast FM (Gosford). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Danny McBreen, 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Chris COYNE, 7. Jacob BURNS (c), 11. Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC, 28. Tommy AMPHLETT

*three to be omitted*

In: Branko JELIC (promoted), Scott NEVILLE (promoted), Tommy AMPHLETT (promoted)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Wayne SRHOJ (knee – 1 week), Viktor SIKORA (thigh – 1 week)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 2. Matthew CROWELL, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 15. Andrew CLARK, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (C), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (GK), 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK.

In: Nicky TRAVIS (promoted)
Out: Nigel BOOGAARD (suspended – 1 week)

Unavailable: Nigel BOOGAARD (suspended), Ahmad ELRICH (ankle – indefinite)

Head-to-Head: Played 14: Perth Glory wins 1, Central Coast Mariners wins 9 (4 draws)

Sterjovski considers offer to join Shandong Luneng on loan

Perth Glory marquee player Mile Sterjovski is poised to leave the A-League club, after receiving an offer to join Chinese Super League outfit Shandong Luneng on a loan deal, which is to run from February 1 through to May 31.

Sterjovski who is desperate to keep his World Cup dream alive, will weigh up the offer in the next 48 hours, although his absence will drastically hamper the Glory’s finals chances come season’s end.

The former Derby County midfielder has been in a rich vein of form for the Glory over recent weeks, but with Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek making it clear any players who stay in Australia until the end of the season won’t be on the plane to South Africa, given the A-League season finishes months before the start of the World Cup, he will need to seriously concern the offer.

It’s an unfortunate situation for the club with Chris Coyne and Jacob Burns in the same situation, which could leave David Mitchell short in the final five game run into the finals, although it’s a stark contrast to that of Sydney FC, who have barred their players from leaving before the end of the A-League season.

Perth Glory chief executive Paul Kelly confirmed the club had given Sterjovski the green light to leave the club to enhance his World Cup prospects With, Kelly said Sterjovski was torn between his loyalty towards the club and the lure of another World Cup.

“The club’s viewpoint is we’ll support Mile and any of the players involved in Socceroos action with whatever they do,” Kelly said.

“If that means Mile has to go on transfer that’s fine. When we signed the Socceroos’ we knew this could be the case and we will support them right through that.

“He wants to play in the greatest event on earth so you can’t blame the lad. If that was me I’d be trying to get the best possible outcome for myself playing in a World Cup,” added Kelly.

Meanwhile, Perth will defend a team misconduct charge laid against them for their part in a melee in last week’s 2-0 win over Wellington.

Perth have until close of business on Thursday to put their case forward to Football Federation Australia.

“We believe our players went in to break it up, diffuse the situation,” Kelly said.

Cole heads home

Swan United skipper Aaron Cole has re-joined Perth SC for season 2010. The big centre half who has been outstanding at the back for the Francis Street club said the decision to leave the Black and whites was one of the biggest in his long and illustrious WA career. “It was a very tough decision given I had made several friends and the club looked after me. But after a great deal of thought the chance to return to the club where my football career began was too good to turn down,” said Cole.

“I never left Dorrien Gardens on bad terms and the door has always been open for me to go back and I see them as the most professional club in the league and I still have several friends in the club, so I’m looking forward to next season,” added the Swans 2008 and 2009 player of the year.

Cole who joined the Swans in 2007 has been a leader on and off the park and he will miss a number of things from the Swan Valley. “It’s been a great experience for me in my time at the club, and I will always remember my time there with fondness. I’ve enjoyed seeing the talented youngsters coming into the side in my time there, like David McNally and Shane Webb to name a couple, and this bodes well for them in years to come. Another thing I’ll cherish is the players’ trips at the Swans, ask any past or present player about them they are awesome and I’ll never forget them,” added Cole.

Swans coach Paul Lincoln, although disappointed in Cole’s decision, wishes him all the best in the rest of football career. “Aaron has provided a valuable service to our football club and his move to Perth opens the door for another player to make his mark. It’s not a big blow for the club its part of football,” said Lincoln.

“Coley was appointed Captain of the team when I took charge and is an influential player, he has been our Fairest & Best player for the past 2 years, the loss of him along with Damien Scali and Dom Ando will take a lot of experience from the side and we are hoping to add some experience with new players. It’s a new chapter in the book of Swan United FC and I’m looking positively towards season 2010 and believe we will be competitive,” added Lincoln.

With the new season just around the corner Cole was approached by a number of clubs regarding his services but he is sure he’s made the right decision. “I was contacted by a few clubs but I was always going to play for either Perth or Swan. Like I’ve said it was a difficult decision to make and I spoke Swans coach Paul Lincoln and was up front with my decision. I wished him and the club all the best next season and I’m looking forward to the challenge and a good and injury free year at Perth. “Also given Perth’s winning nature I’m looking forward to winning some trophies with the club, which would be great,” added Cole.

A year to savour for Edwards

It was a season to savour for Cockburn City youngster Cameron Edwards in 2009. The 17-year-old made his Football West Premier League debut with the Cockerels, was selected for the Perth Glory Youth squad and to top it all was selected in the next Socceroos side that played in the ASEAN Football Federation U19 Youth Championship.

“A lot happened last year, I had an up and down season with Cockburn City but with the honour of playing for your country, it turned out to be a very good season,” said Edwards.

“Having Mirco for my debut season with Cockburn was great as he was experienced and was an intelligent coach. With Scotty Miller joining later it was convenient having known him for a long time and getting along with him very well. Along with that he is a very good coach, and he brings out the best in players,” added Edwards.

The talented midfielder has stepped up this season to be an integral player for Gareth Naven’s Glory Youth side and he is enjoying the challenge. “It’s been fantastic this season, the side is doing really well at the moment having been top of the league and playing some good football. To be able to travel around the country to play against the best youth players and often A League senior players is challenging and a great experience.

“Its been a whole team effort to get where we are and at different stages in the season different players have stood out and done the part for the side, which is good as we don’t rely on certain players every game,” said Edwards.

The call up to international duty was very special for Edwards, following in the footsteps of father Alistair, who played for the Socceroos 25 times and also represented Australia at the FIFA U/20 World Championship that was held in Chile, South America in 1987.

“Getting the call up was unexpected but I was very happy and honoured, it was a great thrill putting on the Australian strip and representing your country. We played In the ASEAN championships against teams like Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.

“It was an amazing experience and to play against different teams and players, in a new environment was special. We had a good tournament and finished second after losing on penalties in the final to Thailand,” explained Edwards.

It was an experience Edwards would like to repeat and he knows he has to perform well for the Glory and hope to be selected in further tournaments.  “The National coaches are always watching the games so I have to try and do my best in the Youth League and hope to get selected. I spoke to young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen after we played the AIS, but who knows what will happen next, but one thing is for sure I will always stay positive,” said Edwards.

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