Night Series Semi Final Results

BAM CREATIVE NIGHT SERIES SEMI FINAL RESULTS

Sorrento 3 (Foster 16, 47, Mirco 66) v Western Knights 4 (Price 32, Van Dongen 46, Micevski 62, Montgomery 85)

ECU Joondalup 1 (O’Callaghan 41) v Perth SC 3 (Killelly 29, McMurray 45, Oliviera 89)

Kovacevic New Coach at Floreat

After the shock departure of coach Michael Roki from Floreat Athena for work and family issues, the club have acted swiftly to appoint former Perth Glory and Melbourne Knights defender Ante Kovacevic as senior coach for 2010.

The big defender, who has been the Football Operations and Team Manager at the Glory this season, is delighted to take up the challenge at the Litis Stadium club. “I am proud and somewhat elated to be given the opportunity to manage a highly regarded club in the top flight WA football competition and I thank the board for backing my appointment. I look forward to their support and working with them, and with football management having been a personal career goal of mine I’m delighted and it has now happened.” said Kovacevic.

Kovacevic a veteran of 276 NSL and A-League games, including 32 for Perth Glory still has the passion, drive and fitness to take Athena to the next level, but he knows he has big shoes to fill. “The bar has been set high at Athena under Michael, and this was noticeable when I arrived here four years ago. It was fantastic to be part of the recent success, particularly being involved as a player in the undefeated 2007 team,” said Kovacevic.

“I am now excited about the chance to hopefully bring some more silverware to the club as a manager and player when needed. I personally know what our players are capable of and I am excited about managing them. We know as a club that we need to go the extra mile and work hard if we are to reap the rewards that success brings, and I want to be part of this,” added Kovacevic.

Athena President Con Poulios said: “It was never going to be easy to replace Michael Roki, however, the appointment of Ante – a past club champion from our 2007 undefeated year – to the top job at our club is certainly a popular choice amongst all the Athena family including our players, coaches, supporters, loyal sponsors and our board of management. He is a total football professional, and as a club we are planning for and demanding success and Ante is now in a position to impart his knowledge, skills and abilities at all levels to help steer us towards the goals we have set.”

Night Series Semi-Final Preview

It’s semi-final time in the Bam Creative Night Series this weekend with both games taking place at The E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. The early game see’s Sorrento taking on Western Knights at 6pm.

The sides met in the group phase stage with the Knights running our convincing 5-1 winners, and the Gulls will hope to change things on Saturday. Striker David Foster’s return to Percy Doyle reserve has been impressive, and he teams up with Todd Harnwell up front, while new keeper Andy Banks will have to be at his best if they are to reverse the last result.

The Knights are coming off a hard fought 2-1 win against Floreat Athena in the quarter finals, and go into the game as favourites. Paul Van Dongen has fitted in really well at Nash Field and his partnership in the middle of the park with David Micevski will be vital on Saturday. Up front Stuart Montgomery comes up against his former club and will be looking to get on the score sheet, while David Annall continues to perform well at the back.

The second game pits Perth SC against ECU Joondalup at 8pm. Perth will hope to continue their sensational night series form, having won the past four competitions, but ECU will have other ideas. Phil O’Callaghan has fitted in nicely up front for them while Chris Wylie and Michael Currie have added depth to the squad. Dale McCulloch was outstanding last season and he will hope to continue it this season.

ECU old boy Ian McMurray comes up against his former club for the first time since he left and his partnership with David Onoforo will need to be watched closely by the ECU defence. Youngster Robert Sciascia and Michael Black continue to impress in midfield while Matt Danskin and Shaun Kilkelly have been outstanding at the back.

It should be a great night of entertaining football, get down and support local football – admission is $8 adults, $6 concessions and under 15’s are admitted free.

McCulloch relishing Perth v ECU clash

When ECU Joondalup meet Perth SC on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Night Series one player who will be relishing the challenge against the reigning champions, is Dale McCulloch.

The Scottish midfielder, who was a revelation after joining ECU from Mandurah City last season, believes Saturday’s game will be a tight contest. “Perth are a very good side and as a player you always want to play against the best and I’m really looking forward to the game. We match up well against them and beat them last season at our place and we go into the game full of confidence. We know they are a good team and have quality all over the park, but one thing I do know is we will make it tough for them come Saturday night,” said McCulloch.

ECU overcame Cockburn City 2-1 to advance to the semi-final and McCulloch believes there is still improvement in the side. “I thought we all worked very hard and really could have had a couple more goals on the night. Cockburn are a good side, but we kept really disciplined and kept to our game plan and we ran out worthy winners in the end. We hope to improve on that performance against Perth and if we do a place in the final is the reward,” explained McCulloch.

There have been a number of new faces at the ECU University Arena this season and McCulloch likes what he sees. “All the new boys have settled right in nicely, Andy Banks is a great lad and we are all very comfortable with him between the sticks. A few of them we knew well so it makes it a lot easier, we had four new players that started last weekend and they all played really well, which will give Syd some selection headaches this week,” said McCulloch.

McCulloch is enjoying his football at ECU, and thinks Coaches Syd Amphlett and Gary Church are putting together a good squad. “Syd and Churchy are good mates and trust each other, which is half the battle sometimes. The enthusiasm of the two of them really rubs of on the players and it gets the best out of us,” said McCulloch.

It’s been a special time for the 28-year-old off the pitch last year, when he walked down the aisle with his fiancée Sam. “Married life is great, .Sam is a great girl and we are expecting our first child in July so something else that we are really looking forward to,” said McCulloch.

McMurray looking forward to ECU clash

A year after Ian McMurray left ECU Joondalup to join Perth SC, on Saturday will be the first time the big Scottish striker will face his former teammates. “I’m looking forward to the game against ECU, it will be my first time competing  against some old team mates and hopefully I can get myself on the scoresheet, a couple of times would be nice,” said McMurray.

The 33-year-old knows it will be a tough test, and knows they will be up for the game. “I’m sure Syd (Amphlett) will have the boys fired up and ready for the match. It will be a hard game, as ECU has made some strong additions to their squad. They had a great result against Cockburn City in the previous round and I’m sure they will want to continue that against us. Both teams are playing well at the moment, I’m sure it will be a hard, physical match with some great football, it should be a great game,” added McMurray.

A strong performance in the quarter finals against Mandurah City saw Perth progress into the semis and McMurray was happy with the performance. “It was a comfortable win for us on Sunday.  We had a good first half, scoring two good goals. I felt we controlled the game but took our foot off the pedal a bit in the second half, especially after the third goal, we can’t afford that against ECU. The scoreline could have been greater, but some good goalkeeping from Phil Straker prevented us increasing the lead. We know we can play better, but we got the win and it keeps us in contention for winning the night series,” explained McMurray.

After a first up defeat, Perth has played some good football and McMurray believes the youngster at the club have been outstanding, and the return of two club stalwarts has given Perth a lift. “The young lads who have come in have been great and thoroughly deserve to be there. A lot of them played last year when asked upon and did a great job for us. This year they will be trying to secure a permanent spot in the team. All the players work hard in training, youngsters included, and Normo knows what every player is capable of and no matter what age, if you are good enough, you’ll be in the team,” said McMurray.

“It’s great to have both Robbie Puca and Andreas Oliviera back after lengthy absences. They have both worked extremely hard to get back and it’s like having two new players in the squad. They are both, quality players who not only create things, but can also score goals,” added McMurray.

McMurray struggled with a knee injury last season, but he is fit and ready to go in the new season, and after a meeting with Coach Graham Normanton he knew Dorrien Gardens was the home for him in 2010. “The knee is all good now, and I’ve had a good pre-season and feeling very fit. Hopefully I can stay that way through out the season,” said McMurray.

“I had some interest from a few teams in the close season and having spent a few years at ECU, I knew the rumours would be about me returning there. I met up with Normo and had a chat with him and after that my decision was made. I’m really enjoying myself at Perth. It’s a very well run professional club,” said McMurray.

“There is a great atmosphere within the whole club and I’m just glad to be part of it. All the lads know when to work hard but also enjoy a laugh or two. Training is always structured, hard going, but very enjoyable. Normo is a top manager who always wants and gets the best out of each player and each team he puts on the park, and I’m delighted to be part of it this season,” added McMurray.

Martin set for Sorrento return

It’s a been a season of change at Percy Doyle Reserve with up to eight Sorrento first team players moving away from the club in the off season, while Trevor Morgan has taken over as head coach from Steve Neville.

One player who has missed the start of the pre-season is midfielder Brodie Martin. The former state under 19’s and 23’s player is on the mend after surgery and is hoping to be back early in the season. “I struggled last season with osteitis pubis which didn’t respond well to lengthy rest or rehab so I went in for ‘pubis scrape’ and a couple of hernia’s looked at the end of the season,” said Martin.

“I’ve been on the bike for the last couple of weeks now and it’s just a matter of progressing it along, and I hope to be back playing in April,” added Martin.

The 22-year-old watched from the stands when The Gulls beat Balcatta in the quarter finals of the Bam Creative Night Series last weekend and he was delighted with the performance. “The boys were certainly keen to make amends for the loss against the Knights in the final game of the group phase. It was a solid performance all over the park and everyone contributed, and it was good to see a few younger players putting in good performances as well,” explained Martin.

The former Bolton Wanderers reserve coach, Morgan, has brought in some new faces to the squad this season and Martin believes they have added strength to the squad. “It’s certainly not ideal losing eight players from last season, but perhaps it will be a blessing in disguise,” said Martin.

“The new lads have settled in really well and I’ve been especially impressed with David Foster’s start to his second stint at the club, while keeper Tom Woodhead is another new lad that has settled in really well and performed well in the night series. Sorrento has always had good keepers and it looks like the tradition will continue with Tom,” added Martin.

Martin, who has been at the Gulls since he was 11-years-old, other than a short unsuccessful stint at Inglewood, has also represented WA at junior and senior levels, and he has had many coaches in his time but he doesn’t look any further than former Gulls Coach Steve Neville, who he believes has been the biggest influence on his football. “I been fortunate to play for my state which is always a great honour, but the highlight for me was captaining the under 19’s in Singapore, and to play senior state football against Malaysia and Indonesia was fantastic,” said Martin

“All the way I’ve had many good coaches, but the most influential to me would be Steve (Neville). I have basically had him as a coach since I was 14, and I have always enjoyed his training. Next season Trevor and Steve will get us playing to our strengths and as a team and I think we will have a strong squad to finish in the top five,” added Martin.

There will be another Martin in the clubs coaching staff this season with Brodie’s farther Steve, coming on board as the clubs goalkeeping coach. “Dad has always been a major influence on my football. He’s always been there for advice and encouragement and of course the travel when I was younger. He was a good keeper back in his day and he enjoys being able to pass on his experience to the keepers down at the club,” said Martin.

O’Callaghan Sends Joondalup Into Last Four In Night Series

ECU Joondalup overcome some late nerves to see off Cockburn City 2-1 and move into the Night Series semi-finals from this evening’s early fixture at Dorrien Gardens.

Phil O’Callaghan’s brace laid the foundations for Joondalup’s win, which was only achieved after young defender Aryn Williams brought Cockburn back into the game with an own goal two minutes from the end.

Joondalup was unlucky not to move ahead in the 6th minute when John Higgins’ hit the far post, Jason Marsden’s follow-up was superbly blocked by Dejan Aleksic before a third shot, this one from John Thornley, was also saved.

Cockburn were applying a fair degree of pressure to the opposition defence and Joe Brunetto should have made contact with a well-placed Anthony Periera free-kick. Joondalup drew blood in the 32nd minute, Higgins’ charging run into the 18-yard box ended with is shot being blocked by Aleksic with the ball deflecting straight into the path of O’Callaghan, who was to make no mistake.

Cockburn had further chances to open their account in the minutes before half-time. The best came via a Jason Dos Santos corner to which Andy Banks produced a one-handed save before Periera’s drive from the top of the area was deflected away.

The Cockerels continued in an attacking frame of mind after the break with Periera and Adrian Webster setting up some promising moves. Shane Nunes caught Joondalup off-guard with a driving run into the box but his powerful shot was just wide.

Joondalup countered with a quick clearance that found O’Callaghan, who outpaced his marker to slot his second goal past the advancing ‘keeper with 73 minutes on the clock.

But the game was far from over and in the 88th minute Aaron Dos Santos’ cross appeared to have passed across the face of foal without incident when Williams’ trap went awry, the defender turning the ball into his own net.

However, Joondalup held firm to set-up a semi-final show with northern suburbs rival Sorrento next weekend.

ECU Line up: Banks, Collins, Comyn-Platt, Blackmore, Whylie, Marsden, McCulloch, Bushby, Higgins, Thornley, O’Callaghan
SUBS: Benson-Cooper(O’Callaghan) Williams (Marsden) O’Neill (Bushby)
NOT USED: Allen, Dixon (RGK)

Night Series Quarter Finals Results

Sunday 21st February- BGC Stadium- Dorrien Gardens

Cockburn City 1 (OG Bushby 88) v ECU Joondalup 2 (O’Callaghan 35, 75)

Mandurah 1 (Bambridge 87) v Perth SC 3 (McMurray 20, DeFelice 45, Human 52)

Saturday 20th February- E&D Litis Stadium

Balcatta 0 v Sorrento 1 (OG 30’)
Floreat Athena 1 (Isaia 69) v Western Knights 2 (OG 15, VanDongen 90+2)

Leading Goal Scorers:
4- McMurray (Perth SC)
3- Onoforo (Perth SC), Bower (Mandurah City), Boland (Swan United), Montgomery (Western Knights), Harnwell (Sorrento), Rosindale (Balcatta),
2 – Grigo (Cockburn City), Love (Sorrento), Sharland (Perth SC), Mirco (Floreat Athena), Higgins (ECU Joondalup), Watt (ECU Joondalup), Thornley (ECU Joondalup), Tatasciore (Balcatta), Whitehouse (Balcatta), Van Dongen (Western Knights), Isaia (Floreat Athena), O’Callaghan (ECU Joondalup), Bambridge (Mandurah City), DeFelice (Perth SC)
1 – Knox (Swan United), Hunter (Swan United), Craig (Swan United), Collins (ECU Joondalup), Midal (Floreat Athena), Niderberger (Floreat Athena), Foster (Sorrento), Duncan (Inglewood United), Woodin (Balcatta), Grant (Inglewood United), Rhodes (Stirling Lions), Sciascia (Perth SC), Townsend (Mandurah City), Natale (Cockburn City), Brunetto (Cockburn City), Pereira (Cockburn City), Migas (Floreat Athena), St Vall (Armadale), Mouttet (Armadale), David Micevski (Western Knights), Versaico (Western Knights), Daniel Micevski (Western Knights), Osei-Tutu (Inglewood United), Human (Perth SC)

Glory Youth Retains Top Spot

On a day that the Perth Glory was knocked out of the A-League finals, the Glory Youth side has retained their top spot on the National Youth League ladder with a 1-0 victory over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday. The 1-0 result inflicted the first home defeat of the season for The Reds, and gave the Glory youngsters a spot in the 2010 finals.

It looked like a scoreless draw appeared inevitable, but Glory striker Anthony Skorich had other ideas scoring in the last minute to give Gareth Naven’s side all three points and after Central Coast Mariners’ 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory yesterday, the Glory lead the league by two points, with one game remaining.

It was a vital game, as a victory to the home side would see them go top of the table, but it was both sides’ defences who were on top in a scoreless first half, with Glory skipper Steve Hesketh solid at the back, but the home side suffered a blow when Kristian Sarkies left the field with a knee injury.

Hesketh’s heavy challenge in the sixth minute left Sarkies nursing what appeared to be a serious knee injury, the impact forcing the over-age midfielder to be stretchered off and taken away for scans.

United had the best chance early when Evan Kostopolous, who was coming off a two-goal haul against Newcastle a week earlier, fired wide from close range in the 14th minute.

The Reds wasted another opportunity on 25 minutes, Joseph Wright found himself one-on-one with Glory keeper Alex Pearson, but Pearson was the Glory hero saving low.

It was the home side again on 37 minutes, Perry Mitris shot was deflected over the cross bar, while four minutes later, Dane Milovanovic’s free kick just outside the box went inches past the post.

After the break the Glory lifted, their best chance coming in the 51st minute when Branko Jelic back-heeled deftly to Tommy Amphlett, the ECU Joondalup youngster’s shot was well saved by Mark Birighitti.

Then from the resulting corner, Jelic went close. Reds keeper Birighitti was left stranded, and the Serbian’s shot was cleared off the line by Shin.

It was all the Glory and on 68 minutes Ryan Pearson’ shot was heading for the top corner but the Armadale youngster’s shot was superbly saved by Birighitti, and Glen Trifiro’s follow up shot was cleared by some desperate Reds defending.

With time running out the Reds thought they had snatched the points, striker Francesco Monterosso close-range shot in the 89th minute looked like he had to score, but somehow he lifted the ball over the crossbar.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time Jelic’s free kick was high and wide, but moments later the Glory snatched the three points.

Glory substitute Anthony Skorich was on hand to score from close-range to give them the top spot on the table and a victory in the next round against Newcastle Jets at The Clipsal Stadium on March 6th will see the Glory win the League and go into the finals for the first time full of confidence.

Adelaide United 0
Perth Glory 1 (Skorich 90)

@ Hindmarsh Stadium, 21/02/2010

Adelaide United Youth squad: GK Mark BIRIGHITTI , RGK Codey LARKIN, Joel ALLWRIGHT, Andrew CIARLA, Michael DOYLE, Kingsley FRANCIS, Evan KOSTOPOULOS, Dane MILOVANOVIC, Perry MITRIS, Francesco MONTEROSSO, Matthew MULLEN, Nick MUNRO, Inseob SHIN, Alex SUNASKY, Liam WOODING, Joe WRIGHT

Perth Glory Squad: GK Alex PEARSON, RGK Tim DOYLE, Tommy AMPHLETT, Ludovic BOI, Hayden DOYLE, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Brent GRIFFITHS, Steve HESKETH, Mario MARCINKO, Sam MITCHINSON, Ryan PEARSON, David PRICE, Joshua RISDON, Anthony SKORICH, Glen TRIFIRO, Reece VITTIGLIA

Phoenix Spot On To Down The Glory

A ten man Wellington Phoenix progressed to the next stage of the A-League finals series after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory against Perth Glory at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington this afternoon.

After the game ended 1-1 after extra time it was Phoenix keeper Liam Reedy who was the hero saving spot kicks from Naum Sekulovski and Scott Bulloch and when former Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres converted the last spot kick the crowd of 24,267 went into raptures, the Phoenix booking a home game against Newcastle Jets in two weeks time.

Both sides were competing in their first A-league finals campaign and the home side went into the game un-changed from the side that beat Central Coast Mariners 3-0 last week, while the Glory made two changes to the side that beat Brisbane Roar, with skipper Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne returning from injury, they replaced Jamie Harnwell and Adrian Pellegrino, who dropped to the bench.

It was a packed house at the Westpac Stadium, with the ‘Yellow Fever’ out in force and it was a tense opening. The Glory dominated possession early but it was the hosts to have the first real opportunity on 13 minutes. Andy Todd’s clearing header only went to Paul Ifill on the edge of the box; his shot was saved low by Tando Velaphi.

The Glory, who had never won at the ground in the A-League, pressed forward and on 22 minutes they should have taken the lead. A quick break by Jamie Coyne caused the Phoenix problems and when Daniel McBreen picked out Scott Neville on the right the young midfielder was in on goal, but his weak shot was saved low by Reedy.

Moments later it was Neville again, he shrugged off Manny Muscat just outside the penalty area which saw him one-on-one with Reedy, but the former Brisbane Roar keeper deflected the ball wide with his foot, to keep the home side on level terms.

It was all the Glory, as David Mitchell’s side belied their poor away record in the competition to take the game to the Phoenix, and on the half hour they went close again. Burns’ slid ruler pass sent Neville clear again down the right. He picked out Wayne Srhoj in the box, but the alert Jon McKain blocked the midfielders shot.

Neville was causing the Phoenix all sorts of problems down the right and his cross on 34 minutes found the unmarked Chris Coyne who headed wide from six-yards.

Against the run of play, and in their first real attack, it was the Phoenix who hit the front on 37 minutes. Ifill’s flick on the right of the penalty area sent Muscat clear and his cross into the box found Chris Greenacre who scored from close-range, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

It was a bitter blow to the Glory but in first half injury time it could have been 2-0. Again it was Ifill, his curling shot looked destined for the top corner, but Velaphi saved superbly from the Barbados international.

The second half began at a frantic pace with both sides pushing forward. Two minutes in Steven McGarry sent Daniel McBreen in on goal, but the new Socceroos striker had his shot blocked by Muscat. Then moments later a corner from the left picked out Greenacre at the back post, he found Vince Lia on the edge of the box and his first time shot was superbly saved by Velaphi.

Still the Glory pushed forward and on 56 minutes Burns’ corner from the left was met by McBreen, but his powerful header was cleared off the line by Troy Hearfield.

It was the Glory that looked the most threatening and on 67 minutes they scored their deserved equaliser. A free kick from Burns on the right picked out the unmarked Neville in the six-yard box and the former Sorrento FC youngster headed home to level.

Both sides struggled in the final third of the pitch late in normal time, with Tim Brown’s long-range shot on 82 minutes, saved low by Velaphi, while Scott Bulloch’s shot moments later was straight at Reedy, which were the only efforts of note. In injury time the home side had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Srebre Delovski, when Chris Coyne blocked Eugene Dadi’s shot with his arm, the referee waving away the Ivory Coast striker’s appeals, and it was into extra time.

The fatigue was setting in with Neville and Burns struggling with cramp for the Glory, and the Phoenix opened the extra time brightly, Lia’s long-range shot drifting just wide.

Neville, who was really struggling with cramp, continued to give the Phoenix headaches down the right and on 94 minutes he was found by substitute Mile Sterjovski but the youngster snatched at his shot and Reddy saved
The home side suffered a blow on the 104th minute when Socceroos defender Jon McKain was given a second yellow card and he was sent off, and it was the Glory who looked to win the tie before the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Their best chance again fell to Neville on 108 minutes; Bulloch’s cross from the left found the young midfielder at the back post and his downward header was well saved by Reedy at his near post.

It was the final chance and the game went to a penalty shoot-out, where Reedy held his nerve to save spot kicks from Bulloch and Sekulovski to see Ricki Herbert’s side into the phase of the finals series and a game against Newcastle jets in a fortnight.

Phoenix Coach Ricki Herbert was delighted after the game. “We’re through and we have another shot, so that’s great,” said Herbert.

“It was always going to be a tough, tight game and both teams had periods where they dominated and we were under a bit of pressure.

“But that’s finals football. We needed to get a result and we did. I hope people will start taking us seriously now. The fans were great tonight and they helped us a great deal, I can’t speak highly enough of Wellington. The fans have got two weeks now to get their tickets and I think the momentum will go on, and I’d be surprised if we didn’t get more than 25,000 for the next match,” added Herbert.

Glory coach Dave Mitchell was disappointed with the result but focused on the success of the side to get to the finals this season.

“We all know it’s not easy to come here, but I’m proud of their achievement this year. It’s a sad way to gout but the game plan and the way we played was great,” said Mitchell.

Wellington Phoenix – GK Liam Reddy, 2 Manny Muscat, 3 Tony Lochhead (15 Eugene Dadi 74’), 4 Jon McKain, 6 Tim Brown, 7 Leo Bertos (14 Adrian Caceres 70’), 8 Paul Ifill, 9 Chris Greenacre (18 Ben Sigmund 106’), 13 Troy Hearfield, 17 Vince Lia, 22 Andrew Durante – Subs not used – RGK Reece Crowther, 11 Daniel
Yellow Cards – McKain 32’ & 104”, Dadi 118’
Red Cards – McKain 104’

Perth Glory - GK Tando Velaphi, 2 Daniel McBreen, 3 Jamie Coyne, 4 Andy Todd, 6 Chris Coyne, 7 Jacob Burns (16 Adriano Pellegrino 113’), 10 Wayne Srhoj (21 Mile Sterjovski 57’), 12 Scott Neville, 14 Steven McGarry, 17 Todd Howarth (13 Scott Bulloch 57’), 19 Naum Sekulovski – Subs not used – RGK Aleks Vrteski, 5 Jamie Harnwell
Yellow Cards – Srhoj 20’, Neville 40’, Todd 60’, Burns 72’
Red Cards – Nil

Referee – Srebre Delovski
Attendance – 24,267

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