Dean Evans Wins Glory Youth Most Glorious Player Award

Dynamic Stirling Lions midfielder was all smiles on Friday night at the prestigious Perth Glory awards night at the Burswood Grand Ball room when he was presented with the Glory Youth teams Most Glorious Youth Player Award before 650 guests and players.

Evans capped off a consistent and sometimes spectacular season with 3 goals while playing in the defensive midfield role. his 30 metre cracker into the top corner against Gold Coast United in the Youth League final taking the cake as the goal to remember for his outstanding season.

The 20 year old has come along in leaps and bounds under the astute coaching of Gareth Naven this year helping lead his side to second position on the ladder and so near to a Grand Final victory after his fantastic goal gave the Glory the lead late in the second half. It wasn’t to be as the Gold Coast went on to score two late goals and take out the title.

Fellow Lions and Glory team mate Steven Hesketh is in the UK trialling with Sheffield Wednesday after showing great strength and leadership as Captain of the youth side. The third player in the talented Lions trio is Ludo Boi who top scored with 6 goals this year and both he and Evans are being targeted by other A league clubs. In the mean time the lads may also be available to play with the Stirling Lions after a brief enforced rest period after the long arduous season just completed with the Glory Youth.

Lions president Don Evans said “We are so proud of our boys and obviously as Deans dad must say he has earned this award with his dedication and commitment in giving his best always. It would be an absolute bonus to have the boys back playing with us, but realistically we must encourage the lads to take up roles at higher levels should they come along. All 3 boys are a credit to our club and their families who have supported them in their development.”

Stirling Lions and Armadale Hard Fought Draw

Stirling Lions started their home campaign today against southern battlers Armadale SC in the Football West State League Premier Division.

Both teams have recruited well in the the off season, however, had differing fortunes in Round 1 as Stirling took all three points away at Swan whilst Armadale lost at home to newly promoted Balcatta.

The visitors were quickest out of the blocks to day and they were rewarded as they went ahead on 3 minutes through Thomas Robinson.

Robinson was put through following header from James Robinson and he made no mistake placing the ball deftly past the oncoming James Turvill in the Lions’ goal.

Armadale had the best of the opening period, however they were caught on the break by a fast paced Stirling strikeforce from time to time and it was as a result of one of these quick breaks that the Lions equalised mid way thought the half.

The Lions’ attack had resulted in a freekick just outside the box and import Shane Robinson steeped up to place an expertly crafted freekick past returning Armadale keeper and legend Cyril Sharrock.

Armadale spurned a couple of chances before the break with striker James Robinson being the most guilty offender.

The second half was a little less hectic than the first with Stirling perhaps having the better of the chances with Shane Robinson pulling the strings from midfield expertly for the Lions.

The game finished at one apiece which was a reasonable outcome considering the chances and possession throughout the game.

Man of the Match: Shane Robinson from Stirling Lions
Referees Performance: Matt Cheeseman – ’nuff said. Quality 9-10. Didn’t see him all day. Linesmen (Manella and Currie) were up with play and high quality as well. Pity the ALeague officials are not this good.
Highlight of the Day: The pitch was in superb form and the game was excellent quality.
Moan of the Day: Racist comments. There’s always one plonker !

Cockburn Pay The Penalty

Swan United came away from Dalmatinac Park with all three points after a hard fought 1-0 victory against Cockburn City on Saturday. A penalty in the 25th minute from United skipper Brendan Knox proved to be the decisive strike, and although they were reduced to ten men, when Brendan Craig was sent off, they defended desperately to claim their first points of the season.

The home side made one change to the side that was beaten 1-2 at Perth SC last week with Jason Godfrey coming into the side to replace David Nairn, who dropped to the bench. United made three changes to the side that were beaten 0-1 at home by Stirling Lions last week with Darragh Kenevey replacing the injured Darko Ilomanoski, while Roberto Lujan and John Hunter replaced Liam Boland and Shane Webb who dropped to the bench.

At kick off the wind was swirling around the ground and Cockburn had it at their backs in the first half. In the opening minute Jason dos Santos’ cross from the right caused panic in United’s defence, but keeper Cory Hugo was out quick to save in front of Adrian Webster.

Cockburn continued to press and on 11 minutes Marc Anthony’s corner from the right picked out the unmarked Anthony Pereira on the edge of the box, the midfielders first time shot curled inches past the post.

It was all the home side, and United were on the back foot, and on 20 minutes Webster fed Renato Jelen whose shot from 10-yards flashed wide of the post, and moments later Anthony’s good through ball found Jelen, but the Cockburn striker’s shot was straight at Hugo.

United settled, after the early onslaught, and on 25 minutes they hit the front. A superb through ball from James Sammut sent Hunter clear, and the former Forrestfield United youngster was brought down by David Tarka and referee Josh Mihevc pointed straight to the spot. The former Perth Glory defender was given a yellow card by the referee, and Knox kept his cool to send Dejan Aleksic the wrong way to give the visitors the lead.

As the half went on both sides had chances, as the game opened up. First on 27 minutes Jelen’s snap shot from 12-yards was straight at Hugo, while moments later Thomas Shepheard found Knox whose volley from the edge of the box flashed wide.

The wind was causing problems for both sides but both continued to press and on 35 minutes Webster picked out Cockburn skipper Paul Natale on the left, he found Anthony, whose long-range shot was wide of the target. Then on 37 minutes United’s Lujan and Trent Wood combined on the left. Wood’s cut inside the penalty area and his cross shot drifted wide, with Aleksic scrambling across his goal.

Cockburn made a change at the break with former Stirling Lions youngster Rory Feely replacing Jonathan Davite, as Scott Miller looked to get back in the game. But it was the visitors, with the winds at their backs, who opened the brighter and from Knox’s free kick on 51 minutes, Shepheard’s header at the back post was saved low by Aleksic.

Moments later a long clearance from Hugo caught the Cockburn backline flat and Shepheard was in on goal, but as the big striker was about to pull the trigger, Tarka made a superb last ditch tackle to clear the danger.

From the resulting corner United went close to a second. Craig’s corner from the right was only cleared to Sammut on the edge of the box, and the former Perth glory Youth midfielder’s long-range shot beat Aleksic but crashed off the crossbar.

There were a number of fierce tackles starting to go in, and after a melee involving both sets of players and coaching staff, referee Mihevc had to show a number of yellow cards as the game looked like going out of control.

The game took another swing when United were reduced to ten men when Craig was shown a second yellow card on 62 minutes and was sent off, much to the displeasure of United coach Paul Lincoln.

Cockburn began to make their numerical advantage count and on 73 minutes they almost levelled. Tarka picked the ball up on the half way line and ran at United, his shot from 25-yards looked like it was heading into the top corner of the net, but Hugo superbly tipped the ball on to the post at full stretch to deny the former Glory defender.

With Cockburn pushing forward the Swans were hitting on the counter attack and on 77 minutes second half substitute Alex Cocking was sent cleat by Sammut. The United youngster fell in the penalty area under a tackle from Shane Nunes, but referee Mihevc waved away their protests for a penalty.

As the game went into the last ten minutes it was one-way traffic as the home side pressed forward, Godfrey’s long-range shot was saved by Hugo at the second attempt, and on 88 minutes the home faithful thought they had equalised. Nunes’ surging run into the penalty area wasn’t cleared by United’s defence and the defender fired home from six-yards, but the goal was disallowed for handball.

In stoppage-time a superb ball from Anthony sent Rory Feely clear, but a superb tackle from Webb cleared the danger. There was still time for the home side, and as the clock ticked into the fifth minute of stoppage-time they were awarded a free kick, 20-yards out. Jelen stepped up but his shot was saved by Hugo and the whistle sounded to end an entertaining game with United taking home the points.

United Coach Paul Lincoln was delighted after the game. “I’m really proud of the boys today, we had a game plan today and the lads stuck to it. We had to reshuffle after Brendan was sent off but the character shown by my players was outstanding and the work rate from every one of them was pleasing,” said Lincoln.

“The ball from James (Sammut) for the penalty was superb and not many players in the league could do that, but that’s why I’ve signed him, and he also hit the bar in the second half. Last week he didn’t have much luck but this week we probably did,” added Lincoln.

Cockburn City - GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Shane NUNES, 3 Jason GODFREY, 5 David TARKA, 6 Anthony PEREIRA, 8 Marc ANTHONY, 9 Renato JELEN, 10 Adrian WEBSTER, 12 Jonathan DAVITE (11 Rory FEELY 46’), 17 Paul NATALE, 18 Jason DOS SANTOS – Subs not used – RGK Nick FEELY, 4 Ryan PRETORIOUS,13 David NAIRN
Yellow Cards – Tarka 24’, Pereira 28’, Rory Feely 61’, Jelen 65’, Anthony 67’
Red Cards

Swan United – GK Cory HUGO, 2 Darragh KENEVEY, 3 Trent WOOD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 10 Brendan KNOX, 11 John HUNTER (9 Shane WEBB 64’), 13 David MCNALLY, 16 Roberto LUJAN (14 Alex COCKING 69’), 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (17 Liam BOLAND 86’) – Subs not used – RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 5 Abdul SALARD
Yellow Cards – Craig 49’ 62’, Wood 81’
Red Cards – Craig 62’

Referee – Josh MIHEVC
Assistants – Kevin TAYLOR and Gabriele MERLACCO

Premier League Round 2 Preview and Results

Results

Sunday 28 March 2010
Stirling Lions 1 v 1 Armadale at Macedonia Park

Saturday

First Team
ECU Joondalup 2 (OG 48, Collins 59) Mandurah City 0; Sorrento 1(Hayton 19) Perth SC 3 (De Felice 40, Sciascia 47, Onoforo 61); Cockburn City 0 Swan United 1(B. Knox 25); Balcatta 5 (Rosendale 32, 38, 54, 70, Whitehouse 77) Inglewood United 3 (Osei-tutu 60, Clarke 75, Wardle 88); Floreat Athena 1 (Mikulic 66 pen) Western Knights 2 (Lecky 5, Montgomery 19)

Reserves
ECU Joondalup 1 Mandurah City 2; Sorrento 0 Perth SC 6; Cockburn City 1 Swan United 1; Balcatta 1 Inglewood United 1; Floreat Athena 1 Western Knights 2

Under 18’s
ECU Joondalup 3 Mandurah City1; Sorrento 3 Perth SC 5; Cockburn City 3 Swan United 3; Balcatta 0 Inglewood United 2; Floreat Athena 2 Western Knights 3

Preview

It’s round two of the Football West Premier League this weekend, and the match of the day takes us to the E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday when Floreat Athena host Western Knights (3pm) The sides met in the quarter finals of the night series with the Knights running out 2-1 winners, and it should be another close game on Saturday.

Athena will go into the game with confidence after a 6-1 thrashing of Mandurah City last week, and have won two out of the last three games between the two sides at home, although the Knights did win there last season.

There will be some great match up’s on the day with the battle between David Annall and Johnny Mirco worth the price of the admission on their own. Dean Apelgren and Jovo Pavlovic have been solid at the back for the home side and they will need to be on their toes with Simon Versaico and Stuart Montgomery in form for the Knights. In midfield Paul van Dongen and Daniel Micevski should both return from injury and suspension respectively for the Knights, to join David Price, and their tussle with Athena’s James Isaia, John Migas and Paul Vatistas will go a long way to deciding the winner of the match.

Another big game is at Percy Doyle Reserve when Perth SC travels to take on Sorrento (3pm). Shaun Kilkelly, who was outstanding against Cockburn City last week, will make an early return to his former club, since his move to Dorrien Gardens, and along with Craig Simpson and Aaron Cole give Perth a solid backline. They will be without defender Trent Kay through injury, while skipper Robbie Puca is doubtful after limping off with a calf injury last week. Sorrento earned a good point at Nash Field last week with English import Adam Hayton scoring twice on his league debut for the Gulls, while Glen Thomas and Todd Harnwell both impressed in the season opener.

In other Saturday games ECU Joondalup host Mandurah City at the Edith Cowen University arena (3pm). Both sides will be looking to kick start their seasons after both were beaten last week.  The Dolphins have been successful on both occasions they have played ECU away, and Stuart Young will be looking for his side to bounce back from last weeks thrashing at Floreat. Mandurah midfielder Craig Young and Phil O’Callaghan, both come up against their former clubs, and both will be looking for a positive result for their teams. The home side will be without midfielder Dale McCulloch, who was sent off last week.

Newly promoted Balcatta SC play their first ever home game in the Premier League when they entertain Inglewood United at Grindleford Reserve (3pm). The pair won last week and will looking to make it back-to-back victories, but with striker Ashley Rosindale in red hot form the home side will go into the game as favourites, and they also welcome former Perth SC midfielder Michael Black to the club last week and he is in the squad for the game. Oliver Taseski continues to shine in goal for Inglewood, and Michael Baczynski has added bite to the midfield, while experience Inglewood duo Daniel Kovacevic and Rory Grant missed last week with injury, and are still doubtful for the trip.

Swan United are on the road this week when they travel to Dalmatinac Park to take Cockburn City (3pm) It’s not been a good hunting ground for the Swans, only winning once in the last six visits, and were beaten 6-0 there last season. The home side will go into the game as favourites, Anthony Perriera, Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony will be vital in the middle of the park, while teenager Rory Feely impressed last week in the defeat at Perth. The Swans welcome back Roberto Lujan and Irish midfielder Dara Kanevey from injury, and will look to David McNally and Darko Ilomanoski to keep the Swans defence tight.

On Sunday Stirling Lions host Armadale at Macedonia Park (3pm). The Lions won on the road last week at Swan, with superb strike from Tom Ingram, and they be looking to open their home campaign in style. Lions welcome back David Dugdale to the club this week and he goes straight into the squad for this week, while Irish defender Jason Gavin will make his debut for the Lions after missing last week due to suspension. Armadale have added a number of new faces to their squad and coach Brad Hassell will hope they gel sooner rather than later. James Robinson will be better for the run out last week, the English striker only arrived in Perth last week with his brother Tom, and the pair will hope to lead the Reds to the three points on Sunday.

Andy Todd Wins Glory MGP Award

Andy Todd has capped off a wonderful debut season in the Hyundai A-League winning Perth Glory’s Most Glorious Player award at the Burswood Grand Ballroom.

In front of more than 650 guests, the star defender polled 34 votes to run away with the count from captain Jacob Burns (23 votes) and Naum Sekulovski (13).

Todd picked up votes in 16 games and received the maximum 3 votes six times.

“I’d just like to thank all my team mates and everyone connected to the club, all the lads have made me feel really welcome,” Todd said in a pre-recorded interview.

Unfortunately back in England for a short holiday with his family, Todd said he was wrapt with his first season in Australia.

“I just wanted to come here and enjoy myself and to try and help the players reach bigger and better things.

“I’ll be back next season and hopefully we can go one or two steps better.”

In a stellar season for the 35 year old, Todd was also crowned:

• Volunteers’ player of the year

• Supporters’ player of the year and

• QBE players, player of the year.

“It’s a great honour for me and I’m very privileged to receive these awards, I’m very humbled by it all.”

Despite the four individual awards, Todd said he was still hurting from the Glory’s dramatic penalty shoot-out loss to Wellington.

“I think we slightly underachieved with the squad we’ve got.

“You look at our team and we have a decent team on paper.

“I think next season we will look to go a lot better than this season for sure,” he said.

Defender Naum Sekulovski won Best Clubman while Mile Sterjovski was awarded the Golden Boot.

In the Youth team, Dean Evans capped off an impressive season, named the Most Glorious Youth player.

Most Glorious Player Leader board:

Andy Todd 34
Jacob Burns 23
Naum Sekulovski 13
Branko Jelic 11
Mile Sterjovski 11
Tando Velaphi 11
Victor Sikora 9
Chris Coyne 8

Ingram starts off with a bang for Lions

Stirling Lions midfielder Tom Ingram began his football in WA with a bang last week with the winner in the 1-0 victory against Swan United at Francis Street. The 23-year-old, whose 20-yard screamer was unstoppable, was happy to start his Lions career with three points. “I thought the game was very poor all round, but it is a tough place to go and get a win, with the small dark changing rooms, a small pitch on a hill and there direct play, but the boys did well to grind it out and we were just happy to get the points. If we can play like that, and win it proves were going to have a good season,” said Ingram.

“Obviously on a personal note I’m delighted to get off the mark with a goal like that. I enjoyed the strike and our basketball celebration after was interesting,” added Ingram.

It was a tough decision for Ingram to head to Perth to continue his football and the decision was made harder when he left his long time girlfriend Louise back in the UK but the chance to play in another country was something he couldn’t turn down. “It was a difficult decision as I had good coaching job at Nottingham Forest FC, but the lure of the hot weather, non muddy pitches and the lifestyle was too good to miss out on. Obviously leaving your family is not something you want to do but I know my parents and girlfriend Louise will be over to visit soon,” explained Ingram.

He has settled in well at Macedonia Park and has a number of familiar faces there with him. “A guy we know in the UK told us about the oz soccer experience website which is geared to bringing imports over here to play. We put our profiles on the site, and within a few weeks had received interest from Stirling Lions and a few other clubs in Oz. Within about a month everything was sorted and I moved out here with Bobby Wilson and Stef Frost. Everything so far has been really good, we’ve have been made to feel very welcome, and have settled in well on and off the field,” said Ingram.

“The move was made easier for me with Bobby and Stef coming over too, because it was originally just myself coming over. But the boys made a late decision and realised they didn’t want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Obviously I was very happy about this, moving to the other side of the world on my own would have been tough,” added Ingram.

The midfielder is enjoying working with Lions’ coaches Michael Lyons and Gary Williams and believes they could press for the title come seasons end. “Mick obviously has a great football background, and we’re all enjoying playing under him and Gary. There both top guys and coaches, and the squad is coming together very well. We have a top bunch of lads who I truly believe will push for title this year. If we can keep players fit we have a great chance,” said Ingram.

Ingram, who started off playing junior football for local teams before being picked up by Peterborough United at 14, where he stayed for about four years, before moving on to Reading. He then moved to Notts County FC with Mike Whitlow the reserve team manager. He then moved to Stafford Rangers in 2007 in the English Conference and had a great time playing there until moving over to Stirling. He has some fond memories in football in the UK and two stick out in the midfielders mind. “I have two favourite moments, one being when I was playing in a reserve game for Reading when I was 18 at the Madejski Stadium and I scored the equalizer against Queens Park Rangers, and the second was when I made my debut for Stafford away at Burton Albion. My whole family was there and it was just a great day all round, big crowd, good football, and it just showed me the reason why I play football,” said Ingram.

A move to the A-League would be a perfect end to his Australian crusade, but at the moment Ingram is focused on the Lions. “Of course I would love a move to Perth Glory or any A league team, who wouldn’t. But this year I’m concentrating on winning the league with Stirling Lions and having a great year in Oz, and who knows what the future holds,” said Ingram.

Most Glorious Player announced tonight

It’s the end of season awards night for Perth Glory tonight and in the glitz and glamour at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, the club will honour the clubs best.

There are eight awards given out on the night, the Most Glorious Player, The Golden Boot, The QBE Players player of the year, The Volunteers player of the year, The Supporters player of the year, The Best Clubman, The Most Glorious Youth Player and The Most Glorious Women’s Player

The main award looks like it will be one horse race with Andy Todd tipped by many of his fellow players to poll well and take out the award. For Naum Sekulovski, Tando Velaphi and Scott Neville the choice was obvious, with the trio putting their money on former Blackburn skipper Todd, who has had an outstanding season for the Glory.

“I’m placing my bets on Andy Todd. He’s been brilliant for us all year and he really deserves it.

“I think it’s going to be a good night for everyone and it’ll give us a chance to celebrate our most successful year in the Hyundai A-League,” said Sekulovski.

Neville says a few players have had consistent seasons and will be up there during the count, but Todd will be too good in the end.

“A few of the lads have had a good year so I think there could be a couple that are in with a shout, but Toddy’s my pick,” said Neville.

Velaphi says all the boys are looking forward to the night and celebrating with both on and off-field staff.

“Andy Todd will clean-up the awards, he’s been the most consistent for us this year so he’s my tip.

“It’s usually a good night. It takes a lot to put the event together and I’m sure the night will be a success and give us all a chance to let our hair out,” said Velaphi.

Other players in with a chance of the trophy are skipper Jacob Burns and right back Naum Sekulovski.

President’s Message

Welcome back to the New Look Macedonia Park complex where we will witness our first Sunday home fixture for 2010 as our Stirling Lions take on the Brad Hassell led Armadale in Round 2 of the Football West Premier league.

The facility has never looked so good, with the works program co-ordinated by committee member Peter Petroff bringing new life to our fantastic complex. The rooball fields at the front will be ready for our kids in 2 months time while the rear playing fields, now being cared for by council (thanks to great support from our Number 1 ticket holder Deputy Mayor Cr Giovanni Italiano) will be up and running for the 2011 season. We look forward to re-locating all our Young Lions back to Macedonia Park in season 2011.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Armadale president Tony Greibel and his committee, coaches, players and supporters….especially the Brunchies who support their side so passionately year in year out. I am sure Armadale will be a tough opponent today looking to avenge their surprise 2-1 loss to newly promoted Balcatta at Alfred Skeet Reserve last week.

Our Stirling Lions kicked off the season with a nervous 1-0 win away to Swan United which was highlighted by a Tommy Ingram screamer early in the game. From then on it was a scramble on the tight Francis Street pitch with chances falling to Ndumba Makeche, Jordan Rhodes and Shane Robinson with no further addition to the score. Stand in keeper James Turvill continues to impress at the ripe old age of 19 and made some outstanding saves to help our Lions to victory and 3 valuable premiership points. The Reserves fought out a tough 1-1 all draw under new coach and former club striking legend Rob Milevski, while the 18′s threw away a 3 goal lead to draw 3-3.

This years squad has many new faces and some older and wiser faces who have returned back to Macie Park to help lift the club to past glory’s. The list inludes former Middlesbrough defender Jason Gavin, Shamrock Rovers captain/midfielder Shane Robinson, Stafford Rangers defender Bobby Wilson, Quorn FC midfielder Tom Ingram, Matlock Town striker Stef Frost, Sleaford Town midfielder Mathew Stares and returning back from Ards FC Paul Dickson and wily striker Dave Dugdale from Otago in NZ. The lads are all gelling well and are now about to display their fantastic skills to our proud and loyal fans…….I wish all the lads success and happiness in their football adventure downunder.

Our Youth development program was on full display on the National Youth League stage last Saturday as 3 young Lions playing for the Perth Glory battled hard against a never say die Gold Coast United. Captain courageous Steven Hesketh led the side well and when Dean Evans unleashed a 30 yard thunderbolt into the top corner in the 74th minute, Glory fans had one hand on the title plate but it wasn’t to be as Gold Coast scored two late goals to take the prize. Our Lions had a great year with Ludo Boi getting amongst the goals this year while captain Hesketh and Vice captain Evans led the team to a great year and showed what rising talents they all are. From Armadale young keeper Alex Pearson was outstanding as well as defender Ryan Pearson who was ultra consistent.

A fortnight ago we honoured club legend Ernie Hannigan with a roast and toast after the friendly with ECU and what a great day that was for Ernie and his family. On a sad note the club lost a great old supporter in Steve Gergenis last week and we pay our respects to all the family and will always remember his great support for The Macies!!

Well it seems like it has been ages since we watched a game at our great venue and for me it’s a pleasure to be back home to watch our sides do battle on our hallowed turf. I look forward to seeing all the Armadale players and supporters in the clubhouse after the game for the after match players dinner and presentations.

I hope you all have a very enjoyable day of football here at Macedonia Park as we ROOOAAARRRRRRRRR OUR MIGHTY LIONS ONTO VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!

President – Don Evans

State League Fixtures Round 1

Premier League

Perth SC 2 (Sharland 30, Caceras 79,) Cockburn City 1 (Natal 58p)

Armadale 1 ( Robinson 80,) v Balcatta 2(Rosendale 13, 17,);

Swan United 0 v Stirling Lions 1 (Ingram 14,);

Western Knights 2 (Campbell 14, Versaico 49, ) v Sorrento 2 (Hayton 28, 50,);

Inglewood Utd. 2 (Kovacevic 8, Ossituto 51,) v ECU Joondalup 0;

Floreat Athena  6 (Migus 3, Mirvcic 16, 59, Neiderberger 35, Isaia 86, Vujacic 90,) v Mandurah City 1 (Bower 89,).

Reserves

Perth SC 4 v Cockburn 3, Armadale 1 Balcatta 6; Swan United 1 Stirling Lions 1; Western Knights 1 Sorrento 5; Inglewood Utd. 0  ECU Joondalup 2;  Floreat Athena 2 Mandurah City 2.

Under 18’s

Perth SC 2 v Cockburn City 2, Armadale 1 Balcatta 6; Swan United 3 Stirling Lions 3; Western Knights 4 Sorrento 0; Inglewood Utd. 3  ECU Joondalup 3;  Floreat Athena 6 Mandurah City 1.

Preview

Last season’s league winners Western Knights begin their campaign with a home game against Sorrento at Nash Field (3pm). The two have met each other twice in the night series, with the Knights winning on both occasions. Stuart Montgomery will make his league return for the Knights against his former club while new recruits Paul von Dongan, Simon Versaico and Gareth Lecky will also make their debuts for the club. Sorrento has lost a number of experienced players over the summer, but they have added English keeper Tom Woodhead, while striker David Foster will add firepower up front for the Gulls with last season’s top goal scorer Todd Harnwell.

Newly promoted Balcatta Sc makes their Premier League debut against Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval (3pm). They have been busy in the transfer market bringing in Perth SC duo Genaveo Human and Jack Clisby and Stirling Lions young midfielder Matt Italiano, while defensive midfielder Anthony Jones will give the newcomers some much needed experience. The Reds had a poor night series but will look to new imports James and Robinson, new recruits Cyril Sharrock, Michael Ord, Steven McDonald, Lewis Flatt and Rory Mouttet, and will hope to start the season off with a first up win.

Stirling Lions are on the road when they travel to Francis Street to take on Swan United (3pm). The Lions have recruited well, bringing in imports Bobby Wilson, Shane Robinson, Tom Ingram, Stef Frost and Mathew Stares, and will go to the Swan Valley in a confident mood. They also have some talented youngsters, with Ndumba Makeche, Jamie De Abreu and defender Michael Pugliese impressing in the night series. The Swans will hope to continue last season’s good home form and will look to new recruits James Sammut and Roberto Lujan to add bite in the midfield while former Lions trio Leo Harman, Darko Ilomanoski and Liam Boland would like to get one over their former club.

Mandurah City makes the journey north to take on Floreat Athena at the E&D Litis Stadium (3pm) Fresh from their Charity Shield victory last week, Athena will look to get their season off with a victory. There haven’t been many additions to the side, but new Coach Ante Kovacevic will look to experienced John Mirco, Branmir Mikulic and John Migas, while youngster Jovo Pavlovic and Jason Barrera will also have a big part to play. Like Athena, Mandurah have been quite on the transfer front, but with state midfielder Andy Brown, Craig Young, Darren Broxton and former Glory defender Ryan Townsend the Dolphins will hope to start the season off with a splash.

In the final game on Saturday Inglewood United will host ECU Joondalup at the Clipsal Stadium (3pm). The home side struggled in the night series but Coach Shane Pryce will be confident of a first up win in the league. Last season’s goalkeeper of the Year Oliver Taseski will be vital for the Wood, as well as the experienced Daniel Kovacevic, Aaron Colli and Rory Grant, while Dannie Richman and Alex Stamatisdis have both overcome injury and will be hoping for a good run in the side. ECU Joondalup reached the semi-finals of the night series and Coach Syd Amphlett welcomes the Premier League top goalscorer, Phil O’Callaghan, to his side for the new season, while Dale McCulloch, Scott Bushby and Jon Higgins will hope for an injury free season.

On Sunday the league Champions, Perth Sc, open their season with a home game against Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens (3pm). Perth won the nights series, but they were beaten by The Cockerels in the group phase, so they will not be taking them lightly. Cockburn have added experience to their squad for the season, bringing in former Perth Glory trio David Tarka, Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony, while Aaron dos Santos and Paul Natale impressed in the night series. Perth has a well settled side with Ian McMurray and David Onoforo forming a good partnership up front, while club skipper Robbie Puca has made a welcome return from long term injury. Shaun Kilkelly will make his league debut for the Blues after joining from Sorrento and he wills partner Trent Kay at the heart of the defence.

Perth Edge Out Cockburn

Perth SC opened their 2010 season with a hard fought win against Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday afternoon.

A first half strike from Greg Sharland gave the home side the lead at the break but the Cockerels levelled from the spot just after half time. But a goal 12 minutes from time from Robert Sciascia gave Graham Normanton’s side the points.

A superb defensive display by Shaun Kilkelly, who was making his league debut for the club, and he was delighted to get the three points. “It’s always good to win your opening league game of the season, and to get three points in my first league game for the club is pleasing,” said Kilkelly.

“They pressed us all game and Marc Anthony and Adrian Webster impressed me, but we defended well and Simmo (Craig Simpson) made a timely return from injury and I thought the whole backline were really solid,” added Kilkelly.

The home side went into the game without defender Trent Kay, who was out with a knee injury, bringing in Craig Simpson to cover the central defender, while Cockburn included former Perth Glory trio David Tarka, Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony.

The visitors opened brightly and when Anthony found Jason dos Santos on the edge of the box on two minutes, his shot flew over the top. Cockburn continued to press and three minutes later Webster’s corner from the left was headed inches over by Tarka from four-yards.

Perth, who lost to Cockburn in the Night Series, suffered a blow on 16 minutes when skipper Robbie Puca limped off with a calf injury, replaced by Andreas Oliviera.

It wasn’t until the 17h minute when Perth first chance came. Sciascia cross from the right found Sharland on the left of the penalty area. His first time cross in to the box found Ian McMurray, but keeper Dejan Aleksic was out quick to save.

Cockburn continued to press and on 25 minutes Renato Jelen and Anthony Perriera combined down the left and Perriera’s cross picked out Jason dos Santos at the back post, his first time volley was superbly blocked by Shaun Kilkelly.

That block from the Perth defender was worth its weight in gold as five minutes later the home side hit the front. Simon Wilson picked out Sharland on the right, and his first time ball found McMurray on the edge of the box. His first time ball found Sharland, who had continued his run and the midfielder fired low past Aleksic.

At the break Aaron dos Santos replaced his brother Jason for Cockburn, and the Cockerels almost levelled in the opening minute of the second half. Anthony’s through ball found Webster, and his shot from eight-yards was partly blocked by Luke Martino, and the ball rolled goalwards, but Simpson was alert to clear the ball off the line.

Perth thought they had doubled their lead on 55 minutes, Sharland crossed to McMurray and the big Scottish striker fired home from four-yards, but the flag was up for offside.

Cockburn continued to press and they were rewarded with an equaliser on 58 minutes. Aaron dos Santos’ cross into the box seemed to hit the arm of Perth midfielder Simon Wilson, and although the referee waved away the Cockburn players protests, the assistant referee flagged for the spot kick. Paul Natale stepped up and sent Martino the wrong way to score.

It was the visitors who were looking the most likely to take the points, and Webster shot from 12-yards on 61 minutes, was saved low by Martino. Perth made a change moments later bringing on the experienced Aaron Cole to replace Wilson.

Scott Miller’s side were taking the game to their hosts and on 68 minutes they went within inches of taking the lead. Anthony’s searching ball picked out second half substitute Rory Feely, and the former Stirling Lions youngster’s shot flashed inches past the post.

It was end-to-end football with chances at both ends, and on 70 minutes a long-range strike from Sciascia was well saved by Aleksic and McMurray’s follow up shot went wide.  Then five minutes later a great ball from Anthony found Rory Feely, on the left of the penalty area and his powerful shot was well saved by Martino at his near post.

The winner came on 78 minutes, when a quick break from Perth caught Cockburn out, and Danskin picked out Oliviera who in turn fed Sciascia who finished clinically past Aleksic from six-yards.

With Cockburn chasing the game they left gaps at the back and they were nearly punished again late on, Oliviera was sent clear, but his shot was superbly saved by Aleksic at full stretch.

After the game Perth Coach Graham Normanton was happy to get the points. “It was a hard fought win, but we didn’t expect anything else after the night series. I was pleased to get away with the win, but at times we didn’t play that well,” said Normanton.

“I thought we were good defensively today, the whole backline were good and that was pleasing, cockburn pressed all game but they didn’t create that many chances,” added Normanton.

Perth SC – GK Luke MARTINO, 4 Craig SHARLAND, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN, 8 Robbie PUCA (10 Andreas OLIVIERA 16’), 9 David ONOFORO, 11 Robert SCIASCIA, 13 Simon WILSON (3 Aaron COLE 62’), 16 In MCMURRAY, 18 Dom DE FELICE, 23 Greg SHARLAND – Subs not used –  RGK Jason SALDARIS, 22 Jason POTTIER, 20 Tristan BAKKOUCHE

Yellow Cards -

Cockburn City – GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Shane NUNES, 5 David TARKA, 6 Anthony PERRIERA, 8 Marc ANTHONY, 10 Renato JELEN (9 Rory FEELY 62’), 12 Adrian WEBSTER, 13 David NAIRN, 16 Jason DOS SANTOS (7 Aaron DOS SANTOS 46’), 17 Paul NATALE, 14 Jonathan DAVITE – RGK Nick FEELY, 3 Jason GODFREY, 4 Ryan PRETORIUS,

Yellow Cards – Jason dos Santos 16’, Tarka 55’, Webster 88’,

Referee – Paul Anderson

Assistants – Michael Nugus and Tim Mehivc

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