“MCFC Under 13′s 2010 champions”

Sunday 29th August 2010

Under 13’s Division One

Heathridge (0) vs. (3) Mandurah

‘It’s official’ – the Mandurah City Football Clubs U13′s Division One team sealed the League Title this week with a more than convincing win against Heathridge.

We encountered another Football West ridiculous kick off time of 0830 am at the other end of the metropolitan area and despite numerous attempts to contact Heathridge, we were unable to get any response all. However it was a highly motivated team that travelled north to meet a Heathridge outfit who, over the second half of the season had beaten all opponents so far. With our form leading into the game being very good, our boys were confident they could seal the league today and it was evident in their approach at training and pre game.

Our opposition were well fired up and confident prior to the game (listening to coach and parent banter) and for the third time this year our players handed the ‘respect cards’ to their opposing player (thanks to the referees association sending more out) and did not receive any in return, at least our team were supporting the initiative.

On to the game and we were met with some of the tallest 13 year olds ever seen, it was almost amusing to witness the match up of Kieran (little T) and the twice as tall winger (had to be 6 foot) at kick off time, to which Kieran stood up (as tall as he could) and consequently gave the big kid a football lesson, turning in a best on ground performance as was selected by the opposition.

It was a steady, methodical build up and subsequent demolition of a Heathridge team, obviously expecting to upset the league leaders and continue on their winning ways. This was not to be, although we did have our usual tally of ‘how the heck did we not score then’ situations, coupled with the regulatory lapses defensively.

We were always in control of the game and with two fine goals from Michael and Joe with one, we easily disposed of Heathridge.

It has almost been like opposition coaches, have at some point in time, got together and tried to devise a tactic of dealing with our type of play, by advising their players to just boot the ball wherever and whenever they come into contact.

This has to be viewed as a respectful move towards our team.

This team of up and coming players have achieved the ultimate reward for a season that was highlighted by their ‘never give up’ attitude on occasions coming from 4-1 and 6-1 down at times, punctuated by some wonderful individual player performances that have caught the eye of opposition and Premier League coaches alike.

This team has set a standard that will form a benchmark for other teams within the club to strive for and which this group of players hopefully form a nucleus that Mandurah City hierarchy will nurture.

Boys from me, you deserve every accolade that comes your way from the club, your parents and your peers, savour these moments in the knowledge that your efforts have achieved the ultimate reward from a seasons dedication and hard work. Some players, be it junior or senior, never get to feel what you have achieved and although there is still one game to play – NO one can take this CHAMPIONSHIP off you (six points clear with one game to go).

Final score: Heathridge (0) Vs Mandurah City (3).

Mandurah City U13’s 1st Division team today were – Cohen Aitken, John Anderson, Jed Butterfield (v-captain), Aidan Clark, Tyler Dawson/Davies, Michael De Bellis (captain), Keegan Gillogly, Josh Hudson (v-captain), Josh Mackinder, Joe Obrien, James Oldfield, Kieran Turner and Brandon Weston.

Thanks also to Garry (Josh Mac’s dad) for running the line……much appreciated Garry.

Thankyou to everyone.

Coach – Tony Butterfield.

Bobby Wilson Keeps Lions in the Title Hunt

Stirling Lions have kept their Minor Premiership hopes alive after an injury-time winning header from Bobby Wilson stole all three poins against Mandurah City for a 3-2 victory at Hyundai Stadium on Saturday night.

An 89th minute goal awarded to Christian Paschkewitz looked to have sealed Mandurah’s destiny to remain in the APB State Premier League next year after the earlier results meant City needed a point to keep them safe from relegation.

But Wilson’s header which bounced off the crossbar and over the goal line in the 92nd minute shattered Mandurah’s celebrations on a night marking the 40th anniversary of the club’s history with several dignataries in attendance, including Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

The match was a bizarre contest, with several contentious decisions by referee Michal Jasinski and Stirling coach Paul Lincoln admitted he thought their tilt for top spot was over before Wilson’s heroics.

“I thought when they made it 2-all it was two points dropped, but then playing Bobby (Wilson) the big man up front paid off tonight,” he said.

“I’m just wrapped to get the three points after some of the other results today.

“The win now keeps our Minor Premiership hopes alive and we will now be at home to the Western Knights next week and three points will give us the title.”

Stirling began the match the better of the two teams with Scott Muirhead’s long throws a constant threat as he proved that in last Sunday’s State League Cup Final victory over Floreat Athena.

The Lions thought they had an early lead when Wilson placed a superb ball through for Phil Arnold, but the assistant referee ruled that the striker was offside.

Captain Shane Robinson then took matters into his own hands when he let loose with a 30-yard free kick which sailed inches over the upright to give Straker a brief scare.

The Mandurah goalkeeper was then well-beaten after a shocking mix-up with the Dolphins defence.

Cup Final man-of-the-match Ludo Boi played in a delightful cross aimed at Mario Marcinko from deep on the left, but as the two Mandurah central defenders tried to head clear the ball, it landed in their own net for an own goal which looked to come off Ryan Townsend.

Mandurah were struggling to break the Lions defence which was superbly marshalled by Michael Pugliese and at the other end, Townsend made amends for his earlier error by asserting his physical presence over Arnold.

The Stirling striker then tried an audacious overhead kick to double Stirling’s lead, but his effort was inches wide of the target.

As the Lions looked to hold on to a 1-0 lead at half time, former Stirling striker Jordan Rhodes had a golden chance to score against his old side.

Rhodes’ effort went the wrong side of the post and teammate Victor Insaurralde nearly scored the goal of the season moments later.

Insaurralde found himself with the ball 30 yards out wide on the left side of the park, looked up and couldn’t see any teammates in position, so decided to go himself.

The former Athena winger let loose with a monstrous effort which curled onto the crossbar as Turvill was backtracking to his goal line, well beaten.

As the second half resumed, City were back on level terms in no time in strange fashion.

Pugliese looked to have passed the ball back to Turvill after being under pressure from Insaurralde and the goalkeeper looked to hesitate in picking up the ball as it seemed to cross the goal line.

After a moments delay, Jasinski looked to his assistant and confirmed it was a goal, awarding it to Mandurah’s Insaurralde.

A Stirling counterattack then had the Cup winners back in front with a memorable goal from Arnold.

The striker curled a shot from outside the penalty area into the top right corner of the net, leaving Straker no chance and sending the Stirling faithful into raptures.

Mandurah continued to push hard to grab the vital equaliser, but it was still Stirling that looked the stronger.

Midfield general Robinson had another great chance to score after great work from Boi set up his captain for a drive from just outside the box, but Straker could only turn and watch as the effort whistled past the wrong side of the goal post for Robinson.

The drama wasn’t done with yet when Ivan Zuvela popped up to smash home an 89th minute goal to send the Mandurah fans crazy in the packed grandstand.

The former Knights defender looked to be unmarked inside the penalty box and shot with his powerful left foot, with the goal awarded to Paschkewitz who must have taken a decisive touch on the way through.

As the 92nd minute ticked on and the Mandurah fans began to plan for another year in the APB State Premier League, Wilson’s strong header at goal after great work from substitute Ndumba Mukeche shattered their anniversary celebrations and all their fate will be decided in the final match of the season next week when they take on Cockburn City, who will also be fighting to survive.

The Lions had a red letter day with the Under 18′s handing out a 10-0 football lesson to Mandurah and the Reserves winning 1-0 in a tight contest.

This weeks blockbuster match of the round will be between 2nd placed Stirling Lions and top of the table Western Knights fighting it out for the Minor Premiers title at Macedonia Park this Saturday kick off 3pm.

Feely’s double edges Cockburn closer to safety

Cockburn City continued their fight to avoid the drop from the APB Premier League, with a come from behind 2-1 win against Inglewood United at the 6PR stadium on Saturday.

Rory Feely was the hero for the Cockerels, scoring a goal in each half, while the defeat for the home side moved them closer to the relegation zone, this despite them taking an early lead through Rory Grant.

Inglewood United were forced into one change from the side that drew 2-2 at Stirling Lions in round 20, with Danny Stoitis out injured, his place in the starting line-up going to Alex Stamatiadis. Cockburn on the other hand were unchanged from the side that beat ECU Joondalup 3-1 last time out.

The home side made a perfect start to the game and were ahead on seven minutes. Good work on the left by Dannie Richman ended with a cross to Grant, who turned inside Jason Godfrey and fired home from six-yards.

Inglewood were in again four minutes later, former Perth Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres’ quick break and pass sent Ryan Clarke in on goal, but his low shot was well saved by Dejan Aleksic.

It was one-way traffic as Shane Pryce’s side continued to dominate, and Aleksic came to his sides rescue twice in as many minutes. First on 16 minutes he superbly tipped over Jake Geddes’ long-range shot which was heading for the top corner of the net, and moments later he was out quick to deny Clarke again.

The first opportunity for the visitors didn’t come until the 23 minute, Marc Anthony’s corner from the right found Adrian Webster on the edge of the penalty area, whose volley went over the top.

But it was still Inglewood who continued to threaten and three minutes later Sandi Loncar’s run and shot from 12-yards was saved low by Aleksic. .

On the half hour they had their best chance to increase their lead, a great through ball from Geddes sent Grant in on goal, he drew the keeper, but his lob from 12-yards went agonizingly past the near post.

They went even closer on 36 minutes, Caceres burst through a static Cockburn defence and his shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar and away to safety.

Inglewood should have been in complete control on the scoreboard, but their wastefulness was about to come back to bite them.

A clearance from Inglewood keeper Oliver Taseski was headed back with interest by Shintaro Itoh sending Feely in a foot race with Darko Ilomanoski. The young striker cut inside the defender and finished clinically past Taseski from six-yards, to send the sides in 1-1 at the break.

Whatever Cockburn Coach Tony Castiello said at half time to his team did the trick, because they were a different team in the second half, and they went close after only three minutes. Shane Nunes’ long-throw from the left found Webster at the back post but the former New Zealand international headed wide at the back post.

It was Cockburn now who were dominating and a cross from the right by Llewelyn Bake, who had replaced Godfrey at the break, ended with Feely’s flick from close-range going just wide of the post.

They were rewarded for their good start with the lead on 54 minutes. A great run and cross by Jon Devite, against his former club, found Feely in the penalty area and the striker headed home at the near post.

Both sides knew a defeat today would put them deep in relegation trouble, and they both went close as the game become more open.

First on the hour Wesley Britz cross from the right picked out Feely, his shot was well saved by Taseski, to deny the youngster his hat trick. Then moments later Loncar’s volley from long-range was well saved by Cockburn keeper Aleksic.

The small crowd were on the edge of their seats as both sides pressed, and on 68 minutes the Inglewood supporters were off their seats when Caceres goal bound shot was blocked by Nunes, and Aaron Colli’s follow up shot was saved low by Aleksic.

Feely, who was a constant threat for the home side defence, was sent clear sixty seconds later by a Britz’s through ball, but Taseski was out quick to save bravely at the feet of the former Stirling Lions striker.

Inglewood was pressing late to earn the point that would make them safe from relegation and the best opportunity came with three minutes remaining. A great through ball from Loncar sent Grant clear.

The Cockburn defence looked for an offside flag that never came, but as the big striker was about to pull the trigger, Nunes produced a match winning tackle to deny him, and give Cockburn three vital points in their quest to avoid the drop.

Cockburn City Coach Tony Castiello was delighted with the result, but was disappointed with the first half performance and knows that survival is in their own hands now. “I told the boys at the break I wasn’t happy with the performance in the first half and we were lucky to still be in the game at half time. To the boy’s credit they did just that and were delighted with the three points, which were vital with results elsewhere in the league going as they did,” Castiello said.

APB Premier Division

Saturday 28th August 2010

@ The 6PR Stadium

Inglewood United 1 (Grant 7’)

Cockburn City 2 (Feely 46’, 54’)

Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

Assistants – Joe Fusari and Tony Chorley

Attendance – 150

INGLEWOOD UNITED: GK Oliver TASESKI, 3 Daniel KOVACEVIC 5 Sandy LONCAR, 8 Ryan CLARKE, 9 Rory GRANT, 10 Jake GEDDES (16 Aaron COLLI 67’), 11 Alex STAMATIADIS, 12 Dannie RICHMAN (19 Karl O’REILLY 73’), 22 Matt WORTON, 30 Adrian CACERES, 36 Darko ILOMANOSKI

SUBS NOT USED: 4 Ryan SMITH

Yellow Cards – Nil

COCKBURN CITY: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 3 David ARRAYA, 4 Shane NUNES, 5 Jason GODFREY (2 Llewelyn Bake 46’), 8 Marc ANTHONY, 10 Adrian WEBSTER, 11 Rory FEELY, 12 Jon DEVITE, 14 Shinataro ITOH (18 Jason DOS SANTOS 75’), 17 Paul NATALE, 20 Wesley BRITZ (6 Anthony PEREIRA 88’)

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jason O’Byrne

Yellow Cards – Nil

Heart v Glory Player by Player Review

Fowler Gives Melbourne Heartache

A penalty from Perth Glory striker Robbie Fowler in the 92nd minute has given the side from the West a 2-2 draw in the Hyundai A-League clash against Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park this afternoon.

It was a controversial decision from debutant A-League referee Kurt Ams, when Glory striker Michael Baird fell under a challenge from Kliment Taseski and Fowler denied the Heart’s their first victory in the A-League by sending keeper Clint Bolton the wrong way.

Both sides made two changes to their starting line-up, with the Heart bringing in Brendan Hamill to replacing the injured Michael Beauchamp, and Brazilian striker Alex Terra, to replace Aziz Behich, who dropped to the bench. The Glory lost Jamie Harnwell and Mile Sterjovski through injury, their places going too Josh Mitchell and Branko Jelic.

It was great start for the home side and they had strong penalty claims turned down in second minute, when Simon Colosimo’s long ball sent Terra clear and as he rounded Glory keeper Tando Velaphi he fell and the crowd were up as one for a penalty but referee Ams waved away their protests.

But three minutes later, they were rewarded a penalty when Terra was sent clear down the right again by former Glory midfielder Wayne Srhoj, and the Brazilian was tugged back by Naum Sekulovski and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Dutch striker Gerald Sibon sent Velaphi the wrong way to give the Heart the lead.

It was one-way traffic as the Heart continued to dominate and on eight minutes Srhoj picked out Terra on the right, and his deep cross picked out Sibon at the back post, but his weak header was straight at Velaphi.

Top of the table going into the round, the Glory’s first chance fell on 11 minutes when Steve McGarry found Scott Neville down the right and his cross found Todd Howarth, but his first time shot flew well over the top.

Then on 19 minutes, and against the run of play, the Glory were level. Adriano Pellegrino picked out Fowler on the right, his cross was flicked on by Jelic and the ball rebounded off the unfortunate defender Michael Marrone and into the net.

It was a bitter blow for the home side but they continued to take the game to the Glory and when Nick Kalmar’s cross from the left caught the Glory defence square, Velaphi was alert to punch clear from Sibon in the six-yard box.

But there was little Velaphi could do on 37 minutes when the Heart re-took the lead. Dean Heffernan’s free kick from the right wasn’t cleared by the Glory and the ball fell to Kalmar who fired home from eight-yards to give the Heart the lead at the break.

The Glory opened the second half the better and on the hour McGarry’s cross into the penalty area found Jelic, but the Serbian’s header from six-yards flashed over the bar.

It was a different Glory side in the second half and they went close again on 71 minutes. Great work on the left by Todd Howarth ended with a cross into the box and Baird dummied the ball allowing the ball to find Fowler, whose bullet like shot from six-yards was superbly saved by Clint Bolton.

The Glory were ending the game the better and on 80 minutes it was Howarth again who threaded a pin-point through ball to Sekulovski, but Bolton again was out quick to block the defenders shot.

It looked like the points were staying in Melbourne, giving the Heart there first win of the season, but that all changed in the 93rd minute, when Baird was brought down in the box and referee Ams pointed straight to the spot. There looked little contact, but Fowler kept his nerve to convert his first goal for the Glory and he celebrated with the Glory supporters at the ground.

Heart coach John Van ‘t Schip admitted his team was devastated to concede a goal in the dying minutes, saying his side had again shown improvement.

“That’s the most difficult thing I think because we are working very hard to get that first win and today it seemed to be there, but as we know, the game is more than 90 minutes,” he said.

“In the second half, we didn’t manage any more to play the game we did in the first half, we didn’t keep the ball up high. You could see Perth was applying more pressure, and they made one or two opportunities but Clint (Bolton) was playing a great game.”

Perth coach Dave Mitchell admitted it was a good sign his side had kept the pressure on, especially away from home where the Glory have traditionally struggled in previous years.

“It was pleasing we started to dominate the game away from home and we feel with the team we’ve got we can take anyone on,” Mitchell said.

“With that second-half performance we should have got something out of the game. We got in their penalty box, created chances and their keeper has made a couple of outstanding saves. You make your own luck….we had a right go and that’s probably paid dividends.”

Glory skipper Jacob burns was delighted to get something from the game. “We never stopped working and I’m very proud of the boys,” Burns said.

“We had a fantastic result here (at AAMI Park) against Victory, so that bred a bit of confidence in the camp. We were happy to come back here, we knew we were in for a tough game and credit to the boys they stuck to the job.”

Summary

Melbourne Heart: 2 (SIBON 4’ (pen), KALMAR 37’)

Perth Glory: 2 (MARRONE 19’ (own goal), FOWLER 90+3 (pen))

Sunday, 29 August 2010

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Referee: Kurt Ams

Attendance – 5,878

Melbourne Heart: GK Clint BOLTON, 2 Michael MARRONE (21 Kliment TASESKI 65’), 3 Brendan HAMILL, 4 Simon COLOSIMO, 6 Matt THOMPSON, 7 Rutger WORM, 9 Gerald SIBON (19 Eli BABALJ 61’), 10 Wayne SRHOJ, 11 ALEX TERRA (24 Aziz BEHICH 80’), 22 Nick KALMAR, 23 Dean HEFFERNAN

Substitutes not used: RGK Peter ZOIS

Yellow Cards: SRHOJ 52’, THOMPSON 82’, HEFFERNAN 88’, HAMILL 89’

Red cards: Nil

Perth Glory: GK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Josh MITCHELL, 3 Jamie COYNE, 7 Jacob BURNS (C), 9 Robbie FOWLER, 11 Branko JELIC, 10 (Michael BAIRD 61’), 12 Scott NEVILLE, 14 Steven McGARRY, 16 Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17 Todd HOWARTH, 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI (22 Anthony SKORICH 87’)

Substitutes not used: 20. Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 24. Josh RISDON

Yellow Cards:SEKULOVSKI 4’

Red cards: Nil Referee – Kurt Ams

State League Results and Tables

Premier League (full time)

28 Aug 10 3:00PM ECU Joondalup 4 v 3     Sorrento ECU Joondalup

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Western Knights 4 v 2    Armadale Nash Field

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Inglewood United 1 v 2    Cockburn City 6PR Stadium

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Perth SC 1 v 4    Swan United BGC Stadium – Dorr…

28 Aug 10 6:00PM Mandurah City 2    v 3    Stirling Lions Hyundai Stadium

29 Aug 10 3:00PM Balcatta v Floreat Athena Grindleford Reserve

Division 1 (half time)

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Wanneroo City v Forrestfield United Kingsway

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Fremantle SC 5 v 2 Rockingham City Wauhop Park

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Morley-Windmills 1 v 3    Bayswater City Wotton Reserve

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Gosnells City 3 v 2    Bunbury Forum Force Walter Padbury Res…

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Ashfield 5  v 5    Queens Park Ashfield Soccer & …

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Dianella White Eagles 0    v 2    Canning City Dianella Reserve

Andy Todd Fit to Face the Heart

Perth Glory star defender Andy Todd has recovered from a knee injury and will travel to Melbourne to face the Heart on Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park.

Todd has missed the first three weeks of the Hyundai A-League season after minor knee surgery in the off-season.

The former English Premier League defender was a revelation last season – his first with the Glory – winning four individual awards including the MGP (most Glorious Player).

The 35 year old has trained fully with his teammates and will be considered for a starting position in defence with Jamie Harnwell ruled out because of a calf injury.

Kick-off against the Melbourne Heart is at 3pm tomorrow, Perth time.

Michael Baird Cleared for Glory Start

Perth Glory striker Michael Baird has finally received his provisional clearance from FIFA ending months of frustration.

Baird is now available for selection for tomorrow’s match against Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park and will travel with the team to Melbourne.

Baird’s provisional clearance arrived at 12.01am this morning after hours of negotiations between the games world governing body FIFA and Perth Glory Deputy Chairman Lui Giuliani.

The FFA has been on stand by and will now officially register Baird.

The 26 year old hasn’t played in the first three weeks of the Hyundai A-League season because of a contract dispute with his former Romanian club Universitatea Craiova.

APB Premier League Round 21 Preview

Fixtures – Saturday 28.08.10

ECU Joondalup v Sorrento – Edith Cowen University Arena

Western Knights v Armadale – Nash Field

Inglewood United v Cockburn City – 6PR Stadium

Perth SC v Swan United – BGC Stadium

Mandurah City v Stirling Lions – Hyundai Stadium (6pm kick off)

Sunday29.08.10 – 3pm

Balcatta v Floreat Athena – Grindleford Reserve

It’s the penultimate round of the APB Premier Division and the relegation fight will become a little clearer after  Saturday’s games, and Swan United know nothing more than three points will be good enough when they visit traditional rivals Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens (3pm).

The bottom of the table side does not have a good record at the home of last season’s Champions but they will be looking to change that on Saturday. They will be missing influential midfielder David Perich, who has returned to America to continue his studies, his spot will go to Michael Van Dongen, who has recovered from an ankle injury. While Liam Boland will be pushing hard for a starting role after scoring off the bench last week. Perth will be without Coach Graham Normanton, who has been banned from the dugout for two weeks. Perth will have David Onoforo pushing for a starting spot, while Antonio Naglieri should be back to full fitness after a hip injury, sidelined him two weeks ago.

Cockburn City will go a long way to securing their Premier League survival if they take maximum points against Inglewood United at The 6PR Stadium (3pm) It’s a vital game for both sides, with Inglewood still in the relegation mix. The home side will be hoping Adrian Caceres (ankle), Michael Baczynski (knee) and Jake Geddes (Knee) can overcome their injuries to take their spot in the side. Daniel Stoitis misses the game through suspension, but James Duncan returns after his one match ban. Rory Feely’s double in round 20 gave the Cockerels a much needed win, and he will hope to find the net again on Saturday. In midfield Marc Anthony and Adrian Webster will be vital for the visitors, while Shane Nunes and Jason Godfrey will need to be at their best if they are to come away with the win.

League leaders Western Knights host Armadale at Nash Field (3pm) The Knights will have new coaches Carl Medica and Alex Christie in charge for the first time, after the club parted company with Paul Price in midweek. They will again be without skipper David Annall due to suspension, but Duncan Hind returns to fill the void. Keeper Frazer Siddall has been in great form this season, and Jack Doyle and Stuart Montgomery have formed a good partnership up front. On the flanks Simon Versacio and Daniel Micevski will need to be stopped by the Reds, as the Knights march on to go back-to-back league winners.

The Reds beat the Knights on penalties in the cup on their last visit to the ground, and with an ‘All Flags top five series’ spot in touching distance Brad Hassell’s side will be looking for a repeat on Saturday, but they have never won in the league at the Mosman Park ground.

Keeper Cyril Sharrock returns to the side to replace Gareth Deeg, after serving his two match suspension, but they will be without talented defender Matt Bennion with a fractured cheek bone, his place could go to Mark Darby, who has returned from his overseas travel. The Reds will have to find consistency, starting Saturday, and with James Robinson and Matt Barlow scoring freely for the Reds and with Steve Porter and Marlon Ramirez supplying the service, they will hope to end their losing streak at the venue.

There is a local derby at the Edith Cowen University Arena, when ECU Joondalup host Sorrento (3pm).  ECU’s defeat at Cockburn last week ended their top five hopes, but with Sorrento sitting in the fifth spot, the hosts will be looking to but a spanner in their finals aspirations. The home side will be missing Charlie Comyn-Platt and Dale McCulloch due to suspension, and Jake Benson-Cooper is in line for a starting role. The Gulls, who have only lost once in their five visits to their near neighbours, will be without midfielder Joe Lamplough, who is suspended, but with Ryan Jeans and Darren Quinncroft ready to step up to the starting line up, they will fancy their chances of coming away with the three points.

Stirling Lions will hope to get their league campaign back on track when they head down the freeway to take on Mandurah City, in the late game at the Hyundai Stadium (6pm) The home side will be without the suspended skipper Andy Brown and Craig Young for the game, but Jordan Rhodes will be available after returning from overseas. Phil Starker will be looking for a big game against his former club, while Ivan Zuvela and Darren Broxton will need to be at their best. The Lions have not won in four league games, but fresh off their Cup final triumph, they will hope Jason Gavin is fit to start. Tom Ingram and Stef Frost have been impressive in recent weeks while James Turvill has made the number one spot his own in recent weeks.

Balcatta secured their Premier League survival last week and they will be looking to end their home campaign in style, with a victory against Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday (3pm). They will have to do it without suspended defender Adam Tong and midfielder Matt Italiano, meaning Jack Clisby and Veo Human could be in line for a recall. Floreat are almost at full strength for the trip, only James Isaia is missing due to injury. Adam Bachiller, Branimir Mikulic and Jovo Pavlovic have been in great form and they will be looking to bounce back after the cup final loss to the Lions last week.

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory – Preview

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell will need to test the depth of his squad against Melbourne Heart this weekend.

A number of leading Glory players have been ruled unavailable for the clash with Chris Coyne, Victor Sikora, Mile Sterjovski, Jamie Harnwell and Andy Todd missing. To test Glory’s stocks further, incoming forward Michael Baird’s provisional clearance is yet to arrive, to also rule him out.

“The thing is some of it is not down to injury which is annoying but we just have to get on with it,” said Mitchell.

“The one advantage is, it does give other players an opportunity to stake a claim.”

Baird’s predicament has come as a result of his contract dispute with Romanian club Universtatea Craiova. The matter is in the hands of FIFA.

“It’s frustrating how one player at another club, in the same situation was cleared two weeks ago but we can’t get Michael free to play,” continued Mitchell.

Sunday’s match will be a milestone match for Glory’s Jamie Coyne and Tando Velaphi. It’s Velaphi’s 50th Hyundai A-League game for the club while Coyne will be first player to reach the ton for Perth Glory.

“For Jamie to make 100 A-League games is fantastic. He’s been a good servant of the club and a player who has been with us when we were down the bottom so hopefully he can enjoy some good times,” said Mitchell.

“I think Tando suffered in the early part of his career not playing enough games but it’s good because he’s now clocking them up and has come back and performed really well in the last few weeks.”

Melbourne Heart will also have a trio of big names missing with injury. John Aloisi, Josip Skoko and Michael Beauchamp have all been ruled out, but keeper Clint Bolton believes his side have the depth to cover for their absence.

“We’ve certainly got the squad to get a result. Without those three players, I’m still confident we can get a result,” Bolton told Melbourne radio stationSEN on Thursday.

Coach John van ‘t Schip is likely to use Brendan Hamill to fill the gap left by Beauchamp’s injury, while Wayne Srhoj slotted in for Skoko last week.

Bolton acknowledged that two losses and a draw was hardly the ideal start, but said the longer season meant the pressure wasn’t as intense as it was in the past to get off to a flying start.

“Everyone said from day one how good the squad looked on paper. But the games aren’t played on paper. There’s a lot of expectation, but it’s still early days,” he said.

“In the first year of the A-League, there was 21 games and you had to get off to a good start. There’s 30 games now, so there’s no panic from the coaches or the players yet.”

“We know we are not far off from a win. It will only take that one win tog et the ball rolling and get a bit of momentum.”

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory
Sunday, 29 August 2010
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 5pm AEST
Referee: Kurt Ams

Melbourne Heart squad: 1. Clint BOLTON, 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Matt THOMPSON, 7. Rutger WORM, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. ALEX TERRA, 12. Peter ZOIS, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 18. Ante TOMIC, 19. Eli BABALJ, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 24. Aziz BEHICH

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 10. Michael BAIRD, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 15. Howard FONDYKE 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. ANDRIJA JUKIC

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