Mile Sterjovski put the Glory in front in first half stoppage-time, before Andreas Oliviera levelled for the Western Australia midway through the second half. But late strikes from Reece Vittiglia and Scott Neville gave the Glory the win.

In front of a big crowd, the Glory included Robbie Fowler, for his first start in the pre-season, but it was the WA State side that opened brightly, and from David Micevski’s cross on two minutes, Adrian Webster’s shot from 10-yards was well saved by Aleks Vrteski.

The Glory’s first opportunity came four minutes later, a quick free kick from Fowler sent Sterjovski clear, but his shot flashed wide of the post, and moments later the former Liverpool striker’s lob from the edge of the box was saved by keeper Cyril Sharrock.

It was a good tempo and both sides looked to gain the upper hand, and when Steve McGarry picked out Adriano Pellegrino his long-range shot was saved low by Sharrock.

Glory began to get on top and should have hit the front on the half hour. McGarry sent Sterjovski clear down the left, and his pinpoint cross picked out Fowler on the back post, but he headed wide from close-range.

Moments later Josh Risdon’s good run and cross from the right found Sterjovski on the back post, but the former Socceroos’ shot from six-yards was saved by Sharrock.

The WA state league side ended the half well and Webster sent Micevski clear on 39 minutes, but his shot from 10-yards flew high over the bar. Then sixty seconds later Micevski was the provider, the former Glory midfielder picked out Branimir Mikulic who headed wide.

It looked like it would be even at the break, but in stoppage-time the A-League side hit the front. Neville played in Pellegrino down the right, his cross found Sterjovski at the back post, who headed home from five-yards.

The Glory made four changes at the break, with Jamie Harnwell, Vrteski, Naum Sekulovksi and Fowler making way for Michael Baird, Andrija Jukic, Todd Howarth and Tando Velaphi.

There were chances at both ends at the start of the second half. First on 48 minutes Sterjovski found Jukic, whose first time shot was well saved low by Sharrock. Then two minutes later, a good run down the right by Mikulic ended with his shot saved low by Velaphi.

Glory upped the tempo, but with former Middlesbrough defender Jason Gavin in tremendous form for Western Australia, they were struggling to break the state league side down.

They did go close on the hour, when Neville’s cross from the right was volleyed by Sterjovski, and Sharrock showed great reactions to deny him, and the Armadale SC keeper made an even better save to deny him from the rebound.

Western Australia continued to battle and they were rewarded on 73 minutes, with the equaliser. A great through ball from WA skipper Andy Brown sent Oliveira clear. The Glory defenders looked for offside, but the flag stayed down, and although Velaphi saved the Perth SC striker’s first effort, he could do nothing about the second, Oliveira scoring from close-range.

With time ticking down both sides had chances to win it. First on 87 minutes Todd Howarth burst down the left, his cross found Baird, whose first time shot was superbly saved by second half substitute Phil Straker.

In the last minute the WA state side won a free kick, 20-yards from goal. Former Notts County defender Bobby Wilson’s powerful free kick was deflected off the wall and Velaphi was alert to save low to his left.

It looked like the honours would be even, but the Glory struck in the 92nd minute. A great run and through ball by 18-year-old Risdon, who was outstanding on the night, sent Vittiglia clear and the Glory youngster finished clinically past Straker from 12-yards.

The result was put beyond the WA state side sixty seconds later, when the Glory added a third. Neville was sent clear and he finished spectacularly past Straker from the edge of the box.

A great game in front of 3,121 spectators, and the medal for best on field went to Western Australia defender Jason Gavin, who was excellent all night

Teams

Western Australia – GK Cyril SHARROCK (Phil STRAKER 69’), 2 Danny CAIN (Johnny MIRCO 59’), Shane NUNES, 4 Jason GAVIN, 6 Bobby WILSON, 8 Andy BROWN, 12 Branimir MIKULIC, 14 David MICEVSKI (James ROBINSON 69’), 15 Antonio NAGLIERI (Andreas OLIVEIRA 59’), 16 Shane ROBINSON

Perth Glory – GK Aleks VRTESKI (Tando VELAPHI 46’), 2 Josh MITCHELL (Brent GRIFFITHS 69’), 3 Jamie COYNE, 5 Jamie HARNWELL (Michael BAIRD 46’), 9 Robbie FOWLER (Andrija JUKIC 46’), 12 Scott NEVILLE, 14 Steven MCGARRY, 16 Adriano PELLIGRINNO (Howard FONDYKE 62’), 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI (Todd HOWARTH 46’), 21 Mile STERJOVSKI (Reece VITTIGLIA77’), 25 Josh RISDON

Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

Assistants – Joe Fusari and Josh Mannella

Fourth Official – Josh Mihevc

Attendance – 3,121

New striker Michael Baird bagged a double in the last five minutes and it was enough to give victory to David Mitchell’s side.

Serbian striker Branko Jelic got on the score sheet in the first half before Sergi van Dijk scored a stunning equaliser midway through the second half.

The visitors dominated much of the first half playing the ball out of defence well, and former Reds midfielder Adriano Pellegrino was excellent in the middle of the park, and on the quarter hour they hit the front. Baird robbed Daniel Mullen wide on the left, with the right back caught in possession.

Baird cut inside before squaring the ball to team-mate Jelic who coolly turned in the cross past trialling Japanese keeper Takumi Takahashi from six-yards.

Van Dijk looked lively for the Reds, but he squandered their best chance on 25 minutes. The Reds took a free kick quickly and Lucas Pantelis chipped in a cross for van Dijk who miss hit his volley, and Tando Velaphi tipped the ball over the bar, in his only piece of action for the first half.

New Adelaide Coach Rini Coolen was watching his charges in action for the first time, and he brought on new signing Iain Ramsay at half time, and the ex-Sydney winger added pace to their forward line, but Perth continued to look comfortable in the second half, with Jamie Harnwell solid in defence for the Glory, keeping van Dijk in check.

Marcos Flores sliced open Perth’s defence with 20 minutes remaining dinking a lovely ball over the top for Pantelis to run on to and the midfielder whipped in a cross for Ramsay, but he blazed wide from six-yards

Four minutes later, the home side levelled through Van Dijk. The Dutch-born striker’s 25-yard strike gave Velaphi no chance in the Glory goal.

Perth, who had dominated the game for greater period, regained the lead in the 85th minute courtesy of a sweet finish from Baird.

The striker latched onto a delightful through ball from substitute Josh Risdon and fired home into the bottom corner of Takahashi’s goal.

The trialling Japanese keeper had enjoyed an impressive first outing for the Reds, but he conceded a soft third goal right at the death. Baird’s second should have been routine save for the keeper but he let it slip under his body.

The Glory were missing star import Robbie Fowler and Andy Todd, while United were without many of their regular first eleven including Matthew Leckie, who along with reserve keeper Mark Birighitti were away on international duty.

Eugene Galekovic is also sidelined after undergoing minor knee surgery while Travis Dodd isn’t expected to return for at least another month after groin surgery.

The home side hit the front on 16 minutes through Jason Goodwin, but the Glory hit back with two second half goals to Branko Jelic and Jamie Harnwell to send the 1,500 strong crowd home happy, well the Glory fans amongst it.

Glory new recruits Josh Mitchell and Michael Baird started for David Mitchell’s side, but star recruit Robbie Fowler was not included in the squad. Glory keeper Aleks Vrteski made a surprise appearance for Armadale as their regular keeper Cyril Sharrock was unavailable.

The home side opened brightly and on 14 minutes a long clearance from Vrteski was flicked on by Goodwin and James Robinson‘s shot from 18-yards went just over the bar. But four minutes later the home side hit the front.

Perth Glory Youth defender Ryan Pearson sent Goodwin clear down the right and he finished low past Tando Velaphi from six-yards, much to the delight of the Armadale faithful.

It was a wakeup call for the A-League side and they went close to the equaliser on 24 minutes. Mile Sterjovski cross from the left found Jelic, whose header was saved low by Vrteski and Matt Bennion, cleared the rebound.

Perth Glory's Adriano Pellegrino and Armadale's Lewis Flatt

Moments later Josh Risdon pace took him clear down the right and his cross found Jelic on the edge of the box, but the Serbian strikers shot flicked off the top of the crossbar.

Vrteski was keeping Armadale in the game, and he did well to deny Baird on 36 minutes and was alert to save Jelic’s header at the back post moments later.

The home side suffered a blow, when they lost English import John Watson through injury before the break; he was replaced by Ali Paredes. Glory had one last chance to level in first half stoppage time, Adriano Pellegrino heading Naum Sekulovski’s cross from the left wide of the far post.

Both sides made changes at the break and the first chance fell to Armadale, Tom Robinson’s shot from 18-yards was saved low by Velaphi, but on 55 minutes the Glory equalised.

Sterjovski found Sekulovksi on the left, his pinpoint cross picked out Jelic, who headed powerfully past Vrteski from four-yards.

James Robinson in full flight for the Army

Moments later an altercation between James Robinson and Glory skipper Jacob Burns saw referee Josh Mihevc intervene and Burns was immediately substituted by David Mitchell before the incident got out of hand.

The home side had the ball in the net on the hour, but James Robinson’s low shot was ruled offside, but as the state league side began to tire the Glory took control.

Baird tried his luck from long-range on 74 minutes, but Vrteski saved low and moments later Jelic’s close-range header flashed wide.

Their pressure finally paid off on 81 minutes when they hit the front. Sekulovski’s free kick from the left was headed home at the back post by Jamie Harnwell.

With time ticking down the home side almost earned a late equaliser, John Hunter’s cross from the right fell to Paredes, whose shot from six-yards flashed inches past the post.

A good work out for the Glory and Mitchell was pleased with his sides’ performance. “It was a good game today, played in the right spirit, and there was a good crowd as well,” Mitchell said.

“There was good movement from the new guy’s today, and in the first half we created a few chances. They scored, which was a bit sloppy on our behalf, but at the end of the day I was happy with the game.”

Armadale boss, former Perth Glory midfielder Brad Hassell, enjoyed the day and was happy to get three points in the league on Saturday at Floreat Athena. “The 2-0 win at Floreat was a huge win for us, but today was a chance for the boys to relax and play a good Glory side. We had a few squad players in today, and they did OK, it’s difficult to play two games in two day’s but I was pleased how the lads performed today,” Hassell said.

Armadale – GK Aleks VRTESKI, 3 Matt BENNION, 4 Ryan PEARSON, 5 John WATSON, 6 Marlon RAMIREZ, 7 Jason GOODWIN, 8 Lewis FLATT, 10 James ROBINSON, 11 Tom ROBINSON, 13 Steve MCDONALD, 14 Ben KELLY

Subs – RGK Alex PREECE, 2 Andy BOWYER, 12 Ali PAREDES, 15 Shawn NICHOLS, 17 John HUNTER, 18 Warren GREVES

Perth Glory – GK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Josh MITCHELL, 3 Jamie COYNE, 7 Jacob BURNS, 10 Michael BAIRD, 11 Branko JELIC, 14 Steven MCGARRY, 16 Adrian PELLEGRINO, 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21 Mile STERJOVSKI, 25 Josh RISDON

Subs – 5 Jamie HARNWELL, 15 Howard FONDYKE, 17 Todd HOWARTH, 18 Brent GRIFFITHS, 22 Anthony SKORICH, 23 Andrija JUKIC, 26 Reece VITTIGLIA

Referee – Josh MIHEVC

Assistants – Joe FUSARI and Michael NUGUS

Former Glory midfielder Brad Hassell is coach at the Reds and he is looking forward to the game, but has a more important game at Floreat Athena on Saturday. “We are looking forward to both games but our focus will be on Saturday at Floreat. We haven’t got a good record there, and we’ve not won at Floreat since I’ve been at the club, so it would be nice to change that. We’ve had a couple of good results recently and are looking to continue this and move up the table,” Hassell said.

It’s a big occasion for the club and the Armadale players, a chance to play against an A-League club, and Hassell is hoping for a big crowd. “We will simply enjoy the occasion, and all the players will be monitored and given time accordingly. We will definitely be using 16 or so players, and I’m sure the Glory will use the same

“The long range forecast suggests the weather will be fine and so we are expecting a big turn out and hopefully it gives people a chance to see Robbie fowler, even if he only plays for a few minutes,” Hassall added.

Reds President Tony Greipl is delighted that his club have the opportunity to play the Glory, and he too hopes the local football public get behind the game. “Perth Glory has been kind enough to agree to a friendly in order to promote our club and Football locally. It will be a great opportunity for fans of Football from all surrounding areas to come to a local club and see an A-League team play and also to showcase some of Glory’s stars along with our local state league team, Greipl said.

“I would like to personally thank Lee Bamber who was instrumental in making the game possible along with Dave Mitchell who also committed to make it happen. The result is not critical and this will be made harder for us as we have a league game on Saturday, however we were more than willing to work around Glory’s other pre season commitments. We look forward to lots of supporters turning up on the day in order to ensure a great day.”

The club have arranged to have a couple of junior games from 12.00pm to 2.00pm weather permitting, also they will have fun activities for the kids such as bouncy castle, once again weather permitting. There will be food and drinks available from noon onwards, and the main game is at 3pm

The Glory will bring a full squad to the game, after their pre-season camp in China as David Mitchell sets his sights on the A-League opener against Gold Coast United on August 6th.

Rukavytsya was released from his contract with Dutch club FC Twente, who had sent him out on loan to Belgian outfit KSV Roeselare for the final six months of last season.

The 23-year-old’s performances in Belgium earned him a surprise spot in Pim Verbeek’s squad for the World Cup and he featured in two games off the bench in South Africa.

Berlin, surprisingly relegated from the Bundesliga last season, is looking to rebuild and sees the Ukrainian-born attacker as a good fit for the club.

“Nikita is very quick and very adaptable up front,” said Hertha’s sporting director Michael Preetz.

Rukavytsya told the club website he was delighted to be playing in Germany.

He added: “I’m very happy with my transfer to Hertha BSC and I’m really looking forward to living in Berlin. The club is full of ambition and I want to be part of Hertha’s future.”

Speaking for the first time since the FIFA World Cup, where he impressed with two cameo appearances off the bench for the Socceroos against Germany and Ghana, Rukavytsya expressed a desire to further his career overseas.

“The A-League is not something I’m looking at. I want to better myself overseas like a lot of young players and see how far I can go in the game,” Rukavytsya told SBS the World Game.

“I’m still young and I have a lot to learn and playing in other leagues is I believe going to be the best education for me.”

The 23-year-old is on the radar of a clutch of European clubs but so far no deal has been done. Yet the striker’s stocks are high after five goals from 11 games for Belgium club KSV Roeselare during a loan spell last season and a particularly impressive 20 minutes in Australia’s opening World Cup match against Germany.

The Ukraine-born striker, who honed his skills with the Glory in the A-League, was a standout performer in an otherwise forgettable Socceroos display against the ruthless Germans.

But he is not panicking about what the future might hold as he eyes a starting spot for the 2011 Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

“It was great to get some game time in South Africa not just for the experience but obviously to show any clubs out there that might be interested in what I can do,’’ Rukavytsya said.

“Obviously I’m keen to sort out my future because I want to get settled as quickly as possible and push on with my career.

“I got a taste of playing at the very top level in South Africa and it’s made me keener to get back there and push for a Socceroos spot.

“I’m not sure how many of the current squad will step aside but I hope the experienced boys don’t move on because they still have a lot to offer and a lot to teach the players coming through.

“People talk about a new generation but you have to remember that every team needs a balance and when you have too many youngsters thrown together can sometimes leave a team short of leadership.”

For all his searing pace and undoubted promise, Rukavytsya admits he is far from the finished article and wants to add a more predatory edge to his game.

“I know I’m quick and have the ability to go past players, but something which I want to keep improving is my finishing because it’s important to make the most of the situations you create for yourself,” he said.

“Wherever I end up that will be a big thing I’m going to have to work on. I really have only scratched at the surface of what I hope to achieve in my career and I’m excited about the future.

“In the short term getting a club is obviously top priority. Beyond that I’d love to get a run at the Asian Cup and hopefully stake a claim for a regular place in the squad.”

Rukavystsya’s agent, Melbourne-based John Grimaud, said: “There has not been a formal offer yet but something is close to being resolved very soon which will settle Nikita’s immediate future.”

The 21 man squad including Robbie Fowler and international players Jacob Burns and Mile Sterjovski will be based at Qinhuangdao training centre, the start of art facilities used during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Glory will play one match on the tour against Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda on Friday, July 9.

The camp is part of a lucrative one million dollar, two year partnership between Perth Glory and GNS China.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the club to spread the word of Perth Glory”, the club’s Chief Executive Paul Kelly said.

“We’re going global but also through our sponsorship with GNS China, it’s a wonderful chance for us to both enhance football in the region.

“We’re also stepping outside the sports market into different areas by integrating trade and cultural relationships and we thank GNS China for their wonderful support.”

With the 2010-11 Hyundai A-League season just five weeks away, the camp in China will be a crucial part of Perth Glory’s pre season campaign.

The match will be known as the Call To Arms Cup presented by Veto Sports.

Call To Arms is a national Cancer Council campaign to raise awareness of cancer in men and is supported by a range of ambassadors including Socceroos star Tim Cahill.

It will be the final hit out in the Glory’s preparations prior to their opening Hyundai A-League match for the 2010/11 season against North Queensland Fury at nib Stadium on August 6 and both teams are expected to field strong line-ups.

With regular coach and former Socceroo Robbie Dunn unavailable due to work commitments, Football West has appointed former State players Peter Murphy as coach and Andy Thorburn as his assistant.

“I believe that every chance to play against full-time players creates an opportunity for a player to test himself and maybe progress to the next level,” said WA coach Peter Murphy.

“We will be going all out to give Glory a tough game and provide entertainment for the crowd and we hope that the WA football family gets behind both teams and the Cancer Council on the night.”

The WA State Team has proven a perfect shop window for locally-based State League players since the reintroduction of the team in 2008.

Scott Bulloch, Andrija Jukic, Marc Anthony and Todd Howarth have all gone on to be signed by the Glory following stellar performances in the black and gold of WA.

The selected squad will commence training on Wednesday July 7 with two further sessions being available to prepare the team made up of some of the best players in the APB State League.

The match is being supported by new Football West apparel partner, Veto Sports and part proceeds from every ticket sold will go towards the Cancer Council.

Football West hopes that this match becomes a regular feature each year and that over time a real tradition is established.

Head to Head WA v Perth Glory

Played 5, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 4

2008 W 3-2 (S Bulloch 2, A Jukic)

2003 L 0-4

2002 L 2-3 (A Oliveira, T Howarth)

1998 L 0-2

1996 L 0-2

Match Details:

Western Australia v Perth Glory

Wednesday July 28

E&D Litis Stadium, Mount Hawthorn

Kick Off: 7.00pm

Adults $10, Concessions/Pensioners $5, U15’s Free

The funding for stage one will allow ME Bank Stadium to receive much needed upgrades to its infrastructure including a new East Stand and pitch upgrades, with additional corporate facilities, changing rooms and player amenities also under consideration.

“There is no question that a rectangular stadium provides the best viewing experience for sports such as rugby union and league, and soccer,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Terry Waldron.

“We look forward to many successful seasons on and off the field for the Perth Glory, the Western Force, and perhaps even a league team.”

Football West Chairman Mr Kevin Campbell AM recognises the importance of the State Government Support for rectangular sports.

“An upgrade of facilities at ME Bank Stadium is long overdue, and we commend the Government for their support in developing an improved spectator experience for rectangular sports.”

“The upgrades will ensure first class facilities for the Perth Glory and puts Western Australia on the map to host future Qantas Socceroos and Westfield Matildas matches and to again bring the World Game back to the local community,” he said.

“Following the recent announcement for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World CupTM Bid and the inclusion of Perth as a host city, Football West now looks forward to working with all levels of Government and the corporate community to further develop the game to its full potential, including the construction of a purpose built home for football in WA.”

The State Government expect construction to commence in 2012 with a capacity for 25,000 spectators.

This timetable is contingent on the State Government coming to agreement with the Town of Vincent on the future ownership of the facility.

Perth Glory has also applauded the WA State Government for pledging over $80 million to the upgrade of ME Bank Stadium.

“It’s a win-win situation for all involved and it can only enhance Perth as a venue of choice for major soccer matches.

“Perth Glory congratulates the State Government and Minister Waldron for investing in the stadium.

“The redevelopment can only assist Perth Glory fulfilling its objective to be the best club in the Hyundai A-League and in Asia,” Perth Glory owner Tony Sage said.

Construction on the redevelopment is expected to begin in 2012 and this timetable is contingent on the State Government coming to agreement with the Town of Vincent on the future ownership of the facility.

“There is no question that a rectangular stadium provides the best viewing experience for sports such as soccer, rugby union and league.

“We look forward to many successful seasons on and off the field for the Perth Glory, the Western Force, and perhaps even a league team,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Terry Waldron.

Minister Waldron also revealed the ultimate vision for ME Bank Stadium is a modern, state-of-the-art facility for up to 25,000 spectators.

The first step will be the development of a business case, which will confirm the master-plan for the facility and the works that will make up Stage One of the development.

“At a minimum, Stage One will result in the replacement of the existing temporary grandstand on the eastern side with a permanent structure, and improvements to the pitch to ensure it can withstand the extra use,” Mr Waldron said.

Other improvements that will be considered will include:

• Additional corporate facilities
• New change rooms and player amenities
• Better toilets
• More food stands

Editor’s comment: All long overdue of course and about time that the authorities considered sports apart from footy and cricket in this state.

Please forgive the cynic in me but it seems that this renewed interest has only come about since our buddies from the Rugby Union have started sharing the facilities.

We in football have a lot to learn from the corporate ‘muscle’ of the Rugby Union.

“What a fantastic way to welcome Robbie Fowler to Perth with a game against his former club,” was the reaction of Perth Glory Chief Executive Paul Kelly.

“We are delighted to be at home on a Friday night for the opening round and the aim will be a sell-out crowd.”

In total Perth Glory will play 15 matches at home and 15 away with the season extended to welcome the competitions newest franchise club Melbourne Heart.

Dave Mitchell with Wolves coach Mick McCarthy in 2009

aleague-1011-fixtures

“This Hyundai A-League season sees more matches played, more inter-city derbies, and more intensity in fixture scheduling to move Australian football to the next level in its development,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

Perth Glory will also be involved in the first ever double header with a match against the Central Coast Mariners at the Sydney Football Stadium in round 12.

Perth Glory Coach Dave Mitchell said he pleased with the draw but acknowledged he will need to rely on his entire squad.

“There is a section where we play 16 games in 12 weeks and that will be quite hectic but that’s when the depth of your squad is tested.

Overall, I am very happy that this season we play an even amount games home and away, it’s a fixture list we are content with,” Mitchell said.

Key features of the draw:

• The season will kick-off at ME Bank Stadium against North Queensland Fury.

• Special Christmas clash against Adelaide United on December 22

• An away game in Sydney on November 21, to celebrate the Shed’s 10th Tour of Duty.

• Three weekend breaks and five midweek fixtures.

• The club will host the following teams twice: Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart, Gold Coast, Central Coast and Wellington.

• Perth Glory will travel just once to Wellington.