Swans Fly Home in a Thriller

Two goals in the final 11 minutes gave bottom-of-the-table Swan United a dramatic 3-2 victory over ECU Joondalup at Edith Cowan University.

In an eventful match, Thomas Shepheard headed the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time but goals from Phil O’Callaghan and Jamie Watt — the latter a penalty — looked like consigning Swans to their eighth league defeat of the season.

But a quite stunning strike from Darragh Kinnevey drew them level, before Brendan Knox — who had earlier missed from the spot — gave Jamie Goodman’s side three priceless points in their quest to avoid relegation.

Brendan Craig forced Andy Petterson to make a decent save low down with a well-hit effort from 25 yards but it was ECU who should have opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

Chris Wylie’s long throw-in was flicked on but Watt could only stab the ball wide from six yards out.

In an opening half of few clear-cut chances, O’Callaghan almost benefited from a poor bit of control from Swans defender David McNally but the striker somewhat scuffed his shot from 25 yards and Cory Hugo had no trouble making the save.

At the other end, Kinnevey pounced on a loose ball but blazed well over from distance. However, team-mate Jamie Sammut was a lot closer, his low drive from 25 yards fizzing just wide.

But, with just seconds remaining in the first period, Swans went ahead with a goal their hard work and effort probably deserved.

Sammut picked up a short corner and whipped a dangerous ball into the box that Knox met with a glancing header. Petterson superbly tipped the ball over for another corner and this time the Joondalup keeper was helpless as Shepheard steered a header into the back of the net.

Whatever ECU boss Syd Amphlett said during the break worked because his side were back on level terms four minutes after the resumption with a well-worked goal.

Wylie and John Higgins played a neat one-two down the left and when the former crossed deep beyond the far post, Garin Collins rolled the ball back across the six-yard box for O’Callaghan to fire home.

David Perich sent a snap shot over from 12 yards as the visitors looked to restore their lead immediately but they were given a golden opportunity after 55 minutes when Knox’s great run into the box was illegally halted by substitute Mark Tebbut. Knox stepped up to take the spot-kick himself but his low strike was brilliantly saved by Petterson.

Incredibly, 60 seconds later, Joondalup were ahead when an almost identical challenge from Robert Monterosso upended Watt. He also stepped up to take the kick himself but made no mistake, driving the ball inside the left upright.

O’Callaghan and Watt then combined well with the latter blasting just over from a tight angle.

McNally wasted an excellent chance for Swans after 67 minutes, sending a free header over the bar from a long free-kick, then Knox saw a close-range effort somehow cleared off the line, with Shepheard unable to direct his follow-up header under the bar.

But just when it was beginning to look as though ECU might hang on, Kinnevey drew his side level with an absolute screamer with 11 minutes remaining. There looked to be little on when he picked up a half-cleared ball 25 yards from goal but, after an initial touch, the midfielder lashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

Clearly inspired, Kinnevey was only denied his second from long-range moments later by a fine save from Pettersen.

The Swans could sense victory and Knox delivered the killer blow five minutes from time. Substitute Christian Lopez made a good run into the box and, although Petterson did well to get down and keep out his low shot, the keeper was helpless to prevent Knox driving in the rebound from six yards.

Goodman was naturally thrilled with the result and was full of praise for his players.

“The boys did really well today, showed a lot of character,” he said.

“We had a chance to go 2-1 up but missed the penalty and then went 2-1 down with another penalty at the other end within a minute of that.

“I think it was a bit of a scrap after that and our boys really dug deep and it was a great result.

“We battled hard last week but didn’t quite manage to get the result but we’ve gone a step further and managed to get the win today. I’m just rapt at the moment, absolutely rapt.”

Report by Tim Lefort

Match Details:

ECU Joondalup 2 (O’Callaghan 49′, Watt pen 56′)

Swan United 3 (Shepheard 44′, Kinnevey 79′, Knox 85′)

Saturday July 17, 3.00pm

Edith Cowan University

Crowd: Appx 150

Referee: Dave Scragg

ECU JOONDALUP: GK. Andy PETTERSON, 2. Ryan McDARBY, 3. Chris WYLIE, 4. Charlie COMYN-PLATT (16. Mark TEBBUT 28′), 6. Andy BROWN, 7. John HIGGINS, 8. Scott BLACKMORE, 9. Jamie WATT, 10. Phil O’CALLAGHAN, 12 Dale McCULLOCH, 14 Garin COLLINS

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Andy BANKS, 5. John STYNES, 11. Josh BROOK, 13. Jake BENSON-COOPER

YELLOW CARDS: Ryan McDARBY 46′, Dale McCULLOCH 90+2

RED CARDS: None

SWAN UNITED: GK. Cory HUGO, 3. Trent WOOD (2. Christian LOPEZ 77′), 4. Robert MONTEROSSO, 6. Brendan KNOX, 8. Brendon CRAIG, 10. Michael VAN DONGEN, 11. Jamie SAMMUT, 12. David PERICH, 16. Darragh KINNEVEY (15. Alan O’MAHONY 85′), 17. David McNALLY, 19. Tom SHEPHEARD (13. Stuart LONG 88′)

SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Daniel AGUDELO, 9. Morgan DENDLE

YELLOW CARDS: Brendon CRAIG 69′

RED CARDS: None

McDarby puts injury behind him

Twelve months ago ECU Joondalup defender Ryan McDarby’s football career was hanging in the balance, when the ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

That’s a distant memory now for McDarby, who has forced his way back into the starting line up and was in great form on Sunday in his first full game in the first team, when ECU beat Perth SC 3-1, and move closer to the top five.

It’s been a long road back for the 20-year-old, but he’s enjoying his football again back at ECU. “It was a long and frustrating road back after my full knee reconstruction. It was many days spent in the gym doing weights to build the muscles back up, and when you start to run again it gets easier from there but you just can’t rush it,” McDarby said.

He only had one goal on his mind, and that was to get back playing in the Football West Premier League. “Yes it’s hard to get back playing again, as I said you can’t rush it, and I was told it would take time and was told it needs to be a 100% before I played again. I’m getting fitter and more confident with every game so hopefully I can have a strong finish to the season,” McDarby explained.

ECU Joondalup Coach Syd Amphlett is delighted to have the defender back, and believes he will get better when he is match fit. “When Ryan did his knee against Cockburn last year he was devastated, and it has taken 12 months to get back to match fitness,” Amphlett said.

“At one stage we had to hold him back in training because he was so desperate. He has been outstanding in the last two reserve games and had a sound and full game on Sunday against Perth. He has played a part in the last five games as his fitness gets better and better and thankfully no reaction to his injury,” Amphlett said.

He was signed back from Mandurah and Amphlett says – he is ECU through and through and prepared to play anywhere. Last season he was a vital member of the side and made the final 20 at Perth Glory youth trials before his season was cut short. He made a welcome return against Forrestfield in the first round of the cup, and although a bit nervous he has just gone from strength to strength.

The win on Sunday at Perth was a great result for the club and McDarby believes they can get better. “It was a great win at Dorrien Gardens, as we needed it to keep pushing for the top 5. It was also a great team performance, everyone worked their socks off for each other and we got what we deserved in the end which was the three points,” McDarby said.

This week Swan United visit’s the Arena, a game ECU should be looking at winning three points, but McDarby knows it will be a tough game. “I think after beating two of the top four teams we will be confident going into this game. But this league is so tight anyone can beat anyone on their day so we will have to be on the top of our game to beat them, it should be a good game,” McDarby said.

ECU edge closer to the top five with win at Perth

ECU Joondalup moved within two points of a top five spot after a 3-1 win against Perth SC in Sunday’s APB Premier Division game at Dorrien Gardens.

Two first half goals from striker Phil O’Callaghan and a second half strike from centre half Charlie Comyn-Platt put the visitors in total control, and although a great solo goal from Hayden Doyle reduced the margin, ECU ran out winners.

O’Callaghan was happy with the two goals, but most of all the team performance. “It was a huge win today for us, especially following on from our great win against The Knights in the last round,” O’Callaghan said.

“Our confidence is high at the moment and we have to stay focused as we have another tough game next week against Swan.”

Perth coach John Coyne made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Floreat Athena last time out. Matt Danskin and Simon Wilson replacing the suspended duo of Shaun Kilkelly and David Onoforo, while skipper Robbie Puca returned in place of Matthew Beyer.

ECU Joondalup Coach Syd Amphlett made just the one change from the side that beat Western Knights 2-1 in round 15, with Ryan McDarby replacing the suspended Ross Anderson.

It was an even opening to the game, with the first chance falling to the home side on 17 minutes. Antonio Naglieri sent Kyle Moran in down the left; he cut inside the penalty area but fired just over the bar.

Then sixty seconds later and with their first real attack the visitors hit the front. A poor clearance from Perth keeper Deven Spence fell to O’Callaghan 25-yards out. The 2009 Football West Golden Boot winner looked up, and his first time shot went into the top corner of the net, despite Spence getting a hand to it.

Perth looked to hit back immediately and two minutes later Dom de Felice sent Naglieri clear. The former Perth Glory midfielder rounded ECU keeper Andy Petterson but his shot was cleared off the line by the alert Andy Brown.

It was the last contribution for Brown who was replaced by Mark Tebbut moments later, but it was still ECU who were dictating terms and on the half hour they had a penalty claim turned down by referee Hugh Best.

A mistake by Craig Simpson let in Jamie Watt on the left, his cross into the penalty area hit Simpson, who had recovered to block, and the ECU players and supporters were all up for a penalty which was turned down by the referee.

Their disappointment was forgotten four minutes later when ECU doubled their lead. Chris Wylie’s cross from the left picked out O’Callaghan who headed home from six-yards.

It was nearly 3-0 moments later, John Higgins waltzed past three Perth defenders, but his low shot was superbly saved by Spence low to his left.

Perth pressed late in the half, but their only chances were long-range strikes from Matt Danskin and Simon Wilson, but it was 2-0 to ECU Joondalup at the break.

The second half began with rain falling and it was the home side that began the better. De Felice and Naglieri combined down the right on 54 minutes, and Naglieri’s cross into the penalty area found Andreas Oliveira at the back post, who fired wide from close-range.

The game opened up and there were chances at both ends. First on 58 minutes a quick free kick from John Higgins almost caught out Perth, but Spence was across goal to save low to his right. Then on 71 minutes Naglieri sent Hayden Doyle in down the right. The former Perth Glory Youth midfielder cut inside the penalty area but his low shot was well saved by Petterson.

Then on 77 minutes ECU made it 3-0. A cross from the left from Garin Collins picked out the unmarked Comyn-Platt at the back post, who scored from close-range.

It looked like Perth were out for the count, but they managed to hit back sixty seconds later. A great run by Doyle saw him cut inside the penalty area on the left and finish clinically past Petterson from six-yards.

The home side continued to push forward and second half substitute Ian McMurray headed wide from a Naglieri cross on 85 minutes and two minutes later Naglieri’s free kick from the edge of the box crashed off the crossbar

With time running out Perth went close again, Danskin’s pinpoint cross found McMurray, but the former ECU Joondalup skipper, headed wide from four-yards.

At the final whistle it was a great win for the Northern suburbs club, moving them close to the top five and Coach Syd Amphlett was delighted with the team performance. “It was a thoroughly deserved win for us today, and it is the second massive win for us in the league after our win against the Knights last week,” Amphlett said.

“This win has moved us close to the top five, and as I’ve said before this is a close league, and anybody can beat anybody. We want to be in the top five and we know we have some hard games to come but we have to go forward with confidence.”

Match Details

Perth SC 1 (Doyle 75’)

ECU Joondalup 3 (O’Callaghan 8’, 34’, Comyn-Platt 77’)

BGC Stadium

Attendance – 200

Referee – Hugh Best

Assistants – Michael Nuges and David Johnson

PERTH SC: GK Devon SPENCE, 2 Trent KAY, 4 Craig SIMPSON, 5 Hayden DOYLE, 7 Matt DANSKIN, 8 Robbie PUCA, 10 Andreas OLIVIERA, 13 Simon WILSON (16 Ian MCMURRAY 67’), 14 Kyle MORAN, 15 Anthony NAGLIERI, 18 Dom DE FELICE

Subs not used: RGK RGK Luke MARTINO, 17 Josh PEREIRA, 20 Daniel COLETTA, 22 Jason MARSDON

ECU JOONDALUP: GK Andy PETTERSON, 3 Chris WYLIE, 4 Charlie COMYN-PLATT, 5 Ryan MCDARBY, 6 Andy BROWN (2 Mark TEBBUT 21’), 7 John HIGGINS, 8 Scott BLACKMORE (13 Jake BENSON-COOPER 66’), 9 James WATT, 10 Phil O’CALLAGHAN, 12 Dale McCULLOCH, 14 Garin COLLINS,

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Andy BANKS, 15 Gerardo SOTO, 17 Josh BROOKS

ECU 23’s spot on in quarter final win at Swan

ECU Joondalup’s under 23’s have reached the semi-finals of the State League Cup with a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory against Swan United at Francis Street on Saturday.

The home side scored in the first half through Niall Murphy, but ECU replied with a stunning individual goal from Jake Benson-Cooper, and they kept their nerve to win on penalties.

The visitors began well and had the first chance on nine minutes; good work down the right by Jonathan Stynes set up Josh Brooks whose shot went inches over the crossbar.

Moments later ECU went close again, Lee Thomson’s cross found Jarrad McNally at the back post, his header went inches past the post.

United’s first opportunity came on 12 minutes; a long kick by Cory Hugo found Christian Lopez in on goal. The striker who has been on a good goal scoring run was thwarted this time by Andy Banks, who was out bravely to save at the youngsters’ feet.

It was United again on 20 minutes, Robert Ftynogiannis played in Lopez. His flick found the overlapping Sebastian DeCotter his shot was superbly cleared off the line by Ryan McDarby.

The home side suffered a blow on two minutes later with DeCotter limping off injured, he was replaced by Rory Hollinghum.

United hit the front on the half hour, and it was that man Lopez again who was the provider. He cut in from the right and fed Murphy, who fired home from eight-yards.

Both sides had chances before the break as the game opened up. First on 41 minutes Benson-Cooper’s cross found McNally who’s first time shot was superbly saved by Hugo.

Then moments later Lopez again set up Morgan Dendle, but his first time shot whistled just wide, and it was 1-0 at the break to United.

ECU opened the second half well and went close on five minutes. A cross from the right by Max Pope found Stynes, whose header was saved low by Hugo.

The United keeper was keeping his side in the game and four minutes later Shane Doyle’s cross from the left found McNally but Hugo saved superbly, and on the hour mark he denied Benson-cooper’s long range shot.

ECU keeper Banks, then produced a stunning save to deny Murphy, and moments later Lopez fired wide when well placed.

The game was still in the balance, and Michael Tronchin’s long range shot whistled past the post for United with Banks well beaten, but on 75 minutes ECU leveled.

Benson-Cooper picked the ball up on the right of the penalty area. He made his way past four United tackles, before finishing clinically past Hugo from six-yards, a great individual goal.

The home side then lifted and Chris Marshall shot flashed inches wide and Hollinghum saw his first time shot from long-range just dip over the crossbar.

With time running out both sides had late chances to win it. First on 84 minutes Lopez was sent clear by Dendle but he fired wide of the near post. Then in the last minute ECU could have won it, Carlo Coehlo’s shot went just over the top.

So at full time it was 1-1 and it was on to the penalty shoot out. First up for United was Dendle, his attempt was well saved by Banks. Both sides scored the next four spot kicks, Ryan Lowey and McDarby for ECU and Nick Olsson and Hugo for the Swans.

United fourth spot kick was blazed over by Marshall, and up stepped Josh Brooks to win the tie for ECU, sending Hugo the wrong way to win the game 4-2 on penalties.

ECU Joondalup 23’s Coach David Tough was delighted after the game. “The boy’s did really well today, it’s great to get a win and move into the semi-finals,” he said.

“We’ve struggled a bit in the league but the lads were focused today and I’m delighted for them, and the goal from Jake was top draw.”

United Coach John O’Reilly although disappointed to lose thought it was a good game. “Both sides had opportunities in normal time, and I thought we had the better of them but we didn’t convert today,” he said.

“We fought it out till the end, and so did ECU, it was a hard fought game, but when it goes to penalties it’s a lottery and unfortunately we lost that today.”

Under 23’s State league Cup

Swan United 1 (Murphy 30)

ECU Joondalup 1 (Benson-Cooper 75’)

@ Francis Street

Referee – Ian Edwards

Assistants – Ross Sardi and Troy Miller

Swan United – GK Cory Hugo, 2 Niall Murphy, 4 Matt Wood, 5 Chris Marshall, 6 Morgan Dendle, 8 Jake DaRe, 10 Sebastian DeCotter (7 Rory Hollinghum 22’), 12 Robert Ftynogiannis (17 Daniel DeGaspers 64’), 14 Christian Lopez, 15 Nick Olsson, 16 Michael Tronchin (13 Hassan Abidi 83’)

Subs not used – RGK Jordan Howell

ECU Joondalup – GK Andy Banks, 2 Josh Brooks, 3 Lee Thomson, 4 Robert Rixer (6 Ryan Lowry 83’), 5 Ryan McDarby, 7 Max Pope (9 Carlo Coehlo 64’), 8 Jonathan Stynes, 10 Shane Doyle, 12 Conrad Poi, 13 Jarrad McNally, 16 Jake Benson-Cooper

Subs not used – 11 Tommy Swatton, 15 Jordan Withey, 17 Damien Houston

Thornley enjoying the Magic in Victoria

The move of striker John Thornley from ECU Joondalup to VPL side Altona Magic was a surprise to many, but it was a chance the 23-year-old couldn’t turn down. He has made an immediate impact at the club and has settled in well. “It’s been a great start for me at the club, scoring three goals in my opening three games, plus a hand in making a few,” Thornley said.

Former Perth Glory and Western Knights keeper Tommi Tomich also plays for the Magic and he contacted Thornley regarding the move and he hasn’t looked back. “I’ve kept in touch with Tommi for a while and he spoke to me how Altona were struggling in front of goal and were looking for a striker. I spoke to President Bill Nikolovski and in few days I decided to make the move over and give it a shot,” Thornley added.

Altona find themselves near the foot of the VPL table, and Thornley believes they will move away from the relegation zone. “There is a great bunch of lads at Paisley Park and some great technical players, and everyone has made me feel really welcome.

“They have some great players at the club and they are back-to-back Top Five Champions, but the President left last year along with the money and several players. This season has been disappointed with us sitting near the bottom but we are improving and hope to make a late run for a play off spot, as relegation would be a disaster for the club,” Thornley explained.

The big striker really enjoyed his time at ECU Joondalup and it was big decision to leave. “It was huge decision to leave ECU, I really enjoyed my time there and the players and training was excellent. I enjoyed playing for Syd (Amphlett), he tells it as he see’s it and it was really hard to tell him I was leaving. But at the end of the day to play in VPL was something I wanted to do and prove to myself that I could score in a higher level of football,” Thornley said.

He has only been playing for three weeks but Thornley believes the VPL is a better standard than the Football West Premier League. “In my opinion the VPL is a better standard, as there are a lot of quality players, the pace is a lot quicker and most of the players are bigger, stronger and faster, and if you make a mistake you will get punished,” Thornley explained.

Thornley, who went for trials at Birmingham City three years ago is hoping to impress for the Magic and would love the opportunity to play in the A-League. “There are always scouts at the games all the time, and just before I arrived an Altona player was signed by new A-League side Melbourne Heart. It’s something I’d always consider, but I’m just take things one step at a time, as I know there is a number of quality strikers in the VPL, and I know it will not be easy,” Thornley said.

Altona Magic is coach by former Australian Under 20 international striker Sash Becvinovski and Thornley is enjoying working with him. “Sash is a great coach, and he’s still young. He only stopped playing a few months ago. He was a great footballer in his day, and the players respect that. At training when he joins in he looks a different class, even at 38. But the way he conducts training and runs the football club is very professional,” Thornley said.

Watt a Performance from Joondalup

ECU Joondalup won for the first time at Sorrento since 2002 after a Jamie Watt hat-trick gave Syd Amphlett’s side a 5-3 win at Percy Doyle Reserve in round 9 of the APB Premier Division.

The Scottish striker’s treble, along with goals from Phil O’Callaghan and John Higgins was enough to win the northern suburbs derby, while a double from Jason Mirco and Darren Quinncroft’s late strike was only consolation for the Gulls.

Watt was delighted with the hat trick but most of all the three points. “It was good to get the goals but it was a good team performance from the lads today. We’ve been knocking on the door for a while with four draws in a row, so we’re delighted with the win today,” he said.

The home side made just the one change from the side that drew 0-0 at Floreat Athena last week with Ryan Jeans replacing the suspended Ryan Sheppard, while Daryl Platten was on the bench, his first game back since a serious knee injury in the night series.

ECU made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 against Cockburn City last week with John Higgins, Garin Collins and Ryan McDarby returning, with Michael Currie and Jake Benson-Cooper omitted while Scott Bushby dropped to the bench.

It was a great day for football, and both sides had chances early. First on two minutes Dale McCulloch found O’Callaghan in space in the penalty area but Kris Dennis was across quickly to snub out the danger. Moments later Sorrento went close, a long ball out of defence picked out David Foster, but his shot from the angle flashed wide of the far post.

The home side hit the front on nine minutes, Glen Thomas’ corner from the right was flicked on by Foster and Jason Mirco fired home from close-range to score against his former club.

ECU hit back ten minutes later, O’Callaghan found Chris Whylie on the left, his ball in to the penalty area was cleared, but it took a lucky deflection off Thomas and the ball fell kindly to Watt, who cut inside Danny Cain and curled his shot around Tom Woodhead to level.

After a pulsating start, the game became scrappy as both sides cancelled each other out, but with five minutes to go in the first half ECU hit the front. O’Callaghan found space on the right and his inch perfect pass sent his strike partner Watt clear and he finished clinically past Woodhead from five meters.

Sorrento almost hit back immediately, Adam Hayton long-range shot was saved by Andy Petterson, but in first half injury time ECU went close to a third. Whylie and O’Callaghan were involved again to send Watt in on goal, but Woodhead was alert to bravely save at the feet of the striker, and it was 2-1 to ECU Joondalup at the break.

The second half was only nine minutes old when Sorrento drew level. Foster’s flick on found Todd Harnwell, and his ball found Thomas, the midfielder played in Mirco who drew the keeper before sliding the ball into an empty net from seven meters.

It was end-to-end football now with both sides looking for local derby bragging rights, and on 57 minutes Scott Blackmore’s long-range shot whistled just over the top.

Then on 70 minutes Watt completed his hat-trick to give ECU back the lead. Charlie Comyn-Platt’s clearance found McCulloch, who sent O’Callaghan clear down the left. He picked out Watt in the penalty area and he finished low past Woodhead for his third.

It was a bitter blow for the home side and it got worse nine minutes later. Collins’ throw in on the right found Watt, and there looked little danger. But his quick pass sent O’Callaghan clear and he finished low past Woodhead, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

The home side nearly reduced the margin two minutes later, Hayton cut inside Collins on the left and his cross picked out second half substitute Jarad Love, whose header crashed off the base of the near post, and Mirco’s follow up shot was saved low by Petterson.

Then on 85 minutes it was 5-2, New Zealand import Conrad Poi found Higgins on the left and his curling shot from the edge of the penalty area flashed past Woodhead.

It was getting ugly for Sorrento and the crowd and the ECU bench thought it was 6-2 moments later. Higgins cross from the left picked out O’Callaghan his shot was parried by Woodhead, and Watt fired home the rebound but the flag was up for offside.

To Sorrento’s credit they continued to push forward and they were rewarded on 89 minutes. Love found Hayton in the penalty area his shot was superbly saved by Petterson, but Billy Quinncroft was quickest to react to fire home from five meters.

They almost reduced the margin even more in stoppage-time; Quinncroft’s shot on the turn was saved low at his near post by Petterson.

A great win for ECU Joondalup moving them up a spot in the APB Premier Division table and Coach Syd Amphlett was delighted with the three points. “It’s been a long time between drinks for us here, it was a tough game like we knew it would be, but I’m just delighted with the three points,” he said.

“The front two worked really hard today and they were outstanding. They work well together and their movement and understanding caused Sorrento problems all game. We still conceded three which is disappointing but with players coming back from injury the squad is looking stronger and we look forward to a big game against Floreat Athena next week at the Arena.”

APB Premier Division

Saturday 15th May 2010

Sorrento 3 (Mirco 9’, 53’, Quinncroft 89’)

ECU Joondalup 5 (Watt 19’, 40’, 70’, O’Callaghan 79’, Higgins 85’);

Referee – Michal Jasinski

Assistants – Jeremy Oliphant and Marco D’Ovidio

Attendance – 350

SORRENTO: GK Tom WOODHEAD, 2 Danny CAIN, 4 Cameron YORKE (6 Daryl PLATTEN 83’), 5 Adam HAYTON, 7 James MORGAN, 9 Todd HARNWELL (17 Jared LOVE 57’), 10 Ryan JEANS (22 Billy QUINNCROFT 83’), 11 Jason MIRCO, 15 Kris DENNIS, 18 Glyn THOMAS, 24 David FOSTER

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Todd ROSS, 12 Shane WEBB

Yellow Cards -

ECU JOONDALUP: GK Andy PETTERSON, 3 Chris WHYLIE, 4 Charlie COMYN-PLATT, 5 Ross ANDERSON, 6 Scott BLACKMORE (12 Brandon O’NEILL 85’), 7 John HIGGINS, 9 Jamie WATT, 10 Phil O’CALLAGHAN, 14 Garin COLLINS, 17 Ryan McDARBY (2 Conrad POI 61’), 18 Dale McCULLOCH (15 Luke JOHNSON 87’)

SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Andy BANKS, 8 Scott BUSHBY

Yellow Cards – McCulloch 59’, O’Callaghan 73’

Lions and Joondalup in End to End Thriller

Stirling Lions and ECU Joondalup today provided a super spectacle for the supporters with a thrilling 1-1 draw at Macedonia Park.

Joondalup came into the game off a draw at home to Armadale last week and a win in the cup against first division opposition, however, their recent defensive record had been shocking conceding 11 in their last 3 games.

The Lions came in off the back of knocking ten past the luckless Queens Park in the cup and a loss in round 6 against fierce rivals Floreat Athena.

Joondalup were ahead after 16 minutes as they applied pressure to a Stirling defence that looked very suspect when defending on set pieces in the air.

Dale McCulloch was the recipient as he nudged the ball home from close quarters after Stirling were unable to deal with another Joondalup corner.

Joondalup had much the better of the chances in the first half and should have gone in with the lead at the break. This would have been the case but for some very shoddy defeneding indeed which left Mario Marcinko in acress of space at the back post from a Stirling corner.

Marcinko squared the ball across the 6 yard box for Roberto Lujan to give the home side a share of the spoils at the break.

Stirling thought they had gone ahead early in the second half as Bobby Wilson rose the back post to head home. The referee found a foul at some point in the build up though and the goal was disallowed much to the disbelief of the home support.

The Lions had much the better of most of the second half however were unable to press home their advantage.

Joondalup were very dangerous on the break with their three pronged strikeforce of John Thornley, Jamie Watt and a deeper lying Phil O’Callaghan causing all sorts of problems for the Stirling defence.

The last 15 minutes was exciting stuff with end to end attacking the order of the day.

Marcinko had the ball in the net on 40 minutes, however, he was adjudged to have strayed offside although the Lions can perhaps feel a touch aggrieved with this decision as well.

---

Man of the Match: A close tie between Dale McCulloch for Joondalup and Ludo Boi for the Lions
Stirling Verdict: Missing Shane Robinson today the Lions still looked full of menace. Better things on the horizon.
ECU Joondalup Verdict: The glut of goals against was stopped but Joondalup are still guilty of turning off in matches and this will see them lose or draw games they should win.
Officials verdict: A poor first half littered with officious refereeing and far too many silly bookings. A much better second period. 5 out of 10.
Moan of the Match: The cock who threw the beer bottle top. Grow up !
Highlight of the Match: Last 15 minutes of play. A great advertisiement for WA football. Exciting and skillful end to end attacking.

Oh and thanks for the beer after the HT break Don. You join the venerable Ziggy Kramer in the “scholars and gentlemen” club for the season.

Perth Edge Joondalup in Night Series Semi

Perth SC has cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over ECU Joondalup at E&D Litis Stadium to reach the Bam Creative Night Series Final.

Goals from Shaun Kilkelly, Ian McMurray and substitute Andreas Oliveira secured the win for Perth in front of a crowd of 350 at the pre-season Semi Final.

The 2009 Champions and reigning Night Series winners begun well with Domenico De Felice nearly slotting the opener, but ECU had a man on the last line of defence to stop a certain goal.

Geneveo Human tried to find the scoreboard but failed to hit the target soon after when he was found unmarked in the 18-yard box, with his shot travelling just wide of the near post.

A Joondalup set-piece picked out striker John Thornley, but his header lacked power and just went wide of the target.

Greg Sharland’s corner from the left brought upon the opener for Perth as it went beyond the far post, was kept in play and finally bundled home by Shaun Kilkelly.

ECU continued to mount attacks forward and responded just before half time through Golden Boot winner Phil O’Callaghan.

The former Stirling Lions and Mandurah City striker used his predatory instincts to follow-up Thornley’s header which rebounded off the crossbar and O’Callaghan positioned himself well to finish from close range.

Just as it looked like being locked at 1-1 for the main break, Perth were able to grab a slender lead after Human’s shot deflected off McMurray to bamboozle ECU ‘keeper Andy Banks and find the back of the net.

Joondalup needed an inspiring half-time message from coach Syd Amphlett to lift the side struggling to match the reigning champions and ECU opted to stay out on the pitch for the interval as Amphlett instructed his troops.

However, their day got worse when Aryn Williams was given his marching orders by referee Paul Anderson after causing a melee to break out in the middle of the park.

Sharland could have extended his side’s lead but opted to pass across the face of goal instead of shooting himself, wasting a valuable chance for Perth.

ECU defender Scott Bushby then went on a mazy run to break free of the Perth defence, but he also wasted his chance to get on the scoreboard.

Substitute Jack Clisby nearly made an instant impact after he stole the ball off ECU’s Garin Collins on the left wing and crossed perfectly for David Onoforo, but the striker missed his attempted volley.

Thornley had a chance in the dying stages to bring his side level, but his powerful shot after displaying a great touch to control the ball was saved brilliantly by young Perth ‘keeper Jason Saldaris.

Onoforo soon had another chance in added time to finish the match off but the striker broke into the box and his shot was saved on the line by the ECU defence, with the rebound finished by fellow substitute Andreas Oliveira to clinch a 3-1 win.

Perth will now take on bitter rivals Western Knights in the title decider next Sunday at Clipsal Stadium with kick-off at 6pm.

Perth SC: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Trent KAY, 5 Michael BLACK, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN (15 Jack CLISBY 70′), 8 Rob PUCA, 13 Simon WILSON, 16 Ian McMURRAY (9 David ONOFORO 65′), 17 Geneveo HUMAN (10 Andreas OLIVEIRA 70′), 18 Domenico DE FELICE, 23 Greg SHARLAND
Substitutes not used: RGK Luke MARTINO, 14 Nathan RAWES

ECU Joondalup: GK Andy BANKS, 2 Garin COLLINS, 3 Chris WYLIE, 6 John HIGGINS, 8 Scott BUSHBY, 9 Jake BENSON-COOPER (15 Daniel ALLEN 65′), 11 Phil O’CALLAGHAN, 12 Michael CURRIE (10 Jamie WATT 65′), 13 John THORNLEY, 14 Aryn WILLIAMS, 23 Charlie COMYN-PLATT
Substitutes not used: RGK Tom DIXON, 18 Brandon O’NEILL

Report by Chris Correia

O’Callaghan Sends Joondalup Into Last Four In Night Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Premier League Fixtures Draft 2

Please find attached the Premier League Fixtures (Draft 2) for Season 2010.

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Football West Premier League Fixtures Draft 2

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