South Korean Tour A Boost for WA Development

Last week’s Gangjin Tournament in South Korea has been hailed as a great success by the Football West National Training Centre (NTC) assistant coach who helped guide the Western Australian team to fifth place.

The prestigious invitation-only Under 15 tournament saw Football West take on French team Valenciennes FC, South Korea’s Cheong-Nyong and eventual champions, European giants Barcelona.

The NTC started the competition in superb style, defeating Valenciennes 4-2 in their opening match before losing heavily to Cheong-Nyong (6-1) and Barcelona (7-0) in the other group matches.

After qualifying through to the finals, Football West upset Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 and in the play-off for fifth place, the WA side defeated Japan’s Cerezo Osaka 3-2.

Assistant coach Warren Grieve says the tournament was a fantastic experience for the young side.

“It was great chance to see where Football West is at in terms of development, and gave us an insight as to how other teams and countries organise, train and compete.

“The tournament is an annual event and it would be fantastic to return next year knowing exactly what to expect.

“The standard was outstanding and competing in high level events will only help with the development in Western Australia.”

Football West is confident of being invited back for next year’s tournament.

FOOTBALL WEST UNDER 15 NTC SQUAD

Nicholas AMBROGIO

Daniel BUHAGIAR

Jacob COLLARD

Kieran COLWELL

Matthew DAVIES

Daniel DOLS MAYLANDS

Jordan FRANKEN

Scott GALLOWAY

Byron HUDSON

Alexsandar JOVIC

Guy KALMA P

Ogi LALOVIC

Harry O’BRIEN

Adrian PETROSKI

Luke RADONICH

Callum RICHARDSON

Bor Bor SAM

Slobodan VULIN

Coach: Cris Ola

Assistant Coach: Warren Grieve

Physiotherapist: Nafyn Pattiaratchi

UNDER 15 GANGJIN TOURNAMENT DETAILS

August 26

Valenciennes FC 2 Football West 4 (Nicholas Ambrogio, Kieran Colwell, Alexsandar Jovic and Bor Bor Sam)

August 27

Cheong-Nyong 6 Football West 1 (Kieran Colwell)

August 28

Barcelona 6 Football West 0

August 29

Zenit St Petersburg 1 Football West 2 (Al Jovic and Matt Davies)

August 30

Cerezo Osaka 2 Football West 3 (Nicholas Ambrogio, Kieran Colwell and Harry O’Brien)

Glory Trio Back to Face Phoenix

Perth Glory star trio Mile Sterjovski, Andy Todd and Jamie Harnwell have all been declared fit for Sunday’s marquee match against Wellington Phoenix.

Sterjovski and Harnwell have both made speedy recoveries from injuries picked up in the 1-nil win against Newcastle.

Sterjovski missed last weeks gripping draw against Melbourne Heart with an ankle injury while Harnwell was sidelined with a calf tear.

Harnwell can now add to his games tally of 237 for Perth Glory, as he closes in on Bobby Despotovski’s record of 241.

With two goals in the first two weeks of the season, Sterjovski will be a welcomed addition to Dave Mitchell’s squad with Michael Baird ruled out because of suspension.

After been passed fit last week, Andy Todd has recovered from illness and is line to play for the first time this season.

The star defender who dominated his first year in the Hyundai A-League is ready for action after minor knee surgery disrupted his pre-season.

“It’s a good situation to be in, (having such good) players come back,” Mitchell said on Friday.

“(But) are they probably a hundred percent fit, as in match fitness?”

“Andy Todd’s certainly not, so it’s a situation where you’ve just got to monitor him and again tomorrow we’ll have a look at him again to see if he starts and if not, he might be on the bench.”

Sunday’s match will be the first time the two sides have met since Wellington eliminated the Glory from the finals on penalties last season but Mitchell was quick to play down the hype this match is all about payback.

With Victor Sikora and Baird the only players unavailable, Mitchell has his strongest squad to choose from this season, giving the coach a pleasant head-ache.

“Tomorrow we’ll finally decide what we do. We’ve looked at certain positions, we’ve put certain players in different roles and now we’ll go have some lunch and we’ll talk about the different scenarios that we’ve come up with at training and decide.

“We’re at home so we want to maybe have a go at them,” he said.

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix

Sunday, 5 September 2010

nib Stadium, Perth

Local kick-off: 3.00pm (5.00pm AEST)

Referee: Ben Williams

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 882 6PR (Perth) and 1035AM The Radio Network (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 5. Jamie HARNWELL, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. Andrija JUKIC, 24. Josh RISDON

*three to be omitted*

In: Andy TODD (returns from injury), Jamie HARNWELL (returns from injury), Mile STERJOVSKI (returns from injury), 23. Andrija JUKIC (promoted)

Out: Michael BAIRD (suspended – 2 weeks)

Unavailable:Victor SIKORA (hip- 4 weeks), Chris COYNE (On loan – 11 weeks)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Nick WARD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER

*one to be omitted*

In: Nick WARD (new signing)

Out: Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)

Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee – 2 weeks), Jade NORTH (overseas – 1 week), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs – 6 weeks), Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 10): Perth Glory wins 3, Wellington Phoenix wins 4 (3 draws)

APB Premier Division – Round 22 Preview

Fixtures – All 3pm kick off

Stirling Lions v Western Knights – Macedonia Park

Swan United v Balcatta – Francis Street

Cockburn City v Mandurah City – Dalmatinac Park

Armadale v Perth SC – Alfred Skeet Oval

Floreat Athena v ECU Joondalup – E&D Litis Stadium

Sorrento v Inglewood United – Percy Doyle Reserve

Let the Finale begin

It’s the final home and away games of the APB Premier Division on Saturday, and Football West couldn’t have asked for a more intriguing end to the season, with most games having a bearing on the top five and relegation places.

The battle for the league title between Stirling Lions and Western Knights at Macedonia Park is the pick of the games. The Knights hold a two point lead on the Lions, so a draw will be enough for Carl Medica’s side. They welcome back skipper David Annall to the side after serving a two match ban, but lose Daniel trim to suspension, while Paul Van Dongen and Simon Versacio continue to impress. New assistant Coach Alex Christie is looking forward to the big game. “We’re looking forward to the game, obviously Carl and I have only just taken over the reins at the club, but there is a buzz at training and the lads are pretty confident we can get the right result,” Christie said.

The Lions will be sweating on the fitness of defender Jason Gavin, who has missed the last four games, but in some good news for Coach Paul Lincoln Roberto Lujan is fit and ready to return to action. Lincoln, in his first season at the helm of the Lions, will win the league and cup double with a win, but knows the quality that the Knights have in their side. “It’s a huge game and it would be pleasing to finish the home and away season in first place. The Knights are in pole position with only needing a point, so it should be a tight contest. Our form is good and our confidence is high after the Cup win and a tough away win at Mandurah so I’m confident we can get all three points,” Lincoln said.

At the other end of the table, it’s just as tight, with four clubs still in the mix for relegation. Swan United knows a win against Balcatta at Francis Street, will give them Premier League survival. They looked dead and buried last week but a stunning 4-1 win at Perth SC has given them the opportunity to maintain Premier League football in the Swan Valley. But their home record isn’t the best; in fact they are yet to win in the League at home this season. Teenager striker Christian Lopez made an immediate impact on his debut last week and he will be itching to add to his brace from last week but Brendan Craig is out through suspension. James Sammut and Cory Hugo will be pivotal if the black and whites are to stay up.

Balcatta were everyone’s favourite for relegation at the start of the season, but Salv Todaro’s side proved everyone wrong. Adam Tong returns from suspension to bolster the defence and Matt Italiano in the middle of the park for Balcatta, while Andy O’Neill will be hoping for a winning return at his former club.

It could be winner takes all when Cockburn City entertains Mandurah City at Dalmatinac Park. If Swan United loses then both sides will survive, but if they win, the winner of this game will be safe and the loser could go down. Cockburn looked in real trouble a month ago, but have turned their form around and now they have their destiny in their own hands. Dejan Aleksic has been in tremendous form in goal for the Cockerels, but with Rory Feely and Paul Natale in good form, Tony Castiello’s side will be confident of a victory. Mandurah who only need a point to survive, were seconds away from it last week, before a late Bobby Wilson goal gave the Lions a 3-2 win. Craig Young will again be missing due to suspension, but influential midfielder Andy Brown returns and with striker Christian Paschewitz and former Cockburn pair Alex Darby and Jeff Bright hitting their straps, Mandurah head South with confidence having won both Premier League games at the venue since their promotion.

The other side who can fall out of the Premier League is Inglewood United, who travels to Percy Doyle Reserve to take on Sorrento. They also need a point to avoid the drop, but they do have the worst goal difference of the bottom four, and that could come back to haunt them on Saturday. Veteran defender Danny Stoitis returns from suspension to add experience to the Inglewood backline while Rory Grant and Dannie Richman will be vital if they are to avoid relegation. Sorrento welcome back Joe Lamplough from suspension, and with Adam Hayton and Glen Thomas continuing to impress in the middle of the park, Steve Neville’s side know they need a win to make the top five spot and a place in the All flag’s Top five Series.

Perth SC will look to end a horror run of results when they travel to Alfred Skeet Oval to take on Armadale. Perth has never lost at Armadale in the league, but they have lost ground on the top three after back-to-back home defeats. Coach Graham Normanton will again be missing from the dug-out due to suspension, but it’s the experience of Shaun Kilkelly, Craig Simpson and Robbie Puca that will be vital if they are to end their poor form. Armadale need a win and results elsewhere to go their way to make the top five. They will have to do it without James Robinson and Andy Bowyer due to suspension. They will need keeper Cyril Sharrock and defender Steve McDonald to be at their best, if the Reds are to end their poor home form against Perth.

ECU Joondalup know nothing more than three points will be good enough if they are to reach the top five, when they travel to the E&D Litis Stadium to play Floreat Athena. Their record at Floreat isn’t the best, their last win was in 2003, and since then have lost every game. Syd Amphlett’s side kept their top five chances live with a come from behind win against Sorrento last week and will welcome back Dale McCulloch, Andy Brown and Charlie Comyn-Platt to their starting line-up, although Garin Collins will be missing after leaving the club.  Floreat moved into third spot with a 4-0 win at Balcatta last week, with Branmir Mikulic again in top form, and he will go close to the Gold Medal in October. Johnny Mirco and John Migas will be pushing for a starting role, while keeper Alex Dunn continues to be solid.

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix – Preview

Perth Glory goes in search of revenge on Sunday when they entertain Wellington Phoenix in round five of The Hyundai A-League at nib Stadium (3pm)

The New Zealand outfit knocked the Glory out of last season’s finals on penalties and after starting well in 2010, David Mitchell’s side will want to continue their good run, and along the way bury the demons from last season.

Glory will look to maintain their unbeaten record this season against a Wellington side looking for some away form. Defender Naum Sekulovski is looking forward to the game. “It’s going to be a tough game, they’ve built well in the off-season. Obviously they’ve got a lot of confidence coming from the World Cup, a lot of their (New Zealand) boys are in that Wellington side,” Sekulovski said.

“We’re going to look forward to a big clash, especially when we’re at home, we’ve got to take the initiative. It’s a hard trip for anyone to make so we’ve just got to make sure we concentrate on what we do well and I’m sure we’ll get up.”

Glory have named one of their most experienced line-ups of the season, recalling Andy Todd, Mile Sterjovski and Jamie Harnwell from injury, while former Perth SC midfielder Andrija Jukic has been added to the squad, that drew 2-2 against Melbourne Heart last week. The only omission is striker Michael Baird, who begins a two game ban for simulation against Heart last week.

Steven McGarry has become a huge factor in the middle of the park with skipper Jacob Burns. The Scottish midfielder has slotted into the Glory side perfectly after his move from Motherwell in the January transfer window. Robbie Fowler opened his account for the Glory with last week’s late penalty and he will want to do the same at home on Sunday

Wellington do not have a good record in Perth, having lost their last three visits, but if they are to be serious contenders this season, their away from has to improve.

They have made just one change this week, with Manny Muscat missing, he was called into the Maltese national squad for an international match this weekend. His place is taken by Wellington’s new signing Nick Ward. The former Glory midfielder has joined from Melbourne Victory, and will relish a first up game against his home town club. The Phoenix defence will be tested this week, and with Muscat, and Jade North both unavailable it will put them under more pressure.

Following last weekend’s disappointing loss to the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, Ricki Herbert said he was prepared to shake things up when naming his team for the Perth clash. “No, we haven’t decided yet (on the team),” Herbert said.

“We’re going to wait till Saturday. It’ll be a tough call come the weekend. With Nick Ward coming in we have to decide whether we’ll bring him straight into the starting XI and we’re still contemplating that. We have to get him accustomed to what we’re about and how we want to play, but he’s an intelligent guy with a good background in football and he’ll slot in pretty quickly. There are a few (selection) headaches to go through over the next couple of days.”

Tim Brown is vital if the Phoenix is to cause a surprise; the midfielder has been in great form and has a knack of finding the net, scoring eight goals last season.  Paul Ifill is another the Glory needs to close down; the former Millwall and Crystal Palace striker has been outstanding for Ricki Herbert’s side since his move down under.

Perth Glory squad: 1 Tando VELAPHI, 2 Josh MITCHELL, 3 Jamie COYNE, 4 Andy TODD, 5 Jamie HARNWELL, 7 Jacob BURNS (C), 9 Robbie FOWLER, 11 Branko JELIC, 12 Scott NEVILLE, 14 Steven McGARRY, 16 Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17 Todd HOWARTH, 19 Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20 Aleks VRTESKI, 21 Mile STERJOVSKI, 22 Anthony SKORICH, 23 Andrija JUKIC, 24 Josh RISDON

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1 Mark PASTON (gk), 3 Tony LOCHHEAD, 4 Nick WARD, 6 Tim BROWN, 7 Leo BERTOS, 8 Paul IFILL, 9 Chris GREENACRE, 10 Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11 DANIEL, 13 Troy HEARFIELD, 14 Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17 Vince LIA, 18 Ben SIGMUND, 19 Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22 Andrew DURANTE (c), 23 Dylan MACALLISTER

Amphlett ready to fire

Perth Glory young midfielder Tommy Amphlett is set and ready to fire, after recovering from injury which has hampered his pre-season.

The 22-year-old burst on the A-League scene last season after a move from APB Premier Division side ECU Joondalup, but was left devastated when he injured himself early in the pre-season. But he’s happy to be back and can’t wait to get back on the pitch. “It was a huge blow for me when I injured my hip. We were doing a circuit and I overstretched myself in one of the exercises and just felt it go. I had two tears and it’s taken time to heal, but everything is all good now and I’ve started full training two weeks ago,” Amphlett said.

It was frustrating for the talented midfielder, not only to miss the pre-season but the Glory’s tour to China. With that behind him now, he’s ready to fight for a spot in the Glory side that have made a great start to the Hyundai A-League season. “It was disappointing to miss the tour, but that’s all part of football.  There is so much competition for places in the side this season, so the injury really came at the wrong time for me. I really wanted to impress in my first full pre season, and everyone was buzzing so I needed to make an impression, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be,” Amphlett explained.

Glory sits on top of the table after four rounds and Amphlett knows the task of breaking into the side is tough, but he’s ready for the challenge. “It’s going to be hard with so much experience and the Gaffer has a lot more depth this season, but I intend to keep plugging away and take my chance when I get it,” Amphlett said.

Amphlett has been watched my scouts from clubs in the UK, but he’s only got one thing on his mind and that’s to be successful at the nib Stadium with the Glory. “I never really knew anything of it to be honest, but that’s nice to know. I just want to play well and the rest will follow. At this stage I am just concentrating on becoming a regular first team player at Glory. I love it here, the all coaching staff are brilliant and all the players get on really well,” Amphlett said.

New recruit Robbie Fowler and assistant Coach Ian Ferguson have come into the club this season, and Amphlett believes the pair have been great on an off the pitch. “Robbie has been brilliant since he’s arrived. He’s played at the highest level and you can see that at training, hopefully I can learn a few tricks of him,” Amphlett said.

“Fergie’s a great bloke too, and has come in and fitted in really well. He’s great with all the young players and like Robbie he has played at the top level. He gives the young players advice, like Mitch, and show’s us were we’re going wrong and he’s a good laugh as well,” Amphlett said.

Robinson looks for the treble

Stirling Lions wrapped up the first part of a possible treble when they beat Floreat Athena 2-1 to win the State League Cup, and Irish midfielder Shane Robinson is looking forward to added the league and top five series to this season’s trophy cabinet.

Last week a 3-2 win at Mandurah City moved the Lions within two points of the Knights and Robinson believes it was a huge win in their quest for a league title. “It was a tough game at Mandurah, which was played on a bad surface. We probably didn’t play as well as we can do but good sides find a way to win and we seem to have done that more than anyone this season, “Robinson said.

The former Shamrock Rovers player is happy with the season at Macedonia Park, and believes they are primed for a push for the title. “We’re sitting in a good position in the tile race, and it’s where we wanted to be,” Robinson said.

“We have spoken about it all season and in my opinion the league winners will have been the best side for the season regardless of the finals so we will be going all out Saturday to finish the home and way season on top of the league and then the finals will look after themselves.”

Robinson, who has played in the Ireland Premier League for ten years as a full time professional, six seasons with Shamrock Rovers and four with Drogheda United where he won the League and three Cups, has settled in well at Macedonia Park and has been impressed with the standard of football in the APB Premier League. “I’ve enjoyed my time here in WA, Don Evans and the board have been great, and everyone behind the scenes deserves success at Stirling for their efforts in running the club,” Robinson said.

“The standard of football has potential to be much better, it’s littered with quality players but other things let it down like some pitches which are far too small and some of the referees are not up to the standard of play, which is disappointing.”

The talented midfielder, who has played over 20 times in European football, a highlight was scoring against Dynamo Kiev for Drogheda in a 2-2 draw, as well as captaining Shamrock Rovers against Real Madrid last year in a 1-0 loss, is in his first season in the Football West Premier League and he knows the Western Knights have a number of quality players and they will be a tough opposition on Saturday. “I wouldn’t single out anyone in their side, but to be honest they obviously have good players but more importantly they are a quality team. They are strong at set pieces and we will have to be on our game defensively to deal with them,” Robinson explained

The 30-year-old arrived at the club with Mick Lyons at the helm, but Paul Lincoln took over the reins three games in and he believes Linc’s has done a great job with the team. “Linc’s has instilled a good spirit in the side and everything has gone well since he came in. In fairness we have a good bunch of players, maybe some should be playing at a higher level so the club expected some silverware this season and Saturday’s game will hopefully be the start of that,” Robinson said.

Lions coach Lincoln believes Robinson is great leader for his club. “When I arrived at the club I was informed that Shane had all the attributes of a leader so I had no hesitation to make him the Captain. He is an outstanding player playing at a level that is comfortable for him. He is a true professional and prides himself on his performance and I expect him to really show his class on Saturday and through our finals campaign,” Lincoln said.

Van Dongen points to Knights win

Western Knights sit two points clear of Saturday’s opponents Stirling Lions and a point at Macedonia Park will see the Nash Field side make it back-to-back league titles. (Photo by Ann Odong)

Midfielder Paul Van Dongen believes the off-field distractions will not effort the side and they showed that against Armadale last week.  “We were always expecting a tough game from Armadale given that they had a top five spot to play for and given they managed to knock us out of the cup at our home ground earlier in the year,” Van Dongen said.

“To their credit they came out firing, and they were clearly the better team for the first 15 minutes of the game. But once we found our feet and got our passing game together I thought be we looked more deadly, and I was confident we’d get something out of the game. I thought we showed good character to come back from a goal down initially and our work rate was as good as it’s been all year. I thought Anthony Campbell was the difference in the last 15 minutes with two great solo goals. He’s been quiet this year by his own standards, and it was nice to see him playing with confidence and running at players again.”

The trip to the Lion’s Den is a big task but one the 27-year-old is looking forward too. “I’m sure Mario Marcinko will be looking to bag a few against his old club on the weekend so we’ll have to keep a close eye on him; but I would think if we can keep Shane Robinson and Bobby Wilson quiet, we’d be shutting down their engine room; and that would be enough to get us the trophy,’ Van Dongen said.

“I think at this time of the year, we as a playing group know what’s expected of us and we’re all very aware of what role we each play in the team and our main focus has to be on winning the two remaining trophies.”

With new Coaches Carl Medica and Alex Christie in charge, Van Dongen believes they are set for a tilt at the top five finals. “There’s obviously a lot on the line on Saturday, but this is what you play football for – to be involved in games like this. We will be throwing everything we have into the game as expected – and I know it will mean the world to all those behind the scenes at the club that give their time all year in search of a trophy,” Van Dongen said.

“I’m sure Carl and Alex will have a long hard think about the best way to approach this game tactically. I’d be expecting Stirling to be very attacking in search of a win, whereas as a draw or a win is good enough for us to take the title. It should be a very entertaining game either way.”

It’s the first season for Van Dongen at Nash Field after moving from Canning City, and he is really enjoying his time at the Mosman Park club. “I was with Canning for a long time, so leaving there was a really hard decision for me, but the move to the Knights has been a refreshing one. The Western Knights have some great people behind the scenes and they made me feel at home right from day one. I think if we can get the much talked about upgrades to the park and facilities to allow the surface to support our passing game, the Knights will be a force to be reckoned with for many, many years to come,” Van Dongen said.

“From a footballing side of things, the move to one of the “Big 3” clubs in WA football has been a good step up for me. Playing alongside the likes of Stuart Montgomery and Dave Micevski, who are seasoned campaigners at top of the table clubs, has been a great learning curve. I’d be lying if I said I’ve been happy with my individual performances this year, but hopefully my confidence will improve over the next few weeks – right in time for the business end of the season.”

Lopez keeps Swans a float

A brace from Swan United teenage striker Christian Lopez against Perth SC kept the black and whites in with a chance of keeping their Premier League status intake.

The 19-year-old, who was making his starting debut for the club, popped up with the opener and the third goal in the Swans amazing 4-1 win at Dorrien Gardens, and they now have their destiny in their own hands, and a win against Balcatta at Francis Street on Saturday will make them safe.

Lopez believes the win at Perth was a massive boost going into the final game of the season. “Saturday was a great win for our football club, under a lot of pressure and against the odds,” Lopez said.

“I felt it was a brilliant team effort and I must give credit to Coach Jamie Goodman for keeping up the confidence within the group. The boys really worked for each other and the three points puts us in a good position to stay alive in the league next season.”

The striker, who has performed well for the under 23’s this season and is the top scorer, was delighted to have contributed to the sides victory at Perth, and the two goals were a bonus. “In all honesty my thoughts had nothing to do with excitement for my debut or on scoring goals, more so doing whatever it takes to get the points and keep our season alive,” Lopez said.

“In the end I was happy with my goals and for the teams’ performance. I need to thank Coppa (Goodman) for having belief and the guts to give me my debut in such an important game, when my mate Liam Boland would have been a very fitting starting choice as well.”

United coach Jamie Goodman was delighted for his young striker. “To be honest I had not made up my mind weather to start Christian or Liam Boland up until I arrived at the ground. They are very different strikers I just thought with the shape we were planning on playing, that Christian’s work rate and unorthodox style might cause Perth some problems. Christian has scored two goals and run himself into the ground I could not have asked anymore from him and to Liam’s credit he has come on and scored the match sealer,” Goodman said.

“Christian was not a player that I knew anything about when I arrived. He was scoring goals in the reserves regularly and then we had him train with the first team. I think that the training with the first team has improved areas of his game that he needed to work on. His first touch has improved and this has helped his game. He made a few recent appearances of the bench and has managed to make an impact when doing so he had created a couple of assists off the bench. Christian is not a classic striker but he is certainly effective .He has a great attitude, is awkward to mark, has great determination and is very strong on the ball. He still has areas of his game he needs to work on but if he continues develop he has a bright future.”

Lopez, who was part of the Swan United 18’s that won the State League Cup last season, is confident they can get the required win against Balcatta on Saturday. “We’ve worked really hard at training this week and we’re confident we will take the points on Saturday against Balcatta,” Lopez said.

The black and whites home form is poor, their only wins coming in the Cup this season, but Lopez believes this will change on Saturday. “Yes we haven’t won at home in the league, but these stats show for nothing in games like these. The group morale is strong and the connection between players and coach is healthy,” Lopez explained.

“We showed how we stick together against Perth and the same will show against Balcatta. There will be no complacency on Saturday despite the dead rubber for Balcatta, as Coppa has said the last few weeks “this game is our cup final” and that mindset together with the belief of the team will give us what we need to win on Saturday.”

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

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