All Flags Premier Division – Preview

It’s the opening round of the 2011 All Flags Premier Division this weekend and the pick of the round is the local derby between Stirling Lions and Balcatta at Macedonia Park on Sunday (3pm)

It’s a new era at Balcatta with Michael Roki taking charge of his first game for the Grindleford Reserve club, and he looking forward to the opener. “The Lions are always a difficult opponent and our new squad is still in the early stages of gelling which is not ideal. All excuses aside we hope to set some standards for ourselves from Round one and the three points will be enthusiastically chased,” Roki said.

“I’m sure Paul Lincoln will have his team well drilled and the pressure will be on us to deliver a knockout blow if we are up to it.”

Balcatta have a number of new faces in their squad for the clash, with John Migas, Daniel Niederberger and Daniel Micevski vital if they are to come away with the points.

The Lions finished runners-up in 2010 and once again they will be pushing for a top five spot. Lions coach Paul Lincoln knows the importance of getting off to a good start in the league, but believes Sunday game will be a tough one. “Balcatta have recruited really well over the break and have put together a strong team. The game will be a tight contest and I think the supporters will be entertained for the full 90 minutes,” Lincoln said.

“We want to make the Lion’s Den a fortress this season so we need to ensure we get off to a good start on Sunday.”

The Lions will be missing the injured Bobby Wilson, but do welcome back former Perth Glory Youth midfielder Ludovic Boi, while new signings Jamie Watt and Phil O’Callaghan will be looking to open their accounts for their new club.

On Saturday and another interesting game is the one between Sorrento and Western Knights at Percy Doyle Reserve (3pm). New Gulls coach Paul Price left the Knights in controversial circumstances last season, and he will be looking to get one over his former club. New signings Jack Doyle and David Price will also come up against their former club, while former Perth Glory defender Jamie Harnwell is set to start. The Knights have won three of their last four visits to Sorrento and Coach Carl Medica will look to continue this on Saturday. Glen Thomas makes a quick return to his former club, while Branimir Mikulic and Dale Wignell look set to make their debuts.

There is another new Coach on show at Armadale on Saturday when Scott Miller’s side host newly promoted Bayswater City at Alfred Skeet Oval (3pm). Miller has taken over from Brad Hassell, and new signings Craig Young and Anthony Campbell has added to the depth of the squad, while big defender Steven McDonald is pivotal.  Bayswater are back in the Premier League after a five season absents, and skipper Damien Catalano and keeper Gianni Papalia will have a huge influence on the squad. At the back George Tchami had a great night series while Joshua Tumoe and Gustavo Marulanda will give them drive from the middle of the park.

The newly crowned Bam Creative Night Series Champions Floreat Athena is on the road for the first game of the season, with a trip to Dalmatinac Park to take on Cockburn City (3pm). Liam Boland has been outstanding in the night series for his new club and his partnership with veteran Garin Collins is important. Youngster Jack Allen has been another one to impressive, but they will be missing keeper Alex Dunn and James Isaia due to injury. Cockburn have won only once at home in their last four games against Athena, and former Perth Glory duo Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony will hold the key in midfield. Rory Feely and Johny Mirco have formed a good partnership up front, but they will be without Paul Natale due to suspension.

It’s an intriguing clash between Inglewood United and ECU Joondalup at the 6PR Stadium (3pm). ECU had a great night series and defenders Oliver McGee and Ross Edwards were outstanding, while strikers John Thornley and Jake Benson-Cooper formed a good partnership. Syd Amphlett will be hoping to have Charlie Comyn-Platt and Dale McCulloch available after missing out in the pre-season. Inglewood have added Swan United trio David McNally, Brendan Craig and James Sammut to their squad. Oliver Taseski and Darko Ilomanoski gives the side experience at the back, while teenage striker Ndumba Makeche has added pace up front.

The Ronnie Campbell era begins at Perth SC on Saturday in the final game of the round, when the 2010 Champions entertain Mandurah City at Dorrien Gardens. (6pm).  The return from injury of Greg Sharland and Robert Sciascia is a massive boost for the club, while new recruits Callum O’Connell and Adam Bachiller have strengthened the squad.  The Dolphins will have new Coach Michael Brazil in charge for the first time, as they look to win at Perth for the first time ever in the league. Matt Stares and Tom Straker have added to the squad, while Andy Brown and Ivan Zuvela will need to be at their best if they are to open their season with a win.

Boland on target as Floreat win Night Series title

Report by  Football West Reporter Peter Simcox

Teenage striker Liam Boland scored the only goal to give Floreat Athena a hard fought 1-0 win against ECU Joondalup in the 2011 Bam Creative Night Series final at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday evening. (Photo courtesy of Football West)

The big striker controversially fired home in the 68^th minute, after ECU keeper Andy Banks spilled a cross from Jack Allen, and Boland fired home from close-range. The ECU players were incensed as they thought the keeper was fouled, but the goal stood to give Floreat their fifth night series triumph.

“I’m delighted to have scored the winner but it was a great team effort tonight,” Boland said. “We dominated early but didn’t take our chances and they came back into the game. We had a good chat at half time and we got our reward, it’s really great to get the win.”

Both sides went in to the final unchanged from last week, but it was Floreat who opened the brighter and they went close after only three minutes. Miki Vujacic’s free kick found Paul van Dongen, but the midfielder headed straight at Banks.

It was Paul van Dongen again five minutes later, this time he was picked out by Jarred Smith’s cross from the left, but Banks was alert to push his header wide.

ECU were struggling to cope with Floreat, and Boland’s long-range shot was saved by Banks at the second attempt on 12 minutes and three minutes later Paul van Dongen’s first time shot whistled inches past the post.

Boland was a becoming a real handful, and when he was found by Vujacic on 24 minutes, his powerful shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Banks at his near post.

After surviving the Floreat onslaught, ECU pressed forward and Chris Wyle found the over lapping John Higgins, whose teasing cross was superbly cleared by Ante Kovacevic, off the toe of striker John Thornley.

On the half hour a quickly taken free kick from Boland sent Paul van Dongen in on goal, but the midfielder’s first touch let him down and Banks was out quick to smoother his shot.

ECU were coming more into the game and they had the best chance of the first half on 37 minutes. Higgins’ corner from the right found Oliver McGee at the back post; his powerful header was cleared off the line by Michael van Dongen. Moments later Thornley played in Scott Blackmore, his shot from 18-yards was well saved by Alex Dunn.

It was ECU who ended the half the better and in stoppage-time Higgins’ cross from the left was headed out by Julian Madaschi, only to Jake Benson-Cooper, whose follow up shot was tipped over by Dunn.

Floreat made a change at the break with Matthew Spurling being replaced by Jack Allen, and the youngster had an immediate impact. Michael van Dongen sent the youngster down the right, and his pinpoint cross found Boland who headed wide at the back post.

The game was still in the balance, and there were chances at both ends. First on 58 minutes Garin Collins ball sent Paul van Dongen in down the right. His cross picked out Boland, who’s shot on the turn was well saved by Banks. Then five minutes later ECU midfielder Benson-Cooper came within inches of breaking the deadlock, his long-range shot beat Dunn, but crashed off the crossbar.

But the decisive goal came on 68 minutes. Michael van Dongen played in Allen down the right, his deep cross was dropped by Banks, under pressure from Boland. The big striker was quickest to react to the loose ball and fired home from close-range, much to the delight of the Floreat supporters behind the goal.

ECU looked to hit back immediately, Thornley was sent clear by Blackmore and he looked to be brought down by Dunn, but referee Mathew Cheeseman waved away the penalty claims. Dunn required treatment after the incident with blood streaming from his face. He couldn’t continue and he was replaced by Simon Madaschi on 75 minutes.

Time was running out for ECU, but they continued to push forward and their supporters thought they had levelled in the 90^th minute. Second half substitute Jordan Dodds’ 20-yard shot was superbly tipped around the post by Madaschi.

There was six minutes off stoppage-time added, and ECU had one last chance in the last minute. McGee sent youngster Dodds clear, his shot from 12-yards was again superbly saved by Madaschi at full stretch.

At the final whistle the Floreat players and supporters celebrated their victory, and Floreat midfielder Jarred Smith was voted best on ground and winning the ‘The Robbie Dunn Medal’.

Floreat Coach Ante Kovacevic was delighted with the performance and the win. “It was a real team effort tonight. Liam scored the winner but the service from the midfield was excellent, the van Dongen boys are as honest as they come, they are a great signing for me,” Kovacevic said.

“We lost keeper Alex with a nasty injury, but Simon Madaschi came on and made two great saves late on to keep us level, like I said a great all-round team performance, and I’m delighted.”

ECU Joondalup Coach Syd Amphlett was bitterly disappointed about the goal, and he also believed they should have had a penalty. “We are all gutted to lose the game like that. I think 99% of the time that would have been given a free kick for a foul on the keeper, but the referee saw nothing wrong with it, which was disappointing,” Amphlett said.

“We were convinced we had a penalty when Thornley was brought down by the keeper, but the referee saw a bit of blood and didn’t give it. I’ve told my players to lift their heads as they have done really well in the night series, but to lose the game like that is frustrating.”

Bam Creative Night Series Final

Floreat Athena 1 (Boland 68’)

ECU Joondalup 0

Saturday 19th February 2011

BGC Stadium

Local kick-off: 7.45pm

Attendance: 700

Referee: Mathew Cheeseman

Assistant Referees: Joe Fusari and Ammar Timour

4th Official – Michael Tolmie

ECU Joondalup: GK Andy BANKS, 2 Ben KELLY (15 Josh BROOK 85’), 3 Chris WHYLIE, 5 Oliver MCGEE, 6 Ross EDWARDS, 7 John HIGGINS 8 Scott BLACKMORE (22 Jordan DODDS 80’), 9 John THORNLEY, 10 Jonathon STYNES, 13 Jake BENSON-COOPER (23 Max POPE 71’), 19 Ross LAING - Substitutes not used: RGK Bryn HINDLEY, 11 Dan ALLEN

Yellow Cards – Nil

Floreat Athena: GK Alex DUNN (RGK Simon MADASCHI 75’), 4 Julian MADASCHI, 5 Jarred SMITH, 6 Miki VUJACIC, 8 Michael VAN DONGEN, 9 Paul VAN DONGEN (2 Curtis PRIOR 80’), 10 Liam BOLAND, 12 Matthew SPURLING (3 Jack ALLEN 46’), 14 Garin COLLINS, 16 Ante KOVACEVIC, 22 Callum FRANSZ - Substitutes not used, 15 Gordon PEREIRA, 17 David HOUSTON

Yellow Cards – Vujacic 80’

Glory skipper takes out ‘Most Glorious players Award

Perth Glory’s dismal season produced one positive for captain Jacob Burns last night as he took out the 2011 Most Glorious Player at the club’s annual awards night.

Burns finished with 28 votes after being awarded top scores in seven games this year. Departing goalkeeper Tando Velaphi finished runner-up on 20 votes.

The captain told the crowd individual awards were only made possible by a team effort.

“It’s really very humbling to win the MGP but special praise must go to all the members in the squad,” Burns said.

“Football is a team game and without the support of my team mates nothing is possible.”

Scott Neville – the player hailed by many as the shining light in Glory’s dark season – finished third in the voting and also picked up awards for supporters’ player of the year, the players’ player of the year and clubman of the year.

The 21-year-old remained solid all season while those around him fluctuated. His standing at the club became clear when he was awarded the captain’s armband in the absence of Burns for several matches.

Midfielder Adriano Pellegrino was awarded the Volunteers Player of the year while Robbie Fowler collected the Bobby Despotovski Golden Boot as the club’s leading goal scorer with 9.

Three awards were also presented to the Glory’s W-League team with Alexandra Nilsson winning the Most Glorious Women’s Player. The Swede also won the ME Bank Players’ Player of the year while Matildas representatives Kate Gill and Sam Kerr shared the APB Modular Golden Boot.

MGP LEADERBOARD

1. Jacob Burns 28 votes
2. Tando Velaphi 20 votes
3. Scott Neville 16 votes
4. Steven McGarry 15 votes
5. Robbie Fowler 14 votes

ECU stuns Perth to reach Night Series Final

Report by Football west Reporter Jordan McArdle

A stunning 87th minute strike from ECU substitute Max Pope has crushed Perth’s hopes of a sixth consecutive Bam Creative Night Series title.

The 2-1 defeat at 6PR Stadium on Sunday night sees Perth not reach the Final for the first time since 2005.

ECU attacked hard in the opening minutes, making the most of a lacklustre Perth defence.

Perth looked out of sorts without Captain Robert Puca who was missing through suspension.

ECU striker John Thornley continued his excellent Bam Creative Night Series, running rings around the Perth defence to create a number of opportunities.

David Onoforo had Perth’s best chance midway through the first half as he get past two defenders and had a shot, but ECU keeper Andy Banks was up to the task, producing a fine save to keep his clean sheet intact.

Bam Creative Night Series leading goal scorer John Thornley broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, wrong footing Perth goalie Devon Spence to net his eighth goal of the tournament and giving his side a shock 1-0 advantage.

Greg Sharland’s sensational injury-time strike got Perth back into the game, squaring things up at 1-1 moments before the half-time whistle.

Perth came out all guns blazing in the second half and Sharland came agonisingly close to giving his side the lead when he struck the ball inches wide of the upright.

ECU fought back on the counter attack, with the run of John Higgins and Jake Benson-Cooper giving Perth some headaches.

Onoforo got himself into a great position as he so often does, but Oliver McGee’s perfectly timed tackle prevented the Perth striker scoring his first goal of the match.

Perth had a number of opportunities to take the lead, but sloppy finished and the inspirational goalkeeping of Andy Banks kept the scores even.

It was looking like extra time until the 87th minute when Max Pope’s spectacular strike left Ronnie Campbell’s men scratching their heads as their chances of a sixth consecutive Night Series crown were all but over.

ECU Joondalup Coach Syd Amphlett was delighted with his side’s improvement this so far this season after a disappointing 2010.

“I’ve always said Perth were the benchmark for the league, we have been improving every year,” Amphlett said.

“I thought last year we definitely underachieved, finishing fifth.

“I knew we were better than where we were, but we are progressing well.

“Training has been good, the efforts of the lads has been fantastic and a great team spirit.”

Amphlett praised the performance of striker John Thornley, who is one of the star players of the competition with eight goals in five matches.

“He’s an in-form player,” Amphlett said regarding his 23-year-old front man.

“But he can’t score these goals without the efforts of his teammates.

“I think the work rate of young Benno (Jake Benson-Cooper) and Higgsy (John Higgins) has been phenomenal.

“John is going to play A-League, I keep saying that, but not quite yet.”

ECU takes on Floreat Athena at BGC Stadium for the Bam Creative Night Series title next weekend, while Cockburn City will be against Perth SC in the 3rd Place Playoff.

ECU Joondalup: 1. Andy BANKS (gk), 2. Ben KELLY (Max POPE 77′), 3. Chris WHYLIE, 4. Ross LAING (15. Josh BROOK 68′), 5. Oliver MCGEE, 6. Ross EDWARDS, 7. John HIGGINS (11. ALLEN 85′), 8. Scott BLACKMORE, 9. John THORNLEY, 10. Jonathon STYNES, 13. Jake BENSON-COOPER – Substitutes not used: 25. Bryn HINDLEY (RGK)

Yellow Cards – Josh BROOK 81′

Perth SC: 1. Devon SPENCE, 2. Trent KAY, 3. Adam BACHILLER, 4. Craig SIMPSON, 6. Shaun KILKELLY, 7. Matt DANSKIN (16. Ian MCMURRAY), 9. David ONOFORO, 11. Robert SCIASCIA, 15. Antonio NAGLIERI, 18. Domenic DE FELICE, 20. Vlad NAUMOVSKI, 21. Callum O’CONNELL, 23. Greg SHARLAND  - Substitutes not used: 19. Luke MARTINO (RGK)

Yelow Cards – David ONOFORO 38′

Floreat ease past The Cockerels

Report by Football West Reporter Jordan McArdle

Floreat Athena booked their place in the Bam Creative Night Series Final with an emphatic 4-1 win over Cockburn City at 6PR Stadium on Sunday evening.

Doubles to Liam Boland and Garin Collins sealed the win, but the win was not without controversy after Cockburn’s Paul Natale was sent off in the 44th minute.

A defensive blunder from Ante Kovacevic gifted Cockburn a golden opportunity in the opening minutes of the match, with Rory Feely making no mistake as he wrong-footed Floreat keeper Alex Dunn before coolly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Floreat came close to an instantaneous response when Michael Van Dongen’s header was directed just inches wide of the left post.

Athena’s luck changed in the 13th minute when referee Kevin Taylor awarded a penalty for handball.

Liam Boland slammed the ball straight down the middle to tie things up at 1-1.

A sensational diving save from Cockburn goalkeeper Dejan Aleksic denied Floreat’s second goal in as many minutes when Boland blasted one from outside the box.

Floreat attacked tirelessly throughout the first half, continually poking holes in the Cockburn defence.

Boland was in the action once again, but sprayed a golden opportunity well wide of the left upright.

Cockburn’s Paul Natale was involved in a heated confrontation with Boland, and after a long discussion with his assistant, the referee sent him off for violent conduct.

This was the first of many fiery exchanged between the two rival clubs.

The half-time whistle could not come soon enough for City, who was down to 10 men but still hanging in there at 1-1 at the break.

Floreat hit the lead moments into the second half when Liam Boland’s strike took a deflection before hitting the back of the net.

Cockburn skipper Adrian Webster gallantly led his side, providing a number of quality through balls in desperate search of an equaliser to keep his side in the tournament.

Former ECU striker Garin Collins put the result beyond doubt in the 69th with a breathtaking right foot strike.

Collins delivered the knockout blow just minutes later to end Cockburn’s Night Series with a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Cockburn City: 1. Dejan ALESKIC (gk), 5. Jason GODFREY, 8. Marc ANTHONY, 9. Rory FEELY, 10. Adrian WEBSTER, 11. Johny MIRCO, 14. Shintaro ITO (4. Pavle BISERKO 44′), 16. Su Sung YANG (6. Anthony PEREIRA 63′), 17. Paul NATALE, 19. David ARAYA

Yellow Cards – Nil Red Cards – Paul Natale 44’

Substitutes not used: 20. Joe PAGE (RGK)

Floreat Athena: 1. Alex DUNN (gk), 4. Julian MADASCHI, 6. Miki VUJACIC, 8. Michael VAN DONGEN, 9. Paul VAN DONGEN (3. Johnny-Ray ARIAS 78′), 10. Liam BOLAND (17. David HOUSTON 74′), 12. Matthew SPURLING (15. Gordon PEREIRA 68′), 14. Garin COLLINS, 16. Ante KOVACEVIC, 22. Callum FRANSZ

Substitutes not used: 20. Simon MADASCHI (RGK)

Yellow Cards – Paul van Dongen 61’

Thornley looking forward to Perth SC clash

ECU Joondalup striker John Thornley has been in a rich vein of form, with two hat-tricks in the last two Bam Creative Night Series games. He was the match winner last week when ECU beat Western Knights 3-2, completing his hat-trick in the last minute to set up a semi-final clash with Perth SC this weekend.

The 23-year-old is looking forward to a repeat of last season’s semi-final, and believes the win against the Knights will put them in good stead.  “It was a great win against the Knights, I thought we dominated the game for large parts and deserved to win. We were under dogs but we proved even with five players out we can still beat any team in the league,” Thornley said.

“We know Perth’s going to be a big test but we won’t be worried going in as underdogs again, if we take our chances we have a good chance of winning.”

With Jamie Watt and Phil O’Callaghan leaving the club last season, it put more pressure on the big striker, so he’s happy to be able to score regularly and believes some of the younger players at the club have stood up in the Night Series. “Phil and Jamie definitely left big shoes to fill but at least we have a few young players like Jake Benson-Cooper and Max Pope who can do a job upfront, and they have got a chance to shine and make a name for themselves,” Thornley explained.

“I’m glad to keep scoring, but I’m more happy with the way the teams playing, each week I’m trying to get fitter and sharper the goals are just a bonus.”

The inclusion of new faces Oliver McGee, Ross Edwards and Ben Kelly has bolstered the defence and Thornley believes they will only get better. “All three were excellent last week. They have come straight into the side and look comfortable as ever they are big lads with good pace and passing, very glad to have them at our club,” Thornley said.

Many pundits had ECU struggling this season, but Coach Syd Amphlett and his assistant Andy Petterson seem to have them playing well and they still have a number of experienced players to come back in into the squad. “People always love to hate ECU, I think but that’s why I love them. No club in the league brings young players through like ECU, “Thornley said.

“With a mx of older heads, such as Dale McCulloch, Charlie Comyn-Platt, John Higgins and Scott Blackmore, our team has a perfect mix of youth and experience. All the players have a tremendous
respect for both Syd and Andy which is important I think, they have brought in the right players and also kept good players.”

ECU Coach Syd Amphlett is delighted with John’s form and believes he can play at a higher level. “John has been great for our club, and I believe he could make the transition to the A-League, no problem,” Amphlett said.

“His attitude is great and trains really hard and is clinical in games but maybe more important is very much a team member.”

Thornley headed east last season to play in the VPL, and he also tried his luck overseas too with English Premier League Birmingham City, and if a chance to play in the A-League or overseas again came up he would jump at the opportunity. “I’d defiantly take any chance to play full time as it’s something I still wish to do,” Thornley said.

“But at this stage I play for ECU and that’s all I’m thinking about. I turned down a lot of clubs over the summer to stay at ECU because I love the club and I believe we can win the league or I otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed.”

Jet’s keep finals hopes alive after trashing the Glory

Newcastle Jets kept their Hyundai A-League finals hopes alive after a 4-0 win against Perth Glory at Energy Australia Stadium.

A first half goal from Labinot Haliti set them on their way, and further goals after the break from Jeremy Brockie and a brace from substitute Sasho Petrovski, put the Jets three points behind Wellington Phoenix, but now with a better goal difference. They now must hope the Phoenix lose next week against North Queensland Fury, while the Jets must beat Central Coast Mariners in the F3 derby to move into the top six.

With their season on the line Branko Culina made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Sydney FC last time out, with Ryan Griffiths replacing Adam D’Apuzzo. Glory coach Ian Ferguson made three changes to the side that lost 1-2 against Gold Coast United with Brent Griffiths, Howard Fondyke and Todd Howarth coming into the side with Jamie Harnwell, Naum Sekulovksi and Joshua Risdon missing out.

It was the Jets who began the better and should have taken the lead after six minutes. A corner wasn’t cleared by the Glory and when Marko Jesic returned the ball into the area Haliti beat the offside trap, but his weak header from four-yards was easily saved by Tando Velaphi.

The striker made emends seven minutes later when he gave the Jets the lead. Ali Abbas’ cross from the right was chested down by Brockie and Haliti’s shot from the edge of the box went into the net off the far post.

It was one-way traffic and Brockie was in again on 20 minutes, he was sent clear by Jesic, but the New Zealand international fired straight at Velaphi.

The first chance for the visitors didn’t come until the half hour mark, Steven McGarry’s curling shot from 18-yards drifted wide of the upright.

The next ten minutes was the best spell of the game for the Glory and when Robbie Fowler superbly picked out McGarry on the halfhour, he played in Fondyke. The youngster’s goal bound volley from 18-yards was well saved by Ben Kenney at full stretch.

After the break there were chances at both ends early. First on 51 minutes Haliti was sent clear by Brockie, but his shot from 10-yards was well saved by Velaphi. At the other end Fowler’s long-range shot was saved by Kennedy, and moments later the former Liverpool striker headed straight at Kennedy from Scott Neville’s cross from the right.

The Jets were looking for goals to boost their goal difference, and they made it 2-0 on 55 minutes. A great ball from the impressive Jesic found Brockie, and he skipped past Neville before finishing clinically past Velaphi.

With the Glory’s woeful season coming to an end, they looked for a consolation, but Adam Taggart headed wide at the back post on the hour, while McGarry’s long-range shot was straight at Kennedy.

But the game was put to bed by The Jets on 67 minutes, when Glory young defender Brent Griffiths handled the ball in the area and referee Matthew Breeze pointed straight to the spot. He was lucky not to be sent off, as he had already been given a yellow card early, but Petrovski kept his nerve to send Velaphi the wrong way to make it 3-0.

Straight from the kick off things got worse for the Glory and Brent Griffiths. The defender’s poor pass was intercepted by Petrovski, and the veteran striker then made him pay, firing home from 12-yards.

It was nearly 5-0 on 71 minutes, Ryan Griffiths sent Petrovski in down the left, but he was denied a hat-trick, when Velaphi saved his low shot.

Late chances fell to the Glory, Tommy Amphlett shot was superbly saved by Kennedy, and two minutes from time Fowler fired wide.

But at the final whistle it was the Jets who ran out worthy winners and Coach Branko Culina was happy with their performance and knows their fate is out of their hands. “I’m an optimists but also a realist,” he said.

“We’re certainly doing everything we can to make sure if nothing else we give Wellington a bit of a scare.

“The four goals we scored today put’s us back in the frame.”

Perth coach Ian Ferguson said his club’s season was a complete write-off and he’d make wholesale changes to his roster for next season. He is keen to secure a squad that will be able to play more direct, attacking football.

“It is no secret the last four or five months have been very disappointing,” he said.

“There’s going to be changes next season.”

Newcastle Jets: GK Ben KENNEDY, 4 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 11 Tarek ELRICH, 12 Jobe WHEELHOUSE, 14 Labinot HALITI (13 Sasho PETROVSKI 61′), 16 Jeremy BROCKIE, 18 Marko JESIC, 19 Ali ABBAS (26 James VIRGILI 75′), 23 Ryan GRIFFITHS, 25 Sam GALLAWAY (31 Jacob PEPPER 55′), 28 Mario SIMIC - Unused Substitutes: RGK Matt NASH

Yellow Cards: Sasho Petrovski 69′

Perth Glory: GK Tando VELAPHI, 2 Josh MITCHELL, 7 Jacob BURNS, 9 Robbie FOWLER, 12 Scott NEVILLE, 14 Steven MCGARRY, 15 Howard FONDYKE (13 Tommy AMPHLETT 64′), 16 Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17 Todd HOWARTH, 1. Brent GRIFFITHS, 26 Adam TAGGART (11 Branko JELIC 79′) - Unused Substitutes: RGK Alex PEARSON, 24 Josh RISDON

Yellow Cards: Brent Griffiths 55′

Referee – Matthew Breeze

Attendance – 7,286

Velaphi signs for Victory

MELBOURNE Victory have confirmed the signing of Perth goalkeeper Tando Velaphi on a two-year-deal after his first team spot was overshadowed by Danny Vukovic’s arrival at Glory.

Velaphi, who has made 63 A-League appearances since joining Glory from Brisbane in 2007, will join the club at the end of the current season and in time for Victory’s Asian Champions League campaign.

With Perth already confirming the signing of Vukovic for the next two seasons, Velaphi was keen to try his luck elsewhere and sees the Victory as the ideal opportunity.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Perth Glory, but when the opportunity to move to Melbourne Victory came up, it was too good to refuse,” Velaphi said.

“They’ve got a really good mix of experience and youth at Victory, so I can’t wait to get involved and stake my claim.

“Having been to AAMI Park a couple of times this season, the prospect of training and playing in a world class facility like that is very appealing.”

Melbourne Victory football operations manager Gary Cole added: “We’re delighted to have signed a young ‘keeper of Tando’s quality and while he’s been a regular for Perth over the past couple of seasons, we feel he still has plenty of upside about him.

“He’s represented his country at both Under-20 and Under-23 level and has really come of age over the past 12 months with some outstanding performances.”

Victory also announced that defender Matthew Kemp has inked a new two-year deal, while midfielder Tom Pondeljak and youngster Matthew Foschini have each signed a one-year extension.

Sharland hat-trick sinks Inglewood – Report by Michael Barr

Three goals by Perth striker Greg Sharland helped his side to a 7-1 thrashing of Inglewood United on Sunday, with the win seeing them progress to the Semi Finals of the Bam Creative Night Series.
Perth came into the Quarter Finals with confidence after demolishing Wanneroo City by six goals and looked to replicate their form against fellow All Flags State Premier League side Inglewood.

They got their task of to the perfect start in the fifth minute, when striker David Onoforo was brought down in the box during a scramble for a bouncing ball, referee Michael Tolmie showing no hesitation to point to the spot.

The Perth striker had no problems converting the spot-kick, striking a fierce shot into the side netting.

Inglewood almost responded instantly when Darko Ilomanoski found a way around the Perth defence and played a perfect pass to Ndumba Makeche whose powerful strike was blocked by the last man on the line.

But it didn’t take long for Perth’s dominance to continue and in the 12th minute Greg Sharland had his first goal, chasing down a perfect long ball to be one-on-one with the keeper, where he coolly stepped to the right and smashed the ball into an open net.

Although two goals down, Inglewood continued to fight and in the 15th minute they were awarded a corner after a good spell of passing.

Brendan Craig’s floating corner caught the wind and bent into the back post to the dismay of Perth keeper Devon Spence, who could only parry the ball into the top of the net, reducing the lead to just one goal.

However the joy of the home side was short lived when Sharland pounced on a deflected ball in the 18-yard box and calmly glided his second goal under United keeper Oliver Taseski in the 20th minute, restoring a two goal buffer.

The game settled into a patch of offensive forays with a rare Inglewood highlight coming from winger Ryan Clarke, who beat three players down the right but saw his attempted cross intercepted by Perth defender Shaun Kilkelly.

The midfield arm-wrestle resumed in the second half, as the two sides traded surges into the offensive half and it took a spectacular strike in the 54th minute to break the deadlock.

Perth right-back Craig Simpson found space in Inglewood’s tired defence and unleashed a bending volley from 25 yards out, smashing into the back of the net and crushing any hopes of an Inglewood comeback.

Simpson’s wonder strike opened the flood-gates for Perth as Sharland completed his hat-trick from a free kick in the 63rd followed by a scrambling Adam Bachiller goal just two minutes later.

Even a red card to captain Robert Puca couldn’t stop the rampant Perth side as substitute Ian McMurray added a seventh goal in the 83rd minute to complete the rout.

The high flying Perth will now face ECU in the Semi Finals of the Bam Creative Night Series whilst the defeated Inglewood will be left licking their wounds as they prepare for the regular season.

Perth Soccer Club: 1. Devon SPENCE, 2. Trent KAY, 3. Adam BACHILLER, 4. Craig SIMPSON, 6. Shaun KILKELLY, 7. Matt DANSKIN, (17. Reece LOXLEY 75′), 8. Robert PUCA, 9. David ONOFORO, (16. Ian McMURRAY 75′), 11. Robert SCIASCIA, (Calum O’CONNELL 75′), 18. Domenic DE FELICE, 23. Greg SHARLAND
Substitutes not used: 19. Luke MARTINO (gk), 20. Vlad NAUMOVSKI

Inglewood United: 1. Oliver TASESKI, 4. Darko ILOMANOSKI, 5. James DUNCAN, (18. Jason COLLI 63′) 6. Rikki SMITH, (16. Victor ANTANAJAWOSKI 63′) 8. Sandi LONCAR, 9. Rory GRANT, 10. Brendan CRAIG (11. Alex STAMATIADIS 67′), 12. James SAMMUT, 14. Ryan CLARKE, 17. Ndumba MAKECHE, 19. Jarrad BELFORD
Substitutes not used: 25. Alex SUTTON (gk)

Thornley heroics send ECU through in a thriller – Report by David Cameron

A hat-trick from John Thornley has single-handedly sent ECU Joondalup into the Semi Finals of the Bam Creative Night Series in their enthralling encounter against Western Knights at 6PR Stadium.

Thornley’s third and most important goal came in the dying moments of the game, after ECU had seen the Knights come from behind twice in the match.

The first half was a very cagey affair, with both teams lacking any real coherence and quality in the final third.

It was only in the last minute of first half regulation time that ECU went into the lead via a penalty from the boot of John Thornley.

With the ball at the feet of Jonathon Stynes in the box he looked to cross to the back post in a crowd of players but was blocked by a hand from one of the Western Knights players surrounding, which referee Hugh Best adjudged as a deliberate handball and pointed to the spot.

Thornley stepped up to the mark and stroked the ball gently into bottom right hand corner with goalkeeper Siddall being sent the wrong way.

If the first half was quite dour and the second was the complete opposite, with four goals and a winning strike with only seconds remaining.

The first of the four second half goals came from the boot of new signing Branimir Mikulic 74 minutes into the contest.

A long cross field was controlled well by Callum Roberts on the edge of the ECU penalty box and laid off to a totally unmarked Mikulic, who with time to compose himself and he shot low to Andy Banks’ near post and the ball managed to sneak past the despairing goalkeeper.

However, the Knights’ joy was short lived when ECU earned their second penalty of the match.

With his back to goal and being harassed by Knights defenders, Thornley tried to turn only to be upended by a trailing leg of an ECU defender leaving referee Best with little choice but to point to the spot.

Thornley again stepped up to the spot and again he sent goalkeeper Siddall the wrong way, placing his shot straight down the middle.

To the credit of the Knights they didn’t let up their fierce assault on the ECU goal and were level for the second time in the match only a couple of minutes later through a great individual goal from Simon Versaico.

After dropping off the shoulder of his defender outside the box, he received the ball and with a combination of fine close control and quick feet, he was able to beat three defenders and fire off a shot that screamed past a despairing Banks in the ECU goal.

With both teams looking resigned to penalties, they looked to minimize the number of men committed forward.

However, in the last minute of added time a tired pass from the back lacked the pace required to switch the play and was pounced upon by the lurking Thornley.

He burst through to be one on one with Siddall and coolly slotted the ball all the way along the ground, completing his match-winning hat-trick.

To see match highlights and an interview with ECU assistant Andy Petterson please visit www.footballwest.tvfrom Monday afternoon.

Western Knights: GK. Frazer SIDDALL, 2. Duncan HIND, 4. Cormac DAWSON, 6. Garth LECKY (3. Stuart FERGUSON 63′), 5. David ANNALL, 7. Luka JUKIC, 9 Simon VERSAICO (14. Dale WINGELL 85′), 10. Stuart MONTGOMERY, 13. Ryan SHACKLETON (11. Branimir MIKULIC 55′), 16. Callum ROBERTS, 18. Glen ROBERTS
Substitutes not used: RGK Tom DIXON, 12. Daniel TRIM

ECU Joondalup: GK. Andy BANKS, 2. Ben KELLY, 3. D ALLAN, 5. Oliver McGEE, 7. John HIGGINS, 8. Scott BLACKMORE, 9. John THORNLEY, 10. Jonathon STYNES, 13. Jake BENSON-COOPER (21. Ross EDWARDS 77′) 15. Josh BROOK, 19. Ross LAING (14. Andy BROWN 85′)
Substitutes not used: RGK M POPE, Sebastian FRANSSON, Gerardo SOTO

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