INTERVIEW WITH NEW JUFC COACH BILL BYRNE

New first team coach Bill Byrne on his recent appointment at Joondalup United.

“I am very proud to be returning to JUFC as Senior Coach.
 
As the original founder of the club it has always held a place in my heart and indeed, had I not left to work overseas, I would no doubt have never left the club.
 
Next February marks the 10th anniversary of the club and it has done extremely well in those 10 years, rising from the lowest division to be starting its 3rd season in the Premier League.
 
I have spent the last three years at Ballajura AFC as Senior Coach but it was with no hesitation whatsoever that I accepted JUFC’s offer to return. I realise there is a job to be done here and I am under no illusions that it will be easy, but I am confident that with a positive attitude from everyone on and off the park we will progress as a club in the coming seasons.
 
As a coach I have a strong belief in treating all players both honestly and fairly. I firmly believe in maintaining discipline on the park and not being sucked into silly yellow/red cards through “losing our cool”. That wins you nothing.
 
I will always be available to any player who wants to talk to me about their position in the squad or any other matter and I am prepared to speak to players one on one at any time.
 
I will be looking at all players who turn up for preseason with no pre-conceived ideas about who will form the eventual squad. In other words its up to everyone to show they deserve a spot in the First/Reserve team.
 
My ambitions for JUFC are exacty what they were 10 years ago – to establish JUFC as a feared and respected Premier League club. I will be looking for all players to share that ambition over the coming seasons.”
 
Bill

Results State League Round 13

Football West State league Premier Division Results Sunday, July 19 2009

Stirling Lions 0 v 1 Sorrento FC

Football West State league Premier Division Results Friday, July 17 2009

Floreat Athena 1 v 1 Mandurah City

First Team

Floreat Athena 1 (Scott 25p) Mandurah City 1 (Platts 13) ; Canning City 3 (Newcombe 5, Trevisiol 41, Oliver 88,) Swan United 3 (Webb 27, Perich 48, Scali 73,); Cockburn City 0 Armadale 1 (Robinson 88,); Inglewood United 0 Western Knights 2 (Micevski 73, Campbell 88,); ECU Joondalup 3 (Wapp 14, 35, Collins 17,) Perth SC 2 (Arnold 3, Onoforo 81,);

Reserves

Floreat Athena 2 Mandurah City 2 ; Canning City 1 Swan United 3; Cockburn City 1 Armadale 2; Inglewood United 2 Western Knights 0; ECU Joondalup 2 Perth SC 3;

Under 18’s

Floreat Athena Mandurah City; Canning City 1 Swan United 2; Cockburn City 3 Armadale 1; Inglewood United 0 Western Knights 3; ECU Joondalup 9 Perth SC 2;

Division One Results – Saturday, 18 July 2009

First Team

Bayswater City 4 (Catalano 10, 59, Hafez 22, Jeans 35,) Forrestfield United 1 (Kingdon 62,); Fremantle Spirit 1 (Kuppsamy 69,) Dianella White Eagles 1 (Njegic 74p); Morley-Windmills 8 (Sherwan 58, 78, 89, Harman 64, 73, 81, Konomana 38, McIlroy 90,) Queens Park 0; South West Phoenix 1 (Suttie 30,) Balcatta 3 (Rosendale 65, 84, 90,); Wanneroo City 0 Gosnells City 0; Rockingham City v Ashfield 7.00pm

Reserves

Bayswater City 0 Forrestfield United 1; Fremantle Spirit 2 Dianella White Eagles 1; Morley-Windmills 10 Queens Park 0; South West Phoenix 2 Balcatta 3; Wanneroo City 2 Gosnells City 1;

Under 18’s

Bayswater City 1 Forrestfield United 1; Fremantle Spirit 5 Dianella White Eagles 0; Morley-Windmills 2 Queens Park 1; South West Phoenix 2 Balcatta 0; Wanneroo City 2 Gosnells City 2;

Three off as Arena beat Dallies

Spearwood Dalmatinac 0 Arena Joondalup United 2

A fixture error by Football West forced Arena Joondalup United to forfeit home advantage and instead make the long trek to Dalmatinac Park to take on Spearwood Dalmatinac in this crucial game with just two points separating the teams at the start of play.

The game started at a high tempo with several crunching tackles made as both teams fought to make an early strike. It was the “home” team Arena Joondalup who settled the quicker and began to play what has become in recent weeks their trademark quality football, however it was the away team Spearwood who had the first opportunity when an gilt edged chance was hit against the post when it seemed to all a goal was certain. 

Several yellow cards followed in the next few minutes as the official appeared to overreact too hard but fair challenges from both teams, finally the opening goal was scored on the half hour mark when a mazy dribble by Arena’s Ryan Green down the left was backed up by an even better cross to the far post which was met by the big unit Steve Trowbridge who showed great vision to head the ball back across goal to his strike partner Josh “Messi” Rolls who was left with a simple finish from close-range to open the scoring 1-0 much to the delight of the travelling faithful!

Arena Joondalup took control of proceedings and were unlucky not to go further ahead however the game appeared to take a twist when on 42 minutes following what appeared nothing more than handbags at six paces the Arena Joondalup United skipper Ian Bunton was shown a straight red by the over zealous referee.  The remaining minutes until the break passed without incident and the scoreline remained 1-0 to the home team.

Arena Joondalup United coach Nick Jennings re-organised his team at the break with the emphasis on defence and counter attacks at pace, this game plan was carried out to perfection and Spearwood had no idea how to break down the two banks of Arena Joondalup defenders. 

On the hour mark after dispelling another attack Josh Rolls chased and harried the Spearwood defence into an error and after being gifted the ball he clinically slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper to make the score 2-0 to the boys in blue.

A further four yellow cards followed in the next few minutes much to the amazement of both benches, this had the effect of unsettling the Arena team down to 10 men, and Spearwood should of scored on at least one occasion, they hit the crossbar and twice forwards unmarked inside the six yard box were thwarted by great saves from the Arena custodian Matt Williams. 

With 15 minutes to go this enthralling game seemed to take another twist when following a collision with a Spearwood forward Williams was knocked out and suffered an injury to his cheekbone which forced him from the field, with no substitute keeper amongst the subs it was Steve Trowbridge who donned the gloves and went between the posts.

Within minutes with the Spearwood forward going nowhere Trowbridge had a moment of madness and conceded a penalty kick by bringing him down, however what followed was a full length save diving to his left and then quickly to his feet to turn the follow up wide.  This completely took the wind out of Spearwood and ill discipline saw two of their players sent of within the next five minutes and it was Arena Joondalup who finished the game camped in the Spearwood half being unlucky not to add to the scoreline which finished at 2-0 to Arena Joondalup United a result which saw them leapfrog Dallies in the table.

Arena Coach Nick Jennings was delighted with his sides battling performance. “Fantastic effort by all the boys today, who showed great determination and character to get the result.  It was a strange game with hardly a bad tackle yet somehow three players were sent off and 7 or 8 received cautions, we kept our discipline and shape and carried on doing the simple things. In the end we fully deserved the 3 points it what was i would describe as a complete team performance,” Jennings said.

“Already we are looking forward to next weeks game away to Murdoch University, in what is another six pointer, with both clubs in the wrong half of the table.” he added.

United home on the road

Hamersley Rovers 1 Arena Joondalup United 5

It was a confident Arena Joondalup United team that made the short trip to Carine Open Space to take on Hamersley Rovers, with both clubs locked in a relegation battle it was a massive six point game. Arena had just one change to the starting 11 with skipper Ian Bunton, returning to his former hunting ground restored to the team after missing the midweek draw with Shamrock Rovers.

The Arena Joondalup boys made a great start to the game and their short passing game and quality on the ball saw them dominate from the first whistle and within 15 minuted two Steve Trowbridge strikes saw their pressure turn into a two goal lead. It was one-way traffic with Hamersley struggling to get out of their half and it was no surprise when on the 30 minute mark that a defensive blunder gifted Ian Bunton an opportunity which he calmly slotted in the bottom corner.

Half time came and the only surprise was the boys in blue were only leading 3-0. Within minutes of the restart an in swinging Gary Andrews’ corner found the back of the net with a little assistance from the home keeper. It would of been easy for the Hamersley team to fall to pieces but too their credit they kept going and in fact starting to put the Arena defence under pressure and when a free kick from the edge of the area could only be parried by Matt Williams in the Arena goal the Hamersley centre half was the first to react and make the score 4-1.

With a few of the Arena Joondalup team starting to show heavy legs following their midweek exertions all three subs were introduced, it was one of the subs Ollie Langdale who caused panic in the Hamersley defence with a mazy dribble allowing Josh Rolls to bang home his third goal for the club in the 88th minute. There was still time for Hamersley to be awarded a penalty it was a very strange decision which mystified even the Hamersley players and officials, justice was seen to be done when the Hamersley No3 blazed the spot kick high wide and handsome. The final whistle was blown immediately with the final score Hamersley Rovers 1 Arena Joondalup United 5.

United Coach Nick Jennings was delighted with his side’s performance. “That was the best performance since I took over as coach, in difficult windy conditions we got the ball down and played some great football which was a pleasure to watch. We could quite easily of hit double figures but I’m happy to settle for the five goals and more importantly the three points as we attempt to climb away from the relegation zone,” Jennings said.

“We have another big game next week against a Spearwood Dallies team that are just two points above us in the table,” he added.

United stun league leaders Shamrock

Football West Loans Cafe Amateur Premier League leaders Shamrock Rovers were the visitors to the Arena, as United had their first home fixture for a number of weeks. In a re arranged league fixture due to State Cup commitments and with an 8.30pm kick off on a wet and windy night it was only the brave who were luckily to present to witness a game that ebbed and flowed all night.

Shamrock set the early tempo as the Arena Joondalup team struggled to deal with the pace and sharpness of the boys in green and white, but gradually they came into the game and the first 20 mins were pretty even though the clearer chances fell the way of the visitors. When central midfielder James Green picked up his second bookable offence and was dismissed from the field, this appeared to inspire Arena Boys and they completely dominated the game and began tearing to pieces the one paced Shamrock Rovers backline.

New signing 18-year-old Josh Rolls was on fire and just after the mid way mark of the half following a free flowing move, it was Rolls belying his tender years who outsmarted a hesitant defence before drilling the ball past the hapless Rovers custodian and within five minutes a carbon copy of the first goal followed yet again expertly finished by the youngster. The last five minutes of the half saw two half chances spurned by the home team who by this stage even down to 10 men were well on top.

The start of the second half was a completely different story a rejuvenated Shamrock team found themselves level within seven minutes. The first goal a moment of hesitation by the Arena Keeper left the onrushing forward with a simple finish worse was to follow when the otherwise outstanding Arena defence allowed a Shamrock to wriggle free before firing home amid mass celebrations from the Shamrock players and faithful.

Just as it seemed Arena Joondalup would buckle under enormous pressure similar to the recent Stirling Panthers game, the boys in blue found another gear and came back into the game only to receive a real kick in the teeth when Shamrock snatched the lead on 70 minutes with a clinical finish from the edge of the area.

In recent weeks that would of been that but yet again the Arena team came again and the veteran midfielder Gary Andrews having his best game in an Arena Joondalup United shirt, strode onto a square ball from Steve Trowbridge and with his left foot (what else!) buried the ball from an acute angle to bring the scores level at 3-3 with only minutes to go and send the Arena bench and supporters wild with delight. It was with much relief that the ref brought an end to the spectacle just after 10.10pm.

United Coach Nick Jennings was delighted with his side’s performance. “I was very proud of the effort put in by the boys tonight; we got the ball down and did the simple things well. Going down to 10 men appeared to inspire us, the message finally appears to be getting home that if you work hard and believe in it you get your rewards,” Jennings Said.

“We have to move on and focus on Sunday’s game away at Hamersley Rovers, which is a massive six point game as we strive to climb away from the bottom of the table. I’ve told the boys as good as the performance was tonight, it counts for nothing if we don’t follow it up and get a result on Sunday,” Jennings added.

LEGS ELEVEN FOR PREMIER MASTERS

Armadale vs MCFC

Sunday 21^st June 2009 Report by Langley Britchford

Mandurah eased their way into the last sixteen of the Soccer Pools Cup with a resounding victory away at Armadale.

Even with a depleted squad missing the likes of Rhino, James, Gary Coxon, Paul Terry, Nick Valentine and Roy, Mandurah’s quality allowed them to dominate throughout.

After they had spurned a few chances, Paul Riley opened the scoring with a calm finish, and scored again only to see his second goal disallowed by a dubious linesman’s flag.

The allegedly injured Langley made it two when the goalkeeper’s attempted pass was plucked from the air and thumped into an empty net.

A cut back from Beanie was touched to Mitch, who finished well from 18 yards making it 3-0. It was all looking too easy for Mandurah, until a back pass from Jim confused almost ever vigilant Paul Dixon in goal; who dived on the ball, realized that he could not pick it up, and therefore decided to make like a mother turtle, pull his neck into his shell and nest on the ball. This chameleon like ploy was not enough to stop 21 players from falling about with laughter and preventing Armadale from scoring. Paul’s effort is one that will go down in history and one the masters WILL definitely get lots of mileage out of.

Mandurah continued to attack; Sean Kearns’ powerful header was saved well, and Beanie couldn’t manage hit the side of a barn with a brick on the day. When Andy Whittal finally decided to honour the team with his presence, he replaced Sean Kearns up front and soon made an impression, scoring the fourth with his left foot.

The last action of the first half saw the impressive Nicky Webster (who told me to write that), play an inch perfect pass behind the defence that Langley prodded home.

The second half brought more of the same. Mandurah attacked down the right, Jamie pulled the ball back to Langley in the penalty area, and from 12 yards he controlled and thumped the ball home for his hat-trick.

When the ball broke kindly for Langley 20 yards out, he gobbled up the chance to score his fourth with a finish into the bottom left corner of the net.

Armadale were clearly tiring, but Mandurah were enjoying themselves, despite Beanie’s increasingly desperate attempts to score. This report is not long enough to record every chance he spurned. War and Peace isn’t long enough…

El Presidente replaced Paul Dixon in goal, releasing the “Mutant Ninja Turtle” into the wild. His penetrating “runs” were a welcome addition to the game.

Jim’s debut was proving a good one, with his energetic runs down the left something to behold. As was his pink shampoo!

A superb cross from the right by Beanie found the Obsessive Compulsive (OC), Neil Patten-Williams, whose attempt to finish fell into the path of Nicky Webster who scored from a yard out.

Move of the match saw “OC” play the ball to Andy, who passed to Paul Riley. OC continued his run, was found by Paul and finished well from 6 yards.

The law of probability and inevitability meant that Beanie’s 107^th attempt at scoring was a success. He ran through the centre of the defence, skipped (in the best schoolgirl fashion) around the goalkeeper, just managing to stay on his feet, and finished well from a difficult angle 4 yards out.

With so much goal action it is difficult to remember, but at some stage in the game Andy Whittal scored his second.

Neil Patten-Williams might be obsessive compulsive, but once again did the honours and brought an esky of beer which was much appreciated by all.

Final score: Armadale 1 vs MCFC 11

Arena Joondalup’s cup run continues

Sunday 21st June – The 3rd round of the Amateur Cup saw Arena Joondalup United on their travels once more this time to take on Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve.  It was the 5th Division side who started the better and with the goal machine Sal Marrappodi looking very threatening from the first whistle it was a good job that the ever impressive Aaron Platten was up to the challenge and was able to nulify his threat. 

Bayawater continued to threaten and the Arena defence under pressure gave away a couple of free kicks around the edge of the area, both were well saved by the Arena custodian Matt Williams. The Arena machine suddenly sprang into life and three easy opportunities were spurned before midday way through the half, big Steve Trowbridge outmuscled the keeper and was left with a simple header which looped into the net. At 1-0 the Arena boys relaxed a little and began knocking the ball around like a premier team should half time came without any addition to the score, which was amazing as Steve Trowbridge was presented at full stretch an opportunity on the goal line of Bayswater he defied gravity and somehow put the ball 20 yards over the empty net, leaving even the Arena Joondalup coach Nick Jennings lost for words!!.

Ollie Langdale was introduced wide on the right at the break this had the desired effect and which stretched the Bayswater defence and caused them a number of scares.  On the hour mark a free flowing move resulted in debutant 18-year-old Josh Rolls reversing the ball to his onrushing skipper Ian Bunton who steadied himself before rifling home from just inside the 18-yard-box. 

At 2-0 the game seemed over, but after Arena Joondalup missed four opportunities in the next 10 minutes, the pendulum swing and Marrappodi was presented with gifts in front of goal which luckily he blazed wide on both occasions. 

After this the game petered out as Bayswater ran out of steam and Arena Joondalup were happy to play keep ball in the latter stages of the game and celebrated at the final whistle a good 2 nil victory there last win since the 2nd round of the cup!
 
United Coach Nick Jennings said:”It was a job well done today a lot of people were predicting an upset today with Bayswater being the top scorers in Amateur Football and us struggling a bit at the moment. We were professional in the way we approached the game and we are very pleased to be in the hat for the next round of the cup.”

Panthers roar late to beat United

Sunday 14th June - United visit the home of Stirling Panthers in what was the first meeting between the two clubs.  The high flying Panthers came out of the traps flying in an attempt to batter the Arena boys into an early submission, however the Arena defence superbly marshalled by Aaran Platten and ably assisted by Gary Asbridge and Steve Mills repelled all attacks without any real scares. 

This allowed the Arena boys in the middle of the park to slowly take control and is was no surprise when midway through the first half a free flowing move was smashed home from 25 yds by Joondalup No 9 Steve Trowbridge his first goal for the club.  Arena Joondalup took control and were unlucky not to add to the lead before the half time break came at 1-0 to the away team. 

The second half started in much the same vain with the better football being played by the boys in blue, Stirling created a couple of half chances but seemed to be running out of ideas when 10 minutes from time they were awarded a hotly disputed free kick 20 yds from goal.  This resulting shot at goal was deflected into the back of the net off the Arena wall which brought massive celebrations from the Panthers players, this double stroke of luck invigorated the team in red and black and and confidence could be seen to drain immediately from the Arena Joondalup players.

The Panthers threw wave after wave of attacks at the Arena team and the result was 3 goals in the next 5 minutes which saw Stirling run out 4-1 winners and consolidate their 2nd spot on the ladder whilst Arena Joondalup were left to dream about what might of been and contemplate life at the wrong end of the table.
 
United Coach Nick Jennings said:” I couldnt of asked anymore from my players for the first 80 minutes of the game we executed our game plan to perfection and were looking very comfortable at 1 nil up.  However as often happens when you are down at the wrong end of the table crucial decisions and lady luck tend to go against you and once that 1st goal went in the boys fell apart.  No excuses though the Stirling boys kept going for 90 minutes and good luck to them.  We have a rest from the league this week and instead turn our attention to the cup where we have been drawn away (yet again) vs Bayswater City so we look forward to taking on this free scoring team from Division 5″

City Knock United Out of the Social Cup!

South Perth United Div 1 vs. Mandurah City SDV2

 

Report by: “The mouth from the south”

 

Mandurah City qualified for the last 16 of the Social Cup in extraordinary circumstances with an away win over South Perth United on Sunday afternoon.

 

The match finished scoreless after 90 minutes and a penalty shoot-out was needed to settle the result. Mandurah were eventual 2-1 winners in the shoot-out after a number of penalties were missed and saved from both sides.

 

South Perth started the game strongly and could have been in front within the first 10 minutes. A number of attacking raids from United caused trouble for the City defence who were almost caught out but equal to the task. If anything it sent a shockwave through the Mandurah team, they were up against some decent opposition this time around.

 

Mandurah were on the back foot in the early stages but could have snatched the lead with a couple of their own chances. Nothing clear cut, but enough to give the social boys hope. Mark Kidd’s pace was once again testing the opposition and they were finding it hard to contain him.

 

Jack Power was handed a spot in the starting 11 and was determined to make an impact. A long range cross from Shannon Watson was directed towards the back post and Jack charged for the ball. He had every intention of playing for the ball but unfortunately collected the opposing goalkeeper in the process. The huge collision resulted in what seemed to be a serious injury for the keeper and he didn’t play any further part in the match. 

 

City were counting their lucky stars going in to half time without conceding a goal. Scott Butler pulled off a couple of fine saves and a city defence led by Leon Savage and David Mains scrambled well.

 

There was also a bit of controversy when the referee awarded an indirect free kick against Mandurah inside their own 18 yard box for a debatable foul. The argument raged for a couple of minutes with United trying to claim a penalty. The referee eventually overturned his decision and went for a drop ball outside the box. Go figure….

 

The second half was a better period of football for Mandurah City. Surprisingly their fitness seemed to play a major part in the latter stages of the match and it almost paid dividends.

 

Les Butler waited until the final 20 minutes to make his change. James Turnbull and Jessie were introduced. The fresh legs helped City go forward and freed up a bit of room in the centre of the park for the ever improving Jacob Papp and Ben Lucas.

 

Some excellent goal line defending was the only thing that stopped Ben Lucas’ late strike from giving Mandurah the lead. James Turnbull was also prevented by the width of the upright, 2 great chances that went begging.

 

Mandurah certainly had the best of the chances for the second half but United were no pushover. They showed why they are in first division and kept coming up until the final whistle. The only thing preventing South Perth from scoring on the counter was an excellent display of effort and passion from the Mandurah team. Michael Kohne and Adam were excellent in defence and helped reinforce the strong backline.

 

 Before the final whistle could be blown more controversy marred the game. The referee awarded Perth with a late penalty when Leon Savage was accused of fouling an opposing player. The decision was once again overturned due to a foul throw in the lead up play to the penalty. It infuriated the United players and only helped to fuel the fire. The Match finished at 0-0 and went straight to a penalty shootout.

 

South Perth easily converted their first penalty. Mandurah failed. 1-0 United.

 

The next few minutes were amazing and a better script could not have been written. In a man of the match performance Scott Butler pulled of some heroic goal keeping and saved the next 3 penalty attempts from United. Mandurah failed with their next 2 attempts but managed to score their 4^th attempt.

 

After 4 attempts from both sides the shootout was leveled at 1-1. South Perth United sent out their last penalty taker and the tension was almost unbearable. The unlucky lad stepped up and tried to belt a hole through the net, too much power and not enough finesse, it sailed over the bar.

 

Mandurah had the opportunity to win the game with their final penalty. Mark Woodhouse was the man responsible for the job and he calmly stepped up to the spot. The replacement keeper for United had done a fantastic job all day, pulling off a number of fantastic saves in the game and also the shoot-out. However this time he couldn’t pull it off, Woodhouse belted the ball beyond the keepers reach and sent Mandurah through to the final 16. A fine strike and celebration from the young lad, the boy certainly enjoyed it as did the entire team.

 

A fantastic match of football and a fine result for the Mandurah boys. Bring on the next round.

 

Man of the match: Scott Butler

Soccer Pools Cup Quarter-final Draw

The draw for the quarter-finals of the Soccer Pools Cup was made today on ‘The World Football Show’ on Radio Fremantle.

The draw was made by Football West Public Relations and Events Coordinator Kiera Treloar.

Holders Western Knights have home ground advantage with first division South West Phoenix heading to Nash Field.

The only amateur side still left in the competition, Shamrock Rovers, face a tough test with a trip to the Clipsal Stadium.

While the other two games are Premier League clashes, with Perth SC hosting Stirling Lions and Armadale hosting Floreat Athena. Games to be played 4^th July

 

Full draw

1^st Team – Perth SC v Stirling Lions – Dorrien Gardens

23’s – ECU Joondalup v Stirling Lions

18’s – Cockburn City v Sorrento

1^st Team – Western Knights v South West Phoenix – Nash Field

23’s – Bayswater City v South West Phoenix

18’s – Bayswater City v Fremantle Spirit

1^st Team – Armadale v Floreat Athena – Alfred Skeet Oval

23’s – Mandurah City v Floreat Athena

18’s – Canning City v Swan United

1^st Team – Inglewood United v Shamrock Rovers – Clipsal Stadium

23’s – Inglewood United v Dianella White Eagles

18’s – Inglewood United v Dianella White Eagles

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