Glory leaves it late to beat WA

Perth Glory scored two goals in second half stoppage-time to beat the Western Australian State side 3-1 in the ‘Call to Arms Cup’ at the E&D Litis Stadium on Wednesday evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teams

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

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

Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

Assistants – Joe Fusari and Josh Mannella

Fourth Official – Josh Mihevc

Attendance – 3,121

Stateleague and Cup Results

Cup – Semi Finals

Sunday 25 July 2010

(full time) Floreat Athena 6 v 0 Armadale .

Saturday 24 July 2010

Stirling Lions 4 (OG 24, Ingram 27, Marcinko 31, Muirhead 42) Swan United 0.

Reserves

Perth SC 1 ECU Joondalup 1 (ECU won on penalties).

Under 18’s

Perth SC 3 Bunbury Forum Force 1.

Division 1 (full time)

Wanneroo City 3 Morley-Windmills 2; Queens Park 1 (Chikombe 25) Bunbury Forum Force 11 (Binnie 3, 55, Prosser 10, 67, Quinn 44, 51, 71, Stewart 70, 75, 83, 85); Gosnells City 2 (Francis 7, Pomfret 81) Bayswater City 4 (Murulanda 6, 65, Diamondstar 84, Andres 86); Ashfield 2 (OG 57, Montorosso 81) Fremantle Spirit 0; Canning City 2 (Onyuku 16, Murgia 86) Forrestfield United 2 (Anderson 23, Burns 60); Dianella White Eagles 2 (Bogunovic 20, 66, Jelen 91) Rockingham City 0.

Reserves

Wanneroo City 7 Morley-Windmills 3; Queens Park 1 Bunbury Forum Force 9; Gosnells City 2 Bayswater City 5; Ashfield 0 Fremantle Spirit 3; Canning City 2 Forrestfield United 2; Dianella White Eagles 9 Rockingham City 0.

Under 18’s

Wanneroo City 2 Morley-Windmills 1; Gosnells City 3 Bayswater City 3; Canning City 0 Forrestfield United 3; Dianella White Eagles 3 Rockingham City 3.

Lions into the Cup Final after mauling the Swans

Stirling Lions reached the final of the State League Cup after thrashing Swan United 4-0, in the semi-final at Macedonia Park on Saturday.

All the damage was done in the first half, with the Lions racing to a four goal lead. An own goal by United keeper Cory Hugo, and further goals from Tom Ingram, Mario Marcinko and super free kick from Scott Muirhead earned the APB Premier Division leaders a spot in the final on the 22nd August.

Both sides were forced into changes for the game, with the host losing Michael Pugliese and Shane Robinson to suspension from the side that drew 2-2 at Sorrento last week; Paul Dickson and Matt Stares replaced them. United lost Brendan Craig, from the side that beat ECU Joondalup last week, with an ankle injury, his spot in the side went to Morgan Dendle.

The visitors opened brightly and went close on seven minutes. James Sammut’s cross from the left found Brendan Knox whose goal bound shot was well blocked by Jason Gavin.

United suffered a massive blow moments later when influential defender Michael van Dongen limped off and was replaced by Chris Marshall.

The Lions began to take control and they should have hit the front on 12 minutes. A pinpoint cross from Dickson found the unmarked Ludovic Boi, but his header from five-yards was straight at Cory Hugo. Moments later Ingram tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his curling shot flashed just wide.

United, who are fighting in the relegation places in the APB Premier Division, went close to the opener on 18 minutes, Sammut’s corner from the right was headed inches over by David McNally.

With the game in the balance the Lions hit the front in controversial circumstances on 24 minutes. Muirhead’s cross from the right was claimed by Hugo, but the keeper lost his balance and fell back in the goal. He looked to have pushed the ball away before it crossed the line, but the referee’s assistant Joe Fusari was well placed and the goal stood, much to the displeasure of the United players.

This seemed to rattle the visitors and three minutes later it was 2-0. Bobby Wilson picked out Ingram on the left, he outpaced Dendle before firing past Hugo from eight-yards.

It got worse for Jamie Goodman’s side, when four minutes later it was 3-0. A great through ball from Ingram sent Marcinko clear, and the former Perth Glory Youth striker outpaced United defender McNally before lobbing Hugo from 10-yards.

The home side continued to press and Phil Arnold headed wide from Ingram’s cross on 38 minutes, and Marcinko fired inches over after Boi’s through ball, but they were rewarded on 42 minutes with a fourth.

A free kick was awarded on the edge of the box after Robert Monterosso brought down Ingram. Up stepped Muirhead and curled the ball around the wall and into the net, to give the Lions a 4-0 lead at the break, much to the delight of the big crowd at Macedonia Park.

After the break United received a lifeline, when on 55 minutes they were awarded a penalty by referee Steve Gregory. Sammut’s through ball sent Tommy Shepheard clear, and he was bundled down by keeper James Turvill. Trent Wood stepped up but Turvill guessed correctly to save. It was the fourth penalty United had missed in the last three games.

It wasn’t the visitors’ day, and they were soon in trouble again, when second half substitute Ndumba Makeche sped clear of the United defence and played in Ingram, whose shot was superbly saved low by Hugo.

The result was in the bag for the Lions, but both sides went close as the game opened up. First on 65 minutes United’s second half substitutes combined, when Christian Lopez found Liam Boland on the left, his first time shot whistled just wide.

Then on 78 minutes, Muirhead’s corner from the left found Arnold, the Lions striker headed over from close-range, and moments later Boi’s long-range shot was saved low by Hugo.

It was the home side that ended the better, with Paul Lincoln showing no mercy on his former club. First 83 minutes, a great run by Stef Frost saw him waltz past three United players before picking out Arnold, whose shot was well blocked by Hugo.

Then Arnold was the provider five minutes later, he found Makeche, whose shot from eight-yards was saved low by Hugo.

It was an emphatic victory to the Lions, and Coach Paul Lincoln was happy with the win. “We started a little bit slow today, but once we got the first goal we got the momentum and won the game pretty comfortably,” Lincoln said.

“I was a bit disappointed in Swan today, but I think they’ve got their minds on other things in the league at the moment.”

United Coach Jamie Goodman was extremely disappointed with his side’s performance. “We had a couple of chances in the first ten minutes, but didn’t take them,” Goodman said.

“I’d like to see the replay on the first goal, which turned the game. It looked like Cory had cleared the ball, but after that we lacked a bit of tempo and composure and we got what we deserved today,” Goodman said.

In other semi-final games on the day, Perth SC under 18’s beat Bunbury Forum Force 18’s 3-1, with goals from Chris Rizidis 2, and Gene Magri.

In the 23’s semi-final, ECU Joondalup beat Perth SC 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at full time. Max Pope had given ECU Joondalup the lead in the first half, before substitute Chris Rizidis equalised in the second half. It went to penalties where ECU keeper Andy Banks was the hero, saving the last two penalties to send them into the final.

State League Cup – Semi-Final

Saturday 24th July 2010

Stirling Lions 4 ((Hugo OG 24’, Ingram 27’, Marcinko 31’, Muirhead 42’)

Swan United 0.

@Macedonia Park

Referee – Steven Gregory

Assistants – Joe Fusari and Michal Jasinski

Fourth Official – Paul Anderson

Attendance – 300

STIRLING LIONS: GK James TURVILL, 3 Scott MUIRHEAD, 4 Jason GAVIN, 6 Paul DICKSON (12 Dennis GALAN 74’), 7 Tom INGRAM (15 Adriano D’ADAMO 82’), 8 Bobby WILSON, 9 Mario MARCINKO (17 Ndumba MAKECHE 58’), 10 Ludovic BOI, 11 Stef FROST, 14 Phil ARNOLD, 16 Matt STARES

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Kevin MILLER, 2 Dave HUNT

Yellow Card – Nil

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD, 8 Michael VAN DONGEN (2 Chris MARSHAL 7’)L, 10 David PERICH, 11 James SAMMUT 12 Brendan KNOX, 15 David McNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY (18 Christian LOPEZ 61’), 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (17 Liam BOLAND 61’), 22 Morgan DENDLE, 24 Robert MONTEROSSO

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 13 Michael TRONCHIN

Yellow Cards – Monterosso 73’

Baird at the double as Glory beat Adelaide

Perth Glory continued their preparation to the new A-League season by recorded a 3-1 victory against Adelaide United in a pre-season friendly at the Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State League Cup semi-final preview

The state league Cup Semi-Final takes centre stage this weekend with Stirling Lions hosting Swan United at Macedonia Park on Saturday, while cup holders Floreat Athena entertain Armadale at the E&D Litis Stadium on Sunday, both games kicking off at 2.30pm.
The last time the Lions met United in the cup was the 2006 final when the Lions won in a penalty shoot out, and the league leaders will hope to add another victory on Saturday.

They overcame Balcatta in the last round, and will go into the game as strong favourites. Phil Arnold scored the winning spot kick in the cup final, and he has formed a good partnership with Mario Marcinko and they will have to be watched closely by the United defence. Influential midfielder Shane Robinson will miss the game due to suspension, along with defender Michael Pugliese, but Lions coach Paul Lincoln, who left United earlier in the season, will hope Paul Dickson will be available for selection after missing the 2-2 draw against Sorrento last week. “I think the game will be tight as Swan have been playing well, we go in as favourites but as we all know cup games are on the day. I’m well aware of Swans history in Cup games so we know the game will be a real contest,” Lincoln said.

“The Cup is an opportunity to win a trophy and although we don’t get three points on the day we are one game away from a Grand Final. The only pressure is that we are expected to win. We have set some high expectations this season and one of those is winning the Cup.”

United beat first division leaders Bunbury Forum Force in the quarter finals, and with midfielders Darragh Kinnevey and James Sammut performing well, United head into the game in good form, after drawing with Floreat Athena and beating ECU Joondalup in recent weeks. Brendan Craig is in doubt with an ankle injury, while Stuart Long and Alan O’Mahoney are both cup tied, but they do regain the services of teenage striker Liam Boland, who comes up against his former club.

Swans Coach Jamie Goodman is looking forward to the challenge, and coaching against his mate Linc’s. “The boys are looking forward to the clash against Stirling and will rightly be considered underdogs. We are playing a Stirling side that are top of the league and the game is now on their home ground, and we’re playing against a Swans former coach, so it will provide plenty of motivation for us. We have pushed the Lions twice this year and are coming of a great win at ECU. I am quietly confident that we can cause a massive upset, as we have nothing to lose,” Goodman said.

“This game is an opportunity for the guys to play with a lot more freedom and express themselves. We have been playing well and it is good for our guys to keep playing. We are one win away from a cup final and we would love to get there.”

Current holders of the cup, Floreat, beat Sorrento in the quarter finals, but are coming off a loss to the Reds in the league last week. Branimir Mikulic has been on fire in front of goal and currently leads the goal scoring table, and his partnership with Johnny Mirco will be vital for the home side. At the back, Jovo Pavlovic returns from suspension and he will form a tight unit with Julian Madaschi and Ante Kovacivic.

Assistant Coach Taki Nicolaidis will look for an improvement from his side this week. “Armadale’s form has been good recently and come into the game full of confidence after beating us last week. With a grand final at stake I have every confidence that our boys will be up for the challenge in what I expect will be a very tough game,” Nicolaidis said

“I don’t feel there is any pressure on us as cup holders however with both teams one step away from a grand final neither team can afford an off day.”

In team news John Migas will be missing due to a family wedding, while Paul Vatitsas will still be missing with a chest infection.

Armadale beat the odds in the quarter finals, beating Cockburn City 3-2, after coming from 0-1 down in the first half with ten men, and are on a good run of form, including the win against Floreat in the league last week. Strikers James Robinson and Matt Barlow are causing defence’s problems and they have had great service from midfielders Tom Robinson, Lewis Flatt and Marlon Ramirez.

Reds Coach Brad Hassell’s knows it will be a tough game. “After beating them last week it’s going to be tough to do it again. What we’ve found each time we’ve played the same team twice in two weeks is that if you win the first game you lose the 2nd. It comes down to how strong players and teams are mentally prepared, can we step up again knowing that they are going to come at us from the very first whistle, while have to wait and see. We won’t feel the pressure as we are the underdogs in this game, and win or lose it has been good to get this far, a first for our great club,” Hassel said.

In team news John Watson is doubtful, after limping off against Perth Glory, while Steve Porter will have a late fitness test.

Aspden flies into the Gulls nest

When Sorrento keeper Tom Woodhead announced he was heading back home to the UK, the club wasted no time in bringing Curtis Aspden to replace him.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed his stint in the state league so far, and is looking forward to the rest of the season in Perth. “The club have been great to me and made me feel really welcome. I’m living with club secretary Kerry Slater, which I’m real grateful for, and he has really helped me settle in really easily since I arrived,” Aspden said.

A phone call from a former coach was the first Aspden knew of the move down under but he’s glad to be here. “I was at Hull City for four years as an apprentice and a professional, and an old coach that I’ve kept in contact with rang me and said that Trevor Morgan was looking for a goalkeeper in Perth, and obviously I was never going to turn the opportunity down,” Aspden said.

The Gulls had been on a three game losing streak; before a hard fought 2-2 draw against league leaders Stirling Lions last week, which Aspden said showed the character in the side. “To be honest we only have a small squad at the club, and a couple of injuries and one or two suspensions really set us back. But with a full team on Saturday we fancy our chances against anybody, and I thought we dug in well right to the end. They were a good team and deservedly are at the top but we as a team are not far behind as you could tell from our performance,” Aspden explained.

Aspden has been a professional footballer over in the UK for a number of years and he has enjoyed every minute. “I was signed by Hull City as an apprentice and then signed a two year professional contract. After that I was sold to Farsley Celtic, in the conference in England, were I spent 18 months before moving to Northwich Victoria. My highlight would be beating Charlton Athletic in the first round of the FA Cup in 2009, for Northwich, which was screened live on TV and made the club a lot of money, the Victoria Stadium was packed,” Aspden said.

Monterosso looks for Cup success

Swan United defender Robert Monterosso is looking forward to this weekend’s cup semi final against Stirling Lions, and hopes to erase a bad memory from his football career, when United were beaten on penalties by the Lions in the 2006 Cup final. “The memories of that day still echo through the halls at Swan. The boys still talk about that day and what could have been,” Monterosso said.

“There is more than enough motivation, on more than one level throughout the team for this weekend’s semi. The boys have been buzzing all week, and with our current form we are definitely prepared.”

The move of Paul Lincoln to the Lions came as a surprise to all, but Monterosso believes the transition to new coach Jamie Goodman has been great for the club. “It was a shock when Linc’s left, but I think Jamie has stepped up quite well, especially under the circumstances. He has done an amazing job with the lads, we are playing some good football, especially recently. A lot of the training sessions are largely focussed on one and two touch, which is starting to come through more and more on match days,” Monterosso explained.

It’s been a season of fluctuating form for the black and whites, but the 27-year-old believes they have been playing some good football. “It’s been a tough season for us; our position on the ladder in my opinion doesn’t truly reflect the way we have played. Our performances have been quite good, although the final result seems to always elude us. We’ve had a few draws which could have been wins had chances been taken, but that’s football, on another day we may have taken them,” Monterosso said.

That fighting Swans spirit was shown last week when they beat ECU Joondalup on the road, and Monterosso it was a vital three points. “It was great to win against Joondalup, not to mention a much needed result for our football club,” Monterosso said.

“I think a lot of teams write us off before we even walk on the park due to our position on the ladder, but I can tell you the ladder at the moment means nothing with three points splitting basically the bottom half of the table. We are also starting to score more goals which have been an issue for us this season, and if we continue in the form we have the past few weeks, it can only mean good things for us.”

Monterosso has been outstanding in the middle of the back four at Francis Street, along with David McNally, a player Monterosso has been impressed with this season. “Macca is quiet, and up until this season I wasn’t sure if he spoke,” Monterosso joked.
“He certainly makes me feel confident at the back; I know that if he goes up for a header or goes in for a tackle, 90% of the time he wins the challenge. All that time spent next to Aaron Cole must have rubbed off on him, and he has certainly come a long way since his first team debut a couple of years ago.”

Coach Jamie Goodman has been impressed with the form of Monterosso and he hopes it continues for the rest of the season. “Rob has been a fantastic player who has forged a solid central defence pairing with Dave McNally. Rob who had been mainly a right sided player, but took advantage of an injury to Darko Ilomanoski earlier in the season and was used as a makeshift centre back, but he has now made that spot his own. He is one of the Swan stalwarts and is a great character to have around the club, and has certainly showed the younger squad members a thing or two,” Goodman said..

United have brought some new faces to the club this season, and Monterosso believes it bodes well for the club. “It’s hard to single any of the young lads out, as I think they all offer something different to the team.
Jimmy Sammut has the vision and creativity of a player beyond his years, while Liam Boland has proven himself in his debut season playing the lone striker role, as well as pulling his weight in other striking formations. Darragh Kinnevey has slotted into the midfield with great ease and gives the tough tackling element a bit further up the ground, and he doesn’t mind a volley or two from outside the box, just ask the ECU keeper,” Monterosso said…

Turvill stands tall for the Lions

Stirling Lions keeper James Turvill (Photo by Tom Gordon) has made giant strides at the Macedonia Park club, since joining from Heathridge FC last season. He impressed in the Night series and after Kevin Miller was injured against Perth in round 12, he stepped up and has real enjoyed the challenge. “I made the decision to step up from amateur football last season and I was looking for a club where I could get good coaching and gain experience in the reserves and have the opportunity to step up to the first team if required, and I chose the Lions” Turvill said.

“I was shocked when in pre-season Kevin was injured and the coach then Mick Lyons picked me for the pre-season competition and the first few league games. I thought I did OK, and it gave me a great deal of confidence. Unfortunately I hurt my back, but luck be have it Kevin was fit again and he re-took his spot.”

Turvill went back into the reserves and performed well, and when Scottish keeper Miller hurt his ribs against Perth, Turvill came into the side and has impressed ever since. “I felt I was going well in the reserves and when Kevin got injured I took me opportunity earlier than I thought, but I’m really enjoying my football at the moment, and we’re playing well,” Turvill explained.

“After the initial change of coach and the new players that have come into the side, it took us a while to get used to each other; however I believe we have developed into a well balanced team. We have been playing a good brand of football, but with all teams beating each other I think it will go down to the wire at both ends of the table.”

Turvill made some outstanding saves early in the Sorrento game last week, and Lions Coach Paul Lincoln is happy with Turvill’s form to date. “James has performed well since taking over for the injured Kevin Miller. He made some outstanding saves against Sorrento last week, and he is still learning his trade, and for me I think he has a bright future,” Lincoln said.

“His father Paul who is the clubs goal keeper coach, and is a great mentor and I can only see James improving if he is prepared to do the hard work which is required to play at the next level. “

The 19-year-old has made the most of his chances in the first team, and with the experienced Bobby Wilson, Jason Gavin and Michael Pugliese in front of him, it has helped him greatly to settle in the side. “Bobby, Gavs and Pug’s have a lot of experience at different levels, so at first I was a bit overwhelmed, but we have all settled down. The pair are physically strong, committed and wear their hearts on their sleeve. They have given me a lot of encouragement, allowing me to develop and gain more confidence,” Turvill explained.

After the surprise change of coach early in the season at Macedonia Park, Turvill has been delighted the way new coach Paul Lincoln, has gone about his business, and he believes the results are showing. “Linc’s has been great, he’s been able to gel the players as a group, while getting the best out of individuals. He consults with the player group, while making the final decisions in a logical and open manner. He has made it clear to everyone at the club, that no matter your age or experience, if you’re good enough and doing the business you will be selected,” Turvill said.

The family ties are strong at the club with dad, Paul, putting James through his paces at training as the Lions’ goalkeeping coach, and he is thriving between the sticks now, but he wanted to be a midfielder. “Dad has coached my teams over my junior years, and has always said along a number of my mates that I could be a goalkeeper, but I thought I was better in midfield,” Turvill said.

“While my dad was keen for me to be a keeper, he did not push me, as he said I had to want to do it for myself. Once I made that decision he has been really supportive in many ways. Getting the correct technique coaching, has fast tracked my development big time and it’s given me the encouragement and believe, that if I keep working hard I hope I can progress to another level, hopefully gaining a professional contract” Turvill explained.

This week the Lions host Swan United in the State League Cup semi-final and the keeper knows it will be tight encounter. “Swans are a hard team to play against, as they fight for ever ball and always try to go forward. It will be a tight game as both teams have some good form going into the game,” Turvill said.

Mirco looks to go Back-to-Back for Floreat

Johnny Mirco (photo by Tom Gordon) is looking for Floreat Athena to back-to-back in the State League Cup, after he missed out on last year’s success, due to being cup-tied.

He has had another good season for Athena and has been recognised with a place in Peter Murphy’s 18 man WA State squad, to play the Glory next week. “It is great to be chosen to represent W.A, and I’m really looking forward to the game against Glory. I think this is a great honour for players especially for me at my age,” Mirco said.

Athena assistant coach Taki Nicolaidis believes Mirco is a vital part of the side. “John is a big game player and a match winner. His form this season has been good and has assisted in setting up many goals along with chiming in with a few himself, and he has been rewarded with selection in this year’s state team,” Nicolaidis said.

Athena is only five points off the top of the table but has fallen away in recent weeks and Mirco believes the league is tight this season and anyone can beat anyone if you’re not switched on. “This season has been a bit up and down though I think the league is a lot tighter this year. Any team can beat anyone on their day, just look at Cockburn down the bottom with players that can destroy any team and they also had three chosen for the state team which was great to see,” Mirco explained.

The 32-year-old joined Floreat from Cockburn City last season, and he hopes they can move away from the foot of the table this season. “It is really disappointing for me to see Cockburn in the relegation zone and to change coaches, as I believe Scotty Miller is the person for the job, but sometimes things just don’t work out. I hope that they pull themselves out as it would be a shame for a club like Cockburn to go down,” Mirco said.

Goals have been flowing for the club this season with Mirco finding the net seven times in the league, while Branimir Mikulic heads the Golden boot chart. The pair has formed a good partnership and Mirco hopes it continues this season. “Bran, Bergs (Daniel Neiderberger) and I have had a good understanding which has worked well for Athena, but we have many players that can damage teams. It would be great to see bran win the Premier League top goal scorer this season league, as I’ve helped him along the way,” Mirco said.

On Sunday they host Armadale in the cup and Mirco hopes they can improve the result from last week’s league game. “The result on the weekend didn’t go our way, although we didn’t play well we still created enough chances to steal the game,” Mirco said.
“They seem to have the wood over us this year, so it would be great to come out Sunday and get some revenge. I’m sure both teams will be looking forward to this one, it will be a great game to see for any neutral,” Mirco said.

Flatt goes in search of Cup final debut

Armadale will go in search of their first ever cup final appearance when they take on Floreat Athena in the State League Cup semi-final on Sunday, and for new recruit Lewis Flatt it’s a chance they don’t want to let slip by.

It’s been a season of high’s and low’s at the club but one Flatt has enjoyed. “The only thing predictable about the league this season is its unpredictability. At the moment we’re playing well and the atmosphere around the club is brilliant but we know not to get ahead of ourselves and take one game at a time,” Flatt said.

“On Sunday, as with our previous meetings we know that playing against Floreat is always a tough game, although we have to focus on what has been successful for us in the past few weeks and not be daunted by the occasion. I’m sure there will be an electrifying atmosphere at Litis Stadium on Sunday and hopefully we can progress to the final.”

The move to Alfred Skeet Oval was a decision the 21-year-old thought long and hard about. “I had seven great years at Sorrento and picked up two league medals along the way, so of course it was a tough decision to leave. It’s a good club with good people and I will always look back on my time at Sorrento fondly, but I felt I needed a fresh start. Everyone at Armadale made the transition effortless and it’s been great to be a part of a well-run club with fantastic support, a club clearly on the up,” Flatt explained.

Flatt has impressed in the middle of the park for The Reds and he hopes to continue his improvement for the rest of the season. “On a personal note I’d like to think my performances can pick up further towards the end of the season, though I’m happy to be a part of a performing side. I’ve played under Boozer (Brad Hassell) before with the Sorrento reserves and both sides have had a fantastic team spirit, something which I believe is hugely important and largely down to the gaffer. He was the main reason I came to Armadale and the most I’ve ever improved as a footballer was playing alongside him, so obviously I have a great deal of respect for him,” Flatt said.

Hassell has been delighted with Flatt’s form. “Lewy was a lad I played with and coached at Sorrento so when I heard he was looking for a new club I gave him a call. He’s been an ever present for us in the centre of the park and what I like about him is his consistency. Every week he gives the same level of effort, and he’s a great kid who listens and wants to learn,” Hassell said.

The Reds have brought in some talented imports to the club this season and Flatt believes they have added a great deal to the club and the league. “One of the first questions I asked when I first talked to Armadale was whether Robbo (James Robinson) would be coming back from England, as he’s a big part of our side. It’s great that he’s managed to pick up where he left off last season and bring with him another fantastic player in his brother Tommy. Sometimes importing players can be a bit of a gamble for a club, but luckily for us John Watson and Matt Barlow have also come across and proved to not only be quality players, but also great lads,” Flatt said..

Armadale head into the semi-final clash with confidence after beating Floreat 2-0 in the league last week but Flatt knows there is still a long way to go. “It’s still a very tight league, we could still win the top five finals and the cup, or even battle relegation! We are now entering the business end of the season and we’re ready to stand up and be counted,” Flatt said.

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