APB Premier Division – Round 22 Preview

Fixtures – All 3pm kick off

Stirling Lions v Western Knights – Macedonia Park

Swan United v Balcatta – Francis Street

Cockburn City v Mandurah City – Dalmatinac Park

Armadale v Perth SC – Alfred Skeet Oval

Floreat Athena v ECU Joondalup – E&D Litis Stadium

Sorrento v Inglewood United – Percy Doyle Reserve

Let the Finale begin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robinson looks for the treble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Van Dongen points to Knights win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lopez keeps Swans a float

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bobby Wilson Keeps Lions in the Title Hunt

Stirling Lions have kept their Minor Premiership hopes alive after an injury-time winning header from Bobby Wilson stole all three poins against Mandurah City for a 3-2 victory at Hyundai Stadium on Saturday night.

An 89th minute goal awarded to Christian Paschkewitz looked to have sealed Mandurah’s destiny to remain in the APB State Premier League next year after the earlier results meant City needed a point to keep them safe from relegation.

But Wilson’s header which bounced off the crossbar and over the goal line in the 92nd minute shattered Mandurah’s celebrations on a night marking the 40th anniversary of the club’s history with several dignataries in attendance, including Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

The match was a bizarre contest, with several contentious decisions by referee Michal Jasinski and Stirling coach Paul Lincoln admitted he thought their tilt for top spot was over before Wilson’s heroics.

“I thought when they made it 2-all it was two points dropped, but then playing Bobby (Wilson) the big man up front paid off tonight,” he said.

“I’m just wrapped to get the three points after some of the other results today.

“The win now keeps our Minor Premiership hopes alive and we will now be at home to the Western Knights next week and three points will give us the title.”

Stirling began the match the better of the two teams with Scott Muirhead’s long throws a constant threat as he proved that in last Sunday’s State League Cup Final victory over Floreat Athena.

The Lions thought they had an early lead when Wilson placed a superb ball through for Phil Arnold, but the assistant referee ruled that the striker was offside.

Captain Shane Robinson then took matters into his own hands when he let loose with a 30-yard free kick which sailed inches over the upright to give Straker a brief scare.

The Mandurah goalkeeper was then well-beaten after a shocking mix-up with the Dolphins defence.

Cup Final man-of-the-match Ludo Boi played in a delightful cross aimed at Mario Marcinko from deep on the left, but as the two Mandurah central defenders tried to head clear the ball, it landed in their own net for an own goal which looked to come off Ryan Townsend.

Mandurah were struggling to break the Lions defence which was superbly marshalled by Michael Pugliese and at the other end, Townsend made amends for his earlier error by asserting his physical presence over Arnold.

The Stirling striker then tried an audacious overhead kick to double Stirling’s lead, but his effort was inches wide of the target.

As the Lions looked to hold on to a 1-0 lead at half time, former Stirling striker Jordan Rhodes had a golden chance to score against his old side.

Rhodes’ effort went the wrong side of the post and teammate Victor Insaurralde nearly scored the goal of the season moments later.

Insaurralde found himself with the ball 30 yards out wide on the left side of the park, looked up and couldn’t see any teammates in position, so decided to go himself.

The former Athena winger let loose with a monstrous effort which curled onto the crossbar as Turvill was backtracking to his goal line, well beaten.

As the second half resumed, City were back on level terms in no time in strange fashion.

Pugliese looked to have passed the ball back to Turvill after being under pressure from Insaurralde and the goalkeeper looked to hesitate in picking up the ball as it seemed to cross the goal line.

After a moments delay, Jasinski looked to his assistant and confirmed it was a goal, awarding it to Mandurah’s Insaurralde.

A Stirling counterattack then had the Cup winners back in front with a memorable goal from Arnold.

The striker curled a shot from outside the penalty area into the top right corner of the net, leaving Straker no chance and sending the Stirling faithful into raptures.

Mandurah continued to push hard to grab the vital equaliser, but it was still Stirling that looked the stronger.

Midfield general Robinson had another great chance to score after great work from Boi set up his captain for a drive from just outside the box, but Straker could only turn and watch as the effort whistled past the wrong side of the goal post for Robinson.

The drama wasn’t done with yet when Ivan Zuvela popped up to smash home an 89th minute goal to send the Mandurah fans crazy in the packed grandstand.

The former Knights defender looked to be unmarked inside the penalty box and shot with his powerful left foot, with the goal awarded to Paschkewitz who must have taken a decisive touch on the way through.

As the 92nd minute ticked on and the Mandurah fans began to plan for another year in the APB State Premier League, Wilson’s strong header at goal after great work from substitute Ndumba Mukeche shattered their anniversary celebrations and all their fate will be decided in the final match of the season next week when they take on Cockburn City, who will also be fighting to survive.

The Lions had a red letter day with the Under 18′s handing out a 10-0 football lesson to Mandurah and the Reserves winning 1-0 in a tight contest.

This weeks blockbuster match of the round will be between 2nd placed Stirling Lions and top of the table Western Knights fighting it out for the Minor Premiers title at Macedonia Park this Saturday kick off 3pm.

Feely’s double edges Cockburn closer to safety

Cockburn City continued their fight to avoid the drop from the APB Premier League, with a come from behind 2-1 win against Inglewood United at the 6PR stadium on Saturday.

Rory Feely was the hero for the Cockerels, scoring a goal in each half, while the defeat for the home side moved them closer to the relegation zone, this despite them taking an early lead through Rory Grant.

Inglewood United were forced into one change from the side that drew 2-2 at Stirling Lions in round 20, with Danny Stoitis out injured, his place in the starting line-up going to Alex Stamatiadis. Cockburn on the other hand were unchanged from the side that beat ECU Joondalup 3-1 last time out.

The home side made a perfect start to the game and were ahead on seven minutes. Good work on the left by Dannie Richman ended with a cross to Grant, who turned inside Jason Godfrey and fired home from six-yards.

Inglewood were in again four minutes later, former Perth Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres’ quick break and pass sent Ryan Clarke in on goal, but his low shot was well saved by Dejan Aleksic.

It was one-way traffic as Shane Pryce’s side continued to dominate, and Aleksic came to his sides rescue twice in as many minutes. First on 16 minutes he superbly tipped over Jake Geddes’ long-range shot which was heading for the top corner of the net, and moments later he was out quick to deny Clarke again.

The first opportunity for the visitors didn’t come until the 23 minute, Marc Anthony’s corner from the right found Adrian Webster on the edge of the penalty area, whose volley went over the top.

But it was still Inglewood who continued to threaten and three minutes later Sandi Loncar’s run and shot from 12-yards was saved low by Aleksic. .

On the half hour they had their best chance to increase their lead, a great through ball from Geddes sent Grant in on goal, he drew the keeper, but his lob from 12-yards went agonizingly past the near post.

They went even closer on 36 minutes, Caceres burst through a static Cockburn defence and his shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar and away to safety.

Inglewood should have been in complete control on the scoreboard, but their wastefulness was about to come back to bite them.

A clearance from Inglewood keeper Oliver Taseski was headed back with interest by Shintaro Itoh sending Feely in a foot race with Darko Ilomanoski. The young striker cut inside the defender and finished clinically past Taseski from six-yards, to send the sides in 1-1 at the break.

Whatever Cockburn Coach Tony Castiello said at half time to his team did the trick, because they were a different team in the second half, and they went close after only three minutes. Shane Nunes’ long-throw from the left found Webster at the back post but the former New Zealand international headed wide at the back post.

It was Cockburn now who were dominating and a cross from the right by Llewelyn Bake, who had replaced Godfrey at the break, ended with Feely’s flick from close-range going just wide of the post.

They were rewarded for their good start with the lead on 54 minutes. A great run and cross by Jon Devite, against his former club, found Feely in the penalty area and the striker headed home at the near post.

Both sides knew a defeat today would put them deep in relegation trouble, and they both went close as the game become more open.

First on the hour Wesley Britz cross from the right picked out Feely, his shot was well saved by Taseski, to deny the youngster his hat trick. Then moments later Loncar’s volley from long-range was well saved by Cockburn keeper Aleksic.

The small crowd were on the edge of their seats as both sides pressed, and on 68 minutes the Inglewood supporters were off their seats when Caceres goal bound shot was blocked by Nunes, and Aaron Colli’s follow up shot was saved low by Aleksic.

Feely, who was a constant threat for the home side defence, was sent clear sixty seconds later by a Britz’s through ball, but Taseski was out quick to save bravely at the feet of the former Stirling Lions striker.

Inglewood was pressing late to earn the point that would make them safe from relegation and the best opportunity came with three minutes remaining. A great through ball from Loncar sent Grant clear.

The Cockburn defence looked for an offside flag that never came, but as the big striker was about to pull the trigger, Nunes produced a match winning tackle to deny him, and give Cockburn three vital points in their quest to avoid the drop.

Cockburn City Coach Tony Castiello was delighted with the result, but was disappointed with the first half performance and knows that survival is in their own hands now. “I told the boys at the break I wasn’t happy with the performance in the first half and we were lucky to still be in the game at half time. To the boy’s credit they did just that and were delighted with the three points, which were vital with results elsewhere in the league going as they did,” Castiello said.

APB Premier Division

Saturday 28th August 2010

@ The 6PR Stadium

Inglewood United 1 (Grant 7’)

Cockburn City 2 (Feely 46’, 54’)

Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

Assistants – Joe Fusari and Tony Chorley

Attendance – 150

INGLEWOOD UNITED: GK Oliver TASESKI, 3 Daniel KOVACEVIC 5 Sandy LONCAR, 8 Ryan CLARKE, 9 Rory GRANT, 10 Jake GEDDES (16 Aaron COLLI 67’), 11 Alex STAMATIADIS, 12 Dannie RICHMAN (19 Karl O’REILLY 73’), 22 Matt WORTON, 30 Adrian CACERES, 36 Darko ILOMANOSKI

SUBS NOT USED: 4 Ryan SMITH

Yellow Cards – Nil

COCKBURN CITY: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 3 David ARRAYA, 4 Shane NUNES, 5 Jason GODFREY (2 Llewelyn Bake 46’), 8 Marc ANTHONY, 10 Adrian WEBSTER, 11 Rory FEELY, 12 Jon DEVITE, 14 Shinataro ITOH (18 Jason DOS SANTOS 75’), 17 Paul NATALE, 20 Wesley BRITZ (6 Anthony PEREIRA 88’)

SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jason O’Byrne

Yellow Cards – Nil

State League Results and Tables

Premier League (full time)

28 Aug 10 3:00PM ECU Joondalup 4 v 3     Sorrento ECU Joondalup

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Western Knights 4 v 2    Armadale Nash Field

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Inglewood United 1 v 2    Cockburn City 6PR Stadium

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Perth SC 1 v 4    Swan United BGC Stadium – Dorr…

28 Aug 10 6:00PM Mandurah City 2    v 3    Stirling Lions Hyundai Stadium

29 Aug 10 3:00PM Balcatta v Floreat Athena Grindleford Reserve

Division 1 (half time)

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Wanneroo City v Forrestfield United Kingsway

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Fremantle SC 5 v 2 Rockingham City Wauhop Park

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Morley-Windmills 1 v 3    Bayswater City Wotton Reserve

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Gosnells City 3 v 2    Bunbury Forum Force Walter Padbury Res…

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Ashfield 5  v 5    Queens Park Ashfield Soccer & …

28 Aug 10 3:00PM Dianella White Eagles 0    v 2    Canning City Dianella Reserve

APB Premier League Round 21 Preview

Fixtures – Saturday 28.08.10

ECU Joondalup v Sorrento – Edith Cowen University Arena

Western Knights v Armadale – Nash Field

Inglewood United v Cockburn City – 6PR Stadium

Perth SC v Swan United – BGC Stadium

Mandurah City v Stirling Lions – Hyundai Stadium (6pm kick off)

Sunday29.08.10 – 3pm

Balcatta v Floreat Athena – Grindleford Reserve

It’s the penultimate round of the APB Premier Division and the relegation fight will become a little clearer after  Saturday’s games, and Swan United know nothing more than three points will be good enough when they visit traditional rivals Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens (3pm).

The bottom of the table side does not have a good record at the home of last season’s Champions but they will be looking to change that on Saturday. They will be missing influential midfielder David Perich, who has returned to America to continue his studies, his spot will go to Michael Van Dongen, who has recovered from an ankle injury. While Liam Boland will be pushing hard for a starting role after scoring off the bench last week. Perth will be without Coach Graham Normanton, who has been banned from the dugout for two weeks. Perth will have David Onoforo pushing for a starting spot, while Antonio Naglieri should be back to full fitness after a hip injury, sidelined him two weeks ago.

Cockburn City will go a long way to securing their Premier League survival if they take maximum points against Inglewood United at The 6PR Stadium (3pm) It’s a vital game for both sides, with Inglewood still in the relegation mix. The home side will be hoping Adrian Caceres (ankle), Michael Baczynski (knee) and Jake Geddes (Knee) can overcome their injuries to take their spot in the side. Daniel Stoitis misses the game through suspension, but James Duncan returns after his one match ban. Rory Feely’s double in round 20 gave the Cockerels a much needed win, and he will hope to find the net again on Saturday. In midfield Marc Anthony and Adrian Webster will be vital for the visitors, while Shane Nunes and Jason Godfrey will need to be at their best if they are to come away with the win.

League leaders Western Knights host Armadale at Nash Field (3pm) The Knights will have new coaches Carl Medica and Alex Christie in charge for the first time, after the club parted company with Paul Price in midweek. They will again be without skipper David Annall due to suspension, but Duncan Hind returns to fill the void. Keeper Frazer Siddall has been in great form this season, and Jack Doyle and Stuart Montgomery have formed a good partnership up front. On the flanks Simon Versacio and Daniel Micevski will need to be stopped by the Reds, as the Knights march on to go back-to-back league winners.

The Reds beat the Knights on penalties in the cup on their last visit to the ground, and with an ‘All Flags top five series’ spot in touching distance Brad Hassell’s side will be looking for a repeat on Saturday, but they have never won in the league at the Mosman Park ground.

Keeper Cyril Sharrock returns to the side to replace Gareth Deeg, after serving his two match suspension, but they will be without talented defender Matt Bennion with a fractured cheek bone, his place could go to Mark Darby, who has returned from his overseas travel. The Reds will have to find consistency, starting Saturday, and with James Robinson and Matt Barlow scoring freely for the Reds and with Steve Porter and Marlon Ramirez supplying the service, they will hope to end their losing streak at the venue.

There is a local derby at the Edith Cowen University Arena, when ECU Joondalup host Sorrento (3pm).  ECU’s defeat at Cockburn last week ended their top five hopes, but with Sorrento sitting in the fifth spot, the hosts will be looking to but a spanner in their finals aspirations. The home side will be missing Charlie Comyn-Platt and Dale McCulloch due to suspension, and Jake Benson-Cooper is in line for a starting role. The Gulls, who have only lost once in their five visits to their near neighbours, will be without midfielder Joe Lamplough, who is suspended, but with Ryan Jeans and Darren Quinncroft ready to step up to the starting line up, they will fancy their chances of coming away with the three points.

Stirling Lions will hope to get their league campaign back on track when they head down the freeway to take on Mandurah City, in the late game at the Hyundai Stadium (6pm) The home side will be without the suspended skipper Andy Brown and Craig Young for the game, but Jordan Rhodes will be available after returning from overseas. Phil Starker will be looking for a big game against his former club, while Ivan Zuvela and Darren Broxton will need to be at their best. The Lions have not won in four league games, but fresh off their Cup final triumph, they will hope Jason Gavin is fit to start. Tom Ingram and Stef Frost have been impressive in recent weeks while James Turvill has made the number one spot his own in recent weeks.

Balcatta secured their Premier League survival last week and they will be looking to end their home campaign in style, with a victory against Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday (3pm). They will have to do it without suspended defender Adam Tong and midfielder Matt Italiano, meaning Jack Clisby and Veo Human could be in line for a recall. Floreat are almost at full strength for the trip, only James Isaia is missing due to injury. Adam Bachiller, Branimir Mikulic and Jovo Pavlovic have been in great form and they will be looking to bounce back after the cup final loss to the Lions last week.

Knights’ Coach Pays the Price

The Western Knights shocked the local football game in midweek when they sacked senior coach Paul Price. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Luton Town player was advised of the clubs decision on Wednesday night when he meet with the borad, with the club appointing former Knights players Carl Medica and Alex Christie to take over the reins until the end of the season.

It’s the second spell at Nash Field for Price, who led the Knights under 18’s to the title in his first stint, then returned to take over from Ronnie Campbell as senior Coach leading them to the league title last season.

There have been constant rumours from the club that tensions had been simmering between the two parties for some time, and the board have now said it was time for the club to go in a new direction.

With only two games remaining off the APB Premier Division the decision is puzzling, with the Knights sitting at the top of the table and poised to defend the Premier League crown won last season.

Carl Medica, who is a favourite son at the Mosman Park club, having played eleven seasons with the Knights, and Alex Christie, will be in charge for the first time on Saturday when the Knights entertain Armadale at Nash Field.

Siddall ready for Reds challenge

Western Knights keeper Frazer Siddall is relishing Saturday game against Armadale at Nash Field, knowing a win will but the club in pole position to take out the league title for the second year running.

A win at Swan United last week moved the Knights clear at the top of the table, and in the game they missed a chance to boost their goal difference after dominating the home side but only came away with a 2-1 win. “These things happen in football, chances get missed and sometimes you can end up losing or drawing. The main thing from last week is we took all three points at a ground we don’t have a good record at and kept up the pressure on the other teams to deliver,” Siddall said.

The 24-year-old is looking forward to Saturday’s game against Armadale. They beat the Knights in the cup this season on penalties and he knows they will be looking for three points to keep their top five chances alive. With the Knights looking to keep top spot it should be a great game. “Armadale are a very hard side to play against, they are very physical and have good finishers of the ball. I predict it will be a very hard game for both teams and I hope we can get the win,” Siddall said.

The loss of Knights skipper David Annall for the game is a big blow, but Siddall believes their squad can cover the loss.  “Dave is a quality defender no doubt, losing him is a big blow but with Duncan Hind coming back it softens the blow a bit. But it’s hard to replace the amount of experience Dave has in the game,” Siddall said.

“Our squad is well balanced and we’re always confident we can beat anyone. The tricky thing about finals football is that no matter how well you’ve played all season, one bad game as a team spells the end of your chances.”

The keeper has been outstanding this season in goal for the Knights, after his move from the US college system in 2008, and he would love to play at the next level in the game. “I’ve always wanted to play at the highest level possible. I’d happily travel anywhere to play professionally, it all just depends on how people perceive your talents, and two people can look at the same player and have two totally different opinions. I have no plans yet but I’m always keeping my options opened,” Siddall explained.

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