VOTE FOR THE FOOTBALLWA.NET PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

With the Premier League and First Division seasons drawing to a close voting has commenced in the footballwa.net 2010 Player of the Year awards. As in previous years, there are two awards up for grabs - the Premier League Player of the Year and the First Division Player of the Year - with website visitors encouraged to vote in either, or both, categories.

The footballwa.net Player of the Year is the longest running award voted for by the players, coaches, administrators and supporters of the local game. A-League pair Nick Ward and Jamie Coyne heads the list of previous Premier League recipients which also includes State players Andy Brown, David Micevski, Antonio Naglieri and Branimir Mikulic. The First Division Player of the Year has been won by Ashley Rosendale, David Rodgers and Scott Bulloch, amongst others.

On a 3-2-1 basis - where three is your preferred player of the season - we invite all our readers to submit their votes in either category as soon as possible. These will be tallied off-line with the winner and minor place getters revealed on Friday 17th September. Don't miss out on having your voice heard by sending your votes as soon as possible to brett@footballwa.net .

3.9.2010

PREMIER LEAGUE IN PREVIEW

The fate of club at both end of the Premier League table will be decided during the final 90-minutes of the season. Top honours will be settled at Macedonia Park where the competition's top two, Western Knights and Stirling Lions, go head-to-head. A draw will be enough to secure successive crown for the Knights, who welcome back captain David Annall from suspension but lose Daniel Trim to the same. "We're looking forward to the game," said new Knights assistant coach Alex Christie. "There is a buzz at training and the lads are pretty confident we can get the right result."

Paul Lincoln looks like being without influential defender Jason Gavin for a fifth straight week, however, the Stirling coach received good new during the week with Roberto Lujan declaring himself ready for action. "It's a huge game and it would be pleasing to finish the home and away season in first place," said Lincoln, whose team must outscore the Knights in order to go top. "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."

It's just as tight at the other end of the table where four clubs are in the mix for relegation. Swan United know a home win against Balcatta will keep them in the Premier League for an eleventh successive year. Christian Lopez could hold the key to the black and whites achieving their first home win of the winter on a day they'll be without Brendan Craig (suspended). Adam Tong and Matt Italiano come back in after serving suspension for a Balcatta side that has proved the critics wrong in their first ever top flight campaign.

Dalmatinac Park hosts a cut-throat encounter between Cockburn City and Mandurah City, the loser of which may be relegated should Swan win. Cockburn looked in real trouble a month ago but have turned things around thanks to youngsters Dejan Aleksic and Rory Feely as well as the experience of Paul Natale and Shane Nunes. With Andy Brown back from suspension and ex-Cockburn trio Christian Paschewitz, Alex Darby and Jeff Bright hitting their straps Mandurah are confident of getting the point needed to ensure survival.

A draw at Sorrento will keep Inglewood United in the Premier League. Danny Stoitis returns from suspension to lend his experience to an Inglewood rearguard that features Darko Ilmanoski, while Rory Grant and Adrian Caceres hold the key in the goal scoring department. Sorrento welcome back Joe Lamplough from suspension, and with Adam Hayton and Glen Thomas in good form in the middle of the park coach Steve Neville's side will be confident of getting the win they need to make the top five play-offs.

Perth SC can end a horror fortnight by taking home the points from Armadale, who remain an outside chance of appearing in the play-offs. Graham Normanton will again be absent from the Blues dug-out due to suspension, but it’s the experience of Shaun Kilkelly, Craig Simpson and Robbie Puca that will be vital if Perth are to bounce back from successive losses. Armadale must win to have any hope of scraping into the top five, however, with State striker James Robinson and veteran defender Andy Bowyer out suspended their chances do look very slim.

ECU Joondalup might sneak into the final if they can get the better of Floreat Athena and other results go in their favour. The return of Dale McCulloch, Andy Brown and Charlie Comyn-Platt has strengthened Joondalup, however, whether coach Steve Amphlett can squeeze them into the side which defeated Sorrento last week remains to be seen. Floreat have won the last six meetings between the clubs at Litis Stadium and with Branimir Mikulic, Adam Bachiller and Alex Dunn in top form the hosts are likely to make it seven on the trot.

3.9.2010

DIVISION ONE IN PREVIEW

Bayswater City can edge a little closer to a top flight return when Fremantle Spirit journeys to Frank Drago Reserve tomorrow. Mauro Marchione's team have pulled three points clear at the top of Division One and the biggest problem facing the Bayswater coach faces is keeping his players minds from wandering away from their next 90 minutes. Fremantle's youngsters hit five goals last time out but its difficult to see them getting anywhere near that number of chances against the champions-elect.

It'll be a near full strength Bunbury Forum Force side that welcomes Rockingham City at Hay Park. Bunbury could not have paid a heavier price for last weeks slip-up and need the likes of Patrick Quinn, David Rodgers and Jordan Rispon to be on top of their game while keeping their fingers crossed Bayswater falter. The job of Rockingham coach Steve Robinson has been made all the more difficult with several players unavailable due to illness and suspension.

Also with a depleted squad is Wanneroo City's Gerry McEwan who is missing four players for the trip to bottom-of-the-table Queens Park. Brian Cairney, Craig Bowman and Jon McGahern miss the game through suspension while injury has claimed Jimmy Rowlands. Queens Park blew a three-goal lead last time out but if those defensive issues can be ironed out, and Jason Feather and Josh Gowland get into stride at the other end, then the home side may just pull off one of the surprises of season 2010.

Gosnells City can consolidate fourth place by taking all three points from their home date with Dianella White Eagles. It's unlikely Morley Windmills will become one of the few teams to come away from Forrestfield United with so much as a point. Canning City haven't enjoyed too much success at Burrendah Reserve this year but a strong 90 minute performance against second-from-bottom Ashfield would be the perfect way to farewell their loyal home supporters.

3.9.2010

MEDICA IN THE DARK WHEN IT COMES TO STIRLING

New Western Knights coach Carl Medica admits to knowing very little about Stirling Lions ahead of Saturday's blockbuster Premier League title decider at Macedonia Park. Medica, was at the helm for the first time against Armadale last weekend, says what he's gleamed of this week's opposition has come via his Masters League team mate, Stirling coach Paul Lincoln. "Paul tells me that he has a talented squad," said Medica. "Well, you know what, I think I have a talented squad as well, so it should be an absolute belter on Saturday."

The Knights took a giant step towards back-to-back premierships by fending off Armadale 4-2 on Saturday, just days after Medica replaced Paul Price. "I was a bit worried leading into the game to see how the players would react with what happened during the week, but the boys put in a great effort," commented Medica. "The thing that stood out for me was that they worked ever so hard. When Armadale made it two-all we could have easily put up the white flag, but they dug deep, showed lots of spirit and determination and got the result they so fully deserved."

Medica was happily enjoying family life when he received the invitation to coach his former club. "The offer came out of the blue. I was just as surprised as everyone else!," he said. "The club decided they wanted to go down a different path and offered the job to me - and I grabbed it with both hands. Who wouldn't, we're top of the league and finals bound ... There will be a lot of pressure on myself and (assistant) Alex Christie to deliver, so we'll just try our best to bring the club the success it deserves."

Medica enjoyed a hugely successful playing career with the Knights, who he joined in 1994 following spells at Fremantle Benfica and Floreat Athena. He spent much of his career operating down the left flank but his ability to consistently find the net resulted in Medica switching to more of a goal scorer role in his latter years. Over eleven seasons he helped the Knights to eight trophies in addition to collecting numerous individual awards and State team honours.

Since hanging up his boots for the final time in 2004, Medica has pretty much stepped away from football. "I've got a young family - three kids under the age of eight - so that's kept me busy. My two boys, Sebastian and Xavier, both play at Balcatta so I help out on the weekends when required," he explained. "I'm also playing Masters with Inglewood and its funny how things have turned out as one of my team mates is Paul Lincoln, who I'll face this weekend for the minor premiership."

A point against Stirling will secure the Knights back-to-back Premier League titles, however, playing for a draw is not Medica's style. "We only need a draw but I've always been attack-minded and that won't change," said the Knights coach. "Alex (Christie) and myself had great success under the guidance of Ronnie Campbell and Willie Kelly and the winning attributes they instilled into us are still with me - believe in yourself, give 100% and have no regrets ... if we do this then the result will look after itself."

2.9.2010

ROBINSON AIMS FOR A CLEAN SWEEP

Irish midfielder Shane Robinson wants to add the Premier League and Top Five trophies to Stirling Lions' collection. Macedonia Park is already home to the State League Cup and, after last weeks win at Mandurah City, Robinson sees no reason why his club can't go on with the job and collect all three end of season trophies. "We're sitting in a good position in the title race, it's where we wanted to be," said Robinson, whose team are two points behind leaders and this weeks opposition Western Knights. "We will be going all-out on Saturday to finish the home and way season on top of the league and then the finals will look after themselves."

Robinson, who played professionally in Ireland for Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United, has no complaints about his spell as captain of Stirling. "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 - some pitches are far too small and some of the referees are not up to the standard of play, which is disappointing."

Stirling coach Paul Lincoln has been pleased with how Robinson has led his team throughout the season. "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," Lincoln said. "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."

Where the Premier League trophy spends the next twelve months will be decided on Saturday when Stirling host the Knights in a winner take all blockbuster. Robinson has the utmost respect for a Knights side he rates very highly. "I wouldn't single out anyone in their side, they obviously have good players but more importantly they are a quality team," said Robinson. "They are strong at set pieces and we will have to be on our game defensively to deal with them." Stirling and the Knights lock horns from 3.00pm on Saturday at Macedonia Park.

2.9.2010

RACE FOR PROMOTION IS NOT OVER: CATALANO

The champagne has been put on ice as Bayswater City near a much-anticipated return to Premier League football. Bayswater claimed outright leadership of Division One with Saturday’s 3-1 win at Morley Windmills on an afternoon when their only title rival, Bunbury Forum Force, suffered a devastating 3-2 loss to Gosnells City. With two rounds remaining, Bayswater sit three points clear at the top of the table and on the cusp of top flight football for the first time in four years. .

Damien Catalano, who plays a starring role in midfield for Bayswater, says his club won’t being celebrating until the trophy is firmly in their hands. “Beating Morley was an important win just like any other, perhaps slightly more significant from a club point of view as other results went our way. But the title is far from won, there a two games remaining and anything can happen,” said Catalano, before conceding his relief at finally getting clear of Bunbury. “To stay in touch with Bunbury and Wanneroo City there has been a lot of pressure to perform week in week out, and some of that was lifted by Saturday’s results.”

Logic dictates that Bayswater will pick up maximum points from their final two games, against Fremantle Spirit and Rockingham City. However, Catalano says both opponents have points to prove at the end of disappointing campaigns and that neither result should be considered a forgone conclusion. “These are two big games with a lot at stake. Both sides are strong, fit and determined to win,” said Catalano, whose team is home to Fremantle on Saturday. “It will be tough contest as both teams have a lot to play for. I expect it’ll be an end-to-end game with the possibility of many goals.”

2.9.2010

LOPEZ KEEPS SWANS AFLOAT

A brace on the weekend by teenager Christian Lopez has kept Swan United in with a chance of keeping their Premier League status intact. The 19-year old striker celebrated his first start by scoring twice in the vital 4-1 win against Perth SC, a result which puts the black and whites fate very much in their own hands. "Saturday was a great win for our football club, under a lot of pressure and against the odds," Lopez said. "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."

Having consistently found the net in the Reserves, Lopez is understandably delighted with is two-goal contribution at Perth. "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 explained. "In the end I was happy with my goals and for the teams' performance. I need to thank Coppa (coach Jamie Goodman) for having belief and the guts to give me my debut in such an important game."

Goodman's decision to promote Lopez to the first eleven was made at the last moment. "To be honest I hadn't made up my mind whether to start Christian or Liam Boland up until I arrived at the ground," said the coach. "They are very different strikers and I thought that with the shape we were planning on playing, that Christian's work rate and unorthodox style might cause Perth some problems. He scored two goals and ran himself into the ground - I could not have asked any more from him."

Although Swan have not won a league game at home this year, Lopez remains confident they can defeat Balcatta this Saturday and give themselves the best possible chance of Premier League survival. "We've worked really hard at training this week and we're confident we will take the points on Saturday against Balcatta," said Lopez. "There will be no room for complacency on Saturday, despite it being a 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."

1.9.2010

SEKULOVSKI READY TO ATONE

Naum Sekulovski can erase the bitter memory of his penalty shoot-out miss in last seasons' A-League finals when Perth Glory hosts Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. In one of the year's most gripping encounters, Liam Reddy kept out successive spot kicks from Sekulovski and Scott Bulloch to bring Glory's 2009/10 campaign to a halt. "Personally, I missed one of the penalties so hopefully we can get over them and get one back for that," said the veteran Glory defender.

Sekulovski admits the affects of that loss in New Zealand were still being felt amongst the Glory squad. "Obviously we failed in the finals against Wellington and now I think the boys have got that hunger and we want to go that next step forward," said Sekulovski, now in his sixth season at Glory. "We want to make the top four, we want to try and do what we can this season to rectify what happened in the last."

To maintain their unbeaten record this season Glory will need to get the better of a Wellington side still smarting from a 1-0 loss in Brisbane last weekend. "It's going to be a tough game, they've built well in the off-season," Sekulovski said. "Obviously they've got a lot of confidence coming from the World Cup, a lot of their (New Zealand) boys are in that Wellington side. We're going to look forward to a big clash. Especially when we're at home, we've got to take the initiative."

1.9.2010

VAN DONGEN POINTS TO A KNIGHTS TITLE

A win at Macedonia Park on Saturday will secure Western Knights back-to-back Premier League crowns for the first time in the clubs 42-year history. Leading into the final game of the season the Knights sit two points ahead of Stirling Lions, who'll be pulling out all the stops to claim top honours for themselves. But Knights midfielder Paul Van Dongen says that is simply not going to happen. "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," he commented.

The Knights were given a solid 90-minute workout by Armadale last week when two late goals from Anthony Campbell earned a 4-2 victory. "We were always expecting a tough game from Armadale given that they had a top five spot to play for and that they had knocked us out of the Cup earlier in the year," Van Dongen said. "We showed good character to come back from a goal down, and our work rate was as good as it's been all year. Anthony was the difference 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."

Van Dongen, 27, moved to the Knights last summer following nine seasons with Canning City. "Joining the Knights has been refreshing, they have some great people behind the scenes and they made me feel at home right from day one," said the midfielder. "From a footballing side of things, 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."

Van Dongen expects a tough game on Saturday against a Stirling side which earlier in the season claimed a 2-1 victory at Nash Field. "There's obviously a lot on the line but you play football to be involved in games like this," commented Van Dongen. "I'm sure (coaches) Carl (Medica) and Alex (Christie) will have a long hard think about the best way to approach this game tactically ... 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."

Stirling has an abundance of attacking options that will need careful attention according to Van Dongen. "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. And if we can keep Shane Robinson and Bobby Wilson quiet, we'd be shutting down their engine room," said the midfielder. "Stirling will be very attacking and 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."

1.9.2010

WARD JOINS PHOENIX

Wellington Phoenix have bolstered their A-League title aspirations with the signing of midfielder Nick Ward from Melbourne Victory. 25-year old Ward, a member of Victory’s 2008/09 double winning side, heads across the Tasman in search of regular game time. “I’m sad to be leaving Melbourne but the prospect of first team football at the Phoenix was obviously very appealing,” said Ward, who has played just six minutes so far in 2010/11. “I want to be playing week in, week out and I feel I have a better chance of regular football with Wellington.”

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert believes Ward’s injection into the midfield will improve the squad as competition for spots intensifies. “Nick’s a good addition to the squad and adds depth into the midfield in a more attacking role,” Herbert said. “He’s the sort of midfielder who gets more advanced (up the pitch) and he has a great engine. In the Victory’s premiership season in 2008/09 Nick was quite prolific scoring goals for the club and played a major role for them, so bringing a proven goal-scoring midfielder will certainly add something for us.”

31.8.2010

PFA ISSUES FFA STERN WARNING

The A-League has been warned its current disciplinary procedures could be struck down by the courts as anger rages over the suspensions handed down to two players for diving. Perth Glory striker Michael Baird and Central Coast Mariners midfielder Patricio Perez were each banned by the match review panel for two games for alleged diving offences on the weekend. Under the new Football Federation Australia regulations, players are prevented from appealing match review panel decisions.

Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Brendan Schwab said FFA ran the risk of having its rules overturned in court if it continued to deny players the chance to appeal bans. "We think that's a fundamental denial of natural justice, we think that FFA does not lawfully have the power to do it. If the rules were challenged in court the challenge would succeed,'' Schwab said. "We fail to understand why FFA has taken the position it has taken, given all we're asking for is a hearing."

30.8.2010

STATE YOUNGSTERS FINISH FIFTH IN SOUTH KOREA

Western Australia's Under-15 team claimed fifth place at last week's prestigious Cangjin Tournament in South Korea. Goals by Nicholas Ambrogio, Kieran Colwell and Harry O'Brien secured Football West's National Training Centre squad a 3-2 win against Japanese team Cerezo Osaka in the minor play-off play-offs. This came just a day after Al Jovic and Matt Davies led the side to a shock 2-1 win over Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg.

Ambrogio, Colwell, Alexsandar Jovic and Bor Bor Sam Bindi ensured a successful start to the tournament and a 4-2 win against Valenciennes (France). Unfortunately, the State side went down the following day 6-1 to Cheong-Nyong (South Korea), when Colwell was again on the score sheet, before being thumped 7-0 by Spanish outfit Barcelona in their final group stage fixture. Barcelona won the final 4-1 and also received the player of the tournament, leading goal scorer and coach of the tournament awards.

30.8.2010

BAIRD NABBED FOR DIVING

Perth Glory striker Michael Baird has been banned for two matches for taking a dive to earn a penalty in the dramatic closing stages of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart. The A-League's independent match review panel deemed Baird's stoppage-time stumble under a challenge from Kliment Taseski to be an act of simulation, which comes with a mandatory two-match suspension. Robbie Fowler scored from the penalty spot to salvage a last-gasp draw and maintain Glory's unbeaten start to the season.

Baird, who was cleared only on Saturday to make his debut after a wrangle with his former Romanian club Universitatea Craiova, insisted he had been clipped by Taseski and that he had not taken a dive. "It's not a clear penalty, but there's no dive. There's no simulation involved in it," Baird told the 'West Australian'. "The guy clipped me and I went down. I think it's been blown up because of the situation. It was the 90th minute and they needed the three points." There is no avenue to appeal against the ban under A-League disciplinary regulations.

30.8.2010

JOEYS GO WINLESS

The next generation of Socceroos learned some lessons the hard way by going winless at the FA Men's Under-17 International Tournament in Lincolnshire, England. The Joeys bowed out of the event at the group stage after suffering a trio of losses to Portugal, England and Turkey. Strong performances in a pre-tournament training camp led to the late call-up of striker Dylan Tombides, who joined fellow West Australia's Jesse Makarounas and Sahr Musa in the squad.

Two goals from Anthony Proai and another by Milos Degenek weren't enough to prevent the Joeys going down 4-3 to Portugal in a seesawing opening match. England was far to strong a few days later, humbling Australia 4-0, before Turkey triumphed 2-0 in the final group fixture. The four-nation tournament was won by England who defeated Portugal 3-1 in the final through goals by Hallam Hope (2) and Nick Powell.

29.8.2010

FLOREAT BRUSH OFF BALCATTA (by David Cameron, Football West)

Floreat Athena gained some much needed momentum heading towards the top five play-offs in the form of a clinical 4-0 win against Balcatta this afternoon at Grindleford Reserve. Daniel Niederberger and Branimir Mikulic scored two apiece in the second half to bring a smile to the face of player-coach Ante Kovacevic. "The boys came out positive in the second half, kept our shape and stayed patient and scored four goals which was very pleasing," he said. "With finals being cut-throat football we need to be consistent for ninety minutes and I hope we continue to be consistent."

Neither team was able to gain the upper hand in a very even first half played at a ferocious pace. Floreat generated a great chance on the quarter-hour when Mikulic nodded down a delightful cross from the left to the feet of Niederberger, who deftly touched the ball past his marker only to have goalkeeper Bobson Koroma make an instinctive reaction save at his near post. The remainder of the half saw scattered half-chances go unconverted at both ends of the park with the teams going into the break as they'd started.

Balcatta's could have been forgiven for thinking an upset was on the cards as the teams emerged for the second half. However, any such thoughts were ended in the 57th minute when a partially cleared corner was returned to the 18-yard box where, after several deflections, the ball ricocheted of Niederberger's thigh and rolled over the line. It was just two minutes later when Niederberger grabbed his second goal, the striker beating a couple of defenders before firing into the bottom corner from just inside the 18-yard box box.

Balcatta eventually regrouped and started pushing forward in numbers as they searched for a goal of their own. But it wasn't to be as in the 75th minute Mo Atak's powerful shot from inside the area brought a fine save from Koroma, who was helpless as Mikulic poked in the follow-up. Mikulic rounded out a good day at the office by scoring Floreat's fourth with the last kick of the afternoon, exposing a Balcatta defence whose failure to close down the attacker allowed him time to curl a beautiful shot into the far corner. The win moves Floreat into third place, however, to stay there they'll need to beat ECU Joondalup in next week's final round of the home and away season.

29.8.2010

FOWLER GIVES MELBOURNE HEARTACHE

Robbie Fowler opened his Perth Glory account by scoring a controversial stoppage time penalty and grab his club a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park. The home side had good reason to feel aggrieved after debutant referee Kurt Ams pointed to the spot when Michael Baird went down under a Kliment Taseski challenge, with Fowler sending goalkeeper Clint Bolton the wrong way. It was a cruel end for Heart who looked set to record their fist win courtesy of goals from Gerald Sibon and Nick Kalmar which cancelled out a bizarre own goal by Michael Marrone.

Heart came out firing and in just the 2nd minute had a penalty claim dismissed after Alex Terra went down when attempting to round goalkeeper Tando Velaphi. A couple of minutes later the home side had the lead, Naum Sekulovski’s shirt pull on Terra leading the referee to point to this time the spot from where Sibon sent Velaphi the wrong way. Heart went looking for another upon the resumption but Sibon’s weak back post header didn’t trouble Velaphi. It took until the 11th minute for Glory to fashion an opening, Steve McGarry playing down the right for Scott Neville whose cross was sent high by Todd Howarth.

There was a fair slice of luck involved when Glory equalised against the run of play in the 19th minute. Marrone found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as Branko Jelic’s flick on from a Fowler cross deflected off the defender and into the net. If conceding affected the hosts then they didn’t show it as Nick Kalmar’s ball in from the left forced Velaphi to punch clear under pressure from Sibon. Glory paid the ultimate price for failing to clear a Dean Heffernan free-kick in the 37th minute as Kalmar fired in from 7-metres to give the home side a deserved half-time time.

It was a much more focused Glory side that emerged for the second half and started to create openings. On the hour Jelic’s header flashed over the crossbar from a McGarry cross, and eleven minutes later Bolton pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep out Fowler’s stinging close-range effort. Howarth threaded a superb pass through to Sekulovski but Bolton was alert came off his line to block the shot. The game was three minutes into stoppage time when Baird tumbled to the ground and Fowler held his nerve to convert from the spot amid howls of protests from Heart players and supporters.

29.8.2010

MORE BAD LUCK FOR YOUNG

A bout of flu is preventing goalkeeper Neil Young from training with his Newcastle Jets team mates. Young, 31, spent several months in hospital earlier this year fighting for his life after suffering an adverse reaction to antibiotics administered after an operation to repair his badly broken nose. He endured five bouts of surgery on his digestive system and at one stage lost 20 kilograms because he was unable to eat for four weeks.

Young resumed light training a month ago and had been making encouraging progress until falling ill this week. "I've got the flu but it just seems to have hit me twice as hard, because of the way I was," he told the 'Newcastle Herald'. "It's just frustrating. Everyone gets the flu but this has hit me a bit more than I expected. And also I didn't want to pass it on to any of the other players. They don't need me hanging around with the flu."

Newcastle coach Branko Culina said Young's well-being was the priority and he had been advised to rest. "He's had some absolutely rotten luck but let's just hope everything works out health-wise for him," Culina said. "He's a lovely guy, plus he added a lot to the team last year when we needed it most. But we just want him to get well. That's the most important thing at this stage of his life. He's gone through a rotten period over the past four or five months and the most important thing is he gets himself well."

28.8.2010

KNIGHTS MAINTAIN STEADY COURSE (with Michael Bate, Football West)

Western Knights are just 90 minutes away from back-to-back Premier League crowns following today’s thrilling 4-2 victory against Armadale at Nash Field. Anthony Campbell’s late double added to strikes from David Micevski and Simon Versaico to secure the Knights all three points and set-up a title-deciding showdown with Stirling Lions next weekend.

Knowing an upset win would enhance their prospects of making the play-offs, Armadale were quick out of the blocks and inside the opening twenty minutes James Robinson had four half-chances go begging. The Knights eventually settled and began bombarding visiting goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock with a series of high ball and set pieces. Simon Versaico was denied the game’s first goal by Steve McDonald’s clearance from on the line after Paul Van Dongen’s long thrown caused problems for the visiting defence.

Armadale went ahead against the run of play in the 36th minute when John Watson bundled the ball across the line after Frazer Siddall could only parry James Robinson’s close-range effort. But that lead lasted just four minutes before David Micevski received the ball some 30-metres out and, with Armadale offering no resistance, the midfielder let fly with a stunning shot that whistled past Sharrock, who barely had time to react.

The second half was even more compelling with both sides going all out for a victory. Campbell had the ball in the net on 52 minutes but his strike was ruled out for offside. Twelve minutes later the Knights had a legitimate second goal with Versaico doing well to head in a David Micevski free-kick from the right. Armadale continued to get forward at every opportunity and Watson was unlucky when his delicate chip from the edge of the 18-yard box hit the top of the crossbar.

Watson shrugged off that disappointment less than a minute later when his run into the area was halted by a handball decision against Stuart Ferguson, leading referee Dave Scragg to point straight to the spot. James Robinson struck the penalty kick too close to Siddall, who was helped less as the ball rebounded straight back to the Armadale striker who made no mistake the second time. However, Armadale’s efforts were almost undone by a hasty Andy Bowyer clearance that struck McDonald but thankfully ricocheted wide.

Campbell turned the game on its head by scoring twice quick succession, his first arriving in the 81st minute with a close-range blast into the net. And five minutes later the strongly built striker fended off a number of challenges before beating Sharrock to complete a superb counterattacking move by the home side. Armadale’s bad day at the office took a turn for the worse on 89 minutes when veteran Andy Bowyer was issued a second yellow card by the referee.

28.8.2010

WILSON STEALS STIRLING VICTORY (with Chris Correia, Football West)

Bobby Wilson struck in stoppage time to steal Stirling Lions a dramatic 3-2 win over Mandurah City at Hyundai Stadium. Christian Paschkewitz looked to have scored Mandurah a late share of the points, however, Stirling’s hopes of finishing on top of the table were revived by Wilson’s header. “I thought when they made it two-all it was two points dropped, but then playing Bobby (Wilson) up-front paid off tonight,” Stirling coach Paul Lincoln 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.”

Scott Muirhead’s long throws were a key component of Stirling’s positive start. The visitors thought they had an early lead when Wilson threaded a pass through to Phil Arnold, but the assistant referee ruled the striker offside. Shane Robinson then took matters into his own hands by letting loose with a long-range free-kick that sailed narrowly high. This pressure paid off on 20 minutes when Mandurah defenders Ryan Townsend and Ivan Zuvela both attempted to head clear a Ludovic Boi cross but managed only to turn the ball into their own net.

Mandurah were struggling to break down a Stirling rearguard that was superbly marshalled by Michael Pugliese. At the other end, Townsend was going a long way to making amends for his earlier error by keeping close tabs on Arnold. Jordan Rhodes gave his former team a scare when he flashed a shot the wrong side of the post. Moments later Rafael Insaurralde found himself in possession some 30-metres from goal and, lacking the support of team mates, ventured off towards goal before unleashing a terrific curling effort that his the crossbar with goalkeeper James Turvill beaten.

The second half was five minutes old when Mandurah scored a bizarre equaliser, Pugliese’s back pass crossing the line after Turvill hesitated under pressure from Insaurralde, who was awarded the goal. Stirling hit back six minutes later when Arnold curled into the top corner from 18-metres, giving Straker absolutely no chance. Robinson went close to sealing the win but after being set-up by Boi the Stirling captain drove just wide with Straker rooted to his line.

The clock was ticking down but there was still time for a few more dramas. An unmarked Ivan Zuvela crashed a powerful shot goalward in the 89th minute that deflected off Paschkewitz on its way into the back of the net. Three minutes later great work by Stirling substitute Ndumba Makeche led to him crossing for Wilson, whose header bounced off the underside of the crossbar and over the line to decide the game. Mandurah slip to just two points from relegation and must win next weekend’s game against Cockburn City, who are also fighting for survival, to secure another year in the top flight.

28.8.2010

SWAN SMASH PERTH (with Jona Turle, Football West)

Swan United have kept their hopes of Premier League survival alive with a smash and grab 4-1 win against traditional rivals Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. Teenager Christian Lopez capped a dream debut by scoring twice with Michael Van Dongen and Liam Boland also on the scoresheet for the black and whites. Swan coach Jamie Goodman was understandably thrilled with his teams' performance and the outcome. "It was a fantastic performance and a fantastic result from our guys today," he said. "We stayed switched on for 90 minutes, which we haven't always done, and took our chances."

The brighter start came from Perth, who settled quickly into their passing game but lacked the decisiveness to cut through a well-organised visiting defence. So it was against the run of play that Swan took an 18th minute lead, Lopez chesting down a long throw which he then cleverly flicked over his head, leaving behind him flat-footed defence before volleying the bouncing ball past goalkeeper Devon Spence from close-range. Although Perth enjoyed the better of the remaining first half possession there were few clear cut chances to drew level.

It took Perth only four minutes of the second half to find the back of the net via substitute Kyle Moran's sweetly struck left-footed drive from 25-metres. However, parity was to be short-lived as three minutes later Van Dongen side-footed past Spence following good work down the left. With their lead restored, Swan reverted to stifling their opponents' creativity by congesting the midfield and applying endless pressure when chasing the ball.

Swan moved two-goal clear in the 71st minute when Lopez pounced to volley in another long throw from the left. The icing was put on the visitors cake by substitute Liam Boland, who punished a defensive error by calmly slotting past Spence with only a minute of regulation time left. Swan will go into next weekends final round clash needing to beat Balcatta at home, and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to stay in the Premier League next season.

After the match, Perth coach Graham Normanton lamented his team's lack of a cutting edge up front, and his side's defensive frailties in equal measure. "You just can't make four defensive stuff ups like that and expect to win games of football," he said. "But they wanted it more than we did, and they showed the determination that you need to show in any game - whether you're fighting to avoid relegation, or fighting to win the league. They fully deserved the victory today, and I can't take anything away from them."

28.8.2010

FEELY KEEPS COCKBURN’S SEASON ALIVE

Rory Feely scored twice as Cockburn City came from behind to inflict a 2-1 loss on home team Inglewood United. A goal either side of the break by Feely will take Cockburn into the next weekend’s final round of fixtures level on points with Swan United at the foot of the table. However, the news is not so rosy for Inglewood who slump to one point from last and will be involved in a four-way battle to avoid the drop with Cockburn, Swan and Mandurah City next Saturday.

The day could not have started better for Inglewood who had the lead after only 7 minutes, good work on the left by Dannie Richman led him to crossing to Grant, who turned Jason Godfrey before firing in from 6-metres. The home side could have doubled their lead soon after but Ryan Clarke’s low shot was saved by Dejan Aleksic. The one-way nature of the game continued with Aleksic coming to Cockburn’s rescue twice in as many minutes, tipping over the crossbar a long-range Jake Geddes effort then coming off his line to again deny Clarke.

Cockburn didn’t threaten until the 23rd minute when Adrian Webster volleyed just high from a Marc Anthony corner. Still, it was Inglewood that was holding sway and Sandi Loncar’s low shot on the run was captured by Aleksic. Grant lured Aleksic off his line only lob the wrong side of the post, then Adrian Caceres crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar. This wastefulness was punished in stoppage time when Feely beat Darko Ilomanoski to the ball which he slid past Oliver Taseski from 6-metres to level the game.

Fired up by coach Tony Castiello, Cockburn emerge for the second half a much stronger proposition. A long throw from Shane Nunes found Webster but his back post header was wide, then Feely flicked a Llewelyn Bake cross just past the post at close-range. Cockburn’s reward came in the 54th minute when a cross by Jon Davite picked out Feely who headed in at the near post. This goal took the game up to a whole new level with both teams aware anything less than a win would put them deep in serious trouble at the wrong end of the table.

Taseski did well to keep out another shot by Feely, then down the other end Loncar’s close-range volley was well saved by Aleksic. A goal bound Caceres’ shot was blocked by Nunes and Aleksic kept out Aaron Colli’s low follow-up. Taseski made a brave smothering save at the feet of Feely after he’d been sent clear by Wesley Britz. Inglewood almost snuck a late equaliser when Loncar played through a square defence for Grant who had the target in his sights when Nunes applied a vital tackle.

Cockburn boss 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,” said Castiello. “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.”

28.8.2010

LATE REVIVAL REIGNITES JOONDALUP

ECU Joondalup scored three times in the last fifteen minutes to topple Sorrento 4-3 at the Edith Cowan University campus in Joondalup. The comeback - capped by goals from John Thornley, Scott Blackmore and Jamie Watt - keeps alive Joondalup’s finals hopes while seriously jeopardising Sorrento’s quest as the fight for fifth position heats up. “We left it a bit late but played really well at the end and it was great team effort,” Joondalup’s Dan Allen said. “We have played well against the top teams this year so if we make the finals, we will be confident we can do well.”

Much of the first half was controlled by Sorrento, who needed only 10 minutes for James Morgan to fire them into a deserved lead. Through slick movement of the ball the visitors continually applied the pressure in search of a second goal. However, it was to be Joondalup that next found the net with Watt converting from the penalty spot after 37 minutes. Half-time was looming on the horizon when Daryl Platten restored Sorrento’s advantage to make it two-one at the interval.

A goal on the run by Adam Hayton after 67 minutes appeared to seal an important Sorrento victory. However, the home team had other thoughts and eight minutes later some crisp passing out of midfield ended with John Thornley reducing the deficit. Only a couple more minutes pass before Blackmore levelled the game with fierce free-kick. With their confidence soaring, Joondalup created several chances to grab the winner only to be denied by the brilliance of ‘keeper Curtin Aspden.

The visitors could have gone back in front on 89 minutes when Jason Mirco found Todd Harnwell unmarked and inside the 18-yard box but the Sorrento captain sprayed well wide of the target. Watt emerged as the hosts saviour moments later when he broke clear of the defence to rifle in the winner, and in the process breathe new life into his team’s season.

28.8.2010

BAYSWATER GO CLEAR IN DIVISION ONE

Bayswater City moved one step closer to the Division One title by defeating Morley Windmills 3-1 at Wotton Reserve. The visitors grabbed a 17th minute lead through Damien Catalano who tapped the ball into an empty net after Morley goalkeeper Matt Darling had attempted to round him inside the 18-yard box. The two teams traded shots on goal for the remainder of the half with Catalano and Anthony McStea each going close to extending Bayswater’s lead, while Morley’s chance came the way of Blaz Radonovic.

The second half was a far more open affair with both teams unable to make the most of their opportunities. That was until the 72nd minute when Josh Tumoe finished from close-range after great work in the middle of the park from McStea. Morley replied on 81 minutes with Radonovic halving the deficit after rounding his marker and rifling into the net from 18-metres. But that was as close as the hosts got to a point as in the final minute of regulation time Tumoe sealed victory - and possibly the championship - after another goalkeeping error presented the youngster with an open goal.

28.8.2010

GOSNELLS FORCE BUNBURY INTO SUBMISSION

Bunbury Forum Force’s title hopes suffered a crushing blow when defeated 3-2 by Gosnells City at Walter Padbury Reserve. The opening 45 minutes was a largely lacklustre affair with neither team able to break the deadlock. It wasn’t until after the break that the game burst into life with Tom Kennedy firing Gosnells into a 46th minute lead after being set-up by Andy Pomfret. The home team doubled their advantage six minutes later with Pomfret finished off a great team move from close-range. This spurred Bunbury into action and with 55 minutes on the clock Rory Binnie ghosted in to head Oliver McGee’s corner into the net.

The teams were level again after 62 minutes when Binnie finished off great work from captain Patrick Quinn and David Murphy. Bunbury now had the momentum and should have scored again with David Rodgers and Patrick Quinn both hitting the crossbar. Those misses would prove costly as in the 79th minute Darren Francis coolly tucked in a one-on-one with Ryan Montgomery after being played clear. The final minutes were tense as Bunbury attempted to salvage the game. David Rodgers hit the post before appeals for handball inside the 18-yard box were dismissed by the referee.

28.8.2010

WANNEROO MAKE THIRD SAFE

Wanneroo City secured themselves a top three finish by defeating Forrestfield United 3-1 at Kingsway Reserve in a physical battle. The hosts started in a positive fashion and with just 4 minutes on the clock Brian Cairney sent into the net a Dean Timmings cross from the right. Wanneroo continued to attack and were unlucky not to doubled their lead on 16 minutes when Cairney forced a great save from goalkeeper Luke Woodfin. Forrestfield got themselves back in the game after 31 minutes when Louis Costly converted from 10-metres after great work by Jamie Burns on the right.

Entertainment value was high after the break with both teams caving out early opportunities. Cairney and Timmings went close to scoring Wanneroo a third goal while at the other end of the park it Costly fired wide. In the 55th minute Josh Booysen played a neat one-two with Guy McDonald before firing into the bottom corner from 18-metres to put Wanneroo back in front. The points was sealed on 68 minutes when Brad McDonald played though Jonathon McGahern who slipped the ball past Woodfin in a one-on-one.

28.8.2010

FREMANTLE REWARDED FOR SPIRITED REVIVAL

Fremantle Spirit ended a seven-game winless run by dumping fellow Division One strugglers Rockingham City 5-2 at Wauhop Park. The win - just Fremantle’s fourth of the winter - came courtesy of a late goal blitz in which the home team hit the back of the net four times in the space of eleven minutes. The first half was largely uneventful with both teams prodding and probing for openings without generating much in the way of shots on goal. Lance Louvie was working hard for the home side while much of Rockingham’s drive came through cental midfielder Darren Lawler.

The game sparked into life after the break with Tyrone Fenwick pushing the ball into the net during a 48th minute goalmouth scramble. It took Rockingham only eight minutes to respond through Steven Drew, who headed in at the back post after Fremantle failed to properly deal with a corner. Sam Carrello should have restored the hosts lead from the penalty spot but goalkeeper Craig Olejnik rose to the occasion. But that was forgotten soon enough as substitute Anthony Fearon converted a 76th minute penalty which was followed by two goals in three minutes from Darren Monaghan. Josh Senior pulled a goal back for Rockingham from the spot shortly before Louvie iced Fremantle’s cake with their fifth goal of the afternoon.

28.8.2010

QUEENS PARK THROW IT AWAY AT ASHFIELD

Ashfield overturned three-goal deficit to snatch a thrilling 5-5 draw with Queens Park at Ashfield Reserve. Queens Park made a flying start with Josh Gowland putting away a cross from the right at close-range after only 4 minutes. Gowland created the visitors second goal on 19 minutes, playing in Jason Feather who coolly stroked past the oncoming goalkeeper. The game looked to be over when Feather added his second by beating the ‘keeper to a cross which he headed into the net with 24 minutes gone. A shell-shocked Ashfield found their way back into the game a minute before half-time when Gary Murdoch’s shot from 18-metres deflected into the net off a defender.

The second half was as just as exciting with the teams sharing a further six goals. On 56 minutes Wayne Culverwell bagged Ashfield’s second after good work in the lead-up by John Monterosso. The teams were brought level nine minutes later by Leo Harman, who converted from the penalty spot after he’d been felled. Feather completed his hat-trick and put Queens Park back in control by finishing a one-on-one with the ‘keeper after being played in by Gowland in the 71st minute.

Two minutes on and Ashfield had another equaliser, Culverwell scoring a carbon copy of his earlier goal with Monterosso again providing the ammunition from the right. It looked as though Queens Park had won the game with eight minutes left when Calito Anthony rocketed into the net from 22-metres. However, Ashfield were not to be denied and in the final minute were awarded another penalty that Harman sent into the net to complete a remarkable game. The result leaves Queens Park three points behind Ashfield at the foot of the Division One table.

28.8.2010

INJURY DENIES HERD LINCOLN MOVE

Attempts to bring Chris Herd back to Lincoln City have been thwarted by injury. Imps boss Chris Sutton has wanted to sign the talented young midfielder on loan after a brilliant 22-game spell with the club last season. However, Sutton was forced to abandon those plans after learning Herd was on the sidelines. “We wanted to bring Chris Herd back because he did fantastically well for us last season,” said Sutton. “But the problem is that he is injured and he is going to be out for another two months which is a blow.”

28.8.2010

BAIRD CLEARED FOR GLORY

Michael Baird's transfer nightmare came to an end today when he finally received provisional clearance to kick-off his Perth Glory career. The striker was immediately added to the travelling party for tomorrow's away fixture with A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart. Glory had also included Andy Todd in the squad after his recovery from a knee problem, however, the defender's hopes of taking part were dashed when he was struck down by illness this morning.

Baird, who has endured months of frustration following his move from Romanian club Universitatea Craiova, does not expect to go straight into Glory's starting eleven with Branko Jelic and Robbie Fowler in good form. "Maybe I will be lacking a little bit (of fitness)," he said today. "I don't know what the system is going to be for this weekend but I wouldn't expect to start. If I do start that's good but if not Branko's in great form and Robbie's playing well. I feel ready to start and I'd definitely love to start but I'm not going to be upset if I don't at the moment."