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 (left celebrating his second goal at Perth) 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.”

28.08.10 - United thrash Perth to give new life in relegation fight

Perth SC 1 Swan United 4 - by Football West reporter Jona Turle

Swan United has kept their survival hopes alive, after a suburb 4-1 win against Perth SC at BGC Stadium, in the APB State Premier Divison on Saturday.

Swan coach Jamie Goodman said the key to the victory was his side's discipline in shutting down Perth's midfield danger men and their concentration for the full 90 minutes.
"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."
Goodman said he was disappointed at conceded the equaliser four minutes after the break, because he'd warned his team Perth would push hard after the interval.
"To our credit the boys bounced back and got one a couple of minutes later, to put us back on track," he said.

Nineteen-year-old striker Christian Lopez (left) made a dream first team debut for the black and whites, nabbing a brace of well taken goals, including the crucial opener in the 18th minute, which came against the run of play.

Lopez chested down a long throw from the left, and then cleverly flicked the ball over his head, leaving a flat-footed defence on their heels before volleying the bouncing ball past Perth 'keeper Devon Spence from close range.

Before the goal, Perth had started the brighter of the two teams, settling into their passing game with some nice interchanges, but they lacked the cutting edge to penetrate a well organised Swan defence.

It was midfielder Michael Van Dongen (right) who put Swan back in front in the 52nd minute, after substitute Kyle Moran had equalised for Perth in the 49th minute with a sweetly struck left-footed drive from 25 metres.

Van Dongen (right) arrived in the box to sidefoot the ball past Spence following good work down the left, to restore Swan's advantage.
With their lead restored, Swan reverted to their plan to frustrate Perth by congesting the midfield, tackling and chasing every ball to great effect.

And when Lopez pounced to volley ome another long throw from the left in the 71st minute, the game was all but won.

However, substitute Liam Boland (left) made the most of a defensive error to dispossess his marker and break clean through on goal before calmly slotting the ball past Spence - and given that the relegation battle could yet be decided on goal difference, it may yet prove a crucial strike in the wash up.

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."
Normanton said his side would need to improve in all areas if it were to make any impact on the upcoming All Flags Finals series.
"We're in the mix for the finals, but on that performance we're not going to do very well," he said.
"We've got a hell of a lot of improving to do if we think we're going to figure in the final make-up.
"We didn't penetrate well today - our movement up front was very pedestrian, but having said that our defensive work wasn't up to scratch either."

Swan go into the final round of the APB State Premier Division needing to beat Balcatta at home, and hope other results go their way to stay up.
Perth are out of the race for the minor premiership and will lick their wounds and try to get some momentum for the All Flags Finals series when they take on Armadale away in their final regular season fixture.
TEAMS
PERTH SC: GK. Devon SPENCE, 2. Trent KAY, 4. Craig SIMPSON, 5. Hayden DOYLE, 6. Shaun KILKELLY, 7. Matt DANSKIN (14. Kyle MORAN 37'), 9. David ONOFORO, 10. Andreas OLIVEIRA, 15. Anthony NAGLIERI, 16. Ian McMURRAY (8. Rob PUCA 69'), 18. Dom DE FELICE (13. Simon WILSON 87')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Luke MARTINO, 12. Matt BEYER
SWAN UNITED: GK. Cory HUGO, 2. Stuart LONG, 3. Trent WOOD (11. Michael TRONCHIN 90'), 4. Robert MONTEROSSO, 5. Brendon CRAIG, 7. James SAMMUT, 8. Michael VAN DONGEN (6. Chris MARSHALL 80'), 10. Brendon KNOX, 15. David McNALLY, 18. Christian LOPEZ (17. Liam BOLAND 76'), 19. Tommy SHEPHEARD
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Daniel AGUDELO, 12. Jake DE RE

27.08.10 - United go in search of points at Perth

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).

Theblack and whites do not have a good record at the home of last season’s Champions but they will be looking to change that on Saturday. Coach Jamie Goodman will be looking for a big effort from his side. “The last game between the two sides produced an exciting finish it our ground and I believe my side can put in another fighting display again this time around,” said Goodman.

“We are fighting for survival we need to get something out of this game, and we cannot rely on other teams doing us favours we need to do it ourselves. I need all my players to stand up and be counted and if we do that anything can happen.”

In team news 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 (right), who has recovered from an ankle injury. Liam Boland will be pushing hard for a starting role after scoring off the bench last week, but tough midfielder Darragh Kinnevey is also missing.

Perth will be without Coach Graham Normanton, who has been banned from the dugout for two weeks, and they don’t have a good record when he’s not on the side of the pitch, but Goodman knows they will still be a strong side. “I think Normo’s suspension will not affect their performance at all. They are in the hunt for another title that is motivation enough for them, and he would have prepared the side well for this week. Naglieri, Doyle and Puca are part of a big name midfield but they have others we also need to be wary of. We need to be close to them all over the park and put pressure on the ball. If we allow them time and space that is when we will get hurt,” Goodman said.

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.

The under 18’s begins at 10.45am, and the under 23’s at 1pm. The main game kicks-off at 2.30pm – Admission is $10 adults, concession $5 – under 15’s free – Get along and support the black and whites – they need your support NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Knights to strong for United

Swan United dropped to the foot of the APB Premier Division table after a 1-2 defeat against league leaders Western Knights at Francis Street on Saturday.

With scores locked at half time, the visitors scored two quick goals through Jack Doyle and Daniel Micevski and despite a late scare through Liam Boland, Western Knights held on to secure a vital victory.

With only two games remaining – Perth SC away and Balcatta at home – the black and whites are in real danger of slipping out of the Premier League. The Knights on the other hand continued their run towards the championship, a result that puts the hosts' bottom of the APB State Premier League.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was disappointed after the defeat. “I thought in general we had done well to half time. The Knights had more of the ball but there opportunities were limited. We looked dangerous on the counter attack but were lacking the final pass and delivery. I thought when we got the ball in the box it created problems but we did not do it enough. Cory Hugo was forced to make a couple of good saves to keep it level. Dave McNally and Rob Monterosso had done well to repel there attacks,” Goodman said.
“At half time we spoke about how important it was to not concede in the first 15 minutes of the second half. If we could keep it to 0-0 then that would provide us with the opportunity to have red hot go at them for the final 25 minutes.

"The disappointing factor was that we did not manage to do this, and five minutes into the second half they scored. The Knights then began to show why they are a top side and were playing some nice football and created further chances,” Goodman added.

“Strikers Liam Boland and Christian Lopez were introduced immediately as we had on the attack and take risks. Liam made an impact again by nodding in a corner from close range to set up a good finish. Hugo made a string of one on one saves to keep us in it. We pushed to the end but could not bag an equaliser. Overall we were beaten by a better side. I thought that they were cleaner in there passing and played some good football, but again I cannot fault the effort from my players.”

It was a slow start to the match with the first opportunity falling to Stuart Montgomery 14 minutes in with the striker running onto David Price's weighted through ball, seeing his powerful effort tipped around the post by Cory Hugo.

Just a few minutes later, David Micevski had an effort that would have been a contender for goal of the season, when he picked up the loose ball on the half way line and jinxed his way past an oncoming defender only to see his powerful effort from 25 yards tipped wide by Hugo.

On 30 minutes after great work from David Micevski and a Paul Van Dongen cross, Stuart Montgomery had the ball in the net only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Swan United registered their first effort on 41 minutes when great work between Trent Wood (right) and James Sammut found Brendon Knox who in turn flicked the ball to David Perich, whose tame effort was saved easily by Siddall from eight yards.

With the scores level at half time, Western Knights broke the dead-lock on 50 minutes when Swan United failed to clear the ball from a corner with Jack Doyle firing the ball home from 17 yards to give the visitors the lead.

Western Knights were having the better of the hosts and just three minutes after the goal, Montgomery had another chance with the striker heading wide from seven yards.
On 59 minutes the visitors doubled the lead when a great through ball from David Micevski split the hosts' defence finding his brother Daniel who coolly slotted the ball over the oncoming Hugo and into the empty net.

With further opportunities falling to Montgomery, Anthony Campbell and Doyle who all missed one-on-one chances, it was Swan United who scored through Liam Boland on 79 minutes.

The young striker who had only come on minutes earlier headed home a Perich corner to give the home team a chance of a comeback.

Despite late pressure from Swan United it was Western Knights who should have extended their lead with Jack Doyle missing two one-on-one chances in injury time before referee Mathew Cheeseman brought the proceedings to an end.
"The victory keeps us in the championship hunt, we needed three wins out of three and we got one here today, we are just hoping Perth slips up," said Knights coach Paul Price.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the score today to be honest; they had one chance and scored, while we could have scored eight with Jack Doyle missing two late one-on-one chances."
TEAMS
SWAN UNITED: GK Corey HUGO, 2 Stuart YOUNG (5 Michael VAN DONGEN 86'), 3 Trent WOOD (17 Liam BOLAND 64'), 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 7 James SAMMUT (Christian LOPEZ 64'), 8 Brendon CRAIG, 10 Brendon KNOX, 14 David PERICH, 16 Dara KINNEVY, 18 David McNALLY, 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 13 Michael TRONCHIN
WESTERN KNIGHTS: GK Frazer SIDDALL, 3 Stuart FERGUSON, 4 Paul VAN DONGEN (11 Anthony CAMPBELL 72'), 6 Garth LECKEY, 7 Daniel MICEVSKI (14 Fachra McAROLE 63') , 8 David PRICE, 9 Simon VERSACIO, 10 David MICEVSKI, 13 Marco WARMT-MURRAY, 16 Jack DOYLE, 17 Stuart MONTGOMERY
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Grant HEARD, 15 Niall HUGHES
Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

15.08.10 - United drop to the foot of the table

Swan United dropped to the foot of the APB Premier Division table after a 1-2 defeat against league leaders Western Knights at Francis Street on Saturday.

With only two games remaining – Perth SC away and Balcatta at home – the black and whites are in real danger of slipping out of the Premier League.

The Knights scored twice in a 10 minutes spell in the second half, with goals from Irish striker Jack Doyle in the 50th minute, and Daniel Micevski on the hour. Liam Boland (left) pulled one back for United with 10 minutes remaining, but it was the Knights who finished the better and could have increased their lead late but failed to convert their chances. (Full report later)

In other results on the day John O’Reilly’s under 23’s consolidated second place on the table by beating the Knights 23’s 3-0, Morgan Dendle, Sebastian deCotter and Robert Ftynogiannis on target, while a young under 18’s side were beaten 1-3 by the Knights 18’s

13.08.10 - D-Day for United in vital League clash against The Knights

It’s D-Day tomorrow at Francis Street, when Swan United go in search of their first home win of the season, and three vital points to push them closer to safety, when they entertain Western Knights (3pm).

The Knights sit second on the APB Premier League, but the black and whites do have a good record against them at Francis Street, having only lost once in the last five league games.

United Coach Jamie Goodman said: “Saturday’s game against The Knights will prove to be another challenge for our team. We have proved we can mix it with the top of the table sides and I am confident we can do that again. We know what we have to do to get a result, and we are well over due for a home win and some luck. We cannot rely on other teams doing us favours, our destiny is in our own hands, and I know our team will give there all and have a go,” Goodman said.

It’s a final game this season for David Perich (left), the 22-year-old heads back to the U.S on Sunday and he hopes he can help get the three points on Saturday. “It would be nice to get a home win at least once in the season, and I think we can beat any side on our day. It’s just a matter of not gifting them goals at the back, and working hard in the middle and up front, and giving it all on the day,” Perich said.

In team news for United Michael Van Dongen (right) returns to the squad after an ankle injury had sidelined the midfielder for three weeks. The Knights welcome back Daniel Trim from injury, but will be without shipper David Annall and Duncan Hind, who are suspended. Stuart Montgomery continues to find the net for Paul Price’s side, while Irish import Jack Doyle is fitting in well at Nash Field.

Perich looking for a perfect parting gift

Swan United heads into round 20 of the Premier league only three points of the relegation spot, and midfielder David Perich, who plays his last game for the club before heading back to college in the US, knows it will be a tough challenge ahead but is ready to roll up his sleeves. “It'll be my last game for the season and it’s a vital game for the club,” Perich said.

“It would be nice to get a home win at least once in the season, and I think we can beat any side on our day. It’s just a matter of not gifting them goals at the back, and working hard in the middle and up front, and giving it all on the day.”

A defeat at Mandurah City last week left the club in a dog fight with Cockburn City to see who will be relegated, and Perich believes they need a little bit of luck to go their way, which didn’t happen last week. “It was disappointing result last week, but they probably had the better chances throughout what was a really scrappy game. The referring didn’t help, but we must remember they are infallible, but when things go against you, then you have to fight a little bit harder,” Perich explained.

The 22-year-old has settled back nicely at Francis Street and has enjoyed his eight game stay. “It always takes a few weeks to settle back in, especially this year with Swan having a lot of new faces. I've been playing alright, but if I had any shooting ability, I think Swan would be in a completely different position,” Perich joked.

The midfielder, who played at Ballajura and the Kings Academy as a junior, then a year at Kingsway Olympic, before joining the Swans as a 16-year-old, has come up through the ranks to play for the Black and Whites. “The club has been a big part of my football life and Mauro Marchione was a huge influence to me when I was playing 18's for Swan. I felt like I improved massively that year but looking back it was mainly due to the self-belief he instilled in us. I have been more influenced by players I have played with, especially a few boys in America,” Perich said.

Perich returns to Cardinal Stritch College next week and he’s looking forward to finish his studies. “I still have one semester left, and I head back next week. It has been a great experience overall, and I would maybe have liked to have done it early into my studies to avoid being at University for so long, as I've been smashing all the exams,” Perich explained.

06.08.10 - United let it slip late at Mandurah

Mandurah City 1 Swan United 0 - Report by Football West Reporter Andrew Harris
Mandurah won a war of attrition 1-0 at Hyundai Stadium in their Round 19 APB State Premier League clash with Swan United on Saturday.

The return of Jeff Bright from Dandenong Thunder and the presence of dignitary and former State Planning Minister Alannah Mactiernan saw Mandurah get off to a cracking start when in the first a minute a shot from Ivan Zuvela went just wide.
Swan's first serious attempt on goal came later when in the 17th minute Darragh Kinnevey (left) let loose a long range shot from 30 metres out.

Most of the game was being played in the middle of the park and while Rafa Insuralde was feeding great balls through to the Mandurah strikers from midfield Swan were dealing with them all.
A neat one-two between Alex Darby and Andy Brown found them inside the Swan penalty area but Brown was superbly tackled by Swan's Stuart Long who cleared the danger.

Just after, Swan's David McNally and James Sammut (right) both had on-target headers, but Mandurah's Ryan Townsend was such a physical presence they were put under pressure and keeper Phil Straker had time to collect the ball.

With five minutes to go until the break, Brown broke with a searing run from the half way line with two Swan defenders chasing him but his shot from 4 metres was easily dealt with by Swan keeper Cory Hugo.

The second half continued in much the same fashion with no team able to dominate. An extraordinarily uncharacteristic pass from Insuralde, who had an advancing keeper to beat in the Swan goal area, went straight to a Swan defender who cleared the gift away.
The game had numerous goal mouth scrambles but in the 74th minute one yielded a goal courtesy of Christian Paschkewitz and Mandurah had the lead.

Swans substitute Christian Lopez went closest with a minute to go when he weaved around three defenders and found himself in the penalty area, but the arrival of two more Mandurah players saw him vastly outnumbered and with no options. Midfielder Craig Young, on defensive duties, came in and the ball was belted far and away.

Mandurah finished the stronger with Brown's shot in the 85th minute just over the bar and two chances in the last minute, Darren Broxton going just wide with a grass cutter and a Brown header being saved.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was left to rue their lack of luck in their relegation battle. “The game was a tight hard fought affair, and both teams knew the importance of getting a result. We started well and passed the ball well. It was one of those days where we had the better of the game but Mandurah created the better chances,” Goodman said.

“They scored with about 15 minutes to go and we threw numbers forward but could not get the delivery right and Mandurah held on. It was not our day and a few home town decisions frustrated my players, but I cannot fault the effort from the team.”

Mandurah coach Stuart Young was "delighted with the three points" which just about guarantees APB State Premier League football will be available in the Peel region next season.
The defeat for Swans puts them in deep water and into a relegation battle.
TEAMS
MANDURAH CITY: GK. Philip STRAKER, 2. Ryan TOWNSEND (c), 3. Lloyd JOHNSTONE (13. David DAWSON 45') 4. Craig YOUNG 5. Alex DARBY, 6. Ivan ZUVELA 7. Darren BROXTON 8. Andy BROWN 9. Christian PASCHKEWITZ 10. Vidor INSAURALDE (11. Sean DASH) 12. Jeff BRIGHT
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Mitch HENDERSON 15. Aaron JEFFREY 19. Daniel MACKLIN
SWAN UNITED: GK. Cory HUGO, 12. Brendan KNOX, 15. David MCNALLY, 11. Robert MONTEROSSO, 19. Tommy SHEPHEARD, 6. Trent WOOD, (13. Christian LOPEZ 72') 18. David PERICH, 11. James SAMMUT, (22. Chris MARSHALL 81') 16. Darragh KINNEVY, 2. Stuart LONG, 8. Brendon CRAIG (17. Liam BOLAND 74')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Daniel AGUDELO, 10. Morgan DENDLE

United we stand say’s Craig

Swan United is becoming the comeback kings in the Premier League this season. They came from behind to beat ECU Joondalup 3-2 in round 17, and then from two goals down to draw 3-3 against Inglewood United last week.

Defensive midfielder Brendan Craig, who is in his second year at Francis Street, believes the side and coach Jamie Goodman are standing as one in their fight against relegation. “Jamie’s had a tough job this year after many unforeseeable events, though he’s kept his footing and I think he’s finally starting to get the best out of boys,” Craig said.

“In saying that there’s a great group mentality at Swan and the boys will break their backs for each other including Jamie. The respect he holds amongst the playing group brings confidence in his tactical moves on the park and a confidence that we can win any game.”

Last week Craig (Below in action against Western Knights last season) played his former club – Inglewood United – and he thought they should have taken all three points. “It was hard fought comeback that the lads and I thought we really should have won. We conceded three goals that were extremely poor, but had we been fully switched on for 90 minutes there’s no doubt the three points would have been ours. In saying that though the lads battled hard for 90 minutes and to comeback from 3-1 down against a quality Inglewood side is a good result. I just hope lack of concentration doesn’t cost us any more points before the season’s end,” Craig explained.

United have lost a few players to injury in recent weeks, but with striker Thomas Shepheard hitting a rich vein of form in recent weeks, Craig believes the side is on track to avoid the drop. “Tommy’s a quality player with tremendous ability, had he not been struggling with injuries and form at the start of the season I don’t think United would be so close to the bottom of the table. Tommy keeping his form at this time of the season is no doubt crucial to our survival,” Craig said.

The loss of Michael van Dongen and Rory Mouttet to injury has been a problem, but Craig believes the players coming in have been fantastic. “The inclusion of skipper Brendan Knox from injury has somewhat eased the pain of losing Michael, and given Trent Wood the opportunity to use his pace up front. Stewart Long has now been given the opportunity to show his skills at right back in place of Rory, and he has the ability and heart to trouble opposition players,” Craig said.

Craig is also hampered by injury, but the 20-year-old will be playing in Saturday’s big game at Mandurah City. “I’ve done ligament damage to my ankle; it’s still very tender though some good tight strapping from the physio has enabled me to continue playing. I did it against Bunbury Forum Force in the cup, but I’ve been resting it most Tuesdays and for a month now and it now seems to coming along quite nicely,” Craig said.

“We head to Mandurah in a confident mood, and we all know the importance of the game. A win will almost see us safe this season, but if we stick to our game plan we’re confident of the three points.”

31.07.10 - Super sub Boland earns United a point

Report by Football West reporter Tim Lefort

A LATE goal by substitute Liam Boland (right) saw Swan United come from two goals down to grab a 3-3 draw and a vital point against fellow strugglers Inglewood United at Francis Street.

Thomas Shepheard cancelled out Daniel Stoitis' early strike for the visitors but, when Stoitis got his second and Sandi Loncar made it 3-1 just before the hour mark, things didn't look good for the Swans.
But after Shepheard gave his side hope on 70 minutes, Boland coolly rammed home the leveller and, in the end, Jamie Goodman's side probably should have pinched all three points but another substitute, Christian Lopez, blazed over in the dying seconds.

With the teams locked together on 18 points before kick-off — just two ahead of bottom side Cockburn — a good start was crucial and it was Inglewood who went ahead after just four minutes.
An innocuous-looking corner fell to Stoitis at the near post and the defender's first-time volley somehow found its way through a cluster of players and into the back of the net.

Stoitis almost made it 2-0 on 14 minutes when his scrambled effort from another corner was just kept out by Swan.
At the other end, Inglewood keeper Oliver Taseski failed to deal with a long free-kick under pressure from Shepheard and, from the resulting loose ball, Brendan Knox's header from 12 yards looped just over the bar.

A largely forgettable first half was summed up when Swan were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out from Inglewood's goal but, instead of having a shot, Brendan Craig took it quickly and only succeeded in playing the ball straight out of play for a throw-in to the visitors.

Whatever Goodman said to his players during the interval worked a treat as within 30 seconds of the restart they were back on level terms.
They ran straight towards goal from the kick-off and when the ball spilled to David Perich on the right, he sent over a measured cross and Shepheard (left) headed powerfully past Taseski.

Seconds later the Swan striker should have had his second but, after being put through by Knox, he slid the ball wide with only the keeper to beat.

Jamie Sammut then saw a volley from a corner cleared off the line but just as Swan were getting on top, they were hit by a double sucker-punch.
Alex Stamatiadis' low cross from the right found its way across the six-yard box and Stoitis was on hand to scramble it over the line.
Within two minutes, Shane Price's side were 3-1 up thanks to a dreadful howler from Swan keeper Cory Hugo.
There seemed little danger as he looked to clear a back pass but the veteran stopper completely fluffed his kick, slicing the ball straight to Adrian Caceres no more than 10 yards away.
The former Perth Glory star coolly rolled the ball across to Sandi Loncar who gratefully tapped it into an empty net from six yards.
Inglewood appeared to be in control but with 20 minutes remaining Shepheard made it 3-2.

Sammut's shot from 15 yards was superbly saved by Taseski but the ball fell nicely for the hardworking Shepheard who steered a header into the back of the net.
The impressive Sammut (right) was again involved after 81 minutes, setting up Lopez for a drive that was blocked by Taseski, then the substitute was denied again by the Inglewood keeper.

Rory Grant stooped to head inches wide at the other end when it might have been easier to use his foot and it was to prove a costly miss as, with just a minute remaining, Boland made it 3-3.

A loose ball just outside the penalty box fell nicely to the substitute and he kept his composure to stroke the ball past Taseski and into the back of the net.

Urged on by their bench, the home side went in search of a late, late winner and they almost got it, Lopez blazing over from 15 yards when he should have done a lot better.

Goodman, while happy to come back from two goals down and earn a point, was disappointed with the way they conceded.
"We were the better side in the second half but we found ourselves 3-1 down," he said.

"We've got to stop conceding those goals, scoring three at home and not winning is not good enough for us but full credit to the boys, they worked their balls off and at the end of the day got at least what they deserved."

Goodman conceded the first period was not much of a spectacle but said the situation with both sides struggling at the wrong end of the table may have played its part.

"Both sides were a bit tentative in first half," he said.
"The first half was a battle. I think a lot of it was played down the middle and it was cramped.
"We tried to get a bit more width in the second half and we played a lot better and knocked the ball around a bit."

Swan United 3 (Shepheard 46' 70', Boland 89')
Inglewood United 3 (Stoitis 4', 57', Loncar 59')

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD (17 Liam BOLAND 79'), 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Darragh KINNEVEY, 6 Brendan KNOX, 8 Brendon CRAIG (12 Christian LOPEZ 69'), 10 David PERICH, 11 Jamie SAMMUT (2 Chris MARSHALL 85'), 13 Stuart LONG, 15 David McNALLY, 19 Tom SHEPHEARD
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, Jake DE RA
YELLOW CARDS: None
RED CARDS: None

INGLEWOOD UNITED: GK Oliver TASESKI, 4 Rikki SMITH, 5 Sandi LONCAR, 6 Matt WARDLE, 8 Ryan CLARKE, 9 Rory GRANT (23 Lee CARR 90+2'), 11 Alex STAMATIADIS (19 Karl O'REILLY 77'), 21 Daniel STOITIS, 22 Matt WORTON, 30 ADRIAN CACERES, 36 Darko ILMONOVSKI
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jason RAZOVSKI, 7 Michael BACZYNSKI, 10 Jake GEDDES
YELLOW CARDS: Adrian CACERES 4', Alex STAMATIADIS 24'
RED CARDS: None

Crowd: Approx 130
Referee: Joe Fusari

30.07.10 - United look to end home hoodoo

Swan United will look to end their home hoodoo this season, and Premier League survival is the name of the game when they host Inglewood United in tomorrow's six-pointer at Francis Street (3pm).

United pulled themselves out of the relegation zone last week by defeating ECU Joondalup, however, they're yet to take full points at home this season and haven’t beaten Inglewood since 2000, when Elton Holmes scored to give them a 1-0 win.

Jamie Goodman knows the importance of the game and believes his side can take the three points. “This weekend’s match with Inglewood United is massive for both clubs. Both sides are locked together on 18 points just 2 points above bottom side Cockburn and a couple of points behind a host of clubs. The numbers of games remaining are dwindling quickly, and Saturday’s winner will give themselves a big advantage in the race for survival,” Goodman said.

He hopes the players can recover from last week’s poor performance in the cup and get back to their good league form. “Last week’s cup semi final saw us well and truly beaten 4-0 by Stirling Lions. The first half performance was the worst display of the season, and the things we had done well in the previous week’s league games were nonexistent.

“We have shown a lot of character and played some good football in recent weeks, but when you give other teams the time and space we did they will hurt you. A mad seven minute period saw us conceded 3 goals. If our players learn anything from this defeat it should be that we cannot respect teams and expect to win games without the required intensity,” Goodman said.

“On Saturday I expect our players to play with their hearts on their sleave. We need to show the same passion, intensity and the will to win as we did against ECU Joondalup,” Goodman explained.

In team news Michael van Dongon is unlikely to play due to an ankle injury, but Brendan Craig (right) is fit to play against his former club. Alan O’Mahony could make his league debut for the club, with Robert Monterosso struggling with a groin injury.

Inglewood coach Shane Pryce is hopeful of having club stalwarts Michael Baczynski and Danny Kovacevic available, likewise Adrian Caceres who pulled out of the WA State side in their match against Perth Glory on Wednesday.

24.07.10 - Lions into the Cup Final after mauling the Swans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STIRLING LIONS: GK James TURVILL, 3 Scott MUIRHEAD, 4 Jason GAVIN, 6 Paul DICKSON (12 Dennis GALAN 74’), 7 Tom INGRAM (15 Adriano D’ADAMO 82’), 8 Bobby WILSON, 9 Mario MARCINKO (17 Ndumba MAKECHE 58’), 10 Ludovic BOI, 11 Stef FROST, 14 Phil ARNOLD, 16 Matt STARES
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Kevin MILLER, 2 Dave HUNT
Yellow Card - Nil
SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD, 8 Michael VAN DONGEN (2 Chris MARSHAL 7’)L, 10 David PERICH, 11 James SAMMUT 12 Brendan KNOX, 15 David McNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY (18 Christian LOPEZ 61’), 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (17 Liam BOLAND 61’), 22 Morgan DENDLE, 24 Robert MONTEROSSO
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 13 Michael TRONCHIN
Yellow Cards – Monterosso 73’

Referee – Steven Gregory
Assistants – Joe Fusari and Michal Jasinski
Fourth Official – Paul Anderson
Attendance - 300

23.07.10 - United head to Lion’s Den for Cup Semi-Final

Swan United travels to Macedonia Park tomorrow, for the Semi-Finals of the State League Cup against Stirling Lions
The last time the United met the Lions in the cup was the 2006 final when the Lions won in a penalty shoot out, and the Swans will be looking to change that on Saturday.

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

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

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

The Lions overcame Balcatta in the last round, and will go into the game as strong favourites. Phil Arnold scored the winning spot kick in the cup final, and he has formed a good partnership with Mario Marcinko and they will have to be watched closely by the United defence.

Influential midfielder Shane Robinson will miss the game due to suspension, along with defender Michael Pugliese, but Lions coach Paul Lincoln (right), who left United earlier in the season, will hope Paul Dickson will be available for selection after missing the 2-2 draw against Sorrento last week. “I think the game will be tight as Swan have been playing well, we go in as favourites but as we all know cup games are on the day. I’m well aware of Swans history in Cup games so we know the game will be a real contest,” Lincoln said.
“The Cup is an opportunity to win a trophy and although we don’t get three points on the day we are one game away from a Grand Final. The only pressure is that we are expected to win. We have set some high expectations this season and one of those is winning the Cup.”

On Sunday Floreat Athena host Armadale at the E&D Litis Stadium (3pm) Current holders of the cup, Floreat, beat Sorrento in the quarter finals, but are coming off a loss to the Reds in the league last week. Branimir Mikulic has been on fire in front of goal and currently leads the goal scoring table, and his partnership with Johnny Mirco will be vital for the home side. At the back, Jovo Pavlovic returns from suspension and he will form a tight unit with Julian Madaschi and Ante Kovacivic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monterosso looks for Cup success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17.07.10 - United win at ECU Joondalup and move of the bottom of the table

Swan United moved off the bottom of the APB Premier Division table after a 3-2 win against ECU Joondalup at the Edith Cowen University arena today. (Report by Football West reporter Tim Lefort)

In an eventful match, Thomas Shepheard headed the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time but goals from Phil O'Callaghan and Jamie Watt — the latter a penalty — looked like consigning Swans to their eighth league defeat of the season.

But a quite stunning strike from Darragh Kinnevey drew them level, before Brendan Knox — who had earlier missed from the spot — gave Jamie Goodman's side three priceless points in their quest to avoid relegation.
Brendan Craig forced Andy Petterson to make a decent save low down with a well-hit effort from 25 yards but it was ECU who should have opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

Chris Wylie's long throw-in was flicked on but Watt could only stab the ball wide from six yards out.
In an opening half of few clear-cut chances, O’Callaghan almost benefited from a poor bit of control from Swans defender David McNally but the striker somewhat scuffed his shot from 25 yards and Cory Hugo had no trouble making the save.

At the other end, Kinnevey pounced on a loose ball but blazed well over from distance. However, team-mate Jamie Sammut was a lot closer, his low drive from 25 yards fizzing just wide.

But, with just seconds remaining in the first period, Swans went ahead with a goal their hard work and effort probably deserved.

Sammut picked up a short corner and whipped a dangerous ball into the box that Knox met with a glancing header. Petterson superbly tipped the ball over for another corner and this time the Joondalup keeper was helpless as Shepheard (left) steered a header into the back of the net.

Whatever ECU boss Syd Amphlett said during the break worked because his side were back on level terms four minutes after the resumption with a well-worked goal.

Wylie and John Higgins played a neat one-two down the left and when the former crossed deep beyond the far post, Garin Collins rolled the ball back across the six-yard box for O'Callaghan to fire home.

David Perich sent a snap shot over from 12 yards as the visitors looked to restore their lead immediately but they were given a golden opportunity after 55 minutes when Knox's great run into the box was illegally halted by substitute Mark Tebbut. Knox stepped up to take the spot-kick himself but his low strike was brilliantly saved by Petterson.

Incredibly, 60 seconds later, Joondalup were ahead when an almost identical challenge from Robert Monterosso upended Watt. He also stepped up to take the kick himself but made no mistake, driving the ball inside the left upright.

O'Callaghan and Watt then combined well with the latter blasting just over from a tight angle.
McNally wasted an excellent chance for Swans after 67 minutes, sending a free header over the bar from a long free-kick, then Knox saw a close-range effort somehow cleared off the line, with Shepheard unable to direct his follow-up header under the bar.

But just when it was beginning to look as though ECU might hang on, Kinnevey (right) drew his side level with an absolute screamer with 11 minutes remaining. There looked to be little on when he picked up a half-cleared ball 25 yards from goal but, after an initial touch, the midfielder lashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.
Clearly inspired, Kinnevey was only denied his second from long-range moments later by a fine save from Pettersen.

The Swans could sense victory and Knox delivered the killer blow five minutes from time. Substitute Christian Lopez made a good run into the box and, although Petterson did well to get down and keep out his low shot, the keeper was helpless to prevent Knox (left) driving in the rebound from six yards.

Goodman was naturally thrilled with the result and was full of praise for his players.
"The boys did really well today, showed a lot of character," he said.
"We had a chance to go 2-1 up but missed the penalty and then went 2-1 down with another penalty at the other end within a minute of that.
"I think it was a bit of a scrap after that and our boys really dug deep and it was a great result.
"We battled hard last week but didn't quite manage to get the result but we've gone a step further and managed to get the win today. I'm just rapt at the moment, absolutely rapt."

Match Details:
ECU Joondalup 2 (O'Callaghan 49', Watt pen 56')
Swan United 3 (Shepheard 44', Kinnevey 79', Knox 85')
Saturday July 17, 3.00pm
Edith Cowan University
Crowd: Appx 150
Referee: Dave Scragg

ECU JOONDALUP: GK. Andy PETTERSON, 2. Ryan McDARBY, 3. Chris WYLIE, 4. Charlie COMYN-PLATT (16. Mark TEBBUT 28'), 6. Andy BROWN, 7. John HIGGINS, 8. Scott BLACKMORE, 9. Jamie WATT, 10. Phil O'CALLAGHAN, 12 Dale McCULLOCH, 14 Garin COLLINS
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Andy BANKS, 5. John STYNES, 11. Josh BROOK, 13. Jake BENSON-COOPER
YELLOW CARDS: Ryan McDARBY 46', Dale McCULLOCH 90+2
RED CARDS: None

SWAN UNITED: GK. Cory HUGO, 3. Trent WOOD (2. Christian LOPEZ 77'), 4. Robert MONTEROSSO, 6. Brendan KNOX, 8. Brendon CRAIG, 10. Michael VAN DONGEN, 11. Jamie SAMMUT, 12. David PERICH, 16. Darragh KINNEVEY (15. Alan O’MAHONY 85'), 17. David McNALLY, 19. Tom SHEPHEARD (13. Stuart LONG 88')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Daniel AGUDELO, 9. Morgan DENDLE
YELLOW CARDS: Brendon CRAIG 69'
RED CARDS: None

16.07.10 - United head north to take on ECU Joondalup in round 17

Swan United head up the Mitchell Freeway on Saturday to take on ECU Joondalup in round 17 of the APB Premier Division (3pm)

United coach Jamie Goodman was left extremely disappointed after the 2-2 draw against Floreat Athena last weekend, which the black and whites should have won, but he has taken positives out of the game to take to ECU Joondalup on Saturday. “Yes it was a disappointing result last week for our football club, but that’s behind us now, we are really looking forward to the game at Joondalup,” Goodman said.

“I watched ECU play well against Perth last Sunday. They have picked up some good points recently and they have made themselves hard to beat. Perth found it difficult to break them down and they looked dangerous moving forward with John Higgins, Jamie Watt and Phil O'Callaghan providing the threat.

“It will be another cup final for us this week. We will need to make sure we compete all over the park and take our opportunities. If we can set the same standard as last week’s performance we can get a result. Our destiny is in our own hands and we are the only ones who can shape it,” Goodman explained

In team news United will be without Rory Mouttet for a minimum of 4 weeks with a groin tear, while Liam Boland is suspended this week for receiving four yellow cards.

Former ECU midfielder James Sammut is looking forward to the game and looking for three points. “It will be a tough game this week against ECU as they are a good side, and as you say have proven it by the results they have gotten lately. But we are all up for the game and if we play the football we are capable of playing then I’m sure we will get the three points,” Sammut said.
ECU defender Ryan McDarby has just recovered from a serious knee injury and he is hoping to start in the league at home for the first time on Saturday. “I think after beating two of the top four teams we will be confident going into this game. But this league is so tight anyone can beat anyone on their day so we will have to be on the top of our game to beat them, it should be a good game,” McDarby said.

In team news for home side, Ross Anderson returns from suspension, and he will add to their strength

Sammut ready for big game at ECU

Swan United midfielder James Sammut is ready to ruffle a few feathers in the last six games for the Swans, as their season goes down to the wire.

The black and whites find themselves at the bottom of the APB Premier Division table, but were seconds away from gaining three valuable points against Floreat Athena last week, but let it slip late, and Sammut like the rest of the side was left disappointed. “It was disappointing not to get the three points, but that happens sometimes in games you deserve to win, but there was still a lot of positive signs to take from the match. We played good football even though the conditions weren’t the best, and the work rate of the team was superb. If we play like that and bring that intensity for the remainder of the season I am sure we will win matches,” Sammut said.

Although United are struggling in the league, they have made the semi-finals of the State League Cup, and Sammut believes the players are all pulling in the same direction. “The team spirit at our club is great on and off the field, and the lads are always working for each other.

“The league at the moment is very close and a couple of wins will jump us up the table a few spots and see us out of relegation. I’m sure that if we continue to play the remainder of the games like we did against Floreat we will make our way up the table and of the bottom, and a cup final appearance would be nice,” Sammut added.

The 20-year-old ventured overseas as a youngster, and was involved in the inaugural season of the Perth Glory Youth side, and he would like to try it again someday. “I went to the UK for a couple of months and trained with West Ham United and Portsmouth and then played with Perth Glory Youth which was all a great experience. I currently have a year left of my University degree and on completion I would like to head back overseas somewhere and try my luck over there,” Sammut explained.

United head to ECU Joondalup on Saturday, a former club of the midfielder, and he knows it will be huge test for the Swans as they have beaten Western Knights and Perth in recent weeks. “It will be a tough game this week against ECU as they are a good side, and as you say have proven it by the results they have gotten lately. But we are all up for the game and if we play the football we are capable of playing then I’m sure we will get the three points,” Sammut said.

It has been a tough time for Coach Jamie Goodman since he took over the reins at the club, but Sammut knows he has the support of the players. “It hasn’t been easy for Jamie but he is doing a good job and does have the full support of the team. Training has been sharp and he has got the team playing good football but unfortunately just not getting the results. With the new appointment of assistant Mick DaRe it will give Jamie someone to work with and discuss ideas to best suit the team,” Sammut commented.

11.07.10 - United draw Lions in State cup semi-finals

Swan United will meet Stirling Lions in the semi-final of the State League Cup at Macedonia Park on Saturday 24th July, after the draw tonight on ‘Let’s Talk football’

United’s Coach Jamie Goodman is relishing the tie. “The cup semi is a great opportunity for my players to enjoy themselves and play without any pressure on them.

“Stirling Lions are up the top end and we are fighting at the other end but in these games it does not matter where you sit on the league, Cup games are about what happens on the day. We have played them twice during the season and have pushed them hard in both games. We will be massive underdogs and we don't mind that,” Goodman explained.

It pits United against former Coach Paul Lincoln, who is at the helm of the Macedonia Park club. “We go into the game with confidence having taken six points from them this season. In our most recent outing Swan made it difficult for us and we expect another tough battle in the cup semi-final,” Lincoln said.

10.07.10 - Swans pay the penalty in draw against Athena

Swan United remains bottom of the APB Premier Division table after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Floreat Athena in the round 16 clash at Francis Street. The home side had a chance to win all three points, but skipper Brendan Knox missed a twice taken penalty in stoppage-time, leaving the Swans one point adrift at the bottom.

Both sides made changes to their starting line up’s from round 15, with United Coach Jamie Goodman making four changes from the side that lost 1-2 at Sorrento. In came keeper Cory Hugo to replace Daniel Agudelo, while Thomas Shepheard, Brendan Knox and Darragh Kinnevey replaced Trent Wood, Liam Boland and Stuart Long who dropped to the bench.

Ante Kovacevic made two changes to the Floreat Athena side that drew 2-2 with Perth SC last time out, Miki Vujacic and Jarred Smith replaced James Isaia and Daniel Neiderberger who dropped to the bench.

The game kicked off with heavy clouds hovering over the ground, and the pitch, which had taken a battering from the rain yesterday, was very heavy, but the points were important for both sides at either end of the table.

It was tight opening with both struggling to get to grips with the pitch and the first real opportunity fell to the home side on 22 minutes. Great work on the right by Shepheard, who beat Kovacevic and crossed to James Sammut at the back post, but he fired straight at Floreat keeper Alex Dunn

Moments later it was Sammut again who sent Brendan Craig free down the left. His cross was punched clear by Dunn and Sammut’s follow up shot from 12-yards went wide.

The Floreat keeper was injured in the incident and there was a long delay while he received attention from the physio, but he continued after treatment.

Desperate to break their home duck in the league, United continued to take the game to Athena and on the half hour they went close again. Craig’s cross from the left was headed back across goal by Knox, but Shepheard fired straight at Dunn.

Then on 36 minutes and against the run of play Athena hit the front. A throw in picked out Branimir Mikulic on the edge of the box. He wasn’t closed down and his lob beat Hugo, and went into the top corner of the net.

It was nearly 2-0, two minutes later, Johnny Mirco’s long-range shot was well saved by Hugo to his left, but the home side received a lifeline four minutes before the break with the equaliser.

Boland, who had replaced the injured Rory Mouttet in the 13th minute, was brought down by Jovo Pavlovic in the penalty area and referee Steven Gregory pointed straight to the spot. Knox (left) stepped up to send Dunn the wrong way to level.

Things got even better for United in first half stoppage time when they hit the front. Sammut’s free kick into the penalty area found Shepheard (right) who headed home from four-yards, to give the home side the lead at the break.

Athena emerged after the break with their coaches’ half time address still ringing in their ears and they started the better and four minutes in they almost levelled. Smith’s corner from the left was met by Pavlovic, who headed inches wide of the target.

It was the visitors who were on top and on 53 minutes Mikulic headed over a Smith cross from the left and moments later Johnny Mirco found space down the left, but his shot flashed inches past the far post. Then midfielder David Perich came to United’s rescue blocking Vujacic’s goal bound shot.

With three points vital for both sides they both continued to press. First on 75 minutes Sammut found Shepheard in the penalty area, the United’s strikers lob beat Dunn but landed on top of the net.

Down the other end Kovacevic’s free kick from the right was flicked on by Mikulic and Mirco’s snap shot was superbly saved low at his near post by Hugo.

The home side had another penalty shout turned down by Gregory when Boland’s flick hit Kovacevic, but the official was well placed to wave away their protests.

With rain pouring down it looked like United would hold on and take all three valuable points, but Athena had other ideas. A ball into the box from second half substitute Isaia was headed home by Mikulic in the 90th minute, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

It was a bitter blow for the home side, but they pressed forward and when Boland was brought down in the penalty area by Smith two minutes later, referee Gregory had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Up stepped United’s skipper Knox, but Dunn guessed correctly to save. But the drama wasn’t over there, when assistant referee Tony Chorley flagged to say that the keeper had moved off his line and the kick was retaken. It was Knox again who stepped up, but this time he blazed over the crossbar and the final whistle sounded.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was devastated after the game; he thought they should have taken all three points. “The guy’s were superb today, they gave me 100% and deserved all three points, but we failed to get the chocolates today,” a disappointed Goodman said.

“The lads in the dressing room are down at the moment, but if we play like that for the last six games we will be as right as rain. Not many people gave us a chance today but ourselves, and we went close, but not close enough at the end.”

Floreat Athena coach Ante Kovacevic was happy with the point but not the first half display. “It was a poor first half display from the side today, we were lucky to be only 2-1 down at the break,” he said.

“I’m happy to get a point, the conditions weren’t the best today, and in the end we did well to get something from the game, although we nearly threw it away late.”

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 2 Thomas SHEPHEARD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 8 Brendon CRAIG, 9 David PERICH, 10 Michael VAN DONGEN, 11 James SAMMUT, 12 Brendan KNOX, 15 David McNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY, 19 Rory MOUTTET
SUBS NOT USED – RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 3 Trent WOOD, 6 Christian LOPEZ, 13 Stuart LONG, 17 Liam BOLAND
Yellow Cards – Shepheard 45’, Kinnevey 88’, Boland 89’,
FLOREAT ATHENA: GK Alex DUNN, 2 Jarred SMITH, 4 Julian MADASCHI, 6 Miki VUJACIC, 10 Jason BARRERA, 11 John MIRCO, 12 Branimir MIKULIC, 13 John MIGAS, 15 Paul VATISTAS, 16 Jovo PAVLOVIC, 17 Ante KOVACEVIC
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jakub CHUDY, 3 James ISAIA, 5 Mustafa ATAK, 9 Daniel NEIDERBERGER
Yellow Cards – Pavlovic 10’, Madaschi 60’, Migas 62’, Mikulic 65’, Kovacevic 88’, Smith 93’

Attendance – 150
Referee – Steven Gregory

10.07.10 - 23’s edge out Floreat

Swan United under 23’s moved joint top of the APB Premier Division 23’s table after a hard fought 2-0 victory against bottom of the table Floreat Athena at Francis Street.

Athena, who has only five points, took the game to United and keeper Daniel Agudelo had to be at his best early to deny them. New signing Alan O’Mahony made his club debut after his move from Morley Windmills, and he was solid at the back along with Jake DaRe. Michael Tronchin continues to impress in the middle of the park, while skipper Rory Hollingum was back to his best.

It looked it wasn’t going to be John O’Reilly sides day, but they hit the front midway into the second half, second half substitute Niall Murphy (left) firing home after a quick break.

The black and whites had a number of chances to double their lead, Christian Lopez hitting the post while Hollinghum fired wide when well placed.

Athena almost equalised with their striker somehow firing over from close-range, but the points were sewn up moments later, Morgan Dendle firing low past Jakob Chudy.

Centre back Jake DaRe (left) was excellent at the back in the game and he was happy to get the win. “We made it hard for ourselves in the first half. We had our chances, and I thought we could’ve been up at half time, but we knew the conditions were always going to make it tough,” DaRe said.
The youngster was paired with new signing Alan O’Mahony and he thought the Irishman had a good debut. “Alan was solid all game I thought, saying he didn’t know many of the 23s until yesterday,’ he added.”

United coach O’Reilly (right) was happy with the win. “We were in control from the start, but we just struggled in front of goal today. We spoke about it at half time, because every time we missed a chance our heads would drop, and it all worked out in the second half,” O’Reilly said.
“The pitch was heavy, but that probably helped us today, with the amount of English and Irish players on the pitch they would be used to it,” O’Reilly joked.

09.07.10 - Athena head to Francis Street for vital league clash

It’s a vital game this weekend for Swan United, when Floreat Athena head to Francis Street for round 16 of the APB Premier Division (3pm)

The black and whites are two points adrift at the bottom of the table and Saturday would be a great time to open their account at home this season. United Coach Jamie Goodman knows the importance of the game and believes they have the side to win this weekend.

“We had a good weekend last week that saw the side progress into the semi finals of the cup after a solid display against Bunbury Forum Force. This was always going to be a tricky fixture and to the players credit they rose to the occasion to secure a 3 – 1 victory,” Goodman said.

“It was great to see Brendon Knox back in the side and on the scoresheet after last playing in round 2 of the league. We played some very good football at times but need to capitalise on the scoreboard when we have our spells in attack, we will look to take some momentum into Saturday’s match against a Floreat Athena side that is in the mix for the league title,” explained Goodman.

Floreat, who also progressed into the cup semi finals, will be looking to take all 3 points and the Swans will need to keep a close eye on Floreat’s Johnny Mirco, Daniel Neiderberger and Branimir Mikulic while player coach Ante Kovacevic will pull the strings from the centre of defence.
“We need to start picking up points and need to turn around our home form. We have been defensively sound but need to take our chances and put in a full 90 minutes to get a result today,” Goodman added.

United striker Liam Boland (left) will look to add to his goal tally on Saturday and more important get three points for the team. “I've been lucky enough to convert my chances of late, hopefully the boys can put in a good performance and provide me the service I know they are capable off. As long as we start winning I'll be pretty happy with that,” Boland said.

“Saturday is definitely a big game, the only way we'll move further away from the bottom is attacking big teams like Floreat, that we aren't expected to get a result against. We have a good enough squad so let's hope we are up to the challenge and make the most of our chances and maybe come away with a win,” Boland added.

Former United midfielder Miki Vujacic (right) comes back to Francis Street on Saturday and he’s looking for nothing more than three points. “It will be very hard game. Every game for Swan is so important for them avoid the drop," said Vujacic, who play three seasons for Swan before joining Floreat in 2007. "An added bonus is the fact that if they win a few games in a row then they are back in contention for finals football. Hopefully, they can start their climb back up the ladder soon, preferably after next week we play them,” Vujacic added.

Vujacic feels Swan's major strength this season is a rock-solid defensive line. "They've only conceded 23 goals, when compared to ladder leaders the Knights (20 goals) that's quite good. Robert Monterosso and David McNally marshal the defence really well, and Mick Van Dongen and Rory Moutett give David Perich and James Sammut the freedom to attack and create chances," said Vujacic. "Even if the results don't show it, we have been playing quite well of late, we're learning to really battle out games when things aren't going our way. We'd better win this one otherwise I'll cop a bit of stick from a few people down there - and I'm not mentioning any names!"

In team news Goodman has goalkeeper Cory Hugo and midfielder Darragh Kinnevey available after missing the defeat at Sorrento, as well as new signing Alan O'Mahony, who has been picked up from Morley Windmills. Floreat collected just one point from their last two league games and anything less than victory could end their title hopes so it should be a cracker.

03.07.10 - United Force Bunbury out of the Cup

Swan United 3 (Sammut 15, Knox 55, Perich 89)
Bunbury Forum Force 1 (Quinn 46)

Swan United ended APB First Division leaders Bunbury Forum Force’s 2010 cup campaign, when they beat them 3-1 in the State League Cup quarter final at Francis Street.

It was 1-1 at the break with James Sammut giving the home side the lead, before Patrick Quinn levelled in first half injury time, but two second half goals from Brendan Knox and David Perich earned United a spot in the semi-final draw.

It was the home side that began the better and the first chance fell to Sammut on four minutes his shot from the edge of the box was saved by Ryan Montgomery at full stretch.

United continued to press forward and five minutes later Sammut’s cross from the right found Perich who headed wide from five-yards, and moments later Michael van Donden’s (right) free kick picked out the unmarked Thomas Shepheard, whose header was pushed around the post by Montgomery.

Their pressure finally paid off on 15 minutes, when they hit the front. Van Dongen threaded a ball through to Sammut (left), and the former Perth Glory Youth midfielder scored from a tight angle.

The Force, who leads the first division by three points, had their first opportunity on 24 minutes, a quick corner from DJ Mayers caught the United defenders napping and Gino Comito’s header drifted just wide of the far post.

Bunbury continued to press and Mayers long range shot was saved low by Daniel Agudelo on the half hour and with half time looming they levelled. A mistake by United defender Robert Monterosso gifted the ball to Patrick Quinn and the Force midfielder made them pay, rounding Agudelo and firing into an empty net to make it 1-1 at the break.

The visitors made a double change at the break with David Murph and Lee Stewart replacing James Bergin and Comito, and the change almost made an immediate impact. A ball into the penalty area found Stewart, and as he was about to pull the trigger Monterosso made up for his first half mistake with a last ditch tackle.

After their escape United pressed forward and on 53 minutes Darragh Kinnevey found Brendan Craig and his shot from eight-yards was well saved by Montgomery. But there was little the Force keeper could do two minutes later when United regained the lead.

Craig’s cross from the left caused panic in the Force’s defence and fell to Perich, who miss-hit the first chance, but Knox (right) was on hand to fire home from four-yards. The Force was left disappointed as they thought that Craig was offside when he received the ball and their protests were dismissed by referee Tim Mihevc.

Despite the setback the Force took the game to United and on the hour Jonathan Krawec’s volley from the edge of the box went inches over the crossbar.

It was all the Force now, and on 75 minutes Oliver McGee’s long range shot whistled past the post with Agudelo well beaten, and two minutes later they thought they had a penalty. Quinn’s goal bound shot hit Monterosso and the Force players and bench went up as one for handball, but referee Miihevc waved away their appeals.

The home side were hanging on and two minutes later big defender McGee tried his luck from long range, again the woodwork came to United’s rescue.

With the Force pressing for the equaliser gaps began to appear at the back and they were almost punished moments later. Sammut’s great through ball sent second half substitute Liam Boland in on goal, but Montgomery stood tall and blocked the strikers shot.

Again the Force pressed, and on 81 minutes Stewart cut inside from the left and his shot beat Agudelo, but Rory Mouttet was alert to clear the ball off the line. Then sixty seconds later Quinn’s long-range volley crashed off the crossbar, as the Force looked desperately for the equaliser.

All their hard work was undone late on when United made it 3-1. A great run from Boland into the penalty area, and despite having three defenders on him he still managed to pull the ball back to Perich (left) who fired home from the edge of the box.

At the final whistle it was a win to United, but the Force can be proud of their game, and they will now go back to the league with only thing on their minds, promotion to the APB Premier Division next season, while United face a relegation battle to stay in the league.

After the game, United Coach Jamie Goodman was happy with the win. “It was a typical cup game they had nothing to lose, so I’m happy with the 3-1 result at the end of the day,” he said.

“We dominated the first twenty minutes of each half and once we scored we sort of went back into our shell. I was disappointed with the goal and the time we conceded it, but to the lads credit they came out second half and dug deep and came away with the win.”

For Force Coach Gary Meyers it was a good performance but their focus is on the league. “We threw a few young kids into the side today and they did OK. We hit the crossbar three times, if one of those goes in it’s a different game, but they were a little bit smarter than us today,” he said.

“We are disappointed today, but we’re concentrating on the league and that’s our main goal, but it would of been nice to have a bit of a fairytale in the cup but it wasn’t to be today.”

Swan United – GK Daniel AGUDELO, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 6 Brendan KNOX (13 Christian LOPEZ 89’), 8 Brendan CRAIG, 9 Rory MOUTTET, 10 Michael VAN DONGEN, 11 James SAMMUT (3 Trent WOOD 84’), 15 David MCNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY, David PERICH, Thomas SHEPHEARD (17 Liam BOLAND 52’)
Yellow Cards – Boland 80’,
Subs not used – RGK Cory HUGO, 5 Morgan DENDLE
Bunbury Forum Force – GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Jarred MORT, 3 Jonathan KRAWEC, 4 Patrick QUINN, 7 Rory BINNIE (5 Kieran QUINN 75’), 8 James BERGIN (11 David MURPH 46’), 10 Kieran KAVANAUGH, 12 DJ MAYERS, 13 Gino COMITO (9 Lee STEWART 46’), 14 Seb BELL, 16 Ollie MCGEE
Subs not used – 6 Neill CHAPPELL
Yellow Cards – McGee 55’,

Referee - Tim Mihevc
Assistants – Kevin Taylor and David Currie

United 23’s pay the penalty in cup defeat

Swan United 1 (Murphy 30)
ECU Joondalup 1 (Benson-Cooper 75’)

ECU Joondalup’s under 23’s have reached the semi-finals of the State League Cup with a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory against Swan United at Francis Street on Saturday.
The home side scored in the first half through Niall Murphy, but ECU replied with a stunning individual goal from Jake Benson-Cooper, and they kept their nerve to win on penalties.

The visitors began well and had the first chance on nine minutes; good work down the right by Jonathan Stynes set up Josh Brooks whose shot went inches over the crossbar.

Moments later ECU went close again, Lee Thomson’s cross found Jarrad McNally at the back post, his header went inches past the post.

United’s first opportunity came on 12 minutes; a long kick by Cory Hugo found Christian Lopez in on goal. The striker who has been on a good goal scoring run was thwarted this time by Andy Banks, who was out bravely to save at the youngsters’ feet.

It was United again on 20 minutes, Robert Ftynogiannis played in Lopez. His flick found the overlapping Sebastian DeCotter his shot was superbly cleared off the line by Ryan McDarby.

The home side suffered a blow on two minutes later with DeCotter limping off injured, he was replaced by Rory Hollinghum.

United hit the front on the half hour, and it was that man Lopez again who was the provider. He cut in from the right and fed Murphy (left), who fired home from eight-yards.

Both sides had chances before the break as the game opened up. First on 41 minutes Benson-Cooper’s cross found McNally who’s first time shot was superbly saved by Hugo.

Then moments later Lopez again set up Morgan Dendle, but his first time shot whistled just wide, and it was 1-0 at the break to United.

ECU opened the second half well and went close on five minutes. A cross from the right by Max Pope found Stynes, whose header was saved low by Hugo.

The United keeper was keeping his side in the game and four minutes later Shane Doyle’s cross from the left found McNally but Hugo (right) saved superbly, and on the hour mark he denied Benson-cooper’s long range shot.

ECU keeper Banks, then produced a stunning save to deny Murphy, and moments later Lopez fired wide when well placed.

The game was still in the balance, and Michael Tronchin’s long range shot whistled past the post for United with Banks well beaten, but on 75 minutes ECU levelled.

Benson-Cooper picked the ball up on the right of the penalty area. He made his way past four United tackles, before finishing clinically past Hugo from six-yards, a great individual goal.

The home side then lifted and Chris Marshall shot flashed inches wide and Hollinghum saw his first time shot from long-range just dip over the crossbar.

With time running out both sides had late chances to win it. First on 84 minutes Lopez (left) was sent clear by Dendle but he fired wide of the near post. Then in the last minute ECU could have won it, Carlo Coehlo’s shot went just over the top.

So at full time it was 1-1 and it was on to the penalty shoot out. First up for United was Dendle, his attempt was well saved by Banks. Both sides scored the next four spot kicks, Ryan Lowey and McDarby for ECU and Nick Olsson and Hugo for the Swans.

United fourth spot kick was blazed over by Marshall, and up stepped Josh Brooks to win the tie for ECU, sending Hugo the wrong way to win the game 4-2 on penalties.

ECU Joondalup 23’s Coach David Tough was delighted after the game. “The boy’s did really well today, it’s great to get a win and move into the semi-finals,” he said.
“We’ve struggled a bit in the league but the lads were focused today and I’m delighted for them, and the goal from Jake was top draw.”

United Coach John O’Reilly although disappointed to lose thought it was a good game. “Both sides had opportunities in normal time, and I thought we had the better of them but we didn’t convert today,” he said.
“We fought it out till the end, and so did ECU, it was a hard fought game, but when it goes to penalties it’s a lottery and unfortunately we lost that today.”

Swan United – GK Cory Hugo, 2 Niall Murphy, 4 Matt Wood, 5 Chris Marshall, 6 Morgan Dendle, 8 Jake DaRe, 10 Sebastian DeCotter (7 Rory Hollinghum 22’), 12 Robert Ftynogiannis (17 Daniel DeGaspers 64’), 14 Christian Lopez, 15 Nick Olsson, 16 Michael Tronchin (13 Hassan Abidi 83’)
Subs not used – RGK Jordan Howell
ECU Joondalup – GK Andy Banks, 2 Josh Brooks, 3 Lee Thomson, 4 Robert Rixer (6 Ryan Lowry 83’), 5 Ryan McDarby, 7 Max Pope (9 Carlo Coehlo 64’), 8 Jonathan Stynes, 10 Shane Doyle, 12 Conrad Poi, 13 Jarrad McNally, 16 Jake Benson-Cooper
Subs not used – 11 Tommy Swatton, 15 Jordan Withey, 17 Damien Houston

Referee – Ian Edwards - Assistants – Ross Sardi and Troy Miller

26.06.10 - United let it slip late at Sorrento

A goal seven minutes from time from Sorrento striker Joe Lamplough gave the home side the points against United at Percy Doyle Reserve, leaving Jamie Goodman’s side at the bottom of the APB Premier League table.

“All in all it was a disappointing day at Sorrento. We put in a determined display, played well, got ourselves in front, but came away with nothing,” Goodman said.

The Swans went into the game without influential midfielder Darragh Kinnevey and skipper Cory Hugo, both away.
The black and whites expected a tight physical encounter, and that's what they got. The first half saw both teams trying to gain the upper hand, the home sides opportunities in the first half came from United mistakes with two under hit back passes presenting Sorrento with half chances.

The first warning came when Todd Harnwell intercepted a poor back pass and beat three United defenders before pulling the ball back to Jared Love, whose weak shot was cleared off the line by David McNally. Moments later it was Harnwell again who threatened, his header lopped up over Daniel Agudelo but the crossbar came to United’s rescue, and Brendan Craig cleared the rebound.

United began to get into the game and had their best period of the game, holding possession and passing the ball around and they should have been rewarded with a penalty five minutes before the break. Michael van Dongan's goal bound strike from the edge of the box was handled ala Harry Kewell by a Sorrento player, but referee Michal Jasinski, who was in a good position, decided not to give it, much to the frustration of the United bench.

The deadlock was broken twenty minutes into the second half, when Liam Boland (left) headed beyond the reach of keeper Curtis Apsden from a James Sammut corner. But the lead was short-lived and just five minutes later, former United defender Sean Webb sliced his way through the defence before passing to an unmarked Brodie Martin, who easily tapped in the equaliser.

United rallied and created a number of chances but couldn’t find the target, and the match had begun to get quite physical with both teams desperate to land the knockout blow, and it was the Gulls that landed it.

A harsh free kick on the edge of the box was awarded when Ryan Jeans was fouled, and Lamplough stepped up and fired home the free kick to make it 2-1.

The final ten minutes was played at a frenetic pace with chances for both teams, however, there would be no late miracle for the brave visitors.

Goodman was left to rue one that got away. “I was not disappointed with our performance, and we deserved more than we got but we have to learn very quickly how to win. The effort is there, the determination is there we just need to turn the performances into points,” Goodman said.
“Some of the decisions and bounce of the ball are not going our way but sometimes you have to create your own luck."

SORRENTO: GK Curtis ASPDEN, 2 Danny CAIN, 4 Cameron YORKE, 5 Adam HAYTON, 8 Brodie MARTIN, 9 Todd HARNWELL, 11 Jason MIRCO, 12 Sean WEBB, 14 Ryan SHEPPARD, 16 Joe LAMPLOUGH, 17 Jarad Love (15. Kris DENNIS '45).
SUBS NOT USED: 6. Daryl PLATTEN, 10. Ryan JEANS, 25. Wesley PADLEY, 60. Jordan FRANKEN.
SWAN UNITED: GK Daniel AGUDELO, 3 Trent WOOD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Brendon CRAIG, 8 David PERICH, 9 James SAMMUT, 10 Michael VAN DONGEN (16 Brendon KNOX '87), 13 Stewart LONG, 15 David McNALLY, 17 Liam BOLAND (12 Tom SHEPHEARD '82), 18 Rory MOUTETT
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jordan HOWELL, 6 Richard DINDLE, 19 Michael TRONCHIN

25.06.10 - United head to Windy hill in round 15

Swan United are on the road this weekend with a trip to the Percy Doyle Reserve, also called ‘Windy Hill’ to take on Trevor Morgan’s Sorrento on Saturday (3pm)

United coach Jamie Goodman knows the importance of the match and is confident they can get a result. “Every game for us and the teams around us are big games. Sorrento has managed to get themselves in a comfortable position in the league in recent weeks, so we have to back ourselves every week to get a result hopefully we can get a result on Saturday,” Goodman said.

A 1-0 win at Sorrento last season was the first win at the ground by United for many years and Goodman knows Sorrento will be up for a big game to maintain their push for a top five spot. “Sorrento have had a bad run of injuries but have continued to pick up points which is a credit to them and their young players who have taken the opportunity,” Goodman said.

“They are coming off a win over Perth their confidence will be high. We to will be missing a few at the weekend and we will have to deal with that and the players who get the opportunity have to step up. When we work hard and pass the ball we are a good side, but we will have to be near our best to get a result.”

In team news influential United midfielder Darragh Kinnevey (right), and keeper Cory Hugo both miss the game as both are interstate. Daniel Agudelo will replace Hugo between the sticks while Brendan Knox or Stuart Long will replace Kinnevey.

Sorrento stunned Perth Sc last week and will go into the game as favourites, although their home form is nothing to write home about. They will be missing the suspended duo James Morgan and Darren Quincroft for the match with Jared Love and Brodie Martin pushing for a starting role. It will also be the first time Shane Webb plays his former club after moving to the Gulls earlier in the season.

19.06.10 - Wood gives United a point against Cockburn

A goal from Trent Wood earn Swan United a point against Cockburn City in a one all draw in the six pointer of the round in the APB State Premier League clash at Francis Street.
Adrian Webster first half strike was cancelled out minutes later from Swan's Trent Wood, a result leaving both teams still in the bottom three.

United coach was happy with the performance but disappointed not to have taken all three points. “We played well in the first half and played some great passing football at times. The better chances had fallen to us with James Sammut curling effort just missing the target, Trent wood having his strike cleared off the goal line and Liam Boland long range strike after winning the ball back in midfield,” Goodman said.

“After they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half, they responded positively and lifted all over the park. We could not get control of the middle of the park. The game opened up we created some half chances but could not hit the target and could not find a player with our final pass in the last third. It was a great opportunity for us to take all three points after the send off but we had to make it happen. Cockburn were the team that reacted better and showed more determination and didn’t allow us to control the game from then,” Goodman added.

Cockburn started the better of the two teams and five minutes in a Jason Dos Santos cross found Adrian Webster who from 18-yards should have done better with his shot going well wide. The visitors had the early run of play and 10 minutes later great work between Webster and Pereira set up Marc Anthony who like Webster sent his shot well wide from 18-yards.

Three minutes later Swan responded and was unlucky not to have been in the lead when Liam Boland stole the ball off Anthony and his pass picked out James Sammut (left) whose shot went inches wide. Moment later great work from Sammut again whose cross found the unmarked Trent Wood, only to see his shot cleared off the line by a desperate Cockburn defence.

On 32 minutes and against the run of play Adrian Webster was set up by great interplay between Dos Santos and Anthony, and the former Perth Glory midfielders long range effort bounce in front of Hugo and into an empty net.
But United hit back nine minutes later, again it was Sammut who set up Wood (right), whose shot this time hit the post and went in from three-yards.

After the break Cockburn could have snatched the lead, when Pereira saw his effort just miss Hugo's far post by inches after great work again from the hardworking Webster. On 53 minutes Rory Feely played through one on one after a long goal kick from goalkeeper Dejan Aleksic should have done better sending his shot across goals to the relief of the home fans.

Despite a sending off to Cockburn's Jason Dos Santos on 57 minutes, Cockburn had the greater chances and with just three minutes remaining Pereira saw his shot from five yards out brilliantly saved by Hugo.
Cockburn again threatened the goals late and Aaron Dos Santos's cutback to substitute Shane Nunes who almost won it late for the visitors only to see his shot sail high from metres out.

Cockburn's coach Tony Castiello was happy with the point but disappointed at the same time.
"Not disappointed in the boys effort today, even after the sending off we had the greater chances and could have stolen it at the end," he said.
"We still need another 12 points after the other results that have come in today, but today was just another step towards that."

TEAMS
SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 2 Trent WOOD (12 Thomas SHEPHEARD 80'), 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Brendon CRAIG, 8 David PERICH, 9 James SAMMUT, 10 Michael VAN DONGEN (Stewart LONG 91'), 15 David McNALLY, 16 Dara KINNEVY, 17 Liam BOLAND, 18 Rory MOUTETT (John HUNTER 84')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 6 Brendon KNOX
COCKBURN CITY: GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Llewlyn BAKE, 3 Ross EDWARDS, 6 Anthony PEREIRA, 8 Marc ANTHONY (Aaron DOS SANTOS 80'), 10 Adrian WEBSTER, 11 Rory FEELEY (Shane NUNES 60'), 12 John DEVITE, 17 Paul NATALE, 18 Jason DOS SANTOS, 20 Wesley BRITZ
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Jason O'BYRNE, 5 Jason GODFREY

12.06.10 - Lions edge out United

APB Premier Division – Round 13
Stirling Lions 2 Swan United 1 - report from Football West

Swan United’s first game against former Coach Paul Lincoln, who left to join Stirling Lions earlier in the season, ended in a 1-2 defeat in the APB Premier Division clash at Macedonia Park.

A classy finish from Perth Glory Youth striker Ludovic Boi sealed a home win for Lions over a plucky United side that pushed the home side to final whistle.
Boi's opportunist strike arrived after good work down the left by Tom Ingram, and with Referee Michael Tolmie set to give a penalty for a foul in the box, Boi pounced to calmly slot the loose ball into the far corner.
The goal, twenty minutes from time, put Stirling in a comfortable position, two-nil up, after Bobby Wilson had capitalised on a defensive mix-up to head a simple goal a minute before the break.

But Swan, whose hard-working display had frustrated the home team for much of the contest, gave the locals a scare when second half substitute Thomas Shepheard (left) met a near post corner with a flick header in the 76th minute, to set up a tense finish.
Swan piled forward searching for an equaliser, but despite a few near misses Stirling held on for the victory, consolidating fourth position on the league table.
Stirling Lions head coach Paul Lincoln said he was happy to get a win, but admitted his team hadn't played with much fluency, and struggled to get their passing game together.
"But I give Swan credit for their game plan - they frustrated us and caught us napping at the back at times," he said.
"We lacked good movement up front but Swan defended well and denied us time and space.
"It is the sign of a good team that we could get the result today, even though we weren't at our best."
Lincoln singled out Stirling left back Paul Dickson as his side's best player, saying he'd played with energy up and down the left flank all afternoon.
Dickson said: "The lads played well and we're happy to get the win.
"Getting that goal just before half-time was crucial and after the second goal we were comfortable, but credit to Swan - when they scored it tipped the balance in their favour for the closing stages," he said.
Along with Dickson, Stirling captain Shane Robinson was influential anchoring the midfield for the home side, while for Swan United James Sammut was lively throughout in an attacking midfield role.
TEAMS
STIRLING LIONS: GK James TURVILL, 2 Michael PUGLIESE, 4 Jason GAVIN, 6 Paul DICKSON, 7 Tom INGRAM, 8 Bobby WILSON (15 Scott MUIRHEAD 73'), 9 Mario MARCINKO, 10 Shane ROBINSON, 12 Ludo BOI, 14 Phil ARNOLD (11 Stef FROST 68'), 17 Roberto LUJAN
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Anthony SALPIETRO, 3 Matt STARES, 5 Jess COMPTON
SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO (Christian LOPEZ 87'), 5 Brendon CRAIG, 8 David PERICH, 9 James SAMMUT, 10 Mike VAN DONGEN, 11 John HUNTER, 15 Dave MCNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY, 17 Liam BOLAND (Thomas SHEPHEARD 46'), 18 Rory MOULETT
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 2. Michael TRONCHIN, 13 Stewart LONG
Referee – Michael Tolme

Swan United under 23's in review

NTC v Swan United

This was our second game, in four days, we were hoping for an easy run out, with 2 more games looming over the next 5 days. But the young NTC boys unfortunately had other ideas! The pitch was at maximum dimensions, which would be an advantage to a strong passing team, and that was exactly what NTC were to do for the following 90 minutes. Technically, the academy team were bordering on perfect with all their movement, touches and technique straight off the pages of a training manual. It was clear from the start that if we were to overcome this hurdle we would have to be at our most disciplined, to stifle the abilities of this competitor.

The first 10 - 15 minutes, NTC had most of the possession, playing the ball back and forth across the field and exploiting the wings with far forward playing wingers. After analysing the oppositions style of play, United switch to a defensive tactic with a counter attack option waiting to be sprung.

United wingers took on a rigid man marking job of the ntc's left and right outside players. These tactics, frustrated the youngsters as there wide options or escape routes were now not available to them. This really put them out of their stride and forced them to play the ball into the middle. Michael Tronchin (left), Rob Ffytnogiannis and Brendan Knox, playing in the centre battled for every ball, winning possession more often than not.

On the 25th minute mark, the discipline paid off, the counter attack was set up with a ball winning tackle in the centre, leading to a swift pass out to the space in the wings for Rory Hollingum to pick up the ball, travel 20 yards and deliver a cross to the back post for the inform Alex Cocking (right) to head past the diving keeper.

Moments later another break from midfield, forced the ball into the NTC box, with one shot being deflected back out, only for Niall Hughes to score his farewell goal for the club, with a nicely place side footed shot into the bottom left corner.

At half time the team were very calm and determined to keep discipline and finish the job.... but within minutes of the restart NTC did a smash and grab job on us. An audacious shot from distance caught all off guard.

But to the credit of the under 23's, as they have displayed all year, conceding a goal means nothing, when you have the confidence to go immediately go back on the offensive, without the heads dropping, but pushing them on with more determination to win. United took the game to the NTC lads and pushed hard to get there two goal cushion back. Cocking hitting his favourite left post, Stephen Battella, lifting a shot over after a lovely mazy run, it looked like it may not come.

But on 70 minute, Knox took on a player or two, forcing his way into the box, getting into a half position to take a snap shot of his own, but unselfishly, flicked the ball between two defenders into the path of Cocking, who took no second thoughts on unleashing a fine half volley past the stranded keeper.

United battened down the hatches and soaked up the final minutes of pressure, to walk away with full points.

O'Reilly (left) said after; “I was very pleased with the team tonight, it was a tough game but the discipline, team spirit and hunger pulled us over the finish line. Also it was great to see the depth of the club, with 2 of the under 18's and 3 first team players, mixed in with the core of the under 23's, banding together to get this result today. With players injured and others away with work, suspensions or holidays, it can be a tough time of the year to field a strong line up, but with the quality of the players we have here at the club, the inclusions of squad players were seamless, without our tactics having to change too much."

Under 23’s overwhelm Armadale

Swan United under 23’s maintained their impressive season with a 5-1 win against Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval.

United under 23’s went into this game with high expectations after securing some important victories over the last few weeks over, what would be seen, as stronger opponents.

United Coach John O’Reilly knew the importance of the game. “We needed to be switched on and focused because Armadale, even though they are bottom of the table are a physical team that will cause a few upsets between now and the end of the season, and we didn’t want to be one of those,” O’Reilly said.

The visitors took charge of the game early on, with strong play from Michael Tronchin and Rory Hollingum in the centre, who today were being complemented by the return of first team captain Brendon Knox, coming back from a hernia operation.

The chances for the black and whites came fast and early, with the first goal coming in the 8th minute. Some nice play down the right wing made space at the near post, allowing Morgan Dendle to play the ball across goal, for Alex Cocking (left)to tap home the opener from close-range.

Their lead was doubled five minutes later with a rebounded shot popping up nicely for Dendle to grab a goal of his own.

The second goal seemed to wake up the home side, who now looked more up for the fight, and it was a fight that they wanted it would appear, with some nasty tackles coming in, without caution from the ref. But ironically enough it was a swan player who got his marching orders first, and in typical Arsene Wenger fashion, coach O’Reilly missed the incident, so felt it unjust to comment.

The ten men of United continued to push forward, and it looked like they had the extra man, and shot after shot poured in on top of the Armadale goal, but none good enough to beat the keeper or the post for that matter, at least 6 shots pinging off the woodwork. half time could not have come quicker before the frustration kicked in.

Early in the second half United added to their lead with Cocking grabbing his second. but this was short lived as Armadale pulled one back, when Daniel Agudelo miss timed his dive due to hearing a stray "whistle" from the nearby AFL game, only allowing him to get a hand to a low shot, but not enough this time to keep it out.

The game lulled for a period of time, yet the Armadale tackles were still flying in, which eventually forced the ref into giving out some yellows, which merited a red for their central midfielder, who had kicked more shins than footballs all day!

Moments later new signing and substitute Steve Batella bagged a debut goal with his first touch for the club. A nicely played ball in from the side was cleanly dispatched into the bottom corner. And the day was wrapped up ten minutes from time when a sweet left footed shot from Robert Ftynogiannis, caught the keeper napping on his near post. There was only enough time left on the clock for one of the armadale defenders to get a straight red for another reckless tackle.

A good result for O’Reilly’s side, the first 3 points out of a potential 9 in a match packed ten day period. Wednesday night we entertain the footballwest NTC, with Armadale return leg on Saturday, and finally a cup round at Morley on Monday

United hit the top

Swan United under 23’s went to the top of the 23’s table after a hard fought 3-2 win against Armadale at Francis Street.

After last week’s 5-1 win away Coach John O’Reilly knew it would be a huge test for his players. “Today was the biggest test of nerves for the boys. with the potential of going top of the league with a win, if results go our way in other games. I knew Armadale would be determined to get revenge after the 5-1 mauling from last weeks game, while I was aware of the added fatigue on our players after a hard fought win against NTC mid week. But these are the hurdles that are put before us that we have to overcome in our chase to be title contenders, “explained O’Reilly.

Armadale looked a stronger side today, with the addition of a few first teamers, and the clear intent, in the first 10 minutes, to not go down the same path as last week. The game rocked to and fro with most of the play in the middle of the park, battles being fought and won by the trio of Michael Tronchin, Rory Holligum and Thomas Shepheard, while Steve Batella making his home debut, worked hard up and down the right wing, linking well with Neill Murphy at right back. likewise on the left Rob Ftynogiannis and Michael Wood were, swapping passes and making strong attempts to move the ball down the wings and into space. Even "whistler" got in on the action with a lovely cruyft turn executed on there centre forward, which didn't impress O'Reilly much, but to the delight of the home fans.

No real attempts on goal had been achieved by either team moving into the 20th minute. but a good ball from the right wing was put in deep into the Armadale box and was cleanly put away by Sheppard. this gave the Swan boys the green light to push on with a bit more gusto, shots starting to come from mixed angles. then a speculative shot, from Hollingum (right), just outside the top of the box, managed to get away from the grasp of the young Armadale keeper. but as we all know "the ugly goals count also!"

But no sooner had all the hard work been done, it all unravelled within minutes late into the half just before half time. 3 loose tackles allowed the Armadale centre mid to weave through the middle and finish from just inside the box. Then minutes later a cross swings into our box, deep on the back post, with two Armadale boys queuing up to head home the equaliser. Not the best way to head into the dressing rooms at half time. we would need a big performance to get us out of jail in the second half.

The second 45 minutes was a real boxing match, with each team trading blows but neither being able to find that knockout punch. The game got nasty in places with some late tackles flying in. but tempers refrained this week and everyone managing to remain on the pitch. The Armadale, front two work hard relentlessly, but for great defending from, Murphy, De Ra and wood, we remained on level terms. Then Sheppard stepped up to the plate with 15 minutes to go, another finely finished shot in on the far post, and with a few more close calls we clung on to our lead.

"I said to the boys before the game and at half time, the score doesn't matter, it’s the result that counts. sometimes the game will not be the prettiest, but to push for honours, these sort of wins will make the difference later on in the season." said O'Reilly.

“With our busy schedule coming close to an end with one cup game left to play in a couple of days, we are happy to say, that with all the effort this week, we have picked up all 9 points and thanks to Stirling getting a win against Perth, we now sit top of the league. The boys would like to thank our followers for all your support so far, please keep it up as we now enter our most challenging half of the season. Thank you once again,” O’Reilly added.

7.06.10 - United into quarter-finals after win at Morley

Soccer Pools Cup Second Round
Morley Windmills 2 Swan United 3 - report from www.footballwa.net

Swan United secured a place in the quarter finals of the Soccer Pools Cup with a 3-2 win against first division side Morley Windmills at Wotton reserve.
They made it hard for themselves throwing away a 3-0 half time lead, but a second half revival wasn't enough to save Morley, and United head into the hat for the next round.

A relatively even opening was punctuated in the 26th minute when James Sammut (right) drifted in from the left and launched a great right footed strike from 25 yards that found the top corner of Matt Darling's net. The visitors then started to turn the screws, stretching the Morley backline with some penetrating runs and crosses in behind the defence. That pressure paid off in the 42nd minute and it was Sammut who was again the provider, his shot from a tight angle was put into his own net by defender Sime Lozic. The margin became three goals in the shadows of half-time when an unmarked Thomas Shepheard (left) headed in from John Hunter's free kick.

Some positional and tactical changes at the break worked a treat for Morley who came out determined to work their way back into the game. The hosts increased intensity was rewarded on 57 minutes when Eddie Walsh played a superb pass in behind the defence for Larkin to arrow a low shot past Cory Hugo that struck the inside of the bar post before going in. Morley were beginning to gain the upper hand when Larkin took possession wide on the right and, spotting Hugo off his line, sent a speculative shot into the top corner from 40-metres. There were chances at both ends of the park in a tense final quarter-hour. Darling was at his brilliant best in denying Hunter, while Tony Griffiths attempt to equalise hit the crossbar.

United coach Jamie Goodman, who coached at Morley last season, was happy to get the win but wasn’t happy with the performance. “We gave some players the opportunity to get a run in the side that had gone several weeks without defeat and state their claims for a starting spot after defeat to Armadale. We started the game well and were knocking the ball around well. We caused ourselves some problems by giving the ball away cheaply,” he said.
“We looked tired and flat and I was disappointed with the performance and lake of commitment. We had 5 or 6 that worked hard today but that is not enough. But a win is a win which was the objective today.”

06.06.10 - Reds end United’s unbeaten run

APB Premier Division – Round 12
Swan United 1 Armadale 3
Swan United’s four game league unbeaten run came to an end after a 1-3 loss to Armadale in the APB State Premier League match at Francis Street.
After three straight defeats, Armadale were desperate for maximum points and this showed through in their performance against United, who lost in-form striker Liam Boland to an ankle injury in the warm up prior to the game.

The game was fast and frenetic in the opening 15 minutes, with the ball constantly moving from end to end, but no team was able to gain a decisive foothold on the match. The first chance of real substance fell to Armadale on 17 minutes, when Cory Hugo's mishit free kick fell to James Robinson who was free in space.
He was one-on-one with goalkeeper Hugo, but the Swan captain redeemed himself by smothering Robinson's shot.

United were struggling to break down a resolute Reds defence, and Brad Hassell’s side went close themselves on 34 minutes. Good build up play ended saw a pass from Lewis Flatt left cleverly by James Robinson for Barlow, the striker then played a great ball into the path of the on running James Robinson again putting the English striker one-on-one with Hugo, again the United custodian was out smartly to save well at his feet.

Alex Cocking had a great opportunity to break the deadlock for United moments later, when he produced a good save from Cyril Sharrock from close range. Armadale's endeavour was rewarded in the 36th minute when James Robinson put them into the lead. Reds keeper Sharrock played a great long, accurate ball to Barlow on the left, who delivered a dangerous ball into the Swan box, that was not dealt with by the Swan defence and the lurking Robinson was on hand to smash it home past an exposed Hugo from six-yards.

Armadale's sustained pressure led to them doubling their lead just four minutes later. Tom Robinson's shot from the edge of the box, deflected off a Swan defender into the path of Barlow, who was all alone six yards from goal and made no mistake in slotting it home, much to the pleasure of the boisterous Armadale supporters in attendance.

The second half saw a more concerted effort from Swan to overhaul the deficit, but both teams were dealt a blow on 48 minutes when they had players sent off.
Trent Wood and Matt Bennion were involved in an off the ball incident that was spotted by the assistant referee and giving referee Hugh Best no choice but to send both players off.

On the hour the black and whites were back in the game, with a goal courtesy of James Sammut (left). The former Perth Glory Youth player received the ball just inside the Armadale half but was put under little pressure from Armadale's defence and he was able to find space to hit a powerful and accurate strike into the bottom corner, leaving Sharrock rooted to the spot.

But nine minutes later Armadale restored their two goal advantage via the penalty spot. Ryan Pearson's surging run down the left saw him float in a cross that hit the crossbar and in his effort to gather the rebound Robinson was fouled from behind by Brendan Craig and referee Hugh Best pointing straight to the spot. James Robinson stepped up to the spot and drilled the ball empathically down the middle, to score a well earned brace, and give the Reds the points.

Jamie Goodman was disappointed with the commitment shown by his team. "Our first half performance was pretty poor today and we didn't go out with the same commitment as the last couple of weeks," he said.
“Armadale deserved their victory and it comes as a good lesson for the team. We need to compete for 90 minutes and put in 100% effort if we are to succeed – today we never.”
Armadale coach Brad Hassell was very happy with his side's performance. "Everyone gave 100 per cent today and that showed in our performance," he said.
"We were able to keep going the whole 90 minutes and not let Swan back into the game."

TEAMS
SWAN UTD: GK Cory Hugo, 19 Rory MOUTETT, 15 Dave McNALLY, 4 Rob MONTEROSSO (Stuart LONG 73'), 5 Brendon CRAIG, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 8 Dave PERICH, 11 James SAMMUT, 10 Mike VAN DONGEN (John HUNTER 79'), 3 Trent WOOD, 9 Alex COCKING (Tommy SHEPHEARD 61').
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 17 Liam BOLAND
ARMADALE: GK Cyril SHARROCK, 8 Lewis FLATT, 13 Steven McDONALD, 4 Michael ORD, 5 Ryan PEARSON (14 Tony HUNT 82'), 11 Thomas ROBINSON, 10 James ROBINSON, 3 Matt BENNION, 15 Steve PORTER, 9 BARLOW (7 Jason GOODWIN 82'), 6 Marlon RAMIREZ (2 Daniel PAREDES 82')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK David KEENAN
Referee – Hugh Best

Perich on target as United win at Armadale

APB Premier Division – Round 11
Armadale 0 Swan United 3

Swan United continued their recent good run of four games undefeated with a vital away win against Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval in the APB State Premier League.

A goal to David Perich a minute into first half injury time gave the Swans unit the advantage in an even first half before goals to Liam Boland and Michael Van Dongen sealed the victory.

"Another clean sheet today and a victory, we have Armadale next week and hopefully with another disciplined performance we can win again," said Swans captain Cory Hugo.

"It was a six pointer today, we take it one game at a time and hopefully we can pull away of the relegation".

Armadale started the brighter of the two sides and two minutes into the game they could have been in front after great work between Marlon Ramirez and Tom Robinson provided an opportunity for James Robinson whose header was just wide.

United responded through Liam Boland who saw his header go just over the bar after great work from Trent Wood down the wing.

On 21 minutes, Armadale were unlucky not be in front, when Steve McDonald saw his shot cleared off the line by Swans defender Robert Monterosso.

A minute into injury time an in-swinging corner from David Perich (left) gave the visitors the lead as a mix up between teenage goalkeeper Alex Preece and his defence left ball to roll into the empty net.

Swans started the second half as they finished the first and they doubled their lead just two minutes in. Brendon Craig surged down the left to deliver a pin point cross, that was clinically finished from the head of former reds midfielder, Michael Van Dongan.

This spurred Armadale into attack when five minutes later when Cory Hugo was forced into a great save from a powerful shot of Lewis Flatt.

On 78 minutes the game was put beyond doubt when United made it 3-0. A long goal kick from Hugo was met by teenager Boland (right), who out ran the Armadale defence before finishing clinically past Preece, much to the delight of the travelling United supporters.

Despite further opportunities to James Robinson for Armadale and Thomas Shepherd for Swan United the score stayed the same with visitors securing a vital away win.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was delighted with the victory. “The defence was excellent again today, while skipper Cory Hugo was solid in goal. Trent Wood and Brendan Craig provided lots of drive going forward, and our midfield was on top all day,” he said.
“It was a great effort from the whole team, who wanted it more on the day. It was a good day out for the club winning all three games.”

ARMADALE: GK Alex PREECE, 3 Matt BENNION, Michael ORD, 5 Ryan PEARSON, 6 Marlon RAMIREZ (Ali PEREDES 74'), Lewis FLATT, 9 Warren GRIEVE (Jason Goodwin 60'), 10 James ROBINSON, 11 Thomas ROBINSON, 13 Steven McDonald, 14 Tony HUNT
SUBS NOT USED: RGK David KEENAN, Ben KELLY
SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD (John HUNTER 73'), 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Brendon CRAIG, 7 James Sammut, 8 David PERICH (2 Tommy SHEPHERD 80'), 10 Michael VAN DONGEN (6 Stuart LONG 80'), 13 David McNALLY, 14 Rory MOUTETT, 16 Dara KINNEVY, 17 Liam BOLAND

22.05.10 - Boland fires home United at Balcatta

Swan United teenage striker Liam Boland (right) scored the only goal as the black and whites defeated Balcatta SC in their APB State Premier League game at Grindleford Reserve on Saturday.

The big striker fired home Trent Wood's cross in the 51st minute and he was delighted to continue his goal scoring in the first team. “Ever since Jamie was appointed head coach the training has been a lot better from all the lads. The new players that Jamie has added have fitted in perfectly, and he has deserved every point he has got this yea,” Boland said.

“We were bottom of the ladder three weeks ago and looking at the fixture list we had Western Knights, Perth and Balcatta and I don't think anyone would have expected us to get a point from those games and we got five. We have showed a lot of character in the last three weeks and with the side gelling like we are now with everyone working for each other we are confident for our matches coming up.”

United went into the game unchanged from the side that drew with Perth Sc last week, meaning David Perich had to settle for a spot on the bench on his return from college commitments in the USA.

It was a great result for the black and whites, who were second-bottom on the APB State Premier League table going into the game against a fourth-placed Balcatta side riding high after successive wins over Perth SC and Floreat Athena.

Neither side started the game with much intensity, though the wet and muddy conditions may have been a factor.

The first chance of the game fell to Swan's Trent Wood (left) who headed Rory Mouttet's right wing cross wide at the back post.

Both defences were on top in the first with shots on goal mainly being confined to speculative long-range strikes.

There was a heart stopping moment for the visiting goalkeeper Cory Hugo just before half time when Jack Clisby's mishit cross nearly floated into the top corner, but Hugo managed to scramble back and tip the ball onto the crossbar.

After a tight first half it seemed as though the game would come to life in the 51st minute when Boland tapped home Wood's left wing cross at the back post sending the Swan bench into raptures.

The home side could have been level just three minutes later when captain Anthony Jones met a corner at the back post, only to see his header brilliantly saved by Hugo (right).

Balcatta's top scorer Ashley Rosindale should have done better when he found space in the box but he mishit his header and sent the ball wide from six yards out.

Boland had a great chance to kill the game off in the 69th minute when he rose highest to meet Brendon Craig's corner, but Bobson Koroma pulled off a stunning reaction stop.

Balcatta pushed men forward as the game wound down, but this left gaps at the back for Swan to exploit.

David Perich should have done better when substitute Alex Cocking's cross was deflected to him but his left footed strike was weak and easily saved.

Cocking himself had a decent chance to kill the game off in the third minute of injury time, but his snap shot just cleared the crossbar.

It didn't matter because second’s later referee Mathew Cheeseman blew the final whistle, signalling the beginning of jubilant celebrations from the Swan players and their coach Jamie Goodman.

After the game, Goodman was delighted with the three points away from home.

"I think we just wanted the points more than they did today," he said after the game.

"We've got Armadale next week and that's another tough game, but we're just looking to pick up points and slowly climb away from the wrong end of the table."

Balcatta coach Salvatore Todaro was understandably disappointed with his side's efforts in a game where a win would have seen them climb to second place.

"We just didn't turn up today," he said after the game.

"The last two weeks we've been the underdogs but today we were expected to win and I think the pressure got to the lads a bit - we just didn't have the right attitude or intensity."

TEAMS

BALCATTA SC: GK. Bobson KOROMA, 2. Corey WILTSHIRE, 3. Mark WALSH, 4. Anthony JONES, 5. Sam ALLEN (14. Andy O'NEILL 55'), 6. Adam TONG, 7. Ashley ROSINDALE, 8. Matty ITALIANO, 9. Nicholas TATSCIORE, 10. Lucas WHITEHOUSE, 11. Jack CLISBY (12. Michael BLACK 79')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Drew JENKE, 13. Genaveo HUMAN

SWAN UNITED: GK. Cory HUGO, 3. Trent WOOD, 4. Robert MONTEROSSO, 5. Michael VAN DONGEN, 8. Brendon CRAIG, 9. Rory MOUTTET, 10. James SAMMUT, 12. John HUNTER (6. David PERICH 72'), 15. David McNALLY, 16. Darragh KINNEVEY, 17. Liam BOLAND (11. Alex COCKING 78')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Daniel AGUDELO, 2. Stuart LONG, 19. Thomas SHEPHEARD

Goodman delighted with first league at United

United surprised the Premier League with their win at Grindleford reserve on Saturday, and Coach Jamie Goodman was delighted to get his first win in charge of the black and whites at third placed Balcatta. “I am delighted with the win, but the result has been built off two good performances in the past two weeks,” Goodman said.
“The late equaliser against Perth certainly has given the side the lift it needed to go on and win on Saturday, and Balcatta had come off the back of two great results aginst Perth and Floreat Athena, but the attitude and work rate of the playing group has been excellent and their hard work payed off.

"We had a lot of good players today Rosendale and Whitehouse were marshalled well by David McNally and Robert Monterosso, while Darragh Kinnevey, Michael Van Dongan and James Sammut won the midfield battle, and Boland held the ball up well and scored again. I was also pleaed with Trent Wood’s contributions on the left, while substitutes Dave Perich and Alex Cocking also added a bit when they came on,” Goodman added.

Balcatta started the better of the two sides. We worked away back into the match and looked dangerous on the counter attack. Long throws caused Balcatta problems but we were unable to pounce on the lose ball in the six yard box on a couple of occasions Dave McNally headed over the bar from a corner. Balcatta were limited to a few chances from distance but could not hit the target.

The second half saw us lift the tempo and the game opened up a little bit. We began to exploit the space on the flanks and a great move down the left saw Trent Wood drive into the box and payed a great low ball across the six yard box and Liam Boland arrived on the far post to blast the ball into the roof of the net.

Balcatta responded and had a header from a corner blocked by Cory Hugo from close range. Boland almost but us two up when his downward header was saved brilliantly by Bobson Kamora. Balcatta pushed for an equaliser and we looked to kill them off on the counter. We broke several times through John Hunter, substitute Alex Cocking, Mike Van Dongan, James Sammut and Wood but could not score the second. Our brilliant defence thwarted all that was thrown at them.

United 23's beat Balcatta with Hughes double

A double strike from Niall Hughes has gave Swan United a 3-1 win against Balcatta at Grindlford reserve. The win stretched United unbeaten run to seven games and coach John O'Reilly was pleased with the performance. "I always felt this game would demand our lads to dig deep to get a result and that we did," O'Reilly said.

"From the start the weather conditions were horrible, heavey rain and a muddy pitch, this would hinder our passing game, but it also gave us an advantage towards our physical style also. With the balcatta pitch the length of sicily it also made it tough work to squeeze the space going forward, cutting down considerably the number of opportunities through out the game. But with excuses aside, the lads ground out a worthy performance to give them a deserved 3 points, and a step closer to the top of the ladder."

United opened brightly and went ahead from the spot, The Ballcatta keeper deciding to follow a long cross, going out towards the top left corner of the box, and punch left winger, Nick Joshi, insted of the ball. A red card pursued, some say harsh, but in fairness.....what was the keeper thinking?
Niall Hughes stepped up to slip the spot kick under the outstreched hand of under 18's sub keeper, to go one up.
The comfort of the lead was short lived when Balcatta came back, with a well worked goal, playing the ball down the wing and then cross deep to the back post, with a fine header brining the scores level.

Not wanting to go in at half time level, Coach O'Reilly, switched to a 3 4 3 formation, pushing Thomas Shepheard forward to try and catch Balcatta on the break, assuming there goal would give them the confidence to push on, leaving space at the back. A couple of scares at our end, but for sound defending from Niall Murphy, Jake Da Re and Chris Marshall, before the gamble paid off.
A nothing ball into there box, was poorly delt with by there left back, who was allowing for the ball to run out of play, but only allowing the eager Christian Lopez to nick in with a toe at the last second to push the ball across goal, Giving Stuart Long, our Galic International, the opportunity to score his first goal for the club.

At half time Da Re had to come off with a hamstring niggle, pushing marshall into the centre, and giving Matt Wood his first taste of football since his refreshing Holidays.

In the second half the tempo dropped with the conditions and length of pitch taking its toll. A few opportunities went begging with lopez going close on two occasssions.

In the final 15 minutes, Robert Fytnogannis and Andy Alavez came on to give us a fresh pair of legs, which gave us the needed lift to grab a third. a ball in from the right, courtesy of Alavez, slipped passed a defender and into the on coming Hughes who passed home his second of the day.

"A great result for us, and notable performances from Matt Wood at the back, and todays best on ground would go to Morgan Dendal as reward for his non stop running and hard working performance in Midfield," O'Reilly said.

16.05.10 - Late goal gives United a point against Perth SC

A goal six minutes in to injury time from Thomas Shepheard has given Swan United a 2-2 draw against traditional rivals Perth SC, in round 9 of the APB Premier Division at Francis Street today.

Liam Boland had given the home side the lead in the 26th minute, but David Onoforo equalised before half time, and it looked like a 10-man Perth had nicked all three points when Dom de Felice made it 2-1 in the 94th minute, but Shepheard popped up two minutes later to send the United faithful home happy.

United went into the game unchanged from the side that drew 0-0 with Western Knights last week, while Perth made three changes to the side that were thrashed 1-5 at Balcatta last week. Greg Sharland, Robert Sciascia and Tristan Bekkouche dropping out, with Antonio Naglieri, Simon Wilson and Matt Danskin returning to the starting line up for the ‘Spring in Valley Cup’ clash.

The visitors started the game the better and had plenty of possession but found it tough to break United down, with Darragh Kinnevey and James Sammut (left) snuffing out the forward movement from Robbie Puca and Antonio Naglieri.

United worked their way into the match and were getting some joy down the flanks, and on 26 minutes they hit the front. Some great approach work from Trent Wood and Brendon Craig down the left, ended with a cross to Boland (right), who reacted quicker than Perth defender Trent Kay and swooped on the bouncing ball and fired home from just out side the six-yard box.

It was all level 10 minutes later, Onoforo was sent clear by through ball, and keeper Cory Hugo and David McNally got in each others way, and the Perth striker slotted home from close-range.

It was 1-1 at the break, but on the resumption Perth continued to have plenty of possessions but United held their shape, and continued to break them down in the midfield, and the visitors became increasingly frustrated.

Perth defender Matt Danskin was dismissed in the 70th minute after a second yellow card, and United almost hit the front moments later. A goalmouth scramble saw John Hunter's shot beat Perth keeper Luke Martino, but the ball hit the post and rolled along the line before being cleared.

With the match seemingly destined for a 1-1 draw, the game suddenly exploded controversially back into life during stoppage-time. A ball into the penalty area seemed to be handled by Onoforo, but referee Josh Mihevc waved away United’s protests, and United defender Craig kicked the ball away in frustration.

From the resulting corner from Andreas Oliviera’s, de Felice headed home on the far post. Again United protested that keeper Hugo was impeded but again it fell on deaf ears and it looked like the points were heading back to Dorrien Gardens, but Shepheard had other ideas.

United pushed forward and they were rewarded when a ball from the middle of the park picked out Shepheard (left) on the right hand side of the penalty area. The big striker beat the last defender, cut inside the box and unleased a left foot screamer into to the top corner of the net, and sent the home supporters in to raptures.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was delighted after the game, but was a little disappointed they didn’t get all three points. “Another determined disciplined display from our boys today. To get one back at death against the champions was a fantastic boost for our team,” said Goodman.

“There was a great atmosphere at the ground today and the fans help lift our players. All our players contributed today and the guys who came off the bench helped give us some extra drive. On another day some of the decisions may have gone our way and we would have gone on to win the match, we have played the top two sides in the last two matches and are undefeated. We need to take a lot of confidence from these performances and continue to improve.”

TEAMS
SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Michael van DONGEN, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 8 Brendon CRAIG, 9 Rory MOUTTET, 10 James SAMMUT, 11 John HUNTER (19 Thomas SHEPHEARD 75'), 15 David McNALLY, 17 Liam BOLAND (2 Alex COCKING 77') - SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 12 Stuart LONG, 16 Darko ILOMANOSKI

PERTH SC: GK Luke MARTINO, 2 Trent KAY, 4 Craig SIMPSON, 5 Hayden DOYLE, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN, 8 Rob PUCA, 9 David ONOFORO, 13 Simon WILSON (10 Andreas OLIVIERA 57'), 15 Antonio NAGLIERI, 18 Dom DE FELICE - SUBS NOT USED: RGK Masimo SALAMONE, 20 Daniel COLETTA, 21 Josh PEREIRA, 22 Rhys LOXLEY

Referee - Josh Mihevt

Attendance - 400

14.05.10 - League leaders head Francis Street

It’s Sunday football this weekend for Swan United, when they entertain league leaders Perth SC in ‘The Spring in the Valley cup clash at Francis Street in round 9 of the APB Premier Division(3pm).

The black and whites fought out a scoreless draw at second placed Western Knights last week and Coach Jamie Goodman will be looking for the same commitment he got last week at Nash Field. “Last weeks match up with a very good Western Knights side showed we can match it with these top sides but we need to be 100% committed for 90 minutes to do so. I was very pleased with the teams discipline and overall effort, defensively we were excellent and Cory Hugo was in top form. It was a committed performance from the team and a well deserved point” said Goodman.

“This week we face a good Perth Soccer Club, and it provides another great challenge for us. We were given a football lesson by Perth SC in the night series and we will be looking to rectify that,” added Goodman.
In team news Darko Ilomanoski is fit and raring to go and will pushing for selection, likewise new signing Stuart Long. Goodman has a full list to choose from this week and he will no doubt have a few selection headaches, but its good problem to have.

Perth was thrashed 1-5 last week at Balcatta, but will welcome back Ian McMurray and Antonio Naglieri to their side, but they still will be missing former Swan United captain Aaron Cole who is still injured, while Matt Danskin is still struggling with a shoulder injury.

Irish eyes are smiling at United

Swan United supporters haven’t had much to cheer this season, with the Middle Swan club sitting at the bottom of the table, but a new face has had them all smiling. Irish midfielder Darragh Kinnevey has been outstanding in the middle of the park for Jamie Goodman’s side, after a season at first division Ashfield and he’s enjoying his time at Francis Street.

“I have settled in really well, and everyone at the club is really friendly,” said Kinnevey.

“I was playing for Ashfield last season, where we struggled to pick up any results so I decided in the summer to give the Premier League a go. John O'Reilly was reserve team coach at Ashfield before moving to Swan in the summer, and I had been in contact with him over the summer before getting invited to pre season training, and I haven’t looked back,” said Kinnevey..

The 28-year-old was a pivotal player in United 0-0 draw at the Western Knights last week and he believes it could turn their season around. “It was another hard fought point against a good side, and I thought we could have gotten more out of the game,’ said Kinnevey.

“In the first half particularly we created a few good opportunities whereas in the second we were hanging on a little in the end. The most important thing is that we were hard to beat, as I think we have been in the last few weeks with the exception of the Mandurah game. It gives us a platform to start really pushing for three points in the coming games and move up the table,” added Kinnevey.

Since joining the club Kinnevey has been impressed with some of the younger players and he believes it bodes well for the club going forward. “Initially I was surprised at how young the squad was, but with a few additions over the last few weeks I think the balance is quite good now. Liam Boland would be one player who has stood out, he has the ability to really make his mark at this level, and is willing to work hard for it,” said Kinnevey.

The midfielder began his football back in Ireland, where he also played Gaelic football. He played at Galway United in the League of Ireland up till he was 21-years-old, but left Terryland Park and headed to Australia. He believes the change of coach at the Swans has had a limited effect and new Coach Jamie Goodman is doing a great job. “The transition from assistant to head coach has been seamless for Jamie from my perspective. I don’t think he has tried to change too much, and his training sessions are sharp and varied which keeps everyone fresh and interested,” explained Kinnevey.

United’s Coach Goodman has been delighted with Darragh’s form and believes he’s a vital cog in United’s midfield engine. “Darragh has settled in very well at the club. He came down to training after the night series had finished on the recommendation of John O’Rielly. His work ethic at training was excellent, and he trains how he plays, he is a very honest player who gives his all for the team,” said Goodman.

“He quickly became a regular fixture and his determination is infectious. He has fitted into the side very well and was just the player to compliment our other midfielders. He has slipped under the guard of a few teams and has been very good for us in breaking up the oppositions play.”

It’s another tough game for Kinnevey and United this weekend with league leaders Perth SC heading to Francis Street. They are coming off a shock 1-5 loss at Balcatta, but with the good result at the Knights the Swans will head into the game full of confidence. “It’s another important game for us against Perth. From what I have seen in this league so far it really doesn't matter what position in the table your opponent occupies, if you’re not at the top of your game you will struggle. On the other hand I think on our day we can give any team in this league a difficult afternoon,” said Kinnevey.

Skipper on the mend

Swan United has played most of the season without inspirational skipper Brendan Knox, the 23-year-old was struck down by a hernia injury after the win at Cockburn City back in March, but he is on the mend and on the come back trail. “The recovery is going well, and I’m really pleased with the surgery,” said Knox.

It’s the second time Knox has been laid off with a hernia, but the midfielder believes it should be right now. “I had a hernia in my abdomen, essentially a hole of tear form on the abdominal wall. The surgery basically covers the hole with a synthetic mesh,” explained Knox.

He is itching to get back on the park, and hopes to be back in full training in about four weeks. “I will hopefully be back into training around the half way point of the season, and will then have to push my way back into the starting line up,” said Knox.

The black and whites worked hard last week to earn a good point at the Western Knights and Knox believes they can take that into Sunday’s game against league leaders Perth Sc. “It was a good result for the football club last week at the Knights and it showed that on our day we can compete with any team in the league,” said Knox.

“On Sunday we face Perth, and they showed a considerable weakness last week at Balcatta, and the way the boys played last week, especially at the back, I think we can definitely get something out of the game,” added Knox.

Knox’s injury came the same week Swans coach Jamie Goodman took over the reins of the club but Knox, having spoken to a number of his team mates, believes he will turn the season around. “Having been injured during Jamie’s first week in charge I’ve not had a lot to do with him, but the players have a great deal of praise for him. He has a great rapport with the players and I think he will be able to get the best out of the side,” explained Knox.

With David Perich returning next week and Coach Goodman eying a few more new faces before the transfer deadline, Knox believes the club will move up the table. “It’s great to have David back at the club after his US college commitments. When you start adding the players of David’s ability to the squad, it makes the depth greater and I believe we will start challenging the top five sides in the league,” said Knox.

United Coach Jamie Goodman is looking forward to Brendan’s return to the side. “It has been an unfortunate lay off for Brendon. This is his second hernia operation, this time the surgeons have performed keyhole surgery, so we expect he will heal quicker than his previous operation. He is progressing steadily but hasn’t yet hit the training track,” said Goodman.

“We would love to have him back for this weekend’s game against Perth, but we will make sure he is 100 % before his return to the side. Injuries are a thing every side has to deal with but it makes tough for any team to loose there captain for half the season. We still can’t keep him away; Brendon is in the dressing rooms on match days supporting the team and is itching to back in a Swan United shirt.”

23’s hit back late for a point at Knights

Swan United under 23’s continued their undefeated streak with a 2-2 draw at Western Knights last week. A penalty in injury time from Darko Ilmonovski earned the point and Coach John O’Reilly was delighted with their never say die attitude. “We fought to the end and got our rewards with the late equaliser. The lads went into the game with strong belief they could get a result at Nash Field, and with the Knights in good form we knew it would be difficult but we showed great character to hit back late for a point. I told the players after the game to win the title you always need a little luck and we got it today,” said O’Reilly.

Both sides started well with a high tempo football, the Knights went close on the quarter hour but good defending from Chris Marshall thwarted the Knights striker. The black and whites hit the front on 25 minutes, Christian Lopez (left) was sent clear and the young striker kept his nerve and finished clinically past the keeper. All the swans hard work was for nothing when they conceded a penalty in stoppage time and the Knights levelled from the spot.

United made some changes at the break with Stuart Long coming off to be replaced by Jake Dare and they had to re-shuffle, and this unsettled the side and The Knights went in front early in the second half, but United hung in and began to get on top.

United had a number of chances to level, the best falling to Rob Ftynogiannis who fired inches over the bar after good work from Lopez. But credit to the team they continued to push forward and were rewarded in stoppage time when Lopez was brought down by the Knights keeper and the referee pointed to the spot. Ilomanoski stepped up to calmly score from the resulting penalty, and moments late the final whistle sounded.

08.05.10 - Gallant United frustrate the Knights

Western Knights 0 Swan United 0 ( by Football West Reporter Tim Lefort)

Swan United earned a great point at Nash Field on Saturday after holding second placed Western Knights to a 0-0 draw in round eight of the APB Premier League. Jamie Goodman’s side withstood great pressure from the Knights but with David McNally and Cory Hugo in fine form United battled hard and could have nicked all three points late on. Michael van Dongen, who was making his United debut after joining from Armadale, almost scored in injury time, his goalbound shot blocked by some desperate Knights defending.

United Coach Goodman made one change to the side that lost against Mandurah City last time out with Van Dongen coming in to replace Thomas Shepheard, who dropped to the bench.

The Knights came out strongly and immediately put pressure on the Swans backline. A long throw from the left found its way out to David Micevski on the area and his low drive deflected into the path of Simon Versaico whose shot was eventually cleared. Stuart Ferguson then headed wide from a free-kick on the right touchline, then after 14 minutes Stuart Montgomery pounced on a loose ball but from 10 yards fired straight at Hugo (left).

The home side continued to look the more likely to score and David Micevski tried his luck from 25 yards but couldn't hit the target. The same player then sent a curling free-kick, inches past the junction of post and crossbar from the left side of the penalty area, then after 28 minutes Versaico found a bit of space on the edge of the box but his weak effort didn't trouble Hugo.

Skipper David Annall went much closer moments later, his low drive from 20 yards forcing the Swans keeper to dive full stretch to tip the ball behind for a corner which ultimately came to nothing.

Swans best chance looked to be on the counter-attack and they very nearly struck with great effect three minutes before the break. A neat move down the left saw Liam Boland (right) turn his man in the box before driving the ball goalwards from 10 yards, only for Knights keeper Frazer Siddall to deny him with a smart reflex save.

John Hunter had the first opportunity of any note after the interval but the Swans striker blazed horribly high and wide from the edge of the area.

Montgomery (left) went much closer for the home side after 54 minutes, his angled shot from 10 yards forcing Hugo into a superb parry. Six minutes later the Swans stopper denied Montgomery again after the dangerous striker had got on the end of a low cross from substitute Anthony Campbell.

Their personal battle continued with Hugo quickly off his line to save at the feet of Montgomery who was about to shoot after beating one opponent.

Campbell headed over from a corner as the Knights turned up the pressure with three-quarters of the match gone and David Micevski sent a free-kick from 30 yards fizzing wide, then Campbell sent another header over the bar.

Hugo gratefully held onto Montgomery's effort from 15 yards as the seconds ticked away but it was the visitors who might have nicked all three points in stoppage-time when Michael van Dongen's low goalbound strike from just inside the area was blocked before being desperately cleared away.

Swans boss Jamie Goodman (right) was naturally delighted with his side's effort and was full of praise for his players.
"The boys deserved what they put in today," he said.

"We played a slightly different shape than we have been playing. We decided to play five across the midfield to match their five and the guys battled hard and really wanted it today."
The Knights racked up a huge number of corners but, despite the presence of giant defender Ferguson, rarely threatened from set-pieces.
Goodman added: "We've got some tall boys in our side. I think Dave McNally was tremendous and big Liam Bolard was coming back for corners as well and Corey was rock solid in goal so I was very happy with the way we defended them."

WESTERN KNIGHTS: GK Frazer SIDDALL, 2 Duncan HIND, 3 Stuart FERGUSON, 4 Paul van DONGEN (11 Anthony CAMPBELL 60'), 5 David ANNALL, 6 Gareth LECKY, 7 Daniel MICEVSKI, 8 David PRICE, 9 Simon VERSAICO, 10 David MICEVSKI, 19 Stuart MONTGOMERY
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Grant HEARD, 12 Shintaro ITO, 15 Francis ODONG
YELLOW CARDS: Paul PRICE 19'
RED CARDS: None

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD (12 Thomas SHEPHEARD 59'), 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Michael van DONGEN, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 7 James SAMMUT (16 Christian LOPEZ 90+1), 8 Brendon CRAIG, 11 John HUNTER, 13 David McNALLY, 15 Rory MOUTTET, 17 Liam BOLAND (10 Alex COCKING 79')
SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 2 Michael TRONCHIN
YELLOW CARDS: Cory HUGO 66', Darragh KINNEVEY 72', Christian LOPEZ 90+2'
RED CARDS: None

Referee - Michael Tolme

06.05.10 - The Knights next for United

Swan United heads to Nash Field on Saturday to take on Western Knights in round 8 of the Football West Premier League (3pm). It’s not been a happy hunting ground for the black and whites, and they have never won at the Mosman Park club, and it’s going to be a tough game for Jamie Goodman’s side.

United slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table after last week’s 1-3 loss at home to Mandurah City, and Goodman (left) will be looking for a response from his side this week. “It was a big game for us last week and we fell short. We had worked hard to get back into the game at 1-1 and we were starting to get on top,” said Goodman.

“If we had gone into the break at 1-1 I think we may have pushed on and got a result. Mandurah's goal in stoppage time of the first half took a lot of wind from our sails. I was disappointed with the timing of the goal as it is not the first time we have conceded in the last few minutes of the half. We need to lift as a group and be disciplined for 90 minutes. We had a few players who were below par last week and need to show more consistency,” added Goodman.

The Knights were beaten 1-2 last week in the top of the table clash with Perth SC, and their coach Paul Price will want his side to bounce back, and Goodman knows his side has to be at their best to get something from the game, but is looking forward to the challenge. “The Knights are a good side there is no doubting that, and we will be massive underdogs this week. They will be looking to bounce back after a defeat to Perth, so it is a great challenge for us and a chance to test our character. We will need to limit our mistakes and take the most of our opportunities to get a result,” explained Goodman.

The club has been swept with a virus this week and a number of players were ill on Thursday night but Goodman believes all will be available for the game. “I hope all the players are fit for the game, we’ll have to wait and see,” said Goodman.

In better news for the club they have signed Irish defensive midfielder Stuart Long (right) from Stirling Lions for the rest of the season. The former Irish Premier League player has played for Glentoran, Crusaders, and Ards back home and will give United some vital experience. Other good news this week is the return to training of defender Darko Ilomanoski, who injured a hip early in the season.

The Knights have a good all-round side, with strikers Anthony Campbell and Stuart Montgomery a duo United will need to close down. In the middle of the park Paul van Dongen, David Price and David Micevski pull the strings while Simon Versaico and Daniel Micevski give them width. At the back keeper Frazer Siddall has been in outstanding form while English import Stuart Ferguson and David Annall have both been solid at the heart of the back four.

In earlier games Dejan Vilic’s 18’s take on the fourth placed Knights 18’s at 11pm, while it’s third v fourth when John O’Reilly’s 23’s take on the Knights 23’s at 1pm. Get along and cheers on the black and whites. Admission price is $8 adults and $6 for concessions, while under 15’s get in free.

United under 12's Orange looking for players

The Swan United under 12's orange side are looking for two committed and determined young fellows, to play under 12 football for the club, due to a couple of children who have relocated.

Coach Gerry Crowley would like to hear from you if you fit the bill, and you can join the Black and Whites. The side trains at Jack Mann Oval on Wednesday and Friday evenings 6pm - 7.30pm - Gerry can be contacted on 0415048425

01.05.10 - United hit rock bottom

Mandurah City moved off the bottom of the Football West Premier League table with a 3-1 win against United at Francis Street.

A double for Mandurah midfielder Nicky Platt and a spectacular volley from Rafael Insaurralde was enough for Stuart Young’s side, while Liam Boland’s header was United’s only consolation, the defeat sending United to the foot of the table.
The home side went in unchanged from the side that drew 0-0 against Inglewood United last time out, while Mandurah City made just the one change. New signing Ivan Zuvela made his league debut for the Dolphins; he replaced Alex Darby, who dropped to the bench.

It was the visitors that started the better and they almost opened the scoring in the first minute. Insaurralde picked out Jordan Rhodes on the edge of the penalty area and the former Stirling Lions skipper’s shot was only inches over the crossbar.

Mandurah continued to dominate, and Andy Brown went close again on seven minutes. His long-range shot went just over the bar, with United keeper Cory Hugo asking questions of his defence for not closing him down.

United, who were yet to win at home this season, hit back and from James Sammut’s free kick on 10 minutes, John Hunter headed wide from five meters, and the strikers shot on the turn moments later flashed wide of the upright.

Both sides were desperate for the victory and they both went close as the game opened up. First on 15 minutes Brendan Craig’s free kick on the left found David McNally (left), but the United big defenders header drifted wide. Then it was Mandurah’s turn to go close, Craig Young’s cross from the right was headed wide by an unmarked Brown.

The decisive opener went to the Dolphins on 23 minutes. A quick throw in by James Hesketh caught United napping, he found Platt in on goal, and the former FC Manchester United midfielder’s first time shot flew into the bottom corner of the net with Hugo well beaten.

It was just rewards for Mandurah, as they searched for their first away victory of the season, but the home side went in search of a quick response. On the half hour Sammut’s corner from the left found Trent Wood at the back post, his shot was deflected off Zuvela and Boland’s close-range header went over the top.

In fact it was the home side that were ending the half on top, and on 39 minutes Hunter’s ball into the penalty area found Boland at the back post, his header from four meters was superbly saved by Phil Straker, although it wouldn’t have counted with the flag up for offside.

Then on 42 minutes United’s pressure was rewarded with the equaliser. Sammut played in Wood down the right, and the youngster’s pin-point cross picked out Boland (right) who headed home from four meters.

It was a timely goal just before the break for United, but all their hard work was undone two minutes into first half stoppage-time when Mandurah edged ahead. Rhodes’ corner from the left picked out an unmarked Insaurralde at the back post and he volleyed home spectacularly into the top corner of the net from six meters, to give them a half time lead.

After the break it was Mandurah who were quick out of the blocks and on 52 minutes Brown cut inside from the right and found Rhodes, his curling shot from 16 meters went just post the far post.

It was all one-way traffic and on the hour they thought they had added to their lead, this time Rhodes was the supplier to Brown who finished low past Hugo, but the flag was up for offside.

But it was 3-1 two minutes later, Brown’s ball found the overlapping Luke Bower on the right. His cross into the box found the unmarked Platt, who fired home from six meters.

With Platt, Rhodes and Brown running the midfield, Mandurah continued to dominate, and Platt almost had his hat-trick on 67 minutes, his snap shot on the turn flashed wide of the target. Then five minutes later Rhodes’ cross from the left picked out Zuvela who headed straight at Hugo.

United were struggling to cope with the rampaging Dolphins but they almost had a lifeline on 75 minutes. Craig’s ball over the top found Boland, the Mandurah defence stopped for offside but the flag never came and Boland was in on goal. He rounded Straker but a superb covering tackle from skipper Ryan Townsend stopped a certain goal.

The home side cleared the bench moments later bringing on all three substitutes, but it was Mandurah who almost added to their lead. Again it was Brown and Rhodes combining, and when Brown was about to pull the trigger Darragh Kinnevey (left) made a timely block to deny him.

In the incident the Irish midfield, Kinnevey, was injured and with United having made all their changes they were down to ten men, but after treatment he returned.

In fact United ended the game well and Alex Cocking shot on the run from the edge of the box went over the top on 83 minutes, and on 89 minutes Sammut’s cross into the penalty area deflected off Hesketh and the ball was heading for the top corner of the net until Straker produced a stunning save to deny United.

But it was too little too late for United and at the final whistle Mandurah celebrated their first away win of the season.

After the game two goal hero Nicky Platt was delighted to have ended their poor away form with a victory. “We needed a good three points today to move up the table. We’ve played well in recent games but haven’t had the reward but today we totally dominated the game and deserved the points,” said Platt.

“It’s nice to get on the scoresheet, but as a team we played some good football today. We changed the formation around a little bit and I think it worked really well, we’re just delighted to have taken the points,” added Platt.

For a disappointed Swan United Coach it was a poor performance from his chargers. “Yes it was a disappointing performance from us today. We started slowly, but we got ourselves back in the game just before half time, but allowed them to re-take the lead from a set piece which puts you on the back foot,” said Goodman.

“We had a number of players down on form today and you can’t have that in this league, we weren’t hungry enough and that will have to change,” added Goodman.

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 4 Robert MONTOROSSO, 6 Trent WOOD (9 Nick JOSHI 75’), 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 11 Rory MOUTTET, 15 David MCNALLY, 16 Darragh KINNEVEY 17 Liam BOLAND, 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (10 Alex COCKING 75’), 23 John HUNTER (5 Christian LOPEZ 75’)
Subs not used: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 18 John MANSARAY
Yellow Cards - Shepheard 56’

MANDURAH CITY: GK Philip STRAKER, 2 Ryan TOWNSEND, 3 James HESKETH, 4 Jordan RHODES, 6 Ivan ZUVELA, 7 Darren BROXTON, 8 Andrew BROWN, 9 Luke BOWER (13 Michael BOBRIDGE 83’), 10 Rafael INSAURRALDE (11 Jessie FULLER 83’), 14 Nicky PLATT, 15 Craig YOUNG, Subs not used: RGK Michael GREEN, , 12 Alex DARBY, 16 Robbie HAMM
Yellow Cards - Brown 36’, Broxton 90’

Referee - Michael Tolmie
Assistants - David Currie and Tony Chorley

United 23’s up to third after win

Swan United under 23’s moved into third place on the Football West Premier League 23’s table with a come from behind 4-2 win against Mandurah City on Saturday at Francis Street. Coach John O’Reilly (right) was delighted with his team’s performance. “It’s nice to back, but whilst I’ve been away I’d like to say the boys have done superbly and much gratitude to Mick Da Re for caretaking for me,” said O’Reilly.

“After four wins in a row the confidence was high among the players, maybe too high as we put in a sluggish first half performance. There were glimpsers of how we are accustomed to playing but the intensity or urgency was lacking, but we turned that around,” added O’Reilly.

United started the game well, with the midfield looking comfortable, Michael Tronchin controlling the anchor role, with John Mansaray and new boy Michael van Dongen doing the offensive work. In form striker Christian Lopez was partnered up front with Niall Hughes, who started his first game since breaking his foot last season, and O’Reilly believes their partnership looks destined to provide United with a goal haul this season. “Both players are working hard for each other and for the team, and it bodes well for the season ahead,” said O’Reilly.

The home side opened brightly and some lovely link up play between Lopez and Hughes cut the Mandurah defence open early in the game, and Lopez’s low inviting cross picked on Van Dongen, who looked set to score on his debut, but the ball looked to take a nasty bobble at the last second to deny the midfielder.

Mandurah took the lead against the run of play, with a lovely lobbed shot by Michael Bobridge over the outstretched reach of the Daniel Agudelo, but United hit back 10 minutes later, with an element of luck.

A speculative long-range effort from Niall Murphy (left), looked like a simple save for the Mandurah goalkeeper, but he let it slip through his hands and into the back of the net, yet Murphy looked delighted with his "ugly" goal.

The game fizzled out for a 20 minute period and was miserably capped with another goal for the visitors just before half time, Jessie Higgins on target.

After a half time team talk by O’Reilly, United needed to step it up a gear in the second half, and that’s exactly what they did right from the first whistle. With the tempo stepped up and the passing more crisp chances started to open up, and 15 minutes in a lovely pass from Hughes fed in Lopez (right), with still a bit to do, but he carried the ball 15-yards, holding off the last defender then firing home from just inside the box.

With the scores level the confidence grew, and so too did the opportunities. With 20 minutes to go a delightful through ball from Van Dongen sent Mansaray in behind the stationary defence. The ball and the run was well timed, and Mandurah team were left standing and watching, waiting for the offside flag, which never came, and Mansaray (left) walked into the box and calmly passed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-2..

Mandurah fought back and pressed looking for a goal to get back into the game, but the back three of Murphy, Jake DaRe and Matt Wood dealt with everything they throw at them.

The game was wrapped up late on, and with all substitute’s made, Mansaray, found himself finishing the game out on the left wing and from that spot he delivered a pinpoint 40-yard ball, in over the defence to the right foot off Lopez, who took no hesitation in lashing home his second of the day and wrapping up the three points, sealing the under 23's fifth straight win.

Swans team - GK Daniel Agudelo, Niall Murphy, Matt Wood, Jake DaRe, Andy Alverez, Michael Tronchin, Christian Lopez, Michael van Dongen, John Mansaray, Niall Hughes, Robbie Ftynogiannis - Subs Saeed Hassan, Tim Hill, Charlie Popov, Chris Marshall, Mustafe Gabose

30.04.10 - United ready for big clash against Mandurah City

Swan United will go in search of their first home league victory of the season, in Round seven of the Football West Premier League on Saturday, when they host Mandurah City at Francis Street (3pm)

It’s a huge game for the club and Coach Jamie Goodman (left) hopes the side continue where they left off against Stirling Panthers in the Cup. “The performance of the team in Mondays Cup Match victory against last years Armature league champions Stirling Panthers was excellent. This posed to be a tricky fixture with us backing up from Saturday and them postponing their Sunday match I made some changes to the side to have a look at a few different things and rested a couple. It is good to see that there is competition for places in the squad and the ones that get an opportunity have performed well,’ said Goodman.

“It was great to see the team take control of the game from the opening whistle. We knocked the ball around well and put them under pressure when they had possession. Our movement of the ball caused them problems all day. Alex Cocking got us off to a flyer after heading home a James Sammut cross after a move that swept the length of the field. Alex bagged his second after finishing some unselfish work from Darragh Kinnevey. Panthers keeper kept the score line down after making some fine saves,” explained Goodman.

“Instructions were for more of the same in the second half. We started the half a bit sloppy but got back into stride soon enough and created plenty of chances but again the keeper stood in the way of us closing out the game making saves from Sammut, Liam Boland, John Hunter and Christian Lopez. John Hunter sealed the game when he slotted home a penalty received for a hand ball offence. We ran the game out very well and we are pleased to have advanced to the next round,” added Goodman.

He is expecting another tough match today against Mandurah City. “With players like Andy Brown, Ryan Townsend, Craig Young and recent additions Ivan Zuvela, Jordan Rhodes in their line up we have to be at our best to get a victory, but I’m confident and the players are too,” said Goodman.

In team news Michael Van Dongen goes into the squad after his transfer from Armadale, while Coach Jamie Goodman will hope Darragh Kinnevey and Thomas Shepheard recover from injuries they received last week. Mandurah welcome Ivan Zuvela, who joined the club in midweek from Western Knights. Craig Young and Andy Brown have both impressed for the Dolphins in the middle of the park, while Phil Straker has been in outstanding form for Stuart Young’s side.

United travel to Morley in the cup second Round

United’s 3-0 victory against Stirling Panthers has earned them an away tie against first division side Morley Windmills in the Soccer Pools Cup second round.

The draw took place at the Football West offices in Maylands with Competitions Manager Keith Wood, State League Competitions Administrator Angela Murphy and Referee Coordinator Mathew Cheeseman present for the draw.

For United’s Coach Jamie Goodman it’s a return to a former club and he’s looking forward to the game. "“I’m really looking forward to this game. A lot has changed player wise since last season, and Morley has not had a great start to there season but it is a cup game. PJ and Jimmy will have their team well drilled so we will need to be up for it,” said Goodman.

The draw has several all-Premier League clashes with Western Knights hosting Armadale at Nash Field, Perth SC taking on Balcatta at Dorrien Gardens, Stirling Lions will host Mandurah City at Macedonia Park, while Cup holders Floreat Athena will be away to Division One’s Ashfield.

Round Two of the Cup will take place on June 7.

Full fixtures
Sorrento v Olympic Kingsway
Western Knights v Armadale
Perth SC v Balcatta
Morley-Windmills v Swan United
Bunbury Forum Force v ECU Joondalup
Cockburn City v Bayswater City
Ashfield v Floreat Athena
Stirling Lions v Mandurah City

Van Dongen heads to Francis Street

With Saturday’s important game against Mandurah City looming as a six pointer, Swan United have added to their squad by signing midfielder Michael Van Dongen from Armadale, and the 26-year-old is happy to be on board. “After starting the season with Armadale I decided that I wasn't happy with my current form and I felt that I was unable to get involved in games as much as I would have liked. After a few discussions with Copper, (Jamie Goodman) I decided to pull the plug at Armadale and considered my options elsewhere,” said Van Dongen.

“Copper was really approachable and after coming down to a few training sessions and meeting the lads, I felt Swan would be a great team to be a part of. I have been good mates with Rory Mouttet for some time and I was excited at the prospect of rejoining forces with him. To add to that I am also good mates with Robert Monterosso, and have enjoyed playing alongside him in the state futsal games,” added Van Dongen.

It was an enjoyable stay at Alfred Skeet Oval but the game plan there didn’t suit his game, but he wishes them all the best. “I really enjoyed my time at Armadale, and they are a good bunch of lads and the people around the club made me fell very welcome. The night series was a good opportunity to get some match fitness under my belt, and I played the first two games but missed the third because I broke my hand. I then started in the first three league games, but I just didn't seem to gel with the style of football and whilst I was happy to run hard for 90 minutes I wanted to be getting plenty of the football, which wasn't happening,” explained Van Dongen.

He likes what he see’s with the young Swans side and hopes he can added some thing for the team. “I have actually watched the last three games, and I was very impressed with the team’s performance against ECU Joondalup and thought they definitely deserved more from that game. Similarly they played some very nice football against the Panthers in the cup. I think its fantastic having such a young team with so much talent and look forward to filling a senior role on the pitch,” said Van Dongen.

“I have been very impressed with Copper. I did my research before deciding to make the move and by all accounts there is a high regard for Copper amongst every state league player I know. I think two of the key attributes in a coach is communication and mutual respect and Copper definitely ticks that box for me. I look forward to playing under his direction this year and taking some valuable experience from his coaching style,” added Van Dongen.

Swans coach Jamie Goodman is delighted to have signed the midfielder. “I am pleased Michael has agreed to join us. He is a versatile player who can play in an attacking or defensive role. He has a great work ethic and always looks to play football. Michael has been loyal player for Canning City prior to his move to Armadale, but unfortunately things did not work out for him there. He trained very well with us last week and he feels comfortable amongst the Swan United surroundings. He will provide a lot more flexibility for the side and provides me with a lot more options,” explained goodman.

Van Dongen started his football as a junior at Canning City and Cockburn City, but due to school sporting commitments on Saturday and a tour to Singapore meant at age 16, he spent a few years playing on Sunday football with South Perth. After finishing high school, he was an inaugural member of the Canning City team which started in the State League First Division in 2001. After spending eight years with them and playing every game in the 2008 to take them to the premier league, he decided to take the year off last year, and he is raring to go this season. “I’m really looking forward to the next chapter in my football and a good season at Swan. I’m feeling fitter then ever and I’ve definitely got the passion back to get out there and play some good football,” said Van Dongen.

His twin brother Paul plays for the Western Knights and it’s a coincidence that the Swans travel to Nash Field next week, and it’s a game Michael is looking forward to. “Well I would be lying if I didn’t say it was a highly anticipated clash, but we’ve got a big game on Saturday first, and I am eager to ensure we get all three points from that match,” said Van Dongen.

“After being teammates our entire lives, this will be the first time in nine years of state league football that we play off against each other. Paul is a hardworking midfielder and in my opinion a fantastic footballer who took his opportunity last year when Canning City got promoted to Premier league. The Knights also have three other of my former teammates playing with them so that will make the clash even more exciting. I will be extremely fired up for that challenge,” added Van Dongen

26.04.10 - Cocking double sees Swans through to next round

A first half double from Swan United striker Alex Cocking has helped United through to the next round of the Soccer pools Cup after a 3-0 win against Sunday Amateurs side Stirling Panthers in the first round clash at Francis Street on Monday Afternoon.

The young striker fired home in the 11th and 34th minute and when John hunter added a third late on it gave United’s coach Jamie Goodman his first win as senior coach for the Swan Valley club.

The Panthers, who won the Premier Amateur league title last season headed in to the game, full of confidence, but it was the home side that opened the better, and on four minutes Cory Hugo’s free kick found David McNally, who beat keeper Simon Madaschi to the ball, and his header went just over the crossbar.

Moments later Brendan Craig picked our Cocking (right) in the penalty area, and the strikers first time shot flashed inches over the bar.

The early pressure from the home was rewarded on 11 minutes when they hit the front. Rory Mouttet found James Sammut in the middle of the park and the former Perth Glory Youth midfielder’s inch perfect cross picked out Cocking, who headed home from six-yards.

It was a blow for the visitors but they almost hit back immediately, Christopher Agostino was sent clear down the right and his dangerous cross into the box was headed away by Mouttet, under pressure from Anthony Arnold at the back post.

The home side continued to press and Brendan Craig’s shot flashed wide of the post on 20 minutes, and four minutes later Irish midfielder Darragh Kinnevey won possession in the middle of the park and found Boland on the edge of the box, the big strikers shot went inches wide.

It was a fast paced game and there were chances at both ends of the park. First on 25 minutes Panthers striker Arnold’s long-range shot was straight at Hugo, who saved, while down the other end Craig’s powerful shot was well saved by Madaschi at full stretch.

United continued to press and they were rewarded with a second on 34 minutes. Again it was Kinnevey (right) who was the provider, his great through ball picked out Cocking (left) and the young striker kept his nerve and fired low past Madaschi from five-yards to double United’s lead.

The home side suffered a blow on 40 minutes when Kinnevey limped off, and he was replaced by John Mansaray, but it was the home side that ended the half the better and they had two good chances to add to their lead before the break.

First on 43 minutes Mansaray found Cocking on the right of the penalty area, but his first time shot went wide, and in stoppage-time Boland was found by Hunter, but the former Stirling Lions strikers shot flashed inches past the near post with Madaschi well beaten.

The Panthers opened the second half well and had their best chances three minutes in, Nicholas Paone snap shot from close-range was superbly saved by Hugo, although the flag was up offside.

It was the visitor’s who was taking the game to United, but the final ball let Bruno Serra’s side down. United hit back and Sammut’s cheeky lob on 68 minutes was well saved by former Perth SC keeper Madaschi, and second half substitute Christian Lopez’s follow up went wide.

Madaschi was keeping his side in the game with a great save to deny Sammut on 75 minutes, but he was beaten moments later when the lively Lopez found Nick Joshi on the edge of the box, but the striker fired wide when well placed.

The decisive third goal came on 84 minutes when Paul da San Martino was adjudged to have handled the ball by referee Ton Klaver, and he had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Hunter (left) stepped up to fire home from the penalty to make it 3-0.

Still the home side pressed and Lopez’s shot from the right of the penalty area flew over the top of the bar, before a late flurry from the Panthers almost gave them a consolation. Hussein Awada showed great skill to skip past three United defenders on the right on 85 minutes, but Mouttet was alert to clear his dangerous cross.

It was almost 4-0 to United in stoppage-time when Sammut fed Hunter, who was in on goal, but Madaschi did well to deny the former Forrestfield United youngster, and at the final whistle it was United who went into the hat for the second round draw.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was happy to get the win and the way his side had played on the day. “It’s always a difficult game in the cup against lower opposition but I thought we were good today. We controlled the game and should have won by more. I told the players before the game to go out and express themselves and I thought they did just that, which was pleasing,’ said Goodman.

Panthers coach Bruno Serra was happy with his sides’ performance, but said they were well beaten on the day. “I was proud of the boys today, they just continued to work hard until the final whistle and I can’t ask anymore than that. We had a few chances but they did too, so 3-0 against a Premier League side is not bad, we now have to continue to improve in the league,” said Serra.

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 4 Robert MONTOROSSO, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY (13 John MANSARAY 41’), 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 9 Nick JOSHI (6 Trent WOOD 77’), 10 Alex COCKING (24 Christian LOPEZ 64’), 11 John HUNTER, 15 David MCNALLY, 17 Liam BOLAND, 19 Rory MOUTTET SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 24 Thomas SHEPHEARD,
Yellow Cards - Nil
STIRLING PANTHERS - GK Simon MADASCHI, 3 Michael KOVACEVIC (6 Gareth BANFIELD 56’), 4 Hussein AWADA, 7 Dulio XAVIER, 8 Anthony ARNOLD, 9 Christopher AGOSTINO (5 Luke PAVLOS 63’), 10 Paul DA SAN MARTINO, 11 Nicholas PAONE (2 Kenny SALIM 79’), 12 Simon DA SAN MARTINO, 13 Kristian RAGNI, 14 Shane MITCHELL - Subs not used - RGK Tony ALEKSOVSKI
Yellow Cards - Simon da San Martino 72’
Referee - Ton KLAVER
Assistants Jonathon THROSSELL and Gary FROST

24.04.10 - Stalemate at the 6PR stadium

Swan United earned a hard fought point after a 0-0 draw against Inglewood United in round six of the Football West Premier League clash at the 6PR stadium

There were few clear cut chances as both struggling sides cancelled each other out, the best falling to Swan defender David McNally, whose header was superbly saved by Oliver Taseski late in the second half.

The home side, who sat at the bottom of the table at kick off made three changes to the side that were beaten 3-1 at Perth last week with Coach Shane Pryce bringing in Jason Colli, Albert Osei-Tutu and Matt Wardle to replace the suspended Simon Falcone, Lee Carr and Mladen Kovacevic, who dropped to the bench. Swans Coach Jamie Goodman made just the one change with Liam Boland rewarded for his late equaliser in last weeks 2-2 with ECU Joondalup, replacing Alex Cocking who dropped to the bench.

It was a lovely day for football and the small crowd were looking for a tight battle and it started just that way. The home side opened the better and had the first opportunity on two minutes; Alex Stamatiadis’ cross from the right picked out Ryan Clarke, whose snap shot went wide of the target.

Moments later it was the turn of the Swans to go close, Cory Hugo’s long clearance was flicked on by Boland, and Trent Wood (left) was in on goal on the right of the penalty area, his shot beat Taseski but drifted wide of the far post.

It was a lively opening as both sides pressed for an advantage, and there were chances at both ends. First on 14 minutes a long throw from Swans Brendan Craig was headed goalwards by Boland, and Taseski took no chances tipping the ball over the top. Then two minutes later Inglewood’s Jason Colli found Dannie Richman, but the youngster’s shot from 18-yards flashed just wide of the far post.

The home side began to take control, and on the half hour Richman found Osei-Tutu who played a great ball into Clarke, but Swans keeper Hugo was out quick to save at the striker’s feet.

It was the best period of the match for Inglewood and seven minutes later former Swans junior player Sandi Loncar’s long-range shot flew inches past the post, as they searched for the opener, and in the last minute off the half Jason Colli’s corner from the left was volleyed over by Matt Wardle at the back post. It was 0-0 at the break at it was all to play for in the second.

It was the same after the break as the home side pressed, and two minutes in Aaron Colli played his brother Jason in down the right, he crossed to Osei-Tutu who fired wide from the edge of the box.

Then sixty seconds later Inglewood had their best chance of the game, a great turn in the penalty area by Stamatiadis found him in on goal. He lobbed the advancing Hugo, but Wood was alert to acrobatically clear the ball off the line, but the danger wasn’t over, and Clarke’s follow up header went over the top from close-range.

The Swans settled, with Darragh Kinnevey (right) instrumental in the middle of the park, and they went close on the hour, James Sammut’s header from six-yards was saved by Taseski.

It looked like the only goal would win the game as Inglewood pressed, but lacked quality in the final third. On 70 minutes the hard working Stamatiadis again found Clarke but the Inglewood strikers snap shot from 18-yards went wide of the target. Then three minutes later Jason Colli’s cross from the right picked out an unmarked Richman, who headed wide.

The Swans were defending desperately with McNally and Robert Monterosso outstanding, but Inglewood were dictating terms and sixty seconds later Osei-Tutu raced clear of Craig but his shot 12-yards was well saved low to his right by Hugo.

After soaking up all the Inglewood pressure the Swans almost hit the front on 76 minutes. A corner from the left by Sammut was met by McNally (left) and the big defenders header looked destined for the top corner of the net, but Taseski produced a stunning one handed save to deny him.

It wasn’t a game for the purists as both sides continued to struggle in front of goal, John Hunter shot from the edge of the box drifted wide and in stoppage time a Jason Colli in-swinging corner flicked the top of the crossbar and away to safety, as both sides settled for a point.

After the game Inglewood Coach Shayne Pryce thought his side had done enough to take the points. “It’s been a tough start to the season for us and we’ve got to turn things around and the attitude of the players has to change. Today we had a few more chances in the game, but lacked a bit of quality with the final ball and finishing. It was two evenly matched sides and it shows you where we’re both at,” said Pryce.

For Swans Coach Jamie Goodman he was happy with a clean sheet and a point on the road. “I’m happy with a clean sheet; it’s only our second of the season. I was disappointed we didn’t play our normal passing game, but there was no flow to the game today. There were a lot of whistles and free kicks awarded which broke up the play. There were two desperate teams here today and I think we would be the happy taking a point, being the away team,” said Goodman.

Teams
INGLEWOOD UNITED - GK Oliver TASESKI, 4 Rikki SMITH, 5 Sandi LONCAR, 6 Matt WARDLE, 8 Ryan CLARKE, 10 Albert OSEI-TUTU (19 Karl O’REILLY 81’), 11 Alex STAMATIADIS, 12 Dannie RICHMAN (27 Mladen KOVACEVIC 85’), 16 Aaron COLLI (7 Michael BACZYNSKI 78’), 18 Jason COLLI, 22 Matt WORTON - SUBS NOT USED: RGK Joel VAN DE MEER, 17 Igor ARSOVSKI
Yellow Cards - Clarke 58’, A.Colli 74’, Loncar 79’, Richman 83’, Baczynski 85’

SWAN UNITED: GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD (2 Nick JOSHI 81’), 4 Robert MONTOROSSO, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 10 Rory MOUTTET, 11 John HUNTER, 15 David MCNALLY, 17 Liam BOLAND (14 Alex COCKING 71’), 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (9 John MANSARAY 81’) - SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 15 Christian LOPEZ
Yellow Cards - Sammut 44’, Shepheard 62’
Referee - Michal JASINSKI
Assistants - Ton KLAVER, Phil TRAIANEDES

23.04.10 - United head to Inglewood looking for the points

Swan United travel to the 6PR Stadium on Saturday to take on Inglewood United (3pm), and they only have three points on their minds.

Coach Jamie Goodman, who had a successful spell at Inglewood as a coach and a player, knows the importance of Saturday’s game. “This game is a classic six pointer so early in the season. I was very pleased with the fighting character of my side last week against Joondalup and expect the same this week from the players, and we can take some momentum into this game from that performance,” said Goodman.

“I have some fond memories of my time at Inglewood, they gave me the opportunity to begin coaching and I am grateful for that. I return to the club as the opposition and we have a job to do, and there are six players in our side that have previously played for Inglewood and will be looking to get one up on there old club,” added Goodman.

One of them players is Rory Mouttet (left), and the defender is looking forward to the return to his old stomping ground. “It’s obviously a massive game for both clubs being determined for the three points to kick start our seasons. We showed good character to come back at the death last week to get something out of the game but really need to the points on the board this week,” said Mouttet, who joined from Armadale three weeks ago.
“I think the game will be quite physical with a bit of feeling as there are a few of our team have played for Inglewood before. It will come down to which side wants it more, personally Inglewood’s ground has always been one of my favourite pitches in the league so I’m really looking forward to the game,” added Mouttet.

In team news the Swans are at full strength for their busy Anzac weekend double header. Swans striker Liam Boland will be pushing for a starting spot, after coming off the bench and earning a point last week against ECU. While in the middle of the park James Sammut and Darragh Kinnevey were outstanding last week and will need to be their best, as United have only won once in their last five visits to Inglewood.

The home side were beaten at Perth last week but striker Dannie Richman (right) believes they were unlucky. “All the boys were really disappointed not to at least get something out the game. Perth make it look easy but I thought we battled hard an could of pinched a few at the end. So hopefully that will set us up for a good performance at home this week,” said Richman, the former Stirling Lions striker.

Richman and the club know how important Saturday’s game is and nothing than three points will do. “This weekend is like a mini final for us. Everyone knows that we need a win to get our season back on track but it’s not going to be easy against Swan. Hopefully we can stick together and work hard and hopefully get the result were after,” said Richman.

“We just need to put two halves of football together, even against the Knights we were still in the game at 2-1 at half time, but we just didn’t turn up for the second half, while at Perth last week 1-1 at half time then two quick goals early in the half killed us off. So if we can put to halves together I believe we are in with more than a chance of picking up some much needed points,” added Richman.

Inglewood will be without Simon Falcone, who was sent off last week against Perth, and defender Danny Kovacevic, whose hamstring problem hasn’t improved. Coach Shane Pryce made a number of changes last week and he will be looking for a response from his team this week. The form of keeper Oliver Taseski continues to impress while Sandi Loncar and Matt Worton were also good last week. Youngsters Alex Stamatiadis and Richman will need to be watched closely, while Mladen Kovacevic continues to perform well.
Kick off 3pm, while it’s 11am kick off for the Dejan Vilic and Danyal Bennett’s under 18’s and 1pm for John O’Reilly’s 23’s - get along and support the black and whites!!!!!

The Panthers call into Francis Street for the cup

On Monday it’s cup day, with the first round of the Soccer Pools Cup taking place and Sunday Amateur side Stirling Panthers travel to Francis Street to take on United (3pm).

The Panthers won the league last season, and can’t be taken lightly, although they have lost their opening two games of the 2010 season. Jamie Goodman (below) has told his players not to take them lightly, and knows it will be a hard fought game. “Monday’s cup game against the Stirling Panthers will be a tough game especially backing up after an important match on Saturday. They will have the advantage of being a lot fresher after postponing there Sunday fixture. It is not an ideal situation for us but I am confidant in our fitness levels for us to back up,” said Goodman.

“I have been involved in a couple of theses fixtures before and they are tricky, Stirling will be out to give there all and fly the flag for the Sunday sides. They won the amateur premier league last year and I haven’t seen too many bad sides win leagues. If we turn up with the wrong attitude it will make our task very difficult,” added Goodman.

United defender Rory Mouttet agrees with Goodman, and knows it will a close game. “These games are often very tricky games. Sides like the panthers will always lift to prove they can match it with the state league and a lot of the players are good enough, but just can’t commit to Saturday football for whatever reason,” said Mouttet.

“We won’t be familiar with how they play and will have to be clever enough not to play the game on their terms but on ours. We need to take the panthers very seriously and play well to progress through to the next round,” added Mouttet.

17.04.10 - Boland to the rescue for United

A goal in stoppage-time from second half substitute Liam Boland (right) rescued a point for Swan United in a 2-2 draw against ECU Joondalup in round five of the Football West Premier League at Francis Street on Saturday afternoon.

Boland was happy to earn a point for the side. “I was just happy to get off the mark in the league I took a gamble and it paid off after a good kick from Cory and a flick on by Tommy,” said Boland.
“It was good to get our first point at home this year even though we conceded two poor goals and probably should have won. I want to start winning now and hopefully score some more goals,” added the big striker.

Thomas Shepheard had given the home side the lead in the 35th minute, only for John Thornley to level five minutes later. It looked like ECU had taken all three points when Dale McCulloch scored with five minutes remaining before Boland struck and the points were shared.

Both sides made one change to their sides from last week, Cory Hugo returning for United to replace Daniel Agudelo, who dropped to the bench, while John Higgins came into the starting line up for ECU Joondalup, to replace the injured Garin Collins.

It was great afternoon for football in the Swan Valley and it was an even opening with chances at both ends. First on three minutes United’s Brendan Craig’s cross from the left was misjudged by Charlie Comyn-Platt and Trent Wood’s shot at the back post drifted wide. Then four minutes later ECU defender Higgins cut in from the right, but his shot from the edge of the box was straight at Hugo.

A victory was much needed for both sides, and it was the home side that began to dictate possession and on 16 minutes they went agonisingly close to the opener. Good work on the left by John Hunter, ended with a deep cross to the back post, where Trent Wood’s (left) volley beat keeper Andy Petterson but Ross Anderson was alert to clear the ball off the line.

It was the best period of the game for the home side and after some good approach work from Darragh Kinnevey and James Sammut on 34 minutes; Hunter’s cross shot was well blocked by Scott Blackmore.

But from the resulting corner United hit the front. Sammut’s corner from the right was only half cleared by the ECU defence and when Wood crossed back in from the left, Shepheard (right) headed home at the back post.

ECU looked for a quick response and sixty seconds later a great ball from Dale McCulloch sent Thornley clear, but the striker’s first touch let him down and Hugo was out quick to collect.

But they didn’t have long to wait as they levelled in the 41st minute. A free kick on the left by Michael Currie found an unmarked Thornley at the back post and the striker, who scored a hat-trick last week against Perth, fired home from close-range.

It was the visitors who ended the half on top and some desperate defending from Robert Monterosso, who blocked a Thornley goalbound shot late on, made sure for the home side it was 1-1 at the break.

United opened the second half well and Rory Mouttet’s cross from the right on 48 minutes picked out Alex Cocking, whose header was straight at Petterson. Then moments later Craig’s free kick picked out the unmarked Shepheard in the penalty area but the big striker’s header went the wrong side of the post.

The midfield battle was intriguing with McCulloch and Scott Bushby and Sammut and Kinnevey, trying to gain their side an advantage, with the three points up for grabs.

It was the visitors who began to get on top, with Phil O’Callaghan’s long-range shot on 66 minutes going over the top and four minutes later the striker combined to send Bushby clear, but as the midfielder was about to pull the trigger a great last ditch tackle from Mouttet saved the day for United.

United had their chances too, and on 80 minutes Sammut found an over lapping Craig on the left. The teenage defender’s cross in to the penalty area was deflected off Comyn-Platt and was only inches away from an unmarked Boland at the back post.

ECU, who hadn’t won at Francis Street since 2006, lifted the tempo and on 83 minutes a quick break almost caught United napping and Currie’s shot from the edge of the box flashed just wide of the far post.

But with five minutes remaining they did take the lead. McCulloch was given far too much time and space in the middle of the park and the midfielders low shot from 20-yards went under the body Hugo and nestled in the back of the net.

It was nearly 3-1 sixty seconds later, second half substitute Jamie Watt picked out Thornley in the penalty area and the strikers fierce shot was superbly saved by Hugo, making emends for his error for the goal.

Again ECU had a chance to wrap up all three points when referee Mathew Cheeseman awarded an indirect free kick in the 89th minute only four-yards from goal, for David McNally’s high foot on Thornley, but Watt blazed over the top from the set piece.

That miss came back to haunt the visitors as in the first minute of stoppage time United levelled. A long clearance from Hugo was flicked on Shepheard, sending Boland clear of his marker. The teenage striker kept his composure and finished clinically past Petterson, much to the delight of the United faithful.

The home side almost nicked all three points in the fourth minute of stoppage time, when new United recruit Nick Joshi, on as a second half substitute, crossed from the left but Kinnevey’s headed went just wide of the near post.

It ended 2-2 and ECU Joondalup assistant Coach Gary Church thought a draw was the right result on the day, but was disappointed they let the victory slip at the end. “We were so close to all three points, so we’re disappointed not to get the win, but it’s a difficult place to come too, so at the end of the day it’s a good point for us in the end. We had our chances and probably their keepers save from John Thornley just after we scored the second was probably the turning point of the match,” said Church.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was pleased with his side’s character to hit back late and get a point. “We played really well in the first half, but we couldn’t take our chances, and it was disappointing the way we conceded the two goals. It was a bit of an arm wrestle in the second half but we showed great character to fight back and get a point out of the game at the death,” said Goodman.

SWAN UNITED - GK Cory HUGO, 3 Trent WOOD (2 Michael TRONCHIN 86'), 4 Robert MONTOROSSO, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 11 John HUNTER (Nick JOSHI 79’), 14 Alex COCKING (10 Liam BOLAND 71'), 15 David MCNALLY, 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD, 20 Rory MOUTTET - SUBS NOT USED - RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 15 Jake DARE
Yellow Cards - Nil

ECU JOONDALUP: 1 Andy PETTERSON, 3 Chris WYLIE, 4 Charlie COMYN-PLATT, 5 Ross ANDERSON, 6 Scott BLACKMORE, 7 John HIGGINS, 8 Scott BUSHBY, 10 Phil O'CALLAGHAN (9 Jamie WATT 71’), 11 Michael CURRIE, 12 John THORNLEY, 18 Dale MCCULLOCH - SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Andy BANKS, 2 Colin HOEY, 14 Conrad POI 17 B O'NEILL
Yellow Cards - Anderson 90’+1

Referee - Mathew Cheeseman
Assistants - Tim Mihevc and Matt Southern

Under 23’s to strong for ECU Joondalup

Swan United under 23’s moved into seventh spot on the table after a good 3-0 win against ECU Joondalup at Francis Street yesterday. A first half goal from John Mansaray, firing home from six-yards gave, John O’Reilly’s side the lead at the break. It was 2-0 when French import Charlie ‘Frenchy’ Popov fired home after a goalmouth scramble midway through the second half and the points were wrapped up late on when Christian Lopez turned his marker in the penalty area and fired low past the keeper.

It was a great all-round team performance with Jake Dare (left) solid at the back, Christian Lopez was a handful up front, while Rory Hollingum was outstanding in the middle of the park and he was delighted to get the three points. “It was a good all-round team performance from the lads today, and it’s good to get our first home win under our belts,” said Hollingum.
“The team are starting to gel and our performances are showing that. It was a battle all day but in the end we were stronger all over the park,” added Hollingum.

Coach O’Reilly was away for yesterday’s game but Hollingum believes he has been great for the 23’s this season. “John has done an excellent job on creating the team to suit player’s attributes and he works on things as individuals as well as a team to better our performance. I’m sure he will be happy when hears the result in Mexico,” explained Hollingum.

Hollingum (right), the former, Kingsway Olympic, Sorrento and Inglewood United player, was in defence last season but has enjoyed his move into midfield and his performances will no doubt grab the attention of first team coach Jamie Goodman. “I’ve really enjoyed the midfield role John has given me this season. I prefer attacking, and getting more involved in the game, and I feel midfield suits me better,” said Hollingum.

“I’ve got to keep improving my game and if the opportunity arises in the first team then I’ll take it with both hands. At the moment I’m just concentrating on playing 90 minutes of football, each week to the be best of my ability, and that’s all I can do,” added Hollingum.

Dejan Vilic’s under 18’s were beaten 0-2 by ECU Joondalup 18’s in a hard fought game earlier in the morning. ECU’s goals came from Jordan Dodds and Zawadi Tshongo

16.04.10 - ECU Joondalup visit Francis Street in Round five

It’s round five of the Football West Premier League this weekend, and United hosts ECU Joondalup at Francis Street (3pm)

It’s the first home game in charge for new United Coach Jamie Goodman (left) and he is looking forward to the important game. “I would firstly like to thank everyone involved at the club including the players and coaches for the support I have received since my appointment. I know I have the full backing of the club and players and I am really looking forward to the opportunity,” said Goodman.

“I’m really looking forward to this week game against ECU, and I’m expecting a tough battle as both sides need to start picking up points. We are yet to earn a point at home this season and we need to turn our home ground into a fortress,” added Goodman.

The Coach was disappointed with last weeks defeat at Floreat and hopes for a better showing against ECU. “We were very competitive for 45 minutes last week, but giving away a penalty just before half time undid a lot of our good work. If we had got to the break on level terms things may have been different. The biggest disappointment was we talked about being solid for the 10 minutes after the break to give us a chance to have a go at them. We conceded two soft goals in this period and the game was beyond us. We had five players that put in a full 90 minute performance where in previous weeks we had more contributors, I will be looing for an improvement this week,” explained Goodman.

Midfielder James Sammut (right) believes the side have re-grouped behind new coach Jamie Goodman, and is looking forward to the game against his former club. “It was a disappointing result last week especially Jamie’s first game in charge. We know we can play better football than we showed against Floreat, and we’ve shown it throughout the first three games, but that game is behind us now,” said Sammut.

“Saturday is a big game and we need to get a win. We need to take points from all our home games which we haven’t been able to do this season. The lads have looked sharp at training and I’m sure we will take that out on the park on Saturday and get a needed three points,” added Sammut.

ECU lost a nine goal thriller against Perth SC last week, and even a hat-trick from John Thornley (left) wasn’t enough for Syd Amphlett’s side last week and the big striker hopes for a better result this weekend. “I was very pleased to bag three against a side like Perth, however it was unfortunate we lost I feel the game could have gone either way, we gave their strikers a lot of time on the ball and you can’t afford to do that with Perth strikers,” said Thornley.

“It’s a big game this week and we are definitely concentrating on this game we know we can win and we will go there expecting to take all 3 points I think we have been unlucky this year and should have more points, and I know swan have had a few decent results and are always a tough side to beat at home so we are having to be on our best performance this weekend if we want to win,” added Thornley.

In team news for United Cory Hugo returns to the squad after missing last week, but there is still no place for Darko Ilomanoski and Brendan Knox, the pair out injured, while ECU will be missing Garin Collins, the Scotsman out with a knee injury.

Dejan Vilic’s under 18’s will be looking for back-to-back home wins when they take on ECU Joondalup at 11am, while John O’Reilly’s 23’s will hope to continue their good form from Floreat Athena last week when they tackle ECU Joondalup at 1pm. Get along and support United !!!!!!

10.04.10 - United well beaten at Floreat

Click here for photo's of the match by Swan United official photographer Peter Markham
Swan United were beaten 1-4 at Floreat Athena on Saturday, to start Jamie Goodman’s first game in charge with defeat. A goal four minutes before half time was the turning point, Branmir Mikulic scoring from the spot. The home side scored twice in the first eight minutes of the second half through Johnny Mirco and a second for Mikulic, and although Alex Cocking pulled one back on 78 minutes, heading home from eight- yards, Floreat ended their comeback with a goal seven minutes from time.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was disappointed the way they conceded goals. “We conceded the goal just before half time and we talked about keeping it tight after half time and they scored twice in eight minutes after the break,” said Goodman.

“We had a game plan today and we created a few opportunities in the first half and with a bit of luck could have been in front, but the way we conceded the goals today was disappointed,” added Goodman.

The hosts went into the game unchanged from last week’s 4-2 win at Perth SC, with Coach Ante Kovacevic continued at the centre of defence. It had been a traumatic week for United with Coach Paul Lincoln walking out of the club to join Stirling Lions, and Jamie Goodman was in charge of his first game as new Coach. He made three changes to the side that were beaten 1-3 by Sorrento last week with new signing Rory Mouttet replacing Chris Marshall, who dropped to the bench, Brendan Craig returned from suspension to replace Roberto Lujan, while keeper Daniel Agudelo replaced Cory Hugo.

The home side began well and had the first opportunity on two minutes, James Isaia’s in-swinging corner from the left had to be headed clear by Mouttet at the back post, under pressure from Mikulic.

On a quick counter attack United went close on 11 minutes, John Hunter (left) was sent clear down the right by David McNally, and the teenage striker outpaced Kovacevic and crossed to Thomas Shepheard who fired just wide of the post.

As the half went on Floreat began to take control and on 23 minutes a good run down the left by Jarrad Smith ended with a shot that was saved by Agudelo. Then moments later Cocking’s poor pass let in Mikulic and the Floreat midfielder’s powerful shot was well saved by Agudelo, as the home side upped the tempo

It was all hands to the pump in United’s defence as Floreat began to dictate terms and on 26 minutes they had a strong penalty claim turned down by referee Steve Gregory, when Mirco was clearly body checked in the penalty area by Craig, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.

United’s keeper, Agudelo was being kept busy and he did well to save a Mirco shot on the half hour and was alert to save from Neiderberger two minutes later, as Floreat continued to dominate.

After soaking up the Floreat pressure, United went close themselves on 37 minutes. A surging run down the right by Mouttet ended with a cross into the penalty area which was deflected only inches away from Cocking at the back post. Then from the resulting corner James Sammut’s (right) lob had to be tipped over the bar by Alex Dunn.

It was the best period of the game for the visitors and two minutes later Irish midfielder Darragh Kinnevey’s long-range shot was saved at Dunn.

But with half time only four minutes away the home side went in front. Mirco burst into the penalty area after good approach work from Neiderberger and as the striker rounded keeper Agudelo he was brought down and referee Gregory pointed straight to the spot, Mikulic keeping his nerve to score to give Floreat the lead at the break.

The second half was only two minutes old when Floreat doubled their lead. Again it was Neiderberger who was the supplier, finding Mirco on the right of the penalty area, and the former Cockburn City striker beat Craig and fired low past Agudelo.

It got worse for United as Floreat made it 3-0 on 53 minutes. A superb through ball from Adam Bachiller, who was outstanding all afternoon, picked out Mikulic and his first touch took him clear of Monterosso and he finished clinically past Agudelo.

The home fans thought it was 4-0 three minutes later, as Mikulic fired home from close-range but the flag was up for offside.

United coach Goodman pushed three players up front as he chased the game and on 63 minutes Robert Monterosso’s ball found Cocking, whose flick was saved low to his left by Dunn.

Floreat kept their foot on the pedal and they should have increased their lead on 75 minutes. A great run by Neiderberger saw him skip past a static United defence. He rounded Agudelo but his final shot was wide of the target and went into the side netting.

United found a lifeline three minutes late when they reduced the lead. A sliced clearance from Bachiller fell to Cocking (left) and the teenage striker headed over a stranded Dunn to make it 3-1.

But their faint hopes were extinguished on 83 minutes when Floreat made it 4-1. A great run down the left by second half substitute Modric Sims ended with a ball into Neiderberger, who picked his spot and fired past Agudelo to give Floreat the points.

After the game Floreat assistant Coach Taki Nicolaidis was delighted with the win. “We played well today, Swan defended well early but we got one of at least three penalty claims in the first half, and it was a good time to score with four minutes to go before the break,” said Nicolaidis.

“We put the game beyond doubt scoring two goals early in the second half. We played some good one touch football and it was a good all-round team performance,” added Nicolaidis.

In other games Dejan Vilic's under 18's lost for the first time this season going down 2-4 to Floreat. On target for United youngsters was Hasan Adibi. John O'Reilly's under 23's won for the first time this season with a comprehensive 4-0 win at Floreat. On target for the side were Rory Hollingham 2, Liam Boland (pen) and Christian Lopez

FLOREAT ATHENA - GK Alex DUNN, 2 Jarrad SMITH, 3 James ISAIA (14 Modric SIMS 77’), 5 Johnny MIRCO, 8 Adam BACHILLER, 9 Daniel NEIDERBERGER, 10 Jason BARRERA, 12 Branimir MIKULIC, 15 Paul VATISTAS (6 Miki VUKACIC 77’), 16 Jovo PAVLOVIC, 17 Ante KOVACEVIC (4 Julian MADASCHI 68’) - SUBS NOY USED - RGK Jakob CHUDY
Yellow Cards - Neiderberger 65’
SWAN UNITED - GK Daniel AGUDELO, 3 Trent WOOD (12 Chris MARSHALL 60’), 4 Robert MONTOROSSO, 6 Darragh KINNEVEY, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG (2 Michael TRONCHIN 73’), 11 John HUNTER (10 Liam BOLAND 73’), 14 Alex COCKING, 15 David MCNALLY, 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD, 20 Rory MOUTTET - SUBS NOT USED - RGK Jordan HOWELL, 5 Christian LOPEZ
Yellow Cards - Craig 36’, Monterosso 43’

09.04.10 - Tough start for Swans new Coach

It’s a tough start to the rein of new Swan United Coach Jamie Goodman, when United travel to the E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday to take on Floreat Athena in round four (3pm).

It’s been a tough week for everyone involved with the Francis Street club but Goodman knows a good performance on Saturday will end the week on high. “Floreat are a very good side, and we will be massive underdogs, but we don't mind that as we have no pressure on us,” said Goodman.

“No one expected us to go to Cockburn and win maybe for the exception of Stirling who we played the week before. We have players that can change a game and if we defend well, keep our discipline and compete for 90 minutes we will come away with something,” added Goodman.

The Swans won on the road on their last trip at Cockburn and will look to add to that, but it’s not been a happy hunting ground for United, losing their last five trips there. New signing Rory Mouttet goes straight into the squad for game while Brendan Craig returns from suspension. Darko Ilomanoski has been ruled out for six weeks with hip flexor injury, but good news for the club is the signing of Nick Joshi, who has been playing in America, while John Mansaray has returned to training after missing the last three games.

Floreat fresh from a 4-2 win at Perth last week are still unbeaten this season and will hopefully gain the services of John Migas who missed last week. James Isaia and Jason Barrera were impressive last week in midfield against Perth, while player Coach Ante Kovacevic will again slot into the back four.

Up front Johnny Mirco and Daniel Niederberger are forming a potent partnership, while Branimir Mikulic and Adam Bachiller give Floreat drive from the middle of the park.

Swans have their feathers ruffled

The departure of Coach Paul Lincoln wasn’t the only loss the club received last week, with striker Roberto Lujan joining Lincoln at Stirling Lions while Shane Webb left to re-join Sorrento.

United Coach Jamie Goodman was a little disappointed with the loss of Lujan, who had only played two games at the club. “I was very disappointed when I received the call from Roberto advising me he had a better offer. At the end of the day I don't want players at the club that are motivated by other factors. I need a squad at Swans that want to play for the club and each other. If I have players that are not 100% committed they are no good to me,” explained Goodman.

With Lujan following Lincoln to the Lions, it also upset United vice President Cos Coniglio who was left with a dim view of both parties. “I’m really disappointed with the Stirling Lions Football Club for not even contacting the club to ask if they could talk to our senior coach, which would have been the correct thing to do,” said Coniglio.

“Then a player Paul signed follows him the next day, as you can tell I’m pretty annoyed. We battle hard to compete on and off the park in the Premier League, and we believed Paul was the man to do that this season for us. He brought players into the club and we had begun to show a great team spirit. But then out of the blue your coach just walks out, and we’re back to square one. Luckily we have Jamie to step up to the senior coaching role and he will get the backing from everyone at the club,” said Coniglio.

Webb has returned to Percy Doyle Reserve after struggling to hold down a starting spot this season. “Shane has been on the fringes of the Swan squad for a couple of years now. He has been a good utility player for the club, but has not been unable to cement a permanent position in the team. I think a change of scenery may be a good thing for Shane to enable him to develop into a regular first team player,’ said United Coach Goodman

Mouttet heads back home to Francis Street

Rory Mouttet has headed back home to Francis Street to re-join Swan United for the rest of the 2010 season. The 31-year-old defender is happy to be back at the club, he last played for in 2007. “I’m excited to be back at the club where it all started for me. There is always a great feel around the place, the same old faces are around off the field and it looks like we have a quality young side that will surprise a lot of teams this year,” said Mouttet.

A move to Armadale this season didn’t work out for Mouttet and he now wants to repay the faith United have put him in and have a good season for the black and whites. “It didn’t work out for me at Armadale, and the simple fact was that I wanted to play first team football,” said Mouttet.

“I worked hard in pre-season and had set my heart on playing every game this year. I felt like I was good enough to be in the starting 11 down there but wasn’t in the first team squad and was playing reserves. Paul Lincoln offered me the opportunity to come to United in the off season and so I gave him a call to see if the offer was still open and after some consideration he said yes,” added Mouttet.

He arrives in the Swan Valley after the shock departure of Lincoln from the club. Jamie Goodman is a great replacement at the helm of United and Mouttet is looking forward to working with him. “I played for three years with Copper down at Inglewood, so he knows my game. I hope I can now make a positive contribution to him and to the team this season,” explained Mouttet.

“Personally I would hope to have the opportunity to play a big part as long as my performance on the field is deserving of it. We are a very young team which makes us unpredictable, our attitude will be extremely important. As long we are confident, our work rate at training is intense, and the lads are focused 100% on football, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be in the top 5 come the end of the season,” said Mouttet

His former club Canning City were keen to sign the defender but he wanted to play in the Premier League. “I considered going back to City, as it really is a fantastic club, but I have my heart set on playing at the highest level in this state for as long as I can before I hang up the boots,” said Mouttet.

Mouttet watched his new team mates in Saturday’s 1-3 loss to Sorrento and liked what he saw. “I thought it was a very good performance from the lads, and the game should have been all over at half time. But it’s the same old cliché, if you don’t finish your chance you usually end up paying dearly for it and that’s what happened. But I think the important thing is that we were creating the chances and as long as we do that we will win games this year,” explained Mouttet.

United coach Jamie Goodman is delighted to have signed Mouttet. “Rory is a good pick up for us. I have played with Rory for several years at Inglewood and he is a winner that wears his heart on his sleave. He will also provide our youngsters with some leadership and experience. I know what I will get from him week in week out and you need consistent players like that,” said Goodman.

Mason forced out of the game

Former Swan IC striker Geoff Mason has been told by doctor’s not to play football again suffering two years with chronic back problems. The 21-year-old has now made the decision to hang up his boots and get on with the rest of his life. “The injury first occurred in 2007, where I only played five games for the Swans and had the rest of the season off. I've got a back condition called spondylosis, which is basically from my understanding where my discs slide along each other,” said Mason.

“After a year of rehabilitation, I made my return in 2008 looking to cement a spot in the Swans first team, but unfortunately suffered the same problems. It was really frustrating for me and when the doctor told me of the problems I could do if I played on, basically he told me its quit now or risk doing further damage to my back,” added Mason.

It was huge blow for Mason, who had burst on to the Football West premier League scene, and the decision to give up the game he loved was massive. “In many ways to be told you can't play the game you've loved since you were about four years old is pretty heartbreaking.

“I think I was carving out a pretty good career with Swans and who knows if I hadn't got the back injury what could have happened. But in saying that, I'm pretty honoured and lucky to have played a few seasons at top level in the state and have many happy memories,” explained Mason.

Mason began playing football when he was five at Swan Districts, before moving to Mundaring. At 15 he moved to play Under 18's with Bassendean Caledonians in the Premier League winning 3rd in the best and fairest. The following season he moved to Bayswater City and made my league debut at 16, and finally at 17 moved to Swans.

At Francis Street the striker worked through the ranks to make his first team debut in 2007 and enjoyed his time at the club. “I had plenty of highlights at Swan both personal and team orientated. Obviously winning the Football West Under 18's Best and Fairest in the Premier League with 12 or 13 games was my main highlight, but also winning runner up Best and fairest and golden boot for Swans 18's was pretty amazing too,” said Mason.

“Making my league debut for Swans in round three in 2007 was a highlight and a lowlight for a couple of reasons. Obviously making my debut was a good achievement, but losing 6-0 wasn’t that fun.
“Beating Perth 4-0 at home is a great moment as it shows how much it went to the fans. My final personal achievement was scoring my first league goal, against Armadale and getting Swans man of the match, was a good feeling to do it in front of friends and my Dad,” sais Mason.

It was real eye opener for Mason when he moved up to the first team squad and the then teenager was grateful to Coach Carlo Scali and the Swans senior players for helping him fit in. “I have a lot to thank Carlo for, he gave me my chance and didn't sign any strikers that season to show the faith they had in me, which is always nice at a young age to see. I think the game against Wanneroo in the final game of the night series helped show some of the faith that put in me and I learnt a lot under him in 10 games and was disappointed I couldn’t be there to help the boys and him in 2007 when we were in a survival race,” said Mason.

“The senior players also helped me settle to first team football, and David Foster, Aaron Cole and Cory Hugo were players I looked up to and hoped to shape my game around.
“Fossie, was one of the best strikers in the state and it was a pleasure to work with. Aaron taught me a lot and influenced the way I played and really helped me, while Cory was just real good to me and was always willing to help,” explained Mason.

Scali wishes Mason all the best in the future. “Geoff show great potential as a youngster and had some outstanding games for our under18’s and reserves, and was therefore promoted to our senior list over a short period of time,” said Scali
“He had a good turn of pace was quite strong for a youngster and more importantly could score goals regularly. Had his body held up, I am sure he would have been a very good player in the league and quick, strong goal scorers are hard to come by,” added Scali

05.04.10 - Lincoln leaves the Swans

Swan United senior coach Paul Lincoln has been offered and accepted the head coaching role at Stirling Lions. The 40-year-old has thought long and hard about this decision but believes it’s an opportunity too good to turn down. “It was a big decision to leave Francis Street. Swan gave me the opportunity to coach initially and that is something I will be forever grateful, I have to thank Swan and especially Cos Coniglio and Tony Trusso,” said Lincoln.

“I have met so many good people and have formed friendships so it was always going to be hard for me, but the opportunity to coach Stirling Lions a club I once played for and have had success with as a player was one I couldn’t pass by,” added Lincoln.

The former Stirling Macedonian striker is looking forward to the new challenge at Macedonia Park. “Stirling promises a different challenge for me and its obvious with the players they have introduced this season success is paramount.

“With so many new players its important the right balance is reached and that everyone is on the same page. Team spirit is important, so I need to ensure it’s strong and that the players are proud when they put on the team shirt, that they have togetherness to work for each other. The team on paper is talented but on the park talent without team unity it’s meaningless so for me I need to ensure team unity exists,” explained Lincoln.

Lions’ President Don Evans is delighted to have secured the services of Lincoln and also thanked Michael Lyons and Gary Williams for their great work at Macedonia Park. “Stirling Lions Soccer Club would like to announce the appointment of three time Premier League Championship winner with the then known Stirling Macedonia, Paul Lincoln.

"Paul has proven himself as a winner as a player for us and other Premier League clubs in Perth and we had watched what great inroads he had made at Swan United with limited resources. We are sure he will be able to unite and direct a very talented group together and see us in the fight for finals football at the end of the season. It is truly a homecoming for a player, who was loved and respected by all our fans who watched him play in the 90's helping bring three successive titles to the club,” said Evans

Joining Paul in the assistant coaching role will be Ian Cowan who has coached in the VPL and here in WA with Morley Windmills and Forrestfield United.

Lincoln takes over from Mick Lyons whose 5 year reign at the helm of the Lions comes to an end after bringing two Soccer Pools Cup successes and a host of young talented players through the Lion Cubs development path.

President Don Evans said, "It is never easy parting company with gentlemen like Mick and Gary Williams as they have been and are such an important fabric of the new look Lions. This year is a year of high expectation and the board of management felt the time was right for a fresh outlook after the indifferent start to the year by an almost new side. The target was three wins from three games and after careful thought and deliberation we felt it was time for a change, considering the large investment made in player stocks."

The Swan United Football Club, although disappointed, wish Lincoln all the best at the Lions. “It’s a disappointment to loose Paul after only three games into a new season but we wish him all the best in his time at the Lions,” said Vice President Cos Coniglio.

“Paul has done a tremendous job for us in his three years here and he has added stability on the park and has done a great job with the players at his disposal,” added Coniglio.

The role as head coach at Francis Street will now go to assistant coach Jamie Goodman and he is looking forward to the challenge. “Linc's moving on has come of a bit of a shock to the club but it has provided an opportunity for me to have another crack in the premier league.
“The club have moved swiftly to make the change over as smooth as possible and I am grateful for the chance and am relishing the challenge that lies ahead,” said Goodman

“We have strung three good performances together although the results have not reflected what we have deserved. We need to take our chances to turn the performances into results. The squad is young but the attitude and work rate has been very pleasing. If we can continue the intensity and with a bit of luck, there is no reason why we can not surprise a few teams out there," added Goodman

03.04.10 Missed chances cost United the points

Swan United lost 1-3 against Sorrento at Francis Street on Saturday in round 3 of the Football West Premier League. United missed a number of chances in the first half to seal the points, and a first half strike from Sorrento’s Billy Quinncroft, was cancelled out by Roberto Lujan before half time, before Jared Love converted a second half penalty and an own goal by United’s Chris Marshall gave Trevor Morgan’s side their first three points of the season.

Swans coach Paul Lincoln said; “I was disappointed with the result and our second half performance. The first half we created some good chances and if not for some poor finishing we would have been two goals up. Against the wind and with Sorrento’s style of play it was difficult for us. A penalty and an own goal didn’t help the outcome we desired.”.

The home side made two changes to the side that beat Cockburn City last week, with skipper Brendan Knox out with a hernia and Brendan Craig out suspended. They were replaced by Alex Cocking and Chris Marshall. Sorrento made three changes to the side that were beaten 1-3 by Perth SC last week, with Todd Harnwell, Kris Dennis and Billy Quinncroft replacing the injured Daryl Platten, while Ryan Jeans and James Morgan dropped to the bench.

It was a beautiful day in the Swan Valley, and Sorrento almost hit the front in the opening minute. Quinncroft picked out midfielder Adam Hayton, who was one-on-one with keeper Cory Hugo. The Swans custodian was equal to the task saving low to his right, and Marshall cleared the rebound.

After their early escape, United began to press forward and went close themselves on eight minutes. James Sammut found Cocking on the edge of the box, and the striker’s cheeky back heel sent Thomas Shepheard (left) clear, but Tom Woodhead came to the Gulls rescue saving low from the striker’s shot.

United were well on top and three minutes later Sammut again found Cocking on the right of the penalty area, but the striker’s weak shot went over the top. Then moments later Trent Wood’s cross from the left picked out Shepheard, whose header was saved low at his near post by Woodhead.

The Sorrento keeper was keeping his side in the game and on the quarter hour he tipped Sammut’s shot from eight-yards around the post.

That save became more important as against the run of play Sorrento hit the front on 20 minutes. Harnwell’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by David Foster and Quinncroft swivelled in the box and fired low past Hugo from four-yards.

It was a bitter blow for United but they continued to push forward and on 32 minutes Marshall’s ball into the penalty area found Cocking, but his shot was saved low by Woodhead. But five minutes later the home side were level. A great ball from Irish defender Darragh Kanevey picked out Lujan (right) on the left. The speedy winger cut inside Love and fired home from eight-yards, much to the delight of the home faithful.

Both sides had chances before half time to re-take the lead. First on 40 minutes Harnwell was sent in down the right and his shot from six-yards was well saved low by Hugo, but in stoppage time United went even closer. Hugo’s clearance was headed on by Shepheard and John Hunter’s (left) volley from 20-yards beat Woodhead but crashed off the crossbar.

The home side began the second half well and on 53 minutes Lujan’s speed took him around Love on the right side of the penalty area; his shot was tipped on to his near post by Woodhead.

It was still anyone’s game and on the hour Love’s cross found Harnwell and his goalbound volley was deflected wide by Robert Monterosso.

Sorrento was now dictating terms and they deservedly hit the front on 73 minutes. A deep cross from the right, into the box by Harnwell caused panic, and Kanevey bundled down Ryan Jeans and referee Paul Anderson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Love kept his nerve and sent Hugo the wrong way to give Sorrento the lead.

United almost hit back immediately, Sammut’s free kick fell to former Gulls defender David McNally but his low shot was saved by Woodhead, who let his defender know he wasn’t happy with their marking.
They went close again on 82 minutes, a surging run from second half substitute Liam Boland, ended with his shot from the edge of the box, which flashed inches past the far post.

But moments later the points were wrapped up by Sorrento with a third. A free kick from the left on 86 minutes by Jason Mirco was headed into his own net by the unfortunate Marshall.

With United pushing forward Sorrento could have added another late on. A poor back pass from McNally sent Foster in on goal, the former United striker’s shot beat Hugo but hit the post.

In other games Dejan Vilic’s under 18’s won for the first time this season with a 5-0 victory against Sorrento. On target for United’s youngsters was Hassan Adidi 3, Sadam and 25-yard strike from Stefan Drca.
John O’Rielly’s under 23’s were beaten 2-4 against Sorrento. The Gulls raced to a four goal lead, with goals from Billy Quinncroft, Paul Sawyer, Dejan Gurovski and Filip Rajakovic, but second half goals from Daniel DeGaspers and Andy Alvarez made it 2-4 at full time.

After the game Sorrento Coach Trevor Morgan was happy to get the three points. “We defended well in the second half and after we took the lead and were pegged back we were happy to come in at half time 1-1,” said Morgan.
“It’s a difficult place to come too with the slope but we made our pressure count in the second half. I’m sure Paul (Lincoln) will be disappointed, they will probably play worse than that this season and win, but it was our day today and I’m glad we got the three points,” added Morgan.

United’s assistant Coach Jamie Goodman rued their missed chances in the first half. “An old adage in football is if you don’t take your chances you let the opposition back into the game and that happened today for us,” said Goodman.
“With players out today it tested our depth but the young lads that came in did well, but Sorrento also had players out, so that‘s not an excuse for us,” added Goodman.

SWAN UNITED - GK Cory HUGO, 2 Darragh KANEVEY, 3 Trent WOOD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 5 Chris MARSHALL, 7 James SAMMUT, 11 John HUNTER, 13 David MCNALLY, 14 Alex COCKING (17 Liam BOLAND 70’), 16 Roberto LUJAN, 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD - SUBS NOT USED: RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 9 Jake DARE, 8 Hassan ADIDI, 10 Abdul SALARD
YELLOW CARDS - Kanevey 73’, Boland 90’

SORRENTO: GK Tom WOODHEAD, 2 Danny CAIN, 4 Cameron YORKE, 5 Adam HAYTON, 9 Todd HARNWELL, 11 Jason MIRCO, 15 Kris DENNIS 17 Jared LOVE, 18 Glen THOMAS, 22 Billy QUINNCROFT (10 Ryan JEANS 65’), 24 David FOSTER - SUBS NOT USED: RGK. Todd ROSS, 7 James MORGAN, 14 Ryan SHEPPARD, 33 Sam TUPMAN
YELLOW CARDS - Cain 79’, Harnwell 82’

Referee - Paul Anderson
Assistants - Alan Rush, David Currie
Attendance - 250

02.04.10 - Swans face the Gulls in round three

Swan United entertains Sorrento FC at Francis Street on Saturday afternoon (3pm) in round three of the Football West Premier League.

The Swans opened their account at Cockburn City last week with a hard fought 1-0 win and Coach Paul Lincoln is hoping to get their first win at home this season against The Gulls. “Last week we got off the mark with a hard fought win over a very good team in Cockburn and the week before against Stirling our performance warranted a point or better,” said Lincoln. “The way we have played over the past fortnight has given all of us a great deal of confidence and if we can continue to play like we have we will continue an upward trend on the ladder. At Cockburn all the players were outstanding, and they worked hard for each other, stood up for each other and showed great team spirit, which was pleasing,” added Lincoln.

On the visit of Trevor Morgan’s Sorrento, Lincoln knows his players will have to be at their best to take the points. “On Saturday we face Sorrento who drew 2-2 with the Western Knights in Round 1 and lost last week 3 -1 to Perth. They have played the best two teams from last season, so we know that it’s going to be a tough, hard physical game and I’m confident we can get our first home win,’ said Lincoln.

At Dalmatinac Park United midfielder James Sammut (left) was outstanding, and after an injury plagued pre-season the former Perth Glory Youth player was happy to get the three points last week. “Cockburn away was always going to be a hard game and when we got reduced to 10 men it made it even harder. “But to the lads credit they showed a lot of character throughout the game and no ones work rate could be criticised. The coaching staff also had to make critical decisions once reduced to 10 men and did so effectively to help us get a victory. It was a good team performance and a great win to be apart of,” said Sammut.

It’s another big test on Saturday with Sorrento heading to Francis Street, but Sammut is looking forward to another tough game. “Your right it’s going to be another big test, but we need to get back to back wins especially playing at home this week. We need to make sure we don’t drop points at home and I’m sure if all the lads put in the same amount of effort they showed last week we will come away with the three points,” added Sammut.

Sorrento striker Todd Harnwell (right) hopes the club can get their season back on track after two up defeats, but it was against last season’s top two teams. “It has been an off-season of a fair bit of change for us but we were pleased with our performances in the Night Series and probably a little disappointed we didn’t do better. We were also hoping for a better start to the season against two tough teams,” said Harnwell. “Obviously losing five regular first team players is difficult for any team, especially when one of them, Paul Cunningham, won our player of the year award but we still have a core group of players and we have recruited well in the off-season,” added Harnwell.

In team news Brendan Craig is suspended after being sent off last week at Cockburn, although defender Darko Ilomanoski returns after suspension to fill the gap. Darragh Kenevey made his Swans debut last week, and was excellent while Thomas Shepheard and John Hunter both had good games up front. It’s a selection dilemma for Paul Lincoln and Jamie Goodman this week with Liam Boland, Alex Cocking and Shane Webb training well pushing for a return to the starting line up.

For the visitor’s striker David Foster makes a return to the Swan Valley, where he led the goal scoring for three seasons. While UK import Adam Hayton has been impressive this season netting in both games, while Jason Mirco has settled in well since his move from Stirling. It should be a great game kick off 3pm. Dejan Vilic’s under 18’s kick off a 11pm and John O’Rielly’s 23’s at 1pm.

27.03.10 - United win on the road at Cockburn

Click here to see Photo's from the game (By Swan United photographer Peter Markham)

Swan United came away from Dalmatinac Park with all three points after a hard fought 1-0 victory against Cockburn City on Saturday. A penalty in the 25th minute from United skipper Brendan Knox proved to be the deceive strike, and although they were reduced to ten men, when Brendan Craig was sent off, they defended desperately to claim their first points of the season.

The home side made one change to the side that was beaten 1-2 at Perth SC last week with Jason Godfrey coming into the side to replace David Nairn, who dropped to the bench. United made three changes to the side that were beaten 0-1 at home by Stirling Lions last week with Darragh Kenevey replacing the injured Darko Ilomanoski, while Roberto Lujan and John Hunter replaced Liam Boland and Shane Webb who dropped to the bench.

At kick off the wind was swirling around the ground and Cockburn had it at their backs in the first half. In the opening minute Jason dos Santos’ cross from the right caused panic in United’s defence, but keeper Cory Hugo was out quick to save in front of Adrian Webster.

Cockburn continued to press and on 11 minutes Marc Anthony’s corner from the right picked out the unmarked Anthony Pereira on the edge of the box, the midfielders first time shot curled inches past the post.

It was all the home side, and United were on the back foot, and on 20 minutes Webster fed Renato Jelen whose shot from 10-yards flashed wide of the post, and moments later Anthony’s good through ball found Jelen, but the Cockburn striker’s shot was straight at Hugo.

United settled, after the early onslaught, and on 25 minutes they hit the front. A superb through ball from James Sammut sent Hunter clear, and the former Forrestfield United youngster was brought down by David Tarka and referee Josh Mihevc pointed straight to the spot. The former Perth Glory defender was given a yellow card by the referee, and Knox (left) kept his cool to send Dejan Aleksic the wrong way to give the visitors the lead.

As the half went on both sides had chances, as the game opened up. First on 27 minutes Jelen’s snap shot from 12-yards was straight at Hugo, while moments later Thomas Shepheard found Knox whose volley from the edge of the box flashed wide.

The wind was causing problems for both sides but both continued to press and on 35 minutes Webster picked out Cockburn skipper Paul Natale on the left, he found Anthony, whose long-range shot was wide of the target. Then on 37 minutes United’s Lujan and Trent Wood combined on the left. Wood’s cut inside the penalty area and his cross shot drifted wide, with Aleksic scrambling across his goal.

Cockburn made a change at the break with former Stirling Lions youngster Rory Feely replacing Jonathan Davite, as Scott Miller looked to get back in the game. But it was the visitors, with the winds at their backs, who opened the brighter and from Knox’s free kick on 51 minutes, Shepheard’s header at the back post was saved low by Aleksic.

Moments later a long clearance from Hugo caught the Cockburn backline flat and Shepheard was in on goal, but as the big striker was about to pull the trigger, Tarka made a superb last ditch tackle to clear the danger.

From the resulting corner United went close to a second. Craig’s corner from the right was only cleared to Sammut (below) on the edge of the box, and the former Perth glory Youth midfielder’s long-range shot beat Aleksic but crashed off the crossbar.

There were a number of fierce tackles starting to go in, and after a melee involving both sets of players and coaching staff, referee Mihevc had to show a number of yellow cards as the game looked like going out of control.

The game took another swing when United were reduced to ten men when Craig was shown a second yellow card on 62 minutes and was sent off, much to the displeasure of United coach Paul Lincoln.

Cockburn began to make their numerical advantage count and on 73 minutes they almost levelled. Tarka picked the ball up on the half way line and ran at United, his shot from 25-yards looked like it was heading into the top corner of the net, but Hugo superbly tipped the ball on to the post at full stretch to deny the former Glory defender.

With Cockburn pushing forward the Swans were hitting on the counter attack and on 77 minutes second half substitute Alex Cocking was sent cleat by Sammut. The United youngster fell in the penalty area under a tackle from Shane Nunes, but referee Mihevc waved away their protests for a penalty.

As the game went into the last ten minutes it was one-way traffic as the home side pressed forward, Godfrey’s long-range shot was saved by Hugo at the second attempt, and on 88 minutes the home faithful thought they had equalised. Nunes’ surging run into the penalty area wasn’t cleared by United’s defence and the defender fired home from six-yards, but the goal was disallowed for handball.

In stoppage-time a superb ball from Anthony sent Rory Feely clear, but a superb tackle from Webb cleared the danger. There was still time for the home side, and as the clock ticked into the fifth minute of stoppage-time they were awarded a free kick, 20-yards out. Jelen stepped up but his shot was saved by Hugo and the whistle sounded to end an entertaining game with United taking home the points.

United Coach Paul Lincoln was delighted after the game. “I’m really proud of the boys today, we had a game plan today and the lads stuck to it. We had to reshuffle after Brendan was sent off but the character shown by my players was outstanding and the work rate from every one of them was pleasing,” said Lincoln.

“The ball from James (Sammut) for the penalty was superb and not many players in the league could do that, but that’s why I’ve signed him, and he also hit the bar in the second half. Last week he didn’t have much luck but this week we probably did,” added Lincoln.

Cockburn City - GK Dejan ALEKSIC, 2 Shane NUNES, 3 Jason GODFREY, 5 David TARKA, 6 Anthony PEREIRA, 8 Marc ANTHONY, 9 Renato JELEN, 10 Adrian WEBSTER, 12 Jonathan DAVITE (11 Rory FEELY 46’), 17 Paul NATALE, 18 Jason DOS SANTOS - Subs not used - RGK Nick FEELY, 4 Ryan PRETORIOUS,13 David NAIRN
Yellow Cards - Tarka 24’, Pereira 28’, Rory Feely 61’, Jelen 65’, Anthony 67’
Red Cards
Swan United - GK Cory HUGO, 2 Darragh KENEVEY, 3 Trent WOOD, 4 Robert MONTEROSSO, 7 James SAMMUT, 8 Brendan CRAIG, 10 Brendan KNOX, 11 John HUNTER (9 Shane WEBB 64’), 13 David MCNALLY, 16 Roberto LUJAN (14 Alex COCKING 69’), 19 Thomas SHEPHEARD (17 Liam BOLAND 86’) - Subs not used - RGK Daniel AGUDELO, 5 Abdul SALARD
Yellow Cards - Craig 49’ 62’, Wood 81’
Red Cards - Craig 62’
Referee - Josh MIHEVC
Assistants - Kevin TAYLOR and Gabriele MERLACCO

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04.09.10 - United Relegated

03.09.10 - D-day for United