07.06.08 - Swans move to third after big home victory

Swan IC 5 Armadale 1

Swan IC moved up four spots on the Football West Premier Division table to third after a 5-1 win against Armadale at Francis Street. Veteran striker Damian Scali was the hero scoring a hat-trick, with youngsters Alex Cocking and Geoff Mason adding the others.

Swans coach made one change to the side that beat Fremantle Spirit last time out with new signing Andy O'Neill replacing Robert Montorosso who dropped to the bench.

Armadale, who were thrashed 9-1 last week by Mandurah city, opened brightly and went close to the opener on four minutes Oliver Hilton’s free kick from the edge of the box was only parried by Cory Hugo and Scali was quickest to react to clear the danger.

Swans settled and new signing Andy O’Neill set up their first opportunity on eight minutes his pin point cross from the left found Scali who headed wide. But five minutes later the Swans opened the scoring, David Perich sent Mason into the box and he fell under an Andy Bowyer tackle and referee Ton Klaver pointed to the spot. It looked a little harsh as Bowyer had taken the ball but Scali (left) sent Cyril Sharrock the wrong way to make it 1-0.

The luck was against Armadale again on 19 minutes when the home side made it 2-0, O’Neill’s long-range shot took a deflection of Shannon Dally and fell kindly to Cocking (right), the youngster then finished clinically past Sharrock from five-yards.

With ith the Armadale travelling supporters in full voice, Brad Hassell’s side should have pulled a goal back on the half-hour, Sharrock’s long kick sent Hilton clear but his shot from 10-yards drifted wide of the target.

That miss came back to haunt them as three minutes later the Swans made it 3-0, Scali played a great through ball into Perich, his shot was superbly saved by Sharrock but Mason (left) was quickest to react to fire home from close-range.

As the half wore on the Reds lifted and had two great opportunities to pull a goal back. First Daryl Platten’s cross from the right picked out Joe Brunetto at the back post, his shot was saved well by Hugo. Then on the stroke of half time substitute Ryan Pearson was played in by Hilton again Hugo was alert to save low.

The visitors opened the second half well and Marlon Ramirez’ shot from 12-yards on 50 minutes was saved by Hugo, and the young midfielder flashed a shot inches past the post moments later.

Swans went close on 65 minutes O’Neill’s corner found Aaron Cole whose header was cleared off the line by Dally, but the black and whites did make it 4-0 on 70 minutes. Perich’s cross found Cole whose header was superbly saved at full stretch by Sharrock, but John Mansaray crossed the rebound to Scali who headed home at the back post.

It was 5-0 two minutes later the impressive Perich made a great run down the right and his cross found Scali who headed home to complete his hat trick.

Armadale to their credit continued to press and were rewarded on 76 minutes, Pearson found space down the left and his cross found Platten who scored from close-range.

The goal lifted the Reds and they went close again four minutes later, Pearson again delivered a great cross from the left and Platten’s header crashed off the crossbar. Swans Coach Paul Lincoln continued his youth policy giving a league debut to 17-year-old defender Jake De Ra late in the game, but it ended 5-1 to the Swans and Lincoln was happy with the performance.

“We started really well today and that was our focus as they had suffered some heavy defeats recently. But credit to Armadale they came into the game in the second half but we caught them twice on the break to seal the victory and keep out unbeaten home record intact which is very pleasing,” said Lincoln.

Teams

Swan IC – GK Hugo, Knox, McNally, Cole, Ando, Mason (Tronchin 82), Mansaray, Perich (Da Re 89), O’Neill, Cocking (Baczynski 86), Scali – Subs not used: Agudelo, Monterosso

Armadale – GK Sharrock, Bennion (Pearson 37), Ramirez (Walters 65), Platten, Devine (Galvin 65), Brunetto, Dally, Darby, Bowyer, Madeley, Hilton – Subs not used: Preece

Referee – Ton Klaver

 

31.05.08 - Cocking strikes win it for Swans

Swan IC 2 Fremantle Spirit 0

The Swans bounced back from last weeks defeat at Western Knights with a hard fought 2-0 win against Fremantle Spirit in torrential rain at Francis Street on Saturday. The game was a Spirit home game, but it had been switched to Francis Street because their ground isn’t ready at the moment, so it was in fact the Swans first away win of the season.

Youngster Alex Cocking (below) celebrated his selection in the 2008, WA Schoolboys squad with a hand in both goals. Coach Paul Lincoln made two changes to last week’s side with Robert Monterosso replacing Justin Hugo at right back and Geoff Mason replaced Michael Tronchin in midfield.

With rain falling and thunder and lightning in the air the game started and within the opening two minutes the Swans hit the front. Mason found Cocking wide on the right, he cut into the box and his shot took a deflection which sent the ball over Steve Grant and into the net.

The Swans were totally dominating the game and on seven minutes Mason went close to doubling their lead. Dom Ando’s free kick fell to the young midfielder and his shot on the turn was just off target.

Spirit’s defence were working overtime as the Swans continued to set the pace, and on 10 minutes Brendan Knox’s cross caused panic in the Spirit’s defence, and Mason’s first shot was blocked by Tom Straker, the follow up shot from Damian Scali was scrambled away. Then moments later John Mansaray found himself in the clear but his low shot was well saved by Grant.

After surviving the opening onslaught Spirit created their first opportunity on 16 minutes, Cisco Jorquere played in Jason Barerra whose shot from the edge of the box was wide.

But three minutes later the Swans doubled their lead, and again they had a slice of good fortune. Mason was the provider again his cross from the right was met by Cocking and his header from eight-yards deflected of the unfortunate Straker and wrong footed Grant and into the net.

The Swans were still well on top, and on 25 minutes David Perich sent Mason (right) clear down the right his low shot was saved well by Grant and two minutes later Mansaray crossed to Knox whose goalbound shot was deflected wide.

Spirit needed a spark to get back into the game and lively midfielder Barerra almost provided it on 34 minutes, his shot from 20-yards was saved low by Cory Hugo. The chance did spark the Spirit and they were having their best period of the game, Raveshian Kuppusamy cut inside from the left and his shot flashed inches past the post.

Then in first half stoppage-time the Spirit went close tree times. First Kuppusamy was in on goal but the alert Hugo was out quick to block. From the resulting corner McBride’s shot was cleared off the line by Robert Monterosso and George Tsiaplas’ follow up shot cannoned off the bar. It was 2-0 to the Swans at the break.

The weather conditions were deteriorating as the second half got underway and the Swans went close in the opening minute, Cocking’s shot from the edge of the box deflected wide. The rain was now torrential and Spirit almost pulled a goal back on 56 minutes Barerra’s corner was headed towards goal by Swans striker Scali, but Hugo saved his blushes by tipping the ball over the bar.

On the hour there was an unsavoury moment, Mason played in Cocking, the youngster slid in for the ball with keeper Grant, who wasn’t happy with the contact, and retaliated. A melee ensued in which referee Ton Klaver had to show three yellow cards, Swans Perich and Spirit’s Grant and Llewellyn Bake, it was a second yellow for Bake and he was sent off.

Both sides were struggling in the torrential rain, although Simon Elton-Bott almost lifted the gloom on 71 minutes with a shot from 20-yards that was only inches over the bar. Grant came to his side’s rescue again sixty seconds later saving Knox’s header low at his near post.

Back came the Spirit and Kuppusamy was sent clear by Barerra, the strikers shot beat Hugo but cannoned back off the base of the post and Mansaray cleared the rebound.

The Swans finished the game the better and should have extended their lead, first Mansaray was sent clear by Scali on 84 minutes, the young midfielder rounded the keeper, but the ball became stuck in the water that had built up on the pitch, and the chance was lost. Then after a great run and cross on 86 minutes from Perich, somehow Scali fired over from five-yards.

A good win for the Swans and Coach Lincoln was pleased with the performance. “It was a good start we scored in the second minute which always helps.

“The boy’s played better today, and I told them before the game it was important that we got three points, and it was a credit to them as they came out and played some good football,” said Lincoln.

Teams

Fremantle Spirit – GK Grant, Barerra, Straker, Jorquere, A. McBride, Tsiaplas, Elton-Bott, Holland, Bake, Hallums, Kuppusamy Subs not used – D. McBride, Milankovic, Doyle, Hayes

Swan IC – GK Hugo, R. Monterosso, Ando, Cole, McNally, Knox (Tronchin 73), Perich, Mason (J. Monterosso 81), Mansaray (Catalano 88), Scali, Cocking Subs not Used – Sutton, Mahady

Referee – Ton Klaver

24.05.08 - Swans lose in an eight goal thriller

Western Knight 5 Swan IC 3

A brace from Perth Glory trialist Anthony Skorich helped the Western Knights to a 5-3 victory against Swan IC in Round Six of the Football West Premier Division at Nash Field.   

The Swans had the week off last week, as they were not involved in the Cup, and looked fresh at kick off with only one change to the side that drew 2-2 with Mandurah City last time out with John Mansaray returning from injury replacing Geoff Mason who dropped the bench.

The Knights began well and were in front on two minutes. Daniel Micevski’s corner was headed back across goal by Cormac Dawson and Skorich’s shot crashed off the crossbar before Rory Grant poked home from close-range.

The Swans settled and had a penalty claim turned down on 12 minutes after David Perich fell in the box from a Josip Peran challenge but Paul Anderson waved away their protests.   

A long-range shot from Barry Devlin flew wide but on 23 minutes the Knights doubled their lead. A long clearance found Skorich midway in the Swans half, the youngster still had a lot to do but he beat the last defender, Aaron Cole, and clinically lobbed the on-coming Cory Hugo.

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln changed his formation and it had an immediate impact, Damian Scali firing inches past the post after good work from Alex Cocking. But two goals in three minutes brought the Swans level.

First on 29 minutes Scali’s superb through ball sent John Mansaray (right) clear, his first shot was blocked by Kevin Miller but the young Sierra Leone born midfielder fired home the rebound. Then on 32 minutes they equalised Dom Ando free kick was flicked on by Cole and Cocking fired home from close-range.

On the stroke of half time the Knights should have scored, Skorich was the provider this time his ball sent Daniel Micevski clear, there was a suspicion of off-side but the flag stayed down, but the midfielder fired wide with just Cory Hugo to beat. It was 2-2 at the break.

Just like the first half the Knights struck early, a rare error from young defender David McNally let in Skorich, his first time shot from 20-yards flew into the bottom left hand corner of the net past Cory Hugo to give the Knights back the lead.

The Knights increased their lead on 56 minutes Daniel Micevski was found down the right by Luka Jukic, he beat two Swans defenders before cutting inside and firing low past Cory Hugo to make it 4-2.

The Swans pressed and Perich fired wide from long-range and Cocking was denied by a superb save from Miller on 78 minutes.

But the result was wrapped up on 80 minutes again the Swans defence were napping as Devlin fired home from 10-yards. To the Swans credit they continued to press and after Cocking’s shot on 83 minutes was blocked Brendan Knox was quickest to react and fired low past Miller, but it was too late and the Knights ran out 5-3 winners.

Swan IC Coach Paul Lincoln was disappointed with the performance. “Yes a disappointing performance today from the side, although I was pleased with the way we fought back from 2-0 down to level. But defensively today I thought we were poor, we’ve worked hard this season on that area of our game but today we weren’t at the races and were punished by the Knights.”

Teams Western Knights – GK Miller, Allen, Butler (David Micevski 69), Jukic (Fearon 74), Peran, Ferguson, Daniel Micevski (Macinko 77), Devlin, Skorich, Grant, Dawson - Subs not used; Chudy

Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Justin Hugo (Monterosso 52), Cole, Ando, McNally, Mansaray (Catalano 77), Tronchin (Mason 66), Scali, Perich, Cocking, Knox - Subs not used:Agudelo, Baczynski

Referee – Paul Anderson

 

10.05.08 - Swans share the spoils with Mandurah

Swan IC 2 Mandurah City 2

Swan IC fought out a 2-2 draw with Mandurah City in the round five Football West Premier Division clash at Francis Street.

The home side had twice taken the lead through Damian Scali and Aaron Cole, but Mandurah replied with a stunning strike from Michael Currie and a second half goal from substitute Shane Crampton.

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln was forced into two changes to the starting line up with John Mansaray and Robert Monterosso out injured being replaced in the starting line up by Michael Tronchin and Geoff Mason.

The visitors opened the brighter in wet conditions and forced two early corners but they came to nothing. On their first foray forward the Swans hit the front, David Perich’s corner was headed back by Cole and Michael Tronchin’s shot fell to Scali (left) and the veteran striker fired home his fifth goal of the season after only six minutes.

Mandurah settled after the early goal and when Gary Attrill sent Jeff Bright in on goal on 19 minutes Cory Hugo was out quick to clear the danger. Bright was in again on 27 minutes, sent through by a Phil O’Callaghan pass but he fired straight at Cory Hugo.

But two minutes later the visitors leveled, and what a goal it was. Andy Brown’s cross from the right went wide to Michael Currie, the 16-year-old’s first time volley flew past Cory Hugo and into the top corner of the net.

With the Mandurah supporters still celebrating Swans hit back sixty seconds later. A free kick 20-yards from goal was given away needlessly by Mandurah and Cole (right) made them pay firing home via a deflection off the wall to wrong foot keeper Michael Green and give the Swans back the lead.

It was nearly three for the home side Perich’s cross into the box was punched clear by Green but only to Brendan Knox, the midfielder’s header back towards the empty goal went inches wide.

The rain became torrential at times as the supporters clambered for cover and Mandurah had two late chances to level. First Andy Brown’s shot on the turn on 43 minutes went wide and Keith Brown’s cross was only inches away from Michael Currie at he back post.

In first half injury time the Swans should have made it three, Scali played in Knox whose shot was inches past the post.

With Coach Stuart Currie’s half time address still ringing in their ears the visitors dominated early. On two minutes O’Callaghan shot from the edge of the box was pushed around the post by Cory Hugo at full stretch.

The Swans were hitting on the counter attack and they should have scored on 64 minutes. Good work on the left by 17-year-old Alex Cocking sent Knox in on goal, he cut inside Ryan Townsend but with only Green to beat he blazed over.

Mandurah continued to set the pace with the Swans defending deep, Andy Brown headed over from close-range from a Chris Wylie cross and Crampton was in on goal after a poor Cory Hugo kick, but Cole’s last ditch tackle blocked his shot.

Cole was injured after the tackle and had to receive lengthy treatment from the club’s physio and with the big defender off the pitch Mandurah leveled. The Swans failed to clear a corner on 79 minutes and the ball fell to Crampton, who waltzed past three defenders and finished clinically past Cory Hugo from five-yards.

There was almost another instant reply from the home side, Mandurah keeper Green dropped a Knox cross from the right, and Scali crossed the ball to the back post to Tronchin whose shot was deflected wide.

The home side ended the game the better and in stoppage time they could have nicked all three points. Perich’s free kick was punched clear by Green, it fell to second half substitute Shane Webb, whose shot fell to Cocking clear on goal but the youngsters first touch let him down and the chance was gone.

Both Coaches were pleased with the point. Mandurah Coach Stuart Currie said: “I’m happy with a point today, although we didn’t play well in the first half. I was disappointed to lose two goals to set pieces.

“I’m not one, who rants and raves at the players, but I did at half time, and we came out the second half and we went at Swan and gave it everything they had and I think we deserved the point.”

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln said: “We’re happy with the point, we’re still unbeaten at home which is pleasing, but Mandurah are a quality side, and I think Stuart would be more disappointed not to take the three points today.

“We played a number of kids today, but we could have nicked all three points near the end so I’ve got too pleased with the guy’s effort today.”

Teams

Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Justin Hugo, Cole, Ando, McNally, Knox, Perich, Scali, Tronchin (Webb 88), Mason (Monterosso 81), Cocking - Subs Not Used: Agudelo, Mahady

Mandurah City – GK Green, Chris Currie, Bright, Michael Currie (Crampton 53), Keith Brown, Andy Brown, O’Callaghan, Townsend, Attrill (Young 62), Wylie, Dyson (Matthews 45) - Subs not Used: Bloor, McCulloch

Referee : Michael Nuges

Click link below

Swan IC v Mandurah City highlights

03.05.08 - Swans go down in a five goal thriller

ECU Joondalup 3 Swan IC 2

E.C.U. Joondalup ended league leaders Swan IC’s unbeaten start to the season with a 3-2 victory in round four of the Football West Premier Division at the E.C.U. University Arena on Saturday.

The home side were strolling at 3-0 after 41 minutes with goals from Ian McMurray, Tommy Amphlett and Scott Bushby. The Swans hit back with Damian Scali scoring twice but E.C.U. hung on for the points.

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln picked the same starting eleven that thrashed Perth SC 4-0 last week, for the black and whites first away trip of the season. While on the bench he selected a number of the club’s young brigade, keeper Alex Sutton, midfielder Karl Breen and defender Conor Mahady.

Willie McNally’s side opened brightly and were close on four minutes, Darren Broxton’s free kick headed inches wide by Craig Simpson. The onslaught continued with Amphlett a constant threat down the right. His darting run and cross on 20 minutes found Tommy Jones whose shot on the turn was tipped around the post by Cory Hugo.

It was all hand to the pumps for the Swans defence and their first chance came on 26 minutes, Robert Monterosso’s cross from the right headed just wide by John Mansaray.

However the opening goal came for the home side on 28 minutes, Jon Higgins made space down the left, his cut back from the bye line found the unmarked McMurray who headed into the top corner from six-yards.

It was a deserved lead to E.C.U. and they were rewarded again 60 seconds later. Amphlett’s volley from 20-yards beat Cory Hugo at his near post to double his sides lead.

The Swans pressed forward looking to get back into the game, David Perich sent Alex Cocking clear on 35 minutes but a superb covering tackle from Anthony Jones saved the day.

Moments later Perich carved his way through four defenders only to be brought down by Simpson in the box, referee Hugh Best waved away the Swans appeal for a penalty.

E.C.U. still looked dangerous on the break and they made it 3-0 on 41 minutes. Amphlett was the architect again; he beat two Swans defenders out on the right before crossing to Bushby who scored from close-range.

But sixty seconds later the Swans were back in the game, a long ball sent Cocking clear and the youngster was brought down by Tommi Tomich and referee Best pointed to the spot. Scali (left) kept his nerve and sent Tomich the wrong way to make it 3-1.

The Swans were pressing late in the half and went within inches of a second on the stroke of half time. A free kick on the edge of the box from Perich crashed down off the crossbar on to the line and was cleared by a grateful Martin Ashworth.

Higgins fired wide for the hosts in the opening minutes of the second half and Perich’s long-range shot was off target for the Swans as both sides pressed. Higgins was involved again on 70 minutes he combined with second half substitute Craig Young, whose shot was superbly saved by Cory Hugo.

It was game on moments later when the visitors reduced the lead, a great run and cross from the left by Brendan Knox (right) on 71 minutes found the unmarked Scali who fired low past Tomich from close-range.

Both sides went close in the final 15 minutes but the best chance fell to the Swans in injury-time. An in-direct free kick was awarded in the box by the referee as the Swans appealed for a penalty. Perich had his shot blocked by the E.C.U. wall and his follow up cross was claimed by Tomich.

There was still time, seven minutes extra time to be precise, Higgins goal bound shot was blocked by Aaron Cole and second half substitute Karl Breen found Knox wide his cross to a packed penalty box was claimed by Tomich, to the relief of the home supporters.

Swans Coach Lincoln was disappointed with the result but delighted the way his side fought out the game. “It was always going to be difficult today, ECU are a good side, but to the boys credit they really fought it out right to the end, and we were a bit unlucky I thought we might have nicked a point at the end,” said Lincoln.

Teams- E.C.U. Joondalup – GK Tomich, Higgins, Simpson, Blackmore, A. Jones, Amphlett, Bushby, Broxton, Ashworth, McMurray, T. Jones (Young 64) Subs not used – Koroma, Durkin, Donlevy

Swan IC – GK C. Hugo, J. Hugo, McNally, Cole, Knox, Scali, Mansaray (Mahady 89), Perich, Ando, Monterosso (Mason 40), Cocking (Breen 83) - Subs not used – Sutton

Referee – Hugh Best

 

26.04.08 - Swans stun Perth in Round three

A stunning second half from Swan IC saw them score four times to beat Perth SC 4-0 at Francis Street and move the Swan Valley club to the top of the Football West Premier Division table.

Perth opened well and David Onoforo was sent clear in the opening minutes but his shot was blocked by Dom Ando, and Andreas Oliveira fired over from the edge of the box.

The home side settled and had the best chance of the match on 10 minutes, John Mansaray sent Alex Cocking clear but Gareth Deeg was out quick to block his low shot with his legs. Then a great run down the right from Robert Monterosso ended with a cross which was only inches away from Cocking in the six-yard box.

Both sides had chances as the game ebbed and flowed, Oliveira fired over from 12-yards and David Perich’s cross shot was tipped over by the alert Deeg.

Perth went close twice in a matter of minutes; first Onoforo shot was pushed away by Cory Hugo on 20 minutes and sixty seconds later Matt Danskin’s corner found the unmarked Gianfranco Circati who headed wide from close-range.

The visitors ended the half the better, Todd Howarth cross shot flicked the top of the bar, Robbie Puca fired inches wide, and Oliviera’s shot was saved low by Cory Hugo, but it was 0-0 at the break.

The Swans opened up well after the break and they were ahead on 53 minutes with a disputed penalty. Ando’s corner was met by former Perth defender Aaron Cole, and his header seemed to hit the arm of Puca, but the Swans appeals were turned down by referee Steven Gregory.

But the assistant Ton Klaver waved his flag and after consultation with the official the Swans were awarded a penalty, Damian Scali (right) kept his nerve and fired low past Deeg to give the home side the lead.

Perth was struggling against a solid black and whites defence with Cole and David McNally outstanding and it was the home side that increased their lead on 73 minutes.

A long ball out of defence by Justin Hugo was flicked on by Cocking leaving Mansaray clear, the midfielder kept his composer and clinically finished low past Deeg.

The visitors looked to hit back immediately and second half substitute Andrija Jukic’s shot on the turn flashed wide and Oliveira shot was well saved low by Cory Hugo.

With Perth chasing the game the Swans hit on a counter-attack and made it 3-0 on 83 minutes, with the goal of the game. Scali was found by Mansaray on the right, his first time ball found Perich (left) 25-yards from goal, and the midfielders first time shot curled over the top of Deeg on into the top corner of the net much to the delight of the Swans faithful.

To Perth’s credit they continued to push forward, Sharland’s free kick from the edge of the box curling inches wide and from a superb Todd Howarth through ball Oliveira was sent clear but Cory Hugo stood tall and blocked his shot.

The home side made it 4-0 in the second minute of stoppage-time, Ando’s corner fell to Perich on the edge of the box his, shot deflected to Cole who fired past Deeg from five-yards.

A stunning performance from the black and Whites and Coach Paul Lincoln was obviously delighted with his sides’ performance.

“I’m really proud of my whole team today. The back four were superb as they have been for the last couple of weeks.

“We struggled defensively last season and it’s a measure of our success when we can hold the 2008 Champions, Floreat Athena, and runners up, Perth, scoreless in consecutive weeks.

“But we’ve got our feet firmly on the ground, its early day’s in the competition and we have to perform like that on regular basis,” said Lincoln.

Teams: Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Justin Hugo, Dom Ando, Aaron Cole, David McNally, Robert Monterosso (David Paone 89), Brendan Knox (Geoff Mason 68), David Perich, Damian Scali, John Mansaray, Alex Cocking

Subs Not Used – Alex Sutton, Michael Tronchin, Conor Mahandy

Perth SC – GK Gareth Deeg, Gianfranco Circati, Michael Icanovski, Todd Howarth, Brendan Ross (Antonio Naglieri 66), Matthew Danskin (Andrija Jukic 56), Robert Puca, David Price, Greg Sharland, David Onoforo, Andreas Oliveira - Subs not used – Simon Madeschi, Peter Lord, Adam Hett, ,

Referee – Steven Gregory

 

20.04.08 - Swans hold Champions at Francis Street

Swan IC 0 Floreat Athena 0

Floreat Athena’s poor start to the season continued today when they were held 0-0 by Swan IC at Francis Street in round two of the Football West Premier Division. In fact they had keeper Vas Vujacic to thank for keeping a point, he made three great saves to deny the black and whites.

Athena opened the brighter and in unfamiliar colours of black and gold, and from Miki Vujacic cross on eight minutes Garin Collins was in on goal but Cory Hugo was out quick to save.

The visitors were totally dominating and the Swans defence were working overtime, on 14 minutes Raphael Insuralde and John Migas combined well, and Migas’ shot from eight-yards that looked destined for the net was blocked by David McNally.

After the early onslaught the Swans settled and their first chance came on 22 minutes Damian Scali found John Mansaray but a superb last ditch tackle from Julian Madaschi cleared the danger. Athena almost handed the lead to the Swans on 25 minutes Vas Vujacic’s attempted clearance was charged down by Scali the rebound was collected gratefully by Ante Kovacevic.

It was an open game now with chances at both ends, Dom Ando’s (left) cross was flicked towards goal by Mansaray but Vas Vujacic saved, and then Ando had to be alert down the other end to clear an Insuralde shot of the line after good work on the left by Collins.

The Swans faithful were shouting for a penalty when Alex Cocking fell in the box after a challenge from Kovacevic but referee Mathew Cheeseman waved away the claims.

The home side finished the half the better and had the best chances of the game, on 43 minutes David Perich’s inch perfect pass sent Mansaray clear, but with only the keeper to beat the youngster blazed over. Then in first half injury-time Perich found Brendan Knox (right) whose first time shot from 10-yards was superbly tipped over by Vas Vujacic.

Athena began the second half well, but again lacked the final ball and it was the home side that carved out the best early chance, Michael Tronchin’s ball found Perich on 53 minutes and the midfielder’s surging run took him clear, his shot beat Vujacic but went inches past the post.

The game was end-to-end with chances for both sides, first Branimir Mikulic’s 20-yard shot flicked the outside of the post on 58 minutes for the visitors, and two minutes later Scali flicked on Cory Hugo’s free kick, and Perich’s shot from four-yards was superbly saved by Vas Vujacic.

It was anyone’s game and when Collins skipped away from Ando down the right his cross found Migas at the back post whose header was pushed around the post by the alert Cory Hugo.

Athena should have taken the lead in the 76 th minute a superb ball from Adam Bachiller sent Mikulic clear on goal, his first touch was good but his weak shot was straight at Cory Hugo. Back came the Swans and from a long ball from Justin Hugo moments later, that caused panic in the Athena defence, Alex Cocking won possession off Kovacevic and his powerful shot was again superbly saved by Vas Vujacic.

A second yellow card to Dean Aplegren meant Athena had to play the last few minutes with ten men but they still could have won it in the third minute of injury-time. A long ball into the box by Bachiller found Mickulic, the striker controlled the ball well but his snap shot flew inches past the post.

Teams - Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Justin Hugo, Ando, McNally, Cole, Scali, Tronchin, Perich, Mansaray, Scali, Cocking (Mason 86) - Subs not used – Agudelo, Monterosso, Paone

Floreat Athena – GK Vas Vujacic, Madaschi, Kovacevic, Mikulic, Migas, Bachiller, Collins, Aplegren, Foster (Vatistas 75), Miki Vujacic, Insuralde - Subs not used – Dunn, Contera, Pavlovic

Referee – Mathew Cheeseman

 

12.04.08 - Swans open season with victory

Swan IC 3 Cockburn City 1

The Swans began their 2008 campaign with a hard fought 3-1 victory against Cockburn City at Francis Street this afternoon.

Black and whites Coach Paul Lincoln made three changes to the starting line up after last week’s cup defeat at Inglewood United. Into the side came youngster Alex Cocking for the injured Thomas Shepheard, David McNally for the injured Paul Baczynski and Brendan Knox replaced Michael Tronchin who dropped to the bench.

The visitors opened brightly and had the ball in the net on five minutes, Michael Mirco was the architect his run and cross found Aaron dos Santos who scored low past Cory Hugo, but assistant linesman David Currie had his flag raised for offside and the goal was disallowed.

Cockburn looked bright and from Paul Natale’s cross on eight minutes Michael Mirco’s low shot was well saved by Cory Hugo (left). Then in their first real attack on nine minutes the Swans hit the front, David Perich sent Damian Scali clear down the right, he cut inside and crossed to the unmarked Alex Cocking at the back post who scored from close-range.

Shell shocked City hit back Johnny Mirco’s in-swinging corner was punched clear by Cory Hugo and on 15 minutes Michael Mirco went down under a tackle from David McNally but referee Hugh Best waved away their penalty protest.

It was a different story sixty seconds later, John Mansaray sent Perich clear and as was brought down by keeper Dejan Aleksic and the referee pointed to the spot. Scali (right) kept his nerve sending Aleksic the wrong way to double their lead.

There were chances at both ends as the game opened up, Michael Mirco was denied by Cory Hugo on 23 minutes and on the half-hour Perich’s shot was well saved by Aleksic.

Swans keeper Cory Hugo again came to his sides rescue with a stunning double save, first denying Michael Mirco and was alert to block Dos Santos’ follow up. Cockburn pressed late but lacked the final ball and at the break it was 2-0 to the Swans.

Cockburn pressed early in the second half with Michael Mirco firing over from 12-yards, but it was the Swans who went the closest to increasing their lead. Perich’s long-range shot flew inches past the post and on the hour Dom Ando’s free kick was tipped over the bar by the alert Aleksic.

The visitors received a lifeline two minutes later; Johnny Mirco was quickest to react to a deflected clearance from Aaron Cole and finished clinically past Cory Hugo. It was game on, and Cockburn began to dominate, Hugo saved low from a Liam Lilly’s long-range shot and reacted superbly when defender David McNally sliced a clearance.

The Swans shot stopper prevented Cockburn from levelling on 78 minutes with a stunning save to deny Dos Santos, and the points were wrapped up on 85 minutes. Second half substitute Justin Hugo’s surging run ended with a cracking shot which cannoned back off the post, Scali’s follow up shot was blocked and when the ball returned to Justin Hugo (left) on the edge of the box the defender fired home, much to the delight of the Swans faithful .

Cockburn weren’t finished yet, Dusan Macura’s low shot bounced off the foot of the post and Ando cleared the rebound. At the final whistle it was Swans Coach Paul Lincoln who celebrated his first league win as a senior coach, and he was delighted with the whole team’s performance. “It was really important we started well today as we’ve got a couple of tough matches coming up.

“The boys battled hard all afternoon and it was a great team performance, and that’s what I’ll be looking for each week,” said Lincoln.

Teams

Swan IC – GK Cory Hugo, Ando, Monterosso (Justin Hugo 72), Knox, Perich, Mansaray, David McNally, Andrews (Tronchin 45), Cocking (Paone 88), Cole, Scali - Subs not used: Agudelo

Cockburn City – GK Aleksic, Palermo, Pereira (Godfrey 54), dos Santos, Shane McNally (Surjan 54), Johnny Mirco, Michael Mirco, Lilly, Natale, Miletic (de Bartelo 74), Macura - Subs not used: de Felice, Daly

Referee – Hugh Best

05.04.08 - Late goal knocks Swans out of the cup

Inglewood United 2 Swan IC 1

A goal three minutes from time by James Sammut gave Inglewood United a 2-1 victory against Swan IC in today’s first round Soccer Pools Cup tie at the Clipsal Stadium.

The youngster combined well with Bobby Despotovski on the edge of the box before firing past Swans keeper Cory Hugo, who had made a number of outstanding saves to keep his side in the game.

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln had a full squad to choose from and he showed faith in youngsters John Mansaray and Michael Tronchin, who both started and new signing Gary Andrews (left) was also in the starting line up

The Swans opened brightly and Mansaray sent Thomas Shepheard in on goal on six minutes, but Oliver Taseski was out bravely to save at his feet.

The crossbar came to the home side’s rescue on 10 minutes, Robert Monterosso crossed from the right and Andrews’ shot crashed off the underside of the bar and was cleared by James Duncan.

His clearance set up Inglewood’s first chance on goal, Daniel Niederberger was one-on-one with Hugo, but the former state keeper saved low to his right.

But Swans domination was rewarded with the lead on 12 minutes, a short corner caught Inglewood napping, and Monterosso’s cross fell to Mansaray and the midfielder fired home past Taseski from eight-yards.

Lee Bamber’s side settled and should have levelled three minutes later, a long ball over the top of the Swans defence sent Niederberger clear, his shot cannoned off the crossbar and Despotovski follow up shot was blocked by Dom Ando.

Despotovski was having a big influence on the game, although he wasted a free kick on the edge of the box on 25 minutes, but two minutes later he brought his side level. Jason Colli cut in from the right and his cross found the unmarked Despotovski in the penalty area. There was a suspicion of offside but the former Perth Glory striker fired home from close-range.

As the half ended Inglewood should have increased their lead, Niederberger fired wide when sent clear by Despotovski and the striker was denied again by a stunning save from Hugo.

Inglewood were ending the half the better and Hugo (right) came to the Swans rescue again on 42 minutes, first he saved Despotovski’s header at full stretch, and he did even better to somehow save Niederberger’s follow up shot.

Both struggled early in the second half, Ando fired wide from long-range for the Swans and Duncan fired wide for Inglewood. On the hour Andrews sent David Perich clear but he fired straight at Taseski.

The game was there to be won for both sides, Niederberger was denied again by the alert Hugo, while Taseski denied Damian Scali from long-range and second half substitute Alex Cocking from the rebound.

With extra time looming Inglewood won the tie on 87 minutes, Despotovski and Sammut combined on the edge of the penalty area and the young midfielder finished clinically past Hugo.

The Swans had a late chance to send the tie into extra time, Monterosso’s defence splitting pass sent Perich in on goal, but the youngster rushed his shot and fired well wide.

Teams

Inglewood United – GK Taseski, Duncan, Kovacevic, Davite, Colli, Sammut (Mitsopoulos 89), Wardle, Pryce, Niederberger (McRoberts 68), Despotovski, Picker (M. Baczynski 59) Subs not used: Italiano, Klenkoski,

Swan IC – GK Hugo, Cole, P. Baczynski (McNally 63), Andrews, Ando, Monterosso, Tronchin, Mansaray, Perich, Shepheard (Cocking 35), Scali Subs not used: Agudelo, Djukanovic, Paone

Referee – David Currie

Lincoln disappointed with cup exit

The Swans first round exit in the Soccer Pools Cup at Inglewood United on Saturday was disappointing and it wasn’t a good start for the club with all the teams exiting the competition.

Swans Coach Paul Lincoln was pleased with the opening 20 minutes but believes they could have lost by more on the day which was frustrating.

He said: “It was very disappointed, especially considering we started so well.

“We kept the ball well and frustrated them but after the goal it went down hill.”

A goal on 12 minutes from John Mansaray, his first senior goal for the Black and Whites, gave them the lead. But Inglewood lifted and the former Inglewood striker, Lincoln, believes they have to learn quickly.

Lincoln added: “Too many times on Saturday we turned the ball over and you can’t afford to do that in this league as you will get punished. The players will have to learn quickly and we need to improve.”

“If it wasn’t for Cory Hugo it could have looked ugly, he was outstanding, and John Mansaray could hold his head high and he took his goal well,” added Lincoln.

16.03.08 - Swans pay the penalty

Stirling Lions 0 Swan IC 0

Stirling Lions have completed the 2008 Football West McInerney Ford Night Series semi-final line-up after drawing 0-0 with the Swans in Sunday’s late game at Dorrien Gardens. A point was enough for Michael Lyons side but they had keeper Phil Straker to thank for their passage through to the next stage, the Lions shot stopper saving a 56th minute penalty from Swans Dom Ando.

Swans coach Paul Lincoln made three changes to the starting line up, with Robert Monterosso and Justin Hugo out injured, Hugo was a late withdrawal just before the match, and Dejan Djukanovic dropped to the bench. They were replaced by David McNallly, Alex Cocking and Thomas Shepheard. The Swans opened up the brighter and Straker had to be alert to push a David Perich (left) free kick around the post on four minutes. The Lions hit back with a free kick of their own two minutes later, Alan Muir’s long-range strike flew inches wide, and moments later Ludovic Boi’s cross was headed straight at Swans keeper Cory Hugo by Jordan Rhodes.

Boi was then sent clear by a superb pass over the top of the Swans back line by Marc Anthony, but the youngster fired wide from a good position. Both sides pressed in an end to end game, Damian Scali firing wide from long-range for the black and whites likewise Steven Hesketh for the Lions, but both sides went into the break even.

It was again the Swans who opened up the better in the second half and Shepheard headed inches over from a Perich free kick in the first minute. A long throw from John Monterosso was flicked on by Michael Tronchin and second half substitute John Mansaray headed wide. The young Lions side should have hit the front on 52 minutes Phil Arnold was sent clear of the Swans defence by Anthony but his shot was saved low by Hugo.

Swans had the best chance to take the lead when Cocking was sent clear by Perich, and the young striker fell under a challenge from Lions keeper Straker and referee Ton Klaver pointed straight to the spot. But Straker went from villain to hero when he saved Ando’s (right) spot kick low to his left. Cocking was in again on the hour, he was found by Shepheard and he cut inside Darko Ilomanoski but his shot crashed off the crossbar.

The game was there to be won by both sides and there were chances at both ends. Hugo’s long clearance fell to Djukanovic on 65 minutes but the substitute fired straight at Straker. Then Lions substitute Matt Italaino’s good run ended in a low shot which was blocked by Hugo and Arnold’s follow up header was caught by the Swans custodian. The Swans pressed and they had been dangerous at set pieces all-night and they almost broke the deadlock on 70 minutes, Perich again was the provider his free kick found Mansaray whose shot was cleared away by the alert Dean Evans.

Then three minutes later the Lions faithful thought they had scored, when Boi’s trickery on the right sent him clear and his pinpoint cross found Rhodes but somehow he fired wide from close-range. Late on the impressive Perich had a low shot saved by Straker and Dannie Richman shot was well saved by Hugo. But at the final whistle it’s the Lions who progress into the semi-finals to join Floreat Athena and Sorrento from group A and Perth SC from group B Swans

Coach Lincoln was happy with the side’s performance. He said: “I thought we were the better side on the night, we defended well and created more chances to win the game, but I’m happy with the clean sheet, it was a solid team performance. The Coach was also delighted with the performance of David Perich, the midfielder having a great start to the season for the black and whites. “David Perich was my man of the match, he was outstanding, and his leadership in midfield after Damien Scali had to come off was excellent. All his hard work in the preseason is paying off,” added Lincoln.

Swan IC – GK Hugo, Cole, Baczynski, McNally, Ando, Tronchin (Djukanovic 64), Scali (Mansaray 45), Perich, Monterosso, Cocking, Shepheard Subs not Used – Agudelo, Andrews

Stirling Lions – GK Straker, Reid, Ilomanoski, Hesketh, Boi, Arnold, Anthony, Harman, Muir (Italiano 45), Evans, Rhodes (Richman 77) Subs not used – Bentley, Rutherford, Osei-Tutu

Referee – Ton Klaver

 

09.03.08 - Swans hold leaders in Night Series - Perth SC 2 Swan IC 2

Paul Lincoln’s young side showed great character and gave a good account of themselves, especially after last weeks 5-1 loss against ECU Joondalup, by holding traditional rivals Perth SC 2-2 in Saturday’s late Night series game a Dorrien Gardens.

The black and whites had led 2-1 with goals from Alex Cocking and Paul Baczynski (right), before David Price rescued a point for the previously unbeaten side.

In team news the Swans made six changes to the side that lost against ECU. Gary Andrews, David McNally and Shepheard were unavaiable, with Alex Cocking, Daniel Agudelo and John Mansaray dropping to the bench. They were replaced by Cory Hugo, Michael Tronchin, Paul Bazcynski, Damian Scali and John and Robert Monterosso. Another player returning from injury was Damien Catalano and he started on the bench.

It had started so well for the hosts and they were ahead on four minutes. They had won four consecutive corners and from the Antonio Naglieri’s fourth, Trent Kay nipped in at the near post to head past Cory Hugo.The Swans were finding it difficult to break down the Perth back line; their best chance fell to John Monterosso, the striker unable to make contact after Justin Hugo’s cross. While their defence were under siege, Todd Howarth fired wide after good work from Peter Lord.

They should have increased their lead on 34 minutes, Cory Hugo (left) punched clear a Naglieri corner and when the ball was played back in David Onoforo somehow missed from point blank range with the goal at his mercy. Perth were dominating but lacked the final ball, but to Swan IC’s credit they battled hard and made it difficult for Perth.

Veteran midfielder Damian Scali was forced off on 40 minutes with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by young striker Alex Cocking.Cory Hugo came to the Swans rescue with a superb double save on 42 minutes, first he denied Onoforo’s header at the back post and then moments later saved low from the same player, with Dom Ando clearing the rebound.

In first half stoppage time the Swans won a free kick 25-yards out, Perich’s ball into the area found Aaron Cole, whose header fell to Cocking and the youngster scored from a tight angle with his first touch to make it 1-1 at the break.

The Swans opened brightly in the second half buoyed by the late goal and had the ball in the net on 52 minutes. Perich sent second half substitute John Mansaray clear but the youngster’s first touch was poor and it allowed keeper Simon Madaschi to save at his feet, the ball fell to Cocking who fired home but referee Jeremy Oliphant disallowed the goal for a foul on the keeper.

Then Mansaray turned provider sending Cocking clear but Michael Icanovski timely tackle denied the youngster a goal scoring opportunity. Perth settled and went close on the hour Naglieri’s shot took a wicked deflection of Paul Baczynski but Cory Hugo reacted quickly to save.

But sixty seconds later the Swans hit the front, Perich’s free kick found Baczynski and the big defender beat his marker and tapped it past Madaschi.

Swans midfielder Perich (right) was outstanding, he then sent Mansaray clear but again Madaschi was out bravely to save at his feet. In the clash the keeper was injured and was replaced by Gareth Deeg on 65 minutes. The Swans almost made it 3-1 three minutes later Ando’s free kick found Cole at the back post, and the former Perth SC defender fired wide.

The game ebbed and flowed and Perth Coach Graham Normanton removed defender Gianfranco Circati bringing on striker Brendan Ross on 73 minutes as they went in search of the equaliser.

The result was instant with Perth levelling sixty seconds later, a poor header from Dejan Djukanovic sent Greg Sharland in down the left his cross found Price who finished low past Cory Hugo from six-yards. It was unfortunate for Djukanovic who had played well all night but the game was up for grabs and Perth began to dominate.

First Ross headed wide at the back post from Naglieri’s corner and after good approach work from Sharland, Naglieri blazed well over. Then in the dying minutes Todd Howarth almost won it for Perth heading wide from close-range after another pinpoint corner from Nagliei, and it ended 2-2.

Swan IC – C. Hugo, J. Hugo, Baczynski, Cole, Ando, R. Monterosso (Mansaray 45), Perich, Djukanovic, Scali (Cocking 40), Tronchin, J. Monterosso (Catalano 86)Subs not used – Agudelo, Marshall

Perth SC – GK Madaschi (Deeg 65), Kay, Circati (Ross 73), Icanovski, Price, Howarth, Onoforo, Naglieri, Puca, Sharland, Lord (Danskin 60)Subs not used –Ross, Heit

Referee – Jeremy Oliphant