Goals: 0:1 Jon Greenwood (45+2.); 1:1 Igor Novakovic; 2:1 Jason Van Rooy (Penalty); 3:1 Igor Novakovic

Ashfield moved up into third place following a tight 3-1 win against Dianella White Eagles at Ashfield Reserve. Both teams went into the game missing key players, for Ashfield it was Andy O’neill and Julian Piromalli that were absent whereas Dianella had to go without the services of central playmaker Michael Maine and star striker Ray Rose. Early possession was evenly shared with both teams showing promise when going forward, and defending staunchly. However, it took until stoppage time for the first goal to arrive when a deep cross by Darius Dweh caught Ashfield napping at the back and Jon Greenwood was on hand to put Dianella in front. Ashfield returned from the break with more purpose and were rewarded when Jason Van Rooy whipped the ball in for Igor Novakovic to bring the teams level. Dianella were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Pedro Pavez was issued his marching orders following an off the ball incident inside the 18-yard box, and just to rub salt into the wound Van Rooy coolly converted the spot kick. The result was put beyond doubt minutes later when a long ball found Novakovic who rounded Aaron Moschoplolous then replacement ‘keeper Todd Bushby before slotting in Ashfield’s third.

Goals: 1:0 Daniel Franklin (2.); 1:1 Brian Cairney (20.); 1:2 Jim Capewell (23.); 2:2 Daniel Colletta; 2:3 Aaron Nadin (Penalty, 43.); 3:3 Christian Debarro (83.); 4:3 Christian Debarro (89.)

Christian Debarro scored twice in the last five minutes as Balcatta overcame Gosnells City 4-3 in a tough encounter at Graham Burkert Reserve. Balcatta were given a perfect start by young striker Daniel Franklin who was presented with a simple tap in after Peter Koidis’ 2nd minute shot bobbled awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper and ricocheted into the path of the young striker. A fine through ball from Ciaran Allen allowed Brian Cairney to bring the sides level from 12-metres, and three minutes Aaron Nadin converted from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead. Parity was restored for a second time when John Nicolaou threaded a pass to Colletta who rounded the ‘keeper before tucking away his shot. The see-sawing nature of the game continued with Jim Capewell firing in from the top of the 18-yard box. Shortly before half-time Gosnells were reduced to ten men after Mark Edwards was issued a soft second yellow card. Balcatta controlled play for lengthy periods after the break and good chances came the way of Franklin and Nicolaou who were both thwarted by the brilliance of the ‘keeper. With five minutes to go Debarro equaliser with a cracking strike from 18-metres. And with the last roll of the dice Nicolaou’s free-kick deflected into the path of Debarro who stabbed in the winner.

Match report couretesy of Balcatta

Goals: 0:1 Greg Hayes (10.); 1:1 Ryan Frisina (30.); 1:2 Gary Mayers (77.); 2:2 Rory Grant (86.)

A late equaliser saw Bayswater City come from behind to draw 2-2 with South West Phoenix at Frank Drago Reserve in the Football West State League First Division Match of the Week.

Bayswater were just inches away from taking the lead six minutes in when Wesley Ryder’s cross was met by Rory Grant, who headed firmly but just over the bar from six yards. However, the visitors made them pay four minutes later as Greg Hayes put them ahead; Steve Suttie had the initial shot from 8 yards on a tough angle, but Bayswater goalkeeper Cody Bradshaw would be disappointed that he could only parry that effort straight to Hayes, who tapped in.

After Phoenix had looked on top for most of the early play, City tied the scores in the 30th minute through Ryan Frisina, who was played through by Jamie Kumkar and then shot fiercely from 15 yards, leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.

Just after half-time the home side narrowly missed taking the lead after Ryder and Grant linked up once again. Ryder crossed beautifully from the left-wing and Grant made strong contact with the ball but saw his header cleared off the line. South West were forced to absorb plenty of pressure throughout the second half but Bayswater were unable to convert their large amounts of possession and territory into chances. The Bunbury-based side narrowly missed taking the lead in the 74th minute after Steve Suttie was played through only to shoot narrowly wide from just inside the box.

Three minutes later Phoenix did take the lead through Gary Mayers who was allowed too much space as the ball was played to him on the edge of the box and then placed perfectly, leaving ‘keeper Bradshaw with no chance. Just as South West thought they had the game won, Bayswater captured a share of the spoils through Grant; The home side were awarded a free-kick from near the corner which Damir Kudozevic took beautifully, allowing Grant to out jump the defenders and head home, meaning the match finished in an entertaining 2-2 stalemate.

Football West Match Reporter Jacob Kagi.

Goals: 1:0 Christian Paschewitz (40.); 2:0 Michael Bobridge (80.)

Mandurah City continued their fight towards the first division title today with a comfortable 2-0 win against third placed Morley Windmills.

After coming off a 4-1 win against early leaders Dianella last week Morley would have been confident of getting a result at Mandurah today, however, Mandurah created the best early chance as they hit the Morley crossbar in the first ten minutes. Mandurah created a better chance soon afterwards as Jake Loreto pounced on a rebound and sent it towards the Morley net only for the Morley keeper to save expertly with his legs.

Morley were causing problems as they used the strong breeze to their advantage by pumping long balls into the Mandurah goalmouth. Michael Green in the Mandurah goal was well in control though making a couple of fine saves midway through the first half. Jordy Rhodes could have put Mandurah ahead as he was set free though his deft lob went just wide of the Morley goal.

Jeff Bright was next to miss a chance for the home side as his snap shot sailed well over the Morley crossbar. Mandurah did take the lead just before the break as a cross from Graham Matthews found Christian Paschkewitz in acres of space at the far post.

Although the first half had been fairly even Mandurah started to dominate in the second as they pushed forward with the benefit of the strong breeze at their backs. Stuart Francis went close with a header that cannoned off the Morley crossbar before Christian Paschkewitz hit the crossbar again as he rose to head the ball from a fine freekick by Scott Halpin.

Mandurah City hit the Morley crossbar for a fourth time before substitute Michael 'bobby' Bobridge put the game beyond doubt with a fine poachers goal with ten minutes to go

Match report courtesy of Mandurah City

Goals: 1:0 Michael Vaz (35.); 1:1 Paul Oliver; 1:2 Dave Mickler

Rockingham City's first team showed this weekend against Canning that they will not be going down without a fight to survive relegation. Canning arrived at Dowling St boasting an undefeated streak which had pundits predicting the local Rockingham side, currently bottom of the league, to be defeated in the range of four or five nil. From the kick off Rockingham showed this clearly was not going to be the case, working hard to distrupt Cannings play and push forward themselves. The hard work paid off after a flurry of wasted chances Michael Vaz finally stuck the ball into the net to give Rockingham the lead. This spurred on the Rockingham crowd to belt out a rendition of 'For its a grand old team to play for' to follow the recent songs and chants which are becoming iconic of the clubs support. Rockingham held onto the lead going into the second half. With legs tiring Rockingham were unable to keep up the same intensity which saw them take the lead in the first half, leading to a quickfire double from Canning sending the visitors away with the points. The Rockingham side did not give up till the final whistle however and if they are to play with the same heart and desire they did this weekend every week, coupled with the new found vocal support from the stands, Rockingham will not be relegated

Match report courtesy of Rockingham City