Goals: 0:1 Marc Anthony (1.); 0:2 Ian McMurray (33.); 1:2 Todd Howarth (45.); 2:2 Barry Wood (63.); 3:2 Gary Faria (85.); 3:3 Mark Lee (Penalty, 89.)

Perth S.C and ECU Joondalup showcased one of the games of this season this afternoon, sharing the spoils in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Dorrien Gardens.

In a game which promised plenty, it didn’t disappoint with a Joondalup penalty only a minute from time denying both teams three vital points, after a Gary Faria gem had almost completed a come from behind victory or Perth.

The referee’s whistle was still echoing in the stands when the visitors took the lead through midfielder Marc Anthony following a great chase from Ian McMurray. The big striker robbed Perth defender Trent Kay of possession in the penalty box before squaring to Anthony who tucked the ball home from close range.

Joondalup started the match strongly and were using McMurray to good use in attack, with his aerial ability providing a target up front. In contrast, Perth were struggling with poor delivery in the final third letting them down however Glory striker Nikita Rukavytsya was proving a handful with his close skills around goal on show for all to see including Glory coach Ron Smith, who was in attendance along with assistant Dave Mitchell.

The visitors continued to dominate the contest with winger Tommy Amphlett a menace down the right flank and it was his run and cross on 33 minutes which handed Joondalup their second, when McMurray latched onto the end of a crisp move.

After a disappointing first half, Perth took confidence into the interval when Todd Howarth shot past goalkeeper Alan Young moments before the half time whistle to drag it back to 2-1.

Defender Michael Icanovski was almost wishing half time hadn’t begun when he gifted a great chance to Ian McMurray after a poor back pass to his goalkeeper but the striker’s effort dribbled narrowly wide.

The home side looked more composed as the half wore on and equalized through Barry Wood on 63 minutes following fantastic endeavour from substitute Scott Bulloch.

Bulloch was proving the difference as both teams searched for the winner, Joondalup’s cause was dealt a blow however when Craig Young was given his marching orders after a second book-able offence.

Perth took advantage of the numbers stealing the lead with five minutes remaining, Gary Faria putting in a contender for goal of the season with a long range thunderbolt into the net which goalkeeper Young could only watch fly past his shoulder.

With the home side looking to come away with the three points, the referee gave Joondalup a lifeline awarding a contentious penalty for a hold against McMurray in the box. Mark Lee stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted past Gareth Deeg to send the away fans into raptures.

It doesn’t get any easier for Perth with a tough trip to Stirling Lions looming next Saturday while Joondalup turn their focus to a home battle with Swan I.C.

Football West Match Reporter: Beau Crompton

Goals: 1:0 Johnny Mirco (Penalty, 26.); 2:0 Josh Kamasz (43.); 3:0 Johnny Mirco (50.); 4:0 Johnny Mirco (Penalty); 5:0 Anthony Pereira; 6:0 Aaron Dos Santos (82.)

Cockburn City continued their impressive recent form with a 6-0 victory against bottom side Wanneroo City at Dalmatinac Park today.

The Cockburn performance, however, was overshadowed by a spectacular incident that saw Wanneroo defender Luke Croxall sent off for striking a teammate.

Cockburn were impressive from the start, with John Micro and Giovanni Di Bartolo each coming close on more than one occasion in the first 20 minutes. The breakthrough though came on 26 minutes, when Micro converted a penalty after Jason Dos Santos was brought down inside the box by Graham Wells.

Bad turned to worse when Wanneroo went down to ten men when Newhill was sent off after a last ditch tackle on Di Bartolo. Josh Kamaz made the most of the numerical advantage just before the break, latching onto a long ball, and a cool finish sent the sides to the break at 2-0.

The second half saw Cockburn attack harder and just five minutes in, Micro had his second, again due to some good work down the right hand side.

It wasn’t long before he completed his hat-trick, again finishing from the spot, as Di Bartolo was brought down for the second time, his pace starting to worry the 10 man Wanneroo side.

After half time substitute Anthony Pereira added a fifth after good work from Jason Dos Santos, the Wanneroo tempers started to fray, one such incident seeing players separated after Dos Santos was felled in a challenge.

Aaron Dos Santos finished the scoring on 82 minutes, before the crowd was put in shock, as Corxall struck teammate Okwy Diamondstar, the referee having no option but to show a second red card.

The win moves Cockburn above Western Knights into fifth position, where Wanneroo fall further off the pace and relegation now is a distance possibility.

Football West Match Reporter: Raymond Bohan

Goals: 0:1 Sebastian Booysen (50.); 1:1 Branimir Mikulic; 1:2 Callum Roberts; 2:2 James Isaih (90+7.)

A late strike by James Isaia snatched Premier League leader Floreat Athena a 2-2 draw with Fremantle Spirit at Litis Stadium. The early momentum was with Floreat who built patiently from the back and were driven through midfield by Bajo Savic, Jovo Pavlovic and Miki Vujacic. However, the hosts found it difficult to penetrate far into the final or create any profitable strikes on goal thanks to Fremantle's defensive approach through which they flooded the backline. The result was an uninteresting and frustrating opening 45 minutes for those in the stands. The game was awoken from its' slumber five minutes into the second half when Callum Roberts, introduced at the break by Marc Wingell, broke away down the left to send in a cross which Sebastian Booysen headed strongly past Vas Vujacic at the back post. Unperterbed at going a goal down, Floreat continued to push into their opponents half only to be met by strong resistance from a defence brilliantly led by veteran Alex Christie. The pressure valve was finally released when Isaia delivered a cross from the left which Branimir Mikulic flicked in at the near post to bring the teams level. Fremantle responded by adding a second goal to their tally when a partially cleared corner was sent back into the dangerzone and an unmarked Roberts glanced the ball in off the base of the upright. Mikulic should have brought the teams level on 68 minutes but his penalty kick was hit too close to the goalkeeper who deflected the shot away with his feet. This opened up the game as Floreat threw caution to the wind and attacked in increasing numbers, while Fremantle remained a threat on the counterattack. The game was well into stoppage time when Isaia latched onto a loose ball and drilled an unstoppable shot low into the corner from 15-metres to keep Floreat's unbeaten record in tact.

Match report courtesy of Floreat Athena

Goals: 0:1 Ludovic Boi (75.)

A smashing half volley by teenage whiz-kid Ludovic Boi earned Stirling Lions a 1-0 win against Inglewood United from a tight encounter at Clipsal Stadium. The early passages were dominated by the visiting side for whom Keith Brown and Boi were in a menacing mood. Stirling's first chance came after 10 minutes when Kevin Henderson snatched wide at close-range after Daniel Micevski's free-kick went to feet. Soon after, Micevski swung in a corner which was met by David Dugdale whose header deflected to safety off the upright. A swift counterattacking move produced an opening for Dean Apelgren whose stinging drive forced a fine save from visiting goalkeeper Phil Straker. Inglewood looked dangerous when running at the their opponents defence and Daniel Niederberger went within inches of scoring the games' opening goal with his long-range effort. Injury lead to Micevski's replacement by Vas Kalogeracos who quickly made his presence felt by getting in the end of an Andy Brown lay-off but placed high at close-range. The second half opened with the physical side of the game being taken up a notch and few very chances on goal created. In the 68th minute referee Troy Miller cautioned Michael Baczynski for his crude tackle on David Dugdale, and seconds later sent off the Inglewood player for dissent. The deciding goal arrived seven minutes later when Keith Brown's majestic through ball was met by Boi whose sweetly struck thundered into the top corner with Oliver Taseski well beaten. Stirling would control play for the remaining quarter hour and would have added another to their tally if not for poor finishing. Inglewood's day of woe was completed close to the end with the dismissal of Aaron Colli for his second yellow card.

Goals: 1:0 Jared Love (9.); 1:1 Scott Devine (33.); 1:2 Scott Devine (41.); 2:2 Jared Love (48.)

Sorrento and Armadale fought out a 2-2 draw in a drama filled match at Percy Doyle Reserve today.

Both sides had hold of the lead during the match with Sorrento striker Jared Love missing a crucial penalty in the second half that would have seen him with a hat-trick and Sorrento leading 3-2 with 30 minutes to go.

Both Love and Armadale’s Scott Devine were the goal scoring heroes on the day with both netting braces in what was an entertaining and open affair.

It took only nine minutes for Sorrento to get on the board after an inviting cross from Chris Boyle on the left flank was met by a diving header from Love. Only minutes earlier a Steven McDonald header was cleared off the line following a back post free kick.

Sorrento had raced out of the blocks and could have been up by two on 16 minutes after an even better Boyle cross found the head of Love but he misdirected his effort over the bar from eight yards.

After weathering the initial storm, Armadale began to fight their way back into the match and their first chance came on 25 minutes after Anthony Cochrane, in for the suspended Neil Young, blocked Marlon Ramirez effort before Jason Goodwin horribly sliced his effort wide after a fine run and pass from Dusan Macura.

But on 33 minutes Armadale did have the goal they craved after Scott Devine capitalized on some poor marking on the left to run onto a one two and smash the ball home from the left edge of the area over the keeper. The Armadale supporters were now finding their voices as the tempo lifted and four minutes before half time Sorrento surrendered a second goal after they conceded an indirect free kick 25 yards from goal left of centre.

After botching the first attempt, referee Tom Klaver ordered a re-take and Scott Devine stepped up to curl the ball around the wall and bounce into the net with Cochrane rooted to the spot.

The “Army” boys were in fine voice during the half time interval, baiting the Sorrento crowd with “what’s the score” however the game was back on level terms only three minutes after the restart.

An enticing back post corner from Glen Thomas found big Steve McDonald whose header across goal found Love who smashed the ball home from two yards.

Steve Neville’s half time team talk must have worked as his side came out with all guns blazing with Armadale now defending for their lives.

On 60 minutes Sorrento were awarded a penalty after another great Thomas corner spilled to the back of the box were Boyle was fouled by Stephen Skilandis. Love stepped up to complete his hat-trick but saw his low effort to the left of the keeper well saved by the impressive Cyril Sharrock. The miss was a turning point in the game, deflating the Sorrento players and giving extra confidence to Armadale to hold the fort.

In Armadale’s only chance of the second half, Goodwin advanced on the defence but his low well struck effort was kicked away by Cochrane.

Sorrento continued to push forward for the winner with Lewis Flatt blazing a close range effort over the bar after a knock back from Boyle and Harnwell but the golden opportunity went begging.

Harnwell then had a chance blocked after loose pass from Macura saw four Sorrento players stream forward.

Glen Thomas had a 25 yard curling free kick tipped wide by Sharrock as the Gulls piled men forward, the Armadale box resembling a pin ball machine in the final stages.

Referee Tom Klaver finally blowing for full time in a half that went for over 50 minutes after stoppages.

Sorrento coach Steve Neville was disappointed his side didn’t win the match after dominating the second half.

“Very disappointed, I thought we controlled the second half, we showed a lot of character to get back into the game straight after half time and took the game to them, obviously the penalty miss and then we missed two or three clear cut chances,” said Neville.

Neville was also critical of the Armadale second goal with Anthony Cochrane watching as the ball bounced into the net. “Keeper hasn’t made any attempt, whether the wall was set up right I don’t know, but that’s his responsibility to set the wall up so yeah disappointed with the two goals”.

“We are disappointed not to pick up the three points today but there were a lot of positives to come out of, its probably the best we have played this season so if we can carry that on in the next few weeks we can start to pick up some points,” he said.

Armadale coach Billy Russell was the happier of the two coaches after seeing his side pick up a hard earned point against the Gulls.

“Definitely one point gained, Sorrento got on top of us early and we’ve done well to get back in there, the boys battled hard and we are delighted with a draw,” said Russell.

“The defence has been outstanding all season to be honest with you, and the boys upfront worked hard as well and it was a good overall performance,” he said.

Football West Match Reporter: Ben Fitzpatrick

Goals: 1:0 Brendan Knox (20.); 2:0 John Monterosso (62.)

Swan IC produced their best performance of the season to beat Western Knights 2-0 in this afternoon’s Football West Premier League clash at Francis Street.

It was an even opening to the game with John Monterosso going close for the Swans and Daniel Trim’s shot saved low by Cory Hugo. The Knights lifted and should have taken the lead in the tenth minute; Trim was the provider this time his cross caused panicked the Swans defence and Scott Bushby’s shot was cleared off the line by the alert Robert Monterosso.

The game ebbed and flowed with good chances at both ends, Stuart Montgomery’s shot was saved by Hugo and John Monterosso was sent clear by a Rory Mouttet through ball but he fired inches past the post. Then Brendan Knox saw his shot cannon of the post on 20 minutes, but from the resulting corner the Swans were ahead, Anthony McStea’s corner fell kindly to Knox who fired home from close-range.

It should have been 2-0 on the half-hour mark, a mistake by former Swan Jonathon Mathers gifted a chance to Thomas Shepheard but he fired wide. The Knights pressed late in the half Montgomery chested down to Anthony Skorich who fired well over.

The Knights began the second half as they finished the first and David Price’s shot was saved by Hugo and Montgomery’s first time shot whistled inches past the post. But all their hard work was undone in the 62nd minute; Shepheard raced clear and was brought down by Mathers and referee Angelo Nardi pointed to the spot. Dom Ando saw his penalty saved by Tommi Tomich but John Monterosso was quickest to react to score from the rebound to make it 2-0.

The Knights should have reduced the defect minutes later when some slack marking at the back let in young Skorich but he fired high and well placed. The Knights were throwing everything at the Swans but they were being caught out on the counter-attack, Knox fired wide and David Perich’s long-range shot flew wide.

The Knights continued to press; Cormac Dawson found Jonathon Higgins down the left and his pinpoint cross was met by Montgomery but his header was superbly saved by Hugo. With Aaron Cole and Robert Monterosso dominating at the back the Knights couldn’t break the Swans down, and their frustration showed when Mathers was shown a red card in the 87th minute.

Squads:

Swan IC – GK C. Hugo, J. Hugo, R. Monterosso, Cole, Mouttet, Perich, Knox, McStea (Catalano 78), Ando, Shepheard (Mansaray 92), J. Monterosso Subs not used: Davies, McNally, Djukanovic Western Knights – GK Tomich, Price, Higgins, Bushby, Mathers, Dawson, Jukic, Trim (Mujic 60), Skorich, Montgomery, Cooke (Zuvela 33) Subs not used: Savige, Warmt-Murray, Gavranic

Referee: Angelo Nardi

Football West Match Reporter: Peter Simcox