Goals: 1:0 Aaron Dos Santos (5.); 2:0 Johnny Mirco (Penalty, 31.); 2:1 Brendan Ross (75.); 3:1 Johnny Mirco (86.)

Cockburn City have sealed second place in the Football West State League with a 3-1 victory over Perth SC at Dalmatinac Park today.

Two goals from Johnny Mirco and another from Aaron Dos Santos was enough for Scott Miller’s men, who now move 5 points clear of Perth on the league table. In a frenetic opening, Perth was on the attack literally from the kickoff, with a desperate goal line clearance the only thing denying the visitors the perfect start. However, after just five minutes, Cockburn were ahead, a swift move down the left hand side orchestrated by Mirco, eventually found Dos Santos free and he fired home. As the game settled, it seemed as if Perth were about to come into the game but on the half hour mark Micheal Ord brought down Giovanni Di Bartolo for a penalty and Mirco converted to make it 2-0. After an uneventful period either side of the break, things went from bad to worse for Perth when Ord received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, this time for a tackle on Aaron Dos Santos This seemed to spur Graeme Normanton’s side on, and with 15 minutes remaining, they were back in the game when Ross finished well on the counter attack. Perth rolled on and had several opportunities to draw level, but was left short at the back as Mirco took advantage of the space, sidestepped a defender and then finished with a delightful chip over the keeper to put the match beyond doubt.

Football West Match Reporter: Raymond Bohan

Goals: 1:0 Boima Karpeh (10.); 1:1 Daniel Neiderberger (Penalty, 53.); 2:1 Branimir Mikulic (55.)

Champions elect Floreat Athena were forced to show all of their fighting qualities to overcome a battling Inglewood United 2-1 on Saturday in front of a healthy crowd at E & D Litis Stadium.

The league leaders had to play almost the entire second half with 10 men after keeper Vas Vujacic was shown a straight red card for bringing down Albert Osei Tutu in the box, with referee Klaver also awarding a penalty. Daniel Niederberger sent substitute Alex Dunn the wrong way to level the scores however Floreat hit back within 90 seconds thanks to Branomir Mikulic to take the three points.

After a lacklustre opening ten minutes from both sides, Floreat goal machine Jerry Karpeh produced some magic to put Athena ahead after his dribble into the box embarrassed two Inglewood defenders before punching the ball past Taseski and off the post from a 45 degree angle.

Stung by the goal, Inglewood went forward and a Kevin Griffiths attempt from 20 yards went fizzing past the upright as Niederberger sent a free kick straight into the arms of Vujacic.

Floreat almost doubled their lead in fortuitous circumstances on 16 minutes, sublime build up play by Josip Magdic allowed Karpeh to back heel into the box where Inglewood defender Sean Kilkelly could only see the ball loop off his boot and over the stranded keeper but thankfully for his side, onto the bar and out for a corner. Floreat should have gone into the half time break another goal to the good after a delightful curling ball from Paul Vatistas on the Floreat right found the advancing James Isaiah but after a terrific first touch that took him past the defender, he could only lift his effort over the keeper and bar as half time approached.

Four minutes after the restart, Floreat again wasted a golden opportunity when a barnstorming run from John Migas saw the defender play a superb one-two with Karpeh on the edge of the Inglewood area, but Taseski was alert to the danger and raced off his line to superbly deflect the shot wide. Athena were reduced to ten men only minutes later, Osei Tutu raced onto a flicked heade and with only the goalkeeper to beat, Vujacic brought the striker down. Referee Tom Klaver adjudging Vujacic to be the last man despite an Athena defender appearing to have got back to cover the line.

Niederberger withstood the delay of reserve keeper Alex Dunn’s arrival and then penalty spot dramas to send Dunn the wrong way and tie the match up. But the leaders showed the character that has seen them establish a commanding lead at the summit of the Premier League and hit back immediately, a world class cross from Magdic deep in the Inglewood corner picking out Mikulic who volleyed home from six yards.

Despite being down to 10 men, Jerry Karpeh continued to be a threat for Athena on the break, with one such occasion seeing the top goal scorer dribble past three Inglewood defenders before poking his effort just past the post and minutes later using his pace to run onto a Ante Kovacevic clearance but he smashed the effort wide from 20 yards. The former Perth Glory defender Kovacevic was outlining all his credentials with a masterful display of defensive skills to halt any Inglewood attacking play and marshalling his troops around him to keep the shape for 10-man Athena.

The hosts withstood some late Inglewood pressure as Bobby Despotovski threw men forward to snatch an equalizer however the leaders stood firm and recorded a deserved victory full of heart and courage that has seen them move one step closer to the championship they crave. Floreat coach Michael Roki saw his side put in a battling performance to overcome the loss of keeper Vas Vujacic and record another three point haul. “Yeah they had to dig in today; they really had to dig in with what occurred out there with our keeper being sent off. We were under a bit of pressure but all credit to them” said Roki.

“Personally I don’t think it was a sending off, the ball was travelling away from goal, the player was travelling away from goal and a covering defender. A bit harsh but you get these once in a while and it would be interesting to see what the other officials thought about that”. “It’s hard to come off a game like last week and bring the same level after playing such a critical game. There’s another one this week and I’m sure there will be another next week and it’s not easy to back them up” he said.

Former Perth Glory defender Ante Kovacevic was again in outstanding form for his side and was ably assisted by midfield terriers Bajo Savic and Paul Vatistas in what was the key to the Floreat victory.

“Ante again, very, very steady at the back. Bajo’s work rate and Paul Vatistas work rate in the middle of the park, they were like two sponges winning the ball for us today” said Roki. Inglewood coach Bobby Despotovski saw his team unable to break down a resolute Athena in what was a great chance for his side to take some points off the leaders. “We worked very hard to get something out of the game, but that is why they are on top, as simple as that. They have the best defence in the league, it was very hard to break them down” said Despotovski. “If they (Floreat) hadn’t of scored that second goal straight away after we scored the equalizer, it would have been a completely different game and we could settle in and play with that extra man. But once you concede a goal your on the back foot and have to chase the game again”.

On the red card incident Bobby was diplomatic in his assessment. “It was not debatable if it was a penalty, but you can debate if it was a red card or yellow card. He wasn’t the last defender as there was another defender on the line but the referee has made his decision and you have to stick by it”. Bobby also watched his former Glory team mate Ante Kovacevic prove a constant thorn in his teams side for the entire afternoon.“He steadied the whole defence. It is the buy of the season for Michael (Roki, Floreat coach) and I think he marshalled that defence very well. Even with ten men they didn’t look like panicking and from this I would be very surprised if Floreat don’t win the league." With his side now playing out time in the Premier League for season 2007, Bobby forecasted some changes to the squad as he looks to give youth a chance in readiness for 2008. “We are trying some of the 17 year olds from the under 18’s and reserves, and there will be a few changes next year that’s for certain. I believe in the youth policy and I believe in giving everyone a fair go” said Despotovski.

Football West Match Reporter: Ben Fitzpatrick

Goals: 0:1 Marc Anthony (17.); 0:2 Craig Young (38.); 0:3 Tommy Amphlett (52.); 0:4 Ian McMurray (71.); 0:5 Marc Anthony (Penalty, 84.); 0:6 Ian McMurray (86.)

ECU Joondalup has bounced back into winning form in emphatic fashion, smashing a disappointing Armadale side 6-0 at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday. Exciting talent Marc Anthony starred for the visitors with two goals and if that wasn’t enough, the skillful midfielder assisted in all four goals that he didn’t dispatch. For Armadale Coach Billy Russell, it was a double dose of misfortune with defender Matt Benion and striker Jason Goodwin both given their marching orders in the 2nd half. After a series of frustrating draws throughout the season denied Joondalup a shot at the title, Coach Willie McNally was calling for credibility and they were quick out the blocks in the opening minutes with Jon Higgins and Tommy Amphlett both blazing good opportunities. The visitors were in control of the contest with the two flankers Higgins and Amphlett giving ECU plenty of depth when going forward. It was another midfielder though who opened the scoring, dynamo Marc Anthony giving his side the lead with a wonderful curling free kick into the top corner of the goal. Armadale were finding extreme difficulty breaking through a solid Joondalup defence led by David Abel, and their only chance of the half fell to Ben Howe, whose powerful drive from the edge of the box rattled the frame of the goal. Anthony was slowly becoming a menace as the half time whistle neared and on 39 minutes, he struck a wonderful half volley from 25 yards out, which, deflected off the goalkeepers hand onto the crossbar and into the lap of Craig Young, who tapped home from less than six yards out.

The pace of Anthony and winger Tommy Amphlett was becoming a concern for the Armadale coaching staff and on 52 minutes the visitors had their third for the afternoon. Anthony made a brilliant run down the bye-line before cutting back to Amphlett, who turned his marker and finished superbly for a three goal buffer. An already enormous task for the home side became even more difficult when they were reduced to ten men after Matt Benion lashed out at a late tackle on the sideline and the referee had no choice but to send the player off for retaliation. Eight minutes later, only nine players remained for the home side with Jason Goodwin given a second yellow for a crunching tackle on the instrumental Anthony. Deep into the 2nd half and Joondalup had their fourth when big striker Ian McMurray latched onto a delightful cross from the exquisite foot skills of Anthony again. ECU had their fifth goal when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Craig Young in the box and Anthony stepped up to cheekily slot away his double. McMurray joined the multiple goal scorers’ sheet with only minutes remaining, when he was played into space and from a slight angle curled his shot under the goalkeeper to complete the rout.

Football West Match Reporter: Beau Crompton

Goals: 0:1 Kevin Henderson (9.); 0:2 Dannie Richman (23.); 0:3 Kevin Henderson (29.); 0:4 Dannie Richman (72.); 1:4 Steve McDonald (85.); 2:4 Gary Lynn (Penalty, 88.)

A silky display of precision passing and clinical finishing gave Lions fans plenty to smile about in their sides convincing 4-2 victory at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday. A brace of goals to man of the match Kevin Henderson and another to teenage rising star Dannie Richman gave the Lions a comfortable win against last year's Premiers.

Sorrento came out of the blocks fired up and had the better of the opening minutes but lacked the finish required to take the early lead with Todd Harnwell and Jared Love creating chances to no avail. The Lions quickly stepped into gear with some exquisite passing from Keith Brown, Steve Porter , Alan Muir and Phil Arnold opening up the play. A great through ball by Arnold to Richman saw the young striker blast the ball at goal only to find Neil Young at his brilliant best and palming the ball away for a corner. Alan Muir's perfect corner was flicked on by Andy Brown into the path of Lions defender Kevin Henderson who calmy slotted the ball into the net for the opening goal in the 11th minute.

Stirling applied the squeeze on the beleaguered Gulls goal with Arnold leaving three defenders in his wake as he ran on goal and smashed a scorching shot at goal and hitting the crossbar in the 10th minute. The Lions had the use of a slender breeze and took full advantage wresting midfield control with Muir and Porter controlling play while Sorrento battled hard with Brodie Martin and Love in the thick of the action.

The Lions were quick on the break and a piercing through ball from Muir put Andy Brown through on the right flank with his deft cross to Richman on the run going into the bottom corner of the net courtesy of a clever flick shot by the elusive Richman in the 23rd minute. Sorrento were under extreme pressure and some poor marking in defence led to the next goal when quick thinking by Phil Arnold allowed Henderson to capitalize on his long throw with Henderson cleverly looping his header over the advancing Sorrento keeper Neil Young in the 32nd minute.

The Gulls bounced back with Harnwell coming close in the 38th minute when he ran on goal only to find Phil Straker in a mean mood saving well with his feet. Stirling rebounded and should have had their fourth when Arnold had the goal at his mercy but unselfishly passed it to Andy Brown who slipped as he went to shoot leaving Young to mop up the crumbs. The second half developed into a midfield arm wrestle with Glen Thomas and Jared Love battling hard to rejuvenate their side. An amazing reflex save by Lions keeper Straker denied Thomas and Sorrento their first goal after his shot wickedly deflected off a Lions defender and looked to be going in but somehow Straker got his hand to ball in the 55th minute.

Andy Brown was in fine form for the Lions and his twinkle toe effort in beating two Gulls defenders then squaring the ball to the dynamic Richman, who blasted home for the Lions fourth in the 75th minute, had the Lions fans applauding Brown's skilful work. To Sorrento's credit they fought it out to the end while Lions coach Mick Lyons rotated his bench and debuted another Lion cub with Chris Rutherford coming on for Darko Ilomanoski in the 80th minute as well as Dean Evans and Leo Harman taking the field. Big man Steve McDonald was thrown up forward for the second half and finally got some consolation for his side after a perfect cross from Gary Lynn was headed into the net in the 88th minute. A minute later referee Steve Muldoon awarded a penalty to the Gull after debutant Rutherford was adjudged to have pulled Harnwell down in the box. Lynn stepped up to take the penalty and saw his first effort brilliantly saved by Straker but was allowed to retake it after Porter was deemed to have run into the box early and Lynn made no mistake with his second effort.

Match report courtesy of Stirling Lions

Goals: 1:0 Anthony McStea (48.); 1:1 Jason Barerra (51.); 1:2 David McNally (Own goal, 68.); 2:2 David Foster (Penalty, 78.); 2:3 Mark Darby (83.)

A 25-yard strike from defender Mark Darby seven minutes from time gave Fremantle Spirit a 3-2 win against Swan IC in today’s Football West Premier League Match of the Week at Francis Street.

The Swans pressed early with David McNally’s deep cross finding Anthony McStea, who delayed his shot and the chance was lost.Fremantle settled and went within inches of taking the lead on 17 minutes when McNally brought down Vas Kalagoracos 20-yards out. The ensuing free kick from Jason Barrera curled around the wall and crashed off the post, rolled along the line and was eventually cleared gratefully by Dom Ando. Cory Hugo came to the Swans rescue with a stunning save from a long-range strike from Cisco Jorquera. Minutes before half time the Swans had their best chance, Ando’s cross was flicked on by David Foster, to the unmarked Aaron Cole at the back post. The big defender was one on one with Steve Grant, but the keeper was out quick to deflect his shot wide.

From the resulting McStea corner, Foster headed over from close-range and it was 0-0 at the break.

It was a great start to the second half by the black and whites and they were ahead five minutes in, McStea firing home a free kick from the edge of the box that gave Grant no chance. But with the Swans faithful still celebrating the goal, the Spirit were level when a sliced clearance fell kindly to Barrera who kept his composure and finished clinically past Hugo.

The visitors buoyed by the goal began to dominate the middle of the park and their hard work was rewarded on the hour. Young defender Mark Darby chased down a long ball and beat Rory Mouttet on the right hand side of the penalty area, his low hard cross deflected off the unfortunate McNally, which sent the ball past Hugo to give Spirit the lead.

Spirit went close again on 68 minutes, Simon Elton-Bott’s long-range shot sailed over, and Barrera low shot was saved by Hugo. The home side lifted and a Damien Catalano shot flew inches wide but on 78 minutes they were rewarded with the equaliser. Ando’s free kick was flicked on by Cole and Thomas Shepheard was bundled over in the box by Tom Straker and referee Paul Anderson pointed to the spot, Foster kept his nerve to level the scores.Fremantle’s Callum Roberts went close moments later to restore their lead when he was sent clear, but his shot was deflected wide by Hugo.

Spirit earnt all three points on 83 minutes, Cole‘s clearance fell kindly to Darby whose strike flew into the top corner from long-range. The Swans pressed late with Cole heading wide, but with Alex Christie

outstanding at the heart of the defence the Spirit ran out 3-2 winners.

Football West Match Reporter: Peter Simcox

Goals: 0:1 Ben Yates (16.); 1:1 Scott Bushby (24.); 2:1 Paul Cooke (26.); 3:1 Scott Bushby (41.); 4:1 John Thornley (60.); 4:2 Richard Dendle (64.); 5:2 Scott Bushby (81.); 6:2 Stuart Montgomery (88.)

Scott Bushby was the three-goal hero in Western Knights 6-2 defeat of Wanneroo City at Nash Field. Attacking football was the name of the game as both sides opened full of confidence. John Thornley fired high when well placed after 5 minutes and not long after Craig Cheeseman did likewise at the opposite end of the park. The breakthrough came when goalkeeper Kevin Miller lost his footing while collecting a ball played to the top of the 18-yard box to present Ben Yates with an easy conversion. This fired up the home team and ten minutes later Bushby opened his account by rifling across Jordan Conti and inside the far post after turning his marker. A couple more minutes went by before Knights captain Paul Cooke hooked the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble. With half-time looming Bushby widened the gap by putting away the loose ball after Aaron Badahori's long-range effort hit the post. The second half opened positively for Wanneroo as Craig Bowman and Morgan Dendle each got in good positions but neither forced a response from Miller. Ten minutes after the restart Thornley added his name to the scoresheet by firing in from 9-metres after clever work in the lead-up by Andrew Jennings. The visitors kept plugging away and were rewarded when Peter Vukmirovic's long ball forward caught the Knights off-guard and Dendle was afforded time and space to pick his spot from 10-metres. But there would be no dream comeback for the northerners as Bushby made his way past three opponents before drilling low past Conti from the top of the 18-yard box. The games' eighth and final goal came when Andrjia Jukic won possession in midfield and picked out substitute Stuart Montgomery who shrugged off his man to fire in from 16-metres.