Report by Kelechi Osunwa

Perth SC finished second in the PS4 National Premier Leagues WA thanks to a 2-1 win over Subiaco AFC at Dorrien Gardens.

The Azzuri entered the game one point behind Floreat, but Athena’s loss meant Taki Nicolaidis’ side pipped Floreat thanks to first half goals from Reece Vittiglia and Dean Evans.

Speaking after the game Nicolaidis reflected on the season.

“We are (happy). From a league point of view we wanted to be closer to Bayswater,” he said.

“But second place, a cup final against a team that took Sydney FC right to the death, and semi-finals in the night series, it hasn’t been too bad so for us second spot is quite special.”

Vittiglia gave Perth the lead when he calmly converted from the penalty spot after referee Michael Jasinski penalised Subiaco for handling in the penalty area.

The visitors levelled through Matthew Akehurst. The tricky forward capitalised from a quick free kick that saw him surge into the box before dispatching his shot into the bottom right corner.

No sooner had Subiaco stopped celebrating did they find themselves down again. From the kick off, Vittiglia went on a mazy run through the Subiaco defence and he found Dean Evans with his low cross for the simplest of finishes.

Subiaco had a chance to enter half time level when Akehurst countered with pace, but Julian Madaschi managed to force Akehurst wide and into a tame finish.

Perth pushed forward in search for a third in the second half but found Subiaco custodian Ryan Montgomery in imperious form.

The keeper pulled off four significant saves with the pick of the bunch being a point-blank reflex save to deny Vittiglia his second after a driven cross by Evans.

Montgomery’s saves kept Perth within arm’s reach, but Subiaco were unable to force Francis Soale into any saves of note as Perth ran out 2-1 winners.

The only blemish on the result for Perth was the booking of Joshua Wilkins. The full back was booked within 10 minutes of coming onto the field for a needless challenge and will miss next week’s Cool Ridge Cup Final.

Subiaco coach Gerry McEwan was proud of his side’s fight throughout the fixture and felt it was a reflection of the progress his side has made in a successful season.

“I’m really happy with the effort the boys gave in the second half,” McEwan said.

“I think the people watching the game would have been happy that it was a good contest and we certainly made it into a contest.

“They (Perth) were playing for second place, but we’ve always been playing for pride every week and I’m delighted with my boys.

“It’s been a strong season compared to last year and hopefully next year we’ll be stronger again.”

For Perth, the season remains a little bittersweet. Finishing second to archrivals Bayswater is never easy, but Nicolaidis pointed to the improvements from last season.

“We got second last year by two points and the gaps a little wider this year,” he said.

“But we had 15 wins last year and 16 wins this year. 49 points last year and 50 points this year, so under the circumstances we haven’t done too badly.”

Perth SC 2 (Vittiglia 10min pen, Evans 18’)
Subiaco 1(Akehurst 17’)
Dorrien Gardens
Kick off: 3:00pm
Referee: Michal Jasinski
Assistant Referees: Anthony Walsh, Adrien Liechti

Perth SC: 1. Francis SAOLE, 7. Julian MADESCHI, 19. Andreas THEODOSIADES, 6. Clarke KELTIE, James MAROCCHI, 12. Marco SANTALUCIA (2. Joshua WILKINS 46’), 21. Matt MILENKOVIC (16. Nicholas AMBROGIO 67’), 5. Dean EVANS, 13. Rocco PIZZATA, 17. Reece VITTIGLIA, 11. Frank FUFARO (16. Nicholas AMBROGIO 78’)
Substitutes not used: 24. Dom SALVODELLI, 9. Harley ORR,
Yellow Cards: Wilkins 53’
Red Cards: nil

Subiaco AFC: 1. Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2. Nathan DIAZ, 3. Ger FITZGERALD, 4. Jackson DONGRAY, 13. George TCHAMI (6. Jack MAHON 66’), 7. Matthew AKEHURST, 11. Joshua BOOYSEN, 10. Owen COATES (1 5. Dylan ANDREWS 90’), 5. Siyang ZHANG, 14. Zac HARDISTY, 9. Ian MCMURRAY (12. Rory FEELY 58’)
Substitutes not used: 21. Anastasis FARSALAS, 8. Chris MASSEY,
Yellow Cards: Dongray 27’
Red Cards: nil