Report by Ryan Langley

Perth SC and Sorrento shared the points in a goalless encounter at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.

Former Balcatta coach Ramon Falzon made his coaching debut for Perth after replacing Melbourne-bound Gareth Naven.

And Falzon said the transition into his new role has been seamless.

“I already knew half of the players so it has been easy for them and for myself,” he said.

“My football philosophy is not that different from Gareth’s so it has been a very smooth transition.”

Former Perth midfielder Reece Vittiglia also made a debut appearance, returning to Sorrento to rediscover his love for the game.

“Sorrento is a club that I’ve always had very close to my heart and I’m very happy to be working with familiar faces again,” he said.

“I want to help them climb as high up the ladder as possible and hopefully add value to the squad in creating and scoring goals.”

The scores remained locked at 0-0 for the entirety of the game, with opportunities coming few and far between.

Bad news came early for the home side as Perth captain Clark Keltie suffered a knee injury and was substituted only minutes later.

A free kick for Perth, taken by Dino Topcagic in the 34th minute, was sent into the top right corner of the goal, however James Morgan made a great save to keep scores level.

Niccolo Sabatini demonstrated spectacular ball control in the 44th dribbling passed his defender and crossing into the box with Billy Quinncroft flicking the ball towards the goal but not beyond Perth keeper Francis Soale.

Vittiglia had an opportunity to break the deadlock when his strike from outside the box was sent just over the crossbar in the 69th minute.

Vittiglia sent teammate Billy Quinncroft to try his luck in front of goal but the striker couldn’t get a head onto the cross.

Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell said having worked with Vittiglia before he knows his level of skill and quality.

“I was very happy with Tigs and his performance today and as he adjusts to the boys around him, he’ll be a really valuable asset to us,” he said.

The second half of the season starts next week and Perth SC will take on Armadale at home, while Sorrento will face ECU Joondalup.

Perth SC 0
Sorrento 0
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Dorrien Garden
Kick Off: 3:00pm

Perth SC: GK: Francis SOALE, 2. David FILLIPOU, 4. Adrian MADASCHI, 6 Clark KELTIE (22. Ynanadev PURCELL 30. (11. Anthony DANZE 75)), 8. Tom KING, 9. Gustavo CATACIONE, 10. Nicholas AMBROGIO, 13. Rocco PIZZATA, 14. Dino TOPCAGIC, 16. Thomas JEBB, 17. Francesco FURFARO (17. Eric BIRRIGHITI 79)
Substitutes not used: 19. Vasso DASILVA, 23. Daniel PASSARELLI.
Yellow cards: Jebb 60’
Red cards: Nil

Sorrento: GK. James MORGAN, 3. Reece VITTIGLIA, 5. Billy QUINNCROFT (23. Aaron KRIGE 88), 6. Daryl PLATTEN, 8. Ryan PEARSON, 11. Tim HILL, 13. Steven MCDONALD, 16. Niccolo SABATINI 7. Alex MORGAN (21. Jordan DODD 75), 18. Jordan BROWN, 20. Brad MCDONALD.
Substitutes not used: RGK. Patrick STEPHENSON, 27. Brody KENNEDY, 29. Razack GELDD
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil