Football West News

Perth Glory’s youngsters put on a thrilling show as they ripped apart Sorrento 6-1 in the National Premier Leagues WA Regional Cup in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

LINKS TO FULL MATCH REPORTS BELOW

Man of the match Yacoub Mustafa grabbed a hat-trick and Ollie Annis, Joe Knowles and Daniel Stynes also got in on the act for John Gibson’s side, who moved back to third on the ladder.

Saturday’s Round Eight fixture, the highlight of Football West’s Goldfields Football Festival, was the first NPL WA match played in the city and Gibson was delighted that his side delivered for the occasion.

“We’ve got incredible belief in those guys, they know that as well and they’re super courageous, so we enjoyed our trip to Kalgoorlie,” Gibson said after watching his side come from behind to win at Ray Finlayson Sporting Complex.

“We have faith in these boys but they’re also terrific ambassadors for our club and they’re exciting prospects as well.”

Sorrento took the lead on 33 minutes through a sensational Jamie Roberts volley. But once left-back Annis levelled three minutes later and Mustafa claimed his first not long after, there was no way back for the Gulls.

“In two mad minutes we gave away two goals, and then in the second half credit to Glory. They were fantastic tonight, they came out to play and they put on a good show for the crowd,” Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell said.

The top-of-the-table showdown on Sunday did not disappoint either, with Perth SC taking over the summit for the first time this season.

Two goals from Gustavo Catarcione gave the Azzurri a 2-1 win away at Bayswater City, who slipped to second despite youngster Luke Salmon’s second-half equaliser.

Catarcione, who has struggled for goals recently, chose the ideal time to return to form. His opener came on 13 minutes when he found space on the edge of the box and smashed home a low shot which gave Bayswater keeper Devon Spence no chance.

Bayswater stepped it up in the second half and exciting teen prospect Salmon pulled them level 12 minutes from time following a pass from Luka Ninkovic.

But as Bayswater pressed for a winner they left the back door open and Catarcione took full advantage on 83 minutes when he cracked home Perth’s second into the top right-hand corner.

“I’m incredibly happy and very proud of their performance today,” Perth SC coach Ramon Falzon said.

“We haven’t won here for a while so we wanted to bring our best efforts.

“Gustavo has been looking for that goal for a while and he saved his best for the most important game of the season.”

Bayswater’s second loss of the season leaves them a point behind Perth.

“I’m disappointed in the result of course but we gave them both goals,” coach Chris Coyne said.

“We dominated the second half but if you don’t take your chances you won’t come out on top.”

Coyne also praised youngster Salmon and his goalscoring form.

“He was excellent today and he could have had another if he wasn’t called offside.”

There was an upset on Saturday when Armadale inflicted ECU Joondalup’s first defeat of the season.

Goals from Chris Jackson and Ali Gholami either side of the interval put Armadale in a commanding position at ECU Joondalup Football Stadium.

And though Gordon Smith pulled one back for the Jacks, the visitors’ defence - superbly marshalled by Billy Quinncroft - refused to buckle further.

“We did the right things at the right times,” Armadale goalscorer Jackson said.

“The work rate of the midfield was great; all three of them were absolutely energetic.”

Stirling Lions coach Keegan Ashley hailed his side for coming through a “dogfight” to beat Subiaco 1-0 thanks to captain Dean Cummings’ goal.

Balcatta made it three straight wins as they became the latest side to beat bottom club Joondalup United, while Forrestfield United and Cockburn City played out a 1-1 draw at Wildlife Safari Stadium.

In the final game played on Sunday Floreat Athena came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Inglewood United, Jonathan Stynes’ injury-time goal earning a point for Howard Tweats’ men.

RESULTS
Balcatta 3-1 Joondalup United
ECU Joondalup 1-2 Armadale
Subiaco 0-1 Stirling Lions
Perth Glory 6-1 Sorrento
Forrestfield United 1-1 Cockburn City
Bayswater City 1-2 Perth SC
Floreat Athena 2-2 Inglewood United