Report by Navrin Secker

Perth SC missed the chance to return to the top of the National Premier Leagues WA after they drew 2-2 against Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park on Saturday.

A brace apiece for Stirling’s David Micevski and Paul Zimarino of Perth meant the spoils were shared in a game the Lions dominated for large parts.

Stirling coach Keegan Ashley was pleased with his team’s display but thought they missed out on taking the three points.

“Performance, good. The result didn’t match our performance,” he said.

“We weren’t second best today, I think a draw was a bit harsh on us.”

The start of the first half saw both sides struggling to create clear chances, with Perth denied a penalty by referee Steven Gregory on 15 minutes following a challenge on striker Gustavo Catarcione.

Perth then went close after Lions keeper Pasquale Gioffre rushed out of his box, before Stirling deservedly nosed ahead on 33 minutes when Micevski’s direct free-kick on the edge of the box flew into the top corner.

Perth needed to find a response in the second half and it came in the 51st minute as Zimarino volleyed home the equaliser.

The game became stretched with both sides looking to score again and Micevski’s long-range effort sent Perth goalkeeper Malec Kuc scrambling, before the Lions player had a smart volley brilliantly tipped over the bar.

Striling continued to pile on the pressure and went ahead from the penalty spot seven minutes from the end after Steve Sokol was taken down in the box. Micevski converted and it looked like the hosts were set for an impressive victory.

Their advantage was short-lived, however, as a Zimarino free-kick avoided everyone and sneaked into the back of the net.

It was Zimarino’s fifth goal in two matches following his FFA Cup hat-trick against Sorrento, as Perth SC coach Ramon Falzon reflected on a mixed afternoon.

“It was a game of two halves, they were the better side in the first half and we were better in the second - probably a draw is the fair result,” he said.

“Second half I think there were a lot of positives, first half gave us a lot to improve on.”

The Round 11 games this Wednesday night see Stirling away at bottom club Joondalup United, while Perth SC travel to Inglewood United.

Stirling Lions 2 (Micevski 33min, 83)
Perth SC 2 (Zimarino 51, 85)
Saturday, April 28
Macedonia Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant referees: Daniel Cole, Harry Bolan

Stirling Lions: 1. Pasquale GIOFFRE, 4. Alex SULESKI, 5. Liam HENDERSON, 6. Dhhors CHOL, 7. Dean CUMMINGS, 8. Dejan SPASESKI, 10. David MICEVSKI, 11. Alex TANEVSKI (9. Robert PETKOV 78), 14. Steve SOKOL, 15. Nathan DE ABREU, 17. Moses KALAU
Unused substitutes: 16. Nicholas ASHLEY, 18. Joey PERKINS, 19. Zane CASELLA, 20. Lance ALAVAKIS
Yellow cards: De Abreu 48, Chol 74, Sokol 76
Red cards: Nil

Perth SC: 1. Malec KUC, 3. Andreas THEODOSIADES, 5. Niccolo SABATINI (17. Frank FURFARO 48), 6. Harley ORR, 8. Tom KING, 9. Gustavo CATARCIONE, 11. Matthew MILENKOVIC, 12. Jordan DE LEO (7. Aleksander JOVIC 58), 16. Kieran COLWELL, 18. Richard HOWLES (10. Nicholas AMBROGIO 80), 20. Paul Zimarino
Unused substitutes: 2. Alex SILLA, 23. Daniel PASSARELLI
Yellow cards: Orr 45
Red cards: Nil