Western Knights v Perth Soccer Club

Round Two of the Football West State League this Saturday, 21 April 2007 sees glamour side Perth Soccer Club travel to Nash Field to take on the Western Knights in the Football West State League Match of the Week.

Both sides are coming off impressive victories in Round One; Perth disposing of Armadale 3-0, whilst the Western Knights recorded a fantastic 2-0 away win against Inglewood United.

With the likes of Antonio Naglieri and Gary Faria pulling the strings in the midfield for Perth and with Nikita Rukavytsya and Andres Oliviera up front, it is sure to be an attacking lineup for the Dorrien Gardens outfit. Western Knights, coached by Ronnie Campbell, will be able to call on the likes of 2006 McInerney Ford Gold Medalist, Paul Cooke, Perth Glory star Tommi Tommich, Stuart Montgomery and David Annall.

It will be a crucial match for both sides with the winner gaining the opportunity to sit on top of the Premier League pile after only two rounds in the race for the 2007 Championship.

Preview by Ben Fitzpatrick


Stirling Lions v Armadale

Armadale host Stirling Lions in Round Two of the 2007 State Premier League on Saturday, April 21 at Alfred Skeet Oval.

Armadale, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, will have to fight hard to match it with the might of the Lions, who won the 2006 Soccer Pools Cup and finished runner-up in the Premier League last season.

The southern suburbs side enters the game coming off a 3-0 hiding from McInerney Ford Night Series winners Perth Soccer Club and will be keen to bounce back quickly. Coach Billy Russell knows that his hard working side must not fall into the same hole that it did early last season, which saw the club almost lose their spot in the Premier League. Anything other than a loss for Armadale would be viewed as a good result against one of the favourites to capture the league title this season.

Stirling Coach Mick Lyons will be keen for his side to continue their good start to the season after a 3-1 home victory over Wanneroo city last weekend. The Everton club legend will call on new recruit Daniel Micevski to provide the drive from midfield, as the speedy former Bayswater City player will look to assist the strikers wherever possible.

Preview by Jacob Kagi



SMARTER THAN SMOKING WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Match of the Week

Balcatta v Northern Redbacks

Balcatta Soccer Club meets Northern Redbacks in the opening round of the Smarter than Smoking Women’s Premier League on Sunday, 22 April at Graham Burkett Reserve (3.00pm).

Balcatta finished second in last seasons Premier League, finishing on equal points with eventual premiers Queens Park but lost the title on goal difference and they are once again expected to be strong challengers for the Premier League crown. The disappointment of last season is sure to add extra motivation to Balcatta in the already spiteful northern suburbs derby.

Northern Redbacks make the short journey to Balcatta also coming off a disappointing season. The Redbacks finished fifth in the six team league, finishing just three points from the bottom. Many are tipping the Redbacks to be the big improvers of the league in season 2007, paving the way for an enthralling match up on Sunday.

Other games this weekend in the Women’s Premier League, which has been expanded to ten teams this season, sees newcomers Beckenham Angels host last seasons champions Queens Park; Kingsley will make the long journey south to meet Mandurah City; Subiaco United are at home to UWA and last seasons third placed side East Fremantle play host to Noranda Soccer Club.

Preview by Jacob Kagi