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Stirling Lions > Reports
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Stirling Lions Match Reports (By Don Evans)- Proudly brought to you by Del Basso Smallgoods
11.05.08 - Lions Impress in solid 2-0 win over Reigning Premiers Floreat Athena Stirling Lions 2 Floreat Athena 0 Another large crowd was treated to some quality football as the Stirling Lions roared to a 2-0 victory over reigning The Lions kicked off the game in a menacing mood and there were early signs of promise for the Stirling side with Alan Muir, Steve Porter and Jordan Rhodes stringing some delightful passes together. The 8th minute saw some goalmouth action as Rhodes launched a shot on goal only to be denied by Julian Madaschi's block and Alan Muir's effort from the ricochet went narrowly wide. A searching run down the left flank by Phil Arnold in the 12th minute led to Stirling's opening goal as his dangerous cross deflected in off the boot of Floreat defender Jovo Pavicic. Marc Anthony laid on a perfect through ball to Lions spear head Mark Redshaw with the willy striker having only keeper Vas Vujacic to beat but Vujacic won out saving bravely at his feet. After 25 minutes a rash challenge on Redshaw by Ante Kovacevic gave the Lions the chance to go further ahead as referee Hugh Best awarded a free kick just outside the box. While the Athena keeper Vujacic was setting his wall up, cunning midfielder Steve Stirling's disciplined defence stayed watertight as captain Darko Ilomanoski led his young defence of Michael Pugliese, Steve Heskith and Dean Evans in starving the Floreat strikers of any real chance to threaten the Lions goal. Redshaw had another golden opportunity to add to the score when Muir sent him clear on goal but his resulting shot went wide of the target in the 44th minute. Floreat had their only shot on goal soon after as Paul Vatistas effort went wide after good build up work by John Migas and Garrin Collins. The second half saw the Stirling side adopt a hold and frustrate game as they allowed the Floreat side more possession but without any serious threat on the goal of Lions custodian Phil Straker. Stirling were awarded a free kick in the 53rd minute with Marc Anthony's cross falling into the path of Redshaw but his shot misfired as he scuffed his shot at goal from point blank range and safely into keeper Vujacic's hands. Floreat's Raphael Insuralde only had to poke a toe at the ball when a searching cross from Branimir Mikulic went deep into the Stirling defence in the 55th minute, but he was unable to stretch far enough to make the necessary An unfortunate heavy landing after Steve Heskith launched himself to clear a Floreat attack saw the dynamic youngster stretchered off the park in the 68th minute with serious ligament damage to his right leg. Replacement Jordan Reid took over where Heskith had left off and kept the defence tightly knitted for the Lions. Floreat launched an all out attack to get consolation but the nearest they would come was an Ante Kovacevic header which grazed the cross bar late in the game. The Lions midfield welcomed the return of live wire Ludo Boi late in the game with the youngster showing he was nearing full fitness. It was a red letter day for the Stirling Lions winning all 3 grades on the day with the Reserves 2-1 winners and the 18's remaining on top and undefeated with a solid 2-0 win. The Lions return to Macedonia Park this Saturday with their defence of the Soccer Pools Cup title in Round 2 against ECU Joondalup kick off 3pm. Teams Lions – GK Straker, Pugliese, Ilomanoski, Hesketh (Reid 70), Rhodes (Boi 65), Arnold, Anthony, Muir, Evans, Redshaw (Brown 74) Porter - Subs not used: Bentley, Harman Athena – GK V. Vujacic, Madaschi, Insurralde (Apelgren 65), Bachiller (M. Vujacic 70), Collins, Migas, Mikulic, Palovic, Vatastis, Scott, Kovacevic - Subs not used: Dunn, Contera Referee – Hugh Best |
03.05.08 - Lions Blow two Goal Lead and Share Points with Cockburn in Dramatic Draw - by Don Evans Cockburn City 2 Stirling Lions 2 The Lions will be ruing missed opportunities in their drama filled 2-2 draw with Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday in the Football West Premier league 4th round contest. The amazing turnaround in a game dominated by the Lions left the Stirling coaching staff and player’s red faced as Cockburn stole a point with 2 late goals in the closing minutes. Perfect sunny playing conditions made it a pleasant day for the healthy crowd who watched the Lions roar out The Lions midfield muscle was in full control early as Steve Porter, Mark Anthony, Alan Muir and Jordan Rhodes pieced together a string of precise passes with Porter cutting the ball back to Cockburn were under siege and struggled to get their game going as the Arnold, Mark Redshaw partnership showed more goals were likely with Arnold through on goal courtesy of an Anthony through ball, but his effort blazed wide in the 21st minute. Referee Jeremy Oliphant sent City player Shane McNally from the field in the 31st minute for foul language reducing Cockburn to 10 men. Lions defender Dean Evans played in nippy Lion striker Redshaw who was fouled by Godfrey just outside the box in the 35th minute. Steve Porter's blistering effort rattled the cross bar as the Cockburn side breathed a sigh of relief with the woodwork coming to their aid. Another brilliant build up by the Lions saw Redshaw cross to strike partner Arnold whose blistering volley was brilliantly finger tipped over the bar by young City keeper Dejan Aleksic in the last minute of the first half. Stirling came out in a menacing mood as the second half kicked off with Arnold racing in on goal and his smashing drive from 20 metres again saved by the diving antics of Aleksic in the 50th minute. The Lions assault continued as Jordan Rhodes cross bobbled in the City box and Redshaw twisted and turned as he cracked his shot against the crossbar as City held on. The turning point in the game came as dynamic Lions striker Arnold suffered a leg injury and was replaced by Andy Brown in the 60th minute. Cockburn snapped into life and launched a series of counter attacks with a Johny Mirco free kick giving Lions keeper Phil Straker his first job for the day as he tipped the Mirco effort away to safety. Aaron Dos Santos defence splitting pass in the 78th minute sent Dom De Felice through on goal as he neatly tucked it into the corner of the net past the diving effort of Straker. The goal lifted the confidence of the City players as they sensed the Lions panic with 3 point there for the taking. Four minutes later it was Dos Santos again turning provider, this time to pacy winger Giovanni De Bartolo who finished precisely under the diving Straker. It End to end football ensued as both sides searched for the winner with the best chance falling to Lions midfielder Marc Anthony (right) in the 88th minute, who’s shot at goal from point blank range was brilliantly reflex saved by Cockburn keeper Aleksic. Two late goals in the Reserves fixture earned Cockburn City a 2-0 win over the Lions, while the Lions Under 18's remain undefeated after an impressive 4-1 victory. The Lions will return to Macedonia Park next Saturday where they meet old rivals Floreat Athena kick off 3pm. |
26.04.08 - Lions and Gulls share the points - Click here for Match highlights The Lions earned a hard fought 1-1 draw against the previously undefeated Sorrento in this afternoon round three Football West Premier division clash at Macedonia Park.
The game was an excellent spectacle for the big crowd and was a fitting exhibition of Premier league football that helped pay tribute to a gentleman and past player at our club in Derek "Cup Tie" McKay who passed away in the week. The Lions opened the scoring on 29 minutes when new striker Mark Redshaw fired home his fourth goal in two games to give the Lions the lead.
Other results: Reserves: Lions 2 ( Matty Italiano and Damien Houston last minute volley winner) Sorrento 1 18's: Lions 1 Sorrento 0 In other round three action Swan IC caused the upset of the season so far with a 4-0 win against Perth Sc at Francis Street today. It was scoreless at the break but second half goals from Damian Scali from the penalty spot, John Mansaray, David Perich and former Perth defender Aaron Cole gave Paul Lincoln’s side a great win and moving them to the top of the Premier League table. Floreat Athena gained their first victory of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Fremantle Spirit at the E&D Litis Stadium. On target for Michael Roki’s side was Raphael Insuralde, New Zealand import Brad Smith added a second with Garin Collins adding a third late. In other games Mandurah city continued their 100% home record with a 2-1 victory against E.C.U. Joondalup at the Hyundai Stadium. Jeff Bright and Phil O’Callaghan were on target for the home side with Jon Higgins for E.C.U. While at the Clipsal stadium Bobby Despotovski and Kevin Griffiths scored in Inglewood United’s 2-0 win against Western Knights. |
19.04.08 - Redshaw Lions Hat-trick Hero in 5-2 Demolition over Inglewood United by Don Evans Inglewood United 2 Stirling Lions 5 A stunning debut hat-trick by former Manchester United youth player Mark Redshaw helped the Stirling Lions Still without injuried Kevin Henderson, Ludovic Boi and Dannie Richman, an midfielder Marc Anthony still oversea the Lions went in search of their first points of the season The contest kicked off in perfect playing conditions as Inglewood raced out of the blocks and put the Lions under The Inglewood side won an early free kick when Kevin Griffiths was fouled outside the box in the 6th minute and Daniel Neiderberger stepped up to curl it over the wall and into the bottom corner giving United the lead. Inglewood had their tails up and their lead was doubled in the 15th minute when a clever flick by Alex Stamatiadis sent Neiderberger to race through and clinically slot home leaving Lions keeper Phil Straker no chance. The Lions star signing Mark Redshaw was busy early and showed he was likely to score, and that he did as he cleverly beat the United’s offside trap then outfoxed Inglewood keeper Oliver Taseski as he rounded him and slotted the Lions first into the empty net in the 20th minute. Stirling were now back in the hunt and an exhilarating exchange of passes between Brown, Leo Harman and Redshaw found the nippy striker through on goal and Redshaw calmly belted the ball under the advancing keeper for the equalizer in the 30th minute. The Lions surge continued as the Stirling defence led by Captain Darko Ilomanoski, Michael Pugliese, Dean Evans and Steve Hesketh tightened up and gave little room to the United strikers to threaten any real danger. Redshaw must have thought he'd have his hat-trick before the half was out as he raced on goal with only keeper to beat, but the ball bobbled on an uneven piece of turf and his shot was skewed off target. Phil Arnold got in on the action soon after but his goal bound shot deflected off the body of Shane Pryce and away to safety for United. A set piece from a Jordan Rhodes in-swinging corner would give the Lions the lead in the 43rd minute as Andy Browns header was saved off the crossbar by Taseski, but deflected off Jason Colli for a bizarre own goal to make it 3-2 to the Lions at half time. The second half opened up with the same enthusiasm by both sides as first Redshaw's shot whizzed past the post in the early minutes and then Neiderberger did the same at the opposite end minutes later. But it was the Lions who had found the path to goal as some excellent delivery work from big front man Brown and Rhodes sent Redshaw through on goal to blast in his hat-trick in the 56th minute. It was one way traffic now as the Lions superior fitness kicked in and signs of another goal were there when a curling free kick from Steve Hesketh sizzled narrowly past the post. The final Stirling goal came in the 70th minute when creative midfielder Alan Muir crossed to Brown who headed down to Rhodes for him to belt in the Lions 5th for the day. The Lions had a red letter day as the Reserves had an impressive hard fought 2-0 win with Rory Feely and Chris Rutherford being the scorers, while the Under 18's made it a clean sweep with a 3-1 win. Next week the Lions are at home where they meet top of the table Sorrento with a 3pm kick off at Macedonia Park. Match highlights Watch the highlights of the lions 5-2 victory at Inglewood United last week. Click on the link below |
13.04.08 - Lions beaten by Devlin’s strike - Stirling Lions 0 Western Knights 1 A goal by new recruit Barry Devlin on 73 minutes gave Western Knights all three points against the Lions in The midfielder fired home from the edge of the box after good approach work from Anthony Fearon and Paul Cooke. The Lions’ injury toll raised this week with Ludovic Boi and Dannie Richmond out with knee and ankle problems, add to this Michael Lyons was without Kevin Henderson, Marc Anthony and Jordan Rhodes for the season opener. It was an even opening to the game played in picture perfect conditions, and the visitors created the first real chance on 13 minutes. Josip Peran’s cross from the right was headed goal wards by Ivan Gavranich, Lions keeper Phil Straker was alert to push the ball over the bar. Then it was the turn of Rory Grant to try his luck after he was found by Fearon, the striker’s shot flew well wide. Michael Lyons’ side hit back on 20 minutes, Phil Arnold’s long throw fell to Dean Evans in the box, and his snap shot was only inches past the post. There were chances at both ends, first a mistake at the back by Darko Ilomanoski allowed Fearon in on goal, but The Knights went close on the half-hour, Gavanich was found on the left flank, he crossed to Fearon whose goal bound shot was deflected wide by Jordan Reid. As the half ended the Lions lifted, Arnold’s intelligent ball sent Evans clear on goal on 40 minutes; the youngster’s low shot was well saved by Kevin Miller. Then the Knights keeper came to his side’s rescue two minutes later, saving low to his left to deny Evans again. It was 0-0 at the break. The home side opened up the second half the better, and Evans was again thwarted by Miller at full stretch on 48 minutes, then Steven Hesketh’s long throw was flicked on by Andy Brown and Arnold fired wide. It was still anyone’s game and the Knights upped the tempo and they went close twice in as many minutes. First Paul Cooke crossed from the left on 62 minutes and found skipper Cormac Dawson on the edge of the box but he fired wide. Then second half substitute Michael de Souza crossed from the right and Fearon fired wide when well placed. Both sides were going for the victory and Brown’s header from a Muir corner was headed off the line by Keith Butler on 66 minutes and the Knights went straight down the other end and Jonathan Mathers was sent clear by de Souza but the defender blazed over. The winner for the Knights came on 73 minutes Fearon and Cooke combined well on the right. Cooke, the 2006 Football West Gold Medalist, found Devlin on the edge of the box and he fired low past Straker. The Lions pressed late and from Arnold’s cross on 81 minutes, Hesketh headed wide, and moments later Leo Harman’s long-range shot was saved low by Miller. But the Knights held on for a hard fought victory. Teams Stirling Lions – GK Straker, Pugliese, Ilomanovski, Hesketh, Arnold, Harman, Brown (Osei-Tutu 80), Muir, Evans, Italiano (Feely 80), Reid - Subs not used – Bentley, Filocamo, Houston Western Knights – GK Miller, Peran, Butler, Allen, Mathers, Devlin, Cooke, Gavranich (de Souza 55), Fearon, Grant, Dawson - Subs not used – Darling, Ferguson, Shackleton Referee -Stephen Gregory |
Lions dominate but share the Football West Shield shared after goalless draw The 2008 Football West Community Shield was shared after Premier league Champions Floreat Athena drew 0-0 with In front of a disappointing crowd the Lions opened brightly and went close in the opening minutes, Jordan Rhodes crossing from the left for Leo Harman who fired wide from eight-yards. The young Lions side continued to dominate; with 17-year-old Dannie Richman’s run and cross on 10 minutes finding Harman in the penalty area, the strikers shot was well saved by the alert Vas Vujacic. Floreat’s first chance fell to new signing David Foster, moments later but he fired wide when sent through by Jovo The game needed a spark and it almost arrived after a moment of magic from Boi (left) just before half time, the teenager picked up the ball in his own half and sped past three defenders, but after doing all the hard work he fired wide. The Lions opened the second half in the same manner, and it was Boi again who almost broke the deadlock, his 20-yard dipping shot just clearing the crossbar. Floreat improved as the half went on and Miki Vujacic fired high from long-range, and Adam Bachiller shot straight at Phil Straker when well placed. Back came the Lions and from Phil Arnold’s long throw on the hour Steven Hesketh flicked on at the near post to Harman who blazed over from four-yards. The Lions brought on Rory Feely, the son of former Chelsea player Peter, on 73 minutes for his senior debut for the club, and they went close to the opening goal minutes later. Boi won possession in midfield and sent Arnold clear, the striker lobbed the on-coming Vas Vujacic, but the ball sailed over. Then Harman sent an inch perfect ball over the top of the Floreat defence to Arnold (right) , the youngster rounded the keeper Feely then played Hesketh in on goal but Vas Vujacic was out bravely to save at his feet, and the keeper was again up to the test to deny Rhodes as time ticked down. In stoppage-time Vas Vujacic denied Arnold again, tipping his shot around the post, and from the resulting corner Boi goal bound shot was deflected wide, and at the final whistle it ended 0-0. Teams Floreat Athena – GK Vas Vujacic, Madaschi, Pavlovic, Migas (Contera 70), Mikulic (Insurralde 60), Vatistas, Miki Vujacic, Bachiller, Magdic, Apelgren, Foster (Collins 60) Subs not used – Dunn, Stirling Lions – GK Straker, Pugliese, Ilomanoski, Richman (Feely 73), Hesketh, Boi, Arnold, Harman, Muir, Evans, Rhodes Subs not used – Bentley, Reid, Italiano, Rutherford Referee – Ton Klaver Lyons happy with team’s performance The Lions totally dominated the majority of Wednesday’s Football West Community Shield but at the end of 90 The return of skipper Darko Ilomanoski and Michael Pugliese in the defence was another positive note for Lyons. “Obviously it was nice to have the pair back in the starting line-up. Last week we had to mix things about to cover their loss and Kevin Henderson’s, but tonight we looked solid and Dean Evans and Steven Hesketh gave us a real tight defensive unit which is very pleasing,” commented Lyons. |
22.03.08 - Night Series Semi-final - Lions 2 Floreat Athena 4 Young Lions Brave in Defeat Mick Lyons makeshift, injury depleted Stirling Lions bowed out of the McInerney Ford Night Series competition on Saturday night at Dorrien Gardens with the 4-2 score line not reflecting the closeness of the contest. Late withdrawals of Darko Ilomanoski, Michael Pugliese, Kevin Henderson and The Young Lions opened up in an attacking mood with Ludovic Boi showing he was in for a big night shooting wide of the target in the first couple of minutes. Form striker Phil Arnold outpaced the Floreat defence wide on the left and slid by two defenders earning his side the first corner of the game. Athena stepped up a notch and took some midfield control and they were ahead on eight minutes. Adam Bachiller and Garin Collins combining to tear the Lions defence apart with a diagonal ball neatly tucked away by Branimir Mikulic. In true cup semi final tradition both sides went at each other with the Lions threatening to score in the 15th minute from an Arnold long throw which was neatly flicked into the path of Jordan Rhodes whose shot went just wide of the post. With the Lions pressing for the equaliser it was against the run of play that Floreat got their second courtesy of a speculative long ball out of defence. It caught the Lions defence square and keeper Phil Straker in no mans land as he came off his line to halt Collins on the break, the striker neatly lobbed the advancing keeper and made it 2-0 on the 18th minute. The young Lions were under immense pressure as their more experienced counterparts went for the kill and almost made it three when a shot on goal was well block deflected off the boot of Dean Evans onto the bar and away to safety for the Lions.
Italiano sent Harman through only to see Ante Kovacovic come to Athena's rescue with a timely tackle. The Lions equaliser came moments later, when the three amigos Arnold, Boi and Italiano combined with some silky passing, and it was finished well by young Matt Italiano from inside the six-yard box giving the Lions faithful plenty to cheer about. It was end to end football, and Floreat should have regained the lead on the counter attack, with David Foster missing a golden chance that he skied over the bar from close-range. A rare judgement error from Lions keeper Straker saw Floreat go back into the lead when an in-swinging corner was completely missed by the keeper and the ball went into the net off the body of the unsighted defender Rick Filicamo. It was huge disappointment for the Lions youngsters having battled so manfully to get back into the game. Straker’s woes were almost compounded further when a pass directed to Filicamo was cleverly intercepted by the wily Collins with his cross found Rafael Insurralde who fired over when well placed. The final minute of the first half almost saw the Lions equalise again with Boi menacing the Floreat defence and The Lions came out looking the more confident and fitter side as they continued to probe for openings in the Floreat defence. Coaches Lyons and Simmons brought on Albert Osei Tutu (left) adding another striker and sacrificing the unlucky Italiano hoping to exert more forward pressure. The dangerous run of Boi tormented the Athena defence with his razor sharp cross to Arnold proving too difficult for him to strike cleanly with the goal at his mercy. At the other end Miki Vujacic, should have done better when he blazed over the bar from 12-yards. The arm wrestle for midfield control was on and neither side could gain ascendency while the Lions defence stood tall with Hesketh and Evans covering any Floreat efforts seemingly with ease. In the 75th minute a series of chances came the way of the Lions with second half substitute Dannie Richman having an immediate impact wide on the right. His cross fell into the path of Muir whose rasping shot grazed the top of the crossbar from 25-metres out. The Lions assault on the Floreat goal continued as Arnold beat his marker Kovacovic and with the goal beckoning tried to beat another and missed a golden chance to tie up the scores. The 85th minute saw the last chance for the Lions with the busy Boi passing to Osei Tutu who played in Richman, his goal bound shot was well saved by the diving Vujacic. The Lions had given it their all and the makeshift side that represented the Stirling club had much to be proud off playing against a far more experienced and seasoned side in Floreat. The final act came when referee Hugh Best, who had a fair game to this point awarded a free kick against Lions captain Hesketh for what seemed to be a fair aerial challenge on Insurralde and the resulting kick expertly taken by Miki Vujacic fell into the path of Mikulic to slam into the roof of the net from six-yards in the 90th minute. It was a classic finals encounter that many who were neutral felt could have been a Lions win with an ounce of luck. |
16.03.08 - Night Series Game 5 - Swan IC 0 Stirling lions 0 Hero Straker Takes Lions into Finals Stirling Lions have completed the 2008 McInerney Ford Night Series semi-final line-up after drawing 0-0 with Swan A point was enough for Michael Lyons side but they had keeper Phil Straker to thank for their passage through to the next stage, the Lions shot stopper saving a 56th minute penalty from Swans Dom Ando. The Swans opened up the brighter and Straker had to be alert to push a David Perich free kick around the post on four minutes. The Lions hit back with a free kick of their own two minutes later, Alan Muir's long-range strike flew inches wide, Boi was then sent clear by a superb pass over the top of the Swans back line by Marc Anthony, but the youngster fired wide from a good position. Both sides pressed in an end to end game, Damian Scali firing wide from long-range for the black and whites likewise Steven Hesketh for the Lions, but both sides went into the break even. It was again the Swans who opened up the better in the second half and Thomas Shepheard headed inches over from a Perich free kick in the first minute. Then a long throw from John Monterosso was flicked on by Michael Tronchin and second half substitute John Mansaray headed wide. The young Lions side should have hit the front on 52 minutes Phil Arnold was sent clear of the Swans defence by Anthony but his shot was saved low by Hugo. Swans had the best chance to take the lead when Alex Cocking was sent clear by Perich, and the young striker Cocking was in again on the hour, he was found by Shepheard and he cut inside Darko Ilomanoski but his shot crashed off the crossbar. The game was there to be won by both sides and there were chances at both ends. Hugo's long clearance fell to Dejan Djukanovic on 65 minutes but the substitute fired straight at Straker. Then Lions substitute Matt Italaino's good run ended in a low shot which was blocked by Hugo and Arnold's follow up header was caught by the Swans custodian. The Swans pressed and they had been dangerous at set pieces all-night and they almost broke the deadlock on 70 minutes, Perich again was the provider his free kick found Mansaray whose shot was cleared away by the alert Dean Evans. Then three minutes later the Lions faithful thought they had scored, when Boi's trickery on the right sent him clear and his pinpoint cross found Rhodes but somehow he fired wide from close-range. Late on the impressive Perich had a low shot saved by Straker and Dannie Richman shot was well saved by Hugo. But at the final whistle it's the Lions who progress into the semi-finals to join Floreat Athena and Sorrento from group A and Perth SC from group B Stirling’s Semi Final opponent will be last years League Champions Floreat Athena on Saturday night at Dorrien Gardens kick off 6pm with the later game at 8pm between Perth and Sorrento. Swan IC – GK Hugo, Cole, Baczynski, McNally, Ando, Tronchin (Djukanovic 64), Scali (Mansaray 45), Perich, Monterosso, Cocking, Shepheard Subs not Used – Agudelo, Andrews Stirling Lions – GK Straker, Reid, Ilomanoski, Hesketh, Boi, Arnold, Anthony, Harman, Muir (Italiano 45), Evans, Rhodes (Richman 77) Subs not used – Bentley, Rutherford, Osei-Tutu Referee – Ton Klaver |
08.03.08 - Night series Game 4 - Lions 5 Inglewood United 3 Lions Goal Spree Sinks Inglewood United An amazing fight back enabled the Stirling Lions to come back from 0-2 down after only 15 minutes to run out 5-3 Inglewood coach Lee Bamber’s side began well and dominated early and they were rewarded on 14 minutes, James Mitsopoulus picked up the ball wide on the left and from 25-yards fired a rocket in to the top corner of the net. It was 2-0 sixty seconds later, Bobby Despotovski sent Renato Rechichi clear down the right and his cross found Bobby Klenkoski on the edge of the box and he finished low past Mark Bentley. The Lions were shell shocked but went close on 20 minutes; good approach work from Leo Harman sent Jordan Rhodes clear but young debutant Inglewood keeper Italiano saved well. Inglewood almost made it three moments later, Klenkoski played in Mathew Worton down the right but his shot was tipped over by the alert Bentley.
Gaining in confidence the Lions lifted their game and levelled three minutes later, and it was Rhodes again who smashed the ball into the net from 10-yards after Muir’s corner fell to the midfielder. Then against the run of play Inglewood retook the lead on 35 minutes, the unmarked Despotovski was found on the left hand side of the box and the former Perth Glory striker kept his composure and lobbed the advancing Bentley. It was a great game and the Lions had the final chance in first half stoppage time when Leo Harman’s shot was cleared of the line by Mitsopoulus, but it was 3-2 to Inglewood at the break. The second half began like the first, Bentley saving low from Mitsopoulus and Italiano had to be alert to save Dean Evans’ 25-yard free kick at full stretch. Young Lions striker Ludovic Boi tried his luck from long-range, his shot dipping inches over the bar, but on 62 minutes the Lions were level again. Muir’s cross found Harman whose header towards goal was pushed into his own net by keeper Italiano.
It was almost six for the Lions late, which would have been cruel on Inglewood, when the impressive Muir’s cross found Harman, his shot cannoning back off the crossbar. The Lions last qualifying game is against tough opponents Swan IC on Sunday night 8pm kick off. Stirling needs to win to make it into the semi finals. Teams Inglewood United – GK L. Italiano, D. Kovacevic, Wardle, Mitsopoulus, Despotovski (Niederberger 45), Worton, Rechichi, Klenkoski (Ryder 76), Stamatiadis (M. Kovacevic 62), Picker, Duncan Subs not used – Taseski, Price Stirling Lions – GK Bentley, Henderson, Ilomanoski, Evans, Reid, Boi, Muir, Pugliese (Richman 77), Rhodes, Arnold (Osei-Tutu 10) (M. Italiano 74), Harman Subs not used – Sutton, Filocamo Referee – Paul Anderson |
02.03.08 - Night Series Game 3 - Lions 3 Western Knights 2 Arnold Lifts Lions to Victory A sensational individual effort by Lions striker Phil Arnold (right) was enough to help the Stirling Lions defeat the Western The win puts the Lions in equal second place with ECU Joondalup on the Group two ladder of the McInerney Ford Night Series competition. The Lions opened up in an attacking mood early and almost scored courtesy of a deflection from the foot of Ferguson forcing young replacement keeper Beau Geerlings into a finger tip save after a dangerous cross from Lions midfielder Alan Muir. The Knights wrested control with David and Daniel Micevski taking midfield control and sending young striker Anthony Skorich through on goal. Skorich fended off the strong challenges of Lions defenders Dean Evans and Darko Ilomanoski before powering his shot into the roof of the net giving Lions keeper Phil Straker no chance. Stirling steadily got back into the game with Dannie Richman attacking wide on the left flank and passing to Jordan Rhodes whose shot blazed just wide of the post in the 28th minute. The Lions attacked the Knights defence at will and were unlucky not to equalize in the 35th minute with two consecutive shots on goal being desperately cleared off the line by a wall of Knights defenders. Appeals for a hand ball by one of the Knights defenders were waived away by referee Matt Cheesman much to the frustration of the luckless Lions. The Knights were menacing on the counter attack particularly through Skorich who teased the Lions defenders with his silky skills. Stirling launched a desperate bid for the equalizer before half time but again was thwarted by the eight man defensive barrier set up by the belligerent Knights when shots on goal by Muir and Ludo Boi were cleared away to safety. Coaches Mick Lyons and Paul Simmons rasping half time pep talk had almost immediate effect with the Lions coming out in a menacing and attacking mood. Arnold, Muir and Boi were running riot in the middle of the park and Arnold looked likely to score in the 55th minute only to see the brave Knights keeper Geerlings save at his feet with the goal beckoning. Scores were tied in the 57th minute when an in-swinging corner by Phil Arnold fell perfectly for defender Kevin The Lions pressure paid of and they were in front two minutes later, when a great run down the right flank by Dean Evans saw his perfect cross fall invitingly to Michael Pugliese (left) who fired home on the turn. The second half opened up and the Knights were back in it when some sloppy Lions defence conceded a soft corner. The well taken corner by David Micevski fell invitingly at the feet of Skorich for him to poke into the net from close-range in the 61st minute. The Knights went forward searching for the winner and Daniel Micevski had space and time to put them back in the lead but ballooned his shot over the bar from 10 metres out. The timely winner came from man of the match Phil Arnold who never stopped running and with a jinxing run he tormented the Knights defence before neatly tucking his shot under the body of keeper Geering. Next week the Lions meet Bobby Despotovski’s Inglewood United on Saturday with a 6pm kick off. Teams Lions – GK Straker, Evans, Henderson, Ilomanovsk, Pugliese, Boi, Richman, Arnold, Harman, Rhodes, Muir Knights – GK Geerling, Mathers, Dawson, Peran, Ferguson, Daniel Micevski, Allen, David Micevski, De Souza, Fearon, Skorich Referre - Matthew Cheeseman |
24.02.08 - Night Series Game 2 - Lions 3 Perth SC 4 Lions Go Down Fighting in Thriller A brilliant fight back from the Stirling Lions wasn’t enough to topple the powerful Perth Soccer Club in a thrilling Perth went ahead inside two minutes Greg Sharland curling a free kick from the edge of the box into the net. The Lions pressed and Ludovic Boi fired inches wide and Dannie Richman’s goal bound shot was deflected wide. But against the run of play Perth doubled their lead; Todd Howarth’s shot come cross was deflected from the head into his own goal by the unfortunate Dean Evans.
Michael Lyons Stirling side were dominating and went close again on the half-hour, Anthony’s teasing free kick was headed goal wards by Perth’s Matt Danskin, the ball going inches wide of the target. But the Lions pressure paid off and they were level on 37 minutes, great work from Glory hopeful Anthony freed up Boi whose pass sent Richman clear and the teenager finished clinically past Madaschi. It got better for the Lions three minutes later when they hit the front. Gianfranco Circati fouled Arnold on the edge of the box and Anthony curled the free kick into the net to send the Lions 3-2 up at the break. The Lions were running rampant and only the half time whistle could stop their domination in a 25 minute purple patch of attacking football. Perth started the second half well forcing three consecutive corners but the Lions held out. On the hour Phil The Lions keeper came to his sides rescue again on 65 minutes, when he reacted superbly to save Oliviera’s deflected shot at his near post. But there was nothing Straker could do in the 74th minute, the Lions went to sleep from a Naglieri free kick on the half way line, his long ball sent Onoforo clear and he finished low past Straker. It was 4-3 to Perth sixty seconds later Sharland was brought down by Dean Evans and referee Best pointed to the spot, Oliviera sent Straker the wrong way to give Perth the lead. It was end to end and Glory triallist Steve Hesketh saw his free kick on the edge of the box crash off the woodwork as the Lions searched for an equaliser, and Straker pushed away Howarth’s shot at full stretch, but at the final whistle it ended 4-3 to Perth SC. This Sunday evening the Lions meet the Western Knights at Dorrien Gardens 6pm kick off. Teams Perth SC - GK Madaschi, Circati, Icanovski, Howarth, Jukic, Naglieri, Onoforo, Oliviera, Puca (Ross 51), Sharland, Danskin (Price 51) Subs not used – Saldaris, Socratous, Hett Stirling Lions – GK Straker, Puglese, Ilomanovski, Henderson, Richman (Muir 85), Hesketh, Boi (Jones 88), Arnold, Anthony, Evans, Rhodes (Harman 85) Subs not used – Bentley, Italiano Referee - Hugh Best |
15.02.08 - Night Series Game 1 - Stirling Lions 1 ECU Joondalup 0 Lions off to a winning start The Stirling Lions kicked off the Football West night series with a solid 1-0 win over northern neighbours ECU Joondalup at Dorrien Gardens on Friday night. A well placed header by Dannie Richman after some great lead up play by Phil Arnold was enough to gain maximum points for the Lions. Lions coach Mick Lyons put together an untried combination in the middle of the park with key players (Mark Anthony-suspended, Andy Brown –suspended and Steve Porter -in UK visiting family) all unavailable. Leo Harman, Jordan Rhodes, Michael Pugliese and Ludo Boi took up the challenge and served the Lions well. The early passages of play were fairly even with neither side able to penetrate, although ECU new signing Stuart Montgomery looked dangerous when in possession. The 15th minute saw the first threat of a goal when good lead up play from ECU's midfield found Montgomery who unleashed a rasping drive only to see Lions keeper Phil Straker (right) dive and deflect the ball around the post for a corner. The Stirling midfield took control with Ludo Boi and Jordan Rhodes combining well with young striker Phil Arnold. The three were in the action when a sequence of passes led to Dannie Richman being sent through to go one on one with ECU keeper Tom Tomich, with Richman's shot lacking power and Tomich safely gobbling it up. The Lions received a free kick just outside the box in the 30th minute and Glory trialist Steven Heskith stepped up and smashed his shot at goal with the crossbar keeping the score sheet clean for now. Montgomery had another opportunity when a good ball from Tom Amphlett found him free but his shot was skied way over the bar. The final piece of action for the half fell to ECU's John Higgins who found himself free in the box but his shot smashed off the crossbar and away safely for the Lions. The second half was a tough arm wrestle with neither side giving space for their opponent to play. The two dynamos for the Lions were Boi and Arnold who combined with some delightful passes and it was this combination that set up what proved to be the winning goal. Boi made a great run through the centre of the park and set Arnold free on the right flank. With 2 ECU players in pursuit he turned and crossed an inch perfect ball to the diminutive fellow striker Richman who made no mistake with his header neatly placing it low into the corner in the 55th minute. ECU came at the Lions with midfielders Stuart Young, Scott Bushby and Tom Amphlett lifting their work rate and providing another chance for the out of luck striker Montgomery. The Lions woodwork was again rattled with his Tempers flared in the 75th minute when a clumsy Phil Arnold challenge on John Higgins led to Higgins getting his marching orders for what appeared tobe a head butt to the side of Arnold's head. Calm was quickly restored and the Lions took control with the extra man advantage, slowing the pace of the game down with tired legs on both sides quite noticeable. The final chance of the match fell late to Lions sub Tom Jones (left) who found himself with only the keeper to beat after another excellent cross from Arnold, but Jones scuffed his shot and Tomich's job was made easy. Both teams will be better off for the hit out with the Lions set to meet glamour side Perth SC this Saturday night at Dorrien Gardens kick off 8pm and the preceding game at 6pm being ECU Joondalup v Inglewood United coached by Bobby Despotovski. |
premiers Floreat Athena at Macedonia Park on Saturday. The disciplined win was watched by Perth Glory coach David Mitchell and Manchester City representative Mark Allison who were keeping an eye on the local talent. 
Porter (left) took the kick early and curled the ball into the empty net giving the Lions a well deserved 2-0 lead. 
impact. Lions keeper Phil Straker (right) was called upon in the 58th minute as a great cross from Adam Bachiller fell to former Kiwi international Brad Scott with his goal bound shot brilliantly saved by Straker denying Floreat their best chance of the game. 
of the blocks with a powerfully wicked cross by Alan Muir across the goalmouth and deflecting off the boot of Cockburn defender Jason Godfrey (right) with the ball ricocheting into the top corner of the net for the spectacular opening goal in the 3rd minute. 
Lions striker Phil Arnold (left) who poked the ball into the net from point blank range after initially miscuing his shot, giving the Lions a two goal lead after 10 minutes. 
was an amazing comeback from 10 man Cockburn as the Lions seemed to choke with the boiler room pressure exerted by the City players. 
beat Inglewood United at the Clipsal stadium on Saturday. The come from behind win was a true test of character for the young Lions who were two goals down in the first 15 minutes, then un-mercilessly tore United apart with five unanswered goals.
immense early pressure. The Lions were saved by the post in the first sixty seconds as Jason Colli had a long range shot that bounced away to safety off the woodwork, giving the home side early hope. It was end to end action as the Lions did likewise when an Andy Brown header fell invitingly for Jordan Rhodes (left) to smash at goal from 15 metres only to see it rebound off the post in the 3rd minute.
Sunday’s Football West Premier Division clash at Macedonia Park.
Straker was out bravely to save at his feet. Then a superb cross field pass from Alan Muir (left) sent Arnold clear down the right. His pin point cross found the unmarked Andy Brown in the penalty area, but the big striker headed wide.
cup winners Stirling Lions tonight at the E&D Litis Stadium.
Povlovic. 
minutes it was 0-0 meaning both clubs share the shield for six months. Lions Coach Michael Lyons was pleased with the performance and thought it was a good all-round team performance from his young side. “It was a good game for us tonight; I thought the lads really played well, and we defended well tonight, and it was pleasing the lads kept their shape well tonight,” said Lyons.
star signing Mark Anthony left big holes in the Lions defence that needed to be filled and to their credit Steven Hesketh (left) and Dean Evans took on the central defensive roles with Rick Filicamo and Jordan Reid slotting into the flanks. Hesketh had the honour of captaining his team for the first time and played like a captain courageous leading by example. 
sending a perfect ball onto Harman who’s shot on the turn was brilliantly saved by Vujacic at full stretch. 
IC in Sunday's late game at Dorrien Gardens. 
Henderson to nod into the goal from close-range. 
shot from the edge of the box failing to hit the target in the 60th minute and frustrating the ECU faithful. All Rights Reserved.