Northies look to next generation March 20, 2015, 4 a.m.
NORTH Companions will field a young squad when they tackle Demon Knights in their first round FFA Cup match at Marius Street on Sunday.




Club president David Chmieluk said North Companions’ Premier League first grade side has lost “so many senior players” from last season that they will field a team averaging 20.5 in age.

“And if you take the three older players out of the squad – Scott Beaton, Dave “Rocket” Palmer and Ben Davis – out of the equation they have an average age of just 19.

“Take those out and it is a very young squad,” Chmieluk said.

“But we have a lot of good kids for our coaches Gavin (Thompson), Des (Saunders) and Wayne (Clarke) to work with.

“It is very exciting for us to just see how all these young kids gel.

‘We’ve been training for a couple of months in the heat and it will be a good test for them all against DK. They are all keen to have a run to after training so hard the last couple of months.”

The North Companions Football Club could have as many as 26 or 27 teams in this year’s various competitions.

A club registration day at their Marius Street ground threw up some new faces in the juniors teams as well.


See your ad here
Norths have teams from Under 6s right through to Under 16s.

The juniors don’t start their competition until May 2, Chmieluk said whereas the senior teams start their Premier League and Tamworth Football Association competitions on April 11.

“We might have six or seven senior teams,” he said.

“Two in the Premier League , three men’s teams in the Tamworth (T League) and one, possibly two, in the women’s competition.

“At this stage we have 22 to 25 women players. Too many for one team but not enough for two. We’ll be talking to the other Tamworth clubs about combining so we can give them all a good run.”

While North play DK first up at Marius Street from 3pm Sunday Tamworth will also host two other FFA cup games.

North Armidale and Gunnedah match up in their knockout Cup match at Johnson Field from 2pm while East Armidale and Oxley Vale Attunga play straight after at 4.30pm.

In Armidale South Armidale play Inverell Joeys at Doody Park from 2pm Sunday while TAS and Tamworth FC match up at 4.30pm.

NIF general manager Steve Griffith said there was no extra time in FFA Cup matches.

“They go straight to penalties if games are drawn,” Griffith said.

Hawks devastating in FFA Cup opener By ANDREW PARKINSON March 20, 2015, 6 a.m.


Hat-trick hero: Ahmed Khan on his way to three goals in Hawkesbury City's 7-0 FFA Cup win. Picture: Geoff Jones
FOOTBALL

An Ahmed Kahn hat-trick saw Hawkesbury City start their 2015 campaign in fine style, romping to a 7-0 win over West Ryde Rovers in the first FFA Cup preliminary round.

Hawkesbury’s victory over the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association club sets up an exciting clash with NPL 2 club St George in round two.

Hawkesbury started the brighter at Bensons Lane against West Ryde and did not take long to open the scoring.

Attacking midfielder Evan Daglis scored after 12 minutes before Khan notched his first to give Hawkesbury a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

The second half was all the hosts as Khan rounded out his hat-trick while James Mawein (2) and Ben Gough also got on the score sheet in their first competitive hit out of the new season.

The result was encouraging for Hawkesbury who were without a number of players from their first grade squad - unavailable due to work and family commitments.

Hawkesbury open their Football NSW State League 1 season against Western Mariners at David Bertenshaw Field on March 28.



On Sunday, Hawkesbury’s youth teams started their newly-formatted Regional League competition against Granville Rage with a mixed bag of results.

Josh Peterson, Chris Dale, Ben Inns and Ethan Muller all scored as the Hawks under 12s won 4-1.

The under 13s gave up two goals in the final five minutes to go down 4-3 having come from behind twice.

Reece Lowe, Izaac Shah and Christian Garcia scored for Hawkesbury.

Hawkesbury claimed a 3-2 win in the under 14s thanks to a Jai Rogers double and a goal from Brendan Plowman while the under 15s went down 3-1.

Mitch Kocanda gave Hawkesbury a 1-0 lead at the break but Gladesville fought back in the second half to take the three points.

Hawkesbury host Gladesville Ryde Magic in round two on Sunday.

Magic, Jaffas in cup reunion By CRAIG KERRY March 20, 2015, 8:40 p.m.

BROADMEADOW co-coach Robert Virgili expects players on both sides will be keen to prove a point when Magic take on Northern NSW National Premier League defending premiers Lambton Jaffas on Sunday in the FFA Cup.

Two of the region's heavyweights meet at Magic Park from 3pm in round four of the nationwide knockout as the NNSWF NPL clubs clash for the first time.

It will also be the first time Hakan Canli takes on his ex-Magic teammates and grand final-winning Jaffas strikers Kale Bradbery and Dino Fajkovic face their former club.

Canli was part of Magic's run of three consecutive grand final wins, as well as their dramatic fall to ninth place last season.

But when returning coaches Virgili and Bobby Naumov brought in Bradbery, Fajkovic and Jets Youth product Michael Finlayson to spark Magic's attack, Canli switched to the Jaffas in search of more game time.

Fajkovic left the Jaffas for the same reason, and Bradbery was keen to reunite with former coach Naumov.

The moves have added to a growing rivalry between the clubs, who met in the 2013 decider at the end of Lambton's first season in the top flight.

Virgili expected both teams to lift for the game given the recent history between them.

"For those two boys [Bradbery and Fajkovic], they obviously want to go out and perform, and the Jaffas boys will be equally keen to stop them," Virgili said. "Harks [Canli] will have a little bit of a point to prove as well.


See your ad here
"I think there will be a lot of purpose in the game, whether it's because it's the FFA Cup or because there's a little bit of rivalry there as well.

"At the end of the day, though, it should be a good hit-out because I think they will take it seriously and we will as well."

Jaffas coach David Tanchevski said there was no animosity between the club and its former strikers because "they both left in the right way", but he expected a tough match.

"They had their own reasons for leaving, and I understand them, but it's always a big game between Magic and us," Tanchevski said.

"There's a good rivalry there and we've beaten them at their ground the last two years, even though they obviously beat us in the finals.

"We've got a good record there and we're all keen to play them there."

Tanchevski said he had a full squad to choose from and star signing Michael Bridges was likely to feature off the bench.

Magic have lost midfielder Alex Kantarovski to a season-ending knee injury, while defenders Jon Griffiths (ankle) and Josh Piddington (hip flexor) are in doubt for Sunday's game.

Magic and South Cardiff represented NNSWF in the inaugural round-of-32 FFA Cup last year. Broadmeadow hosted a televised game on Foxtel last year.

Virgili expects all clubs to raise their ambitions this year in the knockout.

"The club got a lot of exposure from it, and I think a lot of the clubs want to be there after what happened last year," he said. "We definitely want to go as far as possible in the competition."

In other games, Weston play Adamstown (3.45pm) and Hamilton take on Edgeworth (5.45pm) at Darling Street Oval on Saturday. On Sunday, Mayfield United Seniors play Jesmond (11am) and Charlestown City meet Maitland (1pm) at Magic Park.

On Wednesday, Valentine meet Hunter Simba (6pm) and Thornton Redbacks play West Wallsend (8pm) at Baxter Field.

South Cardiff have the bye.

In NNSWF first division on Saturday, Belmont Swansea meet Toronto Awaba at Blacksmiths Oval at 4pm.

All other round-three games are on 2.30pm Sunday. West Wallsend play Lake Macquarie at Johnston Park, Wallsend take on Cooks Hill at The Gardens, Cessnock City meet Singleton at Turner Park, and Valentine clash with Thornton at Baxter Field.

TBC:
Waverley Old Boys v Sydney Olympic
Kenthurst & District v Ryde Saints United
Werrington v Manly United
Northbridge v Dapto Dandaloo Fury
Padstow United v Macarthur Rams
Rockdale City Suns v Rydalmere Lions
Como West Jannali v Coogee United
Balmain Tigers v Glenmore Park
Sydney CBD v Woonona

SPORT
Whitsunday take out Crusaders in FFA Cup tie

Chris Lees (23rd March 2015 8:13 AM)



Whitsunday FC spanked the Crusaders 5-0 in a one-sided contest. In the other match Magpies went goal-for-goal against a vastly improved Wanderers FC, winning by two goals.

Crusaders technical director Ken Mitchell said Whitsunday's style of play had disrupted his team's game.





"They were very quick and mobile," he said.

"They sat back a little bit, defended and then came forward. "Their speedy players were able to break through and score goals."

Mitchell said playing a knockout style of football, the team needed to learn to be a bit more conservative.

"We have to be more patient when we have the ball and keep possession a little bit better, especially when we get into the attacking third," he said.
Advertisement


For Crusaders, Mitchell said striker Alex Sizmur played a good game despite the result.

"He kept presenting and was pretty isolated for parts of the game," he said.

In the game of the weekend Michael Lyall showed his quality, yet again.

Amazingly, he scored six of his team's seven goals, even when under an injury cloud with a corked shin before the game.

"We were lucky that he played, he's been at the physio for the last two weeks... he took a painkiller and ran it off and put six in," Magpies coach Richard Carroll said.

Yesterday, a very happy Carroll said he was delighted with the result.

"We went out and celebrated, the boys really enjoyed it," he said.

"If you concede five goals you're not normally on the winning side but it was just the case of whatever you do we'll score one more."

Results

 Whitsunday FC defeated Crusaders FC, 5-0.

 Magpies FC defeated Wanderers FC, 7-5.

Jesmond beat Mayfield in the FFA Cup. Which means the curse of Garden Suburb Kingfishers being the poisoned chalice has been lifted!

Jesmond beat Mayfield in the FFA Cup. Which means the curse of Garden Suburb Kingfishers being the poisoned chalice has been lifted!

Giant killer Pythons set to strike again

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Source: Lee Oliver



Giant killers the Pine Hills Pythons will be shooting for another prized scalp as Australia’s premier knock-out football competition continues.
Having already toppled the city’s top club side, Pine Hills will hope to upstage another higher ranked opponent during a second trip east to Brisbane’s bayside district.
The Capital League 2 team has advanced to next month’s Round 4 FFA Cup match-up against Capital 1 side Bayside United in convincing fashion.
Following a comfortable 5-1 win over Capital League 4 outfit Greenbank, Pine Hills then turned giant killers by toppling reigning Brisbane Premier League champions Wolves.
A Lewis Dent goal proved the difference in a 1-0 win at Wynnum against a side ranked two divisions higher than the Bunya-based Pythons.
“No matter who we play we always go out with a game plan to try and win the game,” new Pine Hills coach Roger Hardwicke said.
“We were lucky enough that we got an early goal in the first 10 minutes, a well taken goal.
“Wolves, despite the fact that they have lost a few players, are still a quality side but our defensive work was superb.
“We defended really well and worked really hard and the one or two times that they managed to get behind us our goalkeeper (Christian Armansin) stepped up and did the business as well.”
Pine Hills President John Easley rated the victory against Wolves as one of the club’s best during his 31 years at the club.
However, the main focus for Hardwicke, who won three league titles with Kawana on the Sunshine Coast, is returning Pine Hills to the Capital League 1 competition following its relegation after an unsuccessful 2014 campaign.
He said his players had bought into his vision of Pine Hills playing “insightful, fast-flowing attacking football”.
“The players seem to have embraced the new style of coaching and philosophy, which came to fruition in that Cup match,” Hardwicke said.
“At the moment the players seem to be enjoying the challenge of a new coach.”
A total of 648 clubs, including the ten A-League sides, are competing in the FFA Cup knock-out competition, which was introduced last year.
Albany Creek Excelsior and Pine Rivers United remain alive in the FFA Cup, following wins over Jimboomba United and Samford Rangers last week.
Next Albany Creek plays at Mitchelton while Pine Rivers hosts Southside Eagles.

Knights rewarded for heeding message to take responsibility
David Lems
David Lems | 23rd Mar 2015 9:00 AM


RING OF SATISFACTION: Ipswich Knights players celebrate a goal during their 3-1 Brisbane Premier League victory over University of Queensland at Bundamba yesterday.


National Premier League: Western Pride Football Club general manager Pat Boyle chats about the club’s progress in the National Premier Leagues competition.
THERE was a touch of irony when the rain came immediately after the Ipswich Knights broke their Brisbane Premier League drought at Bundamba.

However, yesterday's hard-fought victory before the skies opened meant so much more.

Some desperate defence in the second half ensured the Ipswich Knights held out University of Queensland 3-1 for their first win from four games this season.

The victory capped a successful weekend for the club after the Reserves also produced their opening win (3-0) following a Knights' under-18 success (3-1).

The Knights are back in BPL business.

Head coach Stewart Drinkeld was thrilled to see his players rewarded for heeding the pre-game message.

"Take responsibility, be accountable and work hard,'' Drinkeld said.

"They put their hands up and showed they want to be part of it.

"The boys worked really hard.

"It was a good first-half performance. The second half was solid.''

In an improved team performance, Japanese import Taiga Ishikura was the standout, scoring the first and third goals in a classy display.

He was dangerous every time he received the ball in attack, feeding off great midfield work by Dale Robinson and Dan Liddy.

Lucas Wilson put the Knights 2-0 up, being in the right spot during a goal-mouth scramble.

Uni pegged one back early in the second half, lifting the pressure on the Knights.

However, the home side responded in the humid conditions, giving the team confidence for its next match away against Mitchelton on Saturday night.

"The conditions were trying for both teams being so hot. Some of the goals scored were very good today,'' Drinkeld said.

The Knights also have an FFA Cup fourth round qualifying game against Moggill at Bundamba on April 1.

Deary me that Seaford United team were dreadful. :lol: Completely gave up half way through the first half. :lol:

St Albans :oops:. Now there's a cupset.

So St Albans, a Ro32 finalist last year are out. Any other teams from last year already out? :-k

Edited by Heineken: 24/3/2015 01:56:17 AM

https://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n4/news/a/-/local/26682681/is-this-wagga-soccers-proudest-moment-video/

Prime news story about the Wagga City Wanderers first official goal and win, which came in the FFA Cup match with Loftus Yarrawarrah.

That's great, I watched the game and to be honest didn't think that much of Wagga, they might have been missing some players who didn't make the trip? I'm sure they will be much stronger at home next game and glad to see they made the trip to Sydney.

QLD: MA Olympic 7-1 Estates

North, South march on By BEN LONERGAN March 25, 2015, 6 a.m.
It was a mixed weekend for the five Armidale teams in the opening round of the FFA Cup.

North Armidale Redmen and South Armidale Scorpions advanced to the second round after impressive wins, while East Armidale, Demon Knights and The Armidale School were all knocked out.

The Redmen scraped home 3-2 against Gunnedah United at Johnson Field in Tamworth.

Declan Drewitt, Andrew Magann and Chris Kelly all hit the back of the net for North.

The Scorpions needed a last minute goal and a penalty shootout to topple Inverell’s Joeys FC at Doody Park.

Last season’s Northern Inland Premier League northern conference champions trailed heading in to the 90th minute.

New recruits Navid Aminian and Hayden Westcott both scored for South to help lock the scores at 3-all heading into extra time, where the two sides still couldn’t be separated and the match headed to penalties.

Jake Pemmant, Jacob Graham, Sterling Wylie and Saxon Hardingham all slotted home penalties to see the Scorpions win the shootout 4-3.

East Armidale took on Oxley Vale Attunga in Tamworth, but were no match for their southern rivals, going down 3-1.


See your ad here
Simon McLennan was the lone goal scorer for East.

Demon Knights also took to the pitch in Tamworth, taking on North Companions, but went down 2-1.

Kirk Burton picked up where he left off last season with a goal, but DK fell agonisingly short.

TAS were the only non NIPL side from the region to take part in the first round of the FFA Cup, but the students fell 2-nil to powerhouse club Tamworth FC at Doody Park.

Second round FFA matches will be played on Sunday with North Armidale taking on South Armidale in a blockbuster clash at Doody Park.

FFA Cup to visit Roxby Downs - 25-Mar-2015
Local soccer fanatics will get the chance of a lifetime this weekend when the Westfield Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup visits Roxby Downs during the Playstation4 National Premier League Regional Round.
Having already visited Mount Gambier and Whyalla over the past two weekends, the FFA Cup will make its third stop in Roxby Downs this weekend to give locals the chance to see and take photos with it.
“The Westfield FFA Cup was enthusiastically received by young children, players and spectators in Mt Gambier at the weekend’s regional event, and is expected to do so again this coming weekend in Whyalla,” Football Federation SA chief executive officer Michael Carter said last week.
“Offering the same opportunity to Roxby Downs residents is an excellent outcome.”
Mr Carter said parading the Westfield FFA Cup also illustrated the connection football clubs across the country.
“The Westfield FFA Cup connects the grassroots to the elite and offers country clubs with the opportunity to compete in a truly national cup competition,” he said.
With Adelaide United being the current holder of the FFA Cup, the visit is particularly special for South Australia residents.
The Westfield FFA Cup will be available to view during the Regional Round at the Roxby Downs small oval on Saturday, March 28, with times to be confirmed.

Any fixtures?

Wednesday 1st of April, Round 4 of the NSW qualifiers.