B-Liga Third Round Summary

The third round of the B-Liga kicked off under lights and intense media scrutiny last night, as the giants of Broome football clashed on the pristine grass of Father McMahon Field.

Billed as the "poor cousin" of the matches of this round, Racing Guantanamo vs. Hagan's Heroes turned into a classic win for the orange underdogs who totally outclassed and outwitted their much more illustrious opponents. B-Liga history buffs will know that prior to this, Guantanamo had never managed to take even so much as a point off the Heroes. A flamboyant attack of key passes and excellent runs, built on strong defensive and midfield foundations were the keys to Guantanamo's success, but it must also call into question the tactics of the Heroes' coaching staff who again persisted with one lone striker. This time however, it was Mike Doyle who was battling alone up front, and it wasn't until late in the game when he was supported by Brett Claudius and Karen Salkilld that he looked even remotely threatening. Guantanamo however, didn't let up, and it was of great joy to the Orange fans that Martin Kessler stood up to have his best performance of the season so far - stamping his authority on the game. Irishman Joe Tighe also worked hard in defence to keep Hagan's Heroes to just one goal, while young gun Luke Turner netted a hat-trick to put the score beyond doubt.

Final Score: Racing Guantanamo AFC 6 - 1 Hagan's Heroes

The match of the round saw title challengers Broome City and Pearl Coast Pirates collide in a match that was expected to have its share of fireworks. It didn't disappoint either, with plenty of crunching tackles and exuberant goal celebrations delighting the spectators on the sidelines. Phil Sheridan was again the star performer on the night, but the talking point has to be the return of Ken Goatley to the B-Liga. The former Racing Guantanamo man has come in at the request of Pirates' captain Richard Brunger, upsetting many Mighty Orange fans. Goatley took on a defensive role alongside South African Ronny Venter, and the two formed a solid partnership to keep City down to just two goals. Steve Shaw again impressed for the Blues, but the big news for City is the loss of legend Bill Shaw, who was stretchered off during the match. No reports as yet as to the type of injury, but Shaw did spend time in hospital, and the news out of the City camp is that he will be out for the season.

Final Score: Broome City 2 - 6 Pearl Coast Pirates

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

Racing Guantanamo AFC vs. Broome City

Odds: Racing Guantanamo win $2.45, Draw $1.90, Broome City $2.40

NDFC vs. Pearl Coast Pirates

Odds: NDFC $2.20, Draw $2.30, Pearl Coast Pirates $1.90

Well, there's a 2 week break followed by another big week of Broome football - the undoubted match of the round has to be champions NDFC taking on pretenders to the throne Pearl Coast Pirates. NDFC haven't impressed many with their recruiting so far, but they have impressed with their results. A narrow loss to Hagan's Heroes in Round 1 followed by a draw with highly fancied Broome City has left the critics speechless. This is an interesting one, with NDFC sure to try and get their title defence on track, but it is hard to go against Pearl Coast Pirates, who have really got a strong core of experience players. NDFC will be tougher than people expect, but I can't look past the Pirates, who I reckon can go through the season undefeated.

Last week, I predicted that Racing Guantanamo would be rolled over by Hagan's Heroes. Boy was I wrong. The Mighty Orange really kicked it up a gear, and if they can play against Broome City the way they did against Hagan's, this could be a second win on the trot for them. City's discipline issues have been heavily documented over the last few weeks, and they will need to keep their heads screwed on if they are to take on this highly confident Guantanamo side. My prediction is a hard fought draw, which will probably see more than its fair share of talking points come the end of the match.

See you in two weeks time.

B-Liga Second Round Summary

With the crowds in attendance, the second round of the B-Liga kicked off at Father McMahon Field last night, thrilling spectators with some cracking football.

The match of the round was undoubtably 2007 champions Pearl Coast Pirates, against a Hagan's Heroes outfit who have picked up the runners up medal two years in a row. With both teams firing on all cylinders so far, there was much speculation that the winner of this one could go all the way and pick up the league title. The Pirates went into the match as slight favourites, and showed their class throughout the first part of the game, passing the ball around well and using some clever touches and flick-ons to torment the Heroes' defence. The normally composed Heroes began to look frustrated, as their baffling tactic of only playing with one man up front backfired, with Andy Graffen usually battling away alone against three Pearl Coast players. Gareth Jones looked particularly good for the Pirates, scoring a hat-trick of excellent goals to further his team's cause, while Matt Carroll looked dangerous for the Heroes going forward.

Final Score: Pearl Coast Pirates 8 - 2 Hagan's Heroes

In the other game, Broome City fired up for their first match of the season, as they took on last year's champions NDFC. With the Sky Blues desperately trying to gel their new squad together, NDFC went on the attack, playing some great football to cause havoc in the City defence. However, the Blues hit back via Stephen Shaw, who netted a brace to close the scores. Some controversial penalties, and some typically firey personalities on the pitch made for an interesting close, with Musekiwa John impressing for City as they held on for the draw.

Final Score: NDFC 3 - 3 Broome City

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

Racing Guantanamo AFC vs. Hagan's Heroes

Odds: Racing Guantanamo win $8.00, Draw $2.50, Hagan's Heroes win $1.30

Pearl Coast Pirates vs. Broome City

Odds: Pearl Coast Pirates win $2.00, Draw $3.00, Broome City win $3.50

There are some mouthwatering matchups taking place next week at Father Mac, with Hagan's Heroes meeting Racing Guantanamo AFC, and Pearl Coast Pirates taking on Broome City.

Statistics will show that Racing Guantanamo have never beaten Hagan's Heroes. Will this fact influence the game on Wednesday night? I'd have to say yes. Despite the leaps and bounds Guantanamo have taken this season, recruiting a healthy balance of youth and experience, I just can't see them matching the free-flowing style of Hagan's Heroes. However, after seeing some very defensive football being played by the Heroes in the last round where they left Andy Graffen up front on his own, I think Guantanamo may have a chance if they can take him and Mike Doyle out of the equation. I think though that this is a definate win for the Heroes.

I think we should expect fireworks from the second match when the Pirates take on Broome City. Both teams have the potential to be very intense and fire up, and both captains will have to be on their toes to reign in any unwanted aggression. Pearl Coast have been playing really well so far, and not only do they knock the ball around well, but their support for each other is excellent. Players will move in behind each other and make runs to help out, and it shows in the results. Broome City however have the potential to negate this style of play...if they can keep their heads focussed on the game and not the referee. I can see this as a major flaw in this Broome City team, which has a lot of talent, but can't hold their tempers. This match will be entertaining, niggly and competitive, but Pearl Coast will come out on top.

Until next week.

B-Liga First Round Summary

The first round of the B-Liga took place under lights at Father McMahon Field on Wednesday night under enormous media and public scrutiny, after a record season break of nearly 4 months.

The Broome Soccer Association scheduled this blockbuster as the first match to draw the crowds back, with last season's champions facing off against last season's runners up. The match didn't disappoint either, with both sides looking competitive. Mike Doyle was productive in the Heroes' engine room, contributing 4 goals, including a scintillating diving header. Jesse Anear was on song for a new-look NDFC side, which was without talisman Jimmy Asimacopolous, who, rumours has it, has retired.

Final Score: Hagan's Heroes 6 - 3 NDFC

Old foes Pearl Coast Pirates and Racing Guantanamo faced off on the other pitch - this match historically had been filled with bad blood and intense rivalry. However, the new-look Pirates have been marshalled well by captain Richard Brunger, and they looked very good on the attack. The Pirates defence was also anchored by the exceptionally solid Ronny Venter, and Guantanamo were frustrated time and time again by the wily South African. Phil Sheridan also put on a footballing lesson, with the Northern Irishman creating havoc in the Guantanamo defence. Guantanamo were by no means out of the match however, and despite the lopsided final scoreline, the Mighty Orange were competitive, launching swift counter attacks via the ever-improving Jon Falconer and new signing Tony Delaney. Guantanamo's injury woes however, have been well-publicised, and it may be a few weeks before we see the best of them.

Final Score: Pearl Coast Pirates 11 - 4 Racing Guantanamo AFC

Next match preview

By The Anonymous Analyst

Broome City vs. NDFC

Odds: Broome City win $1.80, Draw $2.50, NDFC win $5.00

Hagan's Heroes vs. Pearl Coast Pirates

Odds: Hagan's Heroes win $1.50, Draw $1.60, Pearl Coast Pirates win $1.45

There should be a couple of great games on hand this week, with Broome City playing their first match of the season. NDFC were competitive last week, but I can't see them being a match for the tough, no nonsense Broome City squad. The other match however, should be a barnstormer.

I reckon Pearl Coast Pirates are odds-on favourites to re-take the title this season. The inaugural B-Liga champs had a barren year last season, but I think the squad they have assembled this year is second-to-none, and they will be tough to beat. Hagan's Heroes however, are no pushovers. They have some talented players in there, and they will give the Pirates a run for their money. Whatever the score, and whoever wins, I think this could have the potential to be the match of the season.

Until next week.

BROOME WOMEN RETAIN NORTH WEST W LEAGUE SHIELD

BSA' s women's team beat Newman 6-0 in Broome's inaugural Friday night floodlight football feista.

Some say it was the dodgy pre game music, perhaps it was the new shirts, the television cameras, the support of Jimmy Asimacopolouseseses sister, who knows but Broome's footballing fillies did the town and association proud to retain the North West W League Shield and continue their unbeaten run. 

A crushing first half performance from the home side set up the victory, however Newman should be commended for their fighting spirit, after being down 5-0 at half time and not having any shirt and tied coaches or technical directors chewing gum on the sideline to assist them.

A stunning two minute spell of scintillating soccer from BSA secretary and event organiser Monique Kelly just about put the icing on the cake, but BSA only had sausages. So it was snags and bread all round at the presentations - and a couple of cool mugs.

It's really quite pure and simple. Broome's women were super special on the night and they are already looking for their next challenge. So who's next? (stay tuned for more pics)

Women’s soccer to get kick started with representative game

Competitive soccer returns to Broome on September 4 when the Broome Soccer Association’s women’s team look to defend its title against Newman. The Broome women have been training hard in preparation for the inter-town game, the first to be played under lights at Father McMahon Sports Field.

The side played an inaugural representative game against Newman last year. Broome won that game 7-2 despite never having played together before or having their own league to practice in. One year on and the women’s game is beginning to gain momentum with the establishment of a stand alone women’s futsal (indoor soccer) competition and specialised training sessions for the Broome squad.

The team have been training hard at Male Oval and BSA secretary Monique Kelly said the team were really looking forward to another game against Newman. “Last year I think we surprised Newman with the way we played. There are a lot of good players up here and this year we again have a good mix of experience and youth, but we are expecting a tougher game against them this time, now they know what to expect from us.”

The popularity has ensured the game will now go outdoors with several women keen to coordinate a social kick at Father McMahon field on Wednesdays to coincide with the BSA’s senior competition, the B Liga.

Ms Kelly said growing the women’s game in Broome was an important part of developing the sport in the region. “We’re keen to create more opportunities for women to participate. Soccer is probably the fastest growing female sport and with the Perth Glory women’s team now up and running and Indigenous pathways for the younger girls. It’s the perfect time to give women in Broome the opportunity to try the sport, have fun and get fit.”

She said it was pleasing to see so many young girls participating in the junior small sided games program. “Hopefully some of these girls will come down and watch us play and we can give them something to aim for in years to come.”

Broome’s development has echoed all the way to Perth where a women’s team from the State Premier league is interested in travelling to Broome to play a game at the end of their season. The Newman game will kick off at 6.30pm all spectators welcome.

Newman v Broome Women' s Football

Well the time has come for the ladies to show the blokes how it is done when Newman travel up to Broome to compete for the North West W-League title. The game is scheduled for tomorrow night at the new fields behind the Broome Rec and Aquatic Centre. The Broome girls have been training hard, while the Newman ladies have just finished their fast and furious season.

Word has travelled far and wide for this much anticipated event and even made an impact on our southern dwelling football family http://www.footballwest.com.au/articles/news/broome-gives-womens-soccer-a-kickstart/

Word from the Broome team is that they are pumped! while Newman hope that the Friday night schedule will eliminate last years unfortunate slump in performance.

This is Friday night Football at its best - and an event not to missed. So head down to join in the festivities and support the ladies to promote this great game!