B-Liga Sixth Round Summary - 'Black Wednesday'

Round six of the B-Liga will be remembered for two things - a classic match that will be forever etched into the minds of fans, and a scandal that threatens to destroy the reputation of a team and it's president. The scandal - now known in the media as 'Black Wednesday' has been extensively covered, so this summary will only focus on the footballing action on the field.

In the first match of the round, Hagan's Heroes took on NDFC that billed last year's champions against last year's runners-up. Both teams were coming off good wins, and both were looking to get a foothold on the upper reaches of the table. Hagan's Heroes went into the match without new signing Mick Albert, while NDFC were without the influential Alan Armstrong. The match took on an entertaining vibe, as both teams tried to play attacking football. The Heroes however, were struggling with injuries as both Mike Dawson and Eddie Dwyer played on with niggling knee injuries, and Peter Fasey played his first game after sustaining a back injury several weeks ago. Good play from both teams, including good peformances from Troy Hunter and Selwyn Taylor saw NDFC continue to threaten, but it was Hagan's Heroes who came out on top.

Final Score: NDFC 1 - 6 Hagan's Heroes

Pre-match odds showed that Pearl Coast were huge favourites to complete another mauling of Racing Guantanamo, with the first meeting between these two ending in an 11-4 drubbing. However, it was a grim and determined Guantanamo side who took the field in this one, still minus Tony Delaney. The Mighty Orange were able to welcome back Jack Reagan, and it was his pluckiness in the midfield that was to cause such headaches for the Pirates. Pearl Coast welcomed back captain Richard Brunger, but were missing key man Phil Sheridan, while Ken Goatley just passed a late fitness test to take to the field. In a match where chances opened up for both sides, this match saw some excellent performances from Guantanamo players Chris Hingston and Martin Kessler, who both created chances from deep, while the Pirates' Matt Sheridan and Emmanuel Navarette looked dangerous. The performance of the night however was given by Guantanamo goalkeeper Andy Chapman, whose display of acrobatics between the sticks saved Guantanamo on several occasions. The match ended in a win for the Pirates, but could so easily have finished the other way as Guantanamo failed to capitalise on a large spell of dominance in the second half. Historical Note: This match takes the record for being the lowest scoring match in B-Liga history.

Final Score: Pearl Coast Pirates 2 - 1 Racing Guantanamo AFC

B-Liga Table

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

NDFC vs. Broome City

Odds: NDFC win $2.00, Draw $2.50, Broome City win $1.80

Pearl Coast Pirates vs. Hagan's Heroes

Odds: Pearl Coast Pirates win $2.00, Draw $2.10, Hagan's Heroes win $2.80

NDFC have put together a great run of form recently, but a loss at the hands of Hagan's Heroes will surely hurt this young team, as does the injury to influential midfield man Alan Armstrong. I'm not sure if the youth of NDFC can match the experience of Broome City, who have drawn on the form of Sasho Jovanovski to propel them forward. Look for lots of goals in this one, but I have to say Broome City will get the win.

With Hagan's Heroes involved in the Black Wednesday scandal that has rocked the B-Liga, I would expect the men in green to exhibit a lack of focus due to the unknown legal fate of President Mike Doyle. Captain Chris Stainton has a big job on his hands to get the squad focussed for this crucial match, and his task won't be helped by the fact that his squad has taken a huge amount of injuries and will struggle to nurse them. The Pirates however, will welcome back arguably the best player in the league, with Phil Sheridan set to return. It is no secret the Pirates have struggled without him, and his comeback will be a welcome boost for the Coast. Pirates to win.

Until next week.

BLiga W-League 28 Oct

Well it was definitely the match of the evening at Father Mac field when the Racing G Girls took on the Broome City Chicks. The first half was full of determination and gutso by both sides indicating that the competition has stepped up a notch, with the game tied 2 a piece early in the first half. However an inform Danielle managed to score herself a couple just before the half time break to give Racing G's a 2 goal lead. Broome City Chicks came out blazing in the second half, with new recruit Mae running forward onto goal, however it was Nancy that netted the goal of the evening from an skillfully executed pass from Kaz to give the Chicks hope of closing the gap. Alissa from Racing G showed that her off season moose wrestling training has paid off with numerous runs down the wing to assist Danielle in achieving a beautiful hat trick. The strong defence from Claire and Lexie from the RG team kept the BC at bay with the end scores being RG 5 to BC 3. The game was not without controversy with a certain BC player nearly yellow carded for offensive language, and injury time awarded so the ref could have a rest.
Stay posted for next weeks write up from the action packed BLiga W-League!

Hagan's Accused of 'Tapping Up' Guantanamo Legend

The B-Liga has erupted in scandal, with Hagan's Heroes accused of tapping up a rival player.

Racing Guantanamo have penned a strongly worded letter to the Broome Soccer Association regarding a phone call allegedly made to Guantanamo legend Francois 'The Rock' Kruger by Heroes President Mike Doyle, asking him to join their team.

According to the complaint, Doyle made the call last night at around 9pm after talking to Guantanamo chairman Ryan Platten about the availability of Kruger for the rest of the season. Platten allegedly told Doyle that Kruger was currently injured, and the Mighty Orange would be aiming to play him in the last couple of games of the season.

Kruger allegedly informed Platten and Guantanamo Captain Andy Smyth of the call earlier today. According to Kruger, Doyle offered to buy out Kruger's registration fee for the remainder of the season. No offer was tabled to his contracted club.

Smyth stated today that he was 'disgusted' by the actions of Hagan's Heroes in tapping up his legendary goalkeeper.

If the complaint is accepted by the BSA, Hagan's Heroes could suffer a fate similar to that of Chelsea FC, who, earlier this year, were banned from signing any new players until 2011.

This scandal is sure to give some fire to the next clash between the two B-Liga heavyweights, who are dude to go head-to-head in two weeks time.

IDENTICAL TWINS OR CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCES?

It would be easy to list the similarities, but obviously the differences are tougher to deduce. Of course there is the bleeding obvious - one of them is a marketing phenom known worldwide for his exploits on and off the field. The other plays for LA Galaxy. But there are others - 

1. Becks has never lost to Racing Guantanamo.

2. Doyle has played football with Jimmy Asimacopoulos.

3. Becks hasn't spent 20 years in Victoria.

Guess the other 5 differences and go into the draw to win a labrador pup (black or white) ....

B-Liga Fifth Round Summary

Controversy, fantastic goals and a spectacular implosion of a side; what else could it be but the next round of Broome's premiere footballing league, the B-Liga.

Hagan's Heroes unveiled their latest signing before the match in the form of AFL player Mick Albert. Albert had been on the radar of the Greens for a long time, and finally signed on for this crunch match against Broome City. Some sections of the media had criticised the Heroes over their tactics and general lack of team play, and they were looking to make amends for their worst ever start to a B-Liga season. Broome City on the other hand, had just come off a resounding win against Racing Guantanamo, and were keen to add to their points tally to keep in touch with the league leaders. However, it was surprise packet Nathan Green who caused all sorts of trouble on the right and netting the first goal of the game. It was cancelled out by a scintillating strike from Sasho Jovanovski before Hagan's asserted themselves to take control of the game. Mick Albert looked the good at the back and prevented the Blues from threatening the goal.

Final Score: Broome City 1 - 3 Hagan's Heroes

Racing Guantanamo had every right to feel aggrieved after watching a close match against Broome City last week balloon out of control. The Mighty Orange went into the match without marquee man Tony Delaney and the speedy Jack Reagan, two losses which tested Guantanamo's strength in depth. NDFC were able to field a full-strength team and were looking forward to testing themselves against a Guantanamo team which was historically their bogey side. The match began well for Guantanamo, with several surging runs on goal by Johnny Falconer and Luke Turner, but the NDFC defence coped well, with Selwyn Taylor and Tank U-Ten looking very solid at the back. As the match wore on, Guantanamo's fitness levels were called into question as huge gaps appeared in the midfield. Constant pressure from an in-form Tom Offer as well as Jesse Anear added to the weary woes of the Guantanamo defence as a second half capitulation saw NDFC score three more goals to put the match beyond doubt.

Final Score: NDFC 7 - 3 Racing Guantanamo AFC

B-Liga Table

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

Racing Guantanamo AFC vs. Pearl Coast Pirates

Odds: Racing Guantanamo win $7.00, Draw $6.50, Pearl Coast Pirates win $1.10

Hagan's Heroes vs. NDFC

Odds: Hagan's Heroes win $2.20, Draw $2.00, NDFC win $2.30

Based on the form book, Racing Guantanamo may as well pack it in now and not even bother showing up for their game against the Pirates next week. However, stranger things have happened, and Guantanamo can look forward to welcoming back Jack Reagan to the fold. Reagan's speed and fitness have been missed, and he will plug a huge gap for them. However, the Pirates have shown themselves to be superior in all aspects this season, and I can't go past them for a very convincing win.

Hagan's Heroes are looking to banish the under-achievers tag once and for all, and NDFC could be the team to do it against. But NDFC are proving to be no pushovers, and their surprise win against Racing Guantanamo has set them up to possibly get a win over the Heroes. However, both teams look strong and I have to say that I can't really seperate them. I think this will be a draw, or possibly a very slight Hagan's victory.

Until next week.

Praise for Armstrong from Retiring Coach

Courtesy of footballwa.net and Brett Klucznik.

"While based in Bunbury in 1983, a 15-year old Alan Armstrong impressed me, he went on to represent the State and won many titles with Stirling Macedonia." - Frank Longstaff, former Canning City coach

1.10.2009

LONGSTAFF SIGNS OFF

One of the state's most knowledgeable and experienced coaches, Frank Longstaff, made a graceful exit from football by guiding Canning City for the final time last weekend. Longstaff coached at every level and enjoyed many successes during a remarkable 27-year career on the local stage, which has been brought to a close by work commitments. "The game on Saturday against Cockburn was my final one as coach of Canning," said Longstaff, who soon commences a fly in, fly out job in Karratha. "I've coached in West Australia since I arrived in 1982 and enjoyed every minute of it, the good times and the bad."

Ending his six-year tenure as coach of Canning was a tough decision for Longstaff, who has every faith in the club returning to the top flight. "Football is a passion for me so I will always be around the game when time permits," he said. "Leaving Canning is a big wrench, it has been a part of my life for six years but I'm certain the club will bounce back bigger and stronger for the experience. In Malcolm and Billy Watson they have two extremely passionate Canning men and the wheels are already in motion for the necessary changes to get the club back where they belong."

2009 didn't go anywhere near to plan for Longstaff. The season was only a couple of weeks old when the Canning coach was sent off for an on-field incident at Swan United which, after investigation by Football West, resulted it the respected coach being slapped with a two-year suspension. "I was devastated to receive the lengthy ban - which is still a mystery to me - but I had to take it on the chin," he said. "It had a massive impact on myself, the club and the players. I gave it my all, albeit under trying circumstances, but having no contact with the players on match days took away my strength of man management."

And although Canning bounced back to sit in the top five after eleven games, the teams' failure to win in the second half of the winter resulted in a dramatic slide into the relegation mire. "We started the season with a large squad but by halfway the season through injury and players returning to the UK left us threadbare. The players that remained gave there all for the cause but in the end just came up short," said Longstaff. "In hindsight, I would only sign overseas players who had come to Australia to play football, as when it came to the crunch we were extremely stretched for the last few weeks of the season."

Longstaff spent two years on the books of each Newcastle United and Burnley before "drifting around the non-League in my native North East mostly with limited success." He headed down under in the early 1980's and cut his coaching teeth through spells with Bunbury Dynamos, Bunbury City and Windsor Athletic. Two successful years at Ferndale United reaped the 1990 First Division championship, and preceded spells in charge of Kelmscott Roos, North Perth Croatia and the State Women's team. Longstaff captured another First Division title in 1997 with Southside United before an extended period as coach of the State junior teams and a year with Kwinana United. In 2004 he was appointed coach of Canning in 2004 and last year steered the club to the First Division championship.

There have been a myriad of highs in Longstaff's career, amongst them the trio of league titles and five years as a State junior team coach. "Winning the league with Ferndale, Southside and Canning are obvious highlights, as was taking the State Under-15 team to the semi-finals of the National titles in 2001," said Longstaff, who twelve months ago was recognised as the First Division Coach of the Year. "But what means most to me are the many, many people I can call true friends as a result of football. I'm extremely proud of staying in the game for the length of time I have and, hopefully, I've influenced a few football careers over the years."

A few players sprang instantly to mind when Longstaff was asked who are the players that have really stood out over the years. "While based in Bunbury in 1983, a 15-year old Alan Armstrong impressed me, he went on to represent the State and won many titles with Stirling Macedonia. Alan Hind was the strongest, toughest defender I have seen who could also play a bit," said Longstaff. "From my State days, Tony Naglieri and Jon Higgins are among the most skilful players I have worked with, both could play at A-League level, and Sean Kilkelly and Daryl Platten are both great players and very good leaders."

Longstaff then singled out three of this seasons' Canning squad for special praise. "Paul Oliver has everything, his fitness lets him down but there is no better or more skilful player in WA," said Longstaff, who pieced together his squad over a number of years. "Paul van Dongen proved his worth this season in the Premier League, he makes some fantastic runs from midfield and is still improving so I expect a lot from him over the next few years. And Devon Spence is as good a goalkeeping prospect as I have seen - either here or in the UK."

B-Liga Fouth Round Summary

The fourth round of the B-Liga was held after a two week lay-off, to allow any international players to join up with their national squads for the World Cup qualifiers. Despite not having anyone arrested on DUI charges, the media was hungry for any news from Broome's premier footballing league, and they descended in droves on Father McMahon field for two matches which would surely be as close as they were competitive.

In the match of the round, champions NDFC took on former champions Pearl Coast Pirates, with the Pirates looking to blow out their lead at the top to a whopping 8 points. They weren't without problems though, with talismanic midfielder Phil Sheridan away on international duties, and captain Richard Brunger forced to watch the match on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury in the last round. With a weakened Pirates' team, NDFC looked to go on the attack and show just why they were the champions. Alan Armstrong, who was praised by retiring coach Frank Longstaff last week, was the key to the NDFC midfield which held up resolutely, to limit the Pirates to just one goal in the first half. That was equalled by the champs to make it 1-1 at half time. However, the second half saw the Pirates pushing forward harder than they had before, and they were rewarded with two more goals to seal the match. The question must now be asked, how will the Pirates cope without key man Gareth Jones, who has inked a deal to return to Sydney in the next few weeks?

Final Score: NDFC 1 - 3 Pearl Coast Pirates

Racing Guantanamo had been riding a wave of euphoria after their third round destruction of Hagan's Heroes two weeks ago. They faced a stiff test of their new-found match winning ability in Broome City. City, who have had their fair share of critics in the media for their discipline issues, took the field without captain Tim Mildenhall who was away on international duties. Both teams started off well - with opportunities at both ends, but it was City who took the lead through an uncharacteristic mistake by Guantanamo captain Andy Smyth, who passed the ball to Jamie Lane who thundered the ball past Orange goalkeeper Andy Chapman. The score stayed at that for rest of the first half and much of the second, as the Mighty Orange tried to find a way through the stubborn Broome City defence. However, a second goal for the Blues was followed by 4 more in quick succession as Guantanamo finished the match with a whimper and City locked themselves into second spot on the ladder.

Final Score: Broome City 6 - 0 Racing Guantanamo

B-Liga Table

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

Hagan's Heroes vs. Broome City

Odds: Hagan's Heroes win $3.00, Draw $2.00, Broome City win $2.50

Racing Guantanamo AFC vs. NDFC

Odds: Racing Guantanamo win $2.30, Draw $2.10, NDFC $2.40

With Pearl Coast Pirates out of the equation this weekend, the results will be a lot harder to call. In match one of the round, a demoralised Hagan's Heroes host a rejuvenated Broome City. City, who were a little flattered by the scoreline against Racing Guantanamo, will be looking to consolidate their results, which have seen the Blues awarded the 'most inconsistent' tag, with one win, one draw and one loss so far. The Heroes on the other hand have seen their worst start to a B-Liga season ever, with the newly-made-green team winning only one game so far. I am going to have to sit on the fence on this one, as I can't see either team in excellent form, and I reckon they'll both cancel each other out. Draw - but exciting to watch.

With a deflated Racing Guantanamo looking to fire up again to recapture the form shown before the break, look for the Mighty Oranges to really try and stamp their authority on this game from the start. However, with NDFC welcoming back Alan Armstrong and JJ Murray, this could be a tall order for Guantanamo, who will be without marquee man Tony Delaney (thigh). I would expect another hard fought match here, and again it's too close to really call with any confidence. But I'm going to have to go ahead and say Racing Guantanamo will pip it by a slender margin. Guantanamo to win, but not convincingly.

Until next week.