Report by Aisling Lawless

An emotional and hard-fought draw marked Adrian Madaschi’s NPL WA debut for Perth Soccer Club against Stirling Lions on Sunday.

The 1-1 clash at Dorrien Gardens was the inaugural Dylan Tombides tribute match, honouring the young player who passed away from testicular cancer last month.

An own goal in the 47th minute gave Perth the lead before David Micevski equalised through a penalty in the 56th minute.

It kept Perth from their third consecutive clean sheet but former Socceroos defender Madaschi always knew it was going to be a tough match.

“There were a couple of decisions that could have probably gone our way that were a bit dodgy, but hopefully over the course of the season  they (will) sway our way,” he said.

“We could have done things much better, like move the ball quicker, but these are things we need to work on.”

Stirling coach Gary Williams believed his team deserved the win and said every single player had a standout performance.

“It’s two games unbeaten and we are good defensively now which we haven’t been previously, so it’s time to gain some momentum,” he said.

A goalless first half saw both teams battle it out in midfield, their effort and determination a nod to Tombides’ memory.

Jack Salter’s pace threatened the Perth defence and in the 33rd minute his blocked header set him up for a free half-volley, drawing a quick reaction save from Alex Dunn, who continued his recent form.

The opening goal came two minutes after the restart when Stirling defender Andy Brown got the final touch on Ashley Rosindale’s shot from a Friday Zico cross, denying Rosindale another mark to his goal tally to become the league’s equal leading scorer.

Nine minutes later a foul by Madaschi on Howard Neighbour resulted in a penalty, which David Micevski coolly converted, slotting the ball into the top right-hand corner.

This set up a tense final half-hour and both teams increased their physicality in an attempt to snatch the win.

Stirling looked the more threatening, largely thanks to substitute Moses Kalau who created numerous opportunities from the left wing, but they failed to finish in the final third.

Perth coach Taki Nicolaidis thought Stirling had the edge over his team but said they will focus on ensuring a win next week.

“To be honest I don’t think we deserved the three points today,” he said.

“I thought the penalty was a bit harsh but we probably should have done better earlier to clear it.”

The next leg of the Dylan Tombides Trophy will take place on Saturday, August 9 at Macedonia Park and will determine the winner on aggregate scores.

Perth (OG 47’)
Stirling Lions (David MICEVSKI pen 56’)
Sunday May 18, 2014
Dorrien Gardens, West Perth
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: David Bruce
Assistant referees: Robert Hall, Daniel Carl
Crowd: Appx 1000

Perth: 1. Alex Dunn (gk), 2. Josh WILKINS, (13. Alex CASTIELLO 68’), 3. Luka NJEGICH, (20. James MAROCCHI 75’), 4. Craig SIMPSON (c), 5. Adrian MADASCHI, 6. Clark KELTIE, 8. Aden DA LUZ, 9. Friday ZICO, 10. Ashley ROSINDALE, 14. Mark PRITCHARD, 15. Mark DONINGER, (16. Nicholas AMBROGIO 62’)

Substitutes not used: 23. Francis SOALE (gk), 19. Andreas THEODOSIADES
Yellow cards: 5. Adrian MADASCHI 39’, 3. Luka NJEGICH 68’
Red cards: Nil

Stirling Lions: 1. Aleks VRTESKI, 2. Rikki SMITH, 3. Michael DE LIMA, (14. Clayton ARNEZ 78’),  4. Jovo PAVLOVIC, 5. Dean EVANS, 6. Hayden DOYLE, (7. Moses KALAU 71’), 8. Andy BROWN, 9. Daniel MICEVSKI, 10. David MICEVSKI, 13. Jack SALTER, 15. Howard NEIGHBOUR (11. Miki VUJACIC 79’)

Substitutes not used: 12. Tim HILL, 24. Conor CAMPBELL
Yellow Cards: 13. Jack SALTER 33’, 15. Howard NEIGHBOUR 45 + 1’, 10. David MICEVSKI 66’, Andy BROWN 90 + 3’
Red Cards: Nil