Ballajura 1 – 1 Stirling Panthers

10-man Ballajura salvaged a crucial point at Yuluma Park on Sunday in a physical contest that could have gone either way. Ballajura started the livelier and had a few chances before Panthers took control with their short and sharp passing game. Stirling went in front though when a free kick from just outside the box was drilled into the Ballajura wall and deflected and caught the keeper Alex Best in a tough position but he managed to make a save but the ball was spilled out and tapped home from one of the oncoming strikers, with the Ballajura defence left flat footed. Stirling had a chance to make it 2-0 soon after when a one on one opportunity presented itself but was excellently saved by Best.

The second half began as it ended with Stirling in control and failing to put away chances. Tempers flared when a few hard and dirty tackles from Stirling were awarded with no more than a yellow cards but it didn’t stop Ballajura equalising 10 minutes from time. Damien Fouracre whipped in a ball that looped over to the back post and was picked up by the Stirling defender who preceded to clear the ball. Sal Marrapoddi chased the defender down and blocked his first and then his second clearance with the ball magically staying in. Marrapoddi picked up the ball, got to the byline and cut it back to George Davidson who placed the ball into the corner with no chance for the keeper to make a save.

Ballajura then were hanging by a thread when debutant Tommy, was sent off for a second yellow. Ballajura almost snatched victory though when a Marrapoddi strike from outside the box bounced and swerved fooling the Panthers keeper but it unfortunately hit the post. Ballajura possible should have had a penalty right at the death when Davidson was tripped recklessly by a Panthers defender when both players were nowhere near the ball but the referee waved away protests.

Ballajura Line-up: A.Best, A. Bagini, B. Divilly, Tommy, L. Perrotta, C. Bolton (Z. Shariff 75’), C. Rogers, D. Fouracre, S. Mammoliti S. Marrapoddi, G. Davidson

Unused Subs: Jake, A. Trutwein,

Goals:
G. Davidson ( 75')

Ballajura 1 – 5 Stirling Panthers Reserves

Ballajura Reserves were sent crashing back to earth with a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Stirling Panthers Reserve side. A makeshift defence couldn’t handle with the run and short, sharp passing of the Panthers and they went 1-0 up early on. A second goal signalled the flood gates but Paul Le managed to pull a goal back to lift the Ballajura side and propel them into action. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be and the Panthers compounded more misery with another three goals that gave Ballajura no chance of staging a late comeback.

Ballajura Line-up: K. Hutchinson, A. Dennis ( 55’C. Nowrojee), M. Hoy, J. Earley, M. Gordon, A. Vincent, A. Trutwein, B. Vincent, R. Shariff (C. Peverley 77’), B. Hasler, P. Le

Goals:
P. Le (35')