Ashfield produced the shock of the Cool Ridge Cup Quarter Finals, dumping Premier League side Stirling Lions after a 1-0 result at Ashfield Reserve.
Ashfield produced the shock of the Cool Ridge Cup Quarter Finals, dumping Premier League side Stirling Lions after a 1-0 result at Ashfield Reserve.
The decisive goal came after 23 minutes, Matt Wardle-s free kick picked out Nic Davies in the penalty area and the central defender-s header looped up and over Lions keeper Aleks Vrteski, to send the home supporters into raptures.
The Lions struggled to breakdown a resolute Ashfield defence, their best chance falling to speedy winger Moses Kalau on the hour, but Ashfield keeper John Perkins was out quick to deny him.
The home side could have added to their lead late, but Vrteski saved well from Ian Griffiths, and a Branimir Mikulic diving header drifted inches past the post. Davies was delighted with the performance.
“We had to battle hard today, like we knew before the game, they are not on top of the Premier League for nothing,” Davies said.
“We knew we had to keep it tight and we all played a part in a great win for the club. It-s great to be in the semi-final and it shows if we play like we did today we can beat anyone.”
Holders Sorrento, have lost their crown after a 2-0 defeat against fellow Premier League side Inglewood United at Percy Doyle Reserve.
Shane Pickering gave the visitors the lead on 15 minutes, tapping home after great work from former Perth Glory midfielder Andrija Jukic.
It was 2-0 before half time, Scottish midfielder Daniel Thomson scoring and it got worse for Sorrento after the break when Steve McDonald was sent off.
“I thought they were two great goals, I don-t think you-ll see two better,” Inglewood coach Graham Normanton said. “I-m really happy with the boys' discipline, the work rate and the effort, it was all brilliant and we carried it out to the end and got the result.”
There were no fairy tales at Gumblossom Park, when Bayswater thrashed Second Division side Quinns 7-0. Steve Burton scored a hat-trick, Brian Farrell a double, while Todd Howarth and Ross Cosgrove added the others in a comprehensive performance.
In the final game Swan United edged out Mandurah City 2-1 in the all First Division clash at the Swan Italian Club. Luke Colli gave the home side the lead, before Craig Tone levelled midway through the second half. The winner came on 71 minutes, defender Spiro Nenadic firing home from close range.