Upset at Lambert Park

Ventured to watch some New South Wales Premier Leagues (NPLNSW) at Lambert Park between hosts APIA Leichardt and Blacktown City on a rather cool July Saturday evening in Sydney. Thankfully the weather was fine and no threat of rain or anything unpleasant besides the chilly winds blowing in from the coast send the thermometer southwards as the match progressed. However, not too drastic where anyone would be in clear visible discomfort. Though the comforts of home and warmth would have been nice!

Now I have not seen an NPL game or A-League game played on synthetic before, or I simply cannot recall, so I was interested to see how the surface would play out for the game and if the players would play any differently, or there would be no differences and they would play as per normal. Now I am sure that I would be blasted for not being better adjusted to the foibles of Sydney's public transportation system, the fact that everything takes more time than it should. I honestly should be better than that, though I am a mere mortal after all. So, taking the light rail from Central to Marion was quite the windy trail and time was just being eaten up. Getting to the ground I was unfamiliar with the entrance and where to go. Though once I had figured it out it was straight forward and found my way to the canteen.

Now I was a little disappointed about what was on offer at the canteen, but I was happy to have something as I was feeling rather peckish. The food on offer was your standard Australian football codes hot food. Hot chips, sausage rolls, sausage sizzles and pies. The 'additions' were salads, steak rolls and a ham and egg roll. There was a coffee machine at hand and the guys behind the counter were making the drinks like they've been doing it with their eyes closed with orders coming left right and centre. They were pumping out the orders and was very impressive to witness. 

So, I ordered a sausage roll and a can of coke. I was thinking of a beer, but I wasn't able to see them on the menu list. I probably wasn't looking hard enough or aware of where they were being such a newbie to the venue and the situation here at Lambert Park. I'm sure they were available; I just didn't see them. I sat down on the opposite wing of the members stand that looks more akin to a boarded-up fortress, the Joe Marston stand after a pioneering Australian footballer in which a medal is named after him or the best performing player in the old National Soccer League and A-League final. There was no way to be able to go to that stand as they follow a strict member only rule and they enforce that with extreme prejudice. The sausage roll with tomato sauce was nice, though I might have added a bit more. The can of coke went down nice and was all reasonably priced. The roll was 5 dollars and the can was 3. 

APIA had dominated the first half with opening the scoring in the 23rd minute and looked like they were going to further their lead by putting Blacktown under all sorts of trouble and were being pushed back and were struggling to clear their lines and mount some form of counter or strings of threatening passes to try and build pressure upon the hosts. It did not look likely that the visitors were going to score, let alone spend some degree of time in their attacking half. I was honestly thinking that the second half might be more of the same and APIA would be scoring more and more.

However, something must have happened in the change rooms of Blacktown as their manager must have fired a rocket up their bottoms to lift them from a rather lacklustre half and demanded to lift for their one rather vocal fan it seemed. Yes, there were other Blacktown fans around, though not as vocal and rambunctious as that guy was in his home kit, hat, scarf and flag. The visitors came out charging and were instantly throwing hay-makers catching the hosts by surprise and were stunned that they were at the receiving end of this aggressive challenge.

While the tempo throughout the game was of a high level, Blacktown seemed to be struggling but found their feet in the second half and were able to match APIA and give it back to them mounting serious threats catching them off guard. You could see it all over their faces that they were not prepared for this unrelenting attacking from Blacktown and it culminated with the scores being levelled and really sent a message to the rather vocal home fans. This was not going to be a walk in the park for them and at the 58th minute mark would be the definitive turning point for the game.

The visitors were just pressing down both wings and trying to find weaknesses in the defensive armour of APIA. The men in claret were staying strong however, not allowing the men in black to over-run them and showing them why they are top of the table in the NPLNSW. The defensive lines of APIA were to be breached ten minutes later and they were now trailing for the first time. They were just not finding the answers to these attacking waves and when they did try and venture forward, the didn't have that bite to put one away.

The last ten minutes of the match, as well as the additional 4 minutes of stoppage time saw APIA spring to life and were able to turn the tide and tempo against them, though it would not bare any fruit and the match ended in a win to Blacktown City 2-1 against the table toppers.

This was an interesting match to see in my first NPLNSW in 11 years and my first at APIA's home ground. These grounds in Sydney are tighter-knit with limited spaces compared to the grounds of Perth. Was great to watch some entertaining football on a cool Sydney winter's evening.

Stirling Roar, But No Bite Against Balcatta

Ventured to Grindleford Park to watch some Western Australian National Premier Leagues (yeah, it is a bit of a mouthful) between two teams that are merely one kilometre apart from each other. Now I do not know many teams in world football that have such short distances between grounds. The only teams I can think of is Dundee and Dundee United in Scottish football. Now, with two teams that are in such close proximity to each other you would think that there would be a heated rivalry. However, given the nature of football in Western Australia historically, these teams play hard and fair with 100% but there is no heated animosity towards each other. Just like with all clubs in the NPL-WA, support is passionate and proud, yet no bad blood is demonstrated towards each other, unlike other clubs in other NPLs over east.

It was a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in Balcatta with plenty of support from both sides keen to watch their sides grab the three points to keep their campaigns ticking along. Stirling needing the win to propel them towards the top of the table, whereas Balcatta were needing the win to keep themselves away from the drop zone and to stay in the hunt for the play-offs. So there was plenty on the line for both sides and would be hopefully a hotly contested battle.

What I found funny before heading into the gates for the match was an exchange between a couple. Now I do not mention these kind of exchanges as I am simply there for the football/sport and the food and drinks that are on offer at wherever I am. But I simply have to share it as I thought it was so amusing and out of touch, also some ridiculous statements that I found was amusing also. So this couple were commenting about the nature of Stirling Macedonia and Balcatta Etna. Wogs etc and all the stereotypes that Australian media have done over and over again over the decades; nothing new there. However, what was amusing to me was that the shock or surprise of this. What were you going to expect with Etna and Macedonia in the names of the clubs? I mean NPL-WA clubs are well and truly open to anyone playing or being part of their clubs. The core fanbase and officials would more than likely be Macedonian and or Italian. So I had a laugh there.

The second thing I found amusing was the shock that "you have to pay to watch local soccer these days?". Yes, you have to pay for entry as this is the old 'State League', now NPL. So this means you have to pay to get in much like anyone who wants to watch WAFL for the state equivalent for Aussie rules football. These teams have to keep the lights on and anything towards that makes a huge contribution towards them continuing to provide pathways for players in the Balcatta and Stirling neighbourhoods to take their football as far as they can. Ok, now that this is off my chest and out of the way I can now talk about the game and the food that I had.

Stirling were in control of the match for overwhelming portions of both halves. They would place Etna under immense pressure when they would venture forward and press down both wings and crossing their attacks from both corners. Only just failing to cross the final hurdle and breach the host's last line of defence. There were some golden chances for Stirling to hit the lead and open their account, only for the Balcatta defensive lines to hold firm and keep them scoreless. At half time it was 0-0.

The second half was virtually the same as the first with Balcatta looking threatening from the counter after a strong Stirling offensive challenge. Thankfully the visitors were not over-exposed from such a strategy and were able to get their defences in check to keep them at bay. Though Balcatta did look ominous and threatening with set pieces from close free kicks and from corners. However, even with Stirling late into the second half almost finding the breakthrough, it was not to be and the match finished scoreless at 0-0.

Now there have been some comments floating around the social media pages and comments about the quality of the hot chips at Balcatta Etna. I have to say that I certainly do agree with the comments and that the hot chips were delicious and hit the spot on a bright, sunny, windy Balcatta winter's afternoon. The chips were nice and hot, well salted and a very good portion in the cup. Went down nicely with a Peroni and after a hectic and long week at work, the beer and the delicious chips were on the money so to speak. The beer was 8 dollars and the chips were 5. Because I simply wanted to watch the football I confess that there were other items on offer like chips with gravy and also with a bit of cheese sprinkled and burgers, but the chips for me were more than enough with the delicious beer.

Well another trip to Grindleford Park done and dusted and always a pleasure to be at Balcatta, the first time since they have switched back to calling themselves as Etna which is good for local history and to be proud of their heritage. With work, university and family commitments aside, I will have to try to make my way back to another game soon.

Kingsley Outmuscle Gosnells Under Lights

Decided to do something a little different this time round and watch some Australian rules football as the fixture I wanted to see has been postponed due to the women's world cup next month. The weather has been terrible with heavy rains, strong winds and very cold conditions making venturing outside to watch sport, any sport rather challenging. Call me soft, but when the heavy rains are pouring down heavily and pools of water are forming around the gardens, the driveway and the road itself, it makes it difficult to drag yourself out of the house, into the car and to a venue. So therefore, venturing north five minutes up the road to watch Kingsley Aussie rules amateur football club was the logical move.

Kingsley hosted Gosnells in the Perth Football League, the former Western Australian Amateur Football League division C2 at Kingsley Oval in what I previously described as very wet, windy, cold and therefore, testing conditions for both teams. Kingsley were searching for a much needed win to put them in any possible contention for finals football. Whereas the visitors were searching for another win to keep up with the pack of teams in the top four to ensure that they would feature for finals football come the pointy end of the season come September. Tonight's fixture would prove to be quite the challenge for both and provide a close tussle that entertained both home and away fans alike to the final siren.

Now admittedly I have been out of touch of sorts when it comes to analysing Australian rules football as the game has evolved so much over the last few decades. However, I will try my very best as an amateur 'journalist' and I say that in the most loosest of definitions as clearly I am not one! However, I will endeavour my very best to best describe what I witnessed in miserable conditions. 

It was always a close affair throughout the match with Kingsley holding the lead after the first break being 3 points down after a low scoring affair with the score at quarter time being Kingsley 2.3-15 points and Gosnells 3.0-18 points. Kingsley then slightly broke away but the Hawks were still in touch with the Cats at the half time break being Kingsley's 5.5-35 to the visitor's 5.1-31.

The conditions were difficult for both sides and full credit to the hosts who despite maintaining the lead heading into the third and final break managed to keep Gosnells at bay, yet credit to the visitors who were not allowing the home side from taking full advantage of the slick and boggy conditions and potentially posting a bigger score. The score at the final change was Kingsley 9.8-62 to Gosnells 8.5-53.

The final quarter was an arm wrestle in difficult conditions with both sides squandering opportunities with handling, kicking and passing errors. Occasionally these were due to the dreadful weather, being placed under pressure from the opposition but there were also numerous unforced errors that would ease the pressure off the opposition at the most coincidentally convenient times. Just the nature of amateur football and it certainly was a good contest to watch as Kingsley Cats ran out winners by 15 points with the final score being 12.9-81 to Gosnells Hawks 10.6-66.

Now time for the food and drink. I bought a pie and a can of Jacks and coke. The pie was just a simple Mrs Macs meat pie for 5 dollars and the Jack and coke was 8 dollars. So all in all was satisfactory price wise and was simple food that hit the spot on such cold, wet, windy conditions. Then I had a little snack during the second half of the match with salt and vinegar chips and a can of coke for 5 dollars. The chips were 2 dollars and the coke for 3. Pricing not an issue and hit the spot to just keep me ticking over during the match.

A highly unique experience as I haven't watched a Perth Football League match in many, many years, it was nice to see something different with quite a decent crowd watching. Id say there was about 500-600 people there with vocal support for the visitors too.

No Glory on Final Matchday

Today was the conclusion of the 2022-23 Isuzu Ute A-League (What a mouthful!) for Perth Glory and also Western United as both teams failed to mount any serious threat for finals football. While Perth have been dreadful over the past few seasons since the departure of Tony Popovic, the continuation of Tony Sage's antics and simply the continual dreadful performances, it was somewhat of a surprise that Perth even were in this position. As for Western United, the defending champions were struggling and have been highly controversial on and off the field since their creation. Which in itself is highly controversial as they still do not have a home and the name just really rubs me up the wrong way with such a bland, generic and soulless name that does not essentially represent West Melbourne. However, I am not here to talk about Western United and to poke holes at their existence and even Perth Glory's woes on and off the field since 2020. I am here to talk about the here and now, so let us do just that my dear readers.

While Perth's slim finals chances had all but been extinguished with their last few matches being poor and not collecting the full points, with the exception of the Adelaide match where they should have held onto the three points especially due to their hard work in the second half; it would have been nice to have the home side sign off the season on a positive note and chalk up a positive result for the supporters, what is left of them.

However, this was not to be the case and Perth Glory were not able to find their feet and to mount any serious threat to the green and black men of the...west of... Melbourne, who were simply in control for the match and would not let Perth pose a serious threat, besides the odd foray into their goals but only to be comfortably dealt with by their solid defence. They opened the scoring in the 25th minute and really took the wind out of Perth's flagging sails. It was going to be a struggle from that point.

Though Perth managed to snatch one goal just prior to half time and breathed some life back into the contest and put some fire into the home side's chests. It was there and brewing that something could resonate with that moment. Though this would not be the case and the visitors had other plans to send their Italian stalwart Alessandro Diamanti into retirement on a high note with a win. Western United score their second, the match winner in the 53rd minute and the match ended, finally drawing the curtains on a rather below average Perth season, 1-2 to Western United.

Any sane or normal person would have learned from his mistakes and not repeat them. However, as this is a blog about food and beverages at football matches mainly, I have to perform my civic duty and buy something to eat and drink and report back to you all about it. I have said it once, and I will just simply have to say it yet again and again; the food quality at HBF park is dreadful. It is bland, tasteless, overpriced and poor proportionally. The meat lovers pizza, was bland and tasted like something that you would buy from Coles or Woolworths. Now that is not a problem if you were buying one of those pizzas from the supermarket. The problem is that you pay 14 dollars for something that is firstly overpriced, secondly is disappointing portion wise and thirdly tasteless. My taxes go into this VenuesWest outfit and this is what is dished out. Dreadful. 

To finish the season and to wash down the terrible pizza, a Captain Morgan mid-strength rum was required and was 12.50. If only it was full-strength and that would be a win. I didn't decide to go for a bottle of cool drink this time as I was over it all by this stage and that would have been 6 dollars anyway. That wraps up another season at Perth Glory and like a bad marriage for almost 30 years, it has been one event after the other and just blend and blurs. Though it is always a pleasure to spend time with good friends and talk over many things. Of course I will be returning for season 2023-24. I am a sucker for punishment.

Adelaide get into a Glorious Goal Fest

Perth Glory hosted Adelaide United in a rather rare HBF Park appearance for this A-League season due to the FIFA Womens World Cup being held later this year. This was caused due to renovations done to the stadium in preparations for the event. However, I struggled to see anything that had changed at HBF Park as I was curious to see where the 25 million dollars went from the Western Australian Labor government which caused such a mess about with Perth Glory and having to play virtually all their home games at Macedonia Park. A shame that I was unable to attend any of these matches due to work, family and even 'sell outs' preventing me from enjoying the games at a very cosy and loved venue. However, I have digressed and will get back on topic here ha-ha.

This is the second last home game of the season for Perth Glory and I am thankful that I have been able to see some football at least for this season as we all know the last few years have been nothing but a complete unnecessary muck around with all things sport and outside of that. With that said, it was a lovely warm Perth Autumn's afternoon with the sun bathing the eastern grandstand and the pitch. An ideal setting for some football and the drama that would unfold.

Perth were not off to a great start, with Adelaide looking threatening each time they had the ball and ventured forward into their attacking half. However, football is essentially a simple game and you just need to score goals. Perth stitched together about 5 minutes of good football and it all connected. They took the lead and it was a rather hard fought goal that indicated to the fans that despite the disruptions of the season and the weak squad and coaching abilities lacking, there was some fight in Perth and perhaps through determination, the 3 points could be locked in for the home side against third placed Adelaide.

However, this is Perth Glory we are talking about and I have been around watching this team for 25 years to know that even with a lead, they are moments away from spectacular disappointment. Within 2 minutes Adelaide levelled the score and was 1 a piece. Back to square one and it really took the wind out of Perth sails. Adelaide were in control and didn't look like giving up anything to Perth as their defence were faltering, their midfield wasn't connecting and their attacking power just wasn't firing. Then Adelaide hit lead from a Craig Goodwin strike in the 51st minute. Adelaide 2, Perth 1.

Perth were shocked and definitely were knocked about and were struggling to find their feet. Though they were building their confidence and starting to press the Adelaide defensive lines, Perth were beginning to look threatening. An Adam Taggart goal in the 60th minute had breathed new life into the contest and into Perth, firing up the small crowd and levelled at 2 all.

Perth grew in confidence and were able to move the ball around and press up and mount numerous challenges. Unfortunately they just were not able to convert threats into goals and that would prove costly as Adelaide stung them in the 78th minute from a Ryan Kitto goal. Adelaide were now 2-3 in the lead. This was a crucial blow and had rattled Perth for a few minutes where they struggled to get back on their feet. Though Perth were not going to throw in the towel and found the fire in the belly to keep pressing on to level the score.

Adam Zimarino fired in Perth's third goal and I have not seen such passion in this side in such a very long time. This levelled the scores at 3 a piece and looked like that this match would be wrapped up with a 6 goal slug-fest where it really shouldn't have even come close to this. Though what was going to unfold within the next 7 minutes would make you laugh in disbelief and stunned over the drama that would play out.

Adam Taggart found the back of the net in the 96th minute and thumped it home and the small Perth Oval crowd were over the top and sent them into delirium, Perth had finally hit the lead for only the second time of the match with only a few minutes to go, the crowd and myself included thought that this was enough to wrap up the 3 points. However, this is the A-League and Perth Glory; drama was only a moment away.

A moment of unfortunate mistakes with Perth's defensive lines faltering at the most inconvenient time gave Adelaide just a glimmer. Just that little sniff of opportunity gave them what they needed and they scored. Stunning Perth and the crowd, but stunning themselves and wrapping the scores up at 4 all in the 97th minute. What an exhaustive match and an action filled last 10 minutes of the match that had to push it into injury time. Of course now I will have to talk about the food and beverages.

I had a crispy chicken burger, now that sounds great on paper but when I got it, I was very, very disappointed. It was basically all bread, two skinny, pathetic chicken strips and the most smallest piece of tomato that melted into the bread you had no idea it was there. You would only know that it was there if you saw it. The sauce wasn't too bad and the chicken was tasty but it was just so underwhelming and sad. A total waste of 12.50, though having single fin mid strength beer to wash that down for 10.40 was nice, though full strength would have been better. Later in the match I had a vanilla coke that was 6.20. again, over 5 dollars is ridiculous but that is the silly world we live in currently with inflation.

The burger was terrible, mid strength beers are always a let down for me and an over-priced cola aside, it is always an interesting day out watching Perth. Gosh, growing up with this side is like being part of a family. You go through the highs and lows and see all their faults, warts and all. You get frustrated but then you feel proud at their hard work when it pays off. Yet again another game watching Perth and I am sure that there will be more drama in the next match. Never a dull moment.