HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND THREE SATURDAY REVIEW
The 2026 Hahn Australia Cup (WA) round three continued on Saturday, and in the early game Subiaco AFC needed extra time to beat Balga 3-2 at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. Tomas Despotovski gave Subiaco the lead in the first half, before Samir Ramos levelled on 69 minutes to send the game to extra time. Balga’s Menghoung Chroek was sent off in the first period of extra time, and the game took a twist in the second period. A high tackle caused a melee, with the referee sending three players off, Seamus Edwards and Martin Gorong for Balga and Ben Bathgate for Subiaco. Subiaco took advantage of the eight-man Balga side with Kaleb Morrison giving them the lead. But Balga hit back with Riley Chapman restoring parity. It looked like going to penalties, but at the death Ivan Skorich won it for Subiaco. “We expected a tough battle against a resilient Balga side,” Despotovski said. “The boys showed great determination over the 120 minutes and secured the breakthrough in extra time.”
Gwelup Croatia had to come from behind against Amateur Division One club Cracovia to move into the next round, after a 3-1 win at the Cracovia Club. “It took us some time to get into the game and conceding one very early didn’t help,” Gwelup’s Tarek Atta said. “But once we found our rhythm the game turned in our favour. It’s always good to get into the later stages of the cup so we can challenge ourselves against opposition in the NPL.” Marc Eldridge had given the hosts the lead early, and they led by that goal at the break. But Gwelup levelled on the hour, with Atta scoring, and it looked we would be off to extra time, but late goals from Jamie Sinnott and another from Atta, sealed the win. Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said Cracovia made it really hard for them. “Full credit to Cracovia who made it very difficult for us and highlighted what the Cup is all about,’ he explained. “They had a lot of good players (Passerelli, Boi, Zimarino, Carlino, Elridge) who we have coached, and full credit to them and their supporters for making their environment as uncomfortable as possible. Sometimes, an ugly win is what it takes and we look forward to what’s installed for the next round.”
Cracovia coach Nathan Falcone said they were proud of the players on the day. “We led 1–0 for the majority of the match and could have easily taken a 2–0 lead into the break with the chances we created,’ he said. “Unfortunately, the boys just ran out of legs late on, but it was a very spirited performance and the effort from the group couldn’t be questioned. Chris and I are very proud of the effort from the players and are really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Gosnells City also need extra time to beat Amateur Premier Division club Hamersley Rovers 3-1 at Walter Padbury Reserve. “It’s all about getting through to next round,” Gosnells coach Peter Allen said. “We took the lead and looked in control but credit to Hamersley they dug in and gave us a scare. But also, a lot of credit to my lads for digging out the result when tested, we have a lot of young lads and they all stood up.” Armeyas Teklu gave the host the lead on the half hour, but Toby Kynaston levelled for Rovers, to send the tie to extra time. but two late goals for Gosnells, from Abdul Dofash and own goal sent Gosnells into the next round.
Despite the loss, Rovers’ coach Antony Benetti was pleased with his side’s performance. “Yes, really pleased with the effort despite the disappointment. We didn't start the game as well as we would have liked but we certainly felt we dominated in the second half,” he said. “It was a good game for the neutral with both teams pushing for a winner in extra time and unfortunately a few errors cost us. Considering we had a few players out and the tough opposition I am optimistic in the direction we are heading. We are certainly an honest group and the boys know that round one is now the focus and are willing to put the work into ensuring a good league start.”
Carramar Shamrock Rovers were too strong for Bunbury Dynamos, running out 5-1 winners at Grandis Park. Nathan Diaz gave them the lead early, but Jeremy Stevens levelled for the visitors from the spot. But Dean Cowbrough regained the lead for Rovers in the shadows of half time, and second half goals from Jack Reilly, Kieran Harrison and an own goal secured the tie. In other games Ashfield beat Queens Park 7-0 at the Ashfield Arena, while a brace from Issac McVittie gave Cockburn City at 2-0 win against Port Kennedy at Dalmatinac Park. Inglewood United eased through to the next round, with an 8-0 win against Peel United at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium, with Owen Goodliffe bagging a brace off the bench, while goals from Ryder Leasor, Max Adamson and Jon Hulme gave Kingsley Westside a 3-1 win against North Beach, with Luke Wearing scoring for North Beach.
Ellenbrook United won a ten-goal thriller against Swan Valley at Ellenbrook District Open Space, with Didier Cheri scoring a hat-trick for the hosts. Wembley Downs beat Kwinana United 3-0 at Butlers Reserve, with late goals from Rory Hannon, Billy Templeton-Knight and Mella Loding. Curtin University also moved through after beating a fast-finishing Quinns 3-2 at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval. The hosts raced to a 3-0 lead, with goals from Declan Tanna, Jude Baillie and an own goal. Chad Samuels pulled one back on the hour for Quinns, and Ben Johns pulled another one back from the spot eight minutes later, but Curtin held firm to go into the hat for the next round. “It was a tough game and a good battle from both sides,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith said. “We started well and Quinn’s fought their way back into it for a tough finish. Proud of the guys for getting the result and we push onto the next round.”
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