Perth SC kicked off the 2025 NPLM season in style by defeating traditional Italian rivals Balcatta Etna 4-1 to retain the Ferrari Cup.
A brace from midfielder Ethan Banks and goals to Gordon Perkins and Jamie McNelis sealed the win.
It was a tight affair in the first half but the Azzurri opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Perth SC’s Kiwi defender Kurtis Mogg won the ball in midfield before playing it forward to Banks. Banks sent the ball wide to McNelis who delivered a cross to the front post, where Perkins outjumped two Etna defenders to head home the opener.
Perth SC were up 2-0 just before the break when Banks latched onto a header forward by Coby Sutton, his first touch taking him past two Balcatta defenders which set him up for an easy finish past Etna keeper Connor Campbell.
Banks made it 3-0 just eight minutes after the break, pouncing on a miskick from Balcatta keeper Campbell to get his second of the afternoon.
Balcatta struck back three minutes later through Ben Hinshelwood and could have had another if not from some fantastic goalkeeping from gameday skipper and former Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.
McNelis sealed the win for the Azzurri in the 78th minute, getting on the end of Banks’ cross from the left to secure the three points.
The only negative from the afternoon for the Azzurri was a red card late in the game to Sutton for a second bookable offence.
Perth SC are at home again on Friday night against Fremantle City. Kick off at Dorrien Gardens is 7pm.