Perth Soccer Club has reached the 2011 All Flags Grand Final after beating league winners Balcatta 2-1 in Sunday's Major Semi-Final at 6PR Stadium.
Second half goals from Antonio Naglieri and David Onoforo put the Blues in complete control, and although Daniel Micevski's late goal closed the gap, it's Perth who move forward to the October 2nd Grand Final at Frank Drago Reserve.
Balcatta made three changes to the side that beat Western Knights on the final day of the regular season. In came Adam Tong, Paul Vatistas and Spencer Harris, with Michael Black and Adam Stillitano dropped to the bench, while David Micevski has left the club to return to Indonesia.
Perth suffered a huge blow before the game losing last week's four-goal hero Andreas Oliveira due to injury, while Robbie Sciascia dropped to the bench. In came Dom de Felice and 17-year-old Josh Wilkins.
The wind was howling at kick off and Perth had the advantage of it in the first half but it was Balcatta who began the better. The first chance fell to them on three minutes, Vatistas played in Steven Burton, who shot from 12-yards was saved by Jason Saldaris.
That was the last action for the former Doncaster Rovers striker who limped off with a groin injury on 11 minutes; he was replaced by former Perth striker Veo Human.
Balcatta continued to dominate and Ashley Rosindale shot on the turn was saved by Saldaris on 20 minutes, and moments later the Perth custodian denied John Migas.
Perth's first real chance didn't come until the 40th minute, Greg Sharland cutting in from the right, but his fierce shot whistled narrowly wide.
It was Perth who was ending the half the better, and it was Sharland again two minutes later who was the supplier. His low cross from the right was only inches away from De Felice at the back post.
But on the stroke of half time it was Balcatta who went close to the opener. A great run by Moe Atak ended with a powerful shot that Saldaris saved superbly low to his left. The danger wasn't over there, the rebound falling to Rosindale, whose shot was blocked by a timely tackle by Shaun Kilkelly.
With the wind behind them in the second half Balcatta again opened the brighter, and a quick free kick by Micevski three minutes in almost caught out Perth, but his shot went just wide of the target. Moments later Harris' long-range shot whistled inches over the bar as they pressed for the opener.
But the stalemate was finally broken by Perth on 62 minutes. A short corner by Sharland caught Balcatta napping, and Naglieri's shot from the edge of the area beat everyone and nestled in the bottom right corner of the net.
It was nearly 2-0 five minutes later, Naglieri found Sharland in space, and the midfielder wasn't closed down and his shot from 18-yards flew high over, but on 70 minutes they did double their lead. A perfectly weighted pass by young midfielder Josh Pereira sent Onoforo racing clear, the Perth skipper kept his composure and finished clinically past Lewis Italiano, much to the delight of the Perth faithful.
Balcatta continued to press and sent defender Tong forward in a bid to get back into the game, and he was in the thick of the action on 86 minutes. Micevski ball into the area was nodded back by the big defender, but Rosindale's volley from eight-yards was straight at Saldaris.
Perth lost Naglieri late on through injury, and Balcatta reduced the deficit in stoppage-time, Micevski firing home after a one-two with Tong, but it was too little too late and it was Perth celebrating another Grand Final appearance.
With Perth Coach Gianfranco Circati overseas, assistant Basil Lenzo was in charge on the day, and he was delighted with the team's performance. "We came into today's game with a great deal of belief, and we thought Balcatta were a little under done after a two week layoff, and we got the rewards," said Lenzo.
"The boys worked really hard and although we lost Andreas before the game, things happen for a reason. We decided not to risk him today and the players who were out there today gave me everything and we got the right result."
From Football West