Geraldton’s Ugle Fabrication La Fiamma in soccer action against Yanchep

Geraldton’s metro soccer team were in action over the weekend for their first game against Perth opposition since 2019, going down in a 3-2 loss to a strong Yanchep United who travelled north for the “local derby”.

A Ugle Fabrication La Fiamma side missing some key players had a goal disallowed early on in Saturday night’s friendly clash, before taking an early lead, but Yanchep equalised and then went ahead before half-time due to an unfortunate penalty.

Coach Keegan Roos said his team were up against a strong side of experienced players, and said he expected Yanchep to do well in the metro competition this season.

Roos said the result showed where the team were at in terms of preparation for the season.

“All up, it was a wake-up call as to the level of fitness and standard,” he said.

The team will be in the Saturday competition in Perth this season after being exempted last season due to the disrupted schedule. President Mark Gray has said the club expected to make at least 12 trips south.

Football West competition manager Dan Israel said the Perth leagues should be getting back to a normal level of competitiveness after playing reduced fixtures last season.

He said taking part in the league allowed Mid West players to build relationships with metropolitan clubs and provided a road-trip opportunity for the clubs to travel north.

“It’s very exciting to have them (La Fiamma) back competing in our amateur competition,” he said. “We’re really keen to include as many of our regional teams as possible, so having them back is a tremendous boost for the competition, and hopefully for football in Geraldton.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for players from the region to showcase and test their skills.

“Teams are going to come up to Geraldton and visit the region ... checking out facilities and what you have to offer.

“It’s a road trip — you don’t normally get to do that.”