A dramatic Round 6 of the NPL WA Men’s competition has concluded with a number of surprising results; read on for reports on all games.
Balcatta vs Perth Redstar
Perth Redstar defeated Balcatta 3-0 at Grindleford Reserve, handing Glen Crostate’s side their third loss of 2023.
Redstar took the lead five minutes in when Thomas Hough’s shot from the edge of the box nestled into the bottom left corner.
Another long-range wonder-strike, this time from defender Ryan Finnie, doubled the lead moments later.
To cap off the first-half barrage, Daryl Nicol converted from the penalty spot after Luke Alessandrino’s mistimed tackle inside the box.
The three points see Redstar move into first, albeit level on points with four other clubs.
They can look forward to a crucial game against third-placed Glory next weekend, while Balcatta takes on Armadale.
Inglewood United vs Sorrento
Second-half drama in this fixture at Inglewood Stadium saw the hosts rescue a point against an injury-ridden Sorrento side.
Sorrento were met by a tenacious Inglewood side that kept them at bay during the first half despite dominating.
Gustavo Marulanda, however, broke the deadlock twenty minutes into the second half with a close-range header.
But, less than five minutes later, Mark Barnett’s clumsy nudge inside the box gave Michael Domfeh the chance to level the scores from the spot, which he did coolly.
Goalkeeper Paddy Hughes, 18, who was crucial in preserving the 1-1 tie, said, “For the first twenty minutes of the first half, we were dominant on the ball, but dropped down in the last twenty-five.”
“I didn’t think we (Sorrento) really had many shots on goal, and the second half could’ve gone either way.”
Next week, Inglewood head to Dalamatinac Park to face Cockburn, while Sorrento host Olympic Kingsway.
Perth Glory vs Cockburn City
Perth Glory secured a sensational 5-4 victory over Cockburn at SafeRad Stadium on Saturday evening, with a 78th-minute goal proving the difference in a hard-fought battle.
First-half goals from Jayden Gorman, Daniel Bennie, and James Overy put the home team in complete control, but Charlie Garnham cut the deficit to two minutes before halftime.
Soon after the break, Cockburn found another, this time through Friday Zico, whose long-ranger put city right back in it.
But Glory killed any thoughts of a comeback some 20 minutes later, as Joel Anasmo scored twice, making no mistake in both one-on-ones with Michael Craggs.
The Cockerels can now look forward to a home tie with Inglewood, while Glory play on-form Perth Redstar.
Floreat Athena vs Armadale
Floreat Athena felt the wrath of a wounded Armadale outfit, with John O’Reilly’s men storming home to a comfortable 3-0 win at E & D Litis Stadium.
The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute. Tim Berger managed to get in-front of hesitant Filip Minic and lob an out-of-position Jason Saldaris.
Then, less than two minutes later, another shaky piece of goalkeeping allowed Amir Ajan’s cross to find its way into the net.
After tapping in a goal-bound Chris Jackson shot, Armadale’s Chad Samuels sealed the game with a third.
The Reds’ victory brings them level on points with five other clubs. Balcatta is up next for them.
Vas Vujacic will be hoping that this defeat will be just a minor blip as they head over to Frank Drago Reserve to face Bayswater.
Olympic Kingsway vs Perth SC
This fixture finished in a clean sweep for Olympic Kingsway, who were able to put five past Perth in a dominant display.
It was a performance where everything seemed to click in the front third for David Tough’s Green Machine. Scoring over three goals for just the second time this season.
Liam Murray opened their account before Joe Byrne and Oscar Barry both found the net before the half-time whistle.
After the break, there was no letoff for the visitors, as Cian Hirrel and Liam Murray made it a glut of goals, scoring in the 64th and 86th minutes, respectively.
Despite their victory, Olympic Kingsway remains at the bottom of the table, but they will look to climb the standings as they travel to Percy Doyle Reserve to face a struggling Sorrento.
The Azzurri, meanwhile, will play host to Stirling Macedonia at Dorrien Gardens.
Stirling Macedonia vs Bayswater City
The last game of the round saw Bayswater beat Stirling by three goals to one at Macedonia Park.
Teeboy Kamara scored the first goal of the afternoon in the 27th minute after winning possession, embarking on a marauding run, and finishing superbly.
Not long after Inter’s first goal, Hristijan Jankuloski doubled the advantage with a comical own goal.
Ndumba Makeche notched Bayswater’s third goal of the night after a perfectly weighted Gordon Smith pass put the striker one-on-one with the Macedonia custodian.
Daniel Zivkovic would score the night’s best goal, albeit a consolation, expertly flicking the ball over two players before smashing it into the top right corner.
For Bayswater, their third consecutive victory moves them into second place as they gear up for a home fixture with Floreat, while Stirling will need to be at their best to ward off Perth SC.
Results
Balcatta Etna 0-3 Perth RedStar
Inglewood United 1-1 Sorrento
Perth Glory 5-4 Cockburn City
Floreat Athena 0-3 Armadale
Olympic Kingsway 5-0 Perth SC
Stirling Macedonia 1-3 Bayswater CIty
