Baysie get in before the rain to restore six-point lead

Bayswater restored their six-point lead at the top of the NPLWA – Men’s competition as Oli La Galia scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 win over third-placed Perth Glory on Friday night.

The weather played havoc in Round 19 with half of the weekend’s fixtures washed out. One of those matches was between Balcatta Etna and second-place Olympic Kingsway, who did not get the chance to build on their stunning extra-time win over Melbourne Victory in the Australia Cup. That allowed Bayswater to come out of the weekend two wins clear of Olympic, admittedly having played a game more.

Baysie had the better of the early chances at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening.

NPLM RESULTS, FIXTURES & STANDINGS

Sean McManus and La Galia were both denied by Ryan Warner in the first half-hour, with Sebastian Despotovski having Glory’s best opportunity of the opening period. The pressure told on 35 minutes when La Galia turned on the edge of the box and his quickly taken snapshot beat Warner.

It was 2-0 before the interval when Pat Loughrey found Chris Jackson, who continued his excellent scoring form in the second half of the campaign by firing low into the back of the net.

Matt Sparrow’s side made it three early in the second half as La Galia was allowed to approach the edge of the area unchallenged and score despite the goalkeeper getting a glove to it.

Bayswater suffered their first loss of the season last week to Olympic, but this win inches them closer to a first league title since 2017. Glory remain third but have not sealed their top-four finish just yet, despite being six points clear of fifth.

Elsewhere, Stirling’ Macedonia’s clash with fourth-placed Perth RedStar and Sorrento FC’s home match with bottom side Floreat Athena fell victim to the conditions. There was still a big result at the bottom of the league, however, as Sam Cook’s fine header gave Fremantle City a 1-0 victory over Western Knights.

The solitary goal came on 43 minutes when John Chalmers played a give-and-go with Charlie Chechlacz and stood up a cross for Cook to attack and head in.

Knights were unable to muster a shot on target despite reaching double figures in attempts, with Freo having the best opportunities to add to their tally.

Another Chalmers cross found Taj Bingwa, whose effort flashed across the face of goal via the post, before Bingwa’s cross went just beyond Cook, who was arriving at the back post.

It was a huge win for Freo who have lost just once in their past four matches. They are now three points clear of Balcatta, who occupy the relegation play-off spot. Knights remain seventh.

Finally, Ethan Banks scored a hat-trick as Perth SC defeated Armadale 4-2 at Dorrien Gardens in a meeting of two mid-table sides.

Armadale were winless in seven going into the game but were in front on 12 minutes when Callum Dobbs’ defence-splitting pass set Pieter Jacobsz clear and he rolled across for Josh Willis to finish.

Perth equalised in first half added time when Banks beat Sebastian Medica to Sam Riak’s pass and found Jackson Morgan. Morgan kept his composure and returned to Banks who applied a simple finish.

The home side survived a scare when a Jacobsz cross almost ran through to Amir Ajan, who was unable to keep the ball alive before it ran out of play.

Three goals in 20 second-half minutes saw the Azzurri run away with victory. Gordon Perkins was fouled by Luke Collins in the box before getting up and dispatching the resulting penalty kick. Jamie McNelis raced down the left and squared to Banks to tap in for 3-1, and it was game over when Banks brilliantly completed his treble with a stylish curler from the edge of the box.

Amir Ajan’s late corner was nodded in by Hamish Van Dieken for a late Army consolation as they remain eighth, while Perth stay sixth.