Football West News
While it’s officially a bye week in the New Balance NPL WA Men’s competition, the one fixture taking place will have a big say on where the title ultimately ends up.
Bayswater City face Sorrento FC at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday afternoon, knowing three points from the rescheduled clash will see them go top. Anything less and they stay second, behind Olympic Kingsway with just two rounds of the season remaining.
Further emphasising what is at stake, Perth RedStar are currently behind Baysie on goal difference only.
“It’s a massive game for us and one we need to win,” Bayswater midfielder Daniel Stynes said.
“I think we have had a few season-defining games this season and this is another one. That’s been the focus at training this week.”
Bayswater could already have been in the driving seat, only for a saved penalty to deny them the win at Olympic last Saturday. Instead, the game ended 1-1.
“It was a good game for the neutral last week, very competitive and two good teams going at it,” Stynes said.
“I think in the end we were a little bit disappointed. We had some great chances first half, but I don’t think there was much in it.
“I think the point suited us more, we obviously didn’t want them to win.”
This is Stynes’ first season back in the NPL after six years playing in the A-League and then in Finland. After their recent loss to Sydney FC in the Hahn Australia Cup, it’s all about helping Bayswater retain their league title and return to the Australian Championship.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. The club’s been great and the team’s done really well. We’ve just got to finish the job now,” he said.
“It was a shame about the cup result but Sydney were a very, very good team. I think they are one of the top two teams in the (A-League) competition.
“But it was a great night for the club and just reward for the hard work people put in. They put on a great spectacle.
“Now we want to make the Australian Championships. That’s a massive incentive for all clubs, every WA club wants to go into it.
“I was watching it last year; it ran so well across the board and offers an opportunity for players to break out.”
– Please note Saturday’s Bayswater v Sorrento game kicks off at 2pm. It will be streamed live and free on Streamer.com.au
