Football West News

Bayswater City coach Chris Coyne has asked his players to produce “one last push” as they aim to complete the PS4 NPLWA season without a single loss.

City, who are nine points clear of second-placed Floreat Athena heading into the final round, will be presented with the championship trophy for the second time in two years regardless of their result against Stirling Lions at Frank Drago Reserve on Saturday.

But Coyne said his side was determined to finish on a high and lift the trophy in the best possible mood.

Coyne was livid with last weekend’s performance in a 1-1 draw against Armadale but felt his side would respond in the right fashion against Stirling.

“After the disappointment of last week, getting the trophy on Saturday is the spur we need to push us on,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to remind them that to go undefeated for a season probably won’t happen again.

“The boys were poor last week and they let themselves down and we can’t tolerate performances like that. But every time I’ve asked the playing group for a response I’ve got one. They’ve been superb.”

Seventh-placed Stirling were edged out, 1-0, by Perth last weekend. But the chance to spoil the Bayswater party should be enough motivation to ensure tomorrow’s match is no dead rubber.

“The game against Stirling last time got a bit edgy and a bit niggly so I think the boys will want to go out put a show on,” Coyne said.

Gustavo Giron Marulanda is expected to return to the starting line-up to continue his chase for the golden boot.

Marulanda was suspended against Armadale on a weekend when Cockburn City’s Rory Patterson scored four goals against ECU Joondalup to join Bayswater’s Colombian ace at the top of the scoring charts.

“Gus won’t want to lose that golden boot,” Coyne said. “He’s been up there for a while now, so he’ll have his hand up to play.”

FIXTURES
Saturday, September 5
Armadale v Balcatta (3pm, Alfred Skeet Reserve)
Cockburn City v Perth Glory (3pm, Dalmatinac Park)
Perth SC v Subiaco (3pm, Dorrien Gardens)
Bayswater City v Stirling Lions (3pm, Frank Drago Reserve)
Inglewood United v ECU Joondalup (3pm, Inglewood Stadium)
Sorrento v Floreat Athena (3pm, Percy Doyle Reserve)