Kearney penalty gives Balcatta narrow win

Report by Navrin Secker

Photo via Facebook/Balcatta FC

Balcatta secured a 1-0 victory over local rivals Stirling Lions at Macedonia Park on Saturday afternoon thanks to John Kearney’s second-half penalty.

In a match where both sides struggled to take their chances, Balcatta came out firing but the Stirling defence weathered the storm and ensured the score remained 0-0 going into the break.

The visitors continued to push forward in the second term but were frustrated by the solid Lions rearguard.

Balcatta’s hard work finally paid of when Darren O’Riordan gave away a penalty in the 58th minute, which Kearney tucked away past a diving Ryan Montgomery.

Despite looking second best for most of the match, Stirling were thrown a lifeline when Alex Wild received his marching orders for a poor challenge on Dean Cummings in the 74th minute.

Stirling’s direct style of play was dealt with well by Lewis Italiano, the former Newcastle Jets goalkeeper acting as a sweeper against another of his former clubs.

Despite only having 10 men, Balcatta continued to look dangerous in attack but Montgomery ensured that the match ended 1-0.

Balcatta turn their attention to the FFA Cup on Monday when they host Floreat Athena, while next Saturday Stirling will continue their fight to get off the bottom of the NPL WA table away at Armadale.

Star player: Lewis Italiano (Balcatta)

Stirling Lions 0
Balcatta 1
(Kearney 59min)

Macedonia Park
Saturday, June 1
Kick-off:
3:00pm
Referee: Josh Mannella
Assistant Referees: Alexander Best, Lawson Rimmer

Stirling Lions: 1. Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2. Mile PETKOVSKI (13. Michael GAMA 9), 3. Darren O’RIORDAN (8. Dean CUMMINGS 67), 5. Steven MCDONALD, 6. Dhhors CHOL, 7. Nelson TSHONGO, 9. Zdenek BEZDEK, 10. Danny JONES, 11. Michael WANTEE, 12. Renee KISESA (14. Bleron MAMUDI 70), 18. Gino HAMPSHIRE
Unused substitutes: 15. Griffin BECSI, 20. Daniel MARQUET
Yellow cards: O’Riordan 58, McDonald 58
Red cards: Nil

Balcatta: 1. Lewis ITALIANO 2. Joseph MARINO, 3. John KEARNEY, 4. Calum O’CONNELL, 5. Shubham MOKALA (19. Gavin KNIGHT 66), 7. Ben PELLIZZARI (8. Alex WILD 30), 10. Jonathan CORNESS, 12. Roberto DEL BORRELLO, 13. Carmelo GIUFFRE (11. Nicholas CHALLOT 85), 20. Anthony TOPINI, 23. Adam ZIMARINO
Unused substitutes: 16. Alex CASTIELLO, 25. David KEENAN
Yellow cards: Kearney 39, Topini 62, Giuffre 80
Red card: Wild 74

 

 

 

 

 




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Download the GameDay App!

Stay up-to-date with your favourite teams and keep an eye on your rivals by accessing the latest match results, fixtures and stats via GameDay App.

GameDay Splash Screen
App Store Google Play