TEMPERATURES have dropped in Perth but the football is heating up on the pitch this weekend as National Premier Leagues WA (NPL WA) league leaders Sorrento entertain Bayswater City in round 5.
Sorrento winger Scott Bulloch said last weekend’s win over Armadale had given his team confidence to keep top spot heading into the clash with the 2014 and 2015 champions.
“It was a really good win for us, and it was probably our most complete performance so far this season,” he said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“The way we defended, passed the ball around and took our chances, it’s been something we’ve worked really hard on and so far it’s worked pretty well.”
The former Perth Glory winger said his side could win if it played the way they have planned.
“We all know Bayswater are always an interesting proposition, but we seem to be a bit of a bogey side against them,” he said.
“We always seem to go under the radar, and going into the season we were not in anyone’s calculations to be up there come season end, but hopefully after this weekend we’ll begin to turn some heads.”
Bayswater’s flying winger BorBor Sam, who scored the winner against Perth SC last week and has started the season in great form, said it was vital for his team to get their first win of the competition.
“I think we needed that win,” he said.
“No-one likes to lose games and we were all ready to redeem ourselves after the loss at Cockburn (in round 3).
“To be honest it wasn’t the best performance but we got the job done, we will enjoy the win and it will give us confidence against Sorrento.
“We are expecting another tough game against them. No matter where they are on the ladder you have to expect a fight from them, especially at their place.
“They have been in good form so it definitely won’t be a walk in the park, but we’re going to have to roll up our sleeves and fight for each other on the day, and we hope to come home with all three points.”
MORE: Parents says child sexual assault perpetrator’s presence at school “unacceptable”
MORE: Mark McGowan announces first ministry portfolios
MORE: Warnbro: prison sentence for driver responsible for October 2015 crash that left one dead
Armadale will be hoping to rediscover its form from round 2 where it ended ECU Joondalup’s long unbeaten run in league, when it entertains Cockburn City in the local derby at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday night.
After being thrashed by Sorrento last weekend and losing its last two home games, Armadale striker Kyle King is hoping to put things right in round 5.
“Last week was the first time we actually deserved to lose,” he said.
“The boys are unhappy with our start to the season and we will be looking to put it right this weekend against Cockburn.
“They have started the season well, but to be honest we feel on our day we can beat anyone and we are hoping after a strong week of training we will get the first home win of the season.”
In other games on Saturday Perth SC entertains Perth Glory at Dorrien Gardens, while Balcatta will go for three straight wins when it hosts Joondalup United at Grindleford Reserve.
Mandurah City makes the trip to the Inglewood Stadium to take on Inglewood United, while Stirling Lions and Subiaco meet at Macedonia Park.
The round concludes on Saturday evening with Floreat Athena meeting ECU Joondalup under lights at E&D Litis Stadium.
NPL WA Round 5
Saturday, March 18 Armadale v Cockburn City (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 3pm) Perth SC v Perth Glory (Dorrien Gardens, 3pm) Balcatta v Joondalup United (Grindleford Reserve, 3pm) Stirling Lions v Subiaco (Macedonia Park, 3pm) Sorrento v Bayswater City (Percy Doyle Reserve, 3pm) Inglewood United v Mandurah City (Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium, 3pm) Floreat Athena v ECU Joondalup (E&D Litis Stadium, 7pm)