DESPITE losing star striker Gustavo Maralunda to a serious injury, Bayswater City are ready for the challenge of Cockburn City on Saturday.
Bayswater are undefeated and sit on top of the National Premier League WA ladder, while Cockburn are in fourth position.
Coach Chris Coyne said the club wished Maralunda a speedy recovery.
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READ NOW“Not only is he a big player for us but a big character,” he said.
“He is very popular among supporters and his team mates and we wish him all the best in his recovery.”
Coyne said the players put in a great effort all pre-season and were seeing the rewards now.
“One thing that has been pleasing is our defensive display as a unit,” he said.
“We have been very solid and have only conceded one goal from open play so far.
“We still want to be playing a lot better football and passing the ball quicker however it was never going to be a pretty game against Inglewood and the way that the players applied themselves was very pleasing.”
Coyne said the players were looking forward to a historically tough game against Cockburn, whose players had very good ability.
“Cockburn always seem to rise when they play against us and make it very hard so we look forward to the challenge,” he said.
“They are very well coached by one of my former teammates in Scott Miller.
“He has them set up very well and gets the best out of his players.”
The two sides will face off in their Round 5 clash at Dalmatinac Park on March 24.
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