stock image.
Camera Iconstock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

NPL WA: Bayswater City’s run goes on with 2-0 win over Balcatta

Blayne TreadgoldEastern Reporter

BAYSWATER City has continued their quest to reach the top four on the National Premier League WA (NPLWA) ladder with a 2-0 win over Balcatta on Saturday.

Luka Ninkovic scored just before half time and Gustavo Marulanda added a second with four minutes remaining, as the hosts gained a valuable three points.

Despite the win, Bayswater coach Chris Coyne was frustrated and wanted more from his side.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“If we take our chances the game is dead and buried,” he said.

“I would’ve taken 2-0 before the day starts, but in hindsight that performance is not good enough.

“We’ve got too many good players to display what we did and I just expect more.”

Meanwhile, the loss for Balcatta leaves it just a point clear of Mandurah City who currently sit in the relegation place.

Balcatta coach Sal Todaro said he was proud of his young side’s efforts.

“I was very proud of the boys, we’re doing it tough at the moment but they’ve given 100 per cent,” he said.

“We needed more composure in the final third as we struggled to put the ball away, but in the midfield and at the back we competed well.

“We’ve only got two players that have played over 50 first team matches. It’s good experience for the young boys and we can’t fault their efforts.”

Bayswater started the stronger of the two sides with winger Bor Bor Sam causing problems down the right flank as he managed to get in behind Balcatta’s defence on numerous occasions.

A battle of the goalkeepers ensued with Devon Spence and Domenico Savoldelli both producing fine saves for their respective teams.

Jonathan Corness produced some fancy footwork for the visitors on 25 minutes, before unleashing a shot on goal that brought the best out of Spence.

Minutes later, Marulanda blasted a shot that stung the palms of Savoldelli, who managed to divert the ball over the bar.

It took a goal in injury time of the first half to separate the sides as Ninkovic neatly finished from close range when Marulanda slid the ball into the six-yard box.

Luccas Mello beat two Bayswater defenders before Spence came to the host’s rescue with yet another brilliant save as Balcatta started the second half with a flurry.

Bayswater nearly doubled its lead on 79 minutes as Sam’s ball across the face of goal rolled just beyond the outstretched foot of Marulanda.

City did not have to wait long for a second though, as Marulanda sealed the points when he found himself unmarked on the penalty spot and fired past Savoldelli.

MORE: NBN announces construction to begin in dozens of Perth suburbs before end of 2017

MORE: WA’s first 9-star energy rated apartment complex to be built

MORE: Mandurah Foreshore Winter Wonderland hopes to kick start up turn in business fortunes