FORRESTFIELD United is looking forward to its next game against Armadale after drawing with title favourites Floreat Athena in its opening National Premier Leagues WA (NPLWA) match last Friday.
A goal 10 minutes from time from Floreat Athena’s new signing Hamza Hina earned it a 1-1 draw and spoiled Forrestfield United’s historic first NPLWA game at the Wildlife Safari Stadium, Hartfield Park.
In front of a packed grandstand, the home team took it to Floreat and had the better of the first half.
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READ NOWIt was rewarded with the lead five minutes into the second half with Hansani Sinclair finishing clinically.
United had chances to increase their lead, but failed to convert and Floreat hit back with Hina finishing after Forrestfield failed to clear a cross.
Floreat defender Chris Saldaris was sent off two minutes later, after he received a second yellow card from referee Stuart Muldoon, but it hung on for a point despite Forrestfield pressing for the winner.
Forrestfield defender Scott Barker said the side was disappointed to have let its lead slip late, but took a great deal of positives from its performance.
“(We’re) disappointed we couldn’t hold on to the end for the three points, but the boys showed they are up for the fight in the NPL and there is positive signs going forward,” he said.
“The pre-season games haven’t really gone to plan, but we spoke before the game about hitting the ground running and I thought we did.”
Head coach Rod Banjac said his players had demonstrated they were ready to play in the NPLWA.
“Disappointed (in) the way we conceded the goal, but overall we are satisfied (with) the way we went about it, our first game in the NPL, against a quality team,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way the boys went about it, their attitude was great, we created some good chances and I was convinced we had a penalty for handball, but some days you get those decisions, some you don’t.
“This performance shows the boys can match it with the best in this league and we now move on to Saturday’s home game against Armadale.”
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