SORRENTO needs victory in the final round of the NPL WA season to ensure its place in the Top Four Cup after a loss to Stirling on Saturday.
Coach Jamie Harnwell rotated his squad for the match to keep the players fresh for their FFA Cup clash against South Melbourne tomorrow.
The Lions quickly took advantage of the Gulls’ cautious approach, with Blamo Qua Qua scoring in the first five minutes on the way to a 2-1 win for the hosts at Macedonia Park.
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READ NOWThe visitors’ Reece Vittiglia levelled scores three minutes later, but seventh-placed Stirling had the final say with Moses Kalau’s match-|winning strike at 61 minutes.
The Gulls (4th) are just one point in front of Floreat Athena (5th), so must win in the final round against Subiaco (8th) to confirm a top-four finish.
Athena defeated Joondalup United 3-1 at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday to keep its season alive.
United coach Nick Jennings told nplwa.com.au his side lacked heart in the loss.
“The boys didn’t listen to the instructions and we lost our structure. I think we got what we deserved,” he said.
At ECU Joondalup Football Stadium, former ECU player Joe Knowles came back to haunt his former side with an equalising late goal for the Perth Glory youth in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The point was vital for Glory, who are trying to avoid bottom two relegation to Football West Division One.
ECU Joondalup (sixth) faces Perth (third) this weekend, while Joondalup United (10th) challenges Armadale (11th).
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