Report by Kalon Harrison

Balcatta coach Ramon Falzon was full of praise for his opposition Subiaco, who nearly grabbed a point with 10 men but for a 95th minute winner from Kieron Stallard at Grindleford Reserve.

“We found it very hard to break them down,” he said. “They fought really hard and defended really well.

“We should have done things better in possession in order to penetrate but we were a bit slower than what we’ve been in recent weeks and it allowed Subiaco to keep their shape.”

For the last 25 minutes of the game the visitors were down to 10 after substitute George Tchami was sent off after a late, rash challenge after being on the pitch for only seven minutes.

Subiaco defended really deep after the sending off denying the hosts any room behind them in the penalty area.

The goal came in fortunate circumstances as a deflected shot from substitute Benny Kouakou fell straight to Stallard who just had to poke the ball toward goal and it found the top corner.

The visitors started the game lively, pressing Balcatta in the middle third of the pitch and in the eighth minute Pat Marrison forced a strong low save from Clint Davies in goal.

Three minutes later and Balcatta captain Adam Tong dragged a shot that looked easier to score from six yards wide after a Patrick Quinn cross created problems for Henry Davies in goal for Subi.

Stoppage time of the first half Quinn had his side’s best chance after racing into a one-on-one position had his initial shot from a slight angle saved and his follow up attempt could have been stronger as it was cleared off the line with some great defending.

Nathan Diaz spurned an opportunity he worked for himself in the 84th minute blasting the ball over the bar after creating an angle.

Subiaco coach Gerry McEwan said his side deserve more respect.

“All we want is a fair crack at it; I don’t think we’re getting a fair crack,” he said.

“I need to lift the boys emotionally because they know they can mix it with these players and when it was 11 a side it was an even game, just that when it went to 10 we had to play a certain way to hang in there.

“The guy (Tchami) slipped when he went in for the challenge, it was a clumsy challenge but he’s lost his footing and I don’t know if the decision would have been the same had the shoe been on the other foot.”

The result leaves Subiaco with just one point and Balcatta move four points clear of Perth Glory to cement fourth spot.

Balcatta 1 (Kieron STALLARD 90+5’)
Subiaco 0
Saturday May 3, 2014
Grindleford Reserve
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: David Bruce

Balcatta: 1. Clint DAVIES, 8. David CYRUS, 3. Kieron STALLARD, 5. Adam TONG, 6. Luke RANDAZZO (16. Ben MEREDITH 71’), 7. James SAMMUT, 19. Gustavo CATARCIONE, 9. Carlo COELHO (14. Benny KOUAKOU 59’), 10. Marc De FRANCESCH, 17. Kieran COLWELL, 20. Patrick QUINN

Substitutes not used: 21. Damien STANDEVSKI, 18. Matt BROOK, 12. Matt IZZO
Yellow cards: Catarcione 55’
Red cards: Nil

Subiaco: 1. Henry DAVIES, 12. Mitch STEINBERG, 10. Guy McDONALD, 9. Ian McMURRAY, 6. Brad McDONALD, 13. Jonas DORLING (15. Sheldon McDONALD 90+2), 2. Nathan DIAZ (11. Matt AKEHURST 89’), 8. Jordan RHODES, 3. Rowdy YATES, 7. Ger FITZGERALD, 4. Pat MORRISON (16. George TCHAMI 63’)

Substitutes not used: 17. Owen COATES, 21. Sam STONE
Yellow cards: Fitzgerald 17’, Brad McDOnald 28’, Diaz 62’
Red cards: Tchami 70’