Report by Bianca Niederberger

Bayswater City’s long winning streak has been ended by Sorrento thanks to Todd Harnwell’s early goal at Frank Drago Reserve today.

Harnwell scored the one and only goal in the fourth minute and his side spent the remainder fighting tooth and nail to hold off the National Premier Leagues WA leaders, who had won their previous 10 matches.

Pictured: Sorrento celebrate Todd Harnwell's goal. Photo: Vince Caratozzolo.

The Gulls’ challenge was made even greater when they were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Scott Bulloch was sent off for dissent.

Sorrento had controlled the majority of the first half after the momentum gained from their early goal.

Steve McDonald and Danny Cain were instrumental at the back for Sorrento in clearing their fair share of balls from the danger zone but it was Daryl Platten and keeper Curtis Aspden who were the shining stars in denying Bayswater an equaliser.

Even with a star-studded front line, consisting of Adrian Caceras, Steve Burton and David Heagney, Bayswater lacked their usual cohesiveness. When they did up the ante, innovate and break through, their attempts were met with equal brilliance by Aspden.

Sorrento held on tight to the point of desperation as the second half brought a greater intensity from the hosts. There were few opportunities for Sorrento to advance and stretch their lead, despite attempts by Bulloch and Reece Vittiglia to break away through the midfield.

Sorrento were clearly aiming to hang on to their lead with only Harnwell left up front for most of the second half.

Bayswater were unrelenting in their attack in the last fifteen minutes and seemed likely to find an equaliser with several corners and their entire team, even Keeper Devon Spence, on hand to assist in the box.

On one such occasion, Todd Howarth’s delivery was met by Chris Saldaris, whose header hit the bar.

Star substitute Gustavo Maralunda was denied a penalty but instead awarded a free-kick with just five minutes remaining and his shot was saved by Aspden.

With Bayswater out of time and chances, Sorrento held on to advance in what co-coach Jamie Harnwell described as a rollercoaster season.

“We really stuck to our game plan today to try and stretch them and utilise our quick front men but we probably scored about 85 minutes too early,” he said.  

“After that we were forced to defend and be disciplined and that’s what we did. Curtis was superb in goals and Steve McDonald cleared balls left right and centre.

“They threw everything at us and we made it hard for them to create chances today. We’ve still got a lot of work to do but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Sorrento 1 (Harnwell 4’)
Bayswater 0
Saturday 31st May, 2014
Frank Drago Reserve
Attendance: approx. 220
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: A.Fielding

Bayswater: 1. Devon SPENCE, 2. Declan HARGREAVES (20. Sam MITCHINSON 52’), 3. Adam BACHILLER, 5. Andy REALE, 6. Todd HOWARTH, 11. Adam CACERAS (17. Sahr MUSA 69’), 12. Steve BURTON, 13. Trent KAY, 16. Jamie COYNE, 21. David HEAGNEY (9. Gustavo MARALUNDA 58’), 23. Chris SALDARIS
Substitutes not used: 22. Joel DRISCOLL, 10. Damien CATALANO
Yellow cards: Jamie COYNE 18’
Red cards: nil

Sorrento: 1. Curtis ASPDEN, 2. Danny CAIN, 6. Daryl PLATTEN, 7. James MORGAN, 8. Brodie MARTIN, 9. Todd HARNWELL, 10. Jason MIRCO (15. Razak GALOO 70’), 11. Scott BULLOCH, 13. Steve McDONALD, 17. Reece VITTIGLIA, 22. Ryan PEARSON
Substitutes not used: 60. James MORGAN, 4. Shaun KILKELLY, 21. Mike McGINLEY, 5. Adam LUCA
Yellow cards: Curtis ASPDEN 60’, James MORGAN 62’
Red cards: Scott BULLOCH 70’