Report by Tommy Doleman

Michael Garcia hailed Inglewood’s character as they came from behind to earn a point against champions Bayswater City in a 1-1 draw.

The hosts looked set to start their PS4 NPLWA season with three wins from three after Jason Colli’s own goal on 10 minutes.

Inglewood were good value though, and deservedly equalised when Ryan Clarke got on the end of David Sesay’s cross midway through the second half.

Neither team could find a winner as both teams had opportunities late on, and Garcia gave his side credit for hanging on at the death.

“On the balance of play we probably had a few more chances, but Bayswater put us under a bit of pressure at the end,” he said.

“It’s a bit frustrating not to get the win, but we have to keep things in perspective with where we’re at right now, and we showed good character.

“Today was a good opportunity, but if the boys keep performing to that level, the wins will come.”

Garcia also acknowledged the steps his team have taken in the last two games after an opening day defeat to Cockburn.

“Last week (against Perth) was a good indication for us to see whether we could compete with the best, and I felt we took another step forward today against a good Bayswater team,” he said.

“We want to keep improving and produce a level of consistency that can challenge with the contenders in this league.

“We’ve shown in the last couple of weeks that if we do the right things regularly we’re just as good, and it gives us real belief we can compete with the benchmark.”

Garcia had right to be pleased as Inglewood showed their spirit after a slow start at Frank Drago Reserve where Bayswater took the lead.

Miscommunication between Aleks Vrteski and Colli caused confusion at the back, as the latter headed past his goalkeeper from Declan Hargreaves’ long ball.

Inglewood responded as David Sesay and Clarke both went close, before Andrija Jukic forced Devon Spence into a good block.

Bayswater had their moments too with Vrteski palming away a curler from David Heagney on the half hour mark.

But the visitors were resolute in defence and their performance was rewarded in the 68th minute as Clarke tapped home from 6m.

Scott Witsche and substitute Kenny Keogh could have capitalised on Inglewood’s momentum, but Spence stood tall on both occasions to deny the pair.

Vrteski then did well to deny Todd Howarth and Paul McCarthy in quick succession, as City found fresh impetus in the final five minutes.

Then right at the end Jarrod McNally cleared Gustavo Marulanda’s effort off the line with Clarke’s goal enough for United to claim a point.

“Clarkie gets on the ball, runs at players and causes havoc for defenders,” Garcia said.

“So when he’s in that sort of form, it’s good for us and we just need to keep nurturing that.”

Bayswater SC (Colli OG 10mins)
Inglewood United 1 (Clarke 69mins)
Saturday 11 April 2015
Frank Drago Reserve
Local kick-off: 3:00pm

Bayswater: GK: Devon SPENCE, 2. Declan HARGREAVES, 5. Andrew REALE, 6. Todd HOWARTH, 9. Gustavo MARULANDA, 10. Damien CATALANO (17. Bor Bor SAM 45’), 12. Steve BURTON (8. Paul MCCARTHY 68’), 13. Trent KAY, 20. Sam MITCHINSON, 21. David HEAGNEY, 23. Chris SALDARIS.
Substitutes not used: RGK: Jason SALDARIS, 3. Aaron DELANEY, 4. Corey BARCLAY.
Yellow cards: Burton 29’, Saldaris 38’
Red cards: Nil

Inglewood United: GK: Aleks VRTESKI, 2. Rikki SMITH, 5. Scott BLACKMORE, 6. Matthew IZZO, 8. Scott WITSCHE, 9. Ryan CLARKE, 11. David SESAY, 13. Jovo PAVLOVIC, 18. Jason COLLI (14. Jarrod MCNALLY 39’), 21. Abdul SESAY, 23. Andrija JUKIC (7. Kenny KEOGH 55’).
Subs not used: RGK. Mitchell PAPAS, 16. Junior NYAKEH, 17. Daniel DOLS.
Yellow cards: A. Sesay 20’
Red cards: Nil