Balcatta aim for strong finish
Football West News
Photo: Sammut before the WA State team match against Perth Glory. Football West News
James Sammut says Balcatta are determined to finish their season on a high despite the disappointment of slipping off the pace in 2015.
Balcatta, who finished third on the table last season, are eighth ahead of Saturday’s match against second-placed Floreat Athena at Grindleford Reserve.
But despite the absence of a finals series – and just two matches left in the league campaign – Sammut, who made his WA State team debut against Perth Glory recently, said the players had retained their motivation.
“We want to win every game,” he said, acknowledging that the squad had been hit hard by departures, injuries and general absentees.
“I don’t think we’ve had the same side for two weeks in a row this season. We had four debutants last weekend and we could have another three or four against Floreat.
“But it’s good because the youngsters are capable, it’s about them getting that experience.
“Ramon has built a good squad and the youngsters he has got in are all capable of playing it’s just a matter of getting that experience.”
The likes of young guns Zelfy Nazar, Carmelo Giuffre, Jackson Amosa and Slade Rule have all been on the fringes of first-team football and might be needed against Floreat.
Night Series winners Floreat chased Bayswater all season until their slim title hopes came to an end two weeks ago.
Nonetheless, coach Glen Grostate has praised his side’s efforts and will be urging them to finish on a high over the final two games of the season.
Champions Bayswater, who will take on West Adelaide in the NPL National Finals Series on September 20, will aim to extend their unbeaten season when they take on Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve.
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 28
ECU Joondalup v Cockburn City (3pm, ECU Football Stadium)
Bayswater City v Armadale (3pm, Frank Drago Reserve)
Balcatta v Floreat Athena (3pm, Grindleford Reserve)
Perth Glory v Sorrento (3pm, Inglewood Stadium)
Stirling Lions v Perth SC (3pm, Macedonia Park)
Subiaco v Inglewood United (3pm, Rosalie Park)
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