Report by Ryan Langley

Sorrento farewelled two beloved members of their community in emphatic fashion taking a 2-1 win over defending champions Bayswater City at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday.

Both teams stepped on the pitch, led out by a bagpiper, and Sorrento donning a new Scottish-style navy kit, a tribute to the late Archie McLellan.

Sadly, McLellan is one of two community members to pass in recent weeks, with Sorrento coach Toby Levy losing his battle against cancer.

Sorrento captain Daryl Platten said his side wanted to send off McLellan with a win.

“It’s been a sad week for the club, and I know some of the guys have shed tears,” Platten Said.

“Even though the first half was a bit poor I think the boys lifted to farewell a friend.”

Bayswater dominated the opening proceedings, outclassing the home side with David Heagney putting his team on the board in the 28th minute.

Bayswater’s defensive line did a great job keeping the home team at bay shutting down several equaliser opportunities late in the first half.

Sorrento had their best look in the final minute of the first half, with Platten unable to convert after a one-on-one battle against Bayswater keeper Fraser Greenwood.

Sorrento came to life in the second half, taking control and creating a lot of fruitless opportunities for striker Sean Canham.

It was in the 60th minute when Jordan Dodd opened things up for Sorrento, scoring the equaliser off of what started as a wasted opportunity for the home side.

It was the second week in a row Sorrento had found the winner in the final minutes, as Ryan Pearson’s second efforts in the 89th minute resulted in a win for the home team.

Acting Bayswater coach Stewart Moses said the team weren’t hungry enough in the second half and they needed to go back to basics.

“We have a few players playing on reputation at the moment and it isn’t good enough,” he said.

“We’ve got a couple of new boys coming in that we have signed overnight which should ruffle a few feathers.”

The result was the second straight win for Sorrento and head coach Jamie Harnwell said his team’s performance is very pleasing considering the emotional atmosphere at the club.

“Everyone knew the impact he’s (Archie) had on the club and wanted to reward him with a performance and three points,” Harnwell said.

“We continue to create chances but I think we need a little bit more urgency and put more pressure on them to force turnovers.”

Bayswater will now prepare to take on Armadale at home while Sorrento will face Cockburn at Dalmatinac Park.

Sorrento FC 2 (Dodd 60min, Pearson 89)
Bayswater City 1 (Heagney 28min)
Saturday 16th April
Percy Doyle Reserve
Kick Off: 3:00pm

Bayswater: GK. Fraser GREENWOOD, 2. Jack JONES, 5. Andrew REALE, 6. Todd HOWARTH, 7. Hayden DOYLE (17. Taiban MAKOTE 83’), 10. Jason MIRCO, 11. Devon GIBSON, 12. Steve BURTON (19. Alex WILD 67’), 13. Trent KAY, 16. Jamie COYNE, 19. Alex WILD, 20. Sam MITCHINSON, 21. David HEAGNEY.
Substitutes not used: 18. David STOKOR, 14. Jamie MURPHY, 1. Musa KOMBA
Yellow cards: Mirco 42’
Red cards: Nil

Sorrento: Sorrento: GK. James MORGAN, 6. Daryl PLATTEN, 8. Ryan PEARSON, 9. Sean CANHAM, 10. Scott BULLOCH (16. Niccolo SABATINI 67’), 11. Tim HILL (4. Shaun KILKELLY 78’), 13. Steven MCDONALD, 15. Alex MORGAN (5. Billy QUINNCROFT 83’), 18. Jordan BROWN, 20. Brad MCDONALD, 21. Jordan DODD
Substitutes not used: 22. Alen PATAROV, 60. Sam HERBISON (RGK), 1. Danny CAIN
Yellow cards: McDonald 57’
Red cards: nil