Football West News

Perth SC were the big movers in the National Premier Leagues WA title race on the weekend as their rivals were left to ponder a missed opportunity.

The Azzurri moved to second place after a Paul Zimarino double gave them a 2-0 victory over Bayswater City at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday.

With leaders Perth Glory, Cockburn City and Inglewood United all drawing on Saturday, it proved a profitable Round 21 for the 2016 champions.

Perth coach Ramon Falzon said: “We have been working hard to win our games, hoping that others drop points as well, so that we can hopefully jump into second place.

“Today’s win brings us to second place, four points behind Perth Glory, so game on for the remaining five games.”

For Bayswater it was a fifth straight loss, a slump which is making it less and less likely that they will retain their crown.

City are down to fourth and coach Chris Coyne said: “I think us as a team in the final third haven’t had enough composure, the final ball has been poor, touches have been poor.

“We’ll keep working hard, it’s great that we had a few 16 and 17-year-olds on the pitch today and they did well.”

Glory were held 0-0 against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve in a match of few chances and coach john Gibson said: "There are still challenges ahead of us in the coming weeks. It was an interesting day with the conditions, but to keep a clean sheet is fantastic for us.”

Gibson said some of his youngsters might get an opportunity to play for the Glory first team in the glamour match with Chelsea at Optus Stadium on Monday night.

"A few of them may be involved, we aren't sure yet, but it will be a fantastic opportunity if some of the boys get a chance to play,” he said.

Cockburn slipped to third after they were held 1-1 by Forrestfield United at Dalmatinac Park, while Inglewood’s 2-2 home draw with Floreat Athena means they are seven points behind Glory with five matches left.

Joondalup United’s relegation was finally confirmed after they were hammered 6-2 by Balcatta, Calum O’Connell scoring a hat-trick, while Stirling Lions had two men sent off yet still thumped Subiaco 4-1.

Belt Up Cup winners Armadale drew 3-3 with ECU Joondalup.