Floreat to face Bayswater in Night Series final
Football West News
Photo by FotoEnzo
Floreat Athena will look to complete back-to-back NPL Night Series triumphs on Saturday night when they face hosts Bayswater City in the decider at Frank Drago Reserve.
Keeper Jason Saldaris was Floreat’s hero in the semi-final defeat of Rockingham City at Percy Doyle Reserve. The holders clinched a 7-6 shoot-out victory after the match had finished 2-2.
Robert Petkov put Floreat in front after only two minutes, a lead they kept until two minutes into the second half when Athena’s Chris Saldaris turned one into his own net.
Chris Saldaris then re-established Floreat’s advantage on the hour, but Michael Farmer sent the tie to spot-kicks with a 90th-minute leveller.
That match came after a tight encounter between Bayswater and Perth SC, which was decided by Gordon Smith’s solitary strike early in the second half.
Saturday night’s match will be preceded by the State League Night Series final between Forrestfield United and Gwelup Croatia.
Gwelup came through a penalty shoot-out for the second week in succession, this time edging out rivals Western Knights after a 3-3 draw at Hartfield Park.
Knights led three times, with Brian Patterson, Dean Hurley (pen) and Scott Johnstone on target for Ivan Zuvela’s side.
But each time Gwelup fought back, through John Rubidge (2) and Issac Koomson.
That was followed by Forrestfield United’s thrilling 4-3 defeat of UWA Nedlands.
After falling behind to Alexander Kretowicz goal on eight minutes, Forrestfield looked to be cruising as goals from Dan Corbett (2), Jordan Hart and Jarrad McNally had them 4-1 ahead with seven minutes remaining.
But Kretowicz and Lloyd Proyd made it a nervous finale for the home team, who eventually hung on to take their place at Frank Drago this Saturday.
Results
NPL Night Series semi finals
Perth SC 0-1 Bayswater City
Floreat Athena 2-2 Rockingham City
(Floreat won 7-6 on pens)
State League Night Series semi finals
Western Knights 3-3 Gwelup Croatia
(Gwelup won 5-3 on pens)
Forrestfield United 4-3 UWA Nedlands
Fixtures
Saturday, March 9 (Frank Drago Reserve)
State League Night Series final
Gwelup Croatia v Forrestfield United (5pm)
NPL Night Series final
Bayswater City v Floreat Athena (7.30pm)
$10 – General Admin
$5 – Pensioner/Concession
Free – Kids under 16
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