Gwelup ready to take attack to Gulls
Football West News
Daniel Stynes can unlock any defence in the NPL
After starting the 2020 season with a six-goal win, Sorrento can expect a stiffer test when Gwelup Croatia visit Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday.
Cameron Teece scored four times as the Gulls defeated an out-of-sorts Rockingham City 6-1 last Saturday.
However, Gwelup will pose a different set of questions as befits a side fancied to challenge for the title.
It is an indication of the threat Gwelup carry into their maiden NPL WA campaign that coach Taki Nicolaidis was disappointed with an opening round draw against last year’s runners-up.
Inglewood United left the Croatian Sporting Complex with a point, Ndumba Makeche’s opener not enough to cement a win for the hosts.
Nicolaidis said: “Credit to Inglewood, they defended well on a small pitch, but in a way they paid us the biggest compliment.
“They came and played 4-5-1 and got men behind the ball. Apart from the goal and another effort, their only shot was a 30-yarder which our keeper put his hat on.
“I expect it to be different against Sorrento. They are a team that’s just scored six, so it will be a tough game. Regardless of who they played, when you score that many your confidence will be sky high.
“But the bigger pitch will suit us and I’m expecting a reaction after a disappointing result.”
While Gwelup have seen Callum Timmins and Ethan Brooks head to ECU Joondalup during the COVID-enforced break, they still have a strong squad. Makeche is a threat up front, they have an experienced defence while in midfield the likes of Daniel Stynes can unlock any defence in the league.
“Last week he was probably trying too hard first half, but we tweaked a couple of things and second half he was a lot more productive,” Nicolaidis said of Stynes.
Sean McManus and Josh Simpson are in the reckoning for Gwelup this week, however Kian McGuigan is suspended following his dismissal against Inglewood.
“It was soft but by the letter of the law it was a correct decision,” Nicolaidis said.
He added: “Like most clubs there’s been a loss of momentum. We had three months pre-season, then about eight weeks for the Night Series, the start to the new season, then the break (for COVID) then just a few weeks contact before the revised season. So the more games we play I expect us to get into more of a rhythm.”
Elsewhere this weekend, champions Perth SC face Floreat Athena at Dorrien Gardens in a match that is free entry.
Rockingham get the opportunity to put right their poor start away to Perth Glory at Forrestfield United’s home.
Bayswater, who rescued a late point against Perth SC last week, are at Cockburn City, Inglewood take on ECU Joondalup while Armadale and Balcatta meet at Alfred Skeet Reserve.
All of the Men's NPL matches will be live streamed on the Football West Facebook and YouTube pages.
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