Football West News

 

Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell has predicted a fight to the finish in the battle to win the PS4 NPLWA in 2017.

Harnwell, whose side finished sixth last season, expects up to half a dozen teams to be jostling for position in the run in to the Top Four Cup.

“I don’t think you can pick any one favourite this year,” he said. “There looks to be five or six teams that could potentially go on and win it all. Perth and Inglewood, ECU, Floreat and Bayswater will all be thinking they can win it, so I am looking forward to it being a great fight.”

Despite newly promoted Joondalup United entering into a ground-share arrangement at Percy Doyle Reserve, Harnwell still expects ECU Joondalup to be the Gulls’ biggest rival this season.

“Considering their great form in the back half of last season it will certainly make for a couple of cracking derby matches this season,” he said.

There is a familiar feel to the Sorrento line-up, although there will be no return for Harnwell’s younger brother Todd after his fleeting appearances last season.

Sorrento have also lost Matt Sparrow to Joondalup United but have brought in Scott Witschge (Inglewood), while Jackson Dongray, Brodie Martin and Jack Salter have re-joined the club.

Harnwell is also confident in the quality of players he has retained from last season.

“I think everyone knows the quality of players like Reece Vittiglia, Ryan Pearson, Sean Canham and others, but I am looking for the more underrated players as being those who will help propel the club back up the table this season.

“We were a bit too wasteful last year, which resulted in us dropping points at crucial stages and missing out on the finals. This year I expect the team to continue to play quality, exciting football.”

Sorrento will face Balcatta at Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday to kick off round one of the PS4 NPL WA season.

Click here for Sorrento fixtures