Report by Peter Simcox

 

Floreat Athena maintained their momentum in the PS4 NPLWA on Monday night with a 3-0 win against Balcatta at E&D Litis Stadium.

The game, which was postponed on Saturday at Grindleford Reserve due to weather conditions, was moved to Floreat’s home ground under lights.

First half goals from Jon Stynes and Ludovic Boi put the home side in control, before Boi added a second in the final minutes of the match to seal a comprehensive win and level Floreat with Inglewood United at the top of the table.  

Floreat coach Glen Grostate said it was a good win and keeps his side on the heels of Inglewood.

“We knew we had to take three points tonight, but we knew it would be hard as they are fighting for points in the relegation zone,” he said.

“We spoke before the game about getting the three points, keeping a clean sheet and getting no injuries, and we ticked all the boxes tonight, so I’m happy.”  

Floreat midfielder Zelfy Nazary, who was playing against his former club, said he was pleased his side got the job done.

“It was good to get the three points and keep us in touch with Inglewood, but we had to work for it, and the boys worked their socks off tonight,” he said.

“We’ve worked hard to get the combinations right, we’re working really well as a unit, and we have a game plan, so we’re taking it on board and the results are coming, and hopefully it continues like this.”  

Grostate’s side opened brightly but it was Balcatta who had the first real chance on nine minutes with Ben Meredith playing in Dejan Andric, but Floreat’s Chris Saldaris got back with a vital challenge.

Floreat continued to press and Kris Gate’s shot on the run was well saved by Domenico Savoldelli, before the Balcatta custodian saved well at the feet of Stynes moments later.

But on 36 minutes Floreat made the breakthrough. Gate and Dean Evans combined down the right before Evans sent in a low cross, which was turned home by Stynes from close-range.

On the stroke of half time Floreat doubled their advantage. Evans’ deep cross picked out Boi at the back post, and he headed into the corner of the net to send them into the break in control.

Balcatta continued to struggle after the break, and Savoldelli had to be alert to punch clear Evans’ cross early, before Balcatta had their best chance of the game on the hour.

Anton De Francesch’s ball over the top sent half time substitute Ismael Bangura in on goal. He beat Floreat keeper Jason Saldaris to the ball, but he put the ball wide of the target.    

Floreat then began to take control again, and Savoldelli saved low from Boi, before substitute Joe Tweats was sent in goal by Nazary, but Tom Pellizari cleared the ball off the line.

In the first minute of stoppage time Floreat added their third, with Mark Pritchard’s ball over the top sending Boi in on goal and he finished clinically past Savoldelli to complete the win.  

Floreat Athena return home on Saturday when they host Subiaco at E&D Litis Stadium in round 20, while Balcatta make the trip to Finance 365 Stadium to take on Bayswater City.

    

Balcatta 0

Floreat Athena 3 (Stynes 36min, Boi 45, 90)

Monday, July 3, 2017

E&D Litis Stadium

Kick-off: 7.30pm

Referee: Josh Mannella

Assistant Referees: John Taran, Vraj Patel

 

Balcatta: GK Domenico SAVOLDELLI, 2 Rudnei NOGUEIRA, 6 Nicolas TATASCIORE, 8 Brennan BORZECKI, 12 Anton DE FRANCESCH, 14 Brody KENNEDY, 15 Carmelo GLUFFRE (C), 16 Marco CHADINHA (23 Ismael BANGURA 46’), 18 Ben MEREDITH,  20 Tom PELLIZARI, 22 Dejan ANDRIC

Substitutes not used: 7 Antoni D’ALESIO, 19 Endalk ACHAMYELEH

Yellow Cards: Kennedy 56’

Red Cards: Nil

 

Floreat Athena: GK Jason SALDARIS, 3 Clayton ARNEZ (16 Zoran VRTESKI 72’), 4 Andrew SCALDAFERRO, 6 Jesse FULLER, 8 Jon STYNES (33 Mark PRITCHARD 63’), 10 Kris GATE, 12 Jackson MORGAN (20 Joe TWEATS 80’), 13 Zelfy NAZARY, 14 Ludovic BOI, 15 Chris SALDARIS, 17 Dean EVANS (C)

Substitutes not used: RGK Aidan HOLLOWAY

Yellow Cards: Vrteski 80’

Red Cards: Nil