Cockburn shock leaders Bayswater
Report by Ryan Borrett
Cockburn ended Bayswater City’s perfect start to the 2018 NPL WA season with a 1-0 win at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Cockerels were expected to struggle against last season’s champions but their determination and hunger saw them claim the three points in this Round Five clash.
Cockburn took the lead in the 20th minute after a poor clearance by Bayswater centre-back Todd Howarth was pounced upon by youngster Daniel Robinson, who broke free to drive a low shot home.
The goal came against the run of play as Bayswater had dominated the opening portion of the match. But Cockburn showed real spirit, to the delight of coach Scott Miller.
“Bayswater are a very, very good side and they play some great football,” he said.
“We got the hang of how they were playing early on and countered that well.
“We got the goal and then managed to see out the match.”
Bayswater controlled the majority of possession in the game and despite creating countless chances they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Bayswater coach Chris Coyne said the plaudits deserved to go to the home side.
“Scotty and the boys were magnificent were today, so the credit has to go to them,” he said.
“They were hungrier and more committed than us.
“We weren’t at the races today and didn’t show enough.”
Bayswater’s best chance to equalise came in the 31st minute after Gian Albano whipped in a great ball into the box but Luka Ninkovic’s diving header was just short.
As Bayswater piled men forward late in the second half, the Cockerels’ defence was solid under the increased pressure.
Cockburn almost managed to double their lead in the 86th minute on the break but Bayswater keeper Devon Spence showed his experience to make a great save.
A stand-out for Cockburn was right-back Harry O’Brien, a performance recognised by Miller.
“Harry hadn’t played in six months and I thought he was just about man of the match today,” he said.
Despite victory Miller also said it was vital his side built on this result.
“As much as I’m happy I’m also frustrated because we don’t always show performances like today,” he added.
“Hopefully we can use this momentum to take to Joondalup next week.”
Cockburn City 1 (Robinson 20 mins)
Bayswater City 0
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Stuart Muldoon
Assistant referees: Alexander Best, Daniel Cole
Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH, 4. Euen GRANT 5. Kieron STALLARD, 6. Rueben TRISTAO, 7. Luccas MELLO, 8. Cameron EDWARDS, 11. Harry O’BRIEN, 16. Daniel ROBINSON (10. David ARAYA 73), 17. Jesse LAZZARO, 18. Aden DA LUZ (12. Ryan PRATT 76), 19. Anthony SKORICH (9. Julian TELES 90)
Substitutes not used: 2. Chris THACKRAY, 23. Ryan BARKER
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Bayswater City: 1. Devon SPENCE, 5. Adam HARRIS (22. Jordon POKLER 58), 6. Todd HOWARTH, 8. Paul MCCARTHY, 10. Jason MIRCO (4. Arran MAPLESTONE 76), 11. Devon GIBSON, 13. Trent KAY, 15. Paul LLOYD, 17. Gian ALBANO, 19. Luka NINKOVIC (21. Riley VAN DIEKE 73), 24. Jake SARDELIC
Substitutes not used: 12. David STOKOE, 25. Dejan ALEKSIC
Yellow cards: POKLER 90+3
Red cards: Nil
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