Baysie’s problems all relative

Brothers Michael and Adam Zimarino both came off the bench to score in the final 20 minutes as Balcatta came from behind to win 2-1 at in-form Bayswater City.

The result extended the visitors’ own run of form to four wins in five matches and with every other side in the top half dropping points, Balcatta moved to second place after 14 rounds of the NPL WA.

They were on the back foot early, though, as FFA Cup Round of 32 entrants Bayswater started well and controlled possession. Adam Tong and Brent Griffiths both caused problems from corner kicks with the latter heading wide of the target.

Balcatta grew into the game and forced Devon Spence into two regulation saves from range, before the home side countered up field and took the lead.

Daryl Nicol brilliantly brought down a long pass from Jason Mirco and crossed perfectly into the six-yard box for Gordon Smith to tap in the opener on 29 minutes.

Nicol was at it again moments later as he was fouled after collecting Gustavo Marulanda’s backheel and the referee pointed to the spot. But Lewis Italiano dived low to his right and got a firm glove on the ball to keep Nicol’s spot-kick out and Balcatta in the contest.

It proved to be a crucial moment. Goran Stajic turned to his bench early in the second half for a little more punch in the final third with the Zimarino brothers entering the fray.

And they were rewarded for their efforts on 74 minutes when Michael Zimarino bundled in an effort on the half-turn to draw Balcatta level.

Bayswater had lost only once in six league games prior to Saturday and they upped the tempo in the final 10 minutes. But Balcatta’s belief soared and they struck a decisive blow heading into stoppage time when Adam Zimarino added a goal to his earlier assist.

Brother Michael did well to find Shubham Mokala wide on the right and he drove towards goal, bided his time and threaded a ball through for Adam Zimarino to finish past an on-rushing Spence.

Balcatta nearly added a third when Adam Zimarino dragged a shot wide and the flag was up on the far side as Mokala tried to score, but it mattered little as Balcatta completed a first league double over Bayswater in the NPL WA era.

Star Player: Adam Zimarino (Balcatta)

Bayswater City 1 (Smith 29min)
Balcatta 2 (Michael Zimarino 74, Adam Zimarino 90)

Saturday 29 June, 2019
Frank Drago Reserve
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Shane Skinner
Assistant referees: Troy Malatesta, Aaron Softley

Bayswater City: GK: Devon SPENCE, 2. Declan HARGREAVES, 9. Gustavo MARULANDA (6. Todd HOWARTH 81), 10. Jason MIRCO, 13. Trent KAY, 14. Sean McMANUS (5. Adam HARRIS 72), 17. Daryl NICOL, 18. Brent GRIFFITHS (24. Jake SARDELIC 81), 19. Gordon SMITH, 27. Ross MILLARD, 30. Adam TONG
Unused substitutes: 12. Steven HESKETH, 22.Hamish VAN DIEKEN
Yellow cards: Griffiths 75
Red cards: Nil

Balcatta SC: GK: Lewis ITALIANO, 2. Joseph MARINO, 3. John KEARNEY, 4. Calum O’CONNELL, 5. Shubham MOKALA, 7. Ben PELLIZZARI (17. Michael ZIMARINO 46), 8. Alex WILD (23. Adam ZIMARINO 57), 10. Jonathan CORNESS, 12. Robert DEL BORRELLO, 14. Callum TIMMINS (20. Anthony TOPINI 66), 16. Alex CASTIELLO
Unused substitutes: RGK: David Keenan, 13. Carmelo GIUFFRE
Yellow cards: O’Connell 45, Del Borrello 61, Adam Zimarino 85
Red cards: Nil