Inglewood edge leaders Bayswater
Report by Ryan Borrett
Inglewood United pulled off an excellent 1-0 win over top-of-the-table Bayswater City at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Sunday as the NPL WA title race heats up.
The loss leaves Bayswater just one point ahead of second-placed Perth Glory while Inglewood are back level on points with fourth-placed Perth SC.
Inglewood took the lead in the first half through midfielder Jason Barrera’s deflected long-range strike and their defence held firm against Bayswater’s potent attack for the remainder of the match to claim a massive three points.
United coach Andy Keogh said his side had earned the Round 17 result.
“It was thoroughly deserved,” he said.
“They gave us a little bit of pressure but we were by far the better team and we could have won by a lot more.
Bayswater coach Chris Coyne shared Keogh’s praise for Inglewood’s efforts.
“All credit to Inglewood, I thought they were hungrier on the day and I thought they showed that little bit more desire to go about and win the game,” he said.
“Sometimes in tough battles against two good teams that’s what the difference is.”
Bayswater came close to taking the lead very early in the match but Gian Albano’s overhead kick from close range went just wide.
Both teams created plenty of chances in the first half in an attacking and fast-paced game.
But it was Inglewood that finally found a breakthrough in the 33rd minute after the ball spilled out to Barrera who found the back of the net from long range thanks to a deflection.
Keogh said of Barrera’s goal: “Great strike with the help of a deflection and a little bit of luck when we needed one.”
Bayswater came out of the blocks firing in the second half and it looked certain they would find an equaliser.
Their best chance of the half came in the 77th minute after Albano outran his marker and found space inside the box to hit a low shot but his effort was kept out brilliantly by Inglewood keeper Alex Dunn’s diving save.
Inglewood came close to doubling their advantage and sealing the win minutes later but Brian Farrell’s close-range shot was well saved by Bayswater’s Devon Spence.
Bayswater piled men forward in the dying minutes of the match in search of an equaliser but Inglewood’s solid rearguard held firm to seal the 1-0 win and gain a massive boost for their top-four hopes.
Bayswater remain in first place despite the loss and face another massive test in their fight for the title next week against Cockburn City, who need a win after picking up just a point from their last two games.
“Nothing changes, it’s just another game and we’ll prepare again,” Coyne said of next week’s clash.
Inglewood United 1 (Barrera 33min)
Bayswater City 0
Sunday, June 17
Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Adam Fielding
Assistant referees: Julian Serra, Adrien Liechti
Inglewood United: 1. Alex DUNN 2. Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 3. David CYRUS, 7. Kenny KEOGH (10. Ash ROSINDALE 76), 8. Jason BARRERA, 9. Alex SALMON (12. Feisal ZAW 90+4), 11. Ellis HEALING (4. Scott BLACKMORE 87), 15. Brian FARRELL, 16. Jamie MURPHY, 19. Connor BECSI, 23. Brian WOODALL
Substitutes not used: 6. Milorad VUJACIC
Yellow cards: Cyrus 2, Healing 63
Red cards: Nil
Bayswater City: 1. Devon SPENCE, 4. Arran MAPLESTONE (18. Brent GRIFFITHS 86), 5. Adam HARRIS, 8. Paul MCCARTHY (23. Andrija JUKIC 75), 11. Ryan PEARSON, 12. David STOKOE, 13. Trent KAY, 17. Gian ALBANO, 19. Luka NINKOVIC (10. Jason MIRCO 62), 26. Paul LLOYD, 30. Moses KALAU
Substitutes not used: 15. Jordan POKLER, 25. Dejan ALEKSIC
Yellow cards: Kay 39
Red cards: Griffiths 90+4
