INTER-DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS STILL IN THE BALANCE
It’s half time in the inter-Divisional playoffs, with all four games still finely balanced going into Saturday’s second leg. In the NPL/Division one playoffs, Kingsley Westside and Joondalup City hold the advantage, after home wins in the first leg, Kingsley beating Fremantle City 2-1, and the port side will look to turn things around when they host the return leg at Hilton Park. (All games kick off at 3:00) Fremantle captain Hayden Stevens said they will look to turn things around after a disappointing first leg. “We’re really looking forward to this game, we’re back at home and have a chance to put things right from last week. We made a lot of mistakes last week and rightly so got punished,” the defender explained. “They’re a hardworking side with some dangerous players. We know there is no second chance after this game, so only one result will do for us.”
Meanwhile in the other tie, Joondalup hold the advantage, after beating UWA Nedlands 3-1, and Kris Donnell’s side will also need to turn things around when they meet at the UWA Sports Park. UWA striker Iljas Ahmedov said Saturday is huge, and they want to continue their excellent season. “We’ve had a good season so far, and we’re focused on keeping that going. We know the challenge ahead is tough, but there’s a lot of belief in the team that we can turn things around. Training has been sharp, and it’s great to have a few players back from injury,” he explained.
“We’re fully prepared to give everything on Saturday. It’s important that we stick to our style of play and don’t get drawn into their game. We’ve been strong at home, and we want to put in a solid performance in our last home game. If we play with confidence, intensity, and stay disciplined while taking our chances, we believe we can get the result we need.”
Joondalup striker Harry Edwards, who was on target in the first leg win, said they will look to build on the win. “I thought the performance and energy from the lads on Saturday was top notch and was reflected in the final score. We will be looking to build off that result this weekend, that means bringing even more energy and going for it the whole game. Training this week has been good and intense and all the boys are looking forward to the huge game on Saturday.
In the Division One/Division Two, Cockburn City and Forrestfield United secured 2-1 wins in the first legs, so it’s all to play for. Cockburn welcome East Perth to Dalmatinac Park, East Perth captain Chris Smith said they will be doing all they can to seal a spot in Saturday’s final. “We know exactly what’s required after the first leg. Cockburn are a really good side, but we are disappointed we didn’t get more from the game last weekend,” Smith said. “It’s always a battle when we face them, and this Saturday will be no different. We have full belief in ourselves and the confidence to overturn the scoreline, everything is to play for.”
Cockburn coach Paulo Basto said Saturday’s game will be another tough encounter, but they are ready for the challenge. “Saturday’s return leg against East Perth will be another important test for us. While the first leg result gives us a positive platform, we know the tie is far from over. East Perth is a strong side and we expect them to come out determined, so our focus will be on maintaining discipline, sticking to our game plan,” Basto explained. “The group is motivated and looking forward to the challenge. Our aim is to build on from the first leg and deliver a performance that takes us through to the next stage.”
Meanwhile at Maida Vale Reserve Forrestfield heads into the local derby against Kalamunda United, with a narrow lead, and keeper Jordan Howell said a big performance is needed, and they are well prepared. “The squad is full of confidence following a strong first-leg performance and is eager to build momentum this weekend against Kalamunda,” the keeper said. “The club have young talent stepping up as regular starters who have been well guided by Captain Matt Evans and the senior leadership group, the team has shown real cohesion throughout the season. We will see the return of several players who will provide valuable attacking depth. While encouraged by last week’s result, the team remains focused on discipline and execution to ensure no easy goals are given away. The team is ready for the challenge and determined to finish the job.”
Kalamunda striker Farruh Mavlonov said the club are ready to turn last weeks result around. “It was a disappointing loss in the first leg, but we got an away goal which will be important,” he said. “We struggled to match Forrestfield’s energy and hunger, and the boys know we are capable of doing much better, myself included. We will give it everything on Saturday to get the win and stay up in Division One.” The winners of these four interdivisional games will meet next weekend at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, to see who will be playing in the relevant leagues next season.
Source : Footballwa.net
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