FFA Cup: Coyne sets bar even higher for Bayswater

Bayswater City coach Chris Coyne says his side is motivated to improve on their impressive showing in last year’s Westfield FFA Cup when they play Sorrento in a WA semi-final tomorrow.

The PS4 National Premier League champions and current league leaders were knocked out in the national Round of 32 by A-League side Melbourne Victory in the inaugural FFA Cup last year.

VIDEO: SEE BELOW FOR ROUND 11 HIGHLIGHTS

The tournament, which allows amateur and semi-professional sides to play professional outfits, is styled on the English FA Cup.

Coyne says his players are driven to surpass last year’s efforts in this campaign.

“They’re a group of winners and self-driven players who want to achieve the best they possibly can for each other,” he said.

Coyne said his players would show Sorrento the “utmost respect” at Frank Drago Reserve, with the visitors upsetting second-placed Floreat Athena 3-1 in their last league match.

Bayswater coach Chris Coyne is determined to enjoy more success in the FFA Cup. Pic: Football West

However, he said Bayswater were excited by the prospect of taking on another A-League opponent in the next round.

“The 90 minutes on Saturday is more important than worrying about the round of 32,” he said

“(But) you want the big guns, so the players can go out and challenge themselves against the best in the country.

“We acquitted ourselves tremendously against the Victory last year, so we’d love that opportunity again.”

Despite Bayswater currently holding a six-point lead at the top of the NPL table, Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell is confident in his side’s ability to score an upset.

“We’ve got our plans in place, and we think we know how we’re going to nullify their obvious strengths and counter on their weaknesses,” Harnwell said.

A positive Harnwell said playing away from home wouldn’t disadvantage his side.

“I think we’ve probably won more games away from home than at home this season,” he said.

“We’ve won Grand Finals there (at Bayswater), we’ve beaten Bayswater there, so it’s a ground that can suit us.

“It’s a semi-final with a massive carrot at the end of it, so if we aren’t pumped up for this game, I don’t know what would motivate us.”

The game will hold special personal significance for both coaches, the former Perth Glory team-mates having been friends since childhood.

“Derek Harnwell and my Dad, John, played together at Sorrento in the late 80s, so me, Jamie and Todd Harnwell and my brother Jamie used to knock about and be at their football constantly,” Coyne said.

Coyne said the two enjoyed a healthy rivalry.

“It’s always friendly, it’s always amicable and after the game we always make sure we have a nice cold beer together,” he said.

After a 5-0 loss in the last meeting between the sides, Harnwell hopes to come away with post-match bragging rights.

“We’re both pretty vocal, and not ones to step down….hopefully I can be the one who is a bit louder after the game, unlike last time,” he said.

WA’s other semi-final is a David and Goliath clash between third-placed NPL side Perth SC and Sunday amateur team Gwelup Croatia, featuring former Perth Glory midfielder Steven McGarry, at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday.

Westfield FFA Cup - WA semi-finals

Saturday, June 20

Frank Drago Reserve

First team: Bayswater City v Sorrento (2.30pm)

Reserves: Joondalup United v ECU (12.15pm)

U18: Cockburn City v Sorrento (10am)

Sunday, June 21

Dorrien Gardens, West Perth

First team: Perth SC v Gwelup Croatia (2.30pm)

Reserves: Perth SC v Mandurah City (12.15pm)

U18: Subiaco v Forrestfield (10am)