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NPL - ECU defence ready for Bayswater

ECU Joondalup skipper Jon Higgins is confident his side will be a formidable defensive challenge for league leaders Bayswater when they meet in National Premier Leagues WA clash at ECU Football Stadium tomorrow.

Higgins credited solid defence for his team’s impressive 1-1 draw with Sorrento in last week’s Rivalry Round.

“After conceding four against Floreat Athena last week the plan was to tighten up at the back and be hard to beat,” said Higgins, who had youth spells with English clubs Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“We knew what to expect from Sorrento. They are big, strong, well organised and have probably bullied us in the last few meetings, so it was good to see the lads step up the intensity and produce a good performance.”

Higgins believed Joondalup’s defence would be further boosted by the return of Charlie Comyn-Platt, who missed last week’s match due to illness.

“It’s great to have Charlie back this week,” he said. “He has been one of our top players the last few games and his leadership is very important.”

Joondalup’s approach was reiterated by coach Dale McCulloch.

“Dale has worked us hard this week and drilled into us that we need to be disciplined defensively,” Higgins said.

“Our players will be up for a huge game, and I think we will make it extremely hard for Bayswater to walk away with the points.

“The lads have been looking sharp and are buzzing for Saturday. Hopefully it goes well for us and we can take three more important points.”

TOMORROW: Stirling Lions v Sorrento (Macedonia Park, 3pm); ECU Joondalup v Bayswater City (ECU Football Stadium, 3pm); Inglewood United v Armadale (Intiga Stadium, 3pm); Perth v Balcatta (Dorrien Gardens, 3pm); Cockburn City v Perth Glory (Dalmatinac Park, 3pm); Subiaco v Floreat Athena (WA Athletics Stadium, 3pm).

Meanwhile, traditional rivals Perth SC and Balcatta will do battle for the inaugural Ferrari Cup when they meet at Dorrien Gardens in a clash that could have huge ramifications on the ladder.

Balcatta sit second on 33 points, two behind leaders Bayswater (35), while hosts Perth (30) are a further three points back in third.

The match is being sponsored by Ferrari Club WA, who will have vehicles on display at the ground.

Adam Tong and Clarke Keltie with the Ferrari Cup. Pic: Gerald Moscarda