NPL: Coyne plays down Bayswater chances
Bayswater City won four trophies in WA soccer last season and they are top of the PS4 National Premier Leagues competition heading into round four of the 2015 campaign.
But as far as City coach Chris Coyne is concerned his team will be underdogs when they face Perth SC in a "Rivalry Round" clash at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday night (7pm kick-off).
VIDEO: ROUND THREE HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
“It’s good going into a game as underdogs for a change,” Coyne said. “They’re formidable opponents and I think they’re favourites. They’re coming off a good win and our last two performances haven’t been where we want them to be.”
Rumours circulated this week suggested the former Perth Glory and Socceroos defender could be heading to Hyundai A-League club Newcastle Jets in a coaching role.
But Coyne said there had been no contact with the Jets and his immediate focus was on the “Italian” derby against Perth.
“These games are huge,” he said. “The history is there; the ethnic ties and the closeness of families. It’s the black and blue of Bayswater against the Azzurri blue of Perth.”
Perth beat Cockburn City 2-0 last week, while Bayswater’s 1-1 draw against Inglewood United was enough to keep them ahead of the Azzurri on goal difference. Third-placed Balcatta are also on seven points.
Bayswater will welcome back Jamie Coyne after he missed last weekend’s match, while Borbor Sam is pushing for a start after he returned last weekend following trials in the eastern states.
The former Perth Glory National Youth League player will be monitored by Central Coast Mariners during the Hyundai A-League off-season with the possibility of a contract offer down the track.
Chris Coyne is also pleased to have Trent Kay’s steadying influence at the back recently after his recovery from a groin injury he struggled with in the latter part of last season.
“Even when he has a bad game he’s a seven out of 10,” said Coyne, emphasising Kay’s importance to the team. “Now we’ve got him up to 90-95% and he’s getting stronger every week.”
Rivalry Round kicks off at Percy Doyle Reserve tonight when Sorrento host ECU Joondalup in the northern derby.
The match kicks off at 8pm.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Friday, April 17: Sorrento v ECU Joondalup (Percy Doyle Reserve, 8pm)
Saturday, April 18: Inglewood United v Balcatta (Inglewood Stadium, 3pm); Stirling Lions v Floreat Athena (Macedonia Park, 3pm); Subiaco v Perth Glory (Rosalie Park, 3pm); Armadale v Cockburn City (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 5pm); Perth v Bayswater City (Dorrien Gardens, 7pm).
