NPLWA: Time for Balcatta to get moving
Former Birmingham City goalkeeper Clint Davies has been around the game for long enough to know that Balcatta can climb through the ranks of the PS4 NPLWA.
But he also knows that there is no time to waste.
After an unbeaten four-match run at the start of the season, Balcatta have lost three in a row heading into Saturday’s match against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve.
In seventh place, Balcatta are 11 points off the pace but are capable of closing the gap, according to Davies.
“This is a huge game for us and we’ve got to get a result,” he said. “We have to start winning games again. We know we’re underachieving with what we feel we can do and we’re really focused on Saturday.”
Davies, who spent 10 years playing overseas, starting as a youth player with Birmingham and spending time at Bradford City and Bristol City, expects Sorrento to be fired up after last week’s heavy loss to league leaders Bayswater City.
Danny Dixon and David Heagney scored two goals each and Brian Farrell was also on target as Bayswater extended their goal-difference lead over second-placed Floreat.
“I’m sure Sorrento will react well; most teams do when they’ve been beaten like that,” Davies said. “They’ll be physical and in our faces, which is good because it will make sure we’re up and running. They’re a good side. They’re always in and around the top three or four teams and it will be a test for us.”
Surprisingly, the 32-year-old, who played junior soccer at Whitfords and Kingsway, is in just his second season in WA’s top flight, despite having returned to Perth from England five years ago.
At the time, he could not commit to top-flight soccer with his focus on ensuring his English wife Mari-Anne settled in Perth.
“My life was football in England and when we came back it was more about setting ourselves up and thinking about a career,” Davies said.
He enjoyed his time at then second-tier club Wanneroo City before switching to Balcatta last season. The recent arrival of baby Millie has added another dimension to Davies’ life but he remains committed to Balcatta.
“I’m really enjoying it; enjoying the banter and we’re all putting the hard work in,” he said.
PS4 NPLWA Round 8 fixtures
Saturday, May 23
Armadale v Inglewood United (3pm, Alfred Skeet Reserve)
Perth Glory v Bayswater City (3pm, Inglewood Stadium)
Stirling Lions v ECU Joondalup (3pm, Macedonia Park)
Sorrento v Balcatta (3pm, Percy Doyle Reserve)
Subiaco v Cockburn City (3pm, Rosalie Park)
Floreat Athena v Perth SC (7pm, E&D Litis Stadium)
