Floreat Athena bounced back from their first defeat of the season by coming from behind to beat Balcatta 3-2 in a thrilling PlayStation 4 NPL WA contest.
The hosts hit the woodwork twice in the first half, either side of Adrian Caceres’ opener, as it looked as if Floreat was going to have one of those days.
But they came out of the blocks after the break, as Steve Burton and Ludovic Boi combined twice to complete the turnaround, before Bobby Wilson added a third.
Caceres would ensure a nervy final seven minutes with his second, but Floreat held firm for the points to the delight of coach Glen Grostate, who was pleased with his team’s response and has not ruled out catching
Bayswater.
“One of the hardest things in football is winning after you’ve been beaten,” he said.
“We’ve had a good run of wins, but it was all about character today, because we need these wins to stay with Bayswater.
“We conceded at the end, but at 3-1 we were comfortable, and I’m proud of that fighting spirit which shows we can give this a real good crack.”
Grostate is also pleased to have a near full-strength squad and wants more of the same from his players after a great first half of the season.
“We’re not going to change our style of football,” he said.
“But what’s really good for me is having players come back, having got to this point without a full strength squad.
“We’ve been two or three short, week in, week out, but on my bench I can turn around and make a sub that will make an impact.”
In other Round 10 results, a Kenny Keogh header midway through the second half proved to be the difference, as Inglewood edged Subiaco 1-0, in a keenly contested PS4 National Premier Leagues fixture.
Sorrento and Perth Glory were both left to rue missed opportunities in their 2-2 draw at Percy Doyle Reserve.
Cockburn City moved up to fifth place on the table, after a 2-1 win against a young ECU Joondalup side at Dalmatinac Park.
Three first half goals was enough to ensure leaders Bayswater City had a comfortable afternoon at the National Premier Leagues WA's bottom club Armadale.
And Perth SC produced a stunning second half performance to thrash Stirling Lions 5-0 at Dorrien Gardens.