ECU Joondalup have targeted victory over Bayswater City at Finance 365 Stadium on Saturday to catapult them into contention for The West Australian Top Four Cup.
Joondalup are three points behind fourth-placed Bayswater with three games to play, while City need a victory to keep alive the defence of their title.
Leaders Inglewood United, who are at home to Subiaco, are on 39 points, two points clear of second-placed Perth SC, who are away to Cockburn City.
Floreat Athena are just four points adrift of Inglewood as Glen Grostate’s side negotiates an away game against Perth Glory.
Despite sitting outside the top four, ECU midfielder Steven McGarry believes Joondalup can cause an upset against Bayswater and add a wildcard to the top-four mix.
“We’ve had some success in the second half of this season and we’ve got a massive game against Bayswater,” said McGarry, who will assist Bayswater and State coach Chris Coyne at next Wednesday’s Heritage Cup match between WA and Perth Glory at Inglewood Stadium.
“This will decide where we can end up. If we win, the finals fight is on with two games to go. It’s going to be a real interesting end to the season.”
An impressive nine-game unbeaten run has taken Dale McCulloch’s side from looking over their shoulders at the lower rungs to genuine contenders for silverware.
“It’s been brilliant to go nine unbeaten,” McGarry said. “There’s a good feeling and we’re trying to make it as professional as we can.”
Coyne, who called on his former Perth Glory teammate to assist with State duties, knows to expect a difficult match on Saturday.
“Stevie’s a good player and they are a good team, and it’s going to be a good battle,” he said.
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 13
Perth Glory v Floreat Athena (Ashfield Arena, 3pm)
Cockburn City v Perth SC (Dalmatinac Park, 3pm)
Bayswater City v ECU Joondalup (Finance 365, 3pm)
Sorrento v Armadale (Percy Doyle Reserve, 3pm)
Balcatta v Stirling Lions (Grindleford Reserve, 3pm)
Inglewood United v Subiaco (Inglewood Stadium, 3pm)