WA All Flags State League wrap | Bayswater leave it late

A goal in the last minute from midfielder Paul McCarthy has seen Bayswater City beat Balcatta 1-0 in Sunday’s All Flags State Premier League game at Frank Drago Reserve.

Bayswater City skipper John Kearney and Balcatta's Estonian striker Olari Perlin in action. A goal in the last minute from midfielder Paul McCarthy has seen Bayswater City beat Balcatta 1-0 in Sunday-s All Flags State Premier League game at Frank Drago Reserve.

The Irish midfielder was quickest to react, after Gustavo Giron Marulanda-s long-range shot had crashed off the post, to fire home from close range, and send the home supporters in raptures.

“We had to battle hard today, but we got our rewards late,” McCarthy said.

Former A-League midfielder Jamie Coyne made his league debut for Bayswater, and it was a tight encounter, with both sides cancelling each other out.

Bayswater went close to taking the lead early in the second half, but McCarthy-s long-range shot crashed off the post and away to safety.

Balcatta also had their chances, midfielder Roberto Lujan heading wide on the hour, and striker Moe Atak saw his snap shot whistle inches past the post moments later, but it was McCarthy celebrating at the end by scoring at the death to send Bayswater six points clear at the top of the table.

“We hoped they would run out of legs late, but it wasn-t to be, but we ground out a result and I was in the right place at the right time to score the winner, and I probably won-t score an easier goal all season,” McCarthy added.

In Saturday-s games, Stirling came from behind to beat Perth 3-2 at Macedonia Park. Joshua Pereira gave the visitors the lead after only six minutes, before Stirling striker Rory Grant levelled on the half hour.

Then in first half stoppage time, former Perth striker Phil Arnold gave Stirling the lead at the break. Perth hit back immediately after half time, with Liam Boland converting, but the points were wrapped up for Stirling with just seven minutes remaining, Anthony Lyons scoring to keep them in second place.

Floreat-s resurgence continued with a stunning 5-0 win against Armadale at Litis Stadium. Former Perth Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres capped his starting debut for the club with a brace, with David Heagney, skipper Mark Pritchard and Ian McMurray also on target.

Inglewood beat bottom of the table Bunbury 1-0 at Payne Park. Ryan Clarke scored the winner for the visitors, while Liam Hutchinson missed a second half penalty for the home side.

In other games, Jamie Harnwell-s first half header was enough for Sorrento to beat Joondalup at the Edith Cowan University campus, while Cockburn gave new coach Marc Anthony a winning start, with a 3-2 win against the Football West National Training Centre at Dalmatinac Park.

Sahr Musa gave the NTC the lead from the penalty spot after only eight minutes, but Harry O-Brien levelled before the break. Antonio Naglieri gave the Cockerels the lead on the hour and English import Jack Eades added a third seven minutes later. A late goal from Perth Glory striker Ndumba Makeche was too little too late for the NTC.

image: Peter Simcox