By Steve Gibson
Photo’s by Sharon Cowley
After a stirring 4-0 win over East Perth, CMI Busselton City find themselves as the sole regional WA side remaining in this season’s FFA Cup competition. They will now take on the highly regarded Kwinana United in the next round to be played over Easter at Churchill Park.
Whilst the final score against the Irish -based East Perth side appeared comfortable, only some desperate defending at times kept the locals in the game. However, City opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Miles Palmer- Williams showed some clinical finishing skills in his new attacking role. Shortly afterwards Busselton scored again with their own Irish striker Martin Ryan converting a precise cross from midfielder Matia Comelato.
The second spell belonged to Ryan, whose prolific goalscoring ability has been a feature of local soccer over the last decade. He added another two superbly struck goals through his ability to take on opposition defenders inBusselton’s attacking third of the pitch. East Perth to their credit fought hard to get back in the match but City central defenders Andy Cowley and Jack Garnham won everything that came their way. Busselton now meet Manjimup in a Pioneer Cup fixture on Sunday in Bunbury.
Five goals from Australind’s Dakota van Vught proved the difference in Rocky Ridge Busselton City ladies loss in their Charity Shield encounter. City are very much in a rebuilding phase after dominating the local female soccer scene over recent years. Led by the experience of Therese Charlton and Sami Ryan, Busselton competed strongly throughout the 90 minutes. Newcomer Jess Sheridan impressed with her composure whilst teenage striker Finlay Godden scored a well-taken goal late in the game. Coach Rob Gibbons will be looking to strengthen his side with the inclusion of Kara Haynes, Jessica Coshott and Clare Marchand-Johns when they travel to Australind on Sunday.
Esplanade Hotel Busselton City Reserve side completed their pre-season preparations going down 4-1 to a more experienced East Perth outfit on Sunday. Promising defenders Harvey Anderson and Toby Neill were industrious as were newcomers Ryan Simpson and Brad Scott. With the return of Josh Snow and Damon Rynvis, the side should be a full strength for their away encounter with Hay Park United on Sunday.
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