The traditional Football West pre-season competition, Night Series, kicks off tonight at Hartfield Park (Curtin Uni VS Swan United followed by Forrestfield United VS Western Knights) and Lark Hill (Fremantle City VS Gosnells City followed by Rockingham City VS Canning City).
Balga SC kick off their Night Series campaign at 5 PM on Sunday, February 7 against a fellow Division 2 side Kingsway Olympic.
Balga SC Head Coach, Bobby Taneski, is happy with his preparations for the competition. “Pre season has been tremendous from a team building point of view. We’ve released some players from last season that really did not fit the group going forward, however, the acquisition of highly regarded and talented players this year will give us a bright outlook to season 2016. Season 2015 was to stabilise the club and now we look forward to keep building in the right direction and winning promotion” he said.
Olympic finished last season 6th overall, 1 point behind Balga and will fancy their chances of taking the points however Taneski is going into the encounter very confident. “Kingsway provide us a great challenge as we have played three Div 1 powerhouses and have had some success. There is never a greater indicator then playing your peers and competitors. We know Kingsway’s structures and the weaknesses we need to expose to have success not only in the Night Series but also for the up coming season. I am sure Tom has motivated his troops for 2016 as last season would have been a great disappointment after recruiting well” said Taneski.
Taneski also sees the Night Series competition as the perfect preparation for the upcoming season and an opportunity to introduce some of the younger players to first team football. “We feel these games will provide an opportunity to blood some of our younger players and get them much needed experience”.
Balga SC will be back in action against Joondalup City FC at 8.30pm on Saturday, February 13 and completing the group stage against the hosts and 2015 Division 1 runners-up Ashfield SC at 5pm on Sunday, February 21.
Entry to all Night Series games at Ashfield Reserve will be completely free.
Balga SC reserves will also be in action on Sunday. The reserves side will be taking on NPL side Balacatta reserves at Liddell Park, Girrawheen. This game will kick of at 9am.
Ashfield Reserve, Colstoun RD Ashfield (Click for Map)