2024 NPLM Night Series: Keeper Italiano scores winner as Baysie set up RedStar final

A bizarre goal by Bayswater City keeper Lewis Italiano booked his side's place in the NPLM Night Series final against Perth RedStar this Friday.

Bayswater beat Olympic Kingsway 2-1 after Italiano launched a second-half free-kick from level with his own penalty area and, wind assisted, the ball evaded his opposite number Adrian Sinagra and went straight into the Olympic net.

It was Kingsway who led through a Joe Knowles effort, only for Samuel Dweh to bring Bayswater level on the stroke of half-time.

Despite the wind, both sides created plenty of chances. Joshua Anasmo saw his deflected effort strike the foot of the Kingsway post while in the final minute, Olympic, for whom Liam Murray was excellent, had a shot blocked on the line as they tried in vain to force a penalty shoot-out.

Bayswater will face Perth RedStar in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre after they beat Stirling Macedonia on penalties following a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.

RedStar led at half-time thanks to Daryl Nicol’s penalty, which was awarded for a foul on Joel Chianese.

Not long after the teams went off the field for a short period as a safety precaution as lightning flashed around the ground.

Nicol was involved in the second goal when he put Gomo Dukuly in with an exquisite pass and the RedStar wide man finished well.

Joshua Bilaloski headed one back for Stirling on 73 minutes, then right at the death they levelled when Ciaran Byrne stabbed home from close range.

That took the game to penalties where Lewis Tucker scored RedStar's winning spot-kick after Liam Reddy, who had scored one for his side, saved Kai Matthews' effort.

The RedStar-Bayswater final kicks off at 8.15pm on Friday and follows the State League Night Series decider between Sorrento FC and Dianella White Eagles.