2024 NPLM Night Series: Opening night thrills as Kingsway, Azzurri prevail
The 2024 NPLWA - Men’s Night Series got off to an entertaining start at Dorrien Gardens last night with 12 goals in the first two matches.
In Group A, holders Olympic Kingsway recovered from 2-0 down to beat Inglewood United 3-2.
New Inglewood coach Taki Nicolaidis would have been delighted at half-time after two goals late in the period from Shubham Mokala, one a penalty, had them in a strong position.
But Kingsway came out for the second half fired up and within 15 minutes of the restart they were ahead. Luke Hewings struck first, then Tyler Garner, before Hewings grabbed his second goal which proved to be the winner.
In Group B, Perth SC came out on top 4-3 against Floreat Athena.
Most of the action came in the opening half with the teams sharing six goals, including three inside the first 10 minutes and three inside the last 10.
Federico Achilli struck for Perth, Mohammed Al-Zaidy quickly levelled, only for David Ninkovich to re-establish the hosts' lead.
Nicholas Ambrogio brought Floreat back on terms on 35 minutes, and there was still time for two more goals with the Azzurri's Ethan Banks and Ambrogio on target.
Things calmed down after the break, with the decisive goal coming from Perth's new English defender Jack Cawley.
The remaining Round One matches are scheduled for the weekend.
On Saturday, there is a Group A double-header at Alfred Skeet Reserve. NPL newcomers Western Knights meet Perth RedStar at 5pm, then home side Armadale take on Balcatta Etna (7pm).
Then on Sunday attention turns to Macedonia Park and Group B. At 5pm it's Perth Glory v Bayswater City, before promoted club Fremantle City and hosts Stirling Macedonia clash at 7pm.