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Johnston hopeful of a fruitful trip to Kingsley for his battling South West Phoenix team

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisSouth Western Times
South West Phoenix coach Gareth Johnston is hopeful of three points on Saturday.
Camera IconSouth West Phoenix coach Gareth Johnston is hopeful of three points on Saturday. Credit: Justin Fris/South Western Times/RegionalHUB

The South West Phoenix’s hopes of survival in State league division 2 took a hit last Saturday afternoon, after they were beaten 2-0 by Carramar Shamrock Rovers at Onside Sports Stadium.

Despite conceding both goals in the first half, the Phoenix received a bonus after Rovers defender Callum Trayner was shown a red card by referee David Avison.

“Typically it can be difficult to play with 10 men — however, it worked an absolute treat for Shamrock Rovers,” Phoenix coach Gareth Johnston said.

“Because after half-time they parked two buses (defensive formation) in front of us — and we just could not break through in the second half.”

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The Phoenix travel to Kingsley Westside FC on Saturday afternoon, a team who were fortunate to secure a 1-all draw when both sides met earlier this year in Bunbury.

“Saturday’s game will be my fourth in charge,” Johnston said. “And already, we’ve seen steady improvement among the players, along with the belief they have.

“It is just a matter of when we can start picking up points off these teams.

“The lads will make the long trip up to Kingsley, who have not won a game in more than a month. They had a weekend off, so they will probably be happy that we are travelling up there to play them.”

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