The final position in the 2018 National Premier League WA competition is up for contention this week with Mandurah City and Forrestfield United battling it out in a two-leg playoff.
The first is at Hartfield Park on Wednesday, September 20, before the second match on Saturday, September 23 at Securitas Protect Stadium in Mandurah.
In their first season in top flight since 2011, Mandurah City started strongly to reach the QBE Night Series Final but finished last on the league ladder.
Coach Doug Hesketh is determined to keep the Dolphins in the NPL.
“I think we have embraced the NPLWA as a club and we give a good account of ourselves,” he said.
“Our league position wasn’t ideal but we have gained great experience and I believe this has helped us develop some very good quality young players during the season.”
Hesketh will coach Mandurah for the last time during the two playoffs before stepping aside from the role.
“I’m proud of the work done over last three years at the club,” he said.
“We had success, we have developed quality players and we have stuck together and grown as people, players, coaches and a club.
“I really have enjoyed the opportunity to lead the club and I see a very positive future.”
Hesketh, who led Stirling Lions to the NPLWA title in 2013, said his side was ready for tough play-off matches.
“I have a lot of respect for (Forrestfield coach) Rod (Banjac) and Forrestfield and how they are going about their business,” he said.
“They are a good side and we are playing for the ‘Ben Nowak Cup’ which links our clubs. It’s a shame there is so much at stake in view of next season.
“I feel Mandurah and Forrestfield are setting great standards excellent support and facilities.”
It’s been a steady rise for Forrestfield United, who began playing in the Sunday Amateur Premier League in 2004.
A great deal of hard work, and the coaching philosophy of Rod Banjac in recent years, has seen United hold their own in the All Flags State League Division One.
Ben Nowak, who was a junior at Mandurah and Forrestfield, died in military service during the Iraq war.
Last year the clubs inaugurated the Ben Nowak Cup in memory of the fallen soldier.
