It was a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in Balcatta with plenty of support from both sides keen to watch their sides grab the three points to keep their campaigns ticking along. Stirling needing the win to propel them towards the top of the table, whereas Balcatta were needing the win to keep themselves away from the drop zone and to stay in the hunt for the play-offs. So there was plenty on the line for both sides and would be hopefully a hotly contested battle.
What I found funny before heading into the gates for the match was an exchange between a couple. Now I do not mention these kind of exchanges as I am simply there for the football/sport and the food and drinks that are on offer at wherever I am. But I simply have to share it as I thought it was so amusing and out of touch, also some ridiculous statements that I found was amusing also. So this couple were commenting about the nature of Stirling Macedonia and Balcatta Etna. Wogs etc and all the stereotypes that Australian media have done over and over again over the decades; nothing new there. However, what was amusing to me was that the shock or surprise of this. What were you going to expect with Etna and Macedonia in the names of the clubs? I mean NPL-WA clubs are well and truly open to anyone playing or being part of their clubs. The core fanbase and officials would more than likely be Macedonian and or Italian. So I had a laugh there.
The second thing I found amusing was the shock that "you have to pay to watch local soccer these days?". Yes, you have to pay for entry as this is the old 'State League', now NPL. So this means you have to pay to get in much like anyone who wants to watch WAFL for the state equivalent for Aussie rules football. These teams have to keep the lights on and anything towards that makes a huge contribution towards them continuing to provide pathways for players in the Balcatta and Stirling neighbourhoods to take their football as far as they can. Ok, now that this is off my chest and out of the way I can now talk about the game and the food that I had.
Stirling were in control of the match for overwhelming portions of both halves. They would place Etna under immense pressure when they would venture forward and press down both wings and crossing their attacks from both corners. Only just failing to cross the final hurdle and breach the host's last line of defence. There were some golden chances for Stirling to hit the lead and open their account, only for the Balcatta defensive lines to hold firm and keep them scoreless. At half time it was 0-0.
The second half was virtually the same as the first with Balcatta looking threatening from the counter after a strong Stirling offensive challenge. Thankfully the visitors were not over-exposed from such a strategy and were able to get their defences in check to keep them at bay. Though Balcatta did look ominous and threatening with set pieces from close free kicks and from corners. However, even with Stirling late into the second half almost finding the breakthrough, it was not to be and the match finished scoreless at 0-0.
Now there have been some comments floating around the social media pages and comments about the quality of the hot chips at Balcatta Etna. I have to say that I certainly do agree with the comments and that the hot chips were delicious and hit the spot on a bright, sunny, windy Balcatta winter's afternoon. The chips were nice and hot, well salted and a very good portion in the cup. Went down nicely with a Peroni and after a hectic and long week at work, the beer and the delicious chips were on the money so to speak. The beer was 8 dollars and the chips were 5. Because I simply wanted to watch the football I confess that there were other items on offer like chips with gravy and also with a bit of cheese sprinkled and burgers, but the chips for me were more than enough with the delicious beer.
Well another trip to Grindleford Park done and dusted and always a pleasure to be at Balcatta, the first time since they have switched back to calling themselves as Etna which is good for local history and to be proud of their heritage. With work, university and family commitments aside, I will have to try to make my way back to another game soon.
