Promotion dreams over for La Fiamma but still plenty to play for against Forrestfield

Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma promotion dreams came to a crushing end last week as Cracovia put eight past the Reds on a harrowing Sunday afternoon. It was always going to be a tough ask having to make up a five-point gap in two games a lot of things would have to go right for the Reds to still be in the hunt. They were dealt a blow as they had to travel down to Perth without a goalkeeper as their first choice had a shoulder injuring meaning they had to play an outfield player in goal on the weekend. Cracovia was also on a seven-win streak thanks to some big mid-season signings with Logan Morgan who scored five on the weekend transferring from the State league. Tomas Despotovski son of former Perth Glory star Slobodan was also brought into the side. Their impact has been plain to see with Morgan sitting second on the goal-scoring charts despite only playing 13 games out of 21 with Despotovski in third. La Fiamma captain Lachlan Gray said it was a tough weekend. “It was pretty horrible and we hated it,” he said. “We certainly missed Harry Mccann’s physicality in goal and those players were just a cut above for us on the day. “They had about 10 scoring shots on the day and scored eight which is a crazy conversion rate.” Gray said they had started the game well but they were always chasing the game after the first goal. “We had plenty of opportunities in those opening 20 odd minutes and we forced a few good saves from their keeper,” he said. “But the first goal was a defining moment in the match and once they got on a roll we just couldn’t stop them.” It leaves the Reds in the sixth spot on 36 points while Cracovia moves to 43 and are now likely to take the second promotion spot with only Forrestfield who La Fiamma play this weekend able to catch them. Despite the disappointing display, Gray said there was still plenty to play for this weekend. “We still want to finish the season strong and go out on a high,” he said. “This has been one of best seasons ever scoring 44 goals with the potential to end up on 39 points is the most we’ve achieved in my 10 years at the club. “The team should be proud of what they’ve accomplished has a brand new team with a lot of these guys having not played together before this season.” Gray also said eyes are quickly turning towards a title tilt next season. “Obviously La Fiamma has its sights set on higher division, we started this year as a rebuilding year and ended up in a promotion fight,” he said. “The season has been a huge step towards where we want to be and hopefully our success can attract a few more players in the off-season.” “If we maintain the squad we have we are definitely aiming for a top-three finish next season if not the title, we want to be the team that the competition fears.” La Fiamma will play Forrestfield United at 6pm at Salvatore Sciuto Stadium.