Bayswater City starting XI: Italiano (GK), Southgate, Stephens, Palmateer, Mitchinson, Corness, Hughes, Loughrey, Davies, McManus, La Galia

Bench: Garnham, Jackson, Tatafu, Sone, Rae, Edwards, Brook

Goals: Davies 55’

MetroStars starting XI: Oestreich (GK), Walls, Barr, McNamara, Visser, Woodfin, Fortunatow, Gow, Niyonkuru, Porter, Cittadini

Bench: D’Angelo, Sotira, Barbiero, Muhitira, Nagel, Rapuano, Divin

The first half saw MetroStars dominate possession and create the lion’s share of chances, but they lacked the cutting edge required to finish their good work. Just before the break, Hamish Gow went close twice: once when his cross hit the crossbar and again minutes later when his free kick was met by a fine save from Lewis Italiano.

The home side were fortunate to keep 11 men on the pitch after Luke Palmateer’s reckless last-man foul on Jake Porter somehow didn’t result in a sending off.

Bayswater City looked unconvincing in possession and would have been grateful to get to the break at 0-0.

Ultimately it was the scrappiest of goals that would decide the match. In the 55th minute, a free kick was whipped into the box by Declan Hughes, causing chaos that resulted in a shot from close range by Oli La Gallia. MetroStars keeper Cody Oestreich made the save but couldn’t hold on to the shot. The South Australians were unable to clear the resulting loose ball, allowing Gyles Davies to slide in and force the goal from a yard out.

Despite a flurry of late chances, MetroStars were unable to find the back of the net and now sit bottom of Group D after two matches.

“As far as the performance, we’re pretty pleased,” said Gow. “I think we sort of came out and played the way we wanted to, just little moments in that final third let us down a little bit.

“Obviously the result itself was disappointing - we’re really looking to get three points … it’s just not clicking at the moment.”

Gow added that the way his side conceded was also disappointing.

“Especially because we know Bayswater was so good in the air and at those set pieces - we knew that was one of their strong points [and tried to] make sure we were switched on for those moments.

“We can just learn from it and hopefully be better next week.”

Next up for MetroStars is Sydney United in Sydney, a challenge that Gow and his teammates are relishing.

“No matter what sort of form we’re in, we’re always confident in ourselves to win games, so we’re always going to go on with that confidence,” he said.

“We’re excited to travel to Sydney as well. Sydney United are a good, historic club … everyone’s looking forward to it.”