Weston coach Steve Piggott has played down his side's minor premiership chances despite a comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Charlestown City at Rockwell Automation Park yesterday.
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The three points moved the Bears moved into outright second on the NPL ladder with two rounds remaining, and just two points behind Newcastle Jets Youth after they drew 2-all with Hamilton last night.
Weston face a trip to South Cardiff next Sunday while Jets Youth play third-placed Lambton, and it appears almost certain the two sides will face off for the minor premiership on August 9.
Minor premiership aside, Weston's third-straight win all but assures them of a top three finish, and a finals double chance, with a four-point break on fourth-placed Edgeworth.
While admitting his side now had an opportunity at top spot, Piggott insisted they needed to continue to improve.
"Look, we're a chance and you'd like to finish as high as you can, but things can change pretty quickly when we got beat by Hamilton 3-0 a month ago I said we'd find it hard to make the finals," he said.
"One slip-up can cost you, as we've seen with a few teams, and we've still got a lot of hard work to do."
In what was for large parts an even contest, Weston capitalised on a quick start and led 2-0 after just 13 minutes.
Gary McDermott got in behind the defence to open the scoring on 10 minutes, and Connor Evans made it 2-0 four minutes later by converting from a near-impossible angle.
Evans was a consistent threat throughout the afternoon, and virtually sealed the result ten minutes into the second half when he set up Robert Macbeth.
Charlestown were given hope when Scott Smith finished a well-worked goal in the 61st minute, but Weston were able to steady.
Robbie Turnbull killed off any hope of a comeback with a goal five minutes from time to cap off Weston's largest home win of the season to date.
The recent inclusion of Macbeth and the imminent returns of Jamie Subat and Tom Sparre leave the Bears will a near-fully fit squad nearing the end of the season.
Piggott said his side had benefitted from the increased competition for spots.
"Things are comfortable for us at the moment in terms of injuries, and there is pressure for starting places with a few players coming back in," he said.
"I've seen a change in the past month, and a lift in intensity at training with guys really getting stuck in, and it's what you want to see."
In Sunday's other results Lake Macquarie were relegated to the First Division after a 3-0 loss at home to Broadmeadow, while Edgeworth and Adamstown drew 1-1.
South Cardiff upset Lambton 2-1 on Saturday to keep their slim finals hopes alive.