Force step up fight for Premier League

The Bunbury Forum Force have stepped up their fight for a place in the National Premier League and complained to the Department of Sport and Recreation about Football West’s selection process.

Force president Albert Nascimento said he had serious concerns over the integrity of the judging process used.

Last week, Football West told the Force they would be the only current State Premier League club which will not be included in next year’s newlook competition.

A three-man selection panel judged submissions.

Two gave Bunbury 79 and 78 out of 90 respectively but the other scored them below 70.

The breakdown has confused the Force who have questioned Football West CEO Peter Hugg about the scoring disparity.

Speaking in a radio interview, Hugg said it was “disappointing” details of the confidential document had been leaked.

“A person had a different opinion but it was all averaged out so there wouldn’t be any personal bias,” he said.

Hugg refuted suggestions that person did not want Bunbury in the NPL.

“It’s not a case of bias against Bunbury,” he said.

“They (the judge) had certain expectations and certain standards.”

Nascimento dubbed Hugg a “master of spin” and said the battle had just begun.

The Force have started an online petition to raise support for their cause.

“We owe it to our kids to be in the Premier League,” he said.

“We’re not going to sit back and let Football West dictate to us how things are going to be.

“I believe the system is flawed.

“With regard to the outlying score, people can read into it whatever they want, but when there’s such a big variation you have to wonder.”

This Saturday the Force will play what could potentially be their last game in the top flight for several years when they host Stirling Lions at Payne Park.

A second-half surge in the 2013 season has seen the Force rise to seventh on the points table with seven wins and three draws for 24 points after just one win and a couple of draws in the first half of a disrupted season.

Last time they met, the Lions mauled the Force with their biggest beating — a 0-3 defeat — and on Saturday the Lions have a major incentive to take out the points and the Premier League championship.

Just one point separates the Lions from second-placed Bayswater City, who face thirdplaced Sorrento, so the title is still up for grabs.

One club is going for the championship, the other just for pride.