Settled Force out to play the spoiler

Few would have predicted the Bunbury Forum Force’s maiden State Premier League campaign to be so tumultuous.

But in the wake of backroom squabbles, a managerial merry-go-round and an ever-changing playing list, captain Steve Howson could crack a smile this week.

One of the few constants this season, Howson is among a handful of Force players to have ridden out the storm.

The team, which just a fortnight ago had appeared almost certain to be relegated, has pulled a rabbit out of its hat by claiming two crucial victories.

Bunbury’s back-to-back triumphs have lifted them into eighth position on the ladder, seven points clear of last-placed outfit Western Knights.

‘‘It does feel like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders with those two wins,’’ Howson said this week.

‘‘It was just a shame it came down to these two games for us to pick up those wins.

‘‘It would have been a lot easier for us if we had picked them up early in the season.’’

Instead of survival the Force’s focus has now shifted to sticking a spanner in the works of other clubs.

They’ll get their chance this Saturday at Payne Park with a clash against fifth-placed Inglewood United, who remain an outside chance for the league title with three games to play.

Inglewood is five points off top spot and must topple the Force this weekend to be any chance of challenging for top spot.

Bunbury will enter the clash flying after a 3-0 away trouncing of Armadale. Howson, Aiden Savory and Danny Kane all scored in the rout.

‘‘Going into this on the back of two wins, including an away win, is going to give us a lot of confidence,’’ Howson said.

‘‘They (Inglewood) have to win to stay in contention for the championship. Hopefully they’ll come at us and we can pick them off.’’

When the teams met in May, the Force crashed to a 4-1 defeat.

Leading 1-0 at half-time, Inglewood did the damage after the break as Aleks Jovic, James Sammut and Scott Witischage all found the back of the net.

After the club changed manager three times and had a dramatic board spill earlier this season, Howson said it was nice to have the focus return to their performances on the pitch.

‘‘The people behind the team are doing so much work and fair play to them for what they’ve done this year,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s been a rollercoaster year, but touch wood we’ll stay up."