The contenders strengthened in the transfer market. Then they won. NPL WA's title race is heating up

NPL WA’s top two didn't just win on the weekend. They made statements before a ball was even kicked.

Perth RedStar and Olympic Kingsway both strengthened their squads ahead of Round 13, underlining the growing belief that this year's NPL WA title race could go right down to the wire.

League leaders RedStar secured a major boost with the arrival of Socceroo Brandon O'Neill on loan from Perth Glory as an injury-replacement player, while Olympic Kingsway responded by landing Young Socceroos defender Kaelan Majekodunmi from Glory.

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Then both clubs went out and collected three points.

RedStar extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 2-1 victory over Western Knights. Gordon Smith opened the scoring before Tom Hough produced a stunning finish from distance as the leaders maintained their place at the summit.

Olympic Kingsway ensured the pressure remained on.

Rob Harker and legendary striker Liam Boland found the net in a 2-1 win over Perth Glory, with Boland extending his scoring streak to four consecutive matches as Richard Garcia’s Kingsway stayed a point behind the leaders.

Bayswater City refused to be left behind.

Trailing Dianella White Eagles 3-1, Bayswater produced one of the comebacks of the season to claim a remarkable 4-3 victory and remain just two points off top spot. Pat Loughrey, Declan Hughes and Daniel Stynes led the fightback as the title race tightened even further.

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At the other end of the table, Armadale continued their revival.

Luke Desmond scored twice for the second consecutive week as Armadale defeated Fremantle City 2-1, moving to within touching distance of safety.

The result piled further pressure on bottom side Balcatta Etna, who slipped to a 3-0 defeat against Sorrento.

There was also late drama at Dorrien Gardens, where Perth Azzurri recovered from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Stirling Macedonia, with David Ninkovich scoring twice in the comeback.