National Premier Leagues 4: Western NSW FC finishes regular season in second, prepares for semi-final clash

Western may have narrowly missed out on the premiership, pipped at the post by Nepean FC, but they've got their sights set on a championship after finishing second on the ladder.

Their 5-2 victory over Granville Rage on Saturday was the perfect way for the team to enter the finals series, especially after the way they lifted their game in the second half.

Western had earned themselves a narrow 2-1 advantage at the break but the Rage were not a far way out of the contest at Charles Sturt University.

The hosts quickly took the game out of Granville's hands as Western put away the most number of a goals in a game this season since their 5-1 win over Hurstville in the third round.

The clinical attack is an encouraging sign for the finals, and captain Tom Rooke is hopeful there's still more to come.

"It's a really great thing for the club to get here from where we've been over the past few years. Everyone is really keen for it," he said.

"Everything really clicked for us in our last game after the half-time team talk. The boys just came into the form and got the win. It was a really good victory.

"I think we were a little more clinical in the front third during that second half. Our combinations were working well and we were playing the ball out into the wider areas. That's what got us through to the end."

The under 20s dropped just one game all regular season.

That came in a 2-1 loss to Hawkesbury City FC at Orange during the mid-point of the season.

Since then the Western men have gone on a five-game unbeaten run, conceding just three goals over that period.

They even claimed a 2-0 win over eventual premiers Nepean FC in that streak.

Western would have claimed the premiership if Nepean drew or lost to Fraser Park on the weekend, but the game went 5-0 in the former's favour.

But that run of results wouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone around the Western camp.

After having the season restarted, due to a change in COVID-19 regulations, the team found themselves a little more energised at training and always keen to improve their game.

"We weren't really too sure what to expect but when we came back from our second pre-season everyone was buzzing and they really wanted to be back," Rooke said.

"That really helped get off to a good start in the season and we were able to keep that run going."

Western now prepares to face Camden, who they drew 3-all with way back in the opening round.

"They're a tough, physical side who had a couple of good boys up top," Rooke said.