Report by Gunther De Vos

Photo courtesy Vince Caratozzolo

Perth SC and Cockburn City shared the points after a 1-1 draw at a stormy Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.

Both teams squandered the opportunity to grab a dramatic last minute winner.

Cockburn took the lead in the first half through a stunning kick from Angel Andres, before captain Clark Keltie found the eqaliser in the 53rd minute.

Strong winds and a hailstorm suspended play on two occasions, with the sides taking shelter in the tunnel. Despite the harsh conditions, both teams created several early chances.

Attempts from Perth’s Clark Keltie and Cockburn’s Aden Da Luz were both wide of the target, while goalkeeper Francis Soale was alert to deny Harry O’Brien and Andres’ efforts.

Andres kept causing problems for the home defence and was rewarded in the 42nd minute. A stunning shot from outside the box gave Cockburn the lead.

Andres could have double the lead before half time when Cockburn was awarded a penalty for a foul by Matthew Milenkovic. However, Soale stopped Andres’ penalty kick to keep Perth in the game.

Eight minutes into the second half Perth found the equaliser.

Goalkeeper Luke Radonich stopped a header from Nicholas Ambrogio but Keltie was on target with a follow-up.

In the final minutes, Radonich pulled off a crucial save to deny Ambrogio’s potential match winner before Josh Kusar squandered a last ditch attempt at the other end.

Cockburn coach Scott Miller praised his side’s efforts.

“We could have won but a draw at Perth is a good result. I’m happy with the performance,” he said.

Perth coach Gareth Naven, who worked with Miller at Perth Glory, was satisfied with what he saw.

“We stayed in the game and did not give up,” he said. “It would have been even better if we scored a second goal from the chances we created, though, but Cockburn did well too.”

The draw keeps Perth SC in fourth position ahead of next week’s trip to leaders Inglewood United, while Cockburn will aim to extend their four-game unbeaten streak.

Perth Soccer Club 1 (Keltie 53min)
Cockburn City 1 (Andres 42)
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Dorrien Gardens, West Perth
Kick-off: 3:00 pm

Perth Soccer Club: 1. Francis SOALE (GK), 20. Matthew MILENKOVIC, 13. Rocco PIZZATA, 4. Adrian MADASCHI, 2. David FILIPPOU, 6. Clark KELTIE, 5. Dean EVANS, 10. Nicholas AMBROGIO, 12. Jordan DE LEO (18. Andreas THEODOSIASDES 64’), 9. Gustavo CATARCIONE, 7. Francesco FURFARO (14. Dino TOPCAGIC 78’)
Substitutes not used: 23. Daniel PASSARELLI, 19. Vasco DA SILVA
Yellow cards: Filippou 77’
Red cards: nil

Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH (GK), 16. Daniel DOLS, 20. Josh KUSAR, 4. Euen GRANT, 3. Nathan DE ABREU, 8. Cameron EDWARDS, 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 10. David ARAYA (7. Ali GHOLAMI 75’), 18. Aden DA LUZ, 19. Angel ANDRES, 11. Harry O’BRIEN
Substitutes not used: 17. Jesse LAZZARO, 14. Liam MURRAY, 3. Nathan DE ABREU, 23. Ryan BARKER
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil