Report by Paul J. Laverty

A last-minute strike by Inglewood United’s Matthew Ntoumenopoulos cancelled out a second-half double by Cockburn City’s Daniel Robinson to grab a share of the spoils at Dalmatinac Park.

The home-side had the pick of the early chances with United goalkeeper Alex Dunn having to sprint off his line to block from Robinson running in on goal, before Harry O’Brien’s lob was off target with only the keeper to beat.

Inglewood settled and soon took the lead when Jason Barrera played a quick ball down the line to the pacey Chok Dau. His measured cut-back was calmly side-footed home by Inglewood goal-machine Alex Salmon.

Inglewood almost made it two when Woodall linked nicely with Salmon only to see his effort deflected over.

Cockburn’s only response of the half was a speculative long-range effort chip from Reuben Tristao which almost caught Dunn off-guard.

The second half belonged to Cockburn. Five minutes after the restart, a great run by substitute Ryan Pratt was slotted home confidently by Robinson.

City took the lead in the 62nd minute when Robinson struck again responding quickest to a Harry O’Brien miss-hit in front of goal, stabbing in from a tight angle.

Cockburn were pressing as Inglewood had the woodwork to thank first from O’Brien after a beautiful run down the park, before Robinson crashed his shot into the bar.

The scene was set for the visitors to snatch a point and extend their unbeaten run to five matches which left home boss Scott Miller disappointed yet pleased with his side’s performance.

“We were brilliant today, second-half they couldn’t live with us, that was probably the best that we’ve played,” he said.

“But saying that, that’s a team that challenges for titles, a team that can absorb all that and still come away with a draw.”

Inglewood assistant coach Andres Oliveira was frustrated with his side’s second-half display but is feeling positive with new coach, Perth Glory’s Andy Keogh, set to take the hot seat for the remainder of the season.

“He’ll make a big difference bringing his experience and his professionalism, so we can’t wait,” Oliveira said.
    
Cockburn City 2 (Robinson 50min, 62)
Inglewood United 2 (Salmon 28min, Ntoumenopoulos 89)
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant Referees: Callum Haddow, Walter Ciotti

Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH, 2. Joshua KUSER, 4. Euen GRANT (C), 5. Chris THACKRAY, 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 8. Cameron EDWARDS, 9. Daniel ROBINSON, 11. Harry O’BRIEN, 12. Kenel MOUITHYS (7. Ryan PRATT 46), 13. Blake ADAMS, 14. Julian TELES (15. Losene DULLEH 84)
Substitutes not used: 3. Daniel DOLS, 18. Daniel SANTICH, 23. Ryan BARKER
Yellow Cards: Kuser
Red Cards: nil

Inglewood United: 1. Alex DUNN, 3. David CYRUS (C), 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 7. Kenny KEOGH (10. Ash ROSINDALE 46), 8. Jason BARRERA (5. Adam TONG 71), 9. Alex SALMON (14. Mark PRITCHARD 55), 11. John MIGAS, 16. Matthew NTOUMENOPOULOS, 18. Jason COLLI, 19. Chok DAU, 23. Brian WOODALL
Substitutes not used: 6. Victor BRAUNER, 21. Riley STEPHENSON.
Yellow Cards: nil
Red Cards: nil