Cockburn and Floreat share points
Report by Matthew Corvi
Floreat Athena lost top spot on the PS4 NPLWA ladder after being held to a 1-1 draw by Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday.
The home side dominated for large spells, but poor finishing prevented them from upsetting the previous leaders in a feisty encounter that included nine yellow cards.
Cockburn coach Scott Miller was pleased with his side’s performance, but was disappointed they didn’t score at least one more to win the game.
“We were fantastic," he said. "The work rate was great and the team embraced the challenge against the best team in the league.
“We’re disappointed that we’re walking away with a draw, but it was a positive performance.”
Cockburn should have been ahead in the first 10 minutes when Gian Albano hit the post after being played through on goal.
Moments later, Reuben Tristao had an identical chance to Albano’s, but his shot fell into the path of Jason Saldaris who cleared the danger.
Despite dominating for most of the first half, Cockburn trailed at half time after a bizarre opener for Floreat in the 37th minute.
An indirect free kick was awarded on the edge of the box after the ball had been cleared and Dean Evans found the corner via a slight deflection.
Cockburn equalised nine minutes into the second half from the penalty spot when Saldaris fouled Albano in the area.
The goalkeeper was fortunate to stay on the field, but the Cockburn striker made no mistake in sending him the wrong way to make it 1-1.
The hosts continued to mount pressure on Floreat, but Calvin Whitney and Albano couldn’t capitalise on multiple goal scoring opportunities.
Floreat thought they had snatched the three points with the last kick of the game, but Luke Radonich made a vital save to keep things level.
Floreat Athena coach Glen Grostate was disappointed with his side’s performance, but couldn’t complain about the result.
“It was a tough encounter. They are a good side and they had a lot of chances,” he said.
"I think the draw was a fair result. At the end of the day, we didn’t have a fit left back or right back, so it was always going to be very difficult for us.”
Cockburn City 1 (Albano 57pen)
Floreat Athena 1 (Evans 37min)
Saturday June 17, 2017
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Matthew Southern
Assistant Referee: Ammar Timour, Walter Ciotti
Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH (GK), 4. Euen GRANT (c), 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 7. Calvin WHITNEY, 8. Cameron EDWARDS, 9. Gian ALBANO (10. David ARAYA 86), 12. Kenel MOUITHYS (14. Julian TELES 45), 13. Blake ADAMS, 15. Daniel SANTICH, 17. Jesse LAZZARO (5.Keiron STALLARD 82), 18. Aden DA LUZ
Substitutes not used: 23. Ryan BARKER (RGK) , 3.Daniel DOLS
Yellow cards: Grant, Adams, Whitney, Albano
Red cards: Nil
Floreat Athena: 1.Jason SALDARIS (GK), 4 Andrew SCALDAFERRO, 6.Jesse FULLER, 8. Jon STYNES, 10. Kristopher GATE, 12. Jackson MORGAN, 13. Zelfy NAZARY, 14. Ludovic BOI, 15. Chris SALDARIS, 16.Juma AWAKA, 17.Dean EVANS (c)
Substitutes not used: 23. Jordan BARBAS (RGK), , 9.Edin NILAC, 11. Declan HUDSON,18. Phil ARNOLD, 20. Joe TWEATS
Yellow Cards: Scaldaferro, J.Saldaris, Morgan, Boi, C.Saldaris
Red Cards: nil
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