Report by Tommy Doleman

Photo credit: Fotoenzo

 

Inglewood United moved three points clear at the top of the PS4 NPLWA ladder with a thrilling 3-2 win over Perth Soccer Club on Saturday. 

Alex Salmon scored either side of the break to set the hosts on their way before Gustavo Catarcione pulled one back for Perth midway through the second half.                  

Hamza Hina scored what proved to be the winner soon after, as Inglewood survived a late flurry that ensued after Niccolo Sabbatini’s late penalty.

The win ensures the league leaders extend their unbeaten run to 13 games, and coach Andy Keogh said it was important the team continued to play their style of football, despite the tough conditions.

“It was a great performance from us today," he said. "We caused a few problems for ourselves in the last few minutes, but we should have finished them off earlier.

“Today was just another game for us. We know how we want to play regardless of who we’re playing.

“It was just about enjoying the top of the table clash and the ball zipping around, which makes our game quicker and helps us if anything.”

Keogh also praised the attitude of his players throughout his tenure as Inglewood coach.

“It’s been great so far. The lads have really taken to the way I want to play and conduct myself,” he said.

“Full credit to the players. We have a great hard-working bunch and some really bright young stars coming through.”

Perth coach Ramon Falzon thought his side deserved more for their efforts.

“I’m happy with our performance because we created plenty of chances, but just made silly mistakes which they capitalised on,” he said.

“It’s a tough one to take as the boys worked hard and played well enough in the second half to deserve something from the game.”

The hosts were quicker to settle in tough conditions and opened the scoring on 20 minutes, when Salmon stepped up to the dead ball and curled a free kick into the bottom corner.

Perth’s first chance came midway through the first half when Catarcione dragged a shot wide of the far post after being played in by Aleks Jovic.

Harley Orr forced Alex Dunn into a sharp save from range as Perth tried to find a route back into the game, but Inglewood doubled their lead early in the second half.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men, as Rocco Pizzata received a second yellow card for a foul on Hina in the area, and Salmon dispatched the spot kick for 2-0.

Perth responded and had close calls as Jovic and Orr tried to force towards goal before Paul Zimarino volleyed at the goalkeeper.

They pulled one back with 23 minutes remaining when Catarcione beat the offside trap and slid the ball beyond an advancing Dunn.

That lifeline only lasted four minutes as the hosts restored their two goal buffer when Hina found the far corner after Perth failed to clear their lines.

Perth battled gallantly and set up a thrilling finale when Adam Fielding awarded a penalty and Sabbatini converted from the spot with two minutes to play.

Salmon hit the post to miss out on a hat trick, before Dunn twice thwarted Catarcione in a frantic finish, as Inglewood held firm to remain top.

 

Inglewood United 3 (Salmon 20min, 51pen, Hina 71’)

Perth Soccer Club 2 (Catarcione 67min, Sabbatini 89pen)

Saturday July 1, 2017

Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium

Local kick-off: 3:00pm

Referee: Adam Fielding

 

Inglewood United: GK. Alex DUNN, 3. David CYRUS, 5. Adam TONG (4. Scott BLACKMORE 53’), 8. Jason BARRERA (15. Brian FARRELL 82’), 9. Alex SALMON, 11. John MIGAS, 16. Matthew NTOUMENOPOULOS, 17. Hamza HINA, 18. Jason COLLI, 19. Choc DAU, 23. Brian WOODALL (10. Ash ROSINDALE 70’).

Substitutes not used: RGK: Riley STEPHENSON, 2. Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 15. Brian FARRELL,

Yellow Cards: Hina 55’, Cyrus 63’, Migas 73’

Red Cards: Nil

 

Perth SC: GK Francis SOALE, 2. Alex SILLA (21. Paul ZIMARINO 52’) , 5. Niccolo SABBATINI, 7. Aleks JOVIC, 8. Tom KING, 9. Gustavo CATARCIONE, 12. Jordan DE LEO, 13. Rocco PIZZATA, 15. Harley ORR, 17. Frank FURFARO, 18. Lewis MILNE.

Substitutes not used: RGK: Daniel PASSARELLI, 16. Kieran COLWELL, 19. Roberto DEL BORRELLO, 20. Elliot TATTERSAL

Yellow Cards: Pizzata 20’, Orr 45+1’,

Red Cards: Pizzata 49’