Report by Peter Simcox

Image by Fotoenzo

 

A goal from new signing Albert Iuwi has ensured Subiaco's position in their first ever NPLWA Night Series Final after a 1-0 win against Cockburn City in the first semi-final at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon.

Subiaco were on the back foot for most of the first half, but nine minutes before half time the former Gosnells City winger raced clear and rounded the keeper to score the decisive goal.

Iuwi praised his teammates and wise words from player-coach Ian McMurray after the match.

“It was a tough game and we defended well as a team but I’m happy to score the winner and send us to the final,” he said.

"I kept my composure like the Coach has told me to and scored.

“We have a good mix of experience and youth in the squad and Ian has us playing well as a team. We’re all looking forward to the final next week.”

McMurray is now focused on turning his team's attention to the final. 

“It wasn’t the prettiest of games but we battled hard and took the goal when it came along,” he said.

“I said to the players before the Night Series started I wanted a good run, and the boys have got us to the finals so I couldn’t have for asked for more.

“We’ll set up for the final now and give it our best shot.”

It was the hosts who dominated early with Ruben Tristao heading wide and they should have taken the lead on 26 minutes.

Cameron Edwards sent Luccas Mello down the left and his cross picked out Liam Murray who missed the target.

Against the run of play Subiaco hit the front. McMurray and Rory Feely combined to free Iuwi, who raced into the penalty area and rounded keeper Ryan Barker to score.

Cockburn were on the front foot early in the second half and Subiaco keeper Ryan Montgomery saved well to deny Jesse Lazzaro, before Keiron Stallard headed over the top when well placed.

They had the perfect opportunity to level on 53 minutes when Stallard was brought down in the box and referee Josh Mannella pointed to the spot, but Murray’s penalty sailed over the top.

Subiaco were defending with their lives as Cockburn continued to press but it wasn’t their night, with Edwards firing over the top and substitute Anthony Skorich, unmarked at the back post, blazing over.

At the final whistle it was Subiaco celebrating what will be their first ever Night Series Final.  

 

Cockburn City 0

Subiaco 1 (Iuwi 36min)

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Kick-off: 5.30pm

Dalmatinac Park, Spearwood

Referee: Josh Mannella

Cockburn City: GK Ryan BARKER, 4 Euen GRANT (C), 5 Keiron STALLARD (9 Julian TELES 68’), 6 Ruben TRISTAO, 7 Luccas MELLO, 8 Cameron EDWARDS, 12 Ryan PRATT, 14 Liam MURRAY (11 Anthony SKORICH 59’), 15 Daniel SANTICH, 16 Daniel ROBINSON, 17 Jesse LAZZARO,  

Substitutes not used: RGK Luke RADONICH, 3 Daniel DOLS, 10 Adam ANFUSO,

Yellow Cards: Grant 22’, Skorich 82’

Subiaco: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY (C), 6 Jackson DONGRAY, 9 Rory FEELY (2 Nathan HARDIE 88’), 10 Asher NELSON (3 Cherro KAB BAH 73’), 12 Nathan SMITH, 13 Fannuel DAWIT, 14 Ross JARMAN, 15 Albert IUWI, 16 Steve PURTON, 17 Alex CASTIELLO, 19 Ian MCMURRAY (11 Robert HARDING 61’)

Substitutes not used: RGK Theo BROWN, 5 Oliver CHEVRALLS

Yellow Cards: Jarman 45+1’, Feely 52’