Report by Dennis Gedling

Joondalup United’s miserable start to the 2018 season continued despite a spirited display which saw them go down 3-1 to Cockburn City at a windy Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday.

The result means it six games, six defeats for Nick Jennings' side, who felt hard done to by the nature of Cockburn's opener.

But their own poor defending was also a factor as Cockburn built on last week's win over leaders Bayswater.

Young striker Daniel Robinson was the star with his first hat-trick for Cockburn, who are just two points off the top in fourth.

In contrast it was a rough start for United defender Greg Pellow, who had his nose accidently broken just a few minutes in and had to be treated on the sidelines. His mood wouldn't have improved on 23 minutes when Cockburn went ahead in controversial circumstances.

A cross from the right seem to be dealt with by James Bosdet, before Robinson challenged the keeper in the air and forced him to spill the ball. Robisnon put the loose ball into the empty net and the goal was allowed to stand, much to the anger of the Joondalup bench.

Cockburn's second before half-time came from the penalty spot when Bodset fouled Anthony Skorich and Robinson put the spot-kick away.

It could even have been 3-0 minutes later but Rueben Tristao missed a free header.

In the second half United showed heart and got their reward seven minutes into the second period. A cross from the left should have been dealt with by the Cockburn defence but young defender Jesse Lazzaro managed to put the ball in to the back of the net in what will be one of the softest own goals of the season.

Minutes later Lazzaro was again in the action as he took a ball to the face and needed his face bandaged.

Substitute Harley Curran and Alex Wild both shot over as Joondalup chased an equaliser but nine minutes from time Cockburn made the points safe when Robinson headed in Cameron Edwards' fantastic corner at the far post.

From here United’s heads dropped and Cockburn could have more goals if not for wasteful finishing by Lucas Mello and Robinson.

“Perhaps a couple more goals would have given a fair reflection of the game," Cockburn coach Scott Miller said.

Joondalup coach Jennings was unhappy that the opening goal had been allowed to stand but praised his players for taking the game to Cockburn in the second half.

Cockburn host Perth SC next in what should be a cracking game, while Joondalup face Forrestfield back at Percy Doyle Reserve.

Joondalup United 1 (Lazzaro og 52min)
Cockburn City 3 (Robinson 23min, 40, 81)
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Percy Doyle Reserve
Kick-off: 3pm
Joondalup United: 1. James BOSDET 25. Greg PELLOW 8. Jay MARSDEN (23. Harley CURRAN 65) 5. Joel LEDSHAM 2. Johnny CHALMERS 17. Luke SERA 7. Matthew SPARROW 6. Sam WYNNE 10. Elliot TATTERSAL 11. Anthony TAYLOR  (4. Danny O’SHEA 74) 9. Alex WILD 1. Sam HUTCHINGS 15.
Substitutes not used: 21. Luke GREEN 14. Matt SUTCLIFFE
Yellow cards: MARSDEN 27 SPARROW 86
Red cards: Nil

Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH 4. Euen GRANT 17. Jesse LAZZARO 5. Kieron STALLARD 7. Lucas MELLO 6. Reuben TRISTAO 18.Aden DA LUZ 19. Anthony SKORICH 8. Cameron EDWARDS 16. Daniel ROBINSON 11. Harry O’BRIEN (3. Daniel DOLS 74)
Substitutes not used: 23. Ryan BARKER 10. Daniel ARAYA 15. Daniel SANTICH 2. Chris THACKRAY
Yellow cards: ROBINSON 87
Red cards: Nil