Report by Jayden Lihou

Cockburn City squandered a chance to close the gap at the top of the NPL WA to just three points after they were held 1-1 by Forrestfield United at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday.

The draw means Cockburn remain five points behind leaders Perth Glory, who also failed to win their Round 21 match.

Both goals came in the first half, with Cockburn taking the lead through Luccas Mello in the 33rd minute before Hasani Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot with the last kick before the break.

Cockburn coach Scott Miller said his side definitely let an opportunity slip in what he called a "frustrating" performance.

“In the second half I felt that we were all over them and still they had more chances than us,” he said.

“Credit to Forrestfield, they are desperate to get out of the bottom so we knew they were going to throw everything at us and overall I thought they played very well.

“We have a big game coming up against Sorrento. It’s always tough to get a win there, so we will see what our boys can put on against them next week.”

After an evenly contested start to the match Cockburn created the first genuine opportunity in the 18th minute. Winger Ryan Pratt cut inside from a wide position before curling a shot towards the far corner which was kept out by a diving save from Forrestfield's Luke Martino.

Forrestfield had a chance of their own in the 32nd minute when a low cross from Sinclair found Josh Kotio in the box, however the forward's attempt to find the bottom corner was thwarted by keeper Luke Radonich.

And a minute later Cockburn took the lead. Mello was allowed time on the ball and he took advantage by unleashing a powerful shot from distance which found the back of the net despite Martino getting a touch.

But Forrestfield equalised on the cusp of half-time after they were awarded a penalty for handball which Sinclair converted to make it 1-1.

The first real chance of the second period fell to Forrestfield in the 57th minute when Rhys Loxley made his way into the box from the wing. Loxley hit a low shot towards the far post which found the outstretched hand of Radonich.

The visitors had a golden chance to take the lead in the 84th minute when the ball was squared to an open Loxley in the box, however the forward's first-time effort went over the bar.

The last chance of the match fell to Cockburn in the 90th minute when Harry O'Brien was allowed time to shoot at the edge of the box however his shot produced a good save from Martino.

Forrestfield coach Rod Banjac said: “We had numerous chances today and obviously we didn’t put them away so that was quite disappointing.

“That being said, I couldn’t be more proud of the boys because everyone did their job today.

“For me, it’s not a big issue whether we stay in the NPL or not, the big issue is that we play quality football and today we did that.”

Cockburn City 1 (Mello 33min)
Forrestfield United 1 (Sinclair 45+2)
Saturday, July 21
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Shane Skinner
Assistant referees: Simon Hicks, Troy Malatesta

Cockburn City: GK. Luke RADONICH, 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 7. Luccas MELLO, 8. Cameron EDWARDS (C), 9. Julian TELES, 11. Harry O’BRIEN, 12. Ryan PRATT (19. Anthony SKORICH 81), 13. Blake ADAMS, 15. Daniel SANTICH, 16. Daniel ROBINSON, 17. Jesse LAZZARO
Substitutes not used: 14. James OLOFIELD, 18. Adam ANFUSO, 23. Ryan BARKER
Yellow cards: Teles 34, Adams 63
Red cards: Nil

Forrestfield United: GK. Luke MARTINO, 2. Tom SOUTHGATE, 3. Wilbert TSHABANGU, 4. Leslie MARI, 5. Scott BARKER, 7. Josh KOTIO (12. Callum DOBBS 68), 9. Hasani SINCLAIR (6. Kristian DESPOTOVSKI 90), 10. Jordan HART (14. Benjamin ROGERS 77), 11. Liam MERIGAN (C), 15. Jamie STREET, 23. Rhys LOXLEY
Substitutes not used: 18. Benjamin PARRY
Yellow cards: Mari 34, Tshabangu 62
Red cards: Nil