Report by Max Hayden-Evans

Photo by Brett Klucznik

Inglewood United put in a dominant performance at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium to sweep aside Joondalup United 7-1.

The result sent Inglewood back into the NPL WA top four heading into the final round of the season next weekend and avenged their Round 12 loss in early May - still Joondalup's only win of the campaign.

It was Ash Rosindale who started the party early for Inglewood when his low-fired shot slipped through the fingers of Joondalup goalkeeper James Bosdet.

Rosindale added to his tally inside half-an-hour when he calmly finished after receiving the ball at the back-post following a corner.

Two quick Inglewood goals courtesy of Kenny Keogh and Jamie Murphy before half-time saw the home side head into the break four goals to the good.

It was much of the same after the break with substitute striker Alex Salmon converting brilliantly from outside the box to score arguably the pick of his side’s seven goals.

Salmon notched a second goal when he latched onto Brain Woodall’s pull-back to beat Bosdet one-on-one from close range.

Joondalup scored a consolation goal just minutes later, finally reaping some reward for some good second-half attacking work. Elliot Tattersall was the goalscorer, shooting low to beat Inglewood goalkeeper Alex Dunn and deny him a clean sheet.

Joondalup’s joy was short-lived however when Salmon scored again to complete a remarkable second-half hat-trick off the bench. Salmon’s third goal came courtesy of some comical Joondalup defending.

Inglewood coach Andy Keogh was full of praise for his substitute striker.

Keogh said: “He did really well. Great attitude, came on, scored a hat-trick – what more can I ask for?”

The Irishman also lauded the overall performance of his side.

He added: “It was a good performance. Professional. It’s good to get three points. The lads have missed a few chances the last few weeks. We’ve got a good squad and we’re ticking along nicely, so hopefully we can finish the season off strongly next week.”

In contrast, Joondalup coach Nick Jennings was again frustrated and left disappointed with his charges.

“It was a shambolic defensive performance. All season it’s been a case of individual errors. It’s just not acceptable how we defended and the decisions we made. We could have scored four of five goals, but we’re just a shambles at the back.

“I’m disappointed – I have high standards and we’ve fallen so far short.”

Joondalup’s horror season comes to a merciful end next week when they play Perth SC, whose title dreams remain alive after Perth Glory conceded an injury-time equaliser to Cockburn City.

Inglewood United will finish their season away to Balcatta next Saturday.

Inglewood United 7 (Rosindale 11min, 28, Keogh 39, Murphy 42, Salmon 52, 71, 76)
Joondalup United 1 (Tattersall 74 min)
Saturday, August 18
Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Julian Serra
Assistant referees: Walter Ciotti, Ethan Persse

Inglewood United: 1. Alex DUNN (GK), 2. Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS (17. Rikki SMITH 71.), 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 7. Kenny KEOGH (C), 8. Jason BARRERA (9. Alex SALMON 46.), 10. Ash ROSINDALE, 11. Ellis HEALING, 15. Brian FARRELL, 16. Jamie MURPHY, 19. Connor BECSI (6. Milorad VUJACIC 46.), 23. Brian WOODALL (RGK)
Substitutes not used: 5. Scott ROBERTSON, 14. Hanafi GHAZALI
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Joondalup United: 1. James BOSDET (GK), 2. Johnny CHALMERS, 6. Sam WYNNE, 9. Lee JONES, 10. Elliot TATTERSALL, 11. Anthony TAYLOR (C) (3. James SPURRY 76.), 14. Liam MOONEY, 15. Callum STOCKS (20. Matthew GROSTRATE 84.), 16. Graeme REID, 17. Matthew CHERRIE (12. William KESSEL 46.), 19. Adam BUCKLEY
Substitutes not used: 4. Danny O’SHEA
Yellow cards: Buckley 54
Red cards: Nil