Report by Peter Simcox

Stirling Lions striker Noah Shamaki (front) and Sorrento defender David Stokoe jostle for possession. Photo by Peter Simcox

Stirling Lions earned their first point of the NPL WA season after a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

They had to come from behind to do it, after Alex Morgan had given the hosts the lead early.

But Noah Shamaki levelled before the break and both sides had chances to win it, the best falling to Shamaki whose shot crashed off the woodwork.

The home side, who were without keeper James Morgan and the influential Reece Vittiglia, were on the back foot early. But on eight minutes they hit the front. Czech defender Jakub Parjza found space on the left and his deep cross picked out Morgan, who headed the ball back across goal and into the net.

Stirling looked to hit back immediately and Dean Cummings’ shot was saved low by debutant keeper Matthew Giudicatti. However on 20 minutes they did find the equaliser. A ball into the box by Cummings found Shamaki, who lost his marker and finished well past Giudicatti.  

Sorrento were out of the blocks early in the second half and Ryan Montgomery produced a fingertip save to deny Morgan. The Lions goalkeeper produced an even better save to thwart Jordan Roberts’ long-range shot moments later.
 
Giudicatti then had to be alert to save Moses Kalau’s shot on the hour as the visitors started to get on top and 12 minutes later the Lions went close. Some great approach work ended with Shamaki who raced into the box, but his shot on the run crashed off the post and away to safety.

Both sides pressed late looking for the winner. Roberts’ shot was saved low by Montgomery, before Kalau was denied by Giudicatti.

Star player: Dean Cummings (Stirling)

Sorrento 1 (Morgan 8min)
Stirling Lions 1 (Shamaki 20)

Percy Doyle Reserve
Saturday, 23 March, 2019
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: David Bruce
Assistant referees: Frank Laval, Adam Hicks

Sorrento: GK Matt GIUDICATTI, 2 David STOKOE, 3 Jakub PRAJZA, 4 Shaun KILKELLY, 5 Scott ROBERTSON, 7 Alex MORGAN (19 Jack SALTER 80), 10 Jordan ROBERTS (21 Elliot TATTERSALL 90), 11 Tim HILL, 18 Jordan BROWN, 22 Danny JONES (8 Scott WITSCHGE 72), 23 Cameron TEECE
Substitutes not used: RGK Noah BLOCH, 13 Steven McDONALD
Yellow cards: Robertson 25, Teece 51
Red cards: Nil

Stirling Lions: GK Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2 Mile PETKOVSKI (15 David MOLINARI 47), 3 Darren O’RIORDAN, 4 Alex SULESKI, 5 Chris McLAUGHLIN, 6 Dhors Chol, 7 Joseph PERKINS, 8 Dean CUMMINGS, 9 Andrew MARANTA (16 Ben WANTEE 60), 10 Noah SHAMAKI (12 Finn GRAHAM 85), 11 Moses KALAU
Substitutes not used: 17 Jayden DODS, 20 Daniel MARQUES
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil