Report by Louis Granich

Stirling Lions massively boosted their survival hopes with a vital 1-0 win over Rockingham City at Macedonia Park in their round 17 NPL WA clash.

Both goalkeepers were called into action during the early stages, but it was Stirling who drew first blood inside the opening 15 minutes.

Yagoub Mustafa drove down the right wing and crossed well for Lions captain Dean Cummings to score at the back post.

Rockingham’s start went from bad to worse when youngster Riley Van Dieken was substituted for the away side after aggravating an existing hamstring injury.

Stirling were dealt a blow of their own when veteran right back Mile Petkovski also went down injured and had to be withdrawn for the home side.

James Harmer came close to equalising before the break with a long-range free kick, but Ryan Montgomery was equal to the speculative set-piece.

Cummings then looked to double the hosts' advantage just after half time. The midfielder received the ball in the box after Jackson Morgan left several defenders in his wake, but the captain dragged his shot wide.

Danny Jones threatened once again for Stirling as the forward cut onto his left foot and hit the upright with a teasing effort towards the back post.

Ryan Kennedy then tried to steer Rockingham back on track with an ambitious volley from distance, but the midfielder's spectacular strike sailed agonisingly over the bar.

Lions Substitute Micheal Wantee was lively on the break for the hosts but lacked composure in the final third when he elected to shoot instead of passing to an open Ajak Riak.

Rockingham continued to search for an equaliser but Stirling’s hard-working back four were organised enough to dispel the late surge from Cam Lord’s side.

This result brings Stirling just two points away from safety ahead of their clash with Perth Glory next Sunday.

With five matches remaining, Rockingham have been dragged back into the relegation battle and will hope to bounce back next week as they host Cockburn City on Saturday.

Star player: Dean Cummings (Stirling Lions)

Stirling Lions 1 (Cummings 15min)
Rockingham City 0

Stirling Lions: 1. Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2. Mile PETROVSKI, 3. Darren O'RIORDAN, 5. Steven McDONALD 4. David MOLINARI , 7. Yagoub MUSTAFA, 8. Dean CUMMINGS, 9. Zdenek BEZDEK, 10. Danny JONES, 12. Jackson MORGAN, 13. Andrew MARANTA (6. Dhhors CHOL 28’) (11. Micheal WANTEE 72’) (19. Ajak Riak 79’)
Substitutes not used: 16. Renee KISESA, 20. Daniel MARQUES
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Rockingham City: 1. Cyril SHARROCK, 15. Shaz RAMLEE 13. Jarred MORT, 18 Micheal FARMER, 3. Justis BRADLEY, 14. Ryan KENNEDY, 9. Sam McKEARNEN, 6. Rob GALVIN, 7. James MILLARD, 10. James HARMER (c) 11. Riley VAN DIEKEN, (23. Victor BRAUNER 22’) (8. Jason POTTIER 75’) (5. Harry COLLINS 75’)
Substitutes not used: 31. James GREHAN,
Yellow cards: Harmer 66’ Farmer 88’, Collins 90+3’
Red cards: Nil