Report by Sarah Smit

Rockingham coach Cam Lord joins his players as they celebrate their dramatic stoppage-time winner. Photo by Jonny Warrington

Rockingham City's hopes of avoiding relegation in their first season in the NPL WA received a massive boost on Saturday after a stoppage-time goal from Michael Farmer gave them a 1-0 win over Cockburn City.

Farmer's 91st minute header sparked a fantastic "piley-on" celebration, with coach Cam Lord in among his players.

The result lifted Rockingham five points clear of bottom club Stirling Lions, who play Perth Glory on Sunday, and it was a reward for City's second-half pressure. The home side had corner after corner and eventually one paid off as Cockburn failed to clear and Farmer headed in the bouncing ball from four yards out.

Rockingham's cause was helped when Cockburn were reduced to 10 men in the 71st minute. After Daniel Dols miscontrolled a City clearance, the big defender tried to make amends but followed through on Robbie Galvin. While there was no malice, it was reckless and he had no complaints when referee Matthew Southern showed a straight red.

Soon after Cockburn threatened when Daniel Robinson's half-blocked shot looped goalwards but keeper Cyril Sharrock beat Hasani Sinclair to the ball.

 

This was another disappointing result for Cockburn who remain eighth, six points off the top four and without a win in five.

With four rounds to go every point is vital, especially for Rockingham. They are at home again next week against Perth Glory, while Cockburn host another side in danger of going down, Armadale.

Star player: Justis Bradley

NPL WA Round 18
Rockingham City 1 (Farmer 90+1)
Cockburn City 0
 
Saturday, August 3, 2019
SafeRad Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Matthew Southern
Assistant referees: Sailota Phiri, Jamie West
 
Rockingham City: 1. Cyril SHARROCK (GK) 3. Justis BRADLEY, 20. Mitch FIRTH, 6. Robbie GALVIN (14. Ryan KENNEDY, 81) 7. James MILLARD, 9. Sam MCKEARNEN, 10. James HARMER (c), 12. Lydon HODGKISS, 15. Shaz RAMLEE (5. Harry COLLINS, 81), 23. Victor BRAUNER, (8. Jason POTTIER 81)
Substitutes not used: 13. Jarred MORT,  18. Michael FARMER, 31. L. MORRISON (RGK)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
 
Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH (GK), 3. Daniel DOLS, 6. Reuben TRISTAO (c), 8. Cameron EDWARDS (12. Ryan PRATT 58), 14. Hayden Stevens, 15. Daniel SANTICH, 16. Daniel ROBINSON, 18. Adam ANFUSO, 19. Hasani SINCLAIR, 7. Ashley ROSINDALE (2. Christopher THACKRAY 81), 21. Jesse LAZZARO
Substitutes not used: 9. Anthony SKORICH, 23. Ben RADONICH
Yellow cards: 6. Reuben TRISTAO 33
Red cards: 3. Daniel DOLS 71