Report by Tommy Doleman

There was plenty for Floreat to celebrate at Bayswater on Saturday as their 4-1 win made it five wins from five. Photo by Brett Klucznik

Floreat kept up their 100% record in emphatic style on Saturday as they raced away to a 4-1 win against Bayswater City at Frank Drago Reserve.

Debutant Jawad Rezai, who joined from Balcatta last week, scored twice from the penalty spot as Athena stayed three points clear at the summit of the NPLWA - Men's competition.

Rezai was in the action early as he returned a pass for Nicholas Ambrogio to test Liam Driscoll, while at the other end Jason Mirco forced Jason Saldaris into a good block.

Dean Evans' shot from range was then parried by Driscoll, with Rezai missing a gaping goal on the follow-up. But Bayswater were not so fortunate five minutes from the break when Floreat skipper Evans found space again, ran unchallenged to the box and drove brilliantly into the bottom corner.

Last season's Finals Series winners had a golden chance to double the lead in first-half added time when Fraser Dunlop handled in the area, but Driscoll saved Evans’ penalty with his legs.

Athena were given a second chance from the spot three minutes after the restart. Rezai both won the penalty and converted to make it 2-0.

The game was still in the balance but Floreat ruthlessly slammed the door shut on Bayswater. First Chris Saldaris' header from Evans' corner found its way in via a Bayswater defender, before a third penalty was awarded and Rezai stepped up to complete his brace 11 minutes from time.

Gordon Smith finished nicely from Makeche's pass deep in stoppage time for a consolation goal, but it was Athena who stole the show and are now five wins from five.
 

Daryl Nicol helped ECU to a 2-0 win over Rockingham. Photo by Peter Simcox

ECU Joondalup remain second after a 2-0 win over Rockingham City gave the defending champions their first home win of the season.

Andy Higgins and Chris Harold both had early efforts for the hosts, while on 23 minutes Rockingham fired their first shot with Feisal Zaw's free-kick requiring a strong hand from Johnny Perkins.

ECU hit the lead seven minutes before the interval when Daryl Nicol's corner was headed back across goal by Tom Hough and Danny Hodgson was lurking on the six-yard line to head in his fourth goal of the season.

Shane Boyle poked wide of Perkins' post shortly afterwards, then Nicol volleyed one off the upright as it stayed 1-0 at the break.

Boyle fired wide of a beaten Perkins as Rockingham set about leveling the game, with substitute Robert Duckmanton glancing another effort over.

Nicol's dink hit the post at the other end before Hodgson laid the ball off to Higgins, who whipped a brilliant curling effort into the far corner and stretched ECU's winning run in the league to three.

 

Michael Domfeh thumps in a header for Perth SC's third at Cockburn. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Perth moved into third as they recorded a 3-0 away win at struggling Cockburn City.

The Azzurri went ahead on 10 minutes as Kristian Santich received a toe poke from Michael Domfeh and lashed home from just inside the area against his former teammates.

Cockburn looked to level quickly and Jesse Lazzaro's cross went just beyond the head of Harry O'Brien before Riley Woodcock brought a sharp reaction save from Ryan Montgomery.

Despite the hosts’ endeavour it was Perth who doubled their lead as Domfeh drove into the area and squeezed a shot past Luke Radonich with the final touch coming off Baker.

Montgomery again thwarted City when he got down to save from Lazzaro and with luck continuing to evade Cockburn, it was the visitors who took a 3-0 lead five minutes after the restart.

Domfeh's first strike may have been credited as an own goal but there was no denying the 2019 Golden Boot winner his goal as he headed in Cameron Teece's back-post cross.

That was where the scoring ended as Perth continue to find their rhythm in 2021 while Cockburn remain at the foot of the table.

All the goals were scored in the first half as Sorrento edged Inglewood United 2-1 to maintain pace with the leading pack.

The hosts started the game well in pursuit of their first points since Round One as Robert Petkov forced Sorrento keeper Connor Campbell into a fingertip save and Anthony Bafobusha hit another effort wide from distance.

Inglewood did open the scoring on 26 minutes when Roberto Soares proved he was equally as capable from the dead ball as brother Giovanni with a free-kick into the bottom corner.

It was an encouraging performance to that point from the Night Series winners but two goals in two minutes before the break ultimately turned the game on its head.

Having tried his luck from distance minutes prior, Dean Cummings arrived at the back post to convert Jordan Brown's cross and score his first of the season.

Then on 43 minutes Sorrento found the front when Billy Quinncroft glanced Tim Hill's corner beyond Alex Dunn and into the far post.

Ajak Riak prodded past Campbell but the goalkeeper was covered by a couple of defenders on the line, and then Jason Barrera struck wide as Inglewood pressed for a leveller.

But they were unable to break down Sorrento's defence as the Gulls took all three points and Inglewood's winless run in the league extended to four.

Armadale and Balcatta drew 1-1 at Alfred Skeet Reserve.

The first quarter of an hour had little goalmouth action, but it was Balcatta who took the lead on 16 minutes when Michael Zimarino controlled Calum O'Connell's deep cross and finished at the near post.

That seemed to open up the game and Chad Nilson netted for Armadale but was denied by an offside flag, while at the other end Amir Ajan's curler was spectacularly tipped over by Yousri Gharsallah.

Kevin Ashwood volleyed over from 18 yards moments prior to the hosts leveling the scores, as Isaac Koomson squared for Angel Andres to sidefoot home from close range.

Ajan was again denied by Gharsallah and in-form Hamza Hina sliced over as Balcatta pressed at the start of the second period to find the lead.

But they would have to play the final 25 minutes with 10 men as Anthony Topini was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Friday Zico.

Perth Glory goalscorer Adam Zimarino, centre, looks to collect possession against Gwelup Croatia. Photo by Tom McCarthy

Finally, Michael Zimarino's brother Adam grabbed a late equaliser for Perth Glory to deny Gwelup Croatia their second win of the season in a 1-1 draw at the Croatian Sporting Complex.

Zimarino was fresh off a hat-trick last weekend against Cockburn and carried over that confidence as he fired home two minutes into added time after exchanging passes with Giordano Colli.

Glory got off to a bright start as Colli's free kick deceived Stefan King and ricocheted off the bar inside the opening five minutes.

Josh Anasmo then had two good chances before the half-hour mark and Chris Donnell forced King into a low save as Glory continued to create the best opportunities leading into half time.

It was goalless at the break but despite Glory's first half momentum it was Gwelup who scored the opener within 42 seconds of the restart.

Ethan Brooks collected Blair Govan's quick switch and the former Glory winger ran unchallenged towards the edge of the area before rifling in his first of the season.

Despite the setback Glory continued to press forward and in-form Zimarino rescued a point.

Results
Armadale 1-1 Balcatta
Bayswater City 1-4 Floreat Athena
Cockburn City 0-3 Perth SC
ECU Joondalup 2-0 Rockingham City
Gwelup Croatia 1-1 Perth Glory
Inglewood United 1-2 Sorrento