Late goal gives Subiaco the win
Report by Ryan Borrett
Subiaco clinched a 1-0 late victory over Sorrento in the final round of the PS4 NPLWA season on Saturday.
David Perich scored from close range in the 89th minute after a low cross was driven into the box and he broke past the Sorrento defenders to get an outstretched boot to the ball.
Subiaco withheld Sorrento’s attacking pressure in the final few minutes to seal the victory.
Despite their loss, Sorrento still claimed a top four finish ahead of fifth-placed Floreat Athena on goal difference, after Floreat drew with Inglewood United in the dying minutes of their match.
Subiaco player-coach Ian McMurray was delighted with the result.
“It was another scrappy game against tough opposition," he said.
“We just wanted to secure an eighth-placed finish, and thankfully we did the job today.”
McMurray was pleased with Subiaco’s overall performance this season.
“It’s been tremendous,' he said. "At the start of the season we struggled for numbers, but we’ve stuck together.
“We’ve improved, and played football the way I want to, so I can’t ask any more than that.”
The match started off at a frantic pace but neither side could create many chances.
Sorrento almost took the lead in the 31st minute from a corner but Jordan Brown’s header to the top corner was brilliantly saved by Ryan Montgomery.
Subiaco had a great chance in the 54th minute but centre back Steve Purton’s powerful long shot was just tipped over the bar.
The rest of the second half was tightly contested but neither team could find a breakthrough winner until Perich’s late goal gave Subiaco the win.
Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell said his team was wasteful in front of goal.
“It was always going to be difficult after the big game on Wednesday night (in round 16 of the Westfield FFA Cup).
“We weren’t ruthless with our chances and unfortunately Subiaco took their opportunity.
“We can’t be disappointed with our season; top four, and the final 16 of the FFA cup."
Sorrento will play third-placed Perth SC in the semi-final next weekend.
“We’ve got the chance to win some silverware so we’re looking forward to it,” Harnwell said.
Sorrento 0
Subiaco 1 (Perich 89min)
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Percy Doyle Reserve
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Stuart Muldoon
Assistant referees: Joshua Nixon, Peter Kaiser
Sorrento: 1. James MORGAN 5. Scott JOHNSON (44. Daniel PEARCE 74) 6. Daryl PLATTEN 7. Alex MORGAN 8. Ryan PEARSON 11. Timothy HILL 13. Steve MCDONALD (12. Joshua TUCKER 70)14. Scott WITSCHGE 15. Brodie MARTIN (10. Scott BULLOCH 46) 18. Jordan BROWN 20. Brad MCDONALD
Substitutes not used: 4. Shaun KILKELLY 60. Connor CAMPBELL
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Subiaco: 1. Ryan MONTGOMERY 6. Steve PURTON 7. Robert HARDING (5. Matt CLARK 86) 9. Ian MCMURRAY 10. Owen COATES 11. Carlin FEELY 12. Nathan SMITH 13. Jordan CANDLISH 14. Ross JARMAN (16. Oliver CHEVRALS 71) 17. Alex CASTIELLO 18. David PERICH
Substitutes not used: 3. Ger FITZGERALD 4. Nathan HARDIE 5. Matt CLARK
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
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