Report by Jayden Lihou

Cockburn have moved to within a point of top spot in the NPL WA after coming from behind to grind out a 2-1 win against Sorrento at Dalmatinac Park.

Alex Morgan had put Sorrento in front in the first half only for Ryan Pratt to level for the home side, then Harry O’Brien found the winner in the 80^th minute.

Saturday's Round Nine victory delighted coach Scott Miller, who praised his side’s resilience and the performance of youngster Pratt.

“Sorrento are a very good club and we usually struggle against them,” he said.

“So after going behind I thought we showed great character to comeback and win the game.

“Ryan is a good young kid who’s just started out in the first team and every time he’s come onto the pitch he’s been outstanding.”

Yet it was the Gulls who started confidently and they almost had the dream start when a Jordan Roberts cross on five minutes beat keeper Luke Radonich at the near post. The ball made its way to an unmarked Jack Salter but he was unable to head the ball into an open net.

Cockburn’s best chance in the first half came in the 35th minute when Luccas Mello made his way into the box before firing a shot towards the far post which keeper James Morgan saved.

The breakthrough for Sorrento came in the 39th minute when another Roberts cross found the head of Alex Morgan – an early substitute for Ryan Pearson – and he directed the ball powerfully into the bottom corner.

Sorrento were in the ascendancy but were unable to grab a crucial second goal and midway through the second half they were made to pay when Pratt, another substitute, got onto the end of a through ball that split the visitors’ defence before showing composure to slot home.

Five minutes later Mello had a golden opportunity to give Cockburn the lead after Pratt had been brought down just outside the box, but his well-struck free-kick thundered against the crossbar.

Cockburn continued to press and were rewarded 10 minutes from time when Mello whipped in a cross to O'Brien, whose deft header made its way past keeper Morgan.

Sorrento manager Jamie Harnwell had no complaints after seeing his side slump to a fourth straight league loss.

“We probably had the chances to make it 2-0 and kill the game off but we didn’t take them and got punished for it,” he said.

“It’s disappointing not to break this poor run that we are on but collectively we just weren’t good enough in the second half.

“The one pleasing thing is that we have a quick turnaround, so we will work hard against Perth in the cup and see how we go.” 

Cockburn City 2 (Pratt 67min, O’Brien 80)
Sorrento 1 (Morgan 39) 
Saturday, April 21
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant referees: Stewart Beattie, Troy Malatesta 

Cockburn City: GK. Luke RADONICH, 4. Euen GRANT (C), 5. Keiron STALLARD, 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 7. Luccas MELLO, 10. David ARAYA (9. Julian TELES 87), 11. Harry O’BRIEN, 15. Daniel SANTICH, 16. Daniel ROBINSON, 17. Jesse LAZARRO, 19. Anthony SKORICH (12. Ryan PRATT 58)
Substitutes not used: RGK. Ryan BARKER, 2. Chris THACKRAY
Yellow cards: Araya 11, Grant 78, Mello 88
Red cards: Nil

Sorrento: GK. James MORGAN, 4. Shaun KILKELLY, 8. Ryan PEARSON (7. Alex MORGAN 19), 10. Jordan ROBERTS, 12. Joel PROUT, 17. Reece VITTIGLIA (C), 18. Jordan BROWN,19. Jack SALTER, 20. Brad MCDONALD, 21. Godwin DARKWA (16. Chris BALAZS 73) , 23. Cameron TEECE (14. Scott WITSCHGE 69)
Substitutes not used:  35. Samuel FAULLCNER, 61. Anastasis FARSALEAS
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil