Report by Alex Vlahos

Photo by Jonny Warrington

A double from striker Chok Dau helped catapult Inglewood United to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Rockingham City at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Saturday.

The result, Inglewood's fourth consecutive win in the NPL WA, was rarely in doubt as United controlled the match with stoic defending and well manufactured thrusts forward.

Dau opened the scoring on 23 minutes with a neat right-foot finish after exceptional lead-up work from Inglewood on the left.

He almost scored a second immediately, however could only send his close-range header high after a precise cross from Hamza Hina.

Inglewood didn't need to wait much longer to double their advantage when, on 32 minutes, Hina headed home a parried Samuel Riak shot after an initial breakaway and cross from Anthony Bafobusha.

Rockingham began to dominate possession in search of a way back into the contest, but were continually frustrated by a miserly Inglewood defence and their inability to execute in the final third.

City consistently looked to play long balls and sweeping through balls to attackers James Harmer and Mitch Firth with little success.

The match was put to bed on 78 minutes courtesy of an exquisite team goal from the hosts.

The move started with a spectacular overhead-kick pass from Brian Woodall on half-way that put Harry Evans into space on the left-wing. Evans then sent a delightful cross to Steve Sokol at the back-post who headed down to Dau at the edge-of-the­-box, with the striker thundering a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock.

Inglewood cruised to the full-time whistle with a win that sent them into second-place on the NPL ladder, eight points adrift of Perth SC.

Coach Andres Oliviera felt his side fully deserved the three points.

"I think, overall, we dominated from the start," Oliviera said.

"Our defensive shape has always been good and we got the three goals, so credit to all of them."

Rockingham City assistant coach Nicky Carter said the team weren't lethal enough up forward.

"Very, very disappointing, we've just got to focus on finishing our chances," Carter said.

City have secured just three points in seven NPL away fixtures and Carter said the side are looking forward to an upcoming streak of home games.

"We knew coming into the NPL it was going to be hard and I think we've shown teams we can play (away), it's just all about putting those performances into wins," Carter said.

"At home, it's our fortress, we have four (home games) on the bounce now, plus the FFA Cup, so hopefully we can come away with some points."

Inglewood United take on Perth Glory next Saturday while Rockingham City, who now sit in ninth on the ladder, begin their home stand against Floreat Athena.

Star player: Chok Dau (Inglewood United)

Inglewood United 3 (Dau 23min, 78, Hina 32)
Rockingham City 0

Saturday May 25
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant referees: Amit Hosany, Simon Hicks

Inglewood United: 1. Alexander DUNN, 2. Alexander ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 3. David CYRUS, 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 5. Samuel RIAK (6. Milorad VUJACIC 60), 7. Hamza HINA (11. Harry EVANS 71), 8. Jason BARRERA (14. Steve SOKOL 77), 9. Chok DAU, 10. Anthony BAFOBUSHA, 15. Brian FARRELL, 23. Brian WOODALL
Substitutes not used: 12. Brendan ITALIANO, 21. Josiah GODFREY
Yellow cards: Blackmore 34, Riak 58m, Cyrus 93
Red cards: Nil

Rockingham City: 1. Cyril SHARROCK, 3. Justis BRADLEY, 5. Harry COLLINS, 6. Blake SOKOLOWSKI (14. Ryan KENNEDY 68), 7. James MILLARD, 8. Jason POTTIER (4. Mitch FIRTH 63) 9. Sam MCKEARNEN (23. Victor BRAUNER 68), 10. James HARMER, 11. Riley VAN DIEKEN, 12. Lydon HODGKISS, 13. Jarrad MORT
Substitutes not used: 15. Shaz RAMLEE, 18. Michael FARMER
Yellow cards: Hodgkiss 48, Brauner 89, Firth 93
Red cards: Nil