Athena title dream takes a dive
Report by Ben Somerford
Unadulterated joy for Cockburn City as they hit Floreat Athena with two late goals. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo
Ten-man Floreat Athena saw their NPLWA Men’s title aspirations left in tatters after two late goals gave Cockburn City a 2-1 victory and sent the championship to ECU Joondalup.
Athena headed into Saturday’s final round two points clear and knowing victory at E&D Litis Stadium would secure their first top-flight crown since 2007.
And despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Phillip Arnold was dismissed, they were bang on track thanks to Dean Evans’ long-range strike on 64 minutes.
But third-place Cockburn had their own title ambitions. A win, coupled with ECU dropping points against Sorrento, would do the trick for Scott Miller’s side and so they never stopped trying.
They made their numerical advantage count when defender-cum-forward Julian Teles scrambled home an 81st minute leveller.
And in the 92nd minute Cockburn confirmed Floreat’s fate as Jesse Lazzaro snatched victory when he shot high into the back of the net.
ECU’s emphatic 4-0 win over Sorrento meant Cockburn had to settle for runners-up, while Floreat dropped to third. All three will head in to the end-of-season finals along with Perth SC, starting on Wednesday.
Cockburn coach Miller said: “We finish the season in second and only lost the title on goal difference, so for this club it’s a massive step forward.”
The opening exchanges were untidy but Floreat created the first genuine chance when Evans’ low shot was parried away by Cockburn keeper Luke Radonich.
Cockburn created two chances in two minutes for Sebastian De Silva, who failed to take either, while Ali Gholami shot wide late in the half as the visitors took control.
Floreat’s Nicolas Ambrogio hit the crossbar with a 54th minute header but three minutes later Athena had Arnold dismissed. Having already been booked for a foul, Arnold received a second yellow card, this time for simulation, after going down too easily in the box just yards from referee Josh Mannella.
Despite that, Floreat took the lead through Evans’ speculative effort but Cockburn were intent on responding.
They did so when Teles scuffed the ball home after Floreat keeper Jason Saldaris was unable to hold a shot, before Athena spurned late opportunities as they went in search of a winner.
The hosts’ desperation meant they left gaps at the back. Teles and Saldaris both spurned golden chances, before Lazzaro made it third time lucky to crush Athena’s dream.
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