Report by Tristan Wheeler

Sorrento claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mandurah City at Securitas Protect Stadium on Saturday momentarily going top of the PS4 NPLWA ladder.

Cyril Sharrock’s unfortunate own goal from Tim Hill’s long-range shot proved to be the decisive moment of the match on an emotional day for the home side.

Both clubs observed a touching pre-game tribute to Mandurah City mascot and junior player Chris Chandler, who passed away this week. Black and white balloons were released while players wore DT38 caps in recognition of the Foundation for which Chris was a youth ambassador.

On the field Mandurah dominated the first half and enjoyed long spells of possession.

Ryan Francis was through on goal after 10 minutes, but James Morgan saved his shot with the Sorrento custodian gathering at the second attempt.

Joseph O’Brien came close for the hosts on 21 minutes when his long-range drive was tipped wide.

Sorrento were riding their luck, as Oliver McGee had a header cleared off the line, before Francis was again denied by Morgan after a one-two with Jordan Rhodes.

Despite their dominance, Mandurah couldn’t find a goal to reward their efforts, and the second half became a far more even contest.

Sorrento captain Steve McDonald went close on 51 minutes when his header hit the bar and deflected away to safety.

Morgan stood tall denying Mandurah’s Jordan Rhodes before Sean Canham spurned a couple of good chances for Sorrento as time ticked down.

Sorrento eventually found the breakthrough with six minutes to play, as Hill’s shot from outside the box cannoned off the post, and into the back of Sharrock before going in.

Mandurah had a chance to equalise two minutes into second half stoppage time, but Kevin Castle volleyed over from close range as Sorrento held on to claim the points.

Mandurah City 0
Sorrento 1 (OG 84min)
Saturday 10 June, 2017
Securitas Protect Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm

Mandurah City: 1. Cyril SHARROCK, 2. Oliver MCGEE, 3. Jeffrey BRIGHT, 4. Matthew STARES, 5. Thomas STRAKER, 6. Joseph O’Brien (14.  Kevin CASTLE 84), 7. Jack EADES, 8. Andrew BROWN, 9. Sean TROUP, 10. Jordan RHODES, 11. Ryan FRANCIS
Substitutes not used: 21. Bradley EIFFE, 12. Mitchell FIRTH, 13. Jason RULE, 16. Mark MCLAUGHLIN.
Yellow Cards: Bright 56, Troup 79
Red Cards: Nil

Sorrento: 1. James MORGAN, 4. Shaun KILKELLY, 8. Ryan PEARSON, 9. Sean CANHAM, 10. Scott BULLOCK (7. Alex MORGAN 45), 11. Timothy HILL, 13. Steve MCDONALD, 14. Scott WITSCHGE (15. Brodie MARTIN 79), 17. Reece VITTIGLIA (12.Joshua TUCKER 91), 21. Sam BYLES 20. Brad MCDONALD
Substitutes not used: 18. Jordan BROWN, 60. Connor CAMPBELL
Yellow Cards: Canham 47
Red Cards: Nil