Report by Max Hayden-Evans

 

Joondalup United claimed their first point of the NPLWA season on Saturday afternoon, holding on for a gritty 1-1 draw with Forrestfield United to snap their six-game losing streak.

In a physical contest that had everything but a winning goal, both sides would end the match a goal apiece and down to 10 men. 

Joondalup started the game brightly, pressuring the Forrestfield defence before they had a goal disallowed after Johnny Chalmers’ shot struck Alex Wild, who was judged to be in an offside position.

Moments later, Joondalup had the ball in the back of Forrestfield’s net and this time they would not be denied by the linesman, with Jay Marsden sneaking the ball under Forrestfield goalkeeper Luke Martino with a low shot to grab the early lead.

However a Joondalup defensive lapse would see Forrestfield equalise just minutes later as Jordan Hart strolled in behind to calmly finish beyond goalkeeper James Bosdet. 

Both sides had the chance to add to their score but would ultimately fail in their search for the winning goal.

Forrestfield assistant coach Bobby Despotovski lamented his side’s performance.

“We deserved to get more out of the game, but if you don’t score your chances you’re not going to get the win, it’s as simple as that," he said.

Joondalup coach Nick Jennings was buoyed by the result.

“You’ve got to start somewhere” he said.

“It’s probably a fair point, both teams had their chances. I’d have preferred the three but I’m happy with the one.” 

Forrestfield striker Hasani Sinclair had a pair of golden opportunities at the start of the second half, both times going one on one with the Joondalup goalkeeper.

Despite plenty of time on the ball and a gaping goal, Sinclair could only rue what could have been as he drew an excellent save from Bosdet on one occasion before narrowly firing wide on the other.

Both goalkeepers would have their share of work to do, Martino having to contend with a number of opportunities created by Joondalup's Elliot Tattersall and Chalmers who both put in excellent performances at the heart of the Joondalup midfield.

Forrestfield’s Joshua Kotio was sent-off in the 74^th minute after he had kicked out in the box at Joondalup players.

Centre back Luke Serra’s reaction to the incident saw him earn a second yellow, marking his second red card in a season that is only seven weeks old.

The incident frustrated Joondalup’s Jennings.

“A lack of discipline. Their guy’s kicked out, he’s clearly getting sent off, and for no reason our centre half has got involved.”

 

Joondalup United 1 (Marsden 9min)

Forrestfield United 1 (Hart 14min)

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Percy Doyle Reserve

Kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Arvin Shanmuganathan

Assistant referees: Joshua Nixon, Daniel Cole

 

Joondalup United: 1. James BOSDET (GK), 2. Johnny CHALMERS, 5. Joel LEDSHAM, 6. Sam WYNNE, 7. Matthew SPARROW (C), 8. Jay MARSDEN, 9. Alex WILD, 10. Elliot TATTERSALL (15. Callum STOCKS 75.), 11. Anthony TAYLOR, 17. Luke SERRA, 25. Greg PELLOW 

Substitutes not used: 4. Danny O’SHEA, 21. Luke GREEN, 23. Harley CURRAN

Yellow cards: Serra 63, Taylor 69, Bosdet 74, Ledsham 82

Red cards: Serra 74

 

Forrestfield United: 1. Luke MARTINO (GK), 2. Tom SOUTHGATE, 4. Mark BARNETT, 5. Scott BARKER, 6. Callum ROBERTS (3. Joshua KOTIO 40.), 7. Leslie MARI, 9. Hasani SINCLAIR, 10. Jordan HART (Rhys LOXLEY 68.), 11. Liam MERIGAN (C), 12. Callum DOBBS (8. Josh APPLEBY 74.), 16. Thomas JEBB

Substitutes not used: 14. Anthony Lemaire, 18. Benjamin PARRY

Yellow cards: Barnett 45+4, Appleby 87

Red cards: Kotio 74