22.02.2010
| Scoring Summary | |
| Perth SC | Mandurah City |
| McMurray 20 | Gobridge 89 |
| D De Felice 45 | |
| G Sharland 51 | |
| Match Information | |
| Date: | Sunday 21st February |
| Ground: | BGC Stadium- Dorrien Gardens |
| Attendance: | Approx 300 |
| Match Time: | 7.30pm |
| Official: | Michael Tolmie |
| Yellow Cards | |
| C Young 61 | |
| Red Cards | |
By Chris Leitch
Perth produced a clinical performance to thrash Mandurah 3-1 in the Bam Creative Night Series quarter-final at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday night.
It was a classy display from the reigning premiers but the score would have been far more one-sided if it wasn't for the efforts of Mandurah keeper Phil Straker.
From the moment Greg Sharland's blistering free kick forced Straker horizontal in the third minute, Perth dictated terms.
The home side had created two corners within five minutes of the kickoff and at every set piece, Perth looked dangerous and goal-hungry.
Striker Ian McMurray was never far from goal and he hit another powerful shot after collecting a loose ball at the top of the box.
But he was no match for Straker, who was again airborne to deny Perth and the efforts of their keeper inspired Mandurah's defenders to keep fighting.
It took something special to finally crack the Dolphin defence and it came from Robert Sciascia.
He chased the ball right to the touchline and not only managed to keep the ball in but flick it back to McMurray, who headed in from close range.
With Straker's heroics in the goal, Mandurah could have been competitive if it could have created some attacking opportunities.
But such was Perth's dominance, the Dolphins could rarely venture forward and ease the constant pressure on its defenders.
Just before half-time, Perth moved further ahead with another superb individual effort, this time from Dom De Felice.
He made light of an almost impossible angle at the edge of the six-yard box and produced a precise shot that stunned most of his teammates, let alone Mandurah's players.
Perth's third goal, six minutes into the second half, was likely the one that hurt more than any other.
Having again denied Perth and forced another corner, Perth's defenders were motionless after the kick was taken, apparently having heard a whistle.
But play continued and Sharland tapped an almost motionless ball across the goalline to kill off what little chance Mandurah had of fighting back.
It took Mandurah 67 minutes to get its first corner of the match and the Dolphins ventured forward more during the last stanza as Perth relaxed.
The Dolphins pulled a deserved goal back when Michael Gobridge finished well with a headed goal after a good ball into the box from Jesse Fuller.
Perth SC: GK Luke MARTINO, 2 Trent KAY (14 Nathan RAWES 75‘), 5 Michael BLACK, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 8 Robbie PUCA, 13 Simon WILSON, 16 Ian MCMURRAY, 18 Dom DE FELICE (10 Andreas OLIVIERA 61'), 23 Greg SHARLAND (15 Jack CLISBY 71‘), 24 Robert SCIASCIA.
Subs not used: RGK Jason SALDARIS, 9 David ONOFORO
Mandurah City: GK Phil STRAKER, 3 Daniel DYSON, 4 James HESKETH, 8 Jamie WENT (6 Darren LAWLER), 9 Marco DOS SANTOS (7 Michael GOBRIDGE 71‘), 10 Raffa INSURALDE, 11 Jesse FULLER, 16 Alex DARBY, 21 David DAWSON, 23 Luke BOWER, 25 Craig YOUNG
Subs not used: RGK Mitch HENDERSON-MILLER , 14 Tom COLLINS, 18 Sean DASH.
