Perth SC has consolidated top position in Group B after a hard fought 1-0 win over Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday Night. A 27th minute goal by David Onoforo was enough to get Perth the points although they should have won by more with a number of golden chances going begging in the 2nd half.

 

Perth looked the stronger of the two sides from the opening whistle with the attacking trio of Greg Sharland, Andreas Oliviera and Onoforo, looking dangerous. It was the latter who had a great chance in the opening minutes, but he screwed his shot wide of the target from close range.

Onoforo made no mistake later in the half though, reaping the rewards of a wonderful team move crafted by Robbie Puca and Greg Sharland. Puca set up the run of Sharland on the left before he cut the ball back superbly from the by-line for Onoforo to knock in ahead of goalkeeper Oliver Taseski.

Inglewood were finding extreme difficulty breaking deep into Perth’s defensive half with the midfield controlling possession ahead of United’s.

Perth were all over the contest going into half time and they could have been two up if David Price’s 40 metre rocket dipped underneath the crossbar instead of rebounding out for a goal kick in what would have gone down as one of the best goals ever seen at Dorrien Gardens.

After the interval, it was much the same with Perth looking like extending their lead on every attack. Sharland and Onoforo’s combination was proving a menace and Onoforo should have had his 2nd but was denied by the outside of the post.

Inglewood injected the experience of former Glory star Bobby Despotovski on the hour mark and his influence was immediate, setting up a number of chances for his fellow strikers. While United started to create their first chances, Perth were butchering theirs up the other end with Price and Puca both squandering opportunities in great positions.

With the game still there for the taking, Inglewood came home with a wet sail and should have been level on 82 minutes when Matt Wardle’s ball across the box fell at the feet of Shane Pryce. The big defender slipped at the crucial moment though and was unable to steer his shot into the net.

Despotovski also came close with five minutes to go but his curling free kick was palmed away by Madasachi in between the sticks for Perth, who held on to keep their 100% winning record intact ahead of their final two matches against Swan IC and Joondalup.