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Mandurah City opened the first ever Football West Premier League campaign with a much deserved 2-1 home victory against League champions Floreat Athena at the Hyundai Stadium on Saturday evening.
Match Report
The home side started the sharper and could have been 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes, if Jeff Bright had taken his chances.
First Ryan Townsend crossed from the right but Bright headed wide of the target from close range, and he was again left unmarked moments later but his first touch let him down and he skied his effort over the crossbar.
Athena were struggling against a tenacious home side, and the large local support did not have to wait long for a goal, as former Perth Glory defender Townsend hit another superb cross from the right, and Ryan McDarby’s glancing header went in off the left hand post past a helpless Vas Vujacic.
Floreat came out after the half time break with Michael Roki’s half time address still ringing in their ears. They had plenty of possession but lacked the final ball, with Mandurah keeper Michael Green only forced into a one meaningful save.
Floreat did go close on the hour a through ball sent Garen Collins clear and as Green quickly came off his line his lob went inches past the post.
Mandurah coach Stuart Currie then introduced veteran Stuart Young into the game in the centre of midfield to inject a bit of calmness and stability into the side as Floreat pressed for an equaliser.
The former Glory striker helped set up the next chance for the home side as his long ball found Bright wide on the left, he crossed for O'Callaghan at the far post but his first time volley was superbly saved by Vas Vujacic.
The home doubled their lead on 79 minutes O'Callaghan flicked on to Young who calmly placed the ball beyond Vas Vujacic to put Mandurah City 2-0 ahead and send the large local support in raptures.
Floreat clawed their way back into the contest three minutes later, Collins blasted home from close range from a Miki Vujacic corner.
With Athena chasing the game the home side almost increased their lead on 85 minutes; Bright was desperately unlucky as his long range shot rebounded off the post.
The visitors had a late penalty claim waved away by referee Ton Klaver after second half substitute Sal Contera was brought down in the box, but at the end the home side celebrated a famous victory.
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