The race for the Loans Café Amateur Premier League has heated up as Hamersley Rovers defeated league leaders Fremantle United 1-0 at Hilton Reserve.

United’s lead over Hamersley has been cut down to nine points and the Rovers also have a game in hand, which will be sure to create an exciting finish to the season.

Sherwin’s third minute free kick was the difference between the two sides, in a match where most of the chances were produced from set pieces.

As Fremantle dominated possession in the early stages, a free kick was awarded on the edge of the penalty box and up stepped Hamersley’s Sherwin.

His curling effort fooled United’s goalkeeper Glen Sheldon who slipped on the line with the ball travelling over his head and into the net.

For the first quarter hour the contest remained fairly even with United playing the possession game and holding up the ball well in midfield.

Several of the home side’s attacks were cut out by the taller Rovers defence and centre-back Higgins quick thinking halted any United chances.

Hamersley’s Hughes was dominant in the middle of the park with his superior pace catching out the United defence throughout the early stanzas.

Fremantle United coach Rob Pagnoni would have been hoping for a revitalized showing from his side who were playing well below the standard the league leaders are used to.

In the second half, United’s midfield maestro Andrew Morrow displayed his great vertical leap by going close from the six-yard box, but his head just never connected with his teammate’s crosses.

Fiery United striker Byron was forced to leave the field with an ankle injury in the 59th minute following a collision with Hamersley’s shot-stopper Lawson who didn’t have much to do throughout the match.

Moments later, Hamersley nearly doubled their lead after the ball landed at Higgins’ feet, but his volleyed shot went over the crossbar, much to his dismay.

In the 68th minute, United stepped up a gear when Jason Smith rounded one defender and cut inside the penalty box only to have his goal-bound shot saved by Lawson.

Due to injuries in the second half, nearly seven minutes of injury time was added to the clock to give Fremantle hope of snatching an equaliser.

The referee dismissed a late appeal for a handball inside the area in the closing stages, ending all hope of Fremantle salvaging a point.

Next Sunday will see Fremantle United battle Lynwood Colts at Hossack Reserve and Hamersley Rovers will be at home at Carine Open Space to take on Perth Azzurri.

Fremantle United 0
Hamersley Rovers 1 (Sherwin 3’)

Half-time: 0-1

Fremantle United: G. Sheldon, M. Favazzo, M. Ricciardi, A. Karaselimovic, A. Canzurlo, J. Gentile (J. Garrie 70’), M. Woods, A. Morrow, J. Smith, J. Byron (A. Piromalli 59’), P. Neff (L. McPharlane 84’). Subs not used: F. Fusari.

Bookings: J. Byron 8’, M. Ricciardi 52’,

Hamersley Rovers: M. Lawson, J. Lock (C. Rogers 67’), D. McDool, S. Brett, L. Bunton, J. Higgins, M. Sherwin, M. Hodgkins (J. Bartlett 90+1’), C. Hughes, D. Partington-Smith (L. Moorehouse 85’), J. Stocker. Subs not used: J. Hutchinson.

Bookings: J. Higgins 37’, J. Lock 54’, J. Stocker 90+6’