Perth leaped to second on the Football West State Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Inglewood United at BGC Stadium – Dorrien Gardens.

David Onoforo’s brace in the space of one minute was the difference as the home side took all three points.

The match began with Perth dominating possession and utilising David Price in midfield to link well with Onoforo and the attacking Andrija Jukic.

Inglewood’s early chances came from the right side of the park where Jason Colli was finding plenty of space to create several chances for the away side.

Perth’s Michael Icanovski went on a blistering run in the 24th minute from the heart of defence to deep inside the penalty area and his cross found the unmarked Todd Howarth, who blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Another charge forward from the home side saw Onoforo’s diving header bring the best out of United ‘keeper Oliver Taseski, who saved brilliantly from close range.

As Perth coach Graham Normanton instructed his charges to use more width in their game plan, the tall and skilful Greg Sharland came into the match by creating another option down the right wing.

Normanton’s opposite number, Lee Bamber, would have been disappointed Inglewood didn’t create nearly as many chances as Perth in the first 45 minutes.

A double substitution at half-time from Normanton saw Geneveo Human head the Perth attack and Oliver Swords take up a position on the left side of midfield.

Minutes later, a great run from Jukic saw him round a defender and cut his pass back across the face of goal to find the loose Onoforo to score the opener.

Just as the Perth fans were getting back into their seats, Jukic yet again found his partner in crime – Onoforo – for the second time in a minute to blow the margin out to 2-0 early in the second half.

Jukic’s ball went wide to Onoforo on the left who charged into the box and shot between Taseski’s legs for his second goal of the match and 15th for the season.

Lee Bamber had seen enough and quickly brought on the attacking Kevin Griffiths in the 53rd minute and he nearly made an immediate impact with his first touch, but his rushed volley went flying over the crossbar.

David Houston sparked his side back into contention moments later with a great header to beat Perth goalkeeper Gareth Deeg.

Jason Colli’s deep cross from the right corner found the tall Houston whose fine shot was just out of reach of the Perth shot-stopper.

As Perth continued to hold possession they looked more likely to score a third with Antonio Naglieri, Price and Jukic causing all sorts of problems in the middle of the park for Inglewood.

Perth coach Graham Normanton was pleased to defeat Inglewood, who he described as “the surprise-packet of the season”.

“They (Inglewood United) caused us a few problems today, but I thought we fully deserved the win,” said Normanton.

“We’ll take a 2-1 win against anybody and now we just have to look forward to finishing off the season.”

The victory puts Perth second behind league leaders Sorrento by only goal difference, following their 3-0 defeat away to Floreat Athena.

Next week will see Perth take on Sorrento at Percy Doyle in a match that will go far in deciding the 2008 Premiers, while Inglewood United will be at home to ECU Joondalup at Clipsal Stadium.

Perth 2 (Onoforo 51’ 52’)
Inglewood United 1 (Houston 58’)

Half time: 0-0

Referee: M. Nugus

Perth: G. Deeg, T. Kay, G. Circati (O. Swords 45’), M. Icanovski, A. Jukic, T. Howarth (G. Human 45’), D. Onoforo, D. Price, S. Campbell, A. Naglieri, G. Sharland. Subs not used: J. Brooks, S. Madaschi.

Yellow Cards: A. Jukic 45’, A. Naglieri 76’,

Inglewood United: O. Taseski, D. Kovacevic (A. Picker 81’), S. Pryce, J. Sammut, J. Mitsopoulos, J. Colli, M. Baczynski, M. Kovacevic (K. Griffiths 53’), J. Duncan, D. Whiteside (I. Griffiths 60’), D. Houston. Subs not used: L. Italiano, M. Worton.

Yellow Cards: D. Kovacevic 42’, M. Baczynski 45’, J. Colli 75’