Coach Taki Nicolaidis has admitted his disappointment with Inglewood United letting a two-goal slip through their fingers to Cockburn City, who stole a dramatic 4-4 draw from this afternoon’s encounter at Dalmatinac Park.   It was looking as through the home side would take out the points when Cockburn grabbed a last-gasp equaliser.

“We are very disappointed,” Nicolaidis said post-game.   “Bayswater drew today and Stirling got beat so it was an opportunity for us to go a few more points clear but we just have to make sure that we keep winning.   We’ve got Stirling next week which will be a tough game but my boys will be up to the challenge.”

The game was given a crackerjack start with three goals inside the quarter hour.   Ashley Rosindale gave Inglewood an 8th minute advantage by sliding in to convert John Migas’ centre.   Parity was restored soon after courtesy of Liam Murray’s curling strike from the just outside the penalty area.

Rosindale restored his team’s lead by slotting into an empty net following a mix-up between goalkeeper Luke Radonich and his defence.   Jason Barrera was allowed time and space to finish into the bottom corner on 33 minutes when a deflected Rosindale shot fell his way, giving Inglewood a two-goal buffer at the break.

There was a fair dose of luck in Cockburn’s second goal, Cameron Edwards’ dead ball deflecting off an unfortunate Migas and past ‘keeper Alex Dunn.   The home side were back on level terms midway through the half when Murray’s looping header found the back of the net.

Substitute Scott Witschge looked to have determined the outcome with an 82nd minute shot which crossed the line via the base of the upright.   However, it was not to be as Murray turned sharply on top of the area to fire in.   The stoppage time dismissal of captain David Cyrus served only to compound Inglewood’s woes.

Match stats

Cockburn City 4 (Liam Murray 10, 70, 90, own goal 57)
Inglewood United 4 (Ashley Rosindale 8, 13, Jason Barrera 33, Scott Witschge 83)

Cockburn City: Luke Radonich, Daniel Dols, Euan Grant, Rueben Tristao, Jesse Lazzaro, Aiden Da Laz (Angel Adnres 76), Josh Kusar, Cameron Edwards, David Araya, Harry O’Brien, Liam Murray

Inglewood United: Alex Dunn, Scott Blackmore, Adam Tong, David Cyrus, Jason Colli (Scott Witschge 78), Josh Pereira (Matt Spurling 72), John Migas, Jason Barrera, Calum O’Connell, Mark Pritchard, Ashley Rosindale (Tim Robertson 78)

Bookings: Cyrus (75), Rosindale (76)

Dismissals: Cyrus (95)