Teenager Chok Dau celebrated his promotion to the starting line-up by netting his first goal for Inglewood United in this afternoons 2-0 defeat of National Premier Leagues leaders Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve.   Dau struck the decisive goal late in the second half and only minutes after Alex Salmon, the competition’s top goalscorer, had put the visiting team into the lead.

“It was good to score my first goal for the club and it makes it extra special that it was in such as crucial game against a top side like Sorrento,” Dau said.   “I’m enjoying my time with Inglewood but I’ve not started too many games so today gave me the opportunity to show what I am capable of.”

“The belief (coach) Andy (Keogh) has shown in me and the other young lads has been great,” added Dau, 18, one of a growing number of youngsters in the Inglewood line-up.   “It’s a real confidence booster to know the coach believes in you and your abilities and that makes you work harder out there on the field.”

The match got off to a quick start with Sorrento carving out the better chances.   Ryan Pearson hit the upright and Tim Hill’s angled strike was taken low by goalkeeper Alex Dunn.   Inglewood returned fire through Victor Brauner who stung the gloves of James Morgan with a crisp shot from the edge of the 18-yard box.

The game was turned on its head early in the second half when James Morgan was red carded for bringing down Salmon, who was through on goal.    It didn’t take long for Inglewood capitalise on their numerical advantage, Salmon racing clear to exquisitely lob replacement ‘keeper Anthony Salpietro from the edge of the area.

Three minutes later Dau made the points safe by tapping into an empty net after Salmon’s flicked header bounced over Salpietro.   Dunn made sure the home side would take nothing from the afternoon by brilliantly keeping out substitute Scott Witschge’s late attempt on goal.

Match stats

Sorrento 0
Inglewood United 2 (Alex Salmon 72, Chok Dau 75)

Sorrento: James Morgan, Jacob Shore, Daryl Platten, Jordan Brown, Joshua Tucker, Brad McDonald, Tim Hill, Brodie Martin (Scot Witschge 68), Ryan Pearson (Anthony Salpietro 60), Alex Morgan, Scott Johnson

Inglewood United: Alex Dunn, John Migas, David Cyrus, Adam Tong, Scott Blackmore (Jason Colli 79), Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, Jason Barrera, Victor Brauner (Hamza Hina 75), Chok Dau, Feisal Zaw (Ashley Rosindale 54), Alex Salmon

Bookings: Nil

Dismissals: J.Morgan (55)