An exquisite volley by Jason Barrera was the highlight of this afternoon’s 3-0 win over lowly Subiaco AFC at Rosalie Park.   Barrera’s first goal of the season was struck crisply from outside the 18-yard box either side of an Alex Salmon pair to keep Inglewood United in fourth on the National Premier Leagues ladder.

There were chances at both ends as the teams sought to assert their authority early.   Ellis Healing’s strike from distance fizzled wide and Manase Ahandelwa’s effort was deflected wide.   An Alex Salmon chip passed beyond the top corner before Connor Becsi’s last-gasp tackle robbed Josh Booysen of a clear shot on goal.

The deadlock was broken on 35 minutes when Salmon converted from the penalty spot after captain Kenny Keogh has his heels clipped.   Subiaco had their chances to draw level before the break.   Carlino’s low shot was deflected onto the post by Alex Dunn who, seven minutes later, was grateful Booysen sent his free header wide.

A moment of pure genius strengthened Inglewood’s hold three minutes after the restart, Barrera lashing in after Keogh’s throw was cleared to the top of the area.   But any hopes the visitors had of running away with the game were put on hold when Scott Robertson was shown a straight red card for his challenge on David Perich.

Salmon was left bemused when he clipped in Inglewood’s third goal from 35-metres after opposing goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery passed back to his opponent thinking he’d heard the referee whistle for a free-kick.   Ian McMurray could have brought a modicum of respectability to the scoreline but blasted a late spot kick into the crossbar.

Match stats

Subiaco AFC 0
Inglewood United 3 (Alex Salmon 35, 84, Jason Barrera 48)

Subiaco AFC: Ryan Montgomery, Nathan Smith, Alex Castiello, Dean Apelgren, Jackson Dongray, Jonas Dorling, David Perich, Josh Booysen (Ian McMurray 63), Anthony Topini, Manase Ahandelwa, Adam Carlino

Inglewood United: Alex Dunn, Alex Ishida-Livings, Connor Becsi, David Cyrus, Scott Robertson, Jamie Murphy (Miki Vujacic 81), Jason Barrera, Ellis Healing, Kenny Keogh (Scott Blackmore 64), Brian Woodall (Brian Farrell 68), Alex Salmon

Bookings: Vujacic (82), Cyrus (92)

Dismissals: Robertson (56)