Taki Nicolaidis was left to rue missed opportunities after his team squandered a two-goal lead on Saturday to suffer their first loss of the home and away series.   A sensational start to the round four fixture at ECU Joondalup had Inglewood United two goals up inside twenty minutes courtesy of Ashley Rosindale and Alex Salmon.

But Inglewood’s inability to build on that lead was punished by Joondalup, who cut the difference just before half-time then struck twice late on to steal the points.   “We had more than enough good clear chances to score more goals and put the game to bed,” Nicolaidis.   “Unfortunately we didn’t do that and Joondalup were more clinical than us on the day.”

“There was a feeling of disbelief after the game that we came away without any points.   Our first half was extremely good – probably the best football we’ve played this year.   We had a great opportunity to go three-nil up but instead it went to two-one and that gave Joondalup a glimmer of hope, which they managed to turn around in the second half.”

Nicolaidis, whose team had come from behind to draw with Bayswater City and Sorrento earlier in the season, said it was a tough way to learn a simple lesson.   “The game is played over 90 minutes and not a minute less,” he commented.   “Regardless of how well you are playing and what the score line is, you should never let the other team back in the game.”

Nicolaidis will be seeking a more complete performance from his players this Saturday when they welcome National Premier Leagues newcomers Mandurah City to Perth Plasterboard Stadium.   Mandurah, back in the top flight after a five-year absence, will go into the game second from bottom on the ladder after drawing one and losing three of their opening games.