A bizarre second-half own-goal helped the PGFC Academy First Team secure a much-needed 1-0 victory over Floreat Athena in Saturday’s NPL WA Round 13 clash at E&D Litis Stadium.
The pivotal moment of a lively encounter arrived 16 minutes from time when substitute Seb Despotovski found Royie Rahamim in the box, he fired in a low shot which was slowed by a deflection and as the ball drifted its way towards the line, defender Cameron Murray inexplicably turned it into his own net.
Glory had earlier missed a golden opportunity to take the lead, Samuel Barry seeing his first-half penalty saved by Jason Saldaris, but they received a boost midway through the second period when Floreat’s Mohammed Al-zaidy collected a second yellow card and was dismissed.
Jaylan Pearman duly went close with a couple of long-range efforts shortly before the youngsters hit the front and they were then grateful to goalkeeper Robbie Cook who made several superb saves to keep the hosts at bay during a frantic finale.
Earlier in the day, the Under-18s suffered a rare defeat as they were downed 2-0, but the Under-20s marched on, Alfie Knight, William Ferson and Louis Sollitt all on target in a 3-0 victory.
Junior Academy Results
U13s L 0-3 v Joondalup City
U14s W 5-2 v Joondalup City
U15s L 0-5 v Perth Redstar
U16s L 1-2 v Perth RedStar
The three senior teams return to NPL WA action next Saturday (29th June) when Balcatta Etna FC will provide the opposition at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
The 18s get underway at 10.30am, followed by the 20s at 12.30pm and the First Team at 3pm.
Do get along and support the lads if you can.
(picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
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