NPL WA: ECU Joondalup climb into top four of National Premier Leagues WA soccer

The Jacks rebounded after a shock FFA Cup elimination to Dianella, with a 5-2 trouncing of Subiaco on Saturday, which moved them into the top four.

Scottish recruit Gordon Smith netted for the second week straight as one of five ECU scorers in the match at ECU Football Stadium.

Defender Shane Pickering notched a rare goal to open the account for the hosts in the 19th minute before Smith added a second in the final five minutes of the half.

Subiaco netted two strikes in the last half, but three goals to the Jacks sealed the deal.

Pickering enjoyed the scoring opportunity, saying the club was beginning to see benefits from its hard work at training.

“Obviously as a defender not happy to concede a couple of sloppy goals, but overall it’s a good three points and it keeps building momentum,” he told nplwa.com.au.

At Percy Doyle Reserve, Sorrento held a 1-0 lead at half-time but Balcatta levelled after the break. The Gulls held for a 1-1 draw with 10 men after Niccollo Sabatini was red carded.

Coach Jamie Harnwell was pleased with the effort after falling a man down, but rued missed opportunities earlier in the game.

“First half we dominated, but we weren’t ruthless enough and haven’t taken our chances,” he said.

Sorrento takes on Perth Glory away on Saturday, while ECU faces a big test against Perth at home.