NPL WA: ECU Joondalup loses early lead as Floreat Athena attacks

But the strong form of local rival Sorrento continued, the side moving to second place after beating Cockburn City 3-1.

At E&D Litis Stadium, ECU found itself in front just six minutes into the clash thanks to Scottish striker Gordon Smith finding the net for a fourth-straight week.

The Jacks held a 1-0 lead at half time, but matters went awry thereafter with former ECU player Jonathan Stynes netting a hat trick for the hosts after Ludovic Boi levelled the score in the 47th minute.

In the Sorrento-Cockburn contest, the Gulls were in front 2-1 at half time, before Sean Canham knocked in his second goal in the 55th minute to make it difficult for the Cockerills at Dalmatinac Park.

Despite the hosts hitting the lead early in the game, Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell was not concerned. An own goal levelled the scores before Sorrento took over proceedings.

“I knew if we started playing how we could we would get back into the game, it was a little bit of luck to get back into it but then after that we dominated and did well,” he said.