Mandurah City celebrate Matt Stares’ goal to go 2-0 up.
Camera IconMandurah City celebrate Matt Stares’ goal to go 2-0 up. Credit: Supplied/Supplied, Declan Byrne

Soccer: Mandurah City maintains lead with 3-0 win over Dianella

Declan ByrneMandurah Coastal Times

Goals from Jeff Bright, Matt Stares and John Brookes proved the difference as City moved seven points clear of Joondalup, who have a game in hand.

The White Eagles have struggled so far in 2016, but with Jordan Rhodes and Fernandez missing through suspension, the clash looked to be a dangerous one for Mandurah.

However, some fears were allayed in the 10th minutes when a quick free kick from Brookes sent Bright through on goal.

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He rounded the goalkeeper and finished well to put the home side a goal to the good.

One goal soon became two after Brookes’ long throw was flicked on by centre-half Oscar Thompson.

Stares arrived just before the goal line to smash the ball into the back of the net with his head and give Mandurah a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with Mandurah controlling the tempo and passing the ball well.

As Mandurah were lining up for a free kick to be swung in, Thompson was brought down inside the area leading the referee to point to the spot.

Brookes stepped up and sent a powerful shot toward the bottom corner, with the keeper getting a hand to it but it was not enough to stop Mandurah from going three goals up.

City then welcomed back Andy Brown and Jack Eades from the injury as they came off the bench to help stitch up the three points.

Head coach Doug Hesketh said the result was largely down to a strong squad more than any one player.

“They set the standard on the field; I still think the team have a bit more and can go up a gear but every week they are making positive contributions and giving everything and should be congratulated,” he said.

In the Reserves, Mandurah triumphed 4-1 while the Under 18s fell 3-2.

On Saturday, City take on South West Phoenix at Hay Park in Withers.

The Phoenix are presently ninth and are coming off a 4-0 loss to Ashfield.