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Soccer: Mandurah City returns to top with 2-0 win over Joondalup United

Declan ByrneMandurah Coastal Times

MANDURH City put in its most impressive performance of the season to date, clinically dispatching Championship rivals Joondalup United 2-0 away from home on Saturday.

Craig Tone and Oscar Thompson both hit the scoresheet before half time, with the goals enough to return Mandurah to the top of the league.

However, City did not enjoy the early exchanges as the home side enjoyed a strong period of control.

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But from there, Doug Hesketh’s side seized control and Tone put them ahead after a sublime cross from Tommy Strakers in the early stages.

City continued to impress, this time at the other end of the pitch with Brad Effie pulling off and outstanding save to keep his side’s lead in tact.

The close call seemed to spur Mandurah on, with Ollie McGhee connecting sweetly via his head only to see his shot crash into the bar and rebound to Andy Brown, who saw his effort cleared off the line.

A minute before the half, City went two up after a Johnny Brooke corner found the head of Thompson, who made no mistake.

When the teams returned after the break it was United which needed to press the point, but it appeared they would struggle to break down the resolute Mandurah defence.

Tone again went close, hitting the bar from a free kick as Mandurah looked to rubber stamp its dominance while late on Oriel Fernandez was only denied by a last ditch tackle from a Joondalup defender.

Hesketh was pleased with the result against the now second placed Joondalup.

“Mick (Lyons, assistant coach) and I are delighted to win away and take another step to improving our game: we were very good today,” he said.

“(We were) Hungry, determined and very efficient.

“The travelling support enjoyed a great game and I am very pleased and proud of the performance.”

On Saturday, Mandurah host Ashfield, with the visitors currently fifth after posting a 2-0 win over Rockingham on the weekend.