Joondalup United’s Josh Booysen and Forrestfield United’s Liam Merigan.
Camera IconJoondalup United’s Josh Booysen and Forrestfield United’s Liam Merigan. Credit: Supplied/Megan Bilaloski

Forrestfield United brave in battle but fall to Joondalup United

Aisling LawlessMidland Kalamunda Reporter

JOONDALUP United continued its flying start to the State League Division One season, beating a nine-man Forrestfield United 2-1 at Forrest Park on Saturday.

Lee Jones scored a brace either side of halftime while substitute Josip Uujica brought the sides temporarily level in the 76th minute.

Contradictory to the fiery nature of the match, the opening quarter was slow, but tension rose when Forrestfield player Mark Barnett was sent off in the 26th minute for a second yellow card.

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Jones capitalised on this for Joondalup just two minutes before the end of the half with a great shot from the left wing.

Former ECU Joondalup player Josh Booysen came close with a shot over the bar to open the second half, but despite a number of chances, Joondalup failed to take full advantage of the extra man.

Substitute Uujica livened Forrestfield’s play and he set up Hasani Sinclair in front of goal in the 67th minute, whose shot was hastily blocked by Joondalup’s defence.

But the situation for the visitors was further worsened three minutes later as captain Trent Wood was also sent off for a second yellow.

Astoundingly six minutes later they were able to level the scores with nine men, Uujica’s shot from the left corner flag sneaking in at the far post.

Their hope of snatching a last minute win against the odds was denied by Jones in the 81st minute with a confident strike past the diving keeper.

Forrestfield coach Rod Banjac was very disappointed his side were unable to play the match with a full team.

“I thought the game was fantastic and we played in good spirits, however I disagree with the decisions on all those cards,” he said.

“I congratulate the opposition who kept their composure and I’m very proud of our boys, who worked right to the very end.

“For us this is a year of consolidation and we are looking to establish ourselves at this level of the competition long term with a new squad, whose average age is 21.”