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Soccer: Rockingham City overcome Canning City 1-0

Declan ByrneWeekend Kwinana Courier

A second clean sheet and another goal from the in-form Alex Grayson highlighted the performance from Rocky, which moved up to fourth on the division one State League ladder.

With a host of regulars missing, it was a new-look Rockingham side that took to the field, and they were under immediate pressure playing against a strong breeze as Canning started brightly.

Rockingham settled into the game, with Abraham Taona linking up well with Reece Frank, causing Canning plenty of problems.

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Grayson began to dominate the game, with his range of passing on show from the middle of the park.

In the second half, it was Rockingham’s turn with the wind at their back and after pressure from Gersh Rowland, the ball fell to Grayson, who shrugged off his man and sent a ferocious effort flying into the top corner to give Rocky the lead.

Minutes later, the game turned on its head when the referee sent the impressive Grayson to the sheds, reducing the home side to 10 men.

Rockingham dug in and defended their goal with effort and desperation.

Sean Brady and Lydon Hodgkiss refused to be beaten as they dragged the home side to a victory.

Speaking to the Courier, Grayson said the side’s solid early-season form was the by-product of a gruelling pre-season.

“The team has gotten itself into great shape over pre-season,” he said.

“We have worked hard, added to last year’s roster and seen the rise of a few younger lads who have really added to the squad.

“I’m only 24 and one of the oldest in the team, so it’s a great position to be in surrounded by young talent.

“We still haven’t fully clicked yet, but it’ll be exciting when we do.”

Grayson said despite the impressive start to life back in division one, there were still improvements to be made.

“Perhaps we could improve our ability to maintain big spells of possession,” he said.

“We have the talent to really control games, but sometimes we get caught being a bit too direct.

“I have never played in a team with so many ball players and I’d like to see us utilise that a bit more, especially at home.”

In the day’s other results, Reserves fell to Canning 2-0, while the 18s claimed a clinical 3-0 win.

Mitch Morrin continued his rich vein of goalscoring form, while Sam Warren was also on the scoresheet.