A goal two minutes from time from Mandurah City defender Jeff Bright has earned his team a 1-1 draw against Joondalup United at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday evening, as they secured their first ever point in the National Premier League.
The home side had taken the lead on the hour through Richard Howles and it looked like they would take all three points, but Mandurah’s determination was rewarded when Bright fired home Mark McLaughlin’s cross.
Mandurah coach Dough Hesketh beleives his walking wounded deserved the point, and they could have even taken three.
“We had to make a few changes in personnel and formation tonight, and then lost Oscar early with injury,” he said.
“But I thought we fought hard for the whole game and we were worth a point.
“We struggled a little early when we went away from our passing game, but once we rectified that I thought we dominated and hit the post and their keeper made a couple of good saves, so we could have won it late.
“At the end of the day I’m more than happy with a point. Yes I would have liked to have won, but I’m happy with the way we are playing, the only downside is our injury toll which is growing by the week.”
Joondalup should have hit the front after only eight minutes. A Matthew Sparrow shot was well saved by Brad Eiffe, the rebound fell to Howles, but with the goal at his mercy he blazed over the top.
Mandurah, who lost defender Oscar Thompson to injury on 20 minutes, weren’t without their chances in a tight first half.
Sean Troup’s shot flashed just wide of the post, before a Ryan Francis shot on the run was saved low by James Bosdet.
The home side wasted another good chance on the stroke of half time. The lively Sparrow found Matthew Stares, who cut inside his marker but fired wide of the target.
It was a tight opening to the second half, but on the hour the home side made the break though.
Alex Wild made space down the right and whipped a great cross into the penalty area before Howles rose highest to head home powerfully.
This didn’t deter a Mandurah side superbly led by skipper Andy Brown, who came close to the equaliser on 75 minutes.
Eades’ corner found Brown at the back post, his shot crashed off the post and away to safety.
Joondalup were sitting back and Mandurah started to find holes in their defence.
Brown saw a shot cleared off the line by Joel Ledsham, before Francis’ follow up shot was superbly saved by Bosdet.
But Mandurah’s pressure was rewarded on 88 minutes when Brown sent McLaughlin down the right and his cross picked out Bright, who made no mistake from eight meters.
Mandurah almost took all three points in stoppage time; Francis’ snap shot was saved low by Bosdet to ensure the points were shared.
Mandurah City will take on Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve next weekend.