Perth SC had to settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw with Floreat Athena on Easter Thursday in front of a fantastic atmosphere at Dorrien Gardens created by the Azzurri juniors.
Striker Gordon Perkins thought he had won it for the Azzurri when he headed home in the third minute of injury time to put Perth SC 2-1 up against a 10-man Athena.
But the visitors had other ideas and equalised in the ninth minute of stoppage time when substitute Jack Sprigg’s cross from the left found its way into the back of the net after Azzurri defender Kurtis Mogg’s clearance unfortunately ricocheted off Sam Riak and past a desperate Mark Birighitti.
Athena opened the scoring in the sixth minute through captain Noah Shamaki’s penalty after a handball call against Azzurri defender Josh Cala.
It was then mostly Perth SC in the ascendancy, but the home side struggled to find the equaliser until the 83rd minute when substitute Sean O’Connor, making his first league appearance for the season, found the back of the net after being set up by Perkins.
Ethan Banks, who was outstanding for the Azzurri, should have scored in the first half when his free header from Jamie McNelis’ cross was placed straight at Athena keeper Joshua Hunter, who still had to put on a good save to keep it out.
Banks also hit the post in the 81st minute after a great run on the right before setting up Perkins for what should have been the winner.
Perkins hit the crossbar with a header from Daniel Faichney’s cross just moments before scoring. He also had a goal cancelled for offside in the 66th minute after it was initially awarded.
Floreat defended well all night and had to play with 10 men for more than an hour after defender Ali Mohamed was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Banks in the middle of the park.
All up it was a frustrating night for the Azzurri, who dominated possession and the shot and corner count, and a sense of two points lost at home.
A big shoutout to the Azzurri juniors who created a fantastic atmosphere at Dorrien Gardens under lights, bringing some colour and noise with flags, drums and horns. The Junior Welcome Night parade and Easter Egg hunt prior to the game was a fantastic success.
Perth SC remain undefeated for the season after five league games with 11 points, four behind league leaders Bayswater City.
The Azzurri travel north to take on Perth RedStar next Saturday in which is likely to be our biggest test of the season so far.