Report by Max Hayden-Evans

In-form Floreat Athena continued their late-season resurgence as they eased to a 3-0 away win over Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon.

The win strengthened Athena’s mid-table position and left Cockburn with plenty of work to do if they are to ensure a top-four league finish.

An early goal to Robert Petkov gave Athena the perfect start. The big striker collected the ball on the edge of the box before turning and firing impressively into the top right-hand corner.

Calvin Whitney then went close as he struck the post, but Athena did not hve long to wait for a second with Keylun Pollard's deflected shot beating the outstretched Luke Radonich in the Cockburn net.

After the break, Athena picked up where they left off and this time Whitney wasn't to be denied. The midfielder capitalised on chaos in the goalmouth, sweeping the ball beyond Radonich.

Marco Santa Lucia almost added a fourth goal for the visitors but his bullet header from close range cannoned against the crossbar.

Cockburn threatened at times but struggled to break down the Athena defence, while Jake Robinson forced Jason Saldaris into a stunning diving save.

Athena coach Garrett McDuling said: “Today was our second clean sheet on the trot. These guys need to be proud of their performances.”

McDuling also reflected on his side’s upturn in form. “It’s the same playing group (as earlier in the season). It’s all about some small changes and getting consistent performances," he said.

"The boys are playing pressure-free football now. Our last two games are at home now and it’s about finishing the year on a positive note and carrying that into next season.”

In contrast Cockburn coach Scott Miller was unimpressed with his side.

He said: “I’m really disappointed. We looked like a team trying to get to the end of the season - we looked lethargic. But we’ve got to reassess and see what bodies we can get on the pitch next week.

“Today we definitely got what we deserved.”

Athena face relegation battlers Subiaco next week while Cockburn travel to Perth Glory, who can secure the NPL WA title with a victory.

Cockburn City 0
Floreat Athena 3 (Petkov 5min, Pollard 34, Whitney 48)
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Dalmatinac Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Josh Mannella
Assistant referees: Peter Kaiser, Mitchell Barrington

Cockburn City: 1. Luke RADONICH (GK), 4. Euen GRANT (C), 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 7. Luccas MELLO (13. Blake ADAMS 46.), 8. Cameron EDWARDS (18. Adam ANFUSO 72.), 9. Julian TELES, 10. David ARAYA, 12. Ryan PRATT, 15. Daniel SANTICH, 16. Daniel ROBINSON, 21. Jesse LAZARRO (17. Jake ROBINSON 84.)
Substitutes not used: 20. Harry COLLINS, 23. Ryan BARKER (RGK)
Yellow cards: Edwards 47, Grant 68
Red cards: Nil

Floreat Athena: 1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Marco SANTA LUCIA, 6. Jesse FULLER, 9. Robert PETKOV, 10. Calvin WHITNEY (18. Phillip ARNOLD 84.), 11. Dennis GALAN, 14. Ludovic BOI (13. Hamza HINA 76.), 15. Chris SALDARIS, 16. Ryan MALTON, 17. Dean EVANS (C), 20. Keylun POLLARD (8. Jonathan STYNES 46.)
Substitutes not used: 5. Tyler HOLDEN, 23. Joshua HUNTER (RGK)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil