Murdoch University Melville ended Mandurah City’s unbeaten start to 2023 in all competitions as they came from behind to defeat the Night Series winners 3-1 at Besteam Stadium.
The result ensured Taki Nicolaidis’ side made it four points from their first two Men’s State League Division One games, while the Dolphins lost for the first time in the league since MUM FC won 1-0 at Genesiscare Stadium in Round 16 last year.
Joe O’Brien, who scored four last week, opened the scoring for Mandurah from Hamish Van Dieken’s cross on 12 minutes, but the hosts levelled just before the half-hour when Godfrey Asimwe followed in Feisal Zaw’s initial shot.
Zaw then dinked a superb finish just before the break to make it 2-1, and the former Rockingham forward blazed in a third to complete the scoring.
Fremantle City took advantage of Mandurah’s slip-up as they prevailed 4-3 over Subiaco to go top of the league.
A low strike from Roberto Soares set City on their way and the lead was doubled when Alex McLean headed in a corner from the left.
But a close-range finish from Lazar Spasojevic gave Subi hope and Mark Bauersachs then finished at the second time of asking to make it 2-2.
Fremantle regained the lead when Ollie La Galia rifled high into the net early in the second period, only for Elies Sebbouh to tie it up again with a long-range effort which caught Fremantle goalkeeper Jordan Barbas off guard.
The winner was scored by an unmarked Soares as he applied a simple finish to give Matty Sparrow’s team the points and set up a big game at Mandurah on Thursday night.
Western Knights joined Freo at the top of the standings after they picked up a 3-1 win against Forrestfield United.
Albert Luwi hit the scoresheet for a second successive week with a header on 26 minutes, before two goals from Alex Kretowicz either side of half-time had Knights cruising at Nash Field.
Zakir Hussain intercepted a cross-field pass to run in and score a consolation, but it wasn’t enough for Forrestfield who have one point from their first two matches.
Joondalup United are the division’s other unbeaten team after two games as they won 3-2 against Gosnells City.
Just like last week, it was Shaun Kilkelly who got the northern suburbs club off to a flying start with a close-range header. But the visitors were smarting from an opening night hammering at Mandurah and made it 1-1 after a nicely worked set-piece routine was finished by Scott Pereira.
They were only level for a few minutes after James Harmer’s swivel and strike inside the area, but Gosnells answered for a second time through James Burns in first-half stoppage time.
Nick Jennings’ side found a winner on 76 minutes after more good work from Harmer down the right, James Sharp the unfortunate player to bundle into his own net.
In the 5pm kick-off at Lark Hill, UWA Nedlands picked up their first win of the campaign with a 3-1 victory over Rockingham City.
UWA were given a helping hand as an own goal set them on their way, but ultimately two goals from Sam Moffatt settled the fixture. The first was a firm finish from six yards while the second was a simple finish to cap a fantastic team move.
Jayden Leader’s late consolation from the penalty spot provided little comfort for Rockingham who are without a win in their first two.
Finally, two Jacob Williamson goals helped Gwelup Croatia come from behind to win at Dianella White Eagles 2-1 in the other evening fixture.
Former Bayswater striker David Heagney swept in to put the home side ahead, but Williamson’s double in the final 23 minutes stole the show.
The first was a drive from the edge of the area which flew beyond the grasp of Dejan Aleksic, before Williamson hit a free-kick over the wall to win it.
Division One results
Dianella White Eagles 1-2 Gwelup Croatia
Fremantle City 4-3 Subiaco
Joondalup United 3-2 Gosnells City
MUM FC 3-1 Mandurah City
Rockingham City 1-3 UWA Nedlands
Western Knights 3-1 Forrestfield United
In Division Two, six teams have started the season with two wins from two matches, as Curtin continue to set the pace with a 2-0 win over Balga. Kieran Witt got both goals adding to his four-goal haul last week, despite his side playing 75 minutes with 10 men.
Kingsley Westside belted Joondalup City 5-1 at the Iluka Sports Complex. Jack Reilly netted a brace for the visitors with a Jon Hulme stunner, Hayden Lowe and Josh Waldock contributing to the win.
Carramar Shamrock Rovers beat Quinns 2-1 thanks to a Dylan McCann double, while Morley Windmills enjoyed a similar result at home to Maddington-Kalamunda White City as Stev Purton also got a brace. Swan United complete the set of teams on six points following another 2-1 home win, over Ashfield. Rhys Loxley and Jake Fritchley got Swan’s goals.
Wanneroo City also got off the mark in season 2023 with a 4-1 win over Canning City lifting them into mid-table with Balga on one win and one loss. Ben Wantee, Dion Berman (2) and Greg Greenwood on target for the Roos.
Division Two results
Balga 0-2 Curtin University
Carramar Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Quinns
Joondalup City 1-5 Kingsley Westside
Morley Windmills 2-1 Maddington-Kalamunda White City
Swan United 2-1 Ashfield
Wanneroo City 4-1 Canning City