Youngster changes game for Rocky

Rockingham City Football Club head coach Charlie Smith made one change from the previous Saturday’s home game against Morley Windmills — Phil Herschell came in for unavailable Richard Lacey in goals.

Straight from the whistle Macklin and Rafa combined to send Ncube clean through on goals and as he tried to round young Gosnells keeper Herd, the goalie stretched out his arms and brought down the advancing Ncube.

The referee immediately showed Herd a red card and awarded a free kick right on the line of the box, when many in the stand thought it was in the box.

Thompson tried his luck again after his thunderbolt last week but his shot this time went narrowly wide.

Ncube had to come off after falling awkwardly, and on went Dos Santos.

Rocky found it hard to break down Gosnells’ 10 men until the 35th minute when Hissey held off two defenders to slot past keeper number two.

The half-time score was 1-0.

Smith told his players at the break to keep their shape and their discipline and more chances would come.

It was Gosnells’ turn to get right back into the game and, after a misunderstanding between Thompson and Herschell in goals, a Gosnells player was allowed to chip the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Smith then threw on big Josh Senior for Birney, while Hissey also came off injured. On came young RCFC Under 18s goal machine Haslett who was keen to the impress the coach.

Haslett made an instant impact, utilising his pace, and was brought down just outside the box.

Rafa converted after a deflection from the Gosnells wall for Rocky to take the lead.

Haslett then smashed a shot onto the post before he scored Rocky’s third to earn the home side a well-earned three points, 3-1.

Smith gave full credit to his team who stuck to their jobs in hand and praised young Haslett who came on and changed the whole game.

RCFC Under 18s were unlucky to go down 3-2 against a strong Gosnells team when a draw would have been a fair result.

RCFC Reserves got a well-earned 1-1 draw with a much better performance in the second half. Lee Hayward scored for Rocky.

Rockingham now take a rest and look forward to their next league games against Shamrock Rovers in round 11 on June 29 and Ashfield in round 12 on July 6 at Lark Hill, before heading to Mandurah in round 13 against Mandurah City Football Club on July 13.