Hodgkiss the hero with last gasp goal as Rockingham City sinks Perth SC

An injury-time goal from captain Lydon Hodgkiss gave Rockingham City a famous win on Saturday to inflict a first National Premier League WA defeat in 26 matches on Perth SC.

The Azzurri had not tasted a league defeat since a 2-0 loss to Perth Glory in round 14 last season.

But just as they looked destined to extend their run, the Perth defence left Hodgkiss completely unmarked and he met Robbie Galvin’s inswinging free kick to head home his second goal to seal a 3-2 victory.

Rockingham put on a dazzling display to rock the league leaders at Lark Hill, taking an early lead after a mix-up between Tom Southgate and keeper Dejan Aleksic allowed Hodgkiss to net.

Perth equalised inside a minute, with Michael Domfeh holding up the ball for Andreas Theodosiades to rifle a low shot beyond City keeper Cyril Sharrock.

Rockingham regained the lead just before half-time when Jason Pottier danced past his marker before lashing a shot home from just outside the penalty area.

City also started the second half the better of the two sides but couldn’t make their sustained spell of pressure count.

Reily Van Dieken went closest when he cut in from the left wing and powered a curling shot against the bar. Perth made Rockingham pay after Sharrock’s punch went straight to Jordan De Leo and he picked out Matt Milenkovic to head home the equaliser.

The match looked to be heading towards a draw before Hodgkiss’ header from Galvin’s deep free kick decided an entertaining encounter.

The result lifted Rockingham two places to eighth on the table, while the loss was not too damaging for Perth, who are still nine points clear atop the NPL WA ladder, ahead of second-placed Balcatta with eight matches remaining.

City face ninth-placed Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday at 3pm.