Rockingham City downs Stirling 3-0 in Night Series opener

Rockingham City has started life as a National Premier Leagues WA outfit with an impressive 3-0 win over Stirling Lions at Inglewood Stadium in round 1 of the Night Series last Friday night.

City started well and took an early lead within two minutes, with a Lydon Hodgkiss unleashing an unstoppable screamer from outside.

Both teams then settled and each had a flurry of chances, with City goalkeeper Alfie Brincat saving a penalty late on in the first half to send his side into the break with a slender lead.

Stirling started the second half well, creating a number of chances but City’s centre back pairing of Michael Farmer and Mitch Firth were outstanding in repelling the Lions’ attack.

City extended their lead after the hard working James Harmer put pressure on Stirling’s defence, resulting in a turnover, and a quick throw-in and great footwork by new signing Riley Van Dieken resulted in a 2-0 scoreline.

With 10 minutes to go another new signing, the returning Shaz Ramlee, made it 3-0 after some good width play Blake Sokolowski.

Rockingham City president Brian Kennedy said the result was “a great start” for coach Cameron Lord and his new-look squad, which has added new faces in Van Dieken from Bayswater City, Ramlee from Sarawak FA in Malaysia, man-of-the-match Firth from rivals Mandurah City, Victor Brauner from Gwelup Croatia, Sam McKearnen from Perth Glory, Harry Collins from Cockburn City, and Michael Farmer and Jarred Mort from South West Phoenix.

Meanwhile, Ross Staley and Josh Mackinder have left the club.

City faces a tough test against in round 2 of the Night Series, taking on 2018 NPL WA champions Perth SC at E&D Litis Stadium in Floreat on Sunday. Kick-off is at 5pm.