Stirling Lions leapfrogged Perth SC into third place on the PlayStation 4 NPL WA table after a late goal from David Micevski gave them a 2-1 win at Dorrien Gardens.
The fixture was a feature of the inaugural DT38 Foundation Awareness Round, which signalled the start of a nine-week competition encouraging clubs to promote awareness of testicular cancer.
The crowd stood in a minute silence prior to kick off and burst into a moment of applause on 38 minutes in tribute of the WA footballer, Dylan Tombides.
David Micevski gave the Lions the lead early in the first half before Perth suffered another blow with Rocco Pizzata picking up a second yellow in the 75th minute.
But Gustavo Catarcione pulled them back level from the penalty spot just two minutes later before David Micevski scored the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Lions coach Rob Milevski said his side showed great character to hit back late to win it.
“We dominated the first half and deservedly came in at half time with the lead, but we sat a little too deep in the second half and let them back in,” he said.
“But despite conceding the penalty, we pushed a couple more forward and luckily we managed to the get winner, but we did leave it a little late.
“It was a good team performance, Jamie (Gibson) was outstanding up top for us and I thought the back four were terrific, while David (Micevski) scored a couple of quality goals for us, so all in all a great result for us tonight.”
Inglewood United reclaimed top spot after a come-from-behind 3-2 victory against Perth Glory at Inglewood Stadium.
Cockburn City fought hard to hold league-leaders Bayswater City to a 1-1 at Finance 365 Stadium.
ECU Joondalup moved up to seventh after a dominant 3-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park.
Sorrento soared into sixth placed after a 3-0 victory of Balcatta at Grindleford Reserve, while Floreat Athena took advantage of Armadale’s injury woes with a 2-0 win at E&D Litis Stadium
Click on the links below for a match report on each game:
Inglewood United 3-2 Perth Glory