Armadale edge ECU in FFA Cup thriller.
Camera IconArmadale edge ECU in FFA Cup thriller. Credit: Supplied/FotoEnzo.

Armadale into last 32 of FFA Cup after beating ECU Joondalup in five-goal thriller

Jessica NicoComment News

ARMADALE has made it into the FFA Cup Round of 32 after downing ECU Joondalup in a thriller on Monday night.

Despite the downpour, a packed Alfred Skeet Reserve enjoyed an exhilarating high scoring match that ended with a gripping 3-2 win to Armadale.

After a number of close calls in front of goals to start the match, Armadale opened the scoring in the 20th minute when a cross from David Annall picked out Billy Quinncroft, who headed the ball into the back of the net.

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ECU dragged it back to a tied game after a goal from Gordon Smith in the 37th minute, and the score remained 1-1 at the main break.

Despite the visitors coming out strongest in the second half, it was Armadale who scored first through a penalty to captain Nathan Costello in the 57th minute.

Just five minutes later it was 3-1 and the crowd was in raptures after the NPL WA’s leading goal scorer Chris Jackson also managed to get the ball past the keeper.

ECU refused to quit and with a minute to go in regular time Smith scored again to set up a tense few minutes of injury time, but Armadale were able to hold on in defence to secure the win.

After the game, Armadale coach John O’Reilly said he was “probably the proudest man in the world”.

“The players put in a great performance and I thought we deserved the win,” he said.

“The win really hasn’t sunk in yet, but putting us on that national stage, I’m absolutely delighted for the president Ken (Madeley) and everyone involved in this football club.”

The win also booked Armadale a place in its first ever State Cup final, to be played against Gwelup on July 14.

Costello said the result was great for the club and its supporters.

“It’s not just reaching the State League Cup final, we’re in the last 32 of the national competition and it will be great to get our club on the national stage,” he said.