stock image.
Camera Iconstock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Armadale notch big win over Joondalup United in NPLWA opening round

Jessica NicoComment News

ARMADALE got the perfect start to the 2018 NPLWA season, demolishing Joondalup United 3-0 on Saturday evening despite being reduced to nine men.

Running out on to Alfred Skeet Reserve for the round 1 game, it was the visiting Joondalup that enjoyed the early opportunities, piling on the pressure in front of goals with only a monster performance from Armadale keeper Sam Hutchings keeping the home side from going down early.

There was still a clean sheet when the sides went into half-time but Armadale came out strongest from the break, needing just five minutes before they found the back of the net courtesy of Chris Jackson.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0 after Michael Rizidies’ shot sailed passed the ’keeper and Billy Quinncroft made it 3-0 three minutes after that. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Armadale, who lost Quinncroft and Jackson to red cards in the 75th and 83rd minutes respectively, but they were able to hold Joondalup off to record the win.

Armadale coach John O’Reilly said he was proud of the team’s efforts.

“The first half was a bit scrappy,” he said.

“But early in the second half we saw a few opportunities that we could exploit and we scored, so overall I think we did well.”

Armadale will be eager to make it two from two when they take on the newly promoted Forrestfield United from 7pm on March 3 in Forrestfield.