Armadale outplayed by Perth

Catacione’s goals set up a 4-1 win over an Armadale side that had shown decent form in the recent QBE Night Series matches.

Armadale had the best early opportunities but English striker Alex Salmon had two attempts saved in quick succession in the 14th minute.

The first was a header from a good ball into the box, which spurred a save from Perth keeper Francis Soale, who parried the ball back into Salmon’s path. But Soale again reacted quickly to save the follow up.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Catarcione slotted the ball past Armadale goalkeeper Alfie Brincat to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

The home side got their reward in the 59th minute, though, when Salmon scored to level the match.

A long ball from Brincat found its way to Salmon, who made a mazy run inside the box and shot coolly into the bottom corner.

Perth SC regained the lead in the 69th minute thanks to another goal from Catarcione, who fired home from inside the box.

Former Socceroos defender Adrian Madaschi made it 3-1 in the 78th minute when he headed an uncontested Vittiglia cross past Brincat.

The game was put beyond doubt in the closing stages of the match when Catarcione scored his third thanks to a good assist from Vittiglia that split the two central defenders.

Armadale manager Paul Price wasn’t disappointed with his team’s overall performance despite conceding four goals.

“Once we got the equaliser I thought we might go on to win it, but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

“After 70 minutes we were doing really well; I don’t think anyone could have said either side was better than the other.”