NPL: Armadale falls 3-1 to Perth SC despite taking early lead

PERTH SC came from behind to claim a 3-1 win over Armadale in round 12 of the National Premier Leagues WA at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.

Armadale’s early dominance was cancelled out by a wonder strike by Andreas Theodosiades, before Dino Topcagic scored twice in quick succession to earn Perth the three points.

Armadale came out firing and had a string of early chances, while Perth struggled to hold possession in the middle.

Ellis Healing looked dangerous on the left wing and helped open the scoring in the 22nd minute when he played in a corner that found Jesse Fuller at the back post.

Fuller’s goal-bound header was blocked on the line, and in goalmouth scramble Danny Hodgson tapped home to give his side the lead.

Perth found an equaliser in the 37th minute when Andreas Theodosiades scored a genuine contender for goal of the season.

Theodosiades picked up the ball against the run of play and fired a left-footed shot from distance that curled in to the top left corner, giving Alec Radonich no chance.

Armadale pushed to restore its lead, and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute.

Healing made a great run in to the box from the left wing and was seemingly brought to ground, but the referee called play-on despite pleas from the Armadale camp.

Perth came out of the blocks in the second half, and looked dangerous going forward as it pushed to turn the game in their favour.

Its efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when Gustavo Catarcione fed Topcagic in the box, who made no mistake firing low into the bottom corner.

Topcagic doubled his tally five minutes later on the counter attack, when he dribbled into the box and fired home emphatically via the crossbar.

The swift brace effectively sealed the result, as Armadale could not capitalise on any of their chances to reduce the margin.

Armadale’s Paul Price praised his side for their attacking display in the first half.

“I thought we were superb in the first half, we played them off the park,” he said.

“They didn’t really threaten but then [Theodosiades] hit a shot from 30 yards that goes in the top corner.”

“Those things hinge, and they are always hinging against us,” he said. “Sometimes there is not much you can do about it.”

The result sees Perth move to third on the league table, one point behind Inglewood United, while Armadale remain second bottom.