Two from two for Army

​

Armadale came from behind to beat Balcatta Etna 3-1 and make it back-to-back wins to open the 2023 NPLWA Night Series.

Ben Hinshelwood gave Balcatta the lead at halftime, but a Daniel Robinson penalty and others to Peter Jacobsz and Amir Ajan secured the win and moved them to the top of Group A.

“Really pleased with the second half performance, the lads took on board the information at half time and came out with focus a determination,” Head Coach John O’Reilly said.

“We played with a few formations tonight, looking to find holes in Balcatta’s defense, and after halftime, we took the game to Balcatta.

“It’s still early doors at the moment but we are progressing forward nicely. The squad will get stronger, with two new imports joining us next week and Ali Gholami returning to the club. There's a really good vibe about the team and the club and we are excited about each week’s challenges.”

It was Balcatta who opened the scoring with striker Ben Hinshelwood finding the target. Armadale created a number of chances before the break, but failed to capitalize, but that all changed after the break.

We were level on the hour after Chris Jackson was brought down by the Balcatta keeper, and Robinson fired home from the resulting penalty. O’Reilly’s side hit the front four minutes later, Jacobsz was found on the edge of the box, and he drilled the ball into the bottom right corner, much to the delight of the Armadale faithful.

The points were secured 13 minutes from time. George Ballah played in Chad Samuels down the left, who played a 30-yard pass with the outside of his boot, splitting two defenders, into the path of Amir Ajan.

Ajan carried the ball into the box and slotted home passed the advancing keeper to seal the win, and move Armadale two points clear at the top of Group A. We are back in action next Friday when we take on holders Floreat Athena at E&D Litis Stadium – Kick off 8.30pm (Photo by Fotoenzo)