Armadale Soccer Club took on Perth Glory on Sunday for the final group round of the National Premier League WA Men’s Night Series.
With two wins, a loss and a draw this series – including two 4-1 victories in the first two rounds against Balcatta and Freo – Armadale was in a much better place to take the final semi-final spot against Olympic.
For Glory, nothing but a victory would have advanced them to the semis, but even a draw for Armadale would have been enough unless Bayswater annihilated Freo by four goals or more.
The stage was set at Alfred Skeet Reserve, and a sea of red and black packed the stands.
A goalless first half raised hopes that Armadale were in with a chance.
But the deadlock was broken by Glory’s Seb Despotovski within minutes of the second half.
It wasn’t long until the visitors upped the ante with another goal, coming from Nathanael Blair.
Despotovski all but cemented the win for Glory with his second for the night, making it three in 15 minutes for Glory.
And Khoa Ngo sealed it with the fourth for the Academy First side.
Armadale’s Purvish Appadoo managed to sneak one in before full time, ensuring it wasn’t a complete shut-out for the home side.
But the resounding 4-1 victory for Perth Glory secured their ticket to the semi-finals.
Despite the loss, Armadale still has one trick up its sleeve.
Armadale’s first Men’s NPL Gold Medal winner and 2024 Golden Boot winner Pieter Jacobsz is still out in front as leading scorer for the series.
All eyes will be on the semi-finals to see if second-placed Joey O’Brien from Sorrento or Stirling Macedonia’s Joshua Bilaloski can overtake Jacobsz’ lead.
Photographs – Richard Polden
