Report by Tristan Lavalette

A fast start was the catalyst for Perth’s convincing 3-0 victory over Armadale during NPL WA action on Saturday night.

Conditions during the match at Alfred Skeet Reserve were more reminiscent of mid-winter, with inclement weather blighting the game throughout.

But the rain did not dampen Perth’s silky smooth skills, which was evident during their early blitz to set up the victory.

After a shock loss to Cockburn in the Cool Ridge Cup on Monday, Perth was determined for an improved performance and they showed their intent from kick-off.

Captain Ashley Rosindale scored after just five minutes, poking the ball with into the net after a nice pass from Aden Da Luz.

Perth doubled their advantage at the 10-minute mark when Mark Doninger scored from long range with a bullet-like shot.

The visitors were dominating from the back, with a rock solid defence setting up forward thrusts for Rosindale and his partner in crime Friday Zico, who were looking ominous in attack.

Perth dominated possession and dictated the contest, while Armadale was unable to penetrate when they did have the ball.

Armadale’s midfielders were outclassed but Dannie Richman and Faustinho Machochi tried valiantly to help stem the tide.

But in the 37th minute Nick Ambrogio scored on the break to effectively seal the deal for Perth.

The showers strengthened in the second half and the game’s intensity wavered as both teams seemed to be going through the motions.

Perth’s defence was formidable with goalkeeper Alex Dunn impressive in keeping a clean sheet.

No goals and little flair were demonstrated in the second half, as both teams were relieved to scurry off the pitch at the final whistle.

Armadale coach Lee Bamber held a lengthy meeting with his players behind closed doors after the disappointing result and refused to speak to media postgame.

Perth coach Taki Nicolaidis was pleased with his team’s ability to rebound after their Cool Ridge Cup calamity.

“We let ourselves down on Monday and the focus this week was to make things happen again,” he said.

“I thought we were outstanding in the first half because it is always hard to come here and play.

“We were outstanding defensively. We have been leaking goals so far this season and that has been a weakness but tonight our back four was outstanding.

“The conditions were challenging but we were ready for the battle and we’re happy with the result.”

Perth 3 (Rosindale 5, Doninger 10, Ambrogio 37)
Armadale 0
Saturday April 26, 2014
Alfred Skeet Reserve
Kick-off: 7pm
Crowd: Appx 300
Referee: Matt Southern
Assistant referees: Marcus Watts and Rory Jackson

Armadale: 1. Matthew GOULD (gk),2. Jackson BEALE (13.Mwansa MUSONDA 45’) 3. Luke BUGONI, 4. Billy QUINNCROFT, 5. Jake SARDELIC, 6. Jason BARRERA (8. Llewellyn BAKE 90’), 7. Faustinho MACHOCHI, 11. Dannie RICHMAN, 12. Alec SOLOMONS, 14. Mitch CASTRILLI, 17. Alex CLARKE (9. John THORNLEY 45’)

Substitutes not used: 16. Nicholas TATASCIORE, 20. Darren HAYWOOD
Yellow cards: Jackson BEALES 35’
Red cards: Nil

Perth: 1. Alex DUNN (gk), 2. Josh WILKINS, 3.Luka NJEGICH, 8. Aden DA LUZ , 9. Friday ZICO, 10. Ashley ROSINDALE (Thomas SOUTHGATE 82’), 12. Tim ROBERTSON (11. Connor BESCI 90’), 14. Mark PRITCHARD, 15. Mark DONINGER, 16. Nick AMBROGIO (13.Nathan DE ABREU 77’), 20. James MAROCCHI

Substitutes not used: 5. Marco SANTALUCIA, 23. Domenic SAVOLDELLI
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil