Report by Tristan Lavalette

There were no goals scored at Alfred Skeet Reserve but Armadale and Stirling Lions produced a pulsating match during NPL WA action on Saturday.

Both teams lamented not claiming the three points, with Stirling failing to capitalise on a dominant opening half, exemplified by striker Daniel Micevski’s missed penalty in the 33rd minute.

Armadale goalkeeper Matthew Gould spectacularly saved Micevski’s effort and also stopped Hayden Doyle’s follow-up strike.

Pictured: Armadale’s Faustinho Machochi taking on Stirling’s Jack Salter. Photo: Jonathan Cook.

Despite the missed opportunity, it seemed inevitable Stirling would find the back of the net due to their classy midfield dominating.

But the match dramatically changed moments before half time when Stirling’s Miki Vujacic received his second yellow card after an errant attempted tackle.

After half time, Armadale attempted to exploit their advantage in numbers by inserting Mwana Musonda, who provided a dose of flair to a team that was overly defensive in the opening half.

The home side, led by energetic midfielder Alex Clarke and imposing defender Alec Solomons, relentlessly attacked with long runs through the middle.

But Armadale too often lacked polish with their final touch and Stirling defenders Jovo Pavlovic and Andy Brown repeatedly repelled the attacking thrusts.

Both teams had opportunities to produce a late winner but the game appeared destined for a scoreless draw.

With only seconds left in the contest, Pavlovic made high contact during an attempted tackle on Jackson Bealey.

Pavlovic, who had virtually played a flawless game in defence, was red carded and Armadale had one final chance to snatch victory with a free kick just outside the penalty box.

With the last kick of the game, Jason Barrera was unable to be the home hero as his swerving free kick was brilliantly saved by Stirling goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski.

Stirling assistant coach Daniel Stoitis believed the draw was a costly result for his side.

“For us, it was two points dropped,” he said.

“We found it very difficult to penetrate Armadale, who put the defensive wall up. It was difficult with the red cards but I didn’t think it was a dirty game.”

Armadale assistant coach Saul Contera said his team had improved throughout the season but admitted an inability to score goals was an issue.

“We had another very solid defensive effort and had them on the break for the majority of the second half,” he said.

“We just can’t put the ball in. Opportunities are being created but we are just not taking them.”

Armadale 0
Stirling Lions 0
Saturday 31 May, 2014
Alfred Skeet Reserve, Forrestdale
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Tim Mihvec
Crowd: 200 (approx)

Armadale: 20. Matthew GOULD (gk),2. Jackson BEALEY, 4. Billy QUINNCROFT, 5. Nathan COSTELLO, 6. Jason BARRERA, 7. Faustinho MACHOCHI, 9. Raveshian KUPPUSAMY (10. James ATKINS 73’), 12. Alec SOLOMONS, 13. Sam LOVELESS, 14. Mitch CASTRILLI (16. Mwana MUSONDA 46’), 17. Alex CLARKE (3. Luke BUGONI 86’)

Substitutes not used: 8. Lyon VARNEY, 1. Jordan HOWELL
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Stirling Lions: 1. Aleks VRTESKI, 2. Rikki SMITH, 4. Jovo PAVLOVIC, 6. Hayden DOYLE, 7. Miki VUJACIC, 8. Andy BROWN, 9. Daniel MICEVSKI, 10. David MICEVSKI, 11. Moses KALAU (15. Ali GHOULAMI 80’), 13. Jack SALTER (5. Dean EVANS 68’), 14. Clayton ARNEZ (12. Tim HILL 75’)

Substitutes not used: 3. Dennis GALAN, 20. Connor CAMPBELL
Yellow cards: Miki VUJACIC (28’, 40’), Dean EVANS (90’)
Red cards: Miki VUJACIC (40’), Jovo PAVLOVIC (90+2)