Report by Navrin Secker

Armadale enjoyed the perfect preparation for their FFA Cup trip to Cairns FC this week with a 4-2 victory over Subiaco at Rosalie Park on Saturday afternoon.

But the result left Subi deep in relegation trouble. It was a fourth straight defeat and the third match on the run in which they have conceded four goals.

The visitors went ahead courtesy of Michael Rizidis before a Chris Jackson hat-trick made it 4-0.

David Perich’s late brace was too little, too late for Subiaco.

Armadale coach John O’Reilly praised the quality of star striker Jackson, who is now top of the NPL WA scoring chart with four matches of the season remaining.

“Chris is on flying form in front of goal there, he’s been doing really well leading into these games,” he said.

“His finishing is fantastic, he’s capable with his left foot, right foot … he’s a threat from all angles.

“Having him up front with what the players do behind him is a good combination.”

The home side started off well and forced Armadale goalkeeper Sam Hutchings into action early.

And Subiaco nearly had an opener after a poor clearance from Hutchings fell to the home side, but Perich’s attempt was off target.

Despite their early pressure, Subiaco fell behind courtesy of a Rizidis goal. Armadale broke quickly on the counter before Manase Abandelwa looked to have cut out the danger. However he tripped over while trying to clear his lines and Rizidis took the ball on the edge of the box then finished.

Armadale looked much stronger after scoring and Jackson doubled their advantage just before half-time. Some superb control and dribbling in the box opened up space to shoot and the Englishman finished into the bottom corner. Subiaco protested, claiming that a hand as used in the move, but the goal stood.

The second half began with the home side trying to get back into the match and they had a chance early on. A corner was not cleared by Armadale goalkeeper Hutchings and it fell to Alex Castiello, but his volley sailed over the crossbar.

Mitchell Bath was next to waste a good chance for Subiaco when, through on goal, he shot straight at Hutchings.

The home side’s attack-heavy approach left them vulnerable in defence and Armadale took advantage when Jackson made it 3-0. Some tricky dribbling on the wing from Rizidis allowed him to put a dangerous cross into the box, which Jackson headed into the back of the net.

Subiaco continued to look for a goal and had another opportunity when Perich squared the ball to Castiello in the box, but his shot was off target from close range.

Armadale again capitalised on the home side’s vulnerable defence with Jackson scoring his third after an assist from Rizidis.

Subiaco continued to fight and managed to get two goals back late in the game through Perich, but they were mere consolations as Armadale ran out 4-2 winners.

The defeat was a major blow for Subiaco’s survival chances and they occupy one of the two guaranteed relegation berths.

Subiaco sssistant coach Basil Lenzo was frustrated with the result.

“I’m bitterly disappointed, I thought the boys put in an enormous shift, they weren’t rewarded and some really poor decisions cost us,” he said.

Subiaco 2 (Perich 89min, 90+2)
Armadale 4 (Rizidis 36, Jackson 44, 57, 84)
Rosalie Park
Saturday, July 28
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Tom Glavovic
Assistant referees: Thomas Robinson, Alexander Best

Subiaco: 1. Ryan MONTGOMERY, 4. Robert HARDING (9. Adam CARLINO 68), 5. Manase ABANDELWA (19. Ian MCMURRAY 74), 6. Jackson DONGRAY, 8. Mitchell BATH, 10. Alex CASTIELLO, 11. Nathan Smith, 14. David PERICH, 15. Anthony TOPINI, 16. Dean APELGREN (13. Jonas DORLING 68), 17. Mark PRITCHARD
Unused substitutes: 3. Vasco DA SILVA, 21. Josiah GODFREY
Yellow cards: Perich 33, Castiello 38
Red cards: Nil

Armadale: 1. Sam HUTCHINGS, 3. Delan DE SILVA, 5. David ANNALL, 7. Charlie KENNA, 9. Billy QUINNCROFT, 10. Christopher JACKSON, 11. Michael RIZIDIS, 12. Dannie RICHMAN (14. Milan OGNJENOVIC 86), 15. Ali GHOLAMI, 16. Charlie SIMPSON, 17. James ATKINS (22. Ryan HASLOTT 62)
Unused substitutes: 20. Friday ZICO
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil