Report by Ryan Borrett

Inglewood United have climbed to third place in the National Premier Leagues WA standings with a 2-1 win over Armadale at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Armadale surprised the hosts with a goal after only six minutes through Ciaran Byrne.

But Inglewood improved as the half progressed and goals from Chok Dau and Harry Evans before half-time proved enough.

Andres Oliveira’s side have now enjoyed three wins in a row as they continue their fight for a spot in the top four. They have a three-point cushion over Balcatta in fifth.

Yet things looked rocky at the start for United and Armadale capitalised on their opponents' slow start. Uriel Macias whipped in a great low cross from the left wing that found Byrne in the middle and he finished from close range.

Inglewood responded well, with Dau was impressive throughout the match. And his quality was highlighted when he equalised in the 34th minute. Dau dribbled past two Armadale defenders on the edge of the box then played a quick one-two with Evans before smashing a powerful shot into the top left corner to level it at 1-1.  

Evans and Dau were involved again in Inglewood’s second goal in the 39th minute.

Dau played a high ball to veteran striker Brian Woodall, who showed good control before playing in Evans and he curled a low finish around oncoming Army keeper Sam Hutchings and into the net.

Inglewood controlled the game in the second half but were always at risk while the score remained 2-1. That was shown when Armadale’s Michael Lawson almost scored a spectacular free-kick in the 57th minute but Inglewood goalkeeper Alex Dunn was positioned well to keep the long-range effort out.

Despite creating a few decent chances, Armadale and they almost conceded again but Evans’ glancing header edged just wide of the post.

The home side held off a late surge from Armadale with David Cyrus and Samuel Riak particularly commanding at the back for Inglewood.

With no NPL action next week because of the Belt Up Cup Final, Inglewood will hope to carry the momentum into their clash with league leaders Perth SC in two weeks' time. Meanwhile things don't get any easier for Armadale. Winless in four matches and second from bottom in the table, they will host second-placed Floreat.

Star player: Chok Dau (Inglewood United)

Inglewood United 2 (Dau 34min, Evans 39)
Armadale 1 (Byrne 6)

Saturday, July 13, 2019
Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant referees: Liviu Katona, Niall Gilmour

Inglewood United: 1. Alex DUNN, 2. Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 3. David CYRUS, 5. Samuel RIAK, 6. Milorad VUJACIC, 8. Jason BARRERA, 9. Chok DAU (7. Hamza HINA 87), 10. ANTHONY BAFOBUSHA (15. Brian FARRELL 71), 11. Harry Evans (14. Steve SOKOL 71), 17. Mark Barnett, 23. Brian Woodall
Substitutes not used: 12. Brendan ITALIANO, 21. Josiah Godfrey (RGK)
Yellow cards: Sokol 85
Red cards: Nil

Armadale: 1. Sam HUTCHINGS, 2. Josh KUSER, 4. Nathan COSTELLO, 5. Ali NAZARY, 6. Ciaran BYRNE, 8. Michael LAWSON, 9. Uriel MACIAS (11. Chad NILSON 57), 10. Sam GARCES (7. Joshua CORTES 46), 12. Dannie RICHMAN, 13. Blake ADAMS, 21. Abdul OSMAN
Substitutes not used: 3. Bradley GREIPL, 16. Geoffrey NDIMUKAMA, 30. Blake HENSHALL
Yellow cards: Garces 30
Red cards: Nil