Armadale sink Lions 2-0
Report by Ryan Borrett
Armadale got their season off to a flyer as they defeated Stirling Lions 2-0 away from home on Saturday.
New signing Sam Garces made an instant impact off the bench netting the first goal midway through the second half before James Haran doubled Armadale’s advantage just three minutes later.
Stirling will feel incredibly unlucky with the result after playing well in the first half and creating several good chances. But poor finishing let them down and after conceding they found it tough as Armadale closed out the match and took home the three points.
Garces’ first goal for his new club came after winger Josh Kaiser sent in a great delivery from the right that found the former Cockburn man's outstretched boot at the far post to give his side the lead in the 65th minute.
Controversy followed three minutes later. Ali Nazary’s free kick into the box wasn’t cleared by Stirling keeper Daniel Marques and Haran managed to get the ball over the line through the scramble. Assistant referee Alexander Best flagged Harran offside but his call was overturned by referee Julian Serra and the goal given.
Armadale will hope to continue their positive start next week against newly promoted Rockingham City while Lions face a tough test against last season’s champions Perth SC.
Star man: Ali Nazary (Armadale)
Stirling Lions 0
Armadale 2 (Garces 65min, Haran 68)
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Macedonia Park
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Julian Serra
Assistant referees: Alexander Best, Jatin Lodhia
Stirling Lions: 1. Daniel MARQUES, 2. Michael GAMA, 3. Dhhors CHOL, 4. Alex SULESKI, 5. Chris McLAUGHLIN, 6. Finn GRAHAM, 7. Joseph PERKINS (12. Michael RIZIDIS 46), 8. Dean CUMMINGS, 9. Ben WANTEE (16. Damien DAMJANOSKI 77), 10. Noah SHAMAKI (14. David MOLINARI 87), 11. Moses KALAU
Unused substitutes: 15. Luke SERRA, 20. Sean McMANUS,
Yellow cards: Gama 68, Molinari 90+1
Red cards: Nil
Armadale: 1. Sam HUTCHINGS, 2. Josh KAISER (16. Connor ATKINSON 74), 3. James HARAN, 4. Nathan COSTELLO, 5. Ali NAZARY, 7. Joshua CORTES (21. Ismael BANGURA 81), 8. Michael LAWSON, 11. Adriano JELENOVIC, 12. Dannie RICHMAN, 13. Blake ADAMS, 22. Ryan HASLETT (10. Sam Garces 56)
Substitutes not used: 6. Jason PEPPIN, 25. Blake HENSHELL
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.