Perth SC took out the third place play-off after defeating Armadale 2-0 at Macedonia Park last night.

Perth coach Mauro Marchione gave his fringe players, some as young as 16, a chance to strut their stuff and their performance has given the coach piece of mind in regards to squad depth.

“For me it was important for them to experience the highest level, to play in an important game, they responded very well,” said Marchione.

“We didn’t play a great game but for me personally I’m happy with what I saw.”

The Night Series has allowed Marchione to experiment with his relatively new squad.

“It was a good preparation for us…we know where we are standing now.”

When asked for what fans can expect from Perth this season, Marchione has no reservations in his side’s potential with one simple goal.

“To win the league,” he said.

Perth’s youthful squad played with the desire to prove themselves, but it was Armadale who managed to control possession early on.

The first half hour went by with neither goalkeeper tested, a testament to both defences blocking several through balls.

Perth’s Josh Wilkins broke the deadlock in a first half short on chances; his 18-yard strike curling into the net after a potential handball left a couple of defenders off-guard.

Darren Francis had a chance before the break to level on the end of a Mark Peers cross, however his first-time shot steered into ‘keeper Jason Saldaris’ hands.

Perth’s lead doubled in the second half as Stefano Valentini pounced on a loose ball before Armadale ‘keeper Tom Allan reacted and dribbled the ball over the line.

Armadale pushed but was unable to find the net and with that the game finished in Perth’s favour.

Perth SC 2 (Wilkins 36’, Valetini 74’)
Armadale 0
Sunday March 3, 2013
Macedonia Park
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Crowd: Approx. 1200
Referee: Mark Williams

Perth SC: GK 1. Jason SALDARIS, 3. Friday ZICO, (12. David MICEVSKI 82’) 4. Chris SALDARIS (c), 2. Josh WILKINS, 5. James MAROCCHI, (14. Daniel MICEVSKI 82’) 6. Nathan DE ABREU, 7. Liam BOLAND, (16. Adam LUCA 82’) 8. Josh PEREIRA, 9. Yoann CLAUDOT, 10. Matt IZZO, 11.Stefano VALENTINI

Substitutes not used: Nil
Yellow Cards: Chris SALDARIS 39’, Liam BOLAND 65’
Red Cards: Nil

Armadale: GK 1. Tom ALLAN, 3. Jackson BEALEY, 6. Andrew BOWYER, 13. Sam LOVELESS, 14. Mitch CASTRILLI, 5. Louie BAKE (c), 15. Craig ROBSON, 17. Mark PEERS, (19. Jack SALTER 65’) 9. Darren FRANCIS, 8. Rhys LOXLEY, (12. Raveshlan KUPPUSAMY 18’) 10. Callum BARRY

Substitutes not used: 4. Brandon CATCHPOLE, 18. Nathan COSTELLO
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil