For both of the Inglewood United supporters, it was a case of déjà vu at Intiga Stadium as the home side failed to convert a multitude of chances in their 0-0 All Flags State Premier League draw against a resilient Armadale.

In his pre-game notes, United coach Graham Normanton hinted at possible changes to spark his team into life following what he described as “inept performances” so far this season and his side dominated the game from start to finish.

“Funny game football sometimes,” Normanton said.

“We absolutely battered them and came away with a nil-nil result.”

Playing with three at the back and extra men in midfield and attack, it took Inglewood only six minutes to carve open their first chance.

Despite the Armadale defence being lead by English Premier League stalwart Andy Todd, it was a defiant Cyril Sharrock in goal who proved to be the difference.

Playing in a new role as a second striker, Ryan Clarke was proving to be a menace.

Clarke looked certain to break the deadlock but was guilty of missing the best of first-half chances.

As Inglewood stepped up the pressure in the second half, a goal looked to be around the corner.

But a combination of poor finishing, reflex saves from Sharrock and stout defending kept the scores level before Greg Sharland sent a header over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

As the game continued, Armadale grew in confidence and it was only the fingertips of Inglewood keeper Luke Martino that denied Nathan Costello’s diving header in the final minutes that left the home faithful frustrated at points dropped again.

Speaking after game, Lee Bamber was pleased with the point and philosophical about his side’s performance.

“They were probably the best side we’ve faced so far this season,” Bamber said.

“(But) We showed a lot of heart and spirit to stay in there, maybe rode our luck a wee bit, but then we could have won it and nicked it as well with a couple of good chances at the end.”

Normanton also chose to look at the positives from the game.

“The pleasing part was we played a lot of good football and we created a lot of good chances and unfortunately we didn’t put them away,” Normanton said.

Inglewood United 0
Armadale SC 0
Saturday 13 April
Intiga Stadium, Inglewood
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Attendance: 125 (Approx)
Referee: J. Fusari
Assistants: J. Ledsham, H. Frost

Armadale: 1. Cyril SHARROCK (gk), 13. Sam LOVELESS, 4. Andy TODD, 6. Nathan COSTELLO, 14. Mitch CASTRILLI, 8. Llewellyn BAKE, 16. Ian MAGUIRE (12. Lance LOUVIE 63’), 11. Mark PEERS 60, 17. Jack SALTER, 10. Rhys LOXLEY (, 9. Darren FRANCIS 84’), 2. Dannie RICHMAN (7. Rav KUPPUSAMY 75’)

Substitutes not used: RGK Tom ALLAN, 5. Billy QUINNCROFT
Yellow Cards: Mitch CASTRILLI 43’
Red Cards: Nil

Inglewood United: GK. Luke MARTINO, 3. Matt DANSKIN, 4. Shaun KILKELLY, 5. Rikki SMITH, 6. Andrija JUKIC, 8. David PERICH, 9. Ryan CLARKE, 10. Greg SHARLAND,11. Alex CANIGLIA, 14. Craig SIMPSON, 17. Daniel THOMSON,

Substitutes not used: RGK. Francis SOALE, 18. Jason COLLI, 7. Michael BACZYNSKI, 12. Jarrod MCNALLY, 16. Koji YAMADA,
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil