The Army defeat United

The Army defeat United

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Armadale put an end to their five match losing streak when they defeated Joondalup United. Photograph – Jonny Warrington

Armadale have snapped a five match-losing streak as they defeated Joondalup United 2-1 in the final round of the PS4 NPLWA season at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday.

An early goal from Josh Booysen put United in front but James Atkins responded with two goals of his own to ensure his side finished their campaign with a victory.

Coach John O’Reilly said the best team won on the day and revealed he is looking forward to bolstering his squad in the pre-season.

“The lads were keen to get a win to finish the season because we have had a few off-results in the last few weeks,” he said.

“The players put in 100 per cent today and we created so many chances so we were just unlucky not to win by a bigger margin to be honest.

“Overall I think we have been progressive this season, we have kept our heads up all the way to the end and that was exemplified by today’s win.

“Hopefully we can kick-on now during the pre-season, pick up a couple of new players and strengthen what we have already started to build.”

Joondalup were quick off the blocks and they scored the opener in the third minute as Booysen was allowed time and space to run inside the box before firing a shot home.

Armadale responded against the run of play in the 28th minute when Alex Bond picked out Atkins, who found the back of the net.

Atkins was at it again on the 43-minute mark as his deft header from a Jordan Pavett free-kick was enough put The Army in front.

Bond was involved in another Armadale chance in first-half injury time when he whipped a cross towards the far-post to Beau Rahim, but his volley was denied by keeper James Bosdet.

The Joondalup keeper was called into action again in the second-half as he produced a double save to deny two efforts from striker Billy Quinncroft.

The home-side had the opportunity to finish the game off in injury-time when Bond was put one-on-one with the keeper, but Bosdet made a sharp save to ensure the game would end at 2-1.