A moment of genuine sportsmanship has returned Inglewood United to the top four of the National Premier Leagues. Armadale goalkeeper Sam Hutchings scored a deliberate own goal to hand Inglewood a 3-2 win on a warm afternoon at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium.
Hutchings generosity came just moments after teammate Chris Jackson netted a controversial equaliser, and following earlier strikes by Kenny Keogh and Brian Woodall. Inglewood’s tenth win of the winter moves them to within six points of top spot with eight regular season games remaining.
Andy Keogh was pleased opposing coach John O’Reilly and captain Nathan Costello chose to put the spirit of the game first. “Their captain and manager deciding to give us an own goal speaks volumes for the fact their striker shouldn’t have done what he did,” said the Inglewood coach.
Inglewood’s early focus on attack was rewarded on 11 minutes when Keogh zeroed in from the right to angle between Hutchings and his near post. And it was Keogh a few minutes later that stung the ‘keeper’s gloves. Armadale’s best chance of the period followed, Jackson scooping over in inviting cross from the right.
Jamie Murphy and Alex Ishida-Livings were providing plenty of pace and width as the hosts sought to increase their lead. Woodall lashed narrowly wide after linking nicely with Salmon who, in the shadows of half-time, had a low shot parried by the ‘keeper.
Armadale opened the second half strongly. Alex Dunn repelled a powerful shot by Jackson who, soon after, managed to beat the Inglewood custodian only to be thwarted by Connor Becsi’s goalline clearance. Woodall showed them how its done by rolling into the net after being played through by Salmon.
It didn’t take long for Armadale to respond with Joshua Kuser scrambling the ball in at the far post. Four minutes later Keogh went down injured and, as the visitors returned possession to Dunn, Jackson stole in to tuck the equaliser into an unguarded net.
Armadale quickly recognised the error and Hutchings rolled the ball across his own line after collecting Salmon’s shot from the kick-off. Salmon could have added his name to the scoresheet in stoppage time but his effort came back off the upright after going clear of the defence.
Match stats
Inglewood United 3 (Kenny Keogh 11, Brian Woodall 72, own goal 80)
Armadale 2 (Joshua Kuser 76, Chris Jackson 79)
Inglewood United: Alex Dunn, Alex Ishida-Livings (Scott Robertson 69), Connor Becsi, David Cyrus, Jamie Murphy, Brian Farrell, Jason Barrera, Ellis Healing (Ash Rosindale 57), Kenny Keogh, Brian Woodall (Miki Vujacic 85), Alex Salmon
Armadale: Sam Hutchings, Charlie Simpson, David Annall, Nathan Costello, Beau Rahim, Joshua Kuser, Ryan Haslett (Brad Griepl 90), Ali Gholami (Milan Ognjenovic 84), Michael Rizidis, Friday Zico (James Atkins 45), Chris Jackson
Bookings: Rahim (31), Costello (81)
Dismissals: Nil
