Armadale beaten in Australia Cup

Armadale v Modbury Jets
Cherno Bah in action for Armadale against Modbury Jets. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

Two goals from Adriano Jelenovic proved insufficient for Armadale as they crashed out of the Australia Cup 5-2 at home to South Australian side Modbury Jets last night.

Things looks good for the home side and the majority of the 600 crowd when they were rewarded for their fast start with the opening goal on six minutes. A long ball forward from keeper Yousri Gharsallah was flicked on by Angel Andres, and Jelenovic took the ball in his stride before curling home left-footed from outside the area.

But Modbury soon settled and were level 12 minutes later as the ball found its way to Harrison Conant, who finished neatly past Gharsallah.

That was the key for Jets to take control and they carved open the Armadale defence time and again, particularly down the hosts' left-hand side.

Armadale Modbury Jets
Two-goal Adriano Jelenovic almost gets his third. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

Just after half-an-hour, a delightful chip from the outstanding Jesse Francesca over the square Armadale defence let in Daniel Ditroia and he had plenty of time to pick his spot for 2-1. And two minutes later Modbury added a third when Hamish McCabe was gifted all the time he needed to virtually walk the ball up to Gharsallah before slipping it into the net.

Then right on half-time Modbury again got behind Armadale's defence and the ball was played across the box for Cameron O’Doherty to finish at the back post.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Armadale grateful to Gharsallah for preventing the scoreline becoming embarrassing. However, Armadale's defence switched off on 56 minutes and Liam McCabe was able to make it five from a corner.

With the game won, Modbury eased off and Jelenovic pulled one back on 68 minutes. And the Armadale man went close to a hat-trick, his acrobatic effort well saved by Modbury keeper Lachlan Fusco in what was his first senior game.

Australia Cup
Armadale celebrate Adriano Jelenovic's opener. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

There was one bit of history for Armadale's terrific support to cheer, with Andres' son Angel Andres Jnr entering the fray late on. That meant Armadale became the first side to have a father and son play in the same Australia Cup tie, although they were not on the pitch at the same time as Andres Snr had already been substituted by the time his son came on.

But this was Modbury's night and the South Australia State League One leaders deservedly took their place in the last 16, leaving Armadale to look ahead to this Sunday's State Cup final against Cockburn City at Inglewood Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).

WA's last remaining team in the Australia Cup are Cockburn, who travel to face Brisbane City in Queensland in the Round of 32 next Wednesday.

Australia Cup
Modbury Jets celebrate their victory. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images