POST-MATCH REPORT

FIXTURE: Benson Cresconians vs Armada FC
COMPETITION: League
DATE: 06/09/2025
KICK-OFF: 2:30PM
VENUE: Warley RFC, Tat Bank Road, Oldbury, B69 4NH
REFEREE: Graham Tolley
WEATHER: Mild with scattered clouds, 19°C, light breeze

The fixture began under far from ideal circumstances, as the scheduled 2:30pm kick-off was pushed back to 2:45pm due to several Benson Cresconians players arriving late and appearing unprepared for the match. This disrupted the match rhythm and left Armada FC, who had arrived punctually and were fully prepared, waiting unnecessarily.

To make matters more challenging, there was a clear lack of matchday organisation from the home side. Spectator control was noticeably absent, with a number of individuals positioned close to the technical areas. It was extremely difficult to determine who was authorised to be in those zones, which led to multiple moments of confusion throughout the match. Despite these off-pitch issues, Armada FC maintained professionalism and focus, determined to let the football do the talking.

Armada FC entered the clash fired up and fully focused. With a high-spirited dressing room, determined coaching staff, and sharpened training-ground drills, the team were primed to kickstart their 2025/26 league campaign with fire. Facing an experienced Benson side at Warley RFC, Armada’s players took to the pitch with purpose, showing early dominance in possession and intent to unsettle the hosts.

FIRST HALF, FIRE AND FRUSTRATION
Armada’s intent was clear from the opening whistle. Ola and Mubarik tested the Benson keeper within the first three minutes, with a flurry of corners and forward play showing dominance. The midfield trio of Lambros, Abdul, and Romay orchestrated a passing masterclass, keeping possession flowing and consistently finding space down the flanks.

However, for all the attacking brilliance, conversion proved elusive. Shots from Lambros, Romay, and Mubarik were either saved or narrowly off target, as the home side sat deep, absorbing pressure. A miscue at the back in the 31st minute, however, saw Benson capitalise and take the lead against the run of play.

But Armada responded in style. Just four minutes later, Erinfolami surged forward and picked out Romay, who calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 1-1.

Unfortunately, parity didn’t last. Another defensive lapse saw Benson restore their lead before half-time with a sharp finish after a deep run. Despite numerous further chances and sustained pressure, Armada trailed going into the break.

HALF-TIME SCORE: Benson Cresconians 2–1 Armada FC

2nd HALF PUSH FOR PARITY, CHANCES GONE MISSING
The second half began with Armada continuing their onslaught. Ola was lively, drawing fouls and creating space. Romay, again dangerous, saw a low shot saved in the 51st minute. Substitutions brought renewed energy – Muyiwa, Okeke, Junaid, Tom and Edrissa injected fresh legs and attacking impetus.

Despite wave after wave of pressure, the Benson defence stood firm. Romay had three further shots denied, while Edrissa saw his goal-bound effort tipped wide in the dying stages. The equaliser simply would not come.

A corner at the 90th minute offered a final glimmer, but the ball was cleared, and the final whistle blew – leaving Armada to reflect on missed chances in a match they largely dominated.

FULL-TIME SCORE: Benson Cresconians 2–1 Armada FC

MATCH STATS
Armada FC controlled the match with a staggering 57% possession, maintaining calm distribution and quick switches across midfield (43%) and the attacking third (34%). The team registered 25 shots on goal and 26 off target, constantly peppering the opposition box, while earning 10 corners and 7 free kicks in attacking areas.

With 210 passes completed, the cohesion was clear – yet the one goal from 51 attempts painted the picture of a side that just couldn’t convert pressure into points.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE FROM LAST WEEK
Statistically, Armada FC improved in key areas. Possession rose by 3%, and shots increased by 12. Yet, the goal tally dropped by one, and the goal conversion rate fell by 15% – showing that while build-up play improved, finishing did not match the growth. It’s a step forward in creativity, but a step back in cutting edge.

PLAYER AWARDS & CLUB HONOURS
STAR PLAYER – Ola Erinfolami - Exceptional vision, relentless drive, and creativity. Assisted the equaliser and led by example throughout.

GOALSCORER – Romay Francis (35’) - Clinical first-time finish after a sharp assist from Erinfolami.

ASSIST – Olaolu Erinfolami (35’) - Found the space, picked the pass – a moment of class from the captain.

PRESS CONFERENCE
MANAGER’S STATEMENT
“We battled, created, and pushed them all the way. The lads gave everything. On another day, we’re talking about a 4-2 win. We’ll regroup, sharpen up, and come back stronger next week.”

CAPTAIN’S COMMENTS – Lambros Pardale
“ I would say, overall we played well - with some excellent moves and link up play. We dominated throughout and did enough to win. Ultimately, they were clinical and took their 2 chances that broke to them fortuitously. We created so much but either their good goalkeeper or our final action let us down. I feel like on another day we win very comfortably so we do need to put it behind us and move forward. A frustrating day. But plenty of positives to take. We go again next week.”

REFEREE REPORT – Graham Tolley
The match officiated by Graham Tolley presented a mixed review. While general in-play decision-making was largely consistent, there were notable concerns regarding the management of pre-match and technical area protocol.

The fixture was delayed by 15 minutes due to the late arrival and unpreparedness of several Benson Cresconians players. The lack of prompt enforcement around match readiness significantly disrupted Armada FC’s warm-up rhythm and set an unprofessional tone for the game.

Throughout the match, there was no clear spectator or technical area control. Multiple unauthorised individuals were seen within the vicinity of the benches, creating confusion about who was permitted to be in those areas. This made it difficult to manage in-game communication and maintain discipline in line with league expectations.

While Mr Tolley handled most on-pitch decisions fairly, the absence of proactive match management before kick-off and during interruptions impacted the fixture’s professionalism.

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REFLECTION AND LOOKING AHEAD
Though the scoreboard read 2-1, the true narrative was Armada’s fighting spirit and tactical growth. A team defined by unity, grit, and belief is emerging – and with finishing practice, results will follow.

FINAL WORD FROM THE TOUCHLINE
We leave Oldbury with no points but plenty of pride. Armada FC may have fallen short on paper – but the performance proved this side is close to turning chances into triumphs.

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