Frenchwalls FC vs Armada FC | League Match | 24/01/2026 | 2:00pm
Venue: Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy, Lower City Road, Tividale, Oldbury B69 2HE
Referee: Nathan Harrison
Weather: Overcast with light drizzle, 6°C, moderate wind

Armada FC entered this fixture knowing their previous result, while favourable on paper, came not from dominance but from a technicality. The match had been awarded after their opponents fielded an illegal player, despite Armada losing 2-5 on the pitch. As such, questions loomed over readiness, cohesion, and execution heading into a stern away challenge in Tividale.

The players appeared focused and well-drilled pre-match, with Manager Shahid Khan opting for a compact 4-2-3-1 low block, intending to frustrate Frenchwalls FC and strike on transition. It was a plan that worked for 55 minutes—until the structure buckled.

1st HALF
Armada FC kicked off with intensity, winning an early corner through Raymone Francis (1'). Despite Frenchwalls threatening with multiple long-range efforts, the defensive discipline held firm. Notable saves and interventions, including from Lambros Pardale and goalkeeper support, kept the hosts at bay.

Romay Francis came closest to breaking the deadlock for Armada on 10', forcing a save after a sharp build-up. Zahid had a chance to convert in the 34th minute but couldn’t find the target. Frenchwalls' frustration was evident, racking up fouls as they struggled to crack the Armada block. However, Armada's attacking output remained limited, with only two shots on target in the first half.

Half-Time: Frenchwalls FC 0-0 Armada FC

2nd HALF
Frenchwalls FC kicked off the second half with immediate attacking intent. A penalty awarded on 55' changed the tone entirely. With composure, Frenchwalls converted and from that point seized full control.

Goals followed in waves: 67', 77', 79', and a clinical final strike on 84'. Despite substitutions introducing Arafat Mohammed, debutant Dumebi Osa, Mohd Junaid, and Leandre Moses-McDuffus to shift momentum, Armada struggled to progress beyond the midfield line.

Romay and Abdul Razak had half-chances (74', 81'), while corners offered brief respite (86') but ultimately lacked end product. A lone bright spark remained in the leadership of captain Lambros Pardale, who never relented in effort and earned the Star Player award.

Full-Time: Frenchwalls FC 5-0 Armada FC

MATCH STATS & SUMMARY
A significant regression from recent matches was clear. Armada recorded 14% less possession than their season average and failed to score for the second match running. While shots increased by two, the goal conversion rate plummeted by 20% compared to their last competitive outing.

With only 6 total attempts to Frenchwalls' 23, the disparity in attacking presence was vast. Frenchwalls completed nearly double the passes (351 vs 181) and maintained 65% possession. Armada's transitions were blunt, corners (4) and free-kicks (9) yielding no dividends. The team managed only 10.8% of the game in the attacking third—a damning statistic for a side looking to climb the table.

PLAYER AWARDS
Star Player: Lambros Pardale
Pardale was relentless, absorbing pressure, organising the backline, and drawing fouls at key moments (27', 52', 82'). In a game bereft of Armada highlights, his leadership stood tall.

MANAGER'S STATEMENT
"We held our shape and discipline well in the first half. We knew they’d come at us hard, but we stuck to the plan and frustrated them. Once the penalty went in, the momentum completely shifted. We failed to recover mentally and tactically, and that’s on us as a group. Our in-possession play was nowhere near what we’re capable of. With only 6 shots across 90 minutes, that tells the story."

"We’ll regroup, analyse, and work harder on transitions, on building from the back, and ensuring we don’t fall apart after setbacks. It’s a hard lesson, but one we’ll learn from."

REFEREE REPORT – NATHAN HARRISON
The officiating was consistent across both halves. Foul recognition on both sides was largely fair, although a few moments drew minor protests from the Armada technical area. The penalty decision appeared clear and correct. Harrison allowed the game to flow while maintaining order.

Here's what the referee had to say,
"Great game today. Well contested by both teams. The score to be fair did not reflect the competitive nature of it from min 1 to 90. So respectful from both sides, apologising for fouls. A real pleasure to referee, can't say I've ever refed a match as competitive with a spirit of fair play from both sides. It was a different atmosphere to be fair with prayers on the side line and a lot of noise. All welcomed."

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Hubbub
Asda Foundation
The Kit Plug Teamwear
Mitre
Sported UK
MakHalal
Heart of England

FUNDRAISING & GETTING INVOLVED
Raise free funds for Armada FC every time you shop online: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/armadafc
To volunteer, play or coach: email info@armadafc.co.uk
All links: https://linktr.ee/officialarmadafc

REFLECTION AND LOOKING AHEAD
While the scoreboard read 5-0, the real story was the breakdown in structure after 55 minutes. Armada FC showed early resilience and tactical commitment but lacked the attacking sharpness and mental fortitude to ride out setbacks.

Armada FC continue to build a side defined by determination, unity, and a long-term vision. The road is tough, but every game adds steel. Expect adjustments in the next fixture, with clear focus on possession control and attacking threat.

To our fans: your unwavering support drives us. Stay loud, stay proud.

It may have ended in defeat, but the fight, the growth, and the hunger for improvement remains. We march on.

Join us next matchday. Witness the Armada roar against Nechells Athletic

#ARMADAFC #BDFL #FREARM #Hubbub #GrassrootsFootball #BirminghamFootball