APIA Leichhardt Tigers defeat Adelaide City
Japanese import Tasuku Sekiya was the difference as his goal midway through the second half was what separated APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ victory over South Australian Premiers Adelaide City as Danial Cummins’ men recorded a 1-0 win in round one of the PS4 NPL Finals Series.
In a game that could have seen many more goals scored by the New South Welshmen, Cummins, who was crowned Coach of the Year at the recent Football NSW Gold Medal Dinner, saw his team brush off their disappointing Grand Final loss to Manly United, to record an important victory over the former NSL giants.
APIA will now face Victorian Premier League heavyweights Heidelberg United in Melbourne next weekend with the winner taking on Edgeworth FC or Brisbane Strikers who will play-off for the other crucial Grand Final spot.
The winner of the PS4 NPL Finals Series will automatically qualify for the 2018 Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32, an honour the likes of Blacktown City and Sydney United 58 have accomplished in the past four seasons.