APIA and Stallions play out entertaining derby draw
APIA Leichhardt and Marconi Stallions have drawn 0-0 in a tense ‘Derby d Italia’ at Lambert Park in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
Marconi looked dangerous from kick-off, as APIA keeper Ivan Necevski was forced into action in the first minute, claiming a low cross from Giorgio Speranza after good combination play between Domenic Costanzo and the left-back.
The derby began in typical fashion, with fouls exchanged on both sides leading to an interrupted start to the match.
After taking time to settle, APIA looked to find some passing groove, with a nice, progressive exchange through the middle leading to a shot from Jack Armson off Diego Celis’ flick on the edge of the box being blocked.
However, it was Marconi, in the 19th minute who had a golden opportunity to open the scoring.
A long passing move came to an end, but good pressing from Costanzo quickly won the ball back at the top of the middle of the box.
Daniel Bouman was played through with a precise pass, but couldn’t find a way past an alert Necevski, who smothered well.
The game remained even following the effort, with pressing from both teams seeing neither side hold meaningful possession beyond their defensive line.
Off a set piece in the 32nd minute, a clipped ball in from Jack Armson just evaded the outstretched boot of Dakota Askew, who was free at the back post.
APIA were looking threatening from set plays, and off the aftermath of a corner, Celis latched onto a skewed shot from Adrian Ucchino and looked ready to convert powerfully into the back of the net, but sharp defending stole the ball away from the striker’s grasp.
Marconi began to assert their dominance towards the end of the first half, keeping the ball and moving towards the final third well, but they couldn’t create clear cut chances once the moved towards goal.
In stoppage time of the first half, it was their opponents, APIA, who had the chance to open the scoring, with Celis cutting in onto his left foot and seeing a shot from inside the box just evading the top left-hand corner.
The second half began with a similar level of tense intensity, with a direct style prevailing as both sides looked to break the deadlock.
Stallions defender Robbie Speranza was solid as a rock following his return to the starting line-up as he thwarted various APIA attacks with his solid frame supported by fellow towering defender Nathan Millgate.
Jordi Swibel had the first short on target of the second half, with his volleyed effort from just outside the box 15 minutes in being well handled by Necevski.
Marconi were presented with a golden chance to open the scoring in the 66th minute, with Swibel striking over from point blank range after good build-up play from Costanzo and Hiroaki Aoyama.
In addition time, after neither side had found a significant chance in front of goal, Yianni Nicolaou found space on the edge of the box but couldn’t find the corner with a strike.
The Italian derby finished scoreless, with both APIA and Marconi taking home a point.
Marconi coach Peter Tsekenis was happy with the performance, but was left to rue missed chances in the draw.
“I was happy with the performance.
“I thought we probably had the better of the chances.
“I’m happy with the clean sheet but not happy that we couldn’t convert the chances, but we were up against a good team away from home and coming off a loss we’ll take it.”
Meanwhile, APIA coach Franco Parisi was pleased with the clean sheet, but was disappointed not to win the match.
“Today was a real battle.
“A clean sheet is always what we’re looking for so that’s one achievement today, however we are looking for three points and we didn’t get them today.”
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt 0
Marconi Stallions FC 0
Sunday 5 March, 2023
Lambert Park
Referee: Craig Fisher
Assistant Referees: Lindsay Edmonds and James Makris
Fourth Official: Eric Saba
APIA Leichhardt: 1. Ivan Necevski, 7. Jack Stewart, 8. Diego Celis (25. Aedon Kyra 67’), 14. Jack Armson, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 17. Rory Jordan (30. Alex Denmead 81’), 18. Adrian Ucchino (C) (6. Anthony Sparacino 90’), 19. Fabian Monge (98. Franco Farinella 67’), 23. Dakota Askew, 38. Yianni Nicolaou
Substitutes Not Used: 3. Paul Galimi, 42. Anthony Bouzanis
Yellow Cards: N/A
Red Cards: N/A
Marconi Stallions FC: 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 4. Roberto Speranza, 6. Domenic Costanzo (17. Martin Fernandez 81’), 8. Hiroaki Aoyama, 9. Jordan Swibel, 11. Daniel Bouman (19. Kye Cimenti 66’), 16. Liam Youlley (21. Justin Vidic 83’), 20. Jack Gibson, 22. Taylor McDonald, 23. Brandon Vella
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Nathan Foster, 7. Christopher Hatfield, 13. Aleksandar Duricic
Yellow Cards: Youlley 7’, R. Speranza 79’
Red Cards: N/A
Player ratings
3 – Ivan Necevski (APIA)
2 – Roberto Speranza (MAR)
1 – Domenic Costanzo (MAR)
By Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)
