Current National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s league leaders continued its impressive run towards a hopeful 2023 Premiership following a come from behind 2-1 victory over relegation threatened Bulls FC Academy on Saturday afternoon at the Sydney United Sports Centre.
The hosts had a bright start to the contest taking the lead through an own goal before they were pegged back by APIA thanks to a double from star striker Jack Armson, his second a beauty that secured all three points.
It was a slow burn to the action in this one. APIA Leichhardt had a pair of efforts from Sean Symons and Fabian Monge which were saved by Bulls FC keeper Alexander Robinson.
The visitors kept piling on the pressure. Jack Stewart found space on the right and fired a powerful shot which needed intervention from Robinson.
Bulls FC then took the lead in the 21st minute as the bottom placed club stunned the table toppers. Jesper Webber flew down the wing, cut inside and his pass was headed in by APIA defender Themba Muata-Marlow for 1-0.
APIA Leichhardt looked to respond quickly. Stewart produced a wonderful pass which found Sean Symons in stride and he thrashed wide of the mark.
Franco Parisi’s troops would find an equaliser in the 36th minute. Armson was played in and his shot looped into the net after Robinson made the save for 1-1.
APIA Leichhardt kept their foot on the gas and kept Robinson busy. Armson was denied then Symons slid his shot past the post.
Stephan De Robillard had the hosts’ best chance before the break. He cut inside the defence and forced APIA shotstopper Ivan Necevski into a save.
The visitors almost snatched the lead just before half-time. Jason Romero showed off his fancy footwork and curled an effort against the crossbar.
Coming out of the break, APIA felt just fine.
Romero was heavily involved again, the attacker with an effort which was taken easily by Robinson.
APIA were in full flow but kept being denied by a brilliant Robinson. Armson had his shot repelled then the follow up from Symons was fizzed over.
They finally made their dominance count in the 67th minute. Armson found space inside the box and rifled one past Robinson to make it 2-1.
Bulls FC tried for an immediate response. They countered quickly and it ended with substitute Mason Wells having a shot which was gathered easily by Necevski.
The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser into the final moments of the contest however the APIA defence held strong to secure all three points.
Post-match Bulls FC Academy coach Zeljko Kalac reflected on the result for his young side against the league leaders.
“It was a very even game, we competed well against top of the table.
“Their experience and physicality got over us in the end.
“Our boys were good and we didn’t take our chances in the end.
“It was the same old story despite us taking the lead,” said Kalac.
While for APIA Leichhardt coach Franco Parisi, the former NPL star was delighted with taking three points in a tough fixture on Saturday afternoon.
“Three points was key.
“They made it difficult for us with their work but we got there in the end.
“The first half I think both teams could’ve had a few more goals but in the second half, we had our moments but got the one that counted,” said Parisi.
Match Stats
Bulls FC Academy 1 (OG ‘21)
APIA Leichhardt 2 (Armson ‘36, ‘67)
Saturday 1 July 2023
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Referee: Nathan Shakespear
Assistant Referees: Joshua Eiser & Joshua Gellatly
Fourth Official: Jackson Tippett
Bulls FC Academy: 2. Luca Pecora, 6. Franz Deli (18. Frederico Gagliano ‘63), 11. Stephan De Robillard (8. Mason Wells ‘56), 12. Marco Arambasic, 19. Jesper Webber (20. Ariath Piol ‘63), 22. Edward Caspers, 29. Michael Marcevski, 30. Alexander Robinson, 32. Isaac Hovar (13. Jordan Ivancic ‘73), 52. Rhys Youlley (14. Peter Grozos ‘56), 53. Joel Bertolissio
Unused subs: 40. Griffin Barry
Yellow cards: Arambasic ‘35, Gagliano ‘80, Pecora ‘82
Red cards:
APIA Leichhardt: 1. Ivan Necevski, 4. Joshua Symons, 7. Jack Stewart, 9. Jason Romero (8. Florent Indalecio ‘73), 14. Jack Armson, 15. Thema Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons (30. Alex Denmead ‘77), 17. Rory Jordan (98. Franco Farinella ‘73), 19. Fabian Monge (6. Anthony Sparacino ‘84), 23. Dakota Askew, 38. Yianni Nicolaou
Unused subs: 2. Harry Starvis, 12. Anthony Bouzanis
Yellow cards: Farinella ‘83, Nicolaou ‘90+1
Red cards:
Player Ratings:
3: Jack Armson (APIA)
2: Alexander Robinson (BFC)
1: Jack Stewart (APIA)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
