Mariners no match for ruthless APIA
Following last weekend’s defeat, APIA Leichhardt returned to the winner’s circle with a comfortable 3-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The hosts blew away the Mariners away in the opening 22 minutes with three goals. Jordan Segreto, Ben Gibson and Michael Kouta all found the back of the net as APIA Leichhardt bounced back from their opening game loss.
This result has made it back-to-back losses for Central Coast Mariners to start their 2024 campaign. They did pull a goal back from the spot in the second half through Luka Smyth in the 68th minute.
APIA Leichhardt FC almost had the lead in the first two minutes. Ben Gibson nicked the ball from Mariners keeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen but couldn’t roll the ball home.
The hosts made their early dominance count in the 13th minute. Segreto unfurled a long range strike which flew into the top corner for 1-0 and one that would make any weekly highlight reel.
Jack Stewart almost made it double delight for APIA Leichhardt FC. He cushioned an effort which clipped the crossbar and over.
APIA Leichhardt FC then made 2-0 in the 18th minute. Gibson slotted home from close range following a neat Edward Caspers pass.
The game started to turn ugly for the visitors as APIA went 3-0 up. Another well worked move from the hosts found Michael Kouta alone at the far post to tap home in the 22nd minute.
Central Coast Mariners tried to shake off their early deficit with chances of their own. Cher Deng headed over then Lucas Scicluna poked one wide.
APIA Leichhardt FC looked to add a fourth goal before the break. Segreto was threaded through but he fired his effort over the bar.
Coming out of the break, APIA Leichhardt FC felt just fine. Gibson thrashed his volley over the bar from close range.
Once again, it was Gibson involved in the action. Stewart crossed one onto the striker’s head and forced a fantastic save from Peraic-Cullen.
Central Coast Mariners continued to look for a route back into the game. The ball broke to Matej Busek who shot right at APIA Leichhardt keeper Anthony Bouzanis.
APIA Leichhardt FC kept their foot on the gas. Segreto made a terrific run, turning the defence inside out but he couldn’t find a finish.
The Mariners did pull a goal back from the spot. Donatien Niyonkuru was fouled in the box which saw Luka Smyth slot home to make it 3-1.
APIA Leichhardt FC went close to making it four through Stewart. Substitute Nick Sullivan showed nifty feet to beat his man then provided the pass for the former to shoot wide.
The visitors had another chance to pull a goal back in the 84th minute. Scicluna stood over the free kick which he sent over the bar.
Speaking post match, APIA Leichhardt FC coach Franco Parisi reflected on the first win of the season for his side.
“I was very happy with how we started the game, the first 30 minutes was impressive.
“The Mariners responded and played well but we’ll take the three points.
“The reaction was everything we wanted after last week.” said Parisi.
While Central Coast Mariners coach Lucas Vilela reflected on the loss and spoke about some positives from the game.
“We started sloppy and wasn’t our best start.
“APIA did well in possession and made it 3-0 early in the game.
“I think we got better late in the first half and the second half, scoring a goal.
“I think a draw would’ve been fair but good on APIA.” said Vilela.
Match Stats
Sunday 25 February 2024
Leichhardt Oval
Referee: Eric Saba
Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris & Amber Morris
Fourth Official: Nicholas Kour
APIA Leichhardt FC 3 (Segreto ’13, Gibson ’18, Kouta ‘22)
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Smyth ’68)
APIA Leichhardt FC: 1. Anthony Bouzanis, 2. Seiya Kambayashi, 4. Josh Symons (8. Nick Sullivan ’64), 7. Jack Stewart, 9. Ben Gibson (30. Alex Denmead ’73), 11. Rory Jordan (16. Sean Symons ’73), 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 17. Jordan Segreto, 18. Arian Ucchino (6. Anthony Sparacino ’64), 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers
Unused subs: 20. Alexander Parkes, 23. Dakota Askew
Yellow cards: Caspers, Ucchino, Bouzanis, Segreto
Red cards: nil
Central Coast Mariners: 2. Michael Paragalli, 3. Cher Deng, 7. Matej Busek (38. Prayaag Thapa ’74), 8. Lucas Scicluna, 10. Luka Smyth, 11. Donatien Niyonkuru, 15. Amponsah Antwi (23. Arthur De Lima ’45), 20. Dylan Peraic-Cullen, 27. Taye Hadley (13. Yani Nassis ’61), 28. Jordan Small (18. Adil Toska ’45), 33. Alexander Gountounas
Unused subs: 14. Angus Reid, 40. Daniel Vickers
Yellow cards: Smyth
Red cards: nil
Match Points:
3: Jordan Segreto (APIA)
2: Jack Stewart (APIA)
1: Donatien Niyonuru (CCM)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
