APIA Leichhardt FC books its Grand Final ticket with win over Stallions
APIA Leichhardt have advanced to the NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final with a 2-0 victory over last season’s Champions Marconi Stallions at Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.
It was a typically cagey start to this crucial Semi-Final, with plenty of tension in every touch.
APIA Leichhardt had the best chance of the opening 20 minutes, coming inside 30 seconds, as Seiya Kambayashi found himself in behind, but couldn’t convert a one-on-one against the in-form James Hilton.
In the 21st minute, Marconi had their first significant opportunity, with a neat turn from Franco Maya opening up space for a shot from outside the book.
The winger unleashed an effort that went just over the bar, but it was a threatening demonstration of the attacking quality this fixture had to offer.
In the 34th minute, the home side had another strong chance, with a good ball from Alex Denmead releasing Presley Ortiz down the right-flank.
One-on-one against Brandon Vella, Ortiz found success, taking the ball around the Marconi custodian before unleashing a powerful, near-post effort.
Hilton was on hand to make a strong save, but there was nothing he could do about APIA’s next chance, which came from the corner off Ortiz’s effort.
Stepping up to take the set piece, Sean Symons produced a brilliant cross, whipping the ball in and across the six-yard line.
In the box, Dredon Kelly rose tallest, with the centre-back towering over his teammates and rivals to win the ball.
He made no mistake with the finish, powering the header into the back of the net to give APIA Leichhardt the lead in the NPL Men’s NSW Semi-Final.
Three minutes later, the home side had a chance to double their lead, with a sumptuous pass from Symons brilliantly releasing Ortiz in behind.
The striker steadied himself with a touch before facing off against Hilton in a one-on-one, but the Marconi goalkeeper prevailed, crucially preventing a quickfire double from the home side.
Neither side was able to create much for the end of the first half nor the start of the second, and in the 57th minute, with the Grand Final slowly but surely sliding out of Marconi’s grasp, Peter Tsekenis made a bold move to switch to a back-three, with an extra striker on the field.
Now playing essentially three strikers, Marconi were starting to look more threatening when going direct, winning a few first and second balls against APIA’s overloaded backline.
But in the 70th minute, APIA capitalised on the space that had opened up, doubling their lead with a clinical goal on transition.
Receiving the ball back to goal, Seiya Kambayashi worked wonders to draw in his marker before facing forward, and eventually finding Franco Farienella with a brilliant ball in behind.
Farinella drove into the empty field ahead, before squaring up his marker and producing a wonderful low cross.
Ortiz had found space at the back post, and, after reading the pass, made no mistake in converting, passing the ball past a hapless Hilton and into the back of the net.
In the 82nd minute, Marconi had a chance to halve the deficit, with a brilliant crossfield pass from Tyren Burnie finding Damien Tsekenis in behind.
The forward found a good shot, guiding the ball into the far corner under heavy pressure, but Kalac read the danger, keeping his side in a comfortable lead.
And that turned out to be Marconi’s last chance of the match, as APIA Leichhardt happily advanced to the Grand Final with a strong performance at Lambert Park.
“Total credit to Marconi,” said APIA head coach Franco Parisi.
“They’ve played 120 minutes on Wednesday night and they’ve come here and the first half was a very tough battle both ways, and then the game opened up.
“Both teams are desperate to get to the big dance next week, and we’re very happy that we’re the side that’s made it through.”
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt FC 2 (Kelly 34’, Ortiz 70’)
Marconi Stallions FC 0
Sunday 7 September, 2025
Lambert Park
Referee: Michael Weiner
Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris and Aaron Block
Fourth Official: Jackson Mackie
APIA Leichhardt FC: 80. Oliver Kalac, 2. Seiya Kambayashi, 5. Dredon Kelly, 9. Presley Ortiz, 16. Sean Symons (C), 19. Fabian Monge (41. Nicholas Azzone 89’), 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Eddie Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong, 30. Alex Denmead (11. Rory Jordan 71’), 99. Franco Farinella
Substitutes Not Used: 6. Patrick Flottmann, 7. Jack Stewart, 20. Alexander Parkes, 29. Maksim Kasalovic
Yellow Cards: Ortiz 73’
Red Cards: None
Marconi Stallions FC: 1. James Hilton, 2. Tyren Burnie, 6. Dom Costanzo (14. Jake Trew 78’), 7. Franco Maya (24. Matej Busek 57’), 8. James Bayliss, 10. Marko Jesic (C) (9. Kyle Cimenti 89’), 12. Julian Monge (99. Jordan Swibel 57’), 13. Tass Mourdoukoutas, 17. Damian Tsekenis, 18. George Daniel, 23. Brandon Vella
Substitutes Not Used: 19. Luke Raso, 20. Patrick Williams
Yellow Cards: Jesic 87’
Red Cards: None
By Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)
