APIA Edge Blacktown in Five-Goal Lambert Park Battle
APIA Leichhardt FC produced a strong attacking display to claim a 3–2 victory over Blacktown City FC at Lambert Park in an entertaining clash that featured five goals, a red card and plenty of second-half drama.
In a match that ebbed and flowed throughout, APIA’s clinical first-half finishing ultimately proved decisive as they held off a determined Blacktown fightback to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.
The hosts made the perfect start, striking with their very first attacking move of the match.
Just four minutes into the contest, Eddie Caspers unleashed a spectacular long-range effort from well outside the penalty area, sending a powerful strike past the goalkeeper to hand APIA Leichhardt FC an early 1–0 lead.
However, Blacktown City FC responded swiftly. Less than ten minutes later, a well-delivered cross from Nikola Skataric found Maksim Jez, who finished confidently in the 11th minute to bring the visitors level at 1–1.
The equaliser briefly shifted momentum, but APIA quickly reasserted their control.
Presley Ortiz timed his run perfectly to meet a long delivery and finished well to restore the home side’s advantage, ensuring the scores did not remain level for long.
Blacktown continued to threaten, with Mitchell Malia testing APIA goalkeeper Oliver Kalac after driving a dangerous ball into the penalty area, forcing the shot-stopper into an excellent save.
APIA then extended their lead midway through the first half.
In the 35th minute, Michael Kouta rose highest from a well-delivered corner kick to power a header into the net, giving APIA Leichhardt FC a commanding 3–1 advantage.
The challenge facing Blacktown City FC grew even tougher just a minute later.
In the 36th minute, Sebastian Hayward was shown a red card following a late challenge, reducing the visitors to ten men with more than half the match still to play.
With the numerical advantage and a two-goal cushion, APIA Leichhardt FC controlled the closing stages of the first half and went into the break leading 3–1.
Despite being a player down, Blacktown City FC emerged strongly after halftime. Tactical adjustments from coach Mark Crittenden tightened the visitors’ defensive structure and allowed them to remain competitive.
The visitors created an early second-half opportunity in the 54th minute when Maksim Jez looked poised to score again, though the chance ultimately went begging.
Their persistence soon paid off.
After Eddie Caspers committed a foul on Riley Nolan, Blacktown City FC were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position. Maksim Jez stepped up and delivered a superb strike past Oliver Kalac, reducing the deficit to 3–2 and setting up a tense final stretch.
The remainder of the match saw both sides push forward. APIA Leichhardt FC continued to threaten through Presley Ortiz and Jack Stewart, while Blacktown pressed for a late equaliser despite their numerical disadvantage.
Ultimately, the home side held firm in the closing minutes, ensuring APIA Leichhardt FC secured the 3–2 victory in a hard-fought and entertaining contest.
After the match, APIA Leichhardt FC coach Franco Parisi praised his side’s first-half performance while acknowledging there are still areas to improve.
“The plan is to stay how we started for the whole match,” Parisi said.
“It’s still early in the season, so at round five some of the things we’re doing we’re really pleased with, but there’s always room for improvement.
“You can’t underestimate any team, so our approach in the second half is one we’ll keep working on.”
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt FC 3 (Edward Caspers 4’, Presley Ortiz 17’, Michael Kouta 34’)
Blacktown City FC 2 (Maksim Jez 11’, 59’)
Saturday 7 March, 2026
Lambert Park, Leichhardt
Referee: Brodie Merchant
Assistant Referees: Amirhossein and Glen Stubbings
Fourth Official: James Makris
APIA Leichhardt FC: 1. Oliver Kalac (GK), 2. Seiya Kambayashi, 8. Michael Konestabo (Franco Farinella 60’), 9. Presley Ortiz (14. Max Court 75’), 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons (c) (11. Rory Jordan 66’), 17. Jordan Segreto (7. Jack Stewart 60’), 19. Fabian Monge (26. Oscar Gonzalez 75’), 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Alexander Parkes
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Blacktown City FC: 1. Cayden Henderson, 6. Adam Berry, 7. Travis Major (c), 9. Nikola Skataric (Caleb Jackson-Brown 46’), 10. Maksim Jez (21. Aidan Renshaw 80’), 11. Kodai Tanaka, 14. Mitchell Mallia (16. Riley Nolan 46’), 18. Jake Briggs, 19. Sebastian Hayward, 23. Jett Long (17. Julian Rodriguez 80’), 27. Nathan Grimaldi
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Cooper Rogers, 29. Parris Bangweni
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: Sebastian Hayward 36’
Player Ratings
3 – Edward Caspers (APIA Leichhardt FC)
2 – Themba Muata-Marlow (APIA Leichhardt FC)
1 – Maksim Jez (Blacktown City FC)
By Katrina May
