APIA Strike Late to Break Rockdale Hearts in Grand Final Replay
The Grand Final rematch between APIA Leichhardt and Rockdale Ilinden delivered another dramatic chapter on Saturday night, with APIA once again emerging victorious thanks to a late Michael Konestabo header that sealed a 1–0 win at the Ilinden Sports Centre.
Rockdale entered the contest riding a three-match winning streak and created the better chances throughout the evening. However, their inability to convert ultimately proved costly as APIA struck late, stealing all three points in ruthless fashion.
As is often the case in tight contests, the side that takes its opportunity when it arrives usually prevails — and APIA did exactly that when the decisive moment finally came.
Rockdale produced the first chance of the match in the 6th minute when Ollie Wiggin fired over the crossbar from a promising position.
APIA responded soon after from a Jordan Segreto corner that found Themba Muata-Marlow, though his header drifted over the target.
The visitors threatened again in the 20th minute when a corner caused confusion inside the penalty area before Cameron Fong eventually struck an effort that cleared the crossbar.
Rockdale then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute with a dramatic double chance. Wiggin struck a powerful diagonal effort that cannoned off the post before Moudi Najjar was unable to convert the rebound with the goal at his mercy.
The home side continued to press forward. Moments later, a cross from the left found Harry McCarthy at the far post, but he was unable to steer his effort on target.
McCarthy went close again in the 42nd minute with a superb volley from outside the box that narrowly cleared the crossbar as the score remained locked at 0–0 heading into halftime.
Rockdale resumed the second half with similar intent. In the 49th minute McCarthy fired another diagonal effort just wide of the post.
On the hour mark, a powerful strike from distance by Harry Van der Saag forced APIA goalkeeper Oliver Kalac into a sharp save, palming the ball away with no Rockdale player able to capitalise on the rebound.
Najjar soon tested Kalac again with a dangerous angled effort, but the APIA shot-stopper was once more equal to the task, tipping the ball away for a corner as tension began to build among the home crowd.
With Rockdale continuing to dominate possession and chances, the match appeared destined for a stalemate — until the visitors struck late.
In the 86th minute, Jack Stewart delivered a deep cross from the right that found Michael Konestabo inside the box. The defender stooped low to guide a precise header over the line, silencing the home supporters and turning the contest on its head.
Post-match, APIA Leichhardt coach Franco Parisi praised both sides after a hard-fought victory.
“Credit to Rockdale as they were pushing and played an aggressive line in the press,” Parisi said.
“It’s nothing new from Rockdale, but credit to our players once we got comfortable with it.
“We controlled the back end of the game and got into our positions well. At this stage of the season three points is what you’re after, and to come here and win a tough game is a great result.”
Rockdale Ilinden coach Paul Dee was left reflecting on missed opportunities.
“APIA took their chance when it counted, but our performance was really good, so it’s frustrating tonight,” he said.
“Our boys showed great spirit and played quality football, which gives us something to keep building on. It’s an unfortunate result because we created a number of chances where we probably should have scored.”
Match Stats
ROCKDALE ILINDEN: 0
APIA LEICHHARDT: 1 (Konsetabo 86’)
Saturday 14th March
Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Referee: Rowan Fisher
Assistant referees: Matthew McOrist, Daniel Cornofsky
Fourth Official: Alexandar Zastavnikovic
ROCKDALE ILINDEN: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott, 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Ollie Wiggin, 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Lochlan Constable (8. Jerry Skotadis 69’), 22. Harry McCarthy (17. Mohamed Adam 74’), 26. Harry Van Der Saag.
Substitutes not used: 14. Paul Kalamvokis, 19. Dean Jovcevski, 21. Ronan Mulgrew, 27. Lukas Ribarevski, 33. Boua Tiaree.
Yellow Cards: Constable 43’, Elliott 63’, Wiggin 74’
Red Cards: Nil
APIA LEICHHARDT: 1. Oliver Kalac, 2. Seiya Kambayashi (30. Alex Denmead 88’), 9. Presley Ortiz (26. Oscar Gonzalez 66’), 15. Themba Muat-Marlow (4. Eijin Kishimoto 66’), 16. Sean Symons, 17. Jordan Segreto (7. Jack Stewart 72’), 19. Fabian Monge, 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong, 99. Franco Farinella (8. Michael Konestabo 66’).
Substitutes not used: 14. Max Court, 20. Alexander Parkes
Yellow Cards: Symons 38’, Caspers 69’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Harry Van Der Saag (Rockdale)
2 – Edward Caspers (APIA)
1 – Harry McCarthy (Rockdale)
By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo
