Denmead strike seals late win as APIA edge hapless Sharks 2-1
Alex Denmead was the hero as APIA Leichhardt FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sutherland Sharks FC at Lambert Park on Saturday night.
APIA started strongly, controlling possession early and creating opportunities, with Edward Caspers forcing an early save and Seiya Kambayashi delivering a free-kick that Kyle Shaw headed onto the bar.
Despite dominating the ball, APIA were limited to half-chances in the opening exchanges, highlighted by Jordan Segreto dragging a shot wide.
The Sharks took the lead in the 30th minute when Ryley Hollingdale’s dangerous corner found Tariq Maia, who turned it home for 1-0.
APIA responded, with Caspers forcing keeper Danijel Nizic into a fine tip over and Kambayashi firing a tame effort straight at the goalkeeper. Segreto and Sean Symons also tested the Sharks’ defence, with a slick low-and-backheeled combination just failing to break through.
APIA finally equalised in the 58th minute when Segreto, bright in the second half, smashed home via a deflection for 1-1.
From that point on, APIA dominated possession, peppering Nizic with efforts from Kambayashi, Michael Konestabo, and other attackers, while the Sharks only threatened sporadically on the counter.
Coach Franco Parisi turned to his bench in search of a winner, and it was substitute Alex Denmead who delivered in the 90th minute. Finding space on the edge of the area, Denmead struck decisively to make it 2-1. APIA held firm through four minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points.
Reflecting on the performance, Parisi stated to Football NSW.
“The three points are critical for us and I’m happy with the performance. The message at half-time was positive and all our substitutes brought some impact. It is promising and exciting — we want NPL Men’s NSW football to be exciting and for people to get involved.”
APIA’s late heroics extend their strong run and underline their resilience, while Sutherland Sharks are left to rue missed chances and late lapses at Lambert Park.
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt FC 2 (Segreto ’58 Denmead ‘90)
Sutherland Sharks FC 1 (Maia ’30)
Saturday 21 March 2026
Lambert Park
Referee: Matthew Staples
Assistant Referees: Isaac Riggs & Blake Eastwood
Fourth Official: Jack Nelson
APIA Leichhardt FC: 1. Oliver Kalac, 2. Seiya Kambayashi (30. Alex Denmead ’81), 8. Michael Konestabo (26. Oscar Gonzalez ’72), 9. Presley Ortiz (7. Jack Stewart ’59), 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 17. Jordan Segreto (14. Max Court ’72), 19. Fabian Monge (99. Franco Farinella ’82), 22. Edward Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong, 28. Kyle Shaw
Unused subs: 20. Alexander Parkes, 21. Michael Kouta
Yellow cards: Muata-Marlow ’16 Fong ‘67
Red cards: nil
Sutherland Sharks FC: 1. Danijel Nizic, 2. Lachlan Macdonald, 3. Yianni Nicholaou, 4. Thijs Van Amerongen, 5. Jordan Perez, 6. Ryley Hollingdale, 7. Takumi Ofuka (16. Jacob Mclachlan ’88), 8. Brendan Gan, 10. Tariq Maia (22. Tye Mcgowan ’72), 11. Seung joo Choi (17. Richard Shouieki ’53), 21. Nicholas Olsen
Unused subs: 12. James Husoy, 18. Gian Fiorese, 20. Jackson Barter, 39. Tommy Waller
Yellow cards: Nizic ’85 Gan ‘90+2
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Jordan Segreto (APIA)
2: Kyle Shaw (APIA)
1: Brendan Gan (SSFC)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
