Leaders APIA hit back to sink Blacktown City
APIA Leichhardt FC have extended their lead at the top of the NPL Men’s NSW ladder with a convincing 3-1 win over Blacktown City FC at Landen Stadium.
Despite the gap on the table between first and 15th, the opening half suggested a far more even contest, with Blacktown City starting brightly and taking an early lead.
The hosts struck in the third minute when Kodai Tanaka delivered a cross into a crowded penalty area, which was scrappily finished by Sebastian Hayward to make it 1-0.
Blacktown City remained on the front foot in the early stages, with Travis Major also standing tall defensively, clearing a dangerous header away just before the 20-minute mark.
APIA striker Presley Ortiz was heavily involved but struggled with his timing in behind, being flagged offside on multiple occasions in the first half.
Blacktown were also frustrated when appeals for a foul on Mitchell Mallia were waved away, with referee Isabella Mossin well positioned to let play continue.
APIA eventually found their equaliser in the 33rd minute. Ortiz latched onto a cross from Jack Stewart, turned sharply, and finished into the net. The goal came amid confusion at the back, with Blacktown goalkeeper Cayden Henderson colliding with teammate Tanaka, resulting in an unfortunate own goal being recorded.
Henderson was called into action again shortly before half-time, producing a scrambling save after a fumble in front of Ortiz to ensure the sides went into the break locked at 1-1.
The second half continued in similar fashion early, with Ortiz again caught offside as APIA searched for momentum.
Blacktown had a strong opportunity in the 54th minute when Major delivered a dangerous cross, but Maksim Jez’s volley rose over the bar.
APIA took control in the 60th minute to move in front for the first time. A Jack Stewart cross was deflected into the path of Michael Konestabo, who finished clinically to make it 2-1.
The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after, with a strong attacking move culminating in Ortiz finding the net to extend the lead to 3-1.
APIA nearly added a fourth when Kyle Shaw struck the woodwork, but the damage had already been done.
The result sees APIA Leichhardt FC strengthen their position at the top of the ladder, while Blacktown City remain in the relegation playoff zone.
Match Stats
Blacktown City FC 1 (Sebastian Hayward 4’)
APIA Leichhardt FC 3 (Kodai Tanaka 33’ (own goal), Michael Konestabo 60’, Presley Ortiz 72’)
Sunday 21 June, 2026
Landen Stadium, Seven Hills
Referee: Isabella Mossin
Assistant Referees: Amirhossein Hosnani and Uvindu Ranasinghe
Fourth Official: Tom Seldon
Blacktown City FC: 1. Cayden Henderson, 3. Lachlan Tilt, 4. Nicholas O’Brien, 7. Travis Major (c), 10. Maksim Jez, 11. Kodai Tanaka (17. Julian Rodriguez 64’), 14. Mitchell Mallia (6. Adam Berry 73’), 15. Caleb Jackson-Brown, 19. Sebastian Hayward (33. Sebastian Mileto 84’), 22. Jacob Maniti (16. Riley Nolan 73’), 27. Nathan Grimaldi
Substitutes Not Used: 18. Jake Briggs, 20. Cooper Rogers, 23. Jett Long
Yellow Cards: Jacob Maniti 51’
Red Cards: None
APIA Leichhardt FC: 4. Eijin Kishimoto, 7. Jack Stewart (30. Alex Denmead 69’), 8. Michael Konestabo (14. Max Court 74’), 9. Presley Ortiz, 11. Rory Jordan, 16. Sean Symons (c) (2. Seiya Kambayashi 69’), 19. Fabian Monge, 20. Alexander Parkes, 22. Edward Caspers (99. Franco Farinella 74’), 24. Cameron Fong, 25. Kyle Shaw
Substitutes Not Used: 26. Oscar Gonzalez, 47. Henry Gifford
Yellow Cards: Franco Farinella 88’
Red Cards: None
Player Ratings
3 – Rory Jordan (APIA Leichhardt FC)
2 – Jack Stewart (APIA Leichhardt FC)
1 – Sebastian Hayward (Blacktown City FC)
By Katrina May
