Wolves dent APIA’s 100% winning record
A Patrick Antelmi goal has ended APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ winning streak in 2017 after securing a 1-0 Playstation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s win for Wollongong Wolves to end the Tigers’ unbeaten start to the season.
Antelmi’s goal in front of the Wolves WIN Stadium faithful proved to be enough in an exciting encounter.
It was a tough day at the office for Daniel Cummins’ men who couldn’t hit the back of the net despite having their fair share of chances.
The result is sure to give the Wolves a new lease on life after a run of frustrating results.
It was the visitors in the opening stages of the match with Jordan Murray and Tasuku Sekiya both trying their luck from distance early on to no avail.
In the 16th minute it was the home side who opened the scoring when star recruit Antelmi got on the end of a well-placed cross from the right-hand side.
The Tigers looked to hit back almost straight away and pressured the Wolves defence. Sekiya’s chance from a free-kick forced Justin Pasfield into a good save and was easily the visitors best chance.
Wollongong Wolves looked dangerous on the break with a spectacular effort from Nicholas Bernal forcing APIA keeper Turnbull to push the ball onto the post.
The game resumed from the half time break in a cagey fashion with both teams not giving an inch.
The best chance of the early stages of the second stanza went to Antelmi whose shot rocketed off the head of Joshua Symons.
APIA’s main threat going forward remained Sekiya who constantly seemed to trouble Pasfield.
The former Hyundai A-League shot stopped was forced to make two quality saves in under five minutes to deny the Tiger’s midfielder.
Bernal went inches away from doubling his side’s lead when his effort from a corner kick was cleared off the line.
Corey Bizco had one last chance to steal a point for APIA but he couldn’t find the back of the net.
Wolves coach Jacob Timpano praised his defence’s performance.
“We hung on, the defence was outstanding, Pasfield in particular,” Timpano said.
“I think we’ve shown that we can compete with the top teams in the competition."
APIA Leichhardt Tigers captain David D’Apuzzo said fatigue got the best of his team.
“I think we were too heavy out there today.
The Westfield FFA Cup game on Wednesday and the drive didn’t help.
“We didn’t move the ball quick enough,” he said.
“We’ll bounce back in our next game on Friday, we’ve shown we have the talent and we’re confident."
Match Stats
Wollongong Wolves: 1 (Patrick Antelmi 16)
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 0
Sunday 9th April 2017
Win Stadium, Wollongong
Referee: K. Patterson
Assistant Referees: N. Backo and R. Osborne
Fourth Official: H. Jomaa
Wollongong Wolves: 1. Justin Pasfield (GK), 4. Hayden Morton, 5. James Baldacchino, 9. Michael Robinson,14. Joshua Macdonald, 16. Patrick Antelmi (79’ 11. Hristijan Tanoski), 18. Nicholas Bernal (90’ 10. David Stojic), 20. Benjamin Tosi, 21. Brett Wilson 23. Steven Hayes, 30. Yuzo Tashiro
Substitutes not used: 8. Brendan Griffin, 12. Luke Kairies,
Yellow Cards: Nicholas Bernal. Joshua Macdonald.
Red Cards: N/A
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 22. Luke Turnbull (GK), 2. Nathan Millgate, 4. Joshua Symons, 8. Corey Biczo, 11. Jordan Murray (65’ 10.Franco Parisi), 12. Dominic Cox 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino, 19. Brandon Lundy, 20. Tasuku Sekiya
Substitutes not used: 1. Blake Tuxford, 3. Paul Galimi, 5. Bradley Bartels
Player Ratings
3 – Patrick Antelmi (WW)
2 – Justin Pasfield (WW)
1 – Tasuku Sekiya (ALT)
-By Justin Smith
