Impressive APIA progress to Sapphire Cup final

APIA Leichhardt are the first team to book their place in the inaugural Football NSW Sapphire Cup final after a convincing victory over Sydney University at Lambert Park on Thursday night.

The brave Students made it tough for their more fancied opponents, restricting them from creating any clear-cut chances in the opening 15 minutes.

APIA’s first chance came via Siahn Bozanic who forced Sophie Varley into an excellent fingertip save with a shot from outside the area.

From the ensuing corner, the home side went close again. English central defender Charlotte Young rose highest in the box to head Rhianna Pollicina’s delivery goalwards, only for Varley to once again save in style, getting a hand to the ball on the line.

The pressure began to mount and just before the half hour mark, APIA was in front.

Pollicina again delivered a corner and once more found the head of Young, Varley again saving well but not holding onto the ball, allowing Ash Crofts to pounce and poke it home.

Uni tried to get into the game from there, Talia Kapetanellis and Cushla Rue having chances that did not trouble Sophie Magus.

Emily Husband’s team needed to respond in the second period and they did as Bianca Galic stepped up and took control.

The midfielder got more involved and on the ball, allowing her team mates to step up higher and put APIA under a little more pressure.

After weathering the early storm, APIA doubled their advantage with their first chance in the second half after 60 minutes.

Pollicina the architect with a delightful through ball for Crofts who calmly lifted the ball over an onrushing Varley for hers and APIA’s second of the night.

With one eye on the Premiership battle, Spencer Prior soon rung the changes and his substitutes didn’t disappoint, combining to seal their passage to the final.

Isabella Coco Di-Sipio, who had come on moments before, played in fellow substitute Jordan Jasnos who, from an acute angle, let fly with a thunderbolt beyond Varley to make it 3-1.

Uni had a late chance to score a consolation after hard work from Rue saw the ball fall for Galic, only for her volley to come off the post and the home team scramble to clear their lines.

The result meant APIA advanced to the final where they await either the Gladesville Ravens or Northern Tigers.

By Nikola Pozder

Semi Final #2 Match Details

Northern Tigers v Gladesville Ravens

Thursday, August 3rd, 6:45pm at North Turramurra Recreation Area