2023 Waratah Cup Final Preview – APIA Leichhardt FC v Sydney United 58
NOTE: no cash purchases of tickets will be accepted on the day at the venue.
Two of the most decorated teams in New South Wales lock horns on Sunday as APIA Leichhardt take on Sydney United 58 at Leichhardt Oval in the Waratah Cup Final.
APIA Leichhardt tasted success a fortnight ago, lifting the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s title after an arduous 30-round season.
The side never let go of top spot in the competition, finishing six points ahead of any chaser.
They also performed strongly in the Australia Cup, making the Round of 16 before going down in a competitive tussle with A-Leagues giants Sydney FC.
APIA have had no shortage of stars, with Jack Armson and Jack Stewart leading the way up front, combining for 36 goals between them in 2023.
Stewart will be eager to add to his match-winning brace in APIA’s 2-1 Cup semi-final result against Mount Druitt Town Rangers with another standout display on Sunday.
Franco Parisi’s team is littered with more attacking quality, such as former Macarthur FC striker Jason Romero as well as Sean Symons, whose 11 goals have come at crucial moments.
Captain Adrian Ucchino has dictated play with distinction, while youngster Franco Farinella has provided a bright playmaking spark this season.
The core of Parisi’s team’s 2023 successes has been a solid foundation, with Anthony Sparacino, Paul Galimi and Themba Muata-Marlow key to an often-impenetrable defence along with Michael Kouta and veteran keeper Ivan Necevski.
Sydney United 58’s league campaign has been less flattering; the 2022 Australia Cup finalists slumping to a 10th place finish in the NPL NSW Men’s.
However, their form in the cup competitions has demonstrated their quality.
Another Australia Cup national-round appearance saw the team make it through to the Round of 16, where they were defeated soundly by A-Leagues opposition Brisbane Roar.
The side’s performance in the semi-final of the Waratah Cup was emphatic, swatting aside FNSW League One’s Inter Lions 6-1.
Miro Vlastelica’s men blew their opponents away, walking into the sheds with a five-goal lead.
Patrick Antelmi notched four goals in that ruthless first half in a highlight of another outstanding striking season for the ace marksman, scoring 19.
Flying wide man Bailey Rule will provide vital energy and width for United 58, while experienced attacking duo Christopher Payne and Glen Trifiro are potential match-winners.
Captain Adrian Vlastelica has been the rock at the back for United 58 over many seasons and will be eager to oversee more silverware on Sunday.
United 58 will hope the third time is a charm, having lost the Waratah Cup final in the past two years, pursuing a record-equalling seventh title.
APIA Leichhardt also have a strong history in this competition, lifting the trophy on five occasions.
These teams snatched one win each against each other in this year’s NPL NSW Men’s competition.
APIA’s first-half blast guided them to a 3-1 win in round three before United 58 got up in a gutsy 2-1 victory later in the season.
Sunday promises to be a must-watch battle between two of the big dogs of New South Wales football.
NPL.TV will be showing this match live and exclusive with Tony Tannous and Alex Molchanoff calling the match but you can still purchase online tickets to the match by clicking here.
2023 Results between both clubs
Round 3 – Sydney United 58 1 v APIA Leichhardt FC 3
Round 18 – APIA Leichhardt 1 v Sydney United 58 2
Match Details
Sunday 10th September
Leichhardt Oval
3pm
APIA Leichhardt FC v Sydney United 58
-By Tim Gibson
