Wests APIA are one step closer to a Quarter-Final spot after they edged past Sydney United 58 in the opening match of Round 5 of the Australian Championship on Friday night.
Sydney United 58 1-2 Wests APIA
Wests APIA pushed closer to a Quarter-Final spot with a narrow victory against Sydney United 58.
United 58 made a promising start to the match and got a shot off within four minutes. Michael Krslovic tested Oliver Kalac’s glove work with an effort from the right of the box.
The visitors returned fire six minutes later, when they almost profited from a United 58 giveaway. The ball came through to Franco Farinella who skewed the ball wide with his snap-shot.
APIA had another opportunity 16 minutes in when Sean Symons lined up an effort from range that clipped the bar on its way over.
The NPL NSW Champions’ pressure continued in the 20th minute as a shortly-taken corner resulted in Seiya Kambayashi poking the ball onto the right post.
APIA’s consistent intent paid off midway through the half when they took the lead. Kambayashi combined with Presley Ortiz to break into the left of the box and roll a smart finish into the far corner.
United 58 didn’t take long to respond and equalised in the 28th minute. Aidan Milicevic’s pin-point left-sided free-kick met an in-form Krslovic’s head who sent a bullet header past Kalac.
Kambayashi remained a threat for APIA and almost added a second goal in the 36th minute, watching a left-sided strike fly wide of the right post.
Another set piece caused issues for the away side three minutes later, as the ball bobbled around in the box before Farah Koko headed over.
APIA took advantage of a set piece of their own to take the lead right before halftime. United 58 goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic spilt the ball into Dredon Kelly’s path, where the defender made no mistake for his third goal of the Championship from close in.
Despite a strong opening five minutes to the second half from the hosts, APIA soon wrestled back control as Jack Stewart fired a shot wide of the left post in response.
The side came close again just after the hour mark when Symons chopped the ball inside from the left and curled a right-footed strike over.
As the match wore on, it became more tense with several flash points resulting in yellow cards for players from both teams.
APIA survived a late set piece push from United 58 to take a big step towards Quarter-Final qualification with a vital three points on Friday night.
Sydney United 58 are no longer able to make the knockout rounds.