Tigers no match for clinical APIA
APIA Leichhardt continued their incredible start to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition with their ninth straight win, this time the Northern Tigers the victims with a comfortable 3-0 win at Lambert Park.
Two quickfire goals to the home team after 15 minutes from Rhianna Pollicina and Gisella Pipino set the tone for the match, with Holly McNamara ensuring there would be no second half fight back from the visitors with a goal minutes after the restart.
It took only seven minutes for the home side to go ahead courtesy of a penalty.
Former APIA goalkeeper Sarah Wilacy came out and took out the on coming McNamara with the referee given no option but to point to the spot.
APIA captain Rhianna Pollicina stepped up and as expected, delivered, despite Wilacy getting a touch to the spot kick.
Ten minutes later and McNamara should have doubled the advantage.
The pacey APIA striker burst through the Tigers defence, only for Wilacy to pull off a phenomenal save.
Minutes later APIA did have their second in some style.
Gisella Pipino picked up the ball on the edge of the area but on a tight angle from the right, It didn’t matter, as Pipino gave Wilacy no chance with a very well taken shot into the bottom corner.
The chances were coming thick and fast for the hosts, Sophie Hoban next to test Wilacy who was once more comfortable.
On the half hour mark the visitors should have halved the deficit.
A ball to the far post was not dealt with as Teal Kilbride headed to goal, only for Prior to clear off the line before Beth Bernardi’s effort was also blocked.
After the restart, Jake Stephenson’s team talk went out the window as APIA made it three seven minutes after the restart.
Pollicina picked the ball up after a short corner taken by Pipino, she delivered it low into the box with McNamara slotting it into the back of the net.
A welcome return to the Tigers squad was the appearance of Ash Brodigan and the substitute perhaps should have had a consolation in the dying stages of the match, only to be foiled by Morgan Aquino.
In stoppage time Pollicina went close to finding her second after a neat pass by Bela Habuda, only for Wilacy to save the power shot well.
Spencer Prior’s team could not add to the score line but did to the gap between them and second place, which now stretches to 10 point and we aren’t even at the half way mark yet.
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt 3 (Pollicina 7’ (p), Pipino 16′, McNamara 52′)
Northern Tigers 0
Sunday, 28 May, 2023 Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt: 90. Aquino, 3. Borazio, 4. Prior, 9. McNamara (32. Daczko), 10. Pollicina, 11. Crofts, 15. Pipino (7. Habuda), 16. Fragale (14. Coco Di-Sipio), 18. Hoban (17. Bozanic), 24 Young, 37. Milton (21. Kiparizov).
Subs Not Used: 40. Vidakovic.
Northern Tigers: 1. Willacy, 2. Wilson, 3. Kilbride, 4. Lake, 5. Cabezas, 7. McNulty (18. Brodigan), 8. Walker (35. Wharepouri), 9. Evans (11. Woolley), 10. Cholakian, 14. Bernardi, 15. McMahon (21. Doeglas).
Subs Not Used: 43. Drever, 53. Watson.
By – Nikola Pozder
