Bulls thwarted by heroic APIA in comeback win
APIA Leichhardt came from two-goals down to record a 3-2 win over Bulls FC Academy at Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.
A couple weeks ago at this same venue APIA was involved in a spectacular match, only for this one to take the mantle as the game of the season.
The visitors lead at half time by the odd goal thanks to Amber Luchtmeijer.
They doubled there advantage shortly after the break as Peta Trimis scored to make it 2-0.
What followed was a 10-minute blitzkrieg from the home side as an own goal opened their account, before Mona Walker and Ash Crofts scored the equaliser and eventual winner.
With only one point separating the two teams on the ladder, tension was at a high in Sydney’s inner-west.
The first proper chance of the game fell the way of the visitors, Luchtmeijer doing well to create space inside the area with some fine skill, shooting wide of the target from a good position with her body slightly off balance.
Again, the visitors went close, this time Avaani Prakash with a free kick that wasn’t far from the top corner.
APIA finally created a chance of their own, Sophie Hoban breaking into the box, forcing Trudy Simmons into a good save down low to her left.
On 28 minutes, the visitors had the lead.
Peta Trimis played a through ball for Luchtmeijer who stole in and finished into the roof of the net with a well taken left footed effort, taking her season tally to 15.
It has to be said that Liz Grey was excellent at the back for the Bulls as well, in particular with new central defensive partner Gemma Ferris with Jess Seaman unavailable due to injury.
The second half started in perfect fashion for the home side as they were awarded a disputable penalty after Ash Crofts went down 7 minutes into the second period..
Charlotte Lancaster stepped up to the spot but was foiled by the experienced Trudy Simmons who made an excellent save to her right, not the first penalty Simmons has saved this season.
From the resulting corner, APIA will still be questioning how they didn’t equalise as Mona Walker hit the bar with a header before somehow the Bulls cleared their lines.
At the other end, Bulls should have made it two, Grey played an excellent through ball for Trimis who only had Sally James to beat but the keeper saved well, the rebound falling to Luchtmeijer who couldn’t direct it goalwards.
Trimis was not going to miss twice and moments later made it 2-0.
Tamires Souza found a neat pass into the feet of Trimis who turned expertly before blasting the ball beyond James.
But they didn’t hold onto their two goal advantage for long, two minutes later it was 2-1.
A Lancaster free kick made it’s way all the way to the far post as it came off Alessandra Valle and into her own net.
Luchtmeijer then almost took advantage of a wayward pass at the other end but James got lucky.
APIA went back the other way and equalised, incredibly, four minutes after they were down by two.
Sophie Hoban came to life, first beating Ferris, before dropping Grey to the ground with a fake shot and teeing up Mona Walker who had the easiest job to tap the ball home at the far post.
APIA almost made it three as Lancaster forced Simmons into a save, the rebound falling to Hoban but once more Simmons reacted well to keep the scores level.
The home team then made the comeback complete as Sophie Hoban was again the creator, this time for Ash Crofts.
Breaking down the right, Hoban received the ball and delivered a delightful early cross in toward the potent Crofts who made no mistake, poking the ball beyond Simmons.
Hoban then almost added to the APIA lead with an excellent instep volley, only for Simmons to once more save with fingertips.
From the resulting corner, Tash Prior tested Simmons, the keeper tipping over the bar.
Lancaster then received her marching order with five minutes remaining, making the task harder for the home side in the final moments with two yellows.
The Bulls pushed and sent everyone forward for one last chance but APIA held on and recorded all three points.
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt 3 (Valle OG 59’, Walker 61’, Crofts 69’)
Bulls FC Academy (Luchtmeijer 28’, Trimis 57’)
Lambert Park, Leichhardt
Sunday, 23 June, 2024
APIA Leichhardt: 90. James, 3. Borazio, 4. Prior, 6. Walker (15. Pipino), 7. Lancaster, 11. Crofts (8. De Domizio), 16. Fragale, 17. Hristodoulou, 18. Hoban, 24. Young, 25. Hayward.
Subs Not Used: 1. Magus, 14. Golding, 19. Lane, 21. Kiparizov.
Red Card: Lancaster 85’
Bulls FC Academy: 1. Simmons, 2. Trimis (17. Volkanovski), 3. Grey, 7. Prakash, 8. Naeimi, 9. Ferris, 10. Souza, 12. Woodall, 13. Di sciascio, 18. Valle (97. Collins), 20. Luchtmeijer.
Subs Not Used: 6. Callil, 19. Corry, 51. Coelho, 99. Surjan.
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By – Nikola Pozder
