No winner as APIA and Stingrays share the points

The spoils were shared at Lambert Park on Sunday evening in the National Premier League’s Women’s NSW match of the round between APIA Leichhardt and the Illawarra Stingrays.

In a real finals-like match up, both teams battled hard, in the end, unable to be separated and having to settle for a point each.

APIA had the first chance of the game via their teenage superstar Zoe Panagopoulos who shot just over the bar on the half volley.

Siobhan Edwards went close five minutes later for the visitors, her cross almost creeping into the back of the net.

Poppy Hooks then rose highest from a corner but couldn’t direct her effort on target.

Ten minutes from half time, the home team had the best chance of the first half.

Ash Crofts received the ball on the edge of the area, aimed for the far post and saw her effort go inches wide of the woodwork.

The Stingrays made a good start to the second half and substitute Brooklyn Hudson almost got away with a good shot, only to have her effort blocked.

Again the visitors threatened 10 minutes into the second half, Edwards this time forcing Sophie Magus into a save after her shot from distance.

Charlotte Lancaster was creating problems for the Stingrays right side, driving down the left before delivering into the area, the ball falling to Crofts who sent her shot over the bar from a good position.

The winger was in the mood, dribbled passed a couple defenders, this time having a go herself but striking the ball wide of the target.

Sophie Emery was called into action with the next shot from Lancaster, as the winger cut in and shot, forcing the Stingrays keeper to save.

It was the Lancaster show, again creating problems, this time shooting agonizingly wide of the near post.

APIA should have won it in the 90th minute with the best chance of the game.

Lancaster this time turned provider, delivering a delightful ball into the box, only for Mona Walker to head over from inside the six-yard box completely unmarked.

Match Stats

APIA Leichhardt 0

Illawarra Stingrays 0

Sunday, 25 May

Lambert Park

APIA Leichhardt: 1. Magus, 5. Kilbride, 6. Walker, 7. Lancaster, 11. Crofts, 13. Jasnos, 14. Golding, 16. Fragale, 20 Panagopoulos (8. McNulty), 24. Kiceec, 39. Brodigan (15. Pipino).

Substitutes Not Used: 4. Seaman, 19. Lane, 21. Kiparizov, 30. Cuthill.

Yellow Cards: Walker, Fragale

Red Cards: Nil

Illawarra Stingrays: 1. Emery, 7. Middleton, 8. Edwards, 10. Karrys-Stahl, 12. Keep, 13. Austin (34. Hudson), 15. Cooper, 16. Nisbet, 19. Etherington, 23. McPherson, 39. Hooks.

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Cannon, 17. Thompson, 20. Giles, 27. Halios-Lewis.

Yellow Cards: Karrys-Stahl.

Red Cards: Nil

-By Nikola Pozder