APIA Leichhardt 0-1 Manly United
A determined Manly United side shocked 2023 NPL Women’s Premiers APIA Leichhardt, defeating them 1-0 at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
Having impressed in 2023, APIA were keen to begin the season with a win to recapture the rhythm that had led them to a successful 1st place finish last campaign.
However, Manly, looking to improve in 2024, had other plans in mind and immediately put APIA on the back foot in the opening minute when midfielder Caitlin Jarvie reacted to a loose pass out of the APIA backline and split the defence to lay a precise through ball into the path of Nicole Stuart, who calmly dodged the onrushing Sophie Magus to slot the ball in the back of the net.
Brinley Gentle, still acclimatising to her new surroundings throughout the match, would get the chance to find the equaliser for APIA when in the 56th minute she latched onto a cross from Ashlie Crofts, only to see the ball bounce past the post.
Former Sydney Olympic star Angelique Hristodoulou nearly made an impact for APIA in the 62nd minute when she set herself up for a firm header from a corner that landed just shy of the near post. Barely a minute later, Charlotte Lancaster fired a lofted effort from range that left Manly goalkeeper Nicole Simonsen stranded as it rattled the crossbar.
APIA would continue to hound the Manly defence in the second half, but it was Stuart again who found herself with acres of space in the 76th minute when Emily Minett headed on a free kick for the No. 5 to potentially secure her brace with a near post effort, that was eventually saved well by Margus.
Manly defender Phoebe Gilbane capped off a heroic performance in the 89th minute by blocking a goal-bound effort from APIA substitute Imogen Lane, ensuring her side would take home the three points in the end.
– By Football NSW
