APIA Leichhardt, 5pm Sunday 31st March 2019 (home)

APIA (Associazione Poli-sportiva Italo Australiana) were formed in 1954 in Sydney’s inner west by Italian immigrants not far from where I live in Marrickville. They played in the state league, with some notable success winning the NSW comp four times and the state cup three times. In 1979 they entered the NSL and won the competition in 1987, however this was to be their zenith. The club finished eleventh the following season and beset by financial problems (like many) they faced bankruptcy by 1992. They dropped out of the NSL at the end of the ‘91-‘92 season. Apia have played in the state competition ever since, without a great deal of success until the last few years when they were champions in 2003 and runners up in the last two seasons. They also reached the quarter finals of the 2018 FFA Cup, memorably beating Melbourne Franchise – sorry, I mean Victory – on the way. They acquired Sydney Croatia goal machine Chris Payne pre-season and are expected to challenge again this season. They come into today’s game having won 2 of their 3 games so far – the one blot a 0-3 home defeat to Wollongong. We had some epic battles with them last season and we were unlucky to go out on penalties in the prelim. Having said that, we did beat them on penalties at Lambert Park earlier in the finals campaign – what a game that was!

A queue forms at the ticket office

I would say that the games against old NSL adversaries are my favorite – you can feel the history of the fixture as soon as you think about it. It’s not quite Marconi, but it’s still a top fixture even if neither club are performing well and one I always look for as soon as the fixtures are published. The last NSL meeting between the two was in February 1992 at Edensor Park ending in a 1-1 draw, turning out for Croatia that day were luminaries such as Zeljko Kalac, Tony Popovic & Manis Lamond.

The sun was out on Sunday and I was itching to get on the train and get out west for what was going to be an absorbing contest. The crowds this season have been amazing and there is a real buzz around King Tom. Even my mate Vrljic has made every home game so far. Today was no exception – another bumper crowd (I was later informed it was over 1,200) and the atmosphere was electric! The guys in the club shop were once again kept busy as a brisk trade was being done while I walked into the ground. There was also a queue at the ticket office again as the game was about to kick off – great to see. I arrived at King Tom a little late due to having had lunch at Cebu Lechon in Newtown. I recommend it – rather excellent Filipino roast suckling pig. I arrived at King Tom around 4:30, still with enough time to get into the club for a Karlovachko and have a quick chat about the game first.

The sun sets on King Tom

I took up my usual spot on the hill in front of the bar, where a queue had already formed for the obligatory VB. Given the number of people wearing the new jackets, they must be on the way to selling out. With the sun shining the game kicked off, the drums started and the game was on. Does it get any better than this?! It was somewhat of a slow start to the game as both sides closed down the opposition and restricted space and movement. It was clear from the moment Payne chased down Manos and forced him into an error that he was likely to be a threat and that would come to pass.

APIA had the better first half an hour, but I thought that Croatia grew into the game and Antelmi was getting into some good positions as half time drew near. Then out of nothing a long ball to Payne down the right hand side in front of us on the hill gave the game the first goal, right on half time. There seemed little danger but in a flash Payne had struck a peach over Manos and into the far top corner. Payne has to be given credit for not celebrating the goal and made it clear he would not. It was a kick in the teeth for Croatia who had got back into the game after a poor start.

I took a stroll down to Gilligan’s corner at half time to get a chavapi roll and take a few pics for the blog, it really is great to see so many supporters making it to the game and so many kids, as they are the future. While there I bumped into Zeljko Kalac – great who you can bump into at King Tom, another thing I love about this place! I must also mention the fantastic job on repainting the crests in each corner of the ground. I like the addition of the Sydney United Supporters logo now adorning the corner, their 10th anniversary this year. Keep it up boys, best supporters in the comp.

Regulars on the hill

The second half got underway and Croatia forced the pace, equalizing within 5 minutes of the restart. Antelmi smashed home the equalizer after a Stavoroulakis effort that was blocked, fell to him. Croatia continued to run the game and Antelmi (I think) was put through on the left, only for a late flag to deny him. It looked onside from the hill (they normally do) and the late flag gave the linesman a load of verbals from the guys on the hill. To make matters worse APIA went up the other end from the resulting free kick and scored. It was a great ball through and another top finish from old boy Payne. It was harsh on Croatia and Antelmi was forced off injured before the game could restart. This changed the complexion of the game, without the threat of Antelmi Croatia looked a little lost in the final third and struggled to create any clear cut chances, despite plenty of the ball. It is always dangerous chasing the game and with 5 minutes left APIA sealed the points. The lively Biczo ran into the area and went down, the referee pointed to the spot. It looked a soft penalty to be fair, but Payne stepped up to complete his hat track minus any celebration. Croatia pressed but they could not force any consolation and the game finished 1-3. It was hard to take the defeat given Payne scored all three goals. But Croatia competed well and I am positive about the trip to the Shire next Saturday: kick off 6:30pm, Seymour Shaw. Get down to Miranda if you can, to support the boys. Sydney Croatia ole ole ole….