Manly United had to settle for a point on Friday night, with APIA Leichhardt snatching a late equaliser in an entertaining 2-2 contest at Cromer Park.
In a match full of quality, it was Manly who showed resilience and attacking intent – and deep into regular time, looked the more likely to take all three points.
The tone was set early in a high-tempo opening. APIA threatened inside the first minute, while Ayumu Kimura nearly capitalised soon after, pressing their keeper into a desperate race to the ball. All early signs of a fiercely contested encounter.
Both sides created chances through the first half and both defensive units stood strong. Shortly after the restart, APIA number 8 Michael Konestabo lifted the ball over Mackenzie Syron to give the visitors the lead.
The response from Manly was immediate – and emphatic.
Awarded a free kick on the edge of the area in the 62nd minute, Darcy Burgess stepped up and delivered an incredible shot, curling the ball into the top corner to level the scores and ignite Cromer Park.
Five minutes later, our boys had turned the game on its head. Luke Nieuwenhof reacted quickest inside the box after Stephen De Robillard’s effort was deflected, driving the ball home to give the locals a deserved advantage.
It was time for the defenders to dig deep as APIA’s forwards continued to push hard. With only three minutes remaining, Max Court rose highest from a free kick, heading the ball into the net from close range to level the scores at 2-2.
A frantic finish followed, with both sides pushing for a winner that ultimately never came. Frustrating, and yet a fair result of the match-up from start to end.
Despite it finishing as a draw, Manly’s performance showed plenty of character as the squad continues to build momentum in the early rounds.
A Narrow Defeat for U20s
Earlier, the Under 20s suffered their first defeat of the campaign in a game packed with drama. It was always set to be a tight contest with both teams sitting on six points after two rounds – and unfortunately, it was the locals who fell shy in the 1-2 finish. While the penalty awarded to APIA snatched vital points, it doesn’t change the team’s strong performance and Rhys Webster’s goal.
Round 4 sees the Senior Men playing away at Sydney United 58 FC, Friday Feb 27 – KO 7.30pm (U20s 5.30pm).
For match stats visit Football NSW
Image credit: Football NSW
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