They’ve already secured their Westfield FFA Cup spot now APIA Leichhardt Tigers and Hakoah Sydney City East will hope to cap it off by winning the NSW Waratah Cup in Sunday’s blockbuster decider.
Who: APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Hakoah Sydney City East
When: Sunday, July 9
Where: Lambert Park, Leichhardt
Kick-off: 4pm
Ladder position:
APIA is currently in second spot on the PS4 NPL NSW ladder, six points behind league-leaders Blacktown City. Interestingly, the Tigers have not drawn any of their 17 league games this season (12 wins, 5 losses).
Hakoah are down in eighth spot on 20 points, 10 behind fifth-placed Manly United in the last of the finals positions, with five regular season matches to go.
Most recent result:
In a major shock, finals-bound APIA were beaten 2-1 by ninth-placed Sydney FC at Lambert Park on Saturday night. Sky Blues goalkeeper Thomas Heward-Belle was the hero, denying the Tigers twice from the penalty spot.
Hakoah missed the chance to close the gap on the top five as they were held to a goalless draw by lowly Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Coaches:
Danial Cummins (APIA), Gavin Rae (Hakoah)
Key players:
Japanese star Tasuku Sekiya has been a standout for APIA all season with five goals and plenty of assists.
Adrian Ucchino has caught the eye in midfield while the powerful defensive duo of Themba Muata-Marlow and Nathan Millgate have been rocks at the back.
For Hakoah, they’ve been boosted by the return of Neil Jablonski from injury for the decider.
Kiwi striker Andre De Jong is always a handful and his combination with Anthony Frangie could be where Hakoah’s goals will come from.
Head-to-head this season:
APIA has dominated both clashes against Hakoah this season. The Tigers won the first clash 2-0 at Lambert Park back in March, while they cruised to a 4-1 win just last month, with a brace to Ucchino.
Both matches have been rugged affairs with three red cards dished out.