Adelaide City faces former National Soccer League rival APIA Leichhardt in National Premier Leagues finals
ADELAIDE City hopes victory over a former National Soccer League foe can wipe away the pain of grand final defeat and strengthen its push for a return to a grander stage.
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ADELAIDE City hopes victory over a former National Soccer League foe can wipe away the pain of grand final defeat and strengthen its push for a return to a grander stage.
The Black and Whites meet NSW club APIA Leichhardt in the National Premier Leagues finals series on Saturday after both clubs finished top of their respective state-based competitions.
Captain Matt Halliday said the Oakden clash (2pm kick-off) was a chance to rebound from their heartbreaking SA Premier League decider loss to Croydon Kings last weekend.
“It’s always hard to lose a grand final, but we’ve discussed what we could have done better and now we’ve got another game to look forward to,” Halliday said.
“There’s also another trophy up for grabs so it’s another opportunity to get something out of the year.
“It’s another challenge and another chance to rectify the weekend.”
City conceded five minutes from time to fall to a 2-1 defeat to the Kings – it’s fourth grand final loss in seven years.
Joe Costa is coach Damian Mori’s only injury doubt, after the former Adelaide United midfielder limped off at half-time of the decider with a hamstring strain.
APIA, which finished two points clear at the top of the NSW Premier League, also went down to Manly United in its grand final on penalties last weekend.
Daniel Cummins’ Tigers feature A-League experience in the form of goalkeeper Ivan Necevski (Sydney), winger David D’Apuzzo (Central Coast) and Brandon Lundy (Newcastle).
“That Sydney league is not an easy league to win so they’ve obviously done something right,” centre back Halliday said.
“We’re probably regarded (interstate) as not as strong a league in SA, but this is an opportunity to represent our state and show what we’re capable of doing.”
APIA featured in the NSL for 13 years, winning the title in 1987.
It last faced three-time national champion City in a 1-1 draw at Hindmarsh January 1992.
The Black and Whites have been central to discussions around the formation of a potential national second division.
Halliday said following MetroStars as SA’s sole NPL champion would strengthen its claims.
“We’re going back on the national stage and people all around Australia will be watching.
“We seem to get to finals and on that day it just doesn’t work out for us.
“But whenever there’s a chance to win a trophy, the club wants to win and this is no different.”
Originally published as Adelaide City faces former National Soccer League rival APIA Leichhardt in National Premier Leagues finals
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