Marconi Stallions win Italian derby in dramatic finish

The last Italian derby at Lambert Park ended in a 0-0 draw, and APIA Leichhardt Tigers and Marconi Stallions looked to be playing out replica match in this round two fixture until Daniel Severino produced a 91st minute wonder strike that will be remembered as a special derby moment for Marconi for years to come.

Credit: Pete Nowakowski

The curling shot from 25 yards out found the cobwebs in the top corner and Anthony Costa, who didn’t have much to do for the proceeding 90 minutes, could do nothing to save his side from going 1-0 down. It was a moment of class that perhaps gives Marconi hope their round one master class performance over Blacktown Spartans wasn’t a one-off against a side who may struggle to keep their heads above water this season.

Nikolas Rizzo had a chance to salvage a draw in the 95th minute when, just moments after stepping onto the pitch, he found himself facing off with Jason Chronopoulos at the penalty spot. But Rizzo dragged his spot kick to the left and rattled the post. It was reflective of APIA’s day in front of goal as they failed to hit the target once. The match struggled to reach any great heights and the quality was lacking.

Credit: Pete Nowakowski

It was a physical match with a lot of passion that at times got out of hand. Words were exchanged in the dugout following a David D’Apuzzo knock and in the 65th minute APIA’s Danial Cummins received his marching orders for a stomp on Sean O’Connell.

A positive to take from the match for the home side was the performance of their New Zealand import Andy Bevan. The striker showed glimpses of what he might be able to produce throughout the season with some threatening runs and chances he created for himself. He should have put the Tigers in front in the 64th minute when he was released in space on the right, but his shot only found the side netting.

Marconi also had a new signing that could have broken the deadlock. Jamie McMaster, signed from Bonnyrigg, hit a first time shot in the 73rd minute over from inside the box. Seven minutes later and it was McMaster again who failed to connect properly with his strike and it was easily saved.

The Severino free kick leaves Marconi with two wins to start the season, while APIA are goalless following two 1-0 defeats.