Tigers hungry after third straight grand final

The Tigers and United finished the season in second and fourth place respectively with their finals form setting up a thrilling competition decider.
The Tigers won their place with a gritty 1-0 victory over Premiers Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium last Wednesday night.
It was one of the competition’s most lethal marksman in Chris Payne that proved to be the difference with the deadly marksman scoring in the 81st minute that sent the APIA troops into raptures.
Payne has been an absolute steal for the Tigers since moving to the club this year having come across from rivals Sydney United 58. The ace marksman has racked up a tally of 22 goals for the year and has firmly set his eyes on winning silverware.
John Calleja had a game plan to nullify the Premiers who were firm favourites from the get-go and it worked to a tee as the Wolves grew frustrated in not being able to play their normal game.
Coming from playing 120 minutes of football as well as penalties in their 5-3 win last Saturday against Blacktown City, it was always going to be a tall order for the visitors but determination and playing to a game plan worked wonders for the APIA side.
Tigers’ coach John Calleja praised the way his side executed their game plan against the Wolves and was proud of how his ‘underdogs’ took it to the Premiers who qualified for their third successive NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final.
“They played very well,” he said.
“We knew if we stayed with them then we would get opportunities.
“It was a good game plan and it worked.
“The boys will now recover and we will prepare for the big final on Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.”
APIA Leichhardt Tigers will take on Sydney United 58 at Bankwest Stadium this Saturday, August 31, with kick-off at 6pm.