Kicking off a run of four home matches in 4 weeks, it was a very Good Friday for Bulls fans, who saw their team claim another three points over Perth Glory, in superb conditions at Campbelltown Stadium.
A first half brace from striker Matt Derbyshire was the difference between the two teams, with the Bulls now sitting outright second on the A-League ladder.
The Bulls opened the scoring after just 10 minutes through a perfectly weighted cross from Beñat, finding the head of Ivan Franjic at the back post, who served it up on a silver platter for Matt Derbyshire to narrowly beat Glory keeper Liam Reddy to the ball, and put it in the back of the net.
Like a child on a sugar high after eating too many chocolate eggs on Easter morning, the Bulls were full of energy for the entire 90 minutes, dominating possession and applying plenty of pressure to the Glory defence.
It looked as though it would remain 1-nil at the break, before Markel Susaeta went on a damaging run into the box and was fouled by Sebastian Langkamp. Referee Kurt Ams pointed to the spot and Matt Derbyshire had his second right on the stroke of half-time.
Starting the second stanza like they finished the first, the home team pressed hard to extend their lead. Creating plenty of chances, Frenchman Loic Puyo blazed a great opportunity from the edge of the box over the bar, and Markel Susaeta continued to make the Perth defenders nervous with every touch.
With the Bulls now the only team in the competition not to concede a goal from penalties or free kicks, and Adam Federici becoming the first goalkeeper this season to keep 6 clean sheets, the Bulls are quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town, having scored 8 goals in their past 3 home matches at Campbelltown.
.@DerbyshireMatt beats Liam Reddy to the ball & sneaks it home ?
?: @FOXFOOTBALL#MACvPER #ALeague #RunWithTheHerd pic.twitter.com/ZczJn0PSiZ
— A-League (@ALeague) April 2, 2021
Macarthur coach Ante Milicic praised his sides effort in the 2-nil Good Friday victory.
“We always say, lets get the performance right. Today we had the same starting 11 for the third match in a row, and now this gives us a platform to build on.”
“We know we can play good football; we just need more consistency and to play our way for longer periods of the game. To have two clean sheets in a row is a pleasing this for us.”
“You know against a side with Castro and Fornaroli you know you’ll never rest for the entire match.”
“I was pleased with what we did with the ball tonight. We really limited their opportunities, and really happy with the way we defended.” Milicic said.
The Bulls now face Brisbane Roar on Friday 9th April at 7:05pm at Campbelltown Stadium. Tickets available now through Ticketek.
