With the Bulls looking to make it four wins from their past four matches and the Roar aiming to snap an 8 game winless run, Friday night at Campbelltown was always going to be a tight contest.
The Bulls were dealt a blow with Ivan Franjic and Markel Susatea both ruled out with injury, with Liam Rose and Jake Hollman given an opportunity to start the match by Ante Milicic.
As both teams began to settle during the opening stages, it would be the Roar striking first in the 13th minute, with a fortuitous goal to Dylan Wenzel Halls, who snuck one past Federici’s near post to put the visitors in front.
In contention for this seasons Golden Boot award, Macarthur’s Matt Derbyshire again looked dangerous and threatened the Roar net with 3 great chances, only to be denied by some desperate last minute Roar defence.
The Bulls best chance of the half came from Jake Hollman, who blazed his shot over Jamie Young’s crossbar.
With the Roar looking to unsettle the Bulls style of play, it was a spicy opening half of football from both sides, that would finish with the Bulls trailing 0-1.
Returning from the break and absorbing plenty of pressure from the Roar, the Bulls continued to make several uncharacteristic, unforced errors, to which the Roar capitalised to further extend their lead.
A goal against the run of possession to Brisbane’s Riku Danzaki took the wind out of the Bulls sails in the 58th minute.
Showing plenty of fighting spirit, the Bulls continued to work hard and on the stroke of 90 minutes pulled one back. A crafty set up from Charles M’Mombwa cut a ball back for Lachie Rose who was alone inside the 6 year box for a tap in to secure his maiden A-League goal.
The late pressure just wasn’t enough with the Roar holding on to a 2-1 victory.
Macarthur FC Head coach Ante Milicic said after full time:
“It’s disappointing.”
“We weren’t disciplined with our possession when we had the ball, we couldn’t keep the pressure and in the end, we didn’t deserve anything from the game.” Milicic said.
“The speed they had in transition, we got done. Our tactical adjustments weren’t where they needed to be.”
“We need to quickly regroup and shift our focus to Adelaide on Wednesday night.”
