Perfect autumn conditions greeted the Bulls in Perth, as the A-League newcomers looked to move to second on the ladder with a win over the Glory on Saturday afternoon.
Recording their last victory back in Campbelltown against the Glory in match week 16, the Bulls dominated most of the opening half with up to 68% possession and territory.
As both teams settled, a contender for save of the week was entered from Adam Federici, after Bruno Fornaroli was given some space inside the box, only for Federici to get his big toe to the ball to flick it away.
Charles M’Mombwa continued to look dangerous working his combination with James Meredith down the Bulls left side, creating a handful of chances, including one of the Bulls best of the first half almost sneaking one past Liam Reddy’s near post just on the 40th minute mark.
At the break the score would remain 0-0.
Absorbing plenty of early pressure after the break, Glory got off to a flyer, peppering the Bulls box and testing the defensive resolve of captain Mark Milligan, who was one of the Bulls best in shutting down the dangerous Perth attack.
In the 55th minute marked a golden double chance for Perth to take the lead when Fornaroli’s chance was skyed over the bar.
A clumsy defensive challenge from Denis Genreau deep inside his defensive third saw the referee hand the Olyroo his 5th yellow card of the season and will miss next match against Melbourne Victory.
Perth threw everything at the Bulls defence for 20 minutes, however excellent defending and super keeping from Federici kept them at bay.
An early contender for #SOTW? 🛑
📽️: @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #PERvMAC #RunWithTheHerd #ALLive pic.twitter.com/TiBRLks0a7
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 1, 2021
The Bulls best chance came from Englishman Matt Derbyshire in the 64th minute, when Michael Ruhs crossed a superb ball into the box after pouncing on a Perth mistake.
Both teams traded blows in the search for the lead however some quality defending across the pitch ensured the points were shared.
Macarthur coach Ante Milicic said at full time he was delighted to secure a point with five key absentees from the starting line-up.
“The fact we held their attacking danger tonight to a clean sheet without Susnjar, Jovanovic, Franjic, Tommy Oar and Susaeta, is something I’m delighted with.”
“I didn’t think the game was played with great intensity but was primarily played in transition. They put a lot of pressure into our defensive line, but I thought we handled it well.”
Speaking on gloveman Adam Federici, Milicic said he wasn’t surprised by his work in the match.
“To me they were routine saves for someone of the quality of Fedders. He gives a lot of confidence to our backline and a good security for us to have at the back.”
“It’s a difficult league. We’d been in a good phase a few weeks ago, but it’s no coincidence that when Susaeta and Fanjic departed the team we haven’t recorded a win.”
“We need to win soon if we want to stay in touch, it’s very congested but we believe we have enough quality and finish the season strongly.” Milicic said.
