Hot and fiery… and that’s not the weather report, it’s the newest derby in the Australian sporting landscape.
For 70 minutes the reigning champions and the A-League newcomers traded blows, giving fans plenty of value for money, however fatigue and an extra man advantage would take it’s toll on the Bulls, with the Sky Blues netting 3 late second half goals.
An electric opening from both sides saw plenty of chances created, however the Bulls would do it tough for majority of the match after captain Mark Milligan was shown a red card in the 21st minute for a last man challenge with Sydney’s Trent Buhagiar.
With a storm rolling over Campbelltown and a nil-all score-line at the end of a very entertaining first half. Both teams had an extended 50 minute break, due to thunderstorms over the stadium.
Upon resumption, the Bulls started the second half the better with Matt Derbyshire finding the back of the net early only to be ruled offside, and Lachlan Rose looking threating down the left wing, but the Bulls would struggle to find a breakthrough.
Eventually the weight of pressure from Sydney became too much for the Bulls conceding late to Patrick Wood, who netted a brace for the match and Milos Ninkovic who sliced through a exhausted defensive line to seal the three points for the visitors.
Down to ten men for majority of the match Macarthur FC Head Coach Ante Milicic praised his sides courageous effort.
“11 v 11 is difficult against a quality side like Sydney but to play most of the match with 10 men, I thought we did ok absorbing that much pressure, but unfortunately we go home disappointed.
“At 2-0, we had a very good chance with Lachlan Rose, but when you’re defending for such a long period of the game it takes a lot out of you.
“We get another opportunity next Saturday with another Sydney Derby against Western Sydney, and another chance for a better performance and hopefully get bit more reward.” Milicic said.
