The Bulls kicked off their Easter long weekend in style, defeating the Newcastle Jets in a high stakes clash to secure their place in the top six.
A Thursday evening at Campbelltown Sports Stadium set the scene for an exciting encounter, as the Bulls took on league leaders Newcastle Jets in a War of the (Liam and Lachie) Roses. With a history of thrilling goals in this fixture, expectations were high and it did not disappoint.
The Bulls came out firing in the first half, with Mitch Duke breaking the deadlock just 10 minutes in. Going one on one with the keeper, he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. The Jets responded three minutes later, but the Bulls regained the lead in the 23rd minute, as Rafael Duran powered home a brilliant header.
The Bulls held firm for the remainder of the half, but the Jets struck again in injury time to level the score heading into the break.
The second half began at a slower tempo, though the Bulls continued to create chances. Luke Vickery came close, seeing his header expertly saved by the Jets keeper. The breakthrough eventually came in the 68th minute, when Mitch Duke rose above the defence to score a stunning header, his second of the night.
Late drama followed in the 87th minute, when the Jets were initially awarded a penalty. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned and changed to a free kick just outside the box.
The Bulls stood strong in the closing stages, delivering a defensive masterclass to secure all three points and keep their finals campaign on track, clipping the Jets’ wings on home soil.
