By Joe Rosedon 25/7/24
Above: Bulleen celebrate the match winner against Brunswick.
Bulleen Lions 1-0 Brunswick Juventus
Bulleen secure fourth consecutive Victoria NPL win against a spirited Brunswick. A first header from Tiffany Eliadis goal from was enough to secure all three points for the league leaders. The stereotypical game of two half’s, Bulleendominated the first whilst Brunswick put the visitors under immense pressure but were unable to find the back of the net.
Following their midweek 3-0 Nike FC semi-final victory against Emerging, Bulleen were keen to maintain their ever-increasing momentum. They were able to do this in the eighthminute, where their set piece credentials were demonstrated once again. Alana Murphy’s pinpoint corner was met by the head of Eliadis who diverted the ball back across goal via the inside of the post to give the home side a deserved early lead.
Brunswick could have easily capitulated after suffering an early blow but remained resolute against continual attacking pressure whilst also being more adventurous with their attacking play but without causing serious issues for Bulleen.
Yuka Sato’s glancing header from an Alana Cortellino cross did have Brunswick goalkeeper Sienna Gidari back peddlingbut the ball dropped just past the back post. Eliadis almost had her second of the game in the closing stages of the first halfbut her thunderous effort was pushed away by Gidari from a tight angle
Brunswick were able to offer more of an attacking threat in the second half. Sarah Cain was manufactured space on the edge of the box but her attempt was straight into the grateful hands of Erin Hudson.
Bulleen were fortunate not to have conceded a penalty when Karina Tolios header struck the hand of Alana Burn. Whilst everyone of a Brunswick persuasion begged and pleaded, the referee was unmoved.
After their midweek cup heroics, the visiting side looked visibly tired during the second half and were hanging on to their slender lead. They did almost grab the crucial second, Nia Salleh fizzing the ball across the goal but was denied by a fingertip save from Gidari.
This was a crucial win for Bulleen in difficult circumstances. They keep their six-point advantage at the top of the table ahead of Preston, who they will face in the final of the Nike FC Cup. They next face Bentleigh away from home.
This performance from Brunswick should install confidence in the team. Despite coming away with nothing, they were able to cause the league leaders all sorts of problems. Brunswick will hope to convert performances into points when they next play Essendon .
impetusfootball.org 