Bulleen 1 Preston 2
By Joe Rosedon 13/8/24
Above: Preston Lions. Photo via Preston Lions FC Instagram.
Preston stun league leaders Bulleen at home with a stunning performance. Goals from Ellie La Monte and Miri Nishimura gave the away side the victory after Alana Murphy opened the scoring for the home side.
In a rematch of the Nike Cup final and potential precursor to a playoff match, it was critical that both teams put in a solid performance to keep momentum going for the critical part of the season. Both teams came into the game with excellent form
League leaders Preston was first to signify their intent. After the home side won a free kick just in front of the half way line, Murphy launched the ball into the box. At first it seemed like a simple claim for Preston keeper Charlotte Hreohorsein, but the ball burst through her hands and into the goal.
Preston could have easily folded after this early setback, yet were able to claw their way back into the game. A free kick did the damage once again. Bullen thought they had done enough to clear Emma Checker’s set piece. This could not have been further from the truth. Sneaking in was La Monte who looped the ball just underneath the cross bar past Erin Hudson to level the score.
Alana Murphy almost capitalised on a poor back pass from Hreohorsein to get her second of the game but snatched at her shot and could not capitalise on the mistake. The away side could have taken the lead too in the closing stages of the first half but Haley Johson’s attempt from a tight angle was saved well by Hudson.
Understandably, this could have been the conclusion of chances in the first half. Nishimura had other ideas and again a free kick proved critical. Her edge of the box free kick wrongfooted Hudson after a deflection from the wall. Preston deserved their half time lead.
Johnson again could have scored after being played through by Rasamee Phonsongkham but Hudson did enough to smother the ball. Maja Markovski attempted another moment of induvial brilliance, her long-range effort flashing past the far post. Her influence did increase in the second half but was unable to impact the game to the level she has previously this season.
Hreohrsien made up for her earlier mistake with an excellent low save from Jess Young in the closing stages. The ball looked destined for the bottom left corner without the keepers’ intervention. Preston’s defence were resolute againstincreasing pressure.
This is a huge result for Preston that will do plenty for their confidence going into the crunch time of the season, gaining their first win over Bulleen this season.
This result also helps title chancing South Melbourne and Essendon Royals, giving them to close in on Preston who still remain top of the table with this result. Preston’s clash against South Melbourne next Friday will go a long way in deciding the top four.
Bulleen will look to respond against Alamein. A first place finish is still in their hands but this result has now added pressure for their remaining two games.
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