Macarthur FC have returned home from the Central Coast with all three points after their 2-1 win over the Mariners yesterday afternoon.
The Bulls got to half time at 0-0 thanks to the usual heroics from their goalkeeper, Filip Kurto.
Jed Drew was another standout performer for the Bulls, and he was unlucky not to have his name on the scoresheet in the first 45 minutes.
It didn’t take long for Macarthur to take the lead in the second half.
Ten minutes in a smooth move on the left flank saw a beautiful ball served up on the right to Frenchman Valere Germain, who only had the goalkeeper to beat.
Germain, pictured above celebrating, calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead over the A-League premiers.
Around 15 minutes later it was 2-0 after Kearyn Baccus scored from almost the same spot as his French teammate.
It was Baccus’ first goal after more than 100 games in the top tier and he celebrated appropriately.
The home side got a consolation goal in injury time. but it was too little too late.
The Bulls return home this weekend for round three when they host Western United this Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium from 5.30pm.
In other club news, Craig Noone has been handed the reigns of the Bulls FC Academy men’s team.
After a professional career as a player that spanned 18 years, Noone will embark on his coaching career after being appointed head coach of the Bulls’ youth team.
The 35-year-old Englishman, pictured, hung up his boots after last season with the Bulls with a view to start his career in the dugout with south-west Sydney club.
“I am excited for the challenge and I am grateful for the club giving me the opportunity to lead Bulls FC Academy,’’ Noone said.
“Coaching is something that I have always been passionate about and I started my coaching badges back in 2016. I think I’ll bring a lot of experience from my playing career to coaching.
“There are a lot of talented youngsters at the club who have great potential and I can’t wait to get started with the team ahead of the 2024 NPL NSW season.’’
The former EPL player embarked on his coaching education seven years ago and has already completed his a UEFA A Licence.
Bulls chief executive Sam Krslovic described Noone as a natural leader who will add plenty of experience as a coach of the Bulls FC Academy.
“As a player, Craig was a leader within our dressing room and we believe he has all the qualities to succeed as a coach with our club,’’ Krslovic said.
“We are delighted to have Craig lead our NPL side and we look forward to his leadership of the Bulls FC Academy in the upcoming season.’’
