They’re going OK, the Macarthur FC Bulls: equal second on the A-League ladder and qualification to the knockout stage of the AFC Campions League 2.
But the hectic scheduling, combined with injuries and suspensions, may be catching up with them.
There were plenty of signs of fatigue among the playing group last night at Campbelltown Stadium, when the Bulls somehow managed to snatch a 1-1 draw against Auckland FC.
The first half especially was a performance from them that exposed a tired team, who nonetheless worked as hard as they could to match it with the New Zealanders.
Bulls headed to the half time break down 1-0 thanks to a goal that put the spotlight on their tired defenders.
There wasn’t that much energy in attack either in the first 45 minutes, and it looked like they were headed for their first A-League defeat in five games.
But just like the true believers who defied the stormy and wet weather to go to Campbelltown Stadium and support their team, the Bulls players soldiered on valiantly in the second half.
Coach Mile Sterjovski made a stack of changes in the second stanza, obviously in an attempt to introduce fresh legs into the contest.
It seemed to do the trick for most of the second half, and in the 70th minute stalwart defender Tomislav Uskok headed in a cross for the equaliser.
Bulls looked a little more lively in patches in the second half, and managed to match the visitors in enthusiasm.
It will be a different kettle of fish this Saturday when the Bulls will host the slick Sydney FC – the team that’s just above them on the ladder.
The Bulls would love to have their big signing, Socceroo Mitchell Duke, available for this match.
Unfortunately, the “Duke’’ will again be watching from the Campbelltown Stadium sidelines, because he is ineligible to play for the Bulls until the transfer window opens on January 14.
Which means he is set to make his debut in the black and white a week later on Saturday, January 17 against the Mariners on the Central Coast.
The club’s next home game will be against Melbourne City FC, on Saturday, January 24.
