The Bulls FC Academy held on to record a 3-2 win on Sunday in Round 10 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
They defeated the Emerging Jets at Northbridge Oval.
Though the Bulls have shown themselves to be a strong attacking team in patches this season, their defence has struggled at times for consistency and will have been mindful coming up against a Jets side capable of putting teams on the back foot and springing an upset.
Amber Luchtmeijer opened the scoring for the Bulls in the 36th minute with a well-taken finish after being put through in behind the Jets defence by a sublime over-the-top pass from midfield maestro Tamires Souza.
It would not take long for Luchtmeijer to double her side’s lead following a strong run and squared ball from Isabella Coco-Di Sipio to setup the Bulls’ top scorer for an easy tap-in in the 40th minute.
The Jets would pull one back just before half-time, with Josie Allan showing the full extent of her class by winning the ball back in midfield and making an excellent run forward to then surge past the Bulls defence and calmly set up Laura Knipe for an equally composed finish.
Fresh from the half-time break, the Bulls instantly went on the offensive, with Daniella Naeimi slaloming her way through the Jets defence to setup Luchtmeijer for an initial shot that was palmed away by Lily-Rose Dunbar, with Luchtmeijer first to the follow-up and able to guide it past the Jets keeper for 3-1.
The Jets, who have stayed true to honing an attacking style of play since the beginning of the season, would craft a wonderful second goal in the 84th minute.
Zoe Karipidis initiated the play following some excellent skill to fire a pass from the defence to substitute Alexis Collins, who deserves plenty of credit for dropping into midfield to spark the attack and then racing into the box to finish it off with a delicate finish.
The Bulls had to work hard in the last few minutes to hold on to their one goal lead until the final whistle.
Last year’s premiers, Macarthur Rams, did not play on the weekend as their Round 10 away match against Sydney Olympic was washed out.
Photo courtesy of Football NSW
