Macarthur FC have shifted their focus to the looming round of 16 in the Asian Champions League 2.
They have now set aside their disappointment over the 2-2 draw when they hosted Perth at Campbelltown Stadium last Friday night.
It was a game they should have won, and the Bulls probably could have won by five goals, but a lethargic first half, and a rare sub par performance from goalie Filip Kurto cost them the three points.
The visitors went ahead 1-0 in the first half after Kurto’s first blooper.
It didn’t help Macarthur’s cause that despite a much better second half the forwards kept finding the woodwork with their shots at goal.
However, they were cruising to victory at 2-1 until a very, very late goal to the visitors and off another Kurto mistake had head coach Mile Sterjovski gently kicking the furniture, a reaction caught by the broadcaster’s cameras.
Three points would have meant second spot on the ladder, but it was not to be.
On the positive side, Socceroo Mitch Duke scored with a brilliant header for the equaliser, and then Callum Talbot finally broke his 108 game duck to put the Bulls ahead for the first time.
The Bulls travel to Bangkok for the first leg in the ACL2 clash with Bangkok United this Thursday, February 12, kick off just after 11pm our time.
The return leg at Campbelltown Stadium is scheduled for a week later on Thursday, February 19, 6.45pm kick off.
Bulls will return to A-League action on Sunday, February 22 when they travel to Newcastle to take on local side United (6pm kick off).
Their next home game in the A-League is scheduled for three days later, Wednesday, February 25, against Central Coast Mariners; 7pm kick off.