Macarthur FC head to Melbourne this Sunday determined to make amends for last round’s shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets in Campbelltown.
Complacency played a role last Sunday, but coach Mile Sterjovski has focused on that particular aspect as part of the team’s preparation for the round three clash at AAMI Park.
It was ironic that scoring first, and an easy goal at that, turned out to be the worst thing possible for the Bulls, who won 6-1 a week earlier.
Following that goal, which saw the Jed Drew and Marin Jakolis combination come into play once again, the Bulls meandered around expecting the goals to follow.
But the Jets, who showed a positive frame of mind in the first 20 minutes, hung in there until half time still just 1-0 down.
The second half started the same way, and it was no surprise that the visitors equalised from a brilliant individual effort by Eli Adams.
His run into the box mesmerised the Bulls defence and he was able to pull the trigger without any pressure on him at all.
The Macarthur FC goalkeeper Filip Kurto, one of the most popular players of the club, had no chance to stop the shot.
That should have been the wake up call the Bulls needed, but obviously wasn’t because just three minutes later the Newcastle younger Adams repeated the dose, in an almost identical way, and his team were suddenly 2-1 ahead.
To be fair, Macarthur cracked the whip in the last 15 minutes or so, and were rewarded with a penalty from the spot close to fulltime.
Unfortunately, captain Valere Germain’s shot wasn’t powerful enough and the Jets keeper, who dived to the correct side, was able to save the penalty.
This Sunday will be an opportunity for the Bulls to make amends by putting on a smarter performance against Melbourne Victory.
The match, which will kick off at 4pm, will be telecast on Paramount.
