If Jed Drew had the composure to go with his explosive speed, the young Macarthur FC winger would have won yesterday’s game in Melbourne against Victory singlehandedly.
Three times in the first half he got away from the defender marking him, but just couldn’t put the ball into the back of the net.
Stating the obvious, that the Bulls winger with number 11 on his back will be lethal once he gains enough experience, does not imply that it was his fault Macarthur FC returned from Melbourne empty handed.
The 2-1 loss can be sheeted home to just about everyone else who took to the field at AAMI Park – except perhaps goalkeeper Filip Kurto.
While Drew was missing chances, at the other end Kurto was saving goals.
By the 40th minute the Bulls goalie had saved three goals, and, for good measure, one more just after the resumption.
And as Bulls fans know, it wasn’t a one -off: Kurto, who has a heart as big as Phar Lap, puts his body on the line time after time.
Take out the goalie, and the inexperienced Drew, and the overall performance would have worried coach Sterjovski.
Calling it lethargic is being kind; it really was an ordinary effort from Macarthur.
And of course that’s the second such showing in a row following the previous week’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle in Campbelltown.
Even the pattern of defeat was almost identical in both games: the Bulls scored first against Victory, thanks to a glancing header from Valere Germain in the 51st minute.
But then they faded away, frequently gifting possession to the opposition and before they knew it, they were trailing 2-1.
Something’s got to give for this weekend’s round four match at Allianz against the might of Sydney FC, and hopefully Sterjovski will make the changes needed to spark the Bulls back to form.
Sunday’s match will kick off at 6pm.
