A month ago, Macarthur FC were humming like an expensive Swiss watch.
They were scoring goals off the back of smooth transition moves and were in the top four on the A-League ladder.
A promising run in Asia had fans salivating at the prospect of seeing the Bulls deep into the pointy end of ACL2.
But then the wheels started coming off Mile Sterjovski’s side.
It started with the sudden loss of confidence of goalie Filip Kurto, who has been magnificent between the sticks since arriving at Campbelltown.
It felt like someone flicked a switch and Kurto’s mojo went up in smoke.
Then the goals dried up, followed by the defence loosening up.
Macarthur suffered an inglorious exit from the round of 16 in ACL2, and in the A-League it has found it hard to pocket any premiership points in recent weeks.
After the 4-0 loss to the Wanderers last Saturday, the Bulls are now in sixth spot and in danger of missing out on the finals once again.
They will need to find some form if they are to do something this season, starting with the match against the Central Coast Mariners tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 4) at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Mariners are two points behind the Bulls so this is a must win game for both sides.
Bulls coach Sterjovski conceded as much after Saturday night’s drubbing by the Wanderers.
“This was a bad day in the office for us, and we will need a good performance against the Mariners.
“Being inconsistent has been the story of our season,’’ he said.
“I would like to see our senior players stand up, because we still have a lot to play for.’’
After the Mariners at home, the Bulls are away to Melbourne Victory and Auckland FC, host Newcastle at home, Perth Glory and Adelaide United away before hosting Wellington Phoenix at home on Friday, April 24.