Ben McDonald converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to seal a 1-0 Cup win over Shellharbour FC at Wetherall Park on Sunday afternoon. With both teams somewhat struggling in the league, a heavy pitch and chilly conditions, it was always going to be a grinding final.
It was a timid opening to the game after both teams were required to delay their preparations after the earlier game was forced late into extra time. Both sides were looking to settle in the conditions and untimely delayed kick off.
The first real chance fell to Lewis Grimshaw on five minutes after he latched onto a loose ball in midfield. He drove at pace towards goal and just hit it over the bar.
Bulli were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position on 19 minutes with McDonald forcing a save from Cris Fuentes.
One of the big moments in match came after 28 minutes when Naoto Matsui picked up the ball from 25 yards and rifled a shot that was destined for the top corner. Fuentes produced an incredible flying save to deny Bulli the opening goal as the match sprung to life.
Just seven minutes later, Shellharbour had a big moment themselves. A neat cross saw Jayden Branovski nip in and get a touch ahead of Sebastian La Luz. The touch took the ball beyond the goalkeeper however, Branovski was perhaps slightly off balance as he pushed the ball wide from just seven yards out.
Shellharbour were finishing the first half on top and just moments later, Branovski had an opportunity to make amends. He created a yard of space for himself on the edge of the box before firing a shot that just went wide.
Just before half time, Adam Kairis played through McDonald in behind the defence and you would have banked on him scoring here but for another strong blocking save from Fuentes.
There was time for one last play before half time when Zac Mazevski latched onto a long ball but he saw his header narrowly trickle wide.
No score at half time and an opportunity for both coaches to look to change things up.
Seconds after the restart, Lewis Grimshaw picked up the ball out wide and cut back inside driving aggressively towards goal. He managed to beat several defenders with his speed before ripping his left foot shot firmly over the bar.
On the hour, Branovski was played through on goal. As he was just composing himself for a finish, Lachlan Bryce came flying in with a perfectly timed tackle to block the shot and force the corner.
The tackle seemed to spur Bulli as moments later, Sam Adnum found a yard of space however his shot flew over the bar.
Not long after, McDonald scuffed his shot as Bulli started to play more direct.
Bulli were finishing the stronger of the two sides and on 91 minutes, Fuentes was forced into another strong save to deny Matsui.
With the match now into the final minute of added time, it looked for all money we would be in for another 30 minutes. Bulli launched one last raid and whipped the ball into the box. The ball appeared to come off the arm of a defender as the referee awarded a penalty kick. After a short delay and the ball rolling off the mark several times, McDonald composed himself and put the ball high into the net to effectively win the game.
There was very little time for Shellharbour to muster up a response as Bulli got the chocolates. The win will be a welcome boost for the club who uncharacteristically is having a tough season.
Player of the match – Denim Nou
Report by Bobby Mazevski
Photos courtesy of Graham Brown (@Gragrapix)
