In one of the more dramatic finals we have seen in years, Bulli clinched the Premier League Youth Grade Grand Final in stunning circumstances after overcoming League Champions Wollongong United on penalties.
Bulli were thrown a lifeline as late as just a few days from the Grand Final after finalists Cringila Lions were disqualified after being found to have fielded an ineligible player in the Preliminary Final.
With little preparation and up against the runaway League champions, only the Bulli faithful probably truly gave them any hope, and during several moments in the game, Bulli were “pinned to the floor” ready to concede; however, fate was having none of it.
As expected, Wollongong United started the game strong with a driving effort from Tristan Nikolovski inside the opening minute off a corner kick, was blocked on the line by Kai Macpherson.
On 12 minutes, United created another strong chance with Christian Sansone making a darting run on the right before whipping in a cross that saw Nikolovski head over from just six yards out.
Midway through the half, Mitchell Despotovski picked up a loose ball in midfield before driving toward the goal. He let loose a shot that whisked just the wrong side of the right-hand post.
On 30 minutes, some good work from Lennox Roodenrys saw him whip in a cross to the far post that just alluded Lachlan McLeish.
Just a few minutes later, a teasing free kick from Brock Cummins from distance cleared the defensive line. Joshua Surian just got to it, but he could only manage to hit the side netting as United were getting closer.
Not long after, Joshua Davidson linked up well with Cummins; however, his deft lob with the outside of his foot saw the Bulli keep pluck it from the air.
Wollongong United finally got the breakthrough on 43 minutes when some good work on the right from Michael Razmovski saw him drive along the goal line before cutting back to Oliver Robinson, who blasted into the roof of the net from close range.
Bulli started well in the second half, and a free kick from Roodenrys was floated to the far post, which was headed back across goal by Kiran Dhami; however, Bowen Spencer managed to get a flick to safety, denying Bulli.
One of the key turning points of the game came after 71 minutes when Hayden Southall linked up with Joshua Davison. He was adjudged to have been brought down by Dhami as the referee pointed to the spot. Southall stepped up to take the penalty; however, he pushed it wide.
It proved pivotal because from the goal kick, Bulli launched it long, with McLeish flicking it on. Wollongong United looked to have it covered; however, a defensive error from Bryson Rush was capitalised on by William Rush, who picked up the loose ball, rounding Adam Papaleo and tapping it into an open goal to incredibly level the scores.
There were a couple of half-chances before the end of regular time, with Spencer hitting the side netting before Bulli’s Joel Olbourne flicked one over the bar from ten yards out.
Just a few minutes into extra time, Kyan Hawke won possession midfield before laying of to Lucas Dubowski who put in a delightful ball to Davis whose flick on header just couldn’t evade Papleo.
With just a few minutes left in extra time, Hawke’s free kick was headed towards the goal. Papaleo pushed it up before regaining possession. He was bundled over the line with the ball; however, it was clearly a foul.
The game went to penalties, but the drama didn’t stop there. The shootout see-sawed with Wollongong United having the chance to win it, but some heroics from Bulli’s goalkeeper, Travis Lee saw Bulli once again defy the odds and take the shootout. No doubt, the game will be remembered for various reasons.
Photos courtesy of @Gragrapix
