By Josip Zilic
Round 4 of NPL presented as a promising encounter for North Geelong after three positive matches in the opening rounds, however the Warriors were not able to deliver.
Lacking in penetration and creativity with a well-organised opponent created a frustrating afternoon.
They will need to refocus quickly as Port Melbourne visits on Saturday, and they will be in a mood to atone for their 4-2 loss last week to Green Gully.
Prior to the loss, Port surprised last year’s champions South Melbourne 4-0 a fortnight ago followed by a 0-0 draw with Oakleigh. Green Gully were clinical in front of goals and that is the underlying message for all teams this year, to put your chances away.
Against Bulleen the Warriors got out of the blocks slowly and if not for some good defence and keeping by Marko Stevanja they could have been down early.
Michael Anderson had a gilt-edged chance on 20 mins to head in a Josh Pugh cross but it skimmed past the goals.
Bulleen continued their opportunistic counter attacks coming close on 40 mins when David Cardmone hit the bar.
Half time would have been a welcome relief as temperatures on the ground climbed to 30 degrees.
The home side wasn’t able to jump a gear after the break, and large gaps in the middle of park allowed for Bulleen to hurt them on 65 mins when Andrew Doig was easily dispossessed deep in defence, and Cardamone made no mistake form the opportunity and drilled a low shot across Stevanja’s path into the bottom right corner.
Sensing the chance slipping away Micky Colina introduced the changes with Kene Eze and Nicholas Jurcic on to provide some extra pace and direction, immediately the chances began to come, Eze coming close meeting a cross from Jurcic at the near post to sail it over the bar.
Attacks were coming fast and defender Ivan Grgic twice sent a perfect header from corner enticingly across goal, but no one was there to finish.
To make matters worse in the last minute of injury time, Bulleen capitalised on North Geelong’s pressing and Dylan Bresolin countered, finishing off in similar fashion to their first.
Coach Colina mentioned afterwards, “I don’t need to echo the disappointment being felt, they’re honest with themselves, they’ll need to pick it up and reward themselves”.
Action kicks off at 3pm at Elcho Park, Gibbons Road, Lara.
