Manly United 0-1 Bulls FC Academy

After a hard-fought battle between two very evenly-matched teams, Manly United went down 1-0 to the visiting Bulls FC Academy at Cromer Park on Sunday evening.

Manly’s last game was a draw with Sydney University in Round 12, and they would have set their sights on rediscovering the form that took them to the top of the ladder. In their way was the Bulls, who in spite of their inconsistent form remain a competitive side in the NPL Women’s competition.

The first half action was largely kept contained in the midfield, with both teams attempting to gain a foothold on the match through keeping possession and dictating play. Attempts on goal were few and far between as both sides worked hard in defence to restrict opposition chances. For the Bulls, Amber Luchtmeijer used her pace to threaten and the young starlet was thwarted by a couple of Nicole Simonsen saves. At the other end, Tegan Biasi was Manly’s biggest threat, going close on two occasions in the first half.

Siahn Bozanic came on for Manly at half time and nearly made an instant impact, testing Bulls goalkeeper Trudy Simmons from long range. This was matched by the visitors as Luchtmeijer hit the crossbar from 25 yards, and then centre back Elizabeth Grey drew a flying save from Simonsen with her dipping 30 yard effort.

A goal to break the deadlock would arrive late in the second half from the other Bulls central defender. From Alessandra Valle’s corner, Tamires Souza headed towards goal and into the path of Jessica Seaman, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net from close range.

Manly had to go for broke and they nearly fashioned a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, however Seaman proved to be the hero at both ends, clearing Nicole Stuart’s shot off the goal line and securing a significant victory for the Bulls.

By Football NSW