Macarthur FC created history with a 1-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in the first ever derby game between the two sides at the Western Sydney Stadium.
Both sides started well with good passing in midfield with an attacking momentum while maintaining a generally tight back line. Only 10 minutes had passed before the referee initially awarded a penalty to Carl Robinson’s men after the ball appeared to hit defender Aleksandar Jovanovic’s hand. But following a VAR consultation, the decision was correctly reversed and play continued.
The Bulls were the better side in the first period, but it was the hosts who finished stronger as they almost broke the deadlock shortly before the break. A slight amount of hesitation from Aleksandar Susnjar allowed Tate Russell to go blazing down the right wing. The 21-year-old cut it back to attacker Simon Cox, who let loose a thunderous strike towards goal. But goalkeeper Adam Federici produced an incredible one-handed save to deny the Wanderers on that occasion.
The former Reading and Stoke City shot-stopper continued his gritty performance on the other side of the break, when he made another great save to deny the hosts’ midfielder James Troisi. Minutes later at the other end, youngster Lachlan Rose received a well placed pass from James Meredith out wide and tapped the ball into the back of the net. As he ran towards the visitors’ fans thinking he had created history scoring the first A-League goal for the club, the ominously raised offside flag meant that his effort would not stand.
As the end-to-end game went on, Federci’s heroics in front of goal continued as he made a full stretch save to deny a hard hit shot from Keany Baccus from the right. This was just one of many exceptional saves he made on a profoundly eventful evening for his club.
After 72 minutes had passed, Macarthur made history by taking the lead and getting their first ever goal in the league. Benat Etxebarria – who had come on as a substitute for Rose – took a free kick from outside the box, which took a massive deflection leaving unfortunate ‘keeper Daniel Margush with no real chance of making a save.
The Wanderers immediately switched gears and showed good attitude to take the game to the opposition, but the Bulls continued to be strong at the back. Unfortunately for the Red and Black side, their forward momentum did not result in the outcome they wanted as staunch defending and goalkeeping meant that they went empty handed as the man in charge blew the final whistle.
The Bulls’ fans were very appreciative of Federici’s staunch display after the game as they chanted his name for a long time. This even caused him to lose focus whilst talking to the media, as he eventually made his way towards the vocal crowd with a smile from ear-to-ear.
Macarthur will take on Central Coast Mariners in their first ever home game on January 3, while the Wanderers will lick their wounds as they travel to take on Newcastle Jets on January 8.
