By Billy Green

Photo: Graeme Furlong

Bulleen Lions has overcome Whittlesea Ranges with an 85th minute penalty in a tense encounter to win 2-1 at David Barro Stadium.

A momentary lapse in focus by the Ranges’ ‘keeper allowed the Lions to claim an early goal, but Whittlesea unexpectedly levelled the scores and was able to hold the scores level for much of the match despite the dominance of the hosts.

From the first minute, end-to-end play seemed to outride any intent to maintain possession by either team.

As the play settled, the pace seemed to favour the hosts, with the likes of Takanori Nishomoto, Sami Nour and Dylan Bresolin troubling the Ranges’ defence in attack.

On 9 minutes, Nour made a fast break through the middle, flicking it over an out-of-position Gian Tapia, but was denied by the desperate Ranges’ defence.

Both Nishomoto and Bresolin had further chances, but were unable to convert.

With Tapia rattled from an onslaught of Bulleen attacks, a fumble allowed Bresolin to sweep in and claim an easy goal on 11 minutes.

The Ranges inability to find their way into the area forced them into long-range strikes, while the hosts placed trust in their forward speed through deep, sweeping balls.

At the 17-minute mark, Bresolin bypassed a Ranges’ defender and centred it low from the line, but it was marginally out of reach for Sayeed Reza Hussaini.

A yellow card was dealt to Bulleen’s Matt Dimech after a late slide on Matthew Cundari just outside the square for the Ranges.

The free kick was deflected off the Lions’ wall, but landed at the feet of Matthew Iuliano, who slotted it from outside the area for the equaliser.

As the half closed out, Bulleen continued its domination, but was riddled with costly misses forward.

Bresolin again placed a perfect cross to Bardhi Hysoli on 31 minutes, but his volley was tapped into the arms of the ‘keeper.

Soon after, Nour crossed it to Bresolin on the break, but his strike drifted wide.

With scores level as the second half began, Bulleen continued to pressure forward, a Hysoli strike from outside the area well saved by Tapia.

Delicate inter-play by Nishimoto saw him pass three defenders on 58 minutes, allowing Hysoli a chance from just inside the area, but it again curved wide.

The start of the second half was played mostly in Bulleen’s attacking half, with the side's high press effectively locking the ball in.

As the half wore on, Whittlesea began to hold possession longer and press forward, but lacked the structure and finesse shown by the hosts.

A strike from Iuliano into the top corner was well saved by the Bulleen ‘keeper Stefaan Sardelic on 72 minutes, backing it up with another solid save after Giosue Tolomeo broke through defence. 

At the 85-minute mark, Bulleen striker Dean Lorenzi broke into the area, and an illegal tackle by Tobias Haegele awarded the home team a penalty.

Captain Matteo Ballan stepped in and slotted it in the top-left corner to give the Lions a late lead.

The tensions rose in the match as Whittlesea tried to barge its way through the Lions defence to find a last-minute equaliser. 

Some tense corner play in the Bulleen’s attack during injury time erupted into an all-in brawl between the players of both teams, with officials and the crowd streaking across the ground to get a closer look.

Hussaini, seemingly the instigator, was awarded a red card as a result and with players still reeling from the scuffle, play never fully resumed before the final whistle blew.

Whittlesea face an equally tough match next week against Richmond SC, while Bulleen meet Eastern Lions.

FC Bulleen Lions 2 (Bresolin 11’, Ballan 85’) defeated Whittlesea Ranges 1 (Iuliano 27’) at David Barro Stadium

FC Bulleen Lions: 21. Stefaan SARDELIC, 3. Will ABBOTT, 6. Bardhi HYSOLI, 8. Matteo BALLAN, 9. Sayeed Reza HUSSAINI, 10. Takanori NISHIMOTO, 12. Eli LUTTMER, 14. Sami NOUR (33. Davide CARDAMONE, 16. Matt DIMECH, 18. Felix ROSMAN, 31. Dylan BRESOLIN (13. Dean LORENZI 67’)

Unused Sub(s): 41. Luke GALLO, , 15. Billy ROMAS, 4. Samual BORGHESI

Yellow Card(s): Dimech 25’

Red Card(s): Hussaini 90+2’

Whittlesea Ranges: 1. Gian TAPIA, 19. Adem MUSTEDANAGIC, 2. Pavle DURKIC, 17. Stefan BARICEVIC, 4. Mario PIRANIA (23. Giosue TOLOMEO 74’), 7. Matthew CUNDARI, 25. Attila OFLI, 10. Matthew Iuliano, 13. Ilhan ALTUNTAS (8. Andreas BACHOS 65’), 15. Matthew KUNDEVSKI, 20. Tobias HAEGELE

Unused Sub(s): 27. Jarrod HILL, 21. Marijan TOTIC

Yellow Card(s): Kundevski 69’

Red Card(s): Nil