B Boys Bullets’ revival just fell short

Controversial penalty decision mars thrilling match-up

28^th Jan 2013

In a top of the table clash between Bowen Bullets and last year’s NZ 3^rd best team, Marsiling Secondary this afternoon, observers of the match were left gasping for breath after witnessing a pulsating match full of commitment and passion. Both teams set up to win but Marsiling did just enough to hold out for a 3-2 victory.

The Bullets started the match with their usual jitters, dishing out challenges that were too meek to upset the Marsiling players. Muhd Azfar came close to scoring against the run of play with a floating free-kick that rocked the crossbar. But the inevitable happened in the 8^th min as the Bullets defence failed to clear a high ball which allowed a Marsiling attacker to pounce and punt the ball into goal.

3 minutes later, right-back Muhd Arsyad had to clear a goal-bound shot off the line as the Bullets continue to allow their opponents to dictate play. The referee awarded a controversial penalty to the home side in the 14^th min after what seemed to be an excellent tackle by centre-back Hilman in the penalty box. Although he clearly poked the ball to the waiting arms of Bullets custodian Daniel Hiekel, referee judged that it was a tackle from behind. Marsiling made no mistake with the spot kick to take the first half 2-0.

It seemed a different Bullets team turned up for the 2^nd half as they played with more vigour and craft, pressuring the home side into giving the ball away. From a free-kick 30m out, Muhd Azfar tried his luck again. This time, ball was delivered inch-perfect into the top right-hand corner of the goal, giving the Marsiling goalie no chance.  

Sensing a turn of the tide, Marsiling pulled out all the stops with 2 substitutions. A 65^th min corner by Marsiling was cleared out of the penalty box but the ball fell nicely for an onrushing  Marsiling attacker to volley it home and regain their 2-goal lead.

But the Bowen boys refused to give up and just 1 min after conceding, they scored. Muhd Asyraf was put through and lobbed the ball over the Marsiling goalkeeper with the goalmouth gaping. And Muhd Afiq arrived to help the ball into an empty net.

It was game on again with a quarter of an hour left to play.  Unfortunately, the Bullets’ fighting spirit fell short as Marsiling stood firm to gain an upperhand in the fight for top place in the group.

Marsiling	3-2	Bowen
		Azfar 49’ Afiq 66’
Yellow Cards
Arsyad 15’